Time Heals all Wounds

Chapter 2

Allowing Kurama time to both mourn and adjust to being back in Makai, Hiei postponed taking him to Tourin for several days. Over that time Kurama explored the fortress and the grounds. Hiei took as much time off as he could to be with his friend. When he had to work, Kurama tagged along, but much to Hiei’s disappointment he didn’t contribute in any meetings or participate in any training.

At night, the two men would retire to Hiei’s room. After sipping tea and watching the night sky they would undress and crawl in bed together. Though there was an undeniable sexual attraction between them, neither had made any advances beyond simple comfort as they slept.

When the redhead discovered Alaric’s neglected garden and began tending it, Hiei expected Kurama to come out of his depression. When the dismal garden showed little sign of improvement, Hiei knew the fox’s heart wasn’t in it. Curiously during this whole time, Kurama had remained in his human form. Hiei had expected him to return to his Youko form after returning to Makai.

One morning, as Kurama worked in the garden, Hiei decided a change was in order. “Fox, let’s go to Tourin. Yusuke and the others have been waiting to see you.”

If Kurama was surprised at the sudden suggestion, he showed no sign of it. “I guess it is time to pay them a visit.”

Testing a theory, Hiei watched the redhead closely. “Good, we could use the exercise. Let’s see if you can keep up with me.”

Knowing the human had no chance against him, Hiei waited to see if the Youko would take his challenge. “Actually Hiei, I was admiring the horses in your stable yesterday. I thought maybe we could ride to Tourin.”

Hiding his disappointment, Hiei knew Kurama would confide whatever was bothering him soon. “If that’s what you want Fox. Let’s go.”

An hour later as they were riding away from Alaric, Kurama couldn’t help but admire the tall muscular fire demon astride the large black Makai stallion. “Damn Hiei, I thought watching you fight was beautiful. Seeing you ride is like watching a magnificent work of art come to life.”

Trying not to blush at the unexpected complement, Hiei grunted. “I’m still challenging you to a race Fox.”

Without waiting for a response, Hiei kicked and the stallion took off. With a delighted laugh Kurama and the beautiful chestnut he was riding gave chase. As they rode, Hiei didn’t fail to notice Kurama did nothing to help him achieve victory. Any other time they had raced, Kurama always used his plants as distractions or obstacles to slow Hiei down. This time however, not only was he not using his youki, Hiei was almost positive he was masking it.

Seeing his friend enjoy himself for the first time since he’d returned to Makai, Hiei tucked the information away for later. Hiei kept a tight enough reign on his mount to allow Kurama to keep up but not actually win. Passing through the gates of Tourin first, Hiei quickly dismounted and tossed the reigns to a guard.

When Kurama rode up beside him, Hiei reached for him. Even though the redhead needed no help dismounting, he enjoyed the attention Hiei had been giving him since he’d returned. Swinging a leg over the horse’s neck, Kurama let his hands rest on Hiei’s shoulders as he was lifted down.

Before his feet hit the ground though, Kurama slipped his hands around the fire demon’s neck. Hiding a smirk in Kurama’s red hair, Hiei returned the impromptu hug. With as tall as Hiei had grown, he easily held Kurama a moment before setting him on his feet. Deep green eyes held a hint of longing as Kurama looked up at the fire demon. “Thank you Dragon.”

Looking away before Kurama saw his own longing, Hiei grunted before leading the way inside. As they entered the great hall Yusuke’s voice could be heard from a distant room. “I’m in the office guys! Come on back!”

Office was an understatement. The room they found themselves in was more like a war room. Yusuke sat behind a huge mahogany desk. There were large tables with topographical maps of the different regions of Makai all across the room. When he saw them, Yusuke came around the desk and slapped Hokochen on the back. “Break time baldy. I’ve got company.”

As Hokochen left the room, Yusuke greeted his friends. “Hiei! It’s about time you brought our friend here to visit. Kurama…”

At a momentary loss for words, Yusuke stepped forward to engulf the redhead in a big hug. “I’m sorry about your mom Kurama. She was a great lady.”

Stepping out of Yusuke’s arms, Kurama tried to smile. “Thank you Yusuke. In fact, it is entirely thanks to you that my mother was able to live a long and healthy life.”

Yusuke chuckled. “I’m just glad you were able to share it with her. It’s hard to believe that it was over fifty years ago that we all met and became friends.”

Before Kurama could answer there was a surge of spirit energy from somewhere in the fortress. When Kurama looked around concerned, Yusuke laughed. “Relax Kurama, that’s just Keiko. Let’s go see how her training is going.”

A few minutes later they were in a training chamber watching Keiko being attacked by a large demon. When Yusuke and Hiei didn’t seem alarmed, Kurama just watched. Intrigued, Kurama watched Keiko. The day he arrived he recalled noticing her new taller, shapelier form. What he didn’t remember was the lovely fox ears or tail.

When the demon attacked again, Keiko tried to evade but he was able to grab her. When she couldn’t free herself, she screamed in frustration. “Enough! End program! Damn it! What am I doing wrong?”

When Keiko’s simulated training partner vanished, Kurama chuckled. “You’re not using every weapon at your disposal Keiko.”

When Yusuke would have made a comment, Hiei silenced him with a glare. Curious, Keiko looked at Kurama. “What do you mean Kurama? I know I’m not very powerful yet, but the simulator has been programmed to train at my level.”

Moving forward, Kurama smiled. “Yes, and it’s probably programmed to know all of your abilities. You need to stop thinking like a human and start thinking like a demon. Have you ever noticed that most demon females dress seductively? It’s so they can use their looks and natural sex appeal as a weapon against a more powerful opponent. Run the simulation again, only this time use those big brown eyes, that beautiful long hair and even your own body against your attacker.”

Intrigued, Keiko turned around and ordered the program to run again. As the demon began to advance on her, Keiko slipped two buttons open on her blouse exposing the swell of her firm breasts. Sure enough the demon hesitated as his gaze was drawn down to her chest. This time Keiko’s attack had a much bigger effect. Even wounded the larger male opponent was still able to get a hold of her though.

This time however, Keiko played the part of the weak female and turned large brown eyes on him. When she pushed back against him and wiggled her behind against his groin, Hiei had to hold Yusuke back. Nodding in approval, Kurama called out. “Now Keiko!”

Keiko used the same move she’d tried earlier, only this time she was able to escape the demon and deliver a crippling blow. At this point Yusuke and Kurama whooped excitedly. Hiei however growled at her. “Now kill him woman! The only demon that can not pursue you is a dead one!”

Uncertainly, she looked up. Seeing Yusuke and Kurama nod in agreement, Keiko reluctantly turned back and killed the demon. Excited, she ran to Kurama and threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you Kurama! That was what I was missing.”

Pulling back he smiled at her. “Whether they know it or not, Hiei and Yusuke use similar tactics. Believe me, it is very distracting when those sexy demons manage to lose their shirts and show off their gorgeous muscular chests when they fight.”

When Keiko giggled and her fox ears twitched, drawing Kurama’s attention, he reached up to scratch one. “Now, tell me about these. What made you decide to be a Youko?”

In his arms Keiko almost purred her answer. “Because of you of course. I want people to look at me the way they look at you.”

Kurama frowned. “What look is that?”

Keiko grinned. “Like you are the most beautiful and sexy creature in the three worlds. Besides, I want to keep Yusuke on his toes. When he sees others desiring me, it makes him appreciate what he has.”

Easily snatching his mate from Kurama, Yusuke pulled Keiko close. “Oh you like making me jealous do you? Let’s see how much you appreciate this.”

Keiko’s surprised squeal sounded more like a moan of anticipation as Yusuke claimed her lips. When she wrapped her arms around his neck, Hiei rolled his eyes. “Let’s go find Yukina Fox. They could be at this a while.”

Making their way to the west wing of the fortress, Kurama smiled a few minutes later as he entered a large greenhouse. Seeing Yukina kneeling amongst a small patch of grassy-looking orange plants, Kurama called out. “Yukina! This is fabulous. Look at these specimens. Some of these are nearly extinct.”

Looking up, Yukina called back. “Oh Kurama, thank goodness. I need your help.”

Going to her, Kurama knelt beside her. “Ah, you’re trying to grow autumn willow grass.”

Yukina sighed. “Yes, but not very successfully. Kurama, I’ve tried everything and still they’re dull and limp. I can’t possibly weave them into skin grafts like this.”

Examining the plants, Kurama shook his head. “No, they aren’t holding enough moisture. For a successful graft they have to retain moisture.”

After looking around the greenhouse, Kurama suddenly jumped up. A moment later he returned with several plants he had pulled up by the roots from another plant bed. “These misty palms should fix that problem. They absorb the moisture then secrete out a mist that will keep the grass damp all the time. Another thing I’ve found helpful in a grafting plant is to water them with blood at least twice a week. Use various kinds of blood, then feed them blood from the recipient an hour before harvesting for a better graft match.”

As they worked, Yukina smiled. “Oh Kurama, I’m so glad to have you back. I’m sorry about Shiori though. You must miss her terribly.”

Kurama nodded. “Thank you Yukina, I do.”

Watching them, Hiei took note that Kurama was once again acting out of character. He looked away when Yukina welcomed him back. He also didn’t acknowledge he was back. Most concerning though was that Kurama hadn’t used his youki even once since entering the greenhouse. Normally the fox would have greeted all the plants with a healthy dose of his ki. He also would have fed the plants he was helping to save.

When they finished and rose, Yukina gave Kurama a hug. “Thank you so much Kurama. Let’s go find Kazuma, he’s been waiting to see you.”

Following Yukina, they found Kuwabara in a large office. He looked quite official as he sat behind his desk giving instructions to two demons. As soon as he saw them he stood up and dismissed them. “Kurama, I was wondering when we’d see you. You look great.”

After a brotherly bear hug, Kuwabara pulled back with a somber look. “It’s too bad about your mom. She had a beautiful soul. How are you holding up? Is there anything I can help with back home?”

Kurama sighed. “Thank you Kuwa. I’m fine now. No, there’s nothing left for me in the Ningenkai. I took care of everything before I left.”

Just then Yusuke entered with Keiko. “Good, no more looking back. Now that you’re home and we’re all together again, it’s time for a party to celebrate the future.”

As their friends left the office Hiei didn’t fail to notice the look in Kurama’s eyes at Yusuke’s words. Whether it was sadness at leaving his human life behind, or the uncertainty of his future he feared, Hiei didn’t know. He just knew Kurama’s heart wasn’t in this celebration.