deliciae
Finding You Again : Chapter 9.
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deliciae: ::glares at MiniMiniMuse, who promptly smiles in return:: Well, since Muse is off on a training exercise (vehicle extrication) for our local fire department, where she is a volunteer, I get to do this all alone with MiniMuse and MiniMiniMuse.
MiniMuse: ::holds up a sign:: 'Thanks to: jus Kita, Wind rose, Raging Pheonix, Raku Ozzarian princess, Lady-of-the-Dragon-Flame, NiteRainKITsune, KitsuneGirl911, Kitsune Kit, and Shadowfox5579 for your reviews for last chapter.'
MiniMiniMuse: ::grabs Muse's flamethrower and torches MiniMuse's sign while smirking::
deliciae: Looks like I've got my work cut out for me today… heh. On with the new chapter
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Disclaimer: If I owned YYH, the show wouldn't be made for kiddies anymore.
Warnings: AU. Severe OOC-ness. OCs: Haru, Kokoro (Koki). Yaoi: boy x boy… don't like, don't read.
Pairings: Hiei x Kurama ; Yusuke x Koenma ; implied Kuwabara x Yukina.
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While all the other Tantei members and friends were at the temple, Yusuke and Koenma were busy in the Spirit Realm. Frustrated, the teenage-formed godling thrust his son into the dark-haired Tantei's arms. "You watch him for now. I have paperwork to do." A slam of the door was the final thing heard from the demi-god.
Sighing, Yusuke looked down at the giggling bundle in his arms, "It's just you and me, kiddo." Koki didn't seem to mind, as he sputtered and laughed in his father's arms, and a smile lingered on the parent's lips. He wondered how the others were; he hadn't seen Kuwabara, Yukina, or even Genkai for well over a year and a half, due to being with Koenma.
Finally making up his mind, the now-subdued detective stopped by an ogre and left a brief message, "Tell Koenma I went to Genkai's with Kokoro." It felt unusual to use his son's full name, but the blue ogre nodded all the same. "I will, Yusuke."
Holding tightly onto the precious bundle in his arms, Yusuke hurried from the hall. Outside of the Gate, the winds blew harshly, causing the youth to momentarily shiver while he looked at the trail that led back to the Ningenkai. The Tantei glanced at his son, making sure he was properly covered, and then he began the long trek back to the mortal realm.
---
The sunlight was lovely, making the green of the trees stand out. Kurama smiled as a light breeze ruffled the needles of the large pine and Douglas fir trees and tossed about the blades of grass in a playful manner. This was one of the many things his soul had cried for when he was away; the beauty and majesty that was the open forest around Genkai's temple.
His luminous green orbs closed, and he inhaled a deep breath, taking in the variety of scents from the surrounding area. There was a bit of everything: the scent of the bark, leaves, flowers, grasses, perfume… At that last registered scent, Kurama's eyes immediately opened and again he sniffed, trying to place the fragrance. It smelt familiar, only the knowledge was so hard to pinpoint.
However, it seemed fate was on his side, as feminine laughter and the sound of multiple footsteps floated on the air toward his location. Only then did it truly register of exactly who the perfume belonged to—the three girls: Botan, Shizuru, and Keiko. Idly, he had wondered how the three were, and now, it appeared he would find out. Yet, that didn't mean he couldn't surprise them first.
With a secretive smile on his lips, he snatched Haru from Hiei's hold. "What, Fox?" The fire-demon asked while the taller youko headed into the woods, with plans to use it as a shield. "I wasn't here."
The simple remark at first puzzled the petite demon, and then he understood, nodding his head. With no further talk, Hiei turned and headed back into the inner grounds of the temple.
Outside, in the forest, Kurama hid inside a bush, in his utmost primitive form of the silver fox. Hidden by his multiple tails was Haru, also in fox form, as they waited for their prey. However, they were to be the ones startled first. The presence of ki behind them made Kurama crouch and turn at an aggressive pace, ready to attack if need be.
Yet, it seemed that an attack was the wrong choice of action, for kneeling there was the half-youkai lord, with his infant son in his arms. "What are you doing out here?" The words were whispered, laced with a jovial tone.
A canine-like smile appeared on the silver fox's face, and telepathically he stated about the girls' return and of wanting to surprise them. A sly smile appeared on Yusuke's face, and he nodded, his mind already daydreaming of the surprise.
In the nearby distance, the girls had paused on the stairway, talking of the shopping adventure. Shizuru smiled, a lit cigarette in her hand, as Botan and Keiko discussed what they had seen and still wanted to buy. However, as the trees shifted with a breeze, the cigarette dropped to the ground, and the psychic woman crushed it with her heel. Her fingers flicked the brown locks of hair over her shoulder, and she looked off into the distance with a knowing smile on her face.
But even with Shizuru having a hint of the oncoming 'surprise' attack, no one was ready for the true surprise. In Yusuke's arms, Koki stirred from his nap, his tawny-amber orbs filled with sleep that was soon blinked away; however, his father did not notice, and jerked his arm slightly, startling the baby who then let out a ear-piercing shriek.
Birds flocked away from the scene, shattering through the trees to flee from the noise. The girls on the stairway looked into the forest, and Botan uttered, "That's the sound of…"
"A baby!" Keiko interrupted and finished the statement, just before the two took off into the wooden region, no regard for anything else. Shizuru rolled her eyes and followed at a leisurely pace with one hand tucked in the trouser pocket, clasped around Sakyo's lighter. When she came upon the scene in the forest, it was an amusing sight.
Yusuke was rocking the baby, trying to calm it, while two foxes looked onward. Although, to Shizuru, they were not just any plain foxes… "Kurama?" The name was questioned from the brunette psychic, and the bubbly Oar-rider paused in her assessment of the scene. The silver fox dipped his head, seeming apologetic, for a reason they did not know.
Keiko attempted to help Yusuke, who claimed it wasn't a good idea. Once Koki finally calmed, a brigade of questions was asked. "Why haven't you been around, Yusuke. It's been over a year since I last saw you. And exactly who did you knock up to have the kid with?" Keiko paused, then turned to the pair of foxes, "And where have you been, Kurama?"
Botan and Shizuru's gaze shifted from one male to the other, as silence filled the small area. Finally, with a flash of ki, Kurama transformed back into the redhead that they had known so well. However, the little kit had transformed as well, and was now clutched against the elder male, not knowing these strangers who had found out their secret.
Yusuke sighed slightly, his arms gently rocking Koki, and then he looked at the girls. It seemed he was the one who would answer first, and thus, he did. "I know I've been gone for over a year. It isn't because of you, Keiko. We broke up about two and a half years ago, but still that isn't the reason. And Koki—Kokoro is my son. He's the reason why I've been gone."
"And his mother is?" Keiko whispered, reminding Yusuke of the question. "His mother…" He let out a light chuckle, "Is why we broke up, Keiko. I found I loved… her… more, even with the arguments and fights."
At the added emphasis on the word her, Kurama began to laugh lightly, knowing the truth of the matter. That only brought the trio's attention to the redhead, and Keiko frowned. "Now, I see you have a son, Kurama. Mind telling me who the woman was?"
Shizuru arched a brow at the question; she had long since known about the two demon's attraction for one another, and her suspicions were only proved as Kurama answered, "I'm his mother." A blush covered his cheeks before he continued, "Haru's father is Hiei."
"What?" The shorthaired brunette girl looked confused at the confession, and Botan smiled, peering happily at the kit. But, for as good of mood Kurama was now in, he hinted at Koki's true parentage, "So, Yusuke, where is… Koenma?"
That seemed abrupt and snagged the half-demon from his musings. "Huh? Oh, Koenma… he's busy with work." Only then did the dreamy-quality of Yusuke's voice at uttering his boss's name make sense to the 'Grim Reaper.' A mega-watt smile appeared on her face, and quickly she latched onto Yusuke, hugging him, but making sure that she didn't squash Koki in the process. A muffled squeak sounded from between them, and Botan stepped away with an apologetic smile.
"What was all that about?" Shizuru asked, looking at the duo, and Botan instantly replied, "I understand now why Master Koenma has not been seen in over a year." She glanced at Koki then to Yusuke and winked. A light-pink stain appeared on the Tantei's cheeks, and he looked away.
His gaze paused on Keiko. Her face was pale, and she appeared to be having trouble accepting the change in events. Shizuru had an arm around the girl and was trying to comfort her. "Keiko, are you alright?" Yusuke asked, stepping forward. Botan took Koki from him, with an appreciative smile from the half-demon lord; for as soon as he stepped up to his childhood friend, he wrapped his empty arms around her, consoling her in the only way he knew how.
Keiko immediately broke down crying, her mind reeling at the events. She didn't see the glances exchanged around everyone; instead, she was lost in the warmth and comfort of her best friend. She recalled when Yusuke had come back from one of his Makai visits, he seemed giddy, lighthearted, and she was glad. However, that joy was broken during the following day, when he had announced he could no longer seek Keiko as anything more than a friend, since he loved her as a sister. Yet, if that was the only way she could still have him, she wanted that closeness they had always shared, be it only friendship and not else.
Finally, as the sobs died out, their echoes ceased, Keiko raised her head from where it had been, pressed against Yusuke's chest. With a soft smile, she stepped from the comfort she had sought only moments before and uttered, "If he makes you happy, then I am happy too." A soft, brotherly smile broke out on Yusuke's face, understanding the acceptance that Keiko held for the couple.
Behind them, Haru squirmed against Kurama, trying to break free from the secure hold. During the emotional scene, the small demon had come to the realization that these girls meant no harm and were more than likely friends of his mother. And now, he was curious about these 'friends'. Unconsciously, the elder demon's hold loosened, and Haru immediately took advantage of that slight carelessness.
Quickly he slipped from the hold and bolted forward, his nature extremely playful and mischievous. However, before he was able to go far, a black blur grabbed the kit, and held him close. No matter how hard Haru fought to be freed, Hiei wasn't about to let go; instead, the fire-demon tightened his hold, and Kurama looked at the pair of demons, slightly confused. The lone statement answered everyone's confusion, "Genkai wants everyone in the main temple."
All the members turned toward the stairwell and exited the forest, climbing the seemingly endless stairs. Why Genkai had requested their presence was unknown, and not even Kurama was able to get more answers from the petite demon. A gruff, noncommittal "Hn" was the continuous reply, and so, the group fell into a collective silence.
From there, everyone went directly into the main temple. Genkai looked up, a smirk on her lips at seeing her favorite pupil. "Urameshi! Where have you been?" was the next comment, as well as a slap on the back. For a moment, the half-demon was glad Koki was in another's hold, but the comment Kuwabara made brought him back from his momentary reverie. "You've probably been hiding, since I, the Great Kuwabara, could beat you in one swing…" Loud brash laughter accompanied this pointless threat.
Just as Yusuke's eyes narrowed and he opened his mouth to do a rebuttal, but another beat him to it. "You know, Kazuma, if Yusuke doesn't, then I will." The promise of a beating, especially from his sister, quieted the foolhardy orange-haired male. At this, the master of the temple ordered all to sit. Then with a smirk on her face, Genkai began the questioning. "Now, Yusuke. Why have you not been here in almost two years?"
The dark-haired Tantei sighed, and then took Koki from Botan's arms. "I had been busy with duties in Makai, but I was also had started a relationship with Koenma." A shocked gasp came from one member of the audience, and that was Kuwabara; he had never thought that anything romantic could come from the boss and detective, but apparently he was wrong.
"And since Koenma wanted to bond, we went before King Enma. He blessed the union, but demanded an heir from it." There the detective trailed off, leaving all to figure the comment and the appearance of the infant in his hold. "What is his name?" Botan asked softly, she had only heard faint gossip of an heir, but had never believed it until now.
"Kokoro… Koki for short." Soft awes came from the group, and Genkai nodded her head and uttered, "Fitting." From there, the group continued talking, almost endlessly. Kurama and Hiei exited the room, preferring the quiet of the porch to the brash banter from inside. A light sigh escaped Kurama's lips as they sat down, and he looked over into his mate's hold. Haru had been really good throughout the small ordeal; yet, it only seemed that way since the kit had fallen asleep.
The elder fox leaned against his mate, and smiled softly, his fingers brushing over the sleeping child's hair. No other words were exchanged in this heartfelt moment.
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Later that night, inside the redhead's apartment, the young kit awoke, his lips still parted from an ear-piercing scream. Crimson-speckled gold eyes glanced around the room worriedly, as he clutched the blanket tighter to his young form. An uneasy shiver shook his body, and he whimpered softly.
At this, Kurama entered the room. He had heard Haru scream, and his blood ran cold. Normally the child never had nightmares, instead having wonderful, childish dreams. But this was different. Hiei had paused Kurama in the hallway, and finally confessed that on the night of the two youkos' return, Haru had suffered a similar experience. Another soft whimper broke Kurama from his unintended musing, and he hurried to his son's side. "Haru, are you alright?"
The soft concerned words of the elder youko brought Haru back, and he immediately latched onto Kurama's neck, crying. This worried Kurama, but he didn't show it as he attempted to console his distraught youth. "It's okay, my chibi-kitsune. Nothing is going to happen to you."
His next words were cut off by a tear-choked voice, "Unh-uh." The negative comment caught Kurama off-guard, and he softly asked in reply, "Why?" From there, he waited patiently for Haru to continue. A sob slipped from the youth's lips, and a small hand wiped at the tears that had yet to turn into hiruisekis.
"The dream… a crow always caws that the end is near, and vengeance will be his." Emerald-green eyes narrowed in thought as Haru snuggled closer, and listened to the rest Haru mumbled fearfully, "He always flies close to me, trying to get me, but a silver fox—Youko, I guess, comes and saves me. But the bird doesn't die from a rose-plant. No matter how you try to save me, the bird grabs me, but he lets go in the air. Just before I hit the ground, I see silver eyes."
Once the child had told his tale, he seemed to calm and fall back into a slumberous state, feeling safe and secure in his mother's hold. Despite the comfort Kurama was providing, his mind was reeling from the facts of Haru's dream.
It reminded him much of Karasu, but that demon was dead… had been dead for over five years. There was no way. Yet, the feeling of impending doom was too obvious now to be disregarded. What would happen now?
Kurama felt Haru's body slacken against his, and a small smile crossed his lips. Finally sleep had claimed its victim, and hopefully Haru's dreams would be peaceful this time around.
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TBC.
MiniMuse: ::glares at MiniMiniMuse::
deliciae: This chapter was longer than normal, since it's been a month and a half since I last updated. And, it may take a while for the next chapter. I am moving to go to another college, about 3 hrs away from Muse, so it'll take some time to get adjusted and get into a routine as I attempt to get my Bachelors degree. Next chapter… that is one I have absolutely no idea for at the moment, so if you, the readers, want to give me an idea or two, I'd be most grateful. Thanks for reading, and remember, please review…