Learning to Live Again

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Yu Yu Hakusho, its characters, universe, or any of that.

Notes: The only pairing so far is Kuwabara x Yukina, though it won't be that prevalent through the story. Possibly other pairings later on. Also there will be additions of other characters of my own creation; I do own those. :) Comments, reviews, suggestions, etc. are greatly appreciated and encouraged! :)

Please comment/review on this story so I know whether or not to continue with it. :)

Thanks and enjoy...

Chapter Five: Seeds of Doubt

When he reached the door, he paused and turned back to look at the two foxes once more. "Though I do not trust you, Fox, a friend of Kurama's is a friend of mine." Without another word, he was gone.

Yusuke found Hokushin in his study. "I need to get a hold of Koenma," the lord told him.

"Of course," was the reply. He moved to do as he was told. While the older toushin spoke to Koenma, the younger turned to the window, losing himself in thought for a few moments. He was missing something. But what was it...? There was a nagging something at the edge of his brain. He just couldn't quite reach it. Unless...

When his advisor returned, he didn't speak. He watched his lord carefully, waiting. He knew when not to bother Raizen's son. "Hokushin," Yusuke finally spoke. "Will you tell Kurama's sister I need to speak to her?"

"Of course, my lord." Without a word, he moved from the room. Finding the woman was not difficult. She was with her brother, who raised his perfect eyebrows in question when the lord's most trusted advisor told them her presence had been requested. She waved off any questions before the other youko could ask them, and murmured something of being back shortly. Leaving her twin for the first time in hours, she walked in silence behind Hokushin. She already knew why Yusuke wanted to see her.

The old toushin and the female fox stepped lightly into the room after a few short minutes. The kitsune eyed him carefully. "What is it, my lord?" she asked softly, gazing at him. The look on her face, however, stated that she already knew.

"Hokushin, you're dismissed." With a curt nod, he left.

Yusuke rounded on the kitsune. "You know more than you've told us. I can tell." She held his gaze levelly but didn't respond. "You will tell me everything you know."

She suddenly bared sharp fangs. "Listen carefully, insolent child," she spat at him, her calm demeanor gone completely. "I do not take orders from a filthy half-breed..." She paused, allowing a moment for her words to really sink in. "I don't like you," she hissed, taking a step closer to him. "You're a dirty, traitorous, human-loving fool. You are the epitome of everything I despise. Were it not for Yoko, I would not be here... I would have let those disgraceful demons have their way with you." She added with a malicious, humorless laugh.

Yusuke's eyes widened in shock. Hiei, standing unnoticed in the far doorway, frowned deeply. He didn't like this demon, Kurama's sister or not. Before another word could be spoken, she turned and swept from the room. Upon passing Hiei in the doorway, she paused. He placed his hand on the hilt on his Katana, but it wasn't necessary. She simply looked at him, eyes and expression unreadable. "Protect him," he thought she said. It had been too quite to know for sure, and she was gone before he could ask.

The Spirit World Prince, in his adult form, arrived at the former detective's fortress later that night. "I already know why you contacted me, Yusuke, and I'll tell you, I'm a bit concerned about this situation," the Prince told him.

"I can take care of myself, Koenma. I've been doing a fine job at it for years," the toushin said, flashing a cocky grin.

"That's why I made you a Spirit Detective those years ago. However, there is probably an army coming for your head... How are you going to handle that alone?"

"Well, that's simple," came another voice. "He won't be alone, you fool."

"Ah, hello, Hiei," Koenma muttered with a sigh. "You haven't changed much, I see."

"Hn."

"Where's Kurama?" Yusuke asked Hiei, turning from the Prince to get a better look at his friend. "Thought he might want to talk with Koenma, too."

"With his sister, I imagine."

"Sister?" Koenma looked from one man to the other, expression confused.

"Yes," Hiei snapped. "Are you deaf or just stupid?"

Yusuke smirked, but explained more throughly. "He thought she died the day he escaped to Human World. Turns out, she's just been hiding for 20 years, waiting to see if he was alive and if he'd return to Demon World. Apparently, she's been working for Yomi for a while. She came here to tell me that someone blamed his murder on me. I think she might even help us fight."

"Not that we need it," Hiei added darkly.

"Perhaps not, but that's less demons you'll have to fight, Hiei."

The fire demon glared over at the new additions to the room. "Kurama," he murmured with a nod.

"Koenma, this is my sister, Aurora," Kurama told him, stepping slightly to the side to reveal his twin.

She smiled politely at him. "A pleasure," she told him. Though her tone was soft and her expression light, Hiei was sure he saw something like malevolence glint in her eyes for a moment before it was gone. He thought perhaps he imagined it, but... what was she hiding?

Koenma nodded. "Yes, pleasure." He looked back at Yusuke. "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, Yusuke, you know that, but I must tell you, the outlook isn't a good one. Spirit World had already been contacted. There is a war on the horizon."

Yusuke swallowed. "I was afraid of that," he muttered.