AN: Thank you all for your kind reviews. It makes me glad to know that someone likes my stories. I was feeling so good I'm updating early this week. Oh by the way I'm working on the explanation for what's going on with Kurama so bear with me on that. Prepare yourselves for yet another lime warning in this chapter folks. Heavy on the romance in this one. Hope you all enjoy this chapter.
Shadows of the Past
by Yami Yue
Step, swing, step, thrust, step, swing, step, thrust, step. The four of us had settled into the rhythm as my mate guided us through our evening practice session. Hiei had decided how to use a sword shortly before w became engaged and except for the late stages of my pregnancy we had practiced together nearly every day. When Kenji and Ryou were old enough we began their training in the art as well. Now both were nearly as skilled as their father with a sword.
Hiei gave his sword a twirl before sheathing it. I sheathed mine as well and sat down with my back against the trunk of a pine tree. Hiei nodded at Ryou and Kenji in a silent command to start a practice battle. The twins nodded back and Hiei joined me at the tree. "Did you talk to Genkai about your condition?" He asked. I nodded. " She put me through a few tests while you were unpacking," I informed him. "It is as we feared. Genkai believes that my condition is similar to Kuwabara's after the tournament," "There's no telling when I'll be able to use my spirit energy again," Hiei frowned slightly as he shifted his gaze from our sons to me. "I should be here with you and the twins," he said. "Not going off to participate in another one of these circuses," "You're doing what you have to Love," I said. "I should be taking care of you," he protested. "You are taking care of me," I interrupted. "You brought me to the one place where I could get help," I took his hand in mine. "You made a promise to Yusuke to help. Go and keep that promise," I said. "As much as you'd rather be with your family you may regret not keeping your promise to your friend," He gave me a wan smile and leaned against me as we sat together watching our sons in companionable silence. Soon Hiei called an end to their practice match. "That's enough," he said to them. Ryou and Kenji stopped their mock battle and bowed to each other as Hiei and I got to our feet.
We headed back into the temple to clean up and change clothes before dinner. By the time we got to the dining room, Yusuke, Kuwabara, Jin, and Toya were already at the table. Sata kissed my cheek as she entered with a tray of food. I smiled at her as I sat down at the table. Genkai entered next with Kenji and Ryou behind her, then Hiei entered from the kitchen, helping Yukina with a second tray of food. "Kurama, how do you know Velaska and Megami?" Yusuke asked as everyone seated themselves and began dishing up their plates. "Velaska chewed Megami out for insulting you after you left," I raised my eyebrow at that piece of information. "I was once a part of the clan Velaska now leads," I answered. I could feel inquisitive eyes upon me as I concentrated on fixing my plate. "What happened?" Yusuke asked.
In my mind's eye I saw myself as I was many years ago. Once more our argument played itself out and I felt the pain all over again. "I was banished," I answered. The room became completely silent. Ryou's soft voice broke the silence. "Why?" he asked. "My path in life had been decided for me," I said. "Like my father I was to become a priest in Inari's temple. Unfortunately for me that was the last thing I wished to do," Yusuke's eyes widened. "Your dad was a priest?" he asked in disbelief. I nodded with a soft smile. "A very devout one," I answered. Yusuke chuckled. "I could never see you as a priest," Neither could I," I responded. "For that reason I was banished from the clan," "That's not right!" Kuwabara exclaimed. "You shouldn't have banished for that," I nodded in agreement. "I suppose your mate had been chosen for you as well," Toya commented. I nodded. "So, who'd they pair you up with?" Yusuke asked. "Yeah, what was she like?" Kuwabara questioned. "It doesn't matter," Hiei said. "I am his mate and that is all that matters," Yusuke raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you're jealous," he said. Hiei just glared at him. I couldn't help but smile.
It wasn't long after dinner that I felt the fatigue of a long day and decided it was a good time to go to bed and get some rest. After bidding the group good night I headed to the room I was to share with Hiei. My mate followed and closed the door behind us once he had entered. "Fox?" he asked softly. "Yes?" I answered as I began removing my tunic. "Who did your clan chose to be your mate?" he asked. I turned around to face him, letting my tunic slide off my shoulders to the floor. "Velaska," I answered. "No wonder she was eyeing you like that," he replied. "She wants you," "Too bad for her then," I said as I loosened the belt on my pants. "My heart already belongs to you," Hiei was suddenly an arm's length away. He placed his hands upon the waistband of my pants. "I think it's only fair, since you have mine," he responded. I smiled then leaned down and kissed him lovingly.
He returned the kiss tenderly then released his hold on my pants allowing me to finish undressing. "I felt your pain when you spoke of being banished," he said softly. "I didn't want to leave my family," I responded. "I also did not want t a life where I would be bound to that village for the rest of my life. Even my father's approval didn't mean as much to me as my freedom," "So you were banished for choosing to decide your own future," Hiei murmured. "Yes," I replied as we climbed into bed together." "Your father, did he try to help you?" he asked. I closed my eyes, trying to hold back the tears I was sure would come. "He was the one who banished me," I answered. "I was completely disowned," I felt Hiei's strong arms wrap around me. "He was a fool to do so," he said softly.
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The sun had not yet risen when I awoke. It had been two weeks since we had arrived at Genkai's temple. My powers had yet to return, still I trained with the others and with Genkai. Each day I hoped would be the day my powers would return, but so far they still lay dormant within me. I turned my head and looked over at my still sleeping mate. Only two more weeks until he would heave for the tournament. I was running out of time.
I knew I wasn't going to get back to sleep so I slipped out of bed and went into the kitchen. I didn't bother turning on a light. I could see well enough in the dim light of pre dawn. I opened the refrigerator and began hunting through it for something to snack on. I leaned forward reaching for an apple in the back of the middle shelf. A gentle caress at the base of my tail sent shivers of pleasure up my spine, making me forget all about the apple. "What are you doing up Fox?" Hiei whispered as he trailed his other hand up my back. "I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep," I answered. "You?" "I awoke to an empty bed," he said as he slowly moved his hands over my ribs, then down over my stomach. "I decided to see what you were up to," "I thought I'd have a snack since everyone else is still asleep," I said. "Are you hungry? I could cook us breakfast," "I am hungry," he replied. "…but not for food," I shivered at the husky tone in his voice.
He caressed the base of my tail in a torturously slow, but very sensual caress. A low moan escaped my lips. "Release me and I'll give you what you desire," I murmured seductively. Hiei gave me one last lingering caress before releasing me. I snatched the apple from the refrigerator then stepped away from it and closed the door. Hiei slid his arms around my waist, then leaned upward on tiptoe for a kiss. I leaned down, meeting him halfway. Our lips met in a searing kiss."This is one of one of those times I hate being short," he murmured when we broke the kiss. "I need a footstool just to kiss you," I chuckled and kissed him again. He tenderly stroked the base of my tail with one hand as the other sensually caressed my chest, sending waves of pleasure resounding through my body. I moaned softly." Hiei please," I pleaded. "Please what Fox?" He purred, "Not here," I responded. "Where?" he asked. I looked through half lidded eyes out the window. The first light of day would soon break. "When was the last time we watched the sunrise?" I asked. Hiei smirked. "Too long," he said as he released my from his embrace and took my hand.
We headed outside toward the river and hotsprings we'd visited when I'd had foxfire fever. Just beyond there was a secluded spot with a wonderful view. We sat down there on the cool grass. Hiei caressed my cheek as he leaned forward to kiss me again. He planted small butterfly kisses upon my neck. "You're very affectionate this morning," I commented. "Not that I'm complaining," "Allow me to show you just how affectionate I feel," he responded, then captured my lips in another passionate kiss, the kind that makes your blood boil and your toes curl. I could feel his desire through our bond and sincerely hoped we wouldn't wake anyone.
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Hours later I lay on my stomach, enjoying the feel of the sun upon my back and the cool grass against my bare skin. I had fallen into a light sleep when Hiei gently ran his hand down my back. "Did you enjoy watching the sunset?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. I opened my eyes and smiled at him, then turned to lie on my side facing him. "I don't recall paying much attention to the sunset," I answered. "I enjoyed myself immensely if that's what you mean,""I thought I made that perfectly clear." I added.
Hiei chuckled and reached out to me, gently brushing his fingertips over my thigh. "I'm glad we came out here Fox," he said. "It seems like we haven't had a moment to ourselves since we got here," He leaned forward and placed a soft kiss upon my chest, right over my heart. "You have no idea how much I miss that," he said as he slid his hand down my thigh. "When this is over we should go somewhere we haven't been," "Just the two of us?" I asked. "Yeah, unless you want to bring the twins," he answered. "One family vacation a year is enough," I responded. Hiei's eyes sparkled with amusement. I sighed. "We should get dressed and go back," I said. "The others will be waking soon," Hiei groaned. "I'll be glad when this is all over," he said. "We'll go someplace secluded where we can be alone for a week or two," "I'll hold you to that," I responded. He just smiled. "In the meantime do you want to help me cook breakfast?" I asked. "Sure Fox," he replied, "Just five more minutes," "Alright Fire Baby," I replied. To be honest I didn't want to go back just yet either.
Hiei turned over and scooted closer. I put an arm around his waist and laid my tail over his hip. I plucked a seed from the remains of the apple we'd shared. Hoping my powers had returned I channeled a little of my spirit energy into the seed. To my surprise and delight the seed began to sprout. "Hiei!" I whispered excitedly. "Look!" "I saw," he responded. "Do you think your powers are back for good?" "I hope so," I said. "Let's see how much of your powers have returned," he suggested. "Now?" I asked. "Why not?" he responded. "Alright," I agreed as I released him from my embrace. We got to our feet and gathered our discarded clothing. We dressed quickly and headed over to the riverbank for our practice battle.
"Ready?" Hiei asked. I nodded. "Then let's begin," he said. We bowed to each other and the match began. I reached into my hair and plucked a seed from its hiding spot. I channeled my spirit energy into the seed and it grew into a beautiful red rose. "Rose Whip," I cried as I fed it more of my energy. I was pleased when my weapon of choice formed. I noticed however, that the whip was longer than usual and the thorns were thicker, sharper looking, and longer. Hiei eyed my weapon and gave a satisfied half smile. With a flick of my wrist I cracked the whip toward my mate. As expected, he blurred from view, reappearing a few feet away, then blurred out of sight again. This time I sensed his approach and flicked my wrist again. Hiei appeared a stone's throw away from me. I backflipped away from him swiftly, avoiding his initial attack. Hiei charged again and I dodged, flipping and ducking away from his attacks. I was just glad he wasn't using his speed against me. It would have made it harder not to actually hit each other with our weapons. He tapped my arm with the flat of his blade, signifying that I'd bee hit and blurred away again. I decided I'd had enough of this mock battle and decided to end it.
As soon as he flickered into sight I leapt forward and tackled my mate to the ground. We tumbled forward landing with me atop him. I willed the whip to return to a rose and tapped his chest with it. "I win." I said with a smile. Hiei raised his head and released his grip on the hilt of his sword. He placed his arms behind my neck and brought his lips to mine. I returned the kiss eagerly. With a burst of movement and strength, I was rolled onto my back and pinned beneath my mate. "I beg to differ Fox," he said then leaned down and began placing soft kisses upon my neck. My heart began beating faster as my temperature rose. "Are you saying you're ready for another round?" I asked. "That depends on what you're referring to," he answered as he slowly moved his hands down my chest. I let out a soft moan as his kisses became even more heated. I could feel his desire through our bond, adding to my own. Our lips met again and my arms unconsciously wrapped around him, drawing him closer.
"Don't make me throw cold water on you two," came Genkai's gruff voice. Hiei and I sprang apart. I knew I was blushing an intense shade of red. "I see you got your powers back Kurama," she noted. "For the time being at least," I responded. "It seems it takes less energy for me to for my rose whip as well." "Your spirit energy has become stronger over the past few days," she said. "That's what I don't understand," I responded. "Why did my powers suddenly vanish and grow so much stronger?" I asked. Genkai shook her head. " That I don't have an answer for." She said. "However, I do have an answer for another dilemma of yours," "As you suspected, Ryou does possesses some psychic abilities," she continued. "However, at the moment there is little I can do in the way of training. He still needs a little time to let these new abilities surface more," "Bring him back after the tournament. Perhaps then he will be ready for training," "What about Kenji?" Hiei asked. "I will train him as well," Genkai answered, "Thank you," I said. She nodded then turned toward the temple.
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As the day went on I struggled to find a way to convince Hiei that I should go with him and the others to the tournament. Now that I had my powers back he would not have to worry about my protection or that of our sons. If something was going to try and hurt Hiei at the tournament I wanted to be there to protect him if possible, but on the other hand I didn't want him angry with me. As I sat in the branch of a massive oak tree trying to piece together exactly what to say, I heard footsteps coming my way. "Kura," Sata called softly. "Up here Sata," I called down to her. She walked up to the tree and looked up at me curiously. "What in Inari's name are you doing up there?" she asked. "Thinking," I replied as I channeled some of my spirit energy into the branch and willed it to slowly lower me to the ground. "Were you looking for me for a particular reason?" I asked. Sata nodded. "I wanted to ask a favor of you," she answered. "What sort of favor?" I asked. "The gathering of our clan will be soon," she began. "I was hoping you could go back with me," I sighed and shook my head. "You know I can't do that Sata," I said. "Have you forgotten what happens to exiles who try to return?"
"I'm not asking you to enter the village Kura," she said. "Just escort me to the border," I smiled. "Ah, you want me to do my duty as your big brother and protect you from the slave traders," I said. "Exactly," she said with a nod. "Alright Sata, as long as my powers remain stable I'll will see that you return home safely," I replied. Sata threw her arms around my waist and kissed my cheek. "Thanks Kura," She said. "You're welcome." I responded. "Come on let's go inside," she said. " Dinner should be just about ready,"
That night I was still puzzling over the vanishing and return of my powers. I couldn't figure out what was going on. "You seem introspective tonight Fox," Hiei noted as he sat down on the bed beside me. I set aside my hairbrush, having finished brushing my hair. "Is the mystery of your condition still bothering you?" he asked. "Somewhat," I admitted. "There is no sense in trying to make sense of it tonight," he said. "We should get some rest and try figuring this out in the morning," I reached for the hem of his tanktop and slowly pulled upward, exposing his muscular abdomen. My mate chuckled softly. "I can do that myself you know,' he said. "Yes," I responded. "I know, but I want to," Without another word he raised his arms allowing me to remove the shirt. I set it aside and reached for the first of his belts. "I want to be with you at the tournament," I said softly. "I'd rather you not be," Hiei replied as I unbuckled the first belt. "You want me to stay here and do what?" I asked. "Drive myself crazy looking for things to do just so I don't go insane with worry about you?"
"Instead I should worry about you when you step into the ring with another madman like Karasu?" he responded. "I never said I wanted to fight," I said softly as I unbuckled the second belt. "I thought that being the team's healer would be just as helpful. Koemna shouldn't have to call Botan away from her duties to do something Kenji, Ryou and I can do," Hiei sighed and leaned in to me. " You don't need my permission," He said as he raised his hips, allowing me to slide his pants off his well formed legs. "I know, but I don't want you angry with me," I said. "He leaned upward and kissed me gently. " I can't be angry with your for wanting to be at my side," he said " I shouldn't have been surprised, given how loyal you are," I raised my eyebrow at that. He smiled and gently pushed me to the bed. "I should have known you would find any way you could to help us in the tournament," he said as he laid down beside me. "I'm a little too loyal for my own good," I said. "Sat asked me to escort her back to her village for the clan's gathering," Hiei chuckled. "You just couldn't say no, could you?" he asked. "How could I?" I answered. "You and I know the slave traders are numerous near the Hibikme plains this time of year. Sata would be a prime target," Hiei frowned. "So would Kenji and Ryou," he said. "...or you for that matter if your powers desert you again. " "Our firekits aren't exactly kits anymore," I said softly. "They've grown strong, and you know as well as I do that they'd risk our wrath to follow me just to ensure that Sata and I are safe," Hiei murmured a sound of agreement. "Just promise me that you'll be careful," he said. 'I promise," I assured him.
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The day of our parting came all too soon. I awoke earlier than usual and lay there watching my mate sleep. As if sensing I was awake Hiei slowly opened his eyes. "Good morning Fire Baby," I whispered. "Did you sleep at all Fox?" he asked. "A little," I answered. He placed his hand upon my chest and gently ran his fingers over the sensitive skin. I smiled mischievously at him. "Don't tell me you're feeling affectionate so soon," I teased. "After last night I thought you'd be sated." "Maybe I've gone into heat," he replied then planted a gentle kiss upon my chest. My eyes widened. "Please tell me you're just kidding," I said as I sat up. He had went into heat for the first time a few years ago and we'd spent three days doing nothing but eating, sleeping and making love. I didn't want to think about him in the company of the others with nothing but mating on his mind. "Relax Fox, " he murmured as he pushed me back to the bed, "I wasn't serious," I sighed with relief. Hiei chuckled and kissed me lovingly. I ran my hands slowly over his chest, earning a moan from him as I teased him. I nibbled gently on his earlobe as my hands slowly made their way south. His eyes narrowed in pleasure. I took advantage of this momentary distraction to flip us over so that I was on top. "Let's finish this quickly and quietly," I murmured huskily in his ear. "Agreed," he replied.
A few hours later, we were gathered at the entrance of Genkai's temple. As the others bid each other goodbye, Hiei and I stood well apart from the others to say our farewells. "You'll only be a few days right?" he asked. I nodded. "We should be there in time for the start of the tournament," I answered. "Even if we were a little late we'd still be in time for the first match," He placed a communication mirror in my hand. "Call me if there's trouble," he said. "I will," I assured him. He reached up and caressed my cheek. "One kiss my bonny sweetheart, I'm after a prize tonight," he murmured, reciting a line from my favorite poem. I leaned down and kissed him lovingly. He returned the kiss with just as much emotion. "Look for me by moonlight, Watch for me by moonlight, I'll come to thee by moonlight, though Hell should bar the way," I whispered. With one more kiss we parted ways, looking forward to when we would be reunited.