Hey everyone! Whoohoo! I posted my next chapter! I don't really have much to say so I'll just let you guys get to it! -Angel

"blah"talking or quotes
'blah'thoughts
(blah)telepath convos

Chapter 9: Mother and Son

SelinaPOV

"Don't worry, I have no intention of fighting you, nor do I intend to flee. In fact I've come to ask you a favor."

He didn't even look at us as he slowly approached us. His words were like a whisper in my mind and from the shock on Yusuke's face, his as well. I took a moment to re-assess him, now that I had the chance. He was tall, maybe around 5'11". His hair was long and as red as a rose. In the bright city lights his eyes shone like emeralds. He wore a magenta school uniform, so that must have meant he went to a human school. 'Wait…he's a demon going to a human school? That can't be right.' I focused on his aura. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion when I felt a human aura instead of a demon's. 'But that can't be! Why would two demons let a ningen work with them? Something's not right.' I focused more on his aura and almost gasped in surprise as I felt a trace of demon aura laced with his own human aura. 'So, he's human yet he's a demon? He doesn't feel like a half-breed. The auras almost seem like two different entities. I'm so confused!' I came out of my thoughts when he walked past us and then stopped.

"Give me three days, after that I will gladly return to you the Forlorn Hope." My ears picked up his words now spoken aloud. Now, he was confusing me even more! 'Damn him for making my brain confuddled!' Yusuke looked just as confused as I was. Kurama seemed to be a very confusing person indeed.

Later that evening…

Yusuke and I had quietly discussed Kurama's proposal. When we arrived at his apartment we saw Botan had beaten us there. We said hello to Atsuko then I pushed Yusuke towards his bed so I could properly clean and bandage his wounds, since I wasn't able to before. Botan followed behind us and seemed to sense that something had gone amiss. I got a first-aid kit and got to work on Yusuke as he told Botan about our run-in with Kurama. I took out a bottle of cleansing alcohol and some cotton balls. I soaked a cotton ball in alcohol and started dabbing at his wound. Yusuke yelped when the alcohol touched his wound and sprung off the bed. He all but scared the crap out of me because I wasn't prepared for his outburst.

"OW! OK! Anymore alcohol and I'm gonna need a designated driver!" I rolled my eyes at him and yanked him back down on the bed where he started blowing on the wound.

"Who knew the big bad Yusuke couldn't take a little stinging," I joked with him.

"I can! I just wasn't ready for it!"

"Uh huh, sure." Yusuke proceeded to pout as Botan took out some bandages from the first-aid kit and handed them to me.

"You know this could be a trap you two," said a serious Botan," It seems a little too easy."

"Huh?" was the genius response from Yu.

"It's no coincidence he asked for three more days. By then the moon will be completely full and the powers of the Forlorn Hope will reach their maximum. When that happens, the mirror will reflect the strongest desire of whoever looks into it and it is said the desire will be granted. But, the user must give something in return. Only a few people know what that something is. Getting our mirror could be pointless if he destroys the earth," she said with hands on her hips.

"But, it sounds like he could do that all by himself right? Why would he go out of his way to meet me and Selina?" responded Yusuke. 'Good question,' I thought while I finished with one wound and start on another.

"That's a tough one," said Botan with a thoughtful look.

"I don't know, something tells me to trust him Botan."

"What in the world are you saying! Let's not forget that his dear old teammate tried to rip you into little bits!" scoffed Botan.

"True," I finally responded," but when Yusuke and I came upon the three of them in the forest a couple days ago they seemed to be in an argument. Kurama told them he was leaving them."

"Why?" asked Botan

"Beats me." I shrugged," but it was something in his eyes, he seemed more sad than evil. When he spoke to us I also couldn't detect any insincerity from him. He seemed to be speaking the truth." I kept out the part of him having dual auras. We could worry about that later. Yusuke nodded.

"Ya, I think the same as Selina."

"I wish I knew more about this guy," answered Botan.

"Yusuke! I've made us some dinner!" We all sweat dropped as a chipper Atsuko popped into the room. "Will you be eating with us ladies? There's plenty of food."

"Oh yes! That would be lovely! Thank you," said an also chipper Botan. Atsuko looked towards me and I smiled to her.

"I would love to Atsuko. Thank you for the invitation." Atsuko grinned even larger.

"No problem at all you two. You're welcome any time!"

"Can't you knock mom! We're in the middle of an important conversation," said an irked Yusuke. Atsuko grabbed Yusuke by the collar of his shirt and lifted him up off the bed.

"Hey! What kind of conversation can't be held around your mother?" Botan looked nervous and I was kind of getting irritated that I kept getting interrupted with my bandaging.

"Oh…well…uh. It's not what you think ma!"

"What happened to Keiko? I thought she was your girlfriend."

"Atsuko, I assure you Keiko is still his girlfriend."

"She's not my girlfriend!" I ignored his outburst.

"However, do you mind if I finish bandaging Yusuke before you beat him?"

"Oh, of course Selina." She let go of him and became her happy self again. Yusuke plopped back on the bed with another pout. I just giggled at the pouting glare he was giving me.

NoOne'sPOV

A figure stood in the moonlight atop the building across from Yusuke Urameshi's apartment. Emerald eyes were filled with sadness and worry as red hair lightly blew in the wind.

Selina'sPOV

After dinner, Botan had left for Reikei and I went back to my apartment. I sighed as I sat down on my bed, thinking about all we had discussed.

"It's been a long day," I said to myself. I took off my black attire and threw them in the hamper. I took a quick shower to calm my self. After I wrapped a towel around me and dried off, I opened up my dresser drawers and took out my usual pajamas, a sports bra, tank top, and some cotton pj pants. Just as I started to drift off to sleep the memory of crimson eyes and soft lips upon mine invaded my mind. A small smile unknowingly appeared, and then I dropped into the abyss of dreams.

The next day…

I had met up with Yusuke and Botan the next day after dawning some dark blue jean shorts and a purple t-shirt that said "Warning: I have an attitude and know how to use it!" in silver. Yusuke chuckled when he read the shirt.

"Nice," he said. I smirked.

"Thanks." Botan just rolled her eyes.

"I'm going to see if I can get some information on the Forlorn Hope from Koenma. You two go to your meeting with Kurama, and please be careful, ok?"

"Right right, I'll be walking on eggshells," said Yusuke waving at her.

"We'll be fine Botan, don't worry." I waved to her as well then Yusuke and I left to go meet the confusing Kurama. We walked for a couple blocks and came to stop in front of a very large building.

"Here we are, the hospital," announced Yusuke. I just nodded and looked around until I spotted Kurama leaning against the wall next to the entrance. We walked up to him and he pushed off the wall and put his hands in his pockets.

"Good, you came." He didn't say anything else, but turned and walked into the hospital. Yusuke and I looked at one another, shrugged, and followed him. We finally stopped when we came to the room 501. I shuddered as I looked around at all the white. I hated hospitals.

"Hey there." A quiet weak voice brought my attention to a woman lying in one of the hospital beds.

"It's been such a long time since you've brought a friend with you," said the woman as she slowly sat up. She had long black hair pulled back and dark brown eyes. I was confused as to who this woman was and why Kurama was showing us to her. I got my answer sooner than I expected.

"It's all right mother, you don't have to sit up!" said an overly worried Kurama. Both Yusuke and my eyes got as round as plates. 'His mother!'

"It's not so bad. I'm feeling well today," she said with a small smile on her face. I knew she was lying though. She was tired. I could tell not just from her voice, but her eyes as well. Kurama seemed to catch that too.

"Shall I peel an apple for you?" Kurama leaned on the bed.

"No, I'm not hungry."

"Please eat mother, you'll never get well without nutrition."

"Yes, of course. It's just hard to remember all these things Suichi." Yusuke and I looked at each other with lost faces. 'Suichi? I thought his name was Kurama?'

"We'll try hard, but I need you to get well quickly."

"Of course dear. Now tell me, who are your friends?" The woman's eyes now turned to Yusuke and me. Kurama…. or Suichi…whatever his name was, turned to us as well and motioned us forward. Yusuke was still off in lala land so I stepped forward next to Kur…I mean Suichi and bowed to the lady.

"Hello ma'am, my name is Selina," I pointed to Yusuke who had regained his cool," and that is Yusuke." He bowed to her as well and put his hands in his pockets. She smiled at the both of us.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both. My name is Shiori Minamino, but please call Shiori. It's so nice to see Suichi with friends." I smiled warmly at her and Yusuke just looked like he didn't know what to do. I liked her already. Shiori seemed like a kind-hearted woman and very caring.

"Selina. That is a beautiful name. It's not Japanese though?" I smiled and shook my head.

"Thank you, and no it isn't Japanese."

"What does it mean?"

"It's Greek, and it means moon or heavenly." She smiled and nodded. Suichi or whatever put a hand on his mother's shoulder.

"Mother, you should rest now," he said. She smiled and nodded. He helped her lean back on her pillows. The four of us chatted for a little while longer, well it was mostly me and Shiori who were talking, but that was fine with me. The sun started to set so we said our goodbyes and then Yusuke and I followed Kurama to the roof of the building. The sunset was beautiful. The sky was a mixture of orange, red, and pink. I stood next to Yusuke as Kurama stood a few feet in front of us, looking out over the city. The silence was a little nerve-wracking so I decided to break it.

"So, is your name Kurama, or is it Suichi?" He didn't turn around or show any sign that he had heard me.

"Suichi is the name I've taken in my human form." Yusuke gasped a little and I just raised an eyebrow.

"That woman is my mother, sort of. My father passed away years ago," he said while turning to us. I bowed my head in sadness when I thought of my own parents.

"For fifteen years she has brought me up, while I have deceived her."

"Sorry, I'm not following," said Yusuke.

"My truest name is Youko. I was a fox, a spirit fox." It was my turn to gasp. He turned to look me in the eyes, and knew that I knew who he was. I kept my mouth shut and let him finish his tale. Yusuke was just confused, like usual.

"I gained the powers of a demon over the hundreds of years that I lived. In time I became bored and so passed my time learning the arts of breaking codes and seals. Ancient treasures were my favorite sport, but fifteen years ago I made a careless mistake. I was badly injured by a strong pursuer. With the last energy I had, I escaped to the living world and became a child to a proud human family. Knowing that if I could withstand humanity for ten years, my spirit energy would have time to safely recover. Then, I would escape without a trace."

"I take it something went wrong," Yusuke said.

"My mother fell ill. I know it might sound foolish, but I couldn't leave her. Considering what she had done for me. That's when THEY appeared. Hiei had somehow tracked me down, needing my expertise," he said and returned his gaze to mine. For some reason his eyes held a knowing gaze. I looked confusedly at him, but he just raised an eyebrow at me as a memory came to my mind. I blushed and looked shocked at him. 'Oh that sneaky son of a vixen! I didn't even feel his energy! Oh my god! He knows!' I broke his gaze and he went on with his story.

"And, I remembered the powers of the Forlorn Hope." He took out said mirror and gazed at it.

"Did you know that in some species a child eats its mother." Yusuke didn't respond but looked a little disgusted.

"That's a lovely image," I couldn't help making a sarcastic comment. I was a little irked that Kurama had seen what had happened between Hiei and me. 'Oh well, it was just a way to save myself, nothing more. At least, I think it was.' I didn't care to think anymore on the thought so instead turned my attention back on foxy.

"Let me use the Forlorn Hope to save the woman's life," he said with a desperate tone underlying his words. "Then I'll accept my punishment."

"But why would a monster do that for a human?" Questioned Yusuke.

"I don't know. Maybe because I'm guilty. Maybe I feel like I'm one of those mother-devouring creatures." My heart lurched at his words. A human emotion called pity filled me. 'Damn my gullible heart.'

"I've caused her great pains. It's hard raising a child who thinks you're inferior. I feel I broke her spirit, like maybe, in some way I caused her disease."

"Why are you telling us all this?" piped up Yusuke. A small laugh was heard from Kurama.

"Maybe I just needed someone to know. Besides, I could tell you two would trust me." I shook my head and walked up to him, slowly letting my hand fall on his arm. He turned to look at me, questioningly.

"You are not a mother-devouring creature Kurama, and don't blame yourself for her sickness. The fact that you want to help her now means that love has taken over your heart. Not all demons are evil," I looked him in the eyes and then peered over to Yusuke so as to include him in this," I know many demons who have the ability to love and have compassion. Trust me, I get squeezed to death by one every time I see her," I smiled. Kurama seemed to think about what I said and I heard Yusuke chuckle and say "Mariko" under his breath. We were all surprised when a woman came running out the door to the roof.

"Suichi! It's your mother!" Kurama looked about to panic, and I don't blame him. I didn't even know his mother for more than a day and hell, I was panicking. The three of us ran down to his mother's room to see what was up. I gasped when I saw a breathing mask attached to her face. Kurama ran up to one of the doctors demanding to know what was happening to her.

"She's fallen into what we call the critical stage. To be perfectly honest, your mother is about to die." I inwardly scoffed at the doctor. 'Way to be sympathetic you prick.'

"How long?" Kurama asked.

"Probably tonight. We'll do what we can. Suichi, I'm sorry." I look worriedly at Shiori and mentally urged her to hang on just a little longer. I followed the boys back up to the rooftop. Night had already fallen and the full moon shone brighter than ever. A good or bad omen, I couldn't be sure.

"I have no choice."

"You'll use it tonight? Is that what you mean?" said Yusuke. "I heard you had to dish out something to the Forlorn Hope in order to make it work. So do you know what that something is?" 'Awesome question Yusuke. Kudos to you.' We both stared at Kurama awaiting his answer.

"Yes," he said," life."

"Wait, what!" I said, "Wait, whose life?!" The poophead ignored me and placed the mirror on the ground. 'Wait…Forlorn…no.' He crouched down in front of it. Yusuke and I stood on the other side of the mirror from him, waiting for what would happen.

"Forlorn Hope, I ask you to wake from your sleep and hear my plea. Reflect my greatest desires so that you can make it true." Kurama placed his hand above the glass of the mirror until a great vortex of black and white light erupted from the mirror. Yusuke put a hand over his face to block the bright rays. I squinted my eyes, but never took them off Kurama or the mirror. The light then condensed down to a bright glow and a picture of Shiori appeared.

"The health of this woman. That is what you desire," spoke a deep booming voice.

"It is."

"Wait!" yelled Yusuke. " Can't we hold on a second and try to work something out? There's gotta be some other way to do this!"

"No, there is not."

"To grant this wish you must give your life. Is that what you desire?" said the voice I now came to hate. I growled. 'Yusuke is right, there has to be some other way!'

"If that will save my mother's life, then yes I do."

"Then your desire shall be fulfilled." He placed his hand on the mirror and bolts of electricity started shooting out from the mirror to wrap around Kurama. I panicked.

"Kurama!" 'I couldn't let this happen! Another mother would loose her son,' I thought. Then Yusuke did something both selfless and foolish. He crouched down and touched the mirror.

"No!" he yelled.

"What are you doing?" yelled Kurama.

"Hey mirror guy, can you hear me? I want you to take my life instead so Kurama can live and still get his wish, isn't that right?"

"Yusuke!" I screamed and fell to my knees with my hand on the mirror. I felt the bolts start attacking my body. I clenched my teeth as I felt my life force being taken away.

"Selina, no!"

"I don't get it, it's my wish," said a confused Kurama.

"It's not fair for your mother to get better and have her son taken away from her! And you stupid idiot Yusuke! Your mother just got you back! It's not fair for you two, who have family to look after, to loose your lives! I should be the one, for I have no family," I whispered the last part, letting a lone tear run down my face.

"Your desire shall be fulfilled."

"No! Selina!" Yusuke's voice and a bright light were the last things I heard and saw before darkness took me.

NoOne'sPOV

All was enveloped in a bright white light. Then the light turned into a beam being shot out of the mirror, and then finally disappeared. Some ways away Botan flew as fast as she could on her oar. "Hold on you guys!"

Emerald eyes opened as Kurama pushed himself to his hands and knees.

"I'm still alive," he said surprised," but what about my mother?" He got up and ran to the door of the roof and downstairs to his mother's room.

After the door shut behind Kurama, brown eyes opened. He pushed himself to a sitting position and looked around worried. Botan dropped to the roof at the same time Yusuke crawled over to Selina's unmoving body.

Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! The next should be posted soon!