Time Heals all Wounds

Happy holidays everyone. Sorry these chapters are so slow in coming. I’m having trouble with this story not running off in the wrong direction. I can’t promise when the next update will come, but I do have a few days off after Christmas and will at least have a chance to work on this.

Thank you all for the great reviews. Please keep them coming as they are the only payment I get. Enjoy.

Chapter 7

“Hiei, say something.”

With the words, “Aki is my son” still ringing in his ears, Hiei stared at Kurama. “We’ll talk about it later Kurama.”

When Hiei turned away and walked back towards the palace, Kurama quickly followed. “Hiei please, let me explain.”

Stopping only when he’d gotten back to the library, Hiei turned on Kurama. “I think you’ve said quite enough Fox! A few days ago you tell me that you are secretly prince of the Youkos. Today you confess to having a secret love child. I don’t think I want to know what you’ll say next. Now, where the hell is this vixen you need to see?”

Knowing the secrets he had kept had hurt his lover, Kurama wasn’t surprised that Hiei was angry. Wanting to give Hiei time to calm down, Kurama nodded. “Alright Hiei, we’ll talk later. Follow me.”

Leaving the palace, Kurama led Hiei not towards the village, but west. Much to Hiei’s surprise there was another small village not far away. When Kurama went to one of the cottages and knocked on the door, Hiei hung back. “Please Hiei, I want you with me. No more secrets.”

Grudgingly, Hiei joined him. A moment later a lovely white vixen opened the door and smiled at Kurama. “I had a feeling I’d see you soon Yoko. Welcome home.”

When the vixen hugged Kurama in greeting, Hiei looked away. After releasing him, the vixen invited them in. Moving through the sitting room, she took them to a cozy kitchen. “I was just brewing tea. Please join me.”

Before she could turn away, Kurama took Hiei by the wrist and pulled him to his side. “Laurel, I’d like to introduce you to Hiei, my lover. We plan to be mated soon. That is if he’ll still have me when all this is over. I told him about Aki a little while ago and he’s a little mad at me.”

When Hiei gave him a low growl, Laurel chuckled. “You always do things the hard way don’t you Yoko?”

Kurama smiled. “It keeps life interesting. Hiei, this is Laurel, Aki’s mother.”

Giving him a smile, Laurel held out her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Hiei. You’re going to have your hands full being mated to this one.”

Hiei grunted as he briefly took Laurel’s hand. “Hn. I already do.”

Indicating for them to take a seat at the large table, Laurel turned to make the tea. “Let me save you the trouble of a long explanation Yoko. Once again you are going to defy your father’s wishes, only this time you want to throw our son to the proverbial wolves to save your ass.”

Hiei couldn’t help but chuckle at her blunt interpretation of the situation. Kurama shot him a glare before turning to Laurel. “It’s not as bad as you’re making it out Laurel. When Aki was born we agreed that if my father or the elders knew that I had an heir, all three of our lives would be ruled by them. This is different, Aki is no longer a vulnerable kit. All I’m asking is that he be told the truth so he can make his own decision.”

Suddenly Hiei interrupted. “Aki doesn’t know he’s your son?”

Guilty golden eyes met his. “No Hiei, we never told him. After everything I was being put through by my father and the elders, we wanted Aki to have a normal life. We wanted him free to play with other kits, to take lessons with his friends. To decide for himself who and what he wanted to be or do and love who he wants to love. To be unspoiled by the money and power that come with being a prince.”

As Laurel served the tea she tried to help Hiei understand. “Hiei, Yoko had everything he could possible need growing up, but very little of what he really wanted. He grew up cloistered in the palace without playmates or friends. He spent most of his time with servants and tutors. The only solace he had was his mother and their garden. That is until he lost her. When he grew up he was told what he was going to do and instructed on how he was going to act. Being a prince with unlimited funds at his disposal also gave him the means to rebel when the king pushed too hard. We didn’t want that for Aki.”

Hiei wasn’t appeased. “So instead he grew up without a father.”

Realizing how spoiled and selfish their words would sound to someone who grew up alone and unprivileged, Kurama quickly explained. “No Hiei, I didn’t abandon my kit. Even though Laurel and I were together only a short while, I was with her through most of her pregnancy and I was even there when Aki was born. While my father thought I was out partying and having affairs, I came here almost every night to play with him, tuck him in and read to him. If he wasn’t with Laurel, he was with me. When it came time to train him to use his powers I was his teacher. For years I trained all the kits with plant manipulating powers to cover my training Aki. He was the only one though that I trained in my mother’s garden the way she trained me.”

When Kurama finished, Laurel saw something else in Hiei’s eyes. “Hiei, our affair ended even before I knew I was pregnant. We were never lovers again after that. Yoko was only here for Aki.”

When Kurama gave him a look that asked if he was alright, Hiei nodded. After giving him a gentle kiss on the cheek, Kurama turned back to Laurel. “We went to all that trouble to keep Aki from my father and the palace, yet still ended up there. I watched them together Laurel, they have a good relationship. I want to tell him the truth. He should be the one to decide if he wants to be my father’s heir or not. If we don’t tell him then we will be the ones guilty of trying to dictate his life.”

Hearing the truth of his words, Laurel sighed. “Fine, but I’m not the one with the secrets Yoko. You tell him. I will support what ever decision he makes.”

Smiling, Kurama reached for her hand. “Thank you Laurel.”

Hiei tugging on his sleeve caught Kurama’s attention. “Kurama, what about all that ‘true bloodline’ stuff you told me about. You two aren’t mated either. Will they accept Aki as your heir?”

Kurama nodded. “Yes Hiei they will. Remember I told you that Laurel was a distant cousin of my mothers? So distant that we are barely related. Like my mother, Laurel is in one of the stronger Inari blood lines. Aki’s ‘Mark of Inari’ is as distinct as mine. As for us not being mated, I’ll see to it that that is not an issue.”

They visited with Laurel a little while longer before heading back to the palace. Just outside the gates Kurama slowed to a stop and called out. “Hiei.”

Reluctantly Hiei stopped but didn’t turn when Kurama addressed him softly. “Hiei please. You have to forgive me. I don’t want to lose you.”

With a frown, Hiei turned on him and growled. “I’m here aren’t I? We all have secrets Kurama. Do you really think your past could drive me away?”

Kurama gave him a hopeful look. “So, you’re not mad at me?”

Hiei grunted. “Whether I’m mad or not, doesn’t mean I’m going to leave you. If I do something to piss you off are you going to leave me?”

Shaking his head, Kurama quickly answered. “No Hiei, of course not. So if you’re not really mad at me, then what’s wrong? Because I know something is wrong.”

He was quiet so long Kurama was afraid Hiei wouldn’t answer. After a moment though, Hiei’s response showed his uncertainty. “How many more will there be Kurama? How many more will claim a piece of your heart before you are truly mine?”

Stunned, Kurama moved toward him. “Hiei, my heart belongs only to you. If it’s Laurel you’re worried about, I can assure you, there is nothing between us. Our relationship was only a brief distraction for both of us. If it weren’t for Aki, we wouldn’t have given each other a second thought.”

Hiei shook his head. “It’s not her Fox, it’s the others. I’ve resigned myself that Kuronue will always have a part of your heart. Shiori and Rose will too, but they are all gone so they are no threat to me. Mashiro and Aki though are another matter. You kept me waiting over fifty years for your human mother Kurama. How long will I have to wait now for your Youko father and son? When will it be my turn to be first in your heart?”

With a sigh of understanding, Kurama drew Hiei into a tight hug before pulling back to answer. “Oh Hiei, I am so sorry I made you feel that way. Dragon, when I came home to Makai and finally told you that I loved you, I gave my heart to you. Though I love my father and Aki very much, they will not keep me from you, not ever. That’s why we’re here. To take care of the last obstacle that could stand in the way of our happiness.”

Seeing the relief in Hiei’s eyes, Kurama decided to voice his own fears. “I have similar doubts Hiei. Knowing how much you love Yukina, I know I will always have to live with the knowledge that someday you may put her needs before mine. To be honest, I’ve always been a bit jealous of how much you love her.”

Ruby eyes widened. “I’m sorry Fox. I never considered that you would be uncertain of my love. Kurama, when we are mated, let’s make a pledge never to put anyone’s needs, even our family, before each other.”

With a huge smile, Kurama nodded. “That will be perfect Hiei. We will both accept that a part of our hearts will always belong to the others we love, but they will always come second, we come first.””

A passionate kiss sealed their pledge before they turned and headed into the village. As they made their way through the village they were stopped several times by Kurama’s old friends. Just before they reached the palace a male Youko came running out of nowhere and almost ran into Kurama. Hiei however pulled Kurama out of the way and knocked the other Youko to the ground.

Before Hiei could attack the felled demon, Kurama grabbed his arm. “Hiei wait, that’s Jasper, he works at the palace. Jasper, what’s the hurry?”

Scrambling to his feet, Jasper bowed. “Prince Yoko! I need to get to the palace! I have to tell King Mashiro what’s happening!”

Before Jasper could run off, Kurama grabbed him and growled. “What the hell is going on Jasper?”

Seeing his prince was losing patience, Jasper hurried to explain. “Well you see Your Highness, I snuck out of the palace to visit a pretty made that works for Ambassador Kin. While I was there he had called a meeting of the council.”

Kurama scowled. “That bastard! He has no authority with me here!”

Jasper nodded. “That’s not all Prince Yoko. Council meetings are usually held in the palace. Thinking it was odd that it was at the ambassador’s house I snuck into the room and overheard the ambassador’s plot.”

Briefly Kurama turned to Hiei. “Jasper has the power of a changeling.”

Jasper grinned. “I impersonated the servant that was sent to serve them drinks. Ambassador Kin has convinced the council that you will be gone soon. Without an heir, he wants the council’s support to declare his line to succeed King Mashiro.”

Seething with anger, Kurama’s voice was deadly cold. “Go tell my father what you have learned. Tell him Hiei and I are going to the ambassador’s and will be back soon.”

Not waiting for Jasper’s response, Kurama turned away. Though Kurama didn’t run, Hiei had to hurry to keep up. At the ambassador’s a servant admitted them with a bow. “Welcome Your Highness. The ambassador is in a meeting but I will inform him you are here.”

When the servant moved towards a set of double doors across the hall, Kurama strode past him. “Announce me!”

The guard jumped when Kurama kicked the doors open and strode in to the room. “His Royal Highness Prince Yoko.”

Several of the Youko in the room jumped to their feet at the sudden intrusion. “Prince Yoko!”

Slowly, Kurama’s eyes swept the inhabitants of the room before settling on the ambassador. “Kin, it seems you are having an unscheduled council meeting. Did you forget that as the heir to the throne I am the head of the council?”

Unfazed, Kin replied. “In your absence I am your proxy Yoko.”

Moving closer, Kurama glared down at him. “Did you forget to whom you are speaking Kin?”

Kin’s eyes narrowed as he rose to his feet and bowed. “My apologies Prince Yoko.”

When Kin raised his gaze, Kurama stared him down. “Don’t ever forget it Kin. As I am not absent, that means you have no authority over the council and I am in charge.”

Turning from Kin, Kurama addressed the others. “Now listen up, all of you. King Mashiro commands your presence in the throne room tonight at six o’clock. See to it the elders are informed. No go!”

Each of the council members bowed and mumbled “Yes Your Highness” before hurrying from the room. Kurama called over his shoulder as he walked away. “I’d suggest you be there as well Kin.”

Through all of this Hiei had just stood by and watched. Now, as they were once again headed to the palace, Hiei chuckled. “There you are.”

Confused, Kurama frowned. “There who is Hiei?”

With a smirk, Hiei glanced at him. “The powerful, confident demon I fell in love with.”

After thinking about his words a moment, Kurama grinned. “I have been a little off lately haven’t I?”

Hiei grunted. “Off Fox? How about emotional, moody, scared, sad, clingy…”

Shoving him aside, Kurama laughed. “Alright Hiei, I get it, but I’ve been through a lot lately. I lost Shiori. I left the home I’ve known for over fifty years. I gave up my human life. I thought my father was trying to kill me. I was forced to come here. Kin wants my father’s throne…”

Shoving him back, Hiei smirked. “Enough! I’m just glad you’re back. Though I kind of like the clingy you when we’re alone.”

Licking his lips, Kurama leered at him. “Just wait until I get you alone Fire Brat. Now that I’m ‘back’ as you say, I might just show you how dominant a demon I can be.”

Hiei pondered this new development a moment. “Dominant huh? Sounds interesting Fox. I can’t wait.”

Reaching the palace, their playfulness was set aside. “Hiei, I need to talk to Aki first. I won’t force him to be something I don’t want myself.”

Hiei nodded. “Go talk to your son Kurama, he’s still in the garden. I’ll fill your father in on what happened with Kin. Be careful though. Kin may still have traps for you.”

Kurama nodded and gave him a quick kiss before heading to the garden. He found Aki working not far from the old tree that had been damaged that morning. “How is the old woman Aki?”

Looking up from the bush he was tending, Aki smiled. “She’s fine Uncle Yoko. How are you? The king told me what happened. Did you find who’s doing this?”

Kurama smiled and indicated for Aki to follow him. “Yes, I did. It’s Ambassador Kin. He wants me out of the picture so he can have his family line instated to succeed my father.”

Under one of the pagodas Aki sat beside Kurama. “Since I doubt you are planning on staying, do you have a plan?”

With a sigh, Kurama nodded. “Actually I have two. One more desirable than the other, but that all depends on you Akihiko.”

Not looking at all surprised at the use of his full name, Aki looked at Kurama. “Though I’ve suspected for a long time, you have to say it.”

Sighing that the burden of his secret was finally out, Kurama nodded. “Though your mother and I wanted you to have a normal life, we chose a name that would declare your birthright. Akihiko, our bright shining prince. You are Prince Akihiko, my son, and heir to the Youko throne if you want it.”