Here's chapter seven to save the day! It's nice and lengthy and dare I say, dangerous? Dare I say, climactic?? Dare I say...well, you'll see!

7

Hiei wasn't around when Kurama woke up the next morning. Kurama sat up, looking out the window, smiling a little as he stretched. The snow was high on the sill, and he could see snowflakes falling swiftly on the outside. The day was slightly gray, as the sky was moderately overcast with clouds. Kurama found he could not get the smile off of his face. This wasn't just any morning. This was Christmas morning.

Sitting there, he thought back to the previous evening. It felt nice to go to sleep so comfortably. He expected that Hiei would be gone, but he felt saddened by it. He was glad that Hiei understood how he felt about him, and felt even better about the fact that Hiei didn't make it awkward for them. Kurama had dreamt about revisiting his den, and while there, he reminisced about all that he missed. He felt like he should travel there one day, but knew he wouldn't be able to.

Life in the ningenkai wasn't bad at all; Kurama sometimes preferred the comforts of life that ningens adopted. He rose from the bed and went into the bathroom to get ready. Once he was showered, dressed and groomed, he went into the kitchen. Shiori was busy chopping vegetables.

"Mornin' Shuuichi," she said, smiling at him.

"Good morning, mother," Kurama said, going up to her and giving her a kiss on the forehead. He sat down at the island.

"I'm sorry...I won't have time to make breakfast this morning..."

"Oh, that's alright. I'll just eat some cereal or something. Do you need help with anything?"

"If you could peel the potatoes, that would be great," she said. Kurama nodded and went to the refrigerator. He pulled out the sack of potatoes and washed them, then stood at the island while he peeled them.

"How would you like them cut?" he asked.

"Oh, no...I boil them whole."

"Is the water boiling yet?" Kurama asked. Shiori went over to the stove and looked. She nodded.

"Go ahead and put them in." Kurama grabbed the potatoes and took them with him over to the pot. He put the potatoes in and watched them sink to the bottom.

"How do you...?" Kurama began to ask. He was interrupted by a knock at the door. "I'll get it." He pulled some paper towel off of the roll and dried his hands as he went to answer the door. "Who is it?" he asked. There was no answer. He frowned and went up to the door. He looked out the three flower-petal shaped windows at the top of it. He couldn't see anyone on the porch or at the bottom of the stairs. He stepped back, opening the door. Right outside the door was a bouquet of roses with a card. Kurama grabbed it quickly, closed the door and locked it.

"Who is it, Shuuichi?" Shiori asked as she came from the kitchen. She gasped. "Those are beautiful!" she said. "Who sent them over?"

"I don't know," Kurama said, flipping the card over to read it.

"What does it say?" Shiori asked, reaching for the flowers. Kurama let her take them. Kichou Kurama, Merī Kurisumasu! Meet me tomorrow at the same place as last time. I cannot wait to see you again. Ōji no Koori. Kurama closed his eyes and sighed.

"What's the matter, Shuuichi?" Shiori asked.

"Nothing," Kurama said. "Everything's fine."

"You look a little pale."

"Um...I hope you don't mine, mother...I'm going to go for a walk. I won't be back for a few hours."

"A few hours?" she asked. "I'll be all done by then."

"I...I just need some time." Shiori's face went from concerned to stern.

"Could I see the card?" she asked, holding out her hand. Kurama knew his mother's manner; that was more than just a question. He hesitated, but then gave it to her. She read it over and then glanced up at him. She looked confused. "If...if you're going to meet someone you like, then why do you look so upset?"

"I don't know who it's from," Kurama said. "I...need some time to think." Shiori nodded.

"Of course," she said. "But be careful..." Kurama nodded.

"I will." Kurama dressed and headed for the area that Hiei had claimed as his training territory. As Kurama neared, he could feel Hiei's energy growing stronger. He walked up to the rocks, looking around to try and spot him. He didn't see him around.

"Hey fox," Hiei said, looking down from a jutting boulder. Kurama turned to him. "Why aren't you at home with Shiori?" he asked, his eyebrows lowering. "What happened?"

"I need to talk to you."

"Come on up." Kurama climbed up the rocks, standing up when he reached the level where Hiei was. He could smell something cooking, and it made him realize that he was starving. Hiei walked towards the opening the rock and Kurama followed. Hiei sat down around a fire he must have started a while before Kurama arrived. Kurama sat next to him. "What happened?" Hiei asked again.

"I think I know who it is," Kurama said, taking off his gloves. He placed his hands near the fire, rubbing them in an attempt to get warm.

"What do you mean?" Hiei asked.

"Who keeps sending me the roses," Kurama said. "He sent me a dozen this time."

"Well, who?"

"I think it's that guy I saw...you know? On the way back last time." Hiei reached for Kurama's hands. His hands felt hot next to Kurama's as he balled Kurama's hands and enveloped them with his own.

"Him?" Hiei asked. Kurama nodded.

"In my dream last night...I saw him. He was at my den...I...I dreamt about going back home. He was there and he was just looking around. I wasn't upset that he was there...I wasn't even confused. I know I know him somehow."

"Did you do things with him?" Hiei asked. "You might have slept with him."

"I doubt it. I feel like I would have remembered that." Kurama's hands felt world's warmer. Hiei didn't let them go.

"You still might have. He probably wants you back." Kurama looked down.

"I can't even remember his name... I know I know him, though. I'm positive now." Kurama sighed. "I wonder what he wants."

"Same thing Karasu wants," Hiei said. Kurama looked towards the fire.

"I can't give it to them," he said. "I'm not afraid of this guy...but I am afraid of Karasu. I can sense that he's dangerous. I just don't want anything to happen."

"Nothing's going to happen," Hiei said. "Especially not if you let me handle it." Kurama looked up at him.

"Ever since last night, I've wanted to let you," he said. Hiei nodded.

"I will, Kurama. I promise." Kurama released his hands slowly. Hiei leaned closer to him. "You just lied, didn't you?"

"I want you to..." Kurama said, wringing his hands. "I just can't let you."

"You said we could handle it together, Kurama. And we will. Tomorrow."

"I don't have time for this," Kurama said. "I can't meet this guy, I have to catch my train back."

"You think they won't follow you?" Hiei asked. "Come here." Kurama scooted over to Hiei. Hiei reached out and grabbed him, putting his arms around his shoulders and pulling him up close. Kurama was a little surprised by this, but did not complain. He settled in Hiei's grasp, resting his head in the crook of Hiei's neck.

"It's hard trying to do all of this," Kurama said. "I feel more overwhelmed than I have for years. Even during work."

"All that matters is that I take care of you, kitsune, and that you let me. I told you before; you don't need this...to have to worry about all of this extra stuff. I want you to relax and enjoy your holiday with your mother. I could handle it today and then you can go home tomorrow and get back to living your life like you did."

"You make it sound so easy," Kurama said.

"It's easy for me. I don't know why you decide to make it harder on yourself." Kurama shifted, trying to get comfortable.

"It's just that...I feel like I have an obligation to go meet him. But it doesn't seem right. He didn't even leave a time."

"That fool would wait there the whole day for you to show up. I'm sure he'll be just fine with you showing up whenever, so long as he sees you." Kurama sat up and looked at Hiei.

"I just don't know," Kurama said. "I feel so indecisive."

"It's okay to feel that way," Hiei told him. "You'll be better off doing what's more convenient for you."

"I don't think it's a coincidence that I had that dream. What if he's trying to tell me something?"

"I can't help you there, fox," Hiei said. "You hungry? I made some food."

"What type?" Kurama asked.

"Fowl." Kurama shook his head.

"I shouldn't," he said.

"Why not?" Hiei asked. "I ate all that ningen food you and your mother eat."

"That's because you can..." Kurama said. "Whenever you cook, you don't really cook it all the way. Ningens can't eat raw meat like demons can."

"Oh, I see," Hiei said. He pushed something behind him aside and reached for Kurama again. He put his hands on Kurama's shoulders. "You should go home to your mother, Kurama," Hiei said. "She was talking to her friends on the phone about how she'd spend all Christmas day with her Shuuichi." Kurama sighed and nodded.

"I want to spend this time with her, too," he said. Hiei squeezed his shoulders and nodded.

"You will if you'd just go on. Want me to take you? You'd get there quicker." Kurama nodded.

"Sure, that would be nice." The pair climbed down the formation and when they reached the bottom, Hiei carried Kurama back to the house. He dropped him off out back, but Kurama went around the front to come in. Shiori was sitting by the fireplace, tending to the logs that she had set ablaze. She stood when Kurama came in. She did not greet him with a smile.

"Hello, mother," Kurama said, beginning to take off his winter gear.

"Is there something you need to tell me, Shuuichi?" she asked, following him to the closet.

"What do you mean?" he asked, turning to her.

"About that card earlier...and this..." She held up a hand written note, flipping it over to show him how lengthy it was.

"What is that?" Kurama asked, closing the closet door. She handed it to him. Kurama sat down on the couch to read it. Shiori remained standing to the side of him. It was something of a love note from someone to Kurama, but the tone of it made it seem like Kurama and the writer of the letter were lovers. "I don't know what this is about."

"Look and see who it's from," Shiori said, her tone unpleasant. Kurama looked up at her, taking the envelope from her.

"Inari," he muttered, letting the envelope fall to the floor.

"You...you didn't tell me that...you and this Karasu were an item..." she said, picking nervously at the fabric of her skirt.

"We are not," Kurama said adamantly, standing up. "Where did you get this?"

"It was by the door...right after you left. I thought you might have dropped it, but it looked like it was addressed to me." Kurama balled the letter up.

"Did you see anyone by the house today?" he asked.

"No...just me and you and Hiei." Kurama angrily grabbed the envelope from the floor and tossed that, along with the letter, into the fire. "Shuuichi...what's going on?"

"I don't know," he said, pulling a hand through his hair. "But whatever it is, I just wish it would go away." Shiori reached for his hand.

"Is he stalking you?" she asked.

"Yes," Kurama said.

"Shuuichi, we should call the police..." she said. "That letter..."

"Don't mention that thing," Kurama said, pointing at the fire. "Just forget about it. Don't even think about it."

"Shuuichi..." Shiori said softly, putting her arms around him. Kurama didn't hug her back; he just stood there, staring at the fire. He was boiling mad, thoroughly upset that Karasu had some type of contact with Shiori. He closed his eyes tightly, angry enough to yell and scream. He tried desperately to get his ki level back down to normal, but he couldn't help it. He hoped that Hiei wouldn't come looking to see what was wrong.

He had to do something about this. He couldn't just sit around waiting for whomever to come looking for him. But it was Christmas day. He had to stay at home with Shiori and his friends and eat dinner. He loathed that his holiday, the one day he looked forward to out of the year, was ruined. He clenched his fist.

"Mother..." Shiori tensed when Kurama tensed, pulling away from him slowly.

"Shuuichi..." she asked timidly. "What's the matter with you?" Kurama pulled away from her, going to the front door.

"I have to go, mother. Give the gang my regards."

"Shuuichi, you stop right there!" Shiori exclaimed. Kurama halted, his hand on the door knob.

"I have to go," he said again.

"Come here, Shuuichi. We can get the police to take care of it...This is....it's Christmas day, Shuuichi. Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting to spend Christmas with you?"

"I want to spend Christmas with you, too, mother, but I cannot! This guy, mother...he's dangerous. This Karasu...he threatened me...you, innocent people. I will take care of this myself. I will be right back." Kurama left the house and slammed the door shut, quickly jogging down the stairs. He looked both ways down the block before taking off.

At that early evening hour, the skies were a deep slate gray. Kurama could barely make out what was ahead of him. He wasn't sure exactly where he was going, but he knew the general area. He wanted to find the guy who kept sending him the roses. He couldn't remember his name, but he was positive that he knew him.

He could sense something big, something treacherous up ahead. He knew he was nearing the forest. He stopped running suddenly, collapsing down into the snow. He breathed in and out roughly, trying to catch his breath. He sat back and looked down at his hands. They were covered with snow that melted from the warmth. He wiped the snow away.

Looking around, he saw that it was getting increasingly dark. He was getting cold; he felt ridiculous for leaving the house the way he did. But he was there now. What exactly did he mean to accomplish? He could still feel that something big was around him. It was hard for him to breathe, what with the exhaustion and the cool air on top of the suffocating ki. He gathered up enough strength to stand up.

"You couldn't wait, huh?" Kurama turned around quickly, spotting the cool and collected Touya. He unclenched his fists, letting himself see that he was in no danger. Touya walked up to him, stopping when he reached him. "You look tired. Do you need some place to rest?"

"No..." Kurama lied. "I'm fine." Touya nodded, looking around himself.

"I've finally got you alone now," he said. "I was beginning to worry that you'd fallen for Hiei. I don't like to see you with him."

"I'm sorry to disappoint you..." Kurama began.

"You are in love with him, aren't you?" Touya asked. Kurama nodded. Touya sighed. "That's too bad. I could have given you everything."

"You're someone from my past...isn't that correct?" Kurama asked. Touya nodded.

"I'm not surprised that you don't remember," he said. "You didn't really know me. I was...just a...follower of yours. I am of most youko's. I thought I'd finally snatched me one. It seems Hiei beat me to the punch."

"A follower?" Kurama asked, folding his arms, trying to keep warm. The initial warmth caused by all of his overexertion was fading and Kurama was getting cold quickly.

"Yeah," Touya said with a chuckle. "Sometimes, you'd leave your nest in search for your next play thing. Boy, I was always first in line. You kinda strung me along...and I knew you'd pick me one day. I think you rather liked me."

"You must forgive me for not remembering you."

"It's no big deal. You've seen many faces in your time."

"Do you...resent me for this?" Kurama asked. Touya shook his head.

"Not at all. I guess I'd rather have it this way. I wouldn't want you pretending or anything." Kurama nodded.

"I'm sorry." Touya shook his head.

"There will be no hard feelings," he said. "I'll just try again when you get home." Touya smiled. "It's a shame though. Not to be vain, but...you're missing out." Kurama chuckled.

"I'll believe it." Touya nodded and turned around, beginning to walk away. He stopped suddenly. Kurama sensed what he must have, too. It had to be Karasu. Kurama looked around, not able to see much through the darkness surrounding them. Touya went back over to Kurama.

"At first I was afraid that you'd chosen this joker over me," he said, looking annoyed. "I would rather it be Hiei." Karasu leapt down in front of them. Touya faced him. "Get on out of here, Karasu," he said.

"I don't need to be told what to do by a gutless demon who calls himself an Ice Prince. Get out of my way." Kurama felt his anger rising again, somehow feeling the need to defend Touya.

"You have some nerve," he said. "You think that tough guy attitude is what I prefer?" Touya took a step towards Karasu.

"I think you'd better leave," he said. Kurama felt like he was in a TV drama. Was this really how these situations played out? Karasu chuckled.

"I think you'd better learn when to keep your mouth shut," he said. He walked over to Touya, bumping into him as he passed him. "I didn't come here to bicker with you, you pathetic oaf." Karasu looked over to Kurama. "I came here to claim my end of the bargain." Touya grabbed Karasu by the shoulder. Karasu glared at him. "I'll deal with you later. As for right now, Kurama, you and I need some alone time." Karasu fanned his cape out behind him, grabbed Kurama and lifted him from the ground. He landed a few feet away, running a little before lifting off again.

Kurama, not expecting this, was surprised beyond words. More than anything, he wanted to be let go, but as soon as he saw the opportunity to escape, it seemed that there was at least 20 feet between him and the ground. Karasu touched down someplace unknown to Kurama. He tossed him down onto the ground. Kurama hit the snow roughly, turning around as soon as he caught his balance. Karasu stood above him, grinning shamelessly.

"Next time we meet, right, Kurama," he said, kneeling next to him. He reached to touch Kurama's hair, but Kurama smacked his hand away.

"What do you mean by getting my mother involved?" Kurama demanded. Karasu chuckled.

"You need to be thankful that she's still in one piece," he said. "I'm in control of you...I marked you, and yet, you still lead that demon on like you're really going to be with him."

"I told Touya..." Karasu slapped Kurama. Kurama was shocked not by the hit, but by the fact that he had remembered Touya's name so effortlessly.

"Are you so naïve to believe that that's who I'm talking about?" Karasu asked angrily.

"Why don't you hurry up and have your way with me?" Kurama said, just as mad. "I don't have time for this."

"You will give me all the time I require!" Karasu said, slapping him again. Kurama looked at him.

"You could at least put me some place warm." Karasu seemed to calm down. He stood up, grabbing Kurama by the wrist.

"I prefer to be out in the open, so your hopes for going inside some place are useless." Kurama nodded, cooperating with him. In the meantime, he struggled to find a way out. Karasu stopped when he approached a large slab of rock. He made Kurama sit down behind it.

"This is better," Kurama said, noting that it was warmer behind it. Karasu shook his head.

"This isn't going to work," he said, pulling Kurama up again. This time, he only walked a few feet out. He tossed Kurama on the ground again.

"Perfect gentleman," Kurama muttered, wiping the snow off of himself. Karasu looked around.

"You'll deal with wherever I take you," he said, kneeling next to Kurama. Kurama felt warmer suddenly, and looked around to see what it might have been that changed the temperature. Above them, he could see tens of glowing green lights. He lowered his eyebrows.

"What are those things?" he asked. Karasu leaned forward, close to Kurama's face.

"Enough stalling. Let's get down to business." Karasu kissed Kurama fully on the mouth. Kurama couldn't help but feel disgusted, and bitter. And guilty.

He had to put a stop to this. He would not sacrifice the one thing he held dearest in his heart. He would not let the sanctity of what it meant to him go to waste on Karasu. Kurama moved back when Karasu tried to kiss him again, hitting him in the face with his hand. He stood up and kicked Karasu before he could approach him. He reached back and pulled out his rose.

"I do not want to go through with this," he said. Karasu stared up at him, angry.

"You don't have a choice," he said.

"I will not give myself to you so easily," Kurama said. He whipped the rose, having it extend. "Prepare yourself." Karasu burst out into laughter.

"You're such a comedian," he said, standing up. "You actually think that you...someone who's more human than demon, actually has a chance against me? You shouldn't start fights you only think you can finish. I'm not a fan of tough meat, so, as you request, I will...tenderize you meanwhile." Kurama poised to defend himself. Karasu laughed a little again as he held out his hand. "It's been while since you last used that thing, hasn't it?" he asked. "It's a pity on its first time out, it'll become nothing more than a pile of ashes." Kurama lowered his eyebrows.

"Try me," he said, his anger causing him to feel hotter than before.

"Patience," Karasu said, looking at his hand. As far as Kurama could see, there was nothing there, but he could feel something. It made him overly cautious. Without much thought behind the action, he flicked his wrist in Karasu's direction. Karasu flinched, looking up at Kurama angrily, a slash wound showing up on his cheek. "Enough!" he said, holding out his hand towards the whip. To Kurama's utter astonishment, it exploded and indeed fell into a pile of ashes. He looked over at Karasu, keeping his look of impatience clear on his face.

"Fine," he said, tossing the steaming end of the whip he held away from him.

"You cannot win in a fight against me, Kurama," Karasu said. "So I suggest you quit while you're still ahead.

"I will not," Kurama said. "I will defend myself to the death if I have to."

"What do you think I'm going to do to you right now?" Karasu asked.

"I don't know what sick things you have in store for me..." Kurama said. "But I won't let you touch me." Karasu laughed, beginning to walk towards Kurama.

"Precious," he said. "I don't have to touch you for my plans to play out." Kurama's eyebrows lowered.

"What are you saying?" he asked, standing up straighter. Karasu held out his hand. Kurama tensed, attempting to prepare for what Karasu was going to do. Suddenly, he heard a loud boom. He fell to the snow, shaken, looking up at Karasu before realizing the intense, searing pain on his arm. He looked down at himself, seeing that a chunk of his arm was missing. He turned sharply to Karasu, gripping the spot below the cave of steaming flesh on his arm. Karasu chuckled.

"That, my dear, is what I'm saying."

"You devil!" Kurama exclaimed. Karasu looked up.

"You see these...twinkling stars?" he asked, referring to the glowing green lights. Kurama looked up, flinching when one exploded. "These are the bombs I find worthy of causing your demise." Karasu took a step closer. "It's hard, watching you there...yet...it gives me the greatest feeling." Kurama gripped his arm tighter, trying to ignore the pain. "A feeling...that I just can't seem to get enough of." Karasu stepped closer again. He chuckled. Kurama braced himself—a split second later, another explosion. Kurama gasped out in pain, grabbing his other arm.

"I will not be beaten," Kurama muttered to himself, breathing in heavily. His arms burned, an immense pain, but he'd felt worse in his life. How to defeat Karasu was the only thing on his mind.

"What's that?" Karasu asked, walking even closer. He kneeled in front of Kurama. "Still determined? You're acting like I'm not giving you what you want. You didn't expect to come out of this alive. And so..." Karasu stopped talking suddenly, his body turning sharply in the opposite direction. Kurama could hear a small pinging noise sounding over and over. Looking up, he saw that the green bombs were freezing over. They crashed to the ground one by one. "Boor," Karasu muttered, spinning away from Kurama. He ran along the ground quickly before sprinting up and out of Kurama's sight. Kurama looked down, staring at the ground. He had to figure a way out of this.

The idea of it, he was well aware of. It was what his mentor referred to as crimes of passion. Kurama had seen many in his cases, but none this personal. Settling back into the snow, Kurama looked around for a solution. He could hear commotion in the air, but he tried to turn his attention to helping himself. He stood up slowly and ran as fast as he could to the rock where Karasu had first set him down.

He kneeled behind it, and let himself go, clenching his teeth through the pain he felt when he raised his hand. He reached into his hair to pull out what would hopefully save his life. He looked out into the field as he pressed the seed firmly into the ground. On the surface, Kurama was weak, but his supply of youki was ever strong.

Touya suddenly landed a few feet away. His arm was covered in a thick layer of ice that protruded like a knife. He raised his arm, leaping up from the ground. A bomb went off where he stood. Kurama jumped, kneeling down behind the rock. Snow and particles of dust landed all around him. He backed up into the rock and peered over its top.

Karasu stood facing Touya, who was quite close to him. He looked angry and Touya looked confident. Kurama swallowed hard, letting his youki naturally feed the seed he'd planted. He looked out again in time to see Touya charge Karasu. Kurama flinched from a suddenly jolt of pain and sat down. He was shaking from the cold and fatigue and hunger.

"I won't let you harm him anymore," Touya said. Kurama looked towards them, though all he could see was rock. Karasu laughed.

"You are so pathetic," he said. "You really think you're going to stop me?"

"I have been so far," Touya said. "And I'm prepared to put you away." Kurama could hear the crunching of snow.

"No one and I repeat no one will stop me from fulfilling my greatest desire," Karasu said, sounding menacing. "A beauty such as that shall never fade."

"You're crazy," Touya said. "Just listen to yourself. We all have to grow old some day, it's a fact of life." There was another explosion. Kurama tensed. "You just have to face it." That was Touya, sounding just as calm as before.

"Don't give me that bull," Karasu said. "Never let your life take it's own direction! We decide our fate for ourselves!" There was yet another explosion. Kurama panicked on the inside. He stood up again once the snow and dirt stopped falling. He peered out over the edge. Touya was still unharmed, standing very close to Karasu. Karasu's face was fierce; Kurama gasped when he saw him. This guy meant business. Kurama couldn't delay it any longer.

But then...something was near him; he could hear a buzzing noise. Kurama turned around slowly, seeing a bomb floating in the air, just inches from his face. His eyes widened and he took off seconds before it went off. He was thrown several feet away from the force of the blast. He landed hard on the ground and rolled, stopping when he hit a tree. He lifted himself almost as soon as he got a hold of himself. The spot where he took refuge was in flames. He backed away, falling against the tree, staring at the area in disbelief.

He could feel the seed he'd planted fading away. He clenched his fists again ignoring the pain. He grew angrier, and stood up. He had to settle this. He began to walk towards them, and Touya turned and looked at him. Touya's entire demeanor changed. Kurama panicked again. Karasu seized the opportunity of Touya being distracted. He was going to catch him off guard.

Kurama sprinted towards Touya and Touya looked confused. He turned around in time to see the bomb, a big one, floating right near his head. His expression turned to one of realization. Kurama's heart skipped a beat.

The explosion that erupted was enough to send Kurama flying through the air. He could feel the searing heat rushing by him and then the snapping of leaves and twigs as he shot past them. He slammed the ground hard on his left side, gasping out in pain. He turned over on his stomach, gripping the snow beneath his palms.

He shut his eyes tightly, seeing the look on Touya's face again. And then, he saw Touya near his den again, wandering around, glancing up at him every now and then. Youko smiled down at him from his perch at one point, and gave a short wave. Touya smiled at this and waved back, then headed away from the den.

Kurama squeezed his fists tightly, his nails digging into his palms. His rising anger caused him to rise prematurely, before he could pull himself together. He stood up and began to walk in Karasu's general direction. Karasu landed in front of him, chuckling.

"Now..." he said, reaching his hand up to Kurama. "Where were we?" Kurama swung his fist back and then forward, swiftly punching Karasu in the face. Karasu stumbled back and fell to the ground.

"You insensate lout!!" Kurama exclaimed, reaching down and grabbing Karasu by the hair. "I'll show you where we left off!" Kurama head butted him, letting him fall to the ground again. He kneeled over him and began to punch him repeatedly in the face. "I'll show you!" he exclaimed again, the tone of his voice lowering. He could feel the air around him changing; his whole body was altering. Karasu reached up and pressed his hands up to Kurama's chest, using his youki to make it forceful enough to push Kurama off of him. Kurama landed on his back, but stood up quickly. Karasu stood up as well.

"All that, over that pathetic demon?" he asked. He chuckled. "My..." He wiped the blood from his mouth. "You're more feeble than I thought." Kurama's whole body flexed at the insult.

"Watch what you say," he growled. Karasu held out his hand.

"You had your chance to come easily..." he said, looking down at his hand. "And now...you will pay. Not just with your life...but with the life of your moth..." Kurama lunged at Karasu, knocking him down to the ground. He grabbed the sides of his head and began to bang it into the ground.

"You filthy son of a bitch!!!" he exclaimed, feeling his body changing again. He felt oddly exhilarated, full of an endless supply of youki. "You will not touch my mother!!! I'll kill you!" He wrapped his hands around Karasu's neck. His fingernails began to grow and he tingled all over. His eyes went blank for a moment and when they opened, Kurama was halfway transformed. Karasu attempted to push him off again, but this time, Kurama merely jumped back. He stood tall on his feet, standing over Karasu. He stepped on his hand, kneeling next to him. Kurama smirked.

"I'll..." Karasu began.

"Don't speak...it'll only make things worse for you..." Kurama reached for Karasu's neck, feeling long thin vines slowly creeping down his arm. They extended towards Karasu's neck. Karasu looked fearful. "This may hurt a little," Kurama said, smirking mercilessly. He backed away slightly, letting the sharp pointed vines shot out. They pierced Karasu's neck and he choked, writhing in pain underneath Kurama. Kurama's eyes wielded a maniacal glint as he watched Karasu die. Once he sensed that his youki was diminished, Kurama stood up. The vines shrunk back up and he returned to his human form.

He dropped down to his knees, breathing in and out roughly. He coughed, leaning forward. He shut his eyes tightly, shivering. His head beat painfully. He opened his eyes. Hiei dropped down in front of him.

"Kitsune..." he began, reaching for him. Kurama fell into his arms, suppressing the urge to cry. He looked over to Karasu, watching him as he laid there. He closed his eyes. Hiei gripped Kurama tighter, running his fingers through his hair. Kurama shivered. Hiei sat back and let him go. He stood up and took off his cape. He had Kurama stand, and then draped his shoulders with the black cloth.

"Hiei..."

"Don't speak, kitsune..." Hiei said. "Let's just get you home."

"Oi!" Kurama flinched, opening his eyes slowly. "Oi, Shiori-san! He's awake." Kurama sat up, noticing that he was on the couch. He turned his head and came face to face with Yusuke. Yusuke smiled. "How you feeling?" he asked. Kurama gripped his head, sure he had a migraine.

"I'm...not sure..." Kurama said. He noticed that one hand was not free. He looked down and saw that it was being held. He trailed the arm up, seeing that it was Hiei. He looked extremely worried. Shiori came rushing into the room.

"Shuuichi!" she said. Yusuke moved away from the couch, letting Shiori kneel where he had been kneeling.

"Okaasan..." Shiori threw her arms around him.

"Thank goodness you're alright! I was so worried about you."

"Kurama-kun..." Keiko said, coming over to them. "You should drink this..." Shiori let him go and sat down on the couch on the other side of Hiei, who remained kneeling on the floor still holding Kurama's hand. She took the cup from Keiko and handed it to Kurama. Kurama took it and sipped it, making a sour face.

"What is this?" he asked, trying to give it back to Shiori.

"Sake with vinegar," Shiori said, not taking it. "Just drink a little more." Kurama looked down at it, hesitating. He took a big gulp and passed it to Shiori. Shiori took it.

"Good," she said, rubbing his shoulder. A cell phone rang. Across the room, at the dining room table, Shizuru answered.

"Kazu?" she said, and then listened for a while. "How much longer?......Good......... uh huh.....alright. See you in a bit." She hung up. "They'll be here in about ten minutes." Shiori nodded. Kurama shifted.

"Did I miss anything?" he asked.

"Baka," Yusuke said. "Of course not." Keiko leaned over Shiori.

"How's that head of yours?" she asked.

"Thunderous," Kurama replied. He went to move. Shiori stopped him.

"Just stay right there..." she said. Kurama looked around.

"I can't just lie here all night..." he said. "I at least need to freshen up."

"Freshen up?" Keiko asked. "You're bruised all over. The only thing you need to do is rest."

"I feel fine except for the headache," Kurama said. "Really..." No one seemed to be listening to him. He frowned. "I am not going to sit on this couch all evening," he said adamantly.

"We can get you what you need," Keiko said. Kurama shook his head.

"I can take care of it. I'm not in that much pain." Yusuke scratched his head.

"Well...let Hiei and I go with him. We'll make sure he won't fall over or nothing." Keiko gave Yusuke a dirty look. Yusuke looked at Kurama distractedly. Shiori sighed.

"I suppose...but Shuuichi....don't do more than you can handle." Kurama nodded and brought his legs around to the floor. He felt sore now that he was moving. Hiei stood up with him, still staring up at him. Yusuke came around and put a hand on his shoulder.

"You okay to walk?" he asked. Kurama nodded and began to shuffle off towards his room. Hiei followed at his side while Yusuke walked a little behind them. Kurama opened the door and stepped inside. He breathed in deep, the sight of his bed making him want to go to sleep. Yusuke closed the door behind them.

"Kurama," Hiei said, quickly putting his arms around him and holding him around his middle. Kurama looked down at him, feeling exhausted.

"Hiei...?"

"I watched you fight him," Hiei said, digging his face into Kurama's stomach. "I wanted so bad to help you. But...your spirit..." Kurama placed his hands on Hiei's shoulders. Hiei looked up at him. "It took all I had to keep from killing him."

"Thank you," Kurama said. Hiei let him go. Kurama went over to the bed and sat down. Yusuke stuck his hands in his pockets.

"You need anything, Kurama?" he asked. "Water...? Something to eat?"

"No, thank you, Yusuke." Hiei went over to Kurama, standing next to him. Kurama took off his shirt, prepared to assess his wounds. He was startled to see that he was all bandaged up.

"Who—?"

"Hiei came over with you and I could sense that something was wrong before he even brought you in," Yusuke said.

"You passed out on the way back," Hiei explained. "You were turning blue and you were still bleeding. When Yusuke came out with Shizuru, we had to carry you inside. Shiori was a mess. I didn't want her to see you all bloody, but she was standing right there, waiting for you."

"We got you all cleaned up..." Yusuke said. "Well, actually...this guy wouldn't let anyone touch you but your mother." Yusuke was pointing at Hiei. Hiei was still looking at Kurama.

"You're fine now, kitsune, that's all that matters." Kurama nodded, looking down at himself again.

"I just wish I could have saved him," Kurama said. "When Karasu killed him, I felt as if he'd taken a part of me away." Hiei brought his hand up, softly running his fingers along Kurama's bangs

"Don't worry about that now, kitsune," he said. "You have a holiday to celebrate. I won't leave you tonight, I promise. We can talk all night if you want to." Kurama leaned forward and hugged him. Hiei patted his shoulder.

"I'll get back to the festivities," Yusuke said, and left the room.

"I don't know what I'd do without you," Kurama said, looking him in the eye. Hiei smiled at him.

"Try not to think about it," he said. "I'll always be with you." Kurama smiled as well. "Good," Hiei said. "Now that you're smiling...I can mention it."

"Mention what?" Kurama asked, reaching for his shirt.

"While you were fighting Karasu, it was all tense and I was ready to go help you out when all of a sudden...you'll never guess what I heard..." Kurama furrowed his eyebrows.

"What?" he asked, not sure what Hiei was talking about. Hiei raised an eyebrow.

"A...dare I say it...curse..." Kurama frowned.

"You're the absolute worst, do you know that?" he asked, gripping Hiei's shoulder and pushing him away. Hiei came back next to him with lightening speed.

"At first I didn't really hear it," he continued with a pleased glint in his eyes. He sounded amused. "But then it hit me. Kurama actually cursed! And what better time then when exacting revenge?" Hiei's eyes widened, his face excitable. Kurama shook his head at him.

"You truly are a demon, all over," he said, standing up. Hiei looked at him, watching him while he brushed his hair. "At least you lightened my mood," he said. "Nothing pleases me more than to see you excited like that."

"I am good for something you know," Hiei said. Kurama rubbed his arms where they'd been harmed. Hiei perked up. "You were pretty much healed when we got back," he said. "That's my fox, always on top of the game." Kurama smirked at him, leaning down to hug him.

"You're such an adorable little demon," he said, rubbing their faces together teasingly.

"No, I'm not," Hiei said, pulling away. "Keep it up and I'm out of here." Kurama went over to the door.

"Let's go," he said. Hiei nodded and followed him out.

Ooo, brutal. But...at least the stalker, Karasu, was well taken care of, ne? Ah...it's almost over. One more chapter and then... ::sniff:: No more fun for me! Pwease review! Pweety Pwease!

J3