"Do you really think we're going to find them?" Rumie asked quietly as Youko stopped to survey the area.
"Of course. I said I was going to find your parents, didn't I? Trust me, kid. Youko keeps his words once he's given it."
Youko glanced to the right and nodded to himself. He glanced down at Rumie. "Kid, I want you to stay right here. Don't make a sound. I'll return shortly."
He held out his hand and used his youki to grow out the plants around Rumie until the boy was secured within the green mass. Youko shifted into his fox form and burst forward, running through the tall grass and between trees until he came within view of the slave camp. He paused and took in the slavers wandering around outside the caravans and tents. Only fifteen out, nothing he couldn't handle.
Youko crept forward, easing into a tent of female kitsunes unnoticed. He studied the weary kitsunes and felt fury boil within his veins. The slavers would pay dearly for his degradation.
Youko shifted from his fox form, startling the slaves. "Quiet. I'm going to free you," he said.
"There's too many of them..." a young girl whispered.
"No, not for me. Now listen closely. I want you to shift into fox form and flee from here. They won't be expecting it."
"They'll kill my husband!" another woman cried.
Youko frowned. "No, I'm going to release them. You will be in the way if you remain here. Rest assured, none of the slavers will survive to hunt you down. Now, where are your children?"
"They have them inside the caravans. They're going to send them to another camp."
Youko nodded and turned to step out of the tent. "Go now," he said over his shoulder and stepped out, several seeds already in his hand.
"I thought you needed our help?" Yusuke called as he and Kuwabara started toward the camp.
Kurama sighed as he turned to face them. "There are a few camps you two can deal with. Hiei's blood lust is finally satisfied."
"What are you talking about, fox?" Hiei asked, appearing at Kurama's side.
Kurama glanced down at him, frowning slightly. "Yusuke was looking forward to a fight."
"Hn. Humans shouldn't be so slow," Hiei smirked.
"What did you say, Shrimp!" Kuwabara demanded.
A soft growl whispered from Hiei's throat as his sword flashed into view. "Did I speak too fast, Idiot?" Hiei sneered.
"I'll show you the idiot..." Yusuke caught Kuwabara's shoulder and held him back before he could lung at Hiei.
"Be nice, Hiei. You shouldn't provoke him," Kurama murmured softly.
"Provoke him? Hn. He doesn't need provoking to show his stupidity." With that said, Hiei darted off.
Kurama sighed, shaking his head and apologetically glancing at Yusuke. "Follow me. I have a feeling I know where he's heading."
Youko freed the children from the caravan and sent them running into the forest before turning to face the large demon stalking toward him. The grass blade in his hand grew out into a sword as he braced himself. The demon grinned at him as a long scythe appeared in his hand.
"Haven't you learned that size doesn't matter. It's the skill that counts," Youko remarked, unfazed by the display of power.
The demon chuckled and swung his scythe suddenly at Youko. Youko leapt out of reach and sent energy into the ground. Grass swirled around the demon's legs, catching him and slowing him as Youko danced around him and swung his sword. The demon howled as the blade cut into his side. His arm shot out, nearly slamming into Youko as he ducked to avoid the blow. Youko leapt back tossed a seed in the demon's direction.
The seed exploded into large golden leaves that wrapped around the demon. Youko's eyes narrowed as energy tightened the leaves around the demon, cutting off his air as the leaves folded in on him. Bones snapped as an acid was released from the leaves and began dissolving the demon's flesh.
"Interesting plant. New creation?" Kurama asked, coming up behind Youko.
Youko smirked and glanced at his other half. "Yes. Like it?"
"Did you find the kids parents?" Hiei asked, stepping into view.
"I believe so. Finished off the other camps?"
"Most of them. Yusuke and Kuwabara are destroying the rest," Kurama replied.
Youko nodded quickly and moved toward the plant as it shrunk back into seed form. He retrieved the seed from the ground and tossed it to Kurama.
"You're slacking off, Kurama."
Kurama tucked the seed into his hair. "I am not."
"He's becoming too human. It's decreasing his intelligence," Hiei added.
Kurama frowned at him as Hiei started into the forest. A large hand landed on his shoulder. "Hiei is only teasing."
"I know that."
"Besides," Youko began as he moved toward the forest.
"What?" Kurama prompt.
"He's right."
Kurama sighed as Youko disappeared within the trees. He shook his head and hurried to catch up with him.
Youko stopped beside Hiei and watched as Rumie was embraced by his parents. Hiei nodded quickly and darted away, satisfied.
"He's safe now and with his family again," Kurama said, coming to a halt at Youko's side.
"Yes."
"Sad?"
Youko glanced at Kurama. "No, he's where he belongs. He's with his family."
"I've been thinking a lot about them," Kurama murmured, not having to clarify who 'them' was. Both had been recalling memories of the family too soon lost. Youko nodded, "So have I."
"And afterward," Youko added.
"Do you think things would have been different had Rumbrigan not returned and killed them?"
"Yes, but I don't think I would undo the memories I created later on. The friendship I found and the good that I did because I had become so powerful."
Kurama glanced thoughtfully at Youko. "I agree."
"We can't change the past. We have to either live with it or die with it. I don't desire death."
"No, I desire life or I wouldn't fight so hard to keep it."
"Then it's best to forget the what ifs. It's time to go home," Youko said.
Kurama smiled slightly. "Yes, home."
Author's Note: How was that? Please review. The Next story will be available soon. Thanks!