Note: Hi guys, new chapter ready for you hope you enjoy the normal Disclaimer applies here like chapter one. Enjoy

'Normal thoughts'

{Hiei's thoughts/telepathy}

[Youko's mind speak]

Chapter 2

Youko sat quietly still looking at the ceiling lost in his memories and wondering where and how to start to explain. Yukina walked into the room with several cups and tea on a tray before she set it on the coffee table before she started to serve the tea. She made herself comfy with her own cup once everyone else had theirs. Youko just set his aside for the moment before he all but slumped looking at the ground.

"I thought given enough time she would get over him. After all the hell he put us through." He whispered softly but loud enough for everyone in the room to hear him.

"Who is she Youko?" The fire demon finally asked the one question on all their minds as he looked over at the fox demon that had grown on him since they met centuries ago.

{He's never mentioned any human female to be before, what is this fox hiding?} He thought to himself as he waited for an answer to his question.

"When I was but a kit, my name wasn't Youko Kurama. She is the woman that took me in and raised me for 6 years, as her own child. After she vanished just as fast as she had arrived, I changed my name from Shippo to what it is now. Kagome is my adopted Okaa-san." He said softly looking up at the fire demon for a reaction, he hadn't told anyone about what happened in his childhood for a reason. It hurt like hell for him to remember all the pain his Okaa-san went through at the hands of a half demon. Even Kurama inside their head was shocked at this news, it was something that the fox had never mentioned to him and he had asked many time's about the Kitsune's childhood.

[Red I'll let you watch as I explain.] Youko told his counter part able to feel the hurt that he had never said anything.

"How is that possible? She appears to be no more than 17." Yusuke finally asked as he looked at the fox a bit surprised much like the fire demon on the other side of the table. "She is 17, Make yourselves comfortable it's a very long story." Youko said softly as he picked up his tea and took small drink from it before he placed it back down. Yukina shifted into a chair and folded her feet under herself as she waited, she had always been curious about this female and now was her chance to learn more about her. All the while her ears as she knew Youko's ears kept an ear on the bedroom with the sleeping miko.

"Please try to hold your questions till I'm finished, It's hard enough to remember, seeing her in so much pain is hard enough the first time let alone reliving the memories." Youko said softly before he leaned his head back looking up at the ceiling quietly for a moment knowing they would respect his wish.

"When I was a kit, my first name was Shippo and my last was Kurama. One day when my Okaa-san and Otou-san went out hunting for dinner I was left at the den under a barrier for protection. I became concerned when the barrier fell all of a sudden, I had tried many times to break that barrier, but my Okaa-san was to strong. So when the barrier fell suddenly it worried me, I went out looking for them. I found my Okaa-san or what was left of her anyway, she had been killed. Not far from the area I smelt my Otou-san in the area, but what I came across I'll never forget. The thunder brother's Hiten and Manten had just finished skinning my Otou-san's pelt from him. I could do nothing but sit and watch as they left with the pelt, grief filled me as I took a small bit of time to mourn the loss of my parents. It was during that time that I heard that the Shikon No Tama had been seen and shattered by a human female. I also heard she was traveling with a half dog demon, I went in search of them intending on just stealing the shards." Youko said closing his eyes and chuckling slightly at his first encounter with Kagome and Inuyasha. No one said a word as he took a small sip from his tea before Yukina went around and refilled everyone's cup.

"My first attempt at stealing something didn't go near as planned, the dog managed to catch me, he had snatched me up by the tail no less. However I tricked him making him drop me before I ran off taking the shards that they had with me. What I wasn't counting on was the female with him was able to track me using the shards. She quickly caught up to me, she asked me nicely to give her the shards back that it wasn't safe for a child to carry them. When I told her no and why I wanted the shards, she told me that she and her friend would help me get my father's pelt back from the thunder brother's. However after I had handed the shards back to her, Hiten snatched her up taking her back to his house or where ever. I did the only thing I could think of, I went back and talked to the half dog demon that had been traveling with her. I had pinned his hands to the ground with one of my status, when I told him what happened I asked will you save her. I hadn't known kindness like what she was offering after my Okaa-san was killed, my little heart latched on quickly. I released him, first thing he did was hit me in the head before he grabbed her bike and started to where the brother's had taken her. He looked back at me and asked me what I was waiting for and if I didn't hurry up he would leave me behind." Youko looked back up at the ceiling his eyes glazed over as he went through his memories of happier times with Inuyasha.

"Kagome had managed to convince Hiten that Inuyasha was her husband and that the half demon would do anything to get her back. That was amusing to watch Inuyasha's reaction to what Hiten had said. The battle raged for a short time, before Manten was killed, Hiten went into a rage and absorbed the shards in Manten's head making Hiten have 6 or 7 I believe. After that the battle was harder due to Hiten's power increase, it wasn't till Kagome realized that if Hiten couldn't fly due to the thunder wheel's on his feet that would even the playing field for Inuyasha. We were about to run for cover when Kagome remembered father's pelt, risking her own life she went back for it right about that time Hiten had cast a massive thunder attack on the area. She grabbed the pelt and me just in time for us to be hit, when that happened Inuyasha flew into a rage not full blood rage but close enough. It was then that I realized that this half demon must care somewhat for the woman that was holding me. Once Hiten was dead we were placed safely on the ground surrounded by blue fox fire once Inuyasha reached us the fire faded off. What was left of my father's magic had been inside his pelt, it was thanks to Inuyasha and my father that we had lived. After that I tried to go back to traveling alone but Kagome being the kind hearted soul she was wouldn't allow it, saying I was just a kid that I shouldn't be traveling alone. And so started my new life with a untrained human female miko, and a temper mental half dog demon." Youko said softly a soft smile on his face as he leaned his head up to look at everyone in the room that sat quietly. Yukina took that small pause to stand, she walked down the hallway to check on Kagome who was sleeping soundly still.

Youko went on with his story to explain Sango and Miroku how they had met each of them, he also explained Naraku, the story behind the Shikon, and the one surrounding Inuyasha and Kikyo. He went into detail the battle's they faced with Naraku and those that were born from Naraku, he explained how the shikon had been shattered twice no less, the second time on purpose. He explained that Kikyo had been brought back from clay, graveyard soil and part of Kagome's soul, how they had gotten it back at the end and that final battle. They could see the pain in his eyes as he told them how Inuyasha had started to treat not only himself but his adopted mother after a time, how the half demon would run off to be with his first lover totally missing out on the one that was actually alive. They saw it in his eyes why he had never said anything about it, it appeared that the pain was still fresh even after all this time. Youko told them about the final battle with Naraku, and the wish that Kagome had made to make everything right. How he felt when he watched his second mother be forced away from him leaving the young kit alone once more. He didn't hold anything against her it wasn't her fault she was forced back to her era, and everyone in the room knew this. By the time he had finished explaining the well and the entire story it was well past midnight, Yukina in tears still as she made sure to wipe them away before they could fall and turn into gems. The ice maiden stood quickly before she ran over to the fox demon and hugged him tightly, she was a soft soul and this hurt her so much to know. The fire demon watched quietly, he didn't react when his sister hugged the fox tightly or when Youko reached around and rubbed her back gently. He knew his beloved sister must be hurting after that story, it did explain why Youko felt so strongly about making sure Kurama's mother had lived.

"It's okay Yuki, I know it wasn't her fault for leaving me in the way she had. I grew up knowing she loved me very much and that alone helped me grow stronger. When I felt myself starting to fail, I told myself I would survive to see her once more, and I have. However I wasn't counting on her pain still being so fresh for her, I've had centuries to deal with mine. From her reaction earlier she's not been home long a month maybe, now however the healing really start." He said softly as he gently held the ice maiden while she cried against him not caring if her tear gems fell into his clothes it didn't bother him.

"How did she deal with all that for so long? From living with only part of her soul to the treatment he gave her." The fire demon asked softly, he was a killer but even his heart was breaking at the words his long time friend had spoken. Kurama sat in the back of their mind watching all of it unfold, even he was disturbed that someone could treat this female so badly.

"I don't know Hiei, I often laid awake at night wishing I was strong enough so that we could leave and search on our own but I wasn't, and all I could do for her was tell her I loved her very much and try to undo the damage he had done." Youko said softly as Yukina had finally cried herself to sleep, the fox demon smiled gently down at the ice maiden.

"That would explain why when she arrived she didn't speak much, just dove right into training." Genkai said softly as she remembered the day the girl had arrived.

"Genkai, what happened when she arrived?" Youko asked softly looking over at their master after standing and laying Yukina on the couch behind him. He collected the tear gems from around the room and walked them over to Hiei knowing that the fire demon would have a use for them. Hiei nodded his thanks and put the gems into a pouch that he kept them in to keep them safe.

"She didn't speak but a few words when she arrived took days before she would speak her name even to me. All she said was 'Train me' that was it, it didn't take long for me to figure out she was strong in her own right but with more training could be much stronger. She did what I told her without complaint, no back talk, she's barely spoken a word since she arrived. I knew she had pain she was holding back, and once it's released and out of the way can she start to grow in strength and I told her as much a few days ago." Genkai said as she took in everyone's reactions to the story and figured it might be wise to let them stay with her till the girl calms and somewhat comes back to herself.

"Genkai..." Youko started before the elder held her hand up stopping his words already knowing what he would ask.

"you may stay here till she's stable enough to be her on her own." The master said as she stood and stretched slightly before she started for the door.

"You already know where your rooms are, its after midnight further training starts tomorrow best get as much rest as you can. I fear things are about to be bad once more." She said before she left the room and headed for bed herself.

'This girl will bring with her a new enemy for them, however she needs them as much as they will need her.' Genkai thought closing her bedroom door gently. Yusuke stood following after his teacher having a bad feeling as well as needing time to process all that was told. He passed by the room that was Kagome's and placed his hand on the door gently silently making her a promise even if he had yet to speak to her yet.

'No more, so long as we are here you will not be harmed.' He thought before he went to his own room down the hallway.

"I'm sorry Hiei, its take me centuries to deal with this pain and yet it still feels fresh as it did back then." Youko whispered softly knowing his friend would hear him. Hiei slipped off the window sill walking toward the couch, picking his sister up gently to carry her to bed.

"Sometimes even centuries isn't enough time, she will need you and Kurama when she wakes. Yusuke might be an idiot at times however, know that he will not abandon you as a friend or her because she is your family therefore she is his family. You, myself, Genkai and Yuki are all he has left since his mother's passing, he will see her as family soon if he doesn't already." Hiei spoke as he made his way to the doorway holding his own sister gently, his grip tightening slightly around her before he looked back at his friend. Unknown to him his slight tighten around his sister had caused her to waken slightly.

"You, the idiot and Yukina are all I have in the way of family. Your Okaa-san will mix in well with us, I will not abandon you or her either. So let that part of your thoughts ease so you may rest tonight." Hiei said softly knowing it was out of his norm but his friend needed as much support as he could get at the moment and the fire demon knew that it would put the foxes mind at ease. He turned and left the living room to put his sister to bed, he opened the door gently before laying her down on her bed.

Youko stood shocked that his silent friend had said so much and yet in the same breath let at least him know how much he did care about the people in this little shrine.

[Thank you my friend] Youko thought as he gave Kurama control once more so that he may rest for the night knowing that come morning his Okaa-san would have the best support system they had.

'Rest Youko, I'll watch her tonight.' Kurama said to his counterpart as he started to pick up the tea that they had while Youko had told his story.

Hiei stood looking down at his sister quietly for a moment before he started to leave.

"Sleep well sister." He said gently before he closed the door to her room unaware that her eyes had shot open the second the door was closed. Yuki reached her hand up and put it over her mouth when those words ran through her head several times.

'h-he was right there the whole time. B-brother.' She thought as she smiled gently happy to be with him once more, she had so many questions but knew they could wait. She laid back down and snuggled into her covers sleeping soundly for the rest of the night.

Hiei started down the hallway toward his bedroom before he as well stopped at the door he knew the miko was behind. He gently opened the door and walked into the room, strolling over to her bed he looked down at her while she slept.

{How? How did you deal with all of it and still remain so pure of heart?} He thought as he kneeled down next to the bed brushing some hair from her face gently.

Once Kurama was finished with the few dishes they had used, he dried his hands and started toward his room his hands now in his pockets. He stopped when he noticed his friend kneeling next to his Itoko's bed gently. He stopped and watched quietly for some reason even he could tell that Youko's story about the miko had struck something in the silent fire demon.

[He seems drawn to her, wonder why?]Youko said softly as he watched from through Kurama's eyes as well.

'Not sure, however it could be a good thing for her. If that's something your willing to entertain about them?' Kurama thought as he made his way to his room to change for bed, grab a pillow and a blanket. He wasn't about to leave his Itoko alone that night afraid she might wake up screaming or something along those lines.

[I would not be against it, he might be rough around the edges and a killer. However even I know he would not mistreat her in anyway, he would treasure her the way he does Yuki.]Youko explained while Kurama had changed his clothes into a pair of green comfy sleeping pants and a silver tee shirt. He grabbed his pillow and a blanket before he left his room.

'Good cause I would like to see both of them happy and if each other will provide that then so be it.' Kurama thought back to his counterpart.

Hiei let a gentle smile cross his face before he leaned closer to her, taking in her scent as he nuzzled her cheek softly. He sighed softly before he stood and turned leaving the room to head to his own. He spotted Kurama heading out of his with a pillow and a blanket.

"Sleeping in her room tonight?" Hiei asked his friend as he stopped in front of him.

"Yea, I don't want her waking afraid or something like that." Kurama said as he smiled and brushed some hair from his face gently. Hiei thought for a moment before he sighed softly.

"Your body isn't used to sleeping sitting up, you won't sleep right. Go to your bed and I'll sleep in the window sill in case she wakes." Hiei said softly looking over at his friend, knowing full well the fox would be more tired in the morning if he didn't rest in his own bed.

"You sure Hiei, You'll wake me if she wakes upset?" Kurama looked up at his friend able to tell that even he was concerned for her.

"Yes I'll wake you if she wakes upset." Hiei said softly knowing that the fox was worried about her.

"Alright then, I'll sleep in my room. Thank you Hiei" Kurama said as he smiled and turned back to his room and closed the door gently.

Hiei walked into his room and changed into a pair of black sleeping pants and no shirt, he at least grabbed his pillow before he made his way back to the miko's room. Walking quietly into the room, he closed the door softly before he walked over to the window sill.

{Glad the window sill's in this house are low to the ground.} He thought as he sat down and put his pillow behind his head relaxing back gently. He was used to sleeping in a tree or something so sleeping sitting up didn't bother him in the least. He looked over at her sleeping form before he looked out the window wondering what the hell had gotten into him, he was never this way with others, so what was so different about this female. He sighed softly once more before he relaxed closing his eyes and slowly drifting off to sleep her scent relaxing him more then anyone's really had before.

It was proving so far to be a rather peaceful night, Hiei had woken several times to check on her before he went back to sleep, however a few hours before dawn he heard her tossing and turning.

She whimpered softly as she tossed and turned on her bed tears falling down her cheeks as she panted softly. "n-no, I-Inuyasha d-don't do this..." She cried softly in her sleep. Curious something he had gained from traveling with the fox for so long, he opened his Jagan to look into her dreams to find the cause of her not sleeping well.

-Nightmare-

She was in a small forest clearing, would have been okay but the clearing was covered in blood. He saw her trembling with fear as a half demon clad in red stood in front of her sword drawn, eyes blood red. Kagome had a few slashes on her, one on her arm, one on her thigh and another across her back tears falling down her cheeks. Around the clearing laid the bodies of her friends, Sango the slayer that he had been told about laid dead a little ways from Kagome. On the other side of the clearing laid a monk in purple robes, both bodies had been torn apart claw marks and sword marks on their bodies. The worst however was the body of a small orange haired kit laid just behind Kagome, his little tail had been ripped off and he was covered in his own blood. An arm from the small kit laid not far from his body, his dislocated tail hung from a tree branch. The half demon raised his blade for the last of them, even tho her kit was dead she still refused to move even if it meant her death as well. She screamed as she closed her eyes tight the blade coming down taking her head clean off. Suddenly the dream ended and the miko shot up in bed screaming loudly.

-Nightmare end-

Reacting quickly but not so much to scare her, he ran over to the bed and sat down behind her. He gently wrapped his arms around her trembling form.

"Shhh, it's okay. It was just a bad dream." He whispered softly to her as even tho she didn't know him she clung to him gently, fear still falling from her aura heavily. Her eyes were still in a daze but she could tell that being in his arms was safe. Having heard her scream Kurama bolted out of bed and walked quickly down the hallway before he opened the door gently looking inside. Hiei noticed and glanced over at the door.

{Nightmare, She's calming, but still fearful.} Hiei said to his friend after opening the link to him.

'Bad?' Kurama asked him back glad that they didn't actually have to speak to talk.

{She had watched as the half breed killed, the slayer, monk and you before he killed her as well. He looked to be in demon rage his eyes were red.} Hiei said back as he ran his fingers through her hair softly to help her calm even more and he hoped drive the fear away.

'Yea that's bad, he was in full demon form then. It's the only time his eyes ever turned red like that. Will you be okay with her while she works her way out of this?' Kurama said softly as he walked over and kneeled in front of her, even tho her eyes were open he knew she still wasn't seeing him.

{Yes I'll be fine, likely will stay awake the rest of the morning, it could take her a few hours to come out of it.} Hiei said watching his friend quietly, as the male stood and walked toward the door.

'Alright, goodnight Hiei.' Kurama said before the link was closed once more, he walked out of the room and closed the door gently. Hiei went to lay the miko back into bed and go back to his window, however as he tried to move away a tight grip on his wrist stopped him. Kagome looked up at him her eyes still in the same state as earlier however, he knew with her grip that she wanted him to stay. No words were spoke before he nodded gently, once she let go for a moment he crawled into the bed behind her. He wrapped his arms around her gently as she turned to face him and snuggle safely up still dazed however feeling safe now. After about twenty minutes he noticed her close her eyes and go right back to sleep. Shortly after that he closed his eyes and went back to sleep as well, content in keeping her nightmares away and letting her rest soundly for what was left of the night.

Words:
Otou-san or Otou- Father

Okaa-san or Okaa- Mother

Itoko- Cousin

Note: How will Hiei react now that Yukina knows that he's her brother? How will Kagome react come morning finding a strange demon in bed with her, More so how will Kurama react to his friend in bed with his cousin? Read and find out next time...

Reviews always welcome.

Kagome Jagansai