Chapter Three- The Truth

"Mother, I have something to tell you," Kurama said as they finished the dishes.

"You know you can tell me anything," Shiori said, smiling.

I hope so, he thought as they settled in the living room. "Mother, I am afraid that I have been lying to you all these years."

"Lying to me? Shuichi what are you talking about?"

"I am more than your son. I am also a fox demon called Yoko Kurama. I lived for centuries as a cold-hearted ruthless thief in a world called Demon World. Then, fifteen years ago, I was badly injured while escaping a strong pursuer. I used the last of my energy to come to Earth and merged with your unborn child. I originally had planned to recover my energy over a period of ten years and then disappear.

"But then you fell ill and I realized that I was no longer the same demon I had been. You showed me how to be kind and compassionate. I couldn't leave you and wanted to help you get well.

"I was approached by two demons days before you recovered. One of them called Hiei wanted my help to break into the vault of the Spirit World King and steal three dark artifacts. One of them was called the Forlorn Hope. It was a mirror that will grant the wish of whoever looks into it during the full moon."

"Wait, Shuichi," Shiori cut in. "This mirror. Is it the reason I recovered?"

Kurama nodded, feeling hopeful. It sounded like she believed him. "I did use it and surrendered it and myself to Spirit World's detective name Yusuke who was charged with retrieving the artifacts. I ended up helping him recover them.

"It was six months later when I began to help Yusuke to clear my record with Spirit World as did Hiei."

"Shuichi, why didn't you tell me?"

"I wanted to protect you. Mother, are you saying you believe me?"

"I do. It's hard to believe but somehow I know you're telling the truth."

"Thank you, Mother. I also want to tell you that I fell in love with Hiei two days ago. He is a changed demon from when I first met him."

"I see. Could I meet him?"

"I could try to arrange it."

"Invite him to dinner, dear. Just let me know when. By the way, is it all right if I tell my fiancée?"

"Yes, of course."

"She believed you?"

"Yes. She found it hard to believe but somehow knew I was being honest. I mentioned you and she wants to meet you."

"What?"

"I told her that I fell for you two days ago. She suggested I invite you to dinner."

Hiei shifted uncomfortably. He didn't see the point of meeting with this woman. She was nothing to him; nothing but the mother of the one he loved. In the last two days, he found he would do anything to make Kurama happy. "Fine," he grunted. "Tomorrow night."

Kurama beamed. "Thanks, Hiei. I just know Mother will like you."

Shiori laid in bed, staring at the ceiling. Her son wasn't normal. He was a demon who was centuries old. Yet, he was a nice demon. She showed him love and kindness and it changed him. He admitted to being cold-hearted before becoming my son. My teaching him love has led him to love another. I want to meet this Hiei. I hope it's soon and I wonder what he's like. Shiori closed her eyes and fell asleep, Hiei on her mind. She imagined an imposing figure who scared her while her son looked up at him, smiling. She wore a worried expression as she woke, dressed, and went down to find Shuichi making breakfast for them. He smiled as he set plates of eggs and bacon. "Good morning, Mother." His smiled faded. "Mother, are you all right?"

"I had disturbing dreams about Hiei. I saw a tall imposing figure who scared me."

Kurama chuckled gently. "He's not tall at all, but he can be imposing. He is also a bit cold and takes time to warm up to someone, though he does not care for humans."

Shiori nodded. "I think I can understand that."

Kurama also nodded. "I spoke to him after our talk last night and he's agreed to dinner tonight."

"Oh, dear. I should go shopping then. What does he like to eat?"

"I do not know. But, he does like ice cream, especially chocolate."

"Well, I guess we can have your favorite meal and have ice cream for dessert. Please have Hiei come at six."

"Yes, Mother."

"Six tonight? All right. She's really fine about this?"

"I think she's nervous about meeting you."

"I'm nervous too. I'm not sure what to say or do."

"Just be yourself."

"Hn. Maybe not completely myself."

Kurama laughed and then felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise. He whipped his head around and saw a flash of black hair behind a bush. He charged over to it to see there was no one and no fleeing distant figure.

Hiei appeared beside him. "Kurama?"

"I have been seeing black hair or purple eyes since yesterday morning. I'm getting the feeling that I am being stalked but I sense no energy or even a scent."

"No energy or scent? That's not possible. What doesn't have a scent or energy? It can't be a ghost."

"You are correct. It is not a ghost. Speaking of ghosts, I have not sensed Karasu for a few days now. Naturally, my room is still warded."

Hiei frowned. "Is it possible that he's been revived by now?"

"Yes, but he would have been detectable by energy and scent."

Hiei saw the frustrated look on Kurama's face and felt awful that neither could sense this…stalker. Yes, that's what it was: Someone was stalking his fox. Whoever it is, will regret it. I will keep watch over Kurama and when I catch him, he won't live to stalk anyone ever again.

"Hiei," Kurama said. "Why do you not want Yukina to know the truth? I feel there's more to it than because you are a criminal."

Hiei smirked and shook his head. "You know me well; better than anyone could ever hope. I'll tell you if you promise not to tell anyone, not even your mother."

"Very well. I give you my word that none of what you tell me will pass my lips."

"Okay," Hiei said as the two settled on the grass. "It has to do with my Jagan…"

Karasu sat in an alley near the park. Kurama had glimpsed his hair again and he knew it frustrated Kurama that he could not pin down his stalker. He smirked; he was too fast to be spotted. This speed was far faster than what he had as a demon and as he had been quick before that was saying something.

I have tested my power and abilities and learned what I can and cannot do. I am ready to mentor another and turn my first target. Karasu put a hand into his coat to withdraw a test tube and uncorked it before tearing a wrist with his teeth and dripping blood into the tube. The wrist healed with minutes as he corked the tube and gazed at it in satisfaction. Soon Kurama, he thought. Soon you will be mine for eternity.