kokuryu no shiro kitsune
"quote?"
BLURB?
|
Enter tHE HALFBREEDKURAMA (HUMAN x FOX DEMON)
|
enter THE YOKOYOUKO (FOX DEMON)
|
|
|
Enter THE JAGANSHIHIEI (FIRE DEMON)
|
Enter THE KOORIMEYUKINA (ICE DEMON)
|
|
|
Enter THE DRAGONBAKURA (ACTUAL DRAGON)
|
eNTER THE FOXRYOU (ACTUAL FOX)
|
|
Chapter aLL
wE MEET AGAIN
A loud yelp echoed through the open planes as he sprinted towards the shelter of the forest. Once amongst the trees, the sleek, silver-white fox ducked beneath a bush and watched as his pursuer ran straight past him. Once quiet spread throughout the forest and he could sense that he was alone, he looked down at his side. The attack had left him with a gaping hole across his ribs, bones visible through the torn flesh and muscle. A hiss escaped through his clenched teeth as he struggled to his feet. He scanned the area to ensure the hunter was gone before he climbed out from his hiding place and started through the forest at a stumbling pace.
*I must get to the Ningenkai, if I am found by another demon in my current state, I will not survive the encounter.*
His claws dug into the ground and he skidded to a stop, yelping as the pads of his paws were cut by the small sharp rocks that littered the ground hiding amongst the grass. His sudden stop was brought on by a clearing in the forest. He could feel it, an immense power, that of an A class apparition coming from above, heading right for the clearing before him. Curiosity overriding his instinct to flee, he took a step into the clearing and glanced up. His sensitive ears picked up a faint whistling noise, something was approaching, fast. What he could see confused him. It was a small bundle of cloth hurling towards the ground. The strong Ki he could feel was coming from it.
*Why doesn't it slow it's self before it lands? The impact will surely kill it.*
Seeing the bundle approaching fast with no intent on stopping, he leapt into the air catching the bundle of cloth before it met with the ground. He released another yelp as he landed on his back to avoid crushing the prize he had just snagged. After getting back to his feet he placed the bundle down and looked over the faded cloth. A small demon was wrapped up in what smelled to be a sacred cloth. From the hot air around the small apparition, he could tell it was at least partly fire Yokai. The heat the small body was producing caused the fox to step back slightly.
*A child, with that much power?*
His deep voice questioned and his golden eyes connected with the blood red of the baby before him, he released a sigh and his ears flattened against his head.
*I cannot just leave you to be killed. I will take you with me, at least in the Ningenkai, you will have a chance.*
He moved forward breathing deep through the baby’s heat and picked up the bundle by part of the loosely wrapped ward. He then, stumbled to his paws with the extra weight of the child and started his unsteady gate towards the nearest portal. Ducking through and clumsily sneaking past the guards on the other side, he sprinted into the nearest cover of trees. Looking behind him once in the thicket, he was surprised to see that his awkward sneak had gone un-noticed. Neither of the guards had spotted or followed him, they hadn’t even noticed his presence. Looking down at the child again, he quickly made his way through the park, looking for somewhere he could leave the small apparition before heading to his resting place.
*What was that place called, where the human mothers have their children?*
He asked himself before he reached the edge of the park and quickly made his way across the street. He entered an alleyway, stalking through the shadows whilst keeping an eye out for danger. He was just about to clear the dank path when a large dog jumped out in front of him.
*Shit!*
He yelped in shock before he threw the child behind him, catching the bundle among his four tails. Sheltering the child close to his body the fox made quick haste in removing the threat to both him and the baby’s safety. With ragged breathing and blood dripping from his neck where the dog got in a lucky shot, he stumbled on. His blurred vision focused on a large white building sporting a red cross and he sighed.
*The human’s hospital.*
With a small burst of energy, he made his way towards the building, sneaking down the halls till he found the room he was looking for. The small sign on the door read ‘Nursery.’ He stood against the door and peaked through the small window, in the room he could see two nurses tending to multiple children while a third sat at a desk on the computer. Thinking fast, the fox looked around and noticed the bathroom door off to his left. Quickly he ducked in, locking the door behind him. He placed the child down and shifted to his humanoid form, he winced as the pain from his wound intensified on his larger body.
“Now young one.” His deep voice rasped with pain and the child looked him directly in the eye.
“I must leave you here.” He spoke, wincing as he moved to unwrap the sacred cloth, he removed the ward and yelped as the child's flames burst forth, burning him with the intensity of their heat.
He went to back away when the child sat up, he felt the searing heat soften to a soothing warmth that surrounded him and lessened his pain. Confused, he looked down at the baby only to see a smile gracing the small face.
“Quiet a powerful little one aren’t you? For you to live comfortably here, I will need to suppress your powers." He said softly before rising his Ki, he used his own energy to suppress the young ones Ki within the child's body. He sighed as the heat left his body tingling, the pain still dulled.
“These ningens may not seem like home as demons would, but you will be safe and looked after. Now when you are old enough to control your power, you must seek me out. I will unbind your powers for you.” At the small child’s nod, he continued. “You will find me using my scent, my name is Youko Kurama. I am going to mark you." He started to say and held up his hands in defense when the child started to growl, eyes narrowing in a glare. "It will not be permanent and is solely for your protection, I am a strong influence in the demon world and next to no one is unaware of who I am. You will be left alone, with the return of your powers when we next meet, the mark will disappear." He watched as a thoughtful expression crossed the child's face before he seemed to come to a decision, with a slight look of uncertainty in his eyes, he tilted his head to the side, baring his neck to the older demon, who reached out his hand and dug one of his claws into the child's neck, just enough to draw blood, he then fed his Ki into the wound. A smile crossed his lips when the flow of power into the smaller body made the child purr. After a minute Youko withdrew his claw and leaned over to lap at his mark. Cleaning the blood and sealing the wound as a small scar. “I need to leave you here, but I promise they will take care of you. Ryū.” He whispered and the child smiled up at him.
Youko shifted back into his Kitsune form and picked up the child by the back of his rugged black top. He unlocked the door and quickly left the room. He sunk across the hall, before scratching at the glass door. He then placed Ryū on the floor before looking him in the eye.
*Ryū, you need to remember that a Ningen child's development is slow. You must not do anything that can expose your demonic nature.*
Ryū nodded in understanding, then lay down and curled up on the floor, eyes still trained on Youko. A smile crossed the Kitsune's muzzle and he nuzzled into Ryū. The child wrapped his arms around Youko's neck, releasing a light purr. At the sound of footsteps on the other side of the door, Youko pulled away and licked Ryū on the face before he sprinted off and hid around the corner. The door opened and he heard the nurse gasp before muttering a few words as she picked up Ryū. She then cooed to him before turning and re-entering the room. Blood red eyes met molten gold one more time before the door shut. Youko released a sigh as he started at the closed door.
*Until then, young one.*
He turned over his paw and looked down at the jewel he had snagged from amongst the cloth Ryū had been wrapped in. A small smile crossed his muzzle before he placed the jewel beneath a cart and turned to leave. With a few stumbles and almost being caught twice, Youko made it outside the hospital and franticly glanced around, night had fallen whilst he was inside the hospital. His time was almost up, he had used most of it to insure that Ryū was safe. He had to find a host soon or he wouldn’t be alive come tomorrow. Wrapping his four tails tightly around each other to give off the illusion of only having a single tail, Youko quickly made his way across town and back into the forest near the portal back to Makai. He scoured through the trees and stopped when he found a bush, the ground beneath its leaves, large enough to fit his body but small enough to be overlooked. He ducked in and got comfortable, curling up in a ball with his combined tails wrapped around him. Using his remaining Ki, he willed the weeds and bush around him to encase where his body would lay to rest before he allowed his soul to leave. His soul made quick haste back to the hospital, making a slight detour, he retrieved the jewel, then he entered a random room. Sleeping peacefully in the hospital bed was a very pregnant lady. The name on her hospital tag read 'Shiori Minamino'. He dropped the jewel so the rope it hung on landed around Shiori's neck before he merged his spirit with her unborn child. Fourteen hours later, young Kurama Minamino was born.
Chapter 2
His feet touched lightly on the concrete of their new apartment’s roof. A grunt followed the narrowing of red eyes as he scanned his surroundings.
“How dare they promise a proper life then bring us here. An attic is no bedroom.” He growled and he closed his eyes with a sigh, before looking up to the moon. “This is no life for my Yukina.”
Sounds from below drew his attention and his eyes trailed over four teens that were walking along the footpath. The tallest of the four had orange hair and a gruff voice he said something that seemed to make the other three laugh, beside him was another male with his black hair, a head shorter than the first. Clinging to his arm was a brunette not much shorter than him, she was leaning on his shoulder, symbolizing their... closeness. His eyes were then drawn to the fourth figure, whose laughter only just reached his ears. From their distance gender was unidentifiable, but leaning more towards female, she had long red hair and was walking slightly off from the other three, saying she wasn’t too close to them. The black haired male said something that caused the ginger to blush brightly under the street lights, then the two got into a fight, yelling and swinging while the two females just watched in amusement.
“Fools.” He grunted, and the redhead’s eyes shot to meet his.
Bright green now met his blood red ones. An unknown expression crossed the females face before she looked back to her friends, a soft word was spoken before they started back off down the street.
“Brother?” A soft voice called from the window below him.
He watched them walk off before he jumped down, landing lightly on the window seal in a crouched position.
“Yukina.” He responded in a soft voice as he looked over her, she had decent length Aqua hair and red eyes the same as his. “You should be in bed. We have to rise early tomorrow morning.” He whispered before entering the room and ushering her further inside their shared space. He tucked her into her bed before lightly kissing her forehead and turning off her lamp.
“Brother, I’m scared.” She whispered and he sighed before sitting on the side of her bed, stroking her hair softly. As her breath slowed and he believed her to be asleep, he stood up and moved over to his own bed, switched off the lamp and lay down, he sighed as he looked to the roof and his eyes drifted shut.
“Good night Hiei.” The soft voice of his sister met his ears and he grunted before turning over and letting sleep take him.
"Kurama, what's up?" Kuwabara asked as he rubbed his neck from the head lock had not long been released from. "Why are you rushing us?"
The redhead turned his bright green eyes towards the brown and grey eyes of his companions.
“It’s nothing.” His soft voice spoke before he continued on at a faster pace. “I just have to get home to mother, that’s all. After the incident last week with that tiger demon, she has been... Overprotective.”
“If you say so, we'll see you tomorrow.” Yusuke called out watching as their friend made a hasty retreat.
“Sure thing” Kurama called back over his shoulder.
The three watched as he vanished around a corner and sighed, before saying their goodbyes and going their separate ways home.
Kurama sighed, the quiet walk home left his thoughts to stray. Blood red eyes crossed his mind’s eye and he shook them from his head before sighing again as he ran up the steps of his home.
‘What is wrong with me?’
He sighed as his door swung open and his mother rushed out to check on him.
“Kurama!” She called as she hugged him tightly before pulling away and looking him over to make sure he was unharmed. “Are you alright, you said you would be home two hours ago.”
“I’m fine mother. The guys just kept me longer then I thought they would.” He explained as the woman ushered him into the house, closing the door behind him.
“Call next time, I was so worried.” She said and Kurama nodded before looking to the staircase. He then wiggled out of his mother’s grip before running for the stairs, stopping to smile at the older woman.
“I apologies mother, I am very tired and you know I have school tomorrow.” He said as he started up the stairs.
“What about dinner?” She asked and he sighed.
“Thanks for the offer but I ate while I was out.” He called back before running the rest of the way up the stairs.
He quickly crossed the hallway and entered his room, smiling as the door locked behind him with a satisfying click. He lay down on his bed in the dark room before closing his eyes and allowing Youko to take control of their shared body. His red hair lengthened slightly as it faded to silver, his height increased slightly and his nails grew to sharp claws. His human ears vanished, two fox ears appeared atop his silky hair and a soft fox tail sprouted from his spine. Trust into control, Youko roused awake before Kurama's voice washed over him.
-Do you need to go anywhere tonight? I'm tired and would like to go straight to sleep.-
*No, the body needs rest, I can get my stuff done another night.*
-Alright, I got you that book wanted, it's on the desk.-
*Thank you Kurama, have a good sleep.*
Youko picked up on the smile he felt from Kurama before the redhead left him alone to rest. Youko looked up at the roof of their bedroom with a sigh, before he picked up the jewel around his neck. Seventeen years had passed since he left Ryū at the hospital after suppressing the child's powers, the child had yet to return to get his suppressed powers unlocked.
‘I suppose the kid can’t find me. Not many know that Kurama houses my Yoko soul, with the exception of mother and our friends. The appearance, scent and name change probably threw him off.’
He thought as he rolled the jewel between his thumb and forefinger. The thought of finding Ryū himself crossed his mind for the billionth time but he shook it away. His thoughts eventually lulled him into a dreamless sleep.
Chapter 3
BEEP... BEEP...
BEEP... BEEP...
BEEP... BEEP...
A deep growl sounded from the teen as he slammed his fist against the annoying alarm clock, shattering the mechanical wakeup call into pieces.
“Brother, now we will have to buy him a new one.” A sleepy voice came from the bed next to his.
“I could care less what he wants.” Hiei grunted as he stood and walked over to the ladder. “Get dressed quickly Yukina. I do not wish to be here when that brute gets back.” With that Hiei pushed the ladder down though the attic entrance and climbed down onto the second floor of their two story house. He slunk down the hallway and slipped into the bathroom to re-wrap his bandages.
Less than ten minutes had the twins dressed, fed and walking down the sidewalk towards their new school.
Hiei looked back at Yukina who was trailing a few meters behind him.
“Are you alright?” He asked with worry as he slowed to his twins pace. He looked into her eyes and immediately knew what was wrong. “They will not hate you sister. Do not fret.” He whispered as he placed a bandaged arm around her shoulder and pulled her towards him in a brief hug.
He let go of her once she nodded her head and they made their way up the street and through the school gates.
“We’re early.” She said in a soft voice and Hiei grunted before leading her towards a tree off to their left.
He leapt into the tree and made himself comfortable on a lower branch as Yukina sat down, leaning against the trunk. She pulled out her book and a peaceful silence passed over the two siblings as they waited. A slight wind picked up through the yard and Hiei shot up as the same laughter from the previous night entered his ears. Looking towards the gate, the redhead ‘female’ and her male friends from last night entered the school yard. He quickly shifted higher into the trees, hand unconsciously shifting the scarf around his neck when the redhead looked his way.
Kurama jolted when Youko's voice suddenly entered his mind.
*That girl, Kurama you must speak with her, the scent she carries, it is the same as Ryū!*
Kurama shook his head at the Kitsune's excited tone.
-The fire demon you saved? I don't get it, she is human not demon.-
*I don't know but it is defiantly his scent.*
-Alright, she seems to be new to the school.-
"Oi, Kurama what are you looking at?" Yusuke asked and his voice was cut off by Kuwabara.
“Hey! It's her.” The tall orange haired one spoke as he pointed in Yukina's direction, Kurama looked back at him startled.
*How does the fool know her, it may help me find my Ryū.* Youko growled and Kurama hushed him before giving his ginger friend his attention.
"You know her?" he asked in an interested tone.
"She's the one I told you about yesterday, my princess." Kuwabara said in a love-struck tone and Hiei growled, immediately knowing what his words meant.
“I think she’s new, never seen her here before.” The black haired one spoke and Kuwabara hit him on the back of the head.
"Of cause she's new do you think she would be sitting alone if she wasn't?" Kuwabara growled in a protective manner and with one look from Kurama the both of them stopped.
"Shut up and follow." Kurama growled out, his emerald orbs flashing gold and the two were immediately aware that the words had come from Youko and not Kurama.
Kurama sighed before he started in Yukina's direction, Yusuke and Kuwabara trailing behind him.
“Yukina." Hiei called worried and Yukina smiled without looking up at him so his position stayed hidden.
"It's alright brother, I briefly met the ginger yesterday, he saved me from a Yoko that Grandmother sent after us, I don't think he knew of the attackers true nature, but he must be a street fighter, he sent the Kitsune running after only a minute." Hiei snorted glaring over at the tall boy before looking back at his sister.
"Help or not, be careful. I’m here if you need me.” Hiei hisses and Yukina hummed in thanks, she looked up just as the three boys stopped a couple meters before her.
'A cautious action.' Hiei noted seeing that strange look pass the redheads eyes again. 'Can he tell she's not human?'
“Good morning.” The red-head said softly taking another small step forward, He smiled when she didn't retreat any. Yukina gave him a bright smile before standing up and bowing slightly.
“A good morning to you also.” She spoke lightly before turning to Kuwabara and bowing a second time. "Thank you for your help yesterday Kazuma."
Kuwabara blushed at her words but stayed quiet, not wanting to anger Youko. Yusuke not as smart as Kuwabara moved to Kurama's side and ignored the Kitsune’s warning growl.
“Are you new here?” He asked leaning in closer and Hiei growled lightly Yukina nodded shyly before backing up slightly closer to the tree.
“Yes, today is my first day.” She whispered.
*Give me control.*
Kurama sighed before he closed his eyes. When he reopened them they were gold. He looked over at Yusuke who took a step back.
“Yusuke.” He said softly but the look in his eyes spoke volumes. Yusuke chuckled nervously before nodding and taking a quiet Kuwabara by the arm and dragging him off. Youko stared after them to ensure they left before turning soft eyes back to Yukina. He noted how she had relaxed again and reached out to take her hand. “I apologies about my friends behavior. He just can’t resist a pretty face.” Youko flattered as he lightly kissed Yukina’s hand. A loud growl sounded from above them, but appeared to go unnoticed.
Yukina blushed lightly at the action before looking into his golden eyes with slight confusion, but it vanished and a smile crossed her face
“It is quiet alright, my name is Yukina. What may I ask is yours?" She questioned not knowing what to call him.
“My name is Kurama, but my close friends call me Fox.” He winked and froze when Hiei dropped from the tree with a small dagger held up against his neck. “I was wondering when you were going to leave your hiding spot.” The red-head chuckled before he looked at the glare staring directly into his eyes.
“Brother don’t. It’s ok...” Yukina said, she wrapped her arms around Hiei’s bandaged arm and he lowered the dagger, turning towards Yukina but not taking his eyes off of the golden eyed red-head.
“You trust him.” Was all he asked and Yukina nodded lightly, Hiei looked at Youko with an intense gaze, studying him intently. The look in Youko's eyes confused him slightly, it was a soft but intense look overshadowed by... longing? Hiei had to turn away because he could feel his body reacting to the teen. He drew in a deep breath before glaring at the redhead and backing him up against the tree he was resting in. Youko’s back hit the tree and his golden eyes locked with blood red so close to his own. His body shivered excitedly when the shorter's hot breath ghosted over his lips a mere inch away. A confused look crossed the orbs before they steeled and hardened, the Youko couldn’t help but flinch when the dagger, still slightly dripping his own blood, imbedded itself into the tree directly beside his head.
“Good morals or whatever you humans feel aside, this dagger will be your weapon whilst my sister is in your care. Do what you must to ensure her safety.” He then stepped back away from the redhead and looked at Yukina. “Stay with him, I have things to arrange so do not leave his side.”
With a side-glance at startled green eyes and a grunt Hiei vanished.
“I-I apologize for his behavior.” Yukina whispered as she looked up to see the thin line of blood against Kurama’s neck, she mentally noted that his eyes were emerald once again.
“It is nothing, just a scratch.” He said wiping away the blood before retracting the dagger from the tree, He wiped the blade clean. “According to his words, you’re my responsibility now?” He asked and Yukina nodded. “May I ask why you have put your trust in a stranger?”
“If brother didn’t trust you, you would have more then that small scratch, and if brother trusts someone, so do I.” She explained and laughed lightly as Kurama’s startled eyes looked over the dagger, he then slipped the weapon beneath his shirt so it sat firmly against his skin, held to his waist by his belt.
“Do not fret, he won't harm you.” Yukina smiled and he nodded before looking around and then back to her.
"Well shall we start with the office and get your class schedule?" he suggested and Yukina nodded. Kurama turned and started off with Yukina trailing behind him.
*Ryū, he has grown into a handsome demon.* Youko spoke in a light voice and Kurama grinned.
-So you have finally found him. Are you going to tell him of our merging?- He asked and a silence responded telling him that Youko was thinking about how to respond. Finally the deep voice re-entered his mind.
*He won't care, all he will want from me is his powers unlocked and my mark removed.* Youko responded sounding sad and Kurama sighed.
Kurama was jolted out of his thoughts by Yukina's hand touching his shoulder.
"Sorry were you saying something?" He asked and she nodded before repeating her question.
"I was asking about your eyes. They change color, gold, it's an odd eye color. I've only ever heard of one... person with gold eyes, my brother, met him when he was very young. I was wondering if perhaps you may have known him." She spoke not once looking at Kurama, hiding the hope in her eyes.
"I have what you would call a... Dual personality. My other... Personality is named Youko, when he is... In control, my eyes become golden." Kurama said and Youko snickered at his explanation, Yukina just nodded to his words.
"So it was Youko who my brother met, not you?" She asked and Kurama nodded. "That explains his strange reaction." She spoke lightly and at Kurama's confusion she elaborated. "Make no mistake Kurama, had you been in control instead of Youko brother would have slit your throat without a second thought. His mark prevented him from harming Youko. May I speak with him?" She asked finally stopping and looking Kurama directly in the eye. Kurama the realized that she had led him into a secluded closed off area and knew she wanted to see him, not just talk to him. He released a sigh before relinquishing control. Yukina watched in amazement as the transformation happened and nice it was complete she looked up into the face of Youko Kurama. She reached up and lightly rubbed one of his ears causing the Youko to purr.
"I didn't believe brother when he explained you to me. You really are beautiful." She complemented and smiled when the Kitsune blushed.
"Forgive me for deceiving you, I understand you must have a lot of questions however I do not believe we have that much time." Youko explained and Yukina sat down on the bench with her arms crossed.
"Brother will delay his return if that is what I wish, let Kurama back out." Youko gave her a confused look but he let Kurama take control of the body once more. He went to talk to her when Yukina held out her hand to stop him before standing.
"Brother." She said lightly and a gust of wind blew past them as Hiei stopped before her.
"What is it Yukina, are you alright?" He asked with concern before glaring over at Kurama and growling darkly. "What happened?" He snarled and Kurama took a step back with his hands held up, Yukina placed a hand on Hiei's shoulder and his hostility vanished as he looked at her again.
"Brother, I'm fine." She whispered and he looked her over before grunting in approval.
"Why have you summoned me?" He muttered, stuffing his hands in his pockets glaring in a random direction. Kurama took a seat at the bench as Yukina whispered something to Hiei.
"What! Why! How do I know I can trust h..." He stopped as arms wrapped around him and sighed before hugging his younger sister. "Alright, I will leave you be but remember." He said as he lifted her hand, he then placed it against his forehead. "Just call and I'll be here." He whispered and placed his hand against her cheek in a comforting gesture. And you!" The suddenly growled turning on Kurama with a molten glare. "Subconsciously, on some level, my body holds trust for you. Do not miss-use this trust, you are responsible for her whilst she is in your care." Even with his soft tone Kurama could tell it was not an empty or light threat. Yukina lightly touched his arm.
"Brother, what will you do while you await my call?" She asked and his eyes took on a cold stare.
“I...” He started before glaring at the Kurama. “Have to ensure we are safe here.” He went to leave but stopped at the hand that clasped his wrist.
“Do you think they will find us here?” Yukina asked worried and Hiei’s eyes softened as he stroked her hair.
“I could care less about myself, but they will not touch you.” His soft voice projected such ferocity that Kurama flinched slightly, Hiei caught it out of the corner of his eye before he touched Yukina’s forehead with his own. “You endangered yourself by finding me, but I won’t allow them to get near you. I promise.” He placed a light kiss on her forehead before flitting off, not caring that the redhead has seen his inhuman speed. Yukina sighed before looking back at Youko.
"Somewhere more private, this is too open." Was all she said and Kurama nodded before leading her off the school grounds and towards his house.
The walk was silent but comfortable and when they reached the porch Kurama opened the door and gestured for Yukina to enter, following closely behind.
"Mother! I'm home." He called out and led Yukina though the house to the kitchen where Shiori greeted him with a hug, she looked to Yukina with a smile, not saying anything.
"Mother, this is Yukina, one of Youko's friends. We will be in my room, should anyone but you try to enter they will not be welcome." It was spoken in a calm voice but Shiori knew he meant his words.
"Will there be any exceptions?" She asked and he nodded.
"Her brother, red eyes, black hair, about her height, he will come when called. No one else." The woman nodded before going back to her work and Kurama led Yukina up the stairs and to his room.
Once inside he locked the door. Yukina sat down on his bed and shifted getting comfortable as he took the desk chair.
"Is there a way to talk to you both at once? I believe you deserve part in this conversation, from what I can tell and see this is a merger not a possession, you are a part of Youko and my words will affect you as well." Yukina explained and Kurama nodded before closing his eyes, almost a minute passed then a burst of Ki filled the room and Youko took over the body, Kurama appeared in an astral form.
"Will this do? It's the best we can provide without more Ki." He asked and she nodded before looking at both of them.
"First and foremost, I owe you, Youko, a Thank you. Had you not rescued my brother that day, I may still be searching for a lost cause." She whispered and Youko nodded. "I have two problems with that day, I understand Youko Kurama was a renowned thief? Where is my brothers tear gem?" Her voice was calm but hard and Youko looked at her confused before he realized what she wanted.
"I am not aware of its significance, but I have kept it safe all these years. Whilst he was but a child when I met him, I..." He tried to explain as he took off the chain and handed it to her. She inspected the gem before smiling and handing it back. Youko placed the gem back around his neck as she spoke.
"I see, this makes my next question easier." She said before taking a deep breath. "Youko, the protection mark you placed on my brother, was solely for his protection was it not?" She asked and the Kitsune nodded. "At the time however you harbored these feelings but were not aware of them?" She asked again and he nodded. "As an old demon, you should be aware that any mark, no matter the purpose, with that kind of feeling behind it, becomes a mating mark, consensual or not." She explained and Youko looked at her confused. "My brother is your mate." She said bluntly and Kurama gasped while Youko looked at her dumbfounded. "For this reason, his body would not harm you no matter how much his mind wished it. His body recognizes the marks meaning and is drawn to you, as a mate should be. However his mind, reviews the mark as it was intended, for protection. Now the last think is, to appease my brother's physically you would have to reinforce the mark and indulge the mating, but to appease him mentally, you need to release his power and remove the mark. The mark will not disappear when his power is released, as you stated because it is a mating mark. Removal of such a mark is painful and scaring, it is also irreversible. If you remove his mark, you remove your only chance to be with him. You cannot mark the same mate twice." Yukina explained to the demon and human before her and Youko's ears drooped. He sighed before looking from Yukina to Kurama.
“I will not force either of you into this. I will release his powers and remove the mark." He whispered looking down at the jewel hanging from his neck.
"Youko, I'm not a factor in this decision, anyone can see that he is a strong independent demon, and I have to admit. I like him, I would like to get to know him better, I'm sure beneath his front is someone worth getting to know, if you wish to keep him as your mate, I have no objection. I have no interest in dating or getting married so you’re not stopping me from being with anyone. If anything I will learn to care for him the way you do." Youko smiled lightly at his words before looking back to Yukina.
"Do you think he might... Return my feelings?" The hope was evident and Yukina sighed.
"Brother, due to the mark has never expressed feelings in anyone before, so I couldn't respond to that question truthfully." She answered and Youko nodded in response.
"Yukina?" Kurama asked and she looked at him awaiting his question. "How come you never refer to him by his name?"
"It is out of respect for his wishes. He despises the name the orphanage gave him, says it’s not his true name, the one he was given, by the first person who cared for him. But he will not tell me that name, I resort to just referring to him as brother." She explained and Youko looked at her with a smile.
"What name did they give him?"
"Hiei..."
"Such a strong name, yet he rejects it in favor of the name I gave him so long ago." The Youko muttered and Yukina looked at him in surprise.
"You named him? What is his name, please tell me..." She pleaded.
"I called him Ryū." He replied and she nodded with a smile. "Yukina, I know this may be a touchy subject but I have to ask. Who could find you? Who is...Hiei protecting you from, was it that Yoko Kuwabara fought off?" He asked and Yukina looked down at her lap.
"The Yoko was sent by my mother’s people. Brother and I are descendants of the Koorime." She explained and Youko looked shocked.
"The Koorime? Aren't they an all-female race?" Kurama asked and Yukina nodded. "But Hiei... He is a male, and a fire demon."
"Yes, our mother, Hina. Wanted to take a mate, she didn't like the idea of being alone all her life and snuck away, when she returned she was mated to an A class fire demon and was pregnant. The Koorime kept her trapped there till brother and I were born. After a week, they then cast brother from the island if the fall didn’t kill him Makai certainly would. Three days after brother’s exile, father came for mother and I, but they killed the both of them and grandmother, the Koorime's leader, raised me. When I was old enough I ran away. I knew brother had to be alive, imagine my surprise when my search brought me to a Ningen orphanage. After he said some harsh things and scolded me for coming to him he kept me safe. Since then grandmother has heard that brother is still alive, she has been sending all kinds of demons, species and class after us in hope of 'killing off the tainted bloodline.'" At her last words Youko snarled in anger, he stood from his chair and started pacing.
"How dare they, I need to do something, on the run is no way to live, not for my mate and his family." He then froze still and glanced over at Yukina who was giggling, Kurama was hiding a chuckle as well. Youko sighed before re-taking his seat.
“So I assume you will fight to remain brother’s mate?” She asked directed at Youko and the Kitsune nodded. “Kurama, you understand what this means for yourself. Regardless of you two being separate brother will not tolerate sharing.” She explained and Kurama nodded as well. “Alright, I will not alert my brother to your presence, you should try to keep it suppressed, if not he will surely feel it. If he recognizes you before you’ve had the chance to bond you will lose him.” She sighed sadly before smiling up at them. “I guess we have one more thing to do.” She finished and both boys looked at her confused. “Let’s go get my class schedule and finish my school tour.
Kurama re-took control of the body and Youko retreated into the redheads mind, a smile then graced Kurama’s lips as he led Yukina out of the house and back towards the school.
Chapter 4
Kurama led Yukina towards the front office, as they entered the redhead immediately felt those burning red eyes on him, a shiver ran down his spine.
“Ah Kurama.” The secretary called as she looked up from the two schedules in her hand. “I’ll be with you in one moment. Now young man, I cannot do what you request, I’m afraid the timetable cannot be changed. The classes are already set.”
“Don’t give me excuses, just fix it, it’s as simple as changing the words!” Hiei growled and Kurama sighed as Youko snickered in his head. He walked up beside the shorter and held out his hand for the timetable.
“Please hand me both of them.” He said lightly and the lady did as said, with a nod to her, he scanned the pieces of paper silently comparing the two and plainly ignoring the growling boy to his left, which only seemed to annoy the shorter teen more.
Yukina Jaganshi
Japanese - Miss Ridgell, Contemporary Society - Mrs Naveen, Mathematics - Mr Skiotis, Science - Mr Krogh, English - Miss Bodea, Physical Education – Miss Ayiemba, Home economics – Miss Ennis, Health – Mrs Monette, Music – Mrs Beaulieu, Homeroom – Mr Touserkani, Club activities – Mr Quinn
Hiei Jaganshi
Japanese - Miss Ridgell, Contemporary Society - Mrs Naveen, Mathematics - Mr Touserkani, Science - Mr Lawton, English - Miss Bodea, Physical Education - Mr Scheiner, Health – Mr Stikine, Calligraphy – Miss Fletcher, Homeroom - Mr Krogh, Club activities – Mr Quinn
“Well I see no problem here, sorry that he has bothered you Miss Eales, I’ll take it from here.” Kurama politely told the lady before he walked out of the office with a confused Yukina and a fuming Hiei following him.
Once the door shut behind them Hiei growled.
“How dare you interfere! I was trying to work out the safety of my sister.” He snarled and Kurama sighed as Youko took over, the only noticeable change was the shift of green to gold. He noticed the hitch in the shorter’s snarl at his appearance and mentally smirked. He then glanced down at the timetables his human half had obtained.
“Believe me, Hiei.” He said in a soft tone before he made eye contact with the shorter. “She is perfectly safe, she has someone in every one of her classes.” He explained and Hiei stopped growling in his momentary confusion, unconsciously tilting his head to the side.
Youko mentally swooned and Kurama smiled, the confused expression on Hiei’s face was adorable. The confusion was quickly replaced by anger though it only seemed mild now.
“Please explain.” Yukina asked as she laid her hands on her brother’s arm before his anger got any worse and the teen just settled for glaring at the red-head.
“See, Homeroom, Me and you share Mr Krogh, while Yukina has Mr Touserkani, Yusuke and Kuwabara are in the same class. Japanese, both you and I have Miss Ridgell with her. Contemporary Society, both you and her have Mrs Naveen. Mathematics, Me and you share Mr Touserkani, while Yukina has Mr Skiotis, Yusuke is in the same class. Science, Me and you share Mr Lawton, while Yukina has Mr Krogh, Kuwabara is in the same class. English, The three of us have Miss Bodea. Physical Education, Me and you share Mr Scheiner while Yukina has Miss Ayiemba, Keiko is in the same class. We do not have Home economics, but rest assured Keiko is in Miss Ennis’ class with Yukina as well. Health, you have Mr Stikine, while Yukina has Mrs Monette, once again Keiko is in the same class. You will be taking Calligraphy, with me, our teacher is Miss Fletcher. Yukina will be taking Music, with Keiko and Yusuke, their teacher is Mrs Beaulieu. Club activities surprisingly enough, the six of us all have Mr Quinn.” Youko explained and Hiei grunted.
“It has two flaws.” Hiei growled. “The first is I do not know these... Friends of yours and she is not going to science with that Oaf alone.” He received a confused look from Youko before he realized what Hiei meant.
“Do not worry, I can assure you my friends will not harm or allow harm to befall Yukina, they can take care of her. As for Kuwabara, despite his appearance, he is a strong fighter and a trustworthy ally. For that I give you my word.” Youko bowed, Hiei grunted and Yukina smiled before the quiet atmosphere was interrupted as loud footsteps that echoed down the almost empty hallway. Youko retreated back out of control not wishing to deal with Kurama’s friends and the body’s gold eyes bleed green.
“Kurama!” The redhead sighed before looking over his shoulder.
“Must you always be so loud?” He asked softly, which neither of his friends heard but his words made Yukina giggle and brought a smirk to Hiei’s face.
“So Kurama, they are?” Yusuke asked as he and Kuwabara stopped by the redhead, Hiei snorted at the taller youth, giving him and icy glare.
“Yukina and Hiei Jaganshi, the new students.” Kurama explained and Yusuke nodded before giving his attention to the twins.
“My apologies for earlier, I’m Yusuke Urameshi and that lug is Kazuma Kuwabara.” He explained and Hiei grunted before, ignoring Kuwabara’s silent protests at his friend’s introduction. The shorter shifted his attention on Kurama, but his body still in a protective stance between his sister and the new arrivals.
“It will take more than an introduction and no way in hell will I trust that Oaf.” Were his only words as he turned to Yukina. The only thing that kept the new arrivals quiet was the glare they received from a very annoyed human housing the soul of a Yoko. “Stay with him, and this time, do not leave the school grounds. I know he still hasn’t shown you around. So go about doing that.” He then leaned closer and whispered in her ear.
“I’ve caught the scent of the Yoko that attacked you, turns out that witch hired him because his pack lives here in Ningenkai. I need to wipe out the pack before another one makes a move. I will not risk harm befalling you because of my existence.” He said in a low voice, so the others couldn’t here but Kurama’s sensitive hearing picked up his words and he frowned.
“Brother you must be careful, they are stronger then they seem.” Yukina whispered as she lay her hand on his bandaged arm and lightly rubbed the cloth.
“Do not fret Sister, Kura will eat well this evening.” He smiled softly before he met Kurama’s green eyes and left.
“Where is shorty going?” Kuwabara asked but quieted under Kurama’s stern green eyes.
“You two have pissed off Youko enough in one day.” He growled before turning the two teens around and pushing them back down the hall. “Go make yourself useful and our teachers that we will not be attending. Here are their classes, you know mine.” With the dismissal Yusuke sighed.
“You’d think that finding his mate would mellow the guy out.” He muttered to Kuwabara who nodded in affirmation but a snarl made them jolt and they took off out of sight.
Kurama sighed as he put his hand to his forehead, releasing a sigh. When he felt the soft hand on his shoulder he smiled softly. He cleared his throat before turning and shying away from the hand as he made his way down the hall.
“It’s fine.” He muttered before looking over his shoulder. “So how about a tour of this school, hum?” He asked and Yukina nodded and smiled. Kurama to lead the way, showing her the layout of the school.
Kurama sighed as he lay his hand against his forehead, looking up at the clouds. He and Yukina had finished their tour of the school and the Kitsune had taken her out to the back oval so they could get some air while they waited for Hiei’s return from his hunt. They were relaxing in comfortable silence when 4 demonic energy surrounded them. Kurama sighed before getting to his feet. Surrounding them in a diamond were four wolves. 2 were a dusty brown, one was a light cream and the fourth was white. Golden eyes looked over them as Youko stepped protectively before Yukina and lifted his hand to his hair, dragging long thin fingers through the crimson locks. When he withdrew a rose Yukina leapt up and grabbed at his wrist.
“No, you mustn’t, brother will sense your Yokai, even from across town, he will surely know it’s you.” She cried and Youko knew what she was referring too, if Hiei knew of his presence now any chance of them being together would be shot right out the window.
“Hand to hand is Kurama’s combat, not mine.” Youko sighed before emerald returned to the redhead’s eyes and slender fingers drew the dagger from his belt.
“Stay back Yukina, these four are nothing, I can take care of them, Hiei will take out the rest of the pack back at the den.” The ice maiden nodded before lowering to the ground and allowing Kurama to protect her. The redhead took a threatening step forward and all four wolves leapt.
Hiei sighed as another four-legged body fell to his blade.
‘They are unorganized, unstelthy and seem to be attacking without purpose. Yukina said that the Kitsune the fool took out was a Beta, there must be some confusion in their ranks.’
Another five lower wolves fell to his blade as the cave came into view, He ducked in and slunk to the back where he could see a large female resting, one pup by her side. The female snarled at his approach and after a short fight, she lay lifeless to his left. The pup howled for its mother but silenced when Hiei stood over it. The black clad figure studied the young before grabbing it by the scruff and leaving the cave.
“Where is your father?” He asked the pup but it just yelped in response. Hiei sighed before heading in the schools direction.
Kurama fell to his knees a large gash from his left wrist to his left elbow, blood covered dagger in his right hand. Three of the four wolves had fallen but the last seemed to be taunting him. After another five minutes the Kitsune sat down and looked at the exhausted red-head and the upset Koorime.
“Child, you have no chance of defeating me.” The Kitsune’s gruff voice flowed out before the four-legged beast shifted into a humanoid form, almost identical to Youko, he was slightly shorter, fur coarse and scruffy as opposed to Youko’s soft, silken fur. His wise silver eyes, the same shade as his hair met the emerald of Kurama. “That Jaganshi will be dead by now, my pack will have insured that, all that is left is his traitorous sister.” A vicious gleam shone through the silver and the Kitsune started to advance but froze when a yip and the scent of blood caught his nose.
Hiei stopped when he reached the school, a burst of energy from the oval and the strong scent of blood, demon blood. He flitted to the grassy field and looked over the sight before him. Kurama stood before his sister, wounded and exhausted but alive, his sister was unharmed. Three dead wolves and… Youko? ‘Is that him?’ Hiei questioned frozen in spot as he looked over the Yoko. ‘It can’t be, his scent is different and Youko was… proud. He wouldn’t sell out to Grandmother.’ Hiei cursed the kit silently when he yipped, wiping out his element of surprise, the Kitsune’s attention shot to Hiei and he sighed in relief at the site. ‘Silver eyes.’ Hiei grunted as he took a step forward.
“Your pack took me out huh?” Hiei asked with venom in his voice paying no heed to the struggling kit in his grasp. “I believe your pack is dead, your underlings, your betas, even your precious mate. I thought you Yoko were free creatures, yet you allow that old hag to command you like a common dog. Where’s that Yoko pride I have heard so much about? What could she possibly have offered you, that you would lower yourself to such a position?” Hiei asked as he pulled the ward from his forehead and his Jagan opened with a vicious glow.
*A Jagan?* Youko asked surprised and Kurama hummed in agreement as he watched the short demon, still positioning himself between the Yoko and Yukina.
The air between the two demons was silent as the Yoko stood his ground and Hiei probed the Kitsune’s mind. His Jagan slid shut and he pulled back with a snarl. “You should never have come after my family.” He growled and Kurama flinched at his ferocity, the Alpha took a momentary step backwards before regaining himself and glaring at Hiei.
“You know, it’s a shame.” Hiei started as he drew his katana with his free hand, waving it around as he spoke. “You are fully aware that you are an Alpha, a leader, but you looked over one vital point of information when you came after us. You forgot that you have a mate and a pup.” As if to emphasize his point, he jostled the white kit he was still holding by the scruff. “An alpha should protect his family, his pack, yet you took Grandmother’s mission without question, without learning the strength of your target. For that you have paid. Your ignorance cost you your pack and mate. Yet you still have a debt to pay, for attacking my sister.” Hiei held out the white pup in his grasp and positioned his katana as if he were to skewer the pup.
*No Hiei Don’t!* Youko cried out in Kurama’s mind and the red-head struggling to his feet.
“Hiei, Don’t.” He went to step forward but a glare from the shorter demon sent him back to his knees, once again shielding Yukina. He watched with worried orbs, hoping that the demon would lower his katana.
“Tell me Yoko, your pup’s life for your attempt on my sister’s life, seems fair right?” Hiei asked in such a casual voice that Kurama cringed at the cruelty of it. Hiei’s Jagan began to glow, pulsing with power as he took another step towards the Yoko and said Kitsune shivered.
“Yes, it’s fair. Ryou’s life for my attempt on your sister, but you must let me go free. I will never come near you again, take his life and let me go free.” The alpha all but pleaded, dropping to his knees in the dirt and bowing his head. The kit let out a distressed whine at his father’s display and Hiei glanced at the small life held in his grasp. ‘The poor kit can understand everything that is going on with his enhanced mind.’ Yukina and Kurama noticed that Hiei’s eyes had softened. He and the pup were staring directly at each other, Hiei’s Jagan glowing brightly. Hiei used the power of his Jagan to project a silent message to the distressed kit and his whining stopped, the kit was looking at him with curious eyes his tail wagging lightly, at Hiei’s nod the kit started whining again and struggling to get free. Hiei then glared down at the Yoko groveling before him.
“So you wish to sacrifice the life of your pup, so you can be cleared of debt and free? You believe that you are worth more than your child? You can give the world more so therefore you should live and he should not?” Hiei asked in a strange voice as he shifted the blade of his katana to the pup’s neck and the Yoko nodded franticly, shifting back to his bestial form and lowering his body closer to the ground. The young kit released a frightened wail and Kurama looked away, he didn’t wish to see this. A startled, pain-filled yelp echoed through the oval and the sound of whimpering could be heard. Kurama looked up only to see the Yoko with Hiei’s sword through his tail, embedded deep into the earth’s surface. The alpha couldn’t escape unless the sword was removed. Hiei gave a glacial glare to the Kitsune before walking over to Kurama and Yukina. Both humans watched as the kit still held in Hiei’s grasp began yipping and his tail began wagging in a happy manner.
“Here sister.” Hiei said softly as he tossed her the kit. Yukina cradled the small creature, cooing softly to him. With a wriggle and a few shifts the Yukina found the kits nose nuzzled into her neck and the small creature began purring in contempt. Hiei smiled at the sight before turning his gaze to Kurama, dully noting that the redhead had been watching him. Kurama smiled lightly at the short demon and Hiei’s eyes shifted form the emeralds to the crimson running down the redheads forearm. In an almost tender gesture, Hiei took Kurama’s arm in his hand, before inspecting the wound. He tentatively licked at the large gash, cleaning it as best he could. Youko shivered within the confines of Kurama’s mind, purring lightly from the attention and Kurama looked away with a large blush spread across his cheeks. Hiei, as if realizing what he was doing, pulled away with a jolt, giving the redhead back his arm. He smiled lightly at the blush on the others face and found he couldn’t turn away.
“Yukina, heal him.” Hiei whispered and his sister nodded before quickly tending to Kurama’s arm which was soon only a pinkish lined scar that would fade given time. Hiei then inspected the wound again, nodded and lightly took the dagger from Kurama’s un-injured hand. He wiped the blood from the blade on his cloak and slipped it back into his boot. With a tender look, unseen by the red-head, Hiei turned his attention back to the struggling Kitsune, the Yoko looked back at him with confusion and anger.
“You promised, you would kill the runt and let me go.” He howled out and Hiei snarled back effectively silencing the animal.
“Shut the fuck up, I didn’t promise you anything. Did you honestly think I would harm a hair on that kit?” He asked in pure rage and the Kitsune was silent, watching him cautiously. “You, a parent, should give your everything, your body, your life, your soul to protect your offspring. In any situation, that’s what I means to have child. You respect your flesh and blood, the same life you made with your mate, that pup should be your world. Not cast aside at the first chance to save your own hide. I have half a mind to make the kid kill you himself for such an act of cowardice.” He growled in anger and the Kitsune shrunk to the ground. Kurama glanced to the kit in Yukina’s arms, he had begun to whine again at Hiei’s words. The Jaganshi glanced back over his shoulder and focused on the whimpering kit. His Jagan pulsed and he sent the small kit a wave of soothing power, to which the kit responded with a low whine before he went quiet.
*What has he done to the kit? Yoko offspring only take to other Yoko…* Youko said confused from his mind and Kurama shrugged mentally before looking back over at Hiei who was looking at him with confused eyes. ‘What is with that glazed look in his eyes and why can’t I gain access to his mind?’ Hiei asked before grunting and turning away. He looked back down on the now cowering Yoko.
“However to make the kit do that would be cruel, as much as you deserve it. Instead you will meet my child. He hasn’t eaten for a while, grandmother has been stingy with our opponents and he doesn’t get the chance to come out very often. I could easily kill you with my blade, but you’ve just pissed me off in the wrong way.” Kurama watched fascinated as Hiei started to unwrap the bandage around his arm, he was amazed to see the black dragon coiled around the demons limb. In a silent command smoke began to drift from the black markings and Hiei smiled fondly when the tattoo began to wiggle. “Bakura, food.” He whispered and a massive black dragon leapt from his arm, its long tattooed body, grew a long tail, four strong legs and massive wings sprouting from its back, it quickly devoured the Yoko leaving nothing in its wake but its master’s sword. The dragon circled around and stopped before Yukina, The ice maiden patted his muzzle and he purred, he nuzzled into the small kit in Yukina’s arms before looking suspiciously at Kurama, blood red met emerald, glinting golden and the dragon snorted before taking to the skies and enjoying the wind while he could. Kurama then looked to Hiei who was watching Bakura fondly. “Kura, I’m sorry boy, we will return to Makai soon so you can have some time out.” He whispered. Youko yelped in panic and Kurama watched in silent fascination as Bakura roared before diving straight for Hiei, his sleek, black body completely devouring the small body of his master. After the dirt cloud from the impact disappeared, Hiei was standing there re-wrapping the bandage around his arm. Kurama smiled lightly as Youko released a deep sigh. Hiei completely ignored Kurama as he walked over and knelt down beside Yukina.
“Sister, what do you wish to do, we cannot keep him while still in this world. If we do, we will be returned to the orphanage and he will be released as a wild fox. I can absorb him as I did Bakura.” Hiei started as he rubbed over the bandage on his arm fondly. “But you cannot keep a fox caged. To release such a young kit into the Makai would mean certain death, and you know we cannot return to Makai until I find that stupid fox, until I am strong enough to be able to protect you properly. Unless we can find our own place, I will have to travel with him to the Makai and find a pack that will take him in. I didn’t not lie Sister, he has no family any more. They are all dead, his mother attacked me and I didn’t have a choice.”
Yukina nodded sadly, silence passed over the two siblings as they thought about the situation. Kurama and Youko listened to them as they talked amongst themselves. Yukina sighed before she looked at Hiei, then she smiled.
“We can always…” She started to say as she rubbed at her eyes and Hiei snarled at her.
“We will not use your gems, not after what that… thing did to you. Never again sister. Ningenki is a dangerous place for us, you know this.” He said touching her cheek tenderly. “Sometimes I wonder if you would be safe should I just give up.” He whispered and was shocked when Yukina slapped him across the face. The sound jolted Youko and Kurama from their internal conversation and the redhead found his arms full of Kitsune. Hiei quickly raised his hand to catch the liquid that fell from his sister’s eyes before it could solidify into a precious gem. Yukina pulled him into a tight sobbing but not crying into his shoulder.
“I’m sorry, I know you hate when I say stuff like that.” Hiei whispered and he pulled Yukina closer, rubbing his hand on her back.
Kurama watched them in silence, Ignoring Youko, who was whining in his head, upset about the situation. No more words passed between the siblings as they just sat there in a silent embrace. Thinking about his conversation with Youko while the siblings were talking, Kurama decided it couldn’t hurt to offer. Almost afraid to, Kurama broke in on their private moment with his soft voice.
“Hiei…” He started hesitantly and he was met with two sets of blood red eyes, one sharp glaring pair and one wide curious pair. “I have a substantial… Inheritance from a… close relative of mine… It will take me a while to get the money together but… I want you two to have it, you will be able to get your own place and live more… comfortably.” He explained, continuously pausing as he tried to think of how to word his statement.
“Why?” Hiei asked bluntly still glaring at the red-head but he stopped when Yukina placed her hand on his shoulder and her soft words washed over him. “Brother, please do not be rude, Kurama is doing us a kindness and for that we are grateful.” Hiei grunted and Yukina looked up at Kurama with a slight smile before frowning. “But that still doesn’t cover us for the current…” She started and was stopped by Kurama’s soft, unsure voice.
“Mother purchased me a small place of my own, I was supposed to start moving in last weekend but situations have delayed my move, and I’m doing so today. Yusuke was supposed to be taking the spare room but I believe you could use it more than he.” Kurama explained and Yukina nodded happily, before looking at Hiei, in the end he decided what they would do.
Hiei went to protest but with an unhappy look from Yukina, he found himself helping Kurama move his stuff to the new house, doing most of the work as Kurama was distracted by the overly-excited Kitsune in his head. After moving Kurama’s things, they then gathered what little possessions Hiei and Yukina owned and moved there stuff in too, before Kurama took the teens shopping for essentials that their foster parents never brought them. Night had fallen by the time the two boys had finished moving everything and Hiei found himself sitting on the window seal of what was to be his room, the room he was to share with Kurama.
‘The things I do for Yukina…’ he sighed as he went over his memories of the afternoon.
-- Start Flash Back –
“This place is beautiful Kurama.” Yukina whispered as she looked around, they had just finished moving everything in, including the new things Kurama had gotten the twins and the once empty dwelling looked and felt like a home. Kurama smiled at Yukina’s words before he glanced out of the corner of his eye and a visibly annoyed Hiei. He frowned before he retreated into his mind and gave control over to Youko for the night. The Kitsune openly looked over at Hiei before returning his gaze to Yukina.
“Well it is late and we should all get some sleep.” He said after a slight silence and Yukina nodded before she headed to the spare room with the kit still asleep in her arms, Hiei trailed after her, shoving his hands in his pockets. Yukina stopped at the door and turned back to her brother, over the shorter demons shoulder she could see the look of longing in Youko’s golden eyes, telling her that he had taken over for the evening. The Kitsune loosed a soft whine then trailed through the living room and into his bedroom, closing the door lightly behind him. Yukina sighed as she looked back at her brother who was waiting for them to enter their room.
“Brother, I hope it’s not too much for me to ask of you but I wish to have my own room...” She said softly and Hiei looked up at her startled by her words.
“Are you sure? You know I only stay with you because you become frightened on your own.” He said cautiously.
Yukina nodded in understanding, Hiei had only been resting in her room of a night time because in their foster homes she was too afraid to be alone, otherwise he would sleep in a tree on their living property, close enough to protect her but fair enough for her and his own space.
“I feel comfortable with Kurama.” Yukina whispered and Hiei nodded in understanding. He then turned and headed for the front door.
“Brother… Can you stay with Kurama?” She called and Hiei froze where he stood. “I know you can protect me from outside and he proved today that he can look after me but I would feel better knowing you were both in the next room.” She asked softly and he begrudgingly nodded before making his way to Kurama’s (and his) room. He knocked lightly before letting himself in, Youko was in his closet, he peeked out and eyed Hiei with confusion.
Hiei grunted and headed towards the window, which he longed to jump out.
“Yukina wishes for me to reside in here instead of outside.” He said in way of explanation, he took off his cloak and scarf and hung them over the chair and propped his Katana against the wall, he toed out of his boots and sat on the window seal, in his baby blue top and black pants. Youko couldn’t help but admire him, he noted that Hiei had bandages, similar to that on his arm, wrapped around his neck.
*He covers my mark…* Youko whined in his mind and his bestial ears drooped. He felt Kurama trying to cheer him up with his soothing aura but the Kitsune ignored the attempt.
“I’m going for a shower, I’ll only be a minute.” Youko whispered and he flinched lightly when Hiei snorted, looking out the window, Youko then walked off with a sad smile on his face.
--End Flashback--
Hiei took a deep breath of the fresh air that drifted through the open window, his hand resting against his neck where Youko’s mark lay against his skin.
“Why am I reacting so strongly towards Kurama… That stupid Kitsune is my intended, I shouldn’t be feeling this for another… I won’t betray him, even if he betrayed me.” Hiei rested the arm that was against his neck over his knee to join his other arm before he lazily turned his head when he heard the water stopped running. He blushed deeply when Youko re-entered the room, in nothing but boxers and a towel drying his hair. Kurama smirked when he noticed the Jaganshi’s reaction before he tossed the towel into the hamper by the door and strode over to the large bed. Hiei growled at himself for reacting to the half-naked human and glared out the window.
“I apologize Hiei, I assumed you would be staying with Yukina, we will have to share my bed till I can get you one.” He explained as he slipped beneath the covers, he lay on his side watching the brooding fire demon with curious eyes. Hiei felt his heart thud in his chest at the thought of sleeping beside another body. He found himself not minding if that body was Kurama. Mentally he slapped himself for the thought before he looked over at the golden eyes, the human was watching him intently. ‘Human… What if he says something?’ Hiei suddenly thought with a panicked look in his eyes, which quickly glazed over with a worried expression.
“You… You won’t say anything will you?” Hiei reluctantly asked and Youko sat up, the sheet pooling at his hips, he smiled lightly as Hiei’s eyes trailed lower drawn to the new skin exposed to him.
“About your demonic heritage or about the fact that technically by human law I have kidnapped you from your foster home.” Youko joked knowing it was the former.
“I care nothing for your Ningen customs or laws.” Hiei snapped again angry at himself for looking at the human in such a way. ‘What is wrong with me? Why do I want him to accept me so much!’ Hiei knocked his head against the windowsill as he looked at the roof with glazed eyes. ‘He’s probably only going to stay silent because we are demons and he is afraid.’ Hiei thought before he made a small noise that sounded suspiciously like a whine and he looked to Youko with sad eyes. “Do you fear us?” He asked in an almost distressed voice and Youko was confused.
-Youko, what is wrong with him?- Kurama questioned and Youko mentally shook his head.
*Im not sure.*
Hiei was anxiously looking at him for answers and the Youko gave him a soft smile.
“No Hiei, I do not fear you, I believe you will harm me. I know that most view demons as something to fear and I know like any human I should fear them aswell, but I can also tell I am not in danger. You pose me no threat.” Youko responded and Hiei sighed in relief.
“Thankyou…” He whispered before he disappeared out the open window.
-I believe this has made us slight progress.- Kurama whispered tiredly and Youko nodded.
*Yes, now get some rest.*
The Yoko then curled up on the bed, wishing to free his body but knowing that he couldn’t, Hiei would surely return once he succumbed to slumber and the fire demon couldn’t know yet.
Youko stirred slightly, he could tell he had only been asleep a couple hours, he yawned softly and a grunt drew his attention to the other occupant in the room. Hiei was crouched before his mirror, bandage lay at his feet and his left hand clawed incessantly at his neck, drawing blood and hisses from the fire demons body. He was careful not to nick the Youko’s mark as he tore into the skin surrounding the small scar. ‘Stupid Kitsune, the longer I go without completing the bond, the worse my mark gets.’ He growled softly as the itchy feeling began to cease and he gouged one more line across his neck. He then retracted his claws and examined the bloody mess he just made.
“I’ll find you soon Youko.” He whispered before picking up his bandage and walking into the bathroom. Youko whined softly from the bed before closing his eyes when he sensed Hiei returning. The short demon returned to the small room, bandage back in place and hands cleaned, with one more glance out the still open window, the small body climbed into the empty side of the bed and allowed sleep to take him. Youko turned after lying in silence for a while and looked into the sleeping fire demon’s face. He reached out with his hand and brushed a strand of black hair out of closed red eyes. Mind unconscious to the bodys actions, Hiei scooted closer to Youko, seeking his warmth. He tucked his head into the taller bodys neck and rested his normal arm over the Kitsune’s stomach. He then started to purr, deep in sleep. Youko smiled at the action, shifting slightly and making sure not to awaken the demon from his state of unconsciousness, he rested his hand over Hiei’s arm and turned his head so his chin rested against Hiei’s hair. He then drifted back to sleep, returning the fire demon’s purr with one of his own.
Hiei found himself awoken by excited emerald eyes of the fox kit who was sitting on his chest in his humanoid form, stark white hair fell down the kits back, two small white fox ears nestled amongst his bangs and smooth white tail through the whole in the pants he wore, it wagged about excitedly. He was about the size of a four year old human child. Hiei smiled, the kit smelled clean and was nicely groomed. ‘Kurama must have gotten him into a bath.’ Hiei thought with a smile and he found himself wondering where Kurama was now. He sighed at his own thoughts as he lightly pushed the pup away.
“What time is it?” He grumbled as he rubbed his eyes.
“1pm.” Ryou’s soft voice, so similar to Kurama’s responded and Hiei grunted.
“Where is Yukina.” He asked as he sat up, swinging his bare legs out from under the blanket.
Ryou yipped and tugged on his arm before getting down and running out of the room. Hiei sighed, he got out of the bed, pulled on his pants and shirt before leaving the room. He entered the kitchen just in time to hear the pup’s words.
“Papa, I know she attacked Father but if Father says it’s ok can we please. I met the mean lady Alpha was working for, she threatened mother and I… I know that doesn’t make it right but I still… At least for Mother, even if Alpha didn’t I know mother loved me.” The pup pleaded and Hiei was surprised by his words. ‘Papa, Father?’ His looked around the corner as Kurama responded.
“You will have to ask your Father, I have no say in this.” Kurama softly responded and Hiei decided to enter. Kurama, Ryou and Yukina were all sitting at the dining room table, Kurama and Yukina were sipping from steaming cups while the kit nibbled on his sandwich.
“It’s good to see you finally awake.” Kurama commented lightly and stood noting the grunt that Hiei made in response. He went into the kitchen and quickly went about fixing the fire demon some lunch. He handed over the sandwich and coffee, which was downed in a few gulps by the demon, before he returned to his own coffee. Silence took the table before Ryou glanced at Hiei with a soft worried gaze, he looked over at Kurama who nodded before his eyes returned to Hiei. The Jaganshi noticed the exchange between them, but stayed silently awaiting the kit to inform him of what is wrong.
“Father?” Came the soft voice and Hiei jolted at the word but a soothing gaze from Yukina calmed him and he grunted in response. “I asked Papa but he said to ask you. Would it be alright if I paid my respects to Mother, the Kitsune who bore me? I know she attempted to harm you, but…” The child stopped leaving the sentence open for Hiei to interpret it how he will.
“Finish your food, we will leave as soon as you are ready.” Hiei said abruptly, he glared at Kurama signaling that he wished to speak before he left the room. Yukina watched as Kurama stood and followed her brother before she looked at Ryou who was happily eating, she released a sigh before getting up and clearing her brothers barely touched meal and the three empty coffee cups.
Kurama found Hiei sitting on their bedroom windowsill and he sat down on the bed. He sighed through the silence before he began to explain, knowing Hiei wished to know about the kits words.
“He approached me when he and Yukina emerged from their room while I was making breakfast. He said that I was a split image of his Mother in her humanoid form, without the tail and ears. He asked me if he could refer to me as his Papa, I…” Kurama sighed before looking down at his hands. “I couldn’t say no… I know what it’s like to lose your family, nothing can ever replace ones birth parents but… Yukina said it would be a good idea, and for such a young kit… So he just started calling me Papa.” Kurama explained, shrugging and Hiei nodded. A silence passed and Kurama knew Hiei was waiting for the rest. “His birth father, coward he was… Was the Alpha, the strongest in the pack. Naturally he turned to the strongest being near him, that just happened to be you. You are his Alpha, Master, Father. Whichever word you prefer…” Kurama spoke lightly and Hiei grunted though a soft smile crossed his face but faded as his arm drifted to his neck and he released a deep sigh. ‘The thought of fathering a kit with Kurama makes me happy, but Youko...’ He growled softly at his thoughts before he looked at Kurama with an unknown expression.
“Are you coming?” He asked softly and Kurama nodded.
“I wish to be there for him…” He whispered and Hiei nodded before looking down at his bandaged arm.
“In that case, I’m going to let Bakura out. He will care for Yukina while we are gone, I’d also like to ask if I can leave him out. He rarely gets out in Ningenkai and a growing child needs room.” Hiei asked in a voice that said he didn’t care if Kurama agreed or not. Kurama looked shocked at Hiei’s words and stepped slightly back when the demon began to unwrap his wards.
*The dragon is huge, it will surely destroy the house if he lets it out.* Youko yelped in his mind, worry shrouding his words and Kurama hushed the Kitsune, watching as the bandage fell away and the smoke began to form from the tattoo.
-He wouldn’t endanger his sister. He must know something we do not- Kurama responded and Youko, although worried quieted down, watching through his hosts eyes with unease.
“Bakura, we are inside a small building. Home… Kurama and I are taking the kit to pay his respects to his mother. I need to you watch over Yukina for me whilst we are away.” He said and the smoke slowly drifted throughout the room. When it cleared, instead of the huge black dragon they had seen at the park, a small boy stood before them, slightly taller and older than Ryou. He had long black silky hair that fell around his pointed elf like ears. A sleek, black scaly tail poked out from under the white cloth that draped at his hips and fell down to his ankles, held at his waist by black belts, his legs were adorned in black skin tight pants, he wore a rough, string drawn shirt and his arms were wrapped in thin black leather, pale skin peeking through the cross-overs. He had 2 large dragon wings, almost the same size as his body, protruded from his back. Around his neck was a red pendent. He was kneeling on the floor before Hiei and he slowly rose his head. Kurama looked at the small boy in awe, he may have been young and small but he emanated power and demanded respect.
*A dragon Yokai, I assumed he was just an ordinary dragon.* Youko spoke in awe of the young child and Kurama mentally nodded in response.
“Father.” The boy spoke and Hiei nodded. “Aunt Yukina will be safe in my care, please give the kit the time he needs to grieve his loss.” He spoke again and earned a slight bow from Hiei.
“Thank you.” Hiei whispered and Bakura stood up.
“Anything Father.” The boy bowed before his eyes met Kurama’s, red bore into green suspiciously before the boy nodded slightly and left the room to go see Yukina.
*I think the boy knows of my presence...* Youko noted and Kurama watched the small figure exit the room with a confused expression.
-I believe so too, surely the he knows about Hiei's involvement with you, why has he not mentioned your presence to him?- Kurama asked confused before his eyes trailed to Hiei. A deep silence took over the two in the room and it was eventually broken by the shorter, the fire demon once again had his hand to his bandaged neck and his voice was soft.
“Thank you for what you have done for my family Kurama. I… I wish to apologize.” He said somewhat sadly and Kurama looked at him shocked. “I should not have left Yukina with you at that ningen place. I knew it wasn’t safe, I… Thank you for protecting her the way you did. Regardless of my words you really had no obligation to stay with her.” As Hiei said this he rose from the windowsill and walked over to the redhead lightly taking the once injured arm in his hand. The slight scaring was now completely gone, as if the incident never happened. "I also apologise for my behaviour towards you. You must understand, I was... abandoned by my family at a very young age and brought to Ningenki by another demon. He bound my powers and left me with those stupid nurses who dumped my ass straight into an orphanage, and on they way I was 'Missplaced'. Left to fend for myself." Hiei started, he was now standing between Kurama's legs, his hands resting on the redheads thighs lightly, rubbing the soft flesh of his right leg. Kurama was blushing brightly at Hiei's action, Youko was silently listening to Hiei's words, he could tell that the demons actions were done unconsciously. "I grew up, a life on the streets, seeing the worst sides of humans before my eyes. I've been mistreated, abused and abandoned by those the demon said would look after me. I grew a deep hatred of all humans, despite knowing some were not bad." Hiei lifted the hand that was not stroking Kurama's thigh to brush against the reddened cheek. "The orphanage eventually found me when i was 9 and refused to leave me be, then Yukina came. Found me after 3 days of being there. I left during that same night and traveled to the Makai for the first time since my birth. Once there I hunted down, the demon, Shigure. Without my Ki, I didn't stand a chance of protecting my sister, not until I found the Yoko who bound my powers. The implant was excruciating, but well worth it." Hiei sighed as his fingers brushed over his warded bandanna before returning to the redheads thigh. "Whilst travelling back, with the new power, I attracted a lot of attention and that is how I came across Bakura. A band of thieves tried to take me down but with my new power they were no match, they were on their way back from a Heist and their loot became mine. A black dragon egg, I was going to abandon it but the energy pulsing from the unborn beast stunned me and I could tell the egg was close to hatching, so I brought it to Yukina and she cared for the egg. After it hatched, whilst still a newborn, Bakura had vast knowledge and strength. I explained to him that I would have to return him to Makai and he refused to leave, fusing himself with my body so he could hide from sight." At the mention of Bakura's binding, Kurama lightly ran his hand over Hiei's arm, where the tattoo is usually visible. "After that, the Koorime sent hoard after hoard of demons after us trying to end my life as they failed to do. Bakura and the Jagan have kept us alive so far, and now I add you to that list." Hiei whispered as he used his hand to hold Kurama's chin, he looked the redhead in the eyes, tilting his chin slightly and he felt his body begin to lean forward, feeling no resistance from the other. Kurama's eyes slid shut and their lips were about to touch, but Hiei's flitted away a deep blush on his face when Ryou popped up beside them. He looked over at Hiei who now stood by the window before look at a scarlet-faced Kurama who was looking down at his hands.
“Papa, Father. I’m ready to go, Aunt Yukina wrapped my tail and Kura pinned my ears so it’s safe to leave the house now. Aunt is safe with Kura.” Ryou yipped and Hiei nodded, he looked back at the kit, chancing a look at Kurama, but the redheads expression was hidden behind a curtain of hair.
“We must be off then, follow my Ki Ryou, I... Wish to be alone for a little while.” With that he flitted from the room.
*Was he just going to kiss you?* Youko asked in an excited voice and Kurama flushed brighter as he picked up Ryou and started for the front door.
-I believe so Youko…- Kurama muttered back and Youko smiled, tail wagging.
*We might have hope yet, I think he is confused about his feelings towards you. The mark would be making him view his feelings as a betrayal, regardless of if he knows of the marks true meaning or not.*
Kurama didn't respond to Youko as he passed the kitchen, he bid Yukina farewell, locked eyes with Bakura for a second before leaving the house. He stepped out onto the porch and started across the lawn, pausing at the foot path. Youko could sense Hiei's Ki already in the forest north of them. Ryou nuzzled up into Kurama's neck before gesturing left down the street.
“Papa, Father headed that way.” He yipped and Kurama nodded lightly before started off down the street, holding Ryou close to his chest.
The kit snuggled close listening to Kurama’s steady heartbeat, he began purring and Kurama chuckled, the kit was already asleep. He sighed, adjusting Ryou so he had a better grip on the kit before he started down the street at a jog.
Hiei flared his Ki as he stopped among the trees. Panting not from the running but from the situation he was just in. He drew in a deep breath and dug his claws into his chest, clenching his flesh and piercing the skin above his heart. He snarled as he felt the pain pulsing through his neck, radiating from his mating mark.
"What is wrong with me, I can't feel this way!" He cried out as he clawed into his neck, counteracting the pain with the rivets of blood pouring from his neck, dripping to the snow covered ground below. He tore away the bandage, dropping it to the floor so he could access more of the skin around the mark. He snarled in anger , dropping to his knees and digging hi blood stained claws among the snow. He cried out curling in on himself as tears trailed down his cheeks. the liquid hardened, forming small black spheres swirling with red, the small jewels dropping around his clenched fists.
Kurama was unsure of how much time had passed but they were currently walking through the forest on the outskirts of town. Ryou was still asleep in Kurama’s arms and the red-head was conversing with Youko about their situation with Hiei, the Kitsune responded with noises and the occasional words.
"I honestly believe he will now..." A yelp stopped his next words as Youko cried out.
*Blood! Kurama I can smell Hiei's blood! You must hurry!* The Yoko yelled in panic and Kurama ran. Skidding to a stop at the sight of the blood covered snow and small black gems resting amongst the blood. He dropped to his knees and gathered the gems in his hand.
"Tear gems?" he questioned and Youko nodded in affirmation.
Kurama then released a yelp as Hiei dropped down beside him and snatched the 5 gems from his hand, growling lightly. Kurama looked at him in concern, the bandage had been hastily wrapped around his still open wounds. Kurama went to raise his hand to check the wounds when Hiei flitted afew meters away from the redheads touch.
"I'm fine." He growled before he started walking off, not stopping to see if Kurama was following. "Hurry now, I don't have all day." He called over his shoulder and Kurama nodded, running to catch up. He kept pace with Hiei and glanced down at the shorters hands. The long slender fingers and fangs were stained with his own blood.
-He did it to himself...- He thought and Youko whimpered.
*He was tearing into himself last night too, I think that's why he keeps the bandage around his neck, but he hasn't touched the mark, only the flesh around it.* Youko explained and Kurama looked at Hiei in worry. The shorter demon, noticing his new attention bared his fangs.
"Do not question me." He snarled and Kurama nodded, lowering his eyes to the snow. Silence again floated between them, Hiei glanced at the hurt look in Kurama's eyes and sighed.
"I'm sorry, I'm doing it again..." He muttered before looking at the forest ahead of them. "We are entering their territory now." Hiei whispered and Kurama sighed, he moved his hand to awaken Ryou but stopped when Hiei lightly gripped his wrist. “Leave him, it will not do for him to see his pack this way.” Hiei murmured 'Or me for that matter.'
Kurama nodded, unconsciously drawing Ryou closer to himself.
Hiei started forward with Kurama by his side, the redhead cringing lightly as they passed body after fallen body of kitsune, both bestial and humanoid.
-Youko, please take over. I…- Kurama started and Youko nodded in understanding before Kurama’s deep green eyes bleed golden and Youko took control of the human body.
*It is ok kit, these Yoko deserved it. It is disgraceful that they allowed themselves to be enslaved by the Koorime. Our kind cannot be brought, they would have been executed by our leader anyway.* Kurama nodded and retreated deeper into their mind, waiting till he was needed for their kit.
Youko watched Hiei as they walked, making sure to keep his head forward. The scent of his mate's blood was driving him insane and he just wanted to lick the wounds clean and heal him. He shook his head free of such thoughts before continuing forward.
Hiei looked over at Youko with confused eyes.
"Kurama... Can I ask you something?" He called and was faced with eyes of familiar molten gold.
"Yes?" Youko asked smiling lightly at the look that crossed the younger a eyes.
"Are you aware that when your eyes change colour, your scent is altered too?" At the startled look that passed Youko's eyes Hiei laughed lightly.
"I have a very good nose, and what is know as 'Perfect Memory'. The scent you emit when your eyes are gold is familiar to me. I do not mean to be offensive, but I believe the smell is what has caused my sudden forwardness towards you... You see, it's the scent of my mate, well similar, but different. Nicer, as if fresh and reborn." Hiei whispered, blushing deeply as he rubbed against the bandage covering his mark.
"Your... Your mate?" Youko swallowed deeply but stopped when Hiei did.
"We're here, the mother is in the cave at the back of their densite." Hiei responded ignoring Youko's question. The Yoko remained quiet for a minute before tossing control back to Kurama, neither of them passed a word, not knowing what to say. Hiei didn't comment on Kurama's scent change as they traveled through the empty densite. "They ambushed me in the forest, by the time I got here it was only the she-fox and Ryou. I was going to leave as the Alpha wasn't here but the she-fox attacked me and I drew my katana to parry her claws, but she moved mid leap, my blade went right through her and tore her apart... It was only when I lay her on the ground that I knew of Ryou's presence." Hiei explained and he stopped at the mouth of the dark cave.
He held out his hand to stop Kurama from entering. "I do not want the kit to awaken until she is... Presentable, no child should have to see their mother in her condition. We will awaken him and lay her to rest when I am done." Kurama nodded before he turned and went to sit down by the campfire. Hiei watched him for a minute before entering the cave.
-I believe he knows the true intent of the mark on his neck.- Kurama started softly and Youko just whined response. -I don't think he has told Yukina the whole story. Otherwise she never would have suggested what she did...- Another whine met his ears and he growled. -Stop whining, if anyone has the right to whine it's me!- Youko flinched, laying his ears back on his head and Kurama sighed. -I'm sorry...- He didn't receive a response and the two waited for Hiei in silence.
Hiei slowly approached the still body of the she-fox, her fur was she same colour as Kurama's hair, darkened all over by her dried blood. He lifted her torn body and lightly lay her on the stone slab where she first lay guarding Ryou. He then fed his Ki into the dead body before him. The wounds slowly healed, threading themselves back together from the inside out. He drew a deep breathe once finished and shook his head as dizziness started to hit him from his low energy levels. Clearing his head, he steeled himself before he slowly began cleaning the fur, recoiling at the taste of her dried blood.
Kurama glared at the floor beside him, ignoring Youko in his head and Ryou beside him. The kit had awoken and was eager to see Hiei and his mother. Kurama had just barely been able to restrain him from entering the cave. Now they sat in silence waiting for Hiei to call to them. After another ten minutes of silence Youko whined again and Kurama sighed.
-Youko, I'm sorry... I shouldn't be mad at you, I thought something wasn't right, he seemed to be moving on only instinct... But I ignored it, perhaps if he had actually fallen for me then accepting you as a mate would be easier as we are one in the same... But It was wrong of me to do so, I'm sorry.- another whine responded him and he went to yell again when Hiei exited the cave, wiping the faint trails of blood from his mouth.
"Kit, go pay your respects." He spoke and Ryou perked before scampering up and into the cave. Hiei watched him go before walking over to sit beside Kurama, he looked down at his blood covered claws and closed his eyes at the kits mournful yowl.
"Hiei, we need to talk." Kurama whispered, placing his hand over the bandage around Hiei's neck. The fire demon snarled in pain but didn't pull away. "And when we do, I need you to listen... To everything I say, do what you will with the information, but you need to know..." He finished and the jaganshi looked up at him, meeting his eyes with a confused gaze. 'Why has the stinging in my neck stopped? It should only stop completely when I am with Youko again...'
"Do not think about it now, I will tell you later." He said lightly retracting his now blood stained hand. Hiei nodded to the redheads words before pulling the reddened hand to his lips and licking it clean of his lifeblood. Kurama blushed lightly but allowed Hiei to finish cleaning him.
When the mournful yowls stopped and Ryou emerged from the den, night had already fallen. He approached the fire Hiei had lit when dark started to settle and looked at his Papa and Father with saddened eyes. Kurama stood up and approached the kit. He reached up into his hair and retracted a seed, which he then handed to the kit.
"Grow this before the lip of the cave and she will be able to rest in peace." He explained and Ryou nodded, he moved over to the cave, used his claws to dig a small hole and place the seed in, shifting the dirt back over it. He then channeled his Youkai towards the seed and the two teens watched as thick vines sprouted, twisting and twirling until the entire entrance was covered, then the flytrap grew snapping its fangs as it took in its surroundings. Ryou petted the plant and the flytrap leaned into the touch.
"Please watch over my mother." He whispered and the plant bowed lightly. "Thankyou..." With that said and one last pat, Ryou ran to Kurama and jumped into his arms. "Did I do good Papa?" He asked and Kurama nodded.
"She would be very proud of you." He praised nuzzling into the kit who giggled and returned the nuzzle. Hiei moved beside them and lightly scratched at Ryou's left ear, the kit changed into his beastial form and snuggled closer to Kurama.
"We must get going..." Hiei murmured and Kurama nodded.
He yelped when he was pulled into Hiei's arms and wrapped one arm around his neck, the other holding the kit tightly as Hiei flitted back to town.
He stopped keeping perfect balance on the windowsill of their room and set Kurama down. He flared his Ki to alert Bakura and Yukina to their return before he jumped down and followed Kurama into the loungeroom. Yukina sat with her feet curled beside her reading a book while, Bakura, in his beastial form was curled up on the mat in the corner of the room. Ryou wriggled out of Kurama's grip and ran over to the dragon who had looked up from his paws. The kit dived on him, licking at his face as his tail wagged excitedly. Bakura returned his licks and nuzzled into them before nudging him to lay down beside him, he then positioned his wing so it covered the small kits body and proceeded to lay down again.
"Brother welcome home." Yukina said as she got up and hugged both him and Kurama. "I will take my leave now, I was not waiting up for you because Bakura insisted on doing so and I didn't want him to be alone."
"Goodnight Sister." Hiei called after her and Kurama nodded calling out to her aswell. Hiei then turned back to the dragon and fox kit. "Thank you Bakura." The dragon bowed his head before purring lightly in response. Hiei approached him and pulled him into a hug, which was returned by the unused wing wrapping around him one way and a clawed paw going the other. "Goodnight." Hiei whispered as he pulled back and placed his hand against Bakura's scaly snout, a small lick to his hand was his answer and he sighed before standing up and heading back to his room, a silent Kurama right behind him.
Hiei closed the door behind Kurama and sighed.
-Youko, stay quiet and listen.- Kurama commanded and he felt the fox nod before he walked over to the bed. He sat down on the side and pulled Hiei between his legs, the jaganshi slightly resisted but relented and looked at Kurama with confusion.
"First and foremost, Tell me about your mate." Kurama whispered and Hiei closed his blood red eyes, facing towards the floor.
"His name is Youko Kurama, he's a four tailed spirit fox, passed the age of 3000 when i met him. He saved my life, when i was tossed from the floating island i surely would have been killed by the fall but he caught me, injuring his already wound boy more by reflecting my impact through his own body. He brought me here to human world with the promise of a better life and brought me to the hospital. After he removed the wards from my body i used my unrestrained power to subdue his pain, in thank. That's when he bound them, even as a baby i was reaching power levels of his own, and with proper training, had i the chance, i would have easily surpassed him. Using his own power, he locked mine within my body with the promise that he would release them on our next meeting. That's when he first placed the mark on me, it was to be merely for my protection until I regained my power, however his... Undiscovered feelings for my soul, despite my being a newborn changed it from a mark of protection to a mating mark. I knew of the marks true intent the moment he left me at the hospital and fled and within hours I knew that his wounds had ended his life. It wasn't till I was 10 years old that my mark started to pulse. I could feel his energy flood through my body. I knew he was alive, and began to search for him... I'm still searching." He whispered, opening his eyes once he finished. He met Kurama's eyes with his own saddened ones and the green shifted from his face to his neck.
"Why did you do this?" He asked lightly brushing the bandages and dried blood.
"Because of you..." Hiei whispered in response and Kurama started before Hiei explained. "When I saw you that first night, you were walking with your friends, my mark, it heated up. A bearable temperature but a reaction that confused me. (Add scene about neck heating up first night) the next day when I saw you again at the school yard... It wasn't a heat, but a tingling sensation that passed through the mark, the third time it happened was an incessant itching last night after our talk, while trying to quell the feeling, I tore into my skin, scratching with my claws and it eventually stopped." Hiei paused and looked down at his hands, he could still smell the blood on his claws.
"And today, in the forest?" Kurama prompted and Hiei sighed.
"An intense, searing pain, almost as bad as when I got my implant. A defence brought up after I almost..." He didn't finish as his fingers shifted to his lips in silent words.
"I see..." Kurama responded and Hiei just nodded before sighing. "I lied..." He mumbled and Kurama looked at him confused. "About my feelings, I lied."
"What do you mean?" Kurama asked and Hiei sighed.
"It isn't the scent that draws me to you... That is why my mark is reacting so violently. You see, Fire Yokai are fiercely loyal and only ever take the one mate, a life mate. Youko took choice from me, whilst he didn't intend to, I have no choice but to accept him as my mate, for I can only ever be marked once, unconsciously I knew Youko lived after his body died because once his should passes over, mine will follow, with his death comes my own and for what ever reason, should he wish to remove the bond, i will die. Thus why it is a life bond." Hiei spoke as he rested his hand against Kurama's cheek, bushing his thumb over the soft skin. Youko was whimpering at Hiei's words but Kurama remained focused on the small demon. "My mark is strongly against my feelings for you, feelings that have been there since that first night... But I can not act on them, despite how I wish to. Only Youko can decide my future, wether I be bound to him or die." Hiei said forlornly.
"Tell me Hiei, if say Youko were to complete the mating bond with you, could you with his permission, still be with me?" Kurama asked curiously and Hiei shook his head immediantly.
"Youko would have the authority to give me such permission just as I would, him, but I would never put you though that. Once we are bound, what's his is mine and what's mine is his. You wouldn't be able to be with me without joining either him aswell. I will not make you do that." Hiei responded and Kurama smiled confusing Hiei. "Kurama? Why do my words make you happy?"
"Because you are the last thing we needed to be free." He said with a huge grin.
-It's time Youko.- Kurama called out and he handed full control over to the kitsune.
Hiei's eyes widened in shock as the red hair before him bleed white, ears and a tail formed from the tall slender body. Molten gold looked into his shocked blood red and Youko smiled.
"Ryu..." He whispered, running his clawed fingers through Hiei's black strands.
"Yo... Youko? I don't understand..." Hiei responded and reached out as if to check if he was real. Youko leaned into the touch and purred lightly.
"Mate allow me to explain." He whispered and Hiei nodded. "My body was already failing when I found you, and I expended most of my life energy making sure you were safe. When I left you, I returned to the park and made myself a place to rest, before releasing my soul, which merged with a pregnant human who was soon to give birth. Kurama Minamino, is the other soul that I share this body with. It wasn't until the age of 10 that i was able to bring out my humanoid and beastial forms, my powers having grown subtly along with Kurama's body. Over the past 3 years we have also managed to form separate entity's though it takes a lot of power and quickly drains both of us." Hiei nodded in understanding before a look crossed his face.
"Seperate entity's?" Hiei asked and Yuko nodded.
"Yes, the soul not in control can manifest themselves, drawing on both our powers to make a solid body separate to the host." He explained and Hiei nodded. A silence passed between them as they stared into each others eyes. Youko then broke it as he raised a claw and cut away at the bandages around Hiei's neck. He then lean forward and started to lick his neck clean, closing that was left of the healing wounds and lathering the mark with much desired attention, Hiei groaned at the pleasurable sensation and slipped his clawed fingers into his mate's silver hair, holding Youko close and encouraging more licks.
"How much of my conversation with Kurama could you hear? His eyes were green the whole time so is know you weren't in control." Hiei moaned and with a couple more licks, he pulled back.
"I heard every word, and need to set you straight on afew things. The first being that I do love you, and if I had my way, life bond or not, you would never leave my side. I may not have intended such a connection but I will not break it." He growled as he moved back to the mark on Hiei neck, licking and gnawing at the skin as he spoke. "Secondly, you need to be aware that I also love Kurama, I know of your feelings for him and have no problem with him being with us. Which brings us to the third thing. I will unbind your powers, as you know once mated we will share each others powers equally. I would like you to project your unlocked powers and supply us with enough energy that Kurama and I can stay separate throughout the completion of the bond, including Kurama in said bond." Youko explained and Hiei hissed as the Kitsune's teeth knicker his skin which was then soothed with his tongue.
"I respect everything you have said my mate, but I am a fire demon. Despite how much I would wish to bare both your marks, I can only bare one." Hiei said lightly and Youko chuckled at his words
"Ahh but remember, your also part Koorime, you may have gotten you appearance, power and loyalty from your father but everything else, you got from your mother, just you feeling anything towards Kurama is proof of that. Allow him to mark you and you will see what I mean." Youko explained and Hiei grunted as fangs were grazed down his neck.
"But what..." He started but stopped when Youko licked over the small wound before sinking his fangs down into Hiei's neck and shoulder, he fed his Ki into the deep wound and slowly unbound Hiei's powers not wanting the body to go into shock. Hiei sighed as his familiar power flowed back through his body, enhanced greatly by the Jagan. He moaned at the pure rush of power and his mate claiming him once again. Purring ad Youko retracted his fangs and licked away the blood.
"Do it, mark me and feed us your energy." Youko whined and Hiei growl before pushing back the long silver hair and baring his fangs, he licked at his choice spot before sinking in, savouring his mates blood as he fed the body his powerful Ki. Youko moaned as waves of pleasure shot through his body at the completion of their bond. When Hiei finally retracted his fangs and cleaned the Kitsune's neck, a peaceful expression had crossed the face and Hiei was pulsing with his returned power.
"Kurama, draw on Hiei's energy the way you do mine. You should barely feel the pull when you manifest." He called out and Kurama did as he was told. Hiei felt a very slight tug at his Ki and watched in fascination as Kurama appeared sitting on the bed, first in astral form before he because solid. Kurama looked over at Hiei with a small smile, to which the jaganshi returned. Youko reached over and tugged Kurama towards him, positioning the human in his lap between him and Hiei.
"This may sting a little." The Kitsune whispered before pulling back the crimson locks and sinking his fangs into Kurama's neck, baring his unmarked side to the human. Kurama sighed at the pleasurable feeling that started to pulse though him before he leaned over and bit down over the clear flesh, using this fangs that had grown into his body due to his housing the Kitsune's soul. Youko moaned as he fed his Ki into Kurama and drew some of the humans life energy into his own body, both releasing moans of pleasure. When he pulled back, he licked away the blood and coaxed the wound to scar the skin. Kurama then pulled back and smiled at Youko before turning to a very turned on fire demon. Youko chuckled.
"We will get to that bit after you two complete the bond my mate." Hiei didn't look so sure about it but when Kurama bared his unmarked side to Hiei, he instinctively moved forward and pierced the skin, feeding the human body a large dose of his Ki. Kurama bit down on the unmarked side of Hiei's neck, digging deeper when the pleasurable wave of power from the demon brought a wave of heat with it. Hiei winced as Youko's mark reacted to Kurama's but was surprised when the light pain faded, and all he could feel was Youko's mark drawing some of the life energy he was pulling in through Kurama's mark. When Hiei pulled back, like Youko he coaxed the wound to scar as he cleaned away the blood.
*I must get to the Ningenkai, if I am found by another demon in my current state, I will not survive the encounter.*
His claws dug into the ground and he skidded to a stop, yelping as the pads of his paws were cut by the small sharp rocks that littered the ground hiding amongst the grass. His sudden stop was brought on by a clearing in the forest. He could feel it, an immense power, that of an A class apparition coming from above, heading right for the clearing before him. Curiosity overriding his instinct to flee, he took a step into the clearing and glanced up. His sensitive ears picked up a faint whistling noise, something was approaching, fast. What he could see confused him. It was a small bundle of cloth hurling towards the ground. The strong Ki he could feel was coming from it.
*Why doesn't it slow it's self before it lands? The impact will surely kill it.*
Seeing the bundle approaching fast with no intent on stopping, he leapt into the air catching the bundle of cloth before it met with the ground. He released another yelp as he landed on his back to avoid crushing the prize he had just snagged. After getting back to his feet he placed the bundle down and looked over the faded cloth. A small demon was wrapped up in what smelled to be a sacred cloth. From the hot air around the small apparition, he could tell it was at least partly fire Yokai. The heat the small body was producing caused the fox to step back slightly.
*A child, with that much power?*
His deep voice questioned and his golden eyes connected with the blood red of the baby before him, he released a sigh and his ears flattened against his head.
*I cannot just leave you to be killed. I will take you with me, at least in the Ningenkai, you will have a chance.*
He moved forward breathing deep through the baby’s heat and picked up the bundle by part of the loosely wrapped ward. He then, stumbled to his paws with the extra weight of the child and started his unsteady gate towards the nearest portal. Ducking through and clumsily sneaking past the guards on the other side, he sprinted into the nearest cover of trees. Looking behind him once in the thicket, he was surprised to see that his awkward sneak had gone un-noticed. Neither of the guards had spotted or followed him, they hadn’t even noticed his presence. Looking down at the child again, he quickly made his way through the park, looking for somewhere he could leave the small apparition before heading to his resting place.
*What was that place called, where the human mothers have their children?*
He asked himself before he reached the edge of the park and quickly made his way across the street. He entered an alleyway, stalking through the shadows whilst keeping an eye out for danger. He was just about to clear the dank path when a large dog jumped out in front of him.
*Shit!*
He yelped in shock before he threw the child behind him, catching the bundle among his four tails. Sheltering the child close to his body the fox made quick haste in removing the threat to both him and the baby’s safety. With ragged breathing and blood dripping from his neck where the dog got in a lucky shot, he stumbled on. His blurred vision focused on a large white building sporting a red cross and he sighed.
*The human’s hospital.*
With a small burst of energy, he made his way towards the building, sneaking down the halls till he found the room he was looking for. The small sign on the door read ‘Nursery.’ He stood against the door and peaked through the small window, in the room he could see two nurses tending to multiple children while a third sat at a desk on the computer. Thinking fast, the fox looked around and noticed the bathroom door off to his left. Quickly he ducked in, locking the door behind him. He placed the child down and shifted to his humanoid form, he winced as the pain from his wound intensified on his larger body.
“Now young one.” His deep voice rasped with pain and the child looked him directly in the eye.
“I must leave you here.” He spoke, wincing as he moved to unwrap the sacred cloth, he removed the ward and yelped as the child's flames burst forth, burning him with the intensity of their heat.
He went to back away when the child sat up, he felt the searing heat soften to a soothing warmth that surrounded him and lessened his pain. Confused, he looked down at the baby only to see a smile gracing the small face.
“Quiet a powerful little one aren’t you? For you to live comfortably here, I will need to suppress your powers." He said softly before rising his Ki, he used his own energy to suppress the young ones Ki within the child's body. He sighed as the heat left his body tingling, the pain still dulled.
“These ningens may not seem like home as demons would, but you will be safe and looked after. Now when you are old enough to control your power, you must seek me out. I will unbind your powers for you.” At the small child’s nod, he continued. “You will find me using my scent, my name is Youko Kurama. I am going to mark you." He started to say and held up his hands in defense when the child started to growl, eyes narrowing in a glare. "It will not be permanent and is solely for your protection, I am a strong influence in the demon world and next to no one is unaware of who I am. You will be left alone, with the return of your powers when we next meet, the mark will disappear." He watched as a thoughtful expression crossed the child's face before he seemed to come to a decision, with a slight look of uncertainty in his eyes, he tilted his head to the side, baring his neck to the older demon, who reached out his hand and dug one of his claws into the child's neck, just enough to draw blood, he then fed his Ki into the wound. A smile crossed his lips when the flow of power into the smaller body made the child purr. After a minute Youko withdrew his claw and leaned over to lap at his mark. Cleaning the blood and sealing the wound as a small scar. “I need to leave you here, but I promise they will take care of you. Ryū.” He whispered and the child smiled up at him.
Youko shifted back into his Kitsune form and picked up the child by the back of his rugged black top. He unlocked the door and quickly left the room. He sunk across the hall, before scratching at the glass door. He then placed Ryū on the floor before looking him in the eye.
*Ryū, you need to remember that a Ningen child's development is slow. You must not do anything that can expose your demonic nature.*
Ryū nodded in understanding, then lay down and curled up on the floor, eyes still trained on Youko. A smile crossed the Kitsune's muzzle and he nuzzled into Ryū. The child wrapped his arms around Youko's neck, releasing a light purr. At the sound of footsteps on the other side of the door, Youko pulled away and licked Ryū on the face before he sprinted off and hid around the corner. The door opened and he heard the nurse gasp before muttering a few words as she picked up Ryū. She then cooed to him before turning and re-entering the room. Blood red eyes met molten gold one more time before the door shut. Youko released a sigh as he started at the closed door.
*Until then, young one.*
He turned over his paw and looked down at the jewel he had snagged from amongst the cloth Ryū had been wrapped in. A small smile crossed his muzzle before he placed the jewel beneath a cart and turned to leave. With a few stumbles and almost being caught twice, Youko made it outside the hospital and franticly glanced around, night had fallen whilst he was inside the hospital. His time was almost up, he had used most of it to insure that Ryū was safe. He had to find a host soon or he wouldn’t be alive come tomorrow. Wrapping his four tails tightly around each other to give off the illusion of only having a single tail, Youko quickly made his way across town and back into the forest near the portal back to Makai. He scoured through the trees and stopped when he found a bush, the ground beneath its leaves, large enough to fit his body but small enough to be overlooked. He ducked in and got comfortable, curling up in a ball with his combined tails wrapped around him. Using his remaining Ki, he willed the weeds and bush around him to encase where his body would lay to rest before he allowed his soul to leave. His soul made quick haste back to the hospital, making a slight detour, he retrieved the jewel, then he entered a random room. Sleeping peacefully in the hospital bed was a very pregnant lady. The name on her hospital tag read 'Shiori Minamino'. He dropped the jewel so the rope it hung on landed around Shiori's neck before he merged his spirit with her unborn child. Fourteen hours later, young Kurama Minamino was born.
Chapter 2
His feet touched lightly on the concrete of their new apartment’s roof. A grunt followed the narrowing of red eyes as he scanned his surroundings.
“How dare they promise a proper life then bring us here. An attic is no bedroom.” He growled and he closed his eyes with a sigh, before looking up to the moon. “This is no life for my Yukina.”
Sounds from below drew his attention and his eyes trailed over four teens that were walking along the footpath. The tallest of the four had orange hair and a gruff voice he said something that seemed to make the other three laugh, beside him was another male with his black hair, a head shorter than the first. Clinging to his arm was a brunette not much shorter than him, she was leaning on his shoulder, symbolizing their... closeness. His eyes were then drawn to the fourth figure, whose laughter only just reached his ears. From their distance gender was unidentifiable, but leaning more towards female, she had long red hair and was walking slightly off from the other three, saying she wasn’t too close to them. The black haired male said something that caused the ginger to blush brightly under the street lights, then the two got into a fight, yelling and swinging while the two females just watched in amusement.
“Fools.” He grunted, and the redhead’s eyes shot to meet his.
Bright green now met his blood red ones. An unknown expression crossed the females face before she looked back to her friends, a soft word was spoken before they started back off down the street.
“Brother?” A soft voice called from the window below him.
He watched them walk off before he jumped down, landing lightly on the window seal in a crouched position.
“Yukina.” He responded in a soft voice as he looked over her, she had decent length Aqua hair and red eyes the same as his. “You should be in bed. We have to rise early tomorrow morning.” He whispered before entering the room and ushering her further inside their shared space. He tucked her into her bed before lightly kissing her forehead and turning off her lamp.
“Brother, I’m scared.” She whispered and he sighed before sitting on the side of her bed, stroking her hair softly. As her breath slowed and he believed her to be asleep, he stood up and moved over to his own bed, switched off the lamp and lay down, he sighed as he looked to the roof and his eyes drifted shut.
“Good night Hiei.” The soft voice of his sister met his ears and he grunted before turning over and letting sleep take him.
"Kurama, what's up?" Kuwabara asked as he rubbed his neck from the head lock had not long been released from. "Why are you rushing us?"
The redhead turned his bright green eyes towards the brown and grey eyes of his companions.
“It’s nothing.” His soft voice spoke before he continued on at a faster pace. “I just have to get home to mother, that’s all. After the incident last week with that tiger demon, she has been... Overprotective.”
“If you say so, we'll see you tomorrow.” Yusuke called out watching as their friend made a hasty retreat.
“Sure thing” Kurama called back over his shoulder.
The three watched as he vanished around a corner and sighed, before saying their goodbyes and going their separate ways home.
Kurama sighed, the quiet walk home left his thoughts to stray. Blood red eyes crossed his mind’s eye and he shook them from his head before sighing again as he ran up the steps of his home.
‘What is wrong with me?’
He sighed as his door swung open and his mother rushed out to check on him.
“Kurama!” She called as she hugged him tightly before pulling away and looking him over to make sure he was unharmed. “Are you alright, you said you would be home two hours ago.”
“I’m fine mother. The guys just kept me longer then I thought they would.” He explained as the woman ushered him into the house, closing the door behind him.
“Call next time, I was so worried.” She said and Kurama nodded before looking to the staircase. He then wiggled out of his mother’s grip before running for the stairs, stopping to smile at the older woman.
“I apologies mother, I am very tired and you know I have school tomorrow.” He said as he started up the stairs.
“What about dinner?” She asked and he sighed.
“Thanks for the offer but I ate while I was out.” He called back before running the rest of the way up the stairs.
He quickly crossed the hallway and entered his room, smiling as the door locked behind him with a satisfying click. He lay down on his bed in the dark room before closing his eyes and allowing Youko to take control of their shared body. His red hair lengthened slightly as it faded to silver, his height increased slightly and his nails grew to sharp claws. His human ears vanished, two fox ears appeared atop his silky hair and a soft fox tail sprouted from his spine. Trust into control, Youko roused awake before Kurama's voice washed over him.
-Do you need to go anywhere tonight? I'm tired and would like to go straight to sleep.-
*No, the body needs rest, I can get my stuff done another night.*
-Alright, I got you that book wanted, it's on the desk.-
*Thank you Kurama, have a good sleep.*
Youko picked up on the smile he felt from Kurama before the redhead left him alone to rest. Youko looked up at the roof of their bedroom with a sigh, before he picked up the jewel around his neck. Seventeen years had passed since he left Ryū at the hospital after suppressing the child's powers, the child had yet to return to get his suppressed powers unlocked.
‘I suppose the kid can’t find me. Not many know that Kurama houses my Yoko soul, with the exception of mother and our friends. The appearance, scent and name change probably threw him off.’
He thought as he rolled the jewel between his thumb and forefinger. The thought of finding Ryū himself crossed his mind for the billionth time but he shook it away. His thoughts eventually lulled him into a dreamless sleep.
Chapter 3
BEEP... BEEP...
BEEP... BEEP...
BEEP... BEEP...
A deep growl sounded from the teen as he slammed his fist against the annoying alarm clock, shattering the mechanical wakeup call into pieces.
“Brother, now we will have to buy him a new one.” A sleepy voice came from the bed next to his.
“I could care less what he wants.” Hiei grunted as he stood and walked over to the ladder. “Get dressed quickly Yukina. I do not wish to be here when that brute gets back.” With that Hiei pushed the ladder down though the attic entrance and climbed down onto the second floor of their two story house. He slunk down the hallway and slipped into the bathroom to re-wrap his bandages.
Less than ten minutes had the twins dressed, fed and walking down the sidewalk towards their new school.
Hiei looked back at Yukina who was trailing a few meters behind him.
“Are you alright?” He asked with worry as he slowed to his twins pace. He looked into her eyes and immediately knew what was wrong. “They will not hate you sister. Do not fret.” He whispered as he placed a bandaged arm around her shoulder and pulled her towards him in a brief hug.
He let go of her once she nodded her head and they made their way up the street and through the school gates.
“We’re early.” She said in a soft voice and Hiei grunted before leading her towards a tree off to their left.
He leapt into the tree and made himself comfortable on a lower branch as Yukina sat down, leaning against the trunk. She pulled out her book and a peaceful silence passed over the two siblings as they waited. A slight wind picked up through the yard and Hiei shot up as the same laughter from the previous night entered his ears. Looking towards the gate, the redhead ‘female’ and her male friends from last night entered the school yard. He quickly shifted higher into the trees, hand unconsciously shifting the scarf around his neck when the redhead looked his way.
Kurama jolted when Youko's voice suddenly entered his mind.
*That girl, Kurama you must speak with her, the scent she carries, it is the same as Ryū!*
Kurama shook his head at the Kitsune's excited tone.
-The fire demon you saved? I don't get it, she is human not demon.-
*I don't know but it is defiantly his scent.*
-Alright, she seems to be new to the school.-
"Oi, Kurama what are you looking at?" Yusuke asked and his voice was cut off by Kuwabara.
“Hey! It's her.” The tall orange haired one spoke as he pointed in Yukina's direction, Kurama looked back at him startled.
*How does the fool know her, it may help me find my Ryū.* Youko growled and Kurama hushed him before giving his ginger friend his attention.
"You know her?" he asked in an interested tone.
"She's the one I told you about yesterday, my princess." Kuwabara said in a love-struck tone and Hiei growled, immediately knowing what his words meant.
“I think she’s new, never seen her here before.” The black haired one spoke and Kuwabara hit him on the back of the head.
"Of cause she's new do you think she would be sitting alone if she wasn't?" Kuwabara growled in a protective manner and with one look from Kurama the both of them stopped.
"Shut up and follow." Kurama growled out, his emerald orbs flashing gold and the two were immediately aware that the words had come from Youko and not Kurama.
Kurama sighed before he started in Yukina's direction, Yusuke and Kuwabara trailing behind him.
“Yukina." Hiei called worried and Yukina smiled without looking up at him so his position stayed hidden.
"It's alright brother, I briefly met the ginger yesterday, he saved me from a Yoko that Grandmother sent after us, I don't think he knew of the attackers true nature, but he must be a street fighter, he sent the Kitsune running after only a minute." Hiei snorted glaring over at the tall boy before looking back at his sister.
"Help or not, be careful. I’m here if you need me.” Hiei hisses and Yukina hummed in thanks, she looked up just as the three boys stopped a couple meters before her.
'A cautious action.' Hiei noted seeing that strange look pass the redheads eyes again. 'Can he tell she's not human?'
“Good morning.” The red-head said softly taking another small step forward, He smiled when she didn't retreat any. Yukina gave him a bright smile before standing up and bowing slightly.
“A good morning to you also.” She spoke lightly before turning to Kuwabara and bowing a second time. "Thank you for your help yesterday Kazuma."
Kuwabara blushed at her words but stayed quiet, not wanting to anger Youko. Yusuke not as smart as Kuwabara moved to Kurama's side and ignored the Kitsune’s warning growl.
“Are you new here?” He asked leaning in closer and Hiei growled lightly Yukina nodded shyly before backing up slightly closer to the tree.
“Yes, today is my first day.” She whispered.
*Give me control.*
Kurama sighed before he closed his eyes. When he reopened them they were gold. He looked over at Yusuke who took a step back.
“Yusuke.” He said softly but the look in his eyes spoke volumes. Yusuke chuckled nervously before nodding and taking a quiet Kuwabara by the arm and dragging him off. Youko stared after them to ensure they left before turning soft eyes back to Yukina. He noted how she had relaxed again and reached out to take her hand. “I apologies about my friends behavior. He just can’t resist a pretty face.” Youko flattered as he lightly kissed Yukina’s hand. A loud growl sounded from above them, but appeared to go unnoticed.
Yukina blushed lightly at the action before looking into his golden eyes with slight confusion, but it vanished and a smile crossed her face
“It is quiet alright, my name is Yukina. What may I ask is yours?" She questioned not knowing what to call him.
“My name is Kurama, but my close friends call me Fox.” He winked and froze when Hiei dropped from the tree with a small dagger held up against his neck. “I was wondering when you were going to leave your hiding spot.” The red-head chuckled before he looked at the glare staring directly into his eyes.
“Brother don’t. It’s ok...” Yukina said, she wrapped her arms around Hiei’s bandaged arm and he lowered the dagger, turning towards Yukina but not taking his eyes off of the golden eyed red-head.
“You trust him.” Was all he asked and Yukina nodded lightly, Hiei looked at Youko with an intense gaze, studying him intently. The look in Youko's eyes confused him slightly, it was a soft but intense look overshadowed by... longing? Hiei had to turn away because he could feel his body reacting to the teen. He drew in a deep breath before glaring at the redhead and backing him up against the tree he was resting in. Youko’s back hit the tree and his golden eyes locked with blood red so close to his own. His body shivered excitedly when the shorter's hot breath ghosted over his lips a mere inch away. A confused look crossed the orbs before they steeled and hardened, the Youko couldn’t help but flinch when the dagger, still slightly dripping his own blood, imbedded itself into the tree directly beside his head.
“Good morals or whatever you humans feel aside, this dagger will be your weapon whilst my sister is in your care. Do what you must to ensure her safety.” He then stepped back away from the redhead and looked at Yukina. “Stay with him, I have things to arrange so do not leave his side.”
With a side-glance at startled green eyes and a grunt Hiei vanished.
“I-I apologize for his behavior.” Yukina whispered as she looked up to see the thin line of blood against Kurama’s neck, she mentally noted that his eyes were emerald once again.
“It is nothing, just a scratch.” He said wiping away the blood before retracting the dagger from the tree, He wiped the blade clean. “According to his words, you’re my responsibility now?” He asked and Yukina nodded. “May I ask why you have put your trust in a stranger?”
“If brother didn’t trust you, you would have more then that small scratch, and if brother trusts someone, so do I.” She explained and laughed lightly as Kurama’s startled eyes looked over the dagger, he then slipped the weapon beneath his shirt so it sat firmly against his skin, held to his waist by his belt.
“Do not fret, he won't harm you.” Yukina smiled and he nodded before looking around and then back to her.
"Well shall we start with the office and get your class schedule?" he suggested and Yukina nodded. Kurama turned and started off with Yukina trailing behind him.
*Ryū, he has grown into a handsome demon.* Youko spoke in a light voice and Kurama grinned.
-So you have finally found him. Are you going to tell him of our merging?- He asked and a silence responded telling him that Youko was thinking about how to respond. Finally the deep voice re-entered his mind.
*He won't care, all he will want from me is his powers unlocked and my mark removed.* Youko responded sounding sad and Kurama sighed.
Kurama was jolted out of his thoughts by Yukina's hand touching his shoulder.
"Sorry were you saying something?" He asked and she nodded before repeating her question.
"I was asking about your eyes. They change color, gold, it's an odd eye color. I've only ever heard of one... person with gold eyes, my brother, met him when he was very young. I was wondering if perhaps you may have known him." She spoke not once looking at Kurama, hiding the hope in her eyes.
"I have what you would call a... Dual personality. My other... Personality is named Youko, when he is... In control, my eyes become golden." Kurama said and Youko snickered at his explanation, Yukina just nodded to his words.
"So it was Youko who my brother met, not you?" She asked and Kurama nodded. "That explains his strange reaction." She spoke lightly and at Kurama's confusion she elaborated. "Make no mistake Kurama, had you been in control instead of Youko brother would have slit your throat without a second thought. His mark prevented him from harming Youko. May I speak with him?" She asked finally stopping and looking Kurama directly in the eye. Kurama the realized that she had led him into a secluded closed off area and knew she wanted to see him, not just talk to him. He released a sigh before relinquishing control. Yukina watched in amazement as the transformation happened and nice it was complete she looked up into the face of Youko Kurama. She reached up and lightly rubbed one of his ears causing the Youko to purr.
"I didn't believe brother when he explained you to me. You really are beautiful." She complemented and smiled when the Kitsune blushed.
"Forgive me for deceiving you, I understand you must have a lot of questions however I do not believe we have that much time." Youko explained and Yukina sat down on the bench with her arms crossed.
"Brother will delay his return if that is what I wish, let Kurama back out." Youko gave her a confused look but he let Kurama take control of the body once more. He went to talk to her when Yukina held out her hand to stop him before standing.
"Brother." She said lightly and a gust of wind blew past them as Hiei stopped before her.
"What is it Yukina, are you alright?" He asked with concern before glaring over at Kurama and growling darkly. "What happened?" He snarled and Kurama took a step back with his hands held up, Yukina placed a hand on Hiei's shoulder and his hostility vanished as he looked at her again.
"Brother, I'm fine." She whispered and he looked her over before grunting in approval.
"Why have you summoned me?" He muttered, stuffing his hands in his pockets glaring in a random direction. Kurama took a seat at the bench as Yukina whispered something to Hiei.
"What! Why! How do I know I can trust h..." He stopped as arms wrapped around him and sighed before hugging his younger sister. "Alright, I will leave you be but remember." He said as he lifted her hand, he then placed it against his forehead. "Just call and I'll be here." He whispered and placed his hand against her cheek in a comforting gesture. And you!" The suddenly growled turning on Kurama with a molten glare. "Subconsciously, on some level, my body holds trust for you. Do not miss-use this trust, you are responsible for her whilst she is in your care." Even with his soft tone Kurama could tell it was not an empty or light threat. Yukina lightly touched his arm.
"Brother, what will you do while you await my call?" She asked and his eyes took on a cold stare.
“I...” He started before glaring at the Kurama. “Have to ensure we are safe here.” He went to leave but stopped at the hand that clasped his wrist.
“Do you think they will find us here?” Yukina asked worried and Hiei’s eyes softened as he stroked her hair.
“I could care less about myself, but they will not touch you.” His soft voice projected such ferocity that Kurama flinched slightly, Hiei caught it out of the corner of his eye before he touched Yukina’s forehead with his own. “You endangered yourself by finding me, but I won’t allow them to get near you. I promise.” He placed a light kiss on her forehead before flitting off, not caring that the redhead has seen his inhuman speed. Yukina sighed before looking back at Youko.
"Somewhere more private, this is too open." Was all she said and Kurama nodded before leading her off the school grounds and towards his house.
The walk was silent but comfortable and when they reached the porch Kurama opened the door and gestured for Yukina to enter, following closely behind.
"Mother! I'm home." He called out and led Yukina though the house to the kitchen where Shiori greeted him with a hug, she looked to Yukina with a smile, not saying anything.
"Mother, this is Yukina, one of Youko's friends. We will be in my room, should anyone but you try to enter they will not be welcome." It was spoken in a calm voice but Shiori knew he meant his words.
"Will there be any exceptions?" She asked and he nodded.
"Her brother, red eyes, black hair, about her height, he will come when called. No one else." The woman nodded before going back to her work and Kurama led Yukina up the stairs and to his room.
Once inside he locked the door. Yukina sat down on his bed and shifted getting comfortable as he took the desk chair.
"Is there a way to talk to you both at once? I believe you deserve part in this conversation, from what I can tell and see this is a merger not a possession, you are a part of Youko and my words will affect you as well." Yukina explained and Kurama nodded before closing his eyes, almost a minute passed then a burst of Ki filled the room and Youko took over the body, Kurama appeared in an astral form.
"Will this do? It's the best we can provide without more Ki." He asked and she nodded before looking at both of them.
"First and foremost, I owe you, Youko, a Thank you. Had you not rescued my brother that day, I may still be searching for a lost cause." She whispered and Youko nodded. "I have two problems with that day, I understand Youko Kurama was a renowned thief? Where is my brothers tear gem?" Her voice was calm but hard and Youko looked at her confused before he realized what she wanted.
"I am not aware of its significance, but I have kept it safe all these years. Whilst he was but a child when I met him, I..." He tried to explain as he took off the chain and handed it to her. She inspected the gem before smiling and handing it back. Youko placed the gem back around his neck as she spoke.
"I see, this makes my next question easier." She said before taking a deep breath. "Youko, the protection mark you placed on my brother, was solely for his protection was it not?" She asked and the Kitsune nodded. "At the time however you harbored these feelings but were not aware of them?" She asked again and he nodded. "As an old demon, you should be aware that any mark, no matter the purpose, with that kind of feeling behind it, becomes a mating mark, consensual or not." She explained and Youko looked at her confused. "My brother is your mate." She said bluntly and Kurama gasped while Youko looked at her dumbfounded. "For this reason, his body would not harm you no matter how much his mind wished it. His body recognizes the marks meaning and is drawn to you, as a mate should be. However his mind, reviews the mark as it was intended, for protection. Now the last think is, to appease my brother's physically you would have to reinforce the mark and indulge the mating, but to appease him mentally, you need to release his power and remove the mark. The mark will not disappear when his power is released, as you stated because it is a mating mark. Removal of such a mark is painful and scaring, it is also irreversible. If you remove his mark, you remove your only chance to be with him. You cannot mark the same mate twice." Yukina explained to the demon and human before her and Youko's ears drooped. He sighed before looking from Yukina to Kurama.
“I will not force either of you into this. I will release his powers and remove the mark." He whispered looking down at the jewel hanging from his neck.
"Youko, I'm not a factor in this decision, anyone can see that he is a strong independent demon, and I have to admit. I like him, I would like to get to know him better, I'm sure beneath his front is someone worth getting to know, if you wish to keep him as your mate, I have no objection. I have no interest in dating or getting married so you’re not stopping me from being with anyone. If anything I will learn to care for him the way you do." Youko smiled lightly at his words before looking back to Yukina.
"Do you think he might... Return my feelings?" The hope was evident and Yukina sighed.
"Brother, due to the mark has never expressed feelings in anyone before, so I couldn't respond to that question truthfully." She answered and Youko nodded in response.
"Yukina?" Kurama asked and she looked at him awaiting his question. "How come you never refer to him by his name?"
"It is out of respect for his wishes. He despises the name the orphanage gave him, says it’s not his true name, the one he was given, by the first person who cared for him. But he will not tell me that name, I resort to just referring to him as brother." She explained and Youko looked at her with a smile.
"What name did they give him?"
"Hiei..."
"Such a strong name, yet he rejects it in favor of the name I gave him so long ago." The Youko muttered and Yukina looked at him in surprise.
"You named him? What is his name, please tell me..." She pleaded.
"I called him Ryū." He replied and she nodded with a smile. "Yukina, I know this may be a touchy subject but I have to ask. Who could find you? Who is...Hiei protecting you from, was it that Yoko Kuwabara fought off?" He asked and Yukina looked down at her lap.
"The Yoko was sent by my mother’s people. Brother and I are descendants of the Koorime." She explained and Youko looked shocked.
"The Koorime? Aren't they an all-female race?" Kurama asked and Yukina nodded. "But Hiei... He is a male, and a fire demon."
"Yes, our mother, Hina. Wanted to take a mate, she didn't like the idea of being alone all her life and snuck away, when she returned she was mated to an A class fire demon and was pregnant. The Koorime kept her trapped there till brother and I were born. After a week, they then cast brother from the island if the fall didn’t kill him Makai certainly would. Three days after brother’s exile, father came for mother and I, but they killed the both of them and grandmother, the Koorime's leader, raised me. When I was old enough I ran away. I knew brother had to be alive, imagine my surprise when my search brought me to a Ningen orphanage. After he said some harsh things and scolded me for coming to him he kept me safe. Since then grandmother has heard that brother is still alive, she has been sending all kinds of demons, species and class after us in hope of 'killing off the tainted bloodline.'" At her last words Youko snarled in anger, he stood from his chair and started pacing.
"How dare they, I need to do something, on the run is no way to live, not for my mate and his family." He then froze still and glanced over at Yukina who was giggling, Kurama was hiding a chuckle as well. Youko sighed before re-taking his seat.
“So I assume you will fight to remain brother’s mate?” She asked directed at Youko and the Kitsune nodded. “Kurama, you understand what this means for yourself. Regardless of you two being separate brother will not tolerate sharing.” She explained and Kurama nodded as well. “Alright, I will not alert my brother to your presence, you should try to keep it suppressed, if not he will surely feel it. If he recognizes you before you’ve had the chance to bond you will lose him.” She sighed sadly before smiling up at them. “I guess we have one more thing to do.” She finished and both boys looked at her confused. “Let’s go get my class schedule and finish my school tour.
Kurama re-took control of the body and Youko retreated into the redheads mind, a smile then graced Kurama’s lips as he led Yukina out of the house and back towards the school.
Chapter 4
Kurama led Yukina towards the front office, as they entered the redhead immediately felt those burning red eyes on him, a shiver ran down his spine.
“Ah Kurama.” The secretary called as she looked up from the two schedules in her hand. “I’ll be with you in one moment. Now young man, I cannot do what you request, I’m afraid the timetable cannot be changed. The classes are already set.”
“Don’t give me excuses, just fix it, it’s as simple as changing the words!” Hiei growled and Kurama sighed as Youko snickered in his head. He walked up beside the shorter and held out his hand for the timetable.
“Please hand me both of them.” He said lightly and the lady did as said, with a nod to her, he scanned the pieces of paper silently comparing the two and plainly ignoring the growling boy to his left, which only seemed to annoy the shorter teen more.
Yukina Jaganshi
Japanese - Miss Ridgell, Contemporary Society - Mrs Naveen, Mathematics - Mr Skiotis, Science - Mr Krogh, English - Miss Bodea, Physical Education – Miss Ayiemba, Home economics – Miss Ennis, Health – Mrs Monette, Music – Mrs Beaulieu, Homeroom – Mr Touserkani, Club activities – Mr Quinn
Hiei Jaganshi
Japanese - Miss Ridgell, Contemporary Society - Mrs Naveen, Mathematics - Mr Touserkani, Science - Mr Lawton, English - Miss Bodea, Physical Education - Mr Scheiner, Health – Mr Stikine, Calligraphy – Miss Fletcher, Homeroom - Mr Krogh, Club activities – Mr Quinn
“Well I see no problem here, sorry that he has bothered you Miss Eales, I’ll take it from here.” Kurama politely told the lady before he walked out of the office with a confused Yukina and a fuming Hiei following him.
Once the door shut behind them Hiei growled.
“How dare you interfere! I was trying to work out the safety of my sister.” He snarled and Kurama sighed as Youko took over, the only noticeable change was the shift of green to gold. He noticed the hitch in the shorter’s snarl at his appearance and mentally smirked. He then glanced down at the timetables his human half had obtained.
“Believe me, Hiei.” He said in a soft tone before he made eye contact with the shorter. “She is perfectly safe, she has someone in every one of her classes.” He explained and Hiei stopped growling in his momentary confusion, unconsciously tilting his head to the side.
Youko mentally swooned and Kurama smiled, the confused expression on Hiei’s face was adorable. The confusion was quickly replaced by anger though it only seemed mild now.
“Please explain.” Yukina asked as she laid her hands on her brother’s arm before his anger got any worse and the teen just settled for glaring at the red-head.
“See, Homeroom, Me and you share Mr Krogh, while Yukina has Mr Touserkani, Yusuke and Kuwabara are in the same class. Japanese, both you and I have Miss Ridgell with her. Contemporary Society, both you and her have Mrs Naveen. Mathematics, Me and you share Mr Touserkani, while Yukina has Mr Skiotis, Yusuke is in the same class. Science, Me and you share Mr Lawton, while Yukina has Mr Krogh, Kuwabara is in the same class. English, The three of us have Miss Bodea. Physical Education, Me and you share Mr Scheiner while Yukina has Miss Ayiemba, Keiko is in the same class. We do not have Home economics, but rest assured Keiko is in Miss Ennis’ class with Yukina as well. Health, you have Mr Stikine, while Yukina has Mrs Monette, once again Keiko is in the same class. You will be taking Calligraphy, with me, our teacher is Miss Fletcher. Yukina will be taking Music, with Keiko and Yusuke, their teacher is Mrs Beaulieu. Club activities surprisingly enough, the six of us all have Mr Quinn.” Youko explained and Hiei grunted.
“It has two flaws.” Hiei growled. “The first is I do not know these... Friends of yours and she is not going to science with that Oaf alone.” He received a confused look from Youko before he realized what Hiei meant.
“Do not worry, I can assure you my friends will not harm or allow harm to befall Yukina, they can take care of her. As for Kuwabara, despite his appearance, he is a strong fighter and a trustworthy ally. For that I give you my word.” Youko bowed, Hiei grunted and Yukina smiled before the quiet atmosphere was interrupted as loud footsteps that echoed down the almost empty hallway. Youko retreated back out of control not wishing to deal with Kurama’s friends and the body’s gold eyes bleed green.
“Kurama!” The redhead sighed before looking over his shoulder.
“Must you always be so loud?” He asked softly, which neither of his friends heard but his words made Yukina giggle and brought a smirk to Hiei’s face.
“So Kurama, they are?” Yusuke asked as he and Kuwabara stopped by the redhead, Hiei snorted at the taller youth, giving him and icy glare.
“Yukina and Hiei Jaganshi, the new students.” Kurama explained and Yusuke nodded before giving his attention to the twins.
“My apologies for earlier, I’m Yusuke Urameshi and that lug is Kazuma Kuwabara.” He explained and Hiei grunted before, ignoring Kuwabara’s silent protests at his friend’s introduction. The shorter shifted his attention on Kurama, but his body still in a protective stance between his sister and the new arrivals.
“It will take more than an introduction and no way in hell will I trust that Oaf.” Were his only words as he turned to Yukina. The only thing that kept the new arrivals quiet was the glare they received from a very annoyed human housing the soul of a Yoko. “Stay with him, and this time, do not leave the school grounds. I know he still hasn’t shown you around. So go about doing that.” He then leaned closer and whispered in her ear.
“I’ve caught the scent of the Yoko that attacked you, turns out that witch hired him because his pack lives here in Ningenkai. I need to wipe out the pack before another one makes a move. I will not risk harm befalling you because of my existence.” He said in a low voice, so the others couldn’t here but Kurama’s sensitive hearing picked up his words and he frowned.
“Brother you must be careful, they are stronger then they seem.” Yukina whispered as she lay her hand on his bandaged arm and lightly rubbed the cloth.
“Do not fret Sister, Kura will eat well this evening.” He smiled softly before he met Kurama’s green eyes and left.
“Where is shorty going?” Kuwabara asked but quieted under Kurama’s stern green eyes.
“You two have pissed off Youko enough in one day.” He growled before turning the two teens around and pushing them back down the hall. “Go make yourself useful and our teachers that we will not be attending. Here are their classes, you know mine.” With the dismissal Yusuke sighed.
“You’d think that finding his mate would mellow the guy out.” He muttered to Kuwabara who nodded in affirmation but a snarl made them jolt and they took off out of sight.
Kurama sighed as he put his hand to his forehead, releasing a sigh. When he felt the soft hand on his shoulder he smiled softly. He cleared his throat before turning and shying away from the hand as he made his way down the hall.
“It’s fine.” He muttered before looking over his shoulder. “So how about a tour of this school, hum?” He asked and Yukina nodded and smiled. Kurama to lead the way, showing her the layout of the school.
Kurama sighed as he lay his hand against his forehead, looking up at the clouds. He and Yukina had finished their tour of the school and the Kitsune had taken her out to the back oval so they could get some air while they waited for Hiei’s return from his hunt. They were relaxing in comfortable silence when 4 demonic energy surrounded them. Kurama sighed before getting to his feet. Surrounding them in a diamond were four wolves. 2 were a dusty brown, one was a light cream and the fourth was white. Golden eyes looked over them as Youko stepped protectively before Yukina and lifted his hand to his hair, dragging long thin fingers through the crimson locks. When he withdrew a rose Yukina leapt up and grabbed at his wrist.
“No, you mustn’t, brother will sense your Yokai, even from across town, he will surely know it’s you.” She cried and Youko knew what she was referring too, if Hiei knew of his presence now any chance of them being together would be shot right out the window.
“Hand to hand is Kurama’s combat, not mine.” Youko sighed before emerald returned to the redhead’s eyes and slender fingers drew the dagger from his belt.
“Stay back Yukina, these four are nothing, I can take care of them, Hiei will take out the rest of the pack back at the den.” The ice maiden nodded before lowering to the ground and allowing Kurama to protect her. The redhead took a threatening step forward and all four wolves leapt.
Hiei sighed as another four-legged body fell to his blade.
‘They are unorganized, unstelthy and seem to be attacking without purpose. Yukina said that the Kitsune the fool took out was a Beta, there must be some confusion in their ranks.’
Another five lower wolves fell to his blade as the cave came into view, He ducked in and slunk to the back where he could see a large female resting, one pup by her side. The female snarled at his approach and after a short fight, she lay lifeless to his left. The pup howled for its mother but silenced when Hiei stood over it. The black clad figure studied the young before grabbing it by the scruff and leaving the cave.
“Where is your father?” He asked the pup but it just yelped in response. Hiei sighed before heading in the schools direction.
Kurama fell to his knees a large gash from his left wrist to his left elbow, blood covered dagger in his right hand. Three of the four wolves had fallen but the last seemed to be taunting him. After another five minutes the Kitsune sat down and looked at the exhausted red-head and the upset Koorime.
“Child, you have no chance of defeating me.” The Kitsune’s gruff voice flowed out before the four-legged beast shifted into a humanoid form, almost identical to Youko, he was slightly shorter, fur coarse and scruffy as opposed to Youko’s soft, silken fur. His wise silver eyes, the same shade as his hair met the emerald of Kurama. “That Jaganshi will be dead by now, my pack will have insured that, all that is left is his traitorous sister.” A vicious gleam shone through the silver and the Kitsune started to advance but froze when a yip and the scent of blood caught his nose.
Hiei stopped when he reached the school, a burst of energy from the oval and the strong scent of blood, demon blood. He flitted to the grassy field and looked over the sight before him. Kurama stood before his sister, wounded and exhausted but alive, his sister was unharmed. Three dead wolves and… Youko? ‘Is that him?’ Hiei questioned frozen in spot as he looked over the Yoko. ‘It can’t be, his scent is different and Youko was… proud. He wouldn’t sell out to Grandmother.’ Hiei cursed the kit silently when he yipped, wiping out his element of surprise, the Kitsune’s attention shot to Hiei and he sighed in relief at the site. ‘Silver eyes.’ Hiei grunted as he took a step forward.
“Your pack took me out huh?” Hiei asked with venom in his voice paying no heed to the struggling kit in his grasp. “I believe your pack is dead, your underlings, your betas, even your precious mate. I thought you Yoko were free creatures, yet you allow that old hag to command you like a common dog. Where’s that Yoko pride I have heard so much about? What could she possibly have offered you, that you would lower yourself to such a position?” Hiei asked as he pulled the ward from his forehead and his Jagan opened with a vicious glow.
*A Jagan?* Youko asked surprised and Kurama hummed in agreement as he watched the short demon, still positioning himself between the Yoko and Yukina.
The air between the two demons was silent as the Yoko stood his ground and Hiei probed the Kitsune’s mind. His Jagan slid shut and he pulled back with a snarl. “You should never have come after my family.” He growled and Kurama flinched at his ferocity, the Alpha took a momentary step backwards before regaining himself and glaring at Hiei.
“You know, it’s a shame.” Hiei started as he drew his katana with his free hand, waving it around as he spoke. “You are fully aware that you are an Alpha, a leader, but you looked over one vital point of information when you came after us. You forgot that you have a mate and a pup.” As if to emphasize his point, he jostled the white kit he was still holding by the scruff. “An alpha should protect his family, his pack, yet you took Grandmother’s mission without question, without learning the strength of your target. For that you have paid. Your ignorance cost you your pack and mate. Yet you still have a debt to pay, for attacking my sister.” Hiei held out the white pup in his grasp and positioned his katana as if he were to skewer the pup.
*No Hiei Don’t!* Youko cried out in Kurama’s mind and the red-head struggling to his feet.
“Hiei, Don’t.” He went to step forward but a glare from the shorter demon sent him back to his knees, once again shielding Yukina. He watched with worried orbs, hoping that the demon would lower his katana.
“Tell me Yoko, your pup’s life for your attempt on my sister’s life, seems fair right?” Hiei asked in such a casual voice that Kurama cringed at the cruelty of it. Hiei’s Jagan began to glow, pulsing with power as he took another step towards the Yoko and said Kitsune shivered.
“Yes, it’s fair. Ryou’s life for my attempt on your sister, but you must let me go free. I will never come near you again, take his life and let me go free.” The alpha all but pleaded, dropping to his knees in the dirt and bowing his head. The kit let out a distressed whine at his father’s display and Hiei glanced at the small life held in his grasp. ‘The poor kit can understand everything that is going on with his enhanced mind.’ Yukina and Kurama noticed that Hiei’s eyes had softened. He and the pup were staring directly at each other, Hiei’s Jagan glowing brightly. Hiei used the power of his Jagan to project a silent message to the distressed kit and his whining stopped, the kit was looking at him with curious eyes his tail wagging lightly, at Hiei’s nod the kit started whining again and struggling to get free. Hiei then glared down at the Yoko groveling before him.
“So you wish to sacrifice the life of your pup, so you can be cleared of debt and free? You believe that you are worth more than your child? You can give the world more so therefore you should live and he should not?” Hiei asked in a strange voice as he shifted the blade of his katana to the pup’s neck and the Yoko nodded franticly, shifting back to his bestial form and lowering his body closer to the ground. The young kit released a frightened wail and Kurama looked away, he didn’t wish to see this. A startled, pain-filled yelp echoed through the oval and the sound of whimpering could be heard. Kurama looked up only to see the Yoko with Hiei’s sword through his tail, embedded deep into the earth’s surface. The alpha couldn’t escape unless the sword was removed. Hiei gave a glacial glare to the Kitsune before walking over to Kurama and Yukina. Both humans watched as the kit still held in Hiei’s grasp began yipping and his tail began wagging in a happy manner.
“Here sister.” Hiei said softly as he tossed her the kit. Yukina cradled the small creature, cooing softly to him. With a wriggle and a few shifts the Yukina found the kits nose nuzzled into her neck and the small creature began purring in contempt. Hiei smiled at the sight before turning his gaze to Kurama, dully noting that the redhead had been watching him. Kurama smiled lightly at the short demon and Hiei’s eyes shifted form the emeralds to the crimson running down the redheads forearm. In an almost tender gesture, Hiei took Kurama’s arm in his hand, before inspecting the wound. He tentatively licked at the large gash, cleaning it as best he could. Youko shivered within the confines of Kurama’s mind, purring lightly from the attention and Kurama looked away with a large blush spread across his cheeks. Hiei, as if realizing what he was doing, pulled away with a jolt, giving the redhead back his arm. He smiled lightly at the blush on the others face and found he couldn’t turn away.
“Yukina, heal him.” Hiei whispered and his sister nodded before quickly tending to Kurama’s arm which was soon only a pinkish lined scar that would fade given time. Hiei then inspected the wound again, nodded and lightly took the dagger from Kurama’s un-injured hand. He wiped the blood from the blade on his cloak and slipped it back into his boot. With a tender look, unseen by the red-head, Hiei turned his attention back to the struggling Kitsune, the Yoko looked back at him with confusion and anger.
“You promised, you would kill the runt and let me go.” He howled out and Hiei snarled back effectively silencing the animal.
“Shut the fuck up, I didn’t promise you anything. Did you honestly think I would harm a hair on that kit?” He asked in pure rage and the Kitsune was silent, watching him cautiously. “You, a parent, should give your everything, your body, your life, your soul to protect your offspring. In any situation, that’s what I means to have child. You respect your flesh and blood, the same life you made with your mate, that pup should be your world. Not cast aside at the first chance to save your own hide. I have half a mind to make the kid kill you himself for such an act of cowardice.” He growled in anger and the Kitsune shrunk to the ground. Kurama glanced to the kit in Yukina’s arms, he had begun to whine again at Hiei’s words. The Jaganshi glanced back over his shoulder and focused on the whimpering kit. His Jagan pulsed and he sent the small kit a wave of soothing power, to which the kit responded with a low whine before he went quiet.
*What has he done to the kit? Yoko offspring only take to other Yoko…* Youko said confused from his mind and Kurama shrugged mentally before looking back over at Hiei who was looking at him with confused eyes. ‘What is with that glazed look in his eyes and why can’t I gain access to his mind?’ Hiei asked before grunting and turning away. He looked back down on the now cowering Yoko.
“However to make the kit do that would be cruel, as much as you deserve it. Instead you will meet my child. He hasn’t eaten for a while, grandmother has been stingy with our opponents and he doesn’t get the chance to come out very often. I could easily kill you with my blade, but you’ve just pissed me off in the wrong way.” Kurama watched fascinated as Hiei started to unwrap the bandage around his arm, he was amazed to see the black dragon coiled around the demons limb. In a silent command smoke began to drift from the black markings and Hiei smiled fondly when the tattoo began to wiggle. “Bakura, food.” He whispered and a massive black dragon leapt from his arm, its long tattooed body, grew a long tail, four strong legs and massive wings sprouting from its back, it quickly devoured the Yoko leaving nothing in its wake but its master’s sword. The dragon circled around and stopped before Yukina, The ice maiden patted his muzzle and he purred, he nuzzled into the small kit in Yukina’s arms before looking suspiciously at Kurama, blood red met emerald, glinting golden and the dragon snorted before taking to the skies and enjoying the wind while he could. Kurama then looked to Hiei who was watching Bakura fondly. “Kura, I’m sorry boy, we will return to Makai soon so you can have some time out.” He whispered. Youko yelped in panic and Kurama watched in silent fascination as Bakura roared before diving straight for Hiei, his sleek, black body completely devouring the small body of his master. After the dirt cloud from the impact disappeared, Hiei was standing there re-wrapping the bandage around his arm. Kurama smiled lightly as Youko released a deep sigh. Hiei completely ignored Kurama as he walked over and knelt down beside Yukina.
“Sister, what do you wish to do, we cannot keep him while still in this world. If we do, we will be returned to the orphanage and he will be released as a wild fox. I can absorb him as I did Bakura.” Hiei started as he rubbed over the bandage on his arm fondly. “But you cannot keep a fox caged. To release such a young kit into the Makai would mean certain death, and you know we cannot return to Makai until I find that stupid fox, until I am strong enough to be able to protect you properly. Unless we can find our own place, I will have to travel with him to the Makai and find a pack that will take him in. I didn’t not lie Sister, he has no family any more. They are all dead, his mother attacked me and I didn’t have a choice.”
Yukina nodded sadly, silence passed over the two siblings as they thought about the situation. Kurama and Youko listened to them as they talked amongst themselves. Yukina sighed before she looked at Hiei, then she smiled.
“We can always…” She started to say as she rubbed at her eyes and Hiei snarled at her.
“We will not use your gems, not after what that… thing did to you. Never again sister. Ningenki is a dangerous place for us, you know this.” He said touching her cheek tenderly. “Sometimes I wonder if you would be safe should I just give up.” He whispered and was shocked when Yukina slapped him across the face. The sound jolted Youko and Kurama from their internal conversation and the redhead found his arms full of Kitsune. Hiei quickly raised his hand to catch the liquid that fell from his sister’s eyes before it could solidify into a precious gem. Yukina pulled him into a tight sobbing but not crying into his shoulder.
“I’m sorry, I know you hate when I say stuff like that.” Hiei whispered and he pulled Yukina closer, rubbing his hand on her back.
Kurama watched them in silence, Ignoring Youko, who was whining in his head, upset about the situation. No more words passed between the siblings as they just sat there in a silent embrace. Thinking about his conversation with Youko while the siblings were talking, Kurama decided it couldn’t hurt to offer. Almost afraid to, Kurama broke in on their private moment with his soft voice.
“Hiei…” He started hesitantly and he was met with two sets of blood red eyes, one sharp glaring pair and one wide curious pair. “I have a substantial… Inheritance from a… close relative of mine… It will take me a while to get the money together but… I want you two to have it, you will be able to get your own place and live more… comfortably.” He explained, continuously pausing as he tried to think of how to word his statement.
“Why?” Hiei asked bluntly still glaring at the red-head but he stopped when Yukina placed her hand on his shoulder and her soft words washed over him. “Brother, please do not be rude, Kurama is doing us a kindness and for that we are grateful.” Hiei grunted and Yukina looked up at Kurama with a slight smile before frowning. “But that still doesn’t cover us for the current…” She started and was stopped by Kurama’s soft, unsure voice.
“Mother purchased me a small place of my own, I was supposed to start moving in last weekend but situations have delayed my move, and I’m doing so today. Yusuke was supposed to be taking the spare room but I believe you could use it more than he.” Kurama explained and Yukina nodded happily, before looking at Hiei, in the end he decided what they would do.
Hiei went to protest but with an unhappy look from Yukina, he found himself helping Kurama move his stuff to the new house, doing most of the work as Kurama was distracted by the overly-excited Kitsune in his head. After moving Kurama’s things, they then gathered what little possessions Hiei and Yukina owned and moved there stuff in too, before Kurama took the teens shopping for essentials that their foster parents never brought them. Night had fallen by the time the two boys had finished moving everything and Hiei found himself sitting on the window seal of what was to be his room, the room he was to share with Kurama.
‘The things I do for Yukina…’ he sighed as he went over his memories of the afternoon.
-- Start Flash Back –
“This place is beautiful Kurama.” Yukina whispered as she looked around, they had just finished moving everything in, including the new things Kurama had gotten the twins and the once empty dwelling looked and felt like a home. Kurama smiled at Yukina’s words before he glanced out of the corner of his eye and a visibly annoyed Hiei. He frowned before he retreated into his mind and gave control over to Youko for the night. The Kitsune openly looked over at Hiei before returning his gaze to Yukina.
“Well it is late and we should all get some sleep.” He said after a slight silence and Yukina nodded before she headed to the spare room with the kit still asleep in her arms, Hiei trailed after her, shoving his hands in his pockets. Yukina stopped at the door and turned back to her brother, over the shorter demons shoulder she could see the look of longing in Youko’s golden eyes, telling her that he had taken over for the evening. The Kitsune loosed a soft whine then trailed through the living room and into his bedroom, closing the door lightly behind him. Yukina sighed as she looked back at her brother who was waiting for them to enter their room.
“Brother, I hope it’s not too much for me to ask of you but I wish to have my own room...” She said softly and Hiei looked up at her startled by her words.
“Are you sure? You know I only stay with you because you become frightened on your own.” He said cautiously.
Yukina nodded in understanding, Hiei had only been resting in her room of a night time because in their foster homes she was too afraid to be alone, otherwise he would sleep in a tree on their living property, close enough to protect her but fair enough for her and his own space.
“I feel comfortable with Kurama.” Yukina whispered and Hiei nodded in understanding. He then turned and headed for the front door.
“Brother… Can you stay with Kurama?” She called and Hiei froze where he stood. “I know you can protect me from outside and he proved today that he can look after me but I would feel better knowing you were both in the next room.” She asked softly and he begrudgingly nodded before making his way to Kurama’s (and his) room. He knocked lightly before letting himself in, Youko was in his closet, he peeked out and eyed Hiei with confusion.
Hiei grunted and headed towards the window, which he longed to jump out.
“Yukina wishes for me to reside in here instead of outside.” He said in way of explanation, he took off his cloak and scarf and hung them over the chair and propped his Katana against the wall, he toed out of his boots and sat on the window seal, in his baby blue top and black pants. Youko couldn’t help but admire him, he noted that Hiei had bandages, similar to that on his arm, wrapped around his neck.
*He covers my mark…* Youko whined in his mind and his bestial ears drooped. He felt Kurama trying to cheer him up with his soothing aura but the Kitsune ignored the attempt.
“I’m going for a shower, I’ll only be a minute.” Youko whispered and he flinched lightly when Hiei snorted, looking out the window, Youko then walked off with a sad smile on his face.
--End Flashback--
Hiei took a deep breath of the fresh air that drifted through the open window, his hand resting against his neck where Youko’s mark lay against his skin.
“Why am I reacting so strongly towards Kurama… That stupid Kitsune is my intended, I shouldn’t be feeling this for another… I won’t betray him, even if he betrayed me.” Hiei rested the arm that was against his neck over his knee to join his other arm before he lazily turned his head when he heard the water stopped running. He blushed deeply when Youko re-entered the room, in nothing but boxers and a towel drying his hair. Kurama smirked when he noticed the Jaganshi’s reaction before he tossed the towel into the hamper by the door and strode over to the large bed. Hiei growled at himself for reacting to the half-naked human and glared out the window.
“I apologize Hiei, I assumed you would be staying with Yukina, we will have to share my bed till I can get you one.” He explained as he slipped beneath the covers, he lay on his side watching the brooding fire demon with curious eyes. Hiei felt his heart thud in his chest at the thought of sleeping beside another body. He found himself not minding if that body was Kurama. Mentally he slapped himself for the thought before he looked over at the golden eyes, the human was watching him intently. ‘Human… What if he says something?’ Hiei suddenly thought with a panicked look in his eyes, which quickly glazed over with a worried expression.
“You… You won’t say anything will you?” Hiei reluctantly asked and Youko sat up, the sheet pooling at his hips, he smiled lightly as Hiei’s eyes trailed lower drawn to the new skin exposed to him.
“About your demonic heritage or about the fact that technically by human law I have kidnapped you from your foster home.” Youko joked knowing it was the former.
“I care nothing for your Ningen customs or laws.” Hiei snapped again angry at himself for looking at the human in such a way. ‘What is wrong with me? Why do I want him to accept me so much!’ Hiei knocked his head against the windowsill as he looked at the roof with glazed eyes. ‘He’s probably only going to stay silent because we are demons and he is afraid.’ Hiei thought before he made a small noise that sounded suspiciously like a whine and he looked to Youko with sad eyes. “Do you fear us?” He asked in an almost distressed voice and Youko was confused.
-Youko, what is wrong with him?- Kurama questioned and Youko mentally shook his head.
*Im not sure.*
Hiei was anxiously looking at him for answers and the Youko gave him a soft smile.
“No Hiei, I do not fear you, I believe you will harm me. I know that most view demons as something to fear and I know like any human I should fear them aswell, but I can also tell I am not in danger. You pose me no threat.” Youko responded and Hiei sighed in relief.
“Thankyou…” He whispered before he disappeared out the open window.
-I believe this has made us slight progress.- Kurama whispered tiredly and Youko nodded.
*Yes, now get some rest.*
The Yoko then curled up on the bed, wishing to free his body but knowing that he couldn’t, Hiei would surely return once he succumbed to slumber and the fire demon couldn’t know yet.
Youko stirred slightly, he could tell he had only been asleep a couple hours, he yawned softly and a grunt drew his attention to the other occupant in the room. Hiei was crouched before his mirror, bandage lay at his feet and his left hand clawed incessantly at his neck, drawing blood and hisses from the fire demons body. He was careful not to nick the Youko’s mark as he tore into the skin surrounding the small scar. ‘Stupid Kitsune, the longer I go without completing the bond, the worse my mark gets.’ He growled softly as the itchy feeling began to cease and he gouged one more line across his neck. He then retracted his claws and examined the bloody mess he just made.
“I’ll find you soon Youko.” He whispered before picking up his bandage and walking into the bathroom. Youko whined softly from the bed before closing his eyes when he sensed Hiei returning. The short demon returned to the small room, bandage back in place and hands cleaned, with one more glance out the still open window, the small body climbed into the empty side of the bed and allowed sleep to take him. Youko turned after lying in silence for a while and looked into the sleeping fire demon’s face. He reached out with his hand and brushed a strand of black hair out of closed red eyes. Mind unconscious to the bodys actions, Hiei scooted closer to Youko, seeking his warmth. He tucked his head into the taller bodys neck and rested his normal arm over the Kitsune’s stomach. He then started to purr, deep in sleep. Youko smiled at the action, shifting slightly and making sure not to awaken the demon from his state of unconsciousness, he rested his hand over Hiei’s arm and turned his head so his chin rested against Hiei’s hair. He then drifted back to sleep, returning the fire demon’s purr with one of his own.
Hiei found himself awoken by excited emerald eyes of the fox kit who was sitting on his chest in his humanoid form, stark white hair fell down the kits back, two small white fox ears nestled amongst his bangs and smooth white tail through the whole in the pants he wore, it wagged about excitedly. He was about the size of a four year old human child. Hiei smiled, the kit smelled clean and was nicely groomed. ‘Kurama must have gotten him into a bath.’ Hiei thought with a smile and he found himself wondering where Kurama was now. He sighed at his own thoughts as he lightly pushed the pup away.
“What time is it?” He grumbled as he rubbed his eyes.
“1pm.” Ryou’s soft voice, so similar to Kurama’s responded and Hiei grunted.
“Where is Yukina.” He asked as he sat up, swinging his bare legs out from under the blanket.
Ryou yipped and tugged on his arm before getting down and running out of the room. Hiei sighed, he got out of the bed, pulled on his pants and shirt before leaving the room. He entered the kitchen just in time to hear the pup’s words.
“Papa, I know she attacked Father but if Father says it’s ok can we please. I met the mean lady Alpha was working for, she threatened mother and I… I know that doesn’t make it right but I still… At least for Mother, even if Alpha didn’t I know mother loved me.” The pup pleaded and Hiei was surprised by his words. ‘Papa, Father?’ His looked around the corner as Kurama responded.
“You will have to ask your Father, I have no say in this.” Kurama softly responded and Hiei decided to enter. Kurama, Ryou and Yukina were all sitting at the dining room table, Kurama and Yukina were sipping from steaming cups while the kit nibbled on his sandwich.
“It’s good to see you finally awake.” Kurama commented lightly and stood noting the grunt that Hiei made in response. He went into the kitchen and quickly went about fixing the fire demon some lunch. He handed over the sandwich and coffee, which was downed in a few gulps by the demon, before he returned to his own coffee. Silence took the table before Ryou glanced at Hiei with a soft worried gaze, he looked over at Kurama who nodded before his eyes returned to Hiei. The Jaganshi noticed the exchange between them, but stayed silently awaiting the kit to inform him of what is wrong.
“Father?” Came the soft voice and Hiei jolted at the word but a soothing gaze from Yukina calmed him and he grunted in response. “I asked Papa but he said to ask you. Would it be alright if I paid my respects to Mother, the Kitsune who bore me? I know she attempted to harm you, but…” The child stopped leaving the sentence open for Hiei to interpret it how he will.
“Finish your food, we will leave as soon as you are ready.” Hiei said abruptly, he glared at Kurama signaling that he wished to speak before he left the room. Yukina watched as Kurama stood and followed her brother before she looked at Ryou who was happily eating, she released a sigh before getting up and clearing her brothers barely touched meal and the three empty coffee cups.
Kurama found Hiei sitting on their bedroom windowsill and he sat down on the bed. He sighed through the silence before he began to explain, knowing Hiei wished to know about the kits words.
“He approached me when he and Yukina emerged from their room while I was making breakfast. He said that I was a split image of his Mother in her humanoid form, without the tail and ears. He asked me if he could refer to me as his Papa, I…” Kurama sighed before looking down at his hands. “I couldn’t say no… I know what it’s like to lose your family, nothing can ever replace ones birth parents but… Yukina said it would be a good idea, and for such a young kit… So he just started calling me Papa.” Kurama explained, shrugging and Hiei nodded. A silence passed and Kurama knew Hiei was waiting for the rest. “His birth father, coward he was… Was the Alpha, the strongest in the pack. Naturally he turned to the strongest being near him, that just happened to be you. You are his Alpha, Master, Father. Whichever word you prefer…” Kurama spoke lightly and Hiei grunted though a soft smile crossed his face but faded as his arm drifted to his neck and he released a deep sigh. ‘The thought of fathering a kit with Kurama makes me happy, but Youko...’ He growled softly at his thoughts before he looked at Kurama with an unknown expression.
“Are you coming?” He asked softly and Kurama nodded.
“I wish to be there for him…” He whispered and Hiei nodded before looking down at his bandaged arm.
“In that case, I’m going to let Bakura out. He will care for Yukina while we are gone, I’d also like to ask if I can leave him out. He rarely gets out in Ningenkai and a growing child needs room.” Hiei asked in a voice that said he didn’t care if Kurama agreed or not. Kurama looked shocked at Hiei’s words and stepped slightly back when the demon began to unwrap his wards.
*The dragon is huge, it will surely destroy the house if he lets it out.* Youko yelped in his mind, worry shrouding his words and Kurama hushed the Kitsune, watching as the bandage fell away and the smoke began to form from the tattoo.
-He wouldn’t endanger his sister. He must know something we do not- Kurama responded and Youko, although worried quieted down, watching through his hosts eyes with unease.
“Bakura, we are inside a small building. Home… Kurama and I are taking the kit to pay his respects to his mother. I need to you watch over Yukina for me whilst we are away.” He said and the smoke slowly drifted throughout the room. When it cleared, instead of the huge black dragon they had seen at the park, a small boy stood before them, slightly taller and older than Ryou. He had long black silky hair that fell around his pointed elf like ears. A sleek, black scaly tail poked out from under the white cloth that draped at his hips and fell down to his ankles, held at his waist by black belts, his legs were adorned in black skin tight pants, he wore a rough, string drawn shirt and his arms were wrapped in thin black leather, pale skin peeking through the cross-overs. He had 2 large dragon wings, almost the same size as his body, protruded from his back. Around his neck was a red pendent. He was kneeling on the floor before Hiei and he slowly rose his head. Kurama looked at the small boy in awe, he may have been young and small but he emanated power and demanded respect.
*A dragon Yokai, I assumed he was just an ordinary dragon.* Youko spoke in awe of the young child and Kurama mentally nodded in response.
“Father.” The boy spoke and Hiei nodded. “Aunt Yukina will be safe in my care, please give the kit the time he needs to grieve his loss.” He spoke again and earned a slight bow from Hiei.
“Thank you.” Hiei whispered and Bakura stood up.
“Anything Father.” The boy bowed before his eyes met Kurama’s, red bore into green suspiciously before the boy nodded slightly and left the room to go see Yukina.
*I think the boy knows of my presence...* Youko noted and Kurama watched the small figure exit the room with a confused expression.
-I believe so too, surely the he knows about Hiei's involvement with you, why has he not mentioned your presence to him?- Kurama asked confused before his eyes trailed to Hiei. A deep silence took over the two in the room and it was eventually broken by the shorter, the fire demon once again had his hand to his bandaged neck and his voice was soft.
“Thank you for what you have done for my family Kurama. I… I wish to apologize.” He said somewhat sadly and Kurama looked at him shocked. “I should not have left Yukina with you at that ningen place. I knew it wasn’t safe, I… Thank you for protecting her the way you did. Regardless of my words you really had no obligation to stay with her.” As Hiei said this he rose from the windowsill and walked over to the redhead lightly taking the once injured arm in his hand. The slight scaring was now completely gone, as if the incident never happened. "I also apologise for my behaviour towards you. You must understand, I was... abandoned by my family at a very young age and brought to Ningenki by another demon. He bound my powers and left me with those stupid nurses who dumped my ass straight into an orphanage, and on they way I was 'Missplaced'. Left to fend for myself." Hiei started, he was now standing between Kurama's legs, his hands resting on the redheads thighs lightly, rubbing the soft flesh of his right leg. Kurama was blushing brightly at Hiei's action, Youko was silently listening to Hiei's words, he could tell that the demons actions were done unconsciously. "I grew up, a life on the streets, seeing the worst sides of humans before my eyes. I've been mistreated, abused and abandoned by those the demon said would look after me. I grew a deep hatred of all humans, despite knowing some were not bad." Hiei lifted the hand that was not stroking Kurama's thigh to brush against the reddened cheek. "The orphanage eventually found me when i was 9 and refused to leave me be, then Yukina came. Found me after 3 days of being there. I left during that same night and traveled to the Makai for the first time since my birth. Once there I hunted down, the demon, Shigure. Without my Ki, I didn't stand a chance of protecting my sister, not until I found the Yoko who bound my powers. The implant was excruciating, but well worth it." Hiei sighed as his fingers brushed over his warded bandanna before returning to the redheads thigh. "Whilst travelling back, with the new power, I attracted a lot of attention and that is how I came across Bakura. A band of thieves tried to take me down but with my new power they were no match, they were on their way back from a Heist and their loot became mine. A black dragon egg, I was going to abandon it but the energy pulsing from the unborn beast stunned me and I could tell the egg was close to hatching, so I brought it to Yukina and she cared for the egg. After it hatched, whilst still a newborn, Bakura had vast knowledge and strength. I explained to him that I would have to return him to Makai and he refused to leave, fusing himself with my body so he could hide from sight." At the mention of Bakura's binding, Kurama lightly ran his hand over Hiei's arm, where the tattoo is usually visible. "After that, the Koorime sent hoard after hoard of demons after us trying to end my life as they failed to do. Bakura and the Jagan have kept us alive so far, and now I add you to that list." Hiei whispered as he used his hand to hold Kurama's chin, he looked the redhead in the eyes, tilting his chin slightly and he felt his body begin to lean forward, feeling no resistance from the other. Kurama's eyes slid shut and their lips were about to touch, but Hiei's flitted away a deep blush on his face when Ryou popped up beside them. He looked over at Hiei who now stood by the window before look at a scarlet-faced Kurama who was looking down at his hands.
“Papa, Father. I’m ready to go, Aunt Yukina wrapped my tail and Kura pinned my ears so it’s safe to leave the house now. Aunt is safe with Kura.” Ryou yipped and Hiei nodded, he looked back at the kit, chancing a look at Kurama, but the redheads expression was hidden behind a curtain of hair.
“We must be off then, follow my Ki Ryou, I... Wish to be alone for a little while.” With that he flitted from the room.
*Was he just going to kiss you?* Youko asked in an excited voice and Kurama flushed brighter as he picked up Ryou and started for the front door.
-I believe so Youko…- Kurama muttered back and Youko smiled, tail wagging.
*We might have hope yet, I think he is confused about his feelings towards you. The mark would be making him view his feelings as a betrayal, regardless of if he knows of the marks true meaning or not.*
Kurama didn't respond to Youko as he passed the kitchen, he bid Yukina farewell, locked eyes with Bakura for a second before leaving the house. He stepped out onto the porch and started across the lawn, pausing at the foot path. Youko could sense Hiei's Ki already in the forest north of them. Ryou nuzzled up into Kurama's neck before gesturing left down the street.
“Papa, Father headed that way.” He yipped and Kurama nodded lightly before started off down the street, holding Ryou close to his chest.
The kit snuggled close listening to Kurama’s steady heartbeat, he began purring and Kurama chuckled, the kit was already asleep. He sighed, adjusting Ryou so he had a better grip on the kit before he started down the street at a jog.
Hiei flared his Ki as he stopped among the trees. Panting not from the running but from the situation he was just in. He drew in a deep breath and dug his claws into his chest, clenching his flesh and piercing the skin above his heart. He snarled as he felt the pain pulsing through his neck, radiating from his mating mark.
"What is wrong with me, I can't feel this way!" He cried out as he clawed into his neck, counteracting the pain with the rivets of blood pouring from his neck, dripping to the snow covered ground below. He tore away the bandage, dropping it to the floor so he could access more of the skin around the mark. He snarled in anger , dropping to his knees and digging hi blood stained claws among the snow. He cried out curling in on himself as tears trailed down his cheeks. the liquid hardened, forming small black spheres swirling with red, the small jewels dropping around his clenched fists.
Kurama was unsure of how much time had passed but they were currently walking through the forest on the outskirts of town. Ryou was still asleep in Kurama’s arms and the red-head was conversing with Youko about their situation with Hiei, the Kitsune responded with noises and the occasional words.
"I honestly believe he will now..." A yelp stopped his next words as Youko cried out.
*Blood! Kurama I can smell Hiei's blood! You must hurry!* The Yoko yelled in panic and Kurama ran. Skidding to a stop at the sight of the blood covered snow and small black gems resting amongst the blood. He dropped to his knees and gathered the gems in his hand.
"Tear gems?" he questioned and Youko nodded in affirmation.
Kurama then released a yelp as Hiei dropped down beside him and snatched the 5 gems from his hand, growling lightly. Kurama looked at him in concern, the bandage had been hastily wrapped around his still open wounds. Kurama went to raise his hand to check the wounds when Hiei flitted afew meters away from the redheads touch.
"I'm fine." He growled before he started walking off, not stopping to see if Kurama was following. "Hurry now, I don't have all day." He called over his shoulder and Kurama nodded, running to catch up. He kept pace with Hiei and glanced down at the shorters hands. The long slender fingers and fangs were stained with his own blood.
-He did it to himself...- He thought and Youko whimpered.
*He was tearing into himself last night too, I think that's why he keeps the bandage around his neck, but he hasn't touched the mark, only the flesh around it.* Youko explained and Kurama looked at Hiei in worry. The shorter demon, noticing his new attention bared his fangs.
"Do not question me." He snarled and Kurama nodded, lowering his eyes to the snow. Silence again floated between them, Hiei glanced at the hurt look in Kurama's eyes and sighed.
"I'm sorry, I'm doing it again..." He muttered before looking at the forest ahead of them. "We are entering their territory now." Hiei whispered and Kurama sighed, he moved his hand to awaken Ryou but stopped when Hiei lightly gripped his wrist. “Leave him, it will not do for him to see his pack this way.” Hiei murmured 'Or me for that matter.'
Kurama nodded, unconsciously drawing Ryou closer to himself.
Hiei started forward with Kurama by his side, the redhead cringing lightly as they passed body after fallen body of kitsune, both bestial and humanoid.
-Youko, please take over. I…- Kurama started and Youko nodded in understanding before Kurama’s deep green eyes bleed golden and Youko took control of the human body.
*It is ok kit, these Yoko deserved it. It is disgraceful that they allowed themselves to be enslaved by the Koorime. Our kind cannot be brought, they would have been executed by our leader anyway.* Kurama nodded and retreated deeper into their mind, waiting till he was needed for their kit.
Youko watched Hiei as they walked, making sure to keep his head forward. The scent of his mate's blood was driving him insane and he just wanted to lick the wounds clean and heal him. He shook his head free of such thoughts before continuing forward.
Hiei looked over at Youko with confused eyes.
"Kurama... Can I ask you something?" He called and was faced with eyes of familiar molten gold.
"Yes?" Youko asked smiling lightly at the look that crossed the younger a eyes.
"Are you aware that when your eyes change colour, your scent is altered too?" At the startled look that passed Youko's eyes Hiei laughed lightly.
"I have a very good nose, and what is know as 'Perfect Memory'. The scent you emit when your eyes are gold is familiar to me. I do not mean to be offensive, but I believe the smell is what has caused my sudden forwardness towards you... You see, it's the scent of my mate, well similar, but different. Nicer, as if fresh and reborn." Hiei whispered, blushing deeply as he rubbed against the bandage covering his mark.
"Your... Your mate?" Youko swallowed deeply but stopped when Hiei did.
"We're here, the mother is in the cave at the back of their densite." Hiei responded ignoring Youko's question. The Yoko remained quiet for a minute before tossing control back to Kurama, neither of them passed a word, not knowing what to say. Hiei didn't comment on Kurama's scent change as they traveled through the empty densite. "They ambushed me in the forest, by the time I got here it was only the she-fox and Ryou. I was going to leave as the Alpha wasn't here but the she-fox attacked me and I drew my katana to parry her claws, but she moved mid leap, my blade went right through her and tore her apart... It was only when I lay her on the ground that I knew of Ryou's presence." Hiei explained and he stopped at the mouth of the dark cave.
He held out his hand to stop Kurama from entering. "I do not want the kit to awaken until she is... Presentable, no child should have to see their mother in her condition. We will awaken him and lay her to rest when I am done." Kurama nodded before he turned and went to sit down by the campfire. Hiei watched him for a minute before entering the cave.
-I believe he knows the true intent of the mark on his neck.- Kurama started softly and Youko just whined response. -I don't think he has told Yukina the whole story. Otherwise she never would have suggested what she did...- Another whine met his ears and he growled. -Stop whining, if anyone has the right to whine it's me!- Youko flinched, laying his ears back on his head and Kurama sighed. -I'm sorry...- He didn't receive a response and the two waited for Hiei in silence.
Hiei slowly approached the still body of the she-fox, her fur was she same colour as Kurama's hair, darkened all over by her dried blood. He lifted her torn body and lightly lay her on the stone slab where she first lay guarding Ryou. He then fed his Ki into the dead body before him. The wounds slowly healed, threading themselves back together from the inside out. He drew a deep breathe once finished and shook his head as dizziness started to hit him from his low energy levels. Clearing his head, he steeled himself before he slowly began cleaning the fur, recoiling at the taste of her dried blood.
Kurama glared at the floor beside him, ignoring Youko in his head and Ryou beside him. The kit had awoken and was eager to see Hiei and his mother. Kurama had just barely been able to restrain him from entering the cave. Now they sat in silence waiting for Hiei to call to them. After another ten minutes of silence Youko whined again and Kurama sighed.
-Youko, I'm sorry... I shouldn't be mad at you, I thought something wasn't right, he seemed to be moving on only instinct... But I ignored it, perhaps if he had actually fallen for me then accepting you as a mate would be easier as we are one in the same... But It was wrong of me to do so, I'm sorry.- another whine responded him and he went to yell again when Hiei exited the cave, wiping the faint trails of blood from his mouth.
"Kit, go pay your respects." He spoke and Ryou perked before scampering up and into the cave. Hiei watched him go before walking over to sit beside Kurama, he looked down at his blood covered claws and closed his eyes at the kits mournful yowl.
"Hiei, we need to talk." Kurama whispered, placing his hand over the bandage around Hiei's neck. The fire demon snarled in pain but didn't pull away. "And when we do, I need you to listen... To everything I say, do what you will with the information, but you need to know..." He finished and the jaganshi looked up at him, meeting his eyes with a confused gaze. 'Why has the stinging in my neck stopped? It should only stop completely when I am with Youko again...'
"Do not think about it now, I will tell you later." He said lightly retracting his now blood stained hand. Hiei nodded to the redheads words before pulling the reddened hand to his lips and licking it clean of his lifeblood. Kurama blushed lightly but allowed Hiei to finish cleaning him.
When the mournful yowls stopped and Ryou emerged from the den, night had already fallen. He approached the fire Hiei had lit when dark started to settle and looked at his Papa and Father with saddened eyes. Kurama stood up and approached the kit. He reached up into his hair and retracted a seed, which he then handed to the kit.
"Grow this before the lip of the cave and she will be able to rest in peace." He explained and Ryou nodded, he moved over to the cave, used his claws to dig a small hole and place the seed in, shifting the dirt back over it. He then channeled his Youkai towards the seed and the two teens watched as thick vines sprouted, twisting and twirling until the entire entrance was covered, then the flytrap grew snapping its fangs as it took in its surroundings. Ryou petted the plant and the flytrap leaned into the touch.
"Please watch over my mother." He whispered and the plant bowed lightly. "Thankyou..." With that said and one last pat, Ryou ran to Kurama and jumped into his arms. "Did I do good Papa?" He asked and Kurama nodded.
"She would be very proud of you." He praised nuzzling into the kit who giggled and returned the nuzzle. Hiei moved beside them and lightly scratched at Ryou's left ear, the kit changed into his beastial form and snuggled closer to Kurama.
"We must get going..." Hiei murmured and Kurama nodded.
He yelped when he was pulled into Hiei's arms and wrapped one arm around his neck, the other holding the kit tightly as Hiei flitted back to town.
He stopped keeping perfect balance on the windowsill of their room and set Kurama down. He flared his Ki to alert Bakura and Yukina to their return before he jumped down and followed Kurama into the loungeroom. Yukina sat with her feet curled beside her reading a book while, Bakura, in his beastial form was curled up on the mat in the corner of the room. Ryou wriggled out of Kurama's grip and ran over to the dragon who had looked up from his paws. The kit dived on him, licking at his face as his tail wagged excitedly. Bakura returned his licks and nuzzled into them before nudging him to lay down beside him, he then positioned his wing so it covered the small kits body and proceeded to lay down again.
"Brother welcome home." Yukina said as she got up and hugged both him and Kurama. "I will take my leave now, I was not waiting up for you because Bakura insisted on doing so and I didn't want him to be alone."
"Goodnight Sister." Hiei called after her and Kurama nodded calling out to her aswell. Hiei then turned back to the dragon and fox kit. "Thank you Bakura." The dragon bowed his head before purring lightly in response. Hiei approached him and pulled him into a hug, which was returned by the unused wing wrapping around him one way and a clawed paw going the other. "Goodnight." Hiei whispered as he pulled back and placed his hand against Bakura's scaly snout, a small lick to his hand was his answer and he sighed before standing up and heading back to his room, a silent Kurama right behind him.
Hiei closed the door behind Kurama and sighed.
-Youko, stay quiet and listen.- Kurama commanded and he felt the fox nod before he walked over to the bed. He sat down on the side and pulled Hiei between his legs, the jaganshi slightly resisted but relented and looked at Kurama with confusion.
"First and foremost, Tell me about your mate." Kurama whispered and Hiei closed his blood red eyes, facing towards the floor.
"His name is Youko Kurama, he's a four tailed spirit fox, passed the age of 3000 when i met him. He saved my life, when i was tossed from the floating island i surely would have been killed by the fall but he caught me, injuring his already wound boy more by reflecting my impact through his own body. He brought me here to human world with the promise of a better life and brought me to the hospital. After he removed the wards from my body i used my unrestrained power to subdue his pain, in thank. That's when he bound them, even as a baby i was reaching power levels of his own, and with proper training, had i the chance, i would have easily surpassed him. Using his own power, he locked mine within my body with the promise that he would release them on our next meeting. That's when he first placed the mark on me, it was to be merely for my protection until I regained my power, however his... Undiscovered feelings for my soul, despite my being a newborn changed it from a mark of protection to a mating mark. I knew of the marks true intent the moment he left me at the hospital and fled and within hours I knew that his wounds had ended his life. It wasn't till I was 10 years old that my mark started to pulse. I could feel his energy flood through my body. I knew he was alive, and began to search for him... I'm still searching." He whispered, opening his eyes once he finished. He met Kurama's eyes with his own saddened ones and the green shifted from his face to his neck.
"Why did you do this?" He asked lightly brushing the bandages and dried blood.
"Because of you..." Hiei whispered in response and Kurama started before Hiei explained. "When I saw you that first night, you were walking with your friends, my mark, it heated up. A bearable temperature but a reaction that confused me. (Add scene about neck heating up first night) the next day when I saw you again at the school yard... It wasn't a heat, but a tingling sensation that passed through the mark, the third time it happened was an incessant itching last night after our talk, while trying to quell the feeling, I tore into my skin, scratching with my claws and it eventually stopped." Hiei paused and looked down at his hands, he could still smell the blood on his claws.
"And today, in the forest?" Kurama prompted and Hiei sighed.
"An intense, searing pain, almost as bad as when I got my implant. A defence brought up after I almost..." He didn't finish as his fingers shifted to his lips in silent words.
"I see..." Kurama responded and Hiei just nodded before sighing. "I lied..." He mumbled and Kurama looked at him confused. "About my feelings, I lied."
"What do you mean?" Kurama asked and Hiei sighed.
"It isn't the scent that draws me to you... That is why my mark is reacting so violently. You see, Fire Yokai are fiercely loyal and only ever take the one mate, a life mate. Youko took choice from me, whilst he didn't intend to, I have no choice but to accept him as my mate, for I can only ever be marked once, unconsciously I knew Youko lived after his body died because once his should passes over, mine will follow, with his death comes my own and for what ever reason, should he wish to remove the bond, i will die. Thus why it is a life bond." Hiei spoke as he rested his hand against Kurama's cheek, bushing his thumb over the soft skin. Youko was whimpering at Hiei's words but Kurama remained focused on the small demon. "My mark is strongly against my feelings for you, feelings that have been there since that first night... But I can not act on them, despite how I wish to. Only Youko can decide my future, wether I be bound to him or die." Hiei said forlornly.
"Tell me Hiei, if say Youko were to complete the mating bond with you, could you with his permission, still be with me?" Kurama asked curiously and Hiei shook his head immediantly.
"Youko would have the authority to give me such permission just as I would, him, but I would never put you though that. Once we are bound, what's his is mine and what's mine is his. You wouldn't be able to be with me without joining either him aswell. I will not make you do that." Hiei responded and Kurama smiled confusing Hiei. "Kurama? Why do my words make you happy?"
"Because you are the last thing we needed to be free." He said with a huge grin.
-It's time Youko.- Kurama called out and he handed full control over to the kitsune.
Hiei's eyes widened in shock as the red hair before him bleed white, ears and a tail formed from the tall slender body. Molten gold looked into his shocked blood red and Youko smiled.
"Ryu..." He whispered, running his clawed fingers through Hiei's black strands.
"Yo... Youko? I don't understand..." Hiei responded and reached out as if to check if he was real. Youko leaned into the touch and purred lightly.
"Mate allow me to explain." He whispered and Hiei nodded. "My body was already failing when I found you, and I expended most of my life energy making sure you were safe. When I left you, I returned to the park and made myself a place to rest, before releasing my soul, which merged with a pregnant human who was soon to give birth. Kurama Minamino, is the other soul that I share this body with. It wasn't until the age of 10 that i was able to bring out my humanoid and beastial forms, my powers having grown subtly along with Kurama's body. Over the past 3 years we have also managed to form separate entity's though it takes a lot of power and quickly drains both of us." Hiei nodded in understanding before a look crossed his face.
"Seperate entity's?" Hiei asked and Yuko nodded.
"Yes, the soul not in control can manifest themselves, drawing on both our powers to make a solid body separate to the host." He explained and Hiei nodded. A silence passed between them as they stared into each others eyes. Youko then broke it as he raised a claw and cut away at the bandages around Hiei's neck. He then lean forward and started to lick his neck clean, closing that was left of the healing wounds and lathering the mark with much desired attention, Hiei groaned at the pleasurable sensation and slipped his clawed fingers into his mate's silver hair, holding Youko close and encouraging more licks.
"How much of my conversation with Kurama could you hear? His eyes were green the whole time so is know you weren't in control." Hiei moaned and with a couple more licks, he pulled back.
"I heard every word, and need to set you straight on afew things. The first being that I do love you, and if I had my way, life bond or not, you would never leave my side. I may not have intended such a connection but I will not break it." He growled as he moved back to the mark on Hiei neck, licking and gnawing at the skin as he spoke. "Secondly, you need to be aware that I also love Kurama, I know of your feelings for him and have no problem with him being with us. Which brings us to the third thing. I will unbind your powers, as you know once mated we will share each others powers equally. I would like you to project your unlocked powers and supply us with enough energy that Kurama and I can stay separate throughout the completion of the bond, including Kurama in said bond." Youko explained and Hiei hissed as the Kitsune's teeth knicker his skin which was then soothed with his tongue.
"I respect everything you have said my mate, but I am a fire demon. Despite how much I would wish to bare both your marks, I can only bare one." Hiei said lightly and Youko chuckled at his words
"Ahh but remember, your also part Koorime, you may have gotten you appearance, power and loyalty from your father but everything else, you got from your mother, just you feeling anything towards Kurama is proof of that. Allow him to mark you and you will see what I mean." Youko explained and Hiei grunted as fangs were grazed down his neck.
"But what..." He started but stopped when Youko licked over the small wound before sinking his fangs down into Hiei's neck and shoulder, he fed his Ki into the deep wound and slowly unbound Hiei's powers not wanting the body to go into shock. Hiei sighed as his familiar power flowed back through his body, enhanced greatly by the Jagan. He moaned at the pure rush of power and his mate claiming him once again. Purring ad Youko retracted his fangs and licked away the blood.
"Do it, mark me and feed us your energy." Youko whined and Hiei growl before pushing back the long silver hair and baring his fangs, he licked at his choice spot before sinking in, savouring his mates blood as he fed the body his powerful Ki. Youko moaned as waves of pleasure shot through his body at the completion of their bond. When Hiei finally retracted his fangs and cleaned the Kitsune's neck, a peaceful expression had crossed the face and Hiei was pulsing with his returned power.
"Kurama, draw on Hiei's energy the way you do mine. You should barely feel the pull when you manifest." He called out and Kurama did as he was told. Hiei felt a very slight tug at his Ki and watched in fascination as Kurama appeared sitting on the bed, first in astral form before he because solid. Kurama looked over at Hiei with a small smile, to which the jaganshi returned. Youko reached over and tugged Kurama towards him, positioning the human in his lap between him and Hiei.
"This may sting a little." The Kitsune whispered before pulling back the crimson locks and sinking his fangs into Kurama's neck, baring his unmarked side to the human. Kurama sighed at the pleasurable feeling that started to pulse though him before he leaned over and bit down over the clear flesh, using this fangs that had grown into his body due to his housing the Kitsune's soul. Youko moaned as he fed his Ki into Kurama and drew some of the humans life energy into his own body, both releasing moans of pleasure. When he pulled back, he licked away the blood and coaxed the wound to scar the skin. Kurama then pulled back and smiled at Youko before turning to a very turned on fire demon. Youko chuckled.
"We will get to that bit after you two complete the bond my mate." Hiei didn't look so sure about it but when Kurama bared his unmarked side to Hiei, he instinctively moved forward and pierced the skin, feeding the human body a large dose of his Ki. Kurama bit down on the unmarked side of Hiei's neck, digging deeper when the pleasurable wave of power from the demon brought a wave of heat with it. Hiei winced as Youko's mark reacted to Kurama's but was surprised when the light pain faded, and all he could feel was Youko's mark drawing some of the life energy he was pulling in through Kurama's mark. When Hiei pulled back, like Youko he coaxed the wound to scar as he cleaned away the blood.