Epilogue: The Road Traveled

The communicator slid almost too easily across the polished wooden floor as it left my hand, making the small journey across the open space to come to a rest at Koenma's folded legs. It was as if the zero resistance were reassuring me of my choice, one I had made a week before.

The ruler of Spirit World – in his teenage form as he normally was while in human world – stared down at the small silver compact at if it might bite him, a weary, confused look on his face. On either side of him Botan shared the look of distress while Saitō – I had asked personally for his presence – simply gave me a knowing, unsurprised look.

"I'm not sure what you mean by this," Koenma finally stated, looking up to meet my unwavering gaze. I raised an eyebrow, making him frown at me, and then I sighed.

"I'm pretty sure you do, actually," I replied back, keeping my voice even. How many times had I thought about this conversation in the past week, how many different ways had I thought it would go? Not like this, not him playing dumb, that was for certain. We were sitting in one of the many rooms of Genkai's Temple, and we had about a half hour before the others were set to arrive. I wanted to get this finished and over with. "I thought about it for a long time, talked it over with people: Kurama, Kuwabara, Saitō," I nodded to the SDF agent that was now being given a startled look by his boss. I took in a deep breath. "I'm resigning as Soul Detective."

"But Izumi…" Botan gave me a sad, confused look with those big pink eyes of hers and I gave her a small smile back.

"If this is because of your brother-"

I held my hand up to stop Koenma, shaking my head. "It's not really about that, the entire event, even maybe before that…I just can't keep doing it anymore." I lifted a hand, brushing a piece of hair behind a pointed ear. "I think back at everything that I've gone through, and I often wondered how I didn't go crazy like Shinobu, or that I didn't end up dead like my predecessors. I didn't see it until it was gone, but I think Kuronue was the one keeping me level headed." I let my hand drop back into my lap, eyes on the ground now, remembering all the times he had to talk me down, keep me grounded. He'd been my rock. When I looked back up I cracked a smirk. "Besides, Soul Detectives are supposed to be human."

The room was silent for a while Koenma and I seemingly staring each other down with unbending resolve. I could understand why he'd fight me on this, I'd been someone he could count on for a long time. I hadn't fought against him like Yusuke, hadn't betrayed him like Shinobu. I'd always been grateful, and because of that, I'd been loyal, perhaps even to a fault. Finally, the prince gave in and he gave a small nod.

"In the end, you've given more than any of the detectives; freedom is the least I can grant you, Izumi. After everything that has happened in the last four months, and even before that for everything you have done, I feel I've accumulated a great amount of debt to you. Rest assured you won't want for anything in your life. The apartment is yours, and the money-"

Once more I shook my head, stopping him with a smile and a tilt of my head. "Sorry Koenma, but I don't want your support, not in my own life." When my words only seemed to cause him pain I looked away, explaining. "Kurama and I have found an apartment together, we'll be moving in next week. As for the money…I'll keep what I've earned, but I don't want anything more. I have a spot in a professional orchestra and performing arts studio." Somehow, both Miyumi and I had gotten in and we'd already started rehearsals for a play that would start showings in late July, two months from now.

"If you're sure…" Koenma relented looking helpless, and I looked at him again and smiled.

"Even if I didn't have work, you forget the King of Thieves has quite a few stashes in Demon World. Money won't be a problem, ever. " The damn fox demon had more money than most families had, just thinking about it made my eye twitch.

"Are you sure there isn't anything Izumi?" Botan spoke up, her hand gripping at her kimono tightly. "Nothing we can give you for everything…" She looked at her boss and Koenma nodded his head.

"If it's within my power, I can make it so."

Those were words that I raised my brow at, wondering if he might regret them very soon. I shifted, the shadow of a tail swished to my side as I thought about a few things I had spoken to Kurama about, so Saitō about. "Two things then," I answered looking at him again; the Prince frowned but nodded his head.

"What are they?"

I folded my hands in my lap again, gripping them tightly together and taking in a long breath. "My family. Can you keep looking out for them?"

Surprise flashed on the ruler's face at my request and Botan nearly blanched. "You would trust me to do that, after what happened?" Regret laced his words, making them heavy and painful; I shook my head.

"Well it's not like I could really ask anyone else," I mused playfully, earning a look of annoyance from the prince, and I smirked, happy to have distracted him. "Honestly, I don't think there is anything anyone could have done, Koenma. Your guard thought he was still watching my brother, how could any of us have known?" a sigh escaped me at the sheer anger I felt towards the illusion master. "I know you did your best, and I would be grateful if you would continue to do so."

"Of course, Izumi," Koenma answered without hesitation, a look of solemn understanding in his eyes. He would take it seriously; I knew my family would be safe. "And your other request?"

I took in another deep breath, both dreading this and knowing it needed to be done. "I would never ask this of you lightly, Koenma, but in all seriousness, I have to try." Looking him straight in the eyes I spoke the words that might very well be denied. "I want you to shut down the Soul Detective Program."

There was a long silence after that as if my words had frozen the scene in place. Koenma looked shocked, as did the Grim Reaper. No one had seen it coming of course; even Saitō had been surprised when I'd brought it up. He'd understood of course, as I hoped the other two people in the room would.

"I know it sounds bad," I muttered, breaking the long silence, my hand clenching much like Botan's. "When your father made the Soul Detective job, it was supposed to be seen as another way to keep mankind safe, to give those chosen another chance at life. They did get that in a way…but it is also rather cruel." A bitter edge reaching my tone and I looked at my hands and sighed.

There was a dark side to everything, a negative effect to every positive. But what did my predecessors and I really get besides being alive again? The weight of shouldering the naked truth of the world, and the knowledge of the danger and evil that lurks in our world? Or maybe the fact that we're bound to a person we're perfect for, but can never touch, never embrace. How was that fair?

"Sometimes I wonder if I had been able to look into the future at what I might become, what my life would lead to, if I would have taken your offer," I continued, looking back up again. "My story has ended happier than most…which, in all honesty, is not that great." I had Kurama, I had my friends and I was alive but at what cost?

"Izumi…" Koenma said quietly and I looked up to meet his regretful eyes. "I wish I knew this was how you felt; I would have let you go years ago…"

"I don't think I would have taken it back then," I replied with a sigh. "You still needed me, and I'm not sure I would have known what to do with myself at the time. I still needed to grow up I guess." I gave him a small smile, which after a moment he returned. Botan, on the other hand, looked ready to burst into tears, and for that, I felt bad. We hadn't ever been that close but she was still a friend, someone I would not see much of after this. "You don't really need me anymore. The world has changed. Demons have become less of a threat and with the patrol at the border, there is little to no cause for the Soul or Spirit Detective. What little there is I'm sure the SDF could handle."

"Things have been quiet," Saitō agreed with a nod and Koenma looked to him for a moment before back to me, thoughtful. It was a lot to ask. I knew it was. He'd depended on the two detective programs for so long now; it would be hard not to need them. Part of me wasn't sure if he even agreed to it if he truly would keep his word forever.

After what seemed like hours Koenma shook his head slightly and a smile graced his lips and he let out a small chuckle. Botan looked startled, eyeing her boss as I raised an eyebrow. "You detectives," he muttered sounding amused. "For some reason, I always end up taking your sides, no matter the reasoning." He shook his head still smiling and after a moment the blue haired ferry girl smiled as well, understanding. Koenma cleared his throat looking at me again as if truly seeing me for the first time today. "I suppose there's not much reason to tell you no is there? You'd just badger me until I changed my mind anyway."

"Oh, most certainly," I mused a smirk stretching my lips again. "I suppose you'll have to get used to not having people to do that to you."

The ruler's eyes softened at that and he nodded his head. "I guess I will." He didn't say the words, but I knew he'd agreed with me. He'd stop the program, at least for a while. I hoped it was forever. I stood up, tail swishing behind me and brushed off my jeans.

"Don't get me wrong Koenma, I'm not disappearing. I'm just retiring," I confirmed gaining everyone's attention. I tilted my head, smiling once more at my now former boss. "If the time ever comes that you need me, I'll be there," I paused for a moment and then quickly added, "and I mean really need me. Like 'end-of-the-world-tunnel-to-demon-world-need-me.' Not 'oh-shit-someone-broke-in-and-stole-something-my-dad's-going-to-kill-me-need-me'. Not exactly that as that can't really happen again, but you know what I mean." I waved a hand in dismissal of my own words.

This time, both Prince and ferry girl laughed and Koenma shook his head. "Duly noted," he took in a deep breath as if to catch it and I turned to the door. "Izumi?" his voice made me pause, and while I didn't turn again, I waited and listened. "Thank you, for everything."

I gave a small humorous sound, somewhere between a laugh and a snort and opened the sliding door. "I'll be seeing you around, Koenma, Botan." I heard the blue haired girl sniffle behind me but didn't turn, just listened for one more moment and then slipped from the room.

…

Saitō caught up with me by the time I was back around the front of the temple and slipping on my shoes – a pair of sandals, my boots long since thrown out – and swiftly sat down next to me on the lip of the wrap-around porch. He leaned back on his hands and I looked to him smirking, which he easily replied with his own before letting out a long breath.

"I think that was more stressful for me than for you," he grumbled. "Koenma is sure to have a long talk with me when he returns to Spirit World."

"Sorry about that," I apologized embarrassed.

"Tch. No, you're not," he grumbled again, eyeing me and I grinned at him. He knew me too well. "I'm just glad, it's finally over for you. I suppose I'll just have to come see you from now on."

I looked forward, smiling softly at his words, thinking, and spoke off-hand. "You do have tickets to opening night." I threaded my fingers together as he nodded, looking at them briefly, remembering red lines that had been linked to them. "Hey, Saitō?"

"Yes?"

I pressed my lips together; wondering how I should word it, or if I should even say ask it at all. "A while back, Koenma showed me my strings of fate," I started and I wasn't quite sure if it surprised me or not that the SDF agent stiffened next to me. "…Did you know? That we were a possible match?"

"Yes," no pausing, no long silence. Saitō had always been quick, always knew his own answers and spoke with no hesitation. I glanced at him and he was looking forward, his sharp brown eyes looking far out into the distance.

"Then why…?"

"Same reason you denied Kuronue," he explained, a frown on his lips before he met my gaze with the turn of his head. "It would never have worked," he said sincerely. "I wanted it to at first; we were both so alone…" He trailed off, shaking his head again. "I knew better, though. If you think demons have long life spans, try a being of Spirit World." He reached up and brushed some of my hair over my shoulder in a friendly manner. "I wasn't willing to push you out of my life, though, so I chose to be what you needed me to be."

I felt bad, almost guilty, as if I strung him along. I knew better, though, just as he had said. It wasn't my fault fate had strung us together, and he was right. At the time, when we were so close, when we slept together and shared our pain with one another, that was what I had needed back then. Not true love, not commitment. Then, as times had changed, he'd stuck by me, become a friend I could depend on, as if what had happened between us had been so normal. I remembered that day in the tunnel when he'd been willing to stand against his fellow SDF agents in order to keep me safe. How he'd risked his life at the ranch to make sure I got out.

After a moment I leaned my shoulder on to his and let out a low breath. "Thank you," I muttered quietly, regretting that I had never truly thanked him for everything he'd done.

"What are friends for Izumi? I've got your back, you know that."

"Yeah."

"The amount of touching scenes you've had today is enough to make anyone gag," a voice echoed in my head and I started, spine straightening at the sudden invasion. For four months my mind had been silent, filled with only my thoughts, but now, the sudden voice made my head hurt, and my heartache at the memory of another.

There was only one demon I knew who could do that and had the attitude of a cat with a thermometer up his ass. It seemed that today, everyone was in need of my attention. Saitō was giving me an odd look when I blinked, snapping back from my apparent zone-out…Or rather my apparent distraction with the fact that a voice was in my head…again.

I wanted to groan and bash my head into something.

I opened my mouth to explain when my ears picked up the sound of voices, chattering along from far below on the stepped pathway. I stood with a sigh. "It appears they're here then, best be on my way I suppose."

Saitō raised an eyebrow. "I would have thought you would have wanted to greet them."

"Oh, I had planned to," I explained with a huff gaining an even more confused look. "Something – or rather someone – has come up." It was only because he knew me so well that the SDF agent understood. Either that or he'd felt the demonic pressure. "I'll catch up with them a little later."

"Ah, well then, I suppose I will see you on opening night," he mused and stood as well. "'Til then."

"See ya," I replied with a wave and then without even a moment to lose, my friend was gone, vanishing back to Spirit World. I sighed, glancing at the stairs before grumbling under my breath as voices and laughter echoed from out of sight. I shoved my hand in a pocket and played idly with a marble-sized object hidden there before turning from the steps.

Stupid fire demon.

...

I'd always found the forest around Genkai's a bit disturbing; after all, who willing let lower class demons live near them? It was a show of power I guessed, saying that she was strong enough that she need not be afraid of a demon killing her in the dead of night. The women had guts if nothing else and said lower class demons did nothing to bother me, scampering away like rats as I landed on a tree deeper in the forest. The so-called bat demons nearly shrieked as they vacated due to my demonic energy I hadn't quite clamped down on.

It was, after all, the best lower class demon spray you could have.

I paused on the tree, the scents around me muddled together, but I could still find his. Ashes, smoke and something else, something I was rather sure was because of the dragon he commanded.

I looked straight up and then jumped, climbing three branches higher into the dense tree before I found him. He was leaning on the tree trunk, arms crossed over his chest as if he'd been waiting. I landed in a crouch farther out on the limb before standing and looking at him.

"Didn't expect to see you here," I muttered, my tail swishing behind me. Hiei glanced at the appendage, then as me, surveying me for a moment.

"Tch. So you really are a demon now," he grumbled making my eye twitch in annoyance again.

"I'm rather sure Kurama already informed you of that. I would have myself, but things have been busy." I frowned at him "Knowing that, I would have thought you would have been a bit nicer about how you contacted me." It had hurt to hear a voice in my head after so long. It had made my chest twist in pain at the reminder of who had once been there. The fire demon just snuffed at me, eyeing me carefully as if expecting me to attack him.

That was how our meetings normally went, wasn't it? With one of us attacking the other in some kind of weird ritual. Frankly, I was surprised he wasn't testing my strength right now.

Sighing I shook my head and turned, easily moving to sit down on the branch, legs hanging over and swinging. I wouldn't get an apology, I knew better than that.

"You shouldn't let something so trivial bother you," he grumbled and I glanced at him sideways. That was the best I would get I was sure of it and just nodded slightly, getting my thoughts back on track.

"Why are you here anyway? You wouldn't have bothered me if it was just to check on Yukina."

He made a small grunting sound again before reaching into a pocket of his cloak and pulling out a small box. He looked at it for a moment before suddenly throwing it at me. I caught it, surprised and looked down at it. "Huh, thanks, I suppose, but my birthday isn't for a few days yet," I mused teasingly. I got the response I'd wanted when he glowered at me.

"That is not from me, you insufferable women," he snapped "I am merely delivering it as repayment from long ago."

"…Huh?"

"Just open it…ridiculous…" He kept throwing insults under his breath at me but I tuned him out and turned my attention to the box, popping the lid off. I stared, confused at its contents. Laying inside looking as whole as the first day I'd seen it, was Kuronue's pendant. The point of impact where it had shattered was gone, it didn't even look scratched. I went to question Hiei about how he'd even gotten the thing – last thing I'd heard of it Kurama had put it away somewhere – when something on the lid caught my eyes. There were words on it; hand written in neat English was a small note:

Luna Stroke,

It seems that your trials came and went in my absence; I only wish I could give this to you in person. For now, I must remain out of the eyes of Spirit World. I shall see you again, but for now, I implore you to keep this close; one day it might find its way back to the proper hands.

Be safe.

All I could do at that moment was stare at the writing like a ghost. Only one person called me by that name. Kyousuke.

"He's alive?" I whispered, holding the box now as if it might disappear. I couldn't believe it. I'd spent every day since that horrible morning at the ranch believing my master had died so I could get away. I'd burned down his home and said goodbye.

"Of course he is," Hiei grunted, rolling his eyes as if my surprise were so unneeded. Hadn't this ass given me condolences for Kyo's apparent demise before? "The Native was just in hiding all this time. Time. Nh. How little we know about those who can control it. I doubt he can die easily at all." His red eyes locked him with mine and I understood then, what he was trying to make me feel better. "He found me a week ago. Already fixed the stupid thing, don't ask me how he had it, I had no interest in knowing."

I smiled looking back down at the pendant again and closed the box, shoving it into my pocket the best I could. I didn't think I could wear it, at least not right now. I thought about the message again for a while and we sat in silence. Something was rather eerie about the last bit. Why would Kyo go to so much trouble to fix the pendant? Maybe he thought it would bring me comfort? That was possible, and that might have been part of it but…

"They never found Kuronue's ghost," I muttered, thinking out loud. "Koenma thinks what he did to turn me into a demon caused his ghost to vanish, be whipped from existence." It made my heart seize up at the thought. To die was one thing; to have your ghost – your soul – vanish and die…did they even find peace that way?

"That piece of bat shit was stupid," Hiei said flatly and I turned to glower at him again. I knew that the two had never gotten along, but still, how could he say that? "He's not that stupid, though, not even for you," he went on, causing me to bite my tongue. I waited for him to say more, raising an eyebrow, but the fire demon merely shrugged his shoulders and muttered, "Where do you think the fox learned it from?"

Just what was the fire demon saying then? That Kuronue had somehow escaped? To where? And how? I bit my lip, hope making my pain lesson. It was interesting that Hiei had somehow given me two pieces of good news. Kyo was Alive, and maybe, just maybe, Kuronue wasn't gone. It was time for me to return the favor.

Reaching into my other pocket and pulled out the marble-sized stone attached to a chain and held it in my hand for a moment. Ice Maiden stones were so pretty, it was like someone had taken the Aurora Borealis and crystallized it.

"Hiei," at my call the fire demon looked at me and I tossed the necklace at him. Much like I had, he caught it easily and then looked at it. Only his expression wasn't curious, or really even surprised, just shocked. "Yukina wanted me to give that back to you," I explained when he looked at me. "She said you shouldn't have returned it, as it was for her brother to have."

"Kurama was supposed to tell her he died-" I caught off his irritated protest.

"And he did Hiei, but honestly, do you think she's that stupid?" I snorted a bit when the Hiei snapped his jaw shut and scowled. "I think she's known who you were for a while. So just keep it this time. It would mean the world to her and you know it. You have no idea how important it is for a sibling to know the other is alive." If anything, I could remind him of that. Something my brother would never know. He eyed me for a moment before looking away.

"Nh."

I rolled my eyes. Of course. "Moron."

"Bitch."

I grinned, snickering a bit; yep, this was definitely my relationship with the fire demon, and I wouldn't change it for the world. "Love you too, Hiei."

…

I left the fire demon after a while and headed to the beach where I pulled off my shoes and wandered along the coastline. The beach was privet, just like everything else in the area, so I didn't need to bother with hiding my appearance and instead simply enjoyed the feeling of the ocean tide as it curled around my ankles in rhythmic beats.

The rhythm oddly reminded me of the song my father used to sing to me, a memory I would never truly forget or let go of. That was all right, though, as long as I never regretted it. As long as I moved forward with life and enjoyed it.

As I walked, my feet dragging through the shallows of the surf I let myself remember everything. Let my mind trace over memories from my old life as well as this one, but this time, I felt little pain, only the contentment of what I had done.

After all, this was my new beginning, starting not today, but that night months ago. I just hadn't truly seen it until that moment, when the sun reflected on the ocean tide and for once I didn't wonder, I knew. Third time was the charm, I had said once and I fully intended to make it so.

Right, Kuronue?

After a while sound reached my ears, playful shouting and splashing with laughter and surprised screams. It was the sound of joy, of freedom and as I drew nearer, I saw why.

My friends were there; having finished their meeting with Genkai they had ventured to the beach as well. I spotted Kurama and Shizuru on a log, watching as the younger people of the group splashed around in the water. Kuwabara and Yukina were there, along with Keiko, and to my surprise, so was the absent Yusuke. I raised a brow in surprise, both the ex-spirit Detective and Keiko were soaked to the bone, and the way they interacted, the closeness in which he spun her around, made me realize he'd finally stopped being stupid.

Kurama noticed me first, of course, either because of my smell or energy – both he knew by heart – and stood up, drawing Shizuru's attention as well. She smirked at me, giving a small wave as the redhead made his way over to me. I waved back before turning my attention to the fox demon as he stopped in front of me, reaching out and touch my hair, sweeping it from my face.

"I was wondering where you went," he mused curiously, and I tilted my head. He'd known I would be here, as he'd also known why I would be here. He looked concerned as if waiting for bad news. I smirked and shoulder a shoulder.

"Hiei wanted to speak with me," I replied causing Kurama to look at me in question. "I'll tell you later," I promised, and he nodded his head.

"Did it go alright?"

"Surprisingly so," I snorted a bit. "Even got a few extras, he agreed to everything," I explained looking at him in the eyes. "No more Spirit World, as least not for a long while." As I spoke, my shadow tail had reached up and wound around the silly one strapped suspenders…pocket…thing… he was wearing and tugged him a bit closer.

Kurama gave me an amused look before his hand that had been brushing back my hair, found its way to the back of my head. "Good." Was all he said before he was kissing me, and I growled slightly, stepping closer and running my hands over his shoulders, eyes closed. God, I loved him, so much more than I had ever thought possible. He deepened the kiss for a time and I was amazed at how thrilled I still got at his touch. Slowly he pulled away and rested his forehead on mine, locking eyes with my now open ones.

I smiled, one of my hands still curled in his fiery hair. "Together?" I muttered, the unspoken words of 'I love you' drifting between us. Kurama smirked pulling away and grabbing my hand and gently placing a kiss on it.

"Until the sun burns out."

I stared at him for a long moment before another sharp splash drew my attention along with a voice.

"Hey, Izumi!" I turned, looking to Yusuke who was grinning at me in a way that made my face flush. He snickered. "So I heard you died and came back a demon, we should start a support group." His words were thick with Sarcasm and I found myself laughing slightly, a grin on my face.

"Two people isn't much of a group," I pointed out, eyes flashing to my favorite carrot top. "Should we try Kazuma?" At my words, the raven-haired boy turned to his suddenly stock-still rival with what could only be called an evil grin. Kuwabara snapped out of it quickly and scowled.

"Don't even try it, Urameshi!" he snapped puffing out like a cat.

"Aw, it could be fun Kuwabara!" With that, the chase was on. Both girls in the water just watched, laughing as the boys played cat and mouse in the water, splashing and cursing all the way. I laughed and heard Kurama chuckle before I tightened my grip on his hand. He looked at me curiously and I smirked, pulling him towards the group in the water.

"Come on!" I urged, suddenly feeling like a teenager again instead of a woman of almost 24. To my surprise Kurama didn't protest, but instead quickly kicked off his shoes and went after me, grabbing me around the waist once we'd joined Keiko and Yukina. I squeaked when he spun me, pulling me close as a wave splashed up to our waist for a moment.

In those moments I felt nothing but love and hope and joy so unbridled I couldn't do anything but laugh. When I tripped Yusuke in the surf to save Kuwabara and the boy went face first into the salty water, I nearly followed him I was laughing so hard. A water war started up, the splashes and laughter nearly drowning out the sound of the rushing waves as Keiko, Kurama, and I joined forces in a battle that, for once, I didn't care the outcome of.

The sun glimmered over the sea and I heard eternity on the wind, my eternity, and it was just beginning.

FIN

.

.

.

'Cause even the stars they burn
Some even fall to the earth
We've got a lot to learn
God knows we're worth it
No, I won't give up

I don't wanna be someone who walks away so easily
I'm here to stay and make the difference that I can make
Our differences they do a lot to teach us how to use
The tools and gifts we got yeah, we got a lot at stake
And in the end, you're still my friend at least we did intend
For us to work we didn't break, we didn't burn
We had to learn how to bend without the world caving in
I had to learn what I've got, and what I'm not and who I am

I won't give up on us, even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up, still looking up.

~Jason Mraz

So Book Two: Bounds, comes to an end. Did you enjoy it? Did I drive you guys crazy? Are you foaming at the mouth from all of my foreshadowing at the end of a story? Yeah I know, I'm horrible. But I'm not going to explain it on this page too much top talk about after an ending. So leave your comments, dying to know what you think, and stay tuned for the credits chapter which will also include my plans and thought for this story.

Thanks for reading!