Author's Note: This chapter is dedicated to YYH fan for the most refreshing review I have had in a long while. Not that I'm pleased for making him/her upset, but I'm ecstatic someone has given his/her opinion civilly and sincerely. I hope you enjoy this chapter more than the last, and I pray others will give an honest review as you have.

I give thanks to all the inspiring reviewers! Because of you, I have done something that I have never done before: continually work on one story for consecutive three chapters. Hopefully, I can push myself on for a personal-record fourth! Enjoy reading!

What He Said She Said
"Kuronue, where's Kurama?" Hiei demanded as he urgently marched towards the meeting tree. His black jacket nowhere in sight, his white shirt blew with the wind and against his lean, petite body. "I need to ask him something."

Shrugging indifferently, the taller lad replied, "I don't know where he is. I'm not his keeper, Hiei, nor do I ever intend to be." Undoing his high ponytail and allowing the wind to toss his sable locks, Kuronue continued coolly, "I think Kurama went home early today again. He didn't look so well, so I'm assuming he's resting by now."

"Hn. Since when has Kurama ever gotten sick?" Jaganshi inquired, narrowing his scarlet eyes suspiciously. Turning his gaze to the gray sky, he glared at the dubious clouds heavy with rain. A shower, or even a storm, loomed near. "What's been wrong with Kurama for the last few days? All the years I've known him, he has never come down with the common cold, or anything else for the matter. Additionally, a fight is nothing to Kurama—if anything, it just energizes him."

"Well, there are other things in the world, Hiei, that bring a man down to his knees," Kuronue muttered thoughtfully. A small sardonic smile lit his face while he thought of anything being able to pull Kurama six-feet under. "And I never said Kurama was sick—he's depressed."

"Depressed?" the smaller second year repeated incredulously. "About what?"

"How am I supposed to know?" Kuronue growled, crossing his arms in frustration. "It's not like he tells me everything that goes on his complex brain of his. All I know is I've never seen Kurama more depressed in all the time I've known him."

'Although,' Shinomori noted contemplatively, 'his behavior is very similar to how he acted after he and Kitajima broke up. But of course, that doesn't make sense because he hasn't dated anyone since her. Ah, no that can't be—'

An idea weaseled into the young man's thoughts, shocking and appalling him. He collapsed against the tree and sat on the ground, staring out in a daze. 'No, he would have told me if he had another girlfriend. Kurama would have definitely told me if he had a girlfriend.'

But the pieces were beginning to fit. Kurama's sudden happiness after Kitajima's party, his strange absences in group ventures, and now his depression similar to the one he had years ago: Kurama had been seeing someone. 'And not just anyone,' Kuronue concluded gravely. He remembered his friend's reluctance to search for Urameshi at Kitajima's party in favor to returning to a girl he had just met. Digging deeper, Kuronue noted Kurama's one-time interest in Sarayashiki and then never hearing about the district again.

And then the picture became clear.

'That girl—Botan—when she came to us that day asking about Kurama—' Kuronue cursed beneath his breath at the obvious. Now everything else made sense. He now knew why that girl had come to them, why Jin had pulled her away for privacy. When Jin had regained consciousness, he had demanded frantically about Urameshi's cousin's condition: no wonder. He felt responsible for his friend's girl. Kurama feeling depressed after his fight with Urameshi now made perfect sense. The Sarayashiki girl Botan, Kurama's girlfriend and Urameshi's cousin, had dumped Minamino.

'You're always full of surprise, Kurama.'

"Hn. Well, he better get over whatever he's sulking about," Hiei muttered in annoyance. He slumped beside Kuronue in one fluid motion. "If Sarayashiki gets wind of his weakness, we'll all be in trouble. Before you know it, Sarayashiki thugs will be waltzing into our district and swamping us with their idiocy."

With his new revelations, Kuronue laughed at the irony of his comrade's words. He placed his head in hand and chuckled at Fate's sense of cruel humor. "What if I told you, Hiei, that Kurama's weakness is caused by Sarayashiki?"

Giving Shinomori a condescending look, Hiei answered, "Then I would call you a liar or an idiot: whichever you prefer, Kuronue."

On normal occasions, Kuronue would respond to such remarks with some of his own wits; however, something larger than trifle words was occurring in the background. With a small laugh and shake of his head, Kuronue tucked some ebony strands behind his ear and asked, "Hiei, did you hear about the fight between Kurama and Urameshi?"

"Who hasn't?" Crossing his arms, Hiei closed his eyes as if preparing for a nap. "That's the only thing people have been talking about for days. It's big news in both districts, Kurama defeating Urameshi."

Shaking his head, Kuronue muttered, "People say Kurama won that fight, but it was a draw."

'An equal match between two fighters.'

"A draw?" Hiei glowered. The light tone his companion used ticked him off, like it always did. "What do you mean by that? Kurama is definitely the victor, Kuronue. He only came out with a few scrapes, while I heard Urameshi is still suffering from his wounds."

"A few scrapes you say?" Kuronue chuckled. Releasing a heavy sigh, he leaned his head backwards against the tree and pensively stared into the gloomy sky. "My, I forget easily that you haven't known Kurama for very long. Ah well, you live and learn, as people say."

"What are you talking about, Kuronue?"

"Kurama," Kuronue murmured quietly, "is an excellent actor, Hiei, don't forget that. You might have noticed, you might have not; but I definitely have. He's been hiding his true state from everyone, especially Shiori-san."

'Hiding to the point of lying.'

"So you're saying he's hurt more than he's letting on?" the other muttered distastefully.

The taller Meiou boy shrugged and replied evenly, "Some of his ribs might be cracked. I know his arms are bruised black and blue from blocking Urameshi's blows, so he keeps his sleeves down and jacket on. And make-up is nicely covering that bruise over his left eye."

Hiei curled his lip, raised a brow, and wiggled his nose in disgust. "Make-up?"

Laughing at Hiei's contorted face, Kuronue assured, "Yes, make-up. I told you, Kurama is an excellent actor, ever since his real parents taught him the consequence of weakness. He'll go to great lengths to maintain his cold guise and keep others from discovering his Achilles' heel."

"Which would be?"

"Love."

Two figures met in the shadows, one form taller than the other. The towering shadow spoke first. "What do you have for me?"

The second shade sniggered sinisterly and replied, "Something that'll interest you for sure."

"Give it to me," the first demanded.

"For what?"

"Whatever you want."

"You know what I want."

The taller shadow let out a hallow laugh, amused by his acquaintance's bold ambitions. "That's a brave thing for you to say, especially since she's your br—"

"I don't need reminders."

"Well, you give me what I want, and I'll help you with your wants. So tell me what you've found."

"Fine, fine. According to my sources, Minamino Syuuichi and Hanasaki Botan have been dating for the last few months."

"I already knew that," the tall figure snarled. He slammed an angry fist against the wall. "Like you, I don't need reminders."

"Oh?" the second figure murmured, slightly entertained. He had hit a sore chord with his colleague. "Then did you know they broke up some time ago?"

The first shade's spirits suddenly brightened at the news. "Really?" he asked with a slight cheery voice. "Would you by any chance happen to know why?"

"Apparently, Minamino and Urameshi got into a fight; and Hanasaki, being related to Urameshi, couldn't put up with that. So she dumped Minamino."

"Perfect. Just perfect."

"Kurama, it's nice of you to visit," Jin smiled, lifting himself into a sitting position on his bed.

After placing a vase of fresh flowers by the windowsill, the second-year took a seat by his friend's bed. He remained dressed in his school uniform, having left school directly for the hospital. "How are you doing, Jin?"

"Fine, fine," the underclassman grinned cheerily, waving Kurama's unnecessary concern. "The doctors say I'll be out in less than a week after a few more tests and check-ups."

A small, almost secretive sad smile lit Kurama's face while he whispered quietly, "That's good news. Good, I'm glad."

Jin took a long glance at his senpai and frowned at what he saw. Not that Kurama dressed or groomed poorly, which was far from the case, but the mischievous light in his emerald eyes were gone. Something emotionally devastating had happened, and Jin only knew of few occasions that would put Kurama in such a state. "Kurama, is something wrong?" Jin questioned carefully. "Has something happened?"

Nothing was said for a moment, and the silence grated Jin's nerves. He was not one to constantly tread carefully; that was Touya's job. But after some contemplative quiet, Kurama in time gave an answer. "Jin, the day Rishou's gang attacked, what happened?" was the eventual reply.

Scratching his head curiously, Jin asked, "Didn't Botan-san tell you what happened?" When Kurama gave no answer, Shinobi realized he had hit a sore spot and decided to answer Kurama's question. Maybe then his own questions would be answered. "Well, Kuronue, Hiei, Touya, and I were walking out of neutral territory when Botan-san spotted us. She recognized Kuronue and Hiei, so she knew they knew you. She started asking questions about you, which only freaked out the others. They had no idea how she knew you were Kurama. Took me a while to remember who she was, and as soon as I did, I took her away where we could discuss things alone."

Kurama's crimson brows furrowed at Jin's new details. "She was asking about me?"

"Well, it seems she hadn't received any messages from you for some time. After the Maya-san incident, Botan-san thought you were furious with her," the first year explained with a curious shrug. "I answered most of her questions as best I could and assured her you weren't mad at her, and soon after, Rishou reared his ugly face."

The name made sharp jade pools narrow in loathe and disgust. "What exactly did he want?"

"Well, he and his gang heard I was 'dating' a Sarayashiki girl and wanted to remind me about the feud," Jin answered in embarrassment. He hoped Kurama would not pry into the rumor and somehow expose Yukina and their relationship. "Botan-san got stuck in the middle of it, and I tried my best helping her out. Luckily, she knew a thing or two about fighting and held up until Urameshi arrived."

"What happened then?" Turned away from Jin, Kurama's gaze rested on the darkening skies outside.

Shinobi thanked God for Kurama's centered concern for Botan. "Urameshi saw the scrapes Botan-san had, and he blew his top. Never saw a man more crazy than him. Without much work he clocked Rishou and all of his thugs in less than five minutes. He was in such a fury, he was going to kill me too, but Botan-san stopped him in time."

"So he had nothing to do with you being hurt so badly?"

"Nope." After pensive silence, Jin inquired cautiously, "So what happened between you and Botan-san, Kurama?"

His attention caught, the redhead faced his younger friend in alarm. "What do you mean?"

"The others told me you haven't been yourself for some days now," Jin replied with a doleful grin. "And if Kuronue knew about Botan-san, I'm sure he could have guessed—he already suspects without knowing, I'm sure. Tell me, Kurama. What happened between you and Botan-san?"

"We broke up," Kurama sighed hopelessly, leaning back in his chair. "Or really, Botan dumped me."

"What?"

"That's exactly how I felt when she broke up," Minamino muttered. "It was so unexpected and sudden, I didn't understand. It was after fighting Urameshi. The day after I fought with Urameshi, she told me she was close to him. My actions were unforgivable, and she didn't want to mediate between two people she cared about."

Frowning, Jin shook his head and commented, "Then why did she choose Urameshi? Her choice makes no sense, since the lass is obviously in love with you."

Resting his head on Jin's bed, Kurama answered, "Because he's been by her side much longer than I have. She chose him because he's been with her far longer."

"Feh," the first year sniffed, "That doesn't mean anything, Kurama."

"It does, to her. To Botan, it means a lot."

A young lady passively strolled along the sidewalks, making her dreary way back home. She wanted to feel happier, to have a great burden lifted from her spirit; but alas, Fate would not have it so. The darkened clouds did not help her mood either. Her school bag dangling balefully in her hands, the girl kept her amethyst eyes focused downwards and brooded over recent turn of events.

'I did the right thing,' Botan reassured herself while continuing her slow gait. 'I did the right thing by breaking up with Kurama.' But no matter how many times she repeated the words, Kurama's shocked emerald pools flashed across her memory. She remembered the bruises she had seen, the injuries he had hidden so others would not notice. But she noted all of them: the slight wince in his movements, the covering on his face, the subtle acting. Even through his pain, Kurama was handsome. The fine image tore at her heart, harshly reminding her what she had given up.

At the same time, his beautiful memory reminded Botan what she had saved. 'If he had stayed with me, there would be other fights between him and my friends. And if not him and my friends, his friends against mine. Better to separate now than to complicate things later.' She loved Kurama, she truly did with all her heart; thus, she had no desire to see him suffer in any way or form. What had happened between Jin, Yusuke, and Kurama had been entirely her fault. If she distanced herself from Kurama, maybe then another dreadful incident would not occur, and everyone would remain safe and unharmed.

"My feelings for you haven't changed, Kurama," Botan whispered with a teary smile. "You've shared so much with me, so I'll always have a part of you with me. I just wish you happiness, Kurama, happiness with someone who won't bring more disaster into your life." She engraved that wish deep into her heart and prayed divine powers would grant it. As if in response to her desire, rain began pouring from the heavy gray clouds. A small sense of hope sparked in her soul.

"Well, well. What a surprise seeing you here alone, Sweet."

The spark instantly died.

Maya sighed hopelessly while she exited an ice cream shop empty-handed. Dressed in casual civilian clothing, she left the small boutique, feeling disappointed its sweet product could not quell the unhappiness in her heart. Her sorrow would not be sated, not even by wondrous ice cream. Now the heavy shower only dampened her spirits further. "When will I get over it?" she mumbled, making her way towards home as fast as she could.

'How dare you, of all people, come to me and demand such a thing?' Syuuichi had growled while furiously shaking his head. 'You're the only one who tries pulling me in, Maya-san, the only one who tries trapping me.' After throwing off her arm and listening to her pitiful pleas, he had glared at her with his piercing eyes and had added coldly, 'You lost me long before we broke up, Maya-san.'

"But when had I lost you, Syuuichi-san?" she murmured in desolation, covering her head with her arms from the rain. "When did we separate like we had? When had our hearts drifted so far from one another?"

The same had happened to Jin. One moment they were happy, the two of them understanding each other and loving the other without restraints or fears. Eventually, as time passed, Maya felt a rift grow between her and Jin. As the days passed, she felt the young man push her away. The chasm lodged between them ultimately led the couple to its end.

'My feelings hadn't changed,' Maya thought seriously. In fact, she felt the same for Jin just as she always had. She had only broken up with him because she felt his heart desiring change, separation from hers. 'So why did I lose both of them?'

Then a silent voice whispered into her ear, 'When you push away one's pain, you in the end push him away.'

"Had I pushed away Syuuichi-san's pain?" The brunette exhaled sadly, only beginning to understand her past wrongs. She wanted to grow, to move past where she was and step forward. Inside, she knew Syuuichi or Jin would not return to her, but either's return was not her main concern. She wanted to mature. Maya solely desired to be someone her loved one could fearlessly confide in, like Botan had become for Kurama.

"Where are you taking me?" Strangely, Kitajima could hear the Sarayashiki girl's voice through the rain even now. "Where are you taking me, Karasu?"

Jerking her head upwards, Maya spotted across the street a sky haired girl being dragged into the alleyways by a taller dark haired man. The young lad was a stranger, but he had a handsome, slender figure with long onyx strands: similar in appearance to Kuronue but much more alluring and seductive, almost dangerous. Maya recognized Botan and felt her anger grow seeing the girl with another man. 'How dare she cheat on Syuuichi-san like that? Does she have no shame?'

Inspired by her fury, Maya crossed the soppy street and began tailing the two Sarayashiki students into the town's shadows. Silently and speedily she followed them into the darkened mazes of alleyways, ignoring the mud splattering against her shoes and pants. Maybe if she followed them long enough, she would discover the identity of their relationship and expose Botan for who she really was.

"Let me go, Karasu!" Botan's voice echoed through the trashy pathways over the pattering of the rain. "Stop it, leave me alone!"

The Meiou girl heard a sharp gasp of pain, followed by a cold, sinister voice. "You're mine, Botan-chan—and I'm going to make sure you stay mine." An icy cackle mixed itself with the pattering footsteps and drumming raindrops as the two continued moving. "I don't know why you tried running away from me for all those years. It really made no difference."

"It makes all the difference!" Botan's voice snarled back. "Anything is better than being with a monster like you!"

"You didn't mind it all those years ago. In fact, we almost—"

"I did mind it! Why do you think I broke up with you?" the girl snapped, her voice growing shaky but bold. "I hate you! I hate you, so stay away from me!" Maya could hear sounds of struggle and resistance, her anger melting away with each frantic noise. A dark foreboding feeling seeped into her heart while she started piecing the true nature of Botan and Karasu's relationship.

CRASH!

Maya jumped when she heard a body collide into trashcans but successfully muffled her surprised gasp. "You know, Sweet, I really liked you better when you weren't so full of stupid ideas. Urameshi, that cousin of yours, Daioh, and Minamino really have had a bad influence over you."

"Stay away from me!" Botan screeched. "Don't touch me!" Hearing the fear in her voice, water splattering hysterically, and cloth ripping violently, Maya turned on her heel and dashed to open street as fast as she could.

'This is bad!' Maya cried, her tears mixing with the rainfall. Awful images developed in her mind as she thought of the girl's cruel fate. She needed to escape the darkness and find the light! 'Botan-san is in trouble—She's in trouble!' When she finally escaped the alleyways, the second year searched right and left for help. The sun setting and with the pouring rain, most people had returned to their homes for the night, leaving the streets empty.

"Someone, please help!" Maya shouted distraughtly. "Please!"

'Syuuichi-san, please help Botan-san!'

"So how is Jin feeling?" Kuronue inquired while handing his friend a rice ball he had picked up from a street vendor. Habitually he ignored the rain, enjoying the coolness it offered through his stuffy uniform.

"He'll be out in about a week," Kurama replied quietly, gratefully taking the offered food. Although he did not like getting wet, today he would make an exception. The sky cried in his place, offering tears he could not afford to shed. "His injuries are healed, but the doctors want to run some other tests just to be sure. They're afraid he might have caught something, fighting in the dirty alleyway like he did."

Hiei snorted while he grabbed a snack from Kuronue and devoured it in one fell swoop. Damp food did not set well with him. "Well, they should be worried. Fighting in a place like that is disgusting, even for seasoned fighters like us."

The redhead would have laughed at his friend's saucy remark if only he had the spirit to do so. As much as he tried to forget, Botan's tearful image continually haunted his memories. 'You hurt him, Kurama, and you hurt me,' her voice echoed in his mind.

'I didn't mean to hurt you.' Biting his lip uneasily, Kurama shook his head in regret. During their dates, Botan had told him numerous stories about her cousin, the one she adored and admired. He had been by her side since days she could remember; he had been her companion in every fond adventure; he had rescued her from Karasu's grip by allowing her to live with him. 'And in one moment of rage, I battled her happiest memories,' Minamino inwardly groaned. 'In a confrontation I started, I fought something so precious to her.'

While the Three walked, Kurama's silence did not go unnoticed. Kuronue frowned at the turmoil in his friend's eyes, wishing the expression would disappear. The sky's cloudiness had taken residence in Kurama's image. 'Do you still think of her, Kurama? Was she really the one that created so much of your happiness?'

"Hey, look, it's the bitch," Hiei's cool tone sliced through his comrades' thoughts.

The two taller lads looked up and saw across the street drenched Maya frantically running down the sidewalks. Kurama grew alert when he saw tears and uncontainable fear in her eyes. Something was terribly wrong. "Maya-san!" he called, crossing at the light and running towards her.

"Don't go to her, damn it!"

"Syuuichi-san!" Without hesitation, Maya grabbed his hand and started pulling him the direction in which she had come. "We have to hurry, Syuuichi-san! If we don't, it'll be too late!"

"Too late for what?" he asked while matching his pace with the girl's. He would have stopped her in her tracks; however, something inside of him told him otherwise. They had to keep moving. "Where are we going, Maya-san? What's wrong?"

"Botan-san is in trouble!" she blurted, quickening her mad dash.

Kurama's mind went blank. He felt his heart drop to the bottom of his stomach. "What?"

"Someone named Karasu pulled Botan-san into the alleyways, and I followed them," Maya cried, unable to hold back her tears. She slid to stop and turned the corner, Kurama right on her tail. "I thought Botan-san might be cheating on you, but—but I was wrong! If we don't hurry, something horrible is going to happen to Botan-san!"

Clenching his hands into fists, Kurama growled fiercely at the mention of Karasu. How easily he had forgotten about the demon amidst his own sadness. He had forgotten the danger Karasu posed to Botan when she was alone. 'And Botan-san suffers from my selfishness.'

Lightning clapped in the air.

"What's going on, Kurama?" Kuronue demanded while running beside the redhead. Hiei moved right alongside the two of them. "Who's this Karasu Kitajima is sputtering about?"

"A bastard that needs to be taught a lesson," Minamino glared.

Kuronue asked no more questions, comprehending the emotion behind Kurama's eyes. The glare he shot was almost alike to the one he had given after seeing Jin in the hospital; however, Kurama wanted more than bruises and cuts. He was after bloodshed. 'I really hate it when you get like this, fox,' Kuronue groaned in exasperation. 'Bad things happen when you lose your temper.'

"In here!" Maya directed suddenly, anxiously pointing into an alley. "We have to hurry!"

The four rushed into the darkened path, only to stop when they reached a series of parting branches. Each trail marked with the blackest obscurity, the three choices declared doom if the wrong decision was made. The rain poured harder than ever. "Which way, Maya-san?" Kurama demanded.

"I don't remember," the girl whimpered fearfully. She frantically studied the three paths before her, her mind unable to recognize any of them. "I can't remember which one I came out of. I was so scared and—"

"It's all right," Kurama assured calmly. He pointed to the first path and directed, "Hiei, you take that one; Kuronue, the second one is yours. Maya-san and I will take the third one. If you find a girl with blue hair, get her out of there as fast as you can and call the rest of us."

Without another word, the Three split in unison, Maya trying her best to keep up with Kurama.

'Be strong, Botan-san. I'm coming!'

"STOP IT! STAY AWAY FROM ME! AAAHH!"

In an instant, Kurama's heart froze, and he slid to an immediate halt. He felt himself breaking while he recognized the voice. Instinctively, he ran into the passage and knocked away everything in his path: including Karasu. When Kurama finally reached Botan, his heart tore in two and disappeared. Her light blue jacket, torn into pieces, lied stained, crumpled, and sopping wet some feet away from the girl; her skirt was ripped at the seams, as if someone had forcibly yanked at it to pull it away; and her white blouse was in tatters, almost nonexistent. The scraps of cloth stuck to her like second skin, trying to give the girl whatever modesty they could offer. Fresh bruises and scratches marked up and down the girl's trembling wet body. Kurama would hold nothing back while facing Karasu.

"Feh, so the princess arrives," the demon satisfyingly smirked while rising to his feet.

"Just stay on the ground and everything will be much easier," Kurama snapped, his verdant eyes flashing furiously. He unbuttoned his damp black school jacket and tossed it Maya. His eyes motioned her to help Botan when she could while he took care of the beast before him. He silently undid two buttons on his shirt and unbuttoned his sleeves for free movement.

"Tough talk for a girl," Karasu teased, walking towards his obstacle fearlessly. "Why don't you go home and treat your hair? I've never seen a girl with strands as damaged as yours. Botan-chan's hair is definitely finer than yours. I just love how it feels against my skin."

"Don't speak her name!" Kurama speedily rushed at Karasu, launching a series of attacks on the twisted boy. "Don't speak or even think about her!" he roared furiously through his strikes.

Maya, evading the fight, sped to Botan's side. Her emotions wrenched painfully when she saw Botan gaze into space with a dim expression, her body gasping for every breath. She was too weak to even try covering herself. Sympathy overwhelming her, Maya wrapped Kurama's jacket securely around the injured girl and tried lifting her to her feet. "Botan-san, I know you're hurt," the Meiou girl whispered, "but you must stand up. We have to get out of here, and I can't do it alone."

A tiny glow lit in Botan's lifeless eyes, the ravaged young lady struggling onto her feet. Without delay, Maya pulled the girl up and started down the trail of shadows towards the main street. Once they reached the open and the light, they would be home free.

"Sorry, girly," a slithering voice snickered from the darkness. A wiry young man dressed in a suspicious suit with a sable umbrella emerged from the shadows and blocked Maya and Botan's way. An evil glint lit his empty eyes. "Karasu isn't done with her yet, so I can't let you pass."

"But I can." With his trademark cocky smile, Kuronue pounced on the slimy stranger and knocked him into the wall. He gave Kitajima an encouraging wink and while ordering, "Now you get out of here! Pretty girls shouldn't be in a dangerous place like this!"

"Idiot! Keep an eye on your opponent!" Hiei snapped, knocking down the revived stranger. He slapped the back of Kuronue's head. "You should know one blow isn't going to keep Toguro down."

"He's Toguro?" Kuronue sniggered, giving his foe a second glance. Cocking a brow, he held back his additional laughter. "Somehow I imagined him to be bigger."

"The older one, dimwit," Jaganshi snapped.

"And the stronger one," the elder Toguro snarled, rushing towards the two high school students. Holding a blade in one hand and his umbrella in the other, he swiped at the Meiou boys in frenzy. "I'm going to kill you both for ruining my new suit!"

"Hn, like hell you will."

Kuronue would have made another smart remark but instead tossed a knowing glance at the forgotten girls. He shot Maya another commanding look. Silently thanking Shinomori and Hiei and giving them a small bow, Maya urged Botan forward while the two girls stumbled through the alleyways. In what seemed like hours, Kitajima and wavering Hanasaki reached the open street. The rain had ceased falling.

"We did it, Botan-san!" Maya cheered breathlessly as her legs failed beneath her. She hugged the unconscious Sarayashiki girl while tears streamed down her face. "We made it out!"

'You're safe now.'

"What's going on here?"

Looking up from her position, Maya stared into two fiery rose orbs and felt her blood run cold. "What happened to Botan-chan?" Genkai angrily demanded when she saw her friend unconscious and injured. The state of her clothes did not soothe the martial artist either.

"She-She was attacked by Karasu—and-and Syuuichi-san saved her," Maya trembled, recognizing the company with the petite rose-haired girl. Beside her stood the towering Sarayashiki third years Toguro and Bui, meaning the girl had to be the nationally acclaimed Hiigarashi Genkai.

"Did she say Syuuichi, Minamino Syuuichi?" the younger Toguro murmured, glancing at his smaller girlfriend in alarm. He folded the umbrella he had held for her.

"Forget about Minamino," Genkai snapped in irritation. She ripped a strip from her shirt and wrapped it around Botan's continually bleeding cut. "He isn't the problem. Karasu has gone too far this time, and I'm not going to let him get away with this."

"But you're no match for him, Hiigarashi-san," Bui warned solemnly.

Genkai shot the older boy a glare, instantly shutting him up. Understanding her feelings, Toguro kindly patted his girlfriend's shoulder while whispering gravely, "We'll take care of him when we see him. Don't worry."

The elder Toguro suddenly flew out of the alleyway, landing face first into the dripping concrete sidewalk. "That'll teach you to prey on defenseless girls, you creep!" Kuronue laughed hardily, dusting off his hands. Together, he and Hiei walked from the darkened path, smug smiles lighting their muddy faces. The grins disappeared when they noticed younger Toguro, Bui, and Genkai by Maya and Botan's side.

'Damn,' Kuronue moaned at his luck. He ran a muddy hand through his damp, undone hair. 'It's really smart to toss a beaten up dude into his brother's face. You're in big trouble now, Kuronue, buddy.' Five fighters grew alert and positioned themselves into fighting poses. Ready to attack, they started advancing, but a cold voice stopped them.

"Stop," Kurama glared, emerging from the alleyway. His fiery scarlet hair, limp and plastered against his face, mixed with small trails of blood along the side of his face. His white shirt, now second skin, possessed mud smudges and small tears as did his black pants. They were all symbols of a past fight, all except for Minamino's eyes. In the icy pools of emerald remained the passionate and deadly fury that drove a battle forward.

Falling to one knee, Kurama lifted Botan from Maya's arms and muttered, "Thank you, Maya-san, for saving Botan-san. I'm eternally indebted to you."

"You don't owe me anything, Syuuichi-san," Maya smiled warmly, standing on her own two feet. Her short brunette hair, dripping with water and tears, framed her bright and thankful face. "I'm glad that I was able to help Botan-san."

Seeing the girl meant it, he gave her grateful nod and ended any awkward feelings between them. Kurama then faced Genkai, remembering her being one of Botan's close friends. "Hiigarashi-san, would you mind if I took Botan-san home?"

"You should have done that five minutes ago! She's going to catch a cold from wearing only that wet jacket!" she hollered impatiently. Turning to her boyfriend and Bui, she ordered while pointing to the grounded elder Toguro, "Find Karasu and figure out what the two sleaze bags were up to." Pointing at Hiei then to Maya, she commanded, "You, short one, take this girl home." At Kuronue, she yelled, "You're coming with us."

Everyone followed the young lady's orders and immediately set into motion. Observing Botan lost in dark dreams in his arms, Kurama despaired at the trauma he had left her to face alone. Would she forgive him for this?

Kurama, Kuronue, and Genkai silently raced as fast as they could to the Urameshi home.

"Dimwit!"

Yusuke turned around at the familiar nickname. He wanted to snap at Genkai, but the sight of Minamino and Shinomori froze his tongue. When he saw Botan, his body ceased all functions. Automatically, he opened the door into the house and led soaked Kurama to Botan's room.

Once the girl rested on a makeshift bed of towels, Genkai pushed the boys out and assured them she would take care of everything else. She closed the door on their faces, leaving three young men in the hallway in awkward silence. Eventually, they moved into the living room, Urameshi offering Meiou towels and drinks. Kurama and Kuronue, who accepted the offers, uneasily sat across from Yusuke.

"So, Karasu did this to her?" Yusuke shook his head after hearing Kurama and Kuronue's story. His chestnut pools narrowed and glared at his empty hands. "Stupid! I knew he was going to do something like this when he moved here, but I—I didn't protect her!"

"This isn't your fault, Urameshi-san," Kurama muttered, hanging his towel around his neck.

"Yes, it is." The young man slammed a fist into the coffee table, rattling the cups from their places. "The entire reason for her moving here was so that I could protect her from him. It's my job to keep her safe."

"It's the job for all those who care for her, Urameshi-san," Kurama added placidly, his expression unfeeling. He wore his infamous poker face. "I failed in protecting her as well."

Minamino's remark piqued Yusuke's interest, but he had no idea how to continue. What did the Meiou boy mean? A job for all those who care—and he had failed? What was Minamino trying to say? "What exactly are you to Botan?" the cousin questioned.

"Nothing," Kurama responded evenly.

"And that's the largest load of crap I've ever heard," Yusuke glared. The redhead's face was unreadable, yes, but his voice was not. Waves of emotions rode in his words, and Yusuke could hear them if not feel them. After a moment of silence, he asked, "Were you her boyfriend?"

Hiding his surprise, Kurama honestly answered, "Yes."

Sighing and sinking further into his seat, Yusuke groaned, "I figured as much. Man, do I feel guilty now." Looking at Kuronue, he inquired, "And how long have you known about them?"

"I'm in the same boat as you," Kuronue smiled wryly, understanding Yusuke's frustration. "I figured it out some hours ago, actually."

"How did you know, Urameshi-san?" Kurama questioned serenely. "I know Botan-san has never told you."

"Heh, you get a special sense when you live around her long enough," Yusuke chuckled. But having such a sense hurt him because it meant he knew when Botan hid something from him. Knowing when Botan kept secrets hurt because he knew then she did not completely trust him. Yusuke could not blame his cousin, though, for hiding her boyfriend's identity. Reciprocally, Botan knew Yusuke just as well he knew her. Looking off to the side, he muttered apologetically, "I'm sorry I made the two of you break up."

Kurama replied in an instant, "That also was not your fault, Urameshi-san."

"Feh, yeah right," Yusuke scoffed, sinking comfortably into his seat. "Botan probably would have married you if I hadn't gotten in the way." Kurama was struck speechless by Yusuke's words, unsure if he was being sarcastic or serious. The younger lad noticed Minamino's expression and assured gravely, "I mean it. Seeing how unresponsive she's been for the last few days compared to how happy she was beforehand really spells out her feelings. She still loves you, you know."

No response was given, and Yusuke felt disappointed with Minamino's lack of reaction. Not that he expected Kurama to jump from his seat and celebrate Botan's love; but Yusuke did think the redhead would at least crack a smile or release a sigh of relief. The last thing he expected was, "I shouldn't have attacked you that night."

The Sarayashiki delinquent nearly fell from his seat, amazed how Meiou's top student could be such a dunce at life. Of course, maybe Kurama was doing this purposely. With that in mind, Yusuke decidedly played along. "You were angry about a friend," he excused with a wave of his hand. "What you did is understandable."

Shaking his head, Kurama apologized again, "I'm sorry."

"Just make sure you don't do it again," Yusuke winced with a sly grin. "I'm not looking forward to fighting you again, Kurama."

Genkai then joined the boys in the living room, bringing tension into the air. She poured herself a drink from the coffee table and slowly gulped down the beverage. The three boys anxiously waited for news on Botan's condition but were afraid of what would be said. "So, how is she, Genkai-senpai?" Yusuke finally asked, breaking the ice.

"She's a little beaten up, but she's clean and asleep now," the rose-haired girl assured, taking a seat by Yusuke. She released a sigh of relief and relaxed on the couch. "Botan-chan will be asleep for days, I'm guessing, so you'll have to wait to take her to the doctor. Fortunately for us Karasu didn't rape her, but I bet that's what he intended."

Punching a fist into his hand, Hanasaki's cousin growled fiercely, "I'm going to kill him anyway."

"No, you won't," Genkai scolded, smacking Yusuke's forehead with the back of her hand. "Let Toguro deal with him. You are going to stay with Botan-chan and make sure there's no more trouble." She then gave Kurama a polite bow. "It's nice to finally meet Botan-chan's boyfriend, even under such circumstances. I'm glad you and the others were there for her, Minamino-san."

"Her ex-boyfriend, Hiigarashi-san," Kurama bowed in return. "And I'll tell Maya-san and Hiei your thanks." He took the towel from his neck and folded it neatly, placing it on the couch. Rising to his feet, Kurama walked towards the door to leave. Kuronue followed closely behind him. Before leaving, Kurama gave Yusuke a formal bow. "Please tell Botan-san thank you for everything she has done for me and that I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused her. I wish for her happiness."

Yusuke, remaining seated, watched the Meiou boys go, frowning at Kurama's words. 'How can you wish for her happiness and walk out that door knowing how she feels about you?' he thought with sadness and a tinge of bitterness. 'How can you wish her happiness when you're walking away with so much of it?'

"Are you sure you're going to be all right?" Kuronue asked quietly. He and Kurama stood before the Minamino residence, Kurama just about to enter his home. "Do you want me to stick around and help you explain to Shiori-san? You know, for old times sake?"

"No, it's all right, I'll be fine," his friend assured with a small smile. Placing a hand on Kuronue's shoulder, Kurama urged, "It's getting late, and you should start heading home. Your mother and aunt are probably at their wits end, and Momoko-san will worry if you don't show your face before the evening ends."

Nodding in reluctant agreement, Kuronue waved farewell while leaping into the night. "I'll see you later, Kurama! If you run into any trouble, you know what to do! I'm just a call away!" Kurama watched until he could not see Kuronue's shadow dancing with the streetlights. Only then did he enter his home.

"Syuuichi-kun, are you home?"

"I'm back, Okaa-san," Kurama called out, hurriedly taking off his shoes. Maybe if he was quick enough, he could reach his room and avoid confrontation until tomorrow morning. But Fortune had other plans.

"I'm glad that you're—Oh dear! Syuuichi-kun!" Shiori held her hand at her mouth and stared at her only child in shock and fear. "Syuuichi-kun, what happened to you?"

"Shiori, are you all right?" Hatanaka questioned when he joined his fiancée's side. When he caught sight of Kurama's sate, he gasped as well. "Syuuichi-kun, what happened?"

Looking down at his clothes, Kurama blushed at his haggard and worn appearance: so much for reaching his room. Before he could say anything, Shiori led him to the family room and had him sit down. She returned in an instant with the first aid kit and began cleaning her son's small cuts. Shuuichi, who had been preoccupied, now joined the family and gaped at his stepbrother's beaten image. Once they were all settled and seated, Hatanaka asked first, "How did this happen, Syuuichi-kun?"

Deciding to tell only the bare necessities to his future stepfather and his mother, Kurama honestly answered, "Someone attacked Botan-san. Maya-san saw this and found Hiei, Kuronue, and myself. There was a small fight, but we weren't hurt. Botan-san was somewhat injured; however, she was not seriously harmed and is safe at home right now."

"I'm glad Botan-chan is safe," Shiori sighed with relief. "Although, it makes me sad she's gone through such a tough ordeal." She wondered additionally why Maya had not searched for police or some adult instead. Why did Maya find Syuuichi, of all people? Did Syuuichi lead a secret life? 'Does he hide someone beneath that calm exterior?'

"Why do you call her Botan-san?" Hatanaka questioned carefully, unknowingly intruding Shiori's thoughts. His intrusion, on the other hand, presented a question Shiori wondered herself.

Seeing he would have to tell them eventually, Kurama replied evenly, "We broke up some time ago. It's only proper I call her that."

Shiori remembered the last time Botan had visited and how she had heard the two arguing loudly. After the short quarrel, the young lady had left in tears and without saying goodbye. The mother had not seen or heard from Botan since then, and she had received no news from Syuuichi. His confession now cleared what had resulted from their spat, but it did not clarify what had happened then.

Shuuichi, his face flushed, jumped to his feet and yelled, "How can you break up with Botan 'nee-chan? What's wrong with you, Onii-chan?"

"Shuuichi-chan," Hatanaka warned.

The young man ignored his father and grabbed the front of his stepbrother's dirtied shirt. "What did you do, Onii-chan? What did you do to make Botan 'nee-chan dump you? I know you like Botan 'nee-chan, and she likes you too much just to break up without reason. So what did you do? Tell me!"

"Shuuichi-chan, sit down." Pushing his son down, Hatanaka gave the young boy one last warning glare before returning his attention to his stepson. "Syuuichi-kun, your mother and I won't pry as to why you and Botan-san broke up. If you feel like telling us one day, we'll be ready to listen to you."

'We'll be ready to embrace the side you won't show us.'

"Thank you, Hatanaka-san," Kurama bowed gratefully, sensing deeper meaning in the older man's words. Did Hatanaka already suspect? Could he see through Minamino Syuuichi, a decade-old lie? Did he already see the dark secrets, the filthy, belligerent spirit Kurama hid within himself?

'You're wrong, Kurama.' A soft voice whispered in the young man's heart, filling it with warmth and comfort. 'Youko Kurama may have been a bad person at first, but he learned how to protect his heart, and that was by protecting his loved ones. Youko Kurama is strong physically, in mind, and in will. Minamino Syuuichi may only be a fabricated mask, but a mask always shows some reflection of the real person; like Syuuichi, Kurama, you're kind, smart, and confident of yourself. See? You're a mix of both people you were and are. This is what I see and what makes me love you all the more.'

'Botan-san.' Why did she always fill his thoughts, even when he was consumed with fear? Even when they were no longer together, why was she always with him? 'Why does the mere memory of your voice give me such strength?'

"Ahem." Hatanaka Kenji cleared his throat and drew out everyone from his or her contemplative state. Taking his fiancée's hand and patting it tenderly, Hatanaka turned to the two sons and announced, "Maybe my news will cheer us all up."

Kurama stared up at his mother's fiancé curiously.

"Syuuichi-kun, I have friends in the States who are well related to some of the best schools there," the middle-aged man grinned, adjusting his glasses with his free hand. "They've seen your junior high and high school records and many achievements and wish for you to study abroad in the States."

Shuuichi and Syuuichi exclaimed in unison, "Really?"

"They've offered you full financial support, as long as you keep your grades up, of course. My colleagues are sure you'll do well in the States and are most certain you will get into any college or university you desire." Hatanaka's grin grew into a proud, loud laugh that brightened everyone's face. "In fact, they're fighting over who will get to brag to the schools about discovering such a promising student."

"So what you mean to say is—"

"We're wondering if you would like to study in the States, Syuuichi-kun," Shiori smiled.

"For how long?" he asked with some curiosity. Although he did not want to openly admit it, Kurama was rather intrigued by Hatanaka's offer. An open opportunity to study in the States did not come easy for anyone—well, at least anyone in his financial position. Maya, Ayame, and Daioh Koenma could easily create the possibility for themselves.

Kurama's interest did not go unnoticed, Hatanaka catching the inquisitiveness in the young man's voice. "For however long you maintain your grades or until you wish to return home, Syuuichi-kun. It's all up to you."

"So if I decided," he treaded carefully, "I could be gone for years?"

"Yes, if it came to it."

"But what about you, Okaa-san, and Shuuichi-kun?"

"We will visit you in the States whenever you're on break. And if you like, you may visit Japan instead. It's your choice, Syuuichi-kun."

Kurama paused for a moment and thought of the possibilities this opportunity brought. By studying in the States, his chances of succeeding or receiving the highest level of education increased by a hundredfold. He could become anything he wanted, study any area he desired and not fail in society. But if he left Japan, he would not see his friends for many years. He would, for the first time in his life, separate from Kuronue and all those whom he held dear. Additionally, Kurama would never see Botan again.

'If I leave, who is to say we will remain in contact with each other anyway? She might move away to another town or country. She could even find another boyfriend.' He grew angry at the last thought but felt somewhat happy from it. If he left, not only would he never see Botan again, she would not see him either. He would be removing himself and the problems he caused from her life.

"What do you think, Syuuichi-kun?" Shiori asked. She recognized the pensive face her son held and feared his gears moving too fast. If anything, she did not want him to hastily make a decision he would later regret. "If you need it, you have until the end of the week to answer. You don't have to—"

"I'll go."