Chapter Four-Kurama's Return

"You're going to love her. She's so cute." Kurama boasted, as he and Hiei packed their boat.

"I'm sure we'll get along fine. I love her godfather,don't I?" Hiei allowed a small smile.

"Yes, you do." Kurama replied, as he took his seat at the motor's side. "I can't wait to get home to her."

"I bet you can't." The fire apparition set the last of their supplies down beside them, and settled into the boat beside his mate.

As the boat headed towards the middle of the sea, Kurama began to explain the different things he though Hiei ought to be aware of while they were on the island. The most important of those things was for him to stick with Kurama. "Generally, my village doesn't take kindly to new people. But if you stay with me, they won't bother you. Oh, and on the island, I'm sometimes called Youko as well. That shouldn't surprise you though."

Hiei nodded silently. Kurama certainly had changed since the Dark Tournament ended. Or was it that he'd just begun to be his true self? Hiei wasn't sure which. Kurama had always had a gentle soul, unless his own life was in danger. Even the first time they'd worked together, Hiei realized that Kurama's reasons for even joining him and his partner Gouki, were his own, and no one else's. By the time Hiei had been released from Koenma's prison, Kurama had left to begin this kitsune youkai colony of his. "Is there a chance we'll run into trouble on this island of yours?"

"Mostly likely not. The Isle is secure." Kurama replied. "We had three new cubs born this Spring. They're all so adorable."

"Interesting." Hiei replied softly. Maybe Kurama was longing for a family. This was something sad about the way he described the new cubs. "Kurama….do you….want a family?

"Doesn't everyone? I have a family. My village is my family. And little Marcella. And you and the Spirit Detectives too."

"You know what I meant. Little cubs of your own. Marcella is your best friend's child. Don't you want a child of your own?"

"Sure. But I'm not unhappy with what I have…." Kurama pulled the boat to a sudden stop, standing up. "Look at that!"

Hiei was at his side swiftly. "Is that your island,Love?"

"Yes! Come on!" He put the boat to it's highest speed, and pleaded for it to go faster yet. "Something's gone wrong!"

"Look at all that smoke!" Hiei hopped out of the boat, and looked at Kurama. "I wonder what's happened!"

"I don't know, but we're not waiting to find out." With that,Kurama, followed by Hiei, jumped overboard, and swam to shore. When they got to shore,Kurama shook himself off, and ran for the village. His eyes widened when he saw all the damage. "W-what happened here?!" He started looking for someone to tell him the cause of the mass destruction.

"Most of these people are dead, Kurama." Hiei said softly. He could see the sorrow in his lover's eyes, and wanted more than anything to make things right for him again.

"Marcellla….oh god…where is Marcella?!" Kurama frantically began tearing into the wrecked huts, and ashes. "Marcella!! Where are you?!"

"She's not here." A soft voice spoke up.

"Zuri!" Kurama rushed to the old woman. "Where is she?!"

"They took her. The demons who did this took her away. I tried to stop them….but I wasn't close by enough."

"Why would they steal a little girl?" Kurama's eyes were lit with anger. "Which way did they go, Zuri?"

"I…I'm not sure,Kurama. She was crying and screaming….she was so scared….." Those were the last words the old wise woman spoke.

"Damn it!" Kurama brushed away his tears of anger. "I should've been here! I've failed Kuri!"

"Oh get up! You haven't failed unless you stop looking for her!" Hiei snapped. "Were you,or were you not once a great Fox-demon? Use it to your advantage."

Kurama stared up at Hiei for a long moment. "You're right. But what the hell do I have to go on?! These people didn't leave a clue as to who they were!"

"I know you don't want to, but it might be best to come back to headquarters with me."

"No! Hiei,I won't leave without Marcella!"

"You can't very well go after them half cocked!" Hiei softened his voice,which he only did around Kurama. "Baby,I know you love her, but it won't do her any good if you get killed because you weren't prepared." He put a hand out to Kurama. "Come. Let's go back. Perhaps the others will have some ideas how to locate these creeps."

Kurama allowed himself to be led out of the village, and watched as Hiei summoned the boat with his telekinetic ability. "I hope they won't hurt her…she's only a baby, Hiei….an innocent baby…."

"I know,Kurama. I know." Hiei took over steering this time, as they headed home.