Hiei undertsood why the fox wanted to talk to his mother alone, and he respected that. But he knew it would be hard for him, and he had just wanted to be there. And Kurama was right, Hiei would never really understand how he felt, because he had never had a loving mother like Shiori. Though Hiei knew that if his mother had lived, he was sure he would be a different person. But since his mother had killed herself before Hiei was able to locate her, he would never know.

Finally he couldn't stand it any longer. He needed to see how the woman was reacting to Kurama's news. He flitted across the few streets to the hospital, and perched on the window sill outside room 501. He didn't know if the fox knew he was there or not, but he no longer cared. If the fox needed his help he would be there for him, not across town letting him suffer.

"Shuichii, what is it you need to tell me?" Shiori was asking. Her voice was quiet and hoarse, as if it was hurting her immensly to speak.

"Please mother... do not speak unless there is great need to. It weakens you even more."

It didn't look like Shiori wanted to listen to her son, but she obeyed him and didn't speak until Kurama asked her to.

The fox pulled out the book he had found her reading from the inside of his jacket. Hiei started. When had he retrieved it?

"This book mother... do you believe it's stories?"

She nodded. "I have always believed in that sort of thing. I have never told anyone though. They would think it was... foolish." She coughed hoarsly; her whole body shook.

"Then perhaps that is a good thing..." the fox muttered, more to himself then the sick woman.

Kurama flipped through the pages until he reached the bio of Yoko Kurama. He stared at the page for a while. His eyes quivered for a moment before he looked back at his mother. "You see this fox spirit mother?"

Shiori frowned and nodded.

Again Kurama fell silent and Hiei worried.

"You see, this fox spirit was one of the most well-known thieves in Makai." Seeing Shiori's confused look, he changed his words. "...um.. that is... in Demon World. He stole many valuable things - especially ancient treasures. He was good at it, though one day he made a mistake. A pursuer badly injured him. He was almost killed, but using the last of his energy, he escaped into the Human World -this world -and took over the soul of an unborn baby, so he could recover." Kurama's bottom lip trembled for a split second before he bit it, and he squeezed his eyes shut to stop the tears from falling.

"Shuichii, how do you know such things?"

He looked at the floor and fingered the white sheet with his bare hands. "I have my sources mother. Perhaps you will find out soon enough."

Hiei frowned. Perhaps?

"Let me finish the story mother..."

Shiori nodded apologeticly, and allowed her son to contine.

Kurama took a deep breath before continuing. "It was unfortunate at the time, but Yoko Kurama had abducted the body of a baby that would come into the most loving and caring family on this planet. If it weren't for his mother, Yoko would have run away from his family and returned to the Demon World at age ten. By then his energy would have had time to safely recover."

Kurama reached over the bed and grabbed his mother's hand. "But his mother fell ill. Yoko refused to retreat back to Demon World. He could not just leave his mother to die, because of what she had done for him."

Hiei was surprised at Kurama's strength. His voice was still strong. It did not waver or crack, and there were no tears. Hiei wondered how Kurama could be so strong, considering what he had been through.

Kurama continued. "His mother was going to die. It was easy to see, and he knew it was coming. But there was something that would save his mother's life, so he took the chance of getting arrested and stole it --- for his mother. That item was called the Forlorn Hope. It was a mirror that would grant the greatest desire of whomever looked into it, but the user must give his life in return. Yoko didn't care. It was his mother's life or his, and he chose his mother's. But with the help of a friend, he was able to keep his life, and his mother lived."

Shiori smiled. "That is a wonderful story Shuichi!" his mother gasped, yet broke into a coughing fit. A few moments later she settled down, and Kurama's eyes were filled with worry. Suddenly Kurama's voice entered Hiei's head.

Please Hiei. This is too hard! He told him.

But you look strong fox. I know you can do this! Hiei replied frantically. As far as his friend had come, he would refuse to let him give up.

I may look strong, but on the inside it's tearing me apart!

Okay fox listen... you mother is now on Yoko's good side. You made her believe that Yoko is good because he chose his human mother's life over his own. Knowing that you picked her over yourself will make her feel wonderful!

Kurama didn't respond. Instead he stood up and turned towards the door.

"Shuichi, where are you going?" his mother asked weakly. He didn't respond and took a step towards the door.

Dammit fox don't you dare! As far as you've come you're just going to give up now? Hiei was mad. He would not let the fox give up.

I just can't do it Hiei. The boy's voice entered his head once again.

I've never known you to be this weak! You'd never give up on anything important like this. Think about it... your mother is about to die. And you're just going to walk away and keep your litter secret all to yourself? Don't you think she deserves to know? That's what you told me. Hiei's eyes widened at his own words. He had changed so much over these last 24 hours, and it was all because of the fox. Maybe he was thankful for the change, but then again...

The communication link was broken as Kurama turned around to face his mother. "I am sorry mother... please let me contine."