Disclaimer: I only own my OCs and the plot.

Recap: Amaterasu forced Neyuki and Tsukino to eat the Human-faced Fruit which caused their souls to be split from their bodies. Her first order was for the girls to murder Neini who was hidden in the surrounding forest. However, Amaterasu did not expect the boys to find Neini first. After a quick battle that left Tsukino unconscious, Amaterasu and Neyuki retreated with the boys in high pursuit as the new moon moves into the sky.

I'll Show You What I Can Be
Chapter Twenty-Six
End of the Mission

Something Found, Something Lost

They should have made sure that I was going to stay down rather than rush off after Amaterasu. They should have tied me up or broke my legs and wings. They should have stopped me. But they didn't.

Minutes after Amaterasu ordering me to delay the boys, Kurama had done something to the back of my neck and I collapsed. Seconds later, they ran from the area in search of Amaterasu. Only minutes after that, I was aware of the eyes in my flesh mask opening. My body raised itself to its feet, ignoring the pain that was radiating from my head. My legs started to move forward when a voice floated to me over the wind.

"That's enough, Tsukino. Return to the clearing now."

My body moved so quickly that for a second I was looking at the back of my skull. My soul quickly turned and I watched as my body sped towards the clearing where the Demon-Eating Tree sat. When I arrived I found Neyuki sitting under the tree beside the stolen objects while Amaterasu placed sheets of paper and sticks around the edge of the clearing. She did not speak until she had completed her task and sent her energy into the objects causing them to glow an unnatural red colour. Taking a step back to admire her work, she flipped a lock of hair over her shoulder and said, "Neyuki, when they appear be ready to blast the objects. Tsukino, you hide and be ready to make your wish." She turned and smiled at me. "After all I'm sure you just can't wait to be rid of him, now can you?"

My body did not answer but instead jumped up into the high branches of the tree. Even though my body showed no signs of being seriously creeped out, I was. As I crouched among the fruit covered branches, I was sure that the tree was considering eating me. I could almost hear its stomach growling and the all the fruit in the tree turned to look at me.

A small part of me hoped that the boys would notice the fruit's direction of focus and put two and two together but the larger part of me knew that they wouldn't. They'd be too focused on Amaterasu, and my body would not have hidden herself in the tree if it wasn't a good hiding spot. However, I also knew that Amaterasu was putting too much faith in the fruit that Neyuki and I had eaten. Though our bodies were obedient our souls weren't so Neyuki wouldn't be able to use her spirit energy to Amaterasu's advantage. Unless Amaterasu had done something else to my friend while I was gone.

From my place in the tree I looked down on Neyuki as best I could. She didn't look any different. Of course, neither did I and I had no power over my actions. Or did I? I couldn't control my body, but my spirit energy was still under my control.

Amaterasu was also standing under the tree now. Only a few inches from my position. Yusuke always said that the best way to make/learn a new attack was in battle. After all, that was how he learned to use the spirit wave. My current attacks were both useless at the moment. Shiro would only alert Amaterasu to the fact that I still controlled my energy, and Wings of Steel would only work if I could move to attack her, which I could not. What I needed was a new attack similar to Yusuke's Spirit Gun but without the need to physically aim.

Not completely sure what I was doing, I started to collect my energy. From inside my mask, I saw my soul started to glow. Suddenly, I had an idea. I started to move the energy to my soul eyes, which were focused on Amaterasu. The power was building and I wondered how I would release it. The answer came quicker than I would have liked. I found myself pushed to the side as my body turned her head to her left. With my concentration lost, my energy disappeared and the pain appeared. My whole soul felt like it was being torn, and too late, I remembered about my problem.

Again my body gave no signs of feeling my pain but instead continued focusing on the edge of the clearing. Though the pain, I realized why. The men had arrived.

Neyuki had also noticed and to my surprise, her energy started to become focused. Bit by bit, her hands started to glow and the hairs on the back of my neck started to stand. Every thing in my being told me to get away as Neyuki's energy was untameable and dangerous.

Amaterasu did not seem to share my worry but instead watched the boys try to see though the illusion she had no doubt created. "Tsukino." My head looked down once more to look at my controller. "When the illusion falls we will fight and this time don't pull any punches. We need to win."

My head nodded and I wondered if she meant I was to use my spirit energy.

Seconds later, Kuronue's scythe cut through one of the glowing papers and the men entered the clearing. They had all their weapons out and were glaring at Amaterasu.

She wasted no time to chat and instead lounged into an attack that I followed. While she dealt with Hiei and Kurama, I fought Kuronue. He blocked each of my punches and kicks as if I was a child just learning how to fight. I'll admit I was a bit annoyed by this, but we were both caught off guard when my hands created my Shiro attack. Kuronue stepped back with a surprised shout and rubbed at his eyes as he tried to regain his vision. My body didn't wait that long and ignored the agony my soul was going through. She lunged with claws outstretched and attempted to rip his head off.

Thankfully Kuronue, like all bat demons, was used to working blind. Using his ears, he managed to dodge my attack and counterattack with his scythe as he took to the air. I dodged and quickly flew up to join him. My soul hit the bottom of my body as the pain grew, and I felt myself zapped of power.

Amaterasu had more control over me than I had thought but Kuronue wasn't as surprised as I was. He merely continued the battle and blocked my slashes with his scythe. Every once in a while he tried to get behind me, no doubt in an attack to knock me out, but every time I turned and attacked. It looked like I had learned my lesson. But I didn't see the lightning coming and only avoided being fried by Kuronue shoving me to the ground.

While my body continued to fight with the now broken-armed Kuronue, I turned my eyes towards Neyuki. Her hands were still glowing but little and deadly bolts of electricity jumped from her hands to whatever object was close by. More than once she nearly hit Amaterasu, although I couldn't help but wonder if Neyuki was trying to aim for her.

Deciding to try to follow her example, I try to concentrate. I picture all my energy as strings being tied between my mask and me. For a moment, I can almost feel each string being pulled towards my body as I start to imagine the strings being pulled back to me, to my control. The resistance I met was unimaginable and I could feel myself weakening. Then the ropes broke.

I fell backwards and hit the back of my body. At the same time, I was aware that my wings had changed back to normal and were bleeding. Kuronue had not expected the change and had cut though one of my wings. It was a small cut so I did not worry and instead turned my attention back to Neyuki.

Her power was hitting the limit, and she was now facing the objects. She stretched her arms out and pointed her palms at the objects. Her hands glowed so much that I couldn't bare to look at them anymore. Her body was filled with so much power that the leaves on the tree started to burn. A ball of lightning as big as a soccer ball formed in front of her hands. With a shout, she shot it towards the objects, but they weren't there anymore. The tree let out a scream as the ball hit it and flames appeared around the circle in that trunk that was now ashes.

It took everyone a second to figure out what had happened. The moment that Hiei appeared on the ground behind Neyuki, holding the objects, it all made sense. Amaterasu couldn't keep tabs on both Hiei and Kurama while she was fighting them, so while Kurama distracted her, Hiei ran for the objects, and got them out of Neyuki's range of fire.

Amaterasu let out a cry of rage and shouted for Neyuki to kill him. Before either of them could even blink, Neyuki lay on the ground. Her eyes were open but unseeing.

Neini screamed and ran towards her sister but I stopped her. Although I had no power over myself, I still felt sickened by my actions as I held my claws to her throat. Amaterasu started to laugh and ordered me to kill the girl if the men so much as moved.

I nodded and watched the men. Kurama was still as a statue but Hiei seemed to be considering making a dash for it. I didn't even think to look in Kuronue's direction. The next second, I felt a pain in my gut as Neini was ripped from my grasp. I collapsed to my knees and felt my throat burn as I threw up the remains of my last meal. For a few seconds, I continued to cough and spit as I tried to rid myself of the taste of acid and fruit.

I raised my hand to my mouth to wipe away the rest when I heard Neyuki cry out in pain. Forgetting about my weakened state, I jumped to my feet ready to help my friend only to see her throwing up, and Hiei looking down on her with a disgusted frown. Around that time, I felt to my knees again, and noticed that I wasn't looking through the eyes of a mask. I also noticed a few cuts on my body but I wasn't in any real pain. I was back.

Unfortunately, I wasn't the only one to notice. Amaterasu let out another cry of rage, and Kuronue moved to stand beside me.

"Think you can stand?" he asked.

"Enough to avoid getting killed," I replied.

"I don't think you'll have to worry about that. Kurama is ready to take her down now that she can't just say, 'Tsukino drop dead.'"

I stared at him. Somehow I had never realized that Amaterasu could kill me at any second. His only reply to my staring was to grin and turn back to watch Kurama speak to Amaterasu. He said something about turning herself over or having him kill her. For a second she stared and then she started to laugh.

We all stared as we wondered what was going on in her head. I half wondered if she really did have some sort of other plan going on that we didn't know about. It wouldn't surprise me if she did but I couldn't understand the laughter. Finally, she calmed down enough to say, "Well at least your kitty bat will die too."

The blade came out of nowhere, and it was only thanks to Kurama and Kuronue's fast reflexes that the axe missed me. Kurama gently released his hold on me so that I could stand by him while Kuronue deflected the axe.

It continued on its new path pass Amaterasu where it seemed to kick up dust before returning to where it came from. There it was caught by a bloody Yasu. If I hadn't already thrown up, I would have then. One hand held his axe while the rest held his organs. The look in his eyes was half crazed but it was clear he was living on borrowed time. His breath was swallow and blood dripped from his mouth. He stumbled into the clearing and looked around at all of us.

Amaterasu either did not notice his condition or did not care because she merely nodded. "Nice to see that you could join us Yasu. Although you really should have stayed in the lair."

"So I could die." Yasu glared at her as he walked pass our group. "Since that's all I'm good for."

Amaterasu frowned. "Well that was the plan, wasn't it? Except I notice Kurama didn't finish you off right away."

"No, but the bat almost did. Thankfully he didn't."Yasu suddenly grinned and raised his axe. "See you in Hell!"

Amaterasu however was well and healthy. With virtually no effort on her part, she took a step to the side. Yasu missed but continued to try to attack her. Soon he was using two arms to swing the axe. I would have thought that the other men would have stopped the fight or helped attack Amaterasu but they only watched as Yasu continued to destroy himself in hopes of killing Amaterasu. However, Amaterasu was also slowing. Her movements became less graceful and stable. Finally, Yasu's axe landed a blow as he collapsed.

The female raccoon stared at the small cut in her leg with a scowl before turning to Yasu. "I would have thought that you'd have a better plan than that." With a flick of disregard she turned back to us. "Sorry about that interruption so I suppose you still want to try to bring me in?"

Kurama shook his head. "There isn't much point since you'll be headed there in seconds."

Amaterasu stared at him but her eyes were narrowed, as if she couldn't focus on Kurama's face. "What would make you say that?"

"Yasu's first target wasn't Tsukino-san, it was you."

She scoffed and tried to flick her hair over her shoulder but her arm seemed heavy. "Then his aim is worse than I thought."

Kuronue shook his head. "The attack completed its intentions. The dust that fell wasn't dirt; it was a poison that you helped along by dodging his attacks."

Hiei nodded. "Even a child could see that."

Amaterasu stared for a few seconds before she started to laugh. After a few seconds the laughter caught in her throat, and she started to choke on air. She clutched at her throat as her eyes started to bulge in panic. Finally she fell and stopped moving as her soul left her body and moved towards Spirit World.

After Amaterasu collapsed, Kurama went over to Yasu to see if he truly was dead. As he leaned over the body, I heard him mutter, "I warned you, Yasu," before standing and announcing that he was dead.

Kuronue frowned and sheathed his scythe. "I was hoping for a bigger battle but at least it's over."

"Not that you'd be much use," Hiei commented as he walked over with Neyuki and Neini.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"You had enough trouble battling Kurama's mate. How do you expect you'd fare against a real opponent?"

Kuronue replied but I didn't hear what he said because Kurama had returned to my side and motioned to the artefacts in Hiei's arms. "We'd better get these back to Koenma before anything else can happen."

Hiei looked away from his battle with Kuronue just long enough to say, "I'll take them and if you're smart fox, you'll wait around here until Yusuke and Kazuma calm down. Right now the detective wants to kill you the moment he sees you."

Kurama smiled and thanked Hiei for the tip before he pulled his communicator out of his pocket to call Koenma and inform him of the outcome. While they talked I turned my attention to Neyuki and Neini.

"Sorry about dragging you into this," I said as I tried to think of something to say.

Neyuki shrugged. "How were you supposed to know that things would turn out like this?"

I shook my head. "I dunno, it's just that." My voice faded as I caught sight of Yasu's and Amaterasu's dead bodies. "Neini-chan shouldn't have seen this and you shouldn't have been brought into this."

Neini looked up with me with wide eyes and said, "But then we wouldn't have met you."

Neyuki nodded. "I agree and let's face it, the lives of demons may not be peaceful or pleasant but they sure aren't boring."

"But—"

Neyuki shook her head. "Forget it and you'd better call me the next time you get yourself into trouble." She glared at me. "Got it?"

Unable to do anything else, I nod. "Thanks."

She grinned. "Well I can't really leave your welfare up to the men now can I?"

I smiled and Kuronue wandered over to us. "Saying good bye?"

We shook our heads. "Just see each other soon," I replied.

He frowned. "Why? You two aren't going to spend the night at the lair?"

Neyuki frowned. "We're invited?"

Kuronue shrugged. "Well it's a bit late to find a bar and the kid looks like she's going to pass out."

As if to prove Kuronue right, Neini yawned, and Kurama made his way back to us. Hiei had disappeared, probably through a portal so we started to make our way back to the lair. Neini walked between Neyuki and me and held our hands. It made me wonder what it was like to have siblings but to be honest, I was happy just to be alive. The mission was over and I was free to live in Human World again. Soon I would be able to go back and see how everything had changed. Rei would have grown and hopefully had grown out of her hair pulling habit. Shizuru had apparently gotten a boyfriend while I was gone so I was curious to see what he was like. But most of all, I would be home and safe until something else happened.

Once at the lair, Kuronue found some mats hiding under his bed, and Kurama got some blankets. After a small battle between us girls and Kuronue, it was decided that we would once again steal his room, even though we tried to convince him to take it. Neini passed out seconds after we arrived and was quickly tucked in. We adults quickly joined her and within seconds the lair was silent and peaceful.

Neyuki and Neini left after that night but she left me with strict orders to keep her posted on what was happening with me and to mail her letters every week. I never thought I would find a true friend in Demon World but it looked like I was did. Neyuki was the best friend I could ask for and I wished that she didn't have to go but we promised to meet up at a later date so I wasn't too worried. Neyuki was tough and Neini was lucky to have her for a sister.

Soon after they left, Kurama approached me and told me of an interesting fact that Koenma had discovered. The humans I had killed on the roof were not actual humans. They were half-demons. "Half-demons must follow both Spirit World law and Human World law," Kurama explained when I confused as to how that mattered. "Since they are aware of Spirit World, it isn't as serious a crime as killing a human."

I frowned. "But killing isn't right regardless."

He nodded. "Yes, however, you were punished for killing humans when they were not human. Because of that Spirit World now has to make up for the mistake."

I nodded as I continued to watch Neyuki and Neini walk away. "So how will they do that?"

"By granting you a wish."

I turned to stare at him but Kurama didn't meet my gaze. "Koenma heavily suggested a soul transfer to a different body so that you wouldn't be plagued by the problems of being a mixed breed but he will wait until you are sure of what you want."

I could only nod and looked out from the entrance of the lair. One wish. I could understand why Kurama even mentioned the soul transfer but I didn't believe that changing my body would help me. My soul was the problem. I had a mixed breed soul but after being able to see my naked soul I didn't want to change it. Without it, I wasn't me. Although I might stand a better chance with Kurama if I changed myself but something in me held back. I only had one wish, and I wanted to use it wisely so I tried to think of a wise wish. Before I could, Kurama asked how I was feeling. I was a bit confused so I shrugged and said, "Fine."

He frowned. "You don't feel any pain?"

I shook my head. "Nothing."

"Can you still sense our energy?"

I frowned as I looked at him, trying to understand his reason for the question, but I closed my eyes as I tried to concentrate. For seconds, I waited to feel the familiar sensation of leaves in the breeze that would be Kurama's energy. Nothing came to me. I wondered if my energy sensing method had changed because of the 'ropes' breaking. I remembered how Kuwabara felt for auras and tried to control my energy enough to cover the area around me. On my first try, no energy moved to my whims. A small bite of fear appeared in my stomach as I tried again. Nothing. I could feel myself becoming panicky as I continued to try. Finally, Kurama placed a hand on my shoulder and told me to stop.

My breathing was coming in pants as I shook my head and tried once more. Something was seriously wrong. My energy couldn't be gone. It just wasn't… natural! I opened my eyes and turned to face him, "What's wrong with me?"

He looked down on me with pity and sighed. "The strings that tie your body energy and your soul energy together have been cut."

My eyes widened and Kurama continued. "It must have happened when you were fighting Kuronue."

I nodded and tried to stop myself from doing something stupid. My hands were clenched in fists at my sides, and I tried one last time to summon my energy. Nothing. My energy was gone, locked inside me where I couldn't find it. Slowly, I became aware that Kurama was holding me in his arms. This time, I just let him hold me. After all what could he do now that my own soul was locked beyond my grasp? I might as well have been an empty shell and not even the knowledge that I would be returning to Human World could help. Maybe one day, I will find a way back to myself. Until then, I can do nothing but wander. However, I will wander among friends.

"You'd better come down before something attacks you."

He watched as she looked down from her place in the branches of the few none demon-eating trees he had planted. A small smile appeared on her face as she floated down beside him.

"I just wanted to think," she explained as she started to walk back to the lair with him.

He nodded. "About the wish or…"

She shook her head. "No. Just… life."

He nodded again but was unable to think of anything to say. Many things had changed between them over the time they had been left alone on the mission and he still wasn't sure what do to about her and him. He paused in his thoughts to help her past a few of the obstacles in the lair but they did not speak again until they reached the doors to the main sitting area.

"Kurama-san?" she asked. "What would you wish for?"

He paused and thought for a moment before saying, "Whatever would make me happy."

"What if you don't know what that is?"

She looked like a lost kitten and he couldn't help but smile gently. "Then wait and see."

Slowly a smile came to her face and she nodded as she walked pass him into the room. "Good night… Kurama-kun."

His smile grew slightly. "Good night Tsukino-chan."

It could be a mistake, but it also might not be and a small part of him hoped it wasn't.

Line+++

A/N: Progress! At least to me it is since she has refused to call him Kurama-kun throughout this and the past story. He has finally moved up to the close friend rank. It sorta amuses me because Yusuke was at that in chapter 14 of SIWSM. Oh well. The story is over and I hope you all enjoyed it. I'm not sure what I'm going to do now. Just like the last time, I'm happy to just leave it here (maybe I lie) but I know you guys will throw a fit if I don't get them together. I am considering getting rid of the fluffy Kurama plotbunny though. I just don't know. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

-d101