Winter's Halo

Tender Memories

Hiei was curious. More than a little perplexed at the admission circling around from the other side of the tree and into his ears. "Your brother? The Youko demon?" He frowned. "How could you two be kin? T-There's no recognizable connection—"

"That's because Yoko wants it that way," Kurama interrupted softly. "But please don't jump to conclusions about my claim until after I explain myself." He paused, then, "That is, if you're interested in learning a little about our past…" The sentence trailed off when the sound of shifting leaves ceased near the right of the tree. Right next to him.

"Even if I were curious, why tell me this?" Hiei replied suspiciously. What was this human playing at? By telling him their shared history what could he possibly gain from this? Money, secrets, weaknesses?

"I have nothing to hide from you, Hiei. I've said once before I wanted to bridge the gap between us. Perhaps we could learn enjoy each other's company without the negativity of an argument."

That tiny bit of confession momentarily froze Hiei in his place, before the stiffness vanished to its normalcy, "I should've known there'd be something for you to gain behind this," he shrugged. "If you plan to tell me your past in hopes of gaining my trust, don't waste your time. It's a moot point. I don't trust anyone, let alone a human I hardly know a thing about."

Kurama smiled wryly with a small lift of his shoulder, "I never said I'd gain your trust though that would be a nice addition to what I hope to earn," Emerald crystal turned around to see ruby red narrowed his way, "All I ask is that we're able to sit near one another without being on guard. Seems simple enough don't you agree?"

"Don't play coy with me Human. Regardless of how you define it, it revolves around my confidence with you period." Hiei blew through his nose, releasing a patient mist. "Either tell your story or be gone."

Kurama chuckled. At least there wasn't an outright denial of being in Kurama's company, so though it was small, it was still a step closer. "Alright," Kurama closed his eyes, averting the small bit of emotion shining deep within his livid green as memory of his innocent past came too, "You see it happened years ago when I was young boy…."

Flashback

During the soft breezes of a sweet autumn day there sat the tiniest little child happily swinging forward and back with each thrust of his skinny legs. The short mop of fine red hair tussled from the rapidity of his fun and bounced with each giggled cheer. The simplest add of height to his already joyous swing would bring about more and more laughter until soon the sun reminded him of needing to return home for the evening.

The child by the beautiful name Shuichi Minamino, happily hopped from his swing set to land in the soft implanted grass. It was getting late, so he had to hurry before Mother got worried. She always hated him being out when the street lights came on, especially when no one else was around. It got kinda dangerous at night when prowlers and what-nots chose this time of day to commit their dirt.

When the little tyke ran off past the monkey bars and slides, a small shift in a set of bushes caught his attention before he noticed a flash of something shiny glint off the sunlight. As with all small children, including those as intelligent as Shuichi, curiosity got the better of him so he went to investigate the bright object brilliantly shimmering like polished metal.

This was the blocked off section of the playground, since children have been come across the occasion wild animal or other form of danger like uprooted limbs or large sharp rocks. But Shuichi knew well enough to stir clear of such things, being careful of the jutted twigs as he navigated his way through the large shrubbery, letting the bright light guide him the whole way. His little mind excitedly grew at the thought what could possibly be so colorful as to create such a barrage of waving reflections off the sun.

That's when he finally stumbled into a clearing and shrieked at the whisper of a hissing growl. Shuichi fell back on his bottom and looked around for the source of the terrible snake like hiss until finding it in the shape of the strangest creature he'd ever seen. A large sized canine like devil with piercing blood red eyes sneered evilly at him, angrily billow its many tails in a display of large shiny gray. Sharp fangs snapped as a warning for the intruder to steer clear from its territory or face the consequences of its teeth.

"A . . . fox." Came Shuichi's whisper when he finally managed to stand on his two feet to see the creature better. A large silver fox, larger than him, sat underneath a tree covered in blood from the right flank of its side. Every jerked move would burst a new wave of blood to spill in an already drying red puddle around its body. "You're hurt," Shuichi moved closer but took a step back when the silver fox growled savagely and clamped its jaws. But he swallowed and took another step forward followed by another and another until he was standing three feet away. With them so close, the little boy could see this creature's full size. Just from lying on its stomach, its height was easily comparable to an adult's bicycle.

But he wouldn't be afraid. His mother always told him that if someone's hurt you try your best to make them feel better. So . . . "D-did you get shot?"

The fox kept its feral growl and tried to stand to its full height but failed miserbly, flopping heavily down on its side.

"You mustn't move Fox." Shuichi jumped when the fox waved its massive tail, the hair prickling on all ends. He gulped and inched closer, "Please Mr. Fox, I'm not going to hurt you. My mommy says you're supposed to help people when they're hurt." Shuichi kneeled down in front the beast's head and held out his hand.

The reaction wasn't one he'd expected when the fox reached out and snapped its fangs right in the little child's hand, teeth tearing through flesh and nipping bone. Shuichi screamed trying to pull his hand free but the fox held firm, tightening its savage hold.

"Please don't. Let me go, please," The little boy begged, tugging effortlessly to be set free. With all his strength he pulled and struggled all of his effort in vain as the animal sunk its points deeper, pricking the soft bone tissue inside. Blood seeped down its massive fangs, sheets of flesh zigzagged an evil trail down the child's hand the harder he struggled. Shuichi cried out shedding large tears bubbled in his green eyes and fell over his plump cheeks. "Please, I only wanted to help you. I'm-I'm really sorry . . ." Feeling helplessly frightened, Shuichi tried more to pull his bleeding hand free but still nothing gave way.

His large green eyes stared pleadingly into the large ruby eyes, mirroring his reflected fears like the glass of hidden apprehension. Too terrified to blink, the boy could only stare nervously at the slanted eyes studying his every move. Searching, watching, observing…

Then suddenly the fox slacked its jaws and released the wounded hand. Blood leaked from the punctured holes, dripping menacingly from its fangs. Shuichi fumbled back, holding his sore hand to his chest as more tears spilled down his face.

He was so scared. Too traumatized to move an inch until the sound of a deep raspy voice vibrated deep within his chest like the sound of purring thunder. It was enough to spark a quick jolt to the child's feet. 'Be gone with you Human.'

The fox's jaws made no form of movement to form the words Shuichi heard clear as day. He knew his mind wasn't playing tricks on his mind when the voice came a second time around more deadly, 'I won't repeat myself Boy. Unless you want me to bite you again?' The fox lowered its head, shakily breathing through the agonizing gunshot leaking profusely from its side.

Shuichi didn't know what to do. Run or stay to help?—he rubbed his bleed hand now rolled in his shirt—he sure didn't want to get bit again but inside he didn't want to leave this fox here. A very pretty, talking silver fox with long tails; four pretty silver ones. "I-I . . ." He jumped when the fox snarled and stepped back prepared to bolt. "I-I'll be back tomorrow. I think I can help your wound—"

The fox shot its head up with a frozen glint, steeled in its eyes and a harsh slam of its might tail, crushing a deep imprint in the earth as it growled, 'Go away!'

Lips trembling and body shaking with fear, Shuichi nodded and took off running as fast he as he could until he made it home. His mother had been worried sick and his concern only grew when she saw the bite wound in his hand. He tried to make up a lie about a small dog biting him by accident but being the worrisome woman she was, she couldn't help making a fuss. Soon he had his supper, took a bath and was tucked in for the night. But sleep evaded the child for most of the night as his mind stayed focused on the image of that injured fox near the playground. It told him never to go away but it was hurt. It needed his help and as scared as he was, Shuichi really wanted to help it.

Even if he was risking another bite from those sharp teeth. So with that little worry in mind, Shuichi snuggled comfortably under his blankets and went to sleep.

---

The moment Shuichi made it home from school the following day, he dashed up the stairs to discard his school supplies and filled it with all sorts of bandages, ointments and fish crackers. He liked fish crackers so maybe the fox would too. He'd read once that foxes liked to eat fish so maybe…Oh well it's a close enough. "Mom, I'm going to the playground. Me and my friends are going to play doctor so we need the bandages ok? Bye!"

Before his mother could say a word he was already out the door, running towards the blocked off section of the playground. Being sure that no one saw him, he crawled underneath the tunnel of thick bushes and greenery until he neared the edge of the clearing from yesterday. A sigh eased through his lips when he saw that the fox hadn't left and slowly pulled out. A tinge of fear snaked up his spine when he remembered the terrible bite from yesterday but he gulped and put on a brave, big boy face. "Umm h-hello Mr. Fox—"

'You humans are a stubborn lot,' the silver beast suddenly growled, lifting his head. 'I thought I told you yesterday not to return.' A deep grunt escaped the fox's lips when it moved and blood poured down its fur.

"I'm sorry," Shuichi shuffled his feet unsure of how to explain himself. "I-I just wanted to help."

'Hn,' The fox snorted narrowing its eyes. 'Not only are you creatures stubborn but apparently hard of hearing as well. Be gone with you Man Child. This is your last warning.'

Shuichi swallowed before stepping forward, unhooking his backpack straps. The warning was duly noted so he kept his distance, but kneeled down to pull out some bandages and other assisting medication, "I have some cream stuff to make the bleeding stop," he held up a hand sized jar of green gel. "My mom put this on my hand yesterday to stop the bleeding and it worked. But she kissed it to make it better so my boo boo didn't hurt anymore—"

The fox's sigh blew out loud enough to interrupt the child's ranting, 'Stubborn, deaf and extremely talkative. You just keep adding more and more reasons as to why I despise your kind.' Suddenly two of the resting tails came to life and shot out to constrict around the boy's arms and legs and brought him forth until he hung upside down before the fox's face. 'Do you want me to eat you?' It asked bluntly, wiggling the little child around.

Shuichi shrieked and shook his head violently bouncing his short hair from side to side.

'Than leave me be.' The tails released its grip and drop the child on his head, ignoring the shout of pain. The fox flinched from the weeping pain, closed its eyes, and lowered its head to rest.

Shuichi held his achy head and pouted at the stupid fox for not saying it was sorry. Mother always told him that people should have manners. That should include stupid rude foxes too.

'Why are you still here?'

Shuichi frowned. "Say you're sorry."

The fox opened a single red eye. 'Excuse me?'

Shuichi stood up on his feet, fists clenched by his side, "Say you're sorry for hurting me," He said in childlike rage. "Say it. My mom says you're supposed to say sorry when you hurt someone. Say you're sorry right now."

The fox barked out a roar of loud laughter, flashing its enlarged canines and wagging its four tails in all directions. Shuichi didn't see what was so funny and continued to pout, stomping his foot. "Stop laughing; It's not funny to hurt a person and not say you're sorry!"

The fox continued to laugh, bobbing its angled head up and down before flinching and lowering its head to finish on some chuckles, 'You want me to apologize? To the likes of you? A human?' Its chuckle died off on a deep set of snickers, 'You've gone insane if you honestly expect me to apologize to a worthless mortal.'

Shuichi, forgetting his earlier fears, stomped up to the smug faced villain, "You should. It-it's only fair to apologize to someone when you hurt them accidentally."

'But I meant to hurt you." The fox grumbled, unfazed of the childish outburst. "Why should I apologize for something I tried to do?'

Well guess that did make sense. Shuichi sighed and shrugged walking over to get the needed equipment. "Fine, be a meanie," Just because the fox was a stupid jerk didn't mean he had to be one. His mom always says that two wrongs never made a right so he'd the big boy and let it slide.

The jar of clear green jelly was pulled out and twisted free of its white cap. The green goop smelled terrible, like fish and old socks but it worked. So he stood up and carefully walked back to the fox thing.

Before he knew what happened one of the tails flared out and knocked the jar of gel from his hand, spilling most of its contents on the ground. Shuichi gawked at the spilled jar then at the fox's wiggling tail before casting his stunned expression to the culprit. "Why did you do that?"

'I don't accept help from humans.' If possible it nearly appeared that the fox's face set in a deep frown. 'What manner of fool do you take me for Boy? That stuff smells poisonous.'

"It's not poison. Its medicated ointment," Shuichi corrected while gathering some of the stuff off the ground, picking out the dirt and rock pieces. "I know its smells stinky but it stops bleeding." Shuichi held up his neatly wrapped hand for proof. "See? My mom used it on the bite and made it better."

The fox pressed its body against the tree truck when the child came closer with the worst scented concoction it'd ever smelled. Shuichi nervously came closer and closer until he stood in the same place where he'd been bitten before and waited for any sign of permission to put his stuff on. The sizable fox head lead closer until their noses barely touched and took a couple of sharp whiffs before bumping the human's head with its nose saying a gentle warning, 'If this stuff poison's me, I'm going to kill you.'

Shuichi's bottom lip quivered but nonetheless he nodded and reached inside to collect a handful and reached out to rub the cooling agent over the large hole. Blood smeared over his tiny hand when the gel covered over half the gushing hole, already crusting the surface. The fox purred contently as the cooling sensations sunk inside his body, claiming the burning flame of the spirit bullet. It was messy and slushed clumsily by the tiny hand but it still worked its magic while being massaged inside, icing off the prickles of pain.

'Mmm . . .'

Shuichi stopped, "I'm sorry, did I do it too hard?"

'No,' the fox lazily blinked his eyes. 'It feels strange,' he paused. 'It reminds me of sticky sap but it's chilled. Like gelled snow.'

"It's supposed to make the boo boo go cold then make it stop bleeding. My mommy uses it a lot at her job. She's a nurse."

'I see . . . how does the potion work?'

"Umm," The child thought a moment and shrugged, "I'm not sure. My mommy just slaps it on and poof. It's like magic."

While Shuichi was finishing up with the sloppy gel the fox beast curled his head inward, trapping the tiny body between his side and face. 'Why help me?' he murmured.

"Hm?" Shuichi blinked and shrugged. "Um well my mommy always says it's nice to help people who need help. She does it all the time at her job. She makes people feel better and they go home to be happy."

'Hm,' The fox closed and open his eyes. 'Why aren't you afraid of me? I could still eat you you know?' The fox pressed its pointed nose in the kid's back for emphasis.

"Wait, you said you wouldn't eat me if the stuff didn't poison you—eep!" He squeaked when one of the fluffy tails pushed him an inch from those large red glossed eyes.

'I'm a fox you foolish boy. Don't take our vows to heart.' The thick tail curled its entirety around the child's frail frame. 'Still I am curious about you. A silly human child offering to help an injured fox; one that speaks your language no less.' Chuckled the clever villain. 'Aren't you even the smallest bit interested about me?'

"Maybe, but I don't know if I want to know a mean fox who wants to eat me."

The silver animal chuckled, 'Silly human.' The tail unlooped itself and settled back amongst the other set. A wide yawn glared every single fang in Shuichi's face as the fox's head shifted back to untrap his captive, 'Shouldn't you be returning to your mother little one? She's to be worried about you by now.'

"Uh-oh," Shuichi scrambled back over to his belongings, tossing everything inside the bag. He hadn't realized it'd gotten so late. "I'm sorry Mr. Fox I have to go." Before he dashed off a small blush painted his cheeks. "Is it . . . umm is it alright if I come see you tomorrow?"

'Aren't you afraid I'll eat you?' The fox commented, flashing a fang.

Shuichi stared at him nervously.

The fox sighed and nodded. 'That's fine. Now be off with you.' He admitted, his voice showing evidence he was resigned to sleep.

"Ok, Thank you Mr. Fox—"

'Stop calling me that.' Grumbled the sleepy fox. 'My name is Yoko. Yoko Kurama.'

"Oh sorry. My name is Shuichi Minamino."

The fox's half lidded eyes finally closed, 'Shuichi . . . such an ugly name.'

A hot blush tinted plump cheeks before Shuichi stuck out his tongue and turned on his heel to leave. But just then he remembered something and hurried back to kneel by the fox's wound.

'What are you doing?'

Shuichi swiped his mouth with the back of his hand and pressed a soft kiss on the badly bandaged gash. The fox lifted its head, tilting to the side preplexed by the odd ritual this child was doing. Was he praying over his wound with his lips?

"There, does that feel better?" Asked Shuichi.

A strange expression past over the fox's face, 'Was it supposed to?'

Shuichi pouted, "My mom kisses my boo boos to make them feel better . . . It didn't work?"

'. . . I.' the fox shifted around a little yet the injury still throbbed. What was the boy expecting to happen? At first confused the fox had no idea what to say until seeing the saddened little face drippy and sighed lowering his head back in place. Not only was he exhausted but he wasn't up for hearing any wailing, 'Its fine. Your magic lips did the trick.'

Shuichi's face beamed with so much joy he raced over to his bag and pulled out the fish crackers and threw them on the ground before waving good bye and hurried off home. Yoko stared off after the little boy until he disappeared under the brush and then looked down at the strange looking things thrown to him. They smelled like fish so he licked one up and soon all of them ended up in the sleeping fox's stomach. Interesting enough he found the food tasty and the little child even more intriguing. As talkative as the brat was, even he had to admit he was looking forward to seeing him again soon.

---

From then on the same thing happened every single day. Shuichi would hurry from school, grab some things from home and hurry off to speak with the Youko. Most of the conversations were one sided but he didn't mind it at all. The fox would sit near the tree listening to his every word, occasionally saying one or two words. This happened for the longest time. Days turning to weeks, weeks to months and before either of them knew it a full year had passed yet the Yoko hadn't once moved from his place by the tree. In the full year, Shuichi had learned so much about the fox's identity or at least what the fox was willing to explain. Like his home back in Makai, his life as a renowned thief and some of his countless adventures during a heist for rare treasures.

Even though Shuichi was thrilled at the idea of his friend being so near, a couple of things made him curious. Like the wound's healing properties not properly performing their duties. The bleeding had long since ceased but the hole remained where it was, ugly and crusted a golden crystallization around the outer rim.

During one particular evening as the sun was lowering down beyond the horizon, Shuichi chose this night to question his friend about a few things.

"Does it still hurt sometimes Yoko?" He asked while lying on one of the flowing tails.

'Everyday.'

Shuichi shifted from under the blanketing fluff to eye the fox perplexedly, "Why is it taking so long to heal?"

'I told you once before demons can't heal properly if not in their own homes. Whilst it'd only take several days in my own home, it could take months in this place.'

". . . so how much longer do you have?"

Yoko looked at the gaping hole, noting its slightly shrinking form, 'I'd give it another year before I have to return home.'

"Oh, I see." Shuichi turned away before his eyes gave away the silent sorrow hidden in his eyes.

But after knowing the human this long, Yoko knew when the kit wanted to conceal his emotions and sort to see what was wrong by curling his tail around the child's body and tugging him close to his muzzle. 'What's wrong with you?'

"Nothing."

'You can't lie to a liar Kit. You know I can smell deceit.'

The wet nose brush Shuichi's cheek, urging him to explain himself, "What happens to me when you get well Yoko? Will you stop being my friend?"

'My departure shouldn't have anything to do with our bond Child.' Yoko nuzzled his nose in Shuichi's hand and licked two of his little fingers. 'I'll still be near even if you can't see me.'

"No!" Shuichi threw his arms around the silvery plush mane, feeling his heart ache. "I don't want you to leave. I don't want you to go Yoko. You're my very best friend. Why can't you stay here and talk to me forever? I promise I'll bring you fish crackers and jelly beans every day I promise. Just don't leave me. Please. Please."

'Shuichi . . .'

"Please Yoko. I-I like you." Cried the little child. Shuichi held onto Yoko's fur as if he would disappear that very instant. "I like you a whole lot. I don't want you to leave me. I want us to be together forever. Please."

Yoko sighed curling his body around the little human's fragile frame, 'Do you know what you're asking of me little one? Will you pledge your life to be with me? Do you care for me that much to stay close by my side?'

"Uh-uh," Shuichi sniffled, nodding against the mass of soft fur. "I want us to be together forever and always." Shuichi lifted his head slightly to look into those large red eyes, reflecting his image just as they would. Both his hands unconsciously began to stroke the tender fur around the angled muzzle not surprised at the way Yoko lead into the innocent touch.

Tears spilled out of his eyes as Shuichi lead forward and pressed a soft kiss against the fox's face.

The Youko sighed softly nudging his nose to the other's cheek, 'Is that your wish? To forever be with me?'

". . . Yes, I want us to always be together."

After a moment of silence the Youko spoke, 'Very well little one. To be by my side for as life breathes within me, shall be your faith as well.' In that moment a burst of unseen pressure flattened the earth all around, sparking the blades of grass and every noticeable piece of green to a dim glow. Coils of rippling forces suddenly gripped Shuichi's body, embracing his entire essence in a solid compound of radiating energies.

Fear pulsed quietly in his heart with each stir of flashing lights gradually becoming visible. Almost as if being drowned with the flow of warmth and cooling sensations vibrating his entire being. By the tiniest bits Shuichi felt more and more pieces of himself being torn away. The feel of ripping sensations weren't painful though very disconcerting and a bit alarming.

"Yoko . . .Yoko . . ." Shuichi couldn't see anything. Nothing. There was nothing all around save for the endless what void surrounding his eyes. Warmth and softness suddenly snuggled against his face from nowhere. It felt the same as Yoko's beautiful soft fur. So soft and fine like stringed silk. Tiny parts of himself slowly glided away before his eyes, yet he could see nor feel any of it. The only part he knew was real was the mane of gentle hair caressing against his face.

'You sworn your life to me Shuichi,' He heard the whispered voice say near his ear, 'Now your soul shall become one with mines. Your breathe, your heartbeats, every single pulse little one; Now belongs to me.'

Shuichi groggily opened his eyes to see his the lovely strings of fur were now long endless seams of brilliant moonlight tangled around his face. His innocent green eyes followed the trail of silver to a pair of large twitching ears. "Y-Yoko?" Gone was the creature's body of paws, furs and swishing untamed tails.

Everything, all of the details of what Shuichi knew of his friend had vanished, disappeared from view into this . . . this being. He was, but then he wasn't the Yoko he knew. This man possibly, the most beautiful person he'd ever seen in his life, stood before him, holding him in his strong arms. That face, chiseled of the purest living crystal and eyes glowing the deepest shade of honeycomb lowered down to stare deeply in his own.

"Shuichi . . ." Yoko buried his nose in the child's hair inhaling every drop of his innocence and tasting every sweet drop of his soul on his tongue. The purr of pure ecstasy burned inside his body as more of the little boy's soul slowly mended into his own. "You're mine now. Always."

". . . Always Yoko . . ."

Shuichi's eyes were fogged with the mist of complete childlike joy when Yoko lead forward to kiss his soft lips. Waves of fluttering heat poured through the kiss's concealment, forever blending their lives into one even being. When Yoko lifted his head to see the sleeping child, lying contently in his arms a small smile spread over his lips as he whispered soothing words of promised eternality and everlasting happiness between them. Forever and always.

End Flashback

---

TBC: Oh boy this story's going to end up being longer then I thought. This flashback ended up being longer then I thought and that included the supposed spice I promised being over twenty pages so I had to cut it right in half ^_^