True Dedication

Chapter 10

“The front door opened and you were there. That’s what happened, love. Please forgive me…” Kurama said quietly as he waited for his lover to speak. How can I ask for his forgiveness so freely. If I were in his place...the consequences would be... He felt a chunk of his soul slipping from his body as Yusuke slowly turned away from him.

No words came from the young man close to him. Kurama suppressed the fear as despair crept down his spine and settled in his stomach like a hard stone. He knew in his heart that he had broken the trust within their new relationship. The hands that grasped his own slipped away as Yusuke stood up and walked a few paces from him. His head hung low as his gel-slicked hair fell loose to hide his eyes. He couldn’t control the shaking of his body. Kurama reached out for him but he pulled away.

“Don’t…don’t you fucking touch me, Kurama.” He said. His voice strained to keep from lashing out more. “I don’t want you to touch me at the moment, Kurama, or I might do something I will regret later.” He closed his eyes and took a deep breath trying to center himself. 'What does he expect me to do, run into his arms and say things will be fine? He practically invited Hiei to our bed...hell he hasn't even said he was sorry for what happened...just to forgive him...'

Yusuke glanced over his shoulder, taking in Kurama's pained expression. He still hasn't said it. He walked away from his boyfriend, stopped at the bottom of the stairs and braced himself when he felt the fire demon’s ki flare. 'And he's still here...' Images of what his fox and his supposed friend had done while he was away came to mind. His body cringed with newfound rage. He imagined a smug expression on the little koorime, one of triumph. 'But that’s not Hiei’s style…he wouldn't have wanted to be sloppy seconds… No, if anything Hiei would want to win Kurama fair and square, not a as rebound. So what the hell happened to provoke them to engage in sex?' His body trembled at the sound of Kurama’s voice calling out to him to calm down.

'Calm down, clam down he says. How the hell am I supposed to be calm when you just fucked your ex-lover! How am I supposed to react? Like it was nothing and shrug it off. Tch, as if fox-boy...this time I won't shy from it.’ His blood surged through his veins, making him sweat. Taking another deep breath, he gathered his wits and climbed the stairs. ‘One way or another…someone has one hell of an explanation to give…’

Kurama remained seated, watching his lover ascend the stairs. He could sense that he was not welcomed near Yusuke yet he had to make sure the mazoku didn’t do anything to harm their friend. He didn’t want to lose either of them, especially because it was his fault for being so weak in the first place.

"For the first time I curse my human self. How could I have been so… irrational? If only I had paid closer attention to what my body was going through." He chastised. ‘And do not think for one second, Youko, that our business is finished…you will have to explain your actions to our future mate!’ Kurama growled threateningly at his inner demon.

Vacating his spot on the couch, he followed after Yusuke, taking the stairs at a slower pace. When he reached the top step something flew out of his bedroom and crashed against the wall. Looking over he saw it was his desk lamp and ducked down a second time when another object, his dresser draw, just barely grazed his head. Dropping onto all fours Kurama crawled towards the door to see Yusuke standing in the middle of the room and a half-clothed Hiei using the desk as a barrier.

"I want answers Hiei, what the hell provoked you to come and play home-wrecker!" Yusuke shouted as he powered up his Shot Gun.

“As I have mentioned before, it was not my intention to bed Kurama, I simply came to investigate what I picked up on. It just so happened to be him."

“That still doesn't tell me anything!" Yusuke fired off his attack. Hiei ducked behind the fallen dresser just before the blast destroyed Kurama's desk.

Hiei growled his annoyance and prepared to unravel the bindings on his right arm when Yusuke appeared in front of him, holding him by the shoulder. "If you will release me and end this nonsense then I can tell you precisely what is going on." He blurred away and reappeared on the windowsill.

"Fine, explain then." Yusuke stated as he moved towards the door, blocking Hiei's escape.

"As I was saying before you went on a rampage, I came to investigate a disturbance in demon energy. It led me to Kurama's neighborhood. When I found him I noticed his energy was off the wall and his scent had changed. That is when I figured it was his energy I traced and that he was suffering from an early heat." Hiei explained as his Jagan Eye opened up.

Tch sounds like he's telling the truth yet I don't get one thing "If you knew what was happening to him, why didn't you leave or at least try to contact Botan. I'm sure she could have done something." And for that matter if Kurama did figure out what was going on why didn't he ask for assistance or try to leave. Why didn't he just tie Hiei up with one of his plants or locked him in the bathroom or something...

"I was not under the impression that he needed nor wanted assistance...only that his demon side craved for a way to relieve it of its pent up frustration. Since you were not here and I was..."

"Bastard! You could have left things well alone, you just wanted to take advantage of him while he was vulnerable!" Yusuke ran towards the fire demon, eyes blazed with fury. Hiei dodged the assault and took a step back on the sill. Yet Kurama hasn't denied anything he's said so far. Yusuke knew Kurama was watching them and he bet Hiei knew too.

“This will not due, Detective. If we are going to fight over this matter, we have to do it the sensible way.” He said as he jumped out the opened window and landed in a crouch in the backyard. “I did try to explain to you what had happened.” His voice called from below.

Following his example Yusuke ran to the window and hopped out, standing a distance from Hiei. Kurama finding his will to move, ran towards the window where his friends had jumped and saw his lover and ex-lover staring each other down. Feeling the ache grow worse in his stomach and his heart clench, he rushed out the bedroom and towards the backdoor. He could feel their energy levels rising by the minute. He reached out his hand to turn the doorknob as he heard Hiei speaking.

“-not win this battle, Detective. Kurama has chosen me. I will not let myself lose him again. I have claim on him and I won’t let him go that easily.” ‘Not until I truly understand where he and I stand.’ He thought as he readied his attack.

“Fuck off Hiei, you had your try and you blew it. Kurama’s with me now and I WON’T have him taken away. I don’t care who it is, I will kill anyone that gets near MY FOX!” Yusuke threatened. And that fox will need to be punished… He looked towards the backdoor knowing Kurama was behind it. Kurama did you allow yourself to succumb to Hiei...am I not enough for you...

Kurama burst through the door, his robe clinging to his lithe body like a second skin. He felt his own anger melding with those of his best friends. This is absurd! There is no need for them to resort to attack one another. I have faulted you both, take your anger out on me, not amongst yourself. Their energies burned at his flesh like flames from a fire. Black and Blue energy waves danced and twirled about their bodies. An energy spike cut Kurama on his left wrist and he winced from the pain. His eyes shot towards Yusuke who was powering up his Spirit Gun and aimed it directly at Hiei. Hiei’s right arm began to smoke and sizzle signaling that he was calling for the Black Dragon.

“Wait. Hiei! Yusuke! Stop this fighting. It’s not worth it. Please. Stop it!” Kurama screamed at the top of his lungs. His cries were drowned out by both their attacks charging at one another.

Hiei’s dragon soared through the air with lighting speed towards Yusuke, its body crackling with immense energy making it hard for Yusuke’s Spirit Gun to slice through the air with the same speed. Both men stood poised, waiting for the other attack to make contact with their bodies. Kurama was beside himself. Should he help one or both? If he did would it make things worse? Momentarily everything seemed to slow down, both attacks moving at an ungodly slow pace. Without another thought, Kurama ran steadfast towards the attacks, both attacks hit their mark, shrouding the demons in a thick cloud of black smog.

“Kurama!” Hiei and Yusuke shouted as they tried to clear the smoke forming around him. “Where are you?” Yusuke called as he willed away the smoke.

As the cloud dissipated both fighters stood where they saw the fox run to. Blood spilled from cuts on his body. His robe was torn and hanging from his body. Hiei’s body shook as he took in the appearance of his friend. He fell to one knee, his katana dropping from his hand. Yusuke looked ready to blow something up and cry at the same time. His legs trembled as he fell to the ground, shaking from the amount of emotions pouring from him. Kurama looked as if he were sleeping, only thing messing up the scene was the blood pooling from a deep gash on his inner left thigh.

Hiei took off his cloak and gently staved off the blood flow from the gash. Yusuke’s eyes were heavy with tears as he picked up his lover and made his way into the house, Hiei following silently behind. Settling him on the couch, Yusuke grabbed at his hair and pulled, falling into the chair nearest him.

“What do we do? I don’t know what to do…this is all my fault...damn it!" Yusuke punched his fist into the ground.

“First, we get him cleaned up, he is not dead, just unconscious. His youki must have protected him from major impact of our attacks. I will retrieve Yukina and bring her here. You have him cleaned up by then. Hopefully instead of killing each other we can find some middle ground.” Hiei flitted off and Yusuke rose to his feet with Kurama secured in his arms and went inside to tend to his lover.


Twenty minutes later, a clean and sleeping Kurama laid in his bed, a petite mint-green haired demoness hovered her hands over his prone body. Her serene amber eyes deep in concentration as her light blue energy poured from her tiny hands and into the kitsune. Sweat beaded on her brow but she never once complained. After ten minutes passed, she removed her hands and leaned back into the chair provided for her.

“That should do, he must not do anything strenuous for about two hours, and he needs plenty of rest. His energy levels are not stable at the present time. From what Hiei-san has told me, his heat must be hindering his healing abilities as well as other things. Please allow him to rest, it would be helpful for his recovery.” She stood and bowed slightly to her friends.

“Thanks Yukina. I owe you big time for this. And no worries he’s not going anywhere for a while…not until this…heat is over and done with.” Yusuke declared from his position on the bed, his hand cradling Kurama’s in his lap. He still has some explaining to do, from what I gathered his demon wanted release...not himself...then why the hell didn't he refuse...

Hiei stood near the door, his head bowed. He couldn’t look at his friend…he had almost died and for what…a petty fight over something trivial as who did whom. It disgusted him and broke one of his honor codes. Hiei left the room, headed out to the backyard and sat under the maple tree. Yukina bowed again and followed the path of the fire demon to see her back to the temple.

“Damn it fox, every time…I do it every time don’t I? I haven't really learned to control my temper yet. Fists firsts ask questions later, yeah?” Yusuke shook his head in shame. “But this time you took my fist and I’m sorry. Please wake up I need you and I swear I will listen just…wake up…” Don't leave me...

Hiei appeared a few minutes later picking up his tattered shirt as he took in the appearance of his comrades. ‘They look so…right for each other…’ he mused as he approached the bed.

“His color is returning. That is a good sign." Trying to loosen the tension building between them, Hiei slowly approached them. "How are you holding up, Detective?”

“I could be better." Yusuke took in Hiei's appearance and chuckled. "Look in the closet, you should find something that fits you. Can’t have you half naked in the bedroom, might stir something up.” Yusuke tried to laugh but came off more as deep sigh. What am I suppose to say 'everything is cool between us'...it's much his fault as it is fox-boy's

Kurama’s hand twitched in his lap and his eyes grew wider as that grip tightened. Hiei felt the energy spike and returned from his shirt hunt. Kurama’s eyes fluttered open slowly, taking in the area. ‘I’m in my room…but…Hiei! Yusuke!’ He sat bolt up in bed and his first reaction was to scold both of his friends who were in his line of vision. But the sudden vertigo had him collapsing back into the mattress. Still it did not hinder his tirade.

“What the is the matter with the two of you? We are not in the Makai. Do you know the seriousness of your actions? You could be sent to the prison or worse. I could be sent back to Makai. I do not want to give up my human life nor choose between the two of you. Hiei, I love you with all my heart but as Yusuke said you and I, we had our chance. Yusuke, I love you. If I did not care for you I would not have told you what had happened. Of course if I knew what was happening I would have done a better job at protecting myself but I was not aware. I couldn’t control my damned demon instincts. He was there and you were not. That may sound harsh, love, however if we were in Makai this situation would be perfectly normal. Hiei understands this, but you are not aware of demon standards," He breathed deeply and closed his eyes regaining his composure, "However, we are not there, we are here and I chose you. I Am With YOU. You big idiot.” Again I ask for your forgiveness and understanding of this. I meant you no ill will I never want to hurt you, ever...

After Kurama’s big speech, both demons looked at one another then at Kurama before bursting with laughter. Hiei deadpanned from the sheer shock of being told off and fell onto his side laughing. (Very un-Hiei-ish but hey my fic ^_^) Yusuke rolled onto the bedroom floor trying his damnedest not to piss his pants. Kurama could not believe they were laughing after he just poured out his heart to them. And why was he in his bedroom when they were clearly outside in his backyard? ‘Oh…that’s right I ran to intercept their attacks on one another…bandages?’

“What happened? And would you please cease your laughing, it was not that humorous.” He said as he tried to get up from the bed. His eyes changed from green to gold and back again. ‘I must control my emotions lest Youko try to escape once more

Yusuke gathered himself together and climbed back on the bed, bringing Kurama into his embrace. He breathed in his scent, fresh flowers and cinnamon, and smiled. His fox was going to be fine. “I thought I lost you, ‘Rama. I don’t want to see you ever look that way…you looked…well anyway just don’t go charging in like that…okay? We know you would rather sacrifice yourself than see your friends killed."

“I promise but, Yusuke…I am truly sorry for what had occurred. It was not my intention to ever hurt you, what I said I meant. I chose you. I care for you more than I care for my own well-being. Seeing you hurt made me hurt. I don’t want to be the cause of that pain again, understand?”

“Yeah, I understand. But hey, why can’t I be upset with you. I mean you did sleep with,” Yusuke’s eyes glanced over at Hiei who now sat cross-legged on the floor, “ do you mean by I shouldn’t be pissed off at you. And you still never said you were sorry for what you did.” Yusuke stated. He climbed to his feet and made his way over to the stunned Hiei.

“What do you mean? I told you it wasn’t my fault.” Kurama felt his anger rising but quelled it knowing Youko would use that opportunity to wreck more havoc. "Nor was it any fault of Hiei's, my scent must have triggered his baser instincts and he reacted as any demon would when they smell another demon in heat. Be it male or female..." He added as an afterthought.

“Okay then but I bet during your little coupling, your mind was telling you to stop. Was it not?” Yusuke questioned. He could tell he hit a nerve when he saw the fox flinch. “I see, yet you continued. And you tell me not to be pissed. Figures.”

Yusuke raised his fist in the air readying for a punch. Kurama closed his eyes waiting for the blow to land. Hiei gripped his katana hilt prepared to defend his friend and himself. When Kurama didn’t feel the strike he opened his eyes to see the fist inches from his face. Hiei had his katana pointed at the Detective’s throat. Glaring harshly at his lover, Yusuke walked out the room not sparing the occupants a glance. Kurama couldn’t move from his spot, his body was frozen with a fear he never thought he would feel again. The light touch from Hiei brought him back to the present, offering him a comforting nod. Kurama gave him a sad smile. He couldn’t do anything right. Hiei, his comrade for years, he had betrayed in the worse way, and now Yusuke may never forgive him, or stay in their relationship. He promised him he wouldn’t break his heart like Keiko but it seemed he did.


Yusuke headed out the door, it slammed closed behind him. He needed to clear his mind and just mellow out before he actually did kill his friend and boyfriend. A short walk around the block should clear my mind. How can he say it’s not his fault? Heat or no heat, Kurama could have stopped if he wanted to. Hell all he had to do was tie Hiei up with his vines and escape. He just…ugh I don’t even know anymore…’Yusuke felt something vibrating in his pocket and forgot that he carried the communicator still and fetched it out.

“So what do you want now pacifier-breath.” Yusuke answered in a deadpan tone.

Koenma couldn’t figure out the best way to form his words so he sighed and cleared his throat. He knew that his friend was in pain and didn't have the heart to place this case on him but he had no one else to turn to. The SDF were under his father's jurisdiction and with his father MIA, there really was no one to handle the case.

“Hello earth to Koenma. What the hell do you want?” Yusuke asked irritably. His patience was wearing thin.

“Oh yes. Um…Right well first off what were the two of you thinking? My father already wants you dead, do you want him to have you arrested. But anyway, that’s not why I called you. Botan should be there shortly to bring you three here. It seems we have trouble brewing and I mean TROUBLE.” He explained. He took a deep breath and drank out of a small mug. “So I want you along with Hiei and Kurama to investigate. Do you think you can handle that?”

“First of all lord of the binky, I would have to clear my busy schedule to even dream of helping out on this case. As much as I would love to work for you again have we forgotten a certain father deemed me not fit for the job since I became a major threat to human world. In fact, he tried to have me assassinated a while back. So as much as it pains me to decline the opportunity to once again be in services, I have to say go suck on a nipple. I’m done.”

“Yusuke you have to work on this case. It deals with a certain demon of your past. Oops I said too much. Botan should be there soon so get ready.”

Koenma quickly ended the conversation leaving Yusuke to groan his displeasure. He kicked a rock that was in his path, sending flying into the distance. ‘If it ain’t one thing, it’s another. I can’t have a break, can I?’ He stretched his worn limbs and peered up at the sky. One thing is for certain this will be a good distraction for a while...at least until we settle this.


Kurama went into the bathroom and turned on the shower until it was scalding hot Stepping into the harsh water, he scrubbed his skin until he it was an angry red. He couldn’t get the stench of shame from his skin, it seeped out of his pores. After what felt like hours, he turned off the water and shuddered. He stepped out the shower and took in his appearance in the mirror. ‘(Sighs), even though I know I am clean, the filth still lingers. The only good outcome is my heat has regressed. It would have been less problematic had I known it was approaching.’ He thought as his hair clung to his back and shoulders as he dried himself off. Heading towards the bedroom, he felt Hiei's energy still in the house but Yusuke's was missing. He sighed mournfully and closed the bedroom door to dress.

He sat on the bed, a soothing calm embraced him as his mind wandered to a couple hours ago when he and Hiei shared his bed. It felt like ages to him. This bed is where he slept and made love with Yusuke, but now it was tainted, unusable. Releasing another sigh, he fought the urge to curl in on himself and rose to his feet to find something to throw on. Opening his closet he found his green fighting tunic and white pants. Placing those on he decided he wanted his hair out of the way and grabbed a thong to tie up his hair.

‘That’s better.’ He looked at his image in the mirror. ‘I guess it’s time I face the music. I will need to purchase another bed as well seeing as this will no longer be suffice.'

He opened his door to hear Yusuke coming into the house complaining about always cleaning up Koenma’s messes. He still felt Hiei’s energy so he too had stayed. He took the stairs slowly, gauging everyone's moods. His eyes sought Hiei before glancing over to Yusuke who sunk lower into the couch. Shaking his head solemnly Kurama made his way into the kitchen for something to drink when a surge of energy presented itself in a form of a portal. Out jumped Botan in all her bubbly glory, smiling.

“Oh good I don’t have to track all of you down this time.” She said looking them all over. “Oh, I guess Kuwabara won’t be joining us this time. Too bad he might have liked this case."

“Yeah, he’s on some exchange program or something overseas. I told Koenma he’s not to be bothered with Spirit World. So can we go and get this over with. I’m not in the best of moods as you can see.” Yusuke groused out as he stepped up to the portal.

“Oh dear, well I hope this mission will put you in a better mood. You could use this as a means to release your aggression.” She said and chuckled into her hand. She stepped through the portal first, followed by Yusuke, then Kurama and Hiei brought up the rear.


It took them only five minutes to get there. Standing outside the large doors leading into the fortified domain of Reikei, Botan led the group through the dark hallway and into a room that resembled the Wall Street stock exchange. Ogres of various colors and sizes scurried about the elaborate office space. One particular ogre stood out from the rest wearing an animal loincloth in the shade of orange with black stripes. His blue skin and yellowish-brown hair complimented his attire.

“Well hello there George. Why if I may ask are you out here and not with Koenma?” Botan asked. Her bright pink eyes blinked curiously at him.

“Oh, Koenma asked me to stand here until you arrived. He wanted me make sure you brought all three of them. He also told me you may resume your duties, I will escort them.”

“What! How dare he? Thinks I can't do my job properly, wait until I get in there-”

“It’s okay Botan, whatever diaper-boy has to tell us I’m sure you already know the most of it, right. However, for now do not take it personal. Besides, we wouldn’t want Koenma to get pummeled before we even find out what he called us here for.” Yusuke said. He gestured for the ogre to let them pass.

The others followed the two inside Koenma’s office, the tall doors closing slowly behind them. Botan stood outside, her face puffy and ready to cry when she remembered another way into the room. Making sure no one saw her she vanished.

“Ah, Yusuke, Kurama, and Hiei, it’s good to see you guys. Haven’t seen you since our last gathering. When was that? About three years ago I suspect.”

“Cut the small talk and get to the point. I’m not in the mood to play. Tell me why you called us so I can say no and get this over with.” Yusuke said. He found a chair and plopped down in it.

“Well as I was explaining via communicator it seems an old enemy of yours has resurfaced. We don’t know why but all we have to go by is this demon had help escaping prison. Our prison. Of course daddy dearest doesn’t know about this yet since he’s on vacation at the time being. However when he gets back there will be hell to pay. Literally.” Koenma then turned to George who flipped on the big screen television and popped in a video tape. “You will see in a moment the reason why I called you three here.”

The video tape began to play. The three demons all waited for whatever it was to show when an image appeared of a prison cell. A figure occupied the room pacing back and forth in the shadows. There was one visible distinction that Yusuke saw all too clearly, a spider-shaped tattoo on the demon’s face. A slight shiver crept its way over his entire body as he recalled his first real mission.

“Rando.” He said aloud. All eyes turned on him and then back onto the screen. Hiei tilted his head curiously while Kurama studied the facial expressions of his lover. First realization than a distinct hint of…fear? No that’s not possible. Yusuke hadn’t shown any fear since his fight with Sensui. He turned his attention back to the video to see another form take place within the darkened room, their shadow stretching ominously on the wall adjacent from the prison cell. The demon Rando backed away from the cell door as a blast obliterated it. He walked through the blast, carelessly brushing the debris from his body. He then noticed the camera placed right above his cell and smirked before a blast took it out. The tape ended there and all three occupants looked back towards the toddler.

“As you can see Yusuke that's the reason why I called you here. With the exception of Kuwabara and Botan, you know the importance of capturing him.” Koenma stated as he hopped out the chair. He approached them all and sighed. “Rando is a notorious demon known for stealing the special techniques from spirit fighters. His last attempt on gaining his 100th, yes 100th technique was how he ended up here. It was Yusuke’s very first case. He had to stop Rando from gaining Genkai’s Spirit Wave technique. Well as you can see Yusuke survived and Rando was here all that time, until now.”

“What I don’t understand is why you never got rid of him! I mean I only got a taste of what he could do. What the hell were you guys thinking keeping him alive!” Yusuke asked. “I mean damn it, what's the point in bringing in criminals if you're only going to let them simmer in your jail!"

“Well father didn’t think it would do any good to get rid of him. He thought persuasion would help to gain him as an ally, a way to keep the lesser demons in order. Even with you as a threat he still thinks he can get rid of you. Even if it meant making a deal with a demon. Since his time here, Rando was moved to a secluded prison. Only ones that have access are myself, Dad, and his task force well that I know of.”

“Damn King Enma really hates my guts. Oh to hell with him anyway. So, Rando, know where he’s currently making his nest. I want to be done with this before it gets out of hand.” And before he can gain any info on me...

“Word has it he’s taken to hiding in Makai in the mountains north of Mukuro’s lands. Since we aren’t permitted to interfere with Makai affairs that’s where you three come in. Find Rando and this accomplice. Be sure to bring them both back alive, won't do if they are dead and we can't find out what they were planning.”

“Koenma if I may ask, I thought the Spirit World prison was impossible to escape from. Do you believe it was an inside job? If so, do you have any leads to who it may be?” Kurama questioned. He wanted to know what who he was dealing with. If this Rando character affected his lover just by seeing his face then he wanted to be prepared.

“Yes, indeed Spirit World prison is impossible to escape from, however we do believe it was one of our own that helped him break free. As to who it could be we have no leads but as soon as we find one you will be notified.”

“And if we refuse to not help you with your own mistake. What will you do, Koenma?” Hiei supplied. He didn’t want to be apart of some retrieval mission. He wanted to return to the Makai and seek solitude. He needed time to think and to recover from his lost.

“If anyone so much as abandons their duty toward this mission they will be severely punished for their actions earlier today. Do we have an understanding?” Koenma stated. His eyebrows rose daring Hiei to say another word. Hiei glared and rolled his eyes in an annoyed fashion.

After the silence that enveloped them seemed unbearable a muffled noise drew their attention to an air vent placed right above their heads. Not a second later a pink and blue blur fell into the arms of the fox. Everyone stared at the bumbling girl in his arms as she tried to right herself.

“Um…hello…” She said meekly. Her facial expression took on the form of a cat.

“Uh, Botan, yes, well since you are here you can escort our friends home now so they can get started on the case. By the way next time you want to find something out use the door it’s easier and less embarrassing for you.” Koenma sweat dropped. He truly loved the ferry-girl but sometimes he couldn’t believe that she could be that…absentminded.

She nodded and hopped out of the fox’s arms. She blushed and headed towards the door. Hiei was right behind her followed by Yusuke, but Kurama remained. He wasn’t too thrilled to go home. He knew he still had to resolve his problem with both Hiei and Yusuke. He sighed and shook his head, ‘How do I get myself into these situations?’

“Is everything okay, Kurama? You seem a bit paler.” Koenma said, startling Kurama from his thoughts.

“No, I’m fine Koenma. Just having some issues I have to work out nothing more. By the way, this Rando character, what is his relationship to Yusuke? He does not seem that powerful. Yet when Yusuke saw his face he blanched.”

“Well, that was the first time he dealt with a demon that strong and he witnessed Kuwabara being tortured by the brute. He also toyed around with them mercilessly. Let's just say it left a bad taste in his mouth. Just be there for him Kurama, he will need you.”

Kurama bowed and left to follow the gang to the portal waiting outside. Koenma went back to his chair and sat down harshly. He couldn’t figure out his friends for the life of him but he knew when they were hurting. He just hoped Kurama and Yusuke fixed their mess before they went after Rando. They couldn’t afford any more mishaps.

“George I’m in the mood for some king crab and miso soup. See to it that I have in five minutes.”

“Uh yes Lord Koenma-sir.” George said. He left the godling to his musings.

“I have a headache.” Koenma whined.