Chapter Four- Yoko's Past

"So, it all worked out after all," Kaito said the next morning.

"It did. It will take days for her to fully absorb everything, but if she has questions, I will answer them."

Kaito nodded as he went to his seat. It was nice that it worked out for his friend. He had taken a risk in revealing his true nature, but it paid off. Shuichi can now live his life with no guilt until his mother tells the rest of the family.

Shiori chewed her lunch, her thoughts on her husband and stepson. She had yet to tell them the truth about Shuichi and he had made it clear that it was her choice, though he did hint that it would be better if the whole family knew.

They should know and for the same reason Shuichi had. If something happened to one of us due to a demon, then none of us would call the police. Yes, I'll tell them on Friday as both boys will be on break from school. Satisfied, Shiori finished lunch and returned to work.

"Friday, Mother?" Kurama nodded. "Yes, that would be ideal, what with break coming."

"That is exactly why I picked that day. Now, you don't need to be there, Kurama, but be prepared for me to call if they want proof or ask questions."

"Of course."

"I would like to hear about your past. How you became a thief, if you had a mate or family, things like that."

Kurama smiled. This was something he had only dreamed about and now it was reality. "I had no mate and no family as I was more interested in my thieving skills. I believe when I acquired my demon powers, most spirit wards had no effect on me as they did previously. I turned to thieving originally to relieve myself of boredom. I developed a knack for breaking seals and dodging traps. I soon earned the title of King of Thieves."

Shiori smiled. "Oh, so you were a king?" she teased.

"I was and my cold ruthless methods made me feared by other demons and revered by other bandits. I ended up meeting another accomplished thief named Koronue. We formed a friendship and became a thieving duo for a time until one day while escaping one heist. A pendent he treasured slipped off his neck and when he went to back to get it…he got killed."

"Kurama, I'm so sorry."

"Yes, it was awful and I mourned for a time before moving one. I vowed to steal alone, convinced that having a partner was a liability. I went solo for a while and then met Yomi. He was also a thief and learned how to improve his skills thanks to me. We eventually gathered follow thieves and formed a legendary group with me as the leader and Yomi as my second-in-command. Our goal was for the two of us to be lords which required wealth and power.

"Yomi and I were friends, but our methods of thieving differed which was probably why we seemed to be a good team. I preferred patience and stealth while Yomi favored confrontation. Unfortunately, fighting leads to some of our men dying while my method insured their survival. Yomi did not understand my patience and, at times, would often lead some of our men on raids that resulted in their deaths, but he did not care; he simply wanted what he thought was the quickest way to power. I often found myself bailing him out of danger, simply because we were friends.

"But, I had grown tired of Yomi's hot temper and disobedience and hired a demon to assassinate Yomi. He did not do the job properly. He left Yomi alive, but blind. I, however, took my fox form and ventured into Spirit World for solo thieving, breaking seals to steal ancient treasures which were my favorites. Then came the fateful day when I was injured."

"What happened to Yomi?"

"He did indeed become a lord and also looked for the one who attacked him in order to know who hired him. He long suspected I was the one who hired the assassin. He did find his attacker and invited me to visit him right at the time you went on your honeymoon. He also wanted me to help him unify Demon World under his rule. I was not interested in helping him but when he threatened your life and Father's life, I was forced to assist him.'

"So Yomi rules Demon World?"

"No. It was revealed not long before your wedding that Yusuke had some demon blood in him and that he was related to another lord who was dying. It was expected that he would take over the demon's territory upon the lord's death. Instead, Yusuke proposed a tournament where the winner would rule all of Demon World. I participated as did hundreds of others. A demon called Enki became the lord and he laid down the law to prohibit trouble in Human World. Yomi and I resolved our hostilities and are true friends now."

"It all worked out with your friend. That's nice."

"It is, however, demons are known for turning on one another with no warning and for some perceived insult either though words or actions. Yomi could turn into an enemy again though I hope that does not happen."

"I hope so, too. Well, it's getting late and you have school tomorrow. Perhaps you can tell me about your adventures starting with more details involving that mirror."

"I would like to. Good night, Mother."

"Good night, Shuichi." Shiori left the room with a small smile. She had found Kurama's past fascinating to hear. It was clear to her that he had pretty much given up that life, was happy to live the life of a human. He may return to his demon life but he may not go back to stealing. He may make an honest living thanks to his current life.

Kurama laid on his side, feeling very much at peace. He had enjoyed telling Shiori about his past and his current relationship with Yomi. He looked forward to telling her about his adventures as an unofficial Spirit Detective. He had to admit that his involvement with Yusuke's cases had been exciting though painful at times. Mother may not like that I got wounded at times and nearly died once. The incident with the Idunn Box may interest her.

I sincerely hope that Yomi does not become my enemy again; if he does and harms Mother or my family, I will kill him without hesitation.

"Lord Yomi, he has arrived."

"Thank you, Youda. Send him in."

Yomi heard Youda leave and then fingered the sack of money under the table. He had business to discuss and hoped the money would be enough to entice the demon. He heard the door open and turned his face to it. He smelled Youda's scent and a second scent that hinted of dirt and ground as well as the smell of fox. He smiled at the door. "Welcome, Cho."

"Whatever," the fox grunted. "I'm here cause you summoned me and I'd be a fool to ignore a summons from the great Lord Yomi."

"And for that I am grateful." He gestured for Cho to sit at the table's other side. Once he sensed that he did, he continued, "I require your assistance in dealing with an old and former friend."

"Yeah? Which one?"

"Yoko Kurama." Yomi waited for the reaction. Cho didn't let him down.

"Yoko!? You want me to face that crafty thief!?"

"I do. You are familiar with the saying, 'It takes a thief to catch a thief?' Well, I believe to catch a fox, you need a fox."

"Oh, I see."

"I also think your ability will be able to trap and defeat him. I will want his head as proof that he's dead. I am willing to pay you handsomely." He brought out the bag and pushed it over to Cho.

Cho grinned at the amount. "I accept and I promise Yoko will die. Have you figured how to lure him to me?"

"I have and trust me, he will come if you kidnap his human mother."

"Sounds dangerous. I've heard he's very protective of her."

"Yes, but he will make mistakes so that no harm comes to her. Oh and I will let you have his mother for yourself to do as you wish." Yomi smiled cruelly.