(Standard disclaimer.)

Kurama's POV

I can only blame myself for what has happened. You had no knowledge of demons or the such until I pulled you into it. Honestly I don't know what came over me the day that I first saw you. When I close my eyes I can see you standing there beside Yusuke and Botan looking down at the demon compass that was tracking my whereabouts. Your hair was so very long back then reminding me of autumn leaves the way it flashed a firey orange in the sunlight. Your eyes however were what entranced me, gorgeous blue that flashed from green to gray and then back to blue. I knew that Yusuke was the detective, I knew that you had nothing to do with the Reikai still I couldn't help myself for your spirit energy was quite strong and I knew you were special.

Do you remember how we stood on the roof of the hospital and I told you of my past? The sun was beautiful that day as it set below the horizon. I relayed to you how I was hunted, shot and reincarnated as a human and to my surprise I swore I saw tears form in your eyes for me. Me! Yoko Kurama both feared and respected in all of Makai. I was ruthless, cunning and would stop at nothing to get what I wanted and you cried for me.

I realized in that moment how kind hearted you were, then you spoke. I had never heard you voice before: a soft melody that excited my senses and peeked my interest in you but I knew that I was soon to die by the way of the Forlorn Hope and nothing would ever come out of our meeting and perhaps in as little as a weeks time you would forget about me and go on with the rest of your life. I will never forget the shock on your face as I told you what the user of the mirror must give up in return for their wish being granted. You looked simply appalled and concerned.

The pain the relic caused me was almost unbearable until you knelt down next to me placing your hand on it as well. I still remember your words to me in that moment.

'It's pointless to save your mother if she's just going to grieve the loss of her only child for the rest of her life. I've already seen it once before and I don't want to again. Hey mirror! You hear me? Take me instead so Kurama can be with his mom!'

I didn't know at the time what you meant by seeing a mother grieve for her child, until you told me of Yusuke's death that is, but your words truly touched me. To think that a young ningen girl would sacrifice her own life for a stranger. It amazed me and I couldn't help but think afterwards of the tremendous debt I owed you.

Some time later was when you first 'met' Hiei in the warehouse. He was about to put his katana straight through you until I intervened taking the blade myself. I knew I would be healed in a few days time while for you it would have been fatal. The look of pure horror on your face was painful but I did try my best to cheer you up. You helped me home apologizing profusely.

'I owed you my life now I have repayed my debt to you Keaka.'

'Yeah well now I have to repay you for saving my life.'

'What do you have in mind?'

'Ummmm, well..hmmmm...I don't really know.'

'How are you in your studies?'

'Huh? Oh you mean schoolwork? I don't know I never have studied.'

'You have never studied in your life? How do you fare on tests then?'

'Well on my last math test I got a twenty-five which was a lot better than what Kazuma did so I can't really complain.'

'How on earth do you pass?'

'Probably because the teachers just get tired of me.'

'I'll tell you what at least three days after school come to my house and I'll tutor you.'

'How is that repaying my debt to you Kurama?'

'The debt will be repayed when you start getting one hundreds and straight A's. Do we have a deal?'

'I can't get straight A's it will ruin my image! Fine, fine kitsune I'll do it but I won't enjoy it.'

After that was when we started spending time together. At first it was only the arranged three times a week but gradually that became five days a week until we were spending the weekends together and virtually every waking moment. Six months was ample enough time to get to know each other at least on a personal basis and then we fought at Maze Castle. That was the first time we saw each other fight and I must say I was quite impressed with your abilities although you were somewhat clumsy you made up for it. I was even more surprised to see your spirit bow that you produced and the fact that it worked shocked me even more. You did feel bad though about killing those filthy demons didn't you? It was your nature to care.

The dark tournament was exceptionally hard on you. I remember the night after the first round you were sitting in a corner of the bedroom crying. You couldn't understand how they could kill so easily, how I could kill so easily. I didn't have an answer for you then and I still don't Keaka.

Over the years we were friends we overcame many obstacles together. There was a time when your face would light up to greet me, that beautiful flawless smile that made my heart palpitate. When I realized I could turn into Yoko Kurama at will was when things changed between us didn't they? You were so easy for me to read back then, the fear that I would leave ningenkai and return to Makai as Yoko saddened you to the point where you couldn't bear it any longer.

We were sitting in my room if I recall alone for the house was empty for the day. We chatted casually until the conversation turned to Yomi and why he had summoned me to the Makai. I explained to you the relationship that we had had as partners and now that he was a lord he wanted me to be in his military and fight for him.

'So what are you going to do?'

'To be honest I don't really know. I have no reason to leave here for I know that I would miss my mother terribly however the temptation...'

'Is your mother the only reason why you stay on here Kurama?'

Your question took me by surprise and my hesitation was mistaken. I saw the hurt written all over your face. That was when you got up to leave and I intercepted you at the door blocking your exit.

'Please let me leave kitsune.'

'I'm afraid if I do I will never see you again. Please stay.'

'Why can't you answer my question?'

'The words are difficult for me to find that is why please I will offer your answer if you give me time to think of one.'

'If you cared, if you truly loved me Kurama you wouldn't have to think of the words! They would come easily!'

My heart broke as I realized what had happened; you had fallen in love with me. Your hands flew to your mouth to cover it once you realized what you had confessed to me. You tried to get by me and that is when I grasped your wrist pulling you closer to me in an embrace. I always loved holding you to me, your scent drove me simply wild and haunted me for days afterwards lingering around.

'Don't toy with me Yoko.'

'I don't know what I want Keaka. I don't know what I'm going to do but I do know how I feel for you and rest easy in the fact that my human mother is not the only person holding me here. I honestly can't imagine you not being by my side.'

You were silent not saying a word nor did I say anything else to you. To this day I can still feel the warmth of your hand as it touched my cheek gently stroking downwards until your fingertips slid lightly across my lips. My human body was not used to such administrations and I felt myself needing you but I fought it to the best of my abilities.

'I don't want any regrets kitsune. I know that whatever you decide will be the best decision for you and I just want you to be happy. Whatever you choose Kurama I will stand by it. I just don't want any regrets if you do decide to leave me behind.'

With that said you wrapped your arms around my neck pulling my face closer to yours. I knew that passion was giving way to reason and that we shouldn't be doing this for I knew what was going to come of it, then your lips touched mine sending jolts throughout my body. Before I knew what was happening we were both nude laying on my bed. You were so beautiful as the sun layed its beams upon you. Still I was uncertain if this was right, if this was what you truly wanted. Your soft tender kisses told me to continue so I took you. The small shred of innocence you had was gone because of me. After you 'turned' I thought that perhaps it was my fault, that by making you my mate my evil seed corrupted you however blaming myself is a foolish even childish thing to do.

You murdered my human mother Shiori. The woman who gave me a new life, who taught me how to love for if it weren't for her I could have never possibly fallen in love with you. After her death was when I abandoned my human life to become an S class demon not to slay you but to try and save you.

Then you murdered your own sister, Botan, Keiko, Yukina; they were your friends, they trusted you to protect them. The real shock came however when I watched with my own eyes Touya, Jin, and Chu fall under your power.

I get up to stoke the fire that is dying down glancing over at Hiei praying he doesn't find you first for he feels perhaps even more betrayed then I do. Tomorrow will come quickly, much to quickly however whatever happens whether we win or you do I pray you see the error of your ways and come back to us. Then again Hiei did tell me once I am a hopeless dreamer.