Chapter Five
We were escorted to Koemna's office where the toddler was awaiting us. "I'm certainly surprised to see you here," Koemna said as we sat down. "We are in need of your help in a matter," Kurama said. "What sort of matter?" Koemna asked. "it seems I have become a victim of a possession," Kurama replied. "How did that happen?" Koemna exclaimed. "Does it matter? We need you to help us undo it," I snapped. "No need to get angry Hiei. I assure you that everything will be done to help Kurama," Koemna assured me. "First, I need to know all the facts," he added.
Kurama I told him all we knew, keeping certain parts of the story to ourselves. When we had finished our tale, Koemna summoned one of the many ogres into his office. "Show Hiei and Kurama to one of the guest rooms, then summon Botan. I need to speak with her," Koemna ordered. "Yes, Koemna sir," the ogre responded.
Kurama and I rose and followed the ogre out of Koemna's office, down numerous hallways to a section of the palace I had never seen before. We stopped in front of a door, which the ogre quickly opened for us. He left as son as we entered, closing the door behind us.
Kurama yawned and began undressing as he headed toward the bathroom. I placed my hand on his arm, stopping him and getting his attention at the same time. "You need to rest," I said firmly. "Yes, but I am also in dire need of a bath," Kurama replied. I frowned slightly. I was afraid he'd end up falling asleep in the bathtub or something. "You can join me if you want," he offered. I smiled. "A tempting offer Fox, but I want to know what Koemna knows about Makoto,"
"I know Darkfire, but please stay with me a while longer," he pleaded.
I knew I could not deny him, not when his plea was so heartfelt. He had never asked anything of me with that tone in his voice before. After my betrayal, I had no right to deny him anyway. Even if I wanted to, I knew I couldn't say no. I nodded and followed him into the bathroom. I undressed and joined my mate in the shower.
He reached out to touch me. I wanted to pull away, wondering why he would want to do so after what I had done. Still, I allowed him to pull me close to him. "You know, I wanted to mark you on our wedding night, but it slipped my mind in all the excitement. I'd like to do so now, if you'll allow me to," He said softly. My eyes widened in surprise. "Why would you want me to bear you mark? I am not worthy of such an honor," I responded. "Hiei, you were tricked, raped really. I don't blame you for what happened, nor do I love you any less because of it," he said. He leaned close and gently pressed his lips to mine. I responded in kind, glad that he still loved me. Though he had said so before, he was now giving me the reassurance I desperately needed.
"Fox, I just don't want you to do this only to realize it was a mistake," Kurama smiled softly. "I would not have chosen you as my mate if I felt I would regret my choice," he said. He didn't say anything more. Instead, he gently bathed me as he had done before. Once he was done, I returned the favor. All the while my mind was reeling.
Unlike a human marriage, there was no divorce. For once a demon marked a mate, the one marked would be bound to the one who made the mark until their own death. Once Kurama marked me, I would be his for the rest of my life. If he died before me, I would never again take a mate. I did not expect that Kurama would ask this of me, especially after what happened with Makoto. Kurama wanted me to remain his mate, and I would remain at his side, determined to do my best to make him happy and be a good mate to him. I felt I owed it to him.
"Kurama, you may mark me if you wish," I said as we stepped out of the shower. My mate gently cupped my cheek in his larger hand, guiding my face toward his. Our eyes met and he held my gaze intently. "Do you want me to mark you Hiei?" he asked. "If it will make you happy, then yes," I replied. "It will only make me happy if it is what you want, and if you are willing to mark me as well," I stared at him in shock. "You would willingly bind yourself to me like that?" I asked, astonished. "Darkfire, you made your mark upon my heart long ago, I only ask that now I bear it on the outside as well, " He answered.
"I am honored you wish to mark me and bear my mark in return. There is just one thing I'd like you to do for me, if you're willing," I said. "What is it you want me to do?" he asked. I placed the palms of my hands against his smooth, broad chest. I felt a little guilty for what I was about to ask. I knew he was weary and needed his rest, but I needed this from him just as badly as I'd needed the reassurance of his love that he was constantly giving me.
"I want you to claim me completely," I murmured huskily as I gently caressed his sensitive chest with my thumbs. He shivered. "You want to make love?" he asked uncertainly. "Yes, if you are willing," I answered. I planted a soft kiss in the center of his chest. "I need it," I murmured. Kurama slid his soft hands slowly down the center of my back and gently caressed my rear. "I am willing, if this is what you truly desire," he said softly. "Yes, make me yours completely. Remove that bastard's taint," I murmured as I lifted my head and looked into his eyes. His golden orbs were loving and warm, with the fiery blaze of passionate lust underlying it all. Apparently he wanted this as much or even more than I did.
I dried us quickly with my energy as he leaned and tenderly kissed me. I returned the kiss as he steered us toward the bedroom. Without warning he scooped me up in his arms. That didn't slow our kisses at all as he carried me into the bedroom and crossed the room to the bed. He gently laid me down upon the bed and broke the kiss to begin kissing and nipping at my neck. His hands lovingly caressed my body, teasing me, stroking me, igniting the flames of desire within me. He kissed his way down my chest as he worshipped my body with his hands. My body in return was singing his praises. I wove my hands into his long silver hair and caressed his ears gently as my body arched into his skillful touch.
My heart raced as his lips reached their intended destination. I moaned his name as he began pleasuring me with his mouth, using his teeth and tongue to add to the sweet torture. I wanted to return the favor and pleasure him. However he had gently placed his hands on my wrists in a silent request for me to submit completely to him, so I did just that. I was so lost in my pleasure induced haze that I didn't realize that my mate was preparing me until I felt his long slender fingers brush something deep within me that send a wave of pleasure through me like wildfire.
A moment later he entered me. Our bodies moved to the timeless rhythm of nature as we danced the eternal dance of love and lust. Our hearts actually beat in time with each other as our bodies moved in perfect sync with each other. I felt his lips upon mine and we joined in a passionate kiss
Slowly, we made love, steadily making our way toward the peak of our pleasure, that moment of bliss shared just between us two. He removed his lips from mine and began bushed his lips against my neck. I felt the satin skin of his neck brush my lips as he continued to kiss and nip at my neck sensually. As we reached our climax Kurama bit down on the juncture of my neck and shoulder hard, making his mark. I followed suit. I felt some of Kurama's energy enter me as I released some of mine to him. We released each other then, spent and exhausted, but the bond between us had been made. We were now bound forever as mates. He turned so that I lay atop him and carefully pulled out of me. "I love you Darkfire," he murmured as I began to drift off to sleep. "I love you too," I replied.
When I awoke the next morning, Kurama was still sound asleep. I slipped out of bed, showered and dressed. I gently kissed Kurama's lips and pulled the bedcovers over him. I watched him sleep, marveling at how peaceful he actually looked, then headed to Koemna's office.
The toddler prince was there and Botan was with him. They were in the middle of a heated discussion about something, but looked up the moment I walked in and grew silent. "You came just in time Hiei, we were just discussing what we could do for Kurama," Koemna greeted. "Hopefully rid him of that bastard that possessed him," I replied. "I did some research on Makoto. It turns out that he was Karasu's lover," Koemna informed me. I looked at him in surprise. "If that wasn't shocking enough it was Karasu that killed him, and most violently I might add," He continued. "Why? What reason did Karasu have for killing his lover?" I asked. "That I do not know," Koemna confessed. "However, he sealed his soul into that gauntlet Kurama now wears. I'm still trying to discover how it was done,"
Koemna went on. "Like Kurama, Makoto was a plant wielder. Though his skill and power was no where near Kurama's, however he may be drawing power from Kurama which would make up for this lack," "That would explain why he has become so strong as of late," came Kurama's voice from the doorway.
"You should be resting," I scolded as I rose from my seat. Botan quickly helped my mate to the chair and I sat down beside him once I was sure he was settled. "I know. I woke after you left and couldn't get back to sleep," he said. He then turned his attention to Koemna. "You said Makoto was a plant wielder, and not a very strong one. What was the plant he preferred?" Kurama asked. "Makoto was known for using various plants of a vicious nature. He espically enjoyed tying his victims down with vines before unleashing one of them on his victims," Kurama scowled. Botan shuddered. "Sounds like he and Karasu were made for each other," she said as she laid a hand upon Kurama's shoulder.
Her hands glowed softly for a moment and Koemna watched with eager anticipation. The glow left a moment later. "You know, Kurama I think Hiei's right, you do need to get some rest. Your energy is low," Botan said softly, her voice full of concern. My mate sighed. "Alright, I'll try to get some sleep. I have the feeling neither of you would leave me be until I did," he responded. Botan helped him stand and he kissed my cheek. He said goodbye to Botan and Koemna then left the room.
"Koemna sir, this is no mere possession. Makoto is actually trying to merge with his body. If he succeeds he may destroy Kurama's soul," Botan said softly, once we were sure that Kurama had began making his way down the hall. My blood ran cold at Botan's revelation. "What can we do? Kurama's been struggling to keep control over his own body and it's weakening him," I said. Koemna nodded. "I noticed. I also noticed the gauntlet Kurama was wearing. I'm guessing Makoto's spirit was sealed in it," he responded. I was beginning to wish we'd never come across the damned thing.
"I have my people researching it as we speak. Perhaps if we find the other gauntlet we can seal Makoto away again," He continued. I nodded; glad that for once he had taken quick action. "Hopefully we'll find something soon. I'll let you know if we do find anything, in the meantime you and Kurama can stay here if you want. The library is completely open to the both of you if you want to search," I nodded and rose from my seat. Botan gently placed a hand on my shoulder. "I'm sure we'll find something soon," she said comfortingly.
I found it surprising and endearing that they both were trying to comfort and reassure me. It still amazed me that they, along with the others in our group actually considered me a friend despite the fact that I had been anything but friendly towards them.
"I appreciate this," I said softly, then turned and left the room. I returned to the room I shared with my mate and found him fast asleep. I was glad he was sleeping, he needed his strength. I decided it was as good a time as any to start searching for any clue that might lead to my mate's freedom. Being as quiet as possible I left the room and headed to Koemna's vast library.
Ogres were everywhere it seemed, combing the numerous tomes for the information we so desperately wanted and needed. I gathered a few books as well and returned to my mate's side, reading as he slept on.
He awakened late in the day and despite his long sleep, he looked tired. I set aside the book I'd been combing through immediately. "Are you feeling any better?" I asked. "I do feel a little stronger, but I am still quite tired," he answered.
I felt guilty. I knew that last night would tax his strength, but I had hoped it wouldn't have been much. "Makoto has been relentless and I grow weary. It's taking every bit of my strength to hold him back," Kurama explained softly. I got to my feet and set the tray one of the servants had brought only moments before and set it close by. "Sit up. You need to eat something," I said. He did as I asked and we ate together in silence, enjoying each other's company.
Kurama smiled softly and caressed the mark upon my neck. "I'm glad you let me mark you," he murmured. I leaned into his touch. "You are my mate, it is only right that I bear your mark," I responded. "Still, I'm glad we did this. Thank you," he said softly. He yawned, looking very tired. I kissed him. "Go back to sleep Fox, you need it," I said softly. He kissed me back. "Goodnight Hiei," he murmured then laid down and closed his eyes. In a moment he was fast asleep again.
Kurama got progressively worse as the days passed. He slept for longer periods each day only to awaken tired and seriously weaker than the day before. By the end of a week he stopped waking altogether. I began tending to him completely then, bathing, grooming, feeding and cleaning him. Until then, I had never thought I would actually be caring for someone in such a manor. I realized then how strong my love for my mate had grown. It scared me, for I knew that if I lost this fight, if I let him down and Makoto destroyed him I would loose my will to live. However, I was also strengthened by that same love. It gave me purpose and intensified my will to fight to save my mate. I was not going to loose him. Each day as I combed through the books I took from Koemna's library as fast as I could, I hoped to find something, anything to save my mate. It was that thin hope however, that kept me from despairing, even though I hadn't found a thing. I had faith that a way would be found to save Kurama. I wasn't going to give up on him. I was going to fight until the very end.
AN: as promised, here's this weeks bonus chapter to make up for last week's lack of one. I hope you all enjoyed this one. Another chapter coming next week. See you then.