Chapter 5 Question Everything

Two weeks have passed by, and, thanks to Kurama's herbal concoctions, I have been able to heal at a nice pace. They are just as potent as those human meds- the liquid puts me right to sleep. But, hey, a doctor's note is a doctor's note. I'm riding that shit out. School can wait. I'm doing it all for the experience anyway. It's not like I actually need it. After I passed out the first night here in Kurama's home, I didn't wake up until late that afternoon. And, unlike being drunk and waking up not remembering a damned thing, I remembered every weird thing I said. 'Since you have such a large green thumb'... really Ama?

On another note, his mother is seemingly very concerned for my well being. She won't let me do anything, really. I'm not a hundred percent sure what he told her about my situation, but she is treating me very… gently. However, I'm glad she hasn't attempted to speak with me about it all. I just wish she wouldn't worry herself over me.

I glance down at my ankle, and move it in small circles. I woke up yesterday and found that I was able to finally wiggle my toes, and so, I decided it was okay to take off the neon pink cast. It's such a piece of artwork- maybe I should frame it. Nostalgic. I explained to Ms. Minamino and Mr. Hatanaka that they had put on the cast as a precaution… that it was on the verge of breaking, and everything has turned out fine. I'm lucky as hell they are not doctors or something…

I smile as I move around the room testing out my ankle. I only feel a slight pinch, now. Kurama's ability to concoct so many different potions is mind boggling. I slip into a pair of jeans, black tank, and throw on a jacket, leaving it unzipped.

I walk slowly and quietly into the living room, being careful not to over exert my ankle even though it's practically healed at this point. Ms. Minamino is sitting in front of an easel, which is propped near a rather dusty piano. I have tried my best to stay clear of the piano lest I spend all day tapping away at its lovely vocal keys, and, to avoid bringing forth more unwanted thoughts and memories. I also don't want to feel like a show off.

Shiori and I have gotten closer over the past few weeks; a closeness that I'm finding hard to understand. I do have a close relationship with Akia, but we only see each other at work… spending every day with Kurama's mom, Shiori, feels different. "Good morning, Ms. Minamino." She seems startled. I smile sheepishly when she turns around wide eyed.

"Oh! Amaryllis. Sorry… I was just drawing. Everyone else is gone today for a bit, so I figured I'd pick this old thing up again. It's been a long time…" She trails off, staring back at the canvas. There are wisps of pencil lines all around it. I smile and sit at the piano facing her. I used to draw quite often, too. I would practice drawing all the amazing plants Youko would find and whatever he would bring to me. My father made sure I could do many things… the more he could add to my repertoire the more likely he'd find a worthy suitor for me- so he said. He did eventually find one… but fuck that guy, right?

"You used to draw often?" The morning sun is coming through the open window, lighting up her face. She seems thoughtful; sad almost.

"Yes. Before Shuichi's father passed…" I instantly feel guilty. I bite my lip and place my hands on my knees. "Even though I have remarried, and I love my husband dearly, there will always be a place in my heart for him.. I continued to draw and paint for a while after, but it became too painful as Shuichi grew older… resembling his father more and more… I thought by now I would be over the hurt I felt, then… but..."

I nod, tilting my head to the side, "I understand… though, to have memories of those you loved and lost is perhaps harder than to have no memories at all." I myself wish I had memories of my mother- I wish I had even one memory of her to look back on.

She nods, smiling softly and looks at me, gesturing at the piano, "He often played the piano while I painted. He was my... Inspiration. Who knew such wonderful memories could cause so much heartache." She turns back to the easel, and closes her eyes. I glance at the piano, then, rubbing my fingers along the solid wood.

"Amaryllis. Play something for our guests." My father turns towards his guests, "She is just as talented as she is viciously beautiful."

I force a smile and nod. I saunter over to the piano. The black evening dress clinging to my every curve. The smell of the perfume he chose for me sickening me to the core. A few hoots and wows sound from the small crowd of guests. Sickening.

I lift the protective wooden cover from the keys, and gently run a hand down the smooth shiny surface. I smile at the memory of how much peace this instrument brought me when I was alone. I was surprised to find them here in this world… but, I wanted to separate myself from everything that made up what I was when I came here. Just another thing I tried to cut out of my life in an attempt to fix myself. My rash attempt at 'fixing' myself has come back to bite me in the ass, as of recently.

I glance at Shiori. She is sitting with her eyes closed, a solemn look on her face. You know what? Fuck it. I feel as if I owe her this for all she has done for me, anyway. It won't hurt to play, just a little bit. I quietly turn around on the seat to face the piano and gently place my fingers on the keys. A wave of anxiety washes over me and I shiver. I take in a raspy breath, trying to calm my heart, and I slowly begin to play the first song that comes to mind. One that pains me, now, when before I felt butterflies, but it's the only thing that comes to mind at the moment. I watch my fingers slowly begin the tune, a small ball forming in my stomach. I push back at it and focus on the sounds. I glance over at Shiori, and find her staring at me, wide-eyed, hand on her cheek.

"You play beautifully." His silver hair falls onto the keys. I reach up quickly and flick him in the forehead in an attempt to remove his hair from the keys.

"I can't play beautifully if your hair is all over it, pretty boy."

I swallow hard, as memories swarm back to me. Some hurt, and some are sweet, filling me with fuzzy feelings. I lose myself more and more in the song, focusing on the memories and beautiful voice of the piano.

"What happened?" He sits beside me gently, his hand warm on my bare shoulder. My black evening dress is ripped from the middle of my thigh, up..

"He just… he always lets them… I played a song for them, like he asked.. And after..." I'm flustered, angry, upset... I grip my knees, the silky material of my dress wrinkling significantly, "I hate him. He uses that damned thing against me. I can't disobey him. He let that disgusting piece of shit…. He let him try to…" An angry tear rolls down my cheek, and bounces off of the silky material.

"Who was it?" The darkness in his voice makes me shiver. I see a flash of silver as he is suddenly kneeling in front of me, holding my hand. "Where is he, Ama?"

"Dead."

I let the song flow freely, smiling to myself, remembering why I wrote it. Once I finish the song, gently taking my fingers off the keys, I look over at Shiori, and see her hand covering her mouth, her eyes filled with tears. "Ama, you… that was beautiful… I… thank you."

I scoot to the end of the chair, and lean in, taking her into a hug gently. "It's okay to hurt sometimes. Never let go of those memories. Don't you dare be ashamed of them." I whisper to her. Don't be like me. She hugs me back tightly. It feels as if someone is behind me, I turn my head slowly while still embracing Shiori. Kurama is staring at me, a look in his eyes that sends a wave of embarrassment over me, a look I don't understand, but one that only he has ever given me, which makes my cheeks redden. Shiori gently leaves our hug, and notices Kurama.

"Shuichi… did you?… wasn't that beautiful?" She wipes her eyes.

"It was." Is all he says, seeming in thought. We lock eyes and it feels as if he is trying to peer into my eyes, looking for something.

"He tells me to kill. I kill. He tells me to fucking bark I have to fucking bark." I get right into his face, "He tells me to show favor to one of those disgusting bastards, I show favor. I have to do it. What would you have me do?"

"That's the thing, Ama! You don't have to do any of that!"

"THE HELL I DON'T! You don't understand! You think I enjoy doing whatever he tells me to do?!"

"Help me understand, then!"

I break away from his stare. The more things that come back to me, the more I seem to hurt, and yet my memories of Kurama always leave me with a different feeling. A mix of warmth, happiness, and a twinge of anxiety. It's like being on a roller coaster ride when you love roller coasters- but you're afraid of heights.

Shiori stands, "Oh, how embarrassing, though. I'm going to go clean up." She hurries off, a small smile on her lips. As she turns the corner into the hallway, Kurama is instantly sitting beside me at the piano. I still refuse to look up at him.

"I remember when I first heard you play that piece. On one of my birthdays…" He shifts on the seat, he places both hands on either side of him, trying to peer at my my face.

I chuckle, "You demanded it because everything else I was asked to play was so dreary. I think that's how you put it, anyway."

"You said it was made with me in mind, though." I can hear the smirk in his voice. I pinch his arm and look up at him, lips pursed and probably a small blush on my cheeks. He frowns, a playful look in his eyes.

Shiori's voice can be heard from the kitchen, "Are you two hungry? Shuichi probably is, he's always hungry…" I burst out laughing at the thought.

"Some things never change, eh?" I stand up at the chance to leave behind Kurama's teasing. He just stares up at me, an unreadable expression on his face. It's obvious to me now, even after all of these years, I still have the same feelings for him. Even just looking at him now, I feel small butterflies reeking absolute havoc.

"Do you still burn water?" He finally asks, making my expression immediately fall into an exasperated one. "Then, yes. Some things never change." He stands, laughing at his own comment, and heads towards the kitchen. That cocky bastard.

We are sitting around the table, finishing up the food Shiori insisted on making for us. She seems completely enamored with me after I let her in on my artistic abilities. I'm not trying to brag, but I feel like I owe her an honest answer to every question she asks.

"Well… I'm just good with my hands. And, that kind of stuff kind of... calms you down, you know? Brings peace after a rough day…" I'm flabbergasted with her praise of me. I never saw these skills as anything but something for my father to add to my resume. Just… a bonus to having his daughter. Even though I know she means well, she is making me feel extremely awkward. It makes me shift in my seat and shoot a pleading look at Kurama. Help me out here…

"She can't cook." He states matter of factly. I rub my forehead. This fucking guy...

"But, she bakes so well!" Kurama is laughing full hardheartedly beside me, his mom joining in. I just continue to rub my forehead.

We finish up our lunch, but not without a few more shots at my cooking abilities. I have a warm feeling in my gut, that makes me smile. I lock eyes with Kurama as he begins picking up everyone's plate from the table. A trait he definitely picked up from his life as a human, here. He used to hate cleaning. 'That's what you have servants for.', he used to complain to me. He taught me how to be free, and I taught him manners.

"Ama…" We are alone at the table now that the dishes are finished. Kurama runs a hand through his hair, and gives me a sheepish smile, "Koenma was interested in speaking to you today." I frown. How long has he known this?

"Okay." I stare at him, pursing my lips. I fully realize that I told them I would talk to the man, but that doesn't mean I actually want to. It'll be like pulling teeth. I know Koenma is a nice enough guy- but he can be a real ass-hat. "How long have you known?"

He folds his arms, and looks away from me, "Since this morning…" My lips remain pursed, and I eye him. He is purposely avoiding eye contact. He must remember my disdain for anything Spirit World related. Anything Enma related, really. "One of his grim reapers, Botan, should be here soon."

And at that, there is a loud and peppy knock at the front door. I shoot Kurama an exasperated look, "You've literally told me last minute."

"You would have worked yourself up all day over it. And, probably said no in the end." He says, standing. He's probably right. I would have worked myself up and right into a fit. Kurama answers the door. I sigh and follow him.

A young girl, whom I'm guessing is Botan, is just stepping in as I enter the living room. Her blue hair is bouncing in long curls from her ponytail. Her eyes dart over to me as I walk up, and she seems to retract in on herself, looking nervous.

"Oh, hi! You must be Amaryllis…" She pokes her fingers together, smiling. "I'm Botan… Spirit World Grim Reaper at your service… I'm just here to take you to see Koenma."

I spin a finger in the air, "Yaaaay…" Kurama hides a smile from Botan as she pouts, and shakes his head. She teleports us from Kurama's house, to right in front of a large set of wooden doors. I look around, instantly unhappy to be here. Botan and Kurama enter the room first. I stand there for a second, taking deep breaths. It'll be okay. Just don't touch anything. Just smile and nod. Be pleasant. Be yourself. Don't be an asshole. Well- those three don't belong in the same thought process. Just- for the love of God, Amaryllis, don't stir the damn pot.

I straighten myself out, making sure my hair isn't crazy from the teleportation, and walk in. My eyes immediately fall onto Koenma, and I freeze. A smirk graces my lips. I just can't help myself. "Long time no see, Junior."

He groans and slams his head into his tiny hands, "It really is you." I shrug, and take up residency against the wall next to Kurama. Yusuke and Kuwabara are sitting lazily in chairs close to Koenma's large desk, shooting me curious looks.

"What took you so long?" Yusuke groans.

"I decided to go find me some children to make a quick meal of so I'd have the energy to deal with Koenma's shit, on this fine day." I say sweetly, glancing at Koenma. He groans and slams his head on his desk.

"It really had to be you? I thought maybe it was just someone similar." He beats his head on his desk a few more times. I continue to smirk, getting confused glances from everyone.

"My dear, Koenma, you of all people should know just how 'one of a kind' I am." I remain as sweet as possible, a smirk stuck on my lips.

"You two know each other then? You didn't mention that, Ama…" Yusuke mutters, leaning back in his seat. Poor Yusuke- there is a lot I have failed to mention.

Koenma raises a small finger towards Kurama, "She is also very familiar with Youko, too. These two are-"

"Warts on the ass of humanity- I think is how your father described us, once." I interrupt him, pretending to look thoughtful. Yusuke snorts out a laugh. Bitch better not bring up our past without asking first. "How is Enma? Still a satanic asshole?"

Koenma groans, "I was aware of the possibility of it being you, but I didn't fully prepare myself for that possibility."

Kurama nudges me, smirking from ear to ear. Maybe he has already given him a hard time. I run a hand through my bangs, and pull my braid under my arm and stare at it, fiddling with its ends. "I'm sorry, Koenma. I didn't come here to give you an aneurysm. I've come in peace… just forgot to bring an olive branch to make it more official."

"Wait- hold up. Let's go back to the fact that you two know each other. Who exactly are you, Amaryllis?" Yusuke shoots me a dirty look, "I'm really getting sick and tired of all these damn secrets." He has every right to be annoyed. I would be.

"This," Koenma gestures to me, "Is the only living daughter of Endox. It seems the only reason we couldn't find a file was because she has been using a different last name." Yusuke shoots me an exasperated look.

I shrug, "I came to the human world to cut ties with him. That seemed to be the easiest first step, at the time."

"That's strange." Koenma comments.

"You're 600 something years old and still look like a damn child, don't tell me what's strange." I point a lazy finger at him, squinting my eyes. Yusuke and Kuwabara burst out laughing.

Koenma seems to ignore my poke at his size, appearing thoughtful. I shift uncomfortably under his gaze, suddenly worried about what questions he might decide to ask. Maybe I should have had a list of things that I wanted to share and not given him the floor completely.

"The last time we spoke, you were a very loyal member of Endox's wolf clan." Aw fuck, here we go.

"A member? I was his daughter. I'm expected to be loyal." I state matter of factly. "So, that's putting it lightly." I was a major part of every extortion, every attack, every missing valuable item from several safes across the Makai… I had my fingers in pretty much everything- most of them being in the name of Endox… most. I had my fun, too.

"Was? He put you on a pedestal. You were his ace; his trump card. You kept everyone under your thumb- under his thumb." I don't bother to give him an answer. I begin to glare at him. This is not supposed to be some kind of integrity trial.

"Well, Koenma. I think the hound I sent here speaks volumes on where I stand with the man."

Koenma has gotten to know me well enough after all these years. My father used me as a liaison of sorts with these guys. I actually had dealings with Enma himself before Junior came along. If I knew any better, he is playing on the temper I'm apparently so famous for. He is poking all over, trying to find the right spot. I fully lean on the wall, staring at Koenma down my nose. It seems we are playing old games now.

"That is what I don't understand- and need to understand, Amaryllis. You were his sword, and helped lead your clan to greatness. You had everything at your fingertips, why suddenly separate? Why alienate yourself?"

"It is much better to walk alone, in the right direction, than to follow the herd, walking in the wrong direction.." I say coolly. I most certainly don't owe him an explanation for something he has fucked up. If anything, I feel as if he owes me an explanation.

"Very well put, but it took you over a thousand years to come to that conclusion."

I slam an angry fist against the wall I'm leaning on and point an angry finger at him, making him jump slightly. My anger is beginning to swell and seethe inside. "I'm not going to play this game with you, Koenma. I'm not here to fill in the blanks on my file. I came here to help you defend yourself against whatever Endox is trying to bring onto your doorstep- not discuss my personal affairs with you. This isn't a fucking tea party." At this, I hear a clatter, and turn towards the doors to the room. Jorge, his ogre, is standing with a tray of tea. He immediately turns and scurries out upon seeing me. Ahhh, despite this place, I feel riiiight at home.

"Amaryllis, the thing is, I'm not so sure we can trust you. Especially after my mistake of bringing your father onto your doorstep. I represent the well being of all three worlds- the Ningenkai, Makai, and the Spirit World. I'm looking at the grand scheme..." Koenma seemed a little embarrassed and guilty upon mentioning his mistake. As he should.

"How very Princely, of you, Lord Koenma. But, please, do explain your little mistake that has completely brought me out into the open and into the line of fire. And, you should start by apologizing." Yusuke shifts in his seat uncomfortably. He must still feel guilty about it. "And, don't blame Urameshi, here. He was following his orders. This one is completely on you and that Satanic father of yours."

"My father won't explain. He refuses to comment." Koenma says solemnly, folding his hands onto the desk. He seems troubled by it.

I hear a growl of sorts from Kurama, "Isn't that convenient. He puts Amaryllis out on a silver platter and decides to play the ignorant fool." He spits out, eyes shooting daggers at Koenma.

"I honestly don't know his motives, Kurama. We will have to do this ourselves. Which means this has to be done off of the books until we figure out what is going on. I am fully aware of how… strange my father has been recently."

Kurama shakes his head, and clenches his jaw, "Yusuke was told that Endox would invest in him. The spirit world is taking blood money, again?"

"What has gotten into you recently? Shuichi is disappearing more and more and is being replaced by Youko's persona. I think I prefer the nicer guy..." Koenma pouts.

"I have always been Youko." He answers pointedly.

"Now that we are on that topic…" He points a finger at me, "Are you able to use your demon form? Why aren't you in it? Last I remember you hated your human form.."

I shoot a glance at Kurama, who seems impassive. Kurama is probably the only other person who knows why. "I'm blending in, Koenma. I can't just walk around with a fucking pair of wolf ears and tail to boot." I growl. Koenma gives me a look, possibly seeing through my half truth.

"Amaryllis, these questions you have deemed irrelevant, have everything to do with the current situation. That hound that Yusuke brought in, that you took down, has shaken my father. He refused to comment. And, I have never seen one up close until now, but I know what they're meant for. This doesn't bode well, for anyone… especially how odd it was that he asked Yusuke to find you."

"Hate to rub it in, Koenma, but his reaction just proves he had something to do with all of this." I wave an angry hand in the air. "Such a great idea to hold this little meeting in his fucking castle." I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself down.

Koenma shakes his head, seemingly not ready to fully accept this bit of information, "And, by the sounds of it, you refused to use your demon form except to take out the hound." He continues, eyeing me carefully. My jaw clenches. I can feel Kurama's eyes on me. I close my eyes, trying to keep myself from boiling over. "That hound could mean the start of a battle that I'm not sure we are prepared for, unless you truly are on board with us. Yes, we know his tactics, we are aware of how ruthless he is. But, you. You are his daughter and were his right and left hand."

I feel something in me snaps. If he wants information, then he'll receive it how I give it. "Let me ask you, oh great son of Enma. Since you claim to be so aware of how ruthless he is, how much do you know of the origins of the war hounds?"

"Ama…" I hear Kurama mutter, reaching out for my arm, I dodge his hand and push off the wall.

"They're impossible to kill. No one knows their weak points." Koenma states. "We don't have much on them…"

"And yet, I sent you a dead one." I say coldly. "Go on."

Koenma shifts uncomfortably in his seat, "Their skin and blood is melded together with a strong enchanted kind of steel. No weak points are known…"

"Except to me, Kurama, and a select few others. I didn't ask for that- I asked about their origins."

Koenma hesitates, shooting Kurama a glance, and shakes his head. "No one is really sure."

"We don't tell you their origins unless you need more reason to fear us… them." I shake my head, rubbing my forehead. It's not 'we' anymore.. I'm not them. "And, usually, by that point, it's already too late for you." I take a few longs strides to Koenma's desk, passing Yusuke and Kuwabara, who are listening intently.

"Those hounds, the ruthless, savage, deadly hounds, are my kin. They are my brothers, my sisters, my cousins, and my ancestors. They are those that failed or disobeyed my father. They are beaten down, forced into their animal form, and tortured into obedience. And then, they are put through a process where metal is melted into their skin, their teeth, their blood… those putrid things are my brethren." I lean on his table, lowering myself to his eye level. He is beginning to look nervous. "My father and I are the only ones with the ability to kill them efficiently. You want to know how to take out my kin, Koenma? Are you really so interested? Do you really want to know how to kill my family?"

I lean in dangerously close to him, my eyes darkening. He doesn't answer me, but sinks back into his seat. "Ama, you don't have to…" I hear Kurama start behind me. I shoot a hand behind me, causing a gust of wind that pushes whatever papers were lying around off of their tables.

"Youko, he really wants to know. Otherwise I wouldn't be here, eh? I did say I'd answer his questions." I say menacingly, scowling down at the nervous Koenma, not once taking my eyes off of him. "It sounds like he wants, no… he needs, a reminder of who I am and who my father is."

I feel my demon form begging to come forth. Begging to help put fear into him, remind him of who he is messing with. I may be through with my father, but I am still me. "My father made sure we were the only ones who could easily dispose of them. He bred us like cattle, did you know that? Looking for the perfect mate. He finally got one to pop one out that could match his ability. Finally- someone who he could pass the flame to- me." I clench the end of Koenma's desk. "To kill my brothers and sisters, all you have to do is cut off their airways. You see, he has left their chest and nostrils slightly exposed. Still too strong to pierce with normal means… but all I have to do... with a wave of my hand…" I flick my hand to the side, slamming the door to the room shut. Koenma jumps in his seat and Botan yelps in surprise.

"Now, go ahead and update your silly little files. I can give you more reasons to fear him, if you'd like. Fill you in on reasons to fear me, to trust or not trust me. More stories to keep you up at night. I can go on forever." Koenma doesn't budge, he is staring at his hands, brows furrowed. "You're so curious as to why I left? Does this give you a little insight, Koenma?"

I pause, and stare thoughtfully at him. Everyone in the room is dead quiet, you could hear a pin drop. I glance behind me at Kurama, who is leaning against the wall, eyes closed, a pensive expression on his face. I turn back to Koenma. I'll give him his answers. I'll make sure he realizes how done I am with my father.

"If you really want to know so badly why he sent the hounds…" I pause again, collecting myself. "He is pulling strings that hurt me. He knows how I always felt about them. He knows how I hated working with you guys. He is trying to play off of my lack of trust. My temper." With that I grip his desk harder, making it crack slightly.

"I played into his hands when I transformed to kill that hound. Transforming is like a fucking 'here I am' beacon to him. I'm still under his goddamned thumb. So that is why I don't. I don't want anything to do with him. The many reasons leading up to it, after a thousand years as you put it, are none of your fucking business." I'm suddenly feeling very done. I can't believe I'm begging my case to this fucking over glorified toddler. I don't owe him a damn thing. I push off the desk, pushing it into Koenma's chair as I do. I scowl at him before I whip around and head towards the door, making Botan leap out of the way and across the room next to Koenma, holding a book to her face.

"Amaryllis, we want to help you. We can't let this fucker just do whatever he wants." Yusuke gets up and faces me, a serious look on his face. I suppose I came here in hopes of working along side Yusuke to take down Endox. I didn't expect to be interrogated, however. I thought I could speak my piece to Koenma and things would go almost pleasantly. I don't want nor do I need help.

"Well, he," I point an accusing finger at Koenma, "And his father have let him… me... do just about that for all these years. You have to understand that I'm going out on a limb here, really putting my neck out there, with this… agency. I'm not one to easily trust. I understand my background is cause to distrust me… but…" I shake my head and leave the room. I'll just fucking wait out here until they are finished. I close the door behind me and sigh. I might have dug a little too deep into his skin. But, he needed to know. And, he needed to be reminded of who he was dealing with.

Koenma anxiously shuffles paper around his desk. His ogre, Jorge, is running around the room picking up the dropped papers. When Koenma realized that it was really Amaryllis he was dealing with, he was both elated and confused. This woman holds all the answers they need to defeating Endox once and for all- theoretically taking a thorn out of the Spirit World's heel. He was hopeful that her cutting ties with her father would open the floodgates of information, and yet, here she was, practically refusing to cooperate, and without a proper explanation. She basically only offered excuses for not telling him anything.

"Well, that went well!" Botan chimes, voice shaky. She eyes Kurama wearily as he makes his way towards the door. Kurama could feel the anger rolling off of Amaryllis in waves. Amaryllis always had a problem with her anger, all of it stemming from her inability to thoroughly express herself under her father's thumb. However, the anger she seems to be holding inside of her now seems to have a hold of her entire being. The more she pushes away at it the more it consumes her. He isn't sure how to help her and it bothers him to no end.

"Kurama. We need to talk before you leave." Koenma says with a nervous cough. Kurama turns to him with a sigh.

"I haven't seen her in a very long time, Koenma." He states calmly.

"But, you are familiar with her. And, her family."

"Well that explains why you treat her… different." Kuwabara states, putting his feet on Koenma's desk. Koenma gets up on his chair and pushes Kuwabara's feet off with a scowl.

"Differently? You mean the 'I wanna take a bite outta that' looks?" Yusuke chirps, laughing.

Kurama stares daggers at them. His eyes flash golden, and back to green. Yusuke shuts up, but can't keep a grin from tearing across his face.

Koenma clears his throat, "Well, yes, there's that too…"

Kurama groans, and puts his forehead in his hand, "Like I said before, we haven't seen each other in a fairly long time."

Koenma and Yusuke look at one another, then at Kurama. Yusuke wiggles his eyebrows, and Kurama shoots him another dangerous look.

"Do you at least know why she refuses to transform? What did she mean by what she said? If we plan to protect ourselves from Endox, she is going to be … extremely necessary."

Kurama pauses, pondering the best way to go about this. After all, she made it clear that her business, was in fact, her own. However, Koenma is right to an extent.

"I know she said it was none of our business.. But it really is our business if we are to help her." She doesn't even seem like she is fully willing to accept help, olive branch or not.

Kurama sighs and leans back against the wall again, arms crossed, a headache forming. Amaryllis may be breaking down her defenses by letting them in on her current issues. However, keeping the reason she can't transform safely… To even solve that problem would require everyone's help. Possibly even Hiei's help. Back then, Kurama was stubborn. He wanted to save her by himself. Although, with expert planning, he is sure that now that he has grown as a Youkai, he could easily infiltrate the infamous fortress alone.

Youko carefully undoes the lock on Amaryllis's bedroom windows and climbs in, careful not to make any noise. As he closes the window behind him, a sweet scent tickles his nose. He looks up, and finds Amaryllis fast asleep on her large bed, clothed in just her underwear and a small tank top. He stands in front of the window, letting the moonlight seep past him and shine onto her. She seems to glow under its beams. Youko tilts his head to the side, and continues to watch her sleep. Her black hair cascades over her shoulders, a few strands falling in front of her angelic face. Every curve of her body makes his stomach tighten. Two more weeks, and she will be his, and his alone, forever. For the first time in his life it feels as if he isn't worthy of stealing such a beautiful thing.

Her sleep filled voice breaks him from his stare, "Youko?" He smiles and walks towards the bed. The sweet scent was coming from her… he has never smelled anything like it before. She lifts herself onto an elbow and holds out a hand towards him. He smirks and shakes his head. "Oh, so you'd rather stare at me creepily from my bedroom windows?"

"Woman, I could stare at you for an eternity and you would never cease to enthrall me." Youko folds his arms, and smirks down at Amaryllis as she pouts, a small blush creeping across her pale skin. She puts her hand back down on the bed. The sweet scent fills his nose as he looks down at her, her intensely golden eyes looking up at him sleepily. What is different about her? "And in two more weeks, I'll be able to do just that."

He gives into her pleading looks, unable to say no to her for long, and quickly lays down on the bed, pulling her back against his chest. She feels warmer than usual. Possibly residual heat from her being in heat recently. Youko kisses the back of her head and wraps a strong arm around her. She rolls around in his arms and faces him, planting soft kisses on his neck, up to his mouth. "Youko… I-"

"Kurama..?"

Kurama's head snaps up towards Koenma, shaking free of his thoughts.

"There is a gem her father uses against her. It helps him find her when she is in her demon form. And.. it also keeps her in check when they are in close quarters."

"Keeps her in check?"

Kurama pauses. He is growing tired of Koenma's insistent questions. "With a mere squeeze he causes her an immense amount of pain. He also had a piece of the gem placed inside of her. That piece acts as a tracking device whenever she is in her demon form."

"She had many opportunities to run all these years, if that's the case… when ever she came here, especially. We act as if we hate one another, but… she had to have known we would help her. Why…?"

"Koenma, that is enough. I answered the question she couldn't bring herself to answer out of pride. The rest is not my place to say." With that, Kurama leaves the room in search of Amaryllis. He doesn't want to force her to tell him what happened to cause her to finally leave, but it is really starting to bother him.

"What happened between those two? I'm really not understanding the relationship between them." Botan asks, tapping her chin. When Koenma doesn't answer, she continues, "I mean- I can tell they have history, that's obvious… but it's like they're… not acknowledging it?"

"I don't know what happened between them." Koenma says, leaning a chin on his hand.

"Oh- he wants to fuck the shit out of her." Yusuke states, putting his hands behind his head.

Botan gives him a dirty look, "Yusuke!"

"What? He's trying to get in her pants- he's just working his way up to it. Kurama is sly like that." Yusuke starts laughing as Botan starts throwing things off of Koenma's desk at him.

"Botaaaan!" Koenma whines. He snatches a paper weight out of her hands, "Listen, Yusuke. I can't make anything official, but try to keep an eye on her? I'm not saying we can't trust her- and I know it looks like we have a bad history… but I do try to keep an eye on her. She has never given me reason to not trust HER. To not trust Endox, yes… but never her."

Koenma sighs. He also is afraid to admit it, but Kurama might soon become a problem as well. It seems his fox demon form has completely healed with the way Kurama has been acting. He has been acting more like the infamous thief lord Youko Kurama recently than he has Shuichi Minamino. "And, Yusuke… I'd be wary of Kurama. I'm not saying he is going to turn on anyone… but,.."

"I know, Koenma. I've noticed it, too." Yusuke says, standing up and stretching. "It's who he is, Koenma. I think he has proven himself enough to earn and keep our trust. Now leave me alone. I've got a date with Keiko that I'm already late for…"

Don't call me lame for this, but I did have a song in mind for the first part of this chapter- you'll know when to play it. A piano piece. I do not own this song in any way shape or form.

Nuvole Bianche by: Ludovico Einaudi

Again! I don't own it! Don't you dare roll your eyes at me. It's up to you whether or not to play it…. Beautiful piece, regardless. I just figured it kind of fit the part- however it is a bit longer than that sequence...

Alright! Let me know if this was too long or too short. Pretty soon I think I'm going to have to raise the rating to 'M', just as a precaution. Maybe in the next few chapters. Just a warning.

Thank you for the reviews so far! Please review some more and let me know what you think! I'm open to any advice if you have any… PM me if you have questions. :)

This chapter went through a lot of revamping before I decided it was good enough to post. So there is bound to be some kind of continuity error somewhere. - Or somewhere where it's just like wtf were you thinking? I don't always catch everything but change it when I do. (FYI: that means the prior chapters might get updates here and there- I don't know if it treats it as a 'new chapter posted' alert, or not..)