Disclaimer: Um… Don't own them…

Part 2

The auditorium was filled with lots of people, as well as buzzing. The day of the contest had finally arrived. Kuwabara sat with his arm on Yukina's shoulder. She was excitedly chattering, and clapping her hands once in a while with Keiko, as Yuusuke and the previously mentioned carrot-top talked of recent events, mainly the changes in Kurama.

"Oi, Urameshi..."

"You know, when you're so serious like that, I don't recognize you," the former leader joked. Kuwabara didn't seem in the mood though, "I AM serious! Look at him!"

Yuusuke followed the big man's gaze. Kurama had stood for a while near the stage before disappearing. He's right... I've never seen him this down before. I...

"It's like his fading, you know. I've been with him for a while, and he's never cracked a REAL smile. I mean... I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M FUCKING TRYING TO MEAN!"

Everyone stared to look at the person who dared to say such profanity. Yuusuke sweatdropped, even Keiko and Yukina seemed so surprised. Instantly, Kuwabara blushed. The younger boy invited, "C'mon, let's take some fresh air. Then, let's go visit Kurama before the quiz show starts."

The other one shook his head, "The fresh air part, I'll accept. But visit Kurama? NOoo... I'll just go crazy again and try to look for Hiei in the Makai, kick his ass and then drag him back here. That *&&#@%$! -"

Once again, Yuusuke sweatdropped. The two headed out of the building.

Meanwhile, Recca and Doumon were exhibiting the same impressions as Kuwabara and Yuusuke. Boisterously doing what could be called as 'screaming at the top of their lungs', they proceeded to chat on future plans of visits to Miss Kagero's villa. Fuuko kept on playing with Ganko and Kaoru, while trying to avoid Doumon's drool (he does things at the same time); Yanagi, was attempting to have a conversation with the Hyomon Ken Master. Tokiya was just sitting there, impassively, half listening to the one who bore the same features as Mifuyu, and yet half was wandering while his gut instinct told him that something would happen. But what?

"Kurama..."

Kurama seemed so surprised. Yuusuke had caught him off-guard. He knew that he should stop doing this to himself - the blaming, thinking up of reasons... "Gomen, Yuusuke, I didn't notice you immediately."

Yuusuke immediately closed the gap between them. Either the redhead didn't notice, or he was too shocked for this. He caught the half-youko at the backstage, alone, his eyes staring off into void. It was such a melancholic picture, and though he was not as feeling as Kuwabara was, he did have some sort of... whatever thing it was for Kurama. Why are you so lonely? I... Let me do something, to help you... Yuusuke was struck by myriads of emotions as he stared at those green eyes. Although they varied, his feelings seem to have one theme: that is, helping Kurama. Suddenly, a hand pushed him away. When he returned to earth, only then did he notice that Kurama was slowly backing away, fear in his eyes. What did I just do?

Silence. Then, Kurama spoke up, " I... What was that for?"

Yuusuke was puzzled. And then it struck him how wet his lips felt. Damn! I just scared him off! Yuusuke you Idiot! "Ano... Gomen, I really didn't mean to... It was just... I-"

"It's okay, Yuusuke... It is, really-"

At this, the black-haired youth heated up, "Do you always have to hide your emotions? Come on, hit me, beat me up!"

"Yuusuke..."

"Kurama, you don't have to clam up, you know. I'm here. We're all here for you." Some kind of friends we are if we can't make you feel better...

A voice called out for Minamino Shuuichi. Yuusuke looked at the youko's face. It was full of sorrows, like he had died. Why are you lamenting? I swear... I'll make you better. Kurama snapped him out of his thoughts, " I need to go now."

Yuusuke merely nodded, and turned to walk away, when suddenly, the taller boy spoke up, "It's not easy to forget. No matter how many compensations you have, when you lose a part of your soul, when promises are broken..."

Yuusuke strained for the next words, but the redhead had already disappeared. When you lose a part of your soul... Was that ungrateful brat THAT important to you?

"Ladies and Gentlemen"' a gentleman in a blue tuxedo boomed, "Sorry for the long wait. Welcome to the annual 'Mind Battle'. I am your host, Hagane Jiki. Good morning!"

Cheers flew from over everywhere. Recca sniffed indifferently, and then lit up, from an idea, "Oi! Tokiya!" That garnered a glare. The flame master laughed nervously, "Ano... E... Tokiya-sempai c",)*, Why aren't you up there instead of Taki?"

Tokiya gave a 'hn'. Finally, Recca had given in to his request of the right title (sempai). He was still known to be a hardass in school, and he didn't want to destroy that image by letting younger students call him disrespectfully. He closed his eyes as-a-matter-of-factly and explained, "I don't care in representing our school. This is just wasting my time, you gorilla."

Recca fumed, "NANI?! What did you just call me?! I dare you repeat that."

"Gorilla." Smile.

"Take that back you-"

Tokiya got distracted for a moment as the announcer introduced a certain representative, "-College. Our youngest competitor, who is a freshman: Minamino Shuuichi!"

"Mi-na-mi-no Shuu-ichi, eh?" mumbled the Hyomon Ken Master, smiling to himself, and still, watching the redhead walk through the stage. The whole auditorium seemed to be at an uproar. Meanwhile, Recca was about to blow his top, " I'll rip your - huh?" He followed Tokiya's gaze.

"Oi! Isn't that the guy with the idiot in the store? Doumon!"

Doumon paused his drooling, " Huh! Yeah! What's he doing out there?"

Hanabishi nodded, "I figured that a friend of a delinquent would have eggs for brains or something, even if he was a wuss. Hey, there's Taki."

Fuuko finally joined in the conversation, " Whoever he is, he can't beat OUR Taki. He IS next in line to Mi-chan here after all. AND," she paused for effect, "That Minamino guy is just a freshman."

But Tokiya doubted it. " Let's pray for the best!" Yanagi piped up.

Yuusuke had just gotten back from the backstage. Keiko smiled at him and told him that Kurama had already been introduced. He couldn't look her in the eye and merely said 'yeah?'. Kuwabara eyed him as he sat down, "SO?"

"So what?"

"Did you talk to him?"

"Hn. I-"

Yukina chan suddenly pointed, "Look, it's starting!" Yuusuke felt relief. He could also feel Kuwabara's eyes boring into him, but didn't say anything. No more questions were asked as the "game show" was beginning. No way would he tell anyone what happened. He heard Kuwabara yell, "Go Shuuichi (he remembered to use the human name!)! Kick their ass!"

Schoolmates turned to smile at the carrot-top, and cheered as well. Kurama seemed to hear and turned his eyes to his school's corner and spotted his friends immediately. Yuusuke cringed under that one's look. Go-Gomen... Don't worry, I won't allow anyone to hurt you again. I promise.

~ÀÀÀÀÀ~

The contest was finished quickly. Kurama took the crown with an amazingly million-mile lead that had the other schools gaping, and theirs rejoicing. Recca was starting to act up again, as well as Doumon. The latter suggested, "Hanabishi! Let's go meet up that wuss and teach him a thing or two about humiliating our school."

They both stood and started walking towards the exit. Fuuko sweatdropped, "Oh boy! I guess we better go there to stop them from being stampeded on by a million classmates of that Minamino. He seems to be popular."

Tokiya shrugged, "Why not just leave them? Maybe they'll come to their senses once they bash their heads..."

"MI-CHAN!"

Kurama was frantically trying to avoid the congratulations he was receiving. He didn't like THAT much attention. To his right, he saw Itosugi, a new friend in school, a senior who insists that he protect his well being, with his group smiling at him. To his left, the redhead saw through the mob Kaitou, who, though they weren't schoolmates anymore still kept in touch, was nodding and still adjusting his glasses. Finally, he saw Kuwabara waving his hand like he wanted to shake it off. Giving a polite smile to the congratulating students and faculty, he rushed to his group, where he was briefly praised.

"Oi! You did a good job!" Yuusuke nodded as Kuwabara commented.

Keiko smiled, "Congratulations, Kurama! You were wonderful!"

Yukina smiled, "Hai, you kicked their butt!"

Everyone turned to look at the snow maiden disbelievingly. Kurama gave a soft thank you and a light smile. Yuusuke and Kuwabara noticed how fake it was. Still forced. What can I do to ease your pain? Both thought at the same moment. Yuusuke finally spoke up, " Ano... So where do we celebrate?"

"NOWHERE!"

They turned to see two guys in black uniforms come closer. Instantly, Kuwabara reacted, "I know you! You were those two idiots in the store."

This got Recca and Doumon irritated. "This doesn't concern you, you blabbermouth. Oi, you, redhead. Think you're pretty smart, do you? Well, this time, you messed with the wrong school." Recca proceeded to drive a punch at the flustered student. Yuusuke saw red as he noticed that his friend was already getting hurt verbally.

Recca was confident. After winning the tournament, no mere human could surpass his strength. So he continued with his attack. He didn't mind the way people had gathered around Doumon; he was too concentrated on hitting this guy. To his shock, another hand enclosed his before it hit the redhead. What the -? Before he could react any further, a really strong fist connected with his stomach and sent him sprawling to the hard ground. Anh!

"Yuusuke! Yamero!" Keiko screamed.

Meanwhile, Doumon was as surprised as Recca. He started to advance to the one who knocked his friend down, but before he could do anything, the school mob surrounding him ran him over and what he last heard was, "Try to hurt Minamino, will you?"

"Stupid delinquent! Think we'll let you touch him?"

Yuusuke was still steamed. He stepped forward towards the prone body a few feet in front of him. But a soft voice stopped him, "Yuusuke, please stop. Daijoubu desu."

The raven-haired youth stopped and turned incredulously to look at Kurama, Daijoubu? How can you say that when - He saw Keiko's concerned face, and stopped. Kuwabara eventually emerged from the crowd that attacked the tomahawk guy, gave a brief smile and the 'V' sign.

Yuusuke turned to Recca, who was struggling to get up, still in shock, So fast... But how - ? The Reikai Tantei leader told the guy in black, "Never, ever touch even just one hair of his! Or I swear, I'll kill you! "

Keiko peered worriedly at Yuusuke. It had been a long time since he was like this. She also glanced at Kurama, envying him a little. Then she sighed and tugged at the redhead's hand, signaling that the others were already calling. She saw the sad look in his face, and finally understood how Yuusuke was feeling. She heard Kurama sigh, or it may have been her imagination, as they both headed towards Yukina, Kuwabara and Yuusuke. Soon, they left the area.

Yanagi screamed, "Recca-kun!"

There were still some guys around Doumon. Their leader said, "There. Try hurting him again and you'll receive worse. I, Ochiru Itosugi will make sure of that! Hmph."

The other members of the former Hokage team soon appeared. Upon seeing the damage, Kaoru whistled, "I guess we're too late..." The unidentified guys with Itosugi left.

"Hn." Tokiya turned his gaze to the now empty street, Minamino, eh?

~ÀÀÀÀÀ~

Kurama promptly plopped himself on the bed. The room was dark as he didn't turn on the lights. They had just finished celebrating his winning. But in truth, he didn't feel like rejoicing. There was still a missing piece in him. And he knew what it was.

Outside, Shiori was guiding a young man to her son's room, "I'm so glad you came. He's been down pretty lately, I hope you can cure him..."

The visitor gave a light smile, "Don't worry, Shiori-san. I'll take care of him like I used to." I promise...

The door swung open, but Kurama didn't acknowledge it. He heard his mother's voice, "Shuuichi, guess what? You're cousin's here."

Her smile faded when he didn't answer. She made as if to turn on the lights, but the guest signalled for her to not to do so. She nodded and left. In the dark, with his back towards his visitor, Kurama could hear the rustling of clothes, "Hey. You did great today."

"Where were you? Why'd you leave? You promised-"

Tokiya huffed and advanced towards the lying figure, "I had to do something. Oneechan-"

"But I could have helped you...I - I hate you." Silence.

"And your friend? Don't you hate him too?"

Kurama winced at the question. "That's different."

"Oh yeah? How? I had a reason."

"Senseless it may be."

"I'm different from that supposed 'BEST FRIEND' of yours. I WENT TRAINING!" Tokiya raised his voice, exasperatingly trying to make his cousin believe.

"Then you ARE no different from him," Kurama concluded, his eyes burning, yet tears not falling, as he pulled a pillow to cover his head, and his ears from the reasons thrown at him.

Tokiya suddenly picked Kurama up from the bed and stared at the points of green light, which shimmered with unshed tears, "If we ARE the same, and you hate me, then, I think your friend deserves to be hated as well."

The redhead didn't answer and just stared back. Then he felt himself being carried to the bathroom. He was dumped onto the bath tub and cold water ran on him. He shivered as he heard the brown-haired guy say, "Wake up, will you? He's not your only friend. Heck, I saw how angry that raven-haired guy was with Recca when he started hurting you. And that carrot-top... I am here as well. I promise... I'll protect you. I'll never hurt you."

"I don't need your promises."

"Then what do you want?"

"I need you to show me. Don't... I don't want to be hurt again."

Tokiya took him in his arms, "Don't be afraid. I'm here..."

They remained that way for moments. The Hyomon Ken Master wondered about how open he had been just a while ago. He wasn't like that anymore... It's all part of your magic, Shuu-chan... Don't worry. If I ever meet that friend of yours, I'll kill him. I pro- I'll see to it. Suddenly, the redhead stirred, "Hey..."

"Hn?"

"Weren't you with those two guys who tried to hurt me? I saw you with them at the store..."

For the first time in years, Tokiya laughed. When he looked at his cousin, he looked insulted, so he replied, "You haven't changed one bit."

Kurama smiled as the older guy lifted him up. He fell asleep soon afterwards.

~ÀÀÀÀÀ~

Everywhere, there were screams and sounds of whirring and whizzing. Kurama looked around uncertainly. So many people were rushing around. Everything seemed to be in chaos. Then there was this weirdly dressed guy handing out a pink thing to him. He backed up. "Relax, Shuu-chan," coaxed Tokiya, then faced the clown, and took the cotton candy, "Isn't the carnival great?"

"Ano..."

"There, let's try the roller coaster!" Tokiya proceeded to pull his cousin. Kurama still gazed around, sadness in his eyes. There were many times when he and Hiei visited the carnival. The koorime would always drag him to the nearest ice cream stand, where he would spend most of the tickets he bought. Then, they would meet the gang at the Ferris wheel and ride in pairs, him with Hiei, and hear him snort when the girls would scream. The redhead wasn't the only one reminiscing. Tokiya looked at a closed booth. Beneath the sign that said 'CLOSED', painted above the closed entrance was 'MIRROR HOUSE'. His fight with Recca... It was memorable. And to think he could have... Iya. I've got to stop thinking about the past. And I've got to teach Shuuichi that concept.

"Ne, Tokiya-kun. We're here."

Tokiya snapped out of remembering and saw that even in his wandering state, he managed to bring them to the roller coaster ride. He smiled at his cousin and the two entered the seat. He checked if the redhead's lock was secure and then checked his. Kurama looked at his companion and thought, Even though you may protest... You haven't changed a bit either.

Tokiya rang the doorbell. He looked at the redhead, who was now squeezing a big, fluffy golden-colored stuff toy of a puppy. He did try. But only once did he see him smile through the whole day. That was when he received the puppy prize from him. I have more days to try. I will bring more happiness in your life. The door opened to reveal Shiori, who smiled at Tokiya, then immediately gazed at her son. He still seemed so sad, and the stuffed puppy only added to the effect. She inwardly sighed, and yet brightened as she noticed that Shuuichi seemed better. She invited them both in, "You're just in time for dinner. Come on in."

"Ano... Gomen, Shiori-san, but I can't join you tonight. I have an affair to go to." He turned to the redhead, "Maybe next time, ne?"

Kurama looked at him and nodded. He then went through the door, as both the mother and the cousin watched him. They heard Shuuichi the younger's exclamation, "Oi! That's a nice puppy!"

Shiori turned to Tokiya, "Thank you very much. I really don't know what to do without you..."

"It's actually my pleasure. It's not that I don't enjoy being with him..."

"I hope he'll be better soon..."

Tokiya nodded. "Don't worry. I'll do that." With that, he gave a small wave, turned, and then left.

Shuuichi looked at his older brother. He still looked so... down? He remembered that he had asked his 'kaasan one time about it.

Ano.. 'kaasan?

Hai?

Why is oniisan acting that way?

What way?

You know, depressed...

She had just smiled and softly explained, He just needs time, Shuu-chan. Don't worry. He'll be his same old self in no time.

I wish... It's just so... new for me to have him like this...

Kazuya was thinking the same thing. He looked at his stepson. He had lost his smile when his friend left. To start off, he could never really understand why a perfect son like him could have such delinquent friends? It was just sensational! And they were not ordinary delinquents; they were those with such reputations of beating groups up. The thought of any of his son doing that chilled him to the bone. Suddenly, a movement caught his eye. He watched once more, the redhead as he went up the stairs, still clutching the toy Tokiya had won for him. And for a brief moment, Kazuya thought that the wind had played tricks on him. NO. For one brief moment, he saw something that graced his son's unblemished face...

A smile.