The Childhood Friend of Kurama Part 11: Babysitting and Truth Telling

I smiled as I held Keikoku in my arms, her having just woken up from a nap. I had stopped by to see how she and Ayame were adjusting to life in Spirit World, and Ayame needed to step out to visit Spirit World Hospital. Since she was a human, Koenma recommended her getting looked at by Spirit World doctors to make sure the new environment wasn't putting a strain on her body.

Flashback

Ayame invited me into the mansion and offered me a seat.

"So, what brings you by here?"

"I came to see how you and Keikoku were doing."

"Oh, we're doing fine. Keikoku is finally walking now and ever since she learned how, she's been following me just about everywhere. Can't go anywhere without her being behind me."

I chuckled as the subject of our little talk walked into the room and held out her arms to me, telling me she wanted to be held. I carefully picked her up and placed her on my lap. At this point, Ayame stood up and was heading for the door.

"Leaving?"

"Koenma wasn't sure if my systems would have a strain on them due to me living in a new environment, so he suggested I visit the doctors at Spirit World Hospital to have them take a look at me."

"That's a good idea. Not many humans can handle it here."

As if realizing her mother was leaving, Keikoku looked at her as she headed for the door. I smiled and gently placed a hand on her head.

"No need to worry, Keikoku. Your mother will be back soon. She just needs to visit the doctor, then she'll be back."

Keikoku seemed to know everything would be okay because she soon became sleepy. Once she was put into bed, I sat down and waited for Ayame to come back, hoping it wouldn't take too long.

End Flashback

Keikoku had woken up before Ayame's return, so I was keeping her company.

"I understand why you've become attached to her. She's a delight to be around, a good person to talk to..."

I stopped as I realized what my thoughts were trying to tell me. I had been having thoughts like these for a while, but never really thought much of it until now. Ayame meant a great deal to me, and now that feeling was bigger because of this new discovery.

'I don't believe it. I have feelings for my best friend.'

Fast Forward

After Ayame came back and relieved me of my babysitting duty, I headed home so I could tell my family the truth about me. I could only hope that they would take it well. Upon entering the house, I noticed, thankfully, everyone was sitting in the living room. Kokoda stood up as I sat in a recliner beside the couch.

"I don't like that look, Shuichi. Something's bugging you, isn't it?"

"Observant as always, Kokoda. Yes, something has been on my mind for a while, something that I must tell you about."

My stepfather looked at Mother, then looked at me.

"What seems to be the problem?"

"You must not 'freak out' from what I'm about to tell you all. I...I'm not really 'Shuichi Minamino'. I'm actually a fox demon called 'Kurama'. You see, I was a thief and had just about met my end at the hands of a pursuer. With the last of my energy, I transferred my soul into the unborn baby of a human woman."

Mother gasped as she looked at me.

"Y-you mean me?"

"Yes, Mother. I was born as 'Shuichi' and lived a normal human life. Then at the age of 10, I discovered my true identity and regained my past memories."

"10? Wasn't that around the time Ayame stopped being friends with you?"

I sighed and looked at her.

"That is correct."

After that was said, I began telling them all about the Spirit and Demon Worlds, about what Team Urameshi does, and about Ayame's new powers and living situation. Once the explaining was done, all was quiet. The first to speak was my stepfather.

"Does anyone else know about this?"

"Not many, Father. Because of an incident a few years ago, an old classmate of mine as well as two others that live in Mushiori City know. Other than the people I told you about, no one else knows. I have been given permission to tell you and Ayame because of the roles you've played in my life, but you must not tell anyone else."

Kokoda nodded and smiled.

"So, what do we call you?"

"I think his human name should be what we call him. It is, after all, the name he was born with here."

"You may call me whatever is comfortable with you, Mother."

With the knowledge that everything went well, I headed outside to take it all in.

"They...accepted who I truly am."

"Hn, they'd be fools if they didn't."

I chuckled as Hiei appeared in a tree near the house.

"What brings you by here, Hiei?"

"Yukina and the fool weren't home, so there was no point in hanging around. How'd it go?"

"My family took it better than I thought they would. I could tell my mother was surprised, but she took it well."

Hiei nodded and leapt from the branch he was sitting on.

"What's the update on Keikoku?"

"She and Ayame seem to have adjusted to life in Spirit World. She also seems to have taken a liking to me. Just about everytime I see her, she always wants me to hold her."

"Perhaps, Kurama, she's beginning to see you as a father. You've been around her as much as Ayame has since she was placed in her care. Seems to make sense."

"It's possible, but it's too soon to tell. After all, she was found by us only a few days ago."

Footsteps were heard, causing Hiei to say a quick goodbye and leave. I turned to see Kokoda approaching me.

"What is it, Kokoda?"

"Mother wanted me to bring you in for dinner."

"I'll be there in a moment."

Once he went inside, I began thinking of all that happened today. I spent more time with little Keikoku, was accepted for who I truly was by my family, and discovered I had feelings for my childhood friend. It was certainly a lot to take in.

That's a wrap for part 11. Part 12 will begin in Ayame's POV as she and Keikoku are abducted and taken to Demon World by the leader of the wolf demons that destroyed Keikoku's former home. Also in part 12, after hearing about what happened, Kurama turns into Yoko and vows to make the abductor pay. Stay tuned to see what happens