Kurama Loses His Memory!: Enter the Little Brown Youko!
Part One
By Erikka Gallas and Gillian Passovoy
"Kurama! Kurama, where the hell are you?!" Hiei stamped his foot in aggravation. He had followed the silver Youko into the Makai and was now looking for any sign of his lover.
"Kurama!"
Hiei stopped for a moment, concentrating on Kurama's trail of youki. It curved into the trees ahead of him, doubling back in a sharp right turn. Hiei blinked. That meant that the kitsune was right behind...
Hiei barely had the chance to let the realisation sink in before a fist connected with the back of his head. Groaning in pain, Hiei toppled forward and fell face-first into the dirt.
A slight giggle emanated from one of the treetops. A small brown blur leapt from the branches and landed next to Hiei's body. It knelt down to study the youkai with huge violet eyes, the dark brown tail swishing behind it. Long, deep chocolate-coloured hair was coiled into a long braid that crowned his head. His skin was a deep, smooth cinnamon, his soft ears twitching to and fro.Hiei groaned again and stirred. The creature jumped back for a moment, then promptly moved to sit on Hiei's back. With deft fingers, the rich-brown youko began weaving Hiei's hair into little braided knots. The fire demon felt the annoying presence and moved to shake the kitsune off. It landed on the ground with a surprised, "Hey!"
Hiei rubbed the back of his head and regarded the youko with a scowl.
"Hello!" the youko said cheerfully, as if the scowl was directed at something else. "My name's Koko!"
"Great," Hiei muttered, getting to his feet. He scanned the area, trying to pick up Kurama's youki again.
"What'cha doin'?" Koko asked.
"I'm looking for someone," he answered, distractedly. There it was! Heading for Dokoren. Hiei started joggin at a brisk pace.
The youko matched his strides, bounding after him with little effort to keep up.
"Who are you looking for?" he persisted in a childish voice.
"What do you care?" Hiei snapped. "Leave me alone, kid! I have to find him quick!"
"Are you talking about the youko than knocked you in the dirt and took off that way?" Koko wondered, pointing ahead of them.
"Yes."
"Why would you be chasing my cousin?"
Hiei stopped, whirling to face the young kitsune. "What did you say?"
Koko looked annoyed. "I said, 'Why are you chasing my cousin?' You know, Kurama."
"Kurama doesn't have a cousin," Hiei apped again, turning back to the trail.
"Yes he does. And I want to know why you're after him. Is he in trouble?"
"Yes, but he just doesn't know it. You see, he..." Hiei shook his head. "Why am I telling you all this?! I'm just wasting time."
"Maybe, maybe not. Are you going to hurt him?"
"No!" Hiei almost yelled. "Of course I'm not going to hurt him! I...I care about him."
"Oh, you share a bed with him then," Koko stated bluntly.
Hiei started, his cheeks becoming red, despite his efforts to stop it. "No!...Well, I...we..."
"Nevermind," Koko said, a devilish smile on his face. "You share a bed, you love each other. Don't worry about it."
Hiei's eyes narrowed. "I wasn't worried about it! It's none of your business anyway! Besides, you're too young to know about that kind of stuff, kid!"
"I am not! I'm sixteen!" Koko protested.
"An infant in kitsune years. I'm not stupid. Now, quit annoying me so I can find him before something happens."
Koko smiled from pointed ear to pointed ear. "Hmmm..." He cocked his head as though studying the Koorime. "Short...grumpy...leaking heat like an oversaturated sponge (especially at the mention of Kurama's name)...You must be Hiei!"
Hiei blinked down at him, scowling. He didn't have time to mess with the pesky fox child, even if he did somehow know his name. He turne to leave again.
"Let me come with you!"
"No! I don't need a kit tagging along!"
"Fine! Then I won't give you your sword back!"
Hiei blinked, then checked under his cloak. Sure enough, his trusted blade was missing. He looked at Koko, who held the sword neatly by the hilt. He stuck out his tongue and darted off into the city. Letting loose a growl, Hiei gave chase.
Kurama strode up to one of the taverns in Dokoren, hearing the loud music and the din of conversations. He pushed open the doors and walked in. For a moment, the youkai that were there regarded him with a curious stare. Everyone knew of the thief's reputation, no one dared to challenge him. He was cruel and hard on his victims, making him the best deceiver and thief ever to roam the demon-infested streets.
Kurama seated himself at the bar and ordered a drink. He glanced to the side to see a small female demon on the stool next to his. He broke out into a smile.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't little Tristan. Long time no see, ne?"
She looked up, turning to meet his golden gaze with her green one. "No kidding, Kurama." She winked. "So, where have you been hiding?"
"Someplace where no one can find me," he replied, sipping his drink.
Tristan watched his movements, most did. His muscles, though well-built and defined, moved with such grace, he was a beauty to watch. His lips tainted a light pink from the dark wine, and she smiled.
"I waited for you to come back. Some were saying that they caught glimpses of you now and again. They said you were a tool for the Spirit World."
Kurama snorted. "You know better than that, Tristan. I've been keeping away from Koenma's officials. That's why I haven't been seen."
Tristan smirked, obviously not finished. "And the others say that you've been with a demon named Hiei. I've heard stories. That's kind of lowering your standards, isn't it?"
Kurama's eyes narrowed in distaste. "Oh, come on! What moron would be foolish enough to think that?!"
Tristan shrugged her small shoulders. "So, do you want the latest news?"
Kurama laughed. "Just like old times, ne? What do you have for me?"
"Well, the shops have been quiet since you left. Not much excitement to around since the 'greatest thief to ever live' stopped entertaining us. However, there are better places to go these days."
"Oh, really?" Kurama raised an eyebrow.
"Rumours are going around of a fourth realm called the Magikai, Realm of Mystics. Supposedly, the new stronghold there is filled with riches and jewels."
Kurama licked his lips eagerly, leaning forward.
"Not only that, it's said to actually welcome thieves. The prize is the largest diamond in the universe, more commonly known as the Dragon's Eye. It's been said that whoever can find and retrieve the Eye becomes the 'jewel of the empire.' I'm sure that's an accomplishment you'd love to have on your record," Tristan finished with a seductive undertone.
"Indeed," Kurama purred thoughtfully. His mind raced with visions of his former glory.
"There is only one way to get in, Kurama. It's a gate hidden in the Haunted Woods just outside of Dokoren."
"Thank you very much, Tristan. You've been wonderful as usual." he finished his drink, leaning forward to kiss the youkai on the cheek.
"I knew you'd come back," she replied.
He winked back at her as he got up and left the tavern.
Koko sat on the fence, staring down at Hiei. The fire demon was glaring viciously at him, ready to pounce. Koko held out the katana, dangling it over Hiei's face.
"So, are you going to let me come with you or not?" he yelled.
Hiei clenched his fist. "Don't push me, little one! I can do this the hard way!"
Koko tilted his head, smiling sweetly. "Dou? You mean you plan to take it from me? you wouldn't attack an innocent kitsune like me, would you?"
"Innocent?" Hiei snorted. "I know youkos, they're anything but innocent! I would have no qualms about taking my sword back, whether you're alive or not!"
"You may be right about our innocence, but I wouldn't attempt to attack if I were you."
Hiei's lips curled back over his fangs, a growl rising in his throat. "Well, you're not!"
He leapt upward, fist pulled back. Just as he was about to connect with the youko's jaw, he...changed. With a yelp, Hiei had lost his balance, his size drastically reducing. He plopped to the ground, squealing in disbelief. He was now a small black rabbit. the only thing that hinted to his normal form was the white thatch on his forhead, melded into the midnight-coloured fur. He squeaked in protest.
Koko leapt off the fence and caught Hiei by the scruff of fur on his neck. He was held up at eye level, staring dead center into endless amethyst eyes. Koko drew his tongue over his lips as if in hunger.
"What do we have here?" he said with a wicked grin. "How fortunate that my lunch has come to me this afternoon."
The rabbit's ruby eyes went wide and he squirmed. Koko giggled childishly. "Foxes just love tasty little rabbits. And they like to run and play and get into trouble. This particular fox wants to find his cousin."
Koko dropped Hiei to the ground, the youkai reverting back to his normal self. He gasped for air, his heart trying to slow down. He looked up at Koko with an evil glare.
"Where do you suggest we start?"
Koko tossed the sword at Hiei's feet and turned toward the city. "I just saw him leave that tavern. It looks like he's heading for another gate. I feel one close by."
Hiei got to his feet, returning his sword to the sheath under his coat. "I do too." He started running after the trail his lover and the new gate had marked. He paused as he noticed that Koko wasn't as eager to follow. "What now? You wanted to go, so come on!"
"But he's going into the haunted woods."
Hiei smirked. 'Are you scared? Maybe you should stay behind, little fox."
Koko straightened, his tail puffing out like an insane chunk of sagebrush. "Me? Scared?! Up yours!" With that, he shifted forms, becoming a tiny, nine-tailed kitsune. He yipped and ran ahead of Hiei.
Hiei raised an eyebrow in amazement. Koko wasn't just any kitsune; he may as well have been the kitsune. Nine-tails were as close to godlike a fox could get. For a brief moment, he contemplated what that meant to him. the kid had an immaturity about him that could very well cause more trouble than Hiei already had to deal with. Shaking his head, Hiei ran after him.
After leaving the tavern, Kurama switched forms, heading in the direction of the supposedly haunted forest. He knew for sure that they weren't. Just some poor, little beggar-demon, scaring the hell out of the merchants as they passed. No demon was going to keep him from his prize. He felt the gate coming closer. Slowing his pace, he sniffed, picking up the exact location with his keen senses. Poking around a few tree trunks, he found the small entryway, the pocket between the Demon Realm and the Mystic Realm. Soon, he thought, slipping inside, I will return to my rightful name. How dare those bastards say that I would work for the Reikai. Fools!
Kurama adopted a slightly annoyed frown as he reached up to brush away strands of hair, the red hair of his ningen form that is. For some reason, the entrance into the Magikai had caused him to revert back to that weakling form. He assumed that perhaps the onslaught of foreign power had caused the shift into his most annoying side. Loathing the memory of what that human form had dropped at his feet, he tried changing back. To his surprise, it actually worked. Since it was a Mystic Realm, he really only half-expected to be able to manipulate his powers correctly. Satisfied with the change, he set about exploring his surroundings, like any good thief.
The twilight sky was shrouded in a hazy mist, giving the area a serene, far-off look. For some odd reason, it reminded Kurama of something called a "fairy tale," although he never would have wasted his time with something that useless. The grass under his shoes was long and brushed his bare ankles teasingly, leaving drops of dew on his white skin. The ground turned into lush, rolling hills that often tapered into dense, thick forests. Kurama drew in a deep breath, feeling the pulsing of the plant life, even from his spot on the plain. It was immense and would most likely be very esay to control. Perk two. Butterflies and little twinkling forms flitted about him, sometimes touching him and tickling him. He ignored them, intent on finishing his search. Finally, his gaze swept back full circle and came to rest on a large structure, half obscured by the land, and the rest of the towers rising well into the pink and purple-hued skies. A smile turned up his lips. the Imperial Palace. Perk three. That was where he would find the jewel that would return his glory. He began to walk.
The little brown fox yipped in delight as he sprang into the air, chasing after a particularly large butterfly. He missed. There was a roaring splash as he fell into the lily-padded pond. Hiei barely regarded him with more than a scowl that clearly spoke his annoyance at the creature's...fox-play. It was obvious that the young kitsune had been there before. Upon arriving, he had smiled broadly and began pointing out various locations on the visible scenery that had peaked Koko's interests. Hiei had been prepared to ask what the whole realm was about, when that butterfly had shown up, leading the young fox right to his bath.
Koko surfaced seconds later, managing to prop a huge green lily pad right on top of the crown of hair on his head.
"Hn. Stupid fox," Hiei muttered, turning his attention to the path that Kurama had decided to take.
"I'm not stupid! I was chasing butterflies! Why are you scowling at me?"
"We're supposed to be finding your cousin, in case you've forgotten! And I can scowl at you if I damn well please!" Hiei snapped back.
"I haven't forgotten!" Koko retorted, jumping out of the pond. "But if you don't have any fun, missions remain missions instead of becoming adventures! Besides, if you keep your mind entirely on the mission, you'll go mad. And in my personal opinion, you don't have much more sanity to lose." After thinking a moment, he added, "Come on, Hiei, smile! It won't break your pretty face!"
Frustrated, Hiei replied, "You sure?"
Koko cocked his head, mulling over a moment. "No, but you should try it anyway. I would have thought that Cousin Kurama would have at least taught you how to smile. There's more to happiness than moaning and screaming in pleasure."
Satisfied that his words had hit home to the now-blushing fire demon, the youko shook himself dry, showering Hiei in the process. The Koorime scowled as the water dripped off his button nose. Koko giggled. Hiei was both insulted and moody. While what the kitsune told him made sense, he was too worried about Kurama to take the good advice to heart. Noticing the youkai's distraction, Koko leapt onto Hiei's shoulders and gave him a decent noogie, deciding that his partner-in-adventure was way too serious for the fun they should be having. That done, he began resuming the task of knotting the course hair in his hands.
"Hey! Knock it off!" Hiei protested, not sure he wanted to know what the mischevious youko was doing to his hair.
"Sorry, I just love your hair!" Koko sprang back to the ground, anxious and bouncing on his toes. "So now what?"
"Now, we find Kurama." Hiei's ruby eyes scanned ahead, knowing where his lover had gone.
A huge palace loomed in the distance, iviting. Hiei presumed that it probably held the realm's most valued treasures. Didn't most imperial palaces? He pointed it out to Koko. "Tell me about that place."
"Okay, it's a big palace made of stone, ruled by the fairy queen of this land," Koko started.
The look on Hiei's face threatened him to get to the point...fast!
"And it holds the largest diamond in existence! The royalty there just loves a good show, so they invite the most accomplished thieves to come and take the jewel. It's a hard thing to do. I know 'cuz I've tried...several times. That's why I was going to come to Cousin Kurama. I want to be as good a thief as he is!"
"So you know the place then?"
"Quite well, actually. The only thing I haven't seen is the last tower. I always lose at that point. Luckily the last trap is one I can get out of, or I'd be ashes on the floor! I think that's where the diamond might be."
"Well, standing around talking isn't going to catch us a fox. If I know Kurama, he'll have his sights on retrieving that diamond, no matter what it takes." He began to move in that direction, waving Koko to follow. He suddenly paused. "Koko?"
"Hm?"
"Could Kurama get hurt?"
"Killed if he's not careful. A cocky attitude can lead to an untimely demise. There are some really dangerous traps in there, not to mention the captain of the guard. She's meaner than you when you wake up with a hangover!"
Hiei growled, but the message got across. He doubled his resolve to find Kurama fast and took off for the castle, knowing, regretfully, that Koko was right behind him.
