Thanks for all the great reviews. When I turned my computer the morning after posting this and found no reviews I thought 'maybe this wasn't such a good idea for a story' but now they've started coming in and you all seem to like it so far.

Okay everyone, I'm tired of Hiei being short. It's been five years since the dark tournament and Hiei's had a growth spurt. He's now about as tall as Yusuke though he's still shorter than Kurama but more than enough like a man that no one will mistake him for a kid anymore. FYI I think of him as taller in all my fics I just forget to write it in.

I know that Kurama's step brother's name isn't really Shuuichi but it's popular in fan fiction so that's what I'm calling him. Besides, I'm too lazy to put in the DVD and find the proper spelling. I just remember it starts with a 'K'.

I wasn't sure how the Yusuke/Kuwabara pairing would be received but since I only got one complaint I guess that's not too bad. I just felt like something a little different.

Standard disclaimer: I do not own YuYu Hakusho.

WORLDS APART

Chapter 2

Two months later Hiei left Alaric castle to inspect the troops he had patrolling near the border. He hadn't gotten far when he heard a woman's scream. Disgusted that another ningen must have wandered across the border he didn't hurry toward the commotion.

Suddenly there was a large demon running in his direction. The demon had a screaming woman slung across his shoulder and Hiei's troops hot on his heels. Stepping into the demon's path Hiei unsheathed his katana, quickly killing him. Hiei paid little attention as the woman fell to the ground. Before she could recover his men arrived and two of them moved to help the woman rise.

She was dirty and disheveled but otherwise appeared unharmed. He would have turned away he but pulled up short when she spoke. "Hiei-Chan?"

His heart skipped a beat as he recognized the soft voice. In a split second the demons holding her were on the ground withering in pain. "No one touches her!"

If his threat wasn't enough to keep anyone from going near her, his next words were. "That's Yoko Kurama's mother! Anyone who touches her dies!"

Hiei now turned his full attention to the woman before him, his voice much softer as he spoke to her. "Shiori, are you hurt?"

"Oh Hiei!" With the situation defused, Shiori gave in to her fear and threw herself into Hiei's arms. As he put his arms around her he glared at his men, daring anyone to comment.

Looking in the direction of the border Hiei quickly made a decision. Scooping Shiori up in his arms he flitted toward the castle. With her face tucked into his neck, Shiori was completely unaware of the speed they traveled at.

Once in his quarters he set her down gently. Reluctantly she released him and looked around. "Hiei-Chan, where are we?"

Looking around Hiei shrugged. "My room."

The room they were in was huge. They stood in a large, elegantly decorated sitting area with a sofa, chairs and tables. Off to one side was a small dining area. On the far end was an alcove that held a large bed draped in expensive linens and a dresser. One wall held large windows and a glass door leading to a balcony. There were three other doors, presumably a closet, bath and the exit.

Taking all this in Shiori gave a nervous laugh. "You're making me feel guilty for all the times you slept on that little futon on Shuuichi's floor. I thought you were an orphan."

"I am. I only came here four years ago when I began working for Mukuro." As he finished speaking Hiei walked to the door and spoke to someone there.

A small woman entered the room and bowed to Hiei before disappearing through one of the other doors. "The maid is drawing you a bath and will find you something to wear. Tell me how you ended up here."

Afraid to sit on the elegant furniture in her dirty clothes Shiori walked towards the window. She looked surprised when Hiei blocked her path but didn't comment. "I was visiting my stepson at the university. We were taking a walk when suddenly that big ugly thing jumped out of the bushes and grabbed me. Shuu-Chan tried to help but it knocked him down. Just before that creature carried me away I saw him on his cell phone."

Hiei nodded. "Kurama will be here soon then."

Shiori looked disbelieving. "Why do you say that? Shuu-Chan probably called the police. Shuuichi may not even know yet and even if he did, how will he know where to find me?"

Hiei chose his words carefully. "Kurama taught Shuuichi years ago to call him if anything strange ever happened. Once Kurama hears he'll contact me immediately."

The maid had come and gone from the room several times as they spoke. Now she came out of the bathroom and bowed again to Hiei. "Everything is ready Lord Hiei. My Lady if there is anything else you require just ring the bell by the tub."

Shiori blushed when the woman bowed to them both and left. "Oh my. You've sure come up in the world since you were my little orphaned Hiei-Chan."

Now it was Hiei's turn to blush. "Go take your bath Shiori. Kurama will explain everything else when he arrives."

Shiori was in her bath when Kurama contacted Hiei telepathically. "Hiei! I need your help! A demon's taken my mother!"

Hiei's heart beat faster, he was going to get to see his fox soon. "Relax Foxie, Shiori's fine. Come to my room at Alaric castle."

Kurama arrived an hour later. Hiei must have alerted the guards because Kurama met no resistance as he entered the castle and rushed up the stairs. It wasn't until he entered Hiei's room that he finally relaxed. Hiei leaned against the headboard of his bed with Shiori resting beside him clutching his hand.

Quietly Kurama went to sit beside his mother. Feeling the bed move Shiori opened her eyes. When she saw her son she sat up and threw herself into his arms. "Shuuichi!"

He held her tight, briefly closing his eyes in relief. Opening them again he smiled over her head at Hiei. Without releasing his mother he reached out to caress Hiei's cheek. "Thank you Hiei."

Hiei took the hand on his cheek in his. Turning into it he kissed Kurama's palm. "Any time Fox."

Shiori seemed to have recovered because she pulled back and spoke. "Oh Shuuichi, it was awful. This horrible beast grabbed me and brought me to this strange place. Then suddenly there was blood everywhere and Hiei was there with more strange creatures. Now I'm in Hiei's beautiful room and he won't tell me anything. He just keeps saying to wait for you. Shuuichi, please tell me what's going on."

Kurama looked back and forth between his mother and lover. Finally he decided to address Hiei. "You can fix this Hiei. She doesn't have to know any of this even happened."

Hiei shook his head. "No Kurama. You always said when the time was right you'd tell her. It's time Fox."

Kurama's voice shook when he spoke. "Hiei, she's already been frightened. If I tell her it will only scare her more and she'll be afraid of me… she'll hate me."

At his words Shiori's eyes widened. "Shuuichi, you are my son and I love you no matter what. I've always known you kept secrets from me. I'm your mother, I hope you can trust me enough to finally share them with me."

When Shiori had sat back Kurama was no longer able to reach Hiei's face. Not wanting to lose the contact Hiei held his hand offering his support. Squeezing Kurama's hand Hiei gave him an encouraging nod.

Leaning down Kurama kissed Shiori's cheek. "I love you Mother, never forget that."

She smiled and returned the gesture. "I love you too Shuuichi."

Kurama drew a deep breath and began his story. "I'm sure you've heard the myths about the three worlds, Reikai, Makai and Ningenkai. They aren't myths Mother. You are currently in the Makai in the castle of a Makai lord. The 'beast' that attacked you was a demon. In fact everyone you have seen since you arrived in this world is a demon."

Pausing, he gave her a moment to comprehend his words. It only took her a moment to look behind her. "Hiei-Chan, are you a demon too?"

Red eyes met hers as Hiei nodded. "Yes Shiori, I am. My father was a fire demon and my mother a Koorime or ice apparition. My powers are those of a fire demon. My sister Yukina takes after our mother and is a Koorime."

Her eyes widened. "I forgot about Yukina being your sister. It's hard to believe that you and that sweet girl can be demons. Shuuichi, how many more of your friends are demons?"

Calmly he answered her. "Yusuke is a demon. Koenma is the son of King Enma of Reikai and Botan is a ferry boat pilot on the river Styx."

She blinked several times. "That's not all is it? You're worried that I'll be afraid of you, even hate you. I know your friends call you Kurama but today those demons looked scared when Hiei called me Yoko Kurama's mother. Explain that please."

Hiei looked away when Kurama looked at him accusingly. "Yes Mother, there's more. I wrote a report in high school about a legendary bandit, a spirit fox named Yoko. Do you remember? I made you read it."

After Shiori nodded he continued. "Twenty two years ago Yoko was shot by a hunter. As his body lay dying he refused to give up his life. His spirit left his body and crossed the barrier from Makai to the Ningenkai. Once there he entered the body of a pregnant, human woman who was about to miscarry her child. Yoko needed the body of the human child to heal his spirit energy."

As he spoke of the pregnant woman Shiori closed her eyes. Reaching out, Kurama turned her to face him and waited until she opened her eyes. "I am Yoko Kurama, a Youko born in the Makai more centuries ago than I care to count. After ten years my spirit energy healed and by age sixteen I regained the ability to take my Youko form."

Kurama waited. After a moment Shiori spoke softly. "My son is a demon. I've always been taught that demons are evil yet you and your friends have never shown me any signs of being evil. In fact I would have said you were all the exact opposite, good and honorable people."

He gave Hiei a smile before he answered. "Many demons are evil mother. In the past that would have included me. In the past I was a thief, even a murderer. Being reborn as your son changed me. Growing up with your lessons of love, honesty and honor made me the man I am today."

Shiori turned when Hiei touched her arm. "The friendship you, Kurama and the others gave me have changed me as well. I still seek the power I did in the past but I will not attain it through evil means as I would have before."

Tentatively Kurama took her hand. "I'm sure this has all been a shock. I'm sorry I lied to you all these years. I truly believed I was protecting you."

Touching his cheek Shiori smiled. "You've given me a lot to think about but one thing hasn't changed. You are still my son Shuuichi and I love you."

Kurama grinned and hugged her. "I love you Mother."

Hearing a commotion outside his door Hiei stood and moved to one of the tall windows. A moment later Mukuro came into the room. At the sight of the severely scared woman with mechanical parts Shiori gasped. Seeing her discomfort Hiei stepped forward. "What do you want Mukuro?"

The demon lord had trouble hiding a grin at her heir's protective gesture. "I hear we have guests. It would be rude if I didn't greet them."

Arrogantly she pushed past Hiei. "Hello Kurama. I'm sure Hiei will agree, this is a pleasant surprise. This creature must be your famous mother that we've heard so much about. Hello, I am Mukuro."

Hiei growled and Kurama glared. Shiori however had other ideas. Gathering her courage she peaked around Kurama. "Hello Mukuro, I'm Shiori, Shu… Kurama's mother. It's a pleasure to finally meet the woman that keeps our Hiei away so much."

Mukuro gave a sly smile. "Funny, I was just thinking the same about you and Kurama. I hope you will both join us for dinner. It will give us a chance to talk about our stubborn children."

Hiei and Kurama looked nervously at each other. The two spent the next ten minutes trying to convince them it would be best if Kurama took Shiori straight home but the women weren't to be swayed. The maid had brought Shiori's cleaned clothes back and she went to change out of the robe she had borrowed.

With Shiori out of earshot Hiei descended on Mukuro. "What the hell are you up to woman?"

She smiled innocently as she watched Kurama come to stand with the man she knew was his lover. "Hiei, Kurama, what makes you think I'm up to something?"

Kurama glanced to make sure Shiori hadn't returned. "Please Mukuro, my mother doesn't know about us. She's just found out we're demons, I'm not sure how she'd react to finding out Hiei and I were once… together."

Mukuro walked over to Hiei's dresser and picked up a photograph. It was of Kurama giving someone a brilliant, loving smile. Only the lovers knew that he was smiling at Hiei when Keiko had snapped the picture over four years ago. "Shiori strikes me as an intelligent woman. She won't have failed to notice that the only personal effects in this room are a small picture of Hiei's sister and this beautiful one of his lover."

Opening the door Shiori reentered the room. "I wish to thank you for your hospitality Mukuro. Your staff has done a wonderful job taking care of me today."

Mukuro gestured toward the door. "Why don't we go down stairs and give these boys a moment alone?"

After they left Kurama immediately turned to Hiei. "Do you think she'll say anything to my mother?"

Hiei's eyes burned red. "I don't know Foxie and right now I don't care."

The redhead gasped when Hiei grabbed him and pulled him into a passionate kiss. It was several minutes before Kurama could speak again. "Gods I needed that Hiei. I missed you Dragon-Heart."

Hiei nuzzled Kurama's neck causing him to tremble. "You wouldn't have to miss me Foxie if you'd just come home where you belong."

With a sigh Kurama pulled away. "Don't do this to me Hiei. We've had this discussion many times. I don't belong here any more and you don't belong in the Ningenkai with me. We'd better get down stairs. I don't want to leave my mother alone."

Hiei opened the door. "Alright Kurama. I just wish…"

Stopping in front of him Kurama placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. "I wish too Hiei but we don't always get what we wish for."

Solemnly, Hiei followed Kurama to find his mother.