Disclaimer: I don't own YYH.

It's been quite a while, hasn't it? The only excuse I will give is that my life has not been easy as cake in the past few months. I sincerely apologize for not updating nearly as often as I should. Thank you for all the kind reviews, they really help when I feel I've completely lost my words and my story.

…………………

Partially covered by a shroud of raven hair, a pair of violet eyes watched the ongoing match with keen interest. The redheaded fighter was exquisitely beautiful and pleasant to observe. No matter…his beauty would soon be crushed.

"I see you've chosen your newest victim," said a deep voice next to the raven-haired man.

The violet eyes didn't blink in surprise. They remained level, coolly regarding the fresh prey. "You'll be a dear and leave him to me, won't you, Toguro?"

The deep voice chuckled. "Of course, Karasu."

Beneath a cold silver mask, Karasu smiled. "Excellent."

&&&&&

Long after the match was complete, Kurama lay in the darkness of his hotel room, eyes open and unblinking. Live for me…Kuronue's words echoed in his mind. It was a request that Kurama could never fulfill, for matter how long his body lived his true soul had died along with Kuronue.

After Kuronue's death, Kurama's life had been empty. Each day he had forced himself to eat, to drink, to sleep, to live…but it was in vain. His body was hollow, and his life was no better.

He believed his soul to be dead, and that all that remained was the physical shell. There was no point to living without a soul. He believed Kuronue would have agreed.

He had tried—and succeeded—in killing his physical body once, when he allowed himself to be caught by a hunter. However, for some reason, he was reborn in a human body, surrounded by a loving human family. This proved the existence of a material soul that could be reincarnated and live on.

For Kurama, the proof meant nothing. True, he had a soul, but he lacked any kind of resolve or spirit. He was incapable of any emotion, especially love. Even now, he felt nothing.

Being a clever kitsune, he was able to show the pretense of love, caring, companionship…but anything he did, any loyalty he sustained, it was out of guilt and a sense of responsibility.

Kurama sighed and closed his eyes. It wouldn't be so bad to die. After assuring his friends' victory in the Tournament, and therefore assuring their safety, he could simply lose his final match. No matter who he faced on the Toguro team, his opponent would ensure his death. Of this Kurama was certain.

No, death wouldn't be so bad at all. For sixteen years he had tried to live for Kuronue, and for sixteen years he had failed. There was no point to going on without his spirit any longer. In death, he would regain his soul…he would regain Kuronue.

Resolved, Kurama grasped the bloodstone hanging around his neck.

&&&&&

Resolved, Karasu turned away from his vantage point outside Kurama's window. He had seen the pendant, the very same pendant that his pet Kuronue had worn all those years ago, before he had been stolen away by the kitsune. The pendant was proof of Karasu's previous suspicions.

Chuckling quietly beneath the mask that shielded his energy from detection, Karasu closed his eyes and envisioned the delicious torture he would subject Kurama to.

Oh, how sweet revenge would taste.