Disclaimer: We do not own Yu Yu Hakusho in any way or any form.
KG: Though I really want Kurama to show his bear chest more often! HOW COME YUSUKE, KUWABARA, AND HIEI ALL TAKE OFF THEIR SHIRTS WHEN KURAMA DOESN'T? IT'S NOT FAIR I TELL YOU! Though, I wouldn't want to see Kuwabara without a shirt.
EGF: laughs and rolls eyes I really have no comment, except I don't think there's any show I would want to own…MY GRANDSON!
KG: O.O…laughs

This has been a KE Production. Don't like it, too bad. Rated…something

Phase 2

There was a knock on Suuichi's door, waking him suddenly from a deep sleep and from his dreams. The knock on his door was his mother. Her kind face was peering into the room from the doorway. He was slightly startled, and because of this she had an apologetic expression, and then she stated the reason for presence.

"Suuichi dear, there's a girl here to see you," she said in her common motherly way.

"All right, thank you," Kurama replied. His mother walked away and he got up and walked to the door. Standing there was the girl he saw earlier, the friend of Tsuki's. But this time she was different. Instead of the worried and serious appearance she had before she seemed cheerful and humble.

"Konnichiwa Minamino-san! Or should I call you Mr. Kurama?" she greeted, now with a semi-triumphant look in her purple eyes.

Kurama stared at her blankly. "Can I help you?"

"Thank you for helping Tsuki earlier." At this moment she walked into his neat and clean room. She seemed impressed by it, almost amazed.

Kurama smiled. "You're welcome, but do you know why those demons were chasing her?" His curious gaze was unmistakable.

She turned quickly, looking at him dead on. "That's the reason why I'm here. I want you to help us." She didn't waste any time. She had the serious look she had before.

"But why me? I'd be happy to help you, yet couldn't someone else?" Kurama asked, confused.

"Fate makes you our only hope," she answered mysteriously. Everything about her at this point was stern and commanding, but there seemed to be something hidden behind tight lips and cold eyes.

"All right…what would you like me to specifically assist you with?" He offered her a seat, but she turned it down. Out of proper respect he remained standing as well.

"Have you ever heard of the power of the Black Rose?"

"No, I have not." Kurama crossed his arms over his chest, leaning back against a wall opposite of the girl.

She inhaled deeply and paused before speaking, "Well, an all-powerful demon lord possessed the power of the Black Rose. Once he was assassinated, the Black Rose was somehow sent deep in a cave, waiting for someone worthy of its power to show him or herself. However, in order for one to possess the power, one must have the yin and yang components—Tsuki and I."

"I see." This was exactly like some scene in some action movie. But, now he was in the movie and he was the chosen one that they needed to save the fate of the world. He was the hero that was going to save the lives of many. But, how much would this be like the movies?

"Usually it is very difficult to find both components, but that is not the only requirement. Both lives must be sacrificed to the black crystal while wrapped up in the sacred robes of the rose maidens that were his lovers. The artifacts are in possession."

"Is that why you are trying to run away?" Things were starting to make sense to the red head, but he still didn't know why they needed his help. Why, out of all the people, did it HAVE to be him?

"Yes. The night is approaching." Her head sunk as she stared at the ground.

"The night?" The more she talked, the more questions he had.

"Usiku eusi damu."

Suuichi raised an eyebrow. "Say what?"

"It's Swahili," The girl stated plainly.

"What does it mean?" he asked, a little surprised at the lack of information he had gotten.

She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know."

"Why is it in Swahili?"

"I don't know, maybe he was Swahili. Maybe one of his lovers was Swahili. I don't know." She started to sound annoyed.

There was a pause before Suuichi conjured up another question. "How do you know its Swahili?"

She paused. "I just do. Stop asking questions or I'll knock you out and save myself." Now she really was annoyed, as apparent to the stress points shown on her temples.

"One more question."

"WHAT?" she exploded.

"Onamae wa?"

She paused again. "That would be good to know."

"Yeah."

"My name is Matsu Kojima."

Matsu bowed, letting her black hair fall over her face. Her locks were long so it made it easy for Matsu to cover her face completely with her ebony hair and artificial violet streaks. It seemed to give an enigmatic air to her.

"Would you and your friend like anything to eat or drink, Suuichi?" Suuichi's mother had asked when she randomly showed up, trying to be hospitable.

Matsu jumped up, surprised at the sudden presence of Suuichi's mother. Her eyes were wide as she grabbed her racing heart. Her breathing was vivid and abnormal due to this sudden shock.

"No, it's all right, thank you, Mother," Kurama replied. His mom shrugged her shoulders and walked away; Kurama turned around to Matsu. "Are you okay?"

Matsu let out a slow gasp and then spoke breathlessly. "Give me a second." She took in a deep breath, as if she was in pain.

Kurama raised an eyebrow in curiosity and concern. What was wrong?

Matsu took a deep breath and straightened her posture. She looked at Suuichi in a professional manner. "I'm ok now, but I think I should go."

"Are you sure?" he asked.

She wanted to smile. It was amazing how kind he was being, kindness she only saw in Tsuki. Maybe it was because she was a guest, but all she knew was that all her life she was treated cruel by the people around her until she met Tsuki. "I'm positive. Besides, I have to reunite with Tsuki."

"Okay," Kurama replied, seeing the pain in her eyes. He smiled at her. "Tell Tsuki I say hello. And be careful."

Matsu let out a small laugh. "Whatever." She walked over to him and handed him a piece of paper. He opened it and inside was an address and a time. He looked up at the dark haired girl. "Tomorrow. Then you can tell her yourself." She turned away and left without a goodbye or a wave. I cannot befriend him until I'm positive I can trust him, she thoughtwhile walking out the front door in search of Tsuki once again.

Kurama watched her walk away and then closed the door. He was certain that look in her eye displayed some type of hurting. He wanted to help her, but he couldn't do anything if she wouldn't let him. He would just have to wait until he had all her trust. He stuck the piece of paper in his pocket.

It was then that Kurama's mother looked up from the book she was reading and asked, "A new friend of yours?"

Kurama didn't know what to reply. Truly, he had no idea of what Matsu really thought of him besides as 'the boy who had the potential to save them and had already saved Tsuki.' Hesitantly, he said, "I hope so."

EGF: Honestly, if you ask me, that took waaaaaay too long. We deeply apologize. And I might have to start going by The Black Candle or TBC.