Author's Note: Thanks angel of darkness flame for reviewing. I'm so glad you like my stories. Thanks so much for you kind words.
Shadows of the Pastby Yami Yue
When I arrived at Yusuke's palace, I noticed that my long time friend didn't seem himself. In fact he seemed upset about something. I could feel knots forming in my stomach. I didn't get the chance to ask him, because as soon as I had settled in my seat beside Yusuke, Mukuro entered followed by my mate. Whatever it was that had upset Yusuke must have been what was causing Hiei to be upset as well. From our bond I could feel his anger, frustration, and sorrow. I rose from my seat, giving my mate a questioning glance. Hiei's sorrow echoed through our bond. What in Inari's name had happened that I hadn't been told?
Mechanically I offered Hiei my seat and sat down on the floor between it and where Yusuke was sitting. My mate raised an eyebrow at this but said nothing and sat down, placing a hand on my shoulder. Yomi entered next and took the seat to Yusuke's left as a herald entered the room. "Empress Velaska and Lady Megami of the Hibikime Plains are here to see you Sire." He announced. "Send them in." Yusuke responded.
The herald nodded and quickly turned on his heel, leaving the room as fast as he dared. A moment later two youko vixens entered the room. The first, a dark haired beauty with dark brown eyes. The second also had dark hair and eyes, but was not as lovely as the first. Both made a formal curtsy before taking their seats facing the dais. "It certainly is a surprise seeing you here Kurama." Velaska said pleasantly. "It has been quite a long time since we've set eyes upon one another." "That it has m'lady." I responded. I could feel Yusuke and Hiei's eyes upon me. "What brings you here?" "I have come to negotiate trade with the Lords of the Makai." She answered. "It appears that I have come at an opportune time to do so, seeing as you are all here."
"I'm afraid this time isn't as opportune as you thought." Hiei said. "We have just been informed of a matter that requires our immediate attention." "They did come a long way though." Yusuke pointed out. "Why don't we hear what they have to say…that is if you ladies don't mind waiting?" Velaska gave a slight nod. "I am in no hurry, " she agreed.
"In that case, you should give your news first," Hiei stated as he looked to Yusuke. I looked from my mate to my friend. Both clearly knew something I didn't and whatever it was wasn't a good thing. Yusuke took a deep breath. "Early this morning a message from the new Dark Tournament committee arrived," he began. "Once again those jerks decided to force me into participating again." "I have agreed to help Yusuke…" Hiei said. "Should anything happen to me, I wish for Kurama to take my place as Mukuro's heir," My eyes widened and I turned to my mate, completely shocked that he would do such a thing without at least warning me first. The feeling of dread within me intensified tenfold. I knew then without a doubt something bad was going to happen soon. I just hoped it wouldn't mean I would loose my mate, or my friends. "I have no objections." Mukuro said, then looked to me. "What do you say Kurama, are you up to the challenge?" Numbly I nodded. Wasn't I going to fight with Yusuke and Hiei? Just what was my mate planning?
"Humph, clearly the only reason the swordsman wants the exile to take his place as heir is because they're sleeping together." Megami muttered. "Show them Fox." Hiei murmured softly enough for me to hear, as his fingers brushed the long hair covering my neck. Without a word I brushed my long silver locks to one side, exposing the mark that showed I was his. "As his mate it would be unusual if we weren't." I responded. Megami's eyes widened. A brush of lips upon my cheek captured my attention. I looked up to see Ryou kneeling beside me. "…and who's this?" Megami asked. "A lover?" I felt anger from my mate through our bond, fueling my own. Slowly, I stood to my feet, glaring down at her though narrowed eyes. "I would never behave in such a manner toward my son." I responded. "It would be wise for you not to speak of things that do not concern you."
I then turned to Yusuke. "If I am not needed further, I would like to be excused." I said softly. Yusuke nodded his consent and without another word I quickly left the room. I made my way through the palace to the rose garden. A bundle of emotions resounded within me. I felt my spirit energy rise from within me, building to a level I had never experienced before. My heart began to race as I struggled to keep it contained, but it was building much too fast and too strong. I fell to my knees as my ears began to ring, and my hearing began to dim. I felt dizzy and lightheaded. Darkness overtook me.
To be continued . . .