Time Heals all Wounds

I know, I know, I am a horrible author to keep you all waiting so long. I think about this every day and yet it has taken me forever to write this story. Some times stories just seem to write themselves, but this one has been stubborn and for some reason just won’t do that. Alright, enough ranting. You’ve all been waiting to hear what’s up with Kurama, well guess what? Once this started to flow, I couldn’t shut him up.

Again sorry to keep you all waiting. I won’t promise the next chapter will be up soon, only that it will be up. I think you all know by now, I will never leave a story unfinished.

Chapter 3

Not much had changed since they were teenagers having their first parties at Genkai’s temple. There was still plenty of food, but Keiko and Yukina now left it to servants to prepare and serve it. Though they still drank a lot, the demon Kuwabara could now hold his own with Yusuke instead of being drunk under the table.

Having deprived himself of their company for so many years, Kurama spent the evening reconnecting with each of his friends. As he always did, Hiei sat off to the side and observing them, but his primary focus was on Kurama. As the redhead spent time visiting with each of them, his gaze repeatedly sought Hiei as if needing reassurance he was still there.

As Hiei pondered again what could be going on with the redhead, the Jagon suddenly made him aware of two demons approaching the fortress. A glance at Yusuke told Hiei the Toushin was already aware. It wasn’t until the demons were in the entry hall with the guards that Hiei saw Kurama suddenly stiffen.

When a guard came to speak to Yusuke, Kurama almost rudely he excused himself from Yukina and made his way to where Hiei sat. Wanting to know what Kurama would do, Hiei waited. When the guard left the room with permission to show the demons in, Kurama gracefully slipped into the chair beside Hiei.

As two Youkos were escorted into the room, Kurama lay his head against Hiei’s shoulder and masked his ki. Not questioning his friend’s actions, Hiei slipped an arm around him and used the Jagon to shield him from the strangers. Sensing the subtle change in his friends, Yusuke gave them a quick glance. With Hiei’s hand buried in his friend’s long red hair, Yusuke was sure an outsider would easily mistake Kurama for a human female.

When Yusuke turned his attention to the newcomers, Hiei silently observed. The smaller of the two was telling Yusuke that he and his companion were searching for a runaway. The golden Youko was finely dressed and appeared to be some sort of diplomat. The other Youko was a soft brown and was more suitably dressed to search Makai for a runaway.

Watching them, Hiei quickly pegged the golden as some sort of diplomat. The brown Youko however was the one that held the fire demon’s interest. He stood to one side and carefully scrutinized everyone in the room. Something in his eyes told Hiei he wasn’t just looking for a runaway. He was obviously a soldier on a mission. Not only was he there to protect his companion, he had every intention of securing the return of their prey, willing or not.

The golden’s next words drew Hiei’s attention. ““I apologize for the intrusion My Lord, but we sensed another Youko as we passed through the area and were hopping to find the one we seek.”

Surprisingly perceptive for a young demon, Keiko moved forward positioning herself perfectly to block their view of Kurama. “That must have been me you sensed, though I can’t imagine you’d be looking for me.”

Smiling graciously at her, the golden inclined his head. “No ma’am, the one we seek is a silver male who goes by the name Yoko.”

Hiei was impressed that no one in the group reacted to Kurama’s true name. In his arms however, Kurama’s hand was clenched tightly against his chest. Yusuke slipped his arm around Keiko. “Sorry gentlemen, my lovely wife is the only Youko around here. I was acquainted with a Yoko in the past, but it’s been decades since I’ve seen that Youko. If that’s all you needed, my friends and I would like to get back to our party.”

When Yusuke signaled for his guard, the Youkos were escorted away. No one moved until it was clear they had left the fortress, then all eyes turned on Kurama. Pulling away from Hiei, Kurama looked at his friends. “Thank you everyone for not giving me away. Apparently word has gotten out that I’m back. I just wanted some time to visit with my true friends before resuming my demon life.”

Kuwabara chuckled. “If that was your welcoming committee Kurama, I don’t blame you.”

Everyone laughed and the party went on. Before joining the others, Yusuke gave Kurama a look that clearly said he wasn’t convinced that was all, but that he’d abide by his friend’s wishes. Only when they were left alone did Kurama turn to look at Hiei. Seeing Hiei’s glare, Kurama sighed. “Please don’t make me explain yet Hiei. I just want to enjoy this time with you for as long as I can before anything or anyone interferes.”

Knowing Hiei wasn’t happy, Kurama’s green eyes pleaded. “Please Dragon. I promise you’ll know everything soon enough.”

Kurama knew he’d gotten his way when Hiei looked away with a grunt. “Hn.”

Giving him a little smile, Kurama leaned over to kiss his cheek and whisper. “Thank you Dragon.”

XXXXX

After returning to Alaric, Hiei and Kurama spent almost all of their time together. When Hiei was forced to work, Kurama spent time in the garden. A week later Hiei knew Kurama’s little holiday was about to end. Rising from his desk, Hiei entered the main hall just as the two Youkos from before were being shown in.

Just as before, it was the golden that introduced himself. “Lord Hiei, I am Ambassador Kin of the Youko nation. This is Gungin, my guide.”

At times like this Hiei loved his newfound height. Youkos were naturally tall and even the shorter of the two would have dwarfed him in the past. Now however he was equal in height to the taller Gungin. “Your guard there just cringed at being referred to as a guide. You also failed to use your Ambassador title when introducing yourself at Tourin last week. I don’t like being deceived. State your business and get out!”

Before the Ambassador could stutter a response, Gungin tried to stare Hiei down. “I am General Gungin of the Royal Youko Guard. The demon we seek might be better know to you as Yoko Kurama or by his human name, Shuuichi Minamino. I insist that he be turned over to us immediately. Then we will be on our way.”

Hiei couldn’t decide whether to growl or laugh in the demon’s face. “You insist? I don’t care who’s guard you belong to, the only king recognized here is me. Now…”

From the landing at the top of the stairs, Kurama’s soft alto voice called down. “It’s alright Hiei. I knew it was only a matter of time.”

All eyes turned to watch the redhead descend the stairs. When he was beside Hiei, Kurama’s green eyes glared at General Gungin a moment before softening as he addressed the Ambassador. “Ambassador Kin, I believe you are looking for me.”

Before the Ambassador could reply, Gungin snarled. “How dare you address the Ambassador in that filthy human form!”

When Hiei growled and would have lunged at Gungin, Kurama quickly turned and placed a hand on his chest. “It’s alright Hiei, I’ll handle this.”

Though Hiei had seen Kurama change forms before, this time it was done without all the flare he used in battle. In a huge surge of energy the redhead was suddenly gone. A second later an angry silver Youko stepped forward to glare down and growl at Gungin. “General, how dare YOU address ME in such a tone! I don’t care how long we’ve known each other, I’d suggest you never forget to whom you are speaking!”

In an attempt to defuse the situation, the Ambassador quickly pushed Gungin back. “I apologize Your Highness. I’m sure the General meant no disrespect.”

Hiei’s jaw nearly dropped when the Ambassador went down on one knee before Kurama. Beside him Gungin glared, then reluctantly followed suit. When he spoke it was through clenched teeth. “My apologizes Your Highness.”

Beside him, Kurama heard Hiei whisper. “Your Highness?”

Kurama spared Hiei a quick glance before speaking. “Please rise Kin. There is no need for that here. I take it my father has sent you looking for his errant kit once again.”

Taking the hand Kurama offered, Kin rose. “Prince Yoko, if you would just speak to him I’m sure the two of you could work something out.”

Kurama scoffed. “As you well know Kin, I talked many times over the centuries until I was blue in the face, the old codger never listens.”

No longer caring if he was allowed to rise, Gungin jumped up. “You have no right to address the King so!”

Kurama taunted. “I will address my father any way I chose Gunny. What are you going to do about it, kill me again?”

Kurama didn’t need to see the murderous look in Hiei’s eyes when his deep voice echoed. “Again?”

Seeing the hunger in Gungin’s eyes, Kurama gave a wicked chuckle. “Those are still your orders, aren’t they Gunny? Bring the wayward prince home or else. You remember how that turned out last time don’t you? Did the old bastard even shed a tear for his dear departed son?”

Like a bratty child, Gungin taunted. “Not a one!”

Hiei’s eyes widened when Kurama spat back. “What’s the matter Gunny? You didn’t really think the old man would make you his heir just because you’ve been jumping to do his bidding since we were kits, did you? Maybe if you had mated with one of my sisters you’d have had a better chance.”

Gungin was fuming. “That old man gave you everything and you couldn’t do the one thing he asked of you! You deserved his wrath! As for your sisters, I’ve already fucked them all, why would I need to mate with one?”

There was a brief pause as Kurama stared at him. A moment later he grunted. “You haven’t changed a bit have you Gunny?”

Shaking his head, Gungin grunted back. “Neither have you Yoyo. You’re still a spoiled, pampered little prick.”

Kurama’s nose wrinkled in distaste at the old nickname. Hoping to defuse the situation Ambassador Kin stepped forward. “Prince Yoko, please, I implore you. Return home with us. Unlike the General implied, the King was deeply wounded by your death. Perhaps the two of you can reach a compromise this time.”

Looking at him, Kurama sighed. “Even though I doubt it will do any good, I’d already made the decision to go back.”

Hiei could no longer remain silent and stepped between Kurama and the other Youkos. “Fox, you’re not going anywhere with that bastard!”

Golden eyes softened as Kurama looked at Hiei. “It’s alright Dragon. I was caught off guard last time. This time I am prepared. He cannot hurt me.”

Turning toward Gungin, Hiei took a moment to appraise him. “Kurama, you’ve easily got twice his power. How the hell did he catch you off guard?”

Knowing his answer wouldn’t sit well with his partner, Kurama hesitated to answer. When Hiei gave him a glare that said he would not be denied an answer, Kurama sighed. “My father sent Gungin to bring me home. When I refused, he left. I didn’t know he was waiting in ambush. I didn’t even see the attack coming. I just heard the shot.”

Again Hiei turned to study Gungin. The brown Youko had to work hard not to turn from the fire demon’s gaze. When Gungin faultered, Hiei growled. “You shot him in the back! As a coward you don’t deserve the warning, but I fight with honor. Draw your weapon, I find it distasteful to kill an unarmed enemy!”

They could all smell Gungin’s fear at the more powerful demon’s challenge. “What if I chose not to fight you?”

Hiei shrugged. “Kurama is my partner. I will defend him and I will avenge him. One way or the other, you are going to die.”

Secretly pleased with Hiei’s words, Kurama still couldn’t allow him to kill the less powerful demon without some protest. “Hiei please, that was a lifetime ago.”

Kurama didn’t get to say more before Gungin moved. With near perfect speed, he drew a dagger and went for Hiei’s throat. Unfortunately for him though, Hiei didn’t need to draw a weapon. The fire demon moved with lightning speed, held up his right hand and the dragon leapt forward consuming Gungin, weapon and all. As the smoking dragon returned to his place on Hiei’s arm, the fire demon grunted. “Live like a coward and you die like one.”

For a moment, Kurama just stared at Hiei, amazed at the precision strike. The first time Hiei had used the dragon he’d nearly lost his arm and lost so much power he was incapacitated for hours. Hiei was now so powerful the attack seemed no more effort than swatting a fly. “Hiei, that was… I’m speechless.”

Stunned, the Ambassador looked at Kurama. “Your Highness! What am I to tell the King? Gungin is one of his top aides and advisors.”

Before Kurama could answer, Hiei turned on the Ambassador. “You tell him the truth. That Yoko Kurama is under the protection of King Hiei of Alaric and that any further threats to his safety will be considered a declaration of war!”

Moving between them, Kurama scolded. “Hiei! I will not allow you to declare war on my father! Ambassador Kin, I want you to return home and tell my father that I will be arriving in a few days to meet with him. Hiei, since you just killed his guard, I expect you to provide the Ambassador with an escort.”

Annoyed that Kurama had taken some of the bite out of his threat, Hiei glared at him before calling for the captain of the guard. Within minutes he had been given orders to provide two armed guards to escort the Ambassador back to Youko territory.

The moment the Ambassador was escorted from the fortress, Kurama braced himself for Hiei’s wrath. Hiei didn’t yell though. In fact he didn’t even look at him as he softly spoke. “Kurama, I’ve waited fifty years for you to come home to me. I’ve waited while you mourned for Shiori and adjusted to life back in Makai. I didn’t ask any questions when you masked your power and used me to hide. I just killed to avenge you. I think I’ve been patient long enough and I deserve some answers.”

Heart aching for what he knew he had put Hiei through, Kurama nodded and held out his hand. “Not here. Let’s go upstairs and I’ll tell you anything you want to know.”

Taking Kurama’s hand, Hiei allowed himself to be led to his room. Once there, Kurama opened the terrace doors. As they settled together in the chair, Hiei wasn’t surprised when Kurama changed back to his human form before speaking. “I’m sorry Dragon. I know I expected a lot when I let you go all those years ago. I never asked you to wait for me, but somehow I always knew that you would. Thank you for understanding and letting me be there for Shiori.”

With his arms securely around the redhead, Hiei sighed. “I would have stayed if you’d asked.”

Nestling his head against Hiei’s shoulder, Kurama smiled. “I know, but you would have been miserable, and I would have been miserable knowing what I was putting you through. I knew if I let you go you’d come home and spend the time training and gaining the power I knew you wanted. I missed you terribly Dragon, and all I could do was wait and pray that you’d still have me when I got home.”

Hiei scoffed like this was funny. “What would you have done if I hadn’t waited?”

Green eyes hardened and rimmed with gold as Kurama answered. “I would have killed who ever stood in my way and stolen you back.”

Hiei pondered this a moment before grunting. “Hn. Instead, I killed for you and I might have to steal you back.”

Kurama sighed. “No one could ever take me from you Hiei. I just need to talk to my father before I’m free.”

When Hiei remained silent, Kurama knew he was waiting to hear the rest. “I’m sorry I never told you who I really was. I’d cut all ties to my family and home and no longer considered myself to be Prince Yoko. The only royal title I claim now is Yoko Kurama, king of thieves.”

Hiei smirked at the self proclaimed title. “I’m sure the Youko king loved that. So why does he want you now?”

Kurama shrugged. “Probably for the same reason he’s always wanted me. I’m his heir. Centuries ago, when I began to show signs of rebellion, my father tried to get me to take a mate in order to provide him with another heir.”

Hiei frowned. “You have other siblings, why not choose one of them?”

Kurama sighed. “That is where it gets complicated. My father’s clan is the last of what our people call the ‘true bloodline’. There are only a hand full of Youko that can even claim diluted ties to the true bloodline. For generations the Youko king has mated with a vixen from one of those clans to keep our line as true as possible. When it was time for my father to chose a mate my mother’s clan had the strongest ties to our bloodline without being directly related to him. My father waited until my mother became of age then took her as his mate.”

Still annoyed, Hiei growled. “Why you? Your father has other heirs.”

Kurama looked away reflectively. “I was born about two years after they were mated. It was over a hundred years before my mother conceived again and my sister Kayla was born. Though he would have liked more kits, my father was content having two heirs. When Kayla was barely twenty, she was in the village for lessons with one of the elders when a storm rolled in. Her guard made the decision to try and get her home before the worst of the storm hit. By the time they were half way back though, the storm had turned into a full blown blizzard. In the thick snow he and Kayla were separated. Unable to find her, the guard made his way back to the palace hoping to find her already there. When he arrived without her my mother was frantic and ran unprepared into the storm to find her. Several guards tried to follow but were unable to in the freezing storm.”

When Kurama paused, Hiei knew what was coming next. “When we heard Mother and Kayla were both out in the storm alone, Father and I, along with most of the palace guard, went after them. By morning the storm had subsided and that’s when we found them. Mother had found Kayla and used what plants were available to try and insulate them from the storm, but it wasn’t enough. With my sister wrapped in my mother’s arms, they literally froze to death.”

With his eyes closed against the horrible memory, Kurama lay in Hiei’s arms several minutes before he drew a deep breath and continued. “My father mourned for many years. He loved my mother… and Kayla… she was his little princess. Over the years my father took many lovers and as a result had several kits. Not only were my siblings unfortunate enough to be born to vixen not even remotely connected to the coveted ‘true bloodline’, they were also all female. The Youko have always had a true blood king, never a queen. Though my father cared for all of his offspring, none of them would ever hold the place in his heart that Kayla did.”

Back in control of his emotions again, Kurama tuned to see Hiei better. “I was almost four hundred years old when the elders suddenly took notice of my sexual exploits. Afraid that I would follow in my fathers footsteps taint the bloodline by having a kit with the wrong vixen, the elders began pressing my father to arrange my mating. Before I knew it I was betrothed to kit barely off her mother’s teat. Angry, I rebelled and ran away. Centuries later, when I finally went home, I fully expected my father to have mated the vixen himself by then and had half a dozen legitimate heirs. Unfortunately the elders deemed this unacceptable since next in line was Jade, the oldest of my half sisters. Luckily, my betrothed had not waited and had taken a mate in my absence.”

Though he was starting to understand, Hiei still wasn’t pleased with where this was going. “I take it the quest to get you mated began again?”

Kurama smirked. “Yes, but not right away. My father and the elders wanted to lull me into a false sense of security. It was a hundred years or so before they tried again. The kit was a few years older this time, but still a child by any standard. Once again, I rebelled and ran. This time I didn’t go back and eventually Gungin was sent for me. I think you know the rest.”

Hiei took a moment to think before speaking. “Are you going to do what your father wants?”

Kurama frowned. “Of course not.”

It was Hiei’s turn to frown. “Then why are you going back Fox?”

Smiling, Kurama reached out to caress Hiei’s face. “For you Hiei. If I don’t go back and work things out with my father, he could send someone else after me. Worse than that though Dragon, he could send someone after you. That I will not allow.”

Hiei’s frown deepened. “Why the hell would he come after me?”

Kurama gave him a disbelieving look, then suddenly smiled. “We’ve never really talked about it have we Hiei? Perhaps because we’ve never needed words to communicate our feelings. Hiei, I love you. There is no where in the three worlds I’d rather be than here with you. There is no one else I have ever, or will ever, want to spend my life with except you. When my father figures that out, he will see you as the treat to getting what he wants. I have to work this out before we can be together or we will always be looking over our shoulders.”

Though Hiei heard everything Kurama said, there were only three words Hiei cared about. “I love you too Kurama.”

Leaning down, Hiei captured Kurama’s lips with his for the first time. Wrapped in each other’s arms, the kiss went on. When Hiei finally lifted his head, he smiled at the look of pure love in Kurama’s eyes. Rising from the chair, Hiei swept the redhead up in his arms and headed for the bed. “I don’t give a damn what your father wants or how long he waits. All I want is you, and I’m tired of waiting.”

Kurama gasped as he was suddenly tossed onto the bed. When Hiei tore off his shirt and crawled over him, Kurama was sure he’d forgotten how to breathe.