Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Reflections of the Past ❯ Search for Kitsunes ( Chapter 2 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Author's Note: Hadn't thought about it until I actually began this chapter, but the name I chose for the kitsune kid "Remy" wasn't intended as a self insertion or anything. I just like that name and forgot that I was already using it as my username. Therefor, Remy is now Rumie. Hope this doesn't cause any confusion. Also, sorry if you were confused over all the different sequels and such. They are now numbered and named accordingly, hope that helps!
Kurama exclaimed cheerfully and thrust the fox child into Youko's startled arms. Youko's golden eyes were wide as he stared down at the sudden weight. What?

Hiei smirked slightly as Youko slowly glanced at Kurama, eyes filled with horror.

"What is this?"

"This is your charge. You are to care for him while Hiei and I find his parents."

"Me? Care for a child? You've got to be kidding!" Youko choked out.

"No, why would I joke about something like this? He will feel more comfortable with you. You are a full kitsune, after all. All you have to do is guard him. Keep Rumie safe. It shouldn't take long to find whoever abducted his parents," Kurama said smoothly.

"I can't watch a child! I'm the Legendary Bandit!" Youko protested.

Rumie's head came up at his words and lavender eyes focused on Youko's. He frowned at Youko.

"You're the Legendary Bandit? You're Youko Kurama!"

"Yeah....Why?" Youko asked, startled.

"I'm going to be like you when I grow up!" the kit exclaimed excitedly, sudden joy overcoming the sadness in his eyes.

Youko stumbled backwards, dropping the child in his hasty escape. Hiei's speed kept the boy from hitting

the ground. Kurama chuckled and pressed a hand to his lips.

"I think he likes you Youko."

Youko glared at Kurama as Hiei lowered the boy to the ground. Rumie looked up at Youko, lavender eyes pooling with hurt. Youko groaned, shaking his head.

"Why don't I go find his parents?" Youko asked.

"Because we are detectives and you are Youko Kurama. Demons will get suspicious if you show up demanding answers," Kurama explained smugly.

"Need I remind you who you are?" Youko asked.

"I am stuck in this form. You are trapped in that form. And this form is not as known as yours."

"Hiei is nearly as famous as me," Youko stated, long arms crossing over his chest.

"I am not watching a brat!" Hiei snapped, glaring at Youko one last time before turning away.

"Youko, do this for me, please," Kurama said, turning on his charm as his caught his other half's arm and led him a few steps away.

"Why?"

"Because I'm asking you to. You are strong enough to protect him should his parent's abductors decide to finish the job. Hiei is uncomfortable around children. He has a hard enough time around us, and a child is even worse for him. He doesn't know what to do with children."

"And I do?"

"Youko, you are me. How many times have I baby-sat?" Kurama asked.

"That's different. I wasn't like this then," Youko protested, gesturing at himself.

"Youko, you won't hurt him."

"What makes you think I'm concerned about hurting him?" Youko demanded.

"Because I know myself. Will you protect him?" Kurama asked again.

"Fine, but if you haven't found his parents within a day's time I'm going to find them and you are going to watch the kid."

Kurama grinned and nodded. Youko sighed heavily. Why had he agreed? It was too late to refuse now, especially since Hiei and Kurama had already fled.

"I'm sorry," came a soft voice from behind Youko.

Youko turned to stare down at the sober faced child. He knelt and held a hand out to the child. Rumie stepped hesitantly forward and Youko wrapped his arm around him.

"No need to be sorry, little one. You haven't done anything wrong."

"Will they really find my mommy and daddy?" Rumie asked, burying his face against Youko's shoulder.

"Yes, and if they don't I will."

Youko stood and carried the child into his cave.
going on?" Kurama muttered, stunned to find that Rumie's parents weren't the only kitsunes missing. The entire kitsune village was deserted.

"Sounds like someone is hunting your kind down," Hiei stated, stepping out of an empty house.

Kurama knelt and studied the large impressions on the ground. Hiei moved to his side, following his gaze.

"Several large demons."

"Youko and I hunted down all the demons that used the power potion. It's not them," Hiei said.

"No, this feels different. The lingering yoki here is...familiar. I've fought this race of demons before. I can't recall anything specific about them, though. I've fought so many demons in my lifetime."

"Gelokie," Hiei murmured.

Kurama glanced up at Hiei. "What?"

"They are Gelokies. Slave traders."

"Slave traders?"

Hiei nodded and continued, "Gelokies used to run a great deal of the Makai. They were recently defeated and thought destroyed. I don't know who they could be working for now or what their motives are in taking kitsunes."

"I don't care. They will be dealt with swiftly. This can't go on. How could I have been so blind that I didn't notice what was happening..."

"Gelokies are very good at keeping their business a secret. If I hadn't found the kid we wouldn't have any knowledge of this."

Kurama stood and glanced around. Where would they take the kitsunes?

"Gelokies are flesh eaters. They prefer the flesh of Dralocke demons. If we find one Gelokie, I can make him talk," Hiei suggested.

"Good idea."

Hiei smirked and flitted away with Kurama on his heels.
removed the fleshly cooked rabbit meat from the flames and handed it to Rumie. Rumie ate eagerly, his hunger overwhelming him.

"How long were you on the run before Hiei found you?" Youko asked.

"Three days," Rumie muttered.

"It's a wonder your survived that long."

Rumie grinned proudly at Youko and said, "Daddy taught me how to fight. I'm going to be really strong, he says. I'm going to be as strong as you."

"Nice goal. Tell me something, the demons who took your parents, did they say anything?"

Rumie lowered his food and stared at the fire as he replied, "They laughed at Daddy when he fought them They said that he would do well in the circuit."

Rumie sniffled, tears stinging his eyes. Youko pulled the trembling child into his arms and rocked him. He vaguely remembered his mother doing the same when he was frightened. Youko sighed, eyes closing as he pressed his chin to the child's head. Rumie wouldn't grow up alone and afraid as he had, that he would make sure of no matter what he had to do.