A/N: It's been a while since I wrote something with a plot…
READ THIS FIRST or else you won't understand the story. It starts off slow, but I promise Hiei x Kurama goodness in chapter three and on.
This is an AU. In Makai and Ningenkai, the demons have taken over. There is the Reikai, but they don't have that much power.
In this story, human Kurama and youko Kurama are different beings. Human Kurama is named Shuichi Minamino and youko Kurama is… Youko Kurama. There's one-sided Shuichi x Kurama and non-consensual Karasu x Shuichi. (I can't stop torturing poor Shuichi) Obviously, there's going to be Hiei x Shuichi. (It's all I write) That's all I'm going to say now or else I'll reveal too much. You're still here and interested? Okay then, enjoy the story.
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
An egotistical youko walked through the forest. He had long silver hair that went up to his slim waist. His golden eyes glinted with mischief as he took his long graceful strides. In his long, slender fingers, he played with a rare jewel that cost millions on the black market. Unfortunately for him, he didn't realize that the keeper of that jewel was a spirit hunter. He didn't know that he himself was a pretty rare jewel to catch. The first sign of trouble was when a tree exploded to his left. He turned his head and perked his ears to find the source of the disturbance.
A spirit bullet was fired towards him, which he barely dodged. The youko started to realize who it was that was after him. Thinking he could outsmart the hunter, he ran through the forest, thinking the plants would give him the advantage.
The youko ran through the branches, grabbing vines to swing across huge distances with ease. The hunter was getting closer. The youko ordered the man-eating plants to attack, but the hunter knew better. One wave of spirit energy wiped out his plants. Now the youko started to panic.
Vines and branches tried to slow the hunter down, but he burned through them with his energy. Plants were doing no harm to him. Venomous plants started to ooze poisonous acid onto the hunter, but he was too quick for them. A few spirit bullets got rid of the troublesome plants. The hunter was a fearsome opponent.
The forest grew thicker and darker. The youko wanted to get into the heart of the forest, where he would be at his strongest. He hid the jewel inside one of his plants, which removed itself from the area of the dawning battle. The silver youko slid his graceful fingers through his hair and pulled out a variety of seeds. He tossed them onto the ground and fed demon energy into them. Blood-sucking plants, man-eating plants, acidic plants, poisonous plants, and spirit absorbing plants bloomed. They all waited to tear the hunter to shreds. The youko also pulled a rose out of his hair and transformed it into a whip. He grew excited at the upcoming battle.
The hunter knew what the youko was planning. He had plenty of experiences with thieves and powerful demons. The youko was cunning and powerful, but also arrogant and stubborn. The youko would count on success because they were fighting on his turf. The hunter slowly approached the plants. The vicious plants lunged for him. He tried to shoot them, but several of the plants absorbed his energy and shot it back at him. He didn't expect this. This youko was very crafty.
Acknowledging that a direct attack wouldn't work, the hunter dodged the plants, trying to avoid the poison and acid that were spewed at him. Occasionally he could shoot a plant, but another one grew to take its place. The youko also tried to hit him with his whip. It was dark, so even spotting a silver glimpse would be difficult. The only light that was present was from the spirit energy the hunter released. But, both parties could fight with their senses.
The battle continued. The hunter was getting worn out. He constantly dodged the plants and tried to shoot wherever he sensed the youko, but the youko easily dodged his attacks. The hunter was getting low on energy, so he collapsed on the floor. The plants surrounded him, but the youko ordered them to back off. The kill would be for him, not the plants. They could have his body once he had taken his life. Thinking that the hunter was too low on energy and too weak to put up any more resistance, the youko approached him. He lifted his whip, preparing to behead the hunter.
The hair on the back of the youko's neck rose. However, it was too late, the hunter gathered all his remaining energy and shot the bullet right into the youko's belly. The youko had been hit directly. The plants no longer had any youki to support them, so they returned to seeds. The youko turned back to his true form and limped away from the hunter. The hunter was too tired to chase after him, so he stayed where he was. The youko wandered away, trying to get away from the hunter as much as possible.
The youko made it out of the forest but was injured and bleeding profusely. He was very weak and fell down.
A small child with crimson hair saw the youko limp out of the forest. He could see that the youko was in pain. The little human approached the youko, but it bared its teeth at him. Even the little child could kill him if he chose to. Pain wracked the youko's body and he passed out.
X X X X Ten Years Later in the Ningenkai X X X X
The human boy wandered out of the cave that his guardian had told him to stay in. The boy was too curious and adventurous to listen. He slid down the smooth rocks as his feet tried to find footholds. The cave was dug into a cliff that made it difficult for enemies to get into. The teenage boy thought he was slick enough to get down without trouble. However, his foot slipped off a glossy rock and he fell off the cliff. He closed his emerald eyes, preparing for the pain.
A pair of strong pale arms caught him before he made it to the ground. The boy opened his eyes to see that his guardian was glaring down at him.
"What did I tell you about leaving the cave?" the youko asked.
"I'm sorry, Kurama, but I couldn't stay there for another day. I need space to move!" the human said. The cave wasn't small at all. The boy just got sick of staring at the same walls for the past few weeks.
"Maybe I should have let you fall to your death. Perhaps that would teach you to obey my commands," Kurama sighed.
"But you love me too much to see me die," the saucy boy retorted.
Kurama didn't answer the youth, knowing that it was just his way of getting attention. He carried him back into the cave with relative ease. The plants posted near the entrance of the cave let their master in. Kurama walked deeper in, his feet meeting plush carpet.
"What is so horrible about this cave? You have luxuries beyond the imagination of most demons," Kurama stated.
There were jewels piled high in a few corners of the cave. A soft bed was placed near the wall and fancy recliners furnished the place. The soft carpet and the beautiful artworks that adorned the walls would make anyone feel pampered, but not the boy.
"I don't care about the jewels or the rare artwork, or anything else, I just want you," the boy whispered into the youko's ear. Kurama put the boy down on the cushiony bed. However, the human wouldn't let go of his guardian, he missed having Kurama with him again.
"Shuichi, let go," Kurama said sternly.
"So you can leave again? I haven't seen you in three weeks," Shuichi sulked. The youth let him go anyway, knowing that Kurama would break his grasp anytime he wanted.
"I know I've been away longer than I planned, but I had some business to attend to," the youko said.
"It's always business with you. You never have time for me anymore," Shuichi complained.
"Stop whining, I'm taking you into town this evening," Kurama said.
"Really? And I can buy anything I want?"
Kurama nodded. For once in months, Shuichi was jumping up and down, almost like he was eight again. The boy was so happy that Kurama was finally going to spend time with him. He was starting to think that Kurama was beginning to tire of him.
Today was a special day. Shuichi was going to turn fifteen. Although Shuichi thought he was on his way to becoming a man, Kurama was still treating him like a child. He still pets him on the head when he was good and spanked him when he did something naughty. He knew that most humans his age were starting to move away from their parents or guardians and start their own lives, but he started to feel more and more attached to his surrogate parent.
Most humans tried to stay within their own cities and away from demons. However, there weren't most places in the Ningenkai that didn't have demon influences. Shuichi knew that whatever relatives he had left presumed him to be dead, because his mother and father had been slaughtered by demons and he went missing. But Shuichi didn't regret his decision in following the seductive youko. He was exposed to libraries of knowledge and tasted exquisite treats that few had enjoyed. In short, he lived in the lap of luxury with Youko Kurama.
Shuichi Minamino wasn't spoiled though. When he traveled with Kurama, he would cook food for both of them and carry his own bag of necessities. Shuichi knew martial arts so he could defend himself against lower class demons and he knew how to manipulate a whip very well. Although it wasn't as grand and powerful as Kurama's rose whip, Shuichi's leather whip could yield devastating results on foes.
X X X X
When the evening rolled around, an excited Shuichi nearly skipped all the way to town. He got to go on a shopping spree that anyone would envy. Kurama first brought him over to a clothing shop. Kurama pointed out the entire fine silk he thought would look good on the human boy. There were different patterns, styles, and colors to choose from. The place didn't have much human clothing, so the clothes resembled Kurama's provocative clothing style. Some had cuts that exposed the legs, others exposed the belly and chest. Kurama's phrase was: If you have a beautiful body, why cover it up?
Next, they bought some jewelry. Not the rare kind that cost millions and Kurama had hidden away in his covert hideouts. These bracelets and necklaces were accessories that matched everyday outfits. They were relatively cheap. Shuichi didn't really like getting dressed up and walking around like a doll on display, but he couldn't resist Kurama's gifts.
For Kurama's amusement, he brought the human to a female shop. Shuichi was beyond embarrassed as Kurama made him try on dresses and lingerie. Shuichi couldn't wait to leave the store, his face rivaling the color of his hair. However, before the youth could make it to the exit, Kurama bound him to a chair and started to put clips in his hair and style it. Shuichi's long silky hair was soon pinned up in some fancy hairstyle. The other females in the store wanted to take a look at him. They all commented on how beautiful SHE was and how she should get surgery to enhance her breasts. Shuichi would have run from the store if it weren't for the vines holding him down. Kurama wasn't being much help. He didn't seem to mind passing Shuichi off as a girl. He even chuckled when a woman offered to pair Kurama's "daughter" up with her son. Deciding that he had enough fun, Kurama took Shuichi with him to the exit.
Shuichi couldn't get over his embarrassment and anger, not accepting expensive gifts Kurama was buying at random, hoping to appease the blushing boy. After chasing him around the market for an hour, they both got pretty hungry. Shuichi decided to forgive him when the youko ordered exquisite delicacies that he knew Shuichi savored. It was a smoked poultry that originated from the Makai covered with herbs and spices in the perfect proportion. The youko had fine wine and steak.
Afterwards, they went into a human clothing store where Shuichi bought underwear, socks, and other basic clothing. Later, they bought perfume and other aromatic items. They browsed other various stores until Kurama's wallet got considerably light. By nightfall, they had already returned to the cave.
Shuichi was trying on some of his outfits and accessories. He knew he looked rather vain constantly looking at the mirror, but it had just been so long since he got something from Kurama that wasn't a fancy jewel of some kind.
"I take it you liked what we bought today?" Kurama asked.
"Yes, of course," Shuichi beamed. He went over to the youko and put a chaste kiss on his lips. Kurama looked around the spacious cave, noticing that Shuichi bought a lot more than he used to.
"I see you were really enthusiastic today," Kurama said nonchalantly.
"Well, it's one way to make up for the embarrassment at the female store today," Shuichi said hotly.
Kurama chuckled. He took a comb from the dresser and lifted it to his eyes. There were only a few strands there. The youko smiled. Shuichi was always so tidy.
"You are very beautiful," Kurama said plainly. He fixed his eyes on the boy in front of the mirror now. Shuichi always blushed whenever Kurama's eyes were fixed on his body. The youko took slow graceful strides to the human. They stood face to face. His eyes were now fixed on those emerald orbs. Kurama ran his fingers gracefully through Shuichi's hair. It was so soft and silky. Even he envied them. He ran his finger through the ruby locks one more time.
"So beautiful," Kurama whispered. His fingers now traced the outline of Shuichi's jaw and stopped at his chin, where he gripped it and forced Shuichi to look at his intense gaze. Shuichi could feel his body getting hot.
"Ku-Kurama," Shuichi stuttered. His breathing also got faster. Kurama hushed him with his index finger and brought his own pale lips onto the soft cherry ones. It was an innocent gesture, but Shuichi slightly parted his mouth and let his tongue dart out to taste Kurama. Kurama opened his mouth in surprise, accidentally allowing Shuichi to dip his tongue into his cavern.
Kurama quickly pulled away, surprising Shuichi.
"Kurama?" Shuichi wondered. His eyes started to water, hurt at the rejection.
"I'm going out tonight," Kurama stated. Shuichi's pain quickly turned to anger.
"Again? Right after you just came back?" Shuichi's voiced started to rise.
"I have something to deal with."
"Today's my birthday. You should be with me!" Shuichi demanded. He immediately regretted saying that when Kurama pinned him to the bed. His golden eyes were no longer playful, but cold and distant. The fox's grip on the human's wrists was really hurting. He was afraid they might snap off.
"NEVER tell me what to do. I am not yours to order around. I will do whatever I want whenever I want and there's nothing you can do about it, human. I am not some soft creature like you," Kurama spat. He released the human and then swiftly left the cave.
Shuichi was heartbroken. He was hoping that Kurama wouldn't treat him like a child anymore now that he was fifteen. Ever since he hit puberty, Kurama started to coddle him less and less. He had told him that he needed to grow up.
His hormones were starting to take over and his body desired Kurama. The youko wasn't a guardian to him anymore, he was a potential lover. He couldn't help it, the way the fox swayed his hips sometimes, his sexy outfits, and the youko sometimes even walked around naked, showing off his handsome physique. Shuichi's body heated up at the thought of Kurama. Why did Kurama reject his advance? Kurama had told him he was very beautiful only a few moments before. Shuichi couldn't understand this.
The teenager picked up all of Kurama's gifts and hurled them to the back of the cave. They all reminded him of just how wealthy and powerful Kurama was. He was nothing but a human boy. Maybe that was why Kurama didn't want him, he wasn't worthy enough.
X X X X
Kurama rushed out of that cave and jumped onto the ground below. He had to admit that taking Shuichi was very tempting. However, when Shuichi reached puberty, he had already decided that he wouldn't treat him like his other countless sex slaves. Shuichi was much more important than that. Kurama loved him, but not in that way.
The fox smirked when he remembered how innocent the boy was. They would take baths together and sleep together, all without a sexual underlying purpose. He had missed five years of his social life taking care of that brat. However, he admitted that it was nice to do something with someone else that didn't lead to sex. The boy was like a breath of fresh air for him. Of course once the boy started to mature, he returned to his social life among the pretty demons.
Tonight, he would get his sexual desires taken care of. It was now very late and all the fun clubs were now open. The youko passed the local whorehouse, not interested in a diseased lay. Instead, he headed to a high-end bar open to only members of high social status such as himself. Inside, there were many pretty youkai from which he could pick.
Once he entered the bar, heads turned to take a long look at the infamous Youko Kurama. No one matched his graceful strides, long silver hair, mischievous golden eyes, and sensuous build. He settled down by a remote corner and ordered fine wine. His drink came in seconds and he sipped it slowly, slowly letting his eyes examine the other youkai in the room. The other youkai returned to their business but at the same time tried to attract the youko's attention.
Kurama inwardly smirked. He had such pretty pets at his disposal. A few minutes passed by and demons started to approach him. They were all different kinds: fox demons, cat demons, dog demons, wolf demons, bat demons, and others. Each had a beautiful face and a unique scent. However, Kurama had at one time or another bedded someone similar to them all. None of these would give him the thrill he sought. Well, maybe three of them at the same time would…
As he moved closer to a feisty cat demon, a youki energy attracted his attention. His golden eyes searched the room for the source of the distraction. There was a green glow coming from a corner of the club. Strange, he hadn't realized it before. And this was a powerful signature too. Kurama left the crowd of hopeful demons and approached the reclusive demon in the corner.
He was seated at a corner table and was sipping a glass of red liquid. One whiff told Kurama it was human blood mixed with alcohol. His eyes took in the demon's appearance. He had long straight black hair and piercing violet eyes. This demon had a malevolent aura surrounding him. He was much darker and dangerous than other youkai. The mask the demon wore intrigued him as well. He was masking his power? The demon chilled and thrilled him as well.
"Hi. I'm Kurama," the youko introduced himself. The demon's piercing eyes looked boldly in Kurama's. Yes, there was something malicious in those violet depths. Kurama wasn't so sure he wanted to spend the night with this evil demon anymore. The demon didn't answer. 'Is he mute?' Kurama thought.
"Karasu," he simply said.
What a chilling voice. He then got up from his seat and walked up to Kurama. He was only slightly shorter than the youko. Karasu brought his hand up to Kurama's silver hair and caressed the silky strands.
"You have beautiful hair," Karasu said. Kurama smirked at the demon. So, he was interested. This would be an interesting night indeed.
X X X X A while earlier…………… X X X X
Shuichi restlessly paced the cave. He couldn't believe that Kurama would leave him right after he came back, and on his birthday too! He had tried going to sleep, but he was too angry to. His eyes settled on the gifts that Kurama had bought for him and started to feel guilty. He shouldn't have tossed them all onto the floor like that. He picked up the clothes and put them on his bed. The sight of them made him miss the youko even more.
He wanted to apologize to him. Maybe that'll make him feel better and he'll be able to sleep. Shuichi moved over to the exit of the cave when Kurama's plants blocked his path. The youth smirked and walked over to where the roots of the plants were. About a foot along the stems from the roots was a sensitive spot that would disable the plants. Almost no one knew about this little trick. He tickled the little spot and the plant went limp. The human then cautiously slid down the cliff and headed towards Kurama's private suite.
An hour later, he arrived and entered the suite. Kurama never allowed him inside before because that's where he conducted "business" and had "private affairs." There was no one in there. However, Shuichi knew that this was the only place Kurama went to after he spent the night in town. He sat down in a soft chair and waited for his beloved guardian to return home.
Soon, Shuichi heard footsteps approaching the suite. He was so happy that Kurama had finally come home. The boy was about to approach him when he realized the youko had a guest. The youko never liked talking to him when he had guests to entertain. Not only that, the fox was a little drunk. Deciding he could talk to Kurama later, the boy hid in the shadows, waiting to stealthily leave the premises.
The demons entered the suite looking at each other with unveiled lust. As the demons started to undress, Shuichi really started regretting coming here. Maybe if he ran out right now….. No, Kurama would be mad at him. The boy clamped his eyes shut and hoped maybe the demons would move away from the bed. Maybe they'd get a bite to eat first or something.
Karasu was now completely naked, except for his mask and reclined on the grand bed. Kurama was almost naked, save for a pair of short boxers, a human garment he grew fond of. However, instead of joining the mysterious demon on the bed, he turned around and walked toward the entrance closet.
"Shuichi." Kurama said. Knowing he was caught, the human boy came out of the closet.
"What are you doing here?" Kurama asked.
"I wanted to apologize for acting so spoiled before," Shuichi said.
"Is that all? This couldn't wait until the morning?"
"I… couldn't sleep. I missed you." Shuichi confessed. The youth put on his most adorable, innocent look hoping Kurama would forget about his earlier plans and stay with him. After all, today was his birthday. Kurama put his hand on Shuichi's head and petted him.
"Go back to bed." Kurama stated. Shuichi was severely hurt. 'What?' Shuichi thought.
"I told you, I'm busy tonight." Kurama said simply. Shuichi's eyes darted jealously to the demon lying on Kurama's bed. However, as the dark haired demon looked back at him, an arctic chill went down Shuichi's spine. His body suddenly felt very cold. How could Kurama bring such a vile creature into his house?
"Shuichi, don't make me carry you back." Kurama started to get angry. Pain was evident in Shuichi's eyes and he glared at Kurama. He bit his lip and ran out of Kurama's suite.
Kurama hadn't meant to be so cruel to him, but Shuichi had to learn to be more independent. Besides, it's not very often that he found such a mysterious and menacing demon that thrilled every cell in his body. Kurama turned back to smirk at his waiting guest.
"Where were we?"
X X X X
Shuichi ran back towards the cave as fast as he could. Tears were streaming down his face and he didn't even bother to wipe them away. 'How? How could Kurama just push him aside like that for that… that… thing? Was he even a demon? Just one look from him sent chills down my back.' Shuichi thought. He didn't even realize when he made it back to the concealed cave. He was breathing hard and his emotions were in confusion.
"Why? Why did he choose someone else over me?" Shuichi asked himself. Then a terrifying thought occurred to him.
'He doesn't love me anymore.' Shuichi concluded. It took him a few minutes to process this. That would make sense. For the past few years Kurama had spent less and less time with him. He has also less affectionate. Shuichi felt like someone just fiercely ripped his heart from his chest. Then, Shuichi decided what he must do.
He had to run away. It was the best for both of them. Kurama didn't love him anymore and had no interest in him. He was just a burden to him. And if Kurama didn't love him, why should he stay any longer? He should have left earlier, when Kurama was no longer showing signs of interest. Yes, he would leave and find a better life. There had to be someone out there that had to love him.
Shuichi climbed the rocks to the cave one more time. He took a bag and packed clothes, food, and other necessities. As he was packing, he came upon the first jewel that Kurama ever gave him. It was the one that Kurama was chasing after when that spirit hunter injured him. That jewel was what brought them together. Shuichi angrily clutched it in his hands and then threw it as hard as he could out of the cave.
'He cares more about rare gems than he does about me.' Shuichi thought. After he finished packing, he once again used the same trick to exit the cave. And off the human boy walked, hoping to find love in the exotic and mysterious world.
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
A/N: You're probably wondering where Hiei is. Well, I've decided to make up an "original" character to play his part in order to conform to the new (Mary-Sue, self-insertion, other character) influx of horribly written stories. I'M SORRY, THAT WAS A TERRIBLE JOKE! No, Hiei's actually in the next chapter.