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Chapter Text

Kurama sat at his desk, opening the sketch pad before him, humming softly as he reached out to grab a pencil.

Emotion flickered in the kitsune's emerald orbs as he studied the nearly finished etching, cool reserve giving way to a gentle smile as a precious memory filled his thoughts and he continued where he left off, adding more detail until a quick knock on the door pulled his attention away.

Tenderly he closed the pad, a mask of calm indifference back in place as he turned and said,  "Come in."

The door opened and a tall young man peered inside, his inquisitive eyes of blue focusing to the left where Kurama sat, voice soft but hopeful as he spoke. "Hey, Shuichi, can I talk to you for a moment?"

The red head flashed a polite smile at his step-brother, nodding as he motioned the younger boy to enter. "What can I help you with, Suichi?"

The chestnut haired boy closed the door behind him as he stepped inside, pacing a bit as if to build up courage before he stopped and faced the kitsune. "What I wanted.. that is.. what I would like to know is.. about girls.." he stammered and stopped, brow furrowed in frustration at his inability to voice his questions more clearly.

Kurama tilted his head, studying his brother, curious at the question. "What would you like to know about them specifically?"

"Um.. I.. I want to know how to get girls to like me.. I mean what do girls like?"

Kurama gave him a patient smile. "That is a rather complex answer. Perhaps if you could tell me some background on the girl you are interested in.."

"What makes you think I.. I had any particular girl in mind?" Suichi interjected, the blush upon his cheeks belying the defensive reaction.

The older boy gave a soft chuckle and held up a hand in a placating gesture. "Alright.. well, speaking in generalities, most girls like boys that have a good sense of humor. Of course it doesn't hurt to smile and be polite. Show interest in what they say, even if it bores you. If there is something they like to do, try it once, if only to please her."

"But what about appearances? Girls like guys that are good looking and have a lot of money right?"

Kurama tilted his head. "There are certainly girls that place more emphasis on the physical and monetary aspects of whom they chase after. I would suggest you avoid such girls if you want to remain happy, Suichi." He paused, a ghost of a smile on his lips as he asked, "So which girl is it that you are interested in?"

The younger boy blushed, shuffling his feet as he admitted his crush. "Reiko Ishiguro."

"Ah. She is in your class, right?"

Suichi nodded. "She so smart and so pretty.. you should see her Shuichi.. And she's really good at singing! She makes my insides feel.. all.." He paused, frustration marring his handsome features at the inability to describe how he felt.

"Fluttery?" Kurama suggested, suppressing another chuckle at his brother's emphatic nod.

"Yes! Just like that! You know how that feels don't you, Shuichi? To like a girl so much you feel like your heart will burst if you can't be with her?"

A flicker of emotion passed across the red head's features then died, no more than a blink of the eye as he remained silent, allowing his brother to continue.

"She's definitely my type, too. Really long legs and long hair and a killer smile."

 "Sounds like you are smitten. Why don't you ask her out on a date?"

"A date?" Suichi squeaked, "But.. But what if she says no? What is she says yes? Man.. what do I do then?"

"You'll figure it out, Suichi," Kurama reassured. "Just remember that if she says no, don't give up. Girls do like to be chased, no matter what they say otherwise."

The younger boy nodded, starting to go before he turned and asked. "What about you, Shuichi? What kind of girl is your type?"

Kurama quirked an eyebrow. "Me?"

"Yeah, what kind of girl draws your interest?"

An image sprang instantly into his thoughts. Playful eyes studying him teasingly, her soft laughter echoing in his mind. A warm smile that broke through the many walls he put up to hide his true emotions and made him want to feel and to love. Even if he would not admit to it openly. "Well.. I like girls that are tall and pretty.. who are kind and who have a good sense of humor.. who are not afraid to speak their mind.. "

"You mean like that girl you were talking to last week?" Suichi asked, interrupting his older brother's rather lovely thoughts. "The really pretty blue-haired one?"

"Hmm.. perhaps.." Kurama replied with a crafty smile but did not elaborate.

"Suichi, dear! Your friends are here!"

The younger boy turned his head at the sound of his step-mother's voice. "I'll be right there!" he called back before focusing his attention back to Kurama. "Thanks for taking the time to talk to me, Shuichi."

Kurama nodded, smiling. "You're quite welcome, Suichi," he replied, watching his brother head out and down the stairs, leaving the redhead alone once more.

Swiveling the chair back around, Kurama reached out and opened the sketch pad , eyes softening at the image of a smiling Botan brought to life by his own hand.

Grabbing the nearby pencil, the kitsune fleshed out the picture, replaying the memory in his mind as he wondered when he would see the ferry girl again.

XXXXXXXXX

"Be careful, Botan."

Koenma's words rang throughout the deity's mind as she entered the human world for what would hopefully be a routine pick- up. And yet.. and yet she had trouble steadying her hands, her oar bobbling as she lost focus of the linear path she had wanted to follow. Gritting her teeth, Botan righted her course, Amethyst eyes focusing on the city below.

Pale moonlight reflected off the massive glass windows of a nearby skyscraper, casting an eerie glow as she began to descend then land on the busy street below.

A rush of wind swirled around the ferry girl, tugging at her kimono and she clutched her oar tighter, her steps hesitant as she trembled. It was not the cool air that made her shiver but something more primal, more dark.

Fear.

She was afraid.

Like all prey, she had to be prepared for flight or fight. And like all prey, the scent of fear washed over her like a tidal wave, racing to all corners of the city for anyone who might be out… hunting. It was times like these when the spirit guide wished Koenma had given her permission to talk to the Spirit Detectives and inform them about the strange disappearances of the others. But her boss was stubborn and until the situation grew desperate, he would refrain from using Yusuke's services.

Or maybe he's just too cheap, Botan grumbled, annoyed at Koenma's frugal habits when it came to paying out for services rendered.

The deity started forward again, weaving through the crowded sidewalk as she neared her target destination.

Glancing up at Senpuku Towers, a well-lit and well to do apartment complex in the heart of downtown, Botan entered, unseen by the mortals around her. Once upon the stairwell, she hopped onto her oar, gliding upwards until she reached the 12 floor.

Sliding off her oar, Botan entered the hallway, eyes trained on the numbers, stopping before the address marked on her notes.

Peering down, she studied the picture of her target, a dark-haired, average looking adult male who appeared to be in prime physical condition.

"Jiro Takai. Age 33. Fitness Instructor. Death due to choking on a sweet roll. Oh the irony.." she murmured, shaking her head as she entered the apartment. According to the time listed, his death would have occurred within the last half hour.

Heading into the living room, the deity spotted the back of Takai's head, resting against the lazy boy.

The tv was on, a glass turned on its side on the table beside the chair, water pooling below the edge. Botan stopped, assessing the surroundings, frowning at the lack of the fitness instructor's soul. There was no sensation, no pull. It was as if Takai's soul had gone and….

"Vanished?" a male voice whispered in the deity's ear, causing her to jump.

Gripping her oar, she whirled around, finding nothing and no one near her. Senses on alert, the ferry girl called out with more strength then she felt. "Who's there?! Show yourself?!"

A flash of movement caught her eye and she swung back around, eyes widening as the body rose and turned, recognition flashing across her features as she spat out, "You!"

Fear gave way to anger as Botan made to lunge forward, oar at the ready only to feel a strong arm wrap around her waist and something sharp puncture her shoulder.

Her vision dimmed, consciousness fading to black until all became silent and she felt no more.

XXXXXXX

"Beep, beep, beep! Beep, beep, beep!"

The insistent noise drew Kurama out of his sleep and he reached out, snatching the offending device, flipping it open, revealing the agitated features of Yusuke. "Hey fox boy, wake up, I need your help!"

Kurama sighed, tossing the covers aside, clad only in a pair of pajama pants as he sat up, noting the time as he spoke. "Good morning to you too, Yusuke." Rubbing his eyes he asked, "What is so urgent that you have to call me at 2 am?"

"Botan's been kidnapped!"

A flash of shock passed over the red head's features, worry in his voice though he tried to keep it level. "How did you come by that information?" he asked as he jumped up and headed over to the closet, opening it to retrieve his clothing.

"Koenma called me a few minutes ago with the news, I'll tell you more about it when you get here. Just hurry up. I want to get the jump on this before anything bad happens to her."

"Agreed. I'm on my way."

Snapping the communicator closed, Kurama yanked his pajama pants off, slipping on a pair of dark blue jeans and a black button down shirt.

Opening the window to his room, he jumped, climbing down the roof.

Using his speed and power, the kitsune took off like a bullet, heading for Yusuke's ramen shop across town, worry filling his heart though he kept it under control. After all, he cared for Botan. Cared for her very much and the thought of the ferry girl injured or worse brought out his protective and possessive nature . Driven with need to get to the bottom of the situation, Kurama ran faster, skidding to a stop upon reaching his destination.

Letting himself inside, the redhead made his way to the counter, eyes on the Yusuke as he asked, "So what is the status of the situation, Yusuke?"

The dark haired spirit detective crossed his arms, features a mask of irritation. "Other than the news flash of Botan's abduction, toddler boy hasn't told me squat. He wants us to wait until everybody is here."

"I don't see why we should," Kuwabara said. "We all know Hiei gives two flips about what goes on in the human world." The tall man crossed his arms as well, grumbling suspiciously, "Probably helped the kidnappers just to make us get up so dang early…"

"You really are an idiot," Hiei's cool voice interjected, making the orange haired human jump and whirl around accusingly.

"Why do you always sneak up on me, Shrimp?!"

Hiei smirked. "Because it amuses me."

Kuwabara narrowed his eyes. "You get creepier every time we meet."

"And you get dumber," Hiei retorted, ignoring the taller man's protests, gaze shifting to focus on Yusuke. "So tell me, Yusuke, how did the bubble head get kidnapped?"

Kurama frowned a bit at his best friend's description of Botan but said nothing, deferring to Yusuke who spoke.

"Yeah, about that.." Flipping the spirit detective case open, Yusuke patched in the frequency for spirit world, the screen coming to life, revealing the face of Koenma in toddler form.

"Is everyone there, Yusuke?" Koenma asked, chewing on his pacifier in idle nervousness.

The dark haired spirit detective eyed his boss with an annoyance that was reflected in his voice. "Yeah, we're here so spill it, Koenma. How in the hell did Botan get kidnapped?"

Koenma took a moment to compose himself before answering. "In order for me to explain that, you must first understand the events leading up to Botan's abduction." The child lord tapped his fingertips on the desk, studying the expectant look on the detectives faces then drew in a breath, nearly losing his pacifier as he continued. "In the past month, there have been.. incidents involving ferry girls..."

"Incidents?" Yusuke interrupted, voicing the thoughts of the group. "What kind of incidents?"

Koenma flashed a look of annoyance at his head detective, growling. "If you would stop interrupting me, I would tell you."

"Well, stop with the suspense already and tell us what the hell is going on!" Yusuke snapped.

"I'm getting to it!" Koenma snapped back, clenching his jaw as he continued, "As I was saying, there have been three separate incidents before Botan's abduction involving ferry girls. On each occasion, they failed to report back after an assignment in Ningenkai. We sent out search parties but.. " The toddler's voice trailed off, a look of pain on his features as he lowered his gaze, barely audible as he added. "No trace of them could be found."

The detectives studied each other with varying looks of concern or shock.

"And now Botan is the fourth to go missing," Kurama's stated softly, though there was a harshness in his eyes that belied his calm features. "Given the serious nature of these incidents, what reason could you of had to delay our involvement?"

"I was trying to solve it on my own for once," Koenma replied guiltily, lifting his gaze to the group. "After the third disappearance, I sent Botan down with an audio/visual monitor in the hopes of capturing footage of whoever or whatever is behind this." Pausing, the toddler lord reached out and pressed a button, his image replaced by scenes of the Tokyo skyline flying by to walking among a crowd to a towering building.

Pausing the video, Koenma spoke. "So far, nothing out of the ordinary. But once Botan went inside…" Playing the video again, the feed suddenly became grainy though the audio was still intact.

The sound of Botan's voice got the group's attention and they listened intently, hoping to glean some clues that would help them. "Jiro Takai. Age 33. Fitness Instructor. Death due to choking on a sweet roll. Oh the irony.."

"Vanished?"

The sudden sound of a male voice made the team's heads snap up and they looked at each other in concern and irritation.

"Who the hell is that?" Kuwabara murmured.

Yusuke and Hiei shook their heads, silently wondering the same thing.

Kurama kept his features downcast to hide the surprise and anger that he felt. The sound of Botan's fear then recognition made him clench his hands into fists, nails digging into his palms as the audio cut off and feed went completely dead.

"And that is all that was recorded of the event," Koenma said, his image replacing the blank screen.

"Tell me, Koenma," Kurama began, raising his head, features and tone business-like. "Prior to these abductions, were there any other strange incidences? Did any of the ferry girls show signs of agitation or nervousness? Or perhaps giddiness and anticipation of some sort?"

"What does that have to do with anything, Kurama?" Kuwabara asked, looking from the screen to the redhead.

"Quiet, fool," Hiei growled at the taller man. "Kurama knows what he's doing."

"Don't have to get so testy, Hiei," Kuwabara grumbled but shut up, waiting for Kurama to continue.

Koenma closed his eyes but said nothing, drawing the ire of Yusuke.

"Come on toddler breath, answer Kurama's questions! Was there any crazy or odd shit that happened prior to these disappearances?!"

"You know, Yusuke," Koenma began, opening his eyes, throwing a cold stare the dark haired detective's way. "Sometimes I wish I'd made Kurama head detective instead of you. Then I wouldn't have to deal with your serious lack of manners."

"I'll show you manners.." Yusuke growled then blinked when he felt Kurama's hand on his arm.

"We don't have time for this, Yusuke," the kitsune said calmly, though his features were hardened as he focused his gaze on the toddler lord. "The longer you delay our search, the more dire the situation becomes. So tell us, Koenma, did anything happen prior to the abductions?"

Sighing, the toddler lord answered. "It is not unusual for ferry girls to.. admire the men they bring to spirit world.. It is also.. not unusual for these same ferry girls to.. fall for men.. not yet destined for Reikai."

"I thought as much," Kurama murmured, ignoring the questions from his fellow detectives as he pressed on. "Did Botan come to you with her concerns?"

"Understand, Kurama, that I'm a very busy lord. I don't have time for idle gossip," Koenma started. "But yes, Botan did inform me that several of the girls, including the ones that went missing, had fallen for men in Ningenkai."

"Did you check up on these supposed Romeos?" the kitsune asked, hiding a smirk at the irritation of his boss.

"Of course I did! I'm not totally incompetent!" Koenma snapped. "The men supposedly involved with my employees were nowhere to be found."

"Interesting," Kurama murmured. "I think we've delayed long enough, don't you, Koenma?"

The toddler lord nodded, disappearing as map popped up on screen, a blinking green dot marking the location of Botan's last known whereabouts.

The detectives synced their communicators with the map, closing them as Koenma's face appeared once more. "Use extreme caution and report back to me as soon as you have some information. Koenma out."

The screen went black and Yusuke sighed, closing the detective kit, his brown eyes focused on the redhead. "What was that all about, Kurama?"

"I'll tell you about it later, Yusuke. Right now we need to get to the apartment complex before the trail goes cold."

Hiei and Kuwabara nodded, waiting for Yusuke who spoke. "Right. Let's go!"

The four men headed out into the night, racing towards the target area, each wondering what they would find when they got there.

Do not worry, Botan, Kurama thought as he kept pace with the others. I'll find you. I promise.

Chapter Text

The spirit detectives arrived at the place designated on their communicators, studying the massive building before them.

"Strange place," Yusuke murmured, looking around. "Not many lights on."

Hiei studied the building silently as Kuwabara blinked then squinted at the dimly lit sign near the entrance. "Sen.. puku tower.." the orange haired human sounded out, features troubled. "Doesn't that mean.." His voice trailed off as Kurama spoke.

"Ambush…. yes, it does.."

"Hmm.. that's appropriate," Yusuke replied, looking at his companions. "Are we going inside or what?"

The others nodded, following Yusuke inside.

The head detective's body snapped to attention, brown eyes traveling over to Kurama who stood to his left. "You getting the same vibe I am from this place?"

"Yes," the kitsune replied. " I'm surprised Botan didn't as well when she entered."

"What are you two talking about?" Kuwabara asked, looking around. "I'm not sensing anything."

"Exactly," Yusuke said, gaze straight ahead as he smirked. "Nobody is in this building." His gaze shifted to the left. "So boys? Elevators or stairs?"

"Stairs," they replied in unison.

The group moved cautiously upward, finally reaching the 12th floor. Yusuke pushed on the bar handle, the door swinging inward, revealing an empty corridor. Lights flickered above their heads as they made their way down the hall.

"Man, it sure is creepy around here," Kuwabara murmured.

"What are you scared of, Kuwabara?" Yusuke teased then turned around, lifting his hands in a goofy imitation of a monster. "Afraid the boogieman is going to get you?"

"Knock it off, Urameshi," the taller boy growled. "I know you sense it, too."

Yusuke lowered his hands, features turning serious once more. "Yeah. This whole building is messed up."

"Looks like we're here," Hiei commented, his red eyes looking up at Kurama as they stopped in front of the apartment number listed on their communicator.

The door was ajar and the four of them looked at one another in silent agreement.

Yusuke pushed the door open slowly, a creaking noise reverberating throughout the hall. Peering into the darkness, he was about to enter when Kuwabara said loudly,

"Do worry guys, I've got this!"

Hand held up, the orange haired teen fed power down his arm, his spirit sword erupting, lighting the darkness. Grinning, he strode forward only to fall over when Yusuke flipped on the switch near the door, light flickering on, illuminating the apartment.

"What the hell, Urameshi?!" Kuwabara growled, jumping to his feet, indignant.

Yusuke smirked. "It's not my fault you're a dumbass," he said, then added. "Besides, you should have checked the light switch first before charging in like the swat team."

"Tch.." Kuwabara snorted then stalked off, crossing his arms, grumbling. "Always trying to be Mr. super cool.. jerk face.. Could have done that too, if I wanted.."

"Feel that, Kurama?" Hiei asked as he walked further in, studying the layout and the covered furniture.

"Yes," Kurama replied, nodding as he peered around the corner into the living room. "Traces of demon energy. Whoever took Botan was one of our kind." Stopping by the tv, he reached out, lifting the covering, touching the back, brow furrowed at the trace of warmth. Looking down, his gaze traveled along the carpeted floor towards the end table by a lounge chair. Walking around, his ears picked up the sound of something peculiar and he crouched down, reaching out to press on the carpet. Lifting his hand up, he rubbed his fingers together, noting a wet substance and he rose at Yusuke's call, heading back out into the kitchen area.

"What is it, Yusuke?" the kitsune asked.

"Take a look at this."

The head detective opened the fridge, revealing a stocked supply of food inside. "Whoever this is, they forgot to take their food with them."

"Curious.." Kurama murmured.

"That isn't the only thing that's weird about this place," Kuwabara's voice called out as he entered the kitchen. In his hand was a picture frame of a rather attractive blond female. "Found this in the bedroom."

He replied to their questioning glances before adding. "Unless my eyes are failing, this certainly isn't the Jiro character Botan was supposed to pick up."

"What the hell kind of place is this?" Yusuke asked, shaking his head. "Nobody lives in this building, yet there's food stockpiled in the fridge, and a picture of some chick that probably lives here. Can you explain it, fox boy? Cause right now, I'm drawing a fricking blank."

"In a moment, Yusuke," the kitsune replied, turning towards his best friend as he asked. "Try the Jagan, will you Hiei?"

The fire demon nodded, removing his headband, the Jagan eye flaring to life. Hiei grit his teeth, pushing his powers to try to see what could not be seen only to make a sound of disgust, the eye closing as he wrapped the band around his forehead once more.

"What did you see?" Kurama asked, though he already knew the answer.

"Nothing," the Koorime replied, features irritated. "Whoever snatched the ferry girl, they were well prepared for us."

"Okay, spill it, Sherlock," Yusuke grumbled, his brown orbs focused on Kurama. "What the hell is going on around here?"

The red head smiled inwardly at the Sherlock comment, features thoughtful as he spoke. "Before I get to that, Yusuke, I want you to think back to the video Koenma showed up and the audio feed that continued when the video went out."

"Okay.." Yusuke replied. "What about it?"

Kurama gave a patient smile to his friend. "When Botan was on the outside of this building it was well lit but when we arrived it was not. When the video feed went out and the audio remained, I heard background noises, faint, though they were there."

"Really? I didn't hear anything but Botan and some strange guy's voice," Kuwabara interjected.

"Figures, you're dumb and deaf," Hiei said, smirking at the scowl the taller man threw his way.

"Stuff it, hamster legs!"

"Children, could you please shut up for a moment," Yusuke chided mildly, making a motion for Kurama to continue. "Go on."

"The sounds I heard were of a tv broadcast and of something dripping, albeit very slowly."

Yusuke quirked an eyebrow. "You could hear all that? You must have super hearing."

"Well, I am a kitsune after all.." Kurama stated then continued. "I also heard another person in the room, hidden in shadow, ready to pounce on Botan at a moment's notice."

"How the hell did you get that out of some audio feed?" Yusuke asked, puzzled and awed at his friend's auditory abilities.

"That's not important, Yusuke. What is important is what I believe happened here." Kurama looked around, making sure he had everyone's attention before continuing, "Someone, of demon origin set up this whole charade for the explicit purpose of capturing Botan. Someone with the ability to alter the landscape of their chosen area, either by physical or illusion powers. Someone with the ability to block any psychic attempts to see what transpired and by electrical fields to block the video feed. They knew she would come here. They knew she was filming it. They knew she was susceptible to visual cues."

"So you're saying someone set this up from the very beginning, right down to the file Botan was carrying in her hand," Yusuke said, brow furrowed. "Why would anyone do that? And how? She got her information from Reikai itself."

"I can think of several possibilities for how.. but as too why.." Kurama's voice trailed off, thoughts traveling along an unpleasant tangent and his features turned troubled. "I cannot say as of yet."

"Okay.. so how did they do it?"

"Remember when I asked Koenma about whether the ferry girls that were abducted has become infatuated with any men?"

Yusuke nodded but waited for the kitsune to continue.

"Well, the person or persons who are behind these kidnappings gained their confidence, seducing them into revealing certain information that was vital to their mission. To abduct them, you have to know where they're going. I find it highly likely they manipulated these girls into doing favors for them, even so much as feeding false information for the next girl who in turn.. was abducted."

"But that doesn't explain Botan's situation. She wasn't one of the girls being manipulated."

A flash of emotion flickered in the kitsune's eyes as he spoke softly. "Do you remember her words before the feed went dead?"

A look of realization crossed the head detective's features. "She knew her kidnapper."

"Yes.. exactly," Kurama replied. "However, I do not think she was seduced. When Koenma said Botan had come to him with concerns, I believe she had some idea as to who her co-workers were.. involved with. She knew what he looked like.. though.. if he could manipulate energy fields and the physical landscape, he could also change his features so as to be unrecognizable."

"Yet she knew him," Kuwabara said, joining in the conversation. "If he could do all that, why show his true form to Botan at all?"

"You do have a brain." Hiei quipped, smirking as he ignored the larger man's insults. "He has a point, though, Kurama. Why show his true form to the ferry girl?"

"Why indeed?" Kurama replied, features businesslike though inside he was growing more concerned for the deity. "Whatever his intentions, until we find Botan and the other girls, I'm afraid that will remain unknown."

"So you think they're still alive?" Hiei asked.

Kurama nodded. "I do. Why go through all this trouble just to kill them. No, he wants to use them for something. I just don't know what that reason is, yet." He waved his hand around the apartment, adding softly. "This was also to our benefit as well. They knew we'd come here. They purposefully gave us false clues in the hope we'd fall for it. The food in the fridge, the warm tv, the spilt water that soaked into the carpet. Leaving their energy signature at a high enough level to trace it. Someone is playing a game with us. They think we'll just follow along the obvious trail, ignoring the true path. It's rather insulting, actually."

"So what you're saying is someone is dicking around with us?" Yusuke replied.

The kitsune blinked in mild surprise at his friend's crude term but nodded. "Er.. not quite how I would put it, but yes.. we are being manipulated even as we speak."

"Alright then, what's our next move?" Yusuke asked.

"Gee, you're the head detective and you can't even tell us where to go next?" Kuwabara said in exasperation.

"I'll tell you where you can go.." Yusuke growled, the two friends getting in each other's faces, hurling insults while the two demons watched in mild amusement.

"Just like old times, eh, Kurama?" Hiei said with near fondness.

The kitsune smiled. "Indeed."

"We do need to form a plan though," the fire demon started, turning and walking back out towards the hallway, Kurama following suit as the two younger men continued to bicker like an old married couple behind them. "Got any ideas where to go to next?"

"I have a few lines of inquiry to make, yes," the red head said, turning his gaze when Yusuke and Kuwabara raced forward to catch up with the rest of their group.

"Wait for us, will ya?!"

The four men exited the way they came, heading down the sidewalk away from the complex as a pair of eyes watched from high above.

"So, uh, Kurama. What do we do next?" Kuwabara asked, matching the slightly shorter kitsune's stride as they ambled along.

"Well," the kitsune began, eyes shifting from side to side as he focused his attention. "I think it's time we play a little game of our own." He stopped, voice soft and conspiratorial as he spoke. "Let's continue to follow this energy signature for a while.. see where it leads.. I have a feeling we'll get some information out of it."

"Uh.. alright.."

The detectives raced off, tracking the signature's erratic pattern, weaving around buildings and down alleyways, coming to a stop at a small private park, fenced off to keep intruders out.

"Interesting," the red head murmured, leaping up and over, the rest following, splitting up in opposite directions, converging in the center moments later.

"Find anything?" Yusuke asked.

Kurama gave him a knowing look as he answered. "Yes.."

Without warning, he pulled out a rose, feeding it energy, transforming it into a whip as he snapped up at the nearest tree, hearing a soft cry of surprise and retreating footsteps. Leaping up, he danced upon the boughs, his comrades right behind him. Whoever it was, they were very fast.

The kitsune darted to the right, increasing his speed, heading to cut the watcher off only to gasp as a blast of energy smacked into him from in front and he tumbled down, broken branches in his wake as he crashed hard onto the ground below.

"Kurama!" Yusuke cried out in alarm, jumping down to his friend's side.

The red head winced, tossing the broken plant matter off his wounded body as he rose with the lead detective's help. "I'm.. alright, Yusuke. Keep going.. don't let him get away."

"Right!"

Racing off, Yusuke continued his pursuit, catching sight of his quarry, Kuwabara and Hiei close behind and they spread out, hoping to nab their prey only to run head long into an invisible wall that sent them crashing back and onto the ground.

"What the hell?!" the dark haired boy snarled as he rose, trying to run forward again only to be pushed back. "What the fuck is this thing?"

"A force field," Hiei murmured, sheathing his sword after his failed attempt to slice through it. "A rather powerful one. Seems our.. friend.. is rather fond of playing games." He turned to Yusuke, brow furrowed. "Where is Kurama?"

"Right here," Kurama replied, limping a bit as he came up to them. He stopped before the nearly invisible force field, reaching out gingerly to touch it, watching it shimmer and he cocked his head to the side. "Haven't seen one of these in decades. Most interesting," he commented softly, turning to face his friends. "Seems our quarry has eluded us, tonight. But not without given up information that will help us find them."

"How so?" Kuwabara asked, rubbing his backside from the rough treatment of crashing into the force field. "The guy got away."

"Believe me, Kuwabara, he won't escape us for long. All this did was confirm we were being watched."

"Yeah? Well, I'm hoping they're also listening. Cause when I get of hold of them I'm going to kick their ass!" Yusuke yelled then looked at his fellow detectives. "Let's get out of here. I'd like to figure out our next move over some breakfast and a good night's rest."

They all agreed to meet up the next day, going their separate ways.

Upon reaching home, Kurama leapt up and through his window, unbuttoning his shirt and wincing at the bruise marks all over his torso. This is going to take a bit to heal completely, he thought, tossing the shirt aside.

He fell onto his bed, looking up at the ceiling, his features relaxing, the facade of calm reserve slipping, replaced by concern. Where are you, Botan? he wondered, hoping like hell he could find her before.. before something bad happened to her. Kurama fell into an uneasy sleep, his dreams filled with the deity, nightmares replacing them as his mind tried to work out what had become of the girl he had feelings for.

XXXXXXXXX

Far away, Botan awoke to find herself bound to a strange bed, grogginess given way to panic as she found she could not move. Where am I? What is going on? she wondered, her mind slowly catching up with the situation as she remembered seeing that man.. feeling.. another's.. touch.. something painful in her neck.. then.. nothing.

"So you're awake? Good," a familiar voice echoed in the darkened room. "I hope your accommodations are satisfactory?"

The deity strained her eyes, trying to find the owner of the voice but to no avail. "What.. do you want with me?" she croaked out, trying hard not to break down into tears.

"All in good time, my lovely," the voice replied. "For now, I'd thought you'd like to know that your friends are looking for you as we speak. That red headed man of yours.. is quite clever."

Botan blushed despite the fact that Kurama wasn't hers, her voice defiant. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Come now, Botan, we both know who you think of when you.. how shall we say.. relieve your aches?"

The deity blushed even darker, squirming against her bonds. "You're a disgusting pervert.. you always were.. I don't know what my sisters saw in you!" she spat, biting at the hand that suddenly gripped her face, smirking in satisfaction at the hiss of pain as the hand withdrew.

"Call me all the names you want, wench, but I have the upper hand here. You'll all be begging for death by the time I'm through with all of you."

"Big words for a man who hides in the dark!" Botan shot back, frowning when silence met her ears. As scared as she was, her anger was greater and she sent up a silent prayer to be found, squirming to break free of her bonds, until they bled and exhaustion drained her energy and she panted, hearing footsteps in her room again and she called out weakly. "Who's there?"

A sudden stabbing pain burst into her shoulder and consciousness left her.

"She's stronger than the others," a softer male voice spoke the moment the girl passed out, his shadowed form turning to his right.

"Yes.. an excellent test subject," another male voice replied. "I look forward to seeing the results." There was a pause before the second voice added. "Did the detectives give you any trouble?"

"Nothing I couldn't handle," said the first. "It's been a rather enjoyable game so far, hasn't?"

The second reached out, opening the door, flooding the room with light, revealing two men, both of the same height and frame, one fair of hair and eyes of blue, the other dark haired with eyes of brown. "Yes indeed it has," said the dark haired man, smirking as he closed the door, casting darkness into the room once more.

Chapter Text

Kuwabara ran as fast as his feet could carry him. Dressed in the uniform for Gai Tech High School, he ignored the looks customers gave him as he burst through the ramen shop door.

He spied Keiko behind the counter, whipping up bowl after bowl of ramen for her clientele, the incessant noise indicative of the prime time lunch hour. "Hey, Keiko. Is Urameshi in?" he asked, voice a bit winded from the long run.

Chucking a thumb behind her shoulder, Keiko looked briefly at her husband's best friend. "He's in the back with the others," she replied, distracted by the nearly overwhelming workload, adding, "Tell him to hurry up would you, Kuwabara? I am getting swamped out here."

"Will do!" the tall man said with a nod, making his way to the back, opening the door at the end to find Yusuke, Kurama and Hiei sitting around a table, their gazes meeting his with various states of annoyance.

"What the hell took you so long, Kuwabara?!" the head detective snapped, features beyond pissed off. "I told you the meeting was at twelve o'clock!"

The orange-haired teen dropped his school case onto the table, sitting down as he shot back, "Unlike you, mister drop out, I was at school! I can't just up and leave you know!" He stared daggers at the head detective as he growled. "What the hell kind of dumbass schedules our meeting during lunch hour?! Keiko's working her tail off out there!"

Yusuke waved his hand dismissively. "Keiko's a big girl. She can handle herself just fine out there."

"You lazy bum!" Kuwabara snapped. "Real men help their wives when needed!"

"What the hell do you know, numbnuts?! You're not even married!"

Kurama watched his two friends bicker like old men, rubbing his temples in mild irritation. Normally, he was tolerable of the outbursts, having long been accustomed to the pair's bantering. But his concern for Botan and the desire to find her was overwhelming his calm facade and he was about to say something when Hiei stood up and drew his sword, launching it straight forward, the blade slicing through the air and between the two bickering men.

Yusuke and Kuwabara blinked, voices going silent as the sword passed then sunk into the wall past them.

"Now that you two have finally shut the hell up, maybe we can get down to the matter at hand?" Hiei growled, still standing, his red eyes daring either of the younger men to challenge him.

The head detective and his best friend, studied the fire demon in stuttered surprise, grumbling before they complied and sat down.

Kurama suppressed a chuckle at the dumbfounded looks of the two teens, his voice more neutral though inside he was troubled. "Now that we're all here, I think it's time we go over what we know and decide our next move."

"Okay.. so we know that the bastards who took these girls like to play games. They're smart and definitely of the demon variety. They have the ability to manipulate energy and the physical environment. They know who we all are and we don't know jack squat about their identities. That about sum it up?" Yusuke grumbled, arms crossed, still pissed at Kuwabara.

"Well.. basically.. yes.." Kurama replied, clearing his throat. "We need more information and I believe we may find something useful in Spirit World."

Yusuke thought for a moment before speaking. "Yeah.. good idea. I'd like to talk to toddler breath myself about a few things." Rising, the head detective looked at his friends. "Let's go."

Kurama smiled, nodding while Hiei did the same.

Kuwabara rose, grabbing his bag. "I'll catch up with you guys later. I need to get back to school."

"Ah, come on, Kuwabara!" Yusuke snapped. "It's not like I'm asking you skip school for fun. This is serious business! Botan is out there suffering somewhere and it's our job to find her! Isn't that what real men do?"

The taller man studied his best friend with narrowed eyes. "You're a fine one to talk, leaving Keiko here by herself to do all the work."

"We've already gone over this!" Yusuke shot back. "I'll make it up to her later! So stop screwing around and come to Reikai with us!"

"Okay, fine! But if I get the crap kicked out of me by Shizuru for missing school, it's on your head!"

"Yeah, yeah. I'll give her some free meal vouchers to make it up to her," Yusuke replied under his breath as the group exited out the back, heading towards the nearest Spirit World portal.

XXXXXXXX

"So, Yusuke, what brings you all the way up here?" Koenma asked, brown eyes focused on his head detective. "Did you find something of interest to the case?"

Yusuke studied his boss. "Well, the fact of the matter is we don't have much to go on," he started, looking over to Kurama who gave him a nod. "That's why we're up here."

The toddler lord quirked an eyebrow. "And what is it you think you'll find up here? The crime was committed in Ningenkai."

"Yeah.." Yusuke started. "But the information we found points to something fishy going on up here."

"What?!" Koenma snapped, offended at the dark haired detective insinuation. "Are you trying to say that someone here did something to purposefully put these girls in danger?!"

Anger rose to the surface in the Mazoku descendant. "Look, I don't care where the crime happened, we need to find out how the hell those girls got caught in the first place, " he growled. "So why don't you have your nap time or whatever hell else it is you do and let us do the job you assigned us to do!"

"You really have an attitude problem, Yusuke," Koenma shot back, glaring at his star detective. "Give me one good reason why I should let you look through classified documents."

"Botan."

Both men turned in the direction of the voice, finding Kurama studying them with restrained calmness.

Inside, the fox spirit was irritated, a rare flash of anger flaring in his emerald orbs as he continued, looking at Yusuke. "She's out there somewhere. All alone and suffering. We do not have the luxury of time to argue over trivial things."

Kurama turned his attention over to junior. "We are not asking for the world, Koenma. Only those files and schedules pertaining to the three missing girls and Botan. Any clues we can find may helps us to track your employees down. That is what you want us to do is it not?"

The toddler lord relaxed, sitting back down in his seat, composing himself as he answered, "Of course it is." Chewing on his pacifier he pushed a button on his desk then turned to Yusuke. "Very well. Permission granted but only the files for those three and Botan. Is that understood?"

"Yeah, we hear ya," Yusuke replied, turning as a tall, dark haired woman entered.

"You called, my lord?" she asked, looking at Koenma with soft eyes.

"Yes, Ayame," Koenma replied, looking at the ferry girl. "Would you mind escorting the detectives to the case file room and retrieve the files and schedules for Kiko, Ran, Hinawari and Botan and give them to Yusuke and the others to study?"

"Of course, Lord Koenma, sir." Ayame bowed, turning her attention to the men as she spoke. "If you gentlemen would follow me, please."

The spirit detectives nodded to Koenma, moving forward and past the side door that led down the hall, soft light reflecting of the blue hue of the walls that surrounded them. Ayame stopped and turned to her right, swiping a card, a faint clicking noise echoing in the hall as the door slid open, revealing a large room lined with shelves of neatly stacked folders.

"Wait here, please," Ayame said softly, her purple kimono disappearing around the corner for a moment, reappearing with a stack of folders in her arms. She held them out to Yusuke who took them.

"Uh.. thanks.." he replied, balancing the folders as he looked up at the ferry girl.

"When you are finished, just press the button near the door and I will escort you back to Koenma's office."

"Thank you, Ayame," Kurama said softly, watching the girl bow then exit the room, leaving the men alone.

"Alright fox boy, we have the files. Now what do we do?" Yusuke asked, trying not to spill the folders as he turned his attention to the red head.

"Let's take them over to the table, Yusuke, then we'll start going through them one at a time."

"So, uh, Kurama?" Kuwabara's deep timbre rumbled out as the group headed over to the rectangular white table and sat down. "What are we looking for in these files?"

The fox spirit grabbed the top case file, eyes downward as he opened it, finding a picture of smiling Botan staring up at him. His features softened, eyeing the deity's image fondly, his bangs hiding the expression upon his face as he answered, "Several things, Kuwabara. First, we need to go over and cross check their schedules. We're looking for similar routes or areas these girls were sent."

Scanning down the first sheet of information, he continued. "Secondly, we need to go over their personnel records and evaluations, see if there is any correlation between sudden changes in behavior and their disappearance."

"In other words, we're looking for anything weird or unusual that just happened to be recorded," Yusuke interjected, grabbing a file and opening it as he added. "So let's get digging before toddler boy changes his mind and boots us out."

Kurama nodded, continuing his reading. All of Botan's information was on display. From her age, to her place of origin, to her advancement to the chief deity and her responsibility of handing out the schedules to the other employees.

Hmm.. interesting, he thought, flipping to the most recent report, quirking an eyebrow at what he found.

"So, Kurama…"

The kitsune looked up at the sound of the fire demon's voice. "What is it, Hiei?"

"You said we were looking for anything unusual." The small man slid the folder he was reading over to his friend. "I'd say this would qualify."

Kurama looked down, brow furrowed as he quickly read the notes and flipped the next page then the next, his features becoming more and more troubled as he read.

"What is it, fox boy?" Yusuke asked, studying the redhead with concern.

"These notes," Kurama murmured, "They all document a growing restlessness and absence for this ferry girl, Kiko, that began six months ago." He paused, eyes still on the report before him. "It became so frequent that she was often found wandering the halls at night, as if sleep walking. On more than one occasion she was escorted back from Koenma's mansion itself, nearly catatonic."

"And no one found that suspicious?"

Kurama looked up at Yusuke, voice soft. "Yes. Botan did. These are her notes after all."

The detectives looked at each other then back to the kitsune.

"What else is in there, Kurama?"

"Not much else, Hiei. Miss Kiko's disappearance coincided with her last scheduled pick up somewhere within the Harajuku area of the Shibuya district." A thought began to form in the youkai's mind and he murmured softly. "Is there anything similar to these events in the other two folders?"

"Uh.." Kuwabara sounded out, flipping through the file before him. "It says here that Miss Ran was complaining about her original assignment and kept pushing to be transferred to a different area. Which was repeatedly denied."

"Where was her original area of work, Kuwabara?"

The orange haired teen scanned down the page, turning to the next one. "Well, she was working in the Shinjuku area but requested to be put in the Shibuya district where her friend, Kiko, worked."

"Any behavioral issues listed?"

"Hang on." Flipping through the folder he nodded. "Well, it seems Ran was having trouble focusing and would often wander far off from her scheduled soul pick ups. When she'd return, she claimed to have no memory of the event and became ill and was deactivated from duty. The next day when they checked her room, they found her gone with no trace of her whereabouts."

"That's kinda what happened with this Hinawari chick," Yusuke chimed in, looking at the folder before him. "She started to act weird after Ran disappeared, restless and short tempered between jobs, coming back with memory lapses and a strange smile on her face, like her head was in the clouds or something. She disappeared after an assignment in the Roppongi area of the Minato-Ku district in Tokyo."

Kurama tapped his fingers. "Botan disappeared not far from Harajuku." Narrowing his eyes, the fox spirit took out his communicator, turning it on, feeding it information. "Hmm.. interesting.."

"What is it?"

Holding up the device he turned it, displaying a vibrant red triangle.

"Well, look at that," Yusuke said with a smirk. "Does that mean what I think it means, Kurama?"

"Indeed," the kitsune replied with a nod. "What is it that they say about predators? They like to work in areas they're comfortable being around in?"

"Should we go back down and investigate?" Hiei asked as the thrill of the hunt began to course through his veins.

"Not yet, Hiei. We still need to search the rooms of the missing girls." Rising, Kurama closed the folder and walked over to the door, pressing the button, smiling as Ayame's soft voice came through the intercom, informing them she was on her way.

XXXXXXX

"So then, what have you found out so far?" Koenma asked, twining his fingers as he rested his hands on the desk, eyeing each man intently.

"Not much, yet," Kurama spoke first, stepping forward and in front of Yusuke, flashing a quiet signal behind his back.

Yusuke frowned but remained silent, wondering what the kitsune was up to as he listened to his friend continue.

"We're hoping that a search of the each ferry girl's room will yield more information. Once we have that, we can proceed with our investigation. At your discretion of course."

Koenma studied the red head for a moment.

Kurama was his most intelligent detective in his employ, ruthless in battle but loyal to his friends and family. His quick thinking and strategy had saved countless lives, defending the human world from demons and even helping save Reikai itself from the fringe group of terrorists not too long ago. Still, there was something odd in the way the kitsune spoke and it bothered him. "Is it really necessary to search their rooms?"

"I'm afraid we must," Kurama answered, his gaze and tone even as he studied his boss. "We will not take anything from their rooms. We only wish to search for any clues that might help us find them. The sooner we do this, the sooner we can track them down and bring them home."

Koenma tapped his fingers on the desk, features thoughtful. "Very well." Grabbing a pencil and paper, the toddler lord wrote a series of numbers, voice authoritative. "You may proceed in your investigation of the ferry girls rooms but be mindful of the others girls. I don't want you scaring them any more than they already are." He paused, holding the paper up for Yusuke, who snatched it, then added, "And if anything significant is found you come directly to me, understood?"

"You got it, Koenma," the head detective said with a nod, leading his friends back out of the toddler lord of Reikai's office, stopping just above the steps as he looked around. "Okay.. I think we go this way.." Yusuke spoke, walking down the steps and turning to the left, stopping when Kurama cleared his throat.

"Actually, Yusuke, it's to our right," the fox spirit said, pointing towards the large, four story building along the western perimeter of the Reikai Palace.

"And just how did you know where these silly girls reside, Kurama?" Hiei asked, smirking a bit as he studied the kitsune.

Unlike the Mazaku and the orange haired human, the fire demon had caught a flash of emotion in his best friend's features and words, speculating the source of that concern. The blue haired ferry girl. True, Botan was rather beautiful but she was too scatterbrained and bubbly for the Koorime's liking. Hiei preferred his women to be strong and decisive, much like Mukuro, the youkai female he worked for and admired.

Kurama turned to look down at Hiei, inwardly surprised at the teasing tone of his friend. Had the fire demon caught on to his more than strictly professional concern for Botan? Not that the kitsune was ashamed of it, but to show such emotion right now would not do. "I have been up here several times, Hiei," Kurama replied in an even tone. "It would stand to reason I know the layout of the grounds fairly well, don't you agree?"

Hiei's smirk remained but he nodded. "Of course, Kurama," he replied, turning and heading down along the stone paved path that led to the ferry girl quarters. "So what is the plan exactly?" the fire demon asked as the kitsune fell into step beside him, Yusuke and Kuwabara close behind.

Kurama focused his gaze on the building up ahead, features thoughtful. "We know that all four missing women have some connection to the kidnappers. Three of them romantically."

"And Botan?" Hiei asked as they stopped at the quarters entrance.

Kurama paused for a second, steeling himself, wearing that mask that hid his emotions so well. "Botan knew her kidnapper. She suspected something and must have spied on her friends although no names were documented in the reports we went over." Pushing the door open, the kitsune stepped into the hallway, emerald eyes studying the brightly lit but empty corridor.

"Man.. it's pretty quiet around here." Kuwabara said, glancing around. "You think Koenma called ahead or something to warn the other girls not to talk to us?"

"That is a possible scenario, Kuwabara," Kurama replied, voice soft and distant. "The question is.. why?"

"Yeah.." Yusuke chimed in. "Toddler boy seemed pretty damn defensive and hesitate. I wonder why that is."

"Simple," Hiei said, as the four of them made their way over to the stairs in the center of the hall and started climbing. "He failed his duties and is loathe to admit it."

"Perhaps.." Kurama voiced, his ears picking up the sounds of giggling above them. The four men stopped as a small group of ferry girls descended, their eyes trailing over each detective's face and form, interest flickering in their gazes as they past, more giggles erupting as they looked over their shoulders and exited the stairwell.

"Uh.. was it just me or where those girls checking us out?" Kuwabara murmured, turning to his best friend who smirked.

"Oh yeah.. big time.." Yusuke replied, nudging the taller man. "Don't tell me you didn't like it.."

Kuwabara glared at his friend. "That's not the point, Urameshi!" the orange haired teen growled. "We're already taken, so looking at them is off limits!"

"Relax, Kuwabara, I was teasing," Yusuke replied, holding up his hands in a placating gesture, turning to Hiei who spoke.

"If this is their regular behavior, it's no wonder the kidnappers were able to nab them. They're as bad as the human females that flirt with every man they see."

"Come on, Hiei, they weren't trying to jump your bones," Yusuke said with a smirk. "They were just checking you out. It's not a crime. Unless of course.. you don't like girls.. "

Hiei threw a death glare at the taller man. "Don't make me have to kill you, Yusuke."

Kurama kept his thoughts silent as he mulled over what just happened. True, Hiei had a point. Such behavior would make it easy for a predator to lure their target. Lacking any male ferry men, these girls were probably lonely. It would make sense to seek some kind of connection outside of work. But why not with any of the men in spirit world? Were they that unappealing? Or was it the excitement of the forbidden that drew these women into relationships with men they thought were human but most certainly were not.

A darker scenario formed in his mind as to why these girls were targeted and the fox spirit's eyes narrowed, his scowling features relaxing at the sound of Yusuke's voice.

"Uh.. Earth to Kurama?"

The kitsune turned his gaze over to the head detective, that mask of reserve back in place, hiding his troubled emotions. "What is it, Yusuke?"

"Are you alright? You looked a bit upset there for a second. Don't tell me those girls upset you."

Kurama shook his head, smiling. "Of course not, Yusuke. I'm used to women looking at me in that manner," he replied, turning and starting up the stairs once more, the others following close behind. "Let's continue on, shall we?"

"Gee.. no ego here.." Yusuke murmured, though he smirked. It was well known that the kitsune was a highly sought after bachelor and just about every woman he knew found Kurama to be.. well.. hot.. is how they usually put it. The detective often wondered why the fox spirit never took those women up on their offers. All that tail and he never chased any of it. Was he training to be a monk or something? The head detective didn't understand. Oh well, he thought with a shake of his head. Not my business anyway.

They stopped at the second level door, Kurama's soft voice asking, "What were the room numbers again, Yusuke?"

Yusuke pulled the slip of paper out of his jean pocket, brown eyes peering down at the writing. "Um.. let's see.. the three girls all lived on the second floor. Rooms 203, 227, and 261."

"And Botan's room number?"

"Forth floor, room 434," Yusuke answered, stuffing the paper back in his pocket. "So which rooms do we search first?"

The team looked at the two sets of doors on opposite sides. The northern wing held the lower numbers and the southern wing the higher numbers.

"I suggest we split up," Kurama said. "I think it best to have you three begin the search on this floor. If each of you pick a room, that should cut down on time. "

"What are we looking for, exactly?" Yusuke asked.

"Journals, pictures, papers. Anything that will help us find out the identity of the kidnappers. If you run into any of the other ferry girls, ask them if they noticed anything unusual or heard any rumors."

"And where are you going to be, Kurama?" Hiei asked, smirking as he already knew the answer.

The fox spirit lifted his gaze up the stairwell, voice soft. "Botan's room."

He started forward, slowly going up the steps, throwing his voice over his shoulder. "If you find anything, page the communicator and let me know. We need to find these girls before it's too late."

Chapter Text

Kurama stood before room 434, his hand hovering over the door knob, hesitation filling him. How long had he dreamed of coming here, entering the room to find the deity asleep upon the bed? Of sliding into bed beside her in the moonlit hours? To rest beside her and dream with her? To love her slowly, tenderly until the sun rose?

The sudden longing for Botan was clouding his senses and he shook his head, forcing his emotions violent aside.

I cannot lose my focus. I must find Botan.

Steeling his will, Kurama turned the knob and slowly opened the door. Reaching in to his right, his hand slid on the wall until he found the switch and flicked it on.

A soft light filled the room and he entered, closing the door gently behind him.

His gaze roamed, falling upon the vanity to his right and he moved slowly towards it, eyes focused on the rather large stuffed white fox that sat between two framed photos.

The first was of the all his friends, posing for a group photo on the beach upon the return of Yusuke from Makai. The second image was of Botan and himself, posing in a shutter booth, dressed in traditional clothing for the Sumida River Fireworks festival.

Kurama reached out, lifting the framed photo and studied it, not surprised at the open display of affection upon both their faces.

His features softened as his mind flashed back to that moment of time. The moment he first realized he loved Botan.

#############

Dressed in a dark grey leaf patterned silk Yukata, Kurama weaved through the crowd of people lining the streets near the Sumida river, mildly anxious for the start of the fireworks festival to begin. The sun was slowly fading, bringing a little bit of relief from the oppressive heat that had built up throughout the late July day. A faint sheen of sweat glistened upon his unmarred forehead as the fox spirit focused his gaze some distance ahead, catching a flash of blue hair and a vibrantly colored kimono. He smiled, making his way forward, coming to a stop just beyond the game stall where Botan stood, her features a mask of concentration.

Content to watch for the moment, Kurama followed the motion of her hand flicking a metallic ring at some unseen object, tilting his head as he witnessed her features fall and her shoulders slump. His sensitive ears picked up on her words, "Not again," detecting frustration and he frowned.

He stepped around a group of giggling school girls, ignoring their open stares as he made his way to her side.

"Is something wrong, Botan?" he asked, blinking at her sudden jump as she whirled to face him.

"Kurama!" she cried in surprise then pouted. "Don't scare me like that!"

The fox spirit flashed her an apologetic look though part of him found her pout rather cute. "I am sorry. It wasn't my intention to startle you," he began. "You seemed to be in some sort of distress and I thought I might help you out. So what is vexing you?"

"It's this stupid game!" the deity growled, letting out a puff of air as she crossed her arms. "No matter what I do, I can't get the ring to go around the prize I want and it's driving me crazy!"

Kurama shifted his gaze to the inner game stall, studying the various stuffed animals. "Which prize is it you are trying to win?"

The deity shifted, pointing to a large stuffed white fox in the far right corner and the spirit detective focused on the object of her desire.

The fox was larger than the others, and he looked down, finding a minefield of metal rings lining the floor around it and he quirked an eyebrow, turning back to her. "How much have you spent on this game, Botan, if I may ask?"

"About 4600 Yen."

Kurama blinked in surprise. That's a lot for one game. Flashing a soft smile, he walked past her, coming to a stop in front of the vendor and he handed the man some more money, ignoring the snicker as three rings were given to him.

"Good luck, buddy."

Returning to Botan's side, the fox spirit handed the deity the rings, a confident smile on his face as the girl looked up at him in surprise. "Try again, Botan."

"Are you sure?"

"I know you can do it, Botan. Just relax and focus on the fox."

"Well.. okay.." she murmured and flicked the metal ring forward, a look of hope on her face as it sailed through the air, shoulders dropping as it missed the intended target, slamming into the back wall with a soft "clank!"

"See what I mean?!"

Kurama watched the arc of the ring, noting a slight wobbly motion as it crashed into the back and he came up behind her, surprising them both as his right hand rested over hers, his voice soft as he leaned in to whisper in her ear. "You need to change the angle of your throw, Botan."

His left hand rested on the deity's hip, his body nearly pressed against hers as he moved their right arms in unison, releasing a slight bit of energy down his arm, feeding it through the girl's hand. He concentrated, forcing it to circle around the ring, balancing out the uneven weight meant to cause it to sail off.

He felt Botan lean back against him as the ring flew out, zooming towards the stuffed fox, twirling around its body as the ring sunk down over it. "Like that…" he murmured, turning his gaze back to her, noting her heated cheeks. There was something in her look that woke up a long dormant desire and he felt himself lean his head closer to hers. "Seems the fox has been ensnared now. The prize is yours."

A sudden roar of the gathered crowd brought Kurama to his senses and he cleared his throat, backing away, slowly releasing his hold on Botan's hand and hip. The flicker of less than pure emotion faded from his features, replaced with a friendly smile. "Good job, Botan."

His ears picked up the sound of disbelief from the vendor.

"There's no way.."

"I believe the lady has won her prize," Kurama said, gazing down coolly at the smaller man. "Unless of course, you want the good people here to know you rigged the rings to be unbalanced."

"Okay, okay.." the vendor said quickly, voice low and conspiratorial. "No need to be so hasty." Racing over, he grabbed the fox and went over to the deity, handing it to her.

Kurama smiled at the look of delight and happiness on the blue haired girl's pretty features, trying to control the pang in his heart as he watched Botan hug the fox then come over to him.

'Isn't he cute?" she asked, her amethyst eyes twinkling as she looked up at the kitsune. "I think I'll call him Kurama. What do you think?"

The red head gave a small chuckle. "It's a fitting name," he replied, surprised when the deity slid her arm with his but did not pull away, features softening when she asked,

"Where to next?"

They spent the next hour playing a few more games and enjoying the variety of food stalls, and Kurama found himself content to spend time with the ferry girl. It did not bother him to hold her hand or talk to her. She was full of a life and light that soothed his darker nature and her smile… Her smile made his heart flutter and he felt indulgent. Even when she stopped and grabbed his hand, voice excited.

"Ohh! A shutter booth! Let's get our picture taken!"

"Picture?"

"Yeah!" Botan replied, beaming up at him. "Doesn't it sound like fun?"

"Well.." he started, blinking when she tugged him forward and inside, causing him to stumble into her. He felt heat on his cheeks as the girl giggled and untangled herself from him, slipping some money into the slot then hopped into the kitsune's lap, posing before Kurama could murmur any protest. The rapid flash made him blink but he managed to smile and lean his head into hers when she motioned him to, the control of his emotions slipping a bit, something akin to love taking hold of his heart. He didn't fight it but let it flow, studying her with open adoration as the final picture snapped.

"Botan.." he murmured, drawing her attention to him, watching a flicker of emotion similar to his own play out along her features.

"Hmm?"

Her voice was soft, alluring, and he felt spellbound. "I.." he started then stopped, unused to declaring such soft emotions to anyone, especially someone he was developing strong feelings for. "That is.." he continued, brow furrowed at the sudden giggling outside.

"Hey you in there! Let other people have a turn at the booth, would you?"

Kurama sighed, feeling Botan shift off his lap, the spell broken and he pulled the black curtain back, letting the deity exit first then followed close behind.

The sky was darkening, the crowds heading towards the river bank, signaling that the fireworks show was be starting soon.

"Shall we go find the others?" he asked, regaining some control on the warring emotions in his mind, heart, and body. He could sense her disappointment but smiled as she nodded and took his outstretched arm. The kitsune escorted her through the crowd, using his ability to sense particular ki to find the rest of the gang.

They settled down in a prime spot to view the fireworks, Kurama looking up as the sky exploded in a fantastical array of colors and designs, his heart fluttering as he felt Botan take his hand, her laughter and cheering infectious and the fox spirit let his mask fall, open emotion on his face as he enjoyed the closeness of her and the perfect moment in time.

##############

Kurama lowered the photo back onto the dresser, a sad smile upon his lips. He had never finished telling he what he had wanted to say that night.

The words, "I love you" were not something he took lightly. But he loved her. He had always loved her. He wanted to tell her, to show her. But that chance was rapidly slipping away. He felt an ache in his heart and it was becoming harder to ignore. He could hide it well but if something happened to the deity.. if he was too late..

No, he thought. Failure is not an option. I will find her.

Filled with a sense of urgency, he renewed his search of her room, heading over towards the ferry girl's bed. Sitting down on the edge, he laid back, instinctively turning his head and nuzzling the pillow, inhaling her scent. He felt an intense longing for her then but he managed to push it back, turning his gaze up towards the ceiling, clearing his lustful thoughts, reason coming back as he tried to put himself in the ferry girl's shoes.

If I had information that I wanted to keep personal, where would I put it so I had easy access but only I could find it?

Under the mattress was too easy. Drawers would have been rifled through. Hidden panels required too much work. His gaze shifted to the small book case just beyond the night stand and he rose, pushing off the bed.

Strolling over, the kitsune closed his eyes, searching out for any traces of Botan's energy. Reaching out, his hand clasped a book and he pulled gently, opening his eyes, staring down at a book cover labeled, "Fashions for the Modern Woman." He was about to put it back when a sudden impulse hit him and he removed the book cover, smiling at the light purple hardcover. It was unlabeled and he opened it, recognizing the deity's handwriting.

Clever girl.

Kurama began to read, color flooding his face when he came upon some particularly.. intimate writings.. in regards to the deity's feelings for him. His ears picked up the sounds of footsteps and he quickly wrapped the journal back in the fake book cover and slid it back on the bookshelf, slipping his mask of reserve on as he turned to watch the door open. The kitsune's gaze fell upon Yusuke who strolled inside, followed by Kuwabara and Hiei.

"Hey, fox boy. Find anything useful?" the head spirit detective asked, making his way over towards the kitsune.

"I have not," Kurama lied, though inside he was both frustrated and delighted at the realization that Botan had feelings for him as much as he had for her. "How did your search go?" he asked, walking towards the group, hoping to corral them outside before the picture was spotted. He stopped halfway when Yusuke began to look around and wandered over towards the vanity, growling inwardly as the smaller man lifted the framed photo, features and voice teasing.

"Oh hoh.. what do we have here?" He waved the frame around. "I don't remember ever seeing this picture before. No wonder you never date any women. You're seeing Botan, aren't you?"

Kuwabara saw the flash of anger in Kurama's eyes and he moved over to his best friend. "Stop acting like a stupid kid, Urameshi, and put the picture down," he chided, blinking as Yusuke stuck his tongue out.

"Make me, carrot top."

"Why you punk!" Kazuma growled, reaching out to grab at the photo, the two of them playing tug of war, both gasping as the frame flew out of their hands, spiraling through the air, about to hit the ground when Kurama darted forward, catching it.

Yusuke raised his arms upright, shouting out, "Touchdown!"

Kurama sighed and rose, a flicker of gold in his eyes as he growled. "I am not amused, Yusuke."

The younger man blinked, lowering his arms then cleared his throat. "Sorry about that."

"Idiots.." Hiei murmured, smirking at the glare the head detective and Kuwabara through his way.

Kurama ignored them all, placing the photo carefully back onto the dresser, then turned, eyes narrowed and brimming with anger as he spoke. "Let us head out into the hall."

"Uh.. sure thing, Kurama," Yusuke replied, feeling a bit sheepish at his own antics.

The other men followed him outside, watching as the red head closed Botan's door carefully then turned to face them. "Did you have any luck with your searches?" he asked, all business now.

Yusuke quirked an eyebrow at the shift in his friend's features and emotions. a few minutes ago he was angry and now he was calm and collected. You sure are scary when you let that mask of yours slip, Kurama, the head detective thought as he cleared his throat. "Yeah, we found quite a bit, actually," he started, pulling out a couple of pictures from his back jean pocket. "Check these out."

Kurama looked down at the two photos, taking them from Yusuke's outstretched hand.

He recognized the woman in each photo as one of the missing ferry girls. The one called Ran stood with her arms around a man with dark hair, while the second depicted Kiko with a man just as tall as the first but fair of hair. Dark and light.. features identical and yet.. different hair and eyes.. what did it mean?

"I think these two creeps are the guys that took Botan and the other girls," Yusuke said, verbalizing what the kitsune already believed.

Nodding, Kurama lowered the pics, handing them back to his friend. "What else did you find out?"

"Well, it looks like these rooms were already thoroughly searched," Yusuke answered. "We were lucky to find those two photos and the one journal in Ran's room," he added, grumbling. "Looked like a group of Ogres went on a panty raid the way stuff was shuffled in the drawers."

"I was the one who found all that stuff, Urameshi!" Kuwabara interjected. "You couldn't even figure out where girls would hide things. Luckily for us, I have a sister so I know all about hiding things."

"More like you know how to snoop through your sister's things," Yusuke snorted under his breath.

"You're such a jerk, Urameshi!" the taller orange hair man snapped. "Why can't you give credit where credit is due!"

"What the hell does it matter who found it, jackass?!" Yusuke growled. "It's not like you get a bonus for finding it first!"

Kurama processed the information, suspicion growing as he asked, "Was there anything of relevance in the journal that would help our case?"

"Since time is of the essence and these two dolts will only continue their ceaseless bickering, I'll answer," Hiei replied, ignoring the protests of the two younger men. "The names of one man surfaces repeatedly in the journal. Yukio Kuromoto." The other three men listened as the fire youkai continued. "Seems this Yukio character was quite the lover boy. She went into rather explicit detail of their couplings. Each time she was away from him, her longing grew stronger until every thought was of him and whatever he asked of her she would do."

"Whatever he asked of her?" Kurama murmured, taking the journal from his best friend's outstretched hand.

"The last entry is the most bizarre rambling I've ever read."

The kitsune flipped to the last page, frowning as he read aloud the contents:

I have done it! The plan has been set into motion and he will reward me with the promise he made. The others will understand in time but this is the way it must be. For the good of the three realms, cosmic dissonance must hold sway. Like a great fire it will consume, burning the old and renewing life to that which was once dead. I cannot wait for Yukio to take me to the paradise beyond the pale! What fun it shall be!

Closing the journal, his features grew troubled and his eyes narrowed. "Cosmic Dissonance…"

"What does that mean, exactly?" Yusuke asked.

"Well.. on the surface it would appear to be some kind of plot to cause discord. Across the three realms.." Kurama shook his head. "But there could be more to it.. there has to be.." he murmured to himself, a faint recollection growing in his mind as he walked swiftly towards the stairwell.

"Hey, Kurama!" Yusuke called out. "Where are you going?!"

"To speak with Koenma," the fox spirit called out over his shoulder, throwing the door open as he raced down the stairs, his friends close behind.

Chapter Text

It didn't take long before the fox spirit burst through the spirit lord's office door, voice soft but accusing. "You lied to us, Koenma."

The small ruler of Reikai blinked, chewing on his pacifier. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Cosmic Dissonance," Kurama replied as he stalked closer, coming to a stop at the front of Koenma's desk. "Does that ring any bells?"

He saw a flicker of recognition in the toddler lord's eyes, the pacifier all but falling from his lips as he looked up at Kurama in shock. "I.. I don't know.."

"Lying serves no purpose, Koenma," the kitsune continued, voice soft but stern. "Your ogre guards are rather clumsy investigators." He held up the journal, noting the look of dismay on his boss's face. "This was found in Miss Ran's room, hidden out of sight of your guards. If they had learned to wash the room of their scent and ki, none of us would have known any better. But the fact remains that you ordered the search and tried to keep what you found to yourself." He paused, leaning over the desk, flecks of gold floating in his emerald pools. "What I want to know is where are the other notes, journals, pictures. What else are you hiding from us and why would you do something so foolish?"

Koenma met the larger man's gaze for a moment, before breaking it off. "You have to understand that I want the girls found. But I was hoping to do it without you finding out about the root cause of the situation."

"What or who is Cosmic Dissonance?"

The toddler lord sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Long ago, when my father was in control and before my birth into this world, there was a group of concerned Reikai citizen-scientists that feared a merging of all three realms. They pursued a way of producing a bio chemical agent that would subdue the demon population on a grand scale should they try and invade the spirit realm," he began, voice soft and distant. "They went into Makai and subjected captured demons to this drug. The side effects were said to vary between hallucinations and madness."

"I remember this," Kurama murmured in surprise as his youkai mind began to put pieces of the puzzle together. "Stories were told of strangers of a spirit world nature, invading and wiping out villages of demons with some sort of weapon." His eyes narrowed. "They became the boogiemen in the demon world. Much like myself during my days as Youko Kurama."

"Yes.. boogiemen," Koenma repeated. "Only they were very real. Through their experiments, they perfected the drug, which was said to render the subject docile and suggestive to commands."

"Why not just find something to wipe all demons off the face of the world if that was what they wanted," Yusuke interjected, "Why piss around with some drug that may or may not work?"

"They didn't want to destroy Makai, Yusuke," Koenma replied. "They wanted to control it. At first it was for the good of the realm but then it quickly shifted into something more nefarious." He noticed Yusuke's puzzled look and clarified his answer. "Imagine the power you could wield if you could subdue even S class demons with a mere suggestion and send them off to deal with the masses. They wouldn't have to dirty their hands at all. They would become the new rulers of this world."

The toddler king looked downward. "My father found out and put a stop to the project, but not before an attempt was made to seize control of Reikai. He stripped the scientists of all their power and sent them down into Makai, sealing that realm from the human and spirit world. And so it remained until recent times, as you well know."

"Okay.." Yusuke began. "So what does that have to do with the disappearance of the ferry girls?"

"It has everything to do with it, Yusuke," Kurama interjected, his gaze still on his boss as he pushed off the desk. "Someone is continuing where that group left off. Only this time it's reversed."

"Reversed?"

Kurama turned his gaze over to Kuwabara, nodding at his questioning voice. "Yes.. the demons are now the masters.. and the subjects.. are of spirit world blood.." Returning his gaze back to Koenma, the kitsune asked, "That was the name of the project, wasn't? Cosmic Dissonance."

Koenma nodded. "That was the code word given for the project."

"So why did you feel the need to hide this information from us?" Yusuke asked.

The toddler lord looked away. "I don't like airing my dirty laundry. I felt it wasn't necessary to know the particulars of why this was happening. Only that it was and it needed to be stopped."

"How very noble of you to spare us the particulars." Kurama murmured, eyes brimming gold as he stared down in mild contempt, switching up his questioning. "We have one name.. Yukio Kuromoto.. who is the other man behind this?"

Koenma blinked. "Who?"

The kitsune held out his hand to Yusuke who placed the photos into the red head's palm. "These two men," Kurama repeated, holding them up for his boss to see. "One is Yukio. The other is unknown."

Koenma shook his head. 'I have no idea who these two men are."

"You're sure of that?" Kurama asked, insistent, his infinite patience being stretched to its limit, his desperation to find Botan bringing Youko closer to the surface. "You have no idea who either of these men are?" he continued, moving the photos closer.

"I'm telling you I have no idea who they are."

"Really?" Kurama replied, narrowing his eyes as he placed the photos onto the desk and slid them towards the toddler lord. "Botan knew her kidnappers, and by extension you also knew," he said accusingly. "You heard it on the audio recording of her abduction. I find it highly unlikely that she wouldn't come to you with her suspicions. So I'll ask one more time. Who are these two men?"

But Koenma was undeterred. "She came to me about her fellow ferry girls being swooned by some human lotharios, yes. But she never revealed any names or what they might look like. I told you as much at the beginning of your investigation. If I knew who they were, I would tell you."

Kurama dropped Ran's journal onto the desk, sliding it towards him.

"What is this?" Koenma asked looking from the book to the kitsune.

"The journal of the first of the abductees. The end is most interesting. Why don't you read it and tell me what you think?" Kurama asked softly, though his eyes were brimming with irritation.

Koenma opened the journal and flipped to the last entry, his brow furrowed as he read. When he'd finished, the toddler looked up, confusion in his features and voice. "What does this mean?"

Kurama met his boss's gaze, his own voice troubled. "It means that the perpetrators of this abduction have more planned than simply testing some mind control drug. The question is, what exactly do they have planned?" He rose up to his full height, peering down at the smaller man. "You've kept us in the dark before, Koenma. If you have any other information that can help us, I suggest you tell us now before it's too late."

The toddler lord shook his head. "There is no other information I can give you that you haven't already found out."

"Then we've delayed long enough," Hiei interjected his thoughts on the matter. "I think it's time we investigate that triangle of sites you linked earlier, Kurama."

"Triangle?" Koenma said, frowning. "What triangle?"

"We've determined from the sites of each disappearance that the kidnappers must be operating within a triangular area of the city," the kitsune answered. "Our goal now is to find them, capture them, and bring the two men to justice." He paused then added a bit mockingly, "That is what you wanted all along, isn't it, Koenma?" The fox spirit didn't wait for a response as he turned and exited his boss's office, the rest of the detectives following close behind.

"Man, Kurama, you sure know how to put pacifier breath in his place," Yusuke commented, studying his friend. "Think you can teach me how to do that?"

"He needed to be called out for his mismanagement of facts for this case," Kurama replied as he continued walking. "But I could have handled it better than I did," he admitted, shaking his head.

It was not like him to become visibly upset or emotional. But Botan was precious to him and he felt this growing fear that he was already too late to save her. No! he growled inwardly. I refuse to give up! His legs gave form to his thoughts and he raced forward, calling out. "We must hurry!"

The rest of the group blinked, looking at each other than followed, running to catch up as they leaped through the portal back to human world.

XXXXXXXX

Lights flickered across the face of Yukio Kuromoto, his brown eyes intently focused on the screen before him. Soft footsteps echoed in the room and the dark haired kidnapper smirked. "It seems our quarry has figured out more that we thought. What do you think, Kane?"

The blond man came to a stop, matching Yukio's smile. "So it would seem, brother," he replied, his blue eyes looking down at the dark haired man. "The question is, what do we do now?"

Yukio leaned back in his seat, tapping his fingers on the armrest before answering. "It seems we will be having guests soon," he replied, grinning from ear to ear, flicking a switch, a new monitor flaring to life, the image of Botan visible on the screen. "I think it's time we sent out a welcome party, don't you agree?"

XXXXXXXXX

"So what's the plan, Kurama?" Yusuke asked, his gaze focused on the red head as the detectives walked out of the Shibuya station and into the bustling sidewalks filled with shoppers and tourists. The mass of people was a bit disconcerting for Hiei who grumbled, "Yes, what is the plan Kurama? The sooner we get away from the mass of humans, the better."

Kurama took out the communicator in his pocket, flipping it open. "Before we begin our search, we should sync up our communicators, after that, the best course of action is to split up."

"Are you sure that's a good idea, Kurama?" Kuwabara asked. "Wouldn't it be safer to go as a group or in pairs?"

"Normally, yes," the kitsune conceded. "But we can cover more ground if we split up than if we remained together." His features shifted into an open display of concern. "I fear we don't have much time left to find Botan and the other missing women."

"Are you certain of that, Kurama?" Hiei asked. "I didn't find anything, in all of our information gathering, that indicated a time limit before possible death."

"Nor did I," the red head replied. "I am going on my instinct, Hiei. It feels like time is running out for these girls. We must find them tonight or I fear we will be too late to stop their deaths or.. worse.."

Kuwabara blinked. "What could be worse than death?"

The kitsune's voice softened and he shook his head sadly. "Now is not the time to discuss that, Kuwabara. Suffice to say, the merciless in this world do not mete out a quick or painless death."

"Then let's stop talking and get this party started," Yusuke said, reasserting his status as head detective.

"Agreed," Kurama replied, waiting for the others to sync up with the map on his communicator. "We should remain in constant contact throughout our search. The moment you find something, send out the signal and the rest of us will meet up at those coordinates."

The rest of the group nodded and the four of them split up, each taking a different direction, keeping contact on and off as they searched their chosen area.

Kurama took the northern route, keeping his eyes out for anything unusual. He stopped outside of the Shibuya fire station and lifted his communicator to speak. "Anything yet?" he asked, waiting for feedback from the other members of the group.

"Nothing on my end," Kuwabara sounded out first. "Though there are a lot of pretty girls out tonight."

"Eh heh.. what would Yukina say to that?" Yusuke's voice interjected teasingly, earning a growl from his best friend.

"Shut up, Urameshi!"

"Morons.." Hiei's voice added to the conversation, talking over the chatter from the younger men. "Nothing unusual yet, Kurama. Are you certain this is the right approach?"

The right approach.. he repeated inwardly. Was it really? Was he doing right by these women, who could very well be dead already. Was that why there was no sign of their whereabouts?

No, he thought with a shake of his head. If they were dead, the kidnappers would have no motive to taunt the detectives as they did. No motive to keep them hidden. So where would I hide if I wanted to remain hidden within this massive city? Buildings? No. That would be too easy. Too many people could stumble into their operation. Yet they had to be in the triangle markings. So where?

His eyes fell upon a sign and an idea sparked in his brilliant mind. "Trees.."

"What?" Hiei replied. "What about trees?"

"Parks. They have them hidden in one of the parks," the kitsune elaborated.

"You sure about that, Kurama?" Kuwabara asked. "Wouldn't they be more secure in a building or something?"

"That's just it, Kuwabara," Kurama said, walking towards the sign that pointed to Yoyogi Park. "If they can manipulate their surroundings, why can they not create a base of operations within any of the parks? No one is allowed to enter beyond the walkways. Where else would they be safer than in a forest in the middle of the city?" He paused then added, "Remember when we chased one of the kidnappers through the park near the tower where Botan was kidnapped? Remember the force barrier that stopped our pursuit? You could not sense it unless you were touching it. That barrier also hides any unusual power bursts of energy from being detected within its borders, allowing them to be untraceable unless you run into the barrier itself. That is why it must be in one of the parks."

"Well, it's worth a shot," Yusuke sounded out. "Let's do it then. Check out every park in your area. The first sign of something odd, we meet up and kick some ass."

"Gotcha," Kuwabara sounded out next.

"Can't hurt to look through the trees I suppose.." Hiei added his two cents.

"Be careful and good luck," Kurama replied, shutting his communicator and stuffing it in his pocket.

He entered Yoyogi ten minutes later, stars replacing blue sky as night fell upon the city. No one else was around, as the parked had closed a short time earlier and the kitsune jumped, landing on the large bough of a nearby tree.

Emerald eyes scanned the surroundings, looking for any visual clues and he frowned, jumping back down onto the pathway. Guess I'll have to search the woods themselves.  His head snapped up at the sudden spike of familiar spiritual energy, his eyes widening as he saw the form of Botan zoom past him.

"Botan!" Kurama cried out at the sight of the missing deity. He frowned as she continued on, as if not hearing him and he took off after her, racing down the pathway, veering left into the woods, crashing through the brush without thought of safety or body. So caught up was the kitsune into the chase that he failed to contact his friends, the desire to get to the ferry girl and save her overwhelming his usually cautious behavior.

His head pounded from the rush of blood but he was relentless, jumping up into the treetops, vaulting over limbs, gaining purchase as he caught to the deity. "Botan, stop!" Kurama yelled, troubled that she would not or could not hear him. She wasn't slowing down, wasn't going to stop and the kitsune decided to take a gamble.

If she will not stop, I will make her stop.

Pushing off the nearest branch with a burst of power, He flew through the air, straight towards Botan and he wrapped his arms around her, the pair rocketing towards the ground. Kurama twisted his body in the air like a gymnast, landing on his feet, Botan in his arms as the oar she was riding crashed into the small open field of ground near them.

The kitsune lowered the deity to her feet, wrapping his arms around her, voice full of emotion he would not share with anyone else. "Botan.. My Botan.. you're safe.. it's alright now.. everything is going to be alright."

He buried his nose into her hair and closed his eyes, relief flooding his heart only for  his eyelids to snap open as a sharp, intense pain that flared in his left side.

Gasping, Kurama pulled back and glanced down, surprise then shock filling him at the blade lodged into his side and he returned his gaze up to the ferry girl, pained emerald eyes meeting the empty amethyst ones of Botan.

Chapter Text

Kuwabara walked off the beaten path of Shimizudani park, noting the wildness of the trees. Faint lights could be seen in the distance but the air had a creepy feel to it that made the orange haired boy nervous. He looked around warily, his steps cautious as he held out his hands.

This is so stupid, he grumbled, recalling the previous incident with the force field. That field knocked me on my ass the last time and here I am walking around like a damn fool lost in the darkness.

He continued on, stalking through some thick foliage, eyes darting about or some hint of their target but sensed nothing and saw nothing. Getting frustrated he lowered his arms and straightened his frame. No more pussy footing around! I'm going to do this like a real man would!

Kuwabara marched forward, eyes widening as his foot caught on the root of a tree and he crashed downward, a muffled sound of pain as his head smacked into something solid.

"What the hell?!" he snarled, reaching up to rub his head before pressing his hands forward, blinking as they touched what appeared to be empty air. Yet the air would not bend and a grin spread upon Kuwabara's face.

Bingo!

Whipping out his communicator, the human spirit detective opened it, voice full of triumph as he spoke. "Hey you guys, I found the force field!"

Yusuke's voice cracked through first. "Good job, Kuwabara! Patch through the coordinates and we'll meet up with you."

Kuwabara pressed the signal button, sending out his coordinates, the look of pride on his face shifting to one of irritation as Hiei's voice cut through.

"Are you sure the moron didn't just bump his head and is now suffering from hallucinations?"

"Shut it shrimp!" Kuwabara snapped. "I'm not blind! I know what I've found!"

"Hn.. that remains to be seen," Hiei shot back softly, a hint of malice in his voice.

"Will you two knock it off," Yusuke growled. "Has Kurama responded yet?"

The human spirit detective blinked. "Uh.. well. no.. not yet anyway."

There was a pause on Yusuke's end. "Just hang tight, Kuwabara. We'll be there in a minute."

Kuwabara closed his device, turning his gaze to the invisible field. He reached out again, trailing his fingers along the barrier. It felt solid and unreal, a faint tingling on his fingertips as he moved a few feet along the field. His back stiffened as he felt a familiar energy and he turned to find Yusuke and Hiei both staring at him.

"Uh.. hey guys.." he greeted, lowering his hand to his side. "The barrier.. is.. well.. it's really odd.. got a tingly feeling in my fingers from touching it."

"Oh?" Yusuke started, flashing a grin at his friend. "A tingly feeling, eh?"

Kuwabara narrowed his eyes. "You're such a jackass, Urameshi…"

"Yeah, but I'm not the one commenting on.. tingly feelings.." Yusuke retorted then held up his hands to silence the larger man. "Seriously though.. where is Kurama? He should have responded by now."

"Yeah, I know.," Kuwabara replied. "It's not like him to lose contact with us."

"He could be in trouble," Yusuke commented, frowning as he looked down at Hiei who chimed in,

"That is quite likely."

Kuwabara looked back to the barrier. "Then there is no time to waste, guys!"

A flash of light erupted from the orange haired teen's palm, elongating to take the shape of a straight blade that resembled his dimension sword. Slicing downward, the blade cut through the barrier, the air shimmering as the force field dissolved, revealing a small bunker door, painted in camouflage.

Hiei and Yusuke blinked, looking from the bunker door to Kuwabara.

"Why the hell didn't you use your sword on the barrier the last time we ran into it?" Yusuke demanded, quirking an eyebrow at his friend's retort.

"Does it matter? Let's just get in there, save the girls, and kick some demon butt," the taller man quipped then rushed forward. Leading the way, Kuwabara made to kick the door when Hiei stopped him and he glared, down, voice challenging, "Hey, what's the big deal?"

The fire demon sighed. "I'd like to try to sneak in quietly for once, if you don't mind."

Kuwabara frowned but backed off, grumbling, "Go for it, mister sneaky pants…"

Hiei scowled but made no comment, reaching out to push down the door handle. 

faint clicking noise erupted and the fire demon reached up, his small hand wrapping around the hilt of his katana, sliding it out in one smooth movement. He poked the blade forward, forcing the door open. A whoosh of air swirled up, tugging at Hiei's bangs and he flinched, jumping back in reflex, his smaller form bumping into the larger one of Yusuke.

"Gee, Hiei, jumpy much?" the head detective teased.

The smaller man frowned, blade lowered at his side, voice soft and troubled. "Did you not smell the air?" he retorted. "It reeks of death and unnaturalness.."

Yusuke moved forward, inhaling the air, quirking an eyebrow as he looked back to his friend. "I take it you've never been to a hospital before?"

"Hospital?"

The taller man chuckled at Hiei's puzzled look. "It's disinfectant. To make things sterile."

The fire demon was not placated and wrinkled his nose in disgust. "Whatever it is, I don't like it."

Yusuke smiled but didn't comment, voice firm as he spoke. "Let's see where this leads."

Pushing the door open fully, the head detective entered the stairway, cautiously making his way down the winding steps, Hiei and Kuwabara close behind.

Lights flicked on and off as they reached the bottom, their gazes roaming, and their ears focused for unusual noise that might indicate where their targets were. The narrow hallway opened, giving way to a larger area.

Dim lighting revealed some kind of machinery and four large cylindrical tanks. A pulsing noise, low and constant, filled the room.

"What a weird place," Kuwabara murmured, edging closer to the nearest tank. "Kind of makes you wonder what they were doing down here."

"Experimenting," Hiei said in a soft tone, his red eyes surveying the surroundings, blinking at the sudden flash of light that filled the room. A look of surprise marred his handsome features as he stared at the four tanks in front of him.

"Found the swit.. " Yusuke's voice started then died out at what he saw. He stepped forward, coming up to stop at Hiei's left, his eyes full of anger. "What the hell is this?"

Before them, exposed to the light, three of the four ferry girls floated in separate tanks full of a pale blue fluid. Bubbles flittered around their naked forms, gashes and bruises visible on their skin while breathing masks covered their noses and their mouths.

"Christ.. what the hell happened to them?" Yusuke murmured, leaning in closer to study the injuries, blinking as Kuwabara growled.

"Cowards. What kind men would do this to women?" the orange haired boy shook his head, clenching his hands into fists. "It's wrong.. and evil.. we need to get them out of there guys."

"Evil to you, perhaps," Hiei commented. "But these women are in regeneration tanks." He paused, his mind traveling back to the time he himself had been placed in such a situation. He flexed his left arm, muscles remembering the severing and the pain. "Their physical injuries will heal seamlessly in that fluid."

"But not their minds," Kuwabara countered. "No freaky blue fluid will heal the damage done to them mentally."

The fire demon looked up at the larger man, voice soft. "So you do have a brain after all…"

"Why you.." Kuwabara growled, stepping closer to the smaller man. "Are you saying you agree with what was done to them? You know how sick and twisted that is?"

"I don't have your moral dilemmas, Kuwabara," Hiei replied, using the human's last name, surprising the teen. "But I will say that no, I don't agree with what was done to them." He paused, eyes flashing with an intensity of anger that was unusual for the koorime, guided by his loyalty to the woman he served and acknowledgement of the wrong done to her, bringing forth an empathy he rarely felt. "A man who tortures a woman, is no man at all, but an animal. Unfit to live."

Kuwabara blinked as he studied the fire demon, nodding with silent approval.

Hiei's gaze shifted away from the taller man, traveling down the line, noting the last tank was empty, voice soft "Someone is missing."

Yusuke turned towards the smaller man, features full of concern. "Botan.." he murmured, moving over to the empty tank. Just where was she? The head detective wondered. And where the hell was Kurama?

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Far from the site of the three other detectives, Kurama was dealing with a different situation. Namely being stabbed by the woman he loved.

The shock was worse than the pain and Kurama pulled back, jumping away from the deity, his left hand clutching the wound as he extracted himself from the blade. Blood seeped though his fingers, his troubled gaze locked on the blank ones of Botan.

There was no life there and no recognition. She was an empty shell, devoid of any feeling or thought.

Botan.. what have they done to you?

His eyes widened as the deity rushed at him, knife outstretched, slashing left and right with a speed she should not have.

Kurama dodged each attack, leaping back and away, up onto a branch above, wincing a bit at the flare of pain that ignited in his side. He studied the deity, frowning at the empty stare that gazed back up at him. The fox spirit's mind was reeling, trying to come up with answers, frowning as Botan leapt up and came at him again.

Gritting his teeth, Kurama jumped down, flipping and landing on the ground. He stumbled a bit and had to duck as a wide slash from the ferry girl nearly took his head.

Botan pressed her attack with a ferocity that surprised the kitsune and it was all he could do to remain on the defensive, dodging each attack, unable to counter without hurting her.

Frustration filled him at the continued assault from the hands of the deity. Every move he made was mirrored by Botan, every step back, she advanced. There was something she was honing in on in regards to him, but what? Her movements were controlled and precise and she behaved like a puppet on a string, dancing to the whims of an unseen master.

Kurama's eyes narrowed.

Controlled.

Under control.

That was what was going on.

Botan was the instrument of the kidnapper's violent whim. And she would not stop until the controller was caught and incapacitated. Or Botan.

That was the crux wasn't it? The controller knew this ahead of time. Knew that the kitsune would have to choose between his life and the life of the woman he loved.

You cruel bastard, Kurama growled inwardly and he leapt away from the wide arcing slash of the deity. You set this up as some sort of game.. or trial..

Was he watching now? Was he enjoying the show?

I will not let you win, the kitsune vowed as he reached up and withdrew a seed, features full of purpose as he leapt high into the air and fed energy into the seed.

Several vines sprouted out, zooming at breakneck speed towards the deity then snaking around her, binding her so she could not move.

Kurama landed, frowning as the girl struggled against them violently, yet there was still no expression on her features, even as a flower bloomed on the vine near her shoulder.

Two two needle teeth formed, biting down through fabric quickly then withdrew, the petals dying and fluttering down to the ground. Botan's eyelids grew heavy and she collapsed forward.

Kurama reached out, catching then cradling her in his arms, his features pained as he whispered, "I'm sorry, Botan."

He rose, straightening the deity upright, silently commanding more vines to wrap around the base of a tree trunk to keep her secured.

Something hot flared in his right pocket and he reached in then drew out his communicator. Flipping it open, a blinking red light met his gaze, the kanji letters for Shimizudani park appearing above the light and the kitsune's features grew somber.

They must have found the location of the kidnappers.

Opening a line of communication, Kurama spoke. "Yusuke, Kuwabara, Hiei.. can any of you hear me?"

Static met his ears and he frowned. "Kurama here. Can any of you guys hear me? Respond please."

Again, nothing but static responded to his voice. Something was interfering with the lines of communication.

They could be in trouble, he thought, his emerald orbs lifting up from the communicator to shift over at the unconscious form of Botan.

His friends could be in danger and yet...

I can't leave her. I don't want to lose her again.

Choices again.

Choose or die.

Save your friends or save your girl.

Kurama clenched his jaw and closed his eyes. The emotion drained from his face, now calm and reserved as he threw out some seeds, spreading them in a circular pattern around the tree base, watching as they erupted into to man size plants full of thorns that pointed only outwards and vicious teeth and venom. They parted at his approach, revealing Botan and Kurama leaned in to caress her face, voice soft but low. "I will come back for you. Until then.. you remain safe.. here.."

Pulling back, features hardened, the kitsune turned, the plants reforming to protect the peony as he raced off, heading towards Shimizudani.

XXXXXXXX

"So what do we do now?" Kuwabara asked, looking over at his best friend. "We can't leave them here like this."

"No.. we can't.." Yusuke replied, his gaze focused on the tanks. His eyes followed the pathway of intricate tubing that spread down from the breathing masks to coil back over the shoulders of the unconscious females. The head detective did not want to compromise the fragile state these women were in. But what to do?

Yusuke moved around, walking towards the back of the tank, brow furrowed. It was too complex to do alone. They were going to need more help.

"Well?" Kuwabara asked, growing impatient. "How do we get them out of there?"

"You don't.." an unfamiliar voice echoed in the room and the three detectives jumped as a steel wall slammed down in front of the open pathway, sealing the men in the chamber and blocking off their escape. Lights flickered off, the tanks before them casting out trace amounts of illumination, the only sign of life within the room.

"Who the hell is that?" Kuwabara asked, looking around in confusion at his two companions.

"The enemy," Hiei answered, hand gripping the hilt of his katana as he snatched it out of the scabbard, crouching into a defensive posture, ready for any attack that might come their way. "Seems he wants to play a game."

"I'm not in the mood for games," Yusuke growled, eyes dark and voice defiant as he spoke. "Come out and show yourself."

The speaker replied with a soft chuckle. "In good time, perhaps.. for now I'm enjoying the spectacle. I trust your visit so far has been.. enlightening?"

"It was easy enough to break into here, you freak!" Kuwabara shouted, clenching his fists.

"Tsk, tsk.. such poor manners.." the speaker replied, voice chiding. "I must say I'm sorely disappointed in the current generation if this is the best response you children can come up with."

"You're going to be even more sore when I kick your ass," Yusuke said, goading the enemy even more when he added, "So stop hiding and face us like a man.. unless you're too afraid."

"Straight to the point," the speaker replied in a hardened tone. "What makes you think you can even kick my ass, boy?"

Yusuke lifted his right hand, clutching the wrist with his left, a blue light building at the tip of his index finger. "I don't need to see you to kick your ass. I'll just blow a damn hole through the wall and find you myself."

"And when you blow up the wall and destroy the tanks housing your precious ferry girls, will Koenma be understanding? Are you willing to risk harming them to get to me?"

The head detective hesitated.

As badly as he wanted to take out the smarmy bastard, Yusuke could not risk damaging the girls any more than they already were. Making a sound of disgust, he lowered his hand, the blue light of his spirit gun fading.

"A wise decision, Yusuke Urameshi."

Yusuke's eyes narrowed. "How do you know who I am?"

"My prey told me everything I need to know about you and your little.. club.. Though it isn't a very good one. You can't even protect your women," the speaker replied in a voice laced with mockery.

"Why you arrogant little.." Kuwabara growled, not to be outdone by his best friend's disgust. "You're nothing but a cowardly punk who kidnaps women! Why don't you come here and say that to our faces!"

Laughter filled the room. "Well, you three are certainly entertaining to say the least. Too bad the smart one of your group is missing."

"Where is Kurama?" Hiei asked, stepping between the two larger men. He could not sense his opponent and his Jagan would be useless after the previous encounter with their enemy's strange powers. Still, the fire demon wanted to kill the bastard, if for nothing else than to shut the arrogant man up.

"He's.. preoccupied. A lover's quarrel if you will.. I'm afraid he won't be joining our little.. party today.."

Realization struck Yusuke then.

All the concern Kurama showed, the kitsune's irritation at the head detective's teasing. It all made sense now. "Botan.." he murmured, a flash of anger in his features. "What did you do to Botan?"

There was a pause before their enemy spoke again. "She lasted longer than the others, I'll give her that. Yet, in the end, Botan was broken just like the women before you now."

Yusuke studied the prone ferry girls. The slashes and bruises were deep and traumatic. A tell tale sign of torture.

What the fuck else did he do to them?

"Asshole.... Only someone fucked up in the head would attack these girls. You get off on this stuff or something?" His voice grew thick with insinuation. "No wonder you kidnap women. It's the only way you can get any action."

A seething tone took hold of the speaker's voice. "Your simple mind couldn't even begin to comprehend who I am or what my motives are!"

Well.. that pissed him off.. Yusuke thought with a smirk. Good.. now to press the verbal attack even more. "I don't need to be a genius to know a freak when I see one," he taunted. "And you, my friend, are a world class freak.. Yukio Kuromoto.."

Silence, heavy and unnerving, filled the room.

"You're not the only one with valuable information," Yusuke continued. "We know all about Cosmic Dissonance. Your experiments are over. And so is your life."

The hair on the back of Yusuke's head rose, eyes widening at the whisper in his ear,

"You first..."

The tanks exploded without warning, the three detectives crossing their arms to shield their faces from the broken glass that shot towards them. The blue fluid flooded the floor, rising up to the detectives ankles and the men watched in varying shades of horror as the three ferry girls eyelids snapped open, dull orbs fixated on the troubled ones of the detectives.

The women ripped off their breathing masks in unison, tendrils of medical tubing snaking out of their mouths as they dropped the masks and gasped for air.

They stalked forward, stumbling a bit, red mixing with blue as their bare feet were cut up by the broken glass. They felt no pain and heeded no warnings.

Hands held out, instead of an oar materializing, they brought steel into existence, clutching the blades as they rushed towards the three detectives.

The three men leapt up into the air, avoiding the attack, landing on the opposite side of the room with a loud splash.

"Nice going, Urameshi! You just had to piss that Yukio guy off!"

"How was I supposed to know he was going to sic the ferry girls onto us, numb nuts?!" he replied, jumping up to avoid a downward slash from the ferry girl called Ran.

Hiei vaulted up and over his comrades, using his katana to block a second blow, forcing the ferry girl, Hinawari, back and away. "Whoever this Yukio really is, I will kill him. Slowly. Once cut at a time."

Kuwabara jumped to the side, avoiding a stabbing thrust by the third ferry girl, Kiko, too focused on not hurting her to pay attention to the nakedness of her form, yellow light erupting from his hand, forming his spirit sword to repel a slash from his attacker. "We can't hit them back, you guys."

Yusuke clenched his jaw.

This Yukio bastard was trying to force them to choose.

Kill the girls or die.

It would be easy enough to knock them out and if necessary, to kill them. But they were sent to save these women, not to harm them and Yusuke could not bring himself to strike these girls, no matter how dangerous they were.

And you know that don't you, you sick bastard?

Yusuke reached out with lightning quick reflexes, catching the downward swinging blade of Ran, keeping her still as he watched her struggle to pull the weapon away.

"I'm fucking sick of these games!"

Yanking the blade, the head detective turned it around, barely able to block the attack as Ran materialized another sword.

"We can't keep dodging them forever," Hiei replied, growing impatient with the pressing attacks.

The three men jumped away and landed, back to back in a circle, blades outstretched, each struggling with what to do next when the steel door began to shake.

Their eyes widened as the door was violently yanked back, long tendrils of green exploding from the debris to coil around each ferry girl, a strange flower blooming and biting into each woman's shoulder seconds later.

The women ceased their struggle, going limp as the remaining vines snaked upwards, menacing flowers with wicked teeth sprouting instantly as the plant matter crashed into the wall high above, the sounds of shattering glass filling the air as light poured into the room, revealing the shocked form of Yukio Kuromoto.

Yukio vaulted back at the rapidly attacking plants, lashing out with a blast of flame, causing the deadly flowers to screech in pain and thrash around, sparks flying as the machinery in the once hidden room began to explode.

The three detectives turned their gazes toward the destroyed wall, gawking at the form of Kurama leaping onto the trunk of vines, racing forward and up, a grass blade outstretched as he disappeared into the flames.

The kitsune brought the blade down, barely missing the retreating form of Yukio who studied him in shock, blurting out,

"You're supposed to be dead!"

Kurama eyed him coldly, voice low, traces of Youko in his words. "Not until I kill you first."

He struck out with precision and deadly accuracy, spearing Yukio through the heart.

Yukio gasped, clutching at the blade as collapsed onto his knees, his body erupting in a blue flame revealing a troubling truth.

"A doppelganger.." Kurama murmured, eyes narrowed.

The machinery continued to explode around him, pieces of metal slicing through his clothing, cutting him open, making him bleed everywhere but he paid little notice, his gaze shifting upwards to the camera in the corner. He shot a blade of grass at it, splitting it in half, frowning as the room began to tremble violently.

Kurama backed away, turning and jumping out the ruined glass windows, landing near the prone girls wrapped around by his vines.

Yusuke rushed up to the kitsune, blinking at the bloodied state of his friend. "You sure know how to make an entrance, Kurama.."

The red head turned to the head detective, about to reply when the whole building began to quake. "We have to get out of here, now!" he shouted while cutting through the vines, watching as Yusuke, Hiei, and Kuwabara each grabbed a ferry girl.

They raced upward, darting past falling debris and up the winding staircase, shooting out of the door just before it collapsed onto itself and dematerialized from the world.

Kurama rose slowly, the adrenaline in his body fading, the pain of his injuries screaming for attention and he winced, his breathing a bit labored.

"Hey, Kurama.. you alright?" Kuwabara asked, tossing the unconscious ferry girl over his shoulder, helping his friend up with his left hand.

"I'm.. fine.. Kuwabara.." the kitsune replied, clutching his side.

The taller man looked down, frowning at the blood spreading along the left side of the fox spirit's shirt. "You don't look so good."

The kitsune let out a soft laugh, wincing. "I suppose I don't."

"What happened to you, Kurama?" Hiei asked, concern in his features though his voice was curious.

The red head lowered his gaze. "I will tell you of it, later. For now, we must get the girls back to Reikai."

Yusuke studied the kitsune, voice soft. "Hey.. Kurama.. we.. well.. we found three of the girls.. but.. Botan.."

"Is safe.." Kurama replied, noting the surprise in the head detective's face. "But not for much longer if we do not hurry."

He raced pass them, leading them back to Yoyogi park where the deity was still protected by the kitsune's plants.

Kurama gently cut her loose, lifting her into his arms, cradling her, his blood soiling her pink kimono as they made the journey back to Reikai.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Koenma studied his four detectives, features grief stricken as he listened to their report.

They were a mess, Kurama most of all and he leaned back in his chair, voice somber. "So the enemy got away," he murmured. "Yet the ferry girls are returned safe and sound."

"Safe perhaps.." Kurama replied, softly. "But not sound."

The toddler lord shifted his gaze to the red head. "Yes.. you are right.. of course.. how should we go about their treatment?"

"Treatment.." Kurama responded with a trace of bitterness. "It will take more than drugs to help these women. If we can help them at all."

It was unusual for the kitsune to be so pessimistic.

Seems it's not only the ferry girls who were wounded by this experience, Koenma thought.

"Nevertheless," Kurama continued. "I will do all I can to find a way to reverse the damage. I will however, have to research the files pertaining to Cosmic Dissonance."

Koenma closed his eyes, knowing it would come to this. "Yes.. Yes, I suppose you will. Ayame will retrieve the files for you to take home."

"I will not be leaving here until I've figured out a way to help these women," Kurama replied, drawing looks of surprise from everyone in the room.

"Hey, Kurama. You've been through a lot. Maybe you should go home and clean up," Yusuke suggested. "Your family will be worried about you if you don't return."

"I already left them a note explaining I was on a camping trip and would be back within the week as I did not know how long our search would continue or where it would lead us," Kurama said, turning his emerald gaze upon the smaller man. "Besides, I can clean up and rest here just as well as home and my clothing can be cleaned and mended."

Man, Kurama, you sure do plan ahead of time, Yusuke thought still amazed at the red head's ability to think several steps ahead.

"Very well," Koenma conceded, dismissing the rest of the group.

Kurama followed Ayame to guest quarters within the palace, nodding at her words about gathering files then headed straight to the bathroom.

Stripping, he stepped into the shower, groaning as the hot water lashed at his open wounds and bruises. He looked down at the freshly healed stab wound, his mind flashing back to the attack and he closed his eyes, leaning his forehead to rest on the tile.

"Botan," he whispered, anger mixed with grief.

He had to find a way to help her. To Heal her.

I have to do this. I must do this.

Gritting his teeth, Kurama pushed off the shower wall and wrapped a towel around his waist. Moving over to the sink, he studied his reflection in the mirror, noting the numerous small cuts and gashes and he held his hand to each one, sealing them shut.

Gathering his bloodied clothing, he entered the bedroom, handing it to one of the many ogres that worked on the premises and waited for them to return. Once dressed in his now cleaned and mended jeans and shirt, the kitsune made his way to the file room, meeting up with Ayame who handed him the requested documents.

The best healers in the realm attended to the grievous physical injuries to Ran, Kiko, and Hinawari.

And Botan..

Kurama stopped, placing the files in the guest room, making his way to the guarded entrance on the opposite side of the palace. The two special defense force members let him pass and the kitsune slid a key card down the slot, the door parting open to reveal the unconscious form of the deity.

She was shackled to her bed, the padded cuffs protecting her from damaging her body further but still, Kurama's heart sunk at the sight of her confined. He leaned down, reaching out towards her face, gently prying an eyelid open, shaking his head at the still dull amethyst pupil.

Whatever Yukio had done to these women, it would take a miracle to fix.

But I will do whatever it takes to bring you back to me, Botan.

So the fox spirit poured over the files, writing down notes, breaking down the complex chemicals involved in the mind control drug, shaking his head at the lengths the scientists went to achieve results. He frowned as he read about the withdrawal symptoms and the long term effects of exposure to the drug.

Kurama checked on each ferry girl day to day, noting the progress was slow.

On the fifth day, he noticed a spike of hormone levels from her adrenal glands. This, coupled with LH levels and an increase of the small amount of testosterone, puzzled the kitsune.

She was under sedation, so how was it that she was both stressed and aroused?

He shook his head and rubbed his eyes, blaming the results on a faulty test and lack of sleep.

The redhead tried to push on but his body would not comply, shutting down and he passed out, head dropping onto the top of the desk in his guest room.

Dreams took hold of him, images of an arousing nature involving himself and the deity filled his vision, entwined, slow, loving, kisses and sighs, moving together, rushing towards a release that made them both cry out in pleasure.

Kurama bolted upright suddenly in his chair.

Blinking, his eyes adjusted to the darkness. Was it night again?

How long have I been out? 

The kitsune's neck ached and he reached up to rub the stiff muscles, trying to loosen them, going still suddenly at the sound of Botan's voice,

"I'd thought you'd never wake up."

He swiveled the chair around slowly, finding the deity stretched out lazily on the guest bed, the remnants of the padded cuffs dangling from her wrists. Her pink kimono was loosely tied, the tops of her bare breasts visible and he couldn't help but trail his eyes down to the edge of the kimono, which was hiked up to halfway above her knees. The scent of her arousal was intoxicating and his body reacted but his mind remained in control.

"You broke through your chains?" he asked softly, watching as the deity laughed and rose, moving towards him in a suggestive manner.

"It was simple enough," Botan replied, eyes fever bright, the dull purple hue replaced with dark, ravenous orbs. "I wanted something and I broke free to get to it."

Kurama did not move from his spot, unsure what to do without spooking or upsetting the deity. "And what was it you wanted, Botan?" he asked, eyes widening when the ferry girl sat down suddenly in his lap, her legs dangling on the outside of his own, the heat and scent of her arousal nearly overwhelming as she gripped his face and studied him heatedly.

"You.." she answered, leaning in to bruise his lips with a savage kiss.

Chapter Text

The kiss burned, bruised, and battered Kurama's lips. The heat of her body against his drove him mad. Her scent was intoxicating. The taste of her was overwhelming and addictive. The kitsune's instinct screamed to feed the growing hunger but his mind... his reason... warned him to stop.

This was wrong. All wrong.

What's the matter, fox? Isn't this what you wanted?

Kurama's eyes widened at the sudden and unfamiliar voice in his head. His vision darkened and his body stiffened, drawn into his inner world by the voice as it continued to speak.

You desire the ferry girl. You have for a long time now. So take her. She's willing and oh so wanton. Give in to your desire. Take her. Take her now!

The kitsune grit his teeth, pushing back against the darkness pressing down on him. "No…" he growled, eyes flashing gold, breaking through the paralysis that bound him. "I.. will not.. dishonor her.. this.. way.. I won't!"

Darkness shattered, light replacing his vision and Kurama blinked as his consciousness returned.

Beads of sweat marred his forehead and his breathing erupted in short bursts as he peered about, finding no trace of the intruder and Botan...

There was no scent of her anywhere. It was as if..

Eyes narrowing, the kitsune shot up out of his chair, exiting the room and marching down the corridor where the two guards stood outside the deity's room. Without a word, he slid the entry card into the slot, rushing past the sliding door, eyes focusing on the prone form of Botan.

His breathing slowed and he moved cautiously over to the edge, leaning down to examine the padded cuffs. There were no chinks in the metal, no indication of broken links or manipulation of ki that he could detect.

She was still unconscious.

So the visit in his room had been nothing but an illusion.

Kurama sunk down on the side of the bed and lowered his gaze.

His mind went through several scenarios, working out what had occurred.

A psychic attack was the most likely answer. The manipulation of his mental state spoke of a highly organized and powerful being that could bypass his defenses, which meant…

Reflexively, the kitsune's hand slid down to the left side of his torso where Botan's blade had pierced through flesh and muscle. Even now, a dull pain radiated from the healed wound.

realization hit him then and he raised his head, flecks of gold floating in a sea of green, the voice of Youko echoing in his thoughts.

I will find you, Yukio Kuromoto, and when I do, I will punish you for what you've done to these women.. and to me. No amount of pleading will save you and no shred of mercy will be shown.

XXXXXXXX

Yukio Kuromoto walked through a winding path of pine trees, his brother Kane close behind. The pair moved silently as the sun began to fade in the Northern sky.

Decades had been spent on this plan of Cosmic Dissonance. Countless experiments and test subjects had been researched and destroyed. The loss of his Tokyo lab to the detectives had been a minor hiccup in his life of experimenting and plotting.

And yet.. the intelligence and tenacity of Kurama, coupled with the strength of the kitsune's comrades, was proving to be an.. annoyance. The next move he made would have to include the increasing variables or else his plan would fail.

I will not allow it to fail, Yukio vowed.

A sudden gust of arctic air rose up into the air, sweeping up the falling snowflakes as it swirled violently around the two men. A strange sensation permeated the dark haired man's senses and he stopped, tilting his head back to gaze at the sky above.

What was that feeling just now?

"What is it, Yukio?" Kane asked, eyeing his twin with concern.

Yukio did not answer right away, still studying the sky. Something strong and ominous was coming. But whether it would present itself soon or in the future was uncertain.

"Hmph.. It is nothing, Kane. Let's keep going. The sooner we get out of this cold, the better."

Kane watched his brother go past him, turning to keep pace, uncomfortable with the lingering silence between them. "So what is our next move? Surely the detectives will come after us."

"Let them come," Yukio sneered. "Let them think they've rescued their women. While they're busy trying to figure out how to help them, will be making our next move."

The path of trees ended, opening up into a small valley.

Yukio lifted his gaze, letting it travel up the mountain that stood before them. He stepped forward, his twin tagging behind until they made it to the base of the massive rock formation. The dark haired man rested his hand against the hard stone and closed his eyes, concentrating, feeding power through his hand.

"And when they discover the truth?" Kane asked, watching his brother, nonplussed as the ground began to shake and the rock parted, revealing a darkened tunnel.

Yukio lowered his arm back to the side before looking over his shoulder at Kane, a flicker of red in his brown orbs. "By then it will be too late. For them.. and the three realms."

XXXXXXXX

"So how is it going, Kurama?"

The kitsune looked up at the sound of Yusuke's voice and closed the opened file before him.

He felt tired and troubled but kept his emotions hidden, voice soft and even as he answered. "There has been some progress," he began, his gaze shifting when the door to the research room slid open, revealing the forms of Hiei and Kuwabara.

Kurama watched the two men enter, nodding to them before continuing. "It took some time for me to isolate the root cause of their continued resistance to treatment. But now that I figured out the pattern of unnatural neurotransmitter signals I can biologically reset their nerve and brain pulses into a normal rhythm."

"So it was all in their head?" Yusuke asked.

"A bad joke but physically and chemically, yes. The source of the problem was in the brain itself. This Yukio manipulated their ki on a physical level through the use of a mind altering substance."

"A drug in other words." Yusuke said.

Kurama nodded. "Numerous studies have been done on the impact of drugs on the brain. It doesn't matter the type of being, when given enough of this substance, they enter into a different type of world. Once inside their own mind, they become a slave to its will, seeking their greatest desires, even as they interact with the outside world."

Hiei frowned as he listened to his friend. "You mean, brainwashed."

Kurama turned to his best friend. "Exactly."

"And how did you come to this conclusion, Kurama?" Hiei asked, studying his friend with mild interest, though inwardly he was worried. The fox spirit looked fatigued, withdrawn.

You may be able to fool the other two, but I know you are suffering, Kurama.

Kurama rubbed the bridge of his nose, looking down at the closed file. "The three ferry girls.. all had.. similar.. hormonal fluctuations that only occur during periods of arousal. Since they were all enamored with these two men. it made sense for them to manipulate that on a chemical level and keep them loyal.. that's what this drug is. It acts on impulses and desires while also responding to certain.. signals.. or.. commands from an external source. Someone with vast amounts of psychic energy."

"Like this Yukio character," Yusuke interjected, watching as the fox spirit's head remained lowered but nodded.

"And was Botan affected in the same way?" Hiei asked, though he already knew the answer.

The kitsune blinked and lifted his gaze back up, startled a bit at the question, though it came and left so quickly only the fire demon was able to pick up on it.

"Yes. She was," he replied softly. "Her symptoms were more pronounced than the others. It was intentionally done. To.. distract me."

"Distract you?" Yusuke asked, brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Yes.. what do you mean, Kurama, Hiei wondered.

Something was wrong with his best friend. Something eating away at the red haired man's conscious and body. But the fire demon knew he would not voice it. It was not Kurama's way.

He'll just internalize like he always does, Hiei thought with a shake of his head, frowning as he noticed Kurama's left hand slip down to his side, gripping it as if in some kind of pain.

The same spot he'd been stabbed. The fire demon realized, eyes narrowed though he said nothing.

"Distract me from finding out the truth," Kurama answered the head detective's question evenly, though a bead of sweat formed on his forehead.

The kitsune looked back down at the file, voice business like. "Now that the four women are stabilized, I will be able to heal them with no lasting effects. I will erase their memories of the incident and return them back the way they were before."

"And Botan?" Yusuke asked. "She'll be alright, too?"

Kurama's brow furrowed but he nodded. "She'll be fine, Yusuke. I will make sure of it."

"I just don't get it," Kuwabara started, gaze downward. "Why would this Yukio guy do all this? There's got to be some reason for it. Even if it's a sick one. Something had to push this guy over the edge and into asshole territory."

"Does it matter what the reasons are?" Yusuke countered, making a fist with his right hand and light punched his open left hand. "I say we find them and kick their ass."

"In order to find them we have to know where they went and we have no clue as to their whereabouts," Hiei replied.

"Well.. they could still be in the city somewhere," Kuwabara offered. "I mean.. I know we went over the area the lab disappeared from but their ki signals were long gone. Still.. they could be hiding out in Tokyo.."

Kurama closed his eyes, pondering the situation.

Everything up until now was beginning to make sense to him. The answers lied before him and he had figured it all out. This was a game. And they had been pawns long enough. "No.. They will not be found in the city."

The three men turned and looked down at the kitsune with varying shades of puzzlement on their features.

"What do you mean, Kurama?" Hiei asked, watching as his friend lifted his gaze, surprised at the flecks of gold he saw there and the hardened edge of his voice, though he quite approved of the change in demeanor.

"Their game all along was a distraction. Something to lure us away from their real goal. There is no way they would give up their prizes so willingly unless that was their intention all along."

"So they hurt these girls, experimented on them, just to distract us? That's fucked up," Yusuke said with disgust.

Kurama met the head detectives gaze. "Yes, it is. They planned this from the very beginning. The kidnappings, the experiments, the attacks, the infiltration and destruction of their lab. All of it is part of some bigger goal. Something involving Ningenkai, Makai, and Reikai. They are the true targets. All three realms. It all comes back to Cosmic Dissonance."

"But what is the point of all of that?" Kuwabara asked, looking confused. "The barrier between Makai and Ningenkai is gone. And Reikai is still inaccessible without a high enough concentration of spiritual energy. What would their goal be?"

"The very essence of the word dissonance is disharmony.. discord.. strife.." Kurama began, voice and gaze distant. "Human world is full of mortals and light. They are weak and susceptible to war and live shortened lives. What if you could live forever? Without fear of judgment? Demon world is full of power and life is a struggle of survival. Their power structure held together only by a mutual agreement to a tournament that takes place every three years. The second one is due soon. What would happen if the winner of the tournament declares open war on the other two realms? What then? And what of Spirit World? A place that harbors endless realms where those who are judged, move on or are cast down depending on their beliefs and the manner of their life or their death?"

"So their goal.. is to turn everything upside down? Is that what you are saying, Kurama?"

The kitsune rose from the desk, voice low and firm. "I do not know for certain if that is their goal or not. But I do know that they have something catastrophic planned that will disrupt and destroy the realms as we know it. We must find them and stop them before that happens."

"How do we go about that? The trail for their ki signatures has gone cold," Kuwabara spoke, watching as the kitsune turned to him.

"We do what we've always done, Kuwabara. Use every means at our resource. Get into contact with our friends in all three realms and pass along information while searching for them ourselves. The more people know of it, the better chance we have of catching them before it's too late."

The other three men nodded, turning to exit the door.

Hiei stopped and looked over his shoulder at his best friend, frowning when the fox spirit had not moved. "Are you coming, Kurama?"

Kurama looked up at his friend, giving him a wane smile. "In a bit, Hiei. I still need to attend to the ferry girls and heal them properly before I can assist you. I promise I won't be far behind. Do not wait for me. And do not worry over me. I will be fine."

Hiei said nothing for a moment then smirked. "Hmph.. only a fool would worry about Youko Kurama. Just don't take too long. We will need you when the battle starts."

Kurama smiled, watching the fire demon leave and the doors slide shut. His smile fell, shifting into a wince as he clutched his side and sat back down, fighting for breath.

No matter what happens, I will not let it consume me. I won't let it take me, he vowed and opened up the file on the table, the word, Spiritual Poisons, visible on the top of the first page.

XXXXXXXX

Yukio and Kane entered the tunnel, the ground rumbling behind them as the mountain rock reformed, sealing them inside. Lights flickered on as they passed, illuminating the hallway. Various words and scripts lined the walls, pulsating with a faint blue light, indicating barriers and spells to ward off those who may seek to enter their domain. This was their stronghold and the true base of their operations.

The dark haired twin smiled as the tunnel widened, splitting off into three entry points. He continued through the center, Kane close behind until it opened up into a vast cavern.

Yukio came to a stop, his hands resting on the railing before him, voice soft and paternal. "I'm home.." he murmured, grinning ear to ear as he glanced down, light  now erupting around the area, revealing row upon row of regeneration tanks that filled the entirety of the cavern base, each tank occupied by a living creature in some form of stasis.

Soon.. very soon.. it will all begin.

Chapter Text

About 20 minutes after the rest of the detectives left the file room, Kurama followed suit, heading straight to the healing room where the three ferry girls were housed.

Armed with the knowledge of how to correct the biological effects on the mind control drug, the kitsune set about healing the three women. One at a time, Kurama placed his hands on each side of their head and closed his eyes, focusing his energy and his will, slowly finding the damaged and manipulated neurotransmitters, correcting them into a normal rhythm, before erasing the horrible memories of their abduction and trauma.

After completing the healing process for the last of the three, Kurama rose, stumbling a bit as a wave of pain smashed into his head, rendering him off balance and he reached out, catching himself against the wall to keep from falling over. Panting, the kitsune closed his eyes, trying to will the painful vertigo to go away. He felt a hand on his arm and he opened his eyes, turning his head to find one of the Reikai guards studying him with concern.

"Are you alright, sir?"

Kurama blinked slowly, brow furrowed.

The process of healing had taken a toll on the kitsune's body and spiritual energy. Botan was still in need of his help. Therefore, it didn't matter how much he hurt or how little power he had access to at the moment. Botan was his focus now.

I will not let this stop me. I will not! he growled inwardly, straightening his frame. "I am.. alright.." he managed to speak with a confidence his body didn't feel. "Make sure the three ferry girls are transferred back to their quarters. I want them to awaken in familiar surroundings. The less stress on them, the better off they will be."

The guard nodded, lowering his hand back to his side. "Yes, sir."

Kurama moved slowly out into the hallway, heading towards Botan's observation room and entered. The deity lay still, her breathing steady, and the kitsune cautiously moved over to her side. Checking her vitals, he studied her for a moment, his love for her growing in his heart. She was quite beautiful, even in an unconscious state, that his hand itched to caress her face. But that would be improper and he shook his head, brow furrowed.

The fox spirit reached out, unhooking the lines that linked to the vitals monitor. An alarm went off and he shut the button down, turning at the sound of the door sliding open and a guard's voice.

"What is going on? Is there an emergency?"

"No," Kurama replied, returning his gaze back to Botan. "I am simply removing wires and unlocking the restraints so that I can take Botan back to her room."

"Do you think that is wise to do, sir? She's not recovered yet."

For a moment, the kitsune said nothing, his eyes focused on the prone features of the ferry girl. "Botan needs to wake up in a familiar place. Not.. here.. the less stress to her, the quicker the recovery."

"As you say, sir," the guard replied then exited the room.

Kurama reached out, unlocking the padded restraint on Botan's right wrist before repeating the process with the left.

Pulling the covers back, he scooped her up into his arms, frowning at how heavy she felt.

My strength is fading faster than I anticipated, he thought as he turned and headed out of the room.

He moved slowly but steadily out into the courtyard and across towards the ferry girl sleeping quarters. The stairs were more daunting than they should have been and the kitsune had to stop a few times to keep his balance. The effects on his spiritual energy were taking their toll on his physical body and Kurama knew that after healing Botan, he would have to rest or else risk collapse.

After four flights of stairs, he entered the hallway that led to Botan's room. Turning to his right, he finagled the door knob open and pushed the door gently aside. The room was as he had left it and the kitsune moved towards Botan's bed and laid her down. Reaching out, he turned on the small lamp on the nearby nightstand, the soft light illuminating the deity's lovely features and he sat down beside her, admiring the view once more.

Did she realize how lovely she was? How much he loved her and wanted her?

No.. how could she? He'd never told her.

Then why don't you show her? She's there, ripe for the picking. Take her and make her yours.

Kurama grit his teeth.

That voice again.

His body trembled as he fought for control of his senses and mind.

The effect of spiritual poison was growing stronger and stronger the longer he was around Botan. He had to heal her and flee before he was lost to the madness.

Ignoring the voice, he reached out, placing his hands on each side of the deity's head and closed his eyes. Concentrating his power, he let it flow down and out, passively invading the ferry girl's mind, seeking out the corrupted biological signals, slowly correcting them, destroying every essence of the mind control substance, pushing until all remnants of negative energy were obliterated.

But that left her memories to deal with and he could not in good conscience alter them. For any information that could prove vital to their case and pursuit would be lost. Still, he would not allow the attack on him to remain and he wiped it out from her memory.

Reluctantly, Kurama withdrew his hands, noting that the deity's kimono was askew, revealing more than he should have seen and he shifted, carefully adjusting the fabric to cover her naked form, drawing the blanket over her, lifting his head as he sensed the girl awaken.

He watched as her eyes fluttered open, confused amethyst pools unfocused on his cautious emerald ones as he spoke. "Botan?"

Moving off the bed, Kurama studied the ferry girl, looking for any sign that he had failed to heal her completely and felt relief fill him when she murmured.

"Kurama? What.. what are.. what are you doing in my room?"

He smiled apologetically. "I am sorry to disturb your slumber, but you were in a bad way and I had to heal you. I found it.. best that you wake up in familiar surroundings."

The deity frown, struggling a bit to sit up and Kurama moved over to her, helping Botan upright. "You brought me to my room?" she asked, eyes widening as she began to remember things. "So I am safe now? The others? Where are the others? Are they safe now too?"

Kurama nodded, loathe to speak about what had transpired but felt compelled to respond. "Yes.. everyone is safe now, Botan. We managed to heal everyone. The other ferry girls will have no memory of what transpired."

Botan's brow furrowed and she studied Kurama for a moment. "But not mine.. I remember everything."

Kurama looked away. "Now is not the time to discuss things. You need rest, Botan. I don't want you stressed and agitated."

"I've rested enough."

The resolved tone of the girl's voice startled him and he returned his gaze towards her, voice soft. "You've been through a lot, Botan. Let Yusuke and the rest of us find the men who did this to you and bring them to justice."

"But I know who did this to me. Yukio and his brother Kane. I know all about them. I can help you."

The mention of the second man's name brought Kurama to attention and he watched as the deity rose out of bed and stood before him with such a determined look he couldn't help but marvel at her resolve. He felt a jolt of pain in his side and he winced but did not clutch the site of injury.

Now that the girl was awake, the closer she got to him physically, the more intense the pain. He managed to speak in an even tone though his body was already starting to shut down. "I do not want you hurt again. I will not let you be hurt again, Botan. Please stay here and let us handle it."

"I know you care about me, Kurama," Botan replied, reaching out to take his hand. "But I'm a big girl. I can handle it."

Kurama looked down as his hand was taken and he blushed, perplexed at such a response to a simple touch. Then the pain took hold and he stifled a cry but stumbled, falling into her.

Botan wrapped her arms instinctively around the kitsune, voice full of concern as he leaned into her. "Kurama? What's wrong?"

His body was on fire and his strength was failing him. His mind screamed to get away before something bad happened but his physical form would not cooperate. "Botan.." he croaked out. "You have to.. let me go.. I can't.. be.. near you like this.. "

The deity's voice was full of confusion. "You're not making sense, Kurama." She pulled back, reaching up to feel his forehead, frowning at the heat she could feel on his skin. "You're burning up. You need help. I can help you."

Kurama tried to move out of her hold but found the strength of the deity surprising as she held him closer, leading him back towards her bed. "You need to lay down, Kurama. Whatever you did to help me must be affecting you in some way."

The kitsune was a bit surprised at her words and just how close she was to the truth of his situation. "I… I can't stay here, Botan.. I don't.. trust myself.."

"What do you mean, Kurama?" Botan asked, even as she guided him to lay down, sitting beside him.

Kurama looked up at her, the heat of his body nearly unbearable and he tossed around a bit, weakly yanking at his shirt to try to remove it, watching as the deity reached out and unbuttoned his shirt, pushing the fabric off his shoulders, her fingertips brushing against his skin and he groaned. "Don't.. you.. mustn't.. "

Botan shook her head, misunderstanding the reason for his sounds. "Silly.. you're burning up. I'm just trying to help you.. not like I haven't seen a half naked man before."

She lifted his right arm, moving the shirt down and off then did the same with the left, her eyes trailing down his torso and Kurama had to look away. He gasped as he felt her hand on the sight of his injury, her troubled voice breaking his heart even as her touch did things to him. "What happened here? Who did this to you, Kurama?"

"It.. is.. nothing.. Botan.." he panted out. "Don't.. worry about it.."

"But I do worry about you, Kurama… something bad is going on with you.. How can I help you if you won't tell me what it is?"

The kitsune, looked back at her, voice softer than it should be. "I've been.. poisoned."

Botan studied him in shock. "And you haven't treated it yet? Why?!"

He winced at the pain in her voice and the concern. "There is nothing I can do.. to treat it at the moment... and I.. I… didn't have time.. I had.. to heal.. all of you.. first.."

"That doesn't matter!" Botan replied, anger in her voice. "What if you died?! I couldn't.." Her voice started then stopped, unable to finish her train of thought.

Despite the danger of losing himself completely, Kurama focused his gaze on her, voice low and insistent. "You couldn't, what? Couldn't bear the thought of losing me, is that it?"

Botan blushed and bit her lip, voice soft and shy. "Yes.. You must know that I care about you, Kurama."

The kitsune kept his gaze on her. "Yes.. I know.. I care about you as well.. you are my friend.. and I am.. yours.. that's what friends do.. care about each other.." he replied, trying to give her an out, knowing the truth but the deity did not take it.

"Yes.. but I care about you more than.. a friend.." the girl replied, lifting her head, love evident in her features and voice.

She was so fragile right now.. the wrong word and Kurama knew he would break her heart. "More than a friend?" he whispered, both disappointed and relieved when she removed her hand from his side.

"Yes.." the deity replied shyly. "Which is why we need to find a cure for your condition." She paused, gazing at him with worry. "Is it.. fatal.. do you know?"

Kurama shook his head slowly, already weary and defeated. "I do not know the full extent of this particular poison. It seems.. to.. attack my spiritual energy. When ever I tap into it.. it zaps my ability to move and think. Makes my body weak.. and burn." He lifted his arm, crooking it, resting his forearm over his forehead, croaking out. "And I.. see and hear things.. that I know aren't there.."

"What kind of things?" Botan asked.

Kurama did not answer at first, opening his eyes when he felt her hand on his forearm, gently prying it down so she could see his features. "What kind of things do you see and hear, Kurama?"

He felt so damn tired. So tired. "I would rather not say, Botan."

"Where they frightening? Disturbing?"

"No," he replied. "On the contrary they were most.. pleasurable.. but I cannot and should not do what the voice says.."

Kurama could see a flash of understanding on the deity's features, see the blush spreading upon her cheeks as the girl replied, "Is.. Is that why you told me to let you go? That you could not be near me right now?"

He said nothing for a moment as he studied her with open respect. "Don't ever let anyone tell you you're a bubblehead. You're rather smart, Botan, when you give yourself a chance."

The blush remained and reddened, if such a thing were possible, on Botan's cheeks as she whispered, "I .. understand your hesitation.. and your restraint.. I know you do not wish to hurt me.. but would it be so bad.. to give in to what you desire.. unless of course.. you don't.. desire such things.. with me?"

His eyes flashed, the desire he had for her in his voice. "That I want you? That I love you? These things are both true. I am not ashamed of how I feel towards you. Only that it's taken me so long to share it." He paused, voice and features softening. "But it is wrong of me to even want such things right now.. it is bad timing.. and I do.. not trust myself.. I am not sure.. what is real.. and what is a dream.. right now.. When you're close to me.. the pain.. increases… but I don't want to be apart from you.. I want to keep you safe.. even at the cost of my life.. I won't.. fail.. you.. again.. I.." Kurama blinked when the deity placed her fingertips at his lips, silencing him.

"You haven't failed me, Kurama. You've made me happy. You've healed me.. now I will heal you.."

The kitsune felt his body relax, the pain lessening as the deity's lips replaced her fingertips, the kiss soft and gentle, loving and shy.

"Rest, Kurama.."

He heard and felt her murmur against his lips and his eyes closed as he succumbed to the darkness and felt no more.

XXXXXXX

"Any word from Kurama yet?" Yusuke asked, looking down at Hiei who shook his head.

"No." The fire demon replied, crossing his arms. "He's been pushing himself ever since we got the ferry girls back. I say we go ahead without him."

"We can't just go running off without Kurama," Kuwabara chimed in. "He is our best tactician. If we get stuck in a bind, who will figure a way out?"

Hiei sighed, voice patronizing.,"If he's too tired to help us out, then Kurama is no good to us."

"How can you say that, Hiei?" Kuwabara shot back. "He's your best friend and you're giving up on him? What kind of friend are you?"

The fire demon lifted his gaze up towards the taller man. "I've known Kurama longer than you and I know his limitations. Healing those women has drained his spiritual energy to the point that he won't be able to protect himself in case we are attacked, nor assist in the capture of our enemies. I don't know about you, but I'm not willing to risk his life or ours because of some Team Urameshi bullshit. Kurama will meet up with us when he's rested and ready and not before, got it?"

The orange haired teen scowled downward, grumbling, "You've got a really bad attitude, Hiei, did you know that?"

"And you just now caught on?" the smaller man quipped, smirking at the taller man's irritation.

"Knock it off, you two," Yusuke growled, shaking his head. Why do I have to play babysitter today? he wondered, looking at his companions. What the fire demon has said was true. If Kurama was as exhausted as Hiei claimed, he would be no good on the battlefield. But why would the kitsune be so wore out? He'd never been too tired to hunt and to fight. So what was so different this time? "If Hiei says Kurama needs rest, then we'll go on without him."

"But.. Urameshi.. shouldn't we at least contact Kurama and see if he's able to join us or not before we take off?"

Yusuke thought for a moment then took out his communicator. Flipping it open, the small screen lit up and blinked five times before a face came into view and the head detective quirked an eyebrow. "Hey Botan.. what are you doing with Kurama's communicator?"

The deity stared back at Yusuke, features agitated. "Well that's a fine way to greet the head ferry girl, Yusuke, after I've been gone for over a week!"

The dark haired man's face twitched as he controlled his temper though his words were growly and short. "Hello, Botan. Good to see you back in action. Now where the hell is Kurama?"

"Why should I tell you? Seems he's been working himself to the bone while you're out traipsing around the countryside playing detective."

"I haven't been playing!" he snarled and blinked when the deity's features changed and she snarled back, gnashing her teeth.

"Then why the hell aren't you up here helping Kurama?!"

"Helping him with what? He's the one who gave us ideas to come down here and find that Kuromoto bastard!"

"They sound like an old married couple," Kuwabara murmured conspiratorially at Hiei.

"And you two don't when you're bickering?"

"Shut it, shrimp! It's not the same thing!"

The two men blinked and turned when Yusuke shouted, "What do you mean, poisoned?! How come he didn't tell us that?!"

"If you'd stop yelling, I could tell you more!" Botan snapped then relaxed a bit. "He's been feverish and fatigued since he brought me back to my room. He's resting for the moment but I need help finding out what happened to him and what kind of poison is in his body."

Yusuke quirked an eyebrow. "So he's resting.. in your room.. feverish and fatigued.. you sure it's poison?" He asked, leering a bit.

Botan narrowed her eyes and growled. "You are such a pervert sometimes… Of course I'm sure.. not stop being a smart ass and get back up here and help me out."

Yusuke looked over at his friends, surprised when Hiei spoke.

"There is nothing we can help Kurama with now but I know someone who can. I will contact them and see what information I can gleam from them to help you. But we must begin our search for the two bastards who caused this mess in the first place. You do understand that don't you, Botan?"

The head ferry girl blinked, surprised at the fire demon using her name instead of some insult. "I.. well.. I suppose so.. but I need the information quickly.. I don't want him to suffer anymore than he has to."

"Good.. hang on to the communicator and wait for our reply. Hopefully it won't take too long." Yusuke said then shut the communicator off. "Alright, Hiei. Make your contact, get that info then we need to move out and track down Kuromoto and stop him before his plan.. whatever that may be.. reaches fruition."

The fire demon nodded, sitting down Indian style, closed his eyes and reached out across realms, his telepathic voice even but strong as he reached his contact.

Mukuro.. I need your help…

Chapter Text

Mukuro… I need your help..

The voice of her second in command woke the Demon Queen of the Northeast and Mukuro rose up from her bed, eyes still closed, her inner voice soft and puzzled.

Hiei… How pleasant to hear from you so soon after leaving. But what is so pressing that you must contact me in this way?

The fire demon smirked a bit at the sound of Mukuro's telepathic voice, his own still calm as he replied, What do you know of spiritual poisons?

Mukuro quirked an eyebrow at the question. My, my. You certainly know how to pique a girl's curiosity, Hiei. Why do you ask?

Kurama has become infected with some type of spiritual poison that is affecting his ability to be around the ferry girl, Botan.

At this, Mukuro paused, in thought before responding in a slightly teasing voice. Oh really? That is most interesting. The fox and the ferry girl.. sounds like a twisted fable... Tell me, Hiei, does Kurama have feelings for Botan?

Hiei's smirk widened at the images that formed in his head from Mukuro's words, snorting as he answered. Is water, wet? Of course he does. What does that have to do with anything?

If that poison is what I think it is, emotions play a large part in it's design and use. Why don't you start from the beginning and tell me exactly what is going on.

Hiei related all that had transpired up to the present and Mukuro listened, her brow furrowed when he'd finished.

If all that you've revealed is true, Hiei, I fear what your friend has been stricken with is not a poison at all but a curse.

A curse? How can that be? He was wounded in the side. Obviously whatever weapon cut him had to have been covered in a poison. There's no other way it could get into his system.

Hmm.. I suppose that is still a possibility, Mukuro conceded. But there are no poisons I know of that attack the victim on an emotional level. Something man made could, perhaps. But my bet is more on magic of some kind. A curse sounds more likely to me.

But you're not sure? The fire demon asked, tone a bit more irritated than he meant it to be.

Mukuro was nonplussed. There is someone I will need to speak to before I can give you a solid answer. I take it the symptoms are not life threatening for the kitsune at the moment?

He is safe at the moment, yes. But I fear his strength is fading rapidly. If he continues to linger around the ferry girl, he will lose his energy completely and fall into a deep slumber that no one will be able to pull him out from.

Mukuro smiled at the sage words of her second in command. You truly do care about your friend, don't you, Hiei?

Hn.. the koorime muttered. I care about him maintaining his strength. We will need him in this battle. Nothing more..

You're such a horrible liar, Hiei, Mukuro teased, laughing lightly at the fire demon's growl before her inner voice grew serious. Do not worry, I will help you in anyway I can but the information may take a bit of time. I will contact you once I have the answer you seek. Be patient and be careful, Hiei. I want you back at my side in one piece.

She cut off contact, opening her eyes and rose out of bed, slipping into her outfit then out of her room, marching down the hallway and up the steps that led to the top of her fortress. Once out into the open air, she leapt up disappearing into the Makai night, on a mission to find the one who held the key to her second in command's questions.

Meanwhile, Hiei opened his eyes slowly as the telepathic line was cut, looking up at Yusuke who asked,

"So? What did Mukuro say?"

The fire demon straightened his legs, rising, voice low and soft. "Mukuro suspects that Kurama was cursed, not poisoned, but cannot say with certainty what is causing this loss of spiritual energy on the fox's part. Only that he needs to stay away from Botan for the time being. Once she has an answer, she will contact me and we can deal with the situation then."

Yusuke rubbed his temples. "Great. More delays. We can't screw around here any longer. We have to go after Kuromoto and kick his ass before whatever he has planned gets put into motion."

"I agree," Hiei replied. "We can get the information to Botan just as well when we're on the hunt as standing here doing nothing."

"Yeah," Kuwabara chimed in, cracking his knuckles. "I want a piece of those jerks. They need an ass kicking after hurting our friends."

"Contact Botan, Yusuke. Let her know that she must stay away from Kurama until we can get more information on his condition," Hiei said, watching the taller man flip open the communicator. It continued to beep for several seconds with no answer and the head detective growled in frustration.

"Dammit, Botan! Answer the freaking communicator, will ya?!"

The fire demon shook his head after two more tries were unsuccessful. "Forget it. She's probably busy with something else. Let's get going. We'll contact the ferry girl once we have something solid to help with Kurama's situation."

Yusuke sighed and stuffed the communicator angrily into his jean pocket. "Fine. Let's go."

The three men took off, using their power to move at a pace beyond the sight of mortals, searching for any trace of energy that would lead them to the whereabouts of their prey.

XXXXXXX

He walked along the moonlit path, bare feet silent as they moved upon cobbled stone. A soft breeze swept through, tugging at the strands of silver hair. His ears twitched, attuned it every sound. This was his world.. his domain.. Youko's..

His gaze snapped to the left, gold eyes catching sight of a lady in white. Tilting his head back the kitsune took in her scent and grinned, baring his teeth as he chased after the object of his lust. He watched as she danced around the trees, taunting him to follow. And so he did, consumed by his need of her, hand outstretched as he leapt and missed, tumbling to the ground.

The fox spirit caught himself, frowning at the soft laughter from Botan's lips, blinking at the sudden pair of feet in front of him.

Tilting his gaze upward, Youko's eyes trailed up the lithe form of the deity, surprised as she knelt down and cupped his face.

He rose as if at her command, watching as the ferry girl stood on tiptoe, and kissed him. So slow at first.. teasing, then deeper, bolder, and the kitsune groaned, body come alive and he wrapped his arms around her, possessive and lustful as he returned the kiss, losing himself in the taste of her.

Yes.. Give in to it.. let the lust consume you.. take her.. That's what you want.. stop denying who you are. A demon.. powerful.. wanton.. take what is yours.. she belongs to you.. so claim her.. claim her now!

That voice.. that voice again.. tormenting him..

Reason broke through and Youko growled and let go. Silver became red, gold became green, his body smaller, more vulnerable.. human..

The deity vanished in a puff of mist, the night becoming dark, pressing down and Kurama fell into the abyss, screaming, clutching at the air, helpless as his body was racked in pain.

"No!" he cried, eyes snapping open as he bolted upright. His gaze darted about, disorientated, heart racing as a cold sweat formed on his skin.

A dream.. just a bad dream and nothing more.

Kurama panted, collapsing back down onto the bed, the familiar scent invading his senses and he groaned. Botan's bed.. Botan's room… Botan.. where was she? 

Resting his forearm over his brow, the fox spirit willedhis heart to slow.

The pain was starting to subside and Kurama let out a sigh of relief, tossing the covers off his body. He rose, gripping the headboard to steady himself, making his way to the bathroom. Once finished, he headed back towards the bed, sitting down on it's edge, resting for a moment. Spying his shirt folded neatly on top of the deity's dresser, he shifted, going over to scoop it up and slipped it on, buttoning the shirt up with slightly shaky hands.

"Where are you going, Kurama?"

Botan's voice made him jump and Kurama turned around, surprised at his failure to notice her enter the room.

Have my senses dulled that much already?

His eye fell upon the tray of food in the girl's hands. "Is that for me, Botan?"

The ferry girl nodded, sitting the tray on the dresser. "Yes.. but you really shouldn't be out of bed."

She reached out, gently clasping his arms and the kitsune shook at the contact, heat rising in his body and he panted a bit. "Botan.. I told you.. you shouldn't.. touch me.. when I'm like this.."

"Hush, Kurama, and let me help you." She guided him toward bed, gently pushing him to lay down.

"Botan… it's not that I don't want you to.. it's that you shouldn't.. It.. pains me to be touched by you.."

The deity frowned, rising up to sit on the edge of the bed. "My touch hurts you?"

Kurama looked away, voice soft. "It burns.. It is not that I don't want it.. You know how I feel about you.. and I know how you feel about me.. but until I can figure out how to reverse or cure this poison, we shouldn't be in the same room together."

Botan bit her lip. "I am working on finding out what is wrong with you."

The red head turned to study her. "In what way?"

"Yusuke called here earlier, looking for you. I told him of your situation and Hiei mentioned he could get some answers on what was ailing you. But I haven't heard back from them yet, so I don't know if they found out anything that would solve your problem," She answered, leaving out the fact she had forgotten to bring the communicator with her when she went to prepare the fox spirit's meal.

Kurama frowned.

He had hoped to keep his condition a secret. Still, he could not fault Botan from informing his teammates. "That was smart of you to do, Botan. I am sure Hiei will contact Mukuro in hopes of finding an answer that way. That is probably the best course of action."

"You think so?" the deity asked with a blush.

The fox spirit smiled. "I know so, Botan. They will contact us the moment they get an answer. Perhaps it is as you said. I should just rest." He paused, gaze shifting to the tray on the dresser. "And have something to eat, yes?"

Botan beamed and hopped off the edge of the bed, walking over to retrieve the tray and watched as the red head sat up. "Here you go. It's not the most fancy meal in the world but it is rather yummy."

The kitsune took the tray from her, noting the grilled cheese and tomato soup and inhaled. "This is a good combination. My mother would often make me this on a chilly day. Comfort food. Simple yet delicious."

The praise made Botan blush. "It wasn't anything really.. Just wanted you to have something that would make you feel better."

He found her blush endearing, despite the fatigue he felt and he murmured. "You're rather cute when you blush, Botan. Should do it more often."

The ferry girl's cheeks darkened even more as she whispered. "Kurama.. stop.."

The way she said his name made his heart flutter and he had to focus on the food to ease the pain that came with such intense emotion. He winced but did not cry out.

Botan however noticed and frowned, rising. "I am sorry.. I will.. I will leave you be so you can eat.."

Kurama's features became saddened.

Don't go.. he wanted to say but knew it was best that she left and he nodded. "As you wish, Botan.. why don't you try to get into contact with Yusuke and the others.. see what they have to say.. that would be most helpful."

Botan nodded, looking forlornly at the kitsune as he kept his head down and began to eat. I'm this close to him and I can't touch him or kiss him… or express how much I love him… this just isn't fair at all.. Scooping up the communicator on the nightstand, the ferry girl headed towards the door. "I'll be back as soon as I can, Kurama.." she said over her shoulder then left the red head to finish his meal.

XXXXXX

Mukuro raced through the Makai forest growth, leaping and twisting around trees with natural grace. She had traveled for three hours at top speed, driven by a desire to help Hiei and to answer her own curiosity. She jumped off a ledge, landing silently on the banks of a fast moving river, her gaze lingering on the waterfall that tumbled over the edge of the nearby rock formation.

Walking with measured steps, Mukuro steadied herself, a faint red glow outlining her frame as she stepped under and through the cascading water, untouched by its harsh coldness.

Lifting her hand, Mukuro allowed it to glow red, faint light dancing along etched walls of the tunnel of darkness. Each step felt more heavy than the last, scripts and wards erupting on either side of her, the energy bouncing off harmlessly until at last, the tunnel widened, spilling into an open ravine, where water flowed and plants danced in a gentle wind.

Small birds flittered about, the species unfamiliar to the demon queen of the northeast and she grew still as a woman's voice echoed in a harsh tone,

"You're rather brave to come into my domain, Mukuro."

Looking down into the ravine, the orange haired woman blinked as the moss came alive, rising, sloughing off to reveal a middle aged woman with eyes as black as her hair. Mukuro said nothing, watching as the female demon moved up the carved stairs to the upper level where she stood.

"But you are certainly rather powerful.. you defeated my ward spells so easily..." The blacked haired woman paused, studying the taller female before her. "So what is it you want? Why do you bother poor Monashi when all she wants to do is rest, hmm?"

Mukuro did not ease her defensive posture, though her voice was soft. "I need some answers on spiritual poisons," she began, watching as Monashi moved to sit at the stone table in the corner near an alchemy stand. "You are known for your.. expertise on poisons and spells.. who else but Monashi can give me the answers I seek?"

The older woman cackled and slapped her leg. "Hah! Since when does someone as powerful as you need poison to do her dirty work? That fire demon of yours must be a handful if you need some kind of spell to control him.. or.. is it.. something more.. primal.. you seek, hmm?"

Mukuro's features grew cold and her spiritual energy spiked. "This has nothing to do with him, crone. I need answers from you and either you give them to me willingly or I beat them out of you.. which do you prefer."

The witch's lips twisted into a nasty smile. "You certainly are rather ruthless.. but then again.. I suppose you would have to be.." She waved a hand. "So be it.. what do you wish to know?"

Mukuro relayed all the information Hiei had passed on to her, watching as the witch took it in, nodding and eyes sparkling with delight. "Oh yes.. that's a right doozy of a problem for that fox demon.. But it is not something that can be cured by conventional means."

"So it is a poison then?" Mukuro asked, frowning when the witch shook her head.

"No.. with what you've told me, no poison can cause two different effects. What you have here is a dual spell most likely caused not by any liquid on the blade but the blade itself."

"So you're saying whoever attacked Kurama, used a cursed blade to pass on the spell?"

"Yes," Monashi replied, grinning. "Rather ingenious way to go about it, really. Someone as strong as Youko could not be affected by outward spells. But cut a man with a cursed blade and the spell bypasses all defenses, going straight to the spiritual energy and life force and affecting him in whatever way the curse was designed to inflict. He lusts and loves a certain woman.. yet the closer he gets to her, the more intense the feelings and the more painful the experience, attacking the nervous system and the energy source of his power. The more he taps into it, the more the pain is amplified."

"Why would someone create such a curse?"

Monashi snorted. "Obviously, you've never been in love or cast aside for someone younger or more.. beautiful.." she began, ignoring the glare of the taller woman. "This type of spell is usually used to exact a tormenting revenge on a cheating lover or a jilted one. Quite an effective way to deal damage and watch the object of your hatred writhe in pain."

"You seem rather impressed by this spell. Perhaps you were the one who created it? Or maybe.. sold it?"

Monashi blinked then laughed. "My dear girl, why would I do that? This spell is older than the foundations of the three kingdoms.. I am not the only one who uses magic.." Her laughter died off, features serious. "Nevertheless, this spell is of Makai origin. Whoever attacked your friend, has vast knowledge of our world. They may be old.. and powerful.. or young.. and arrogant.. You will need to find them though, in order to break the spell."

"Why is that?"

Monashi sighed as if dealing with a child. "Because you must make the spell caster reverse the curse.. either willingly or by force. Killing them will do no good."

Mukuro frowned. "And there is no other way?"

The witch grinned. "Well now.. there is another way.. but I doubt your friend is willing to do that.."

"And what is this other way?"

"He must kill the object of his desire.. or himself.." the witch replied, still grinning and cackling, even as Mukuro turned and exited back through the tunnel as fast as her legs could carry her.

Chapter Text

"Are you sure this is the right place?" Yusuke asked as he watched Kuwabara lead them through the central gate of the Tokyo train station, following the larger man after he paused and turned to his right, heading past the signs that pointed to the Nihonbashi gate.

"Of course I'm sure, Urameshi," the orange haired man nodded, features full of concentration as he rounded another corner then came to a stop in front of the Japan Railway ticket office. "Hmm.. that's weird," he murmured, looking around.

"What's weird?" Yusuke asked, shifting his gaze from the office towards his friend. "It's just a ticket office."

"Yeah, I know that, Urameshi," Kuwabara replied, still looking at the space in front of him. "But think about it. Most tickets are purchased at a machine. You only go to this office for reserved tickets."

"So they like to travel in nicer seats. What does it matter?" Hiei asked, irritated at his own inability to detect their enemies energy.

Kuwabara did not answer, instead he turned and continued down the hall that lead to the auto ticket gate then beyond to the manned gate, motioning in front of him. "Kuromoto came here then went through this gate."

Yusuke looked from his friend to the gate where a ticket officer stood, knowing a rail pass was required to go through and he came to a stop beside the larger man. "So Kuromoto has a pass. That still doesn't tell us which train he took."

Kuwabara shifted his gaze towards Yusuke. "It all comes back to that reservation office," he said, turning back and walking over to the board map that marked the various train lines and destinations. Lifting his hand, he pointed at the green line marked Tohoku bullet train, a grin on his face. "There.. that line.. the one that travels all the way up to Akita. That has to be the train he took."

"How do you figure?" Yusuke asked, brow furrowed. The head detective always liked to tease his friend about the orange haired man's mental aptitude, but inwardly conceded that Kuwabara was smarter than he looked. "The sick bastard could have taken any of the trains coming through here. What's so special about the Tohoku line?"

"Because that's the only line that requires reserved seating," Kuwabara answered, excitement in his voice. "Why else would that jerk stop at the reserved ticket office? It's not cheap to ride up on that train, either."

"If it's so expensive, why not just fly?" Hiei asked, looking up at the larger man.

Kuwabara shrugged, grumbling. "How the hell do I know why? I just followed the energy I could detect and tracked it here."

"Kind of like a spiritual blood hound, eh?" Yusuke quipped, smirking at his friend's irritation.

"I'm not a dog, Urameshi."

"Your face begs to differ," Yusuke added, grinning when his friend snapped and grabbed his shirt.

"I'll show you dog, you jerk!"

Yusuke held up his hands, features and voice full of chagrin. "I was joking, Kuwabara… man.. you need to lighten up.."

The larger man growled and let go, grumbling. "Some friend you are.. insulting me after finding where our enemy went.."

"If you two are through acting like children, perhaps we can get back to the matter at hand?" Hiei verbally intervened, red eyes focused up on his two companions as he crossed his arms, smirking at their annoyed features. As amusing as it was to watch the pair of young men before him bicker, even the fire demon knew now was not the time for such trivial entertainment.

"Yes mom.." Yusuke said with a sarcastic glint in his eye, happy to see a flash of annoyance on the smaller man's face.

Hiei glared but kept his tongue in check as he spoke. "Now that we know which train the enemy took, our next move should be to follow their route and track them down even further."

Yusuke nodded. "I agree. So we need to grab some gear and make our way up there as well."

"But you guys," Kuwabara interjected. "That's a 4 hour ride and expensive to boot. Even with a rail pass."

"Stop complaining. I got plenty of money from the shop," Yusuke replied. "Besides, I know you have a rail pass so stop being so damn cheap."

Kuwabara continued to protest, even as Yusuke dragged him back and out of the station then let him go, turning to the two men as he spoke. "Alright.. after we gather what we need, we'll meet back here and continue our tracking of Kuromoto, agreed?"

"You bet, Urameshi."

Hiei merely grinned and the three went off their separate ways, gathering what would be needed for the long trip North.

XXXXXXX

Several hours( and thousands of yens) later, Yusuke and the others found themselves hiking through the snowy terrain of the Northern section of Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Dressed in a blue parka and snow pants, Kuwabara paused before a line of pine trees, lifting a gloved hand to protect his already red skin from the biting snow swirling around him.

"Ack! It's freaking cold up here!" the orange haired detective complained, his teeth chattering a bit as another icy blast hit him.

"What's the matter, Kuwabara?" Yusuke began, smirking at his friend's discomfort. "Sounds like your balls have gone north like the weather."

Kuwabara snapped his head back, glaring at the smaller man, features impossibly red at his friend's connotation, even if it was correct. "Shut up, Urameshi! I can't help it that the cold effects me! I'm not a demon!"

"Really? I hadn't noticed," Hiei chimed in, red eyes twinkling with playful malice. Even though his sister, Yukina, loved Kuwabara, the fire demon still enjoyed irritating the big oaf.

"Stuff it shrimp!" Kuwabara snarled, directing his gaze down to the koorime. "Why do you have to keep pissing me off?!"

"Because it amuses me," Hiei deadpanned, blinking as another gust of arctic air swirled around them, shaking the pine boughs, showering them with a cascade of snow.

Kuwabara growled, grumbling to himself as he tugged his Nordic blue hat even further down his head. He marched forward, determined to keep his discomfort to himself. All the better to deny those punks the satisfaction of teasing me.

Yusuke was the first to follow, his voice more serious now. "You sure this is the right path, Kuwabara?" he asked, his senses on alert for any sign of danger. "It seems like a really weird place to set up any kind of base to me."

Kuwabara kept moving, voice a bit distant as he concentrated his attention on the very faint energy signatures of their prey. "The park is closed to most people this time of year, Urameshi. They can hide out and do whatever freaky stuff they want to do without being bothered or caught."

"And you know all this, how?" Hiei asked, bringing up the rear. Truth be told, the fire apparition was feeling a sense of unease. The darkness of the area did not bother him. For he could see perfectly fine with or without light. Nor did the growing storm above them give him pause. He was used to such things in Makai. But they were edging closer to something dangerous… Something unnatural.. which both excited and worried him.

For once, Kuwabara did not snap at the smaller man. "I did a project on the Tohoku area at the start of semester," he answered, continuing to lead them through the winding path of trees. "This park basically all but shuts down in the winter. So it would make sense for them to do whatever the hell that wanted to do without being detected."

The path widened as it descended downward, opening out into a treeless valley, overlooked by a snow capped mountain range. Kuwabara stopped at the edge of the clearing, a shiver of alarm racing up his spine as he studied the mountains before him. "Something doesn't feel right about this place," he murmured as his gaze darted side to side then forward again.

Yusuke came to stand to Kuwabara's right, his eyes fixed on the mountain ahead of them. "I think you're right about that, Kuwabara." The strange spiritual pulse emanating from the mountain was unlike anything he'd experienced before. "It feels.. dark.. oppressive.. and pretty fucking creepy.."

Kuwabara nodded. "Yeah.. like something unnatural.. and hungry.."

"Interesting… I have the same sense of it as well.." Hiei said as he came to stand on the taller man's left. His red orbs studied the mountain with fascination. "There's a pulsating dark aura emanating up ahead. Whatever it is.. it is dangerous.." He looked over gleefully towards the two other men. "Shall we go see what it is.. and destroy it?"

Yusuke and Kuwabara did not share the fire demon's enthusiasm but they nodded and the three started forward, on edge but determined as they crept up to the base of the mountain. Kuwabara reached out, tracing his hand along the rock formation, closing his eyes, able to trace the pattern of energy, stopping on a spot where the rock jutted out slightly.

"What is it, Kuwabara?" Yusuke asked, noting the frustration bloom on his friend's features.

"I know… I know this is where Kuromoto stopped.. his hand went here.. something.. he did something to this rock.. but.. I can't make it work.."

"It must be something that only our enemy can manipulate," Hiei commented as he studied the rock before him. "Some kind of entrance that responds to specific spiritual energy." He turned to Yusuke, voice soft. "We won't be able to sneak our way in."

Yusuke nodded, backing up, motioning the others to follow. "If we can't sneak in, we'll just have bust our way in."

Removing his gloves, the head detective raised his right hand, making a fist, pointing his index finger out and his thumb up. A blue light materialized before his fingertip and Yusuke gripped his wrist with his left hand, the light forming into an orb as he shouted. "Spirit Gun!"

The orb shot forward, slamming into the rock, shaking the ground from the force of impact, sending broken bits of debris shooting out in all directions. Dust and snow filled the air, dissipating to reveal a darkened tunnel where the rock wall once stood.

"Nice shooting, Yusuke.." Hiei murmured, studying the entrance to the tunnel. His body felt the waves of dark energy rolling out and over them and he shivered with apprehension even as his blood called out to seek and destroy the threat. In that instant, the fire demon knew that they were not only discovered but being watched. And that pissed him off.

Reaching up, the koorime grabbed the hilt of his sword, drawing it out of its scabbard, the wind tugging at his black overcoat as if to pull him away from the darkness. Hiei was having none of that. Pointing his sword in front of him, the fire apparition gathered his senses and spoke in a tone that belied his unease. "Shall we see if anyone is home?"

Yusuke nodded, smirking as he slid his gloves back on. "Sounds like a plan." He looked over to Kuwabara. "You ready to go?"

The orange haired man peered into the darkness, sweat forming on his skin even as the cold wind swirled around him. The bad aura was even worse now that it was exposed to the open air. Still, the tall man was no coward. Come on, Kazuma, pull yourself together! Steeling his resolve, Kuwabara nodded. "Real men don't back down from a fight.. no matter how bad the odds, Urameshi. Let's go find those punks and take them out before they hurt anyone else."

"Alright then, let's go!"

The head detective took the lead, walking into the darkness, Kuwabara following. Hiei took up the rear position, stopping suddenly at the sound of Mukuro's voice in his head.

Hiei.. can you hear me?

"Wait a moment.." Hiei managed to sound out to his companions who stopped and turned.

"What is it?" Yusuke asked, studying the fire demon with questioning eyes.

Hiei lowered his sword, voice soft. "Mukuro has contacted me..." Was all the information he gave them before answering his boss's question.

Yes.. What is it? Did you find out what is going on with Kurama?

Well, hello to you too, Hiei.. Mukuro replied dryly, ignoring her second in command's impatient tone as she answered. In regards to your friend, he is indeed under a curse spell. The old crone I talked to confirmed my suspicions in the matter of your friend.

And did this person you talked to have any answers on how to cure this spell?

Mukuro paused, wondering how to word what she had found out. Despite his rough demeanor at times, Hiei had feelings and valued Kurama's friendship. The kitsune was the fire demon's best friend and Mukuro wanted to be tactful in honor of her subordinate's concern. Yes.. however I doubt any of the solutions will be.. viable to your friend… at least at the moment.

Hiei frowned. He did not like the way the conversation was going. What solutions have you found out?

First, this particular spell affects both his spiritual energy and his physical body. It is a spell that causes the victim to suffer severe physical pain whenever close to or thinking of the object of their affection. The more they try to ignore it, the more it attacks their spiritual energy until they either die or flee from the one they.. love.. or are in love with.

Hiei frowned. You still haven't told me what the solutions are. I want to get this curse reversed so Kurama can help us deal with our enemy. We need his tactical skill. So tell me, Mukuro, just what he hell we need to do to solve this problem.

Mukuro sighed and spoke with a softness reserved only for Hiei. In order to cure the spell, you must make the caster reverse it. If you kill whoever cursed him, Kurama will forever be under the curse's control.

And that's the only way to stop this from ruining the kitsune's life?

Even as a demon, Hiei understood love and understood that his best friend loved the ferry girl. He did not want Kurama to suffer. And if they went into battle now.. and this Yukio bastard was killed.. Then the fire demon would not pleased.

Is there no other way to stop this curse?

Yes… but you will not like it..

Tell me.. Hiei replied, the color draining from his face as his leader replied,

Kurama will have to either kill himself.. or the one he loves... to be free of the curse.. If you do not procure the caster and force him to reverse the spell.. One.. or both of them.. will have to die..

"What?!" Hiei verbally spat, anger in his features.

Yusuke and Kuwabara looked at each other then back to the fire demon in confusion.

"What's going on, Hiei? What is Mukuro saying about Kurama?" the head detective asked.

Hiei waved him off, concentrating again. You know that Kurama would never do that.. not to himself.. or to his ferry girl..

Then you must capture the enemy and make them reverse the spell.

Hiei nodded. That is the only viable option. And were are very close to achieving that goal.

So you have found them? Mukuro asked.

We have tracked them down, yes..

Then you must be very careful.. whoever the caster is, is quite gifted with magic of a dark and powerful nature... if you get yourself killed.. I will never forgive you.. So you better come back to me.. is that understood?

Hiei smirked at his leader's order. As you wish, Mukuro.. The fire demon broke off the telepathic link, opening his eyes to study his comrades.

"So.. what did Mukuro say?" Yusuke asked.

"That we must capture the caster of the spell and force them to reverse the curse. We must keep this Yukio Kuromoto alive or else Kurama will die." Hiei answered, not sharing the more disturbing information he had learned about his friend's condition. Lifting his sword up again, he smirked in the darkness, voice full of eagerness despite the dread he felt about what they would find once they reached the end of the tunnel. "So... shall we go find the bastard and end this?"

His two companions nodded, matching the determined look on the smaller man's features as the trio began their descent into the darkness that surrounded them.

XXXXXX

"So they have found us at last." Yukio commented to his brother as he walked out the platform. Several decades of research and practice had led to this moment.. his moment.. and he looked down upon his now conscious and fully mobile creations.

"My children.." he began, voice calm and even as he sensed the destruction of their lab entrance and the spiritual presence of the detectives. "You have been created to bring chaos into the world.. For too long Reikai has had control of the spirit of life.. They take our souls and judge us.. and they have no right! Makai.. has all that massive power that they will not share! The do not deserve the lands they hold! Ningenkai is full of weaklings that propagate without thought, contaminating the land with their filth and disease.. they are no better than beasts! Tonight.. we will throw all three lands into chaos! We will make them shudder with the enormity of our power! We will tear asunder the bonds that have held us back! You.. my children.. perfect.. beautiful.. will bring a new era.. an era where we control our own destiny.. answering no one! We are invincible!"

His children did not answer, merely stood awaiting for his orders. They were humanoid in appearance, though their ears were pointed and their teeth razor sharp. Dressed in some sort of strange black armor, their glowing eyes stared up at their creator, a tension growing in the room as their power began to spike.

Yukio grinned, voice softer. Now that his creations were awakened, they would need to feed. "You are hungry, my children.. well then.. it is time to feast!" He held out his hand, a commanding tone in his voice now. "Go forward, my children! Feed upon as much spiritual energy as you can! Go to Makai.. and Reikai.. and destroy all those in power! Leave none in your wake alive!"

The ground began to shake, a column of yellow light erupting around Yukio's troops, causing the top of the mountain to split apart, escaping its rocky confines and shooting upward, piercing through the clouded sky. Yukio's children become slivers of energy and shot up through the column, disappearing in an instant, Yukio and Kane with them.

XXXXXX

After having to fight off the wards and spells that impeded their movement, the three detectives had been knocked off their feet by the massive power blast that shook the entirety of the tunnel. In an instant, the sense of darkness was gone, leaving no trace of any power. The detective trio raced forward, ignoring the various equipment and modern material that now lined the walls and burst through and onto the metal podium, eyes wide with shock.

"What.. what the hell happened here?" Kuwabara murmured, as he looked down in disbelief.

Below, thousands of pods filled the cavern floor, empty of both fluid and occupants. Snow drifted down from the now open hole above, layering the abandoned pods with a thin white blanket. No energy could be detected. It was as if they all disappeared from the earth itself.

Yusuke's features turned grim at the question, gripping the rail so tightly his knuckles turned white. "What ever it is.. we have to find them and fast.. before something bad happens." He turned to Hiei. "Try to make contact with Mukuro.. spread the word as fast as you can to those in Makai.."

Hiei nodded and sat down, concentrating.

"What do we do, Urameshi?" Kuwabara asked, looking over at his friend in concern.

Yusuke took out is communicator and flipped it open. "Contact Koenma.. and hope to God we can stop this before things get out of hand."

Chapter Text

Botan sat in the records room, her eyes focused on the multiple files spread out upon the table. It had been several hours since she'd last spent time with Kurama and it had been a struggle not to return to his side. But the cause of his condition had worried her. Her presence caused the kitsune pain and she wanted to find a way to "fix" him.

Trying to contact Yusuke had been a futile exercise so the ferry girl gave up and began to do some research on her own. But it was slow going and the frustration was building in Botan.

"Nothing.. there's nothing here.." she growled, violently flipping through the file in her hand, slamming it shut in a fit of anger and swatted it off the table, causing other files to go flying in the air. The deity brought her hands up to her face in irritation and sighed, slowly sliding her hands to her mouth as she looked around at the mess she created. Her brow furrowed as she noticed something oddly colorful sticking out one of the files on the floor and the deity rose, kneeling down to pick it up.

Botan held the piece of paper up to the light, a picture of an intricately carved knife displayed at its center and a flash of memory sparked within her mind. A hand held that blade, a voice low and insistent, reminding her of her purpose.

Do you remember what I told you? What this blade is for?

Yes.

What is it's purpose? Your purpose?

Death. Chaos.

The hand moved closer, offering the blade and another hand reached out.. her hand..

Her hand that held the blade.. Her hand that took it..

Realization of who it was that stabbed the kitsune slammed into her and her mind and heart screamed in anguish. Oh God.. what have I done?!

More memories came flooding back, nearly overwhelming and the deity struggled to breathe, clutching the drawing as she fell back and collapsed onto the seat of the nearby table, trying to comprehend the overload of information that flashed in her mind. Alarms started to blare in the room and snapped Botan into the present and a sense of urgency now filled her and she raced out of the file room, still clutching the drawing, running as fast as her legs could carry her down the hall. She passed several ogres and a few ferry girls, ignoring their questioning looks and words, sliding her key card through the slot, barely waiting for the doors to part before barging into Koenma's office.

"Lord Koenma!" Botan started, purple orbs fixated on the toddler lord who stood in his seat. "Yukio is planning an invasion of the three realms!"

Koenma pointed at the screen, his features pale and his eyes troubled. "He is already here.." he murmured then turned to Botan. "Yusuke was tracking Yukio and found his Ningenkai base but then the bastard had just disappeared in thin air. He believed the brothers were most likely taking whatever troops they created and headed out towards areas of power." He paused, a puff of smoke erupting, the teen form of Koenma now standing before her. "And just now a surge of unknown energy erupted on the southern quadrant, where most ferry girls enter and leave Reikai. Only someone with spirit energy that matches the fluctuations of such ferry girls can enter this kingdom without resorting to a spirit form."

Botan cast her gaze downward. "That is what Yukio took the ferry girls for.. what he was experimenting on," she began, voice a bare whisper. "I.. didn't remember everything.. until just now.. when.. when I found this.." Holding up the drawing she handed it to Koenma who took it.

Studying the picture, the toddler lord spoke. "What is this?"

"The knife used to stab and infect Kurama. Not only to poison him, but also as a means of tracking him down. As a marker.. to follow.."

Koenma frowned. "What purpose would tracking him do when they can follow the energy straight to.." His voice trailed off, realization filling him and he turned barking out orders to the group of ogres that had gathered in his office. "I want every able bodied ogre in the courtyard assembled in five minutes along with all special force members. All restrictions on power levels are lifted and all weapons at our disposal are to be used against the invaders. Move out!"

The ogres saluted and scrambled out and the toddler lord turned back to Botan, voice firm. "Go get Kurama and bring him here as fast as you can."

Botan blinked. "But Lord Koenma, he's not fit to.."

"Don't you think I know that, Botan?!" Koenma snapped then sighed, his focus back on the red dots moving at rapid speed towards the outline of the palace on the map. "He is the most powerful fighter we have here at the moment and despite the infection and his inability to be around you, his strength on the battlefield is irreplaceable. If we are to survive, he must be out there defending our realm from Yukio and whatever the hell it was he brought with him."

Botan winced at the mention of the Kurama's physical aversion to the deity's presence due to the poison as she asked. "And what of Yusuke and the others? Why aren't they here?"

"I've ordered Yusuke and Kuwabara to get their ass up here as quick as they can and dispatched Hiei to the Makai realm to meet up with his leader, in hopes they can stem whatever malice has been unleashed down there," Koenma answered, concern etched on his features. "But by the time they get here, it might be too late. So we must do our best to hold them off. That is why I need Kurama here as quickly as possible. Do you understand, Botan?"

Everything was happening so fast that it was hard for Botan to concentrate. Her fear over the safety and sanctity of the royal palace and of Reikai itself was twined with her fear of what would happen to Kurama in his weakened state. To send the one she love to his possible death, made her heart retch and her legs tremble. But she knew that Koenma was right. If they were to have any chance of all of surviving, Kurama would have to fight.

Gathering herself she nodded and headed out into the courtyard and weaved her way through the growing mass of ogre and special forces troops. Entering the ferry girl barracks, the deity raced up the winding stairway to her room.

Sliding her key card, the doors parted and she found the kitsune standing near the bay window that looked out into the mountain range that surrounded the royal palace on three sides.

"So it has begun?" Kurama spoke softly, his back still to her.

"Yes.." Botan replied, carefully walking towards him, stopping near the edge of her bed as she continued, biting her lip as she spoke. "Koenma.. has.. requested you to come to his office.. to prepare for battle."

The kitsune turned, flashing her a small smile. "A request.. or an order?"

Botan looked away. "Does it really matter? You will go either way."

Sensing her sadness, Kurama moved a bit closer to her. "You make it sound like a bad thing. Fighting to protect the ones you love is never a bad thing." When the deity didn't respond, the kitsune moved even closer, though the pain in his side intensified. "Botan.. look at me.."

Drawing her gaze up, the ferry girl met his eyes, her own brimming with tears.

Tilting his head, Kurama asked softly. "Why do you cry, Botan? Do you not have faith in me at all?"

Shaking her head, Botan reached up to wipe her eyes, voice strained, on the cusp of breaking. "No.. it's… it's not that.."

"Then what?"

"It's.. the wound.. the poison.. it's all my fault!" Botan cried out, tears freely streaming down her cheeks as she unleashed the torrent of emotion rolling inside her. "You found me.. you saved me.. but I was the one who stabbed you! It was my hand that wounded you! And now you're going to go off and fight and are not at full strength.. you might die and it will be because of me!"

The kitsune frowned. I thought I had erased that memory. Though troubled, he nonetheless reached out and pulled her to him, though the cost was high and his body screamed in agony. "It was not your fault, Botan.. You were being manipulated.. You had no free will of your own.. Do not blame yourself for this, for I do not," he whispered, gritting his teeth to stifle the cry of pain from the physical contact.

Botan cried and clung to the fox spirit, shaking from the intensity of her grief and relief at his forgiveness.

Kurama held her, whispering soft words, stroking her back until she calmed down and pulled back to look up at him.

The fox spirit met her gaze, reaching up to wipe the stray tears off the girl's face. Words were not needed in the moment as he leaned in and kissed her. It was slow, gentle, and he tasted her, groaning. But the pain twisted with the desire and at last he had to pull back and release her, though he managed to do so without running away.

"Botan.." he panted, leaning to the rail of the bed for support, then pushed off and headed towards the door. "I must... leave you... now.."

The deity itched to pull him back to her but knew she had to let him go. "Kurama.. please.. be careful.. they want nothing more than to kill you.."

The kitsune stopped at the door, looking back to her. "I know.. but if I am to die today.. I will take them with me.." he replied, voice soft but firm. "You should not stay here.. gather the other ferry girls.. and have them assemble in Koenma's palace.. they will be safer there.. than here…"

With that he left, heading down the hall then the stairway, exiting the building and shifting to Youko as he entered the courtyard, finding the toddler lord in his teen form and covered head to toe in Samurai Armor. Smirking the kitsune growled, voice deeper than when in human form. "Nice outfit.. too bad it won't help you much on the battlefield."

Koenma made a face as he looked up at the taller man. "A leader does not cower and hide when war is brought to his front door. Besides.." He paused and looked over the troops before him. "Someone has to stay here and protect the ferry girls in case you fail to stop them."

The youkai's golden eyes narrowed. "So I take it you'll won't be on the front lines?"

The toddler lord stammered but the kitsune turned away, tail flicking as he moved forward.

"Kurama?! Don't you even want to know what my orders are?"

The fox spirit looked over his shoulder, down his nose at the smaller man. "I already know what it is you want, Koenma. Meet the enemy before they reach the palace and engage them.. defeat then destroy them.. what else is there to know?" he growled then walked past the parting troops and out the main gate, heading quickly along the dirt road that winded downward.

The spirit lord blinked then shook his head as if to clear it, yelling at his men. "Don't just stand there! Half of you go with him! The other half remain here and keep a defensive position!" He turned to find his ferry girls marching towards him, Botan leading the way and he watched her approach. "Botan?"

"I've gathered the rest of the ferry girls and brought them here. Kurama said we would be safer in the main palace, should the enemy make their way here."

Koenma nodded his approval. "Good.. make sure that all ferry girls have been accounted for.. the men have been placed on defensive positions.. but if the halls are breeched.. you may have to defend yourselves.. so take any precautions or weapons you can find.. and hunker down.."

"And Kurama? Has he gone already?" Botan asked, though she knew the answer.

"Yes.." Koenma replied, turning his gaze to the gate as the last of his front lines left the building and the gate began to close. "Let us hope he succeeds in at least slowing down the enemy until Yusuke arrives."

XXXXXXXXX

Youko continued to march, eyes focused and ears twitching for signs of the enemy. His youkai form was more at home in the spirit energy rich environment and his body was already healing due to the distance from the one he loved.. and could not touch.

He closed his eyes, trying to calm the desire and rage he felt. The more he thought of Botan, the more he wanted her. And the more he wanted her, the more intense the pain that enveloped his body. Damn you, Yukio, he snarled inwardly, hatred filling him at the inability to have the one he wanted.

I will render your flesh to nothing but bones and dust by the time I'm through with you for what you've done to me.. and to the ferry girl, he vowed, suppressed his thoughts and the images of the deity, eyes snapping open at the sudden burst of energy that whirled towards him.

"They're here!" the fox spirit shouted, leaping up into the air to avoid the attack, looking down and nodding in approval as the special forces erected barriers, the sphere of energy colliding then dissipating harmlessly against the energy shield.

Landing back on his feet, the kitsune drew out a seed, feeding it power, forcing it to elongate and form a thorn studded whip. Racing forward, he met the enemy head on, the mixed troops behind him following, and lashed out, splitting apart the strange looking creatures left and right, blood exploding in the air, matching the screams of the fallen as they were cut down. He smirked in satisfaction, looking down at his handiwork, clothing and skin stained with red fluid from his efforts.

Cheers roar up behind him but he paid them no heed, troubled golden eyes fixated on the dead, frowning as their bodies when into a spasm, a strange green material bubbling around the wounds and he jumped back as the dead rose, alive again. "Instant regeneration.." he murmured, incredulous as the monsters flashed their wickedly sharp teeth and they converged on the kitsune and he used his fists and feet to beat them off, blinking as they were blasted back by Koenma's mixed troops.

The two sides clashed, steel on steel, teeth on claws, blood and screams filling the air and the fox spirit created another whip, this time, wrapping it around the head of the nearest enemy, pulling taunt and viciously, the head popping off like a daisy, the victim's scream cut off as its head was torn from its body and collapsed, thrashing on the blood soaked ground before going still as its life's blood pumped out of the gaping wound. It did not rise again.

"Their heads! Cut off the heads!" he yelled, leaping forward, decapitating each enemy soldier he got close to, stopping only when the enemy backed up, parting, revealing their leader.

Youko glared at the approaching figure, voice like ice as he spat out, "You.."

There, clad in black, stood Yukio Kuromoto.

Smirking the dark haired man spoke. "You're really quite clever, Kurama," he began, looking down at the remains of some of his soldiers. "Remove the brain and the body cannot regenerate. I was right to come after you first."

Youko stood his ground, eyeing the smaller man, voice low and dangerous. "Whatever you've come here for, you will not succeed. I will kill you here and now.. and put an end to this."

Yukio laughed softly. "You certainly do have a flair for the dramatic don't you, Kurama? But seriously.. what makes you think you can stop me in your weakened state?"

The kitsune took a defensive position, his whip changing rapidly to a blade. "Come closer and I'll show you. Unless of course.. you're too afraid to face me.." he taunted.

Yukio's smile fell but he made no move towards the kitsune. "I don't need a weapon to defeat you," he whispered and held out his hand, making a fist.

Youko's eyes widened and he gasped, clutching his left side. Pulling his hand back, he stared in shock at the blood.. his blood and he growled and leapt forward, snarling when his blade touched nothing but air.

"You're already under my spell, Kurama.. it is useless to resist.."

The fox spirit clenched his jaw at the foul sound of his enemy's voice in his ear and whirled around, finding himself in a dream like state as before.. twilight.. Botan's laughter.. the scent of her.. so close and yet so far.. and he relaxed his body, focusing his will. An illusion. It's nothing more than an illusion meant to confuse me and lower my defenses.

Closing his eyes, Kurama let go, relying on instinct and brought his blade up, the sound of metal clashing against organic blade ringing out and the kitsune opened his eyes, finding the surprised and angry features of Yukio glaring down at him. Using his strength, the fox spirit swung the blade back, sending the smaller man crashing into his own troops.

"I will not fall for your tricks, Yukio Kuromoto," he growled, slashing out as the pointy eared enemy lunged at him, piercing the one closest to him through the neck, severing the head as he twisted the blade and sliced to the side. He kicked at another, knocking them off the road and into the clouds with a scream as he fell into the abyss.

XXXXXX

Back at the palace, Botan had done as Koenma had asked her to do, gathering the ferry girls inside, giving them instructions as best she could headed out the back entrance, intent on finding out how the battle was going. Crouching down, she slunk off, about to make her escape when she was spotted and stop by George.

"Miss Botan? What are you doing outside? Koenma specifically requested all ferry girls be kept inside and away from any battle."

Botan straightened her back, swearing inwardly, voice firm but soft. "Koenma has issued an order for me to go survey the battle field from on high and report back to him immediately about Kurama's progress and the size of the invading troops."

The blue ogre blinked and tilted his head as if contemplating the truth of her lie and nodded. "Okay then.. go on through, Miss Botan.." He moved to the side to allow the deity to pass, watching as the girl materialized an oar and took off into the sky, heading towards the power source and the battle that was commencing.

She had felt the fluctuations in the kitsune's power and emotional state, tied as she was to him and her fear was growing as she felt him weakening. Please be all right, Kurama. she thought, heart hammering in her chest at the thought of him in harm's way and she increased her speed, hoping to make it there before something bad happened.

XXXXXX

"Come out and face me coward!" Youko challenged as the battle intensified. Energy signatures erupted around him, all the same as Yukio and he looked around in confusion, relying on scent as he chased after his prey, enemy and friend alike cutting each other apart and he leapt over the fray, landing in front of Yukio and threw his sword at him, blinking as the form of the dark haired man shimmered and vanished only to gasp at the flare of pain that erupted in his chest and he looked down, shock filling him as the tip of a blade protruded out from above his left pectoral and he felt his energy leaving him, the voice of Yukio whispering in his ear. "You see.. You were under my spell the whole time.."

Red sprouted, replacing silver, the kitsune morphing back to his human form as his energy was drained. His eyes were glazed and unfocused, watching in horror as the enemy descended upon the remaining troops, the voice of their leader shouting.

"It's time to feed my children!"

Screams filled Kurama's ears as the ogre's and special forces were overrun, torn apart and devoured physically and their power absorbed. Using the last of his energy, the kitsune slid off the blade and whirled around cutting deep into Yukio's face with a short knife made of grass.

Yukio howled in rage and clutched his face, slashing out with his sword, cutting across the chest of the kitsune and sending him past the perilous road, disappearing into the clouded land below.

XXXXXXXX

Botan's eyes were transfixed in horror at the gory sight below, snapping her head up as she witnessed Kurama turn and attack, a scream rising in her throat as she saw the kitsune cut down and pushed off the side and into the clouds.

"NO!"

Gripping the oar tightly, the deity bolted downward, zooming into the clouds at an almost vertical angle, terrified eyes searching for Kurama. She increased her speed, heart hammering in her chest as she caught sight of a flash of red, twirling down she maneuvered the oar closer to the free falling form of the kitsune, reaching out with one hand to try to grab him, gasping as she clutched air and he slipped through her grip.

She tried the same maneuver and failed again. This isn't working.. I have to do this... I have to catch him.. I can't let it.. end like this..

Closing her eyes, Botan let go, dematerializing the oar, now in a free fall with Kurama and she twirled, coming along beside him, wrapping her arms around him as they fell together. The clouds parted, becoming clear as they entered the realm of Ningenkai.

Shifting, Botan held out her hand, materializing her oar once more, gritting her teeth as she tried to slow down their descent. Trees grew in the distance and the ferry girl knew if she didn't do something drastic, they would crash headlong into the forest.

Pulling up hard, Botan used all her strength to right their vertical path, but it wasn't quite enough and she screamed as they crashed into the tree line.

The impact flipped them over and over and they went spiraling down, skidding to the edge of the lake. Pain filled all of the ferry girl's senses and she lay motionless for a long time, purple eyes transfixed on starlight above.

Thoughts of Kurama forced her into action and she groaned, turning her head to the side, finding the prone form of the kitsune some distance to her right. She shifted, wincing in pain as she crawled over to him and reached out to touch his face.

So cold. Why was he so cold?

Resting her ear over his heart, she closed her eyes and listened, finding no heartbeat.

"No.. No.. No.." she cried, lifting her head up to his face and cupped it. "Kurama.. Kurama.. don't you die on me! You can't die on me!" she screamed, inconsolable with grief as she cried out into the night air. "Somebody please help us! Please! I can't.. I can't do this alone! Please! Please!"

She broke down, clutching the torn clothing of the one she loved.. and lost.

Chapter Text

Hiei raced along side Mukuro, his red eyes focused beyond the harsh landscape of Makai, his feet light upon the dirt road that led into Gandara, the capital city of Yomi's domain. Though the Makai tournament had dissolved the power structure of the three kingdoms, the people living in the various territories still needed counsel and structure. This was no different in Gandara, the most technologically advanced place in all of demon world.

"Brings back memories, doesn't it?" Mukuro whispered, her good eye turning to study her second in command.

Hiei smirked, nodding, remembering the more destructive route he and his leader had taken to reach the city. "I doubt much has changed in the three years since we paid Gandara a visit."

Mukuro turned her attention back towards the road. "If the energy spikes we sensed are any indication, there is bound to be a big change, Hiei."

The fire demon frowned. After discovering the hidden base of Kuromoto and the subsequent spike then vanishing of that strange energy, the detectives had reported their findings, Yusuke and Kuwabara were ordered to return to Reikai while the youkai was advised to meet up with Mukuro. "Whatever it is that has entered here, it is unnatural and dangerous. Kuromoto created something.. monstrous.. "

A soft chuckle erupted from the female youkai's mouth. "You sound a bit afraid, Hiei. Was it that disturbing to you when you sensed such power for the first time?"

The fire demon growled softly, knowing she was teasing him, voice unable to hide his irritation. "I am afraid of nothing. Be it man, beast, or spirit. If it gets in my way or threatens things I care about, I will kill it."

"Spoken like a true warrior," Mukuro replied with a soft smile before her voice grew somber. "But tell me, Hiei, just what is it that we are up against? You made no mention of what you saw upon your return here nor why it is so vital for us to follow these spikes of energy."

"We did not find any visual clues as to what the creatures looked like," Hiei began. "But whatever they are, they are very dangerous and very hungry."

"Hungry?"

"Yes," Hiei replied, eyes focused ahead and voice troubled. "Like they needed to feed.. on what I have no idea. It was a strange.. sensation.. dark.. oppressive.. I was both.. intrigued.. and.. wary of it.." He paused then shook his head. "Which is why I don't understand the targeting of Yomi's territory. Why would they not head towards the central power in Makai? Enki still rules. What is so special about this area?"

Mukuro said nothing for a moment, her mind working out the information given to her, before she responded. "From what you've told me, it sounds like Kuromoto is trying to eliminate as many allies or rivals in power in both Makai and Reikai before making his next move."

Hiei blinked then mumbled, "Of course.. that would make the most sense. But if it is control he wants, he could simply compete in the tournament here and gain power over Makai that way. Why go to all this trouble?"

"Perhaps because it is not control he truly wants." Mukuro replied, looking over at her lieutenant. "But chaos and disarray."

"But for what purpose?" Hiei asked.

"That I do not know," Mukuro answered, shifting her gaze over to Hiei when he spoke.

"Could it be love or vengeance?"

The female youkai smiled a bit at the youth's question. "Wars have been started over less, so that is a possibility. However, since my information about our enemy is limited, there is little to go on but speculation."

Hiei felt a bit of shame at the lack of information on their enemy, but with no records of Kuromoto's existence, intel was scarce on their enemy. Tossing a look over his shoulders, the fire demon studied the group of men behind him. Mukuro's soldiers were doing their best to keep pace, a cloud of dust in their wake as they raced to catch up. "Yomi is probably speculating that we are invading his territory."

"If Yomi has even returned from his travels with Shura,"the female youkai replied slowing to a stop as they reached the edge of a cliff over looking the outskirts of Gandara.

Hiei took his place beside her as the pair scanned the area before them. "So he's still training his son for the next tournament? Interesting."

Mukuro said nothing for a moment, frowning at the strong gust of wind that swirled in a mass of dust and fallen leaves. Her body shivered at the touch of air and her eye narrowed. "Hiei.. Use your Jagon to scout the area for any signs of a trap."

The fire demon nodded, reaching up, tugging off the white head band wrapped around his forehead, his Jagon flaring to life, the eye glowing green as he directed it's attention into the city. Blurry images zipped past as he focused his attention on the central part of the city, vision becoming clearer, his handsome features twisted in confusion.

Mukuro watched Hiei's features, voice soft. "What is it you see, Hiei? Tell me."

"The people.." he began, voice troubled. "There are no people here."

"Citizens you mean?"

"Whatever you want to call them.. there are no visuals, nor energy spikes of any living creature in the entire city.. but.. I see… clothing.. blood.." His brow furrowed. "What did the sick bastards do to the people here?"

Mukuro looked back towards the city, voice low. "So that's what it is."

Hiei opened his mouth to ask what she meant when an enormous spike of spiritual energy caught his attention, his vision flooded by a blinding light and he shouted out in alarm. "Raise barriers and seek cover!"

The fire demon grabbed Mukuro, tugging her down as a massive explosion erupted in the center of the city, radiating outward, obliterating everything in its path, a deafening roar consuming all sound as it slammed into the small group, tearing through their youkai energy barriers as if it were tissue paper, knocking Hiei, Mukuro, and the soldiers back, their cries lost in the consuming noise of explosive energy.

XXXXXXXX

Koenma stood on the upper walkway of the palace walls, looking down at the winding dirt path that led outward and down into the southern quadrant of Reikai. It had been over an hour since he'd sent Kurama out with a small group of ogres and defense forces to seek out and destroy the invaders. So far, none had returned and this troubled the spirit world lord. A sign of movement drew his attention and Koenma, held his hand out, voice commanding, "Binoculars."

Jorge quickly placed the requested item into his boss's hand, asking. "What do you see, Lord Koenma, Sir?"

"I haven't looked yet, dummy," Koenma growled as he lifted the binoculars up, adjusting the focus, noting a single soldier racing a fast as his legs could carry him, arms waving frantically in distress. Handing Jorge the binoculars back, Koenma raced down the steps to the main court yard, shouting, "lower the shield and open the small gate!"

The ogres followed the order, opening the gate, the defense force soldier stumbled through and collapsed to his knees, his breathing labored and his once pristine white uniform soaked with blood and gore.

Koenma walked towards the man, issuing orders once more. "Raise the shield and close the gate!" Looking down at the soldier, he asked in concern. "What happened to you, soldier? How severe are your injuries?"

The dark haired man trembled. "Not.. Not my blood… Lord Koenma, sir.." he began, voice shaky. "They.. They came.. in one group.. we'd cut them down.. but they would just get back up.. couldn't kill them.. until.. we cut off their heads.. The Youko.. figured that out.. "

Koenma frowned at the mention of the fox spirit. "Kurama.. where is he?"

The soldier shook his head, voice rising. "He fought… the leader.. Yukio.. he.. he did something to him.. don't… don't know what it was.. but Yukio.. cut him down.. and Youko.. fell.. and the men.. Oh God.. the men.."

"Soldier.. what about the men?"

The man began to cry and shake violently. "They were eaten alive! They came at us with claws and fangs and ripped us to shreds.. and devoured the bodies.. as the men.. screamed.. I.. I ran.. Oh God.. I ran away.. I fled… I was so scared.. only one. only one left!"

Koenma jumped back as the soldier began to vomit, snapping his head back as one of the ogres posted on the wall shouted. "The enemy is approaching, sir!"

The Reikai lord raced back up to the walkway, features grim. Kurama was missing, the troops that were with the fox spirit had been decimated and consumed, The remaining men were behind the walls of the palace protecting it and the ferry girls hold up in the main building, adding to the toddler lord's responsibilities, and his head detective and sidekick were no where to be found. "Come on Yusuke.. where the hell are you?"

Watching grimly as the enemy amassed before the palace and began to smash against it, the shield flickering from the force of the attack. Their howls sent a shiver down Koenma's back as he tried to visibly identify Yukio in the throng of bodies undulating below.

"Lord Koenma, sir!" Jorge yelled as he raced up to his boss. "The shield is being absorbed by the enemy!"

"What?" Koenma snapped. "How the hell do you know that?!"

Holding up a gauge, Jorge replied, voice panicked. "It's on this spiritual energy gauge, sir. Set to the shield around the palace. Each attack is draining more and more energy. It won't be long before we are defenseless."

As if on cue, the shield dropped and snarl of triumph reached his ears. Koenma whipped his head up at the leaping form of an attacker, pointed teeth glistening, eyes manic and sword outstretched to cut the Reikai lord down. But the blow never came as a burst of blue light slammed into the figure, knocking it back and down outside the palace wall.

"Looks like you could use some help!" Yusuke's voice called out from the courtyard below.

Koenma snapped his gaze downward, growling, "It's about time you showed up! Where the hell have you been?!"

"Well if someone hadn't enacted a shield to prevent even me from entering, I would have been able to help you sooner!" Yusuke countered, glaring up at his boss.

"What does it matter, Urameshi? We're here now.. lets go kick some demon butt!"

"For once you're right, Kuwabara," Yusuke said, smirking. "I'm itching for a good fight."

Leaping up beside the toddler lord, the head detective cast his gaze downward, smirking at the glare tossed up his way by the enemy. Their cries for blood only made him want to crush them even more. Tattoo marks began to form along the head detective's skin, his hair getting longer and features more feral. "Let's go.." the Mazoku growled about to leap up when Koenma shouted,

"Yusuke, wait!"

"What is it, toddler breath?" the head detective asked, turning his gaze to face his boss.

"The only way to kill them is by cutting off their heads. That's what the survivor told me."

"Survivor?" Yusuke growled, narrowing his eyes. "Where is Kurama?"

Koenma looked away. "He.. He fell.. that's all I know."

The Mazoku snaked out his hand, catching another leaping enemy by the throat, choking it as he glared at the Reikai lord. "And Botan?" He asked, tossing the demon aside, its prone form slamming down into the mass below, taking out several other enemy soldiers with it over the side and into the clouds.

"She's here of course, where else would she be?"

"Uh.. Lord Koenma, sir.."

"What is it, Jorge?!"

The blue ogre flinched at the harsh tone of his boss as he murmured. "It's about, Botan, sir… She told me.. you needed a scout to keep an eye on how the troops did.. and well.." He paused, much to the irritation of Koenma.

"For heaven's sake, you nincompoop, spit it out already! We don't have time for your melodrama!"

Jorge wrung his hands, voice strained. "I let her go, sir."

Koenma's features paled. "My God.. then that means.." His voice trailed off, unable to put in words the fear he felt for his head ferry girl. "Find her, Yusuke.. " He started, focusing his attention on the Mazoku. "Find her and find Kurama.. and destroy the abominations below. Make them pay for what they have done."

Yusuke nodded, power flaring as he growled, "With pleasure" before leaping down off the wall, Kuwabara close behind.

XXXXXXXXX

Botan's cries continued to echo in the night air, fingers still clutching the fabric of Kurama's shirt. Cries gave way to silent sobs as she shook beside the prone form of the fox spirit. Her face buried against the chest of Kurama, she did not see his fingers twitch, nor his hand stir as it lifted and weakly came to rest on the crown of Botan's head.

Lips parted, voice hoarse but soft, the kitsune spoke, "Sweet.. Botan.. why are you.. crying?"

The deity's head stirred and she lifted her face, skin streaked with tears as her shocked purple orbs studied the tired emerald ones of Kurama. "Ku.. Kurama?" she gasped

A small smile tugged at the kitsune's lips. "Last.. time.. I checked.. that was my name.."

Botan's grief vanished, replaced by a look of joy. "You're alive! Thank God!" she cried, unable to contain herself as she hugged him. "I thought you died.." she murmured between kissing him all over his face then his neck. "I'd don't know what I'd do if you left me.."

The kitsune groaned at the kisses. "I assure you I'm very much alive.. as is my body if you keep that up.. Botan.."

The deity blushed, suddenly shy as she pulled back and sat up, allowing Kurama to follow suit. "I'm sorry.. I just.. I was so happy.. couldn't control myself."

The fox spirit smiled, wincing at the pain in his chest. Looking down, he noted the blood and wound, grunting, "Any closer to my heart and I would be dead."

"Your heart.." Botan murmured. "I couldn't hear its pulse.. I.. I thought you were.. gone.."

Kurama chuckled. "I was still.. in my youkai form.. when I was attacked.. Unless you have fox ears.. you would not have heard a heart beat.. it does not work the same as my human body does.."

"But you are in your human form, Kurama," Botan replied, blushing as the kitsune worked out of his ruined shirt, exposing his skin to her. Despite the wound, it was hard to look away from him and she bit her lip to keep herself from touching him.

"Yes.. it's rather.. a complex thing to explain," Kurama began, his hand glowing as he placed it over his wound. "And we have little time for that."

The deity watched him work on healing his wound, frowning at the slow process and she moved closer to him, voice soft. "Here.. let me help you, Kurama."

The fox spirit paused then nodded, lowering his hand, letting Botan continue, enjoying the closeness and scent of her. He felt the stirring of need and relief filled him when he heard no voice and saw no image to torment him.

"You know.. I wasn't sure we would survive the free fall.." Botan began, feeling the intensity of the kitsune's gaze on her. "But I had to try to save you.. no.. I had to save you.. I don't know what I would do.. without you.. even though.. we.. we can't.."

Kurama reached out, tracing his fingertips along the deity's face, voice low but soft. "We can't what, Botan?" he asked, inching his head closer to hers. He felt none of the weakness from before. Only what his heart wanted and he body needed.

Botan blushed, sensing his desire for her and her own growing need. "You know.. that cursed blade.. that I cut you with.. you can't physically be with me as long as that curse remains.."

The kitsune rested his hand over hers, doubling the strength of the healing process, the wound closing and the color returning to his skin as his lips hovered over hers. "The curse is gone.. I died.. and was revived.. by you.. the voices.. and images are gone.. there is only you.. and me.. here.. Botan.." He kissed her with the barest of pressure, groaning when she returned it.

In that moment he forget the war, the pain, the danger. She filled his presence, called to his need and desire and he bore her to the ground, kisses becoming deeper, clothing tugged and removed. Heated whispers of each other's names as skin touched skin. Cries and moans of pleasure as two became one under the stars, lost in their need and desire for each other.

Chapter Text

Makai

Darkness.

He was surrounded by it.

His small form crushed by the massive amount of rubble pressing down around him.

Consciousness returned and anger built up, lending him strength and with a violent push, Hiei burst forth, debris exploding as he stood up, heavy breaths taking in the heated air of Makai.

A pulsating throb above his left eyebrow signaled an injury, the blood trickling down into his eye, turning his vision red.

His gaze shifted to his right at the sound rubble being disturbed, focusing on Mukuro as she rose and shook off the dust clinging to her clothing, his eyes meeting hers, the look of concern unmistakable as she spoke,

"You are hurt."

Hiei swiped at the blood, frowning at the slick liquid on his hand, nonchalant in his response. "A scratch, nothing more."

"Hmm…" Mukuro sounded, turning his gaze behind her as she watched the rest of her men escape from their rocky tombs. Once they joined up beside her, the female youkai shifted her attention to the giant crater, where Gandara once stood.

"My God.." she murmured, taking in the vast expanse of destruction.

Storm clouds hung low in the sky above the crater, angry streaks of red lightning darting about within the growing maelstrom, the wind howled, whipping up flecks of debris, blasting the group in a cloying air that smelled of heat and death.

"Such immense power, to wipe out everything and everyone in one attack."

"There are no ki signatures remaining," Hiei said as he tied a headband around his forehead, squeezing tightly to stop the flow of blood above his eyebrow, the white cloth turning red from the effort.

"Not even those of the attackers?" Mukuro asked.

"No," Hiei answered. "So either they blew themselves up with the others when they attacked or they have moved on to the next target."

Mukuro looked back down towards the crater. "Let's inspect the area to confirm that the attackers died with their victims."

"And if they didn't?" Hiei asked.

"We hunt them down and destroy them."

Hiei smirked at the hard edge in his leader's voice, silently agreeing to her vow as the group made their way down into the crater.

XXXXXXX

Reikai

Yusuke shot a blast of spiritual energy that cut through the front line of Yukio's troops,  sending the enemy flying into the air, clearing a path for Kuwabara to race forward and the larger man had his sword at the ready, slashing side to side, decapitating the demons he faced, dark blood splattering in his wake.

"Hey Urameshi!" the orange haired human called out, parrying a rather vicious slash from one of the enemy then thrust upward, spearing the demon in the throat, twisting the spirit sword blade, the head of his opponent popping off like a daisy, a geyser of dark fluid erupting from the massive wound.

"What is it?!" Yusuke yelled back as he dodged a strike, grabbing the attacker's arm, twisting it, the creature screaming in pain then in fear as he tossed his opponent off the side of the road and into the abyss.

"No matter how many of these guys we cut down, more seem to sprout up!"

A series of kicks and punches from the head detective sent several more enemies off the side of the road. "Yeah, I've noticed. These bastards just won't die!"

Yusuke leapt up over a row of soldiers, landing beside Kuwabara and took a defensive position behind his friend. Back to back they stared hard at the growing mass of demons surrounding them.

"We need to figure out a new strategy to deal with these guys."

Yusuke snorted. "You know I suck at that strategy shit, Kuwabara."

The taller man looked out at the sea of demons, worry growing in his heart. "Yeah, but at this rate, we're never going to get through them, let alone find their leader."

"Where is that slimy bastard anyway?" Yusuke asked. "I haven't seen nor sensed him since we jumped over the wall of the palace.

"Do you think this was all a trap?"

"It wouldn't surprise me if it was. Lead us out here. Draw us farther and farther away from his goal."

Kuwabara frowned. "Yeah, but just what in the hell is this guy's goal anyway?"

Yusuke shrugged, never keeping his eyes off the encroaching soldiers. "Fuck if I know. Maybe he doesn't have one. Maybe he did all this because he could."

Kuwabara shook his head. "That can't be it, Urameshi. No one would do all this stuff just for the fun of it."

The attackers surged forward without warning, slashing out with their claws, their blades, and their bodies, the pair fighting the vicious assault off, the violence escalating and the mass of demons growing, pressing closer, air becoming suffocating and the head detective grit his teeth, anger filling him.

"Enough of this shit!"

Blue light erupted around Yusuke as he grit his teeth, powering up. "Kuwabara, jump back!"

The taller man's eyes widened at the sight of his best friend's power surge and he leapt up into the air, watching as the aura of blue intensified and grew larger around Yusuke.

Now free to unleash his attack, Yusuke grinned, then shifted, slamming his hand down onto the ground, a massive wave of spiritual energy exploding out, obliterating every living creature along the entirety of the path until it clashed into a spike of green light, revealing the form of a very surprised and agitated Yukio.

Kuwabara landed down to his friend's left as Yusuke rose, grinning.

"And the villain finally reveals himself."

Yukio said nothing, green light dematerializing as he lunged forward, sword in hand.

Yusuke shot off an orb of spiritual energy, hitting Yukio head on, exploding into the air. The head detective grinned and pumped his fist in triumph only to widen his eyes as Yukio burst through the blast, instantly in front of the detective, his blade gleaming red with blood, thirsty for more as he swung it down, only to growl as a yellow blade blocked his attack. Dark eyes bore down hatefully at Kuwabara, angry at the loss of his kill.

Kuwabara grit his teeth, ignoring the pain from the force of the attack as the energy shot through the hilt and up his arm. With all his strength, the big man pushed up, using his sword to force Yukio back and away, shouting. "Now Urameshi! Finish him!"

Yusuke blinked, drawn out of his surprise and shock of both the attack and his friend's defense and made a fist, thrusting out, thousands of tiny blue orbs shooting outward, slamming head on into Yukio who screeched, each explosion piercing his body, sending him up and off the road, into the clouds and finally disappearing from view.

Yusuke panted, looking around, senses alert for any sign of another sneak attack. But there was no energy signature to indicate his enemy was alive or even nearby. "We did it, didn't we?" he said with a grin, looking at Kuwabara.

The taller man nodded as he looked around. "I don't see anymore demons to kill. I can't sense Yukio, either. Maybe it really is over."

Both of their backs snapped at the sudden spike of energy and they whirled around, eyes focused on the palace, staring in shock as an explosion rocked the ground, pillars of smoke swirling up and above the gates.

"Shit!" Yusuke yelled, racing forward with Kuwabara right behind.

The pair jumped up and over the gate, coming to land in the courtyard only to gasp at the sight before them.

Large columns of smoke billowed out from the rubble where the Reikai Palace had once stood.

Debris littered the ground, the bodies of several ogres were spread out along the field, some partly underneath the massive amounts of stone and alll unmoving. A gentle breeze swirled around the courtyard, carrying with it the scent of blood and death as it mingled with the burnt odor of smoke that would not abate.

"Oh my God.. what happened here?" Kuwabara murmured.

Yusuke was too shocked to speak, his eyes scanning the ground for some signs of life.

A faint and familiar energy pulsed from a pile of rock to his right and the head detective raced over, tearing at the debris, voice panicked. "Kuwabara, get over here and help me!"

"R.. right!" Kuwabara stammered, rushing over to help his friend, the pair lifting and tossing the rocks aside until at last it revealed the form of the spirit lord.

"Koenma!" Yusuke exclaimed as he knelt down. Reaching out, he turned his boss over, frowning at the various cuts and bruises on the Reikai lord's face. "Koenma?" the head detective repeated, watching as the smaller man's eyelids fluttered open.

"Y.. Yusuke.." Koenma croaked out, voice barely above a whisper, wincing in pain as continued to speak. "It was.. it was a trap.. no warning.. no warning at all.."

"What happened?" Yusuke asked, studying the spirit lord in concern.

"It was.. It was Yukio.. He.. he did this.."

The head detective shook his head, voice startled. "But.. But how can that be? I blasted him off into the clouds.. How could he have done all this?"

"Tricked.." Koenma replied weakly. "Survivor.. not.. survivor at all.. tricked.. snuck off.. did something.. did something to the palace.. Oh God.. the girls.. my girls.. what's.. happened to my girls.." He tried to sit up and cried out, collapsing back as Yusuke caught him.

"Lay still, stupid!" Yusuke cried out, panic in his voice again. "I'll make sure the ferry girls are alright but you're not making any sense.. Yukio's dead. I killed him.. I know I killed him.."

Koenma shook his head very slowly, voice matching. "No.. still.. alive.. must. stop him.. Yusuke.. stop him.. for all.. of us.. stop him.. before it's too late.."

"Too late for what?" Yusuke replied, voice insistent. "Koenma, too late for what? Tell me what he's going to do? Koenma.. Koenma?!"

A gasp of air left the spirit lord's lips and his eyelids fluttered closed.

Yusuke's eyes widened as he felt Koenma's remaining energy start to fade. Laying him down gently, the spirit detective shot up to his legs, racing towards the remains of the palace.

"Urameshi! Where are you going? Koenma needs help!"

"I know that! That's what I'm trying to do!" Yusuke snapped, leaping past a pile of rubble.

His eyes darted about, using his senses to try to locate where the ferry girls had hidden.

A sound met his ears, so faint that he almost missed it before running forward, blasting through a column of debris, clearing the path, watching as a door swung open from the ground, blinking at the sight of Ayame climbing out, several ferry girls following behind.

"Thank you, Yusuke," Ayame replied in his soft voice. "I wasn't sure we would ever be able to escape from the panic room."

"Panic room?" he murmured in surprise.

"Yes.." Ayame replied. "Lord Koenma instructed us to enter the panic room just before you arrived."

Her eyes surveyed the surrounding, voice sad and troubled. "What has happened here? Is Lord Koenma alright?"

"No.. he's not.." Yusuke replied, shaking out from his surprise to grab her hand. "He needs help before he dies. Come quickly."

Ayame needed no urging, racing with the head detective through the minefield of wreckage, dropping to her knees beside the Reikai Lord.

She reached out, a faint blue light erupting from her palm as she held it over Koenma's chest. Closing her eyes, the ferry girl focused her healing energy, slowly moving up and around each wound. "He.. will. live.. but.. this will take some time.."

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Kuwabara asked, watching in concern as Ayame began the healing process.

"Please.. instruct the other.. ferry girls to search among the dead.. for any who might still live.. they will need healing as well."

"Right.." Kuwabara said with a nod before heading off to retrieve the other ferry girls.

"You are afraid for him?" Ayame asked as she continued to heal Koenma. "For all of us.."

"What does that matter?" Yusuke retorted a bit more sharply than he attended. "I need to find Yukio and stop him.. like Koenma wanted me to."

"That is impossible I'm afraid."

Yusuke looked down at the ferry girl. "You don't think I can stop the bastard who did this?" he growled, waving at the destruction around him.

"It is not a matter of ability, detective, but of opportunity," Ayame replied.

"What do you mean?"

"The explosion took out the barrier control for Reikai, and thus access to and from spirit world. So unless Yukio is still in this realm, he won't be able to be brought to justice any time soon."

Shock seized control of Yusuke's features. "You mean to tell me we are cut off from both human and demon world?"

"Yes.." Ayame stated softly, a grim look upon his pretty face as she opened her eyes, gazing out at the other ferry girls as they began the search for survivors. "No one can enter Reikai.. and no one can leave.."

XXXXXXXX

Ningenkai

Kurama held Botan in his arms, smiling as the deity snuggled against him.

The intensity of their mating had left both of them worn out and content. For the first time in his long existence, Kurama felt at peace. He loved and was loved by the woman beside him. That was all he needed in this world.

Botan began to stir beside him, voice soft as she whispered,

"Kurama.."

"Hmm.." the fox spirit replied, trailing his fingers gently up and down the girl's right arm. He smiled as the deity reacted with a small shiver of delight.

Botan enjoyed his touch, her own hand lifting to trace idol patterns above his heart as she spoke. "Did I ever tell you how beautiful you are?"

Kurama chuckled softly. "Isn't that my line, Botan?"

The deity smiled and lifted her head, studying the handsome man beside her. "Maybe.. but that doesn't change the fact I find you beautiful."

Kurama lifted his free hand, trailing his fingertips along Botan's cheek. "And I find you lovely, sexy, and addictive, Botan.. I love you and want you as mine alone."

Botan blushed darkly at his words, hiding her face into his neck. "Kurama.." she murmured against his skin. This man made her feel alive and brought out emotions she never thought she could ever share with another.

The kitsune's brow furrowed at her reaction. "Why do you hide, lover? Are you embarrassed at what we did?"

"No.. of course not.." Botan replied, shifting to nuzzle his collarbone. "I just.. I didn't know it could be like this.. I want to stay like this with you forever. But I don't know.. where we go from here."

Kurama shifted onto his side, crooking his arm, resting his head in his open palm as he looked down at the girl. "Where do you want to go from here?" he asked, features calm as he reached out to twine his finger around one of the deity's blue locks of hair.

Botan blushed and bit her lip. "I guess.. it depends on what.. we are to.. each other.."

Kurama's features turned thoughtful. "We are more than friends and lovers, Botan.. We are bonded.. on a spiritual level.. our love consummated on a physical level.. that makes us mates and partners."

"Like husband and wife?" she whispered, her eyes meeting his. Her heart was pounding, the thought of being his forever making her both excited and worried. What if he didn't want that? What if he didn't feel the same?

The fox spirit felt her mixed emotions, frowning at her trepidation.

Was she worried he wouldn't love her after what they'd done?

Leaning in, his face so close to hers, he whispered, voice full of love and devotion. "Yes, Botan.. exactly like that." He kissed her then, slowly, lovingly, reveling when she returned it, sensing her relief and her desire, rising to meet it with his own, pulling her closer, moaning her name, about to take her when the deity gasped and cried out in pain.

Kurama stopped, studying her concern, desire abating at the scared look in her features. "Botan? What's wrong?"

The deity for her part had wanted him again...needed him again. But a sudden and powerful sensation had drawn her away, the shock too much to ignore and she shook violently, gripping the kitsune's arms as she cried out. "It's Reikai.. something has happened... I can't.. I can't sense it anymore.."

Kurama studied her with a rare look of fear and rose, pulling her up with him.

"Kurama? What are we going to do?" Botan asked, panic in her voice as she watched him dress.

He grabbed her clothes, handing them to her. "If we are truly cut off from Spirit world, that means that Yukio planned this from the beginning. We may not be able to get help from Yusuke and Kuwabara."

Botan quickly dressed, trembling. "But.. the palace.. the ferry girls.. Koenma.. what has happened to them?"

"I don't know, Botan.. but we will find out, I promise," Kurama replied, fear giving way to anger and determination. "Yukio will not get away with this.. I will make sure of it."

He took her hand, leading her away from the lake.

Botan kept her grip tight with the kitsune, relaxing a bit.

Kurama was the smartest one of the whole group. He would be able to figure all of it out and come up with a strategy to solve this crisis. She had faith in him and it was that faith that soothed her concerns though she could not help but ask. "So where are we going now, Kurama?"

The kitsune was troubled at the sudden loss of access to spirit world. That it had affected the girl so deeply upset him. He loved her with all his heart. To see her hurt, hurt him and he would make sure to pay Yukio back a thousand fold for the pain inflicted on his loved one.

His voice was calm and collected. His common mask of confidence upon his face as he spoke. "Makai. We need to find Hiei and come up with a way to stop this madness.. before it consumes all three realms," he replied, leading her through the woods, stopping into a clearing before turning to face the ferry girl. "We need to get back to the city, Botan, and quickly."

Botan studied him for a few seconds before understanding crept along her features. "Oh.. right.. one oar coming up!" Holding out her hand, an oar materialized and she hopped on, Kurama sitting beside her, wrapping his arms around her waist to keep steady.

"Hang on," she called out then tilted the oar upright, zooming up and out of the canopy of trees, heading towards the faint lights that lit up the horizon before them.

Chapter Text

Kurama and Botan appeared high above the massive expanse of the Great Makai forest. A strong gust of wind slammed into the pair but the deity tightened her grip upon the oar, instinctively changing direction to ride the air current as she had been taught long ago. Lightning flashed violently, the bolts of white clashing with the swirling dark clouds, the red sky pulsating as it were alive.

The fox spirit caught the scent of the air and the storm, his features troubled as he kept his hold around Botan's waist. "Something is wrong here."

The ferry girl caught the tone of her lover's voice and risked a look over her shoulder. "What do you mean, Kurama?"

The red head, kept his gaze towards the storm, voice soft as he answered, "There is a foul smell upon the wind. It reeks of death and destruction."

"Do you wish to go investigate?"

Kurama's eyes blinked slowly, his mind working out possible trails to explore and tactics to employ, calculating the risks and dangers each decision would involve, before shaking his head. "No.. there is no help to give, nor answers to find in that direction. We must find Hiei and then track down the remnants of Yukio's army before they complete their plan." He paused, closing his eyes to concentrate, seeking out Hiei's energy signature, locating it as he spoke, "Change your heading due East, Botan, if you would please."

Botan nodded, years of experience traversing the skies of the three realms allowing for her to pinpoint all directions or flight patterns. Turning her oar east, she asked softly, "Do you have any idea what Yukio's true plans are?"

"I cannot say with any certainty, Botan," the kitsune replied. "Their actions indicate a desire to maim and destroy any and all with power in Reikai and Makai. This would allow them to do as they please."

The deity heard the pause in Kurama's voice. "And yet.. you think you're missing some clue as to why exactly they are doing what they do?"

The fox spirit was a bit surprised by the deity's insight and a prideful smile tugged at his lips. "You are correct, Botan. Something is missing. Some clue I've missed or been misled on. After all.. Cosmic Dissonance is all about chaos, confusion, destruction, rebirth.." His voice trailed off, a sudden thought coming to him.

"Kurama?" Botan asked, troubled by the silence that now met her ears. She could sense his turbulent emotions in that moment and she felt a sense of fear rising in her throat. Not of her lover, but of what they might be heading towards.

The kitsune shut down his emotions, sensing his mate's fear and spoke softly. "Do not worry, love. Whatever happens, we will face it together. I will not let any harm come to you, I promise."

Botan blushed, relaxing a bit. "I know you won't, Kurama. You are the great Youko after all."

Kurama managed a small smile. "That I am" as the pair headed closer to their destination.

XXXXXX

Mukuro ran at a brutal pace along the trail that led far away from the ruined Gandara and into the thick forest of Makai.

Hiei, despite his short stature, was able to keep up with his leader. Red eyes focused straight ahead, the fire youkai was itching for a fight, his fingers twitching, at the ready to take the hilt of his sword and cut down his enemy. That they had failed to capture the foul creatures before the destruction of Yomi's city was one thing. Having to lag behind their foe like a wounded dog was unacceptable.

I will find you, Kuromoto. And when I do, there won't be enough of you left over for the crows to eat.

A sudden and familiar energy caused Hiei to stop and lift his gaze.

Mukuro noticed her subordinate's absence at her side and she slowed, turning around and coming back to the small man, her men slowing to a stop behind the pair. "What is it?" she asked, her gaze focused in concern at the fire demon.

Hiei pointed skyward, his features slightly surprised and relieved. "Up there."

The Youkai queen tilted her head up, following the direction of Hiei's gesture, quirking an eyebrow as she spied the incoming forms of Botan and Kurama. "Ah.. Reinforcements.. Interesting."

Botan glided down with a grace befitting her station, hovering a few feet above ground as she came to a stop before the youkai pair. Kurama jumped off, allowing his lover to land, the oar dematerializing with a pop as she came to stand beside the kitsune.

Hiei watched the pair approach, a slight smirk on his face. He could smell the scent of the deity all over his friend and knew what the pair had been doing prior to their arrival. "So I take it the curse is lifted then?"

Botan blushed at the way Hiei studied her then the kitsune, deferring to Kurama who answered.

"Something like that.. yes.." he began, his smile falling as he asked, "But there are more pressing matters to discuss. Namely what has happened to Reikai and here in Makai."

"What happened to Spirit World?" Hiei asked.

Kurama looked over to Botan, silently asking for permission to answer and the deity responded with a nod, allowing the kitsune to explain. "Yukio arrived with his army and attacked Reikai. I was sent out to meet him and we clashed. I was injured and tossed into the abyss but saved by Botan. Therefore I do not know the exact extent of what occurred after my defeat but given that the barrier to Spirit world in inaccessible on both sides, it would stand to reason that Yukio succeeded in infiltrating the palace and destroying the barrier controls."

Hiei's features darkened. "Yusuke and Kuwabara were supposed to head up there to stop Yukio from invading any further into Spirit world's domain. If the way is shut, that means were are on our own in stopping this menace. If we can even stop them at all."

The kitsune studied his best friend's face, noting the caked blood on the fire demon's forehead, frowning at the strain in the smaller man's voice as he asked, "What happened here, Hiei?"

"We were tracking the invaders the moment they entered Makai territory. The trail led to Gandara but we could no longer sense their presence. It was as if they had vanished. Until at the last instant, I felt an enormous power surge." Hiei paused, looking away, fists clenched as he spat out. "The bastard blew up the whole city, leaving nothing but a massive crater in his wake."

Sadness flittered along the fox spirit's features, his voice very soft. "Then that smell on the wind that reeked of death and destruction. That was the remnants of Gandara and it's people." He turned his gaze west, eyes drawn to the violent flashes of lightning that danced within the encroaching mass of red clouds.

Why destroy a whole city? What would the purpose be in that, besides the obvious desire to do harm? What was Yukio's true goal?

What are you really planning? Kurama wondered, trying to process all the information and sort out what could be trusted and what was a red herring.

Botan studied her lover, noting the direction of his gaze and the calculating look upon his features and she could not help but ask, "Is there something wrong with that storm, Kurama?"

The kitsune blinked at the deity's question, repeating part of her words. "Something wrong with the storm? Storm…" His voice trailed off, his head snapping up and back towards his mate. "Botan, you're absolutely right.. something is very wrong with the storm.. the clouds.. the lightning.. all of it.." He favored the ferry girl with a loving and pride smile that made her blush.

Hiei studied the exchange between his friend and the blue haired ferry girl and grumbled. "As entertaining as this all is, it would be nice if you two could kindly tell the rest of us just what the hell is so wrong with a storm in Makai.. they usually last for days.. what's so special about this one?"

Kurama turned his attention over to the smaller man, features becoming more somber. "Tell me, Hiei, when Gandara was destroyed, did you inspect the area?"

"Of course I did," the fire demon replied in irritation. "There was nothing left to look at by a giant hole and some.." His voice started then stopped, eyes narrowing. "And a massive swirl of red clouds and lightning."

"But no rain?" Kurama asked, though he knew the answer.

"Get to the point, Kurama," Hiei growled, crossing his arms though he was inwardly relieved that the fox spirit might have the answers they had all been seeking.

"The point, Hiei, is this.." Kurama began, voice and features troubled. "When Gandara was destroyed it released a ton of spiritual energy into the atmosphere, so much so that it's expanding at a rapid rate when it should be dissipating. That's not natural. Not even in Makai. So it stands to reason that this storm was designed to expand and it needed the entirety of a population to initiate the release."

"Are you saying this Yukio person has the ability to control even the atmosphere of an entire realm?" Mukuro asked, studying the redhead with a look of incredulity.

Kurama nodded. "Yes. I don't know how he did it but given his scientific inclinations and experimentation, it is well within the realm of possibility that Yukio has found a way to convert living, physical matter into pure spiritual energy."

"But why? Why go to all this trouble is all he wanted was to test his theories? I thought he wanted to cause chaos and discord," Hiei asked.

Kurama's features turned thoughtful, his mind processing several variables as he worked through the reasons for the enemy's actions. "He is causing chaos. By attacking both Spirit world and Demon world at the same time, he's forcing us to deal with the threats all at once. But it is merely for distraction. His true goal, I suspect, revolves around shutting off access to not only Reikai, which he has succeeded in doing, but Makai as well."

Reality dawned on the fire demon's features. "So that is what this storm is? Some kind of barrier?"

"Now you understand," Kurama answered with a nod. "This storm is blanketing the sky of Makai, clogging out the access points to Ningenkai. But unlike the kekkai barrier that was destroyed, this energy barrier is not dimensional and cannot be removed by a mere swipe of Kuwabara's blade."

"You're saying there is no way to stop the spread of this storm?" Hiei asked.

Kurama looked back at the raging maelstrom heading their way and murmured. "I am uncertain if we can even stop Kuromoto from completing his goal but that does not mean I won't do my best to stop him from achieving his end game."

"And what would that be, Youko?" Mukuro asked, using Kurama's Youkai name.

The kitsune said nothing at first, pondering how to answer before he replied. "To have Ningenkai all to himself. With Makai and Reikai shut out from human world, Yukio can do as he wishes without the threat of someone with power stopping him. What he wants, Mukuro, is absolute power over the human domain." He paused, looking at his friends and loved ones. "Scientists love to experiment and Yukio is a scientist gone bad. With an endless supply of human subjects, he can do as he pleases and no one will be able to stop him."

"Great, a demonic Mengele, that's all we need," Hiei growled.

"I didn't realize you were interested in World War II Nazi history, Hiei," Kurama replied, lips quirking a bit when the fire demon replied in mild irritation.

"I can't help it if my ears picked up strange facts of the human race's darker days while waiting for you to finish your work at that building called a school."

Kurama's smile fell at Botan's words. "Kurama.. we have to stop him. We can't let Yukio and his brother get away with this."

"You are right, Botan," the fox spirit replied, turning to face the deity. "We will not let him get away with it. We're going to find him and when we do, there won't be anything left of Yukio to bury."

The hardness in her lover's face and tone sent a chill up Botan's spine, the tone of Youko unmistakable in the red head's voice. "Kurama.."

The kitsune relaxed his features a bit, knowing he was scaring his beloved and his voice became softer. "Do not worry, love. No harm will come to you."

It's not me I'm worried about, Botan thought, biting her lip at the thought of the fox spirit getting hurt again once they met up with whatever remained of Yukio's army.

"So what's our next move?" Hiei asked, eager to begin the hunt again.

"We keep moving east, the same direction as the storm, hopefully we can catch Kuromoto before he sets off another energy bomb," Kurama replied as he walked over to Botan. The deity materialized her oar and the red head hopped behind the ferry girl, wrapping his arms around her waist as they floated up into the air. "Botan and I will scout ahead and inform you telepathically once the prey has been spotted."

With that the pair took off, Hiei and Mukuro following behind on the ground, moving as fast as their legs could carry them, wanting to put an end to the madness infecting their realm.

XXXXX

Reikai- Spiritual Palace

Koenma's eyelids fluttered open, unfocused brown eyes greeted by a low lit darkness and he felt a wave of fear wash over him and the Reikai lord bolted up only to groan at the pain that shot up his neck to his head, fear turning to surprise at the soft voice of Ayame.

"Easy, Lord Koenma, I've just finished healing your wounds and I don't want them to re-open."

"Ayame.." Koenma croaked, clutching his forehead as the dark haired ferry girl gently pushed him to lay back down. "You're.. alive.. then the.. the other girls.. my girls.. they're all safe?"

"Yes, my lord," Ayame replied with a soft smile. "The ferry girls all survived. Some.. of.. the ogres were not so lucky but we are doing our best to clean up the debris and restore the barrier control but it is slow going."

"Yusuke and Kuwabara? Have they been able to…" He started and stopped when Ayame shook her head sadly and looked away.

"I'm afraid with the barrier controls destroyed, no one has been able to enter or leave. We cannot assist the others in Makai or Ningenkai, nor can we know how the battle goes due to the interference within our own barrier."

The air left Koenma then and he closed his eyes, voice distant. "Then all is lost. Without Yusuke, the rest of the group has no hope of succeeding."

"I think you give too little credit to the remaining spirit detectives, my lord," Ayame said softly. "Though Yusuke may be the strongest fighter, strength alone cannot stop this enemy. You need a clever mind and no one is more clever or more intelligent than Kurama."

"But.." Koenma began. "Kurama fell.. I was told.."

"You were told by the enemy himself, were you not?" the ferry girl countered. "Does it not stand to reason that the words spoke were a lie and that the fox spirit yet lives?"

"You think he's alive? Then Botan…"

"Yes.. If Kurama is alive, then Botan is also alive," Ayame answered. "We will continue to do our best to fix the barrier so that Yusuke and Kuwabara can return to the fray and help their comrades. I have faith in them, so should you, my lord."

Koenma studied her surprise but said nothing as Ayame tucked her boss in and murmured. "You need to rest, Lord Koenma, Sir. Do not worry, all will work out in the end." And with that the dark haired ferry girl moved gracefully across the room and out the door, gently shutting it behind her, leaving the toddler lord alone with his thoughts.

Chapter Text

Kane continued through the massive expanse of forested land, the oppressive air of Makai bearing down on him and his men, causing beads of sweats to trickle down his forehead which he brushed off with a quick swipe, flicking the moisture to the side.

Though youkai blood flowed through the blond's veins, Kane was little more than an intruder in this realm, and a destructive one at that. The annihilation of Gandara had gone off without a hitch, becoming the catalyst for the final part of Yukio's master plan. Already the clouds were spreading, binding with the energy that created it, choking out the access points to Ningenkai and Reikai, rendering even those with great power unable to traverse to the human realm. All that was left to do was unleash the last of his forces, buying the time Kane would need to make his escape and reunite with his brother.

A sudden scream erupted behind him and Kane whirled around, eyes widening in alarm as a burst of red flame engulfed his men, the scent of roasted flesh and the cries of pain overloading his senses. The fire roared, twirling, consuming, changing direction and launching its fury at Kane who jumped back and upward, growling as the flame followed, tendrils of fire reaching out, licking at his face and nipping at his heels.

Landing several yards away from the origin of the attack, Kane raised his right hand, preparing a counter measure only to widen his eyes as something wrapped painfully around his wrist, yanking him up and slamming him violently into the trunk of a nearby tree. Branches shook, leaves shuddering and breaking, raining upon the ground below from the force of impact. Kane's breath exploded from his mouth, the air forced from his lungs as he gasped, stunned to stillness, unable to fight off the coiling mass of vines that snaked around his body and bound him to the trunk of the tree, rendering him unable to move.

Kane's glazed blue orbs glared as he spied the approaching forms of Hiei and Mukuro, following their gaze as they looked upward, tracking the descending form of Kurama as the kitsune leapt off of Botan's oar, flipping once in the air before landing gracefully in front of his quarry.

Air returned to the larger man's lungs, Kane's voice raspy as he croaked out. "You.. You're supposed to be.. dead.."

The red head quirked an eyebrow at his prey's words. "Yet as you can see, I am very much alive," Kurama countered softly, walking up to stand beside the two other youkai as he confronted the larger man. "Now where is Yukio?"

Kane said nothing, features defiant as he stared smugly at the fox spirit.

Lifting his hand, Kurama tightened it into a fist, the vines responding, constricting around the blond's form. Thorns sprouted, red spots blooming along the fabric where the organic needles embedded into Kane's flesh, causing him to hiss and grimace in pain.

"Where is your brother?" Kurama repeated, flecks of gold erupting in the kitsune's normal emerald pools, traces of Youko emerging as the fox spirit's impatience grew.

"You're… too… late…" Kane panted out, wincing as he struggled to move against the binds that held him painfully still.

"Too late?" Kurama murmured. "Too late for what?"

"To stop him," Kane answered. "Cosmic Dissonance is in full effect. You cannot stop it, nor our plan. You will be trapped.. here… like the others in Reikai."

The red head's eyes narrowed, features hard though his voice remained deceptively soft. "If that is true, then that also means that you will be trapped here as well."

Kane barked out a laugh despite the pain, eyes near manic as he replied. "Did you really think my brother would plan all this without giving me any means of escape?"

Kurama frowned at the strange spike in energy as Kane's body began to glow and the kitsune leaped back, Hiei and Mukuro following suit, as the enemy vanished in an instant, blinding his captors as the vines that bound him dropping to the ground, no longer holding their prey.

The kitsune lowered his hand from his eyes, studying the empty scene with a mix of anger and fascination.

"Where did the bastard go?" Hiei's voice growled from Kurama's left and the fox spirit turned, noting the pissed off look of his best friend, his own voice soft.

"It seems the Kuromoto brothers have the ability to teleport at will, despite the restrictions of barriers," the red head began, walking over to the pile of vines at the base of the now scarred tree. "Kane is now in Ningenkai with his brother, once again escaping their fate."

Hiei watched his friend study the coil of blood stained vines, brow furrowed. "If that's the case, how the hell are we supposed to chase after them? We can't break through this barrier and Yusuke and Kuwabara can't come down from Reikai. There has to be some way we can hunt them down and make them pay for what they've done."

Kurama inspected the blood left behind on the tips of the thorns, his mind formulating the possibilities of chase. If Yukio and Kane could travel to and from realms despite the barriers that should prohibit such freedom of movement that could only mean.. "There is a way."

"How?" Hiei asked.

Kurama lifted the vines in his hand, a confidence in his voice and features that had been missing before. "We follow the blood."

Mukuro tilted her head as she watched the pair, reasoning out what the kitsune meant. "So the answer lies in this Kane's blood?"

The redhead nodded, waving Botan to come down to them. "It explains how they are able to escape so easily. The energy used to create these barriers also contains their power. It responds to their whims and desires, opening and shutting on command. That's how they are able to travel as they do and remain as hidden as they are. If I can isolate those particular particles, we can mimic the ability to move within realms and perhaps even reverse the process."

"We don't have the time nor the ability to solve this problem here," Hiei growled. "We need to stop them now."

"I may know of way to find the answers you seek," Mukuro said, drawing the group's attention onto her. "But it will take a few hours of travel to reach her."

"Her?" Hiei grumbled, though he already knew the answer.

"Monashi," the female youkai lord replied, turning back towards the kitsune as she added, "I assume you know of her, Youko?"

Kurama nodded, walking over to Botan. "Yes. But she is some distance away and the hour has grown late." He slipped onto the oar behind the deity, wrapping his arms around her waist, voice soft as he whispered something into the ferry girl's ear.

Hiei quirked an eyebrow as he watched the oar lengthen behind the fox spirit, understanding crossing his features as his best friend spoke.

"So shall we go find us a Makai witch to solve our dilemma?"

"Hmm.." Mukuro sounded out, smirking a bit. "Seems your friend is quite the clever one, Hiei."

The fire demon wore a smirk of his own, though is voice resonated with irritation. "Sometimes too clever," he replied, following Mukuro's lead, jumping up and onto the oar behind her.

The group lifted off the ground, the deity following the youkai female's instructions, holding on for dear life as the oar changed directions and took off like a bat out of hell and headed west, towards the domain of the Makai witch.

XXXXXXX

A flash of light erupted in the darkening sky of the human world, revealing the weary form of Kane who stumbled forward. Pain and fatigue overwhelmed him and the blond man collapsed, hands outstretched to catch himself as he rested upon his knees. Panting, he blinked slowly, vision clearing, a form of concrete met his gaze and Kane's brow furrowed in confusion until he heard a familiar voice call from behind him.

"Welcome back, brother. I trust your mission was successful?"

Pushing off the ground, Kane rose to his feet, the skyline of downtown Tokyo visible. Turning slowly, the blond fixed his gaze upon the shadowed form of Yukio. "You would know, Yukio. You saw everything through my eyes after all."

"Yes.." Yukio murmured as he stepped out from beyond the shadow. "I was surprised as you were that the fox spirit survived the fall."

Kane's eyes widened at the sight of his brother. A diagonal gash was visible upon the left side of the dark haired man's cheek, the angry red hue clashing with the paleness of Yukio's features. "So Kurama truly did manage to wound you?"

Yukio reached up, tracing a finger down the gash, voice soft, distant. "A parting gift from the kitsune. Quite fitting actually."

Kane frowned, concern in his voice. "Why have you not healed it?" he asked, wondering why his brother would forsake their natural gift for instant regeneration for such an ugly wound.

The dark haired twin lowered his hand back to his side. "Because it will not heal!" Yukio roared, causing Kane to back away from his brother.

Waves of anger slammed into the blond and he cringed, backtracking further away from his brother, not willing to press the issue, knowing Yukio was in a foul mood.

Yukio watched his brother step backwards away from him and his voice softened a bit, becoming more business like. "Still, it matters little now. Kurama will be trapped in Makai along with his friend and his woman. He cannot stop the spread of the barrier. Cosmic Dissonance will take full affect and we become the masters of this world, without threat of punishment or judgment." He smiled, turning to his right and walked to the edge of the building. Looking down, his features twisted into a look of disdain as he spied a mass of people walking along the sidewalks below.

"Look at them. Little better than cockroaches, propagating like rabbits, destroying the environment. Ungrateful of the bounty that has been given to them."

Kane moved carefully, coming to stand beside his brother, silent to Yukio's rant, knowing full well the depth of his twin's hatred of humans.

"As they live like animals, so too, shall they be treated like animals," Yukio continued, his gaze lifting, watching intently as the moon became visible in the horizon, bright and full in the sky. "Let's go Kane. We have much to do before the sun rises."

The twins straightened their backs, vanishing in a flash of light, leaving Tokyo alone.. for the moment.

XXXXXX

"Are you certain this Monashi will be able to help us?" Hiei whispered to Mukuro as the pair led the way through a warded tunnel, flashes of red light visible with each step they made. The fire demon studied the rocks that lined either side of their path, his gaze narrowing at how familiar the design was to that of Yukio's northern base of operation.

Mukuro sensed the skepticism and suspicion in her second in command, features somber as she spoke. "If anyone is able to help us with this blood theory of Kurama's, it would be Monashi. She is well versed in magic, poisons, and curses of Makai origin. Since the fox spirit was cursed with a Makai blade and our quarry is of the demon variety, it stands to reason she could give us the answers we seek."

"Hmph.." Hiei sounded out, body and features leery as the tunnel widened, opening out into a cavern, full of trees and bird life.

"Oh my.." Botan whispered in awe, taking in the view before her.

Kurama stopped beside her, his own gaze focused to the mound of moss that began to move and morph, the voice of an old woman reverberating around the cavern.

"My, my.. it seems Monashi has some very important guests." The moss receded, revealing a hunched over dark haired woman. "What is it you want from me? Why bother Monashi on such a grave day?"

Kurama stepped forward, voice soft but insistent. "Given your skill and awareness, you should already know why we are here and what it is we seek to learn from you."

Monashi stood straighter, less an old crone and more a woman of power as she replied, "Ah.. the great Youko Kurama. You see what others cannot." Pausing, the Makai witch swept her gaze around the room, before adding, "What is it you wish to know?"

Kurama held up the blooded vines in his right hand, walking towards her with careful steps. "The ones who set into motion the barrier rumbling in the sky above left something on these vines. Something in their blood allows them to travel without hindrance through any barrier. We need you to find the particles that allow for this and replicate them."

"Blood you say?" Monashi replied, holding out her hand, taking the vines as Kurama laid them onto her palm.

"Can you do this? Can you solve the riddle of the enemy's power?"

The dark haired witch smirked. "Of course I can," she replied, turning to walk up the stairs towards her apothecary. "For it is the same magic that I use."

The detectives and the two women all looked at each other, varying shades of surprise and suspicion flashing across their features as they followed the crone into another room.

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A wall of fog, massive and sentient, slithered down from the mountains in the north, slinking and winding through the forests, the towns, the cities, the homes. It twirled around those who were awake, lulling them to sleep, whispering words in a language long forgotten, and the people fell, unblinking and unmoving, silent in the dark as those who lay sleeping grew still, drawn into the land of dreams and nightmares, unable to fight or to escape from the song of disharmony that played within their minds.

The fog invaded farther south, blanketing the land in an impenetrable sea of white, encroaching upon the detectives domain, sparing none of their loved ones as they too fell to its dissonance, parting only for the approach of two figures who stood at the gate of the Minamino residence, the nearly manic eyes of Yukio drawn to the tree then the window on the second story as he spoke. "Bring me the mother and the brother. I want to use them first for my next experiment."

Chapter Text

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Kurama held up the blooded vines in his right hand, walking towards her with careful steps. "The ones who set into motion the barrier rumbling in the sky above left something on these vines. Something in their blood allows them to travel without hindrance through any barrier. We need you to find the particles that allow for this.. and replicate them."

"Blood you say?" Monashi replied, holding out her hand, taking the vines as Kurama laid them onto her palm.

"Can you do this? Can you solve the riddle of the enemy's power?"

The dark haired witch smirked. "Of course I can." She replied, turning to walk up the stairs towards her apothecary. "For it is the same magic that I use."

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"What do you mean their power is the same as your own?" Hiei's stated, his red eyes glaring at the dark haired woman who chuckled.

"Exactly what I said, Hiei of the Koorime clan," Monashi replied, walking over to the Alchemy station and snapped her fingers, the burner under the highest glass sphere flaring to life, her eyes focused on the clear liquid as it began to bubble. Grabbing a set of shears, the witch snipped off a bit of the bloodied vine in her hand, dropping it in the tubular stub that opened down into the bubbling fluid, watching as it instantly morphed into a pale blue concoction. "Your enemy has the same type of abilities that I do. To think otherwise would be foolish."

The fire demon bristled at the mention of his mother's people. "I have no affiliation with those heartless crones," he growled and the grin fell from the witch's face.

"Yet, you cannot deny where you came from," Monashi countered. "No matter how much you hate them, part of their blood flows through your veins." She shifted, grabbing a vial of red fluid, pouring it down the open tube and the fluids mixed, swirling and turning purple. "So it is the same with me and the Gensou clan."

"Gensou…" Kurama murmured, his brow furrowed as he thought back to the long years of his life as a Makai thief. Where had he heard that name before? Realization dawned on him then and he spoke. "I remember now.. that clan… They were said to be masters of illusion and blood magic. Most of them were wiped out by some kind of plague." His gaze focused on the witch, his mind comprehending just who was before him. "You are a survivor of that plague, are you not, Monashi?"

"Not a plague," Monashi replied, turning a knob on her alchemy station, the purple fluid traveling down into the lower gas chamber, mixing with more fluid, purple morphing back to blue again. "An engineered virus. Created by the interlopers from Reikai who settled among the Gensou, who assisted in their continued experiments. Those same scientists were killed by the very virus they created."

"So the clan cooperated with the scientists from spirit world?" Hiei commented. "Sounds to me they got what they deserved."

Monashi threw a look over her shoulder the smaller demon but said nothing and the kitsune made a subtle motion at the fire demon to be quiet.

"Tell me, Monashi," Kurama began, moving a bit closer to the witch. "Just how did the virus escape from its creators? Was it accidental?"

"It was no accident," the dark haired woman replied, turning back towards the concoction brewing in the glass chamber. "The clan collaborated with the scientists in their experiments, going so far as to give their own children to the interlopers to use as test subjects."

"Were you one of those test subjects, Monashi?" Kurama asked, though he already knew the answer.

Monashi said nothing at first, sighing as she dropped her shoulders. "That was long ago," she replied, voice low, her tone tinged with sadness.

"But the memories remain," the fox spirit said softly. "If it had been me, I would have done the same."

"What are you talking about, Kurama?" Hiei asked, looking between the two youkai in confusion. "Done what?"

"Release the virus on her tormentors, Hiei," the kitsune answered, looking over at his best friend before returning his gaze to the witch. "That is what you did, is it not, Monashi?"

The witch straightened her frame, back still to the group. "You do see much, don't you, Youko?" she said, voice stronger now as she explained. "I did what was necessary to survive. I bided my time, learning, watching, even as they tortured me with their needles and their drugs until I became cooperative. They thought I was docile but they could not break Monashi's spirit and when the chance rose, I seized it, protecting myself as I let loose the sleeping mist. I took the very weapon the scientists created and used it against the village that allowed its children to be psychologically and physically invaded. I then fled, far away, trying to forget the horrors of my home."

"Yet you were not the only survivor, were you, Monashi?" Kurama said.

"No," she replied "A few of the scientists took wives and fathered offspring. One of them managed to escape with their spawn before Monashi could get to them." She turned another knob and the pale blue fluid, became a mist, reconstituting in the lowest glass chamber, reforming as clear fluid once more. "The ones who set into motion the barrier now rumbling above Makai are the descendants of that scientist. Their ki and their blood are weaved throughout those clouds, choking the air, trying to keep anyone from entering and leaving."

The witch snapped her fingers, the burner dying out and she grabbed a large beaker, filling it to the brim before setting it side to snatch a series of vials. She measured each one in a precise motion, putting a stopper on it, then repeated the motion with the next vial. "They are very clever but they cannot outsmart Monashi." She slid the vials into a small purple bag and rested it on the counter. Taking hold of the filled beaker, she turned to face the group.

"Their blood has revealed its secrets. By drinking this potion you will be able to fool whatever barrier your enemy creates and pass through undetected."

"How do we know it even works?" Hiei asked, features and voice skeptical. "Those two sneaky bastards have managed to escape us every time we get close to them."

"Ah, but you see, their strength is also their weakness, Hiei," Monashi replied, grabbing a series of cups and measuring out individual doses. "Their blood is what creates the barriers. It is why they can move freely through them. Their ki gives it power and form, but without their blood, it would not work. By exploiting that loophole and cloning the particles that make their blood unique, you effectively bypass every defense. You can strike at their heart and crush them. And you will crush them," she explained. "For you will be immune to their tricks and there will be no place for them to hide because they can be tracked by the very blood that runs in their veins."

Should we really trust this crone? Hiei sent out to Kurama who kept his emerald gaze on the beaker.

I don't think we have much choice in the matter, Kurama sent back as he stepped forward, volunteering to be the first to take the potion. "We will take your potion but if there is anything that causes harm to my friends, there will be a reckoning."

Monashi grinned. "I would expect no less from the great Youko." Her features then grew serious. "There are no side effects but the solution only holds potency for 8 hours. After that I cannot say how effective it will be."

Kurama took the offered cup and lifted it to his lips. He drank it in one gulp, finding the taste a bit tart but said nothing as he gave the cup back to the witch. He felt it then, a slight tingling in his veins and he looked over to the dark haired woman in askance.

"You can sense it, can't you? Their blood. You feel its will and how they manipulate everything."

"Yes," Kurama said with a nod and turned to the rest of the group. "It's fine. Go ahead."

The rest of the group took their dose and drank, looking at each other and back to the kitsune in surprise as they sensed the same swirl of power as Kurama did.

"Could you make a double batch of this?" Mukuro asked, watching as Monashi lifted the purple bag from the counter.

"This is the second batch," she replied, holding up the bag for Kurama to take.

He took the bag, quirking an eyebrow at the lack of padding to keep the glass safe.

"Do not worry," the witch said, noting the puzzled look on the kitsune's face. "The glass is enchanted and resistant to breaking."

Tying the bag to one of the belt loops of his jeans, Kurama smiled. "Thank you, Monashi. You have been most helpful."

The witch nodded in response, voice low and serious. "Find them quickly, Youko. Stop them by whatever means possible. Do not let them hurt anyone else."

Kurama tilted his head at the plea and mimicked her nod and the group departed the way they came, exiting the cave, their collective gaze focused upon the rumbling red sky above. The fox spirit felt it then, a pulsating ki and his eyes scoured the clouds, focusing on a weak spot and he blinked in surprise when it bent to his will, parting and he pointed. "There. Right there is our escape route." Turning to Botan he spoke. "Let's go."

The deity nodded, lengthening the oar, allowing room for everyone and the four of them zoomed upward, escaping Makai through the tunnel that formed before them. A bright flash erupted as they reappeared above the skyline of Tokyo.

Botan looked around, trying to get her bearings, frowning at the sight below. "What is going on?"

Kurama heard the troubled tone in her voice, his emerald orbs focusing downward and he frowned at the mass of fog that covered the ground like a blanket. "It seems Yukio and his brother have been busy since we've been gone." He sensed the trepidation in the deity and he leaned forward, voice a whisper. "Do not worry, love. I won't let any harm come to you, nor our friends."

Botan leaned back against the kitsune, comforted by his words, though her heart was still troubled. "I believe you, Kurama. I just.. I don't want you to get hurt."

"I will be fine," he replied, a loving tone in his voice. "Take us down gently, koishii."

The ferry girl blushed at the closeness of him and the way he whispered beloved to her and she nodded, steering the oar at a slight decline, descending slowly into the fog, hovering just off the paved ground and the four of them dismounted, eyes and ears alert as they walked down the silent street, frowning at the prone bodies strewn about.

"What the hell is going on?" Hiei murmured, red eyes studying the mass of bodies around him. "These humans are not dead but what caused their collapse?"

Kurama lifted his gaze, voice distant as his mind began to work. "This must be a sleeping mist that Monashi spoke of when she explained what happened long ago," he answered. "How else to quickly subdue an entire population. But why on such a massive scale? Why this city?"

"Maybe because he grew up here?" Botan offered, keeping pace with the kitsune as she looked around. "Maybe he hates it so much that he wants to destroy it first?"

Kurama turned to his lover and smiled. "That is a good possibility, Botan. Yukio would not be the first to despise humans. But is it hatred or jealousy? I wonder…"

"What does it matter?" Hiei growled. "Motivations don't interest me. Finding the bastard that did all this and killing him is all I care about."

"This fog is strange," Mukuro spoke for the first time since their arrival. "I hear whispers within the darkness of this haze. Almost as if it's communicating with something."

The kitsune turned towards the orange haired youkai. "Communicating… or chanting?" he said, his eyes focused on the cars that dotted the street, frozen in time, their passengers slumped over, unmoving in the constant swirl of mist. Traffic lights continued their patterns, oblivious to the scene below, flashes of green, yellow, and red, casting an eerie glow against the fog.

"Chanting?" Botan murmured, looking up at her lover. "I think it's really chanting. It seems to follow the same pattern, over and over again. Maybe that is how the mist really works?"

Kurama nodded, his gaze studying the mist, voice soft and a bit distant as he elaborated. "This mist, according to Monashi, was used to allow for a virus to spread and kill the intended targets. Why put them to sleep if the virus is so potent?"

"To keep them docile," Hiei commented. "Making it easier to infect them."

"That is certainly part of it," the red head replied. "But what if the mist is required for the virus to work?"

"Perhaps the mist allows for an incubation period?" Mukuro guessed, watching as the kitsune nodded.

"Precisely," Kurama replied. "This mist begins by putting the victim to sleep, then shuts down their consciousness and their immune system, rendering them vulnerable to an airborne attack. The virus enters into the lungs and incubates, spreading and destroying the body."

"If that's the case, then is the virus part of the mist or is it released separately?" Hiei asked.

"From what I can tell, the virus is a separate release. But it will be an airborne virus. That is the quickest way to infect a whole city," Kurama answered, his tone clinical. "It is what I would do if I intended to wipe out a mass of people in a limited amount of time."

Botan blinked at Kurama's words, studying the kitsune in surprise.

The red head caught her troubled look and his voice softened. "I did not mean to upset you with my words, Botan. I am merely trying to understand how Yukio thinks in order to counter his actions and stop him from succeeding in his plan."

"If we don't find him soon, he will succeed with his plan," Hiei grumbled.

Kurama shifted his focus down to his best friend, smiling despite the irritation evident on the fire demon's face. "You're absolutely correct, Hiei. Since we are immune to Yukio's tricks, perhaps now would be a good time to use the Jagan to find him."

The fire demon reached up, tugging at the white cloth wrapped around his forehead, his Jagan flaring to life, glowing green as he released its power.

Hiei's closed his eyes, vision expanding, zooming beyond the streets and buildings, sensing the growing ki of Yukio, following the trail through a red Akamon gate and past several school buildings until he slowed to a stop in front of a sign that read Tokyo University, Institute of Medical Science First Building. "Hmm…" he sounded as he focused through the brick and mortar.

"What do you see?" Mukuro asked, moving to stand beside her second in command.

The fire Koorime features scrunched up. "Yukio is holed up in a building called the Institute of Medical Science. Going through a bunch of vials of some sort."

"Have you heard of this place, Youko?" Mukuro asked, casting her gaze over to the kitsune.

Kurama's features turned grim. "Yes.. that building is housed in Tokyo University. They research all kind of medical ailments, physical conditions, and diseases." He paused, then added, "That is also the place were various viruses are stored and studied."

"In that case we should get going before Yukio finds the virus he's looking for and unleashes it upon the world," Mukuro said, watching as Hiei's Jagan eye closed.

The fire youkai opened his eyes, wrapping the white cloth in his hand back around his forehead. "Let's end this."

"Agreed," Kurama said with a nod signaling to Botan to materialize her oar and the four of them hopped on, the kitsune giving directions as they headed straight for Tokyo University.

Chapter Text

Botan zoomed above the red akamon gate that marked the entrance to Tokyo University. The deity steered her oar at Kurama's instruction, tilting downwards for a controlled descent until the mist parted, revealing a gigantic pale brick building. She hovered near a concrete sign in the center of a small landscape island, the words, Institute of Medical Science, First Building, visible upon its gray visage.

The four of them dismounted, looking over their surroundings. Darkness met their view and no signs of life presented themselves upon the grounds nor within the building.

Yet, Kurama could sense the unique ki signature of Yukio and a faint trace of another all too familiar energy, his eyes narrowing at the sudden surge in their prey's power.

"Did you sense that?" Hiei asked, moving to stand to the kitsune's right.

"Yes," Kurama replied, stepping towards and under one of the many arches that marked the entrance to the building. "Yukio's power just spiked."

"Do you think he knows we're here?" Botan asked, walking beside the fox spirit's left, troubled eyes focused up on her lover's face.

Kurama kept his gaze focused straight ahead. "An excellent question," he murmured as he studied the building intently, his mind going through several possibilities as to why the bastard had suddenly increased his power. Had they triggered something that tipped him off to their presence? Or was something more sinister going on? If Yukio could sense their presence, that meant defenses would now be created and traps laid to prevent his capture. Yet the fox spirit sensed no change in Yukio's position. Just what the hell are you up to?  And dare I risk Botan's life by leading her into such a dangerous situation?

"Kurama? Are you alright?"

The red head tore his gaze away from the building at the sound of Botan's voice. How to answer that? he wondered, worry filling his heart as he looked down, spying the concern reflected in the amethyst pools of his lover's eyes.

Logic dictated that they proceed with caution when entering an unknown domain. But time was severely limited. Any hesitation to go after Yukio now could result in the death of millions, including his own family. Yet logic also concluded that Botan was a liability. She was a non-fighter. As such, she would only get in the way when fighting started. But his heart would not allow him to forsake her safety.

Yukio was accounted for but not his brother Kane. If Kurama left her outside, alone, she would be unprotected should he show up. No. I won't risk losing her again. If I can see her, have her near me,then I can keep her safe, he rationalized, gaining control of his heart and his mind as he answered,"I am fine, Botan. Let's go find Yukio and end this."

The red head started forward, the rest of the group following.

Kurama reached out, clasping the metal handle of the closest entry door and pulled it open, stepping inside.

Darkness flooded the hallway but no mist presented itself and he turned to gaze over his shoulder towards Mukuro who spoke.

"Strange that there is no mist inside. I thought it would have bypassed physical barriers."

"Maybe he had no use for it, here," Hiei said, his red eyes unaffected by the lack of light as he looked around. "Maybe no one was inside the building when the bastard entered."

"Perhaps," Kurama commented as he turned, guided by the steady pulse of Yukio's ki, heading towards a door to his left, reaching out to open it, noting it was a stairwell that stretched in both directions. He paused at the doorway when he sensed Botan's hesitation. "What's wrong, Botan?" he asked, looking over at the ferry girl who bit her lip, whispering,

"I can't see in the dark."

He blinked then smiled softly, reaching out to take her hand in his own. "Don't worry. I'll guide the way."

Kurama helped the deity down three flights of stairs until the reached the bottom where a faint light glowed through a narrow strip of glass in the nearby door. Slowly he let go of the deity's hand, peering through the glass before carefully opening the door.

A wave of bone chilling cold slammed into the four of them as they entered into the dimly lit corridor. Green tiles lined the floor and walls, save for the large panes of glass situated along the entirety of the hall. The air was dry and cold, wisps of their breaths visible as they cautiously moved forward beyond the first set of windows.

"Wow. It sure is cold in here," Botan commented, wrapping her arms around herself, shivering as they continued onward. "This isn't normal is it?"

"Not at this temperature," Kurama answered softly, his own body shivering a bit at the icy air that swirled around them. "Something must have happened to the climate controls." He frowned at the scent of blood and death that bombarded his sensitive olfactory nerves as they came to a split in the hallway. Yukio's energy was stronger now and he turned left, eyes widening at the grisly sight before him.

There, scattered along the hallway, were the bodies of several people. Smears of blood lined the floor and walls, the red fluid soaking through the victims once white lab coats, torn flesh visible through the ripped fabric of their clothing, eyes open and unseeing, never to blink again. No energy could be detected from their corpses and he knew they'd been dead for some time.

"Oh my God..." Botan gasped, moving closer to Kurama. "What happened to them?"

Kurama's features took on a grim look as he spoke. "They must have tried to stop Yukio."

"But why didn't the mist put them to sleep like the others?" the deity asked.

"You remember the lack of mist when we entered?" the kitsune began, his eyes focusing beyond the bodies to the end of the hall. "He never used it in here. Otherwise they would be alive."

"But these wounds are... odd..." Hiei commented, moving past the red head, crouching down to inspect the damage done to the closest victim. He reached out, carefully pulling back the collar of the blood soaked lab coat, revealing the roughly torn flesh and muscle underneath. "Something or someone gnawed on this human. Doesn't seem to be Yukio's style, does it?"

A flash of movement caught Kurama's eyes and he instinctively reached out, pulling Botan behind him.

Hiei rose, hand going to the hilt of his katana, moving to stand by Mukuro as he took a defensive stance, ready to cut down whatever danger presented itself.

The light above them suddenly flickered then went out, a loud snap heard, like a metal switch being flipped on and the hallway erupted in an eerie red light, a soft hum audible even above the blaring alarm that pulsated in the air.

"What the hell is that noise?" Hiei growled, eyes darting about for the source of the annoying sound.

"An emergency alarm," Kurama replied, keeping Botan behind him as he weaved around the fallen bodies, the red of the lights mingled with the still slick blood pool, noting a set of bare footprints leading away from scene of the murder and down the hallway. He followed the trail for several feet until the bloody footprints suddenly disappeared and he lifted his hand slowly, taking out a seed from behind his hair, feeding it energy, the seed blooming into a green blade.

The fox spirit closed his eyes, his sensitive ears picking up a faint growling sound and he whirled around, eyes snapping open and up, focusing on the shadowy figure that clung to then leapt off the ceiling tiles, heading straight for Hiei who drew out his blade, the intent to kill evident in the Koorime's smile and a look of horror bloomed on the red head's features at the familiar scent and appearance of the attacker.

"No!" he shouted, jumping up, blocking the surprised fire demon's katana with his organic blade, backhanding the shadow with all his strength, sending it reeling and Kurama twisted quickly around to face the attacker. Arm outstretched, a series of thorn less vines shot out, coiling around the shadow, Kurama studying with pained eyes as he watched the attacker thrash around.

"What the hell was that all about, Kurama?" Hiei growled, upset at being denied a kill.

Kurama said nothing at first, still trying to comprehend the truth before him. He stepped forward, voice barely above a whisper. "Suichi..."

His stepbrother continued to thrash around, growling and snapping with his teeth, dried blood all over his clothing and face as his eyes glared hungrily at the kitsune.

How in the hell did you get here and what did Yukio do to you? he wondered, his features and tone turning firm as his brother strained violently against the vines. "Stop that, Suichi.. you'll only hurt yourself." But he would not listen and the fox spirit sent another vine down and around the younger boy's body, a flower blooming, needle teeth biting down into his shoulder and his features went slack and his growls became silent.

Kurama sent more vines out, securing Suichi, rendering him harmless from himself and from others.

"Is that.. your.. brother?" Botan asked, watching as the kitsune stalked forward.

"Yes.. it's Suichi..." Kurama answered softly. Crouching down, he studied the brown haired boy's features, his mind reeling at the implication the boy's presence presented. If his brother was here that meant that Yukio brought him to the facility and in order to do that he would have had to visit his home.

A sudden thought sprang into the kitsune's mind and a wave of terror seized his stomach. No.. He.. He couldn't of.. fierce desperation gripped his heart and he quickly reached out to grab his brother. Tossing him over his shoulder, Kurama ran down the corridor, voice loud and insistent. "We must hurry!"

The rest of the group raced behind the red head, bypassing the open steel doors marked, STORAGE, while a large red light continued to flash above, warning of a breach in security.

They headed towards the door at the end of the hallway and Kurama braced his body, banging his hip into the horizontal bar of the door, pushing violently beyond and up the many flights of steps. Charging at full speed, the kitsune followed the ki trail of Yukio, bursting onto the rooftop of the building and his eyes darted about until they fell upon the form of his mother standing near the edge.

"Mother!" Kurama cried, lowering Suichi to the ground before running towards Shiori, who turned her gaze towards him, fear reflected in her eyes.

"Shuichi! Don't come any closer! He'll hurt you!"

Kurama skidded to a stop, his heart falling in realization that she was lucid and not under Yukio's control.

A shimmer of distortion appeared beside her, the form of Yukio now visible and the dark haired demon flashed a cold eye at Kurama and his group, his voice full of disdain as he spat out. "What a happy family reunion this is, don't you agree, Youko?"

"Let her go," the kitsune growled, stalking forward, going still when the smaller man shook his head and placed his hand on Shiori's shoulder, causing her to gasp as he pushed her to the very edge of the building.

"By all means, come closer and I will let her go, Kurama. Or do you think you can catch her before she falls four stories to her death." He flashed a savage grin at the sudden obedience of the former youkai thief. "Imagine my surprise to find you not only alive but here in living world. Of course it pales to your mother's own great surprise to find out her beloved son is a demon. Oh, the things I told her. You should have seen the tears fall from her face as I made her watch your brother tear those scientists apart. It was a rather gruesome test of my new virus strain but it proved very effective," he taunted. "Though I have to give your human mother credit. She had enough resolve to trigger the emergency switch, locking down the vault before I could get to my own mother's great prize."

Gold flecks burst within the emerald pools of Kurama's eyes, Youko dangerously close to the surface now. His voice grew low as he growled, "I am going to kill you, Yukio."

"An empty threat," Yukio replied with a smirk. "You couldn't protect your mother, your brother, or your woman. Face it, Youko, your human life has brought too many weaknesses along for the ride. And now the ride is over for you and your friends, I'm afraid. After I deal with you, I'll go retrieve my family's virus and unleash it on the world. I was going to use your loved ones to carry out my plan but now I guess I have to do it myself. It's rather amusing, don't you agree? Having you here to bear witness to the truth of my power."

"You heartless bastard," Botan said hotly, glaring at Yukio. "Why do you continue to do this? Hurting all these people accomplishes nothing but misery and heartache."

"I do this because I can and because I want to," Yukio replied with a sneer. "I revel in causing misery and heartache. The filth of this world killed my family for daring to experiment on humans so now I will pay them back a thousand fold for their short sided morality. They will take their rightful place as mere subjects for my experiments and I will continue to do to them anything I damn well please without interference from the likes of you." With a vicious shove, Yukio sent Shiori flying over the rooftop.

"Noooo!" Kurama cried, rushing forward, vines whipping out with blinding speed over the side, wrapping around the screaming form of his mother, stopping her fall just short of the ground. The force sent the fox spirit sliding forward, leaning him over the edge, relief filling him at the sight of her unharmed, eyes widening as the voice of Yukio whispered in his ear. "Got you.."

Kurama snapped his gaze over his shoulder, watching as Yukio brought a thin blade down towards him, unable to dodge the attack without letting go of his mother

A sudden burst of red caught the corner of the kitsune's vision, smacking into Yukio just before the tip of the blade pierced his back, knocking the dark haired man back and away.

Kurama's eyes shifted over towards the rest of his group, finding Hiei's hand outstretched, eyes murderous as he growled, "I really hate these annoying games you play, Yukio." Reaching back, the fire demon drew out his katana, pointing it at the dark haired man. "So how about we end this here and now."

Yukio growled, his clothing singed from Hiei's mortal flame attack, smoke rising off his shoulders and he ripped at the ruined fabric, snarling. "You little worm. I'm going to make you pay for that."

"Hn..." the fire demon replied and raced forward, blade stretched out to his right, and he leaped up, swinging violently downward only to frown as he hit empty air, chips of concrete flying up as the blade sunk into the rooftop. Whipping the blade up he pushed off, rising into the sky, slashing at the surprised Yukio, flipping and landing back on the roof, red eyes gleaming in delight at the chance to kill his enemy.

Kurama meanwhile pulled Shiori up slowly, wrapping his arms around her as he lifted her up over the edge. Retracting the vines, he hugged her close to him, his voice laced with regret and pain. "I'm so sorry I failed you, mother. I didn't want anything to happen to you. I didn't want you to know.. the truth... I didn't want you hurt..."

Shiori shook, clinging to her son, crying though she managed to whisper. "It.. isn't your fault, Shuichi.. but.. you must.. stop him... He's going to kill everyone.. make them into what your brother has become... Don't let him hurt anyone else.. Please..."

Kurama nodded, a flower blooming behind his mother, biting down onto her shoulder and Shiori's features and body relaxed. He cradled her in his arms, walking over to where Suichi lay and he placed her beside him, rising, his gaze focused downward.

"Kurama?" Botan whispered, reaching out to touch the kitsune's arm. He turned his attention to her, his hardened features frightening to her as she saw the gold eyes of Youko staring back at her.

He felt his lover's unease at his anger and he softened his features not wanting to scare her anymore than she already was. "I'm fine, love. It's my family I worry about right now," he replied, voice low and gruff, Youko now just under the surface, threatening to emerge.

He turned his attention to the battle in front of him, frowning as a ball of energy rocketed from behind Yukio, heading straight towards Hiei. Mukuro vanished, reappearing instantly in front of her second in command, swatting the red ball of ki away with a swipe of her right arm.

Kane appeared beside his brother, hovering in the sky.

"You're late," Yukio growled, his brown eyes staring hatefully down at group on the rooftop.

"Breaking through that titanium door without blowing it up was tricky and took longer than I thought," Kane replied, his blue eyes also focused downward.

"Did you retrieve the item?"

Reaching into the pocket of his white jacket, Kane withdrew a large silver vial, holding it out for his brother to take.

Yukio smirked, taking the vial from his twin's hand. "Goodbye detectives!" He shouted, eyes bright with madness. "It's been fun but I've got a city to infect and people to kill!" Pocketing the vial, the pair vanished.

Hiei made a sound of disgust. "Cowards, running from the fight again. I grow tired of playing cat and mouse." Sheathing his katana, the fire demon shifted his gaze upwards, focusing on the features of his leader. "I could of handled that energy sphere on my own, Mukuro."

"Yes... but I like to be useful every now and again," she replied, looking down at her second in command. "Besides, what's the fun in watching from the sidelines when you can fight beside the ones you care about?"

Kurama glared up at the sky as the twins fled from view, his heart warring with his mind. If he chased after them now, more than likely he could catch them and end everything. But I cannot leave my family nor Botan alone and unprotected. Their enemy was strong and he could not delay his plan any longer. "Botan... there is something I need for you to do for me."

Chapter Text

Kurama glared up at the sky as the twins fled from view, his heart warring with his mind. If he chased after them now, more than likely he could catch them and end everything. But I cannot leave my family nor Botan alone and unprotected. Their enemy was strong and he could not delay his plan any longer. "Botan... There is something I need you to do for me," he said softly, turning to face the deity.

Botan moved closer to the kitsune, lifting her gaze to study her lover's features. "What is it, Kurama?"

The red head did not answer at first as his right hand moved down to the purple bag hanging on a loop of his jeans. Opening the bag, he reached in and drew out two vials, palming them gently as he held them out for the ferry girl to take. "I need you to take these up to Reikai and give them to Yusuke and Kuwabara. Inform Koenma of what has transpired here and in Makai before bringing the detectives back to Ningenkai."

Botan looked down at the vials then back up at the kitsune, features troubled. "But I want to stay here with you. What if something happens to you?"

"Then I'd expect you to be the one to come and escort me to Spirit World," he answered evenly, though a bit of a twinkle was visible in his eyes as he studied the ferry girl.

"That's not funny," the deity replied as she reached out, gently taking the vials from Kurama's hand, tucking them in her obi. "I don't like leaving you here without someone to heal you."

"I'm sorry," he murmured, noting the sadness marring the features of his beloved. "But this is for the best."

"Because I slow you down?" she asked, blinking when Kurama reached out and pulled her gently to him. Closing her eyes, she rested her head against his shoulder, sensing his love and concern for her and she wrapped her arms around him in response.

"No, love. Because I don't want you hurt," he countered as he stroked her back, allowing his mask to fall, open emotion taking its place, a vulnerability to his voice that he would allow only Botan to hear as he whispered, "Yukio took you from me once before. I will not let him have that chance again."

The deity understood his reasoning, though her heart still ached at the thought of leaving him in such a dangerous situation. "Okay... I'll go... but you better not die... I won't forgive you if you do..."

Kurama reached up, caressing Botan's hair. "I promise you this, Botan. The only one dying today will be Yukio."

The ferry girl pulled back, looking up into the fox spirit's eyes, searching his face, finding the same intensity of love that marred her own features and she reached up, cupping his face then kissing him full on the lips, pent up emotions rolling to the surface, her fear of possibly him dying driving her actions.

Kurama returned her kiss, groaning at the taste of her as he deepened it with equal vigor, any sense of proper behavior out the window. In this moment there was only her and he relished the contact, pulling back only when the need to breathe kicked in. "Botan..." he panted, resting his forehead against hers.

"Kurama..." she panted back, stroking his face with her fingertips.

He sighed at her touch, croaking out, "You're making it hard for me to let you go."

"I don't want you to let me go."

The kitsune, nuzzled his nose against hers then slowly lowered his arms. "I understand love. But the sooner you retrieve Yusuke and Kuwabara, the sooner this will end and we can go home."

Botan returned the nuzzle then pulled back reluctantly, eyes soft as she held out her hand, an oar materializing and she slid on, looking down at the red head as she spoke. "Promise me you will be careful."

"I promise," Kurama replied, features still soft as he whispered, "I will see you soon, koishii."

Botan blushed at the sweetness in his tone. "See you soon, love," she returned tenderly, guiding her oar up slowly as she headed towards the sky.

Kurama lifted his hand in farewell, keeping his gaze on her, lowering his hand once the deity zoomed into the sky then disappeared in a flash of light. His features grew serious, the mask of reserve now in place at the sound of his best friend's voice, "So you sent her off to bring back Yusuke and Kuwabara?"

"I didn't want her hurt," Kurama answered calmly, still studying the sky above. " I felt it best to give her a task that would send her safely away while we deal with Yukio and Kane."

"Hn..." Hiei sounded, his red eyes focused on the two humans near his feet. "And what of your family?"

Closing his eyes, the kitsune tapped into his youkai power, an explosion of ki swirling around his human form, purple morphing to a white hue as his body shifted, growing taller and stronger. Kurama's wild red hair morphed and lengthened into long flowing silver while his human ears receded, giving way to fox ears that sprouted in their place. A white yukata with matching pants and shoes replaced the fox spirit's human attire. His eyes flashed open, calculating precision reflected in the now golden pools of Youko's eyes as he reached behind his hair. Grabbing a group of seeds, Kurama tossed them in a wide radius around his family, monstrous flowers blooming as he fed them power, fangs visible on some while others had vine like tongues that lashed at the slightest movement.

"They will remain here for now," Youko answered, his voice deeper and colder than his human one. "My plants will keep them from being harmed."

"So now we go after Yukio and Kane?" Mukuro asked, looking up at the taller youkai who grinned.

"Yes... Now we hunt..." Youko answered, jumping off the building, Hiei and Mukuro following close behind. He sought out Yukio's ki signature, feeling a slight trace towards the center of the city and he followed the energy trail, eyes narrowing as he raced through the silent streets, the mist swirling around him, still thick and heavy, his sensitive ears picking up the underlying current of magic weaved within the fog, the old language of Makai clear as day.

Interesting, he thought, his attention still focused ahead, even as Hiei called out, "So which one do I get to kill?"

"It's rather simple, Hiei," Youko responded. "Yukio kidnapped three ferry girls and tortured them. He took Botan from me. He tried to shut off Human World from the other two realms. He targeted my family and experimented on them. I am going to show him what happens when you mess with people I care about. He will die by my hand, one cut at a time." He paused, tossing a look over his shoulder. "However, I can't very well leave you without your pound of flesh, so Kane is all yours."

"Hn..." Hiei replied, red eyes shining with gleeful malice. "Fair enough trade... but if you run into trouble, don't get pissed when I intervene."

"There is no need to worry," Youko growled confidently, turning his gaze back in front of him. "Yukio will be dead before the sun rises and this nightmare will be over."

The sense of Yukio's energy grew stronger and the fox spirit rounded the corner, skidding to a stop before an all too familiar building. Hiei stood to Kurama's left while Mukuro stopped to the kitsune's right.

"This place..." Hiei murmured, looking up at Youko who spoke.

"Is Senpuku Tower."

"You've been here before I take it?" Mukuro asked.

"Yes," Youko replied, tilting his head back as he studied the dimly lit building. "This is where Botan was lured and abducted. And must also be Yukio's safe zone."

"In the heart of the city?" Hiei quipped, his features confused. "You said they wouldn't hide in the city but yet here they were here in the center of downtown all along?"

"I said their lab wouldn't be in a building in the city," Youko corrected, lowering his gaze. "But given their skill in illusion magic and what we witnessed in that video prior to Botan's kidnapping and what we ourselves witnessed investigating her abduction, it stands to reason that this is their personal hideout." He paused, his brilliant mind trying to reason out what Yukio's next move would be. "The question is why he would come here now. He knows we will chase after him. I think he wants us in this building so he can ensnare us in a trap of some kind."

"Yet he is inside the building. He cannot fool us with false puppets and false ki signatures," Hiei commented, looking up at his friend. "So what do you suggest we do?"

"We force him to come out," Youko answered, drawing out a different seed, feeding it energy, the seed blooming into a bamboo spear.

The kitsune opened the floodgates of his power, a white aura of ki exploding and swirling around his body, nearly blinding in its intensity, pushing back Hiei and even Mukuro as he roared and slammed the spear down, the ground rumbling as hundreds of bamboo spikes shot upwards, surrounded by the same white energy as Kurama.

The spikes pierced through the metal skeleton of Senpuku Tower, glass shattering from the impact as concrete cracked, breaking under the force of Youko's plant attack, the building shaking as it was invaded and destroyed. Metal screamed as it was twisted and came toppling down, dust and debris exploding in its wake, slamming into the trio who shielded themselves with force barriers. Soon the rumbling went silent and Youko lowered his shield, Hiei and Mukuro following.

"An impressive attack," Mukuro murmured, watching as the dust settled and the mist parted, revealing a massive bamboo forest and she studied the scene with open admiration. "You truly are a scary youkai when you put your mind to it, Youko."

"You should see him when he's really angry," Hiei said, smirking at the glare Youko gave him, his features paling as a series of red balls of energy shot out from within the darkened forest and the fire demon jumped back, Youko and Mukuro doing the same, landing back to back.

"Seems you flushed them out, Youko," Mukuro said, shooting out her own blasts of ki, smiling in satisfaction as they destroyed each target. "And they are none too happy for it."

"Good," Youko growled, feeding a rose more energy, a whip forming and he lashed out at the orbs of ki, each one exploding on contact as he split them in two. He sensed a faint trace of familiar energy and he whirled around, bringing his whip up, snapping it against the outstretched blade of Yukio, the force of contact sending the dark haired enemy backwards.

Yukio crashed into the trunks of the bamboo trees, causing them to snap upon impact and the fox spirit straightened his frame, leaping into the air as a blast of fire barreled toward him.

Hiei and Mukuro jump aside, dodging the attack then charged forward to engage in combat with Kane while the kitsune veered left into the woodland of his own making, following the trail of singed bamboo and destruction.

The fox spirit grew still, ears twitching as he sought out the sound of his prey. The scent of blood hung in the air and he smirked. So my plants managed to wound you. Good. It'll make tracking and killing you easier. "There is no place for you to hide, pathetic vermin. I know where you are. I can smell the fear and the desperation from your blood." He snapped his rose whip in several directions at a speed too fast to see, bamboo trees, sliding off at several angles, crashing to the ground, leaves fluttering down like raindrops, revealing the shocked and bloodied form of Yukio.

"And now my prey is visible," the Makai Thief murmured turning to face the smaller man. "Now I can kill you and end your pathetic attempt to take over Ningenkai."

Surprise gave way to anger on the dark haired man's face at Youko's words, his features twisting into a look of rage. "Pathetic?!" Yukio snarled, his power spiking as he ranted on, "You dare mock me?! Me?! The greatest scientist to ever exist?! You are the one who is pathetic, detective! And weak! You allow yourself to be tainted by the very humans you swear to protect and curse your own kind because of some misguided notion of love for your human mother and your pathetic ferry girl."

Youko smirked at the smaller man's tirade, amusement in his features as he spoke. "Touched a nerve did I? You are the weak one, Yukio, hiding behind illusions and magic. Make no mistake, I know who and what you are. Your tricks will not work on me and your life is now mine to take."

"Don't be so sure," Yukio growled, disappearing from view.

The kitsune narrowed his eyes, jumping up as an blast of energy erupted under his feet, snapping his head up as another blast rocketed down from the sky, blinding Kurama as it slammed into him full force, sending him crashing into the ground, the trees shuddering in pain at the impact.

Hiei and Mukuro stopped their pursuit, the smaller youkai shifting his gaze over his shoulder, frowning as he murmured in concern, "Kurama..."

"Get down!" Mukuro yelled, grabbing at her subordinate, yanking him down beside her as a massive red ball of ki zoomed past their forms, tearing apart the trees, the sound of impact deafening as it struck a nearby building, obliterating it and the demon pair rose up, eyeing the sky in contempt as the bulky form of Kane hovered above.

"Bastard," Hiei growled, yanking at his headband. The Jagan flared to life, black mist seeping through the bandages on his right arm and he quickly unwrapped it, the dragon tattoo flaring to life along his arm as the Koorime unleashed the dragon of the darkness flame. A massive roar erupted in the night air, a fury of purple and black twirling upward as a dragon head formed.

Its jaws opened, ready to devour the blond man, who merely smirked and held out his hands, enacting a wall of red light, gritting his teeth as the dragon smacked into the barrier, straining against it and snapped its jaws in futility. Kane pressed down, forcing the dragon back on its master, a look of triumph on his face. Try to avoid that, runt.

Mukuro jumped back and away as Hiei stood his ground, the dragon zooming downward then engulfing the fire demon, purple and black ki swirling and a crater formed in the ground before it dissipated with Hiei nowhere to be seen.

XXXXXXX

Reikai

Koenma sat at his desk, tapping his fingers against the wood as he watched Yusuke and Kuwabara pacing back and forth on the marbled floor.

"Man, I'm going crazy stuck up here," Kuwabara grumbled, arms crossed as he stopped, leaning against the wall. "I hate waiting, especially if the rest of the gang is in trouble."

"Yeah, I hear ya," Yusuke said, tossing a glance over at Koenma. "Toddler breath seems to think the barrier is close to being repaired but who knows how long we're freaking going to be trapped up here." He paused, grumbling. "Keiko is really going to kick my ass when we do get back home."

"Speak for yourself, Urameshi. Shizuru won't just kick my ass, she'll kill it when I get back to Ningenkai."

Koenma continued to tap his fingers, chewing on his pacifier in nervous compulsion. Why was it taking so long to fix the barrier controls? They had the parts so what is missing? What else would they need to solve their problem?

The doors to the toddler lord's office slid opened, the excited form of Jorge bursting through as he cried out, "Lord Koenma, sir!"

"What is it ogre?" Koenma asked, eyeing his servant expectantly.

"It's Botan, sir! She's returned!"

"What?!" He replied, jumping off his chair, shifting to his teen form as he raced outside, Yusuke and Kuwabara right behind him. Making his way out to the courtyard, his brown eyes focused on the descending form of his head ferry girl, relief filling him as he called out, "Botan!"

"Lord Koenma!" the deity called out in return, landing, his eyes shifting beyond her boss to the two teens. "Yusuke, Kuwabara, you're both here. That's good!"

"How did you manage to get into Reikai?" Koenma asked, coming to a stop in front of the deity, who smiled and took out the two vials stashed in her obi.

"By using this potion."

"Who made it?" Yusuke asked, quirking an eyebrow as Botan handed him one of the vials.

"It was made by a Makai witch named Monashi," the ferry girl replied, handing the other vial to Kuwabara.

"A Makai witch? That sounds legit..." Yusuke said doubtfully.

"Does it matter who made it, Urameshi?" Kuwabara chided. "Botan made it here in one piece so it obviously works." He turned his attention to Botan. "So.. uh... how does it work exactly?"

"You drink it," Botan answered.

"Oh.. Okay," the street fighter replied, tugging at the stopper, ceasing his movement when Koenma growled,

"Before you do anything, I feel that Botan should... oh.. I don't know.. giving me a field report!"

"Snapping at me is no way to treat your head ferry girl after all I've been through!" Botan shouted back, glaring at her boss.

Koenma sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry, Botan... I'm just.. it's frustrating not knowing what has been going on.. and I've been worried... when you left here.. during the battle... and didn't return I thought I lost my best ferry girl.. and one of my best detectives in Kurama."

The deity's features softened, murmuring. "Well... I understand that and I wasn't planning on leaving until I reported to you what has been happening since the battle here in Reikai." She relayed the situation to the toddler lord, leaving out the intimate encounter with the fox spirit. When she'd finished, Koenma's studied her with somber eyes.

"So the barrier in Makai is made entirely from stolen ki and blood from the twins while our barrier restriction is due to mechanical failure and blood from Yukio. That is what you're saying isn't?"

"Basically," Botan said, brow furrowed. "Though Kurama never told me exactly how we would be able to fix the problem between realms."

"I'm sure fox boy has an answer," Yusuke offered, looking down at the vial. "Right now though, I think Kuwabara and I should drink this potion and head down to Human World with Botan. That is what Kurama sent you up here for, right?"

Botan hesitated for a second, knowing it was more than merely escorting the two boys back to Ningenkai that she was sent away but she kept it to herself, nodding her head. "Right," she replied, holding out her hand, an oar materializing and she lowered it, hopping on, watching as the two teens drank the potion.

"Whoa.. that's a weird feeling," Yusuke commented. "I can sense Yukio's energy in the air around us."

"I don't like it.. kinda creepy..." Kuwabara said, features twisted up in an uncomfortable look, snapping his head to the side, eyeing the laughing form of Yusuke in anger as he growled, "What's so funny, Urameshi?"

"Your face is funny," the Mazoku snickered, a yowl of pain exploding from his mouth as the street fighter hit him in the back of the head.

"Stupid jerk! How can you make fun of me at a time like this?!"

The dark haired man whipped around, a lump forming on his head as he snarled. "Cause your face is funny, stupid! Why can't you take a joke?!"

"Why can't you shut up and be serious for once, Uramesh?!" Kuwabara countered. "Our friends are down their fighting against those two creeps and what are we doing? Being stupid kids! We're men! So let's start acting like it, head back home, and kick some demon butt!"

Yusuke grit his teeth, staring daggers at his friend before relaxing his features, sighing as he relented. "You're right, Kuwabara." Walking over he hopped on behind the surprised Botan, Kuwabara right behind him.

"Yusuke, Kuwabara,Botan..." Koenma started, looking up at the hovering forms of his friends and employees. "Be careful when you face those two. Try to end it as quickly as you can and with as little damage to Ningenkai as possible."

"You got it, Koenma," Yusuke replied. "And don't worry. I know Kurama will get this barrier thing figured out."

I hope so, the toddler lord thought as he watched the trio leave and disappear into the Human World.

Chapter Text

Yukio glared down at the ground, watching the dust cloud with wary eyes only to blink as a series of vines shot out at a speed too quick for the dark haired man to dodge. They wrapped painfully around his frame and yanked him downward, his cry of pain muffled as he was smashed face first into the concrete.

Youko emerged from the dust field, peering down coldly at the smaller man. "It will take more than simple tricks to fool me, Yukio," he growled. Squeezing his hand shut, the vines crushed his opponent, a burst of green light flaring from the contact. The fox spirit grabbed a falling bamboo leaf, feeding it energy and the shape changed instantly, coming to life as a long green sword.

The kitsune slashed to the side, the clang of metal against organic ringing in the night air, his gold eyes meeting the surprised brown ones of Yukio. Using his physical leverage, Kurama pushed the blade up and out, sending the smaller being backwards.

Yukio skidded to a stop as he rose from a crouch, glaring hatefully at the kitsune.

"I told you I will not fall for your tricks, Yukio," Youko said, turning to face the dark haired man. "No matter how many doppelgangers you create, I can sense the real you, so drop the act and face your death like a man."

The scientist's mouth twitched into a sneer. "You, kill me? You couldn't even protect your family from me, Kurama. You were too busy worrying about that stupid ferry girl to even save your mother and brother. You couldn't stop me from sealing off the two realms from human world and you damn sure won't stop me from spreading my virus through Tokyo. No. You're already dead, Kurama you just don't know it yet, so let me enlighten you."

Yukio lowered his blade to the palm of his left hand then sliced it open. squeezing his hand into a fist. Blood began to seep between his fingers and down onto the ground. An explosion of red ki swirled around the dark haired scientist, his eyes glowing with a power to rival the fox spirit's. His body grew larger, stronger, and more lethal.

Kurama took a defensive position, blade in front of him, blinking when his opponent vanished, turning at the last second to block the downward swing of Yukio's blade. He grit his teeth as his feet sunk into the ground from the impact. He released more of his ki, forcing Yukio up but the smaller man danced around, slashing left and right, his blade slicing through flesh, blood spurting from the gashes on his left then right shoulder.

Youko grunted and jumped back, dodging a vicious sideswipe, a burst of air hitting his right cheek, splitting apart skin, crimson fluid erupting from the thin gash, seeping down and along his neck. He had little time to worry about the loss of blood, his mind already formulating a plan, even as he was tore up by the many cuts of Yukio's blade.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Kane grinned in satisfaction as he watched the Black Dragon consume Hiei, the resulting deflection of the Koorime's strongest attack causing an explosion of rock and tree from the impact. His gaze focused over to the tall female youkai, eyes narrowing at the smile that spread on her features. Why is the bitch smiling?

His back snapped at the sudden pulse of ki that exploded behind him and he looked over his shoulder, eyes widening in alarm.

There, surrounded by a strange black aura, floated Hiei. "What the hell? I blocked your dragon and sent it back onto you. How can you be still be alive?"

"You did precisely what I wanted you to do," Hiei countered, voice as ruthless as his features. "And now I have become the dragon." In a blinding flash of movement, the Koorime lashed out, striking the taller man right in the sternum, the force of the blow knocking Kane downward, the blond's body slamming into the ground, debris flying in his wake.

Mukuro watched as her second in command floated downward, landing at the edge of the crater, a dust cloud hovering above the destruction. Hiei's handsome face shifted into a look of surprise as a series of small round red orbs shot through the dust haze and he reached up, hand wrapping around the hilt of his katana, yanking it out and slicing through the energy attacks in lightning quick slashes, explosions erupting on contact.

A larger barrage of red energy rocketed outward and the fire demon flipped up and away, dodging the ki spheres, his gaze focused on the approaching form of Kane, smirking at the torn clothing, blood visible from the wounds inflicted from impact with the ground. "Is that all you have, Kane?" he taunted. "I expected more of a challenge than this. Oh well... I suppose I'll end it now."

"The only thing ending is your life, runt," Kane growled, focusing his energy inward, the numerous gashes sealing shut, save for a single cut on his right hand. He made a fist, blood seeping through his fingers and onto the ground, blue eyes glowing as a red mist swirled around him, the ki exploding out, pushing Hiei back, the fire demon gritting his teeth at the intensity of energy, noting the level was now equal to his own and his eyes widened when the blond disappeared from view.

Where did the bastard go? Hiei snarled inwardly, his body suddenly lifted up and tossed like a rag doll, crashing headlong into a group of bamboo trees, the trunks snapping like twigs, his form smacking into the arms of Mukuro as she vanished and reappeared in front of her second in command, catching then cradling him to her chest, skidding to a stop.

She straightened her frame, lowering Hiei to the ground. "Are you alright?" she asked, nonplussed when the fire demon merely growled, features pissed as he whirled back towards Kane.

He rushed forward, blade outstretched, not stopping, even when the blond lifted his right hand, sending several dart size orbs of red energy straight towards the charging Koorime, who dodged each attack, leaping up into the air, bringing his blade in a downward swipe, cursing when it struck and was repelled by an invisible force.

Hiei flipped and landed onto his feet, fixing a level stare at his enemy.

Kane merely laughed at the fire demon's angry look. "Why are you so surprised, Hiei? Did you really think you could harm me with that little blade of yours? My force field can repel any and every attack you throw my way. Face it little man, you can't defeat me... not even your dragon can bypass my defenses."

"Is that so?" Hiei quipped, sensing a weakness in his opponent's barrier, and he closed his eyes, black flames bursting and swirling around the blade of his katana and with a violent motion he stabbed the ground, the flames flickering then going out.

Kane frowned at the action, What is that bastard up to? A gasp of surprise fled his throat as the ground under his feet suddenly crumbled. Black flames shot up, nearly engulfing the blond who dissolved the barrier in an attempt to escape. "You little runt! I'm going to kill you for that!" the blond snapped his head up at the dark ki he sensed, eyes widening at the sight of Hiei, his voice silenced as the fire demon slashed outward, the lethal blade slicing clean through his neck, severing his head, sending it flying, blood spurting from the fatal wound as his body crumpled down.

Hiei's booted feet landed softly onto the ground, katana pointed down, blood trailing along the blade in rivulets as he turned, eyeing the decapitated body of Kane critically. "Not if I kill you first," he murmured, his gaze lifting as he sensed Mukuro approach.

"A flawless killing move, Hiei," the female youkai said softly as she appeared beside her second in command. "And a well deserved death for Kane," she added, looking away from the dead body to the fire demon.

"I killed him too quickly," Hiei countered with a yawn, eyelids drooping a bit, his mind starting to shut down, though the strength of his thoughts and the understanding of the pain inflicted on the woman he cared about most guided his words and actions as he added, "Torturing women for twisted experiments. I should have done the same to him... so he could understand... what it was like..." The fire demon's knees gave way and he collapsed, already asleep before Mukuro could catch him, his body worn down from the after effects of absorbing the black dragon.

Mukuro smiled, holding the Koorime against her as she settled on the ground. "Hmm... Seems you care more for others than you claim, Hiei." She rested her chin on top of his crown, voice softer, almost tender as she whispered, "It is why I chose you, after all..."

XXXXXXXXXXX

A bright flash appeared above the skyline of Tokyo, Botan zooming down low, Yusuke and Kuwabara clinging to each other as the deity came to a stop, hovering above an undulating mass of wicked looking flowers, troubled purple orbs studying the rooftop.

"What the hell, Botan? I thought you said Kurama, Hiei, and Mukuro would be here," Yusuke said gruffly.

"Well... they were here," Botan replied, eyes and voice distant. Where did you run off to, Kurama? Her heart sunk in realization. You went off after Yukio, didn't you?

"Obviously," Yusuke replied, frowning as he looked around, "But where the hell are they now?"

"That way," Kuwabara answered for the ferry girl, pointing straight into the heart of the city. "I am getting a really creepy vibe in that direction."

The head Spirit Detective turned his gaze in the direction that his best friend pointed to, brow furrowing at the soft orange glow that emanated on the horizon, the faint smell of smoke in the air and his features grew serious. "Something bad is happening over there. Let's go, Botan."

The deity bit her lip, fear welling in her chest at the thought of something bad happening to Kurama and it drove her to increase her speed, zooming forward, unfazed by the cries of surprise from Kuwabara and the subsequent curses from Yusuke as the two boys clung tightly to the oar.

Hang on, Kurama. We're coming.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Kurama fought back against Yukio's onslaught, feeding the trees energy, leaves falling in a swirling pattern, surrounding the kitsune and he shot them outward, the ki infused leaves razor sharp cutting into Yukio who jumped back, eyeing the taller man cautiously, even as his wounds healed instantly.

"It seems you have tricks of your own, Kurama," the dark haired man began, smirking at the bloodied form of Youko. "But it won't be enough to defeat me. Do you know why?"

The fox spirit said nothing, gaze locked coldly on the scientist as the smaller being continued.

"Because I have the power of the Gensou running in my veins. Their blood magic allows for me to tap into an unlimited reserve of ki. No matter how many times you cut me, hit me, or bruise me, I can regenerate and keep the same level of energy before injury. So you might as well give up and accept the fact that you will be the one dying today."

Kurama stared at Yukio, features a display of arrogant impassivity as he spoke, voice low and unaffected, "I already know of the Gensou. It was a survivor of that clan that allowed me to enter human world after all." He smirked at the irritated look of Yukio. "And with her help, I am going to kill you today and stop this madness."

The dark haired man scowled, his amused facade fading into a look of rage. "Madness? I'm doing the world a favor by thinning out the herd of animals that populate this realm. How can you not understand that? These humans are little more than cattle for my experiments. Death is no less than they deserve."

"It is not your place to decide who lives and who dies," Youko countered. "No matter what delusional state you're under, you're not God and I'll show you just how mortal and frail you really are, Yukio."

"I'm not delusional!" Yukio snapped in return. "I'm a genius! None of you simple minded fools can even begin to comprehend the glory of my vision!" He rushed forward, blade to the side, features full of hate as he spat, "I'll show you just how wrong you are, Youko! Now... Die!" Lifting up his hand, the scientist unleashed a volley of fire, eyes manic as he gained control of it, directing the flames to chase after the kitsune who flipped and dodged, wincing at the intensity of the heat, frowning as his sleeveless yukata caught fire and he reached up, ripping the fabric off, tossing it aside.

The kitsune landed then vanished before a series of bamboo trees, the green matter bursting in patterns of red and orange, consumed by the flame, the fire occupied with the new target. The now shirtless Youko landed on the ground, his eyes narrowed when he could not see Yukio. His ears picked up the sound of fabric and he whipped around, features twisted in pain as his right pectoral muscle was impaled, a dark red aura surrounding the blade of Yukio, who grinned in triumph.

"Got you at last, you bastard..." He sneered, driving the blade deeper, the tip bursting out the kitsune's back, twisting the sword, glee crossing his manic features at the sharp cry of agony that exploded from the fox spirit's lips. "Does it hurt, Youko?"

Kurama snarled, gritting his teeth, but said nothing, not giving the scientist the satisfaction of an answer. Just... need... to.. hang.. on.. a … little bit... longer... Alarm filled him suddenly as he felt his ki being drained, red replacing silver, fox ears receding, his body smaller, more vulnerable and he groaned, trying hard not to pass out as his wounds opened and blood flowed freely from the numerous cuts.

"Oh dear... back to your human form, I see," Yukio said, contempt in his voice as he shrugged. "Well, time to put you out of your misery." He sensed the sudden loss of Kane's ki, gasping then snarling, looking off to the side where Hiei and Kane had fought, suddenly distracted. "Kane... stupid bastard... you let yourself be killed by such a weakling?"

Kurama steeled his will, kicking out and back, grabbing hold of the sword, sliding off and away, blood spurting out of the open wound as he jumped as far back as he could manage then collapsed onto a knee. The kitsune's features grew pale and he panted heavily, clutching the wound with his left hand, eyes tight with pain as he watched Yukio turn his attention back to him.

"So you still have some energy left do you? Good. I can have a little more fun before releasing the virus and ending the miserable lives of everyone in this city." Yukio frowned at the soft chuckle that emitted from Kurama's lips, growling. "What is so funny?"

Kurama said nothing, a vine appearing behind him, a silver cylinder in its grasp.

Yukio's eyes narrowed and he reached into the pocket of his pants, looking down in shock then back up to the kitsune in anger. "You son of bitch... You let me stab you... just to get to the virus.."

"It was the only way... to get close enough to you... so I could retrieve it..." Kurama replied then straightened his frame, a blast of purple light erupting around the fox spirit who reached up to clasp the silver vial in his hand then stuffed it into the pocket of his jeans. Amusement gave way to resolve as he lifted both hands then waved them, the entire ground erupting into a wall of green, forming a dome above the pair.

Yukio tried to teleport away, cursing as he bounced off the plant matter, hissing out, "What the hell is going on?!"

"There is no escape for you, Yukio. My plants recognize your energy and have adapted to it."

"Im... Impossible! I have the ability to vanish and reappear anywhere at will.. How could you possibly know how to stop that?!"

"Your blood gave me the answer," Kurama began and smirked, pointing to the scar on the smaller man's cheek. "Along with the trace amount of my own energy that lives in that wound of yours. The plants respond to my will and my command. So long as I order none of my ki to leave this space, so will we remain confined."

Yukio reached up, caressing the damaged flesh that would not heal, snarling. "Bastard... you planned this all along, didn't you? Do you truly think you can stop me with this? I refuse to die by your hands."

"The moment you decided to kidnap Botan was the moment your death at my hands was assured," Kurama countered sharply, stalking towards Yukio.

The dark haired being snarled and rushed forward, lifting his blade up in an attempt to strike the kitsune down but Kurama reached behind his hair and grabbed a rose then fed it energy, turning it into a whip. He flicked his wrist and lashed out, wrapping the plant matter around the blade before yanking it out of the scientist's hand.

Breaking the sword Kurama tossed it aside, features a dark mask as he silently commanded a series of vines to attack, wrapping around Yukio's arms and legs, thorns embedding into his skin, binding him still as a cloud of bamboo leaves swirled around the red head's body. "I could kill you quickly but the just punishment for your crimes is to suffer... and I'm going to make you suffer for what you did to Botan, my family, my friends, and to me..."

A bamboo leaf lengthened into a blade, zooming forward, stabbing into the sensitive flesh of Yukio's right shoulder, Kurama's ki emanating from it, not allowing for the scientist to heal himself as he slowly stalked towards the bound man, cold indifference upon his handsome features as the smaller being screamed in pain.

"You kidnapped and tortured ferry girls for your experiments..." he spoke, a hint of indignation in his tone as he began to list the scientist's transgressions. "You conspired to shut off human world from Reikai and Makai..." Another blade sunk into Yukio's left shoulder. "You destroyed an entire city in Makai, killing hundreds of thousands of innocent people for the sole purpose of creating a barrier." A blade shot out, embedding into Yukio's right knee. "You experimented on my brother.." Yukio's left knee shook as it was stabbed by another bamboo blade, his screams nearly deafening as he thrashed about in pain. "You kidnapped my mother and forced her to watch my brother murder a group of humans."

A blade shot straight into Yukio's heart, the scientist gasping, eyes widening as Kurama was now upon him, his fading brown eyes staring up into the ruthless green ones of the kitsune. "You kidnapped Botan and tortured her... forcing her to cut me with a cursed blade." Yukio gurgled as another blade ripped into his neck. "You took what was most precious to me and hurt her... you hurt my family... for that... the punishment is death..."

Kurama released the last of his ki, feeding all the blades at once, the plant matter expanding into a series of spikes, piercing Yukio's vital organs, blood exploding outward,the red head enacting a barrier to avoid the splatter, Yukio's death cry unheard as his voice chord was severed and his entire being was obliterated.

"That was for my... family... and for you... Botan..." he whispered, eyelids growing closed, severely weakened by the loss of all his ki and he collapsed onto his side, the green dome retracted as the kitsune's energy faded.

Fire continued to roar around him, destroying everything it touched.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Flames met the gaze of the deity and her two companions as they hovered above a bamboo forest, confusion on everyone's features.

"What the hell is going on?" Kuwabara voiced, his brown eyes studying the burning trees with trepidation. "I can feel Kurama's energy throughout the entire forest... he must have found and attacked Yukio with his plants... but..."

"But what, Kuwabara?" Yusuke asked, his chocolate orbs focused on his best friend. "What is it?"

"His energy... it's fading... he must be hurt pretty bad, guys..."

Botan bit her lip and descended quickly, oblivious to the protests of the two boys, landing and jumping off the oar before the two detectives could stop her.

"Botan!" Yusuke shouted, worry in his voice and features as he chased after her. "Wait up, will ya?! Kurama will kick my ass if anything happens to you!"

Kuwabara tried to slide off the oar and fell, hitting the ground hard and he grit his teeth, shouting. "Dammit, Urameshi! Wait for me!" He pushed off the ground, blinking at the pair of booted feet that greeted his vision, tilting his head back, his gaze falling on the form of Mukuro, and unconscious Hiei slung over her shoulder.

Yusuke meanwhile used his speed to catch up to the ferry girl, coughing at the smoke that whirled around them. The heat was nearly unbearable and he had to wipe at the sweat that trickled down his forehead. He reached out, grabbing the ferry girl by the arm, growling. "Botan, you have to stop before you're burned to a crisp!"

The deity yanked her arm out of the detective's hold, voice in a near panic. "Kurama's in here, Yusuke! I have to find him!"

"I know that!" Yusuke countered over the roar of the fire, voice commanding as he added, "So stay right next to me and we'll find him together!" He used his own energy to seek out the kitsune's, taking hold of Botan's hand then raced forward, creating a barrier as burning trees fell around them, skidding to a stop at the horrifying scene before them.

There, impaled by hundreds of spikes, stood the remnants of Yukio. Blood splattered the entirety of the ground, settling into a large pool of red, and the detective shifted his gaze, his eyes falling upon the unconscious form of the kitsune.

"Kurama!" Botan cried, letting go of Yusuke's hand and she rushed towards her fallen lover, crouching down to clutch his prone body, her eyes welling with tears at the infinite number of gashes and bruises that lined his bare chest and arms. And his face was a mess, blood still seeping from the long cut across his right cheek. "Kurama... Kurama, please, wake up!"

The fox spirit's eyelids fluttered open, tired emerald pools unfocused as he whispered, "Botan..."

"Yes... it's me..." she replied, relief filling her. "It's okay now.. everything is okay now.."

His brow furrowed and he reached up, caressing her face with his wounded fingertips. "I killed him, Botan.. it's over.. all over now..." God he felt weak.. weak and tired... "I need.. I need to sleep for a while.. I'm sorry... so.. sorry.. Botan..." Consciousness left him, Kurama passing out in his lover's arms, unable to respond to her pleas.

"Kurama!" Botan cried. "Don't you die on me! I won't allow it! Wake up!"

"Botan..." Yusuke whispered, trying to get the deity to let the kitsune go, blinking at the ferocity in the ferry girl's voice as she swatted his hand away.

"Leave me alone, Yusuke! I won't allow him to die!"

"But he's not dead, Botan!" Yusuke snapped back before sighing. "He's just passed out! So lets get the hell out of here before we get as burnt as the trees around us!"

Botan blinked, looking up at the head detective, reluctant to let the kitsune go but she did, allowing Yusuke to scoop up Kurama.

The pair ran back the way they came, clearing the forest just before it was consumed completely by fire. The head detective turned back, watching the flames engulf the woodland.

"That fire will take a while to go out," Mukuro's voice sounded from behind Yusuke and the head detective turned to face her, noting that the female youkai held Hiei over her shoulder.

"What the hell happened to Hiei?"

"He used the black dragon to its fullest extent, the result of which drained him of his energy," the female youkai answered. "Hiei should wake up within an hour or two."

"So I take it Kane is dead then?" Yusuke asked.

"As is Yukio," Mukuro commented, motioning over to the kitsune. "Kurama made sure of that."

"Yeah.. it... well.. it looked pretty gruesome," the Mazoku replied.

"No less than the pair deserved, given their inclination to experiment on humans... and their desire to kill entire populations," Mukuro countered softly.

Yusuke quirked an eyebrow at her comments but didn't press her, his gaze shifting to Kuwabara who spoke.

"So, is it over then?"

"No," Mukuro answered, lifting her gaze as the sun began to rise in the sky. "Yukio and Kane are dead but the barriers to both Makai and Reikai are still in affect, and that virus is still out there. Until we solve these problems, this event is not over."

"You.. don't have to worry about the virus... or the barriers..." Kurama whispered, awake once more and the head detective lowered his friend to his feet, helping him stand, Botan coming to his aid, crooking the kitsune's arm over her neck and the red head smiled weakly, leaning into her. "Thank you, koishii."

Botan blushed, though her features were worried. "Kurama... you need to be healed... let me heal you..."

"After we leave this place, Botan... but first..." He paused, reaching into his pocket, pulling out the silver vial that housed the virus.

"You retrieved it from Yukio?" Mukuro asked.

"Yes... I managed to steal it from him... that threat is over... as to the barrier.. and the mist..." He reached down, the purple bag still tied to his jeans, the vials of potion unbroken as he added, "I think I can replicate this in a high enough degree that we should be able to disperse the barriers.. and dissipate the mist..."

"You really are quite clever, Youko," Mukuro commented with a smile. "I can see why Hiei calls you friend."

Kurama smiled. "We'll see if I'm clever enough to solve the riddle of barriers and viruses," he replied, voice softer as he whispered in the deity's ear. "Take me back to my family, Botan. We need to retrieve them so I can heal them."

"But what about you, Kurama?" Botan asked, studying her lover in concern. "You must be in a lot of pain."

"I've felt worse pain than this," the kitsune countered. "I'll survive. Right now, I'm worried about my family."

And so Kurama was reunited with his family, allowing the deity to heal him enough so he would work to solve the riddle of how the barriers were created, using the facilities in the medical science building to isolate the particles that would counteract the barrier.

The kitsune turned the potion into a gaseous form, filling it in cylinders, giving one to Mukuro and the other to Botan, sending them back to their respective realms with instructions on how to release the gas. It didn't take long for him to sense that both realms were now accessible.

Feeling he was being watched, Kurama turned, finding the form of Hiei looking up at him.

The fire demon, now awake, studied his best friend, inwardly surprised at the number of healing scars that marred his friend's body, a smirk upon his lips. "Seems you had a rougher go of it than me, Kurama."

"Yes.. well.. not all of us have a black dragon that makes us go to sleep now do we?"

"Hmph.." Hiei sounded, though the smirk remained. "I can sense Makai now. Mukuro will be expecting me."

"Yes, I'm sure she is," Kurama said dryly, a smirk now upon his face. "Don't keep her waiting, Hiei."

The fire demon tossed a look of irritation the kitsune's way. "I could say the same of you and your ferry girl, Kurama," he replied, tapping his temple. "She's wondering how much longer before you go to her, fox. Don't keep her waiting too long."

The fox spirit quirked an eyebrow at his best friend's words, watching the Koorime vanish, sighing as he looked over at his family. "Just wait a little longer, Botan. I promise to see you soon."

Yusuke and Kuwabara helped to clear the sleeping mist, the city once again alive and bustling. The pair returned to their perspective homes, leaving Kurama alone to do one last task.

He altered the minds of his mother and his brother, erasing their memories of the past events, healing Suichi of the virus Yukio infected him with then creating a cover story for the human population in regards to the murdered scientists and the burnt bamboo forest.

Kurama returned his family to their home as if nothing had happened. But the memories remain for me.

He had nearly lost his family and his koishii to a madman's plan for world destruction and domination. I will not let it happen again, he vowed as he made his way up to Spirit World.

XXXXXXXXXXX

"So Yukio and his brother were descendants of the extinct Gensou clan?" Koenma said, studying Kurama as he stood before the toddler lord, his green eyes impassive and his features a mask of calm reserve.

"Yes, Lord Koenma. The twins were offspring of one of the Reikai Scientists and a female youkai from the Gensou. Yukio claimed that this virus," Kurama said with a pause, removing the silver vial and handing it carefully to Koenma. "Was the creation of his mother. He also mentioned his family being put to death for their experiments on humans. He tried to continue her work. Hiei and I managed to kill the pair and send them here judgment."

Koenma took the vial gingerly, handing it to Ayame, who headed off to lock it in one of the Reikai safety vaults. "Yes... Yukio and Kane's souls arrived here the moment Spirit World was accessible and promptly sent to Hell. I tried to get them to talk, but they were not very cooperative."

"I would imagine not."

Koenma frowned. "But who were they really, Kurama? Why did they get like this?"

"I suspect they were also experimented on by their parents," Kurama answered. "It would explain their abilities... and their loathing of humans... most likely they were under the same affect as the drugs they used to restart Cosmic Dissonance... either way.. it doesn't matter now.. they're dead... they've been judged... and it's time to move on."

"Yes, I suppose you're right," Koenma said, studying the red head with troubled eyes. "And what of your family?"

"They will recover with no lasting effects," Kurama answered, though inwardly he still worried over them. "For now things are back to normal and I plan to keep them that way." He paused, voice softer. "Will that be all, Koenma?"

The toddler lord blinked, brow furrowed. The young man in front of him was hurting still and not for the first time did Koenma feel a sort of sympathy for the kitsune. To carry so many burdens must be exhausting. "Yes... thank you, Kurama... and.. as a friend.. can I recommend something?"

The kitsune paused, remaining quiet, nodding as he listened.

"Take a vacation. Go far away from here... take my head ferry girl with you... you both deserve a break."

A smile tugged at the corner of the red head's lips. "Is that an order?" he asked gamely.

"No... just a suggestion..."

Kurama nodded again, giving a slight bow, exiting the office and into the courtyard, slowing to a stop at the sight of Botan at the bottom step.

"Kurama," Botan murmured, studying her lover with concerned eyes.

"Botan," the kitsune replied, walking down to her.

The deity reached reached up, cupping his face, her eyes on his as she whispered. "Is everything alright?"

The red head smiled softly, his mask falling, tender emotion on his face as he pulled her to him, resting his forehead against hers. "Everything is fine, Botan, now that I'm in your presence once more."

The blue haired girl blushed but laughed softly. "Charmer," she teased lightly, leaning up to kiss him softly.

Kurama returned the kiss, tugging at the girl's bottom lip as he pulled back, eyes twinkling as he asked, "How about we head to your room and I'll show you how charming I can really be?"

Botan giggled, letting out a happy squeak as the kitsune scooped her into his arms, arms around his neck as she nuzzled his skin, voice tender and excited as she whispered. "I thought you'd never ask."

The red head laughed softly, open affection on his handsome face, enjoying the closeness of her as he made his way up to the deity's room, tender kisses and touches giving way to desire as they made love until the moon rose high in the Reikai sky, lost in the sense of each other, never to be parted again.