Memoir

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

Author's notes: It's almost over…. Sad day for me. Well, I'm glad you guys have stuck with me so long. There's just this chapter and one more, and then that's it. We're done. No more. Exciting. Well, I'm sure you're anxious to see what happens. On with the fic.

Part Twenty: You Are My Light

Akiko's vision slid in and out of focus, and the voice speaking to her seemed to be coming from very far away.

"You're awake? Good. You've certainly given us a great deal to clean up after. We've managed to give a reasonable explanation for your disappearance—there were several questions when you vanished with no trace. And we're still trying to figure out what to do about the powers I transferred to you. I've been working on having them removed or sealed so that they don't cause you anymore trouble. Though I would advise that you stay away from haunted playgrounds."

The voice paused, waiting for Akiko to catch up with him.

She blinked, waiting for her vision to return to normal, and looked in the direction of the voice to see Koenma sitting in a chair beside the bed that Akiko had been placed on.

"Getting rid of the powers?" Akiko muttered. "Yeah, that'll be good. But…what about Itaka?"

Koenma smiled. "Itaka is at peace now. Justice has been served for him; he's free to move onto the next life."

"And what about—"

"Sangre has been sentenced to punishment," Koenma said darkly. "And he will be for a long time."

Akiko nodded, relaxing against the pillow, which felt blissfully cool against her pounding head. "So everything is back to normal now, huh?"

"Well, almost," Koenma said. "I want you to stay here with Genkai tonight. Just for observation. I want to be sure that the steps I took to rid you of those powers haven't had any abnormal effects on you. Yusuke and the others have elected to stay here with you."

The door to the room cracked open and Yusuke poked his head into the room. Upon seeing Akiko, he grinned, pulled his head out of the room and shouted, "Hey! She's awake!"

Yusuke, Kurama, Kuwabara and Hiei all crowded into the room. Yusuke plopped down on the foot of the bed, Kurama and Kuwabara each claimed an armchair while Hiei leaned casually against the doorframe.

"Glad to see you're feeling better," Kurama smiled. "Did you rest well?"

"Not really," Akiko laughed. "But I don't really feel bad. Just a little tired, that's all. What happened to you guys while I was out?"

Kuwabara shrugged. "Not much. We kicked some weaker yokai's asses and came back here. That's about it."

"You're sure that you're alright?" Yusuke asked frowning. "That guy took you on one hell of a trip. I mean, you almost died."

Akiko nodded. "I'm fine. I promise. Like I said, I'm just kinda tired. Really."

"Speaking of," Koenma said, "it might be best if we left her here to rest a bit."

Various nods and murmurs of assent met Koenma's statement, and everyone left Akiko's room.

Everyone but Hiei.

She didn't look at him. In truth, she was a bit scared. Sangre's words about Hiei rang in her head.

It must've shown because Hiei said, "He told you about the blood thing."

Akiko nodded silently, fearing what Hiei would say in response.

"Let me explain something to you. To a certain degree, vampirism is more choice than a nature. I can't help that I need blood to live. But beyond that, it's a choice. And Sangre made the wrong one.

"Great powers can be gained from feeding on blood. But… powers aren't worth losing some things. Do you understand?"

"I think so," she said sitting up and pulling her knees in under her chin.

Uncomfortable silence hung over them for a few moments.

Akiko spoke, after a time. "So… are you going to leave again? Go back to Makai?"

Hiei shrugged. "I don't know. It's a possibility."

Akiko sighed and turned away from him. "Whatever."

The yokai sighed. "It's not a decision I can rush into. It's complicated."

"Yeah, sure. Whatever you say."

Hiei shook his head and began stepping out the door of the room. "I don't think you really understand this, Akiko," he said, looking over his shoulder and seeing that Akiko was still avoiding his eyes and looking most frustrated. "I wish you did understand.

"I really do."

Author's notes: Well, the last two chapters are going to be short. Sorry. That's just how it's gonna be. Like I said, I just go with the flow. Anyway, thanks so much for reading and reviewing. I hope you guys liked the chapter and will be back for the last chapter. Thanks.