Warnings: Same as last chapter, no lime warning though. Point of view changes in this chapter are marked like this: (character's name) POV
Shadows of the Past
by Yami Yue
I shifted in my seat beside Yusuke uneasily. My raven haired friend smiled at my unusual fidgeting. I mentally cursed Hiei once again for marking my backside the afternoon before. I glanced up at Yusuke who finally released the laughter he was holding within himself. "What's with you today Kurama?" he asked teasingly. "Have a rough night?" I refrained from rolling my eyes at the innuendo and decided to indulge him this once. "A rough afternoon actually," I responded. I shifted in my seat once again. I smirked at him. "Hiei was a little overzealous," Yusuke shook his head. "Forget I asked," he said, as the doors to his throne room opened and the next of his meetings were about to begin.
I mentally groaned when Yomi entered the room. Knowing the blind Makai lord, I was in for a long afternoon and a possible headache later on. As Yusuke's chief advisor and tactician there was no way out of this meeting for me. "You seem restless today Kurama," Yomi said as he sat down. "I'm fine," I assured him. "There is no cause for concern," "There is always cause for concern when it comes to dear friends," He responded. "Oh yes, there will defiantly be a headache later," I thought with dismay. "Inari give me strength,"
Several hours later, Yusuke and I had successfully formed a treaty with Yomi that would help trade in both their lands. Unfortunately, he was to return the next day to fine tune the details. By the time Yomi left to return to his own lands I was exhausted. Thankfully, the day was at an end and I was more than ready to return home. I made my way through the crowd in the marketplace hastily, trying to get home before the nagging headache that had reared its ugly head got any worse. Thankfully the crowd seemed to part for me as I went. Perhaps, they sensed my dark mood and wisely decided not to get in my way. Soon I was through the crowd and onto one of the roads leading out of Yusuke's territory. I became one of his advisors several years ago when he moved to the Makai to rule his lands. Normally I enjoyed my job, but days like this made me especially glad to leave my friend's palace and return home. I smiled at the thought of what awaited me there. A nice hot bath, a good meal, and the company of my mate and sons. I began to walk faster feeling the frustrations of the day lighten some as I neared my goal.
I arrived home to find the house empty, and sensing no spirit energy, I knew I was the first to arrive. I decided to take a nice hot bath to help me relax. I turned on the water and stripped, frowning at my tired looking reflection in the mirror. "I need a vacation." I thought as I turned off the water and climbed into the bathtub. I sighed as the hot water worked its magic on my tense muscles. I closed my eyes and began thinking of the places I could go, hoping it would take my mind off my headache.
Hiei POV
I savored the feel of the wind against my face as I raced home to my family. I never imagined I of all people would ever fall in love and marry. If anyone had told me that I'd be the mate of the legendary bandit Youko Kurama, I would have thought them mad. Hn, perhaps I would have put them out of their misery as well. I entered our home from the balcony but to my surprise the house was silent. The twins weren't yet home, but my mate was. I'd sensed his energy long before my arrival. I slipped off my boots and padded into our bedroom. I closed the door soundlessly and peered into the bathroom. My fox was reclined in the bathtub, his long silver hair tossed carelessly over the tub's side, his powerful arms resting on the rim of the tub. His eyes were closed; his breathing was deep and even. I shook my head in disbelief. He was asleep!
I stripped quickly and went into the bathroom. I walked up to the tub and gently caressed his cheek. Even after all this time I'm amazed at how soft his skin is. His eyes fluttered open and he smiled upon seeing my face. He lifted his head and gently kissed me. "Hello love," He said softly. "Have a good day?" I nodded and kissed him back. "You?" I asked. He sighed and raised a hand to massage his forehead. "It started out that way, but Yusuke had a meeting with Yomi," He began. "Let me guess, he was flirting with you the whole time," I said. "I swear he does it to infuriate me," Kurama muttered, confirming my statement. "I should have found some excuse to get out of it," He winced and I sensed the bad headache that plagued him. I brought my hands to his head and gently massaged where it hurt most. Kurama closed his eyes and made a small sound of pleasure. "Mmmmm, have I ever told you how wonderful you are with your hands?" He murmured. "So that's why you married me," I teased. Kurama grinned. "…right, and you married me for my cooking," He teased. I chuckled at that. "Feel better?" I asked. He opened his eyes and smiled. "Much, thanks," He replied. I removed my hands and climbed into the tub with him. He smiled gently and held out his arms, inviting me to sit on his lap.
I didn't hesitate to make myself comfortable in my mate's lap. He fished the washcloth from under the water and rubbed the soap over it, working up a nice lather before gently rubbing the cloth over my arms. He bathed me slowly, not at all in a hurry and without teasing. I took the washcloth from his hand and turned to face him. Slowly I ran the soapy cloth over his graceful neck, down one powerful arm and then the other. Next I carefully ran the cloth over his well sculpted chest, making sure not to tease him with my touch. Kurama closed his eyes and sighed softly. I rinsed the soap from the washcloth and rinsed the soap from his soft skin. Suddenly, his eyes snapped open. "The boys are home," He murmured.
"I'd better start dinner," He continued as he climbed out of the tub. "I just hope they didn't forget to do the shopping like yesterday," "You're tired," I said softly as Kurama grabbed a large towel and began drying off. "Let them cook tonight," I suggested. " You could use the break and Kenji could defiantly use the practice." "I know love, but I'd planned on showing them a new dish tonight," He replied. I frowned and climbed out of the bathtub. "I'll show them," I insisted. "You need to rest," Kurama didn't bother to protest. He knew it would be pointless. "Fine, but I insist on returning the favor," He responded. I nodded in agreement. "Dad?, Papa?" I heard Kenji cry out from the living room. Kurama grabbed his robe from its peg near the door and left the bathroom. I was right behind him. I quickly used my spirit energy to dry myself and dressed at my impressive speed. It wasn't long before I dressed and left the room to greet our sons.
Kurama POV
Kenji raised an eyebrow at me as I entered the room. "Long day?" He asked. I nodded. "You don't look well Papa," Ryou stated softly. "I'm just a little tired," I assured him. Kenji studied me intently. "Are you sure it's nothing serious?" he asked. "I could get a healer," "That won't be necessary Kenji. I'll be fine," I assured him. Ryou smirked, looking very much like his father. "Would that healer you wanted to bring happen to be Sakura?" he teased. I raised my eyebrow. "Who is Sakura?" I asked. "Kenji's girlfriend," Ryou replied. Kenji glared at his twin then smacked him on the back of the head. "Ow." Ryou protested then returned the glare. I could feel another headache brewing, as well as a fight. Hiei stepped between them stopping the fight before it began. He narrowed his eyes at both teens, making them step back at the same moment. "You two seem energetic this evening," He commented. "Perhaps you'd like to let out some of that energy in a practice session after dinner," Ryou gulped and Kenji's tail twitched nervously. The glint in my mate's eyes suggested it would be a particularly difficult session.
Hiei then turned to me. "What do you think Fox?" he asked. Our sons looked at me nervously. Hiei smirked and I saw the amusement in his eyes. He was bluffing. He had no intention of giving a practice session. I smiled sweetly and bent to place a kiss on Hiei's cheek. "I'll leave that up to you love, " I said. "I'm going to take a nap," The twins looked at me in disbelief. "Wake me when dinner's ready?" I requested as I turned to leave the room. Hiei nodded. "Come on you two, into the kitchen," He said. Kenji and Ryou wasted no time in obeying their father's command.
I went into the bedroom I shared with my mate and laid down. I chuckled as I closed my eyes. Hiei had played a cruel joke on our sons and unless he wanted them to they would never know. As I drifted off to sleep I couldn't help but remind myself of how very lucky I was.
"Don't move another inch Kurama! You're surrounded by bombs!" Yusuke cried out. I looked up and my eyes widened when I saw the danger I was in. I was indeed surrounded by Karasu's deadly bombs. The ghastly glowing orbs were all around me. "Didn't you say you chose not to be afraid of things you could not see?" Karasu asked, mocking me, throwing my earlier words back into my face. "Well here's a better look," He continued as he began walking toward me. "You know that this entire battle has been an exercise in futility," "You're weak…" "…You're tired …" "…You're powerless…" "…You're pathetic…" He said as he stopped in front of me. " …yet it seems you have a masochistic streak that wants indulging…" He continued as he raised his arm "…so here goes..." The bombs began to explode all around me causing me to stumble back into more of them. I cried out in pain as my flesh was ripped open with each new explosion…
I jolted awake, breathing heavily. My heart was pounding in my ears. Suddenly, it registered that someone's hand was upon me. Instinctively I jerked away and got to my feet, my hand already in my hair ready to defend myself from whatever threatened me. Kenji stared at me wide eyed. "Papa?" He called softly. I blinked, clearing my mind of the nightmare induced fear. I lowered my hand and sank to the floor. "Inari, I nearly attacked my own son," I thought remorsefully as I cradled my head in my hands. "Papa?" Kenji called again. Slowly I raised my head to look up at him. The raven haired teen dropped to his knees in front of me and wrapped his arms about me in a warm hug. I blinked in surprise at his action but raised my arms and returned the hug. "What happened?" Hiei asked. I turned to look at my mate. What was I supposed to say? I nearly attacked our son. "I…" I began, but fell silent. "…he had a nightmare Dad," Kenji said softly. "I think I scared him when I went to wake him," Hiei nodded. "Go wash up and join your brother," He instructed. "Start dinner without us. I want to talk to your papa," Kenji nodded and released me from his embrace. Gently I pressed my lips to my son's head, then released him. Kenji got to his feet and left the room closing the door behind him.
"Are you alright Kurama?" he asked. I took a shaky breath and slowly nodded. Hiei stood beside me and gently ran his fingers through my long silver hair. "What were you dreaming about that made you so afraid?" He asked. I realized he must have felt my fear through my bond and had come to investigate. "My fight with Karasu," I murmured. "That explains why you reacted the way you did," He commented. I sighed and leaned against him. Hiei stopped stroking my hair and put his arms around me. For a while we said nothing and I felt better being in the safety of my mate's arms. "We should go get some food before the twins eat it all," Hiei said softly. I smiled and he released me from his embrace. I stood to my feet slowly.
Hiei left the room while I went into the bathroom. I splashed some cool water on my face, feeling much more clearheaded than I had moments ago. I looked into the mirror as I washed my hands. I sighed. I definitely needed a vacation.
I dried my face and hands, then headed into the kitchen where my mate and sons were already eating. As soon as I entered the room Kenji stood and pulled out a chair for me. At my place was a bowl of the stew they'd made. Instead of sitting down I knelt in front of my son, my golden eyes quickly looking him over. "I'm fine Papa," He assured me. "I was a bit shaken up, nothing more," " I'm sorry for frightening you Kenji," I said softly. Kenji smiled gently, then leaned down and kissed my cheek. Something he hadn't done since he was a kit. "I must of frightened you as well, so we're even," I smiled and rose to my feet.
"Are you alright now Papa?" Ryou asked, his face full of concern. I nodded. "What were you dreaming about that was so awful?" he asked. "I heard you cry out," "It is something I'd rather not discuss," I said softly. Ryou simply nodded and returned to eating his meal, Kenji raised an eyebrow but said nothing. " A psycho had a crush on him and decided to show his affection by trying to kill him," Hiei said. I looked up at my mate and stared at him in disbelief. "What happened to him?" Ryou asked. I glanced at my son then looked away, unable to meet his gaze. "I killed him," I said softly. "Hn. He deserved what he got then," Kenji said. I raised an eyebrow as I looked to my firstborn son. "If you hadn't killed him he would have killed you right?" He asked. I nodded. "Then he got what was coming to him,"
I looked from my son to my mate then back again. Inari, Kenji sounded just like Hiei. The expression on my raven haired son's face mirrored his father's exactly. I couldn't help but find that funny and couldn't stop the laughter bubbling up inside me from escaping. My family looked at me as though I had gone quite mad. "You know who he sounds like don't you?" I asked my mate. "He sounds exactly like you," "Didn't you tell me the same thing years ago?" I continued. Hiei smirked, amusement evident in his eyes. " Then maybe now you'll listen to reason," He teased. "Yes, perhaps this time I will," I replied.
I lay in bed watching my mate as he got ready for bed. Although, I was quite tired and it was late I wasn't sure if I was ready to go to sleep. I'd relived my experience with Karasu once today and I did not want a repeat performance. What troubled me more than the flashback itself was the fact that I had relived the memory in my dream. I hadn't had nightmares about Karasu since Hiei and I had gotten together. Why now? The most troubling of all was this constant feeling of unease that had settled over me during the course of the day. I sensed something bad was about to happen but what it could be I had no idea.
"You seem distracted tonight Fox," Hiei said as he tugged his shirt over his head. I smiled at him. "I'm fine love," I assured him. "In fact, I've been distracted all day," Hiei raised his eyebrow. "How so?" he asked as he began to unbuckle the first of his belts. "I wasn't able to sit still today, because of a mark a certain fire apparition made," I murmured. Hiei chuckled. "So that's why you couldn't sit still at dinner," He said. I frowned at him. "I've had enough teasing from Yusuke and Yomi. I don't need it from you as well," I said softly.
Hiei unbuckled his second belt and slipped out of his pants. He padded toward the bed, a thoughtful expression on his face. In the blink of an eye he was sitting beside me with his hand resting gently on my leg. He slowly ran his hand up toward my thigh, stopping at the hem of the nightshirt I was wearing. He looked up at me, silently asking permission to go on. I nodded my consent. "Lie on your stomach," he said.
I did as he asked and made myself comfortable. I felt my nightshirt being lifted. "It's still red," my mate informed me. I could hear the frown in his voice. "You did bite me rather hard," I responded. "It still should have healed better than this," he said worriedly. I felt the bed shift as Hiei left it. I heard his footsteps heading toward the bathroom. My eyes began to close when I felt a something cool being gently rubbed onto the bite mark on my backside. I gave my mate a soft murmur of thanks as I began drifting off to sleep.
A scream pierced the quiet of the night, shattering the spell of sleep. My eyes widened as I realized the scream was coming from one of my sons. I hastily scrambled out of bed and headed for the door, following my mate who had raced to the door. "Papa!!!" Ryou screamed. My heart was beating in my ears as I raced to my son's bedroom alongside my mate.
I entered the room behind Hiei, the first sound to break the silence was the soft sobbing of my son. I quickly passed my mate to my son's bedside as Hiei turned on the light. Ryou looked around, startled. His copper colored eyes were wide and fearful. Before I could even speak his name my silver haired son threw his arms about my neck and cried onto my shoulder. I was growing more worried by the moment. What could have reduced my normally calm son to tears?
I rubbed his back soothingly. "Ryou, it's alright," I said softly. Hiei looked to me, totally at a loss for what to do. "What's going on?" Kenji asked sleepily from the doorway. "I heard screaming," "I'm not sure," Hiei murmured softly. "Kenji get your brother some water," I instructed. I heard my elder son's footsteps retreat toward the kitchen. "Ryou, what's wrong?" I asked as his tears began to subside.
"Inari, Papa it was awful," he sobbed. "There was so much blood…Inari, so much blood…" "You're not making any sense White Rose," I responded, choosing to use his nickname in hopes of calming him. "You were in your human form…" he began. "A man in a mask was walking toward you…" he continued. Ryou shuddered against me. " A madman," he murmured. "I've never seen such a look in one's eyes," "There were explosions all around you …blood everywhere..." His voice started to break. He was once again on the verge of tears. "…and then you fell to the floor..." he continued." I heard a glass shatter behind me.
Ryou, Hiei and I turned to see Kenji standing in the doorway, a shattered glass at his feet and water everywhere. He was pale and shaking. "The Dark Tournament," he whispered. "Yes," I responded. "You mean this really happened?" Ryou asked. "That man was the psycho Dad was talking about?" I nodded. "Yes," I answered. "...he was," Ryou shivered and I hugged him close to me. "It's alright White Rose," I assured him. "That was many years ago," "Inari, Papa how do you not have nightmares?" he murmured. I smiled and placed a kiss on the top of his head. "Lots of time," I replied as I released him. "Are you alright now Ryou?" Ryou nodded. "I think so, but I doubt I'll get back to sleep tonight," he responded. I hugged him once more. "Try anyway," I said. "You have classes in the morning," "Alright," he agreed as he returned the hug. "Wake me if you need me," I said as we ended our embrace.
I stood and turned to Kenji. "Are you alright Kenji?" I asked. He nodded and began cleaning up the mess he had made with the broom and dustpan Hiei had brought him. He quickly cleaned up the broken glass and hastily left the room. I touched Hiei's shoulder and followed my elder son. I watched as he dumped the broken glass into the trash bin, then retrieve a second from the cabinet. "Are you sure you're alright?" I asked softly. He nodded but didn't turn to face me as he filled the glass with water for his twin. I gently placed my hand upon his shoulder. "At times you are too much like your father Firefox," I murmured. Kenji looked up at me. "Aren't I a little old for you to be calling me that?" he asked. I chuckled. "Perhaps, but you both will always be kits in my eyes," I said. Kenji sighed and set the glass down. "Yes, and you will always seem to know when something is bothering me won't you?" He responded. "At times, yes," I agreed. "…and you know you can come to me when something is bothering you, right?" Kenji nodded and closed his eyes.
"Uncle Yusuke told us a little about the Dark Tournament," he began. "Mostly he talked about how he met Uncle Jin and Uncle Toya, and how you all defeated the other teams." He paused and I nodded for him to continue. "Normally, Uncle Yusuke and Uncle Kuwa would start arguing over how Uncle Kuwabara lost more matches than everyone else and the discussion would be over." "Once, while Ryou wasn't around I heard them talking about the final round, something they had never spoken about in front of either of us before," he continued. "I don't think they realized I was there, because they mentioned something about a psychopath that nearly killed you," "That must have been when they sensed me because they changed the subject," he continued. "When I heard Ryou describing his dream I realized he must be talking about the tournament,"
"Was it really as bad as Ryou described Papa?" Kenji asked. I nodded, feeling the headache from earlier beginning to return. I kissed Kenji's forehead. "It was a very difficult time for us Kenji. Still we made it through," I said softly. "Watch over your brother Firefox, wake me if either of you need anything." "I will," Kenji replied with a nod. I turned and left the kitchen, deciding to check on Ryou before going back to bed. Hiei was sitting at his bedside and was speaking to him a low voice. Ryou nodded at whatever it was his father said. I stifled a sigh, remembering when I was that close to my own father.
I turned and returned to the bedroom I shared with my mate. I rubbed my forehead hoping to keep the dull throb from becoming a bad headache. Hiei entered a moment later. He didn't speak but his expression showed his concern. "Has Ryou calmed down?" Hiei nodded. "He's still shaken up by the vision," He informed me. "Kenji is with him now," "What I still don't understand is how detailed his dream was. He knew every detail," I confessed as I sat down on the bed. "Fox, I think Ryou has inherited some of my psychic abilities," Hiei said. I looked at my mate wide eyed. "What!" I exclaimed. "I think without meaning to he looked into your mind and had the same exact dream you did earlier," Hiei explained. "Do you think he's inherited more of your psychic abilities?" I asked. " I wouldn't doubt it. Both he and Kenji have inherited my telepathic ability, perhaps that was the first to surface,"
"If so, it would be wise to enlist Genkai's help in their training from now on," I suggested. "There's no telling what other abilities they may have." Hiei nodded. "Let's wait and see what happens for a while first Fox. We may just be jumping to conclusions," He advised. "I agree," I responded as I lay down. Hiei laid down beside me and draped an arm over my waist. I smiled. Hiei would often do this when he was feeling exceptionally protective of me. I closed my eyes and comforted by the presence of my mate I soon fell asleep.
"I do not wish to become a priest Father," I said quietly. "I do not wish to spend the rest of my life bound to this village," "You will take my place," father responded. I opened my mouth to protest. "I will speak no more of the subject," My father said. " "You will take your place as Inari's priest or be banished from this clan," My eyes widened, looking at my father with disbelief. "Have I not done everything else you have asked of me?" I asked. "Only this once I truly do not wish to do as you demand and you're willing to disown me for it?" I received no reply. I lowered my eyes as my heart shattered to pieces. "So be it," I said then turned and walked away.
Slowly, I opened my eyes. I frowned as I felt the pain of my father's rejection all over again. Already I could feel tears coming unbidden to my eyes. As one slid from my eye and rolled down my cheek I debated weather or not to brush it away. The last thing I wanted to do was alert my mate to the fact that I was awake, before I had composed myself. I needn't have worried. Hiei had already risen and was already getting ready for the day. I wiped away the stray tear and climbed out of bed. That feeling of unease I'd noticed last night had not gone away and I hoped that I wouldn't later regret getting out of bed. Author's Note: I'll be updating either Friday or Saturday so stay tuned for the next chapter.