The Childhood Friend of Kurama Part 18: Kurama's Concern and Ayame's Disappearance

I woke up to see Ayame wasn't beside me. I looked around the room and saw a note on her pillow.

Kurama, went to Demon World to see if I can find my father. I apologize for not waking you so you could accompany me, but this was something I had to do. I have my communication mirror should I need to contact you guys or Koenma. Be back soon -Ayame

I narrowed my eyes as I threw the note away. I understand the need to confront the father that abandoned her, but going off alone was very foolish.

"Mama?"

I turned to see Keikoku standing just outside the door.

"Keikoku, why are you up so early?"

"I can't find Mama."

I sighed and picked her up.

"Your mother went to visit someone in Demon World."

"Is she coming back?"

"Of course she is. She promised she'd be back and if she needed help, she's going to contact us."

As if she was satisfied, she smiled and nodded.

"Better?"

"Uh-huh."

I smiled back and placed her down.

"Why don't you go downstairs for some breakfast? I'll be down soon."

"Okay."

After she ran off, I shook my head and looked out the window that gave me a view of Spirit World Headquarters.

"Ayame, please be careful. I don't like the thought of losing you."

Ayame's POV:

After arriving in Demon World, I began looking around for caves like the one in the picture Koenma showed me the other night. Many groups of bandits live in them, and all I had to do was find one that had the scent of fox demons. My communication mirror went off and I raised an eyebrow to see Koenma's face.

"What's up, Koenma?"

"I highly advise that you return to Spirit World. Going off alone isn't very wise."

"Is this you worrying or Kurama? That sounds like something he'd say. What else did he tell you?"

Koenma sighed and frowned.

"He also said that because your demon blood is on the brink of surfacing, you're quite vulnerable and may not stand a chance against these fox demons."

"I understand the risks, Koenma, but I need to see him for myself. Once I do, I promise I'll come back. If I do need help, I'll contact someone."

"Oh, very well. I'll be on standby. Good luck, Ayame."

Once the talk was over, I resumed my search. After what seemed like forever, I came upon a cave that currently had a small fire going. Several fox demons were gathered around it, but not the one I was looking for. One looked up and narrowed his eyes.

"What do you want here, girl?"

"I'm here to confront a man called Koga."

"What do you want with our leader? A human like yourself would just be a waste of his time."

I crossed my arms and smirked.

"He'll see me. Just tell him 'Ayame' is here to speak with him."

"Whatever, girl. It's your funeral. Yo,Koga. Some human wants to speak with you. Says her name is Ayame."

I backed away slightly as a tall fox demon exited the cave. He had the same color hair as me with a tail and set of ears to match.

"What do you want?"

"I am Ayame."

His eyes widened briefly before his expression went back to normal.

"I see. How'd you find me?"

"Koenma managed to track you based on information that was dug up."

"Follow me."

After we were a ways from the bandits, Koga turned to look at me.

"You know your mother died giving birth to you?"

"Yeah."

"Before having you ,she became ill. I felt guilty because before she met me, she was perfectly fine. After you were born and she died, I left because it was too painful for me. Every time I looked at you, I saw her."

"Whether it was painful for you or not, you could've tried looking for me."

He sighed and glared.

"You don't think I tried? I wasn't able to find you because your demon blood had yet to surface. After a while, I gave up."

I sighed and tears formed in my eyes.

"Did you really love my mother?"

"Of course I did. She...she captivated me in ways females of my kind couldn't. She was beautiful. God,she was beautiful. She had natural looks whereas females are willing to show off to get attention. I could tell she had a calming spirit because every time I was near her, I felt peaceful and...happy. I could care less that she was human, and she felt the same when she found out about me. I haven't loved anyone since her and I doubt I ever will."

My communication mirror went off again and I saw Yusuke's face.

"What is it, Yusuke?"

"Wondering when the hell you're gonna come back. It's getting late."

"Relax, Yusuke. I'm doing fine."

I hung up on him and looked back at Koga, who was eyeing me closely.

"You work for Spirit World?"

"I'm a part of Yusuke's team. My coming here had nothing to do with them."

"I can tell. I can smell when others are lying to me. Luckily for you, you've been telling the truth. While it was...interesting to see you after all this time, I suggest you take off. It's getting dark and I refuse to be responsible for someone that can't defend herself."

I nodded and had Koenma summon a portal for me to use.

"Thanks for the talk, Koga."

Kurama's POV:

Once Koenma informed me Ayame was back, I waited in our room so I could confront her.

"Hn, don't be too hard on her, did what she felt was necessary."

I narrowed my eyes as I looked at Hiei.

"Regardless of whether it was necessary or not, Hiei, she shouldn't have gone alone. It wasn't a very wise decision on her part. Koga could have very well ordered her killed by his bandits."

"Your concern is...touching, but she can take care of herself. Remember, her demon blood is close to surfacing, and having control of both it and Spirit Energy is a force to be reckoned with. She knew you'd react this way, which is why she went off by herself. She wants to prove she can survive on her own."

I sighed and looked away from him as I heard footsteps coming to the door.

"I suggest you depart, Hiei. Ayame may not take kindly to you eavesdropping."

"Hn, fair enough."

That's a wrap for part 18. Part 19 will begin in Ayame's POV as Kurama confronts her about her trip to Demon World. Also in part 19, Team Urameshi prepares to leave on its next case. Stay tuned to see what happens