.
Kurama stretched out lazily on the bed, a tiny smile playing on his face. A pity he was so exhausted... the bed was awfully big, and the look in Karasu's eyes had said more than words could ever express. Truly unfortunate circumstances. 'Oh, well' he thought, resigning himself to a night of chastity. 'If Karasu can stand the loneliness, than so can I.'
Tonight, at least...
His eyes felt heavy, and he obligingly closed them. The bed was firm, the pillows soft. He thought he could hear the rumble of many conversations on the floor beneath him, which doubled as Hanassa's only tavern and the meeting place for the village Council, which was made up of Gishirou (the town mayor and, oddly enough, the barkeep) and several other prominent persons in the area. Listening carefully, he thought he could hear Kuwabara's loud voice.
He drifted off, unable to stay awake despite the sun shining through the window. When he awoke, the brightness was gone, replaced by wan moonlight. His sharp eyes picked out the clock sitting on the mantle above the hearth. 11:20 p.m. He yawned and sat up.
"You're finally awake."
Kurama jumped, then reached one hand back into his hair to grab a seed. "That won't be necessary. I haven't come to fight." Kurama relaxed. A little.
"What do you want?"
The youkai stepped forward. In his hands he held.. some sort of tape deck? Kurama eyed him suspiciously. He was about medium height, pale blue skin, no distinguishing features... very nondescript. "I am simply a messenger."
"Who sent you?" Kurama demanded haughtily.
"I bear a message for Kurama from Yomi-sama."
Kurama stiffened. "Yomi?" he hissed. "What does that bastard want?"
The youkai set the tape deck on the foot of the bed. "Yomi-sama requests your aid."
"That son of a bitch..." he growled. Then cautiously added, "He knows I've sided with Yusuke."
The messenger smiled faintly, then turned on the deck. At first there was nothing, then.. a woman screaming for the monsters to let her and her son go, to return them to their home. Ice squeezed at Kurama's heart as Yomi spoke.
"Don't worry, Hatanaka-san. You and your stepson will be perfectly safe here."
A long pause. "What do you want with us?" Shiori's voice was steady, despite the fear she must have felt.
Yomi chuckled. "Nothing with you, personally... the two of you are just lures for a certain uncooperative redhead."
"Shuichi!" Kurama lunged for the tape deck, hitting the "stop" button so hard it surely broke. He felt sick.
"Damn you." He drew back, pulling the covers close around him. He suddenly felt very cold. "Wh-what does Yomi want?"
The messenger smirked. "Nothing more than your cooperation, Kurama-san. He does have it, correct?" Kurama nodded numbly. "Very good. This is what you should do-"
Kurama had never felt so miserable in all his thousand-whatever years of life. And when the messenger left, he couldn't get back to sleep.
The feeling was worse the next morning, when he went downstairs to see the others, though he really didn't want to face them. Karasu was the first to spot him and hurried over, looking unusually serious. "Kurama, Kuwabara and one of the villagers saw a youkai they thought might be working for Yomi. The others think we should leave immediately."
Kurama smiled crookedly at him. "Sounds like a good idea to me..."
Kurama huddled in a wretched ball. The only comfort he could draw was that his mother and Shuichi-kun would be safe. And a cold comfort that was, indeed. Tears steamed unashamedly down his cheeks. He drew his knees to his chest, rocking slowly.
'Yusuke... Hiei... Kuwabara... Genkai... Toguro... Karasu...oh, gods, what have I done?'
A tiny hand tangled itself in his hair. "Jichan? Jichan… please stop crying." He raised his head to glance at Shura. Yomi's son looked distressed, almost as unhappy as Kurama felt. Sighing, he uncurled, stretching out his legs and leaning back in the giant, overstuffed chair. He rubbed at his eyes.
One of Yomi's guards had escorted Kurama to this room- his room- and Yomi himself had come soon after, with Shura in tow. "Watch him," he'd instructed his son, then left, presumably to look after his new "guests". Kurama watched Shura out of the corner of his eye. Physically, the kid couldn't overpower him, but... he let himself feel the boy's strength. S-class, almost as strong as Yusuke. This kid could beat the life out of him without breaking a sweat.
It seemed highly unlikely he'd do anything of the sort, though.
Shura stood beside the chair, a very solemn look on his face. "Did somebody hurt you, Jichan? I'll beat 'em up!" He put himself in the classic fighting pose, swinging his little fists. "I'll make 'em pay for making you cry!"
That brought a tiny smile to his lips. In many ways, Shuichi and Shura were a lot alike. He scooped Shura into his arms, settling the squirming young youkai on his lap. "Aww, Jichan.." Kurama smoothed Shura's hair back from his forehead. A lot alike, indeed. He hugged the little boy tightly.
"Don't worry, Shura. I'm fine." 'I only just betrayed the people who trusted me, and the man I love. Damned them to whatever Yomi has in store. I'm just peachy.'
Shura stopped struggling. They sat together for several minutes like that, not saying anything. Finally, Shura twisted around to look him in the face. "Hey, Jichan, could you tell me a story? About the adventures you had when you were the greatest thief in all the three worlds."
Kurama blinked in surprise. "The greatest thief-? Shura, where did you hear that?"
"Tousan told me about you, and how great you were." The little youkai snuggled more deeply into his embrace. "Tousan says you're gonna come and live with us. Is that true, Jichan?"
Kurama nodded and sighed. "Looks like it, Shura..." He gently stroked the boys hair. "And I still am a thief, the greatest in the Makai." That made him want to laugh. "You want to hear a story, huh? How about the time your father and I broke into Raizen's castle, and ended up stealing a pair of Raizen's underwear. Did he ever tell you about that?" Shura shook his head, giving Kurama a wide-eyed look of amazement.
"You and Tousan broke into Raizen's castle and stole his underwear?"
Kurama nodded. "Back when Yomi was C-class, and I was a low B-class. The two of us..."
Shura kept his eyes fixed on Kurama throughout the story, a rapt expression on his face. Kurama tried to keep the embellishment down to the bare minimum. Even so, Shura was fascinated, and Kurama had to pause every once in a while to answer Shura's questions or respond to his comments. The story was a funny one, and ended with Shura half on Kurama's lap, half off, laughing so hard tears streamed down his face.
Kurama buried himself in the memories, trying to forget everything that had happened in the past few hours. Watching Shura laugh so hard he cried, Kurama wanted to cry, too. Not from laughter, though.
"I remember that all too well," Yomi told them from the doorway. Kurama twisted in his chair to stare at the Makai lord, resentment welling up within him. "But as I recall, Kurama, you were the one hiding in Raizen's closet while I was trying to break into his treasury." He smiled at the recollection. "Raizen never even knew you were there.. I bet you could've left any time during the night, instead of sneaking out in the dirty clothes basket the next morning."
Kurama bristled. "Well, at least I came out with something! As I recall, you only had a few bruises to show for your trouble."
Yomi chuckled. "As always, your memory serves you well, koibito." Kurama stiffened at the title, than stiffened even more when Yomi walked over and wrapped his arms around Kurama's shoulders, leaning on the back of the chair and burying his face in Kurama's hair. Shura rested his head against Kurama's chest with a contented sigh. Almost a stereotype of the perfect family. Kurama wanted to struggle.
"Shura."
"Yes, Tousan?"
"Isn't it time for your lessons?"
Shura buried his face against Kurama. "Aww, Tousan..."
Yomi smiled into Kurama's hair. "Now, Shura. You'll need to know this stuff someday."
Shura sighed and slid off Kurama's lap. "Okay. I'm going." He cast a regretful glance at the Youko. "Will you tell me more stories later, Jichan?"
"Yes, Shura, I will." he promised. The little youkai smiled brilliantly and left, presumably off to his lessons. Yomi stayed where he was.
Kurama felt a twinge of fear. With Shura gone, the powerful youkai could do whatever he wanted to the Youko, and Kurama wasn't strong enough to stop him. He squirmed, wanting Yomi to stop touching him.
The Makai lord pulled back with a sigh. "I'm glad to see you and Shura are getting along so well."
Kurama wrapped his arms around himself. Yomi chuckled and combed a hand through Kurama's hair. "What's wrong, lover?" His voice became bitter. "You never used to become this upset after betraying your friends."
Kurama flinched. "I'm not the same, Yomi."
"We've both changed."
Yomi fingered the collar of Karasu's jacket. "Whose scent is it that clings to your skin? Have you recently taken a lover?" He sounded angry. "Was it one of your friends? Which one of them did you hold in your arms while plotting their betrayal?"
"IT WASN'T LIKE THAT!" he exploded, knocking Yomi's arms away. He stood, his youki rising in response to his rage. "Whatever I do- however many lovers I take- it's none of your business, Yomi. You lost the right to care a long time ago." He took a deep, calming breath. Anger was of no use here. "And after what you've made me do.. never again, Yomi."
Yomi gave him a tight smile. "I made you do nothing, Kurama. You could have just as easily let them die instead of handing your friends over to me. You didn't have to betray your friends for a couple of ningens who won't live long enough to appreciate the effort you put into saving their lives. Your friends, however, will spend the rest of their long lives regretting having ever trusted you. Perhaps someday, after I've broken them thoroughly, I'll set them free to seek revenge against their betrayer." His smile was not pleasant.
Kurama forced himself to remain still and calm. "Where are they, Yomi? I want to see Kaasan and Shuichi-kun."
Yomi seemed slightly taken aback at Kurama's abrupt change of track. "What, don't you trust me, Kurama? I gave my word that they would be unharmed."
"I don't care about your word, Yomi. Just take me to them." He waited with bated breath as Yomi stood stiffly before him, face tight with anger. He was very relieved when Yomi turned on his heel and stalked out of the room, gesturing for him to follow.
He trailed after Yomi silently. "You know, Kurama," Yomi's voice was soft, none of his earlier anger obvious in his words. "I never meant for things to turn out like this."
Kurama smiled bitterly. "You sure could've fooled me."
Yomi bowed his head, sighing. "When I contacted you that first time, all I wanted was to make things right between us. I wanted you to understand that I'd learned, that I wasn't the foolish boy you knew so long ago." He stopped so abruptly that Kurama almost ran into him. "I was going to make everything between us perfect. It wouldn't be like the old days- it would be better. Much better."
It was Kurama's turn to duck his head as Yomi turned to face him. "But you- you were so stubborn. So determined to protect your new family and friends. Did you ever think of me, Kurama?"
He tucked his hands into his pockets. He knew he had done the right thing, so why did he feel so ashamed? "Yomi, I-"
"It doesn't matter." Yomi turned and continued on, leaving a very shaken Kurama to scurry in his wake.
Yomi paused beside a door, a key held in his hand. "In here." He unlocked the door and gestured for Kurama to precede him into the room.
Kurama slid by him, eyes darting around as he entered. His mother and Shuichi were sitting around a low table, drinking tea with apparent calmness. He took a step forward as Shiori looked up.
Her eyes widened, and the cup slid from her fingers. "Shuichi..." She was on her feet and running toward him so fast he barely had time to blink before she flung herself into his arms. "Oh, Shuichi!"
"Kaasan..." He wrapped his arms around her, burying his face in her hair. "I was so worried."
She hugged him tightly, tears shining in her eyes. "You were worried?! When that nasty monster told me he was using us to get you-" she broke off with a sob. "But you're here now, aren't you, Shuichi. He did get you."
"Hai, Kaasan." He stroked her hair soothingly. "He did get me. But don't blame yourself."
She pulled away from him, holding him at arm's length. "I was so afraid.. why did you come, Shuichi? What did that monster make you do?"
Yomi stepped forward. "Nothing he hasn't done before. No need to fear." He grinned unpleasantly at Kurama. "I'm sure your dear mother hasn't met all your.. friends. Perhaps you should take her down and introduce them."
He swallowed hard. Shiori gave him a curious glance. "I'd rather not, actually..."
Yomi smirked. "What? Afraid she'll see what you're really like. Your son-" he addressed Shiori with a far more pleasant tone. "is as much a monster as I am."
Kurama tried to protest. Yomi held up a hand. "Enough, Kurama." He offered his arm to Shiori. "Shall we go?'
She gave him an angry look, wrapping an arm around her son's waist instead. Yomi bowed, a twisted smile curling his lips. "As you wish. After you, my dear." Kurama wasn't sure which one of them he was referring to.
"We can't leave Shuichi-kun here alone." she whispered in his ear warily.
He patted her arm. "I don't think you need to worry, Kaasan. If he wanted to hurt either of you..." She nodded in understanding. There was nothing either of them could do about it.
Yomi herded them out of the room, Shiori going quickly lest the mean-tempered goat touch her. Kurama slid his arm around her shoulders, offering whatever comfort he could. If only there would be someone left to comfort him. He had a very bad feeling. He thought knew exactly what Yomi was up to, and it didn't bode well for him.
Then again, when did anything Yomi did bode well for him?
Karasu slumped against the cell wall dejectedly. He tried to summon anger, hatred- anything to ease the sense of betrayal. The cell itself was large, meant to house many criminals. Yusuke sat in the middle, cradling Genkai's head in his lap. Kuwabara sat next to his friend, eyes downcast. Toguro occupied the left corner at the back of the cell, and Hiei was across from him in the right corner. Karasu sat next to the door.
He sighed, drawing his knees to his chest. The pain was almost to much to bear. Which was funny, considering he hadn't been wounded. So why did it feel like someone had rammed a stake through his heart?
He heard approaching footsteps, and the turning of the key in the lock. The door swung open. Yomi walked in, followed by...
"Kurama."
The redhead had his arm around some woman's waist. A ningen woman, he noted with dim surprise, but still a woman. His heart clenched, and he could hardly breathe as the Youko turned brilliant green eyes on him. There was a tortured look about his eyes, and Karasu blinked back tears. No, it was just his imagination that the redhead cared about him. About any of them.
Karasu stood slowly with the others. Except Genkai, who remained sitting. No one moved. The woman with Kurama looked confused. Taking the initiative, he stepped forward.
"Kurama.. what..." he swallowed hard. Kurama took a step forward, reaching out with one hand. The kitsune gently brushed his fingers across Karasu's cheek right beneath his eyes.
"Karasu, I-"
"Kisama!" Yusuke grabbed Kurama and flung him to the ground. "How dare you show your face around here!" He kicked the redhead. Kurama offered no resistance. "Bastard. How could you do this to us? Huh? HOW COULD YOU BETRAY US?!" He kicked Kurama again. He seemed close to tears. "Why?"
The woman grabbed his arm. "Please, Yusuke-kun. Don't hurt my son. Please!"
Her son?! Karasu moved forward to kneel beside his love's prone form. "Please, Yusuke."
Yusuke and the woman both gave him surprised looks. Kurama sat up, and Karasu wrapped his arms around the Youko. The redhead protested softly, but didn't struggle. The woman- Kurama's mother- was staring at them.
"K-kaasan..."
"Shuichi." He flinched at the sound of her voice. "What have you done, Shuichi?" She sounded horrified. There were tears shining in her eyes. "Did you betray your friends for us?"
Kuwabara stepped forward. "Shiori-san, what are you doing here? Did Yomi..?" For once, he was the first one to put two and two together to make four. "Kurama betrayed us to save you?"
"Enough!" Yomi stepped forward, reaching down and pulling Kurama up. "Lets go, Kurama. Take your lovely mother out of here before I decide to leave her in the dungeon!" He sounded angry, but there was also..satisfaction? What was going on?
Kurama cast a regretful look at his friends, but he hurried out quickly enough. Undoubtedly wishing to spare the ningen woman. His mother. Karasu shook his head slowly.
Yomi turned to leave with them, but paused at the door. He smiled cruelly. "You" he pointed at Karasu, "and I have some business to discuss. Later." He slammed the door shut, locking them in again.
"We do?" he wondered aloud.
Hiei was staring at him, and there was pity in his eyes. "You do."
Yomi took them back to the room Shiori and Shuichi shared. Kurama wanted to go crawl under a rock somewhere. Yomi opened the door for her with a smile, but she didn't go in.
"Shuichi." He forced himself to look at her.'Oh, gods... what does she think of me, now?'
"H-hai?"
His eyes met hers, which had the saddened doe-look in them. "Shuichi, stay with me for a little while."
He blinked, surprised. "Kaasan...?"
Yomi flashed him an unpleasant smile. "Stay with your mother, Shuichi-kun," he sneered. "I've got things to take care of. So, if you'll excuse me-?" He made as if to shove them through, but Shiori grabbed his hand and dragged him in. The door closed firmly behind them.
"Shuichi.."
He cringed. "Kaasan, I-"
She silenced him with a finger on his lips. "No. What I want, son, is an explanation."
"You want to know...?"
"Everything."
"Everything?"
She nodded firmly, and he took a deep breath. "We might as well sit down. This is going to take awhile." She led him to where Shuichi-kun was still sitting, and they both settled down. She gazed at him expectantly.
"Well, it all started a long time ago... about a thousand years. You see, I'm really a Youko." The explanation took as long as he expected. But her reaction was not what he had expected- well, feared, actually.
She hugged him.
And she told him he was an idiot.
And that he should never have feared rejection from her.
. .
