Memoir

Summary: Sequel to "Forgotten." "Time really does change everything, doesn't it? Hard to believe I'm the same person." Hiei/OC

Author's Notes: I really have very little to say. Hmm. Oh well. Yeah. Crazy. Anywho, I'd like to thank my reviewers, as always:

-X-1fallen angel1-X-: Ah, yes, yes. Thicken it does. But we were expecting that, weren't we? Thanks for the review. Keep reading; I'd love to hear what you think about the rest of the fic.

ImParanoid: Akiko's life is pretty crappy. But, as the cliché goes, things get worse before they get better. I'll try to keep her out of a rut though. Thanks for reviewing.

Ummei Genkai: Thanks. I'm glad you like the story thus far. I also hope that the story gets as good as "Forgotten." Let me know if it gets to that point or if you think it needs work. Thanks!

Kate: Hey, thanks for the review. To answer your question, all I can do is request that you read "Forgotten." That should fill in all the holes and answer all your questions. Or, you can just keep reading and those questions will be answered (if vaguely) as the fic progresses. Again, thanks for the review; I hope you like this story and "Forgotten," if you decide to read it also.

BlueWater26: You're right; a lot of things have changed since "Forgotten." I don't expect anyone to remember all the little details from "Forgotten" (at least until I want them to  ). To answer your question, no, Akiko doesn't have any siblings. She lived alone with her dad. Thanks for reviewing the fic; I hope you like the rest of it!

You guys rock. Thanks for your thoughts. Enjoy the fic.

Part Three: I've Lost the Light

The lawyer leafed through the pages of the legal pad in his hands. "I'll tell it to you truthfully, Miss Mishimi," he said, "your father had earned quite a bit of money over the years. And in addition to his earnings, he inherited a good deal from your grandparents."

"I know," Akiko nodded. "I used to take care of the bills for him. I know what his financial standings are…. What they were."

The lawyer narrowed his eyes slightly. "I see. Are you also familiar with what is stated in your father's will?"

"No. He never told me what was in the will. He said it wasn't any of my business."

"Well, during his lifetime, that's true. But since he is now…deceased, the contents of the will must be shared with you."

Akiko nodded again, wringing her hands nervously.

"I have to say, this is a strange situation. It isn't very often that a minor—"

"I'm over eighteen—"

"But still under twenty-one. As I was saying, it is a very rare occasion that someone of your age comes here without a parent or guardian. Now, let's get on with this unpleasant business, shall we?"

"Yeah, fine," Akiko replied, rubbing her temples.

"Very well, then. As I said, your father was quite wealthy. The vast majority of his assets will be staying in your family."

"Well, that's good, I guess."

"Not necessarily. Most of the money will be staying in your family, so you should have access to it. But you are not listed here as Mr. Mishimi's heir."

"What does that mean?"

"It means that the money does not go to you."

"Who does it go to?"

"A Mrs. Amara Mishimi is listed here as the heir. I assume that's your mother."

"Yes."

"So there shouldn't be an issue."

"But there is. My mother disappeared years ago. No one has heard from her in ages. We don't know where she is."

"I see. Well, that is an issue."

"So what do we do about it?"

"Well, frankly, there's nothing we can do. The money has to go to your mother. I'm very sorry Miss Mishimi."

"Okay. That's all right. It really doesn't matter."

Akiko rose from the leather chair and turned to leave. "Thank you anyway, sir."

Keiko, Kurama, Kuwabara and Yusuke stood impatiently outside the building that the lawyer's office was in, waiting for Akiko to come out.

"I wonder what's going on in there," Keiko muttered, glancing to the building. "I hope that lawyer isn't giving too much trouble. She really doesn't need that right now."

"It's just a council about the will," Yusuke said. "Can't be too bad."

The glass door of the building swung open, and Akiko stepped out into the sunlight. She almost didn't see the group there waiting for her.

"Oh, hey guys," she smiled. "What're you doing here?"

"Waiting for you," Kuwabara said.

Yusuke nodded. "Yeah. How are you?"

Akiko shrugged. "I'm all right, I guess. I really appreciate you guys coming here to see me."

They stood outside the building for a moment, not saying anything.

"You guys want to go get something to eat?" Akiko questioned suddenly, triggering surprised looks from the others. "No, really. My treat."

Various shrugs and murmurs of assent traveled through the group, and they made their way down the street.

"Will you be having anything else? Dessert? Coffee?"

"I'll have coffee, thanks," Akiko said to the waitress.

The waitress disappeared to the back of the restaurant, leaving Akiko, Keiko, Kurama, Kuwabara and Yusuke alone at the table.

Kurama leaned forward, addressing Akiko. "Are you sure you're all right? All that's happened—"

"A lot has happened to me, Kurama," Akiko sighed. "This is the least of it. It's just time. Time changes everything, doesn't it? Hard to believe I'm the same person."

"Akiko—"

"Look, guys it's really not a big deal. I'll be all right. I promise.

"It's not like he was ever there for me."

Akiko dropped the money for the bill on the table, not bothering to wait for her coffee.

"It's not like anyone has ever been there for me."

Author's Notes: I'm sorry that took me so long. It was a difficult chapter to write, and I don't know why. I promise you guys, the chapters will get longer. I just have to work into it, you know? Well, thanks for being so patient with me; it means the world to me! Keep on reading and reviewing!

Sheepchi