Angel of Darkness
Chapter 7: Simple and Powerful
--
/Are you gently sleeping,
Here inside my dreams.
And isn't faith believing,
All power can't be seen
As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me
Everyday/
Three days.
That's how much time has passed since the fateful battle. However, it seemed much longer to the somber Urameshi team, for that is how long a certain red haired fox remained asleep. Yusuke and Hiei made it back to the Temple Genkai with Kurama and the children. Yukina was fortunately able to heal everyone's injuries. Kurama's body, however, was severely paralyzed due to Ryuuki's attack and remained in a comatose state. No one knew what to do but wait, and hope Kurama would sleep it off the effects. Three days passed and still nothing changed. Yuichi and Kamisori visited the temple anxiously every day after school.
Hiei sat alone outside the room where Kurama lay in a death-like sleep. Like the fox, Hiei hadn't moved from that spot. After he and Yusuke came back to the temple, Hiei sent a message out to the remaining demons of his army to retreat back to Makai, and inform Lady Mukuro that she was to be in charge as he, himself, was taking an extended leave of absence. He was not leaving Kurama's side again. He couldn't. Glancing again down at his hand as it clutched the hilt of his sword at his waist; he stared at the gold ring glistening in the sun's rays. The dream was real. Every time Hiei closed his eyes memories of those precious moments replayed through his mind, but like all his past dreams, they ended with him waking up screaming.
Hiei tried to take off the ring thinking the dreams would stop, but for some reason he could never do it. He could feel a certain warmth, which he had never felt before, coming from the ring. Every now and then it would pulse with a slow yet steady beat. It was a heartbeat, but it wasn't his own. In his mind, he had no clue what this meant, however, his heart told him differently.
With almost nervous steps, Hiei reluctantly opened the door to Kurama's room. It took all his strength not to look away from the sleeping fox. The fire demon slowly moved closer. His feet felt like lead as he dropped to his knees beside the red head. His hand on his sword gripped it tighter. He hated seeing his fox in such a vulnerable state. Even though Yukina assured him that Kurama was alive, Hiei would not be able to sleep knowing his beloved mate remained like this. Without looking, Hiei clutched Kurama's limp hand in his own. Suddenly, a quick and strong beat pulsed from Kurama's hand. Hiei's eyes widened and opened his palm. There on Kurama's finger was a gold ring identical to Hiei's, and it was pulsing rapidly. Hiei realized it was mimicking his own heartbeat. He understood now. Kurama held Hiei's heart in his hand, while Hiei held Kurama's, each one keeping the other safe, for always.
--
A young girl brushed away sweat drenched blond bangs from her eyes. It was really hot this day, but it didn't compare to the heat she felt inside. It was like she was burning up. She didn't even have a fever. Kamisori remembered this heat. It was the same as the blue flames that surrounded her three days ago when she tried to avenge her father. The flames were raging deep in the pit of her stomach, and it felt like they would swallow her whole if she lost control of herself.
Trembling, she wrapped her arms around herself, hoping to stop her stomach from flipping over again and again. Kamisori shuffled her feet, kicking the dirt impatiently, as she stood near the front gate of the school. She wanted to leave the school now. She wanted to see her father, to be there when he woke up. Luckily, Kamisori didn't have to go back to her foster parents' apartment. Yuichi's mom had called them and made arrangements to let Kamisori sleepover in Yuichi's room.
Kamisori's fingers tugged nervously at the hem of her dark maroon skirt, and pulled on the sleeves of her light blue sheer blouse. She was thankful to Ms. Keiko and Ms. Yukina for taking her shopping the day after the kidnapping incident. It felt exciting but also a little unnerving. They really didn't have to get the young girl a whole new wardrobe, even if her favorite clothes before got completely burned to ash. They told the young girl that she was like family, and they were happy to treat her special. This made Kamisori happy with tears, and she would have cried if it wasn't for Yukina quickly wiping them away before they fell and solidified into gems. Yukina had told her, she had to be careful not to cry in public, because of her special ability. Tear gems are very rare and sought after by greedy humans.
Kamisori liked her new family. It's been awhile since she felt protected. The only thing that would make it perfect would be if her father was at her side.
That's where she wanted to be right now, but she promised Yuichi she would wait for him.
What was taking so long anyway? She looked toward the school and up at the clock above; a half an hour had already passed since school let out. Her new furry ears twitched uncomfortably beneath her red and black bandana, and her long tail tickled her skin as it curled around her thigh under her skirt. At least it wasn't stuffed into a pair of jeans. She had to keep her new identity hidden to pass as a human girl; even she knew no one was ready to except a half-breed demon girl.
"Kami-chan!"
A familiar voice made Kamisori look up and she let out a big sigh of relief. Yuichi was jogging across the schoolyard, backpack bouncing behind him, and in his hand, he pulled an equally excited Hinata skipping along hurriedly, trying to keep up with her cousin.
"Sorry I'm late!" Yuichi caught his breath when they reached Kamisori. However, Kamisori didn't even get to answer as Hinata anxiously pulled at Yuichi's hand. In her other hand, she waved a large piece of paper with something painted on it. "Let's go! I want to show mommy what I did!" Yuichi grinned sheepishly over at his friend, mouthing a sorry. Kamisori just shrugged with a smirk and reached down grabbing her own bag, and with Hinata leading the way, the trio made their way to the bus stop.
--
Kamisori watched Yuichi and Hinata race up the now familiar stone steps to the serene Temple Genkai. She followed after her friends but they seemed to getting further away from her with each passing step. Or perhaps it was her own slow pace? She didn't want to get her hopes up in the dream that she would be able to run into her father's open arms once she reached the top of the steps. She had that dream for three days now and for three days it never came true. Finally she made it to the top only to freeze on the final step. There coming out of the temple was the mysterious and yet familiar black haired demon. Her father told her he was her Daddy.
Hiei closed the door to Kurama's room behind him as he quietly stepped back into the sunlight though he was still a bit baffled by his discovery. His hand clutched tightly to the robes on his chest. Two heartbeats pulsed side by side. Hiei closed his eyes as if willing Kurama's heartbeat to match his. Suddenly, a certain familiar scent caught his attention. Glancing across the yard, a young girl stood. Hiei knew her from that day. He held her as she fainted. She released so much power; he couldn't believe he hadn't sensed it sooner. Being around humans must have suppressed it.
That night in the shrine, something bothered him about the girl, and it wasn't just her power it was her scent. The next day Yusuke told Hiei that her name was Kamisori, and that she was his and Kurama's daughter, and told the fire demon that Kurama had gotten pregnant. For the first time, Hiei was scared. Though it wasn't uncommon for demon males to conceive, but in human males, it was impossible. Humans lacked the resources demons possessed to perform such treatment. However, even though demons had the knowledge did not make it any less dangerous. Most bearers died in the process. Why would Kurama take such a risk?
Hard red eyes concentrated on the girl as she hesitantly moved toward the house. Hiei didn't move, only sat in his usual spot, back against one of the post. His hand gripped the hilt of his sword unsheathing it, let the sun's rays reflect off the shimmering steel. It was this girl who put his fox's life at risk! However, the longer he stared into her similar red eyes, the looser the grip on his hilt became. He couldn't stay mad. A child is innocent and can't help being born, it's up to its parents to teach it so then it will then be able to choose its own destiny. It was what he, himself, always wished of having.
Sooner than he expected, Hiei found the girl standing not but 4 feet from him. Just then something caught his eye, stretching out his hand, he beckoned the girl closer. One step and than another…
With a hesitant hand, Hiei's fingers caressed the golden locket that rested against Kamisori's chest. "I gave this to Kurama…" He started softly, not looking at the girl, "It's made of a precious and rare stone in Makai, equivalent to pure Ningenkai gold, but much more valuable." Hiei didn't know why he was explaining such a small item. "Why would Kurama entrust such a precious and expensive gem to a child?" But as he looked up into the girl's bright rust-like eyes, he understood. "Kurama must also consider you precious, but also strong enough to knew you would be able to keep it safe."
His hand fell away and he slumped back, looking at the door which he came through. "I wanted to give Kurama everything I could, the world, all the power I possessed. I didn't want him to be torn, to have to choose between me and Makai, and Ningenkai."
Kamisori listened quietly keeping her gaze with her father. This is the first time she had spoken to him or even got close to him. She was ecstatic and wanted to hug him; and although she felt drawn to him same as her papa, something else kept her distance, something cold. Seeing him look away breaking contact, broke her and almost made her cry but she steeled herself, remembering Yukina's warning. Taking off the locket, she placed it in his hand and closed both their hands around it. Seeing him quickly look back with surprise, she knew she had his attention.
"I know I can't speak for my father, but my whole life, ever since I was born, I wanted to know a family's love, to be hugged, a kiss on the cheek. I wanted to feel protected, to be held when I was scared or alone, or taken care of when I was sick. I don't want to control anyone. I just want to be accepted!"
Hiei's eyes flew wide open. It was that same thing he wished for as a child raised among thieves; every night alone. He knew exactly how she felt. "I can't help you with that, I never had that either as a child." Hiei turned his face away; no one helped him so why should he help her?
But Kamisori kept her hands grasped around his, gripping them firmly, "Then why don't we start now?"
Suddenly, Kamisori pounced, throwing her arms around Hiei's neck, and buried her face into his spiked yet surprisingly feather soft black hair. Hiei's eyes were wide, but he didn't push the girl away. Instead, he wrapped his arms tentatively around her, and pulled her close. The scent of her hair nuzzled under his nose made the fire demon groan. She had Kurama's scent. Hiei hugged the girl closer; one hand caressing her smooth black hair, as it gently removed the bandana and began stroking her soft silver fox ears. He smiled when he heard her start to purr lightly. He remembered his fox always loved having his fox ears stroked. The two didn't know how long they sat there in each other's embrace, but they didn't care. Hiei found comfort from which he thought only his fox could give him. Kamisori was just happier she had ever been. At least half of her dream came true. She was in her father's arms. No one would take him away from her this time.
The days passed by even slower than usual, until finally it was the weekend again. But the cheerful brilliant rays of the warm sun could not brighten the gloomy spirits around Temple Genkai. Kurama continued to lay in peaceful a state of unconscious.
The old gang sat huddled on the floor of the huge gathering space inside, talking, drinking their worries away. All the while, the young generation played outside among the three of them with Hinata's favorite pink ball.
"Hinata!" Yuichi shouted, exasperated. The boy rushed over to the little girl, who stood between the makeshift goal posts, stubbornly clutching the ball in her hands. "I know being the goalie allows you to use your hands but you have to throw it back so we can kick it again." Hinata huffed and hugged the ball closer. The boy sighed deeply, "Come on, we'll kick it right back to you. Just give me the ball." Yuichi lunged for it, but Hinata turned away, causing the boy to fall flat on his face. Kamisori stood across the yard waiting for Yuichi to get the ball back. She watched at the same time she tried to cover up her uncontrollable fit of giggles beneath her hand. "Please, Hinata, give me the ball!" Yuichi scratched his head trying to think of a way to get the ball. Just then, it hit him. He rubbed his head with the ball bounced off and watched as it landed on the ground, bumping his foot. Picking up the ball, Yuichi turned back to Hinata, who just giggled cutely. "You were supposed to say please!" Yuichi slapped his forehead, while Kamisori just couldn't take it and doubled over with laughter.
The game continued; and stopped every time Hinata caught the ball, not giving it up until one of them said the "magic word".
"Kami-chan, it's your turn!" Yuichi shouted as he passed Kamisori the ball and she received it with her foot. Aiming it, she pulled back kicked it hard sending it whizzing over Hinata's head and deep into the dark woods just beyond the yard.
"I'll get it!" Yuichi cried as he rushed over in the ball's general direction, but stopped hearing Kamisori's voice.
"No, it was my fault! Let me get it." Suddenly, a blur rushed past Yuichi and he found Kamisori standing at the edge of the forest. She was about to trample through the thick brush, when little Hinata's cry stopped her. "No, you can't! Our mommies and daddies say it's too dangerous to go in there alone!"
"Don't worry, I won't go too far." Kamisori reasoned with the young girl, "Yuichi, why don't you stay here with Hinata?" Yuichi nodded, "Okay, but be careful and hurry back!" Kamisori smiled and disappeared behind the trees.
It didn't take her long to find the ball. The only problem was getting it down. It had gotten stuck among the branches of a tall tree. She was about to start climbing it, when she heard a rustling nearby. Curious, she followed the sound. It sounded too small to be a dangerous demon, but her daddy had told her never to underestimate even the tiniest sound. Deeper, she stepped off the beaten path. The sound grew louder. Now there were male voices and Kamisori froze. She ducked behind a thick tree just outside a small clearing. Rust eyes peered around and gasped. Three teenage boys were gathered, laughing, kicking at some kind of metal. Trying to get a better look, she saw a small red fox with three tails! It had bruises all over and it yipped in pain as the boys kicked it and poked its tails with long sticks.
"What a little freak!" They laughed as they tortured the poor thing. The fox yipped and tried to get away but it was trapped. Kamisori watched in horror. The mocking jeers echoed through her mind. She never wanted to hear that word again! She wasn't a freak, no one was! We were all special in our own way; it's how we use our gifts that determine who we are.
Angry, rust eyes began to glow and her energy flared. Sparks crackled from her fingers. She jumped from her hiding place, "Leave it alone!" She cried, and in a flash she charged the boys, tackling them head on. After several strong blows, the boys lay on the ground holding them stomachs in pain. Above them stood Kamisori in a fighting stance, bright red eyes glowed menacingly. She was ready for more, but they were not, and whimpering they ran off.
The girl sighed with relief and turned back to the little fox. She could see why it couldn't escape. It leg was caught in a metal bear trap. The small animal struggled more as Kamisori came closer. "I'm not going to hurt you." She said this as she reached for the trap and gritted her teeth, prying the jaws of the trap open. When the fox was free, it didn't run off, but limped toward the girl nuzzling its face into her skirt. Carefully picking up the animal, something tugged at her heartstrings as she looked into the animal's bright silver eyes. She wondered if her daddy would let her keep it as a pet, but then again, this was a demon fox, what normal fox has three tails? However, she couldn't do anything now, it was hurt. Maybe Hinata's mother could heal it?
Kamisori soon found her way back to the temple. She didn't know how, she was utterly lost before, but her fathers' scents somehow led her way. As soon as she found her way out of the forest, she was confronted with a new problem. All the grownups surrounded her with a worried gaze. "Why did you run off?" "What if something happened to you?" Kamisori just shrugged her shoulders, and she looked up meeting equally worried yet stern red eyes. "I just wanted to get Hinata's ball-" She stopped seeing Yusuke holding out a familiar pink ball. He must have gotten it when they went to look for her. Hinata jumped and ran over to Yusuke, happily stretching out her arms, to which he placed the ball safely into. "I was going to get it, but these boys were beating it and it was trapped and hurt. I couldn't leave it alone!" Kamisori rambled off. Hiei, along with everyone else didn't know what she was talking about. The fire demon was the first to approach the girl. "What do you have?" He said coldly, and Kamisori began to fidget nervously. She held out her arms. "I was hoping Aunt Yukina could heal it…"
Suddenly, the fox's head looked up from the red fluff ball it had curled up into. Silver eyes glanced around at everyone. It sniffed the air, and red ears perked happily. In a flash, the fox leaped from Kamisori's arms and dashed towards the temple. "Did that fox have three tails?" Yusuke asked aloud, shocked like the rest as they watched the young kitsune dash around the yard as if trying to pick up a scent. The group scrambled about trying to catch it, but it proved too fast, even with its limp. They saw it open one of the sliding doors. Hiei knew that room. Everyone did. That was Kurama's room!
'It is not going to hurt my fox!' With a growl, Hiei charged after it and threw open the door. There lay Kurama sleeping and unmoved. The kitsune sat on its hind legs next to the sleeping figure. One of it front paws rest over Kurama's hand. Its tails flipped about sadly.
"Who the hell are you?!"
Hiei shouted at the top of his voice. No one was allowed in here until his fox woke up, and Hiei was to see to it that that rule was enforced.
"You have nothing to fear from me, Lord Hiei, please lower your weapon" The kitsune turned around, silver eyes piercing through the dark shadows of the room. Hiei didn't lower his sword. The kitsune was speaking through telepathy. "I only came to visit, and to help my master, Youko Kurama."
"How do you know Kurama?" Yusuke pushed himself into the room as Kuwabara ushered the girls and the kids out, just in case things got too dangerous.
Just then, the kitsune's energy flared and Yusuke and Hiei readied themselves to attack, but Yusuke soon fell back. A woman was knelt where the kitsune previously sat. She had flowing fiery red hair, her head was bowed low. She wore a sheer pale red tunic and matching short skirt that accented every curve of her voluptuous and slim body. "He was my master, but I also considered him my father." This time Hiei was curious and lowered his sword. Hearing the "f-word", Kamisori poked her head back in.
"I should explain." The Kitsune replied sensing the curiosity filling the room, "My name is Youko Karine.
"I've known Youko Kurama my entire life. My mother had stumbled across one of his dens while running from an ambush of hunters. She was severely injured trying to protect me since I was only an infant, and had not even opened my eyes yet. Kurama tended to her wounds but it was too late. She pleaded with him with her dying breath to take and raise her child. Kurama honoured my mother's death and took me not as his child but as his apprentice. When I was old enough, he taught me plant manipulation and medicinal herbs. He also taught me thievery. Then one day, he vanished without a trace." Karine paused a moment, her tail curled and her ears flattened against her hair. "I continued his teachings in hopes he would come back, but I had learned Youko Kurama had been killed by a hunter. I was even more determined to carry on his work, so I added Youko to my name. It was during the Dark Tournament in human world that I learned my master was alive and I waited for him, since I had no way of getting to Ningenkai myself. Finally, during the Makai tournament, I was reunited with him." Karine smiled fondly, remembering, her tails flipped happily behind her and her ears perked up. "He looked so beautiful even more so than he did before…" She smiled as her head turned longingly toward the red headed sleeping figure, but jerked quickly back hearing the sound of steel sliding through its sheathe. "He was still my teacher and my guardian; I hold only the utmost respect and loyalty to him. It wasn't until three years later he found me out again, and asked for my help." She turned her gaze up and silver eyes pierced through to red as she smiled. "He confided to me that he was in love and told me of you Lord Hiei. He wanted me to help him find an herb that would allow him to bear a child." Karine saw the look on everyone's faces. They all were reading 'why?' and Karine just chuckled lightly. "It's because of Lord Hiei. Master Kurama loved him dearly. He told me that he wanted to give Hiei the kind of family which he had never known. I promised to help and we arranged to meet when he came to term, so we could deliver the baby safely in Makai. Master then planned to take the child and go to Alaric."
"So I would've been raised as a demon?" Kamisori asked curiously, peeking from behind Hiei's shoulder. She nearly startled the fire demon. Hiei was too lost in the story. Kurama would have willingly left Ningenkai, his home?
Karine just smiled at the young girl, "It's who you are little one." Karine paused again, silently staring at Kamisori and she sighed, "You're exactly as your father imagined you to be, very beautiful, and also very brave when you help me from that trap and those bullies." At that Hiei jerked his head around at Kamisori, who merely shrugged sheepishly.
"But that's not what happened, is it?" Yusuke pointed out, realizing that the story wasn't over yet. Silver eyes grew sad and her ears and tail fell again. "Master never met me, and I was worried. The plant was meant to make a male demon pregnant. I suppose the strain on his human form was too much to carry to full term."
"Why didn't you just come to me?" Hiei shouted, jumping to his feet. Red eyes glistened with unshed worry. He reached over and grabbed the vixen by the collar of her blouse.
Karine kept her head bowed. "Master Kurama wanted to surprise you. I know I should have gone to you Lord Hiei, but Kurama gave me an order as a friend," Silver eyes turned up to meet red straight on, "and I would never betray his trust."
Hiei's gripped loosened and Karine fell limply from his grasp, though flinched as her injured wrist tried to steady her. She cradled it awhile.
"Hiei, what are you going to do now?" Yusuke asked when he saw Hiei grow silent.
"I wanted to build an army to combine the two worlds. It was all for Kurama…" Just then he looked down and saw Kamisori tugging on his sleeve.
"Daddy, I've seen good demons and bad demons. I've also seen good humans and bad humans. That won't change if you combine the worlds. Nothing's going to change except more fighting. I don't want to fight anymore…" Hiei could see the unshed tears shining in his daughter's shimmering pale red eyes. He couldn't help but smirk, "You're sounding more and more like Kurama."
Hearing this, Kamisori, for the second time, pounced against her daddy and hugged him tight. She smiled as she immediately received one back.
Seeing the two were busy, Yusuke decided to question the vixen. "Karine, you said that Kurama is alive?" Both Hiei and Kamisori looked up, identical red eyes focused on the vixen, and she nodded.
"Master Kurama is only in a deep sleep. It's a side effect because the goddess' spell was interrupted and therefore incomplete."
"Goddess?" Yusuke interrupted, "You mean like Koemna from Reikai?"
Karine shook her head, "No, Aurora isn't from Reikai or any of the three worlds but another parallel plane altogether. She's called a Tenshi. Every one thousand years, one Tenshi enters into this realm to help maintain the natural order and balance in the universe. I believe some call her the Angel of Destiny."
"But what does she have to do with Kurama?" Hiei barked as if he were giving an order to his army. His fist trembled eagerly near the hilt of his sword, but Karine remained calm with her eyes level with everyone in the room.
"They knew each other long ago when Kurama was only a young kit. She took care of him for awhile after learning that his own parents were no where to be found. They became friends, but back then Youko Kurama was wild and free and claimed no one would tame him so they both parted ways. It wasn't until 12 years ago that he sought her out." Karine's smile brightened as her gaze focused once more on Hiei, and her hand pointed to the ring on his finger. "That ring you wear is proof that the spell Aurora performed worked, but like I said it is incomplete. Your souls were bonded together." Seeing the confusion on Hiei's face, Karine continued, "Only true love could have made that spell possible for the goddess to perform. The love you hold in your hearts made it possible for those rings to be forged."
"How do you know this?" Hiei asked carefully. So that's why he could feel Kurama's heartbeat pulse from his ring and vice versa. But something still didn't sit right, and he hugged Kamisori closer to his chest.
"After the spell was interrupted, Aurora searched me out," Karine answered Hiei's silent question, "She knew of my relation to Youko Kurama and relayed to me what had happened. She was the one who gave me passage into Ningenkai."
"So what happens now?" Yusuke wondered, looking back and forth between Hiei, Karine and Kurama. The vixen just shrugged, "It's up to Hiei. Only he can complete the spell, or he can walk away and Youko Kurama will remain asleep…forever." Her words became soft and slow as she came to the end.
Looking down at the little girl in his arms, Hiei brushed a hand through Kamisori thick black hair, "I want you to go outside and play with the others." He didn't want her to witness what he wasn't even sure would work. He didn't want her to get her hopes up and be disappointed. He didn't want to see her cry. Kamisori looked up at her daddy in shock that he would send her away, and her petite hands clung to his robes. However, as she met his stern gaze, she knew. He was protecting her from getting her heart broken again. With one more hug, Kamisori reluctantly pulled herself away from her daddy's embrace. Her padded feet echoed through Hiei's mind as he watched her exit.
Turning back to the vixen, Hiei's fist clenched and his red eyes glowed, "I'm not abandoning my mate!" He growled, "What do I have to do?"
Karine's face brightened, "If I remember correctly, Aurora said that Human traditions are merely based on demonic and celestial rituals, which have been exaggerated over time. What did humans say now? Oh, yes, you may now kiss your bride."
At this Hiei's face flushed darker than his mate's red hair, but it soon vanished and his eyes flared up hearing a stifled laughter behind him. Hiei turned to see Yusuke holding his stomach tight. He looked like he was about to burst. The fire demon growled as he stood, "GET OUT!" He roared, "Leave now before I send you through the wall!" Still sputtering a few laughs, Yusuke muttered a few quick, yet half-hearted apologies and slipped away. Hiei, who still fuming turned his glare to the vixen, "You too; OUT!" Karine jumped, startled, but bowed her head in obedience. Her energy flared, and the small red fox limped quickly out the door. Maybe she could find Ms. Kamisori again and this Yukina. Her leg was hurting really bad now.
Hiei was finally alone.
His energy rage died quickly his gaze fell upon the still form of Kurama; his fox, his mate. The only person he wanted to spend his long demon life with. Kurama had taught him what he thought never existed before. Hiei wanted to give back, to give Kurama everything he attained and possessed. Though, Kurama deserved much more. Here he thought Kurama had given him everything, but that crafty fox was always surprising him.
"Stupid fox…" Hiei mumbled as he collapsed to his knees at Kurama's bedside. Kurama always scared Hiei. It was as though the fox had no regard for his own life. Hiei's fist clenched tightly at his side, and his teeth gritted. Every day, he could lose his fox so easily.
Hiei closed his eyes, remembering the vixen's words. If this worked, he was going to keep that fox on a short leash! The fire demon swooped down and steadied his body over the sleeping red head, but stopped not but a breath away. Hiei hovered a long moment, staring at the peaceful face. Tears soon clouded his vision and Hiei pushed himself away, slamming his fist to the floor. This was stupid! No way could a simple kiss bring back his Kurama! The sound of shimmering red gems began echoing against the hard wood floor went unnoticed in the peaceful silence.
"Hiei…"
A voice called out, but it was so soft, it was hardly coherent against the quiet sound of the gems.
"…Hiei…"
The voice was straining itself to be heard but to no avail. Hiei's senses had closed up, and almost nothing could penetrate the Jagan's barrier.
Suddenly, the ring on Hiei's hand made him jump. The slow and steady pace had skipped a beat, giving a few hard pulses, vibrating against Hiei's hand.
Red eyes flew wide open, shock and hope colored them. He shook himself mentally making sure he wasn't dreaming. His hand expelled the tearstains on his cheeks, sending a few more small gems across the room. Too many times has the fire demon awoke screaming Kurama's name. But there, a long, slow breath escaped past Kurama's lips. Hiei put his hand to the red head's chest and waited with baited breath. The rise and fall was too few and far between to be deemed 'only sleeping'.
"Please, Kurama…" Hiei murmured softly.
"Don't leave me…" The fire demon then cast aside all reason in his mind and captured Kurama's slow chilled breath in his warm kiss.
/'Cause you are mine…
Forever Love/
At that moment, both rings started glow with an ethereal light, brighter than a super nova. However, the light went unnoticed by the two preoccupied demons. Hiei closed his eyes and prayed to every god or goddess in existence to give him this miracle. The rings began to pulse, one beating faster and faster but with a nervous tremor, while the other gradually gained strength to match its pair in sync.
Just then, a gentle hand rose up and gingerly touched Hiei's cheek. Surprised, Hiei pulled away quickly with a gasp. His breath hitched in his throat. He stared blankly into beautiful emerald eyes, sparkling against the rays of the setting sun that shown through the open window.
"Hiei…is that really you, or is this just another dream?" A faded whisper broke through the silence. Hiei gave a rare smile and to dispel Kurama's doubts, he kissed his mate again, with overwhelming passion. Feeling his love relax and smile against the kiss. Hiei combed trembling fingers through thick red hair, while the other hand slipped around Kurama's waist. He held his fox tight, pleading to himself to not wake up, but that was soon driven out of his mind as feather-soft smooth skinned arms caressed over Hiei's shoulders, tickling his warm skin with its cool touch and wrapped around the fire demon's neck, and thus deepening the kiss.
Kurama pulled away, shimmering emeralds rimmed with tears. It had been so long since they saw such beautiful ruby eyes. For days now, all he saw was cold darkness. He let his fingers tentatively trace along the pale cheek brushing away the welling tears and a small red gem fell into his palm. "I'm sorry Hiei, I could hear you…I heard everything…" Kurama whispered; his voice clouded with sleep. "But I couldn't wake up. I'm sorry I made you cr-" Before he could finish his sentence Hiei silenced him with another heated kiss, and Kurama, though surprised, purred his throat, submitting to his mate, his love.
Meanwhile, sensing a great surge of energy and noticing an intense light shining from Kurama's room, everyone else in the house was startled from their regular talk. They had all sat down to dinner with their new friend, when silverware and porcelain suddenly jumped from their hands and crashed to the floor, shattering to pieces. Startled, they all leapt to their feet and rushed along the corridor. Thanks to Yukina's healing, Karine was able to sprint ahead and knelt down, putting her sensitive ear to the frame.
"Stop!" She whispered urgently to the others as they came barreling around the corner and screeched to a halt. They all shared a look of confusion as Karine put a finger to her lips; a secret smile lay underneath.
However, one pair of youngsters didn't hear the warning. Hinata was already tucked into her warm bed and sleeping soundly. Yuichi and Kamisori burst around the corner in a frantic rush of stomps against the floor. The gang tried to block the kids from entering, to keep their innocent eyes clean of what they might witness. Yusuke managed to scoop up his son into his arms after the boy nimbly dodged Kazuma and Keiko. Kamisori proved, however, to be more difficult to catch. Karine captured the girl's wrist just as she reached the door frame. Kamisori swiftly turned her face and harshly glared at the vixen, red eyes glowing dangerously. She jerked herself away, but stumbled, sending her crashing through the door's fragile frame.
Everything grew silent again as several pairs of eyes stared curiously beyond the broken door and into the shadows of the room.
Kamisori didn't want to look up. She didn't want to be disappointed again. She lay quietly on her hands and knees, trembling. Her eyes were closed, pleading, praying that this wouldn't be just another dream.
"Haven't you dorks ever hear of knocking?"
A gruff voice cut through the silence and everyone looked up with gasp mixed with surprise and relief. Hearing this, Kamisori raised her head and her eyes, brimming with tears, widened. She stared into a beautiful emerald gaze accompanied with a serene smile. Kurama was sitting up on the futon, with his back resting against a few pillows. Hiei was sitting opposite of him; he lay reclined at the fox's bedside. His hand rested protectively over the hilt of his sheathed sword.
As Karine went to pull Kamisori back to give the two demons their privacy, uttering some whispered apologies at her master, Kamisori slipped from her grasped once again and in a blur found herself nearly tackling her papa, carelessly throwing her arms around his neck, burying her face into his shoulder. Kurama was surprised but smiled as he regained his balance and returned the embrace, draping his arms protectively around her.
"I've missed you too Fire Blossom." He whispered, not daring to raise his voice higher for fear of tears cracking through his exterior. "I love you…" His soft words lingered, echoing in her ears, making her smile.
Feeling his daughter stiffen slightly, feeling someone gently caress her sensitive fox ears. Kurama just smiled, and whispered into her ear, like a secret, "It's okay baby…it's only your Daddy. Why don't you say hello?" Kamisori raised her head and saw a trustful sparkle in green eyes, and she turned herself, still in her papa's arms to come face to face with Hiei, her father. They held each other's red gaze as if they were telepathically speaking to each other. Hiei brushed his hand through her black mop of hair, and down her pale cheek. He gave a slight smile, and she returned it. Her face brightened. Hiei then shifted his gaze to Kurama, "She's beautiful, Kurama," he whispered softly, "just like you…"
Kurama chuckled; his hand brushed away a stray tear from his cheek. "Funny Hiei; I was going to say the same thing to you."
"Hey Kami-chan! I was right! Uncle Kurama and your father were the same person!"
Kamisori turned her head to see Yuichi, grinning triumphantly like the little fool he was. Everyone laughed at the boy's playful innocence, as well as Kamisori's blushing cheeks, as she blew rasberries at him. Kurama hugged her close and leaned in to kiss her cheek. Hiei only growled in the back of throat but loud enough for everyone outside to hear and they took the hint left the reunited family to their peace. The door was left forgotten in pieces on the floor.
Later that evening, close to midnight, long after all good little children had been tucked in to their own warm beds. The young ones clutched to their friendly stuffed animals in order to protect themselves from the "evil creatures" that lurked in the shadows. While the older gang clung to their mates, happy to be together and safe in the arms of the one they truly love.
However, not everyone slept peacefully. After tossing and turning restlessly, the sheets around her were thrown off and now scattered across the floor. With the little blue animal clutched to her chest, little Kamisori found herself shuffling her padded feet along the cold floor of the long dark hall. Each creak of the floorboards sent a shiver up the little girl's spine and she hugged the animal closer. Her sensitive furry ears flattened against her head. Hesitantly, she stepped up to the room. A long black cloth draped over the doorway, hiding the inside. Kamisori raised her hand to knock on the nearby wall panel, but flinched as she heard the familiar voice which she would come to love so much. "Come in, Fire Blossom, no need to be afraid anymore."
Kamisori pulled aside the cloth, and instantly felt like crying. Brilliant green eyes smiled at her through the darkness. Kurama lay draped across his bare-chested well muscled fire demon, while Hiei lay back with his eyes closed, contently threaded his fingers, memorizing every detail, through that soft silky red hair.
"I- I couldn't sl- sleep papa…" Kamisori stuttered as she hid another blush beneath her stuffed protector.
Kurama smiled and stretched out his hand with a welcome gesture, and instantly Kamisori stepped closer to take it. She was so close when a dark figure bolted up, blocking her path to her papa. Her eyes started to blur as she stared up into her daddy's stern gaze. Hiei gave a reluctant sigh and pushed back the blanket that covered the pair, "Just for tonight."
The little girl smiled and her fox ears perked up happily, her tail swishing back and forth as she pounced over her daddy and wrapped her arms around her papa, happily cuddling into his chest. Hiei settled back down, pulling the blanket over the three of them. Then grasping Kurama's arm, he pulled him close enough not to crush the child between them, but still give his beloved mate a heartfelt kiss. He pulled back, and found himself absentmindedly stroking his daughter's dark hair and silver ears. He kept his gaze though on his beloved fox. "She's never going to learn to face her fears and challenges like this fox."
Kurama smiled and returned the kiss, "And when she's ready," he whispered back, "we'll be the ones to teach her, Hiei-love." Kurama gave his dragon one more kiss before nestling his head against the soft pillow, "For now, let her be an innocent child. This is why she has us to protect her."
Watching green eyes steadily drift close and feeling the call sleep come over them, Hiei smirked lightly, "You're too soft fox."
Kurama released a chuckling breath, and reached over to interlace his hand with Hiei's free one. Their rings clinked quietly as they came together as sleep claimed the loving family.
"I love you too, Dragon."
THE END
Yes, this is the end, whew…finally, and it ended happily, so not the original plot I had in mind…yeah, I originally had Kurama truly dying but I gave Hiei and Kamisori a break and gave them a happy ending. Else wise, I just know would have suffered at the hands of Hiei's black dragon. shivers in fright or maybe that's my cold that I'm trying to fight, anyway, I hope you all enjoyed the few that have been reading this, and I hope all who have started reading review. They are very much appreciated! Greatly, you have no idea how much I appreciate reviews. But I digress…
There will be an Epilogue to this! Yes, it's not. quite. done. yet.
Now I have to get to bed…I'm fighting a 'comes and goes' illness and it is 1:00 in the morning! But this was the only way and time I could get my body to sit still in front of my computer long enough to finish typing... yeah….
Signing off and going to sleep now…
Danica Loy
"zzzz"
Okay, after a good long nap, I forgot to mention there are a few people I want to thank!
First is Hiei-Minamino-17 for letting me use her character Kamisori as I saw fit, even reducing her to an 8 year old…I loved that little kit to death throughout this whole thing!
Also, ShioriFoxiesmom…you're stories have just been a joy to read again and again. I get so much inspiration from them. Thank you for reviewing and I wish you luck in your future stories, I'm sure they will be equally as wonderfully written.
And of course to all who have read it…the few and the proud who want to admit it…by reviewing.
Okay, Lastly, I had written this story with inspiration from drawings and muse and other crap I have done as well as Hiei-Minamino-17 has done, (she does really great work and some of the pics are just so cute and sweet.) If you want to see them, let me know I will send them to you for your viewing pleasure, a few of them are of the dance sequence in chapter 6 and one is of the loving family cuddled in one bed. Also go to youtube and you will find my preview for this story "Wherever you go, can I follow?" yeah it's in the ending...
One more thing, the song is "To where you are" by Josh Groban. It is very beautiful and very powerful. To let you know I didn't use the whole song because I changed the ending and gave it a happy ending…sigh meaning I didn't kill Kurama. Hiei put down the katana!
