The Sea Prince

Chapter 4

OMG I'm sooooo sorry for taking so long. I never meant to take forever, but I had lot's of projects, and 2 tests the past week with important soccer games, I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY SORRY!!!! PLEASE FORGIVE ME!

I know I took a while, but could you please still read this, and review. I really didn't meen to take forever. Besides, this chapter has Youko involved, and Kurama's family, pretty cool aye?

Kurama and Kuwabara swam as fast as they could. Kurama was meters ahead of Kuwabara.

"Kurama slow down!" Kuwabara yelled after his friend who was in a full sprint. Kurama however didn't slow down and didn't listen to Kuwabara. If anything he sped up. "Damn!" Kuwabara muttered and swam as fast as his fins would take him.

Kurama couldn't slow down. He was exerting his fin to the limit, swimming on pure adrenaline. He had often missed concerts and special event due to his… adventurous habit, and Yomi declared that if he missed another, they'd take his favorite food out of the menu. No allowance he could live wit, no hanging out with friends he was ok with, not punching one of his brothers in the face and breaking his jaw after making a crude comment about his back ground would be tough… but taking away his favorite food was simply unbearable. That's why he didn't slow down; his lunch was on the line here!

After 8 minutes of non-stop sprinting Kurama saw it, the city of Atlora, his home. He lived in the castle right in the middle of it all. Along with 6 older brothers, 246 servants, and a father he never once called dad… or father… or papa or any other family name. No he just called him by his name; Lord Yomi king of the ocean, The Sea King. (Except less formal, more like just Yomi.)

Seeing his destination, Kurama sped up ignoring his screaming muscles. I can already hear music from this distance. I AM LATE! Note to self: get a colander. With in 30 seconds, he was there. The castle was beautiful. It was made from pure stalagmite that that was always shining because of the crystals on it. In side was larger then any other palace in the ocean, and land. It was many a giant, beautiful stalagmite on the inside; the walls were silver, with many lovely statues and paintings. The floors were covered in pretty, yet simple decorated carpets and it had many different rooms with large hallways.

Kurama swam through the halls of the palace quickly until he saw the doors to the main ball room where the music was coming from. Slowly he peeked through the door and saw many people, talking and dancing. Many were mermen and women, but there was also fish. Kurama smiled and closed the door.

"I didn't miss it! Thank the oceans!" He muttered out loud and leaned forward on the door.

"Hn, no wonder Father is so mad at you!" An obnoxious came from behind Kurama making him jump. "No shirt, messy hair, AND late for a royal party; what kind of prince are you." It was his brother, Shishiwakumaru, the second oldest son. He was glaring down at Kurama who was panting and massaging his sides which had a horrible cramp in it.

Kurama turned around and smirked at his brother. "Is that all, I thought it was because I spent most my money on clothes and hair products, then I only had failing marks on a simple tests." He responded and made his brother flush with embarrassment and rage. "Oh wait that was you, my mistake."

"Shut up you son of a mistress whore!" Shisiwakumaru hissed and Kurama's grin was erased immediately, and in replace was a glare of death, making Shishi smirk. "Sorry did I touch a nerve, bastard child?"

Kurama's was beyond rage at that point and rushed at Shisiwakumaru as fast as he could. He would have hit him in the face… If some one hadn't grab his hand and restrained him! Standing over Kurama, holding his hand, which was merely 1 inch away from Shishiwakumaru's face, was the first born son. He like Kurama also had blood red hair, but he was more muscular and his hair was shorter.

"Ah, ye can be a re'l jerk sum times Shishi-no-baka!" Said a voice drenched in an Irish accent.

Kurama's eyes widened as he looked at his brother. "…Jin?" Jin just smiled at his little brother, not letting go.

"Ay, Kura-chan, 'you're la'e." he said simply and looked back at Shishiwakumaru who was trembling from the fist in front of him. "An you, ya nee' ta stop pickin on lil Kura-chan 'ere." He scowled. Shishi seemed to snap out of his trance when Jin scowled him and moved quickly away from the 2.

"What do you mean Jin? I was merely telling Kurama something, and he attacked me. He's a very un respectful half breed." Shishi explained and started wiping off some nonexistent dust off his shirt. Jin felt Kurama tense and looked at his little brother with comforting eyes. His trade mark smile appeared suddenly making Kurama flinch.

"One ta'ime…an' no breaken 'is teeth. Go' i'?" he said winking. Kurama blinked then smiled at his older brother.

"Alright Aniki" Jin nodded and let go of Kurama. Kurama swam right at Shishiwakumaru who was too slow to dodge the punch that landed on his cheek. Shishi went flying right into the wall. Groaning Shishiwakumaru put a hand on his cheek and glared at his youngest sibling and Jin.

"Tha'll teach ya ta pick'on Kura-chan for 'aven a diff'ren' mother then we." Jin said looking down at Shishi. It was true though. Kurama wasn't born from the actual sea queen. While she was away, his mother, Mistress Shiori and Yomi fell in love. This wasn't a lustful night between 2 people, no it was love. Once Kurama was born, there was a huge discussion on what would happen to him. Most people thought that Kurama didn't deserve to be a sea prince because of his origin; the queen was certainly against it. However, Kurama soon showed that he was quite worthy at the age of 3 and a half months, when he showed he had water control. (This is when u control water, that's how he threw away the shark.) This is a special ability that usually nobility can only have. So it was decided that once Kurama turned 5 he would be taken away from his mother, and never see her again.

When Kurama was taken away from his mom, he was almost depressed. For 2 years he hardy spoke, got the top marks in class, and barely smiled. Until for some reason when he became 7, he came home smiling, and singing. It was weird for the rest, because he was usually sad. He even started making conversations, when Jin asked what happened Kurama responded "I like someone, and we'll be together forever soon." Jin never told anyone about that and soon after started acting a little protective around Kurama.

Jin was pulled out of his thoughts when he felt Kurama pulling on his arm. "Hey Jin, has the performance happened yet." Kurama asked.

"…oh yeah we 'av a perform'ance…" Jin mumbled thoughtfully. "Na tha asn't appened yet." Jin said smiling and Kurama let out a breath of relief.

Suddenly an announcement was heard through the castle. "Hello, This is a reminder that the show is about to begin. Please may all princes get to the main theater and all the extras, which means you Chu! I repeat…"

Jin sighed; he didn't want to perform in the stupid musical. Kurama wasn't too happy either, he wasn't in the actual musical play…thing but he was the opening act. Slowly they started swimming to the theater.

"A-lo Jin, Kr'ama." Said a big, deep Australian accented, merman. Smiling they both turned to see Chu carrying all the props for the show. "Whoa it's a miracle, K'rama actually remembered a party today; though ya were still la'e mate!" He said smiling and Kurama nodded and flushed a little, embarrassed.

Jin swam up next to Chu and started talking to him. It was a known fact that those 2 were best friends since child hood. It was also well known that Chu tried to flirt with Jin and liked him, but Jin unfortunately never got it. It was like he was flirt resistant. If you tried it, he just thought you were joking, and that's why those 2 weren't a couple; Jin was too dense to pick up on the language of flirt.

The 3 slowly headed to the theater Chu smiled at Jin and muttered to Jin "You know, maybe after wards we should have some…nightly activities." He purred the last part and Jin's eyes lit up.

"Ya mean li'e a slumber party?" Jin said exited.

"Well, um-"

"Thas a great idea; we can read books, tell spooky stories, 'av a pillow fight, change Risho's 'air color in 'is sleep. It'll be great." Jin interrupted Chu.

"Well, um, actually-"

"Le's do it tonight." Jin said happily and patted Chu on the back before he sped up and playfully swam to the theater which was in view now. Chu watched Jin's lovely, blue, tail and is eyebrow started to twitch.

"I love tha' mate o mine, but his density is really starting to bug me." Chu said through clenched teeth. Kurama laughed nervously and put a reassuring hand on Chu's shoulder.

"Don't worry, Jin probably likes you too, but is horrible at realizing flirting. Just go right out and tell him and I'm sure he won't mind." Kurama reassured. "You might even find yourself on top of a withering Jin that night." He said and laughed as Chu blushed.

"YOU'RE TO YOUNGE TA SPEAK LIKE THA!!" Chu yelled and nearly hit Kurama on the head but Kurama dodged and started laughing as he swam away from Chu.

Kurama swam away from Chu until he reached the doors of the theater room. Quickly he closed the door behind him and saw all his brothers getting ready. Jin (1st) was floating upside down looking at his lines, Shishiwakumaru (2nd) was putting as much makeup on as he could to hide his now purple-blue cheek, the 3rd eldest, Risho, was sitting down, calmly looking over his lines as fell, Sasuka, the 4th oldest, was glaring at the lines he had. He loathed the part he got in the musical. Touya, the 5th oldest, was trying to pronounce one of his lines that sounded like a tongue twister, and lastly Shura, who was the 6th oldest, and was rehearsing his part like he was the protagonist. When really he only had a minor part and wasn't really involved.

Shura turned to see him and waved, after he gasped. "OH MY GOD; Kurama's actually here!" he shouted and fell over. Risho, Sasuka and Touya stopped what they were doing immediately and looked at Kurama.

"There's a first for everything."

"Now I owe Jin 10 ching! Damn!"

"Hell must have frozen over, while heaven burned up."

"Okay guys I get it!" Kurama yelled at them blushing. "Just because I do miss a few of these things now and again-"

"You always miss them." Risho interrupted

"SHUT UP PUPPET NOSE! Is no reason you should be surprised."

Risho pouted and mumbled something about his nose being pretty before glaring at his lines again. Chu put down the props and swam up to Kurama. "Wha's wron' Kurama, you're us'ally no' so cold." Jin nodded from his upside down position. Kurama sighed and was about to explain why he was a little on edge but someone came in at the exact moment and started shouting.

"Okay you Sea princes, you better be in costume or else." A very sexy merman said. He had a silvery white tail that seemed to glitter like the sun on the water. His skin was very pale, and he wore a white tunic top the same color as his long hair. He was also the director, and a good friend of Shuichi. Yomi on the other hand hated him and put a curse on him because he stole 2/3rds of the oceans treasures and still hadn't given anything back, or told where he hid it.

"Okay, since Shuichi has skipped again"-

"Um, Youko"- Jin tried to say but was shut up by Youko's glare.

"Chu, you'll be …doing something for the opening act-"

"But"- Touya and Jin tried to say but Youko just kept going.

"The rest of you idiots had just better have remembered your parts by now."

"YOUKO!" everyone yelled at once.

"WHAT?" Youko yelled back and saw everyone pointed behind him all at once. Youko turned to see what was there was. Smiling sheepishly with Chu beside him pointing at his head along with everyone else, was Kurama.

"…Hi," Kurama said nervously, still smiling though. He really had no idea what else to say since Youko's draw had dropped and his eyes had gone huge and commercial. It would be hilarious if it weren't for the fact that he had to agree then he forgot more then he thought. 'Am I really this forgetful? Maybe I just don't listen enough.'

Calmly Youko gained composure and pinched his arm. "…This really hurts…which means, YOU'RE ACTUALLY HERE SHUICHI!!!!" Youko quickly clung to Kurama, giving him the biggest back breaking hug ever. Shuichi was Youko's nickname for Kurama because they both had the same first name.

"Ow ow ow ow ow," Kurama said loudly when he felt so much pressure on his back, there was already a bruise forming from earlier when he hit his back. Youko quickly let go and took a look at the youngest prince.

"Okay, your hairs a mess, you're not in costume, and there's a bruise on your back. So Shuichi, let me say this as calmly as possible, IF YOUR GOING TO SHOW UP PLEASE AT LEAST BE WEARING A DAMN SHIRT!!!"

"Sorry Youko!" Kurama said and coward behind Chu. Youko could be really scary at times.

"Don't worry alls not lost, and, you 3." He yelled pointing at Touya, Shura and Sasuka. "You guys know your parts, so quickly give Shuichi a makeover before 5 minutes while I get his music ready." Youko directed and turned away, so he didn't notice the evil grins his brother gave each other as they slowly turned to Kurama making him hide behind Chu again.

"Please save me." He whimpered but Chu shook his head 'no.'

"This is wah you deserve for saying those words ta me earlier." Chu responded and smirked as Kurama's face dropped.

"I was better off just forgetting," he mumbled before he was grabbed by his brothers.

"Time to pay the consequences for being late little brother" Sasuka said smiling evilly.

""I've always wanted to put your hair in a certain style." Touya grinned while taking a lock of red hair and playfully twirled it.

"Time to properly shine your scales," Shura's eyes shined with evil. Kurama watched all three of his brothers in a terrified matter before the three pulled his arms harshly and forced him into the back room. The others in the room stopped what they were doing when they heard the door slam.

"HELP, WHAT YOU ARE DOING WITH THAT-OW, NOT SO HARD!" They heard Kurama scream.

"HOLD HIM DOWN SO I CAN GET HIS HAIR THE WAY I WANT IT!"

"YES SIR TOUYA!" the other 2 brothers answered. Jin looked wide eyed at the door at that; there was a slamming noise and a couple of "ow"s coming from Kurama. The distant sound of a brush could be heard.

"THAT'S GOOD ENOUGH TOUYA, LET ME GET HIS COSTUME ON"- Came Sasuka's voice but it was interrupted by Shura's.

"NO, SHINING FIRST!"

"Okay you have a point there; the tail would be harder to shine with things covering it."

"JUST LEMME GO!"

"NO!" Three voices followed Shuichi. Shishiwakumaru smirked hearing how annoyed and scared Kurama sounded. 'That'll teach him for punching my wonderful face.' He thought satisfied and he continued applying makeup on his face.

There was a scrubbing sound and more ow's from Kurama from behind the door and Risho subconsciously hug his arms where his purple, almost black scales were.

"Okay, now we put on his out fit, and I have the perfect one, just let me get it from the closet." Came Sasuka's voice and he exited the room and started rummaging through a closet near Shishiwakumaru. Suddenly he saw something covered by a bag and read the tag. "Here it is." He mumbled before going back in the room and he slammed the door shut right behind him. "NOW LET'S PUT IT ON KURAMA!"

"I can at least put a shirt…WHAT IS THAT!!!?"

"It's your costume, what else?"

"Bu-but it's s-so"-

"Let's just put it on him." Shura's voice came.

"Yes, let's do that." Touya's voice came next with some evil in it.

"Wait-NOOOO!" Kurama yelled before his voice was muffled. Chu started shaking; maybe he had gone too far for punishing Kurama.

The door opened slowly after 30 seconds of silence, revealing 3 smiling brothers. "Okay, we now are now done; welcome our new and improved little brother, Kurama the sea prince." They all said at once and moved away at once revealing Kurama. His flaming hair was tied back into 3 small tight buns at the back of his head, 2 neat ones were beside each other with one directly over the middle of the other 2 (like a triangle) with some hair purposely coming out around the bun to frame it, his bangs were mostly over his right eye, somehow Touya made them look slightly longer with bead things in them, the rest was clammy moved towards his left ear. His scales were shined more then usual, making his scales on his arm blended nicely into his skin shine brighter, while making his green tail glitter. The outfit which he was forced to wear, was a very pale green, almost white, with red, thick trimming. The sleeves were the most different and noticeable things however, they were long and spread out (like kimono sleeves) and there was a red cloth like thing that wrapped around the sleeves eloquently. They wrapped around the sleeves like graceful snakes, not tightening them, nor loosening, going up the arms, around his neck, and down the other arm.

Jin whistled while Risho smiled. "We-hoo, Kura-Chan, ya look prettier den a star fishy." said Jin. Chu and Risho nodded but Shishiwakumaru glared at his brother before turning his back on him and putting on more make up.

'Damn it, he's hotter then me, vein bastard.' Shishi thought angrily. Youko came in a second later.

"Okay are we…we…wow!" he muttered as he saw Kurama. 'My god that kid is sexy, best be careful, if I slack and start eating more, he'll be hotter then me. I can't have that.' Youko thought and smiled. "SHU-CHAN YOUR SOOO CUTE!" he squealed and glomped his friend again making Kurama blush more then he was already.

"Um…do I have to wear my hair like this?" he mumbled when he could pull away from Youko. Everyone nodded and Touya grabbed his arms and forced his to look him in the eye.

"You take out your hair out and I'll hurt you!" Touya threatened and Kurama only nodded and trembled a little. It seemed like everyone had to glare at him today. 'Why didn't I just forget like usual?' Kurama thought scared.

"Okay, enough threatening Shuichi," Youko said and put an arm over Kurama's shoulder and Touya backed off. "It's time for him to sing, are you ready Kurama?" he asked gently. Kurama smirked and looked into Youko's eyes.

"Of course, there has to be at least one good act in this performance." Kurama said, making Chu and Jin laugh while the others said "HEY!" at once, but Youko grinned back.

"Then get on stage you little pain." He said playfully pushing Kurama forward and Youko followed behind. Jin and Chu yelled 'good lucks' and 'do goods' with a few 'you'll do fines' here and there until Kurama and Youko were out of sight. Youko looked at Shuichi and noticed that he was more nervous now that he was away from his brothers. "Hey, Shu-chan." He whispered making Kurama jump and turn to him.

"Yes Youko?" He whispered back.

"I changed the song at the last moment, it's the one your mother sang to you." He told him. At first Kurama's expression was shocked, but it turned quickly to a beautiful smile.

"Thank you Youko." He said and gave Youko a one armed hug which Youko didn't return, but he did pat Kurama's head.

"Yea, yea kid, now just do good out there, deal?" Kurama nodded and let go and started swimming to the stage while Youko took a different direction to wards the main ball room. Kurama calmly waited behind the giant curtain of the theater, and waited for Youko, plus the castle guests to arrive.

Youko quickly headed to the main ball room where all the people were and opened the door. Clearing his voice a little he got everyone's attention. "OI IMPORTANT PEOPLE, LISTEN UP!" that's how. "THE OPENING ACT FOR THE CONCERT IS ABOUT TO BEGIN, SO GET PLEASE START SWIMMING TOWARDS THE MAIN THEATURE NOW, OR MISS OUT ON THE YOUNGEST SON, PRINCE KURAMA'S" he emphasized Kurama's name to get everyone's attention-"LOVLY SINGING VOICE, Thank you." He said the last part and bowed. All the people in the room started heading to wards the theater mumbling about Youko's obnoxious attitude. Youko was smiling as he heard the 'feedback' on his little speech. 'I love it when they complain, that makes Yomi look bad.' Youko grinned at the last part. A hand tapped his shoulder making him look strait in the face of Yomi. 'Oh crap!'

"Interesting little way to tell everyone about the show," the king said smiling. Youko smirked.

"It's the only way to make sure the crowd here's me, Yomi." Youko said glaring.

"Is it, well then, have fun directing the show, in a less… attention getting way." He said and smirked as Youko twitched in pain. Youko suddenly collapsed on the ground hugging his arms, slowly; he transformed into a white crab, and started panting. This was the curse Yomi had put over him, whenever he willed it, Youko would be transformed into a crab, or when he lied to Yomi. If Youko wished he could turn into a crab himself but he hardly did that. Smiling over the white crab, Yomi smirked, "hope the musical goes well." He said and swam away. Youko got up on his now 6 legs and glared after Yomi.

"I'll get him for this one day." Youko muttered.

"Hey Youko," Someone yelled at him from behind Youko making him jump.

"Kuwabara, I swear I would kill you if you weren't one of Shuichi's friends." He said turning around to glare at the carp. Kuwabara was wearing a tie, and caring a tray of dirty dishes on his back, but he was still smiling.

"Yea, what ever, snippy," Kuwabara resorted, making Youko clip his claws twice in annoyance. "Any way, would you like a lift; it'll be faster if I help you." Youko glared at him for a moment before he sighed.

"Fine, what ever gold fish"-

"I'M A CARP!"

"I'll accept your assistance for today." Youko continued like he never heard Kuwabara's out burst. Kuwabara mumbled but went close to Youko so he could jump on. Soon the 2 were heading towards the theater, while bickering all the way to the entrance. Kuwabara took Youko all the way to his composing seat. Youko got off the carp, remembering to pinch Kuwabara's unusually puffy fin making him flinch and yelp. With a satisfied grin he slid off, and watched Kuwabara swim away, mumbling about his poor fin. 'That's what he get's for making that snippy comment earlier.' Youko thought satisfied. Raising a baton with his clawed hand, the band suddenly stopped.

"Welcome one and all you rich"- Youko heard a 'ahem' from Yomi who was sitting very close to his seat and was giving him the 'don't you dare' look. "I mean, charming guests, welcome to the musical of, the sinking of Antlantic, performed by the 6 elder sea princes, and an extra…that means you Chu. (suddenly, in the waiting room, Chu sneezed and his eyebrow twitched, 'ah feel like some jerk is talkin abou' me.') However, before the musical starts, there will be an opening act, performed by the youngest sea prince, Shu-I mean Kurama." He quickly corrected himself. "Who still better be on the stage when this bloody curtain opens?" He added putting a bit of threatening in his voice. Yomi hit his head with his hand and sighed.

'I really that crab!' Yomi thought.

Behind the curtain Kurama had a sweat drop behind his head and was smiling nervously, 'I'm not that bad…am I?' he thought. Suddenly he heard the music start and the crowd quieting down. 'Time to start' he thought and quickly composed himself as the curtains raised. When the light hit him, his eyes were closed, and his face was very calm, as if asleep. But he started to sing beautifully.

"If you are lost in your way,

Deep in an awesome story."

Kurama started separating his arms, bringing them from the middle of his chest to they were holding out on his sides, a stream off blue light trailing his hands.

"Don't; be at doubt and stray,

Cling to your lonesome body."

Kurama wrapped his arms around him slowly, and the glowing water that was following his hands, seconds ago, stopped and started making a circle around him.

"Now; you're to close to the pain,

Let all the rain go further."

Kurama uncrossed his hands and again as he raised one hand and lowered the other, glowing blue water followed his finger tips.

"Come, back and kiss me again,

Mother oh do not bother."

Again the new glowing water went into a circle while Kurama brought his hands down to his sides.

"Here now; poor it a pain,

Taking you back to proper ways."

Kurama seemed to gracefully lash diagonally while his fingers dragged the glowing streams, and when his arm was stretched as it could go, glitter seemed to go out of his hands.

"It's so easy to find,

If you could remind me."

Kurama slowly raised both hands; there were 4 circles around his, one diagonal, 1 horizontal, and 2 diagonal going in opposite directions. They all met in the middle though, in front of Kurama's stomach.

"Now, you are lost in your way,

Deep in an awesome story"-

The glitter Kurama made earlier seemed to float all around the blue glowing circles that were now moving. Suddenly Kurama's eyes opened wide and the light was shining off his determined green orbs.

"So; I will find you again,

Kiss you for lonesome bolly."

Suddenly the circles seemed to explode in a unique light and when the people opened there eyes again, they all gasped in aw. There were no more circles, but the entire stage turned navy blue with hundreds of glowing spots that looked like stars, and Kurama was now dancing in the space, carefully avoiding all stars, gracefully and in a delinquent matter. And the song started again, more powerfully then before.

If you are lost in your way,

Deep in an awesome story.

Don't; be in doubt and stray,

Cling to your lonesome body

Now; you're to close to the pain,

Let all the rain go further.

Come, back and kiss me again,

Mother oh do not bother.

Here now; poor it a pain,

Taking you back to proper ways.

It's so easy to find,

If you could remind me.

Now, you are lost in your way,

Deep in an awesome story

So; I will find you again,

Kiss you for lonesome bolly."

In the last line, Kurama went to his original, place and hugged his arms again when suddenly the stars made an extremely large amount of light, and when it calmed down, Kurama had vanished, along with the stars and the navy blue back ground.

Youko got up and bowed, to the crowd who did a tremendous applause. Yomi smirked but noticed that Kurama hadn't came back to bow. Youko also noticed and put his baton down and he cleared his throat again. "Excuse me ladies and gentle fish, there will be a 5 minute break until the play, during that time, there will be food and refreshments given out. Excuse me." He said last part and started swimming best he could towards the stage. Yomi watched the crab go and sighed, he was worried about his son.

Youko quickly swam around the curtains and saw Kurama sitting against the curtains panting, while sweat was mixing in with the water around him. "Shuichi," Youko yelled and swam over quickly to Kurama.

Slowly Kurama opened his eye and smiled at the worried crab in front of him. "Sorry…Youko…Kun. I'm just…really…really…exhausted because I…I… already used a lot of power today…I'm okay just…just really…really….ti-…red…" Kurama said slowly and his eyes finally dropped and he felled asleep right there, and his hair came free of his tight buns, and started floating around his face. Youko sighed, and went to get Chu and the other princes. He would have tried to move Kurama himself but he knew he couldn't do it while he was a crab. So he was going to get Chu to move him, allowing Kurama to have the same dream he had, for the last 5 days that week.

Okay that's it for now, if ypou still read this, I beg yu to review.