Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Yu Hakusho or any of its original characters.

*I would like to thank everyone for waiting so patiently and for their reviews. Thank you.

Successful Crow

Chapter 4:

The Crow That Caught a Fox, pt. 2

"Come on Shuuichi. Please, please pick up."

RING. RING. RING.

No answer.

"God dammit! First it was Kyo, now it's Shuuichi, I can't contact either of them!" Yoshi preached slamming the apartment phone reaching for his cell phone. "Come on Shuuichi, please pick up, this is an emergency."

RING. RING. RING.

Nothing.

"Why? Why, does this always happen to me? Why do I always play the role of middleman in Kyo's schemes?" He asked aloud grasping his fists, on the edge of tears. " It's not like I reap benefits."

The apartment he shared with Kyo had recently been desecrated. The incursion still felt fresh, the essence of what appeared to be the work of several invaders could still be felt. Clothes, books, furniture, nothing was left unviolated by the violent visitors. Even the presence of the recently departed police officers didn't offer the shaken Yoshi any comfort.

RING. RING. RING.

Silence.

"I don't need this, mid-terms are only days away... All because Kyo wanted to play a prank, the molehill has become a mountain... and for what? Even now I still don't know why he sent Shuuichi's information and I have no clue where that playboy may have wandered and god only knows where Shuuichi's been spirited off to. Though, unlike Kyo, Shuuichi can handle any situation. Then again, that man is no mere mortal... Should I have said something to the police about Shuuichi?" The glasses wearing youth shook his head, "No, I can't even submit a missing person's report for another 24 hours on Kyo. Fortunately the only stolen items were Kyo's recent collection of Shuuichi photos, and as disturbing as that is," looking at Kyo's corner, then the rest of the room. "There's probably more hidden throughout this room I don't know about. C-r-e-e-p-y."

A knock at the door interrupted his self-venting,"Kyo? Is that you?" Yoshi inquired angrily swinging the door open in a rage."Because we have things to discuss, you idiot!"

Standing in the missing Kyo's place were three men in the doorway. Overshadowing and overpowering their meek host they invited themselves in. The first man held out Kyo's cell phone inches away from his roommate's face.

"Though I'm not your friend, we do have things to discuss, Yoshi Nezumi."

"Eep."

Meanwhile...

"Where? Where are we going Karasu? More accurately where are you dragging me off to?"

"Ha, Ha, Ha. You'll see Shuuichi, we're almost there." Karasu's phone rang, quickly responding his voice became stoic hearing the person on the other end.

"No. Yes, make sure to find all of them. No, as long as the message was sent and the intent was made clear, there shouldn't be any further problems. Make certain to… Yes. I look forward to good results."

Beep.

"The office calling?"

"You could say that. Yes."

"I see."

"Shuuichi, you know what I do for a living?"

Sighing the college student began, "It would be unwise to know nothing of the man who's forcing me to stay by his side. Only your family name appears in print, but the media calls you the "Inn Genius" the young businessman who inherited the already large, thriving family business of hotel chains in Japan and then took them globally within the span of two years. The mastermind who now owns hundreds of five star hotels and resorts and revolutionized the industry. "

"What memory, no wonder you're a top student, Shuuichi..."

Never averting his attention from the moving scenery, with one palm to the face, the encroaching businessman was held at an arm's length. "Remember what they say about trapped foxes and corners?"

"No, but I do remember what they say about demons and contracts. Kitsune always keep their promises, do they not? And what is a contract but a physical manifestation of a promise."

"You've been brushing up on traditional folklore and while there is some truth to them…What if I was the exception?"

"Then I'd be in trouble. However, I'm using human methods. If you recall I have a certain DVD that would give your beloved mother a heart attack and your little brother nightmares."

"Charming."

"That's why the competition loves me."

The limousine halted. "Master Koji we've arrived."

"Thank you Shinji." Karasu jested to his butler. Quickly getting out and circling around opening the door for a lethargic redhead. "Shall we?'

"I have a choice?" Ignoring the offered hand.

"Sure, that storage closet isn't going anywhere."

"Unamusing."

"I wasn't being comical."

Leading the college senior into a nearby store they were instantly greeted in unison by two opposing rows of clerks by the entrance: "Welcome valued customer and company. *Mother has been expecting you..."

"Mother?"

"Yes. Yes, welcome to my "home" darlings."

A woman old enough to be their mother wearing a kimono appeared between her assembled employees.

"As always it's a pleasure to see you Karasu dear. You have the timing of a king."

"I do run an empire."

"True, but only an ignoble monarch would lie."

"Pardon?"

"Awhile ago, you said you were bringing someone cute... but he's absolutely delicious! The perfect side dish or should I say queen?" She winked.

"Maybe." The crow chuckled.

"Wha-?"

"Speaking of time, I've been a little tied down with my other customers..." *Mama interrupted talking excitedly, leading them down a long maze of hallways littered with doors. Bleached walls and the absence of merchandise was beginning to give Shuuichi a headache and questioned what the lady of the house sold. "... boring and bland," she continued, "the plain looking ones try to hide their simplicity with wealth and the ugly ones make for an interesting challenge, material things will only take a person so far..." The party of three reached their destination. "...but this morning, when I saw the pictures of you Shuuichi inspiration struck me like, like an abusive parent."

"Pictures?"

"Um, Mama please show us the fruits of your labor." Karasu urged.

Despite living for centuries and developing an intuition to fit, it wasn't until entering the appointed room was the nature of mother's humble abode revealed.

"Tada! I hand picked each myself."

"Clothing?"

"The best dear."

A few hours dragged into an eternity, trying on racks, shelves, and piles of clothes. Soon Shuuchi's awareness slipped and stillness became steady movement...

"Ah, so the dead arises." Karasu commented to the rising fox. Shaking off the lull of sleep Shuuichi examined his surroundings.

This is the car you were showing off with before, what happened to your butler and the limousine?"

"I gave him the rest of the evening off. Also, having several cars comes in handy for ditching the media. Here we are." Arriving at Shuuichi's apartment complex the car inched to a stop. "Want me to carry you up?"

"No."

"Shuuichi?" Karasu cooed

"What is it?"

"I know, no one likes being thrown new variables in the last stages and with your mid-terms a few days away things have become more complicated than you've ever anticipated, but you need stay away from that Kyo. He's dangerous and untrustworthy."

Shuuichi's eyes widened and than blinked in disbelief. Only a chorus of crickets could be heard before Shuuichi erupted with laughter.

"Shuuichi I'm serious!"

"What would you know about Kyo?"

"A lot."

"Oh?"

"That photographer friend of yours has been keeping a number of secrets... some are just bigger than others."

"Hmm..."

Giving the businessman the last glare for the night Shuuichi proceeded inside. Blood. The looming scent awkwardly tickled. Up the stairs and around the corner becoming stronger, the source propped against his door.

"Kyo?"

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End Chapter (to be continued...)