Wow, you guys really liked Shuuichi getting kidnapped. Wicked readers. Okay, I know you're all waiting for a fight and I'll try not to disappoint you too much. I don't do fights very well but I'll sure try for you.

Sorry to those who don't like the pet names but I love them. Hiei's trying to adjust to having a fragile human boyfriend verses a strong demon lover.

I hope I don't make Shuuichi too much of a fraidy-cat in this chapter but this is his first encounter with demons (that he knows of) and being human I couldn't make him all tough and macho.

Standard disclaimer: I do not own YuYu Hakusho. Full disclaimer in my profile.

REMEMBERING LOVE

Chapter 6

Within two minutes Hiei and Yusuke came flying into the bookstore. One look at the destruction there and they knew instantly that Shuuichi was gone. From a pile of debris Yusuke helped Mr. Lee up and untied him. "What the hell happened?"

Hiei looked surprised when the ordinary looking Mr. Lee's wounds bled green. Yusuke explained briefly. "Mr. Lee and his wife are demons. Genkai helped them get settled here about eight years ago. They've been helping us keep an eye on Shuuichi the last few years."

Impatiently Hiei nodded, allowing Mr. Lee to speak. "Two A-class demons came in about an hour ago. They said Mukuro sent them for Yoko Kurama. They left with Shuuichi a few minutes later leaving behind a spirit bomb as a calling card. It went off a few minutes ago."

Mr. Lee turned to Hiei. "If you're Hiei they left you a message."

Hiei's heart pounded as he followed Mr. Lee around the corner. The words on the wall, written in blood, stopped Hiei's heart. 'Your fox will pay for your betrayal.'

Hiei growled at Yusuke. "It's Shuuichi's blood!"

Hiei turned to leave the store but Yusuke grabbed his arm. "Hiei! I know you think this is your fight but we've always been unbeatable as a team. Mukuro is a Makai lord, we're going to need help to beat her and protect Shuuichi."

One shove and Yusuke hit the wall as Hiei growled. "Do what you want Detective, I'm going after my fox!"

Hiei flitted out of the store. Yusuke called to Mr. Lee as he turned to follow Hiei. "Call the temple. Tell Kuwabara and Yukina to prepare for casualties."

Shuuichi found himself unceremoniously dumped on the ground. With his hands tied behind his back he struggled trying to rise. He'd reached his knees when he was roughly kicked back. Looking up he cringed seeing what appeared to be a woman with a disfigured robotic eye. "Welcome to Alaric… Kurama."

Sitting up he flinched at the pain from the wounds across his abdomen and the splitting headache he'd had since coming to this strange place. The man that grabbed him in the bookstore had used his claws to tear his flesh. With Shuuichi's blood he'd written something in a strange language on the wall of the bookstore.

Trying not to sound as terrified as he was Shuuichi spoke. "I don't know who you are or what you want but I'm not Kurama. He died two years ago."

The man with the claws growled at him as he addressed the woman. "Give him to me Lady Mukuro. I'll break him before that traitor arrives."

The one he called Mukuro sneered at him. "No, I've already promised him to Lord Yomi. It will kill that little fire demon to have his lover become a sex toy for that old goat. It doesn't hurt that Hiei's always been jealous that Yomi had his fox first."

Shuuichi's aching head raced trying to follow what she said but he was pretty sure she'd referred to Hiei as a fire demon and he was the sex toy. "Please… Lady Mukuro was it? You have the wrong person, I am not Kurama."

She never even acknowledged him as she issued orders to her men. "Get that Youko whore out of my sight. Lock him in Hiei's room. It will make Hiei wild to smell his lover's blood around my castle."

This time Shuuichi was grabbed by the other man. Until now the clawed man had handled him. This new man now grabbed a hand full of his hair pulling him to his feet. When Shuuichi cried out the man grinned revealing jagged teeth and fangs as he dragged Shuuichi up the stairs. "It's too bad you've been promised to Lord Yomi. My partner and I could have had a lot of fun screwing you."

Shuuichi was unable to stop the tears that sprang to his eyes when the man fondled his behind. Gritting his teeth Shuuichi tried to pull away. "Get your filthy hands off me!"

Both man laughed wickedly. The one with claws addressed his partner. "He'll wish he'd been given to us when Lord Yomi gets his hands on him. I heard a rumor that this is the one that blinded him."

The man that held him by the hair shoved him face first onto a large bed. "Revenge will make him brutal. This one's so weak he won't survive long in Lord Yomi's bed."

Shuuichi heard the door close and the lock turn. Blood smeared the bedspread as he turned over. Struggling a moment he managed to pull his legs through his arms so they were now tied in front of him. With his teeth he pulled at the knots until they gave and his hands were freed.

Drawing a deep breath trying to calm himself Shuuichi took a moment to look around. Mukuro had called this Hiei's bedroom. His heart skipped a beat at the only item he found in the room that showed that anyone had lived there.

On the table by the bed was a photo of a smiling redhead. If he didn't know better Shuuichi would have sworn it was him. Reaching out he picked it up. His heart pounded as he read the inscription written in black marker across the bottom of the photo. 'I love you Fire-Fly. Your fox, Kurama.'

Shuuichi's hand trembled at the photo's resemblance to himself and the handwriting to his own. Putting it down he looked down at his chest. Using the remains of his shirt he tried to clean up the blood. With a frustrated sigh he threw the shirt aside. "What the hell is going on?"

"That's what I'd like to know. Who the hell are you?" He jumped and looked around before realizing the voice that answered was in his head.

Hiei knew he was entering enemy territory but with his fox inside he didn't hesitate to rush head first into Mukuro's castle. He wasn't surprised to find the Makai lord waiting for him. "Where's my fox Bitch?"

Mukuro laughed. "I allowed my men to take him up to your room and have a little fun with him. If you wish I'll let you see him one last time before I turn him over to his new master."

The look in Hiei's eyes told Mukuro he was about to attack. "Stand your ground Hiei or he dies now!"

One of the hardest things Hiei had ever done was wait for Shuuichi to be brought into the room. A few moments later the redhead was thrown to the floor at Mukuro's feet. Fresh blood ran from his lip and from what appeared to be new cuts on his bare chest and arms. When the green eyes raised and looked into his Hiei saw the tears that threatened to fall.

Nothing prepared Shuuichi for the sight that greeted him when he looked up and saw Hiei. The sword drawn before him was dripping with blood. The beautiful dragon tattoo he loved seemed to smoke and dance on his arm. Lastly and most frightening of all, the bandana was gone from his forehead to reveal a glowing purple eye in the middle of his forehead.

Hiei flinched at the one frightened word that whispered from Shuuichi's lips. "Hiei?"

Turning his attention to Mukuro Hiei growled. "This doesn't concern him! Release him or die!"

Mukuro laughed. "I don't think so Hiei. I'm having too much fun and it's about to get better."

Just then Yusuke was thrown into the room. Skidding along the floor he faced the door as if ready for battle. Everyone watched as Yomi entered smiling. "Look what I found loitering outside your castle Mukuro. I think he's trying to keep me from getting my new pet."

Hiei's eyes narrowed as he turned to Mukuro. "Release Kurama to Yusuke and I'll do whatever you want!"

Mukuro shook her head. "It will be more fun to watch you suffer knowing Yomi will be screwing your fox."

Hiei growled and would have lunged if Yusuke hadn't held him back. "One demon lord at a time Hiei. Let's finish with the bionic bitch first then we'll get Shuuichi back from Yomi."

Against his better judgment Hiei had learned to trust Yusuke over the years. He grunted at Yusuke before addressing Yomi. "Kurama belongs to me Yomi! I'll be coming for him the minute Mukuro's dead."

Yomi grinned. "I'll look forward to it Hiei. In the mean time I'll just take my fox."

When Yomi reached down and picked Shuuichi up Yusuke had to restrain Hiei again as he yelled at Yomi. "MY FOX!"

Shuuichi attempted to fight off the unusually tall, six eared, horned creature that carried him with ease. He froze when he heard Hiei in his head. "Baby, it's alright. Yusuke wouldn't let you go with Yomi without a plan to get you back."

He ceased his struggles when the voice he heard earlier made his head hurt again. "You're insane! Yomi hates me!"

Again he heard Hiei. "Yoko! I can't explain right now, just help Shuuichi through this. I love you… both of you."

Struggling to see Hiei over Yomi's shoulder Shuuichi gasped as Yusuke transformed. Right before his eyes his friend's hair grew long and tattoos appeared on his body. Almost faster than his green eyes could see Hiei and Yusuke killed the demons that had taken him hostage. "No one touches my fox and lives! Now it's your turn bitch!"

The last thing he saw before he fainted was Hiei and Yusuke attack Mukuro.

"Come on kid, wake up! I can't help you with Yomi if I don't know what's going on." Shuuichi squeezed his eyes shut trying to block out the voice and the pain in his head.

Beside him he heard a chuckle. "That's it little one, wake up."

Slowly opening his eyes Shuuichi found himself laying against Yomi's chest. Jumping away Yomi steadied him when his head swam. "Relax little one, I won't hurt you."

Looking around Shuuichi saw they were in the woods. Yomi was sitting on the ground leaning against a large tree. "Hey kid, find out where we are and see what else that old goat will tell you."

Still groggy Shuuichi shook his head trying to clear it. "If you want to know where we are, you ask him!"

Yomi raised an eyebrow. "Shuuichi, who are you talking to?"

The redhead gave a frustrated sigh as he rubbed his temple. "The stupid voice in my head! I wish he'd shut up too, he's giving me a headache."

Laughing Yomi settled Shuuichi on the ground before him. "Shuuichi listen to me, I need to talk to that voice. Kurama, can you hear me old friend?"

Angry green eyes turned to Yomi. "I AM NOT KURAMA!"

Shuuichi froze at the words he heard in his head. "Tell Yomi, yes I can hear him."

Positive he'd lost his mind Shuuichi grudgingly spoke. "He can hear you."

Yomi knew he had their attention. "Both of you listen, I am not your enemy. Yusuke and I planned this after Hiei's return in the event Mukuro tried to harm Shuuichi. I'll let Yusuke explain it all later. Right now I need to get you to Yukina to have Shuuichi's wounds healed. He's lost too much blood for a human."

Shuuichi's voice trembled when he spoke. "Human? What are you people?"

Yomi gave him a gentle smile. "We're demons Shuuichi. I know this is a lot for you to comprehend right now but I assure you Hiei and Yusuke will explain everything to you both later."

Yomi stood and reached down to help Shuuichi up. So much had happened in the last few hours that Shuuichi only stared wide eyed when Yomi held out a hand and rift appeared in the woods they stood in. In the center of the rift Shuuichi could see the familiar trees and blue sky of home. "Yomi, what is that. The men that brought me here made one and when we went threw it we came here."

Yomi rested a hand on Shuuichi's shoulder. "It's a portal between the demon world and the human world. I can't go with you from here Shuuichi but if you go about a half mile between those trees you'll find Genkai's temple. Kuwabara and Yukina are waiting for you there."

Shuuichi hesitated. Even though Yomi proclaimed to be a demon he was almost afraid to go through the portal and be alone. Sensing his reluctance Yomi tried to reassure him. "You're not alone Shuuichi. The voice you hear is that of Yoko Kurama. He's confused right now because, like you, he's lost some of his memories. Work together and you'll be fine."

"Shuuichi, tell Yomi I don't know what happened but I'm glad we're not enemies anymore."

Shuuichi nodded and relayed the message to Yomi. "Me too old friend. When this is over I hope you'll both come see me so we can catch up."

Without waiting for Shuuichi to protest Yomi shoved him forward through the portal. He stumbled before righting himself. Turning back Shuuichi saw Yomi wave as the portal closed.

When the voice in his head spoke again it didn't hurt as much as before. "Come on kid. I don't know who Kuwabara and Yukina are but it feels to me like we'd better get you there before you collapse."

Shuuichi didn't answer, he just walked in the direction Yomi had told him.

Hiei staggered back avoiding Mukuro's attack as Yusuke pushed forward. With ease the demoness deflected his attack. They had spent the last hour attacking and retreating from the demon lord before moving back to regroup.

Under his breath Hiei growled at his friend. "Damn it Detective! We have to find a way to weaken her for my dragon!"

"Maybe I can be of assistance." Yusuke smiled at the surprise on Hiei's face when Yomi entered the hall.

Mukuro screamed in frustration. "Yomi, you bastard! You're supposed to be torturing Hiei's whore!"

Calmly Yomi smiled at her. "I'm happy to report to Hiei that our little fox is safely back in the Ningenkai. He's probably arriving at the temple as we speak."

Hiei had tried to deny how worried he'd been for Shuuichi. He was relieved to hear he was safe. He surprised them all by turning to Yomi. "Thank you Yomi. Now let's make sure he stays safe."

Yomi grinned as their conversation continued telepathically. "Alright Hiei, if Yusuke and I hit her simultaneously from both sides it should leave her vulnerable enough to shove your dragon up her ass."

Hiei nodded. "She'll have to think I'm out of the equation for her to take her focus off me. Give me a moment with her."

Black smoke surrounded his katana as Hiei faced Mukuro. "Let's finish this so I can get back to my fox!"

Yusuke and Yomi watched as Hiei made a series of attacks. On the fourth one he faltered allowing Mukuro to hit him with a powerful blast. As he hit the ground, apparently unconscious, Yusuke and Yomi sprung into action.

Mukuro grinned at Yusuke's cry. "Hiei!"

As Yusuke and Yomi pelted Mukuro her attention left Hiei. Staggering to his feet, the dragon on Hiei's arm danced and smoked as it's master called it forth.

Mukuro was hit full on by Yusuke and Yomi's blasts when she became aware of Hiei's dragon baring down on her. They had just a moment to jump away before they heard her terrified scream as the dragon consumed her.

Hiei managed to remain on his feet until the dragon and Mukuro disappeared. He didn't hear Yusuke call his name again as he collapsed. "Hiei!"

At the edge of the woods Shuuichi leaned against a tree, relieved that the temple was finally in sight. Weak from his injuries he pushed off the tree and staggered for the temple. "Shuuichi, is that one of your friends?"

Seeing Kuwabara rushing towards him Shuuichi sighed in relief. "Kuwabara!"

Strong arms supported him just as he would have collapsed. Kuwabara took only a second to look for his other friends before scooping Shuuichi up in his arms. "I've got you Shuuichi. Don't worry, Yukina will have you good as new in no time."

Standing on the steps with Keiko, Yukina looked anxiously for the others before turning her attention to Shuuichi. "Let's get him inside Kazuma."

Before he knew it Shuuichi found himself lying on a bed with his wounds being cleaned. Catching her attention Yukina smiled at him. "These don't look too bad Shuuichi. If you'll trust me I'll have them healed in a few minutes."

Shuuichi stared into her red eyes a moment before speaking softly. "You're Hiei's sister, that means must be a de… demon too. That woman said that Hiei was a fire demon."

Yukina sighed. "Yes, Hiei is a fire demon like our father. I'm a Koorime, an ice apparition, like our mother. Shuuichi, I promise, you are in no danger with us. Please allow me to heal your wounds."

When Shuuichi looked at the others Kuwabara stepped forward. "Keiko and I are both human but we are married to demons. Yukina is going to heal your wounds now. If you fight her I will restrain you."

Yukina only hesitated a moment before doing as her husband said. Shuuichi's eyes grew wide as one by one he watched his wounds close up. Within minutes most were gone. A few of the worst wounds had a residual pink mark indicating where they had been.

At his frightened expression Yukina tried to reassure him. "Most demons can manipulate their demon energy and use it for other purposes. I have trained to use mine to heal. I'm sorry I didn't fully heal all of your wounds. I need to conserve my powers until I know if Hiei or Yusuke will need healing."

Shuuichi donned the shirt Keiko handed him. When he spoke his voice shook. "Yusuke's hair grew really long and tattoos appeared all over him. Hiei had a third e…eye and his dr… dragon was smoking and rearing it's head from his arm. They killed the creatures that grabbed me and Hiei said Mukuro was n… next."

Yukina turned worried eyes to Kuwabara and Keiko before looking back at Shuuichi. "We expected as much. Shuuichi, I know you must be shocked by every thing that's happened today but believe me when I say, Hiei will see to it that no one ever threatens you again. Now it may be a while before we hear from them. I want you to get some rest."

When she and the others would have left the room Shuuichi called her back. "Yukina… thank you."

She smiled. "You're welcome Shuuichi. Call if you need anything."

Being back with the people he had learned to consider his friends made him forget about the voice in his head. He jumped when he heard him speak. "Shuuichi, you've been pretty brave for a human. I'm not sure how but you were in the presence of four of the most powerful demons I've ever felt. So, how did you end up with that cute fire demon for your lover?"

Shuuichi spoke softly so he wouldn't attract the attention of his friends. "I don't know. He approached me one daymistaking me forhis former lover. Later, we started seeing each other and fell in love."

"I can understand him saying he loved you but he said he loved us both. Why would he say that? I don't even know him."

Closing his eyes Shuuichi decided to try just thinking his responses to see if he could be heard. "Yomi said your name was Yoko Kurama. Hiei's dead lover's name was… Kurama."

"I know I've had a lot of lovers but I don't remember having a fire demon lover or one named Hiei. Yomi said we were both missing some memories. I'm guessing our lives crossed some time before today. Shuuichi, how old are you?"

The pain from his wounds was gone and as he relaxed Shuuichi's headache was beginning to fade. "I'm twenty six. I have partial memory loss going back as long as I can remember until about two years ago."

"The last thing I remember before waking up in your head today was being shot by a hunter. I'd be willing to bet my memory loss consists of the last twenty six years. It may also have something to do with my demon energy being bound too."

Though he was tired Shuuichi knew he wouldn't be able to sleep. "Mukuro called me a Youko… and everyone kept referring to me as a fox. Is that what you are?"

"Yes, I'm a fox spirit known as a Youko. I'd be willing to bet it was me that bitch called a whore, not you Shuuichi."

Shuuichi smiled at the irritation in the Youko's voice. "Can I call you Yoko? It would be too weird calling you Kurama."

"Yoko's fine. Shuuichi, that picture in Hiei's room, you realize it was a picture of you now don't you? I'm confused though. You said Hiei's lover was dead. You don't feel dead to me."

Shuuichi nodded as he tried to figure things out. "Hiei said he and Kurama had a fight and broke up three years ago. My mother died just over two years ago and I think Kurama's mother died about that same time. He said Kurama got depressed and slashed his wrists not long after that. They told me I had an accident two years ago. That's where I supposedly got these."

Shuuichi looked at the scars on his wrists before he continued. "The handwriting on that picture was mine. It was signed 'Your fox, Kurama'. Apparently I used to know I was you."

There was a pause before Yoko spoke again. "Shuuichi, you might want to know, I can feel Yusuke's energy approaching."

Shuuichi jumped from the bed. His heart pounding because Yoko didn't mention Hiei. Rushing from the room he had to grab the door frame for support when he saw Kuwabara run out and take what appeared to be an unconscious Hiei from Yusuke.

Jealous, he watched Keiko rush into Yusuke's arms. Fear gripped his heart as he got a closer look at Hiei. The cuts and burns across his body were much worse than the ones Shuuichi had treated when they had first met.

Without realizing it he followed to where Kuwabara laid Hiei on the bed he had just vacated. Kneeling at Hiei's side he reached out but pulled back without touching him. "Hiei?"

Black lashes fluttered over red eyes as Hiei struggled to focus on Shuuichi. "Hi Baby. Are you okay?"

Confused after everything that had happened that day Shuuichi couldn't prevent himself from flinching back when Hiei reached out to him. "Shuuichi?"

Yukina turned from where she was cleaning Hiei's wounds. With a hand on his shoulder she whispered in his ear. "I need you to reassure him then tell him to sleep. He needs to regain his strength after using his dragon."

Shuuichi nodded before turning to Hiei. Tentatively he reached out to Hiei's outstretched hand. "I... I'm fine Hiei. Everything's fine now. Get some sleep… Koi. We'll talk later."

With Shuuichi's hand in his Hiei sighed and closed his eyes. A few seconds later Hiei's hand went lax. Moving back Shuuichi watched as Kuwabara removed Hiei's burned, bloody clothes while Yukina worked on his wounds.

From a chair in the corner Yusuke watched Hiei anxiously as Keiko fussed over her husband. With one last lingering look at Hiei, Shuuichi backed out of the room unnoticed. Quietly he left the temple. As he made his way down the steps to the street he could hear Yoko in his head. "What are you doing Shuuichi? Hiei's hurt, you should be with him."

Shuuichi reached the street and looked around. Not far away was the bus stop where he had caught the bus only a few days before. With no bus in sight Shuuichi headed down the street. "I can't do this Yoko. I've been kidnapped by demons and taken to the demon world. My boyfriend was nearly killed trying to rescue me and as if that wasn't bad enough I find out that he, along with most of the people I thought were my friends, are demons."

Yoko sounded amused as he spoke. "I hate to be the one to break it to you kid but with me inside you I think you're a demon too."

Hearing the bus approaching Shuuichi turned to flag it down. "Shut up Yoko, I don't want to hear that right now."

Boarding the bus Shuuichi paid then took a seat near the back door. As the bus pulled away he couldn't resist turning to look toward the temple. There was a heavy feeling in his heart when he didn't see anyone coming after him. "You don't want to do this Shuuichi. That's your lover back there! How can you just walk away from him?"

Ignoring him, Shuuichi leaned his head against the window and closed his eyes as the bus pulled away.