Ah, another weekend, another chapter. And it seems that my little bit of naughtiness in the last two chapters has frightened some of my reviewers away. Aww . . . it wasn't that bad.
Oh, and no bad stuff in this one.
Hope you enjoy! I know Volpone did.

FYI dream sequences (which I think I've made rather obvious) are not italizied, but memories are. And memories are seperated by this ---
This probably makes no sense, but it will after you read the chappie.

Disclaimer: The characters within this story are not mine, they belong to their repective owners. However, Sorako, Sahirah, and Ayashige, along with this plot do belong to me, so don't steal them.

Chapter 7



Soft.

Long delicate fingers ran experimentally through his long silky locks. She was fascinated at how utterly soft and tangle-free the silvery mass of hair was, especially considering the activities its owner participated in.

Staring at his slackened face, she wondered how something so beautiful could be so terrifyingly cold. Had he not burst into her home with treasure in hand, covered in blood and matched the description of the legendary thief Youko Kurama perfectly, she wouldn't have believed this slumbering creature before her was him. It just didn't seem to add up in her mind as a possibility.

Yet, the way his golden orbs had stared into her eyes, when she had looked into his soul, she found it to be a cold, withered thing, devoid of love and trust. For the first time in her long existence, she found herself pitying the poor kitsune thief. She longed to heal him, to save him from himself, yet the only wounds she could mend were physical.

She could not heal his broken soul.

My poor little fox, what horrors have you seen? What terrors have you wrought? She thought, running her long fingers through his silken hair. Her own long hair fell forward, the pale tresses mingling with the fox's darker ones. So beautiful . . . and dangerous.

Her eyes drifted from his face and roamed down his body, fingers timidly tracing over the healing wounds, wiping away stray drops of blood. Still so pale.

So enraptured by her fingertips' wanderings, she failed to notice the kitsune awaken. That is, until he had her wrist in an iron grasp.

Crimson eyes darted to his face, traces of fear lining her delicate features. I . . . I- he's awake. I didn't feel it!

"Who are you!?" He barked, pulling her roughly toward him. His face was so close, she could feel his ragged breath against her cheek. His golden orbs bored into her, seeking out something. What, she couldn't be sure.

"I . . . I meant no harm." She squeaked, her wide eyes never leaving his icy orbs.

"Answer my question!" He hissed, shaking her. She flapped much like a rag doll in his powerful grip.

She cried out, her shoulder screaming in agony. "Please . . . stop. Stop it!" She exclaimed, a burst of wind pushing him back, away from her.

The kitsune was startled, but quickly recovered. "Who the hell are you?" His cunning eyes narrowed, studying every inch of her.

Crimson orbs turned hard, sliding over to the injured demon. "I allow you to stay in my home, all the while knowing you are nothing but a petty thief, and this is my thanks?" She asked, though there was no bitterness in her voice, no hate. "Are you so cold that you would not trust even the purest of intentions?"

Golden orbs widened in shock as the small woman stood, leaving the room. The tall thief moved to follow, but his weaken body protested and, after swaying on his heels, fell toward the unforgiving floor.

However, he never felt the sting of the hard surface, but rather the gentle pressure of small arms around his chest.

Looking up, he stared into the crimson eyes of his gentle savior, the creature he nearly attacked moments before.

"You must be more careful." Her soft voice cooed, hands pressing gently into his ribs. "Your body isn't strong enough, yet." Her countenance became dour as she stared into his hardened eyes. "You nearly died." She whispered, setting him down on the futon. Her hands lingered on his chest, as she stared up at him.

He couldn't read her expression, but she did seem extremely upset. Almost as if . . . she's worried about me. His eyes softened slightly, remembering everything she'd done.

"Why?" He croaked, looking down at the angelic figure leaning against him.

Her eyes left his, seeking out the floor. "Why wouldn't I?" She replied, her voice thick. "You live and breathe just like any other creature. Why would I deny you life?"

Looking into his lifeless depths one final time, she stood, leaving him in solitude.

Sorako jumped, her vivid eyes opening. Another dream . . . . A small tinkling noise filled the air, and she immediately wondered where she was. Rain? Eyes surveying her surroundings, she found that while dry under the canopy of a tree, she was outside.

And still in Makai.

"You're finally awake." A male voice stated from her left, and she hastily turned toward the sound. A roar of pain arced down her body, and she nearly screamed in agony.

"Foolish woman." The voice grumbled, moving toward her. Cracking one eye open, which she had closed in pain, she found the owner of the voice was a demon.

A fire demon, to be specific.

"Why are we here?" She asked frantically, looking into his ruby eyes. "Who are you?!" Terror raced through her body, but she knew better than to move. There was no chance for escape.

A small 'hn' came from her companion as he settled down beside her. Lifting the edge of his cloak shrouding her body, he examined some of her less . . . intimate injuries.

"Wh-what are you doing?" She asked, her voice becoming feverish in pitch. All sanity left her as she scrambled away from him, reopening many of her more serious wounds.

"Damned woman!" He scolded, grabbing her hips to keep her in place. "I'm not going to hurt you!"

"Don't touch me." She hissed, pain griping her entire body. Her head bowed back to the cold ground, teeth grinding to help endure the terrible pain. Tears leaked from the corners of her eyes.

"Look at me." He commanded, his hand resting against her knee. Hesitantly, she lifted her weary head, looking at her companion.

Her lifeless eyes brightened for a moment, tracing across his stern face, taking in his shock of dark hair. Yet, instead of seeing his dark red eyes, she saw the blue orbs of another.

"Y-you . . . you came." She exclaimed, wrapping her arms around the startled demon. "I thought . . . you wouldn't. You've been gone so long." Yet, when her eyes traced back up to his face, her jovial expression vanished, replaced by hesitant doubt. His eyes had changed back to crimson.

They . . . weren't . . . you're not . . . .

"What on earth are you babbling about?" Hiei asked, stunned that the small woman had the nerve to wrap her arms around him. He was even more stunned that he didn't push her away. Why . . . why is she doing this?

The way her small arms felt against him made a shudder run down his spine. He couldn't remember the last time anyone had hugged him, but somehow he missed the sensation. He longed for her to never let go, wanting the feeling to last forever.

Coming to her senses, she released him, embarrassed. "Forgive me. I . . . for a moment, I thought you . . . you were someone else." She murmured, laying down again. The pain raking through her body was intense, and she could feel blood starting to puddle around her.

Who are you? Why do I dream of you day after day? Why . . . are you always with me? She wondered, the image of her dark-headed, blue-eyed man once again surfacing in her mind. I can't remember . . . your name.

Turning back to her companion, she spoke. "Where is Kurama? Why are we still here?"

The fire demon "hmphed", slowing the rush of blood coming from her leg wounds. "Your injuries were far too grave for the distance needed to be traveled. Kurama is most likely recovering."

"Recovering?" Her brows furrowed, worry lining her face. "Why?"

"How do you think that demon stole you away so easily?" Hiei asked, standing. Turning from her and jumping into a tree, he spoke one final time. "Get some rest. We'll be leaving soon." With that, he was gone.

A moment later, she fell back into another sleep plagued with thoughts of forgotten things.

"Is he going to be alright?" The worried deity asked, wringing her hands in the folds of her kimono. She hadn't seen her dear friend since their return, and after hearing a recollection of the incident from Yusuke and Kuwabara, she was frightened he might not be getting up from this one.

In an unusually kind gesture, Yusuke, who had returned after speaking to the doctors, placed a comforting grip on her shoulder. "Don't worry so much, Botan. He'll be fine."

Pink eyes shifted over to the dark-headed male in a show of appreciation. Really, Yusuke wasn't so bad when he wanted to be.

Letting her mind wander, thoughts of another red-head, though this one was female, entered her mind. Oh, I hope Hiei was able to rescue her! I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if she died . . . and Kurama would be devastated. Bitterness crept into her mind at that thought, a streak of jealousy passing through her, but she squashed it quickly. I can't believe myself!

A moment later, she was distracted when a small chestnut headed woman came bolting down the hall in an un-ladylike manner. The small woman wrapped her arms around the deity. "Oh, Botan. I came as soon as I heard." Pulling back, she frowned at her friend. "Kurama's gonna be ok, isn't he?"

"He'll be fine, Keiko." Yusuke reassured, a genuine smile coming to his face.

Keiko, who still seemed worried despite the reassurance, took a seat beside the distraught ferry girl and waited. Yet, for what, she really wasn't sure.

She saw him, and immediately fell into his embrace. The feel of his arms wrapping around her frame was enough to quell her fears for however short a time.

Golden eyes regarded her silently. He knew she was frightened but couldn't understand what had exactly upset her so, and he realized asking her now would be pointless. Leaning down, he stopped mere inches from her ear. "I thought you couldn't trust me." He whispered lustfully, pulling her tightly to him.

She shivered involuntarily as his warm breath made contact with her delicate skin. She suddenly became aware just how close she was to him in that instant and was startled that she was neither bothered nor afraid. "Youko . . ." She whispered, fisting handfuls of his top.

"What is it?" He purred, stroking her hair absently.

"Please . . . stay with me. Could you just . . . stay?" She inhaled shakily and buried her face into his broad chest, reveling at how calm she felt with him. How much she truly trusted and cared for him astonished her. "I don't want to be alone."

He blinked, watching the girl with wide eyes. Surely I heard wrong. She didn't just ask me to stay, did she? Shaking away his thoughts, he laid his chin atop her head and gently tightened his grip. "Of course I will."

Her eyes slid closed as she fell limp from exhaustion. "Youko, I don't want t-" She began but he cut her off.

"I won't," He whispered, simply wanting to quell her fears enough that she wouldn't retract her offer. Yet, when he swept the beautiful, nearly unconscious creature into his arms, he realized he hadn't been lying at all.

Sighing in relief and delight, she laid her head against him, completely relaxed in his all encompassing arms. It was comforting to know that beneath the larcenous, philandering exterior, she had found a good, true friend in the kitsune.

One that would never hurt her.

"Youko!" She begged, tangling her hands in the silkiness of his shirt. "You promised. Please, don't leave me alone." She whispered, trying with all her might not to cry. From the moment he had entered her world, as much as she hated to admit it, she was changed. He had changed her, much in the same way she had him.

Yet, it was still not enough to keep him. He was still going to leave her. She wasn't enough. But all the same, her once solitary life was no longer enough. She couldn't bear the thought of being alone again, devoid of the warm companionship she had formed with him.

Oh, how she wished to damn his lust for gold, his ever needing ache for any precious bauble. She had told him he was foolish, yet the words fell on deaf ears. His need to fill the void, though not as strong, was still there, and she could never fill it. Her friendship was not enough, and though she needed him was unwilling to give him anything more.

She cared for him but could not give the thief what he needed and secretly sought. I cannot love you, Her mind whispered as the tears poured from her eyes. You will never find what you seek as long as you continue in your ways. Please, I beg you, stop.

"Let go of me, Sahirah." His deep voice boomed, no longer filled with the emotion she once so enjoyed.

Reluctantly, she released him, stepping away. Her head was bowed so he would not see her tears. She knew well enough he smelt them.

The kitsune's gaze softened for a moment, almost considering her offer, but the thought of treasure quickly took over and his will to leave grew all the more. She had helped him to see emotions weren't a weakness, but he could not live this life. He couldn't stay with her any longer. I cannot bring myself to love you. It would make you my weakness, and I will not see you die by those who loathe me.

Sweeping around elegantly, he made his way to the barrier, never looking back. He only stopped long enough to hear her parting words. A mischievous half-smile normally reserved only for her played across his lips. Always the pessimist.

"What you seek, you will never find when all you lust for is gold. It will be the end of you, my little fox. It will be your end." She spoke as he disappeared from her sight and then her barrier.

It would be the final time she saw the cunning thief.

Sorako shot up, sweat beading down her face. Rubbing the moisture from her face, she was surprised that nothing about her body hurt, and also that she was no longer in Makai, but back in Kurama's, er, her bed.

Breath in short pants, she rested her head in her hands. "Why do I keep dreaming of him?" She wondered aloud, frustrated that she didn't know. "Who is this Youko Kurama?!"

Botan, who had been about to enter the room, stopped when she heard the name of the infamous kitsune thief uttered from her new friend's lips. Her eyes widened, puzzled. Does she know? No, of course not. She shook her head. She clearly doesn't even know who he is . . . but why is she dreaming about him?

Plastering on a fake smile, the ferry girl entered the room, carrying a tray of soup. Crimson eyes rose to her face as the deity greeted her. "Good morning! How are you feeling?" She asked, setting the tray down by the bed.

Sorako smiled weakly, her countenance still holding a troubled look. "I'm alright. Tell me, Botan, how long have I been back?"

"Oh," She began, sitting down beside the girl. "A little over a day. And before you ask, I was the one who healed you, so no need to worry." Standing to fix her soup, she was stopped dead in her tracks when Sorako next spoke.

Looking around, one person's presence was absent. "Where's Kurama?"

The deity turned back to her, a frown marring her normally cheerful face. "He's . . . in the hospital."

"Hospetal?" Sorako asked, confused. Botan could have slapped herself. Of course she wouldn't know what a hospital is!

"The hospital. It's where people go when they're terribly injured." She stated, her brow furrowing with worry.

"He . . . he'll be ok, right?" She asked timidly, a pale hand wrapping around Botan's own.

Her facade of happiness crumbling completely away, Botan slumped back to the bed, eyes filling with tears. "I don't know." She murmured, thoughts wandering back to all the times Kurama had been nearly killed. "Everyone keeps saying he will be, but . . . I've seen him injured before. It was never like this!" The ferry girl exclaimed, tears falling in waves.

Worry filled Sorako's eyes, but she tried her best to comfort her female friend. The pain filling the poor girl's eyes, the heart wenching sobs, the concern she showed, it all pointed Sorako to one thing. "You're in love with him, aren't you?"

Cotton candy eyes shifted up to her, wide with shock, but a single nod confirmed it. Sorako sighed softly. She had suspected as much, yet for some reason it made her sad. She didn't love Kurama. So why?

Flashes of memories broke into her consciousness, bombarding her with images.

"As long as she's safe." His voice, muffled by the ground, drifted to their ears.

The lord laughed as he tossed her away, grabbing the startled demon up seconds later. Unsheathing his sword, he thrust the sharp metal into the thief's chest, straight through his heart.

"You have a deal." Ayashige whispered into the dying man's ear before dropping him to the floor. A strangled gasp was heard before the dark-headed thief fell silent.

"KURONUE!" She screamed, intent on running to his side, but the guard stopped her. A malicious smile graced his lips. "LET GO OF ME!" She screeched, kicking and pawing but to no avail. "KURONUE!" Her fingers splayed out in a desperate attempt to reach him, to touch him. She wanted only to feel him, his warmth one last time.

His dark blue eyes shifted to her, dull and vacant. In that moment, she knew he was dead. He had died for her sake. The tears began to stream down her face as she was pulled from the room, never to see her beloved thief again.

Forgive me, She thought, his final words echoing in her ears.



---

He shifted uneasily, watching her with nervous blue eyes. "Here," He said, grabbing her wrist and shoving something into her opened palm.

Inquisitive crimson eyes shifted from him to her palm. She gasped. It . . . it was a beautiful ruby adorned silver pendant.

His pendant.

Eyes shifted from the piece of silver jewelry back up to him. "Y- you're giving this to me?" She asked, still uncertain. He nearly lost his life to retrieve this. Why is he giving it to me?

He smiled, nodding. "It's yours."

Eyes wide, she shook her head. "No, I couldn't possibly take this!" She thrust her hand toward him, attempting to return the gift. "It means so much to you."

"No," He stated firmly. His strong fingers reached out, wrapping hers around the ruby jeweled piece. "This is my gift to you." His free hand reached out, brushing softly against her cheek.



---


Her companion said nothing, instead leaning toward her, he stopped mere inches from her face. He was so close, his breath came in great warm puffs against her cheek, and she could smell his scent, one that reminded her of evergreens after rain.

It was intoxicating.

Eyes staring into his uncertainly, she made a move to speak when he closed the distance between them, his lips on hers.



Sorako gasped, her mind flooded with what she'd just seen. Those . . . can't be . . . memories? Yet, there was no doubt in her mind, she was regaining that which was lost. Her memories Ayashige willed her to forget were returning.

A bittersweet smile crept to her lips. I finally know your name, Blue Eyes, and now I know why you never came for me. Tears streaked down her cheeks as she reached out to embrace her deity friend. "You died." She whispered thickly, a sob escaping her lips.

The man that had been her rock for so long was gone, and she barely even knew him. Oh, I can still smell his scent. I can still feel him. Her traitorous fingers brushed softly against her lips, remembering the kiss he gave.

Botan eyed her friend with great worry. Only a moment ago, she had been quiet, subdued, but calm. Now, she was a mess. Was it something I said? "Sorako, are you alright?"

"H-he's dead!" The trembling girl screamed, clinging to the blue- haired woman like a lifeline.

"What?!" Botan exclaimed, still believing the conversation to be about Kurama. "How could you know that? Kurama can't be dead!" She exclaimed more tears pouring down her face. No, Kurama, you can't . . . .

Crimson eyes slid up, focusing on hers. "I . . . I'm not talking about Kurama." Sorako whispered, pulling away from the deity.

"Who then?" Blue brows furrowed in puzzlement. She isn't making any sense.

"I didn't tell any of you, but all the memories I ever had before my captivity were gone. Ayashige erased them, made me forget. He took all of them from me, save one." Sorako stated, eyes glistening with unshed tears. "He couldn't make me forget him."

"Do you know his name?" The ferry girl asked, throughly intrigued by it all. That, and it made her forget worrying for a moment.

Her eye lids slammed down, pent up tears creeping down her pallid face. "For a long time, the only thing I could remember about him were his dark blue eyes, and then after I came here, his face came into focus." Turning her eyes to Death, the pain she felt seeped out from her eyes, making the mood of the room suddenly drop. "Just now, I remembered his name . . . and that he died for me."

Oh, the poor dear! Botan thought, wrapping her arms around the now trembling girl. "Shh . . . . you can tell me about it. It'll help." She cooed, trying to calm the girl.

Pulling away, fierce ruby eyes bored into Botan. "That beast killed him! He killed Kuronue!" She screamed, all the pain escaping through her voice.

Exhausted, she slumped against Botan, breathing heavily. Her entire body was trembling, and she had broken out in a cold sweat. All this time, you were dead. That's why . . . you never came.

"Shh . . ." Botan cooed, all the while her mind was screaming she knew that name, but from where she had no clue. Maybe I should ask Kurama . . . .

Right before she drifted back to sleep, Sorako gave Botan a piece of advice. "You should tell him. Don't take for granted that the one you love will always be there, because one day, he won't. Don't be a fool . . . like I was."

Then, the darkness of sleep claimed her once again.

Kuronue . . . .

Well, there you have it! Welp, the identity of the blue-eyed man Sorako keeps thinking of was finally revealed. Bet that was surprising (or not). Whatever.

Ew, longest chapter yet!

Bets are still going on who the tortured dude is. Anyway, please review and hope you enjoyed it.

Animegirl417: Thanks for the praise. I'm glad people (even if it is only a handful) like and review this story. And for those who like it and don't review, naughty, naughty! I think it's a really good plot myself, but then again, I'm somewhat bias since it is, well, mine.

Fireneko: Ah, no. Every character in this piece are from the same show, and I doubt I'll have anyone making any cameos. Anyway, as I said, the Blue-eyed guy is Kuronue. I think maybe I threw a lot of people off because most of the time when he's in a story, he's portrayed with violet eyes, and in going back to watch the movie (I did my research), I tend to think they're actually (dark) blue. You get a real nice close up and everything! And I seriously love Kuronue. Too bad he's an obscure character.

Well, until next time, later.