Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho.

Chapter 5

Yuusuke ran as fast as he could through the darkened city streets, hoping he would reach his destination before it was too late. "Hiei, if you heard Youko say he was going to kill Shiori, why didn't you stop him? We may already be too late!" Yuusuke panted, as Kurama's house came into view.

His companion flitted through the trees above him, easily keeping up with the human teenager. Hiei jumped down, landing beside Yuusuke as he stopped in front of the house. "I'm not suicidal, Detective. That's why I brought you," he said, walking towards the dark building.

"Hey!" Yuusuke began, but the koorime interrupted him.

"Both Kurama and Shiori are inside," he stated, his Jagan Eye glowing eerily in the darkness.

Yuusuke studied the house, intently. "None of the lights are on, and Kurama must not be using his plants because I can't feel his energy. Let's go inside and see what's going on," he said, trying the front door. It wasn't locked, so they let themselves inside.

Hiei led the way to Kurama's room, indicating that's where the fox was. Preparing himself to come face to face with an angry Youko, Yuusuke opened the door and stepped inside. He stopped, staring in disbelief. Kurama, back in his human form, was sprawled out on his bed, fast asleep.

Uh, did I miss something here? Grandma said that Kaito had Suuichi's soul and Youko was running rampant. Yuusuke looked at Hiei, but the fire demon ignored him, staring at Kurama, his expression unidentifiable. Hiei said Youko was going to kill Shiori, but here we find Kurama sleeping peacefully, as if nothing was wrong. Doesn't he know everyone is out looking for him?! Becoming angry at the lack of answers, Yuusuke stormed across the room towards the bed. "All right, Kurama, I want answers, and I want them now!" he said, reaching to grab the sleeping teen's shoulder.

Hiei leapt out of the way, his speed barely saving him from the vines that shot through the open window. Yuusuke had no such luck, the vines wrapping around and immobilizing him.

"Didn't anyone ever tell you it isn't wise to wake a sleeping fox? It is fortunate for you that I am as tired as I am. Otherwise you would have been fighting against an ojigi plant, as opposed to the Boston ivy that holds you currently. I'm sure you remember my ojigi? Karasu had such a wonderful time playing with it," came a tired voice from the bed.

You know, I think we might have enough energy to summon an ojigi, Youko snarled.

Youko, I don't think you should summon an ojigi, Suuichi interjected.

Suuichi, don't start-- Youko began.

Calm down. I'm just as tired and angry about being woken up as you are. I was merely going to suggest that if you want to summon a demonic plant, you should grow a death tree. We'll get in trouble for attacking Yuusuke either way, so we might as well make it worth it being arrested for, Suuichi explained.

Kurama smiled. Unfortunately, the death tree would probably go after Hiei, who would undoubtedly counter with the Dragon of the Darkness Flame. I think we would all agree that our house is better in one piece. An ojigi could be directed solely at Yuusuke, but again, his rei gun would also destroy the house. Not to mention that both attacks would wake mother, he said, using his spirit energy to secure the vines around Yuusuke.

Pity, Youko and Suuichi chorused.

Hiei chuckled softly at the sight of the detective dangling from Kurama's ceiling, but Yuusuke was not amused. "Let me go! I've been out scouring this city for your sorry butt for the last several hours, and I want answers!"

"Yuusuke, I am tired. I will answer your questions in the morning," Kurama replied, still not moving from the bed. There was a soft rustle of cloth and Kurama raised his head, looking at Hiei.

Feeling the kitsune's gaze, the fire demon jumped to the window sill, silently telling Kurama that he would be happy to wait until morning for any explanations.

Kurama sighed, letting his head fall back on his pillow.

"Kurama! You can't leave me hanging here all night!" Yuusuke practically yelled.

The kitsune scowled in irritation, not even bothering to open his eyes. "You're right-- with all that yelling, you'll wake mother." The plants shifted, growing a few extra vines around Yuusuke's mouth, effectively gagging him. Kurama rolled over, intent on going back to sleep.

Yuusuke looked to Hiei for assistance, but the window sill was empty. Kurama was very tired and the fire demon didn't want to risk sharing Yuusuke's fate should his laughter disturb the tired kitsune.

~*~

Kurama woke the next morning, feeling refreshed. He stood, stretching, and opened his eyes. Yuusuke was still entangled in the ivy, the vines muffling his snores. Kurama put a hand to his mouth. "Oops."

~*~

"Yuusuke!"

The teenager gave a muffled response, rolling over and trying to go back to sleep.

"Yuusuke, get up!"

"Lemme 'lone," he muttered, burying himself deeper in the spongy bed. Wait a minute-- spongy?! he thought, bolting upright, all thoughts of sleep banished from his mind. He was lying on several large leaves on the floor of Kurama's room. He looked up to find an angry Botan glaring down at him.

"I've been out looking for you all night and I find you having a sleepover at Kurama's! Did you forget that you have a job to be doing?!" Botan seethed, looking like she wanted nothing more than to forcefully introduce her oar to the side of Yuusuke's head.

The detective raised his hands to placate her temper. "It's not my fault! I didn't ask to stay-- hey, wait a minute-- how did you find me?" he asked.

"Koenma was worried when you didn't answer your communicator, and sent me to find you. I ran across Hiei a little while ago and he informed me that the problem with Kurama has been resolved, but just started laughing when I asked about you. After I pestered him enough, he suggested I look here. Hiei laughing is never a good thing, so I hurried over here as fast as I could and what do I find?! You, sound asleep, as if you haven't a care in the world! I'm not sure who I should be more mad at-- you for disappearing and making me search all night, or Hiei for playing such a nasty trick on me!" Botan closed her eyes, calming herself before she continued. "Anyway, I called Koenma and told him what was going on and he wants everyone to come to a meeting after school, to discuss your new assignment."

"After school, huh?" Yuusuke looked at Kurama's alarm clock on the table by his bed. It's 11:37 right now-- Botan said she was out looking for me all night? So that means she didn't get any sleep last night. No wonder she's so grumpy, he thought. "All right, I'll be there," Yuusuke said, heading towards the door. A note with his name on it caught his attention, and he picked it up. It was written in Kurama's flowing script.

"Yuusuke, my mother is still home and she is unaware of your presence. Leave through the window."

Not wanting to get on the fox's bad side, Yuusuke turned back to Botan, who was mounting her oar and preparing to exit via the window. "Hey, Botan-- could I have a ride home?"

~*~

Kurama sat in class, partially listening to what the teacher was droning on about. He had been surprised to see Kaito in school without a mark on him, until he remembered Genkai had remarkable healing abilities. He supposed it was good, actually, as he wasn't supposed to kill humans. Kaito's actions indicated that he remembered some, if not all, of what took place the night before. He glared at the redhead every time they passed each other in the halls and seemed to generally hate the kitsune. Kurama wasn't too worried about it, as he rarely interacted with Kaito anyway and the psychic had every right to hate him. After all, Youko had been slowly killing him and would have succeeded had Genkai not intervened.

Kurama's musings were cut short as a piercing whistle nearly deafened his ear drums. He gasped at the unexpected pain, crushing his hands over his ears in a futile attempt to muffle the sound. I recognize that noise, he thought, glancing towards the window. He could barely see Botan's head peeking up in the lower corner. She motioned for him to come outside before disappearing from view.

Turning back to the front of the class, Kurama noticed the teacher was standing in front of his desk. "Is something wrong, Minamino?" he asked, looking down at the redhead in concern.

Kurama managed a smile. "I'm sorry, sensei. I just... have a headache," he said, lowering his hands.

"Do you need to go to the nurse?"

"Actually, I think I will," Kurama replied, rising from his seat. Exiting the classroom, he walked outside and found Botan waiting behind one of the buildings. "Was it necessary to use the Mystic Whistle to get my attention? You could have just sent a note from the office," he said, rubbing his ear.

"Oops. Sorry about that. Anyway, Koenma wants to have a meeting with everyone after school," she said. "I'll pick you up in the park around 4:00, all right?"

"Very well. I'll be there," he replied.

Botan flew off on her oar while Kurama turned and headed back to class. He stopped when Kaito stepped out in front of him. "May I help you, Kaito?" Kurama asked, neutrally.

Kaito looked at him, disdainfully. "So, Suuichi. That's how you managed to achieve superior grades to mine."

"I'm afraid I don't follow you. Could you elaborate?" Kurama asked, a little confused.

"The way you used that vine to get the key from Yana's pocket without him even knowing it-- you have quite a talent with plants. I assume it was a simple matter to relieve the teachers of their answer sheets, copy them down and replace them, wasn't it?" he asked, scornfully.

Kurama's eyes hardened. "Are you accusing me of cheating?" he asked, his voice cold.

"It makes sense. You've missed quite a bit of school, yet you receive perfect scores on all your tests. And Genkai told us about that thing you turned into last night. The legendary thief, was it?"

"I do not cheat," he replied, the anger apparent in his voice. "I have gained more knowledge than you will ever attain in your pathetic existence. Also, that thing, as you so insultingly put it, happens to be a part of me. It is upon very dangerous ground that you tread, Kaito. Do not provoke me."

"Is that a threat, Suuichi? What can you possibly do to me?" he asked, forming his territory around himself.

The kitsune smirked as he felt Kaito's territory extend to include him inside its boundaries. "You believe your territory will save you? You are practically daring me to attack," the fox said, his voice becoming lower. The weeds growing along the wall shot out, quickly but gently encircling Kaito in an almost loving embrace, pinning him against the wall. The psychic struggled uselessly against his bonds.

"Perhaps you would like to continue where we left off last night?"

Kaito, recognizing the voice from last night, turned wide eyes to his classmate. The plant Kurama was holding in his hand caused Kaito's heart to race while his breaths came in short gasps. No! It was just a dream! I was afraid when the demon threatened me after our game, and I had a nightmare! It can't have been real-- I don't have a mark on me! Besides, the demon is gone! The only reason he was able to take control was because I removed Suuichi's soul from the body! He can't come out as long as Suuichi is still there! he thought, desperately trying to quell the unreasonable fear that consumed him at the sight of the thorny vine.

Kurama smiled slightly, allowing a fang to show, while he stroked the senshi vine in his hand affectionately. His hair was streaked with silver and his green eyes seemed to have a golden sheen. "I admit, I have been rather lax in feeding my demonic plants since coming to Ningenkai. More than a few of them are eager to taste your blood, especially this one, since it didn't get to finish its meal last night. They tell me human blood has such a sweet taste."

The bell rang, signaling the end of class. The weeds released Kaito while Kurama un-grew the senshi vine, replacing the seed in his red hair. "It would seem that luck is on your side. Your life has been spared-- for now," he said, quietly, as a group of girls rounded the corner behind them.

Kaito used the opportunity to beat a hasty retreat, revising his opinion of what his classmate was capable of. Youko's voice echoed in his mind.

/Face it, human-- you will always be second best when compared to me. Genkai was able to save your miserable life last night, but next time there will be no interruptions. Choose your words carefully from now on, Kaito-- they may be your last./

Kaito glanced over his shoulder, looking back at Kurama. Golden eyes glared at him from underneath a mane of red hair. Not wishing to tempt fate any more today, Kaito quickly disappeared around the corner and out of sight.

Kurama watched him go. Smiling, he turned and walked back in the other direction.

Was that really necessary? Suuichi asked.

Suuichi, you know that little vermin upset you just as much as he upset me, Youko countered.

Yes, but if Koenma finds out about this--

Do not worry, Suuichi, Kurama interjected. He will not tell anyone for fear of retaliation, but it would make no difference. I did not harm him.

True enough, I suppose, Suuichi conceded.

Really, Suuichi, you should learn to trust yourself a little more. Would Kurama do anything to get us in trouble? Youko asked.

I do trust myself, Youko. However, Kurama is half demon and they aren't the most reliable of creatures.

Youko laughed. You worry too much.

~*~

Kurama sat in Koenma's office, waiting for the others to arrive. Koenma himself was stamping each sheet of his never-ending stack of papers, muttering to himself. Hiei was leaning against the wall behind Kurama, gazing out the open window. Yuusuke could be heard in the hallway, complaining loudly as he and Kuwabara entered the office. Yuusuke's voice stopped abruptly as his eyes landed on Kurama and he silently stood against the opposite wall, shooting glances at the fox. He remembered Kurama's threat of facing an ojigi plant the previous night and hoped the fox was in a better mood today.

The kitsune couldn't help but notice a potted fern just to the left of the nervous detective. Yuusuke yelped in surprise as the fern brushed against the back of his arm, instantly jumping away from the wall and firing his rei gun. Everyone in the room blinked at the smoking remains of the fern.

Hiei chuckled from his spot by the window, having felt Kurama's energy and figured out what had happened. Yuusuke glared at Kurama. The fox returned his gaze, an innocent look on his face, as if to say, 'It wasn't me-- the window's open. There must have been a breeze.' Botan and Kuwabara looked confused, while Koenma was about to burst a vein.

"Yuusuke--" he began.

"Keep your diaper on. It was just a plant, you can get another one," he said, still glaring at Kurama. He did not appreciate the joke.

"As it so happens, that fern was the last one in existence! Not even Kurama has one!" Koenma yelled, almost losing his pacifier.

Pity you believe that. I would have replaced it, had you asked, Kurama thought, bringing a hand up to cover his smile.

Koenma took a deep breath, calming himself, before turning to the fox. "Exactly what happened to you last night?" he asked.

The kitsune paused before answering. "It is... complicated. However, it has been taken care of."

"I lost sight of you on my screen after you left the house, you attacked Genkai, Yana and Kiddo and you almost killed Kaito! Yuusuke was missing most of last night and today and all of Reikai was in an uproar! I'm trying to decide whether to have you arrested or not, and all you can say is it's been taken care of?!" Koenma yelled.

Hiei looked up, considering something. /Kurama, when I was defeated by Yuusuke, you bound your fate to mine as a condition for my freedom. Does it work both ways? Will I be thrown in jail with you?/ he asked, curiously.

/I'm not sure. That issue was never addressed,/ the kitsune answered. "I can assure you that it won't happen again," Kurama said, never breaking eye contact with Koenma.

The child looked away first, realizing there was no way he'd could get any more information out of Kurama. "Yes, well, see that it doesn't," he said, straightening the papers on his desk. "Now, for the reason I've called you all here. I have a new mission for you..."

The End