Hello, everyone! This chapter is out as season 2 for Attack on Titan and Kingdom Hearts III almost is! Gaaah!

I never thought I can pull out this chapter after much approaches had been tried out for this specific chapter but I finally did! Seriously, I have been re-writing this on and off until I got it right…I am so ready for vacay, turkey and Santa!

Nothing else to say but just enjoy, keep reading and leave reviews still in 2015!

Warnings: rusty writing, Karasu meets his future mother-in-law for dinner …err, derp! Shiori "knows too much", heavy mentions of Sensui's future plot with a twist, and Hiei working solo on an official time travel mission!

Chapter 14

Kurama took out the red folders from one of the desk drawers and placed them on the desk. He opened the first red folder that was on top of the others. His eyes went wide when he had just finished reading the information of the next mission:

"It can't be…" he breathed as read and analyzed the information all over again.

Maya Kitajima's soul is nowhere to be found. Her restless spirit is lingering somewhere in the Human World for over a year now…Please, do find her. Use the assistance of Botan so Maya's soul can be put to ease and to be guided to the Spirit World as her final destination.

"Oh there you are, Kurama!"

Kurama was interrupted out of his trance when he heard Botan's voice. He turned over one of his shoulders to see her appearing out of nowhere. "Oh hello, Botan," he said rather quickly and returned his attention to the red folder.

Botan raised an eyebrow over Kurama's current behavior. It was unlike him to be worried over a given mission. "What's wrong?" she inquired to him.

"This mission in particular has me worried to an extent," Kurama expressed and turned to look at Botan before handing over the red folder to her so she could understand the cause of his concern.

Botan read silently the mission briefing…She had a serious look before she spoke honestly: "After the incident of last year's mission…I was never able to find Maya's soul to take her to the spirit realm, and Koenma had decided to wait for you to heal to see if you have better luck finding her."

Kurama pondered hard with the following questions in mind: what really happened last year on the last mission with Karasu involved? What was Maya's involvement that caused her to be no longer among the living beings? Kurama didn't want to use the term 'death' for his dear departed ones.

Botan could only look at the frown that formed on the pondering red head's facial expression.

"Well that is strange…" Kurama commented after a minute and his expression had softened. "But anyways, are you available to assist me with the mission?"

"I'm going to have to assist you some other time since I really need to finish some important errands," Botan said before changing the subject. "I hope Hiei would show himself soon. Poor guy, he seemed like he really needed to do chores to get his mind off something."

Kurama got alerted upon hearing about his partner after a few days. "What is it that is bothering him?" he asked with a genuine interest since he has been worried for the other since the last time he saw him.

Botan had this thoughtful look on her face. She had a little difficulty to form her words and express it into a proper answer for Kurama's question. "Well…" she sounded uncertain as a flashback went through her mind.

She remembered the conversation she had earlier with Hiei:

"Ferry girl. I want to do some of yours silly chores, if it is not too much trouble to ask you."

"Well, come to think of it, I do have some chores for you. But why not go do more missions with Kurama if you are too eager to do something?"

"I would prefer to do something by myself this time."

"Oh what's the matter? Why would you want to avoid Kurama of all people?"

"It's none of your business! Just get me something to do, okay!?"

"All right, all right, grumpy pants. Here's the list."

"Really Hiei, do you really have a crush on Kurama or something? That's the only explicable reason for you to avoid him, especially if you are crushing too hard and you are having a hard time to either tell him."

"Let's just say that all of the three worlds would never know what Hiei is actually thinking," Botan was able to express for Kurama to comprehend after the flashback conversation as over in her mind.

Kurama sighed. So Hiei has some troubles in his mind these days, and he was venting his inner frustration rather by himself. If only Hiei would let anyone help him with his troubles…"I just hope he is all right," then he said.

Botan could only observe her friend quietly…"Well, I have to get going."

Kurama nodded in understanding. The mission to find Maya had to wait until Botan was available. "Yes, take care, Botan," he said before the ferry girl left to

It was night time. Kurama was cooking dinner in the kitchen as he waited for his mother to come back from her job. He early did every chore on the house. He also managed to do all his school homework to get distracted. He felt uneasy throughout the ay because he could feel eyes on him, watching his every moment. He was going to confront the situation soon but he just couldn't do so thinking on ways to protect his mother from the stalker.

Suddenly he sensed someone behind him:

"I just couldn't resist; I missed you, my darling," Karasu whispered right on Kurama's left shoulder.

Kurama moved quickly to the side and tried for a rose in his long mane-

Karasu had this stern look on his eyes. "Oh, you wouldn't want to do that or you can lose your dearest mother tonight," he threatened seriously

Kurama sisn't dropped his guard nor his position to reach out for a rose, "What do you want?"

Karasu put both of his hands in his pockets. "It is obvious: I'm a guest so this is a nice house you are living in, Kurama…" he trailed off as he started to walk around the household to observe every room.

Kurama dropped his stance to follow after Karasu's trail.

Karasu made his stop in the living room. His curiosity went to an open red folder that was lying neatly across on the mahogany coffee table. He went to pick up the red folder with one hand and read quietly its contents.

Kurama stood a few meters away from the dark demon. He was observing and planning a way to attack or get him away from the house.

Karasu turned his attention to Kurama with a narrowing look. "You are wasting your time. That girl will never appear since she learned to master her physic powers that she could be among the living humans. It is going to be hard but I'll give you a hint: a friend of yours has an uncanny inner energy that actually belongs to the physic girl."

Kurama didn't say anything as Karasu stopped talking to approach him close. "And to refresh your memories: she could have sent my soul to be judged in the spirit realm as she was also in our way. I killed her, yes," the demon confessed.

Now the memories were even clearer of that day on how Maya Kitajima actually died last year:

Kurama was in his last mission to stop and defeat Karasu. Maya somehow came in between them when Kurama was at disadvantage in the battle with Karasu. She wasn't a physical fighter but the aptly term would be a spiritual-magic user that attacked from a distance. Her spiritual powers took great effect on Karasu since his soul was tainted. She had also developed with Genkai a technique called Holy Judgment. That psychic move took a great deal of spiritual energy on the user to take the enemy's soul out of the body to send it to Spirit World, instantly killing the enemy.

However, Karasu's strong will managed to give hard time on Maya as she weakened. He had used the right time to grab her hostage and kill her afterwards with a deadly blast right on Kurama's very own eyes.

Kurama trembled. He tried hard to contain the tears of woe for the loss of his childhood friend. Did he have the courage to face Karasu? The fear and the grief were overwhelming him.

"Enough about her! It is just the two of us here in the time and space," Karasu snapped as he threw the red folder aside. He was annoyed for the dead human girl. She just kept meddling between him and the red head.

"Shuichi, who are talking to?"

A third voiced said all the way from the front door.

Kurama and Karasu looked to see Shiori coming into the living room. Shiori looked at the dark guest and she gave him a warm smile. "Oh hello! I didn't knew we had a visitor!"

Kurama was panicked on the inside. His mother was in danger! He had to get her somewhere safely away from Karasu!

Karasu could only look at the human woman with interest. A smirk had curled on his lips that were hidden behind his mask.

"Oh I'm sorry. Do I was in the middle of something here?" she said because she felt as if she had interrupted a conversation that the other two were still quiet. She just could feel the tension in the room.

Karasu laughed politely and turned to face Shiori. "No you are not. I should introduce myself: my name is Karasu. Can I have your name lovely lady?" he said smoothly.

"Why you are so charming, thank you. My name is Shiori Minamino, it is my pleasure to meet you. I happen to be Shuichi's mother."

"Now I see where Shuichi get his mannerism. He was raised into a fine young man," Karasu commented.

"Would you like to join us for dinner, Karasu?" Shiori said suddenly. Karasu's charm got the best of her.

Kurama gasped upon hearing those words. "Mother! He has to go!" he said almost angry like.

Before Shiori turned to reprimand her son for being rude to the guest:

Karasu shook his head. "Oh I don't have to go, Shuichi. I would love to stay for dinner and talk with your mother. She seems like a wonderful person to meet."

"And I don't see why not. Follow me this way to the dinner table, Karasu. Shuichi cooked dinner tonight and you are going to love his cooking," Shiori said as she made her way to the kitchen.

Karasu still stood on the same spot in the living to talk to Kurama. "That human woman is an exception: I like her already," he said with honesty. He would make sure not to lay a finger on Shiori. She never showed any fear or disrespect towards him: only hospitality and kindness.

"Don't you dare do anything to her!" Kurama growled as he wore the fox demon's fangs.

"I will be on my best behavior because I have to impress your mother, darling," Karasu said to Kurama before making his way to the dinner table. He was eager to eat the food that he watched Shuichi cook from outside.

Sometime later, dinner was served: Shiori and Karasu were talking in general on the dinner table. Kurama could only observe his mother and the dark demon back and forth. Kurama had to make sure that Karasu didn't do anything stupid during dinner and leave without fighting or hurting anyone.

"I beg your pardon, Karasu, but how do you plan to eat with that peculiar mask on? Do you have a health condition?" Shiori asked.

Karasu chuckled. "Oh not at all! I just conceal my good looks," he said before actually removing his mask from his face and set it down on the table next to his full plate. "See?" he said. He was going to manage his own energy from rising and his

Shiori was truly amazed for Karasu's good looks. "And I can see why. Oh my, you are handsome and elegant, are you planning to get married?"

"I'll marry this wonderful girl someday that has been already on my mind for over a year," Karasu said with double intentions, subtle enough for Kurama to understand.

"Oh really? I should go to the wedding then."

"I'm very sure you will, Mrs. Minamino. I should make you the maid of honor."

"I would be most honored. Oh and please call me Shiori."

Kurama could only keep observing the exchange of words between Karasu and his mother… He never touched his own food as the conversation went on for an hour and a half. He was ready to attack Karasu at any given moment. So far, Karasu was cultured on the Human World that he was able to talk a wide range of different topics with Shiori: popular culture, economy and politics, and local, national and international happenings around the Human World.

Eventually, dinner was over and Shiori walked Karasu to the door.

"It was nice to meet you, Karasu. We should have dinner some other time."

"Of course," Karasu smiled to Shiori. "I got business to do. Farewell," he said as he took one of Shiori's hands and kissed it to then put his mask back on his face. "I will see you later, Shuichi!" he called out as he left.

As soon as Shiori closed the front door, she turned quickly to her son. "Shuichi, that man is a demon from the other dimension! How did he arrive here to this world?"

"That is far beyond my knowledge, mother. Demons find one way or another to enter the Human World," Kurama replied calmly, thanking Enma that nothing happened on his house. "Mother, please be wary of that demon. He is very dangerous and he killed Maya and along with other beings," he explained openly to his mother to be careful if she came in contact with Karasu again next time.

Shiori had furrowed her eyebrows. She showed mercy to every human and demon yet they had to pay for their sins. "He will receive his judgment for all his dark sins one day. I have faith in Enma that it will happen."

Changing the subject, Kurama couldn't help but to ask Shiori the following: "Mother, how are you so knowledgeable of demons and their world? Come on, we'll discuss this over tea."

After Kurama brewed chamomile tea with a hint of honey for the two of them, he and Shiori sat on the dinner table once more right next to each other.

"Maybe it is time I explain why I have knowledge of everything. I met Youko Kurama and he revealed everything he knew one day. I was very ignorant yet willing to accept because Youko Kurama's soul was merged with your body, mind, energy and spirit while I was pregnant," Shiori said before she took a sip of her tea in her own cup.

Kurama was amazed on how much his mother revealed to him. "Did father also know about it?"

"Yes…I told him what he needed to know for the sake of you and he also accepted everything. Shuichi, there might be more to demons that it meets the eye and bias. I think they have feelings and thoughts as us humans, and they should live with us."

Kurama took a long sip of his own tea cup before asking. "What makes you think that?"

Shiori sighed. "Well, I met 10 years ago this intriguing young man and his demon friend. We had a conversation one day in the park, and the young man was able to convince me with his strong views of humans and demons living together. He even showed me this video cassette one day…It was so horrifying that I gained sympathy for every demon. I rather not provide further details of what I saw."

Then, Kurama's mind remembered one of the mission briefings on an upcoming case:

The Chapter Black Tape had disappeared from Spirit World 10 years ago. That tape needs to be retrieved at all costs for Spirit World.

"Mother…that video…Where is it?" Kurama tried to be discreet and careful. Shiori saw something powerful that Spirit World kept hidden from history. Nobody in the three worlds were supposed to look that tape on a video cassette player.

"I don't remember was it called but I do know that he has that video cassette and he watches it religiously to remind him of objective. He promised that he would show it around the world to raise awareness and fight for the cause…Shuichi, you met him and his friend. You were only five years old…" Shiori trailed off to ponder for a moment. "Shinobu Sensui… Yes, that is his name. I wonder what became of him and Annoto Itsuki."

Kurama had a fuzzy memory at the moment but he was able to remember a teenager with a small diamond on his forehead and another strange fellow that was from Demon World. "Well, who knows? Maybe he got captured for his rebellion," he said to throw his mother off guard with the comment.

Kurama had to make Shiori to keep talking of everything she knew so far about the Chapter Black Tape and her involvement with Sensui and Itsuki. She was considered a high valuable witness as of right by Spirit World. That was something that the mission briefing provided on its revised version. He had to clear his mother of any pressing charges as a witness and accomplice.

"I don't think so. He said that Spirit World would terminate him from his duties as a Spirit Detective, and Kuroko Sanada would bring him back to Spirit World either dead or alive. He is safe somewhere, as Itsuki said to me as at the same time he thanked me for believing and supporting the cause before disappearing."

Kurama felt that all the information was taking a toll on him. It pained him heavily to listen about Shiori's confession. Before Kurama let his mother talk in details about her supportive role during that time, he put his arms on her shoulders. He sighed deeply.

"Mother, please listen to me. You know too much. You can be punished for supporting Sensui in the past. It is banned on Spirit World to talk about them since they were never found and violated the rules to harmony. Promise me you are not going to get involved with other demons. We can trust Hiei for now."

"He is your partner, right? So you got back to your former duties as Spirit Detective?" Shiori asked directly. She just knew that Hiei had a motive to be around her son, and it was odd to her. Kurama rarely brought visitors of his own to the house.

Kurama was quiet for a moment and diverted his gaze. He had told Shiori once that he wouldn't work again as a Spirit Detective after failing the last mission of defeating Karasu. "I did," he admitted quietly.

"Then, I will keep my distance to not cause any more liability than I already did. You can do this, Shuichi. Believe in yourself and you'll become as strong as Youko Kurama," Shiori said in encouragement. Her son has a gift: that gift was to protect Human World and possibly unite and create a bond with Demon World.

Kurama nodded before he kissed his mother on the right cheek and hugged her. "Yes, thank you, mother..." he said, being blessed and feeling more confident to take on his Spirit Detective role. "Good night. I'm going to bed," he said before leaving her.

After Kurama reached his room, he closed the door immediately. Again, he had that heavy feeling on him.

'My mother knows too much...I should erase her memories. Koenma already considers her valuable for the Shinobu Sensui case. What should I do? If I erase my mother's memory, Spirit World would punish me for tampering solid evidence,' he thought in aggravation.

"I listened to everything that she said downstairs."

Kurama suddenly looked up to see Hiei, who was sitting by the window ledge. "Hiei! Thank goodness. Are you okay? Where have you been these days?"

"I've been training," Hiei said simply before changing the subject. He had to tell Kurama what he knew so far. "I came here as soon I felt that demon's presence earlier. I was hiding myself- ready to strike him if he would do anything to you or your mother. He will not get to you- I will kill him with my bare hands," he said with a strong emotion.

Kurama was speechless for a moment. He felt his cheeks heat…Hiei was being passionate in his words.

Hiei stood from his seat to approach a silent Kurama. "Do you mind if I use your shower?"

"Hmm? Yes, go right ahead. I have some clean towels there for you t-" Kurama stopped when he saw that Hiei was undressing in front of him until he completely in the nude. His cheeks went red. "Hiei, I—"

"You have nothing to be embarrassed about. We are both males."

"Umm, yes, I…"

"Good," Hiei said with another emotion that he said something else in an under tone.

Kurama looked at him and blinked his emerald eyes because he was unable to comprehend the fire demon's words. "What?"

"…Never mind," Hiei went quickly to the bathroom to lock himself and turn the shower on.

After one good shower, Hiei came out of the bathroom all wet from head to toe. Kurama had left him with a towel to dry himself on the bed and a pair of black shorts. Hiei tried to look for his clothes but never found them. He assumed that Kurama took it from him to wash it. He proceeded to dry himself before putting the black shorts on. It fitted him to a T.

Speaking of Kurama, he came back into the room with a tray with plates and a large glass of water.

Hiei raised an eyebrow at the red head. "What it is that?"

"I figured you were hungry so this is what I made for dinner earlier," Kurama replied as he sat the tray on the floor.

"You know my stomach very well," Hiei said and sat down on the floor to eat. "It is very good, Kurama. As always," he said after a minute of non-stop eating and he took a large gulp of the cold water.

"I try to do better at every chance I have," Kurama was flattered.

"Your cooking is already perfect for my taste."

"Thank you," Kurama went to search quickly for the red folders and came back to sit next to Hiei on the floor. "Um, shall we review our next case to work on? I have this one in mind."

Kurama showed Hiei the red folder containing the mission briefing of finding Maya's soul.

Hiei read with his eyes and looked at the Spirit Detective. "Hn. This case is closed. I took this human girl hostage to turn her as one of my zombie army. She had this strange energy floating inside her as if it was fighting against my own physic powers but I took over in the end. She goes to school as you do. That energy could belong to the dead human girl that we are looking for."

"We must do it. Your Jagan eye powers can help."

"I refuse to do further participation- use the ferry girl instead. My Jagan eye could absorb her soul and powers instead to take it to the final destination. That would compromise my place in the Human World."

Kurama finally understood why Hiei cannot participate in the mission and Botan had to replace him. "Then, I'll do the mission in my own time with Botan," he said as he took the open red folder off Hiei's hands.

Hiei took a random red folder and opened it. He read it before speaking: "I would like to do this case instead since we are one step ahead," he showed it openly for Kurama to read from his very own distance.

The Chapter Black Tape had disappeared from Spirit World 10 years ago. That tape needs to be retrieved at all costs for Spirit World.

"10 years ago in the Demon World, the rumor was spread about that tape through a demon named Itsuki. Only a select of few demons and I were able to watch it while the rest of the world fought to watch it. That tape just supports pretty much my hate for the humans," Hiei confessed his side of the story that was relevant for the Shinobu Sensui case.

Itsuki had selected the first group of demons to watch the Chapter Black Tape in order to raise awareness in the Demon World and gain followers as much as rebels. Nijiro the Shadow Nin, Terra from the Underground, Raizura of the Lightning, Mizuki the Water Mistress, the twins Yukina and Hiei were the selected one to witness for the Chapter Black Tape from beginning to the end.

"Where is that tape now?" Kurama asked.

Hiei shrugged his shoulders. "Beats me. We'll put that case on hiatus: it will be bothersome to search high, medium and low for that tape and if Shinobu Sensui and his partner are even still alive up to this day. We will need a bigger search party."

'I'm really curious for this Chapter Black Tape…My mother gained kindness for demons and Hiei just hates humans by just watching the tape itself…' Kurama said mentally and he was interrupted when Hiei waived anther red folder on his face for him to read.

"What is it?" Kurama wondered as he took the red folder on his very own hands. "That mission?"

This mission requires to be dealt with as soon as possible. Time travel to one year in the past is highly required to fix the doings. Exactly at date and time 03/03/03 at 3:33AM Majora's Curse will take place on Kurama. On the next page are Majora's personal information and possible location.

Kurama remembered immediately Majora and his past threat:

"This is not over yet, Spirit Detective! At the following date and time, there will be a curse on you that will erase your human and your demonic self from history! You will cease to exist entirely from life and other beings memories!"

…

"Starting from today, we have a week to find him," Kurama was able to conclude after thinking everything through.

"You mean, I have to find him within a week. You are already cursed as my Jagan eye can detect it. It would be ridiculous if you went to encounter your past self. It is better if I went there. I can erase memories of the happenings so it wouldn't alter present time."

What Hiei had established made sense and it was the best thing to do, Kurama thought. He didn't give any further thought about it. "All right. I'll be doing more missions in present time while I wait for your return."

"Just don't take the difficult ones: they are my source of amusement."

Kurama chuckled. "I don't want to ruin your amusement. It's deal."

NEXT DAY AT SPIRIT WORLD

Hiei and Kurama were standing in front of Koenma's desk. They had told the prince about the chosen mission and the conditions in order to succeed. Botan also happened to be inside the room.

Koenma had reached a decision: "Hiei has a good point. He is the most suited to go back into the past and undo Majora's Curse. His Jagan eye would take care of everything. I will prepare a portal for the time travel," he said before leaving his office.

"Oh wow! Hiei is going to visit our past selves! I was younger but I'm much wiser and prettier now. Say hello to old me, will ya!" Botan said to Hiei.

"Great. Some things will never be avoided," Hiei said dryly.

"What do you say, Hiei!?" Botan exclaimed with a huff.

"So Hiei is going to see my former self…That would be interesting to look how I used to be," Kurama said.

"You are ten times much better than your past self, Kurama. You are such a darling and that other person was not! He was so cold hearted, meanie and distant but did a great job getting the cases done a as Spirit Detective though," Botan explained to him.

"Sounds like someone I used to know," Hiei said to himself with his arms crossed.

Koenma came back into the room eventually to announce the following "The portal is ready. I have the permission from my father to allow the mission. Follow that way, Hiei, and George will give you further instructions and necessary items for time travel."

Hiei made his way out of the office to begin the mission that takes place in the past.

"Wait! Aren't you even gonna say goodbye!?" Botan exclaimed.

"This is not a farewell. More like I will see everyone in a flash," Hiei said over his shoulder.

"I will pray for your return, Hiei! Take care!" Kurama said in good faith.

Hiei's eyes went wide upon remembering Yukina's exact words upon seeing her last time. He stopped walking as his shoulder stiffened.

"What's wrong?" Kurama asked him.

"Nothing…I…I'm out!" Hiei made his way quickly to the room that lead to The Portals Station.

"Hiei! Wait!" Kurama followed after him all the way to The Portals Station.

…

"I wonder what happened there," Botan wondered to Hiei's uneasiness.

"He was probably thinking of his girlfriend when Kurama said that," Koenma said as a possible answer.

Botan put her hands on her hips. She was still confused. "Girlfriend, huh? I wonder what kind of poor demon female can stand a chance at our difficult Hiei and his temper,"

"A lovely one I must say."

Botan gasped in delight and squealed. "I must so find out about it! And I am good at this aside from my other qualifications!" she said proudly. Gossiping on others love life was her main expertise.

Koenma had to trust Botan with it because she gave him accurate information about every couple she knew that he was interested to know. "That will be your secret mission, Botan. Find out more about Hiei's love life. Inquiring minds needs to know!" he ordered Botan to find out more about Hiei's mysterious girlfriend.

Botan made her authentic cat expression. "Meeeoooowww! As you wish, sir!" she purred.

Meanwhile during daytime, a short blue haired demon with the appearance of a young woman was observing Hiei in a river cascade on the Human World. The cascade worked as a projector to show what was happening at Spirit World without the audio. She had pale skin, blue nails to match her hair and wore a large blue robe that covered her petite body. She also had frosty blue eyes and what it seemed to be a Jagan eye glowing on her forehead.

"I wonder where my Hiei is going…I hope he comes back soon! I mean, I'm his bride!" she huffed for the lack of answers. "No matter! I will make sure that the stupid red head doesn't have an easy time," she grinned evilly. "Yes, Majora's Curse is soon to be played on and it is bye bye- gone from ever existing!"

A/N: On the next chapter: Kurama and Botan tries to resolve the mission together to find Maya's lingering soul while Hiei travels back into the past to do the mission and meet the real Kurama. Stuff are impending to happen. See ya next time!