I want to dedicate this chapter to my grandmother who passed away April 7, 2008. At the good age of 90 years, she will always be one of the strongest women I know! This for her. I miss her so much.

Please Enjoy…


Chapter 3: Unforgivable Losses

Nearly a week had gone by, but no one seemed to notice, especially two ambitious second-graders. The teacher did, however, notice that young Yuichi Urameshi, who was always either hurling a spitball in the back of some unsuspecting kid or napping, was busily scribbling into his notebook, just like the rest of the students. Walking down the aisles between the students' desks, the teacher quietly approached behind Yuichi and slightly leaned over the boy's shoulder. It surprised her. Instead of doodling a random image, Yuichi was actually writing down notes of what seemed to be of the lecture the teacher had just given. Smiling, the teacher walked away to observe more students.

If only the teacher had looked closer, it wasn't notes from class Yuichi was writing, but ideas of what to do for the weekend. It was Friday, of course! Grinning widely, he glanced once more over his list. He had so much planned. The weekend was going to be so much fun!

As soon as the final chimes, signaling the end of classes, rang out, Yuichi jumped from his seat as though he had been sitting on a pinecone. He had to put the final part of his weekend plan to action. Dumping his books and stuff unceremoniously into his bag, the boy raced across the room and slammed his hands on his friend's desk. Kamisori, who had her nose in her sketchbook and didn't really even hear the bell, was shocked and nearly fell out of her seat when Yuichi came over, shouting her name. "Kami-chan!"

"Guess what? My mom and aunt Yukina are taking me and my cousin to the amusement park this afternoon, right after school!" Yuichi could barely contain his excitement. His fingers gripped the edge of the desk, holding himself from bouncing up and down like a like slinky.

"Good for you." Kamisori gave a bored sigh as she returned her gaze back to her notebook; however, her mind couldn't concentrate on her drawing. No one seemed to notice the disappointed slump in her shoulders. Some people get to have fun, while others get nothing.

"Kami!"

The young girl looked up again only to see a small hand waving rapidly in front of her face. "Kami-chan, are you listening? My mom said I could bring a friend with me, and I chose you!" Yuichi proclaimed his news, pointing his finger at Kamisori's chest. Kamisori just eyed him curiously with a brow raised, "you barely know me," she answered plainly, "It's hardly been a week." A long pause followed as Yuichi stared wide-eyed and dumb-founded. "Really? Wow…I guess time really does fly when you're having fun!" Kamisori tried to glare hard, seeing that stupid silly grin on his face again. She wanted to slap it off once and for all, but she couldn't seem to hide the faded smile on her lips as a tiny laughter escaped from her throat.

But unfortunately, Yuichi heard it and it made his grin widen more, if that were possible. "Come on, you're best friend! Now let's get our stuff and go, mom should be waiting for us outside!" Everything after that did not even register to Kamisori's mind. She couldn't see Yuichi dumping her stuff in her bag, nor that he was pulling her by the arm through the hallway toward the school entrance. All sounds had dulled to her ears, her vision was glazed over. She was in shock. Yuichi's words echoed through the caverns of her mind, "You're my best friend…" No one had ever said that to her before.

The kids were halfway across the schoolyard when suddenly Yuichi stopped. Curiosity brought Kamisori back to reality and her vision cleared. Red jeweled eyes widened in disbelief. There standing at the main gate, an elderly woman stood a large tan tote bag in one hand while her other side was supported by a long wooden cane. Her dark hair was starting to gray though she still carried herself tall and proper. Her dark eyes sparkled as they fell upon Kamisori. Setting the bag down by her feet, the woman stretched out her arms, waiting. Her face seemed old and frail, as though from sickness, Kamisori could still see a warm smile formed on her thinning lips.

Kamisori's feet seemed to move on their own, and her hand fell limply from Yuichi's grasp. And though time seemed to have slowed down to her; Kamisori moved like a blur straight into the older woman's welcoming embrace.

Yuichi could only catch one word Kamisori murmured as she disappeared from his side, "Grandma…" He watched the two hug each other with wide observant brown eyes. With a slight smirk, he shrugged. Maybe his mom was right. Close family was always important to have. Just then, the tender moment was broken by a loud honk, and Yuichi rounded on his heel to see a light blue Honda pulling up next to the curb. His usual grin returned as he could see his mom and aunt in the front windows. Hinata was bouncing up and down in her car seat in the back.

Adjusting the straps of his shoulder backpack, Yuichi waved to his family giving them a wink before jogging over to Kamisori and her grandmother, whom both had jumped in surprise at the sudden intrusion. He bowed his head politely.

"Hello, my name's Yuichi Urameshi," The boy chirped, grinning up at the older lady, "I'm Kami-chan's best friend!" The old lady smiled gently toward Yuichi, "It's a pleasure, young man. It's good to see that Kamisori getting along well with her peers. I am Shiori Hatanaka, her grandmother."

"Can Kami-chan come over to play today?" Yuichi blurted out, unable to contain the bubbling excitement churning in his gut. Shiori's smile faltered. "I see. I'm sorry, Yuichi-san, I didn't know. Usually today is the only time I have available to spend with my granddaughter, but," her gentle smile returned, hiding the uneasiness in her dark eyes, "what do you think Kamisori? We should leave the decision to you. What do you want to do to start your weekend?" She turned to the face the girl, kneeled and hugged Kamisori's shoulders.

Kamisori lowered her head, averting her gaze to stare at anything else. She couldn't look upon her grandmother's kind face. If she did, she knew would break down. She had to be strong in this world. She couldn't show any weakness.

But she couldn't decide. Her heart was racing a thousand miles a second. Her grandmother had always been kind to her. The only kindness she had ever known. She enjoyed spending time with her grandma. She enjoyed hearing stories of when her father was her age. She never bothered to ask her grandmother more about him, because every time they got into a deep conversation, her grandma always started to cry, and Kamisori never wanted to see her grandmother cry.

Then there was Yuichi, the first real friend she had ever had. He didn't walk away from her the moment she first looked up. Although at times she wanted to knock him unconscious. Around him, she felt like a normal girl, instead of an unwanted freak.

She couldn't decide.

Yuichi watched Kamisori's expression all during Shiori's talk to them. His wide eyes absorbed everything into his young curious mind as if he was analyzing the situation. A few moments of silently plotting his next move, Yuichi grinned broadly. If Kami-chan wasn't going to decide, he would choose. Besides, he really wanted to go to play at the amusement park.

"Okay!" Yuichi announced, bringing attention to himself, "I know family time is important, so Kami-chan have a great time with you grandma! We'll see each other in school Monday!" Yuichi laughed as he ran around behind Kamisori throwing his arms around her in a hug. This made Kamisori's eyes wide with shock, and it kind of unnerved her.

Hearing the honk of his mom's car horn again, Yuichi released Kamisori and raced toward the car, but before he got too far, he turned around and waved, a bright smile lighting his face. "Have fun, Kami-chan! I'll ask mom if I can call you later! Bye!"

Kamisori watched Yuichi run off. His hyper waving hand and giddy smile lingered in her mind, and a part of her wanted to go with him, but feeling a squeeze on her hand made her look up at her grandmother. Every time something tugs at her heartstrings when she saw her grandma's weak but kind smile. She wanted to see her grandmother more than just once a week. But Yuichi was right, she knew this time she spent with her grandmother was very precious. Kamisori returned the hand squeeze and the two walked down the street.

Even though the afternoon sun was blazing brightly down upon Ningenkai, the thick forest that lie just beyond the city was completed shaded, hiding everything from meddling eyes. Ryuuki swiftly weaved through the trees. There was no path, but he knew what he was looking for. He just had to follow the scent. Jade eyes grimaced beneath long strands of windblown midnight purple hair. None of these beautiful gifts of nature were as strong as the Makai trees, and there were so few. Humans could definitely learn a few things from demons about living with nature, instead of using and wasting it. Sensing the closeness of the one he searched for, Ryuuki halted within a clearing, the only place where the sun was able to penetrate through the thick canopy. Not seeing anyone around Ryuuki looked up and called out, "Lord Hiei, how long do you plan on hiding yourself? The others are growing restless here."

"My business is my own." Ryuuki squinted. He could barely see the black-clad fire demon, who was reclining on a high branch far away from any contact and sight. Hiei was brooding. Ryuuki really didn't want to stay around for the Lord's explosion, but something had to be said.

"My lord, the report so far is that there is a surge of energy within the city, but it's erratic. It keeps moving."

"Widen the area searched." Hiei replied with a dead monotone voice.

"Sir, what-" Ryuuki started but was cut off. "Just LEAVE!" Hiei's voice cried out with rage.

Respecting his superior's wishes, Ryuuki turned away, but not before he gave one last glance over his shoulder. He respected Hiei, and when Hiei came to him with this plan in the beginning, Ryuuki agreed. He wanted this too. Humans need to be taught a lesson about nature, and who better to teach them than demons. Nothing was going to ruin the plan. With that, he disappeared into the shadows.

Red eyes flared as they watched Ryuuki leave. However, his mind wasn't paying attention to anything said. He couldn't even move anymore. Hiei's body and heart had gone completely numb. His thoughts kept playing the memory of this morning.

Though it was morning according to Ningenkai and the way was dark; he knew where to go. He had traveled this trail many times before. Hiei didn't need to follow a scent. He jumped to the familiar tree branch, on which he had sat and slept on many times. Now, red eyes gazed through the closed window. He knew what was behind it, even though the curtains were drawn, hiding the inside. Hiei knew the inside. It was a picture burned in his memory, as well as the stunning red head, who he knew lied within. Hiei closed his eyes letting a smirk cross his face as he thought of the only one who he wanted to share his life with. Without opening his eyes, he blindly reached for the window, half-expecting it to slide open as usual as if the wind pushed it open instead.

Wait.

Something was wrong. Hiei's eyes flashed open. His teeth grit together and growled low as he pushed against the window. Nothing happened. Hiei, becoming annoyed, started banging on it trying to see if he could get his fox's attention inside. Nothing. The window was locked. Tearing off his headband ward, his third was open wide and glowing as brightly as the North Star in the Ningenkai night sky.

A second later and his red eyes were wide as the blood drained from his whole body. His fox was no where in the house. There wasn't even a slight whiff of that intoxicating scent. His frozen heart was beating a million miles a second, and he could hear every beat as if each one was an atomic explosion. The world around him fell apart.

Just then, a noise caught his attention and he jolted awake. Hiding himself more within the shade of the tree, he watched as Shiori, his fox's human mother stepped outside. She leaned into her husband's embrace for a sentimental kiss. Then, leaning on her walking cane, she walked away from the house. It didn't take a genius to see her failing strength, but Hiei didn't question it, too much was on his mind and his heart right now.

Meanwhile, just as Shiori turned a corner at the end of the block she turned feeling a cold shift in the morning breeze swipe passed her shoulder. She thought she saw someone following her but looking around, there was no one. Shrugging, she continued, her large bag swinging limply at her side.

Hiei had nearly torn the town apart that morning. He searched all the usual places but he could not find his fox. He figured Kurama must have been suppressing his energy so he wouldn't be found, but Hiei could always find his fox, no matter what. But he couldn't, and now all that was left was a brooding, pissed off, and heartbroken fire demon. The evidence was the black charred tree trunks that circled the clearing.

The time seemed to fly as the afternoon went by. Kamisori ran through the garden behind the house and fell to her knees next to her grandmother. She helped the older woman plant a few new bulbs and plants. A genuine smile crossed her face. She loved getting her hands dirty in the moist earth. Dropping the seed into the hole, she covered it with dirt and packed it down. She smiled as she saw Shiori's warm yet frail hand cover her own. "My son always told me," Her voice hitched as she spoke. She had to swallow back her tears, "The more love and warmth you give, the more beautiful it will grow."

Kamisori smiled, she liked hearing about her father from Shiori. It made him seem more real then just a blurred image in the back of her mind that was quickly fading away. She still didn't know anything about him, only that his name was Shuuichi and he loved plants and roses. Kamisori dreamed of the day she would meet him, but was scared too. She still didn't know why he gave her up and left her with that foster family.

After the pair finished in the garden, they went inside to wash up. They entered the kitchen. Kamisori loved it when her grandmother made cookies, because she always let the child lick the spoon and bowl when it was done.

Kamisori anxiously waited, her face pressed against the glass of the oven window, watching the cookies slowly begin to rise. She licked her lips, the taste of batter still evident in her mouth.

"Shiori, what is she doing here?" A new voice boomed making Kamisori jolt up in full attention, turning swiftly on her heel only to face Shiori's husband's shocked face staring down at her, scrutinizing her. He stood in the entry way. His briefcase had fallen from his hands and lay at his feet.

As if feeling the sting of his words, Shiori threw down her towel and went over to Kamisori, hugging her shoulders protectively. "Kazuya, you're being very rude. You know she comes to visit around this time. She is still our granddaughter after all!" Her voice was soft; she didn't want to scare the young girl with unnecessary shouting. Unfortunately, Kazuya didn't catch this. "Yes, I know this, but she can't stay here. She needs to go back to the family." At this, Kamisori flinched and hid behind Shiori, hiding her face in Shiori's skirt. "Kazuya, stop it, you're scaring her." Shiori turned and knelt down to hug the girl.

Kazuya sighed, "Shiori, please, if anyone finds out the truth of what happened-" He tried to explained but was harshly cut off by his wife. "I don't care now; let them find out! At least I would be able to see my son again." By now, her dark eyes were lined with threatening tears.

"Shiori, people would never accept this if they found out. Think of his well-being as well as the girl's…" Kazuya shook his head, as he cast a looming glance down at Kamisori, and then turned back up again. "Perhaps if your son wasn't so…different…" Shiori's weak grip on the girl's shoulders only tightened at this.

"My son is perfect the way he is!" Her voice scratched as she raised it in anger, "And so is my granddaughter!" Her arms wrapped around Kamisori in a protective embrace. By now, tears flowed like two twin streams down her bony cheeks. "I will never let her go so easily. The family may have made me lie and abandon my child. Please don't make me do the same to my grandchild!" As she held Kamisori, she looked up at her husband with pleading eyes.

Kazuya shook his head as he reluctantly began to walk away. However, just as he went to pick up his briefcase, a sudden thud made him to turn quickly back and his eyes went wide with worry. Shiori had slumped from Kamisori's embrace and lay unconscious on the cold hard kitchen floor. Rushing towards her, he pushed past Kamisori to kneel beside his wife, urging her to wake up. Being pushed so roughly, Kamisori, stumbled back, falling hard against a nearby wall. Her gaze however, remained trained on the only woman to show her true kindness and love.

"Dad, Mother, I'm home."

It was at that moment, the youngest son arrived home from his job. Shuuichi-kun called out as he toed-off his shoes in the entryway, noticing the other shoes told him everyone else was already here. Smelling the delicious aroma of his mother's cookies, he stepped into the kitchen, but froze as he looked upon the scene.

His step-mother lay hunched on the cold tile floor. She shivered as beads of sweat fell off her skin like tears. Her breathing was terribly labored. His father knelt next to her, his arms wrapped protectively around her. Shuuichi-kun knew that his father wanted to comfort his wife. They loved each other and only wanted to keep the other safe. Then his gaze fell away from the couple only to hear a small gasp escape his own mouth. There was Kamisori, his niece. He gave a hidden smile. Shuuichi-kun loved seeing his niece, and only wished her visits weren't so few. She was the closest thing he had to remember Shuuichi-san. He deeply missed his older step-brother.

"Shuuichi! Call the ambulance!"

His father's worried shout broke through the youth's precious memories. Nodding once in conformation, he turned to give a reassuring grin to the young girl before reaching into his pants pocket for his cell phone.

About an hour later, Shuuichi-kun watched from the open doorway as the ambulance pulled away from the house. Its sirens blared loudly as the rumbling truck sped swiftly around the block. Shuuichi-kun could hear his own heart beating over the sound of the siren. So fast, he thought it would leap out of his chest. He was scared, but he had to brave. Turning around, he saw Kamisori staring blankly up at him. She stood in the doorway across the room from him. Her eyes looked dead as her body was still frozen with shock from the recent events. Walking toward her, he placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, making her jump in fright. She turned a focused gaze on him.

"Come on little one," He smiled sadly, "You have a right to know what's happening too…" Reaching out his hand, Kamisori stared at it for the longest time. She was scared. The memory of her grandmother being carried away on a long stretcher, the sounds of anxious voices and sirens still rang out through her mind. Her hand trembled as she reached to take his. There was nothing she could do. She felt helpless. In awkward silence the two climbed into Shuuichi-kun's car and drove off in haste following the ambulance's path.

Meanwhile, the doors to Koemna's office flung open and droll of anxious, sweating ogres tramped through. Giant stacks of papers weighed down in their muscular arms. With his hands threading through golden brown hair, the Reikai prince grudgingly looked up, an annoyed glint in his eyes. He did not want to deal with this right now, not when Hiei's attack on Ningenkai was becoming even more dangerous. Tiredly, he turned a blind eye to the ogres pushing past each other, and banged his head down tiredly on his desk. He had a headache and the commotion before him wasn't helping.

"Koemna sir!" The blue ogre, known as Jorge Satome, stepped forward hesitantly, "I think you should take a look at these certificates."

"Jorge you idiot," Koemna didn't even look at the ogre assistant, growling in annoyance, "People die all the time, what's the big deal now?"

Jorge feigned a look of hurt on his face at the "grown up" Reikai prince behaving so irresponsible. "Sir, I really think you should take a look at these." Jorge insisted.

Sighing, Koemna nonchalantly reached for a random stack of papers from Jorge's stack. On instinct, his other hand went to the draw in his desk and pulled out his trusty seal stamp. Flipping through the certificates, he soon fell into the usual rhythm and blindly started to stamp away. Suddenly, his hand froze in mid-air. His eyes were bugging as they stared at the name on the certificate that lay before him, awaiting judgment passage.

Certificate of Death

Shiori Minamino Hatanaka

Bolting straight up from his chair, Koemna bellowed out in a panic. His eyes trembled as did his whole body. If he didn't do something now, he did not want to find out the consequences.

"Botan!"

Hearing her name echo through the great halls of Reikai, the blue-haired ferry girl swiftly sprinted off toward her boss's office, and peaked herself through the doorway. "You called, Koemna-sama." She piped up in her usual bubbly voice. However, her cheerful smile fell as she saw the grim look upon Koemna's face, the coldness in his heart pierced right through her. "Is something wrong, Koemna?" She asked nervously.

"Botan, I have a rather delicate mission for you." His eyes averted as he held out the certificate, which she hesitantly took from him and read the name. Botan gasped in fear, "Does he know?"

Koemna still had his eyes turned away, "I will contact him right now. Now go do your job."

Botan murmured sadly something incoherent and she turned away. Climbing onto her oar, the ferry girl flew off to Ningenkai, although Koemna did notice she was travelling a lot slower than usual. At least that would buy them sometime. Then, closing his mind off from all of Reikai, Koemna opened up the telepathic link between every subconscious mind. Searching, Koemna in record time found the one he was looking for but hesitated a moment, with the news that was anything but good, especially for a certain deadly calm fox.

)))(((

The sharp thorns of a vine whip cut through the air and into the swarm of dark demons. Blood splattered everywhere, falling like red rain. Kurama stood solitary in the dark alley as a circle of lifeless deformed bodies fell around him. The bloodied whip in the red head's hands receded back to a tiny seed and Kurama replaced it back in the thick red nest that was his hair. Groaning caught his senses and swiftly Kurama knelt in front of the fallen demon soldiers. "Why are you here?" Kurama questioned him, "I thought there was peace between the worlds." The demon winced as he tried to breathe through his fatal wounds. His voice was rasp as he breathed deeply. "We're changing the world…Humans are evil. They need to be taught a lesson…" His coal black eyes closed and his body grew still. He was dead.

Kurama stood again, his hands still covered in demon blood. His green eyes were solemn and dark with confusion. As much as he wanted to dismiss it, humans had the tendency to be greedy with natural resources, but humans also knew of the pain of loss, compassion and comfort during times of suffering. Demons hardened their hearts at birth. They are unaffected by emotions. They turned themselves into cold killing machines.

Shaking the weight off his mind, Kurama brushed himself off. He had to go and change his clothes. He couldn't very well go into work covered in blood and rubble. Kurama had just stepped from the dark alley onto the open street corner. Suddenly, a familiar voice touched his extraordinary senses.

"Kurama! Go to the hospital! You don't have much time. It's your mother!"

Every nerve and muscle in his body tensed. Only two words seemed to echo within the depths of his mind. All sounds were silenced and time slowed unlike his heart, which was beating as fast as a cheetah's sprint.

Like a fox, Kurama took off down the street. It didn't matter that he was still disheveled from his recent battle. Nothing mattered except saving his mother. He had to save her. He was confident. He did it once already.

((()))

Kamisori leaned her back, falling heavily against the white washed sterile wall. Dull red eyes gazed at the intimate crowd huddled in the confined hospital room. They were all family, but they all seemed so far away as she stood in the dark corner, isolated. Just then, a concerned stare caught her attention. Her uncle, Shuuichi-kun, was suddenly coming toward her. He draped his arm across her shoulders and guided her steps. She tried to get away, when she realized she was being directed towards the center of the crowd. Her heart clenched as the grownups started to scoot away.

Her heart clenched. She couldn't breathe. There was her grandmother, a woman whom just a few hours ago she was laughing and having fun with, making chocolate chip cookies. Now that same person was lying beneath the flimsy white sheets. Her eyes were closed as the monitor beside the bed beeped steadily, signaling she was still with everyone.

Kamisori was completely focused on Shiori; she didn't realize it when Shuuichi-kun somehow convinced everyone to leave the room. Soon they were alone. Kamisori reached with a shaky hand and covered Shiori's still one. She gasped a little as she felt Shiori's slight squeeze.

"Kami…" Shiori's voice was weak and barely audible, but still as kind as Kamisori remembered. "I'm sorry…" There was a tremble in her voice as tears began to streak down her cheeks. Her eyes opened and they were clouded and unfocused.

Kamisori knew she needed to be strong, but unfortunately the sight before her made her will break. Tears sparkled within scarlet gems. "Grandma, don't die." She murmured trying to steel herself.

Shiori smiled and touched the child's chubby, baby fat cheek. "Your father would be so proud of you. You're so strong…He loves you Kamisori, don't forget that." Kamisori wanted to turn away but the hand on her cheek held her fast. Feeling the hand starting to slip, Kamisori grasped it in hers, holding it desperately.

"Kami…I meant to tell you the truth when you were ready. I just didn't know when that was." Curious rust eyes watched Shiori as she tried to find the words.

"The truth about what?" Her voice was soft and hesitant. She didn't want to know if it meant losing the one person who made her feel truly loved.

Shiori's eyes became firm as she took a deep unsteady breath, steeling herself. "The truth of your birth…"

Shiori's heart was racing as her head jerked up when the doctor solemnly stepped into the waiting room. "What's happening? Is my son going to be alright?" Shiori cried as she burst from the Shuuichi-kun's arms.

The doctor sighed, choosing his words carefully. "Physically, as well as mentally, your son is just fine. There was a time when we had to put him to sleep for a while-"

"What?! Why?" Shiori was close to hysterics.

The doctor cleared his throat. "It was all we could do in order to make the procedure safe and to get the child out. Your son was pregnant."

Everyone fell silent. Shiori was torn. On one hand, she was shocked, not believing what she heard. How could a man get pregnant? But on the other hand, she wanted to jump for joy at the thought of a grandchild.

"When can we see him?" Shiori asked tentatively breaking the silence.

"He is sleeping right now, but as soon as he wakes. You may visit." Looking a little uncomfortable, he glanced down at his watch and turned to leave the family.

Shiori took a step forward, but was stopped as Kazuya placed a firm hand on her shoulder. "Shiori, please let's talk first. Don't you find this strange?"

She had to admit, "Yes, a little, but I'm sure my son knows what he is doing. He's intelligent to handle any situation." She fidgeted; she wanted to see her son.

"Shiori, I don't think we should tell him. Let's just pretend none of this happened."

"What?"

"The family agrees. Do you really want Shuuichi to be hounded by the media just because of some impossible mistake?"

Shiori wanted to cry. She wanted her son to live a peaceful, happy life. Not telling him would allow him more freedom to live his life to the fullest potential. But another part of her was nervous as she stepped up to Shuuichi's door. She wanted to hug her son so badly, and congratulate but the family behind her was right too. This was for the best for everyone. Then why did she feel so guilty?

Opening the door, she breathed deeply as she stepped toward the bed where her red headed son lay sleeping. As she grasped his hand, green eyes fluttered open and smiled up at her. But it quickly turned to a look of confusion.

"Mother, what are you doing here?"

Shiori held back her tears. "Shuuichi, I'm so happy to see you alright. I was so worried about you."

Kurama closed his eyes as he tried to remember the past few hours. Shiori placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "When I went to your apartment and found you unconscious, I didn't know what else to do." Kurama's body jerked upward and gasped. His hands instantly went to his stomach. His heart was racing. "Mother-!" He looked to her like a child would look seeking all the answers of the world. Shiori needed to be strong now. "Now, there's no need to worry Shuuichi, you're going to be just fine. The doctor said you can leave as soon as you feel you're ready."

"But, Mother," Kurama was panicked, "Where is-?!"

"Nothing is wrong Shuuichi." Shiori stated firmly. It sounded convincing to her. "Everything is perfectly normal. You just suffered a slight blow to the head along with some stomach aches; most likely from food poisoning."

Kurama wanted to argue, but couldn't bring himself to admit that he had lied to her all his human life. He knew what he did, but what could have gone wrong? "No…this is wrong. This is not how things were supposed to be." Kurama tried to straighten things out in his head. Where was the child he was supposed to have? Where was Hiei's child? He gripped his head in his hands, hiding the tears in his eyes. This was not part of the plan! Nothing was right anymore. He didn't know what to do!

Shiori wanted to comfort her son so much, but before she could her husband came up behind and pulled her out of the room. Little did she know seeing her beloved son in tears in that lonely hospital room would be the last sight she would see of him as the door glided closed, clicking into place between them. Swiftly, she turned on her heel to face her husband.

"Kazuya please just let me tell him. He deserves to know!" Shiori cried in a panic. Her husband held her shoulders trying to calm his wife from causing such a commotion in the hospital.

"Shiori, please calm down. You know this situation is not normal. Try to think what would happen if the truth of the situation would come out." He tried to reason with her.

"At least he would at least know the truth. I don't want to see my own child in pain like that. And knowing that I helped caused that pain will eat away at me!

"You aren't hurting; you're protecting him."

"I lied to him!"

"Are you willing to put your own son at the risk? This could seriously hurt his reputation."

"Enough! I know what I did! And I won't be able to forgive myself!"

"Shiori, you will see. Everything will go back to normal."

But things only got worse. Now it was as if Shuuichi had disappeared. He visited even less than before. Shiori insisted to take care of the baby herself, and the first few weeks, things were somewhat normal. However, an illness began to take its toll, and she was putting more concern on her grandchild than herself. She was getting weaker. Her husband knew she was doing too much. So taking matters into his own hands, he placed the child, with Shiori's reluctant consent, in the care of some distant family friends. Shiori would still be able to visit, but the child would live with them, thinking the girl would be taken care of. Her husband just wanted to get things back to normal, and knowing that than Shiori would get better.

"I was wrong…I'm sorry my dear…You have every right to be with the one who gave life to you." Shiori's voice was fading. She smiled at the girl though as if nothing was wrong. "Remember that your father does love you, and I just pray one day you will know him as the wonderful and kind person that I know him to be." Then slowly her eyes closed. Her face fell to a serene state. Kamisori tightly to her grandmother's hand as it began to fall away from her cheek. She wanted her grandmother to stay! She had to stay! Unknown tears soon were cascading down her cheeks from shocked red eyes. All the while, the monitor held its long monotone beep. The air became heavy and Kamisori felt herself collapse to her knees. This had to be dream, and she wanted to so badly to wake up. Nothing registered to her after that as her foster family took her and guided her home, away from the hospital, away from her grandmother. Why did this have to happen to her? Why couldn't anything good ever happen?

Shuuichi-kun watched the rest of the family leave. His father left to finish up some work. He had said he'd stay to sign the paper work for his step-mother. The young man leaned against the wall and gave a silent cry. He would miss Shiori too. However, the sound of rapid footsteps jerked him awake again, and when they stopped, he looked up and gasped. There was Shuuichi, his older brother, standing on trembling legs and out of breath. He wanted to run and hug the red head so badly. Shuuichi-kun didn't know what to say, for his brother had always been so close to their mother, though something told him Shuuichi already knew of her passing. The defeated look in those usually vibrant green eyes told him enough. Shuuichi-kun tried to step towards his brother, but Shuuichi just collapsed under the trembling weight of his legs, and he cried. Shuuichi-kun had never seen his brother cry before, he was always so confident.

He didn't know what to say. He dropped to his knees and there in the middle of the hallway, Shuuichi-kun held his brother, letting him cry on his shoulder.

In Kurama's mind however, could only think of one pair of arms he'd rather be in right now.

TBC


13 pages and over 6,000 words...crap...no wonder it took me so long to type. Also, this was the hardest chapter for me of this story. I could write any scene in this whole story, except one...I still don't know how well it came out...

Thank you all for your reviews. I apologize for the long wait…I really need to learn to sit still in front of a computer. I apologize some of the wording is off, it's 11 pm and I'm tired. This was a hard chapter to write…hopefully the rest will come easier now. Till next time!

Danica Loy