True Dedication

OMG! I thought I would never be able to update again. Guys I am sssssssssssssooooooooooooooo sorry this took so long. This year had been hell you hear me HELL but I pulled through yes siree. And this is for you guys who have stood by me and to a Happy and Safe New Year's to all. Thank you so much and I hope this chapter will satisfy you until i get the next one out which I hope won't be that long.

Okay, enjoy.


Chapter 13

Yusuke arrived back at the office. His thoughts were constantly roaming to his fox at home and scolding himself for not being with his mate in his time of need. But he had to go to work for the both of them. The elevator doors opened and he scrambled out looking thoroughly exhausted. His walk to Kurama’s office seemed longer without the fox by his side but he managed to reach the door knob when someone called his name. He stopped and turned in the direction that somebody was coming from. Hatanaka was headed his way wearing an expression that all too represented distress.

“I’m glad I finally found you.” He breathed out. He looked as if he had run all the way from his office. “Shiori just called me; they had to take Shuichi to the hospital.”

Yusuke was gone before Hatanaka finished his sentence. ‘The hospital? Fox, what the hell’s going on with you?’ He tried to think about positive things but he could only think of the worst outcome. He reached the car, turned over the ignition and sped his way to the hospital. ‘You better be okay fox or I’m kicking your ass.’


He arrived at his destination and parked in the parking garage. He quickly wiped away the tears that had shed on his way there as he climbed out the car. Instead of taking the elevator he took the stairs to get himself together before he entered the place that held his beloved mate. Several minutes later he stood in front of the receptionist desk where a young girl with brunette hair done up in a bun talked on the phone. When she noticed him she smiled pleasantly and ended her conversation.

“Well hello there. How can I help you sir?” She asked in her polite voice.

“Yea, a friend of mine was rushed here, name Minamino Shuichi.”

“Minamino…Minamino…ah yes he’s here. He’s on the third floor room 315.”

“Thank you.”

Yusuke headed towards the elevator all the while his mind raced with worst case scenarios of his fox. Did he have to have surgery? What if what caused him to pass out was some sort of disease? The bell chimed and he stepped on, pressing the number three and waited for the little second when the door opened on the designated floor. He stepped off the metal box and turned the corner to enter a hallway leading to double doors where his red-head was being held. The doors opened and the first thing he noticed was Kurama’s mother, Shiori, sitting in the waiting room, next to her was Kokota her step-son.

“Oh Yusuke.” She said as she spotted him approaching. She rose from her chair and gave him a big hug. “It all happened so suddenly. One minute he was fine the next he was lying on the floor unconscious.” She began to cry as Yusuke held her close.

“It’s going to be alright Mrs. Minamino, he’s a fighter.” Yusuke assured. “Besides, he’s your son and you are a strong woman.”

Just then a nurse walked by and told them that they could see Shuichi. Shiori followed the nurse while Yusuke and Kokota walked behind.

“So…uh Kokota isn’t it?” Yusuke asked. Kokota nodded. “Well…I was wondering how did you get here? I don’t see Mr. Hatanaka.”

“He dropped me off and headed back to work. Said he forgot to do something and would return soon.”

“Oh okay.”

“So you and Shu-chan are close.” Kokota raised his eyebrow.

“Yea, we’re friends. Best friends I would say.” Kokota stared at Yusuke for a little while longer before turning away and smiled. Yusuke didn’t know what to make of his little chat with the fox’s brother but he could tell they weren’t done ‘chatting’ not at all.

“Here we are room 315. I have to tell you to keep your voices down for he is asleep. The doctor should be in shortly to talk to you.” She bowed and left the room.

There the fox lay, several machines surrounded his bed. An I.V. was on his left hand, a heart monitor kept an eye out for any signs of trouble. He wore an oxygen mask to regulate his breathing. As the group moved closer they could see how pale he looked compared to the sheets covering him. Shiori gasped and held onto Yusuke’s arm while Kokota slumped into a nearby chair. Yusuke braced himself on the handrails. His fox, his mate was ill and he could do nothing to remedy it.

“Oh, Shuichi. My baby boy. What happened?” Shiori wept and hid her face on Yusuke’s sleeve.

Inside Yusuke was angry, scared, worried. He tried to steel himself, to calm the raging emotions threatening to engulf his own being. He would not succumb to his fears, his mate needed him to be strong and dammit he will.

The door creaked open and in walked a doctor who appeared to be in his late thirties wearing a white smock and a stethoscope around his neck. His chestnut hair had specks of silver in it but his brilliant blue eyes showed how young he really was. His badge read Dr. Niko Yawagitchi. Yusuke turned to see him and nodded as he urged Shiori to look in the direction of their new guest.

“So, this here is Shuichi Minamino, eh. Let’s just take a look at what his chart says.” He picked up the chart from the end of the bed, gave it a once over, than looked at the two occupants staring back at him. “It seems here that Shuichi was a little dehydrated which can be fixed and as you said Mrs. Hatanaka he was complaining of stomach pains.” Shiori nodded. “In that case we’ll have an ultrasound done to see what’s going on. Is there any questions I could answer for you at this time?”

No one answered. Their eyes were pinned to the sleeping form of their loved one. Dr. Niko gave them a warm smile though they didn’t notice it and cleared his throat to get their attention.

“Well, since no one has any questions I will call a nurse to have Shuichi taken to get his tests.” He bowed and left the room. Once the door closed the group broke from their reverie.

“I think I’ll go call Ken and let him know what’s going on.” Shiori said after a while. “He would like an update on the situation.”

Yusuke nodded not really paying her attention. His mind was on one thing, the well being of his mate. Shiori took one last glance before turning towards the door. Kokota seeing how Yusuke was eyeing his brother thought it best to leave as well. He had a hunch something was brewing between the two but didn’t want to voice his opinion yet, not until he was fully sure. Alone at last Yusuke caressed the delicate, smooth face that he loved to kiss. The once full kissable lips were pale and slightly parted as the fox breathed. He finally took notice that his beloved had lost all traces of his demonic silver streaks; he couldn’t tell if his eyes changed back since they were closed. ‘Must have changed when he passed out’ Yusuke mused. He placed the fox’s hand back in his own and kissed it.

“Hey my sexy fox, I know you can hear me so listen up. If you ever scare me like this again you will stay home permanently.” Yusuke smiled.

Slowly, Kurama’s eyelids began to move as he fought to regain consciousness. Soon those emerald orbs shown through pale lids scanning his environment for anything recognizable. His eyes finally focused on a goofy grin that only his koi could muster.

“I suppose… (cough) this means…I can’t have…my Yus…ke…sundae?” Kurama said in a soft whisper. His voice was a bit scratchy and muffled by the mask he wore.

Yusuke saw a tray on the rolling table with a pitcher sitting on top. Pouring the water in a glass he helped his love take the mask off and drink down the liquid substance.

“Yea well, we’re in the same boat buddy.” Yusuke chuckled. “But seriously Kurama…what happened? I thought you were going to take it easy.”

Kurama tried to sit up. Seeing this Yusuke assisted by propping his pillows and scooting him up. Comfortable, Kurama smiled and reached for Yusuke’s hand. Yusuke interlocked their hands and smiled as well.

“I’m sorry I worried you love.” He finally noticed where he was. The last place on earth he wanted to be at. The hospital. Only one thought came to his mind, “Where’s my mother?” He asked Yusuke.

“Oh, she went to call Hatanaka and let him know how you’re doing. Your brother is here too. The little munchkin started asking me some questions about you and me. I think he might be on to us.” Yusuke smirked. “I guess he takes after you.”

“Yes well Kokota is a bright child and I do believe he has a gift for figuring things out. Do not worry though, he won’t say anything. Not until either one of us says something.”

Kurama took a deep breathe and tried to calm his nerves. He had to get out of there and fast before they did any tests. What that test said only made his resolve to leave all the more apparent as Yusuke felt the fear wash over him through his mating mark.

“Hey fox what’s the matter?”

“I have to get out of here Yusuke. There is something I have to confirm and I must go to Koenma. It has to deal with me-”

The door opened and Yusuke quickly broke their hold. He turned to see who had entered and saw that it was Dr. Niko and a nurse with light strawberry blonde hair and wore glasses. Seeing his patient alert Dr. Niko smiled and bowed.

“Ah, I’m glad to see you are woke Shuichi.”

Kurama tilted his head to see their guest a little better. Dr. Niko walked over followed by the nurse who checked the monitors and took the fox’s blood pressure and changed the I.V. bag. Dr. Niko took the chart and gave it a once over before handing it to the nurse so she could write the new information down. He didn’t want to tell the boys that it was okay for them to hold hands if that is what they wanted since he had already seen them before he walked in. He had a feeling there was more to their friendship by the way Yusuke never left his side. Indeed his theory was proven right the moment before he walked in.

“Well, now that you are awake let’s just see how you are fairing, shall we?” He approached the bed and helped Kurama sit up so he could listen to his chest. “Now breathe in and out. Good, again, once more, okay. Everything looks good. We just have to take an ultrasound since your mother said you complained of stomach pains and also a couple of blood tests just to make sure we don’t miss anything.” Dr. Niko gave them a smile before exiting with the nurse.

A quiet fell in the room that is until Kurama gripped Yusuke’s hand in his and his eyes were wide with fear. He had to get out of here before they find out…well before they find out anything!

“Yusuke you have to get me out of here. They can’t find out that I am a demon. It would cause so much explaining and I don’t think Koenma could fix this. You have to take me to him. He’ll know what is wrong with me.” Kurama ranted. He began to sweat and breathe heavily.

“Okay um…let’s see. We need a distraction…Kurama what if we…Kurama…” Yusuke tugged on the hand but no response. He looked down to see his mate out cold, sweat pouring off him and his breathing ragged. “Shit, Kurama wake up…come on fox wake up…I need your help.”

Just then he heard voices outside the fox’s door. ‘Shit his folks are back. You had to pick this moment to pass out on me didn’t you’ he scolded as he crept towards the door. ‘Damn Hatanaka’s here too. Just great.’ Yusuke looked about the room. The only escape was the door where he was blocked, and…the window…

‘No, I can’t take him out the window. Hell we’re on the third floor. I mean I can make the jump but I don’t know.’ As he approached the window he felt a spike of energy and looked in the direction of a building across the street. “Son of a bitch.” Yusuke couldn’t believe what he saw. There staring back at him was none other than Hiei, his cloak billowing in the wind.

Yusuke opened the window and started to yell when the fire demon appeared on the window sill smirking. “What the hell Hiei!” Yusuke shouted as he reeled back. “What are you doing here?”

“I felt Kurama’s energy getting weaker and followed it here. What the hell happened to him? I though you were going to take care of him, Detective.”

Yusuke felt himself growl and ready to give the fire demon another asshole but fought against it when he felt Kurama’s youki call out to him. “He said we have to get him out of here. To take him to Koenma.”

Hiei resisted the urge to roll his eyes and utter ‘duh’. He approached the bed then used the Jagon to see what was causing the fox so much pain. What he saw shocked him to say the least but he didn’t show it.

“So how are we gonna get him outta here?” Yusuke asked. His eyes darting back between Hiei, his fox, and the door.

“How else.” Hiei looked at the window than at Yusuke. Yusuke followed his gaze and shook his head. “Look Detective this is the only way to get Kurama help. Now its either we go or stay for these ningens to catch us.”

Hiei walked over to the window and looked down. It wasn’t that far of a fall and they could both handle the impact, it was just with an unconscious fox in their possession things might get complicated. Yusuke kept eyeing the door hoping an idea would come to him when he heard the door knob began to turn.

“Shit!” He looked at Hiei who heard them too. “Well I guess we do it your way.” Yusuke unplugged his fox from the noisy machines and carefully cradled him to his chest. He made sure that his fox was still asleep. His chest rising slowly as his eyes fluttered a bit, Yusuke was satisfied and walked towards the window.

Just as he stepped on the sill the door opened and in walked Kokota. Hiei wasted no time and used the Jagon on the boy making him fall to sleep. He then leapt out the window and fell soundless to the ground in a crouch. He looked back up and waited for Yusuke to make the descent.

“Well fox you’re gonna get the help you need. I just hope that whatever it is isn’t life threatening. I don’t know what I would do if I lost you right now. So stay with me.” Yusuke kissed the fox’s forehead and took a deep breath as he too jumped the three floors and landed beside the fire demon.

With a curt nod the two of them dashed off. It seemed they ran for hours, slipping through the crowded streets in shadows and blurs until they reached the outskirts of the city to a familiar location that left Yusuke puzzled.

“Hey Hiei, why are we heading towards Demons Door, I thought I would call Koenma when we reached a quiet location.”

“Because Koenma can not help you in this manner. Only a demon knowledgeable in demon anatomy can help.” Hiei replied as he came to a stop within the massive cave.

They both stared in silence as flashbacks of a battle fought years ago played. Yusuke mentally shook the image of himself letting Sensui kill him and the sound of Kuwabara yelling at him to not sacrifice rang in his ears. He looked down at the sleeping red-head in his arms and swore that he would never leave him again. They both proceeded through the gap leading to a portal to Makai. What they did not sense were two figures hiding in the shadows watching them. When Yusuke and Hiei disappeared the cloaked figures emerged from their hiding place.

“Smell that fresh air. So thick with human, its intoxicating.” Said one of the demons. He was short with long unruly blue hair. His one purple eye gleamed in the dark cave as his jagged teeth broke into a sinister grin.

“Calm down Spara. You will get your chance to have ningen flesh. However, right now you have to carry out your mission.” Replied the taller of the two. His violet eyes glistened in the dark.

“Yes, master. I will do as you bid me.” Spara disappeared from sight.

“Now…all we have to do is let everything go according to plan.” The demon laughed maniacally as his body too vanished in the dark.


In the Reikai, Botan came charging into Koenma’s office, clearly upset about something. It didn’t surprise the Jr. lord at all.

“Ah, Botan, what do I owe to this visit?”

“Don’t you sweet talk me Koenma-sama. Do you have any idea what’s going on?” She asked as her eyes bulged out of her head.

“Yes,” He sighed, “I know what is happening. I have sent many to deal with the problem but I can’t get a hold of Yusuke, Kurama, or Hiei for that matter.” Koenma took a deep breath and flipped on the big screen TV.

The television buzzed on to display downtown Ningenkai. On any normal day it would be peaceful and full of energetic people populating the many stores and streets. However it was far from that…it was a day or chaos. Fires erupted from several stores and cars. People were stealing, fighting; some were even dead on the cold concrete. It was a horrible sight to see and to make matters worse the perpetrator was a low class demon. He stood in the middle of town, eyeing his work before vanishing. Koenma turned the screen off and sighed. Botan held her hands to her mouth in pure horror, her body trembling with the effort not to vomit.

“Oh…Koenma-sama this is so terrible. Why aren’t we doing anything to prevent this? Where’s the SDF?”

“I can’t call them then Father will know I can’t handle the situation. Besides they’re on another mission for him. I have to rely on Yusuke and the guys. If not I don’t know what else to do.” Koenma confessed. He really didn’t want his dad to know about this but he knew sooner or later word would reach him and his punishment would be worse than spankings.

George burst through the doors with a folder in his hands waving it frantically. “Koenma-sama…Koenma-sama…this just came in. I had to take it before anyone else saw it. Sir you gotta see this.”

“Then hand it over and I may read the contents.” Koenma said reaching for said folder.

George handed it over and stood on Koenma’s left side. Botan at this point and time sat down on the couch and tried to calm herself down. Things were looking bad for the people of Japan, especially the area where her friends resided. Koenma opened the folder and skimmed over the words until something caught his eye.

‘How in all the three worlds is this possible!’ That was the last thing he thought before fainting.

Botan and George both ran to the fallen lord’s side. The document still laid open for all eyes to see.


In the Makai, Yusuke and Hiei and a sleeping fox, sprinted towards a fortress with an insect-like façade. It looked like a giant beetle with a wall surrounding its outer walls. The two came to a halt when two guards dressed in long tunics with armor adorning their arms, chest and legs stepped forward. Hiei approached the two and told them to step aside. Without an argument, the two went back to their posts and Hiei ushered Yusuke to follow him.

“Um…Hiei…where are we? And why did those guys just back off.”

“Detective, have you learned nothing with your time here. I returned to Makai to take my place as Mukuro’s heir. This is her fortress.”

“Oh…so why are we here? I could have taken him to my Father’s place and have Hokushin have a look at him for all that.” Yusuke asked.

They walked through the wooden doors and into a hallway that resembled the inside of a stomach. Instead the walls were decorated with eyes, mouths, noses, everything part of a human or in this case demon’s body.

“Nice décor. She must tell me who designed this.” Yusuke commented dryly.

“If you want I can bring him here so you can tell him what it is you are looking for.” A voice said too close for Yusuke’s comfort. He jumped when the person who spoke stood mere inches from him. “And I take it you’ve come to pay me a visit, Lord Yusuke.” Mukuro said haughtily.

“Mukuro, I brought Yusuke here because there is something wrong with Kurama. I believe your expertise in demon anatomy will be useful.” Hiei said. He had moved closer to the two and eyed Yusuke warningly not to say anything.

“Is that so? Well then let us have a look see.” She moved closer to Yusuke. The fox in his arms was still resting peacefully. Her bionic eye looked him over until she deemed him worth looking at. “Follow me.”

They trailed after her turning down corridors and walking down stairs until they appeared at the infirmary/laboratory. A pair of demons, imps, ran out the double doors and quickly took Kurama from Yusuke and disappeared through the doors. Yusuke was about to give chase when Mukuro grabbed his arm and swung him back around.

“What the hell! They just took him from me and you stop me? Why?” He growled.

“First of all they are my assistants. Second of all never undermine me, this is MY domain and I do as I see fit. Thirdly do you want me to help your mate or do you want me to walk away.” Yusuke shook his head. “I thought so. Now listen to me. I will do all I can to help your mate. Besides, I know if I didn’t we would definitely be at war.” Mukuro smirked as she headed through the doors her assistants vanished through.

The two of them remained outside, not acknowledging the other until Yusuke broke the silence.

“So…Hiei what’s it like to work for someone like that?” Yusuke nodded his head towards the door.

“Hn. Better than working for a child who is barely old enough to be toilet trained.”

“Wow and I thought you didn’t have a sense a humor. No but really do you think she can help Kurama. I mean…”

“Stop your worrying Detective, it doesn’t suit you,” Hiei smirked, “you’re acting like a child. The fox will be fine.”

“I hope so.” Yusuke sighed as his body slid down the wall he was resting on. “By the way what did you do to Kurama’s little brother? Will he be all right?”

“Yes. I just put him into a light sleep is all. He should be waking soon.”

“I wonder what Kurama’s folks will say when they notice he’s missing.”

Hiei closed his eyes and leaned against the wall. ‘He’ll have more than the fox’s family to worry about.’ Hiei thought as another smirk passed his lips.


In the “examination” room, Kurama was laid on a bed, still clothed in his hospital gown. Mukuro’s lackeys were running around gathering different things for their leader. Mukuro approached the bed and pulled up a rolling chair to sit beside Kurama. She maneuvered her hands around the fox’s chest checking for any injury. Then she moved towards his abdomen and felt around the area.

“Hhhmmm.” She said. “This is strange. Mnu, bring over that ultrasound machine. I want to check something.” She called to her assistant.

The little imp quickly brought the requested machine to her lord. Mukuro now sat on the stool she rolled over and sat between Kurama’s legs. The imps placed his legs in the stirrups and pulled the blanket covering him back. She placed on some gloves and began to feel around his anal canal. Quickly assessing that everything seemed normal, prostate was the normal, no scars, or tears except one thing baffled her. ‘What the hell.’ She found something that was not meant to be in a male demon at all. In fact it was unheard of.

Turning on the ultrasound, she placed a relative amount of gel on the fox’s abdomen and placed the transducer on the gel. An image of Kurama’s stomach appeared as well as an image that looked too fuzzy at first glance. Tweaking the buttons on the monitor and moving the transducer around she found out what that image was. It was small but it was there, a tiny little speck of a thing resting within the fox’s belly.

“Well Kurama…I do believe I found the problem that is causing your illness.” She said chuckling.


A/N: Here it is the awaited ever evading chapter 13. I hope you guys enjoyed it cuz it was a pain to write. It acted like it didnt want to be posted. Talk about stubborn chapters. Anyway Happy New Year's everyone ^_^