Well, here's another wonderful chapter straight from my beta reader. Hope you all enjoy.

Disclaimer: The characters in the story are not mine. They belong to their respective owners. The exceptions to this are Sorako, Sahirah, Ayashige, and Hebi. Also, the concept is mine, so please do not steal it.

Chapter 8

Puzzled.

That was how Botan felt as she smiled softly, watching the young woman sleep. Her fingers delicately ran through Sorako's wavy auburn hair, smoothing it. She's been through so much, She thought, recalling what had been earlier said. Kuronue . . . where have I heard that name before?!

She huffed, exasperated. "Oh, I know I've heard it before, but where?!" She exclaimed, throwing her hands up. No matter what, she just couldn't place that name with a face. She said he had blue eyes . . . .

"Talking to yourself?" A voice laced with smug amusement asked from the opened window.

Botan whirled around, a scream mere moments from sounding, when she realized the intruder was only Hiei. "Would you stop doing that?!" She huffed, pointing a finger at him.

The jaganashi paid her little mind, instead focusing on the slumbering woman. "Has she awakened?" He questioned, ruby eyes never leaving her face. He recalled the deplorable condition he'd found her in and, had he been a lesser demon, he would have shuddered at the thought.

Yet, one thing plagued his mind. So much so that he could hardly focus on anything else. Why did she . . . embrace me? Yet, there was no one to answer that, even if he would have asked. Turning his eyes from the girl, he banished the thought for the twentieth time that day. Yet, a part of him could never forget, and it longed for her gentle touch more than anything.

"Yes." Botan replied, getting over the shock of Hiei actually asking her a question. "She only just fell back asleep. Why do you ask?"

His eyes flicked over to the deity for a moment before returning to Sorako's face, not bothering to answer. He couldn't help but notice the troubled expression on the young woman's visage. Almost as if she were remembering a horrible past.

Botan huffed, annoyed with herself. I should have known better than to think he would answer. Instead, she focused on something more important. "How's Kurama?" Death asked nervously, sure that Hiei would know. After all, Kurama was his closest friend.

Crimson eyes swivelled over to the ferry girl, a startled look flashing in his eyes before fading away behind the wall. "Why don't you go see for yourself?" He said, his voice monotone, flicking his head toward the window.

"But I have to-" Botan began, gesturing to the slumbering girl who was now tossing fitfully.

"I'll look after her." The jaganashi volunteered, cutting Botan off.

The blue-haired deity stared dumbly for a moment, then after getting a patented Hiei glare, she produced her oar and flew off. I hope you're alright, She thought, watching as the sun faded along the horizon.

"My Lord." The orange-eyed guard began, kneeling before his master's throne.

"What is it, Hebi?"Ayashige asked, unamused. He slumped against his throne, one leg thrown over the arm, picking dried blood from his nails. Torturing my captives is always so amusing, but so messy.

Hebi gulped, fearing the wrath of his Lord. He knew he would not be happy when he learned of the escape of his most beloved sex slave. For the second time.

"I . . . My Lord, the girl . . . ." He swallowed again, sweat trickling down his face and neck. "She has escaped."

Black eyes shot over to the guard's kneeling form, rage burning in their icy depths. "What?!" He exclaimed, bolting from the chair and grabbing the guard by his collar a second later. "How could you let her escape? Again?" He sneered, shaking the guard ruthlessly.

"But My Lord, s-she just dis . . . disappeared!" The guard exclaimed, his voice failing him. To show weakness was an instant death sentence here, that much he knew.

"What do you mean?" Ayashige snarled, his clawed fingers still clenching the guard's collar.

"One moment she was there, the next gone!" He cried, the breath leaving his windpipe. Letting the girl escape again was as good as death, but still he feared it. He was too young to die.

"Hebi, the girl couldn't have vanished! When did this happen?!" The Lord growled, his long canines lengthening and becoming visible. Soon, he would crave the taste of blood, and Hebi hoped it would not be his.

"R-right after those . . . humans c-came." The guard squeaked, unable to produce any sound above a harsh whisper. "When we r-returned . . . she was g-gone."

Ayashige's eyes hardened as he remembered the battle in question. When the small group of boys, along with a woman, He thought lustfully, had come he thought them nothing more than a nuisance needing to be dealt with. Yet, when the three had started fighting, he became quite entertained. Then he remembered there were four, not three.

"Was there not a fourth?" He asked, voice still filled with malice. "TELL ME!"

"I . . . I saw only three, My Lord." Hebi whimpered, for the first time truly frightened for his life. Silently, he wished he'd listened to his mother and become a ferryman.

The Lord hissed, throwing the guard from his grasp. "Be gone from my sight!" He bellowed, plopping back down on his throne. His thoughts wandered back to the battle, to the moment he had seen the fourth member of the group.

He was a demon, a fire demon. He sighed, resting his head against his fist. Yet, he felt different, almost as if he were . . . . Suddenly, it dawned on him. Sorako had not escaped, she had been taken. That fire demon . . . he is . . . .

He growled, slamming his fist down so hard, the throne's armrest cracked and nearly fell to pieces. That damned demon . . . and the fox! They will pay for what they have taken.

The Lord stood, a smug smirk gracing his face. Clenching his hands into fists, he made his way to the dungeon. There was a certain prisoner he felt the need to beat bloody.

Hiei watched as the small slip of a girl tossed, frowning in agony and remembered pain. I wonder . . . . He thought, reaching out to touch her.

Pushing the covers and the waistband of her pajama pants away, he stared at the horrid bruises still covering the healed flesh. Botan hadn't been able to mend those. She had been too drained.

A set of bruises the size of fingers angling down her hips particularly held his interest. He made them when she fought in the clearing. I did that, He thought, absently running one of the same fingers over the marks. He snorted in disgust. Though, whether it was because he had hurt her or that he cared he had, he couldn't be sure.

Recovering her marred skin and turning back to her face, he found the agonized expression still rested there. Did my actions cause this? He wasn't sure.

Maybe if he read her thoughts, things would be clearer.

Connecting with her, he scanned her mind, searching for anything that might make her past clearer. Then, he suddenly fell into her dream and was startled at what he saw.

Only a few feet away from him, the young girl stood, face contorted in pain, though the reason why was blocked from his eyes by trees. Stepping closer, he saw a sight he would have never imagined.

Before her was a thief. A demon thief. And she was wrapped in his arms. Then, as the short jaganashi watched, the demon leaned down, kissing her needily on the lips. Hiei's eyes widened when he realized she was not pulling away but falling into the demon's kiss. She was enjoying it.

As he continued to watch, Sorako seemed to come to her senses, pushing the thief away. However, when she did so, the blade of a sword shot out, impaling the dark demon through the heart. The young woman, horrified, screamed out the thief's name as he faded before Hiei's eyes.

He pulled back quickly to escape the dream, but still the young girl's eyes found him. Staring into her crimson depths, he realized she was in love with the thief from her dream, this Kuronue. It made his insides twist, and he recalled something she'd earlier said.

"Forgive me. I . . . for a moment, I thought you . . . you were someone else."

It must have been him, He thought bitterly. She thought I was the demon she loved. He scoffed at himself, pushing down the feeling of disappointment. It wouldn't do him any good to get attached to her. Not when he'd been avoiding such things all his life.

Just before he pulled out of the dream and from her mind, he heard her voice whisper on the wind. "Hiei . . . ."

Once he became aware of himself, he jumped out the window, watching from the tree as the young woman awoke.

Sitting up, Sorako reached up, fingertips brushing her lips. I . . . he kissed me . . . then I killed him, She thought, her mind flying a mile a minute. Yet, the part that seemed to disturb her most was during that time, she felt as though she weren't alone in her own mind. Almost as if someone else was there.

Then she remembered. Hiei . . . he was there, in my dream. But he wasn't, at the same time. Almost as if he were watching me, reading my thoughts.

Looking around, she scanned the room for the stoic demon. Moments later, she sighed at being unable to find him. She frowned, saddened by the thought. He's really not so terrible. He did save me after all. Running fingers through her mused hair, she huffed. And to think I thought he was Ayashige when we first met. I'm glad I was wrong, that they are not the same.

She thought back to the dream, the one moment when they had locked eyes. And he seemed so sad. Almost as if he were jealous . . . of Kuronue. Does he . . . . But she shook the thought away, deciding it was just a dream and that stoic, unemotional fire demons didn't care about humans, anyway.

A part of her whispered things hadn't always been as they are, but she silenced it, knowing the jaganashi had no knowledge of such so it was a pointless argument.

She sighed, removing all thoughts of the strange fire apparition from her mind. Instead she wondered where Botan was. I thought she was going to stay with me. I . . . I really wish she was here. Wrapping her arms around herself, she snuggled back under the covers. A chill ran down her spine, and she knew it wasn't from the chill of night air.

I wonder, how long will it take Ayashige to find me again?

Her thoughts were banished, however, when the door squeaked open. Crimson eyes widened in horror, fearful that she would once again be plunged into the hellish world she'd just escaped.

"So, you were able to return her safely?" Koenma asked, sucking on his pacifier absently. "That's good, that's good." Turning back to Yusuke, his eyes darkened, his mood more serious. "How's Kurama?"

"Well," Yusuke scratched his head, wondering how to best explain the circumstances. "He's physically ok, but for some reason, he just won't . . . wake up." The Spirit Detective replied, his brow knotted. "The doctors don't know what to think."

Koenma sighed, leaning back in his chair, hands folded together. "I see." Frowning, he fell into deep thought. What could possibly be causing Kurama to stay unconscious? I know he's been injured far worse in the past, but he's never stayed out this long. I wonder . . . .

"Yusuke, do you think this might have something to do with Youko?" The Reikai prince asked, mulling over the option in his head. It seems the most valid possibility at this point.

"Well, I've been thinkin' about that myself. Kurama's been a hellva lot closer to death in the past, but he's always bounced back." Yusuke stated, voicing Koenma's pervious thoughts. "Maybe the fox is too preoccupied to let Kurama wake up."

"Why would he be preoccupied though? Do you think it has something to do with the girl?"

Yusuke frowned, remembering something Kurama had said before he fainted. Koenma needed to know about it, and it wasn't like Kurama told him not to. Might as well. "Actually, no. It might have more to do with that demon lord's castle."

Koeman leaned forward, interested in what the detective had to say. I never even thought the demon lord could be involved. "What do you mean?"

"Right before he passed out, Kurama said he felt a spike of familiar spirit energies inside the castle." Yusuke explained. "They belonged to people he knew when he was Youko."

"Go on." Koenma urged, wanting every piece of information.

"That's it, really. The energy faded, then Kurama passed out." The dark-haired boy yawned, sitting down on his haunches. "Though, Kuwabara said there was something strange about that castle. Something . . . darkly pure about it. He'd never felt anything like it before."

"What about you? Did you feel anything strange?" The Child-ruler asked, digging into the plate of food an ogre had just brought.

"Actually, yeah. I did. The energy felt strange, almost like there was a battle going on between light and dark. Dark was winning." He stated, his brown eyes darkening. "I could feel the pain that place gave off. It nearly suffocated me. I think that might be what happened to Kurama." The boy locked eyes with his boss meaningfully.

"He wasn't strong enough to take the battling energy because of his injury." Koenma finished, picking up on what his detective was thinking. No wonder . . . but Youko should at the very least be helping him. If Kurama's human soul dies, Youko will as well. "But what about Youko? Such energies shouldn't have effected him."

Yusuke shrugged. "Dunno. I really don't know how that whole relationship works myself. But Youko's probably thinking about something, or else he would be awake, and that wouldn't be good."

"Yes, I know." The Spirit ruler agreed, swallowing the last of his meal, licking his fingers childishly. "Keep me posted, Yusuke. But for right now, watch out for Sorako, and make sure nothing happens to her. She's very important if we're going to catch this demon." Koenma began fumbling through the various files on his desk.

"What?!" Yusuke bellowed, bolting to his feet. "Why aren't we going after that asshole?! We know where he lives."

"Would you please stop yelling?" Koenma said, his voice taking on an irritated tone. "I know you know, moron, but right now, we have to see to the girl. She's very important, Yusuke." Though I'm really not sure why. "Don't worry, you'll be making your move soon, but for now, just keep an eye on her while I keep an eye on the demon. If he even twitches wrong, I'll send you in."

"Ok." He replied, running a hand through his slicked back hair. He wasn't totally comfortable with this for reasons he didn't understand, but for once, he was willing to follow orders. He's hiding something from me. I know he is.

Then, Botan broke through the door, her eyes wide, breath ragged. "Koenma-sir! It . . . it's-" She trailed off, catching her breath.

"What is it, Botan?" He asked, eyes filling with worry. The ferry girl was terribly upset.

"It-it's Kurama! He's turning into Youko!" She exclaimed, hands clenched tightly to her oar.

"What?!" Both the detective and prince exclaimed before the former shot out the door, bolting to the hospital as fast as his legs would carry him. What the hell's going on with you, Kurama?

Sorako's eyes widened, her heart jumping to her throat. Long silver hair, pale skin, fox ears, golden eyes . . . it . . . it's him! Her mind screamed, as she watched the familiar stranger enter her room.

His sleek ears swivelled, listening to every noise, his cunning eyes scanning the room. Those piercing orbs landed on her, staring straight into her crimson depths. A rakish half-smile appeared on his face as he stared at her, a spark of recognition lingering in his eyes.

The appearance of such a smile caused Sorako to freeze, her hands clenching the bed sheet as tightly as she could. Smiles like those never did her any good, and this creature frightened her, even though she had dreamt of him.

Taking a step toward her, the kitsune spoke for the first time. "Just as I thought. You are the same." He purred, sauntering over to her, his long tail swishing slowly behind him. His voice was just as she dreamed it.

Every muscle tightened as he moved toward her, his golden eyes burrowing into hers, reaching down into her soul, searching her heart, almost as if he wanted to find something. It made her nervous. His movements were sensual, his looks alluring, as he made his way slowly over the short distance to her.

Second after every agonizing second ate away at her, her muscles ached at the strain placed upon them. However, she refused to relax. Demon males were frightening, especially strong ones, and that is exactly what he was. It didn't help he was a fox, either, creatures known for their sensuality. If he wished it, she could do nothing to stop him from taking her.

As she watched, the kitsune reached the edge of her bed, sliding down to sit beside her. His hand reached out, finding hers and prying their iron grip from the sheets. He then slid the covering away, down to the foot of the bed.

As she sat there, her lips began to tremble, tears bubbling from her eyes, the stress of being alone with a man she didn't know finally taking its toll. She slid her eyes shut, hoping the creature beside her would only be a bad dream, gone when she opened them again.

Molten eyes widened, watching as the young girl began to weep, her entire body trembling violently. The kitsune had expected many things, but not this. For her to tremble in his presence, it twisted his heart. She's never done that before . . . even when we first met. She was never afraid.

Gently stroking her cheek with his thumb, he tried to calm her. He silently longed for his human half to wake, being as he was a demon he had no idea how to deal with weepy women. "Don't cry. I won't hurt you." He cooed, eyes lingering on her glistening cheeks. Withdrawing his hand slightly, he wiped the salty liquid away.

Sorako swallowed, opening her eyes but still refused to look at him. "W-why are you here?" Her voice trembled, her strong front already cracking.

"I came for you." He murmured, his long fingers threading into her hair, pushing her face upward to look at him.

Fear shone in those depths, most likely brought on by his statement, but he didn't care. He had waited too long to find her again, too long to feel her comforting presence. I was such a fool, He thought, lowering his head until his forehead was resting against hers.

The action clearly made her nervous, but he didn't let her pull away. He instead tilted his chin forward, planting a chaste kiss on the girl's lips, hoping it would perhaps calm her.

The effect, however, was not as he desired. Like a trapped animal, the girl floundered about, hoping to find any way she could to be free of his grasp. Moments later, she found herself flat of her back, the taller fox straddling her hips in a very intimate way.

Her crimson eyes widened in terror, yet moments before her scream tore through the night, he kissed her again, the scream invading his throat rather than the air. Sorako struggled, trying with all her strength to get him off.

She wanted to scream, she had to. Someone, anyone had to save her. She couldn't bare the thought of being another demon's plaything, just another bed warmer.

She didn't want to be weak anymore.

Just as she thought he would never stop, he pulled away, golden eyes once again staring into hers. Seeing her chance, she struck out at him, only to have both her wrists clasped above her head by one large clawed hand.

"I suggest you calm down," He drawled, panting slightly. Really, he'd forgotten how much of a spitfire she could truly be when frightened. "I told you I didn't come here to hurt you." Again he rested his forehead against hers, this time to regain his composure, breathing softly into her face.

Sorako was surprised to find his scent was not offensive as she might have imagined but a pleasant one . . . and familiar. Roses . . . he smells like roses. Just like . . . . "Kurama." She whispered softly, her eyes closing.

The fox started, nearly slamming his forehead hard against hers. "What?" He muttered gazing into her tense face.

Crimson eyes appeared again. "You . . . you smell like roses." She murmured, still trembling. "Just like the man protecting me."

The fox's eyes widened slightly before a soft smile graced his face. A smile she knew well from another. "Do I, then?" He whispered huskily.

She nodded against him, her face turned away. She was still frightened, he knew, but it seemed the thought of his red-headed human counterpart had calmed her.

For a moment . . . I could have sworn . . . he looked just like Kurama, She thought, eyes wandering over the room. His shirt she had worn when she came here was still hanging on the back of the desk chair. Oh, Kurama, where are you?

"What . . . is your name?" She asked after several moments of silence had passed.

Pulling back, he met her gaze, his eyes honest and kind. "My name? You know my name, or have you forgotten me?" He replied, his free hand playing with a strand of her hair spilling across the pillow.

"I . . . I don't." She denied, staring at him.

He seemed to sadden, his golden eyes dulling. "Youko." He murmured, his lips nestled next to her ear. "Youko Kurama." Then, he closed the distance, softly kissing her sensitive neck.

"Please . . . ." She pleaded, head turned from him. Tears once again fell from her eyes. He purred much like a cat, hoping for her consent to do what he had always wanted. "Don't."

That one small word hit him like a ton of bricks, and he stopped immediately. Releasing her wrists, he leaned back away from her. A look of dejection clearly showed on his handsome face. "Why are you so afraid?" He whispered after a few moment's silence. "I would not hurt you."

"Because I don't know you!" She exclaimed, pulling as far from him as she could.

The fox frowned, standing. A small bitter smile played across his face when he looked at her. "But you do, Sorako. You know me very well." He said, then, like a specter on the wind, he was gone.

Sorako blinked, wondering if she had dreamt it all. Pushing herself up, she retracted her hand from the pillow when something sharp pricked it. Turning, she found a single flower lying beside where her head had lain. It was a red rose.

For love, she realized, her fingers tracing her still swollen lips. Who was that man? How did he know my name? Picking up the rose, she gazed at it lovingly. It was a beautiful gift, from an equally beautiful stranger. And what did he mean, he came here for me?

Then, Hiei burst through the window, sword in hand.

She gasped, the rose falling from her fingers into her lap. The fire apparition watched it in disdain. He needed to have a talk with the fox. Sword sliding back into its sheath, he turned back to the still shaking girl.

"Are you alright?" He asked, kneeling on the bed beside her.

She nodded. Before the stoic jaganashi knew it, the small woman had her arms wrapped around him, her head in the bend of his neck, and wept.

The startled demon did nothing at first, then relaxing into her embrace, he wrapped his arms around her simply content to hold her until she fell asleep. Making sure she would be ok, he leapt from the window. He had a fox to hunt. He silently wished he didn't have to leave her alone.

Eyes of a now indiscernible color bled as more tears fell from the broken demon's orbs. His captor, Ayashige, had left moments before, and in his wake left a demon, broken and devoid of nearly everything. The Lord had almost claimed his life.

I'm going to die here, He thought in misery, trying his best to stay awake. He knew that if the darkness took him, he would die.

Would death be so bad? A small voice asked, lingering in the back of his mind. He could never hurt you again.

The thought enticed him momentarily, but he fought it back. He wouldn't die. Not at the hands of that animal. I didn't die back then, I won't die now, his mind screamed remembering a time long ago, when the Lord had given him his first, nearly fatal, scar.

Choking down the blood filling his throat, he rolled over on his stomach, hoping the cold would keep him lucid. Then, a thought crossed his mind he hadn't realized. Everyone thinks I'm dead . . . everyone but me. I have to stay alive for me.

And for her, The small voice whispered, reminding him of the woman he could never forget. The only one he'd ever loved.

"What do you mean, 'He's turning into Youko?'" Koenma asked once the ferry girl was calmed somewhat. The pair were hovering above the city, searching for the fox. Koenma unconsciously tightened his grip on Botan's waist when he noticed how high up they were.

"Exactly what I said. When I walked in the room, Kurama's hair was already turning silver, and as I watched, he transformed completely." Botan exclaimed, eyes scanning every street for the lithe thief.

Her thoughts drifted back to that moment, when golden feral eyes had locked with hers. They flashed green . . . then he kissed me. It had been a terrifying, yet oddly sensual experience. It left her breathless.

"How is that possible?" The prince wondered aloud, scratching his chin. Though he'd never really thought about it, Kurama was a very complicated person, being a merger of a demon and human souls. He wondered if the souls truly were merged, or if the cunning fox had only led everyone to believe so.

In light of recent events, Koenma was strongly beginning to believe the latter.

"I don't know, sir. But I do know Youko Kurama is running around Ningenkai." She stated, cotton candy eyes surveying the horizon worriedly. She had to talk to Kurama, but with Youko on the loose, she might not get the chance. If he does anything, Kurama cold be thrown in prison! The thought tore at her, making her think about what Sorako had said.

If I love him, tell him. Alright then, that's exactly what I'm going to do. She frowned. Only, I can't. Not while Youko's running a muck. Oh, Kurama, I need you. Where are you?!

Just then, the pair spotted a shadow flashing in and out and knew it could only be one person. "Hiei!" Koenma called out, both jetting to the jaganashi's position.

The fire apparition stopped, turning to the Reikai prince. A look of clear annoyance scrawled across his face at the interruption.

"Oh, Hiei, have you seen Kurama?" Botan asked frantically, eyes searching the demon's face.

"I'm hunting him." Came the reply. Then, after stopping to consider it, he turned back to the deity. "You should go check on the girl. She was rather shaken up after her encounter with him." Then the fire apparition was gone.

Botan's eyes widened, then without a second thought, she bolted toward Kurama's home, hoping all the while Sorako was alright. I hope he didn't hurt her . . . please, no.

Dun, dun, dun . . . Youko's on the loose. What will everyone do? And what's up with him kissing everyone?

I really enjoyed writing this chapter, especially the parts with Youko. I swear he's the funniest character to write. Even more so that Kuronue. Anyway, a little more of the plot fell into this and it just keeps getting more complicated.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed it. Please, review.

Another name meaning:
Hebi- snake (I could be wrong about this, but I'm too lazy to go look right now)

FireNeko- You've never seen him? Aww, you're missing a great-looking character, I tell ya. If you want to see a pic of him, go to BestAnime.com (I believe) and look up Yu Yu Hakusho, then search the pictures in the archive section. It's not a full body shot, but hey it's a nice pic of his face. I know I used it as a drawing reference. Now, now, threats will get you nowhere, and besides I'm not quitting. I'm having way too much fun with this story, and .: sniffle :. if you kill me, the story will never be finished and you wouldn't want that, now would you? Oh, and you can probably get the movie at FYE. I know that's where I got my copy.

Sessha's Crazy- Didn't see you there for a few chapters. I thought you'd quit reviewing! Anyway, yup, it was Kuronue. C'mon, if you've read my bio, you ought to know I love love love Kuronue. He's my fav YYH character, even though he's totally obscure. And you know he has to be cool if he's Youko's best bud. I'm also glad none of my Sorako torture offended you. I didn't think it would be offensive(being as it's not as bad as I could have done) but with some, you never know.

Animegirl417- Well, I'm glad you picked up on the Kuronue thing. I didn't think I was making an extremely obscure reference there. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter, being as I think it's even better than the last and it does have more character interaction.

Well, until next time, later.