"Kazuma's father doesn't just beat him up...he..." Keiko suddenly looked up, sad and angry, "You know what Yusuke? You don't deserve to know. You treat him so badly. All of you do. I don't know what you said to him but you were obviously being a jerk. I won't tell you. But you're welcome to come help me find him."

And with that Keiko was out the door. After a moment, Yusuke followed her, grumbling, Kurama and Hiei trailing behind him.

"Stupid Kuwabara...why can't you ever take care of your own problems?"

Kuwabara was very pale. And bloody. And weak, for that matter. He made himself go limp just as Jaybegan toslice up his side through his school uniform with something sharp and bright. Something alot like spirit energy.

When something was cutting that deep...It hurt worse if you fought it.

"Yusuke, why don't you and Hiei go quickly and find him? I wish to talk to Keiko privately for a few moments. It would be quicker if you went on ahead."

Hiei just 'hn'-ed,as usual. WhileYusuke nodded his agreement silently. It was obvious he feltalittle guilty.

Once Hiei and Yusuke took to the trees Kurama caught up with Keiko.

"Keiko, would you mind if I spoke with you for a second?"

"No, we have to find Kazuma right away."

Even though Keiko sounded rather urgent Kurama pressed on.

"I've sent Yusuke and Hiei ahead."

Keiko glanced back to notice that they were in fact, gone. She sighed.

"What would you like to speak with me about?"

"Before I make my request I would like to assure you that I have only Kuwabara's best interests in mind. However, if we are to help him it would be very useful to know why he is so...despondent lately. You seem to be the one closest to him at the moment. I was hoping you might share your thoughts with me."

"I promised him I wouldn't tell but...there's no other way, is there? I either tell you and help him or honor his requests, keeping my word and have him destroyed."

"Would you rather save him and have him be angry at you or keep your word and lose him forever?"

"It's not that simple."

Kurama nodded.

This made her feel a bit better about her decision. Kazuma would be devastated...

"I sense ...energy, over there. I can't be sure it's his."

Yusuke nodded in response. The unspoken part lingering between them, 'it's too weak.'

"Let's hurry this up."

Finally there was nothing left of Kuwabara's school uniform to cut. It was completely shredded and stained with blood.

Kuwabara coughed weakly as Jay dragged him to his feet. He felt so weak...Kazuma was powerless to stop Jay's armsfrom snaking around his waist. Kuwabara couldn't keep his eyes open any longer. The last thing he felt was Jay's heated alcohol breath against his lips.

If he had stayed conscious a moment longer he may have heard two shocked gasps and someone calling his name.

AN: Don't kill me. Please. Finally I am updating! And yes, I will be updating again SOON. Soon people, soon! Thank you for your reviews, patience, and kindness. Please don't flame me (why would someone do it only on the twelfth chapter?). I do have an idea of what is going to happen next. And also, did anybody read the other version of this story? Or did that other naughty (just kidding) author no post it? 'cause it was awesome.

It took off where I left off. I was supposed to post it but then I figured they would and I got lazy...yes, I suck.

Sorry it's so short!