Sorry about the wait everyone. I had this ready so many many months ago and it was sent off to be betaed but for some reason I never got it back. So, this is the unbetaed version. I hope it's up to par with my other chapters. Telling me about any errors spotted would be great. Also, I'm going to go back and revise/rewrite the pervious chapters so this is the last 'new' one for a while. Need to re-familarize myself with the plotline too! Well, enjoy!

Disclaimer: The characters within this story do not belong to me. They are the property of the wonderful creator of Yu Yu Hakusho. This, however, has no bearing on the original charcters created for this plotline, since I created them. This is purely for my own entertainment and enjoyment; I'm making no profit. Don't sue.

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Chapter 13

Apprehensive.

"She's going to be ok, right?" Yusuke asked, leaning over the shoulder of his mentor, watching as she assessed Botan's condition.

Genkai, throughly annoyed with her apprentice's behavior, huffed and turned toward him. "Yes, you dimwit. The only thing wrong is she's a little dehydrated and cold." She drawled out, eyeing him with disdain. "There isn't any need to fawn over my shoulder."

Jumping away instantly, Yusuke huffed indignantly, his posture defensive. "I wasn't fawning!" He exclaimed, pointing a finger at her. "I think you need to get your eyes checked, you old hag!"

"Idiot." She mumbled turning back to the girl. It must have been very stressful. Tucking her in, the old woman stood, brushing the wrinkles from her clothing. She was about to address Yusuke in regards to the situation at hand when Kuwabara's loud voice distracted them both.

"Big idiot," Yusuke murmured, cutting his eyes over to the closed shoji screen. "Loud enough to wake the dead."

"YUKINA, MY LOVE!" The tall orange-top yelled, dancing down the porch toward the small koorime.

The placid woman smiled softly, her crimson eyes twinkling. "Hello, Kazuma. It's nice to see you." She said, though her eyes were troubled.

The tall teen embraced the ice demoness, his eyes dancing with delight. It had been a very long time since he'd seen the small woman, and all other thoughts fled when she was near. "I'm so happy to see you!" He exclaimed.

"Yes," She murmured, tear gems silently falling. "I just wish it could have been under happier circumstances."

He pulled away, looking at her with troubled eyes. "Yeah, I know." He answered seriously, recalling Botan's condition. I hope she's ok.

"Oh, Kazuma, it's so awful! I couldn't believe what Botan and that poor woman have been through." She murmured, clinging to the teen's arm for support. "I wish there was something I could do. I just feel so useless when the people I care about get hurt." She exclaimed, looking up at him.

The heartbroken look he saw made his soul twist in knots. He always hated when she looked that way. It never seemed like he could do anything to make her feel better. I hate this. I don't want her to be sad.

"Hey, don't beat yourself up." He murmured, grasping her chin in his hand. A small smile graced his face, lending him a dignified air. "Botan'll be ok, and Kurama will take care of Sorako. Everything will be ok. I promise." His smile turned dopey, trying to reassure her. Looking up at him, she couldn't help but smile back. He's always so sweet, She thought, her eyes closing. I just wish there was something I could do to help.

Her eyes were grave yet again, but she hide it from Kuwabara, not wanting to upset him. "Why don't we go see how Botan's doing?" She suggested.

Agreeing, they turned and entered Botan's room, where Yusuke and Genkai still stood, discussing the latest turn of events.

The demon lord growled in frustration, eyes searching every recess of his dank surroundings. He couldn't believe everything that had happened. He had lost his most prized slave again, and to the likes of one Youko Kurama.

Not to mention that petite fire demon. The dark-haired jaganashi was more of a threat when it came to Sorako than the fox any day. For that very reason, Ayashige hesitated going into battle with the short jaganashi.

It was a widely known fact the dark-haired demon, despite his size, was fearsome. A true tyrant among men. His speed coupled with his swordsmanship made him a true force of reckoning.

The fox is distracted easily enough by the girl, but that fire apparition . . . while he may care for her- and I'm sure he does- he won't allow that to get in the way of a battle. He's a warrior first. The demon lord scowled, cursing his rotten luck. Only a creature like Sorako would be capable of finding such loyal and powerful friends.

Shifting, his large side wound twinged and his hand automatically cupped around it. For Hiei to wound him so grievously proved just how powerful he truly was. Ayashige realized that to underestimate him would cost him dearly.

Dearly, indeed.

And I, for one, mean to keep all my body parts intact, The lord thought, growling in irritation. The large gash on his side still ached, a sign of the forbidden child's real power. The blood lover was no fool; he knew when he was outranked.

Shaking thoughts of the forbidden child's power from his mind, he focused on his escaped slave. Or, to be more precise, the be-all-end-all plan to finally break her spirit, and accordingly making her his completely.

Propping his chin up on his fist, he closed his eyes contentedly. She's always been quite fiery, regardless of what she is, He recalled, flashes of her numerous battles, many of which were extreme, played across his mind's eye. But, once I acquire her dearest treasure, I will be completely unstoppable. I will have her again . . . and her foolish rescuers will meet their end. That I guarantee. Cackling manically, he racked his fingers through his long bangs, thoughts of his ultimate attack on Sorako's soul dancing across his thoughts. I will break her yet. She will remember him soon.

Fangy smile stretching across his face, he leaned back, happy with the whole thing.

Kurama sighed, watching the blue-haired deity restlessly shift in her slumber. It pained him that she was put through such a horrid ordeal, even more so that he could not prevent it nor have done anything to shorten its duration.

Perhaps you can forgive me, He silently pleaded, grasping her pale hand in his own. I was unable to protect you. His sad eyes drifted up to the window, the bright morning light bathing the room.

Dawn had yet to grace the land when the fox had made his way to Genkai's Temple. It'd been quite a journey, always watching over his shoulder while carrying Sorako. He had dared not leave the girl alone again with the knowledge of her captor's unknown location. If he allowed her to be stolen again, he didn't know what he would do, nor what Youko would do.

It appeared that the kitsune spirit was quite fond of the fragile woman and would take any steps required for her safety or avenge the lack thereof, even if that meant punishing his own host body.

The red-head shuddered at the thought of ever facing the kitsune's wrath. Youko, though warmer than he had been, was still a cold calculating creature who would not hesitate taking life, and it worried him that he could no longer control when the fox took over.

The kitsune's will was now as strong as his own.

Turning back to Botan, he sighed, a bittersweet smile playing across his face. "It seems that Youko and I are far less the same being than I once thought."

He knew, and had known, with certainty that Botan was the only person he could ever open up to enough to let himself love her. She was the only one who could even begin to understand what it was like to be as he was, and she was the only one who stayed by his side.

Yet, he still held himself back, fearful that their association could end in her demise. And to have such a weight upon his already burdened shoulders . . . .

Idiot, A deep voice called from the depths of his mind, and he knew in an instant Youko had been eavesdropping.

Kurama simply quirked an eyebrow, rather amused by the comment. Is that so?

Yes, The fox continued. If you make the same stupid mistakes I did. Doesn't the term 'live and learn' mean anything to you?

At this, Kurama was confused. Of course he knew Youko's past but in light of recent events- namely discovering Youko knew Sahirah- he was beginning to wonder if he knew everything. Even with the knowledge of who Sorako truly was, he still had no memory of ever meeting her in her prior form. Whatever happened between the two, Youko kept it well-hidden.

Of course I would, fool, The fox quipped, smirking smugly. I don't want you to know everything about my life.

Of course, Kurama murmured, mentally rolling his eyes. Yet you seem to know every detail of mine.

Of course, The fox smirked, cackling with mirth. I've lived it as well.

Kurama silently wished one could bonk another soul over the head. Do you have a point?

Don't be a fool and let her go, His tone grew serious, very out of character for the jaunty fox. Love is worth any and all risks.

You're giving me advice on love? The sheer madness of it all brought a fit of laughter to Kurama's throat, and he allowed to freely ring out.

Yes, I am! Youko cried indignantly. Is that so difficult for one to believe?

I must say it isn't the first thought that comes to mind, Kurama chuckled, regaining composure.

"Hey, Kurama, what're you laughin' about?" Kuwabara asked, standing in the doorway with Yukina by his side. The small koorime watched the fox in the oddest way, almost as if she were seeing him for the very first time. A moment later a smile slipped onto her face.

"Oh, nothing in particular." He replied, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. I can't believe they caught me talking to myself.

"Oh." The teen replied, somewhat perturbed by the normally level-headed boy's behavior. He's been off ever since . . . well, ever since that new girl Sorako came. I wonder what the deal is. "We just came in to see how Botan's doing."

"Yes, I was very worried when I heard she was kidnaped. I'm glad she's ok." Yukina added, eyeing Kurama's hand, which was still wrapped around the deity's own. She could barely contain the smile itching to stretch across her face. How wonderful, She mused, imagining what kind of couple her two kind-hearted friends would make.

"Yes." Kurama agreed, turning inward. "It was troublesome indeed." His eyes shifted back to the unconscious woman, lingering on the frown marring her beautiful lips. He couldn't help but feel responsible and knew he should distance himself. Yet, somehow, whether it be the words Youko spoke or just his own feelings, he couldn't bring himself to leave her.

She was intoxicating, the purest creature he'd ever known, and she held this subtle sort of charm. Making his decision, he squeezed her hand a little tighter and smiled. It was the first real one since the whole ordeal began.

A moment later, Kurama's communicator rang.

Sorako sat up, rubbing the sleep from her puffy eyes. Where am- oh, right. Genkai's temple. I remember now. Stretching her stiff limbs, she smiled at the signs of the new day. However, the smile slipped, fading into oblivion at the thought of her situation. But I'm lonely. Really, the only person I've seen since we arrived early yesterday morning is Kurama. Surely, there are other people here.

Sighing sadly, she pushed away the covers and walked over to the window. She leaned against its frame and allowed her eyes to trace over the natural wonders dotting the courtyard. This place . . . it reminds me of home.

Even her room was reminisce of the one she once occupied in Makai. Kinda makes me wonder if it's even still there, She mused, pushing open the window. A cool breeze pulled at her auburn hair, tickling the sensitive skin of her neck.

She didn't even realize Kurama entered the door until he spoke.

"Sorako." He spoke softly, trying to gain her attention without frightening her.

She turned, her long hair sweeping around dramatically. Her eyes were wide, but the shock faded quickly. "Oh, Kurama. Something wrong?"

"Oh, no! Nothing," He explained hastily, subconsciously kicking himself for allowing his worriment to show. "I just came to tell you I've been called to Reikai, so I'll be gone for most of the day."

The disappointment was clear in her crimson eyes, and he felt terrible that she wasn't allowed to roam the compound freely. Before I go, I should ask Yusuke and Kuwabara to stop by and keep her company. I realize she must be quite lonely, and Hiei has never been very social.

"Oh, you do?" She asked, wringing an edge of her shirt between her fingers.

"Yes, unfortunately." He replied apologetically, stepping toward her small frame. He was startled when her eyes darted up to his, brimming with unshed moisture.

"Are you sure you have to go?" She asked nervously, wringing her fingers worriedly. She really didn't like the idea of being alone, especially with Ayashige still missing. It had been nearly two days since his disappearance with no sign of him anywhere. He hadn't even shown his face when Koenma began emptying his dungeons.

Clasping her shoulders, he smiled reassuringly. "I'm afraid so, but don't worry. The others are here, and I will have Hiei stay with you. You won't be alone." He said, his fingers absently rubbing her soft skin.

"Can't I come with you?" She begged, grabbing his arm. Tears slipped down her cheeks, but she ignored them opting to watch him intently. "I'm so lonely here."

He shook his head. "I'm afraid not. Koenma specifically said you shouldn't come. I'm sorry."

Defeated, she sighed. Wrapping her arms around him, she began trembling slightly. "I . . . please, don't let him take me again. I don't want to go back there again." She exclaimed, clinging to him. I can't!

"Don't worry, Sorako. Hiei will protect you while I'm gone, and I promise you'll never see that place again." He cooed, holding her protectively.

"Ok." She murmured, clutching his shirtfront. I . . . feel so safe with you, like I've known you forever . . . .

After an extended silence, Kurama decided Reikai could wait for a little while longer. He needed to get some answers. "Sorako, may I ask you something?"

"What is it?" She asked, backing out of his embrace. It seemed everyone she spoke with wanted to know something. Don't they understand how painful this is for me?

His green eyes glistened, staring down at her. "Botan told me about your memory loss. I was wondering, what do you remember? Has everything returned?"

Gripping his forearms, her eyes fell to the floor. The only answer he received was a shake of the head.

"Alright then." He murmured, hugging the woman in emotional turmoil. While he did not understand fully how she felt, he could relate. What she needed was a soft place to fall, and it pained him that he had to leave.

A few minutes later, a shadow filled the doorway as Hiei materialized. "Kurama." He said, watching the display with detached interest.

"Good morning, Hiei." The fox replied, gently prying the girl's fingers from his shirt and sitting her on the futon. Kneeling, he tilted her face toward his. "Don't worry. I won't be gone long. You'll be safe here, Sahirah."

H-he called me Sahirah! But how-!? Her mind screamed. Did Youko . . . tell him?

Unaware of her wide-eyed stare, he stood, walking toward the door. As he passed the short jaganashi, he sent out a warning. "Don't leave her alone while I'm gone." He whispered, his threat evident to the short demon.

"You needn't worry about that." Hiei responded, turning toward the melancholy girl. The way she looked pulled at his heart strings. He didn't like seeing her sad, and it irked him that she'd so easily gotten under his skin.

Get a hold of yourself. She's just a pathetic human. Yet, even as he thought it, for some reason he just didn't believe it. She was just too pure to be human. Humans were little more than annoying garbage to him; she was anything but.

"I'll return shortly." Kurama stated, then he was gone.

The dark demon turned back to the girl and found she was staring at him with the oddest expression on her face. "What are you looking at?" He asked with more venom in his voice than he meant.

"He said my name." She murmured, staring after the red-head. Flashes of memories once against traced across her mind's eye, teasing her with the past.

Within a moment, she was crushed against his chest, her head tilted up toward his. Staring into molten eyes, she watched dumbly as he leaned down, lips tracing delicately over hers.

Then, without a word, he released her and left. Her wide-eyed gaze followed him, and she wondered just what had happened.

Th-they . . . they feel so similar, She realized absently, fingers tracing her lips. Youko . . . Kurama. Her eyes widened, realizing something she hadn't before. Her head swivelled, eyeing the way Kurama had left. Could they be-?

Hesitating only for a moment, she sprang to her feet, darting out the door after the fox. "Kurama!" She called after him.

He turned from the portal he was about to step through, startled by her voice. "Yes?" His inquisitive green eyes gazed gently at her, complete oblivious to the situation.

"Y-you . . . called me by my name." She whispered, suddenly self-conscious. Did I imagine it? No! He called me Sahirah. I know he did.

His brows furrowed, his confusion evident. Her name? "But I've called you Sorako before."

A great, hearty cackle rang out in his mind. Clearly, Youko found something about the situation immensely amusing. Ah, what a mess the slip of the tongue doth make.

"No," She began, shaking her head. "I mean . . . you called me my real name." She whispered, wringing her fingers. "You called me Sahirah."

"I did?" He mused aloud, startled. I didn't even realize it.

Obviously, Youko howled, having a grand time of it.

"Yes," Came the soft reply. A moment of silence passed, then she spoke again. "Please . . . don't call me that again." Her voice was pained, as if something bothered her deeply. "Sahirah died a long time ago, Kurama. I'm not her," She said, wrapping her arms around herself. "And I will never be again. Because I am human, not some elusive creature of legends old." Her words drew a strange look from the fox, but she ignored it. She died . . . leaving an empty shell full of painful memories. So many memories . . . .

A moment later, she was gone.

Walking back in, she met the amused eyes of a certain jaganashi. "You shouldn't be so poetic." He quipped, watching her steadily. "It doesn't suit you."

She startled him, however, when instead of responding verbally, her eyes welled with tears, and she brushed past him and sat down on her futon.

It startled him that she made no response. Had he really been that cold? He was only teasing her; he hadn't meant it. The situation boggled his mind, and his heart swelled with barely ignored guilt. All he could do was stand there mutely, wondering why this girl held such power over him when she physically possessed none. This girl isn't really human, He realized as Kurama's early statement finally sank in.

But the question was, what exactly had she been before the detestable demon lord had changed her?

Koenma sighed, rummaging through the multitudes of paperwork scattered all across his desktop. "Ack, I'm never gonna get this all done!" He whined, grasping his face with an open palm. "What the hell was I thinking?"

"That's precisely what I was wondering." A cool voice said from one of the corners.

The young ruler was so startled, he nearly fell out of his chair with a yelp. "Yeesh, Kurama! Don't do that!" He yelled, acting very much the way he looked.

"My apologizes." The calm fox boy replied, bowing slightly. "You wanted to see me?"

"Ah, yes," The child-ruler mumbled, glaring at a piece of paper he'd just picked up. "It deals with the prisoners from Ayashige's dungeon, as I told you earlier," Stopping, he sat the paperwork back down and looked at the red-head. "But first, I want to know everything about Sorako. She seems to be an even greater enigma than the demon lord himself."

Still half shrouded in shadow, Kurama spoke of what he knew. "As you know, Sorako has no spirit energy, and I believe the reason is sheerly because she hasn't always been human." He stated, not meeting the gaze of the spirit ruler.

"What do you mean?" Koenma asked, leaning forward. The idea of Sorako being inhuman was a fascinating, though somewhat far-fetched, thought.

"When I- Youko- rescued her, her true form was revealed." Kurama said, shedding some light on the topic.

When the fox didn't elaborate, Koenma prompted him. "Well . . . what is she?"

"A unicorn." Came the simple reply.

Small mouth falling open, Koenma garbled inarticulately before regaining his ability to speak. "What?! That's absolutely ridiculous! The last unicorns in Makai were slaughtered nearly two centuries ago!" He exclaimed, sure that he had all the facts.

"You are incorrect, Koenma." Emerald eyes rose, meeting the ruler's amber gaze. He was surprised at the welling of emotion in the fox's eyes. "One survived."

"How do you know all this?" He asked, dumbfounded.

Kurama sighed, deciding it was useless to keep anything hidden from the toddler. "Because Youko knew her then."

"Oh." Again, Koenma was dumbfounded. Kurama had never mentioned ever knowing anyone like that. Then again, Kurama doesn't talk much about his past . . . . "Is that all?"

"Yes," The kitsune said sharply. Stepping fully from the shadows, Kurama watched the frustrated ruler with intense eyes. "Now, what have you discovered?"

Regaining his composure, the toddler picked up the pieces of paper earlier discarded. "He had a dungeon full of prisoners, many of which were presumed dead." Koenma stated, studying the report.

"I understand that, but why did you call me here personally?" Kurama asked, leaning against the wall. "Wouldn't Yusuke be far more interested in this?"

"Well, I would have told him, but there was one prisoner in particular that I thought might be of interest to you." Koenma stated, settling the papers down. Standing, he gestured to Kurama. "Follow me."

Emerald eyes full of insatiable curiosity, the kitsune followed the toddler down the hall toward Reikai's holding cells.

Kurama nearly fell over in shock when he saw the demon Koenma had mentioned. The pathetic creature was turned away from him, but his jet black hair, once long and silky, and the now ragged wings could belong to only one person. "Ku-kuronue?!"

The ragged heap of a demon's face whipped toward him, faster than Kurama would have thought, and the fox nearly growled. His long time friend and partner's eyes were glassed over in an unseeing fog.

Kuronue was blind.

"Whose there?!" The blind demon demanded, head swivelling from side to side trying to pick up any noise. Kurama couldn't help but notice the deplorable state his friend's ears. The entire point looked to have been violently ripped off. Or bitten, He thought, remembering Ayashige's fetish for flesh and blood.

Kurama sighed as an overwhelming wave of emotion washed over him. He hated to see someone once so strong reduced to such a weak being. "Kuronue . . . ." He began, but trailed off, unsure of what to say. I can't just tell him I'm Kurama.

Immediately, the frown on the winged demon's face melted away, replaced with a smirk Kurama remembered well. "Kurama? That you?" He asked, hope lining his every feature.

Kurama started, wondering how the demon knew, but smiled in spite of himself and leaned toward the bars. "Yeah, it's me."

Kuronue's face morphed into a frown momentarily, then he looked toward the kitsune. "It doesn't quite feel like you, though. Too human."

"Heh, well, I am in a human body now." Kurama replied, rubbing the back of his head nervously.

"Oh." Well, that explains it. The demon was silent for quite some time, then asked a question Kurama hadn't expected. "Kurama, do you remember Sahirah?"

"Yes, I do." He replied uneasily, wondering where this could be going. "I remember her quite well." He's so somber now. Nothing at all like I remember . . . .

"Is she . . . still alive?" He asked hesitantly, his blind eyes swivelling toward him.

Kurama sighed softly. Part of his last conversation with Sorako flitted across his mind.

"Sahirah died a long time ago, Kurama. I'm not her, and I will never be again. Because I am human, not some elusive creature of legends old."

Against his better judgement, Kurama complied with the young woman's wish. "I'm sorry, Kuronue, but . . . I believe she died a long time ago." The fox murmured, drawing a strange look from the Reikai prince.

A strangled gasp was heard; a cry of heart wrenching grief filled the air. "No . . . NO!" The winged former thief screamed, his gaunt fingers pulling at his hair. His agony was horrid, and Kurama felt guilty for lying to his friend.

But it was what Sorako wanted, and he could deny her nothing.

"I'm . . . sorry." He murmured, leaving the dungeon in a flurry of steps before his friend's pain became too much for him to bare.

The last thing he heard before leaving was the mournful scream of his long lost friend. "SAHIRAH!!"

Eyes swivelling to the window, Sorako gazed intently at the darkening sky. One of the human spirit detectives, Kuwabara, had left just moments before. She had been glad for the company and the update on Botan's condition, but the visit hadn't filled the void resting deep within her heart like she had imagined it would. Something was missing in her life, yet she couldn't seem to remember just what it was. Not even Kurama could fill it.

Kurama's been gone for a while now, She thought sadly, folding her hands in her lap. I hope he comes back soon. I . . . I just have this feeling something's about to happen. I'd feel safer if he was here . . . and maybe he can explain this feeling to me.

She sighed, resting against the wall. I just feel strange. I wonder what's going on?

Suddenly, she jerked her head toward the window. A familiar presence was near her, and though she didn't know who it was she felt this unbelievable urge to have that being near her. What was that?!

A sudden fit of coughing scattered her thoughts. Her breath rattling harshly, she lowered her head and the sight of red caught her eye. Jerking her eyes to her hand, she thought for a moment she had coughed up blood.

However, a second glance showed it was gone, leaving her to wonder what was happening. Am I losing my sanity?

Welp, there it is. Hope yall enjoy. Also, I would love to get you opinion on what I should change/make better when I do begin revising/rewriting this. I love hearing from my reviewers.

Ryuugitsune: Yes, I know Youko isn't actually a very prominent character in the actual show, but I said that because from what we do know it doesn't seem like something he would actually do. But that's what makes Youko such a wonderful character to work with.

K3lli3: Thanks! I'm glad you like. Sorry it took so long to update, though.

Animegirl417: I'm glad you're still loving this story. Hopefully, you'll love this chappis just as much. As for how far I am into the story, well at the least half-way and at the most three-fourths. Though that is suject to change. You never know what those wild plot-bunnies are going to do.

Lady of Roses: I'm glad you liked the Sorako/Youko interaction. But ah! Eternally sorry about making Kurama so um unfeeling about Botan. I never even thought about that until I read your review! Bad, bad Darache! Anyway, the entire Kurama/Botan scene was inspired totally by you in apology. I'm really not that great at having multiple relationships going on at once in the same story. And my excuse for Kurama not asking about Botan is he wasn't quite in his right mind. I'll get to that later. Oh, Kinnara! Tee hee! Do you like him? I'm actually quite fond of him myself; he's a very interesting character. I'll explain more about him later (I keep saying this).

Welp, until later.