Author's Note

Things start getting a lot more interesting in this chapter, if I do say so myself. Sorry how the first two were boring but you know how it is you can't just jump into the action; you have to introduce the characters and stuff. At the end of this chappie, Youko finally makes his appearance, and Kurama starts spilling his secret…

So just remember to review okay?

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho. (Gasps in mock surprise) I know…shocking right?

………………………

Longing

Chapter 3: Dreams

Dream Sequence

Long silver hair shimmered, somewhat sparkling in its own light, as a long tail swished in the faint, cool breeze. Piercing molten gold eyes seemed to glow in the moonlight, as a pair of canine-like ears flicked this way and that, catching every little sound that was made. The tall figure, whom donned a simple white yukata, slowly turned to glance over their shoulder.

Amber eyes, shining with an unidentified emotion as they stared into hers, gazed at her intently. They held her gaze for what seemed like an eternity. Then, something truly breathtaking happened.

Golden orbs melted away into a beautiful, entrancing emerald green. The strange, yet beautiful man reached out for her, mouthing a single word, but at first no actual voice came forth…

Then… his lips moved again, ushering the same word as before, but this time she could hear him, his deep timbering voice just barely a whisper in the wind. Longing shined in his eyes.

"Keiko…"

End of Dream Sequence

Long lashes fluttered delicately, as the awakening young girl attempted to open her eyes. However, she screwed them back shut tightly, when they were momentarily blinded by the warm rays of sunlight, which streamed in through her window.

Keiko stretched her arms above her head, and yawned tiredly.

'Morning already?' she thought to herself, eyes fluttering a second time. She pulled herself up; pushing away the pink bed covers. It was Saturday… still she always woke up early, even on the weekends, though it was reluctant. She looked at her alarm clock, which sat on her nightstand next to her frilly lamp. She groaned.

"Only 7:35? Sheesh!" Keiko sighed indignantly, as she fell back on to her bed, staring up at the ceiling. It was far too early to be up and about…

Unexpectedly, an image of the fair haired man from her dream soon returned to her mind, consuming her thoughts almost instantly.

That strange man… had had odd animal-like features: a long, swishy tail, a pair of dog like ears, and long, untamed claws. But despite his strange attire, and his bizarre appearance, the man had also possessed great beauty and grace, greatly rivaling Kurama's own. With his broad shoulders, well sculpted chest, and glittering amber eyes he was extremely striking.

'What…did I…did I just call Kurama beautiful?' She blushed, then mentally shook her head. 'No…I…'

Yes you did…' an admonishing voice echoed.

'No I didn't…'

Yes, you did.'

'No I didn't.' Keiko denied it once again, sure he--but she would never-- no! She didn't like him, well she did, but not like that.

'Yes, you did.'

'No I didn't!'

'YES YOU DID!'

Keiko groaned, smacking her forehead lightly. There was no use denying it, she'd even admitted it to herself yesterday that he was attractive. She nearly sweatdropped.

'Am I going insane? I mean after all…I am arguing with myself…'

'Yup, you are!' chirped the voice in her head, almost cheerfully.

'Oh now you decide to agree with me…' Keiko sighed, then her mind wandered off again…

'Get a grip Keiko! It was just a dream, it didn't mean anything!' But then why was it bothering her so much that she just couldn't understand it, Keiko wondered. She sighed again.

The brunette had been having very unusual dreams lately; the first one had had Yusuke in it, who had died a little while ago in a car accident. Not to mention that Kurama had also died in that dream. She shivered at the memory.

Now, she had another one, this time about an unidentified man with long silver hair…

"Why am I having such strange dreams?" she said, slightly frustrated. They didn't make any sense to her. What did they mean?

Silence…

She sighed.

RING!

Keiko's ears were assaulted by the sound of a ringing phone. She sat up, eyeing the phone warily with bitterness. Who pray tell was calling her this early in the morning? Slowly, she leaned over, grabbing the phone on her night stand.

"Hello?" Keiko said, answering the phone. After a few moments…

"I'll be there right away! Yes, Kurama I understand," Keiko said, completely overwhelmed with relief and joy. She could feel tears of happiness forming in her eyes and quickly wiped them away.

"Okay… bye!"

Click.

…………………………………

"Pardon me! Oh, sorry! Excuse me!" Keiko smiled apologetically at the woman she'd just bumped into. The brunette hurriedly bent down and picked up the two paper brown grocery bags from off the street, which she'd accidentally knocked out of the elder woman's arms. She held them out to her, but the woman snatched them from out of her hands before she could even blink.

"Gomen ne, uh you see I'm kinda in a rush," she whispered softly. She bowed her head in respect than bolted off. The older woman glared after her retreating form.

"Young people these days!" She humphed, and continued on her way, carrying her precious groceries.

Keiko inwardly sighed, as she continued to make her way through the crowd. She pushed through more people, heading in the general direction of the hospital.

It would take her longer, much longer than she had originally thought it would. The hospital was a ten minute walk from her house, but at this rate it would take forever!

She nearly stumbled, as children ran past her, one of them bumping into her, as they rushed. Everyone was in a rush these days…

She hated the hustle and bustle of the city. People were just so rude! No one these days had any manners.

Keiko shook her head; her dad was really starting to rub off on her…

"The doctors informed me this morning that mother will make a full recovery, in fact she'll be able to go home in a week or so."

Keiko couldn't believe it herself. Shiori, whom she'd just seen yesterday, in pain and barely hanging on, was going to live. The woman the doctors had been talking about, the woman whom they'd said was doomed to die was going to make a full recovery. She was going to live! Keiko was so happy for Shiori and Kurama. It was simply a miracle.

When her mother had died, it had been devastating. She didn't want to see Kurama have to go through that. But, the young girl had prepared herself just in case if she had died. She would've steeled herself, and stood behind Kurama till the very end, and helped to comfort him. Just as he'd done for her.

Now here she was, running to the hospital so she could see Shiori for herself.

'She's going to live…' Those words spurred her on, unconsciously, she began to run faster. With more enthusiasm than before, Keiko began to push forward through the still growing crowd, attempting to make her way through.

Better late than never.

………………………………….

"Would you like me to peel an apple for you?" Shiori shook her head.

"I'm not hungry." The beautiful ebony haired woman sat in the hospital bed, and stared out the closed window. It was no surprise she longed for the outdoors, since she'd been cooped up in the hospital for so long. Without having to be told Kurama ventured around the bed and unlatched the window, opening it.

Beams of sun light filtered in through the window, illuminating the room. She closed her eyes for a second, relishing the rays' warmth. Already she could feel the sun pouring her life back into her body.

The stale smell of the hospital that she had gotten accustomed to was soon replaced with the fresh perfume of the outdoors. Fresh cut green grass and newly blossomed spring flowers. She breathed it in happily. Suddenly, she was broken out of her pleasant reverie by an unfamiliar sound in the small hospital room.

Click, click, click.

She turned towards her son, who stood at the sink with his back to her. Curiosity seized her.

"Shuichi…what are you doing?"

"Cutting up an apple for you," Kurama stated, without looking up from the plump red fruit that he was cutting up into small bite size slices. His small knife kept up its steady click, click, click as Shiori watched him. When he was done, the clicking knife ceased, and he rinsed off the chopped up fruit before carefully arranging it in a white bowl.

"You'll never replenish your energy without the proper nutrition. Please, try to eat." He offered her the bowl of chopped up fruit, but she shook her head.

"Shuichi, don't worry. The doctors said I'll be fine." She smiled at him.

He merely stared at her in silence, looking a bit doubtful. Her skin was beginning to regain its color, her cheeks once again a healthy pink hue. Shiori's once dull almond eyes had brightened, shining with mirth and life. He knew she was fine. He knew she would live, he'd seen to it. But that wasn't the point. She was going to make a full recovery, but she still needed to get more energy.

"If you refuse to eat, then you should rest." He gently pushed her back down. "Save your strength."

She sighed softly, deciding to give in.

She felt like a child, but he was only doing what was best for her. There was no use in acting like she was strong. Even if she was going to leave the hospital in a week, she knew she was weak and did in fact need some rest. She would humor him. Shiori lied back down, getting comfortable.

Well, as comfortable as you can get in a hospital bed.

Kurama once again seated himself next to her.

"Aren't you tired?"

"Somewhat," Kurama said, "but there's no need to worry over me. I'm fine."

"Didn't you call Keiko?" Kurama nodded mutely. That reminded him, where was Keiko anyway? Oh yes of course, she didn't have a ride so she would probably have to walk.

He casted a glance towards the general direction of the door. She usually worked morning hours in the noodle shop her family owned, but today her father had let her have a break, so at least he hadn't interrupted her at work.

"She'll be here in a little while; she said she had to stop on her way to pick up something."

As if on cue, the door opened and Keiko walked in. Instead of donning her usual blue-sailor uniform, she wore a light, sleeveless, yellow-checkered sundress, and was holding a bouquet of yellow roses. She smiled brightly at Kurama and Shiori.

Shiori returned the brunette's smile wholeheartedly. "Keiko you look lovely." The compliment caused the timid girl to blush prettily.

"Um…thank you."

However, Kurama was stunned. He was so used to seeing her in her uniform that the change in attire almost baffled him. He'd never seen Keiko in that dress before. Usually, she stuck to wearing her uniform, or baggy blouses. His emerald eyes moved over her lithe form, involuntarily noticing the way the article of clothing clung to her feminine curves. He'd never really noticed before, but her figure was stunning- petite, yet lushly rounded.

She looks…delicious, declared Youko in a sensual tone of voice. Good enough to eat.

His mouth fell agape for a short moment. For as long as he'd known Keiko, Youko had never made such a comment about her of that nature before.

Don't play innocent; you were ogling her as well, teased Youko.

'I was taken back by her attire.'

Right…

Kurama remained silent on his end. He quickly composed himself and gathered his thoughts with a small cough.

"Yes Keiko, I'm afraid I have to agree," he said softly. Keiko's blush darkened.

"Arigatou, uh Shuichi-kun…" Standing up, he watched as she crossed the room to him. He smiled at her, and enveloped her smaller frame in a quick hug. She returned the embrace enthusiastically, stroking his crimson hair. She breathed in his masculine scent. Then, Keiko parted from him slightly, gazing at him intently with concerned eyes.

"Shuichi..? Are you alright?" Keiko asked softly, low enough so only he could hear.

She looked him over. He looked a little out of it…his clothes were more ruffled than he normally wore them. Not to mention he seemed a little pale. Kurama yawned.

"Tired that's all." She furrowed her eyebrows, but slowly nodded, choosing to accept his answer. She took a step back and turned to face the elder woman and bowed, afterwards presenting her the bouquet of flowers. Keiko watched happily as Shiori's face lit up, and contentedly accepted them, hugging them to her chest.

"Thank you Keiko, they're beautiful." She breathed in the pleasant, flowery scent, her smile widening, "Mmm… I love the smell of roses," Shiori said fondly.

She laid them down on the bed next to her and Keiko was on her the next second, hugging her so tightly that the older woman could hardly breathe. Shiori returned the embrace and held her close, patiently waiting until Keiko relaxed her arms before she drew back.

Yesterday, the woman couldn't even sit up and give her a hug… Keiko was truly happy. For Shiori, and for Kurama. Everything would be okay.

"I'll put these in a vase," Kurama offered as he delicately handled the yellow roses. After filling a small vase with water from the sink he arranged the freshly, blossomed flowers, and set it on the small table.

"Sorry I'm was a little late, I stopped at the florist's shop to pick up the roses, to you know brighten up your room. It took me even longer because I had to make sure I picked out the right color. I had no idea different colored roses had different meanings. Red roses mean romantic love; they're Valentine roses. Peach roses mean sociability, and purple stands for grace and elegance. Then there were all these different combinations! Red and yellow, red and white, coral and white, and orange and yellow. Ugh! It was so much more confusing than I thought it would be! I only wanted to stop by there really quick to buy some pretty flowers for you."

God, she was really starting to babble now. Keiko took a deep breath.

"So in the end I just got the yellow ones. I remembered yellow was your favorite color, plus yellow stands for comfortable love and joy. And, it's a nice cheerful flower too," Keiko finished happily.

Kurama stared at her, shaking his head. It didn't surprise him in the least that Keiko had gone of her way just to make sure she had gotten the right color of roses for his mother's comfort. That was, to put it in perfect simplicity, just Keiko. She always went out of her way for a friend or a loved one, even over the most trivial matters.

"Keiko…thank you. But you didn't have to trouble yourself over me-" Shiori was cut off by the brunette.

"No…no it was no trouble at all! Really, I'm happy! I did that because I wanted to! You could never trouble me," Keiko insisted. She held Shiori's hands for a moment and squeezed them. "I'm just so happy… you know?" The raven haired woman smiled.

'She proved them all wrong. Shiori-san's will to survive prevailed. In the end all those doctors were proven wrong.' Tears of happiness formed in her eyes, but she quickly wiped them away.

For the first time in a long time, things were going right.

………………………………………….

Minamino Household, Five Hours Later…

"Kurama?"

"Yes?" The bed shifted as Keiko sat up, swinging her legs over the side, averting her gaze to the carpeted floor of the kitsune's room. She could feel him watching her

"Um…can I talk to you about something?"

"Of course, you can talk to me about anything." A brief pause.

"Why? Is it about that boy that was stalking you? Is he still bothering you?" his voice sounded concerned. Keiko giggled.

"No! It has nothing to do with that," her tone was amused. Her almond eyes twinkled with laughter. "Kurama, that was over two years ago!" Keiko laughed.

Back when she was twelve, a boy from her class named Takeshi used to like her. He sat by her in Science, and used to stare at her endlessly. He'd asked her out, but she'd turned him down. After that, he began to stalk her, and follow her wherever she went. He said that if he couldn't have her, than he would make sure nobody did. Once she'd arrived at Kurama's doorstep, teary eyed and shaken, he'd taken care of Takeshi. Since then, he hadn't been a problem.

Kurama shrugged his shoulders. "It was merely a thought." The room became silent…and the longer the silence lingered, the more Keiko became uncertain. The only sound in the room was the in and out of their breathing.

'How would Kurama react?'

Keiko really wanted to tell him. She really did. But on the other hand she feared his reaction. She wanted to just spill everything. She wanted to tell him about the dreams she'd been having. From the vivid images, to the intense fear she'd felt when she'd seen him die. They'd just been so real. And…if she couldn't tell him who could she tell?

"Keiko, you can tell me anything," Kurama said softly, reassuring her. She took a deep breath. It was as if he'd read her mind, because he said exactly what she'd wanted to hear.

"Well…I've been having these…dreams lately…" she trailed off.

I wonder what kind of dreams… Youko whispered.

'Nightmares perhaps?'

Or maybe wet dreams…

'You mindless pervert.'

"Go on…" Kurama prodded, he was curious now. He sat up slightly, leaning back on his elbows as he stared at her. She'd caught his interest.

"Well, the dreams I've been having, at least one of them was about you," she whispered softly, "In my dream you were on the hospital roof with Yusuke. But that's silly right? I mean…Yusuke's dead." Kurama's eyes widened. Images of last night immediately bombarded him. He stared at the brunette, waiting for her to continue.

Keiko bit her lip. Nervously she twisted the material of her sundress between her hands. She didn't have to look at him to see his reaction, from the way the bed had abruptly shifted and he'd become eerily silent she could just tell. For some reason he seemed surprised. No…that wasn't quite the word…he was more like…shocked.

"Anyway," she continued, "you guys were talking about something, but I couldn't quite make out the words… Then, this light engulfed the both of you." She kept her eyes down, but she wasn't seeing the tan colored carpet. Instead, she saw it, everything. She was dreaming again…

"Kurama!" Keiko ran towards him, hands outstretched as she reached out for him.

So close, only a couple a feet away…then…she tripped and fell forward with a startled cry. The brunette landed about seven feet away from him in a disorderly sprawl. Mentally she screamed at herself for her unseemly clumsiness. Keiko raised tearing brown eyes to meet Kurama's. Shock flooded his features, as he gazed back at her. They stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity, she could see Yusuke out of the corner of her eye. He stared at her in alarm as well.

"Keiko…"

Then, Kurama and Yusuke both were engulfed completely by a blinding white light.

"No! Kurama! Yusuke!" she screamed. A loud thundering voice boomed, it sounded like it was coming from every direction. She looked on in fright, then covered her eyes.

"I will now grant your wish."

After she heard the voice, the light dimmed. Keiko lowered her arms and opened her eyes. She watched as Yusuke fell onto the roof with a loud thunk. He groaned, and sat up, rubbing his temple. She looked on confusedly. What had happened? Where had that light come from? And more importantly, where was Kurama?

She soon got her answer.

Horror filled cinnamon-brown orbs, as they watched Kurama land on the rooftop with a terrible thud. His usually beautiful green eyes... when she'd stared into them she realized they'd lost their brilliance. Instead, they were faded and washed out looking, as they stared back at her, unseeing.

"Kurama!" Keiko scrambled to her feet, terror gripping her. The sound of rapid heartbeats echoed in harmonized smoothness with the racing foot falls that sounded in the air. She sprinted towards him, ignoring Yusuke, who was frantically yelling at her to stay away from him.

"Don't look at him! Keiko god damn it listen to me!" The brunette still disregarded him. She dropped to her knees, pulling the unmoving red head into her lap.

He didn't move, he didn't breathe. Her eyes widened even more.

A bloodcurdling scream of anguish filled the air.

"Keiko?"

A familiar voice whispered, ushering her name in her ear gently, soothingly.

She was instantly broken out of her daydream. Keiko's eyes widened, and she snapped her head in the direction of the voice. Stunned sienna hued orbs met shocked emerald ones. She stared at her friend in silence, then turned away and shook her head, attempting to rid herself of the horrible images that plagued her mind.

"Keiko, are you alright?"

"Yeah, I just…it was that dream again," she stated softly, her voice wavering. She sniffed, and rested her head on her friend's shoulder. She closed her eyes, willing back the tears that threatened to stream down her face.

Kurama was unnerved. When he'd looked into Keiko's eyes only a moment before…they'd been cloudy, and full of unspeakable terror. He might've been sitting next to her, but they might have as well been in completely different places.

"Keiko, what happened next?" he asked her, as he ran a hand through her brown tresses.

"You fell on the roof along with Yusuke, but you… you were dead." She shivered, burying her face in his shoulder. A glimmer of tears formed in the corner of her eyes. The kitsune wrapped an arm around her.

'Why…why do I suddenly feel the urge to just hold onto him and cry? It was only a dream…why does it upset me so much?' The young girl questioned her self.

'Because…,'an admonishing voice whispered in her mind, 'it was so real…'

Kurama sat in stunned silence. That would have happened, that would've been his fate if it hadn't been for Yusuke stepping in and wishing for the Forlorn Hope to take his life instead of his own. But what bothered him…was that Keiko had dreamed it. She didn't even have a clue about what had taken place last night.

'Could it be…?' Kurama wondered, 'that Keiko has the gift of foresight?'

It is uncommon among ningens…but yes it would appear so. Youko stated seriously.

'Except…it didn't come true …'

But it would've if it hadn't been for Yusuke stepping in.

'This is puzzling…'

Imagine…our little Keiko is a psychic.

'Yes…but what are we going to do? Obviously, these dreams she's been having greatly distress her.'

I'm not sure about that…maybe we should find another more experienced psychic to help her.

'Youko, where are we going to find this other more experienced psychic?'

I don't know…sheesh… it was just a thought…

"It's alright Keiko…don't you see me sitting here right next to you? I'm fine; my worst ailment is the drowsiness that I'm feeling because of lack of sleep. Other than that I'm fine." Keiko sniffed.

"I know…it was just so real…" she whispered.

"But it wasn't real…it was simply a dream."

A premonition to be exact…

Keiko slowly sat up and looked into Kurama's eyes deeply. She sighed, before looking away.

"I'm sorry; I guess I got a little carried away." Keiko stated, nervously twiddling her thumbs, "It was after all just a dream…" Kurama shook his head.

"There's no need for you to apologize. But…Keiko tell me about this other dream…"

"Other dream…? Oh! Well I had this one this very same morning…it was pretty weird too. There was this guy, but he wasn't like any other boy, he had these doggy ears on top of his head. And, he had long pale hair and amber eyes… Oh and he had a furry tail. He looked like he was part man and part animal." Keiko said thoughtfully.

She's describing me! Keiko had a dream about me!

'Then…what does her dream mean? That she's going to meet you?'

Our little wild flower had a dream about me!

'Youko, you already said that. Wait...did you just refer to Keiko as... our little wildflower?'

Well, Youko began, more mine than yours…

'I'll just pretend that I did not hear that…'

"Kurama? Um…what exactly do you think of my dreams…?" Keiko asked in a low tone of voice. She glanced at him anxiously.

"Keiko I have a theory, but I urge you to keep an open mind before I begin to tell you."

"Uh…okay," she said mystified. What exactly was his idea, Keiko wondered.

"I remember a project I had to complete about a year ago," the red head began, "the topic was in fact dreams. I found out that there were in fact two types. The first more common type is referred to as a regular dream, which is inconsequential and centers around an individual's own anxieties and desires. For example, let's just say someone has a dream about taking a test naked." He cast a glance in Keiko's direction and smiled, watching her attempt to stifle a giggle with her hand.

"I've never had a dream like that! Taking a test in the nude I mean," she laughed. His small smile widened, and before he knew it he found himself chuckling right along with her.

Whenever she smiled, the kitsune couldn't help but smile alongside her, even when they were talking about such a serious subject. With Keiko around he felt he could always just relax. Not to mention the fact that he absolutely loved the sound of her laughter.

Finally, Keiko's laughter died down to soft giggles, and Kurama found his composure, clearing his throat.

"I'm sorry about interrupting you, um go ahead."

"Quite alright Keiko," he said, accepting her apology. Kurama then proceeded to begin talking, continuing from where he had left off before Keiko had caught the case of the giggles.

"The other type of dream is referred to as a premonition or vision. Not everyone believes that to be true. Some people think there is such a thing, while others say it isn't more real than the idea of the supernatural. Moving on, they're defined as a dream which is extremely detailed and realistic, and can possibly tell the future. People that have such dreams are called psychics. I think your dreams would fit under category two, premonitions." Shuichi said finally. He glanced at her wonderingly, curious of her reaction.

Keiko sat in silence, trying to absorb all of the information that had been given to her as Kurama awaited her response. She'd expected something since he'd told her to keep an open mind, but the brunette had not expected him to say that. But, in some sense what he said made sense. However, the idea that her dreams in actuality were visions of the future seemed to blow her mind completely. After all, didn't things like that happen to fictional characters in books and TV shows?

A long, long pause.

"So you think those dreams I had were like premonitions of the future…?" Keiko said at last, breaking the silence. She raised questioning eyes to her friend.

"You did say there were very realistic, did you not? And, they were very detailed." He stated to her in a matter of factly tone of voice. She nodded.

"But uh it's not like my dreams came true. You didn't die, and…" she trailed off uncertainly, as she watched Kurama stand up. She looked up at him, ambiguity shining in her brown eyes. What was he doing?

Meanwhile, Youko and Kurama were carrying on an internal conversation.

'Youko I'm allowing you temporary control, do you understand? Only long enough to explain things. It'll be easier to show her than simply just tell her.'

I know, I know…

'Don't scare her.' Kurama said firmly

Scare her… Youko sniffed, she'll be so awed by my good looks she'll pounce on me!

'I'm serious Youko. I've finally decided now is the time to tell her. Tell her about everything. So don't ruin it or I'll never let you out again.'

Fine, sheesh you're so dull you know that?

'If I were you I'd watch my tongue. After all who has control of this body?'

Sigh. You do unfortunately.

'Remember that Youko.'

You know what? I hate you.

Kurama rolled his eyes; Youko was too overly dramatic sometimes. He was snapped out of his reverie by the soft spoken voice of his brunette friend.

"Uh…Kurama what are you doing?" He returned her perplexed gaze.

"Keiko, they are very weird things in this world, beyond what you would believe," he said, staring at her all the while. "We've been friends since we were young children…haven't we?" he inquired gently, staring deeply in her eyes. They froze and locked.

"Hai…of course," she said.

"Despite that I've been keeping a secret from you. One that not even my mother knows…"

'A secret…,' Keiko thought, 'one that Mrs.Minamino and I don't even know? That sounds hard to believe…'

She wondered what kind of secret it was. What was it she wondered? Why hadn't he told her about it yet? Was it bad? Was it about her? An unpleasant idea popped into her head, one that made her freeze with fear. What if he had some kind of horrible disease? Or he had a tumor? What if he was going to tell her that her dream she had about him dieing was going to come true? Like he only had a little time left…

"Kurama!" she burst out, "Please don't tell me you have Cancer or something! You're not going to die are you? Oh no! Is there a cure? We have to get to the hospital right now-" the red head cut her off.

"No, I'm not ill." he said. Keiko let out a sigh of relief.

'Thank god…'she thought, relief flooding her features.

"Keiko, I don't know how to go about telling you this, so instead I'm choosing to show you. It'll be easier to believe if you see it with your own eyes," Kurama said in that soft spoken way of his. Keiko stared at him, confusion shining in her eyes. What was he going to show her?

"Please, whatever you do, don't scream."

"Why would I scream? Kurama you're not making any-" Keiko's mouth stopped moving abruptly, as she stared at him. Her brown eyes widened, then seemed to bulge, her mouth open. Shock flooded her features as she sat there in a daze.

Kurama was changing right before her very eyes.

His long red locks lengthened, and began to lighten, first to a softer red, than an orange, until finally turning into soft, shimmering silver. Than his emerald eyes melted away into a beautiful molten gold, causing the young girl to gasp slightly. His nails lengthened and became long, untamed claws, and his shoulders became broader. Kurama's ears disappeared from sight, and canine like ears the same color as his hair appeared on the top of his head. The figure before her wore a simple white yukata, the fuchsia uniform Kurama had been wearing previously gone from sight. All in all, Kurama stood totally changed, if it was Kurama.

'Wait…he looks just like the man from my dream!' Keiko thought, bewildered. The resemblance was unmistakable, it was the man from her dream she was sure of it.

Keiko took a deep breath. Hadn't Kurama said he had to show her something? So…this was it? This was Kurama…wasn't it? If it wasn't, than just who was this man? And more importantly, where was Kurama? Or was he Kurama?

'Wait...I'm really getting confused right now…But, maybe I'm dreaming?'

If she was dreaming, she decided than she would wake up by pinching herself. Keiko pinched her arm and winced. Nope, she wasn't dreaming.

She dropped her head down, closed her eyes, and counted out a full five seconds before she looked up again. The fair haired man who seemed to tower over her, returned her gaze. She bit her lower lip timidly.

"Kurama-kun?" she whispered softly. The man standing in front of her smirked, causing a shiver to course down her spine. His eyes found hers, and she froze. Keiko gulped, and squirmed slightly beneath his piercing gaze.

"Kurama?" Keiko tried again, her voice barely audible in the small room. The pale haired man took a step towards her, than another, than began to walk to her with a definite grace until he was standing directly in front of her. Instinct told Keiko to flee, but she was frozen to the spot, and unable to move. She could hear her heart pounding furiously in her chest.

The man sniffed the air, then stared at her, searching her eyes. Keiko felt her face flush in ten different shades.

"Keiko…do not fear me," he whispered, his voice was low and deep, almost sensual in a way. Keiko shivered again. Who was this man standing before her, was it really her childhood friend she'd known since she was merely five?

"K-Kurama?"

"Close but not quite," the man whispered softly, finally choosing to answer her query as he stared deeply into her eyes. She was again struck by the power of his gaze. "I am Youko Kurama."