Well, here's another chapter for all you lovely people. Sorry I've been gone for a while (though it really wasn't that long). This chappie was written Sunday and beta'd on Monday, but I didn't have time to edit and post it until today. Hope you all enjoy.

Disclaimer: The characters within this work of fiction do not belong to me but their respective owners. This, however, does not include Sorako, Sahirah, Ayashige, or any other random characters not appearing within the original work, which all belong to me. The plot also belongs to me, so please do refrain from taking it.

Chapter 11



Annoyed.

Youko watched his caretaker, a look of smug disdain displayed plainly across his face. From the way she always stood so perfectly still to her kind voice and soft crimson eyes, everything played havoc on his already frazzled senses. It was almost as if he couldn't decide whether he loved or hated her.

Perhaps it had something to do with the way she treated him. Whenever someone met him, they cowered and never dared to touch him, like him, nor if it came to it - reject him, but she was different. Though she knew who he was, along with his reputation duly earned, she treated him with the same amount of kindness he imagined she would show a helpless newborn kit.

Being the person he was and never having experienced the random kindness of strangers, Youko was suspicious. Just as he always was.

Right now, however, she was just flat out annoying him, and seeing as she was coming over to treat his healing injuries, Youko was very well going to let her know about it.

"Isn't there anyone else here?!" The irritated kitsune asked as she once again ran her fingers over the injuries, checking their progress. Sure, she was beautiful but beauty only took one so far, and he was sorely getting tired of her placid demeanor no matter what he did or said. It blew his mind that she could tolerate him so. No one should be that calm.

Her surprised gaze shifted, meeting his. Clearly, the question had been an unexpected one. Whenever she was in contact with him, he either sulked silently or threw insults while acting very much a child. It was the first time he'd ever spoken somewhat civilly to her. However, she could tell he was still extremely annoyed with her.

Her brows furrowed, a flash of pain crossing her features. "No, I am the only one here." She whispered, wrapping bandages around the wounds, which were still leaking pus and fluid.

"Don't you have any friends?" He snarled, crossing his arms childishly. His erect ears twitched with agitation, causing her gaze to avert to them momentarily. She suddenly longed to touch the pointed appendages, sure that they would be as silky as his moonlight hair. Anything to forget the memories his words had brought to the surface. It's been so long . . . .

He was startled when she suddenly stood, moving across the room away from him. He didn't fail to notice her hands wringing the old bandages, nor the anxiety that seemed to drape itself around her small form, seeping into the very air he breathed.

Staring into the darkened corner, she shook her head. "I am alone." I . . . I didn't realize how much so until now. Shifting her pain-filled eyes back to the reclined fox lying not seven feet from her, she wondered if he was alone as she.

The dour mood surrounding her lifted, her hands stopped, and she turned to face him. "Tell me, do you have anyone to miss you? To mourn your passing, Youko?" Her voice was fragile, perhaps mere moments from breaking.

Eyes incredulous, he studied her for any sign of what she might be thinking, yet no outward clues shone through. "Is that your subtle way of telling me I'm dying?" He snorted, the idea once again preposterous in his mind. He seemed to forget had it not been for her, he would have died.

"No." She said, her gaze falling to the floor. It was clear to Youko this woman had a painful past, and it made him curious. Not that I care if she's in pain, He thought, trying to justify his curiosity. His left ear swivelled toward her as she spoke, her voice barely a whisper. "I was only curious. I thought surely even legendary thieves had companions. You don't have to tell me."

Maybe it was the tone of her voice, or maybe his sudden wish just to relate to her, the fox told her of the only person he'd ever given a damn about. Well, other than himself. "Kuronue." He said, his eyes falling closed. I bet he's wondering where I am.

Her eyes met his, confused. "What?"

"There are many in Makai that would rejoice the passing of Youko Kurama, but only one that would mourn." Golden eyes opened, melding with crimson. "His name is Kuronue."

Her mouth formed a small 'oh' of understanding, and, discarding the bandages, she moved back to the kitsune's side. "This . . . Kuronue, is he a thief as well?" She timidly asked, her eyes sparkling with wonder.

Youko nodded, internally smirking that he held such an enchanting creature's attention. All his animosity for her faded away, replaced with a subtle emotion he hesitated to call happiness. It had been so long since he'd felt anything even remotely similar. "He's the only member of my band I even remotely trust or consider a partner."

She smiled softly. "I never would have imagined you held such a bond with anyone. I realize in this day there is little honor among thieves . . . or anyone else." She said, a deep-rooted bitterness melting into her voice at the end. Youko would have asked her, yet she continued before he could. "I would be happy to hear of your friend . . . if you want to share it with me."

Friend . . . . Youko had never really thought about it, but yes, Kuronue was his friend. The only one he really ever had. "What would you like to know?"

She smiled sincerely, nearly knocking the breath from his lungs. "Everything." She murmured, sitting down beside him. Her eagerness was a nearly pliable entity in the room. It's been so long since I've had a conversation like this . . . too long.

So, for the rest of the night, Youko told her every detail about his friend. From the way he looked to his jaunty laugh to his love of the stars high in the heavens, he left nothing out. He also told her several of their adventurous heists and of the numerous times they had saved each other's lives.

At one point, she had even dared to rest her head against his broad shoulder. The action brought a smile to his face, though had he been well, things would have been different. Very different, indeed. After a short time, she fell soundly asleep against him.

Leaning back while careful not to wake her, he nestled the small woman's head comfortably in the crook of his arm, and moments later, he too drifted off into the land of dreams. Memories of his friend, some that had been long forgotten, still whirled about in his mind.

Groaning softly, Sorako opened her too heavy eyes, searching the room she was presently in. It's so cold. Crimson orbs wandering about, she tried to move but soon found her ankles were bound, cold steel bitting into her tender flesh. What's going on?!

The sudden realization of where she was hit her all at once. The dank icy room, the steel chains, the dimness of everything . . . she was back with the demon lord. She was in the dungeon. "No . . ." She whispered. "Not again." Bowing her head, the tears began to fill her eyes, streaking down to bare flesh below. A small bitter snort rang out from her nostrils. Of course I would be naked. It seems to be a constant state of being for me here.

Wallowing in her own rotten luck, she heard something move across the room, causing her eyes to dart in the noise's direction. "Whose there?!" She asked urgently, searching the inky blackness for any signs of danger.

"Sorako? You're awake?" A small feminine voice, overly hoarse, asked. It was a voice she had come to know well over the past month or so.

"Botan? Oh, I'm glad you're here!" She exclaimed weakly, the remnants of her tears still streaking down her face. "What happened?"

"After you passed out, Kurama came back, and then Ayashige came and tried to kill him!" the deity nearly screamed, her voice a frantic pitch that made Sorako's head pound.

Sorako's heart clenched at the thought of another person she cared about being killed by her captor. The mere thought of it was almost too much to bear. "Di-did he . . ?" She asked hesitantly, her whispering voice thick with emotion.

Botan cried out, hot salty tears filling her cotton candy orbs and falling down her face. "I don't know. Kurama wasn't well enough to fight a demon like him, and he was injured when I lost consciousness. H-he could be dead right now, and I wouldn't know." She blubbered shakily. Even through the darkness Sorako could see the petite blue-haired woman trembling.

"I . . . I'm sorry, Botan." She murmured, head bowed. "It's my fault. If Kurama's dead, I'm to blame. Forgive me." No matter where I go, people die . . . I must truly be cursed. Her eyes fell closed as the weight of all her guilt settled on her shoulders. Botan will hate me . . . they all will. I might as well have killed him with my own two hands. It's my doing!

Pink eyes widened. She thinks this is her fault? "Sorako . . . I don't blame you." She cooed sincerely, worried for her new friend. She's been through so very much. Even though she tried, the deity couldn't imagine half the horrors she'd been through. Or the horrors they would go through if the others didn't rescue them in time. She shuddered involuntarily before pushing the thoughts of tourture away. I can't think about that now. They'll save us. I know they will. "You can't control his actions anymore than we can. Please, we don't blame you."

"But you should." She replied weakly, all the life seeming to fade from her. "If you hadn't found me that day I escaped, he wouldn't have come after you. You wouldn't be here now, and Kurama wouldn't be hurt." She sulked, her vision nothing but a blur from all the tears. "If it weren't for me, so many people would still be alive." I . . . I wish I would have died that day, along with my family.

A frown played on the deity's face as she became even more worried for her friend. Does she truly feel that way? It almost feels like she . . . wants to die. "But just think about all the people who wouldn't be if you hadn't known them. Doesn't that count, too?" Botan asked, watching the dimly lit form of her friend. Surely all the good she's done will help her to realize her life is worth it.

Sorako stopped for a moment, remembering what she could of her past. She had indeed touched people's lives, but they were all dead now. My family, my entire village, Youko, Kuronue . . . . "Not enough to matter. All the harm I've caused outweighs the good. I've wronged so many," She sobbed, curling in on herself as much as she could. I'm such a horrible person. I couldn't even save the man I loved. "And still . . . I live, while they die all around me."

Botan sighed softly, crying mutely for the red-head. She'd had no idea her friend felt so responsible, and the urge to hug the melancholy woman swept over her in waves. Yet, being bound to the wall left her with only the unfulfilled want. To place so much blame on oneself . . . Deity death wondered how the girl was even managing to function properly. No wonder she collapsed. "Sorako, you can't keep people from caring about you . . . and we get involved because we want to. There are always risks, yet the companionship of another is worth it." Botan stated, trying to make the lost girl understand why they put their lives on the line to help her.

Sad eyes rose, looking in the deity's direction. "You want to be near me, even knowing the life I've had to live? All the pain I've caused those around me?"

Botan nodded. "Uh-huh. We care about you because you're our friend, and we know this life was not one you chose."

Friend . . . She thought back to the first friend she'd ever had. Oh, Youko . . . are you truly still alive? Will you come for me? "Thank you." She murmured, still half-lost in thought.

Botan, seeing the girl was placated, turned her attention back to another matter of importance. "Sorako, do you mind if I ask you something?"

The girl in question pulled from her own thoughts to focus on the deity. "Sure. I don't mind." Her voice was still terribly weak, a sure sign of sickness. It troubled the deity, being as she could not help her.

Opening her mouth, Botan hesitated, unsure of how to say what she wanted to ask. I can't just flat out ask her if she's ever been anything other than human, can I? It would be rude.

"Botan?" Sorako questioned, wondering why the pastel-eyed girl was hesitating. "If you think it will offend me, don't worry. You can tell me." She reassured, though internally she was very nervous. What could she possibly want to ask me?

Shifting uncomfortably, the deity asked her question the only way she knew. "Have you ever been anything other than human?" She blurted out, embarrassed. I can't believe I just asked that.

The young girl started, eyeing the deity as best she could. "How did you know?" She asked after several minutes of silence. Her crimson orbs shimmered in the pale light seeping in from the tiny window above their heads.

The deity blushed even harder, almost positive Sorako could see her, even through the inky dark. "I . . . didn't. Kurama figured it out." She answered, her voice subdued.

"Oh." Came the reply. "Why do you ask?"

"Sorako, you have to tell me everything. Please." Botan begged, ignoring her question for more pressing things. She watched the girl from across the dank, poorly lit dungeon. "Everything you remember about Youko."

The girl started once again, casting a glance over in Botan's direction, though she couldn't actually see the deity too clearly. "You know about Youko?"

"Of course I do. Now please, tell me." Death once again begged. She had to know what type of relationship the pair had. It was irrational, but still it ate at her. Kurama is Youko, after all.

Sorako sighed, leaning her head against the icy walls. "Youko was my friend . . . and so much more all at the same time. Please, don't misunderstand, I didn't love him romantically. It's just . . . to know Youko is to know passion." The young woman closed her eyes, letting the memories of their times together wash over her, filling her being with a sense of comfort.

"After the entire village was murdered, I lived in solitude for so long. Then, he came and filled the void I hadn't realized I possessed, and I think I filled whatever void his soul bared. At least, until he left." Her eyes opened, staring out across the vast dungeon room and met the pink eyes of the ferry girl for the briefest of moments. "He was the closest friend I ever had. It's a shame neither of us realized how much we meant to the other until it was too late." She murmured, wrapping her battered arms around herself. Much too late . . . .

Oh, that poor girl! Losing her entire village. "I'm sorry to hear about your family. It must have been awful." She murmured, her kind eyes welling with tears once again. She couldn't even think about losing those closest to her without crying. What must it be like for her?

Sorako smiled bitter sweetly. "Don't be. I've had a very long time to deal with my grief. I've learned to live with it." She said, her voice trailing off to a mere whisper. "Youko helped me with that."

"Was he truly just a friend?" Botan asked, amazed that someone, especially someone as naive as she seemed to have been, could've only been friends with the charming kitsune and nothing more.

Sorako smiled, a small chuckle ringing out. "To say he was just a friend would be vastly understating our relationship, but no, Botan, he was not my lover." She replied. Never. Her voice was calm and solemn, but the deity could hear the underlying strain to it, a clear sign that her memories of Youko were uncomfortable, if not painful. Though, had he stayed, we might have . . . .

"But didn't it make you uncomfortable to be alone with him, knowing what he was and did?" The deity asked, brows furrowed in thought. She recalled when she'd seen Kurama as Youko in the Dark Tournament and shivered. I know I would be.

"I was, at first, but that was only because he seemed to hate everything about me. He was always so cold. Yet, after I broke down his defenses and really began to know and understand him, I always felt at ease . . . even though he was a philanderer and infamous thief." She explained, smiling at the recalled memories. Yet, something's bothering me. "Botan, may I ask you something?"

"Sure." She shrugged. There was nothing better to do. Though, I could do without the chains, She thought bitterly as the cold metal bit at her wrists.

"How did you know about my relations with Youko? I know I never told you." The young human stated, still watching deity death with eyes that seemed to glow in the poorly lit space.

Botan blushed, ashamed that she'd been caught. "I . . . heard you once, when you said you had dreamt about him. And I figured, since no one had actually told you about him, you had to have known him at some point in your life." She hastily explained. She would have covered her face, but being as her hands were bound well above her head, could not. "That's also how Kurama figured out about your past."

A small expression of understanding fluttered across the red-head's face. "So, you knew then." Her voice faded, barely a whisper in the dark. "It doesn't matter now, though. He died 18 years ago . . . and yet I saw him, in my- Kurama's room. He was there, and he kissed me." Twice. Did he truly know? "How is that possible, Botan? How did Youko survive when everyone thought he was dead?" And better yet, how did he find me? Know me?

As the deity was about to answer, the guard entered and, upon undoing her chains and the like, took the now terrified Sorako away. The ferry girl was alone.

"Where in the hell was this castle again?" Yusuke huffed, searching the Makai woodlands for any sign of their destination. Dammit, I was sure it was around here somewhere. Scratching his head, the detective turned in a circle. All to be seen were trees, trees, and more trees. There were no signs of a castle anywhere.

"Stop worrying, Detective." Hiei chastised, jumping down beside the dark-haired boy from his perch in a tree. "The fox will lead us there."

"Huh?" Kuwabara jumped in, scratching his head. "How do you know Kurama's changed back into Youko?" His puzzled eyes landed on his two companions.

"Because he'd be dead by now if he wasn't, you brainless buffoon." The fire demon quipped, flashing a look of disdain at the taller boy. Really, he wasn't in the mood for dim-witted humans, especially this particular dimwit.

"Oh, bite my ass, shorty! How was I supposed to know that?" The orange-top yelled, his hands balled into fists. He's so annoying! Wouldn't kill him to be nice once in a while.

"Y'know, as thrilling as that would be, I think we've got bigger problems." Yusuke jumped in, pointing comically behind the two arguing guys. Both, each with their respective swords drawn, turned dumbly toward that direction and found a horde of demon soldiers marching toward them. Malice and bloodlust burned in their eyes as sinister smiles crept onto their faces.

These demons had one purpose and that was to kill the three rescuers before they reached the castle.

Hiei smirked, slipping into a battle stance as the tall teen paled. "Th-there's so many of them." The orange-top squeaked, taking a step back, behind the jaganashi.

"Stop being a baby and fight." Hiei bellowed as he and Yusuke charged the mass, the lust for a kill building in his blood. You'd better save her, Kurama, Hiei thought as he began to mow down the masses. The only way he could justify not going directly after her himself was the fact that Kurama was already on the trail and the little fact he couldn't trust the two human boys to take out all these demons. That and the fact he wanted- no, needed- to distance himself from the girl. He couldn't allow himself to get attached, no matter how much she reminded him of his sister.

He would uphold the promise he had made himself so long ago. He would never allow his sister to know him, and the same went for the human woman. That foolish woman and her ridiculous ideas . . . .

Yet, even as he tried to convince himself, the nagging ache to know both Sorako and Yukina would not go away. It even intensified with every waking moment. It seemed that Sorako had awakened a part of the fire apparition that had been thought long dead. She had made him feel. However, he sternly ignored that part of himself, forcing back any emotions he felt.

All emotion ever did was make one weak, allowing enemies to see vulnerabilities and capitalize on them. He, for one, would never let that happen. He wouldn't allow his sister to pay for his sins.

Slicing down demon after demon, he fought an inner battle with himself, torn between the way of life he'd always known and the one he'd been so recently shown by a tiny slip of a human girl. Even though he ignored it, a part of him wondered, Is it really so bad to be human?

Youko growled as he picked his way through yet another barrier surrounding the castle. Damn bastard's being too careful. Wasting my time! Snarling, he jumped through a hole, following the scent of the two women.

Corridor after corridor he followed by scent, his vigor sparking as he got closer to the source. Almost . . . . Coming to yet another corridor, exactly the same as all the others, something changed.

His molten eyes widened, his pert nose subtly sniffing the air, double checking his suspicions. Yes, they've been separated. Botan is . . . He turned his head to the right, toward the darker part of the hall. That way . . . in the dungeon. Sniffing to the left, he found the scent of soft lavender, the one he was searching for. Yet, the overwhelming smell of another scent filled his nostrils, making his eyes widen with barely contained rage. Blood! Sahirah's blood! Breaking into a run, he shot down the left hallway.

Why do you keep calling her Sahirah?! Kurama screamed in the fox's mind, hoping for some kind of answer. He tried not to think about the stench of her blood filling the air.

However, the kitsune did not respond, for he had come to his destination: The monster's bedroom. That bastard! A deep seated growl, one that even startled Kurama, rumbled from the kitsune's throat as he burst down the shoji screen, a murderous intent gleaming in his molten eyes. His fangs were barred, his gaze feral.

The sight that greeted him wasn't the one he'd expected. Lying on the floor was the object of his obsessive search, looking for all the world broken beyond compare. Standing over her, still fully clothed but with hands dripping in blood, was the demon lord himself. Turning toward the now destroyed door, Ayashige smiled, but it was a sinister, wicked thing without any warmth.

"I've been expecting you, Youko." He purred, his voice disgustingly sweet. "And as such, I've prepared a . . ." He hesitated, searching for the correct word, "gift for you." His smile widened to show his unusually white, and sharp, fangs. "Why not take a look." He side-stepped, gesturing toward the girl lying on the floor.

Staring with golden eyes at the mass of battered flesh laying on the floor he watched as her head tilted up, gold meeting ruby in a stare of recognition.

Youko!

It's her! His mind yelled, blocking out everything else. Even the present danger of the demon lord was a distant memory. Just as I remember . . . .

Her hair, which had been a beautiful auburn, was changing before his very eyes, lightening to a stunning silver only slightly lighter than his own. Matched with her much more pallid skin, lain bare before him due to her nakedness, she resembled a goddess of old. A very familiar one. Even the pale blue oval shimmering with unseen magic upon her forehead was well known.

Granted, there were few women from his past sexual misgivings that he actually remembered. Not because he didn't want to, it was just a simple fact that there were too many to remember every single one. Once he had his sights set, no woman was immune to his charms.

Except one.

Her.

She evaded his every advance with an ease and grace that seemed inhuman, impossible. He would actually have been impressed had he not been so miffed by her evasive tactics.

Snap out of it! She's in danger! Now is not the time to be thinking about that! Kurama, who was still throughly confused by it all, screeched in his mind, causing him to wince. Damn that boy and his loud mouth.

"Well, here she is. Are you going to try to steal her from me . . . Youko Kurama, greatest thief in all Makai?" Her captor purred, eyeing the fox hungrily. The gleam in the sinister man's eyes made even the fox uncomfortable, which was a rare feat indeed. "Even though you aren't the only demon I was hoping to lure here, you can stay . . . until the right one does come."

"I think not." His deep voice rumbled, a growl following the words.

Bored eyes turned from the girl back to him. "Are you going to fight me?" The flippant demon asked. He walked over to the battered girl, palming her chin and inspecting her for any aspect of greatness possibly missed. While she was an enchanting creature in her full glory, it didn't seem enough to attract the attention of the great thief.

Apparently he'd missed something if she'd attracted the fox, one known to have any woman he chose whenever he chose. "Does she really mean that much to you?"

Before the final word had escaped the man's lips, Youko attacked, throwing his full force at Ayashige. It was not enough, however. Moments later, he was unceremoniously thrown against the wall behind him. A set of spiritual bonds stronger than any steel barred him there.

"I suggest you control that temper, Fox, until I've finished. You might want to hear what I have to say. Though, judging from your reactions in recent days and being you're so very clever, I'd say you probably know most of it." The captor's evil black eyes glanced at the silver kitsune, a seductive grin playing on his face.

"I imagine you had no idea your little human house guest was actually this magnificent creature lain before you. Of course, why would one even entertain such a notion that a beast as pure and dignified as a unicorn would be hidden beneath the skin of a lowly human?" He chuckled to himself in morbid fascination. Resting his chin nonchalantly against his thumb and forefinger, he continued to study the girl's natural form. I'd forgotten just how spectacular she truly is.

"Though, I must say, she does give humanity a better name. Her naive innocence has endearing qualities to it." His grin shifted into a malicious smile, continuing to study the woman he'd had so many times before, yet never seemed able to break.

"And of course destroying that has proved entertaining indeed. Watching her fall apart at the very seams of her being as every thing she ever believed was ripped away in glorious fashion never bores me. Though, your dark friend broke her with far fewer actions than I'd ever hope to achieve." A hint of disdain edged into his voice. He shifted back to Youko who remained on the floor. "Perhaps you'd like to stay? I could make it worth your wile." Eyes suggestively swivelled back to the girl. The repulsive smile still rested on his lips. "I know how . . . impure your thoughts of her truly are."

A growl of disdain was his only answer.

"Ah, no? Oh well, your loss." The beast made to walk off but turned suddenly, stopping mere inches in front of the thrashing fox's nose. "How perfectly you played into my plan. Not only do I have his pathetic unicorn but also his closest friend. Ah, my dreams of eliminating the only link to that girl's unicorn past are merely a grasp away. Once I have him, she will be forced permanently into her living death. How I love curses." Thrusting a massive bear-like clawed hand upon the silver's torso, he crushed his chest cavity.

She watched in helpless mute horror as her friend, one she thought long dead, was killed. Of his death she had no doubt. She'd heard his heart burst, seen it in his eyes. Those beautiful golden orbs had shifted, catching her gaze only a moment before that terrifyingly final sound filled her ears.

"NO!!" She screeched, but the screaming pain of her own wounds betrayed her, held her to the spot. "Youko." She murmured, tears spilling down her cheeks. Please . . . I need you.

The demon, satisfied with his work, stood, brushing invisible wrinkles from his elegant garbs. "Goodbye, Youko," He hissed, pausing before her quivering, bloody form. "I hope you are used to your humanity, for shortly, you will have no other options." With that said, he turned and left her alone.

You came. You're here. Pulling herself together before all her powers left, she drug herself to the slumped form of one of her oldest, dearest friends. I have to hurry, before all my power is gone. I can feel it beginning to wane even now.

She leaned over his face, studying the slacken visage as she had done so many times in the distant past. It always amazed her how innocent he looked while sleeping. Not like a thief at all. Her eyes welled with tears once again, weeping for her friend. Only this time . . . he isn't asleep. H- he's dead. One fragile hand rose, delicately palming his rapidly cooling cheek.

She had to do this, or she'd never be able to forgive herself. He couldn't stay dead. If he did, she would have no one from the past. It would all be for nothing then. They would all be dead.

Fragmented thoughts of a raven hair and crimson eyes so much like her own filled her head, taunting her, melding into a face in her tortured mind. Why am I thinking of such things? Ignoring the thoughts and the face unknown, she shook it from her mind.

She leaned forward, watching as his lips began to lose their color, and placed a chaste kiss on the kitsune's lips. It was the simplest way to save him. She shivered when she touched him. He's so cold, She thought morosely, tears streaking down her face. Sighing shakily, she rested against his chest, exhausted. I-I . . . can't fight this anymore. So tired. Her body screamed in pain, but she no longer cared nor felt it. Everything was just numb.

She knew he was reviving when the soft thumbing of his heart began anew but hadn't expected what he did. His strong arms wrapped around her fragile body, fingers caressing her skin gently, pulling her tightly to him. A groan of pain escaped her lips, bringing the fox out of his haze.

"You're here . . . alive." She whispered, slumping fully against him. Utter exhaustion and sheer agony scrawled across her pale face. Her exposed flesh tingled from the dank cold of the stone floor, and she pressed herself into his warmth. He felt so alive only moments after reviving, whereas she felt so . . . empty. It was as though her body was dying around her, and all she could do was watch. Watch and die along with it.

Yet, resting against him, she felt a little of the darkness fade, some of his warmth seeping into her skin. Next to him, she didn't feel quite so dead, or human. With him . . . she felt whole for the first time in nearly a half-century. Alive. So alive . . . .

He nodded, though she didn't see it. "Are you alright?"

"No . . . I'm not." She met his gaze tiredly. Her eyes were murky, muddled. A certain deadness seemed to linger there, in those murky depths, and it startled him. He knew he ought to recognize what was wrong, but his mind was still too hazy to grasp it. "I've been . . . poisoned." Her delicate voice, one he remembered so fondly, rattled, a harshness grated from her vocal cords that was not normally present.

He blanched. Suddenly, he remembered what unicorns were known for: their purifying powers. "But . . . what about your powers?"

She winced, trying to remove herself from his grasp. Regardless of the fact he was a friend, she wasn't comfortable in the fox's arms, mainly because she was rather helpless to his advances there. And quite naked to boot. "In my c-current state it is . . . immune. If I had my full . . . strength, I might, but. . . ." A scream of pain caused her to collapse back into his chest, her breath in short pants. I'm just so tired . . . and so cold.

"Is there anything I can do?" He whispered, concern-filled emerald eyes following her every move. Slowly the fox melted away, replaced by the red-headed human. Her pain was so excruciating she failed to even notice.

"No, there is nothing you can do, Youko." She shook her head, the final remains of her unicorn nature fading with her consciousness.

Just . . . hold me, if only for a moment.

A howl of painful realization cried out from the dark depths of the dungeon, startling the still chained deity only a few cells away. What the . . ? Botan wondered, searching the darkness.

With weakened senses, the tortured dark-haired demon bound within felt an energy he never imagined he'd feel again. Sahirah . . . y-you're alive. He sighed heavily, trying his best not to jostle the bones recently shattered by his captor. His heart pounded in a way it hadn't in so many years, thinking of the woman he'd left behind.

I was a fool for leaving her. I must have hurt her so much. Especially after we . . . .

His dark sightless eyes closed as he breathed deeply to rid himself of the shame. Thoughts of his last moments with her played across his mind, a bittersweet smile falling into place on his lips. It had been many years since he'd thought of that particular moment, for many reasons.

It had been so hard for him to leave her, harder still to do so without saying goodbye. He knew, though, if he had awoken her that morning, How beautiful she looked, seen those forever innocent crimson eyes, he never could have left her alone.

He wouldn't have been able to deny his love for her.

He regretted those actions more than anything now. If I'd just . . . maybe things would have been different. We could have been happy.

Then, another energy traced across his senses, causing him to jostle his battered body. Ignoring his agony, he let the familiar energy wash over him. It calmed him just as much as his love's energy, but then again, the energy's owner had always made feel safe, even in the most dire of situations.

I . . . thought they were both dead. Yet, they're here . . . so close. He leaned his head back against the cold stone, wishing everything away. Everything . . . but their energies. He wanted nothing more than to see her, to touch her, to feel her.

So lost in his delusions, he didn't notice the energies fade, being replaced. He didn't sense the weakness in his love's life. He was too lost. He had been for a very long time.

Taking in a deep breath, he turned his head to the sky. "SAHIRAH!" He yelled, hoping someone would hear him. Wishing like a fool she might hear him and find him. If only she would save him, then he could atone for all the pain he'd caused her.

Forgive me. I left you alone.

Alone in her own cell, Botan shivered, the pain of the man she'd heard radiating over her in heavy waves. H-he sounded so sad . . . so very sad.

Well, there you have it, yet another chapter. Hope you enjoyed it.

Animegirl417- Glad you enjoyed the chappie. And I know what you mean about not being a Kurama/Botan fan. I only just started liking the pairing a few months ago, thanks to Volpone. Her stories make the pairing very believable, and it's not an overly 'oh I love you forever and ever!' mush like that. So, yeah. There's my shameless plug for the day.

Lady of Roses- Ah, no problem. I realize a lot of this is confusing. Heck, I'm even confused myself. I'm thinking that once I'm donw with this (which doesn't look like anytime soon), I'll edit and rewrite some parts. That being the case if I can find the time to do it. I'm glad you liked my Kurama/Botan enteraction. This is actually the first time I've ever tried to write the pairing, so I'm somewhat shooting in the dark, but I will try my very best. Yeah, it's pretty odd that you figured Ayashige would take Botan cause, honestly, I didn't have a clue he would until I started writing the chapter!

Ryuugitsune- Hey, you changed your pen name (here's hoping I spelled it right)! I was like huh for a minute. Of course, I was quite tired when I read your review. But yes, you figured it out! Bravo. Finally saw Kuronue, eh? Yes, I must agree, he is one sexy guy! Hehehe....I personally liked the way they said his name. I seriously wish he would have appeared in the anime, cause him just being in that one movie (and it wasn't even him most of the time) just was not enough for me.

K3lli3- Ah, thank you! I'm glad you like my style of prose. When you say you dislike the stray in pairings, I assume my OC is involved. I understand, but I'm not just randomly sticking her with anyone (or everyone as it must seem right now). The person she's paired off with never had a romantic interest in the original plot, so I don't think I'm straying with it too much. All the other 'romances' she has with any other of the characters is simply a close platonic bond. It'll all get cleared up before the end (I hope).

Welp, until next time, later days!