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Chapter 5

Kurama left Korien after a little while, retreating to his bedroom. He carelessly tossed himself upon his bed, staring up the ceiling sighing. Korien had such a wonderful smile, even her past could not restrain her beauty.

He stared at the ceiling, only to see her smiling or giggling face. But he frowned, remember the nurse's office, and all her bandages, and seeing on her back porch. She was constantly wounded, and the scars must've been so horrible if Botan and he hadn't healed her. If she hadn't spent the night here, she might have just gone home to be whipped. These troubling thoughts, only lead Kurama to a sleep.

Korien stayed in her room until 7, unable to sleep, and too frustrated with her thoughts. She scooped up Higue, he still sleeping, and wandered about the house. She would go nowhere without him. The hallway outside her room was long and dark, and with the many doors, she figured they were in the dormitory section of the house.

After walking down the lonesome hall, she found a spiraling staircase. Down the stairs she walked cautiously. The walls were filled with many paintings, some of Kurama as a young boy, and she figured his parents. It only made Korien cringe, thinking about her own. At the bottom, she figured this was the main floor. The floors were tiled with marble and shone so much that she could see her reflection. There were two more hallways she could chose, and Korien simply chose the one on the left.

This hallway was a little brighter, she walked through another threshold, and gasped seeing the beautiful sunrise from the enormous window. She wasn't even sure if it was a window, it was more like a giant wall of glass.

"Like it ey?" Korien turned around with Higue and gasped seeing Yusuke in a chair. She took a step back frightened stiff. "Hey, don't do that. Our assignment was changed, we don't have to hurt you"

"How can I trust you just like that? How can I trust anyone in this house! This could all be just some elaborate plan you're cooking up!"

"Hehe, well, Kuwbara and I ain't that bright to cook up this sort of plan. Hiei I haven't seen since yesterday, and I doubt Kurama would do this, since he seems to like you"

Korien glared at him still, but Yusuke's eyes seemed soft as he looked at Higue. "You look so at ease with him in your arms" he spoke quietly

"Of course I do, he's my son"

"Most parents, when stuff like that happens, reject their kids completely, or don't know how to take care of them. Sounds like my mom, getting drunk all the time, not working, heh, she wonders why I'm so messed up. But you, you care about him a lot. You remind me of I dunno, well my family. I wasn't supposed to come into the picture, just like Higue, but we're still so different. He's love, and cared for, and me, yeah like anyone gave a damn"

"Don't say that Yusuke."

"Why shouldn't I? No one ever gave a crap about me as a kid!"

"Then who do you think all these people are in this house? Look, Yusuke, if you live in the past like that, you won't realize what great things you have right now" Korien turned to stare back out the window. "Higue is lucky, I guess, to have me. But as a kid, my mother died when I wasn't even ten, and then my dad started drinking. Koenma probably told you all about me, how I'm whipped everyday, that's been going on since the day she died Yusuke. That's more than ten years."

"......"

"Yusuke, if I was always upset by my past, I wouldn't have made the life I had now. I don't care if I was raped, I mean I do but, people still try to rape me all the time. I know it sounds stupid, but I have Higue, and that's all I need to see tomorrow. I have my friends at school, my grades, and my friends at the coffee shop. So..." She turned back to him smiling softly "Why look at all the horrible things when there are a million more that can make you smile?"

"Korien...."

"I think, if Kurama and Botan hadn't of healed me, those scars would always be with me. Its almost like my body is an easel. It tells a lot of my life story. My virginity gone, but from it came Higue, which would hahah be the stretch marks. The scars on my back, would tell of my beatings. The bruises that were on my face, were from the attackers I meet everyday. My eyes, would show you my soul, and my soul, would show you my fears. My blond hair, would tell you about my mom, and how she used to brush it everyday, and tell me it was like golden silk. My hands would show you, how soft and compassionate I was, them being so delicate, and not rough. My smile would tell you that I'm alright, and that you wouldn't have to worry."

Yusuke got up from his chair, and walked over to her. He stood before her, with a small cocky grin on his face and he looked down to Higue and rubbed his hair

"I hope the squirt doesn't take on after you, or we'll have another smartallic."

"Oh and you'd be so much better of a role model?"

"Maybe, I could teach the runt all my fighting techniques"

"Just what we need, another dim-witted show off"

"Hey!" Yusuke punched at her shoulder playfully. They both laughed, but Yusuke gulped seeing baby Higue stir in Korien's arms "Uh oh....did I wake him up?"

"Here." Korien gently placed Higue into Yusuke's arms. Yusuke was surprised, and very grateful he hadn't dropped the poor kid. Higue squirmed again, maybe half sleeping.

"What do I do now?" Yusuke asked

"Sing to him. He'll fall back to sleep if you sing"

"Uhh...I don't sing"

"Sure you do. You did on the roof"

"So... On the first night,
a pebble falls to the earth from somewhere" he sang weakly

"There ya go" Korien smiled "So... On the second night,
The pebble's children hold hands and sketch a waltz.
Sound life. So...."

"On the third night,
The children of the waltz cause ripples on the face of the world. So....."

"On the fourth night,
the children of the wave spray the shore
Sound life"

Korien looked to him and grinned.

"What's so funny?"

"You look at ease with Higue too" Korien pointed to Higue, who had now fallen back into his peaceful dreams, and Yusuke holding him tenderly.

"Yeah well, I think you'd kill me if I dropped the runt" he replied gently

"No, I wouldn't kill you, just give you a world of pain" She shot back slyly with a wink.

They both then heard a crash in the kitchen, and arguing coming from two inaudible voices "Looks like Kuwabara and Shizuru are up." Yusuke moaned rolling his eyes

"Then lets go have breakfast with them" Korien smiled happily pulling Yuskue's arm.

"You have a very lovely voice" he whispered to her softly as she stopped to open up the door. Yusuke stood behind her, their torsos touching as his warm breathed brushed up against her neck.

"Your's isn't have bad either" She whispered back. Korien didn't know why they were whispering, but the thought hadn't exactly crossed her mind at that moment. She stood staring at the closed door, one hand still grasping the doorknob. Yusuke was still holding baby Higue, and for a moment there was a sound of silence, and you could feel the sunshine beating down against their backs.

Yusuke's breathing was soft, gentile almost. Korien turned around to face him, the door she was holding onto swung open and wacked her square in the side of her face.

"URAMESHI TIME FOR BREAKFAST!" The oh so stupid but comical Kuwabara screamed as he stepped through the threshold.. He looked to Urameshi puzzled, steam rising from Yusuke's head, and he was trying so hard not to squeeze the kid to death because of his anger.

"Damn you, Kuwabara, couldn't you've waited like another minute?"

"What are you talking about, and why are you holding Higue, where's Korien?" Korien then groaned on the floor holding her head. Kuwabara looked down and his eyes nearly flew out of his eyes. "Aye Gees, really sorry there little lady. I didn't know you were right behind the door." He grabbed Korien by the wrist and pulled her up to her feet.

"I'm okay" She grumbled weakly, everything was still all topsy-turvy.

"Now hold on let me see it" Kuwabara said sternly, moving away her hand that covered the leftward part of her face. There was a nice red line from the door and Kuwabara laughed "Sorry, it looks like, you have a divider on your face. But don't worry, I think it'll puff down or something, you could always get Fox boy or Botan to clear it up"

"I don't need to be healed for every little small cut or wound I get, I'm not going to die from it"

"You still up for breakfast?" Kuwabara asked hopefully "Shizuru made pancakes! Don't tell her I said this but her's are awesome!"

"You and Shizuru are brother and sister?"

"Yup, baby bro, as she likes to so evilly call me. But come on food now, talk later" Kuwabara replied almost caveman like. He now took her by the arm and pulled her out the door, just as Korien had tried with Yusuke "You come too Urameshi, that baby's probably hungry too. We'll see if Kurama has any soft stuff"

The three of them, and baby Higue entered the kitchen. Shizuru was at the stove flipping a pancake midair, wearing an apron and everything. On the table was a stack of pancakes practically up to Korien's eye level.

Kurama was already seated at the table, reading the newspaper with one hand, and a cup of coffee in the other. Hiei was by the window, but he made no effort to acknowledge anyone else's presence, Korien wondered if to him, last night was ever real.

"Good morning Korien!" A perky blue haired lady squealed

"Good morning to you Botan" Korien replied in a bow

"Oh good grief girl no need to be so polite. Its just a few of us gals and a bunch of boys." Botan laughed with her hands on her hips "Seriously, tone down this formalness"

"Hey don't worry 'bout it kid. You'll learn within a few days, none of these fellas are much on manners, except for Kurama, I don't think he could be impolite if he tried"

"Indeed. I was just brought up this way, I don't think old habits like mine could be so easily broken" Kurama answered with a small smile "Good morning Miss Meoji, I suppose you slept well?"

It seemed that Kurama won't talk about his encounter with her either. Does everyone keeps secrets from each other, or was it because of her, that everyone kept the secrets?

"I slept just fine, for a new environment." Korien answered with a grin.

"Uh Urameshi, why are you holding Higue?" Kuwabara asked rubbing his head confused

"I'm surprised the ignoramus hasn't accidentally killed the poor human already" Hiei scoffed by the window

"Hey! I'm not so bad with kids! I even got this one to fall back asleep after it woke up"

"Oh and what did you do Urameshi? Knock it out with one of your spirit guns?" Kuwabara joked

"Haha very funny" Yusuke sighed, he couldn't easily tell the guys that he sang to the kid. He walked back over to Korien and slipped Higue into her arms "I believe he's yours"

"Thanks" Korien whispered, and Yusuke flashed a grin before turning back to breakfast. With all the commotion, Higue woke up, which wasn't so horrible because it was around the usual time he did awaken. "Good morning baby" Korien cooed

"Mornin' Korien. Ere hipper?"

"Hipper go bye bye," Korien replied gently.

"What did he even ask?" Hiei asked befuddled

"He asked where the whip was" Korien answered gently

"Your father...." Kurama filled in the blanks gently.

"Bye bye!" Higue giggled happily "'uffin 'uffin?" Higue squirmed.

"Pancakes today Higue" Korien answered. She sat down in a chair and put Higue on the floor beside her. She took a warm pancake, and ripped off a small piece and handed it to him. Everyone watched as the innocent three year old munched on it euphorically.

Hiei watched as Korien fed her child. It was, an endearing sight to see, and it also made Hiei somewhat lonesome. He had never had that sort of care as a child, and it seemed like Higue was treated like a prince, even if they weren't rich.

"'ector 'ector!" Higue squealed seeing Hiei in the corner. Korien only threw her head back and laughed. Her laugh was beautiful and lightening.

"He remembers you Hiei" she laughed as Higue scampered over to him. Higue took small steps until he fell forward and clung to Hiei's right leg. A water droplet fell from Hiei's face looking down at the child, unsure of what to do.

"Hello..." Hiei told Higue nervously. Higue only looked up to Hiei and smiled laughing

"'Ector!" Hiei smiled for a quick second, but would not let it stay for too long.

"Gees if that kid thinks Hiei's his protector I'm sorry to know who is enemy is" Kuwabara joked

"Ignorant Buffoon, its only a child, of course it doesn't know how to distinguish those things" Hiei shot back angrily. Hiei quickly turned and opened the back door, disappearing, leaving Higue still in the kitchen.

"He's sure a morning person ain't he?" Yusuke said quietly sipping at his cup of orange juice

"Indeed" Kurama said quietly as he continued reading the newspaper "Oh Korien, I do believe we should retrieve your belongings from your house, since you'll be staying her for a while"

Korien nearly choked on her drink and everyone looked at her startled

"Oh no no, I'm fine, I'll get my things myself, I wouldn't want to trouble you all. But if someone wouldn't mind watching Higue for me that would be a great help"

"Sure, we'll watch after the tyke" Yusuke replied waving his hand "Now go on and get your crud"

"Yeah, me and Urameshi are real good with kids" Kuwabara added picking up Higue "Hey little guy you want to play with Uncle Kuwabara"

"Heheh play!" Higue giggled in his arms

"Aww I never knew you had such a sensitive side Kuwabara, that's so adorable" Korien's eyes went all goo-goo like and Kuwabara blushed

"Yeah well, it mostly started with my love for cats"

"Oh you have a cat too? You're too much!" She hugged Kuwabara childly "I absolutely love you! We'll get along just great!"

"Yeah, you know, you sort of remind me of Shizuru"

"What was that little bro?" Shizuru slapping the spatula against her hand

"Nothing sis, I just meant she's serious like you, but loving, that's all" Kuwabara said desperately

"Settle down brother, I wasn't going to hurt you" Shizuru laughed

"Man I wish I had a brother or sister to get along with like you two" Korien moaned happily

"NO YOU DON"T" both Kuwabara and Shizuru screamed at the same time.

That caused the whole group the group to burst out into laughter, and even behind the newspaper Korien could see Kurama smirking too. Korien quickly put on her shoes and waved by the door

"I better get going, the sooner I get my stuff, the sooner I can be free of him" She smiled waving. Before she left she kissed Higue's head "Now be good for Kuwabara and Yusuke okay?" Higue only giggled and she walked out the door.

Korien ran her hand through her golden locks and tied them up into a ponytail. It took a while for Korien to actually exit Kurama's estate. She walked through the front iron gates and sauntered down the streets. It was a beautiful day, there was a gentle breeze, but nothing intolerable. Korien hadn't wanted the rest of the group to come with her, because she knew it would not be a happy reunion coming home. She had been out all night, and so much had happened, she'd never live it down.

Korien walked by the coffee shop sadly, thinking about all that she'd be leaving behind staying with Kurama. It wasn't so far from it, but it just didn't seem the same. Korien was happy she was leaving the painful home with her father, but at the same time, was she really leaving or only running away from it?

She turned the corner down her street, and stopped abruptly finding Hiei standing there.

"Did you follow me?"

"I was ordered to watch over you" Hiei replied smugly

"Can't you just watch me with that third eye thing?" Korien asked pointing to the bandana that concealed it

"Hn. I probably could, but I wouldn't want you to be killed unless I did it myself"

"Oh thanks, I really feel the love there" Korien sighed sarcastically.

Korien continued, and Hiei walked at her side. Korien's eyes were sad, knowing she was nearing the house, and Hiei would himself gazing at her again. He watched as she flexed her fingers, and she ran her hand against her neck.

They were both silent, and Korien wanted to cry just seeing the house. She could sense the anger that lingered about it. She stopped at the bottom of the stairwell and looked to Hiei.

"Hiei, can you please just wait outside?" She asked gently

"Sure..." Hiei didn't understand why he had agreed to it. He usually just followed orders, and never put up with anyone else. Why was he acting so strangely? What's going on with him?

Korien walked up the stairs, letting her keys jingle as she turned the knob to the door and walked inside, shutting it gently.

"It seems as though you followed her as well Hiei" Hiei turned to see Kurama walking towards him in a pair of formal black pants and a red jacket.

"Hn" Kurama only chuckled

"What about her intrigues you? I've never seen you act this strangely"

"I'd be careful how you word things fox. I'm only here to protect her, that's my damn job."

"Sure Hiei"

"Hn" Hiei turned his head away from Kurama angrily, he still wishing he could help Korien.

Korien wandered through the front of the house quietly. She prayed her father was asleep, but as she walked through the living room there he was.

"Where have you been?" He asked almost calmly yet angrily

"Out, I'm leaving dad. I'm eighteen, you're no longer have your firm grasp over my life"

"Oh and what will you do when I stop paying for your tuition, and all of Higue's needs?" Her father asked smugly, in his hands, Korien's book, a book with her most passionate writings.

"Dad put my book down" She cried desperately. She and her mom had written a lot in that book.

Her father only stood up smugly and chucked it into the kindling fire place. Korien screamed as she pulled it from the fire quickly trying to stop the burning pages. Her father only cackled and laughed before hitting her with a flying chair, slamming here against the wall and she screamed feeling a sharp pain in her chest.

"You are here to obey me! Without me you'd be nothing! Your mother was a wench, and stupid bitch who believed you could be something special. But no you could only be a fornicatress and give birth to that stupid boy!"

"Sakura was never a bitch, and don't you ever say that. I am not a fornicatress, and Higue is not a stupid boy" Korien hissed struggling to her feet holding her chest wincing. She was only struck with the whip, and her arm began to bleed steadily

"What would you know, you're just a stupid girl"

"I'm not a girl anymore, and you'd notice that if you weren't so drunk all the time! I'm leaving and that's final"

"Only if you plan on leaving in more than one piece" He hissed back slamming his fist into her face. Korien fell back again, spatting out blood as she struggled to her feet.

"I will leave, and never miss this place, and I will be happy" Korien now realized she should never have come here, it would've been easier to just call a shipping agency, that way her father couldn't intervene. "Why do you have to hate me, for being what I am, weren't you the one who brought me into the world?"

"I didn't want you, but your mother was just the same, she wouldn't cut someone's chances short, what a waste." Her father shouted beating her again with the whip.

"Its not her fault you're too blinded, you keep drinking, just to show how much you miss her. You loved her, no matter how much you deny it, I can see it in your eyes, and you cried for days after she died I saw you" Korien screamed back tearing slightly

"SHUT UP" he kicked her in the ribs again and she screamed in pain.

Kurama and Hiei had been standing outside for about ten minutes now, and both of them looked up when they heard a faint scream.

"I knew she wouldn't be safe here" Kurama said harshly

"Hn, I don't know why I listened to her" Hiei stormed up the stairs quickly, and both of them flung through the front door silently.

"I TOLD YOU TO SHUT UP" they heard, and then the sound of something kicking up against flesh, and then Korien's cry.

"Dad stop already, if you miss her, just say so.... there's no point in hiding it."

"I SAID SHUT UP" he screamed raising the whip above his head, as he began to bring it down it was stopped

"I do believe you've done enough damage here"

Korien opened her eyes painfully to see Kurama holding on to her father's whip, and that Hiei was now beside her, trying to pick her up gently but she let out a painful whisper "Don't...it hurts"

"What the hell?" Korien's father turned around to see Kurama, and then was smashed in the face by Kurama's hand, her father fell to the ground quietly with a bloody face and Korien scampered to her feet.

"Dad? Dad are you okay? Daddy?" She shook her father roughly trying to get him to wake up. He's eyes opened slowly, and strangely his hand reached out to her face

"What are you doing back Sakura?"

"Sakura? Daddy its me, Korien, dad?" But her father only passed out again and his hand slipped away from her. She turned back to Kurama angry and crying, more gems hitting the floor "Why did you do that? Did I tell either of you to come in? Didn't I tell you all not to follow me? Do you two have no respect for me at all?"

"But Miss Meoji, we heard you scream and we just..." Kurama began

"Yeah so I scream a little." She rose holding her bloodied chest, "but I didn't scream for help. So it stings a little, I can handle it myself" She winced slightly

"Korien you really must let us help you" Kurama walked over to her

"GET AWAY FROM ME!" She screamed again.

Both Hiei and Kurama were at a loss of what to do. The floor was slowly becoming engulfed by her tear gems that were the only sounds in the room, the gem's "click" as it hit the wood floor. She looked down at her father, and took out a handkerchief wiping away the blood from his face. She gently picked him out, wincing again with her pain, but placed him on the couch. She threw a blanket over him, and left one tear gem in his hand and closed the fist gently. Korien did not bother looking at Hiei or Kurama and she stormed out the house slamming the door shut.

Authors Note

Sorry this chapter took so long, but here it is PLEASE REVIEW

Be happy while you're living, for you're a long time dead