A.N. Hey guys. It's here. I'm still second-guessing myself about whether this chapter is up to scratch, but that's probably my anxiety talking, so here we go.

I'd like to thank you all for those beautiful supportive messages in response to my post about the chapter delay. Things have settled down now, but I'm still SO sorry for making you all wait an extra week.

Hina714: Yeah, she's catching on and she does deserve to know. Let's see how it plays out. And yes, they're all going to learn that Haruki is alive very soon. Say, next chapter? :P Their reaction will be memorable to say the least.

Ghost Of Magic: It sure is! And you'll know why before the book is finished! I got some rest, and I'll have more soon. Thank you!

Starrat/Wolf's Child/DCD Gojira: Here you go! :D

Sakura-chan: A lot of people want to kill Haruki, and a lot more will want to kill him very soon. And thank you so much for that kind message. I bit off way more than I could chew my first week back, but I managed to get one day off to rest.

hw0134160: You're close. Originally this was going to be the chapter where Sensui attacks, but it's worked out a little differently. Hopefully you'll understand why! Thanks for your lovely words. The first week back was so incredibly hard, but I'm ok now. Management realised that my roster was overcrowded, and they've fixed it without me having to even ask. I'm so grateful for this new job. I hope this chapter was worth the wait. I really agonised over kindness is so deeply appreciated. You have a beautiful heart.

Guest: Thank you. Really. I was in such a state when I wrote that message, but I'm ok now.

Anti Vax Guest: I'm going to say this as nicely as I can. I am fully vaccinated, and very Christian. Take your anti-vax rhetoric somewhere else. It is not welcome here.

Lady Amazon: Covid has been such a nightmare in almost every aspect of our lives. It's been horrible watching what's happened in the US and other countries. We've been extremely fortunate in Australia but it's still been awful. I guess I just got overwhelmed, but I'm fine now. Thanks for your support.

jamareon2005: That means a lot. I'm alright now. Thankyou.

ukitakeitalialover041757: Welcome! Sakura and I are so happy that you're here.

I don't own YYH, just my OCs.

Chapter 17

Sensui took a seat in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. It afforded him an exceptional view of Mushiyori City, which only steeled his resolve. The dark clouds parted before his eyes, revealing the blazing full moon.

A fitting metaphor.

He was so close to victory. Phase One was almost complete. The transmitter was beeping away in the corner. Ghost was performing the necessary reconnaissance. By tomorrow, they could strike in full force with Phase Two. There was just one last major task to complete before that was possible.

Footsteps entered the room behind him. "Mr Sensui,"

"Hello, Mr Hagari," Sensui leaned back in his chair. "Sorry if I don't call you by your nickname. I'm in a more sombre mood,"

Sniper looked over at the meditating figure in the corner. "What's Ghost up to?"

"He's performing a reconnaissance mission," Sensui smirked. "Now that we've found our man, we can progress,"

Sniper nodded. "Right," He stepped aside to reveal that he wasn't alone. "That's why I've brought our colleague Gourmet with me,"

"Good," Sensui spun his chair around. "Toguro. It's time we asked you to contribute to our valiant cause,"

A sinister chuckle sounded from the glowing tank. "Of course," Elder Toguro giggled. "I'll do anything to get vengeance on Yusuke and his piddling gaggle,"

His head had almost fully reformed, along with his neck and right side shoulder. His right arm was mobile again as well. But it still wasn't enough.

"I need more time though," the demon simpered. "In this state, I'm useless. But once I can regroup…"

A giant hand reached into the water and plucked him out of the tank.

"What is this?!" Elder Toguro raged. "Put me down, you brute!"

Gourmet opened his mouth wide."No, what are you doing?!" Elder Toguro shrieked. Sensui and Sniper watched with no emotion while Gourmet swallowed him whole.

Kurama retracted the plant in his hand and turned to Yusuke. "It's done," he said quietly. "They won't carry the burden any longer,"

Okubo, Komada and Miyamoto lay dazed on the floor. Any minute now, they'd rise with no memory of their terrifying ordeal. The Flower of Forgetfulness had done its job once again.

"Well, that was illuminating," Genkai said grimly.

"Indeed, but there is still a gap in the events," Kurama stowed the seed back in his hair and got to his feet. Now that the boys had been taken care of, the only thing on his mind was to finally see Sakura and take her into his arms.

Genkai shook her head. "Hold it just one minute, Kurama. There are other things we must discuss first,"

Every instinct in Kurama's body was roaring at him to disobey. His return from Spirit World had not been the blissful relief he'd imagined, and it all started with that phone call.

The moment he'd arrived back in his own body, he'd quickly called the Urameshi apartment to ensure Sakura was safely home from school before going to see her.

He never expected that Keiko would answer the phone in a panic. Through her tears, she'd explained that Kuwabara had been targeted by another of the eight psychics, and Sakura had somehow been caught in the crossfires.

Kurama hadn't hesitated. He'd rushed over to see his precious flower, only to be greeted by a very sombre Genkai and brought directly to Kuwabara's injured and shaken friends. The old woman had point-blank refused to let him anywhere near Sakura, only saying that she was alright, and Botan was looking after her.

The psychic responsible for the attack had been patched up and was sleeping in Yusuke's bed. Kuwabara hadn't regained consciousness yet, so Kurama's job, Genkai had explained, was to question his companions on what had gone down. The tale they told was disturbing to say the least. Once they had recalled everything to a certain point, the decision had wordlessly been made amongst the others to erase their memories.

Yusuke rubbed his forehead. "I can't believe it…how the hell did they get out of that?"

"For now, only your sister can fill in the blanks," Genkai growled. "Hopefully Botan will give us the green light soon,"

Kurama took a moment to compose himself. He'd deliberately timed his visit to Spirit World when Sakura would be at school. She was supposed to be safe with everyone else. How had she ended up in such a fight?

"If the psychic was after Kuwabara, then how did Kura get involved?" Kurama gave no obvious sign of anger, but that same dangerous chill was beginning to swell around him.

Genkai gave Yusuke a look. "You want to tell him, dimwit? Or should I have the pleasure of explaining your stupidity?"

"Me?! Yusuke snapped. "You're the one who let her run off into danger, you old hag!"

"AND YOU WERE THE ONE WHO WENT TO THE ARCADE, YOU IMBECILE!" the old woman roared back.

Kurama barely heard their resultant shouting match. As far as he was concerned, the blame could be figured out later. He just had to see Sakura. He wouldn't feel right until she was in his arms once more…

"What's all this racket about?" Botan enquired crossly from the doorway. "You'll wake up half the neighbourhood!"

Kurama hurried over. "Botan, how is Kura? Can I see her?"

Botan pressed a hand to her forehead. "Well, no worse for wear once she finally let me take care of her. Just some cracked ribs and a few other scrapes. Easily fixed. Shizuru's with her now,"

Kurama's eyes widened. "She wouldn't let you heal her? Why?" That was surprising.

"Damn brat was more worried about Kuwabara and the jerk who tried to kill them," Yusuke snorted. "She begged us to save them both. Wouldn't even let Botan touch her until they were OK,"

Kurama couldn't help but smile faintly. "That certainly sounds like her,"

A hand went on his shoulder. "She's been asking for you endlessly," Botan's face was anxious. "But…"

She looked past him, towards Genkai. "Does he know?"

Genkai shook her head. "I was just about to tell him,"

A seed of panic opened deep inside Kurama. "What's going on?" he asked.

"How can I put this?" Keiko appeared behind Botan. "Yusuke couldn't keep his mouth shut,"

All eyes went to the Spirit Detective, who scowled. "What are you looking at me for?"

"Are you really that dense?!" Genkai rounded on him.

"Shut your trap, Grandma! I didn't do anything!"

The shouting match resumed in earnest. With a sigh, Keiko turned to Kurama. "Come with me. We need to talk,"

The urgency in her voice startled him. Keiko led Kurama into the kitchen where they'd hopefully be undisturbed.

"Keiko, what's happened?"

She closed her eyes and seemed to make a private decision. "I'll say it straight. Yusuke was throwing a tantrum about you not being here and Kuwabara going out to the concert. Kura went to stop him from leaving, but then he said something about the psychic she fought at the hospital, and…"

There was an awkward pause while Keiko tried to find the right words.

"And then what?" Kurama's face was inscrutable.

"Kura started to wonder why Yusuke said the psychic was a perv, and then she ran off to her room when nobody would answer her,"

Kurama's heart jumped. Had Yusuke blown their cover? That could be disastrous for his flower's mental state.

"Did…" Kurama swallowed. "Did she say anything else after that?"

Keiko's face fell. "She let me in her room, thank God. And honestly, she wasn't as hysterical as I thought she'd be. But the thing is…"

Keiko's eyes hardened. "She knows that you might've erased her memories. Of the hospital. I don't think she knows about…after the tournament,"

Kurama didn't say anything. He'd always known this was a possibility, that Sakura would find out about what he'd done. He just never thought it would be so soon after the fact.

"So, did you?" Keiko asked after several uncomfortable moments. "Erase her memory?"

More silence. Kurama closed his eyes. "Only one particular moment. I didn't feel like there was much choice," he said at last. "Did anyone tell you why?"

Keiko shook her head. "I didn't ask,"

"Kura was too distressed to tell me herself," Kurama said quietly. His eyes were blazing with anger. "Instead, Yana used his ability to see what happened. Whoever the psychic was, that deviant did far more than mere physical injury,"

Keiko felt her blood grow cold. "Was it… anything like we saw at the tournament?"

"Not to the degree of those vile tokage mercenaries," Kurama couldn't keep the disgust out of his voice. "But this psychic was fond of mind games, and had Kura not escaped the basement when she did, there is little doubt in my mind that he would've…"

Kurama trailed off. He realised his hands were shaking with fury. Nobody had the right to touch his hana. No-one.

"Oh God…" Keiko looked sick.

"According to Yana, Kura was afraid that the encounter would undo the immense progress she's made these past few months,"

Kurama forced himself to calm down and looked back at Keiko. "I did it to protect her, Keiko. I have no regrets in that regard,"

Keiko put an encouraging hand on his shoulder. "I know you did. And I told Kura that as well. But still, I think she deserves to know,"

"Perhaps," Kurama said reluctantly. "I don't want her to be traumatised again,"

"The only reason I'm telling you this is because Kura's afraid to say it all herself,"

He looked up. "Why?"

"Because she loves you," Keiko said simply. "And she knows how much you love her. She doesn't want you to think she doesn't trust you. Honestly, I don't think she's even that angry about it,"

Kurama took a breath. "Of course,"

"Go on, she's waiting for you," Keiko said softly before moving towards the living room again. "Don't worry, I'll deal with Yusuke for being such an idiot,"

"Keiko?"

She turned back. "Yes Kurama?"

He looked at her with a grateful smile. "Kura is certainly lucky to have a friend like you,"

Keiko choked back her emotion. "Thank you,"

She left, and Kurama took just one more moment to prepare himself for whatever might be waiting for him in Sakura's room. Even if she wasn't angry now as Keiko claimed, that could very easily change once she saw him.

He'd take it. He'd take any emotion she threw at him. She'd understand once he explained.

Kurama felt his desire intensify with every step down the hall. He couldn't keep waiting. He'd been away from Sakura for far too long. The tightness in his chest that had plagued him all day would ease the moment he laid eyes on her. He'd take her beautiful face in his hands, and taste her soft lips…

"So, you're back," Shizuru was standing in the hallway with her arms folded.

"Yes," Kurama nodded. "How is Kura?"

Shizuru frowned. "Tried to stay awake to see you, but just fell asleep," she shook her head. "Don't know if they told you, but she didn't want her ribs healed until the others were taken care of. That girl is as stubborn as they come…"

"I was aware. Did she tell you what happened with Sea Man?"

"Not a lot. Just something about her Spirit Flame. Mostly she kept asking about you," Shizuru laughed softly before stepping aside for him. "Go on,"

Kurama opened the door. Relief slowly washed over him at the sight. It was dark, but Sakura was curled up in bed with one hand resting on top of the pillow. Aside from a Band-Aid on her wrist, she was unscathed.

Mine.

Sakura's hand shifted. Kurama moved to the bed and gently moved some loose hair from her cheek before kissing it.

"Kura?"

Her eyes flickered open. She gave him an exhausted but happy smile. "Kurama,"

"Yes, my love," he stroked her face. "I'm back,"

With a sigh of relief, she reached for him. "I missed you today. Where have you been?"

"Me too," Kurama laid his hand on top of hers. "I had some business to take care of, but I won't be leaving your side again,"

Sakura raised an eyebrow. "Promise?"

"Promise,"

"Good," Though she was tired, he could see the pixie-like mischief in her eyes. "If you do, you'll be in trouble,"

Kurama wove his fingers through her hand. "I heard about your encounter with the psychic. How are you feeling?"

"Worn out," she whispered. "I…had to use the Spirit Flame, but Kuwabara -"

Kurama had suspected as much. "From the sounds of things, it was most fortunate you arrived when you did. They'd all be dead if it weren't for you,"

Sakura shook her head. "I don't know about that. Kuwabara saved his friends. The most I did was buy him some time,"

"Kuwabara?" Kurama repeated. "How?"

Sakura lowered her eyes. "It's… hard to describe,"

"Kuwabara's companions could only tell us so much about the encounter. And with Kuwabara unconscious, Genkai and Yusuke will need you to fill in the blanks. But that can wait til you've rested,"

"No, I can tell you now," Sakura sighed and went to sit up. "I just -"

Kurama's hand went on her shoulder and guided her back to the pillows.

"Not yet. You've been through enough tonight,"

She sat up again and gripped his hand more tightly than he expected.

"Please…" Sakura's voice trembled. "I need to tell you what happened,"

Kurama hesitated. She was obviously exhausted and emotional from the ordeal, but the blazing look on her face said the opposite. How could he deny her?

Quite simply, he couldn't.

"Alright," Kurama said softly. He sat down on the bed, up against the pillows and pulled her into his chest. "If you're sure,"

Sakura laid a hand over his heart and swallowed hard.

Where to begin?

"Hey, what's up with Ghost?" sandy-haired Amanuma bounded up to his still-meditating colleague.

Sensui's chair swivelled around. Haruki remained in the dark corner, out of the way with a look of crazed euphoria on his face. That could only mean one thing.

He's found them all.

Sensui smiled. They would no doubt have much to discuss before tomorrow.

Amanuma tiptoed towards Haruki with an air of curiosity. "His eyes are shut… did he fall asleep sitting up?"

"No, Amanuma. He's completing an important task that will aid our victory,"

"Oh…" Amanuma cocked his head. "What is it? He looks really happy,"

At last, Sensui faced the boy. "That's not something you need to worry about. Aren't you more interested in what I have for you?"

"Oh yeah!" Amanuma grinned while bouncing up and down on his heels. "Come on, Mr Sensui. What's the big surprise?"

"I'm surprised you haven't already figured it out yet," Sensui smirked and reached into his back pocket. "Very well, Game Master. I'll give you a hint. What game would you most like to create in your territory?"

Amanuma's eyes went wide with excitement when he saw what Sensui was holding out to him. "Is that…?"

"That's right, I got you the game cartridge for Goblin City,"

The little boy clutched the game to his chest in delight. "You… you mean I can finally play it?" he squealed.

Sensui nodded. "You can play that when Urameshi gets here,"

"Thanks, Mr Sensui. This is going to be fun!"

"Your patience has been rewarded," Sensui turned back to the window. "Nobody can beat you at Goblin City. Except maybe me,"

Kurama tightened his hold on Sakura once she'd finished telling him all that had transpired. "So Kuwabara's powers returned in the nick of time,"

"Yes. It was beyond lucky," Sakura shivered at the thought of what might have happened otherwise. "I'm just relieved that Kuwabara and his friends are alright,"

Kurama began combing through her hair in a soothing rhythm. "And you, my love," he whispered. "If anything had happened to you…"

"I'm ok, really. Just tired," Sakura snuggled into him. As far as she was concerned, the most secure place in all three realms was the arms of her lover.

They stayed entwined for a few moments before Sakura spoke again.

"You know, I thought you'd be angry with me,"

"Angry?" Kurama couldn't keep the surprise out of his voice. He looked down at her with a raised brow "Why would I be angry?"

Her smile was sheepish. "For running off alone when I knew there could be trouble. Yusuke's already yelled at me,"

Kurama paused and took Sakura's face in both hands. "My darling Sakura…" he breathed. "I'm not angry. I'm proud of you. More than I can say,"

He leaned in closer. Much closer.

"Of course I wish you hadn't put yourself in harm's way," Kurama continued. "But Kuwabara and his friends were in mortal danger, and you were the only one who acted,"

He was above her now, and could see her brown eyes were filled with both tears and desire. Kurama's heart swelled. She was so brave. She was so selfless. She was so very beautiful. And she was his.

Mine.

"You helped save a number of lives tonight, my hana. I want you to remember that,"

"Kurama, I -"

His lips cut her off and he started easing her down on the bed. Sakura's eyes widened at the hunger she felt coming from him, then closed as she enthusiastically reciprocated.

I love you, Kurama.

And I love you, my precious flower.

Inside, Yoko was calling to him.

Mine.

Kurama's mouth moved expertly around hers in that slow, burning kiss before working down her neck. Sakura shifted and pulled him closer. His arousal, only glowing embers before, now started to burn brightly. She was so soft. So perfect.

Though there was a fabric barrier, Kurama could feel how delicate she was under that thin cotton shirt…he just wanted to take it off and know her completely…

This isn't right. You need to stop it. Now!

Kurama immediately pulled away from his trembling lover. "I've kept you awake long enough, my love. It's time for you to sleep,"

Sakura folded her arms. "Honestly, I'm fine,"

Kurama kissed her forehead. "Using the Spirit Flame has depleted your ki. And the best remedy for that is to rest,"

"Actually… my fire felt different tonight,"

Kurama paused. "What do you mean? Was it stronger?"

"Something like that. I don't know, the colour of my fire looked new," Sakura closed her eyes again and shrugged. "But that was when Kuwabara's power came back, so it was probably just a trick of the light,"

"Perhaps. But most likely, it was due to the dire situation fuelling your power. Either way, you need to sleep and regain your strength,"

She opened her mouth to protest again, only to be silenced with another kiss. After a minute, Kurama pulled back to see Sakura giving him an irritated look.

"Now you're just teasing me," she pouted.

Kurama smiled and reached for the empty glass on her bedside table. "The Recovery Plant elixir will speed up the process. I'll fetch you some more water,"

Sakura flopped back down on the bed. "OK," she grumbled.

"I'll be right back," Kurama chuckled and stepped out into the hallway.

From the sounds of the shouting coming from the living room, Keiko and Genkai were still berating Yusuke which meant he was unlikely to be disturbed. Good. He needed a moment alone to centre himself. He'd come so close to losing control while kissing Sakura. So close to possibly frightening her, and he'd never ever do that to his flower.

He headed into the kitchen and began filling the glass.

It must have been a reaction to what happened while confronting Koenma in Spirit World.

That pull towards Yoko Kurama in the face of his anger at the prince had clearly lingered, clouded his judgement. Either way, he needed to keep the lid on Yoko's influence. He couldn't do anything that might set Sakura's recovery back. Speaking of which…

Kurama returned to Sakura's room to find her sitting upright in bed.

"Kurama?" Her eyes were wide with worry.

"Yes, sweetheart? What's wrong?"

"I just remembered!" Sakura said quickly. "The psychic we fought. Is he ok?"

Kurama carefully placed the water down and sat on her bed before taking a moment to compose himself. Great anger had risen up in him at the reminder of who had attacked his treasure.

Sakura seemed to misunderstand his silence as bad news. She grabbed his hand. "Is he OK? Please tell me!"

She's more concerned for the one who attacked them than herself.

Kurama cupped her face. "He's alive," he said briefly, but calmly. "Apparently his name is Mitari. He is the one they called Sea Man. His injuries were certainly severe, but it seems he's in a stable condition now,"

"Oh thank God," Sakura breathed. She put a trembling hand over her eyes. "He…"

Kurama traced down her cheek with his finger. "Yusuke told me that you begged Botan and Genkai to save him," Perhaps this sudden change in subject was a good thing for both of them.

Sakura nodded wearily. "I couldn't let him die, Kurama. I know how it sounds, but I just couldn't,"

Kurama slid his hand under her chin. "Can you tell me why?"

"After Kuwabara took him down, he looked up at me for just a moment, and…" Sakura took a deep breath. "I saw something in his eyes, Kurama. Something I didn't expect,"

"What was that, my love?"

Sakura closed her eyes again as a few tears slipped out underneath.

"Fear," she murmured. "Deep-seated fear. I think Kuwabara noticed it too. Mitari looked lost, like he was desperately searching for hope. For someone to pull him out of the darkness,"

Kurama didn't say anything, but Sakura knew he was listening to every word. The memory of Mitari's terrified face seemed to be burning holes in her mind.

"I've seen that look before," Sakura admitted. "It was almost the same look I saw in… Haruki's eyes. At the Dark Tournament,"

Haruki.

Kurama's heart clenched, but Sakura had started to cry in earnest. The guilt was taking hold of her.

"Mitari looked so tormented, so alone. Just like Haruki. I could almost taste it. He was asking… no, he was screaming for help,"

Sakura looked up at Kurama. "I couldn't leave him, Kurama. I just couldn't do it,"

Her sobs increased. "Especially since I couldn't… you know, I couldn't do anything for Haruki. I didn't know who he was at the time… and now he's gone,"

Kurama understood. Sakura's empathy had won out against any other emotion or logic. Most would have killed the psychic responsible for harming her friends. She hadn't. And neither had Kuwabara.

She's so selfless. The very opposite of who I was as Yoko.

"If only I'd realised," Sakura moaned. "If I had just one more chance…maybe I could do something…"

"Shhhh," Kurama wiped the tears from Sakura's face and enfolded her in his arms. "Do you still blame yourself for not knowing, Kura?"

She hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. "I know it doesn't make any sense, but yes. He did some truly unforgivable things, but still… I can't help but wish there was more I could've done,"

Without a word, Kurama pulled her in even tighter against him. He couldn't bear to see his flower so distraught, much less over something that wasn't remotely her fault.

Should I tell her about my suspicion?

Should he voice the possibility that Haruki was still alive, and potentially behind this tunnel?

No, that was a terrible idea. Koenma hadn't confirmed Haruki's fate either way. There was no sense in frightening Sakura until they had a conclusive answer. Besides, she was agitated enough as it was. He needed to calm her, or she'd never sleep.

"I very much doubt you could have done anything, even if we did know his true identity at the time," Kurama said gently. "After all those years with Sakyo and Toguro, it was too late,"

Sakura wiped her eyes. "You're probably right. Especially since we don't even know how he ended up with Sakyo in the first place, or why,"

"We'll probably never know," Kurama stroked her face. "Haruki caused you great pain, my love. He is not your responsibility, and neither is whatever happened to him. Don't torment yourself a moment longer, alright?"

Sakura took a shaky breath. "I'll do my best,"

"Good," Kurama planted another kiss on her forehead before reaching into his hair. The Recovery Plant grew at his command, and poured three shimmering drops of blue liquid into the glass.

Kurama mixed the elixir into the water and was about to hand it to Sakura when he remembered Keiko's words.

"Kurama? Is something wrong?" Sakura tilted her head.

"I spoke with Keiko before coming in," he began slowly. "And I have to make something clear…"

Sakura frowned. What is he talking about…?

Kurama placed the glass back down and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Kura, I don't ever want you to feel afraid of being honest with me,"

Oh.

So that's what he was getting at. Sakura wanted to hide under the quilt in shame, but resisted the urge.

Keiko must have told him.

Her lover spoke in his softest tone. "I told you that I'd be there for every moment, good or bad. I love you. All of you,"

"I love you too," Sakura whispered. "I really do,"

"So tell me," he said tenderly. "Is there anything else you'd like to talk about tonight? Anything at all?"

Sakura mulled the question over in her mind. This was her chance to ask him if he'd tampered with her memories. If he'd decided that whatever had happened in the hospital had been too much for her to bear. But truthfully, now that the opportunity was being offered to her, Sakura wasn't sure if she really wanted to know.

She'd been doing so well in the months following the tournament. Perhaps something had triggered her in the basement, and Kurama had feared it would send her back to square one.

Kurama always asks my permission. He wouldn't make that kind of choice for me… unless he felt like it was the only option.

He was still waiting for her answer.

Sakura smiled at him, having made her decision. "No, there's nothing,"

He raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure, my love?"

"Yes," she insisted.

"Alright," he held the glass out. "Time for you to rest. I'll inform the others on what you told me about Sea Man,"

Sakura raised the cup to her lips. "Do you promise to come right back to me?"

"Of course, my hana," His smile made her melt. "Nothing could ever stop me,"

At last, Sakura drank the elixir and almost immediately began to feel drowsy. Kurama tucked the quilt around her.

"Go to sleep, Kura," he whispered. "I'll be here when you wake up,"

"Mmm," she replied.

She was almost out. Kurama brushed a hand over her cheek and quietly left the room, shutting the door behind him.

Sakura adjusted her position slightly to make room for Kurama when he returned. It had been a very strange day, and an even stranger night.

At least I can cross another psychic off that list I was making… huh?

A flash of movement caused Sakura's eyes to open in alarm.

What was that?

Her eyes were getting heavier by the second, but Sakura forced herself to look around. As far as she could see, there was nothing in her room. She couldn't sense anything either.

Must've been my imagination.

Sakura collapsed back down on her pillow. The sedative quickly pulled her under, and she drifted off.

She's been thinking about me.

Haruki's shadow form travelled along the wall, closer to the bed where Sakura slept. He drank in the sight. Being so close to her was like a dream.

So perfect. Inhumanly perfect.

He could see her chest rise and fall with each breath. He could see every single one of her long lashes. He could see the faint blush on her tear-stained cheek. Tears that she had cried for him. So she'd finally worked out who he was.

This whole time, she's been thinking about me.

Back in his physical body, Haruki's heart swelled with inexpressible emotion. Thanks to his abilities from the tunnel and the old man, he'd heard every word spoken in the Urameshi apartment. Sensui would be most fascinated.

Haruki knew he didn't have long. The Spirit Fox would be back at any moment, with his sharpened senses and distrustful nature. There was every chance that Kurama might be able to sense him, even with his energy suppressed. Not only that, but Sensui would want him to return soon, to go over the final details for his plan.

But first, there was something Haruki wanted to do. It was going to require care. He couldn't risk waking her. That would throw Sensui's plan into chaos.

He slipped his shadow form off the wall and hovered over the girl, as close to her ear as he dared.

"You'll be seeing me again, Sakura Urameshi. Much sooner than you think,"

It was too bad the Spirit Fox had given her that sedative. Otherwise, he might be tempted to act now… ask her what power she was hiding… what she really was…

Be patient. Just one more day.

If Sensui had let him track them down sooner, he would've come every night to watch her. Even if it meant having to stomach the Spirit Fox's presence.

The fox thinks he knows all, but in reality, he knows nothing. Erasing that memory of me won't make a difference. Not once we make our move.

Haruki smiled to himself. Kurama could talk all he wanted. He wasn't in control here. Sensui was.

It's time to go.

With one final look at Sakura, Haruki pulled back. His energy rushed as he returned to his body. The room reappeared, thrown into eerie relief by the now empty tank. Gourmet must have made his move.

Sensui was eyeing him carefully from his chair. "Welcome back, Ghost. Judging by what I observed, it would appear your mission was successful. Tell me, did you learn what we needed to know?"

"Mr Sensui," Haruki breathed. "I learned more than I ever dreamed of,"

Sensui smiled. "Then it's time,"

I've given you a chance, Koenma. I've waited til you found my replacement. Now, it's time to settle the question. Should human beings live… or die?

Mitari's eyes flew open. He bolted upright. A sharp pain shot through his body from the movement, and he groaned.

Where am I?

He was lying on a bed in an unfamiliar apartment. His torso was wrapped in bandages.

"Welcome back," an unfamiliar voice said. Mitari jumped in alarm.

Gentle hands caught his shoulders. "Take it easy, kid. You lost a lot of blood,"

"Shut it, you damn brat," the first speaker snapped. "It's his own fault,"

"Kura, get back!" someone else said sharply. Mitari felt the hands that supported him being removed. His head began to clear, and he caught a glimpse of the girl who was moving away with reluctance.

Sakura? Sakura Urameshi?

Mitari looked around the room in awe. The bed was surrounded by a surprising number of people, apparently waiting for him to wake up. Some he knew by sight, others were strangers. Sitting closest to him on a backwards chair was a teenage boy with black hair and a knowing look. Mitari recognised him at once.

"You're Yusuke,"

The Spirit Detective nodded darkly. "That's right, Goldie. And that's my bed you're sleeping in, thanks to the human freight train there dragging you in so we could stitch you back up,"

He jerked his thumb towards the floor. For the first time, Mitari realised that Kuwabara was lying there in his underwear with only a pillow. He was snoring lightly and there were a number of dressings on the wounds he carried from their fight.

Shizuru smiled proudly at him. "Bro finally did something helpful without his girl being around,"

"His companions - your victims - have survived as well," Kurama added coldly. He had a protective arm around Sakura. "They informed us of the encounter with you. Then we erased their memories of last night so they wouldn't be burdened by the darker truths,"

Yusuke glared. "Like another human fighting for the wrong side,"

Mitari realised that while almost everyone in the room was looking at him with fear or hostility, Sakura's expression indicated something more like concern. Even pity. The sight was surprising, given how hard she'd fought him. Mitari looked away.

"Kuwabara saved your life after you tried to kill him," Yusuke said sternly. "You think your psychic pals would've done that? You owe him big, so start talking,"

"Yeah, come clean!" Kuwabara's loud voice made Mitari jump again. "Yeah… gotta clean my socks…"

Keiko looked over in confusion. "What?"

"Sleep talking," Shizuru chuckled. "Sleep-walking without the bruises,"

"Puu!"

Mitari felt the weight of everyone staring at him expectantly. "You don't understand," he mumbled. "You haven't seen what I have. We should all die,"

"Clarify all," Kurama said. "You mean your fellow psychics?"

"No, I mean all of us. Humans," Mitari breathed. He suddenly turned to them with a wild expression. "You'd all think so too if you saw the videotape!"

Sakura blinked. "What video?"

"Yeah, and say it with more feeling," Yusuke snickered.

Mitari's eyes were burning. "It's the video they've labelled Chapter Black," he whispered.

"You've seen it?!" Kurama gasped. Sakura felt the steel in his arms tighten a little.

"Yes I have," Mitari nodded. "Every single minute of it,"

"Chapter Black…" Kurama breathed. "Amazing,"

Sakura raised a brow. "I'm guessing you've heard of it,"

"It's legendary," Kurama shook his head. "Hiei's wanted to get his hands on that tape for years,"

Yusuke looked interested. "That good of a flick, huh?"

Kurama nodded. "It is a piece of intelligence, supposedly kept in the deepest bowels of Spirit World's record department. Over its millenia of existence, the human race has committed very heinous crimes against others and their own. This video tape is a compilation containing the most atrocious acts of all,"

Sakura tensed up. The worst acts in human history? That doesn't sound good.

"It is said to run thousands of hours," Kurama continued. "I knew well of the tape's existence, but never imagined it could be an impetus in this case,"

"So many horrifying things marching across that giant screen…" Mitari was trembling like a leaf. "You don't know how we really are, what we're capable of. I saw it all,"

He stared around the room with those same terrified eyes. "If you saw it, you'd think differently too. You'd understand that we're doomed. And so… we have to -"

"Have to WHAT, Sir Judge?" Yusuke tipped his chair over in a rage. "Have to get us all eaten the hell up by some bloodthirsty monster?!"

Sakura grabbed his arm. "Yusuke! Calm down!"

"That's right!" Mitari retorted. "You're defensive because you don't know the truth. Humanity only seems good to you because you were born in a peaceful time. But war is our nature. It'll always come back,"

Sweat was trickling down Mitari's face. "Have you ever seen hundreds of frightened people standing in line to be killed in a camp? Have you seen horsemen raid and destroy a village, dance on the bodies of their victims, crushing them as they celebrated victory, singing happy songs?"

His voice was rising with hysteria. "Have you ever seen a gigantic bomb wipe away millions who had never even picked up a weapon?! Civil war, where a mom is hacked down in front of her child, or a child in front of his mom… and the soldier breaking up a family who loves each other, leading them into a fire with his eyes enjoying the torture…"

Softs sobs came from behind. "Come on, kid," Shizuru was leading a tearful Keiko out of the room. "I think you've passed your sympathy limit,"

Kurama saw Sakura's distressed face and gently nudged her to follow.

Go on, love. Step out for a moment. I'll be right there.

Sakura hesitated, but with a concerned look at Mitari, she left.

With the girls gone, Yusuke rounded on Mitari. "And you think you're better than those people on the tape?"

"Well I know I'm not!" Mitari said fiercely. "Neither are you. No human can be!"

"What about Kuwabara? He saved you, right?" Yusuke snapped. "And you know, when he came to for a minute last night I asked him, 'Stupid, why the hell did you save that jerk?' And he said because, Urameshi… in his eyes, he was crying for help,"

Mitari's eyes widened.

"My sister backed him up, you know," Yusuke chuckled, crossing his arms behind his head. "I thought they were both insane, but now I see how scared you are, and I kind of follow,"

Kurama stepped forward. "What's more, Sakura had broken ribs from your cowardly attack," he said quietly. "But despite the pain she was in, she refused to let anyone tend to her injuries until you'd been taken care of. I suggest you mull that over while you recover,"

The boy stared at him for a second before he suddenly pounded the bed with his fists. "Every night I see them…the victims on that tape," he wailed. "I've always seen myself like them. But then in my nightmares, I'm the one holding the weapons, you know?

He looked up at them with tears streaming down his face. "Like all along, it's been me who was doing those terrible things. And I feel dirtier and dirtier, like I need to make up for something. But I don't even know what. Like I'm the bully,"

Mitari buried his head in his hands. "I'm sorry!" he sobbed. "I'm… sorry!"

Yusuke and Kurama stared at him in astonishment. There was no trace of the anger and malice that Kuwabara's friends had spoken of. This boy was terrified, and lost. He was trying to find something to cling to.

Botan sat down on the bed next to Mitari. She was wiping her own tears away.

Sakura poked her head back into the room. "Hey, I…" she gingerly took a few steps towards the distraught boy. "I brought you some water, in case you felt thirsty,"

Mitari's head snapped up. "Wh-what?"

"Here," Sakura placed it in his hands. "Like I said, you lost a lot of blood last night. You need to keep your fluids up,"

"I…" He gawked at her for a moment before dissolving into tears again.

Sakura looked to Yusuke and Kurama for answers. "What's wrong? What did I do?"

"Nothing, but perhaps we should leave him now," Kurama murmured. "Clearly, he must face his own demons before he faces us,"

Yusuke nodded. "Yeah…"

Sakura didn't want to leave. She wanted to help him somehow. She'd never seen anyone crying so inconsolably before. Mitari looked so young, so vulnerable. But he was clearly not able to hold a conversation in this state.

Kurama took Sakura's arm and led the twins away to the small balcony off the kitchen. Once they were outside, Sakura turned to the boys.

"Well… that was a lot," she admitted.

Yusuke leaned over the balcony and gazed at the city. "I see stuff on the stupid six o'clock news every night that pisses me off about people. And that video's got our all-time worst. That's gotta be a pretty rough experience,"

Sakura was silent. She hadn't understood why humans would willingly take part in the annihilation of their own race, but if they'd seen Chapter Black, it explained everything. Being forced to sit through such a tape would be far beyond traumatising.

"I would imagine so," Kurama agreed. "It's said it will turn an average man against his own kind in five minutes of viewing,"

Yusuke scowled. "That's cheery. You may turn me just talking about it,"

Kurama chuckled and gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Yusuke. The capacity for evil is but one ingredient in the human soul,"

"I hope so…"

Sakura ran a hand through her hair. The thought of Chapter Black was making her blood boil.

"I'm not going to pretend that humans are saints but honestly, it sounds like that video seems to paint everything black and white," She shook her head. "That's totally one-sided. Most of us live in the grey area,"

"Still, the greatest concern in my mind is that the Chapter Black video is in the enemy's possession," Kurama murmured. "It clearly has the ability to turn almost anyone to their side. The footage must be provocative. I confess, there was even a time when I wanted to see it,"

"What?" Sakura gasped.

Kurama turned quickly to see Yusuke glaring at him sideways.

"Was, was!" He laughed.

Yusuke glanced at his sister. Geez, he's making me paranoid!

"Anyway, a more pressing matter," Kurama was suddenly business-like again. "You never asked me where I went yesterday,"

Yusuke blinked. "Oh yeah…"

"Truth be known, I went to speak with Koenma,"

Sakura paused. Why?

"You went all the way to Spirit World?" Yusuke frowned. "Why didn't you just use my briefcase thing?"

Kurama gazed up at the sky. "I needed to confront him face to face. He could never put my suspicions to rest. And speaking with Sea Man has now made me certain,"

"Certain of what?" Sakura asked.

Kurama's eyes narrowed slightly. "Koenma knows the exact identity of our foe,"

Sakura's heart skipped a beat. "Koenma?!"

"He WHAT?!" Yusuke yelled.

Kurama turned back to the twins. "I've planned a formal meeting to -"

Sakura shook her head. "Too late…"

Yusuke had dashed inside, flung open the briefcase and was screaming into the television screen.

"EARTH TO TODDLER BITCH! You better speak now before I forever put that pacifier ten inches down your throat!"

Kurama looked like he wanted to sink through the floor.

Not quite what I planned!

Sakura rolled her eyes. "Come on…"

Everyone crowded around the screen just as Koenma appeared. "Hey Yusuke! I'm glad to see you've regained some enthusiasm. It's good in small doses,"

"Kurama says you knew who was behind this from the very start!" Yusuke shouted. "Why the HELL haven't you told me?!"

Koenma took a breath. "I wasn't positive until Chapter Black was mentioned. Only one man has a copy of that. I just didn't want to believe it,"

"CUT TO THE MEAT, PAL!"

"As you wish Yusuke," Koenma steeled himself before continuing. "The name of the mastermind… Shinobu Sensui. He was the Spirit Detective of the earth before you came along,"

The whole room froze in horrified disbelief. Sakura's head started spinning.

A former Spirit Detective? How is that possible?

Koenma pulled a picture up on the screen behind him. "This is a photo of Shinobu Sensui in high school, when he began working for me,"

"That face! The one who confronted us in the fairway!" Yusuke gasped.

"But he looks a lot older now," Sakura looked closely at the image. Kurama put a hand on her shoulder. He didn't say a word.

"Sensui was gifted with an incredibly strong sense of right and wrong," Koenma continued. "Perhaps too strong. It was about ten years ago when he simply disappeared. In the weeks leading up to that, I remember he always asked me the same question. Are we even worth protecting? Then the Chapter Black video vanished from the vault, and so did he,"

A trickle of sweat ran down Koenma's face. "We tried to track him down, but to no avail. I hoped he'd gone into seclusion, content never to be bothered. But why would he resurface now?"

Koenma shook his head, and stood up from his desk.

"You have to be careful, Yusuke. He is incredibly lethal! I'll be at your place shortly,"

The screen blacked out, leaving them all in shocked silence. Koenma's confession had managed to explain everything and nothing at the same time.

"A detective…" Yusuke looked at his sister's white face and got to his feet with a furious look. "Well I'm sure as hell not gonna let some idiot just like me be the end of the world!"

Sakura felt Kurama kneeling down and holding her close. She realised that her hands were shaking.

This is bad. This is really, really bad.

"Yusuke," she whimpered. "How are we going to stop him?

It seemed like nobody had an answer for her.

Ayame entered Koenma's office with a memo in her hand.

"I checked with the administration team, Koenma. They're still going through the list of departed souls. I'm afraid it will take another few hours to confirm what you wanted to know,"

Koenma sighed. "Kurama won't be happy, but so be it. Has anything unusual come up in the meantime?"

"So far everything seems to be in order sir. No inconsistencies have been discovered,"

"Well, that's something," Koenma muttered. "Notify me immediately once the job is done, or the subject's name is found to be missing,"

"Of course,"

Ayame left, and Koenma sat in silence for a moment.

If Kurama's theory about Haruki turns out to be true, it could spell even more disaster. But how could he be alive? There's just no way!

Even in his mind, Koenma knew that was a feeble argument.

"Koenma sir?" Jorge hesitated. "What does it mean if Master Shin's student is still alive?"

"If he's alive, then he's almost certainly working with Sensui to open the tunnel," Koenma sighed. "And given all the trouble Haruki caused at the Dark Tournament, I don't even want to imagine what will happen,"

"Do you suppose he might target Miss Sakura again?"

Koenma shuddered, but didn't reply. Sakura had been devastated by Master Shin's murder as well as the revelation of Haruki's identity. If he'd teamed up with Sensui, then there were two possibilities, and neither of them good. Either Haruki and Sensui would indeed go after Sakura, or she'd seek out the boy herself.

She'd never accept it. She'd want to at least try to rehabilitate him somehow.

For now, all he could do was wait for the admin ogres to finish searching the list.

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. In the meantime, I need to get to the Living World immediately,"

Koenma headed for the exit with Jorge trailing behind him.

"Koenma sir! Are you sure you have to go there?"

"Of course I'm sure, you dolt," Koenma retorted. "I picked and trained Sensui myself. It's my mess to clean up. Besides, we know for sure now that he has the Chapter Black video, and he's using it against us. Just imagine if that footage got out to the human public!"

Jorge gasped. "But your father has ordered you to remain here! You'll get a hundred spankings!"

"If that's the worst I get from this I'll be a happy camper!" Koenma snapped.

Jorge's voice was growing plaintive. "You'll come back soon, sir? Right? I think our dynamic was really improving,"

"Ogre, you're a fruitcake,"

"But what should I tell your father if he returns?" Jorge spluttered.

Koenma rolled his eyes. "You think of something. You're big and blue,"

They had reached the exit. The toddler prince turned back to Jorge.

"This might be the time for me now," Koenma said solemnly. "In fact, it might be the time for us all. You take care of things here, and hopefully I'll have a home to come back to,"

Jorge was tearful. "Oh sir, please be careful. All the times I said I hated you, I only half meant it!"

Koenma hopped onto the cloud that would transport him to the Living World. "Likewise. Sort of,"

He soared off into the air without looking back once.

Back in the Urameshi apartment, everyone had gathered in Sakura's room to discuss Koenma's bombshell.

"An enemy just like you," Genkai looked at them over the rim of her tea cup. "I wasn't prepared for that,"

Sakura was curled up on her bed in Kurama's arms. "None of us did, Genkai,"

"Look, Botan," Yusuke turned to the latter. "No more innocent acts. What the hell is this?"

Botan blinked. "Why me?"

"You help Spirit Detectives, right? You must've been with this guy,"

She turned her gaze upwards, as if looking into the past. "In those days I was just a simple grim reaper,"

"Oh, give me a break!" Yusuke groaned. "What good is an assistant if they can't dish out the gossip? You might as well have stayed on your oar!"

"Well maybe I should!" Botan retorted. "I like that job. It takes sacrifices, being in human form all day,"

Kurama paused from stroking Sakura's hair. "Let's try to stick to the subject of Sensui,"

Botan made her cat face. "Fine. In that case I'm useless. Meow!"

Genkai sighed. "Koenma better come soon. If I keep sitting with these kids, I'll find a new use for my Spirit Wave,"

Sakura was lost in thought about the troubled boy recovering in Yusuke's bed.

He's so traumatised. I know how that feels. But is it just from watching Chapter Black?

Her gut told her that the answer was no. No normal person would willingly watch such a tape if they weren't already damaged. And people who were damaged were far more susceptible to manipulation.

There had to be something else there. She'd seen it last night in the rain, and again as he'd broken down in front of them all.

Kurama, there's something I need to do before Koenma arrives.

Mitari was lost. Kuwabara had already shown him the first sign of compassion. Maybe she could water the seed.

It's worth a try.

"That should keep you from falling apart," Shizuru told Mitari while she pinned the dressing in place. "Just no jumping jacks,"

Botan glanced down at the first aid kit. "Oh dear… that's the last of the bandages,"

"I'll go grab some more from the drugstore," Keiko said brightly. "Wanna come with me, Puu?"

The creature in her arms chirped happily. "Puu!"

"Great. I'm sure we'll need them," Shizuru ran a hand through her hair. Keiko left, but someone else entered the room.

"Kura?" Botan was taken aback by how serious she looked. "Is everything alright?"

Sakura nodded. "I was just wondering if I could talk to Mitari,"

That got his attention. "You… want to talk to me?"

"If you're feeling up to it," Sakura gave him a smile.

Mitari's eyes went even wider. "I guess so,"

Understanding passed over Shizuru's face. "Sure. We'll leave you to it,"

She took Botan's arm and led her away. I can sense what you're doing, kiddo. I just hope it works.

Thanks, Shizuru.

Sakura looked back at Mitari, and suddenly felt nervous.

How do I even start this conversation?

"Um, I'm Sakura," she began a little awkwardly before pointing at the bed. "Mind if I…?"

Mitari shrugged as much as he could with his injury. "If you want,"

Sakura sat down. "So, Mitari…"

"Why did you do it?" he asked bluntly. "I tried to kill your friend. I broke your ribs. You had no reason to save me!"

Sakura bit her lip. "Actually, I did,"

"But why?" he demanded. "It's not what humans do!"

Sakura cocked her head. "Well, it's like Yusuke said. I saw the fear in your eyes last night. So did Kuwabara. Truth be told…you reminded me a little of myself,"

Mitari stared at her.

"I don't know, I just have this feeling that you're carrying a lot of pain. That you were searching for hope and something went wrong,"

Sakura closed her eyes. "I know how it feels to be afraid. To be haunted by bad memories. And I guess I just wanted to tell you… you're not alone,"

She turned back to Mitari. He looked like a deer in the headlights.

"It's easy to feel like there's nobody who understands," Sakura went on. "And honestly nobody can truly know how it feels to be you, but that doesn't mean there aren't people who'll care,"

Mitari bent down. His shoulders started shaking again.

"You… you don't know what my life has been like," he gasped out. "I just want it all to stop!"

"I heard Yusuke say something about you being bullied?" Sakura pressed gently.

Mitari nodded. He didn't look up. "All through school, people seem to just hate me. I don't even know why. I never… I never did anything to them!" he sobbed. "It's torture. Every single day is torture. I just wanted it to stop. But it never did. Then he came along,"

Sakura would've pointed out that going by the nickname Sea Man probably wasn't the best way to avoid being bullied, but she resisted.

"Who came along? Sensui?"

"Mr Sensui said he could make it stop," Mitari could hardly talk through his tears. "That's all I wanted. I just want it all to stop!"

Without thinking about what she was doing, Sakura put a hand on his head. "I'm so sorry," she whispered. "I've been bullied. It's a horrible feeling,"

The rawness of his pain was breaking Sakura's heart. Even without reading Mitari's mind, she could infer exactly what had happened.

This Sensui must have realised he was vulnerable, and targeted him because of that. Telling this poor kid that he could make it all go away forever… showing him that awful video. No wonder he thinks all humans are monsters.

Sensui sounded like the real monster. Calculating. Manipulative. Sociopathic, even.

"Mr Sensui said that there were other people like me. Other people that would understand. We're the ones saving the world,"

That makes sense.

"Being with the other psychics must've felt like you were part of something," Sakura said more to herself than Mitari.

He didn't reply, but Sakura felt his body tense up.

Maybe I should go. He's still really upset.

"I know this was weird, but I just wanted to try and understand,"

Sakura got up a little too quickly. The sudden movement caused her to wince and put a hand to her now-healed ribs.

"Ow…! Anyway, you should get some more rest,"

Sakura padded over to the door.

"Miss Urameshi?" Mitari couldn't hide the guilt on his face. "I'm… sorry I hurt you last night,"

Sakura waved her hand dismissively. "Trust me, I've had worse. This isn't the first time I've broken ribs. And I doubt it'll be the last,"

Just then, the doorbell rang. Sakura heard Shizuru answering, and a familiar voice in reply.

"Yo, Shizuru,"

Koenma had finally arrived.

A.N. Big chapter this time, but the next one is going to be even bigger. I hope you're all ready.

Chapter 18 will be released by October 28th, but I'd like to publish it on the 27th because, believe it or not, that day is the one year anniversary for this series!

EDIT: (29/11) I'm still working on Chapter 18. It will be posted in the next few days.

It's after midnight here in Sydney, so I'm going to bed. Sakura sends her love and hugs. Please follow/favourite, take a minute to leave a review and we'll see you in the next installment.

Next Chapter: Sensui's fall from grace is revealed just as Team Urameshi comes under attack.