"I still don't know about this, Yusuke. It's too risky."

"I understand that Tsuki, but if he wanted to kill us, he would've done it. Hell he knew where you lived!"

"Well, it's not that hard to find my shrine. It's the only one in our district."

"That's not the point! He could've easily defeated us, especially in my weak state!"

"That's true." Tsuki sighed as she munched on her rice. She pressed her head against the wall. "What is his motive with the dark mirror?"

Yusuke crossed his legs as he stared at the clear blue sky. "We'll see after school. He said to meet him around 5. Will Botan be back around that time?"

"Don't know. She said she needed to go to the Spirit World to get more information about the mirror. I know she was against us meeting with him, but we should be fine as long as we stick together."

"There you are!" a familiar voice yelled.

Tsuki and Yusuke looked up as their friend stood in front of them.

Keiko put her hands on her hips. "For the past few days, you two have been on this balcony talking very secretively." She narrowed her eyes. "Is there something going on?"

Yusuke got up and leaned very close to Keiko's sudden reddened face. "Why would you ask us that?" He asked innocently.

"B-because I-I'm not stupid, Yusuke! Now, can you please back away!"

"Why? I thought you like being this close to me."

Tsuki observed silently as her friend squirmed away from his boldness. Sooner or later they were going to confess their love for each other.

"Ugh! Ever since you came back from the dead, you've been acting strange. Stranger than usual! And you." Keiko pointed at Tsuki. "You've been reserved and not paying attention in class. What's going on that you can't tell your childhood friend?"

"It's nothing," Tsuki stated, looking straight into Keiko's worried brown eyes. "Don't worry. Yusuke just needs spiritual guidance to cleanse his energy. Right Yusuke?"

"Correct. Besides, I'm alive but my life is not how it used to be. I've seen and experienced things that an average human can't comprehend. Since visiting Tsuki and her grandfather at their shrine, I've seen the light and ready to make positive changes"

Keiko snorted and rolled her eyes. "I highly doubt you've seen the light, Yusuke." She paused. "Tsuki, are you sure you're fine?"

"Yes," the priestess answered. Deep down, she wished she could tell Keiko everything. She was the sincere friend that was there for Tsuki when her mother died. When she needed to vent, Keiko was always there to listen to her. Now with the Human World in danger, Tsuki only wanted to protect her.

"Fine, I'll leave it alone for now. Are we studying today Tsuki? We have a big history test next week."

"Not today, I have shrine duty. How about tomorrow?"

"Ok, but you need to promise me you'll come."

"I promise."

Keiko turned away. "Well, I'll see you guys in class. Don't let Yusuke make you late!"

They waited until they heard the door closed.

"That woman. I swear nothing gets past her," Yusuke grumbled.

"It's better this way. She doesn't need to get involved in this. I'm just glad she didn't assume we were hooking up."

Yusuke laughed. "Pfft, as if! We've been friends since elementary. I'm definitely not your type, Tsuki. You want someone that doesn't have the same lifestyle as you."

"True, but we have to deal with Kurama and Hiei before I can even find my husband. If the worst comes to shove, I'm ready to battle him." Unlike Goki, Tsuki knew Kurama would be tough to defeat.

"Right, hopefully we don't have to go there. I completely trust him. We'll get the Forlorn Hope by tonight."

"Urameshi. Saito." Kurama greeted as he walked towards them, hands in pocket. He still had on his school uniform. "You guys came. I'm glad. I hope it wasn't a hassle getting here."

The spirit detective waved. "Hey Kurama, nope. Metro wasn't too bad. How's school?"

"Casual. I had to leave early since there was an important matter to attend to."

"Lucky you. I wished I could've left early but a certain someone would've given me hell if I skipped more than once a week."

Kurama lightly chuckled and glanced at Tsuki. "Priestess, thank you for coming."

"It's the least I can do since you spared our lives that night." She observed the hospital. The tall building looked normal. She watched an ederly couple enter through the door without any problems. So far, nothing suspicious.

"I know you've seen a lot of horrific things, but believe me. I don't mean any harm."

Tsuki narrowed her eyes. "Then why do you need the Forlorn Hope? For what reason other than terrorizing the Spirit and Human World?"

"Priestess, please understand that-"

"How can I understand you if thousands of people's lives are in danger? Forgive me for being skeptical, but you were just partners with a psychotic killer, and an ogre that feeds on children's souls."

"It's better to show you. I already see my words won't have any effect on you." Kurama faced the hospital door. "Follow me. All of your answers are inside."

"Tsuki, calm down," Yusuke whispered as they trailed behind him. "I know you're upset but we can't take it personally. He's willing to meet with us and return the dark mirror. Give him a chance."

"Yusuke, you didn't see the Spirit World," Tsuki retorted. "Those men were slaughtered with no remorse. I can't believe anything right now."

"Maybe you're right, but I know one thing. We can't speculate anything until we see everything."

They made it to room 501.

"Here we are." Kurama knocked and opened the door. "Mother, I'm coming in and I brought guests".

Mother?

Tsuki and Yusuke glanced at each other before entering the room.

A mature woman covered in a pink robe slowly lifted herself up from the hospital bed.

Her black eyes lit up. "Hello, my son."

"Mother, you don't have to sit up."

"It's not so bad. I feel fine today. Are these your friends?"

"Yes, this is Yusuke Urameshi and Tsuki Saito. I spotted them while walking to the hospital."

Tsuki and Yusuke bowed.

"Nice to meet you." She smiled and waved. Her scars on her arms remain visible to them.

Behind that smile, Tsuki immediately sensed the woman was extremely ill. Even though her spirit was holding on to dear life, her life force was slowly dimming out like a worn out candle.

She was so focused on the woman, she didn't notice Kurama was eyeing her the whole time.

Tsuki locked eyes and gave him a questionable look. This wasn't what she expected.

Kurama sat down and grabbed an apple from the small table. "Mother, I'll help you eat."

His mother stubbornly shook her head. "I'm not hungry."

"You have to eat," he retorted while peeling the apple. "How are you going to get better if you don't eat?"

"Fine, I swear Shuichi. You're stricter than my doctor."

Kurama chuckled. "Just looking after you, mother."

Shuichi? Yusuke and Tsuki side eye each other. Kurama told them their questions would be answered. Somehow it felt that they had more questions than before.

"That's enough." She laid back down and closed her eyes. "I'm going to rest now."

"No worries." Kurama got up and pecked his mother on the cheek.

"Thank you, my son. It was nice meeting you guys. So sorry I'm not in the welcoming mood. When I get better, you should come over to our place. I'll make a nice lunch for all of us."

They waved and exited out the door.

"I'll be back, mother. Your boyfriend should be here any minute now."

Once Kurama closed the door, he turned to them. "Let's go to the balcony. I'll explain everything."

"Shuichi Minamimo is my human name. My human mother has been taking care of me for 15 years. My father died a few years ago."

"So you're a half-breed?" Tsuki assumed. How can a demon be so caring to a mere sick woman? It made no sense. Her grandfather told her it was rare for humans and demons to mate these days.

"Not exactly. I'm a fox demon. Years ago, I was a thief in the Demon World. I had a good life doing whatever I pleased. That's not until 15 years ago, I was seriously injured by a hunter. Luckily, my spirit was able to leave and transform into a fetus. That gave me enough time to recover. 10 years in the Human World was all I needed to be free."

"Why didn't you?" Yusuke asked.

Kurama glanced at the orange sky. The sun was already disappearing below the horizon. "Did you see her scars?"

They both nodded.

"Six years ago, I slipped on the stool, spilling glass plates on the floor. My mother saved me with the price of her arms being severely wounded. Over time her wound healed, but the scars remained intact. As a demon, it's unheard of to foster such emotions. However, that event made me realize that I always considered her as my human mother. Now she's sick and the doctors tell me she won't last for another month."

"That's why you're using the Forlorn Hope." Tsuki concluded. It made sense. That's why he wanted to leave the group. He didn't want them to get involved with his plan.

"Correct, I'll use it to save her life. After my wish is fulfilled, I'll return the mirror and bring myself in. I'm not justifying anything, priestess. I know what I did was wrong. As long as my mother is saved. I'll take full responsibility for my actions."

"Wouldn't she be lonely if you leave?" No matter how hard she tried to resist, she couldn't hate Kurama. He seemed too innocent for her liking. However, she knew from his heart that he was telling the truth.

"No, I doubt it. She has a boyfriend now that loves her. I'm sure when I'm gone, she'll still be happy."

For a minute, no one said anything. How could they when someone's mother was dying?

"Why are you telling us this?" Yusuke questioned.

Kurama smiled. "Don't worry about me. I just need someone to listen. After all, you believe me."

"Yes we do," Tsuki confirmed. "My mother died a long time ago. She was killed by a demon when I was very young. I was helpless back then. However, I wished I had the ability to save her."

"Priestess, my apologies. I was so careless of my pain and story, I didn't realize your mother was gone."

"Please, it's not your fault. I always wonder what would have happened if she was still alive. That's why I understand your frustrations. There's nothing like a caring mother. I hope everything works out in the end."

"Thank you for your kind words."

They heard the door opened.

"Shuichi!" A bald man with glasses huffed. "There you are!"

"What's wrong?"

"It's your mother! She's in a terrible state right now! The doctor said she might not make it through tonight!"

The group rushed back to room 501. The doctor and nurse were already there, putting an oxygen mask on her face.

Kurama immediately ran to his mother's side. He touched her forehead that was filled with sweat. "She's burning up." His mother's eyes were closed shut. Her eyebrows were furrowed and lips tight from the pain.

The doctor touched his shoulder. "I'm sorry Shuichi. Once you left, she just stopped breathing. We were able to bring oxygen back inside her body. Can I please have a word with you, privately?"

Tsuki and Yusuke left the room not wanting to intrude on the delicate moment, leaving Kurama alone with the doctor.

Yusuke continuously tapped his foot while they stood outside. "Man, I never thought we would be in this predicament."

"Yeah." Tsuki closed her eyes and prayed. When she and her grandfather went to visit the sick, they usually lit incense and wished for better health. If they knew someone was going to die, they waited until the soul left the body and safely entered the Spirit World. Hopefully Kurama's mother's health would improve over time.

Kurama suddenly came out the door. His face was unreadable as he glanced at the ground. "She only has a few hours to live." He brushed by them. "I have no choice but to do it now!"

They followed him back to the balcony. The full moon was shining bright in front of them as Kurama opened the door.

"Kurama, you have to exchange something for your wish. Do you know what that is?" Yusuke asked.

"Yes, it's your life!"

They both gasped.

Kurama merely smirked at their reaction as he put the mirror on the floor. "Why do you think it's called the dark mirror? It fulfills my wish, but takes away my life. Such a beautiful twisted fate."

Tsuki shook her head. She couldn't accept this. "It doesn't have to be this way!"

"It has to be this way, priestess. Maybe it's the price I have to pay for causing harm in the Spirit World. Forlorn Hope, awaken! Fulfill my wish!"

The mirror responded by displaying Kurama's mother with her boyfriend. They were hugging and smiling brightly at each other. "The happiness of this woman. Is that your wish?"

"Yes," Kurama replied without a second thought.

Yusuke came closer. "Wait, hold up! Are you sure about this? If you die, won't it be meaningless?"

"He's right. You deserve to live too. For your mother's sake!"

Kurama shook his head. "There's no other way. Mirror, grant me my wish! "

"Very well." The mirror turned pitch black, immediately sending shock waves into Kurama's body.

"Ugh." The fox demon tried to confidently stand still but they could see that the mirror was sucking his energy dry.

"What are we going to do? He can't just die!" Yusuke kneeled down. "Tsuki, stay back!"

"Wait, Yusuke!"

"Let me handle this in case I die with him. I'm returning the favor, Tsuki. Thank you for protecting my body."

"...Yusuke," Tsuki whispered. She wanted to join, but she knew he'd only push her away. "Don't die!"

Shock waves went inside Yusuke's body. "Mirror, take some of my life okay?"

"What are you doing?" Kurama questioned. He could barely open his eyes from the excruciating pain.

"You can't die. I know your mother is going to be heartbroken if you're gone. I've seen that pain before, and I don't want that to happen again! Do you hear me mirror? Take it! He deserves to live!"

"Your desire shall be fulfilled." The dark mirror released white energy around their area.

"Yusuke! Kurama!" Tsuki covered her eyes as the energy continued to blind her.

After a few seconds, the white light disappeared. The boys laid out on the ground.

"Oh no. " Tsuki kneeled and observed their bodies praying they were not dead. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the steady rhythm of their chests moving. They were breathing, but the mirror had taken a great deal of energy which caused them to faint.

The mirror laughed. "Such a silly boy. However, he made me amused. I fulfilled his desire without taking any of their life force."

Thank goodness. Tsuki relaxed a little.

Kurama opened his green eyes first. He got up and examined his body. "I'm alive! Then mom?" He ran. "Mom!"

Tsuki lifted Yusuke up who grabbed the mirror from the floor. "Come on Yusuke! Let's check it out!"

"Aw man, that hurt! That damn mirror took all of my energy. I can barely move. Glad I'm alive though."

"I'm proud of you Yusuke," Tsuki stated as they walked down the hallway. "You saved two lives today."

"Huh, no bigs. He deserves to be here."

As they entered the room, they noticed the doctor and nurse stood shocked as they read the computer's screen.

"It's a miracle, Shuichi!" The boyfriend cried. He was beside his girlfriend. "Your mother not only passed the critical condition, but her health improved! The will to live is amazing!"

Kurama's mother opened her eyes. Her shaken hand reached for him. "Son, are you there?"

"Yes mother," Kurama replied, clasping onto her hand. Tears began to fall down on his cheek. "I'm not going anywhere."

Tsuki and Yusuke genuinely smiled at the touching reunion. They were relieved that the mirror granted his wish.

"Woo hoo! The spirit detective strikes again!" Botan hugged both of them. "To think I ever doubted you guys! One more treasure to go!"

"Yeah, this treasure was surprisingly unchallenging compared to the battle with Goki," Tsuki remarked. "I wished all battles were like this."

"I've doubt Hiei is going to be easy on us," Yusuke turned to the fox demon. "Right Kurama?"

"Correct. I wouldn't be surprised if he already has a sinister plan." Kurama nodded and bowed. "Thank you for the assistance. My mother should be out of the hospital by the end of this week. I'm in your debt."

Yusuke grinned. "Nonsense. I'm just glad that you got a chance to spend some time with your mother."

"Kurama," Botan began as she got on her oar. "I'll let you stay with your mother tonight. However, tomorrow morning, you'll have to go to trial."

"Yes, I know. A deal is a deal. As I promise, I'll turn myself in."

Tsuki hugged Kurama. "If that means anything, you deserve another chance. Have a good night."

"You too as well, priestess. Have a wonderful night. I'm sorry for the pain I caused in the Spirit and Human World."

"Apology accepted."

"Alright, I'll see you guys soon. I have to tell Koema the good news. Keep me posted!" The grim reaper twirled around before flying high, disappearing from the heavens of the night.

"Are you sure you don't need a ride? I can always ask my mother's boyfriend to drop you off."

"No worries Kurama. Spend time with your mother. We'll be fine."

"Very well. Be safe." Kurama waited until they left before entering back into the hospital.

What an eventful day. Tsuki couldn't help but reminisce about her deceased mother. Oh how wonderful would she have felt if she could hug her right now. Her embrace would instantly ease her anxiety and depression. She could already smell the scent of fresh chrysanthemum that covered her long raven hair.

"Tsuki, are you crying?" Yusuke turned and faced her as they walked silently to the metro station.

Finally realizing that tears were escaping her eyes, the young priestess quickly wiped them away. "No, I'm not."

Yusuke patted her head. "You're such a stubborn girl. It's okay to cry. I know it was hard when your mother died. And I know you felt like no one could understand you or your powers. But Tsuki, I'm here. As a friend and a comrade."

"Thank you, Yusuke." Even though her mother wasn't present in the Human World, she was honestly glad that she had friends that truly cared for her.

"Hey mother, I brought your favorite." Tsuki put the sake and onigiri rice balls by the side of the tombstone. There were already fresh red chrysanthemum flowers on the grass. Grandfather Saito must have put them there yesterday. "I still remember the time you came home from an important mission. You were so excited to be back, you woke me up to celebrate. You even had me try some of your favorite sake. Grandfather was so upset, he hid it for a month!" She chuckled. "I didn't mind the experience. I was just glad you were finally home."

Tsuki kneeled down and touched the markings. "These past few weeks have been rough, especially me finding my way through this world. Of course the old man has been kicking myself into shape. He believes I can be a powerful priestess. Maybe even surpass you."

Tears began to fall. She scolded herself for crying before she went to school. "Mom, there's not a day that I don't think about you. You were the one that pushed me to go to school and further my education. Told me there's more to life than just protecting the world. Of course, I've made friends and enjoyed my normal teenage life but deep down, I knew I couldn't ignore my priestess duties. No matter how hard I try to resist."

She straightened herself up. "My birthday is in a few weeks. When that day comes, I'll accept my role as a priestess. I refuse to allow evil to cause more harm in the Human World. Now I know I'm here to protect the ones I care about."

Tsuki knew she was making the right choice. She felt it in her heart that the Human World needed her. "Well, I better get to school. Keiko will be upset if I'm late. She thinks Yusuke's behavior is rubbing off on me. I love you, mom. I'll talk to you soon. Next time I'll play the koto for you." With one final glance, Tsuki headed to school.