Hey, Sorry for the late update. But I do hope you guys enjoy the new chapter!

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Ainel does not own Yu Yu Hakusho!

*Star Crossed*

Chapter 5

A Nightmare

The rest of the gang stay put as Yusuke paced around Kurama's room scratching his head and muttering curses to himself. Kuwabara sighed as he looked at him. Why! He could literally see smoke erupting from the detective's head as he tried every possible way to get them out of this mess. 'It ain't gonna be easy,' he thought as he gazed at their strategist resting patiently by the bedside, like he was waiting for the young maiden who lay limb to wake up soon. But surely Kurama knew better? Even he could sense the life force slowly fading from the girl. He gulped when he took a close look at her. She looked so pale, so fragile...damn it! Why did this Yomi guy have to make her a pawn?! She was too innocent, too delicate to even know about the spirit world and all its ordeals! Slowly, Kuwabara raised his eyes and focussed them on the wielder of the dark flame who was resting by the window sill, his one palm wrapped tightly around his katana and his eyes darting back and forth across Kurama and the maiden.

The jagan was not required for Hiei to sense Kurama's distress over the human. Although he was doing a proper job putting up that emotionless facade, deep down Hiei could sense that his mind was in turmoil. The human's life must be very precious to him. 'Tch, The fox is becoming soft,' he smirked as he thought, 'But his eyes are doing a good job concealing it.'

Yusuke sighed and plopped down on the couch. "Darn it guys! I can't think of anything at all!"

Kuwabara nodded helplessly. "I knew we didn't have much of a choice from the very beginning. It was so unexpected."

"But we can't let her die. She is innocent! There has to be a way. Just give me some more time."

"We have been sitting idle and thinking for hours Urameshi while each minute of her precious life has been fading and what have we accomplished till now? Nothing!" Kuwabara yelled as he shook Yusuke by the collar. "And you want us to continue doing that?" The situation was really getting to him.

"Well you have any better idea dumb head?" Yusuke raised his fist to punch him but stopped when Hiei started to speak.

"The decision is not up to you two," he jumped down and pointed his thump towards the red head, "I believe the one who is responsible has already made up his mind about what to do."

Kurama, knowing that Hiei was addressing him, raised his head and nodded at the trio. For a brief second, his emerald eyes softened at the sight of Midori before he mind snapped back to the conversation he had with Yomi a few hours back.

"What do you want Yomi?" He questioned him telepathically. Kurama squeezed limb arm. She was definitely going to be alright. As soon as he made Yomi regret what he had done to her.

He laughed. "Yoko Kurama, even during telepathy your voice is still sending chills down my spine. Do you care about this mere human so much that you are willing to raise your voice against one of the three rulers who disciplines the entire demon world?"

"I have no time to listen to your worthless speech."

Yomi chuckled inwardly. "Straight to the point as always huh? As I have said, she is not dead so you don't have to worry, at least not yet."

"Take the curse off from her before you face a painful death." He replied dangerously. If it was him that Yomi wanted then like always, he was ready to settle it face to face. But getting a human involved just so Yomi could blackmail him? Now that was pissing him off.

"I blocked her life source with my spell. That means she can't wake up unless I take it off myself. But the girl," his voice had a tinge of amusement in it as he lowered his tone, "She is conscious deep inside and it looks like she is trying hard to resist my spell... to wake up from her deep slumber. She's got the will, I can give her that."

"Since when have you become such a coward Yomi? If it was me whom you wanted-"

Yomi mocking voice interrupted him. "What gave the mighty Yoko Kurama such an idea? You are wrong Kurama. I have no use for you, not till now. It is the girl whom I need. She is...special. I have a few plans for her myself."

Kurama gazed at Midori and his eyes widened. "She is just a human. What could you possibly want with her?"

"How about we talk about it when you come to pay me a little visit?" He snickered and continued, "But I doubt whether she would last that long at this rate?"

"What do you mean 'at this rate'?" Kurama's tone was dangerously grave. He was getting fed up of Yomi's games. He clenched his fist tightly, nails piercing through his palm, to keep his patience from snapping.

"As I mentioned before, soon after I placed my spell on her she began resisting...almost like something deep inside of her was trying to break the spell without even her knowing. But since she is not a wielder for any form of spirit energy, her counter is mainly using her life energy which we all know...if used beyond a limit will result on the user's death." He paused for a moment, "And I didn't make my spell any easier to overcome."

Kurama didn't reply. For the first time in his life he was overwhelmed by the situation and its whereabouts. His quick thinking was going numb every time he laid his eyes on the unusually pale girl. He wanted to take his time, think properly in all possible ways and come up with the best harmless way to bring Midori back. But did he have enough time? One wrong footing and her life will be over altogether.

"I will await your arrival Kurama. You are clever enough to figure a way out of this fix sooner or later, I know. But if you value your human life, then heed my advice. Stay away from this girl."

"What did that jerk mean 'stay away from her'? The poor thing," Kuwabara exclaimed in anger and distress. Yusuke placed a hand on his shoulder and eyed Kurama doubtfully. "So? You are planning to go to Demon world to meet Mr Horns?"

"Yes. I have already arranged it with Botan to open a portal for me. She will be here soon."

Yusuke smirked. Well, looks like Kurama is back on his feet. His mind grew a bit uneasy when he thought of what Yomi warned Kurama, about the girl using too much of her life energy. Kuwabara had done that once for him, when he was at the brink of death. The oaf had transferred half of his life energy to Yusuke so that he would live. But the impact was quite heavy and Kuwabara was in bed for quite some time before he could get back up on his feet. Why, he himself had done it once although he couldn't remember many details about what happened afterwards. Everything was so blurry before he passed out, but he knew harnessing one's life energy to fight was no easy task for a human.

"Want me to tag along Kurama? I know I have no business with Yomi, but some extra help might come in handy." He volunteered.

Kurama smiled and shook his head. "Thanks Yusuke, but no. I will settle this with Yomi myself. But I do have a favour to ask you."

"What is it buddy? Shoot! I will be glad to help out."

"Till this mess is cleared could you take care of her? I can't take her back to her home in this condition. Just...make sure she lives," he replied with a tinge of worry evident in his voice.

Kuwabara nodded and gave him a thumbs up sign. "Of course Kurama! My sister will be glad to take her in."

"The oaf is right. Till you come back we will take excellent care of your girlfriend. So don't worry." Yusuke answered and nudged Hiei, "Right Shorty?"

"Tch."

"See even Hiei agrees! If she runs out of life energy, he will be the first one to give her his, right Hiei?" Yusuke snickered only to earn a death glare from Hiei.

Kurama laughed lightly. His teammates were a big help. He knew they would do all they could to save Midori while he was away. Now to wait for Botan to arrive...

Midori ran through utter darkness, stopping here and there to catch her breath. Where was she? The place was so dark she couldn't even see her fingers in front of her eyes. The pathway was narrow; she could stretch her hands and feel the solid wall built on both sides. Where was running to? What was she running away from? Seriously, what was happening to her? Was this a side effect from her cold? Was she dreaming?

Perhaps, that was it... everything was just a dream. Well, it was more like a nightmare. All she remembered was Ryuu tucking her to bed and then...running away from someone?

She tried to think what might have happened. Maybe Akio failed to make it and that idiot Ryuu gave her the wrong medicine that was making her head burst. Not likely. She thought for a while longer before giving up, it was hard to concentrate in complete darkness especially when you were running away from an unknown enemy. Suddenly she felt her toe hit something very hard. She yelped and tripped, falling right on her face. Perfect timing to be clumsy.

She tried to support her weight on her arms and get up only to fall down again. What was she going to do? Whatever that was chasing after her was gaining in on her while she was groping for a way to stand up in the dark. If only there was someone to help her...anyone.

"I am sorry I wasn't able to protect you Midori."

Whose voice was that? It was so familiar.

"Please wake up."

Who was it? She wanted to know. But she couldn't speak. Something was foreboding her from using her voice.

"Wake up Midori."

'I am sorry, I can't,' she thought as tears of frustration started pricking at the corner of her eyes. What was she to do?

"I won't ever be the cause of your hatred again. So try to value your life a little more, Ayukawa."

That was... his voice. It could only be him. Whenever she was in trouble he was the first one to reach her side. He was the one who teased her and made her cry. He made her patience snap and enjoyed the fuming look on her face every time she lost to him.

"Shuichi! No, don't!" She yelled as she woke up with a start.

Well, how was it? I have tried my best to keep Kurama in character.. if he is a bit ooc, I am sorry. Please let me know your opinions!

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