FINDING MY WAY HOME

Alright, you all know I try to do different things in every story, and I think I pulled it off here. Somehow it’s different every time I take Kurama home to Youko territory. Luckily, YYH left that a mystery so I have a lot of creative license. Please leave a review and let me know how you think I did.

Chapter 19

Wanting a fresh start in the morning, we stop at Alaric for the night. The way Mukuro watched me at dinner last night, I know she is wondering what I plan on telling Hiei this morning. Knowing what I have to tell him won’t go over well, I stall until we are at the breakfast table. Knowing that she took the time to learn about my people, perhaps she will back me up. “Hiei, do you trust me?”

He went very still. “Of course, but something in that question tells me I shouldn’t.”

With a nod of understanding, I smile. “Hiei, I need you to trust me today. Youko are very private and suspicious creatures. They don’t trust outsiders and don’t allow them into their territory.”

Hiei stared at me. “Kurama, there is no way in hell you are leaving this fortress without me.”

I nod. “I know that Hiei. That’s not what I’m suggesting. What I’m asking is that when we get there, I want you to remain calm, no matter what, and let me handle things my way.”

His eyes narrowed suspiciously. “What aren’t you telling me Fox?”

Silent until now, Mukuro suddenly joined the conversation. “Hiei, it might help if you understand how the Youko view themselves. They consider their nation to be independent and separate from the three Makai territories. In fact, they are not actually classified as demons. Youko are fox spirits who believe the only power they answer to is Inari. Most Youko live their entire lives without leaving their territory and when a Youko does choose to leave, it is considered a fall from grace and they are exiled.”

Hard ruby eyes turned back to me. “Hiei, when I left home I was barely considered an adult. After many years in what is considered the outside world, I got tired of wandering and missed my family, so I went home. It wasn’t easy to get them to accept me again, but since I was so young when I left, I was given a second chance. With my reputation as a thief well established, I was assigned to what basically amounted to a gang who’s job was to go to the outside world and steal items we needed that were unavailable within the nation. Needless to say, with my experience, I quickly rose to leader of the gang.”

Hiei smirked but remained silent. “Sometimes, after a particularly good heist, I would treat my gang to drinks at a tavern just outside our territory. Usually, we had a few drinks and went home. The problem was, I was starting to get restless. I’d been cooped up with nothing but Youko family, Youko friends and Youko lovers for too long. I was beginning to yearn for an outsider’s company. Then, one night we were having drinks at the tavern and I got to talking with this demon. The next time we went he was there again. After two more times I began sneaking out to see him.”

Something in my voice must have given me away, because Hiei only said one word. “Kuronue.”

Slowly I nod. “Yes, it was Kuronue. It wasn’t long before my second in command caught us together and dragged me before the council. I was ordered to never see him again, resign my position and be permanently restricted to our territory or be exiled for life. Needless to say, I left with Kuro and have never been back.”

When he spoke, I could tell Hiei was trying to control his anger. “So when you walk in there with a fire demon mate, what kind of reception should we expect?”

I shrug. “Probably not a welcome one. If we just walk into town there will be a show of force trying to get us to leave, but Youko are not violent by nature and will avoid it if possible.”

Just then, Mukuro spoke up. “I may have an idea. Kurama, I know you’d like to handle this your way, but letting Hiei take the lead might be the better choice. Regardless of what they think, Youko nation is still in my territory. In the past they have afforded me a modicum of respect as it’s ruler. If Hiei goes in as my heir, with you at his side and perhaps a guard or two flanking him, and makes a request, that may force them to cooperate.”

I consider her suggestion a moment before I nod. “It would have to be the right request. If you ask to speak privately with just one person, it might work. Jasper is my uncle, and one of the few people who supported me.”

Hiei seemed to be calming down. “Can he answer our questions though?”

I grin. “I think so. Jasper is one of the few males I know that has had a child.”

Hiei looked at Mukuro, then at me. “Sounds like we have a plan.”

XXXXX

As we approach Youko territory I pause and turn to the guards Mukuro insisted we bring. “You two go on ahead. Hiei and I will catch up in a minute.”

When they walked away Hiei turned and gave me a questioning look. “Hiei, I was just thinking, it might be better idea if I don’t go with you. I…”

He didn’t let me finish. “We are doing this together Kurama.”

I sigh. “You don’t understand Hiei. I won’t be welcome there. I just thought it might be better if Shuuichi goes with you instead of me.”

He considered my words for just a moment. “Hn. Are you afraid of them? I’ve never known you to be afraid of anyone before. If you want to chicken out and hide behind your human face, I won’t stop you.”

Damn, he knows how to push my buttons. “I’m not afraid Hiei, and I won’t hide. I just thought it would make things easier. Obviously you’re against the idea, so let’s just go.”

Satisfied he’d gotten his way, Hiei smugly led the way. When we walk into the village, I am at his side. I nod ahead of us. “That’s the council building. That’s where you’ll want to ask for Jasper.”

Though our party drew attention, and several Youko recognized me, no one spoke to us until we arrived at the council building when a guard steps into our path. “You have entered Youko territory. What business do you have here?”

Hiei addressed him. “I am Lord Hiei of Alaric. I have come with a request from Mukuro.”

The guard hesitated, indicating he recognized Hiei’s authority. He took a moment to look at me and Hiei’s guards. When he did I recognized him as someone I knew long ago. His next words indicated he recognized me as well. “Lord Hiei, you may wait inside and a council member will hear your request shortly. The rest of your party must wait outside.”

Hiei took a step closer to him and stared him down, even though the Youko towered over him. “My mate will come with me.”

Not waiting for the guard’s reply, Hiei took my hand and we entered the building. Though the guard glared his displeasure when he followed, he remained silent. We wait while he goes down a long hall. A few minutes later when an older Youko comes out, my heart begins to pound. “Lord Hiei, I am Kento. This is an unexpected visit. May I ask what brings you here today?”

Wishing I could speak with Hiei, I am forced to remain silent as Hiei addresses him. “I am in need of some information that I’ve been told a Youko named Jasper can help me with. I am simply requesting an audience with him then we will be on our way.”

Kento refuses to even look at me. “Perhaps if you had come alone that might be possible. However, under the circumstances, I’m going to have to deny your request.”

Knowing Hiei wasn’t expecting rejection, I finally move forward and speak softly. “It doesn’t have to be like this. All we’re asking is a few minutes with Jasper and you’ll never see me again.”

Still as a statue, Kento doesn’t answer. “Do you really hate me so much that you can’t even look at me?”

He finally looks at Hiei. “I can’t help you Lord Hiei. I suggest you leave.”

Sensing Hiei’s growing anger, I am about to convince him we should leave when the doors burst open. “Yoko, is Kento giving you a hard time as usual? Come give your old uncle some love Kit.”

I felt my pregnant hormones kick in, because his welcome made me want to cry. Before anyone could see it on my face, I fall into his arms. With his arms tight around me, my uncle whispers in my ear. “Take a deep breath Kit. Don’t let him see he got to you.”

I do as he says before stepping back. “Is there someplace we can talk?”

Kento expressed his displeasure. “He is not welcome here!”

Jasper shrugged. “Okay, let’s go to my place.”

Kento blocked our way. “NO! Take them to the conference room! You have one hour, then I want them gone!”

With an arm around me, Jasper signals Hiei to follow. When he closed the door behind us, I take a deep breath before turning to him. “I knew I could count on you Uncle Jasper. Thank you. Uncle, I’d like you to meet my mate, Hiei. Hiei, this is my mother’s brother, Jasper.”

Jasper holds out his hand, and Hiei takes it. “It’s nice to meet you Hiei. We’d heard rumors that our Yoko had mated with Mukuro’s heir. You’re not a Youko, but I can see the appeal. He’s a hot one Kit.”

Smiling at Hiei’s embarrassment, I decided to change the subject. “How are Uncle Leon and my cousins?”

Indicating we should all take a seat at the conference table, Jasper smiles. “They’re good. They’ll be sorry they couldn’t spend time with you. Actually, it was your cousin Celly that caught sight of you coming into the council building and came to get me.”

Now for the hard question. “Jasper, how are my mom, and Royce?”

When he pauses I know I’m not going to like his answer. “Your mom’s had a rough time. She’s never forgiven your dad for what happened when you left. Though they lived together, they weren’t together for many years. It got even worse after we heard you’d been killed. Then there was an incident while Royce was in the outside world on business. Yoko, your brother was killed in a fight with a demon.”

Squeezing my eyes shut, I turn away for a moment. When I am able to look back at him he continues. “Your mom couldn’t stand watching your dad mourn only Royce while she mourned both her sons. She’s been living with me and Leon ever since.”

Beside me, Hiei strokes my hair and rubs my back. I don’t know what to say. Luckily Jasper seemed to understand. “You’ll have to mourn later Kit. Since we’re limited on time, let’s get to why you’re here. When are you due?”

Hiei’s head popped up. “How did you know?”

Jasper grins. “Look at his eyes Hiei. See the dark ring around his irises? We all get that when we’re pregnant. I take it you have some questions.”

I nod. “I don’t know when I’m due. Humans and most demons have nine month gestations, I don’t know about us though.”

He shook his head. “You don’t have that long Kit. We deliver at six months.”

I can feel myself beginning to hyperventilate. “No Hiei! I need more time! I’m not ready!”

Grabbing my face, Hiei forces me to look at him. “Breathe Kurama. It will be alright. We’ll be ready. Remember, we can do anything if we’re together.”

A few deep breaths later, I look into his beautiful ruby eyes and nod. “We’ll do it together.”

Jasper suddenly bursts out laughing. “Damn Kit, you’ve got to relax. It’s just a baby.”

Hiei glared at him. “My fox woke up after having amnesia for six months to find he was pregnant with a baby he never wanted. He doesn’t know how this baby will be born or what risk factors there are for a baby born to a human born with a Youko’s soul and sired by a fire demon, Koorime half breed. I think he’s doing pretty damn well.”

Winking at my mate, I turn to see Jasper is taken aback. “Alright Yoko, I’m sorry I teased you. It’s just fun to see my calm and collected nephew unhinged by a mere baby. As for your baby, it will be born just like any other baby. As a male, you may not be aware that you have a small vaginal opening hidden behind your scrotum. You and Hiei obviously found it at least once, or you wouldn’t be pregnant.”

Dumfounded, I look at Hiei. “Don’t look at me Fox. You are always so out of control during mating season, all I can do is give you anything you want then hold on and enjoy the ride.”

Jasper grins. “Damn, I guess the rumors of your prowess in bed are true too. Alright, don’t glare at me like that. Now, what else do you want to know about the baby?”

When I hesitate, Hiei speaks up. “My sister Yukina is our healer and will be our midwife. She wants to know, if things don’t go as planned, is there anything special she should know?”

Jasper shakes his head. “No, male or female, Youko deliveries and cesareans are much like any other. The thing I’d be the most concerned about though is a premature baby. Youko kits are born small but fully developed at six months. If Yoko delivers a fire demon cub or human baby at six months, there could be complications.”

For the first time a different kind of fear takes hold of me. Until now I’ve been concerned only with myself. Now I’m afraid for my baby. Sensing this, Hiei leans close. “Everything will be fine Kurama.”

Before I can respond we hear a loud commotion outside the room. As the three of us stand, we hear a female voice scream. “Let me go you son of a bitch! That’s my kit in there!”

Rushing to the door, I throw it open. In the entry hall Kento is holding on to a struggling female. Angry, I flare my energy and shout at him. “Release her!”

Whether he is surprised by my harsh order or my power I don’t know, but he let her go. The moment she is released she runs and throws herself into my arms. “Yoko!”

Catching her up in my arms, I hold her tight. “It’s alright Mom, I’m here.”

For a moment she clings to me. When she pulls back and cups my face to get a good look at me, I set her back on her feet. “My Yoko. Oh Son, you look wonderful, so strong and handsome.”

I start to smile at her, but Kento growls. “Enough! It’s time for them to leave! Iris, go home!”

My mother turns. “Go to hell! You lost the right to tell me what to do when you disowned our kit! Now get out of our way, we’re leaving!”

Taking me by the hand she drags me from the building with Hiei and Jasper not far behind. Outside I see my cousin Celly and she rushes to me for a hug. “Such a beautiful vixen my little cousin grew up to be.”

She doesn’t get a chance to answer before my mom takes her by the arm. “Celly, I need you to run to the house, quickly pack me a bag and meet us at the edge of town. I’m going to spend some time with my son and your overbearing uncle will make a huge fuss if he figures out I’m leaving.”

After giving me another quick hug and whispering “I miss you cousin”, she runs off. By now Kento has followed us outside. When he glares at my mom, she huffs and turns her back on him. Even knowing any comment from me will be rejected, I feel the need to try. “I just heard about Royce. Dad, I’m very sorry. I know how special he was to you.”

My father growls. “If you hadn’t chosen THEM over us you would have been there to watch his back and he’d still be alive!”

My mom would have jumped at him if I hadn’t caught her around the waist. “Don’t you dare blame Yoko for Royce’s death! If YOU hadn’t banished him he might have been here! If YOU hadn’t sent Royce to do your dirty work he might still be here! You’ve lost your whole family and have no one to blame but yourself you old fool!”

I don’t think I’ve ever seen my mother so angry. Putting my arm around her, I turn her away from my father. “Come on Mom, walk with me.”

Hiei’s guards must have sensed something was up, because they suddenly snapped to attention before him. “My mate would like some time with his mother. Make sure we are not followed.”

They gave him a deep bow. “Yes My Lord.”

Seeing them blocking his path, my father seemed to consider his options. As I gave him one last look, he turns away and goes back into the council building. With a sigh, I turn to my mom. “Mom, are you sure you want to do this? You are more than welcome to come with us, I just don’t want you to regret it.”

She smiles at me softly. “First off, I’ve missed you terribly and want to spend some time with you. Secondly, who better to answer your questions and help you until your baby is born than your mother?”

I should know by now not to question a mother’s intuition. After all, I do have two of them. “Nothing would make me happier Mom.”

I know I have a silly grin on my face as I turn to look at Hiei. “Hiei, this is my mom. Is it alright if she comes home with us?”

He smirks. “Anything your heart desires my fox.”

Happy, I turn to my mom. “Mom, that’s Hiei, my mate. He loves me.”

My mom laughs. “Yes, I can see that he does. It’s nice to meet you Hiei. My name is Iris.”

Seeing we are coming up on the edge of town, I look at Jasper. “Don’t worry Yoko, Celly will be here. You three just keep going. I’ll send Iris’s bag with your guards.”

Stepping away from my mom, I reach out to hug him. “Thank you Uncle Jasper. I’ll take good care of her and see she gets home safe.”

He returned my hug before releasing me. “I never doubted you would Kit. Iris, don’t smother the boy. Remember he’s not only rich and powerful, he’s mated now, so respect his privacy.”

She playfully smacks him on the arm before hugging him. “Ignore him boys. He’s just teasing me because I accidentally walked in on him and Leon getting it on. If they’d been in the bedroom and not the kitchen, I wouldn’t have seen a thing. Take care big brother. I’ll be home eventually.”

Together the three of us walk away. Behind us, we I hear Jasper arguing with someone, but ignoring them, we keep walking. We don’t talk or relax for almost an hour until Hiei’s guards come running up and fall into step several yards behind us. Glancing over my shoulder, I see that one of them is indeed carrying what must be my mother’s bag.

When we finally see Alaric ahead of us, Hiei calls over his shoulder. “You two go on ahead and see that a room is prepared for Lord Kurama’s mother.”

With a “Yes Sir” the guards run ahead to the fortress. My mom doesn’t fail to notice the name. “Lord Kurama?”

I grin and shrug. “As Hiei’s mate I bare the title Lord. After I was banished, I used the name Yoko Kurama. When I was reborn as a human, I was given the name Shuuichi Minamino. When I started to regain my Youko power I chose to use just Kurama.”

She smiles. “When rumors of your success and fame reached us, I was very pleased to hear you using my father’s name. Of course it irritated the crap out of your father, so it made it even better.”


I would have laughed, but we were entering Alaric and Mukuro was coming out of her office. Seeing us, she grins. “They said your mother was here but that doesn’t look like Shiori.”

I did laugh then. “No, this would be my Youko mother, Iris. Mom, this is Lady Mukuro, ruler of one third of Makai.”

Mukuro nodded. “Welcome to Alaric. As this is Kurama’s home, please feel free to make yourself at home.”

All of a sudden, Hiei grabs one of my forelocks and pulls me down for a kiss. “Foxie, go get your mother settled in her room. I’m going to fill Mukuro in and then I have some work to do.”

With a smile, I give him another kiss. “Thank you Hiei Koi. That will give Mom and I plenty of time to catch up.”

After one last kiss, I take my mom by the hand and pull her up the stairs.