Heavenly Kurama
by Pike

This is an idea that I have been wanting to do for a while, but I had overdue books so I couldn't check Aida out from my library. Things to look for:

Yaoi alternate reality (very alternate)

Also, I'm warning you, Hiei is REALLY out of character here.... Maybe this is the version of Hiei had he not been abandoned and all that other stuff hadn't happened to him....

Kuwabara is smarter too....

Koenma is a meanie in this fic....

Mukuro is also acting strange....

And I think that that's all..... Maybe......

Heavenly Kurama

 ***

Cast:

 Aida - Kurama

 King Amonasro - Kuwabara

 The Pharaoh - Yomi

 Princess Amneris - Mukuro

 Radames - Hiei

 High Priest Ramfis - Koenma

 Phtha (creator of life and mighty egyptian god) - Enma Daioh

 ***

 Long ago, in the far away land of the Ningenkai, there lived a prince named Kurama. He was both gentle and beautiful to the point of being mistaken for a princess. Despite that (or maybe because of it), his father, the King Kuwabara, and all the people in the Ningenkai loved him dearly.  

***

 But it was a time of terrible fear and danger in the Ningenkai, for the kingdom was at war with it's neighbor, the Makai. Both countries raided each others lands, killing or enslaving their enemies.

 For the safety of his people, Kuwabara set strict boundaries at the borders of the Ningenkai, and no ningen was allowed beyond them.

 ***

 The Prince Kurama was young and, locked within the palace, he grew restless. So, one morning, Kurama and his trusted friends disobeyed the king's command. They disguised themselves and slipped away.

 It was a glorious day of freedom, out in the gentle breezes and lush green fields of their beautiful country. But Kurama wandered farther than he should have. Off on his own, enjoying the warm sun and fresh country air, he did not hear his friends in the distance when they shouted,

 "Kurama! Beware! Come back!"

 Once again, Youkai soldiers had invaded the Ningenkai. Now they marched towards Kurama.

 When he finally did hear his friends' warning, it was too late. Soldiers seized him. Bound with ropes and chains, Kurama, Royal Prince of the Ningenkai, was carried off to the Makai as a slave.

 ***

 Kurama had learned his royal lessons well. He revealed to no one that he was the son of King Kuwabara of the Ningenkai. But his surprising beauty and noble bearing attracted great attention. So sparkling and unusual was he that the all-powerful Yomi, the ruler of the Makai, chose him from among thousands of captured Ningens to be his gift-a personal slave-to his only daughter, the Princess Mukuro.

 It was easy enough for Kurama to perform the duties of a slave; all he had to do was cater to Mukuro's every whim. The Youkai Princess Mukuro was fascinated, for Kurama was different from any slave she had ever seen. She wanted Kurama to be one of her closest companions.

 ***

 Even with the special privileges granted to one so close to the Royal Princess, Kurama felt nothing but dispare. All his life he had been the only (and much beloved) son of the Ningenkai's King, and now he was a slave of his father's enemy. He knew that there was no hope of ever seeing the Ningenkai again.

 There was one source of light in his life, though. For Hiei, the handsome young captain of the Youkai Army, had fallen in love with the gentle Kurama the moment he saw him (though it took him quite a while for him to admit that ^_^). Kurama, too, had fallen for Hiei, despite Hiei's position as an enemy of Kurama's homeland.

 They met often, in secret, by the Temple of Inari, and in the joy of their moments together, Hiei one day confided his dreams to Kurama.

 "I will lead the Youkai army to victory," he told Kurama, "and when I return, our countries will be united, and maybe then we can be together without worrying about what other people will do to us. It will not be long, I promise."

 Kurama smiled happily and kissed his lover.

 ***

 The day finally came when Yomi was to hold court and announce the new leader in the war against the Ningenkai.

 Amid the majestic columns of a great hall in the palace, the Makai's High Priest, Koenma, confided to Hiei: "There are rumors that the Ningens plan to attack. Prepare yourself, for the God Enma Daioh has chosen, and the honor of great leadership is to be bestowed upon you."

 All his life, Hiei had dreamed of this day. If he became the new leader, he could return triumphant to free Kurama. "Heavenly Kurama," Hiei thought, "I don't deserve you."

 Hiei was deep in thought when the Princess Mukuro stepped from the shadows. She, too, was in love with the handsome fire demon, but she suspected that he loved another.

 Kurama suddenly appeared.

 Oh, how Hiei's eyes filled with passion! And when Mukuro saw the look that passed between them, she was seized with suspicion and jealousy. Could Hiei prefer a *slave* to the Princess of the Makai? It was intolerable! But her fury was interrupted by trumpets heralding the arrival of Yomi.

 A messenger came forward to give his report.

 "Mighty Yomi, the Ningens have attacked. They are led by the fierce warrior King Kuwabara, who has invaded the Makai!"

 A thunder of anger broke out in court, and upon hearing his father's name, Kurama eyes widened in fear.

 Yomi rose, and the crowd grew still.

 "Hiei will lead our army!" he cried. "It is a decree of the God Enma Daioh! Death to the Ningens! Victory to the Makai!" he shouted. "Return victorious, Hiei!" he commanded.

 "Return victorious! Return victorious!" the throng shouted. And Kurama, too, was moved by the cry. In spite of himself,he also began to shout, "Return victorious! Return victorious!" as the court led the soldiers off to battle. Kurama was now left alone.

 "Return victorious!" he called after Hiei, but as his own voice echoed in the great hall, he suddenly realized he was asking for the death of his father, his mother, his friends, and all those he cherished. Yet how could he pray for the death of the one he loved?

 Kurama was shocked. His heart was torn between Hiei and his loyalty to his father and the Ningenkai. He fell to his knees and prayed.

 "Oh great gods of my youth!" he cried. "Pity me!"

 ***

 That night, the halls of the temple rang as priestesses sang sacred chants. Koenma led prayers to Enma Daioh, the lord of the dead and the mightiest Youkai god, as he gave the great hero the sacred sword of the Makai.

 "Let the sword of Hiei be the strength of our nation! Let his bravery in battle crush the Ningens! Protect our land," they prayed, "and make Hiei the most magnificent warrior of all."

 And the priestesses danced a sacred dance to please the gods.

 With Hiei gone, time passed slowly for Kurama. But soon the prayers of the Priests were granted. A special day dawned in the Makai-a day of ceremony and grandeur, of pomp and pageantry. The Ningens had been defeated at last.

 ***

 Mukuro sat before her mirror. Surrounded by slaves and adorned with her most beautiful gown and jewels, she was pleased with her reflection, even the cyborg half. Surely today when Hiei returned, he would be struck by her radiance. Yet despite her vanity, she secretly burned with jealousy to think that Kurama, a mere slave, might truly be loved by Hiei.

 So Mukuro decided to test her privileged slave. And when gentle Kurama entered the royal chambers, Mukuro sobbed, pretending great grief.

 "Oh, Kurama, Kurama!" she cried in a shaking voice. "The Makai has lost its finest warrior! Hiei has been killed in battle!"

 A look of shock crossed Kurama's eyes, and then the overwhelming grief of one whose heart has been broken forever took command of his slender frame. There was no longer any doubt in Mukuro's mind.

 "It is all a lie!" she shouted. "Hiei was not killed! He lives!"

 Kurama's tears of sorrow turned into tears of joy.

 Overcome with fury, Mukuro hurled a nearby vase towards Kurama. "How dare you, a lowly slave, love the same man loved by the Princess of the Makai?"

 But Kurama, too, was royalty. He straightened proudly, and was about to tell Mukuro the truth, when he managed to stop himself. Instead, with great difficulty, he asked to be forgiven.

 "Have mercy on me," he pleaded. "Your power is unquestioned-you have all that a person could want. But what do I have to live for? My love of Hiei, and that alone."

 Kurama's plea only fueled Mukuro's rage. She stormed out of the chamber, leaving Kurama to fear for the worst.

 ***

 Flags flew, and the entire city gathered to see the grand spectacle of the victory parade led by Yomi, Mukuro, and Koenma. Trumpets blared, and dancing girls threw rose petals in a welcoming carpet before the magnificent chariot of Hiei.

 The handsome fire demon dismounted and knelt before the royal throne. When Mukuro placed a laurel wreath on his head, the crowd was wild with joy.

 "Hail to the conqueror!" they roared. "Hail to Hiei!"

 Yomi proclaimed, "Hiei, you are my greatest soldier. As a reward, whatever you wish shall be yours."

 When Hiei rose, he saw Kurama. Mukuro saw the flash of love on his face, and she consumed even further with jealousy. Yet he dared not ask for what he really desired, Kurama's freedom so they could live with one another; not at that moment in public court.

 "Mighty Yomi," Hiei said instead, "I ask that you allow me to call forth our prisoners of war."

 Yomi granted Hiei's request, and the Ningens were led into the square in chains. One tall, proud figure stood above the rest. Kurama gasped. It was his father, King Kuwabara!

 Kurama caught his father's eye, and his father mouthed, "Do not betray to them that I am king." Kurama nodded.

 Kuwabara addressed Yomi. "I am Kurama's father," the crowd gasped, "and I have faithfully fought for my king, who died in battle. I am prepared to die for him and my country, but please have mercy on those who have been defeated."

 With outstretched arms, Kurama joined the Ningens. "Let the prisoners go free," he begged Hiei and Yomi.

 Moved by his appeal, the Youkai crowd joined in, their cries urged Yomi to allow the captured soldiers to be released.

 "No!" Koenma cried. "The Ningens are still a threat!"

 "Their freedom is my wish," Hiei told Yomi.

 "Unchain the Ningens!" Yomi ordered. "But you, Kurama's father, must remain my prisoner as a pledge of your people's good faith." Kuwabara nodded his acceptance.

 An even greater reward was now to be bestowed upon the Makai's greatest warrior. Yomi led Mukuro to Hiei.

 "My daughter will be your bride," he proclaimed, joining their hands. "One day, you shall be the ruler of the Makai, and together you shall rule."

 Hiei was horrified. He dared not defy Yomi. He bowed and pretended gratitude, but his heart was filled with anguish and sorrow. Mukuro looked scornfully at her slave.

 "Don't lose faith," Kuwabara whispered to his son, seeing Kurama's disbelief at Hiei's actions. "The Ningenkai will soon avenge our conquerors."

 ***

 It was the eve of the great wedding, and a full moon shone on the dark waters of the river beside the Temple of Enma Daioh. By boat, Koenma brought Mukuro to the temple. There she was to pray that her marriage be blessed. Little did she know that Hiei had sent a message to Kurama, who was waiting nearby.

 ***

 Kurama sadly watched the moonlit river and longed with all his heart and soul to return to his homeland with his love. Suddenly he heard Hiei approach. But when the man cam closer, he was stunned to see that it was his father, King Kuwabara.[Though how he missed the height difference...]  

"Listen carefully, Kurama," he said sternly. "My plan will bring both you and Hiei back to the Ningenkai. Our soldiers stand ready to attack when I signal. There is a secret, unguarded road, but only Hiei knows it. It is your duty as Prince of the Ningenkai to make Hiei reveal this path."

 "Father!" Kurama cried, "I *cannot* betray Hiei!"

 With anger and disdain, Kuwabara forced him back. "You are no longer my son! You are nothing more that a lowly slave of the Youkais and a betrayer of your county! Have you forgotten your loved ones who were slaughtered without mercy by these, your enemies?"

 "You are wrong! I am *not* and *never* will be a slave to anyone. i am the Prince of the Ningenkai, and I have never forgotten my royal blood. My duty to you and to my country will always be first in my heart!"

 Even as he swore to obey Kuwabara's command, Kurama cried inside for what his father and his dear country would cost him. Kuwabara wished him to have courage, and then hid in the bushes to listen.

When Hiei finally came, he was as close to breathless with love as he could be. But Kurama turned on him scornfully.

 "How could you betray me and marry Mukuro as your reward?"

 Hiei felt his heart break. "Kurama, I will always love you, more than life itself," he told Kurama.

 Inside, Kurama glowed. Hiei had said it! But outside, he kept the facade. "Then show me," he demanded. "If you truly love me, you will leave the Makai tonight and flee with me to the Ningenkai. Only there will we find happiness and peace."

 Hiei was torn. The thought of leaving th Makai, his only home, was unbearable, but the thought of living without Kurama was even more painful. At last, he agreed with much hesitation to flee.

"The roads are heavily guarded with your soldiers. How will we escape?" Kurama asked. He had regretted his decision to help his father the moment he had seen that look of betrayal on Hiei's small face.  

"All the roads are guarded but one," Hiei told Kurama. "The Road of Rose Thief."

 "The Road of the Rose Thief!" a voice rang out. Kuwabara sprang form his hiding place. He was ready to attack with his army.

 Hiei could not believe it. "You are Kurama's father, the King of the Ningenkai?" He was overcome. "I have sacrificed my country for my love of you!" He shouted to Kurama.

 "Come with us now," Kuwabara told Hiei. "You and Kurama will reign happily in the Ningenkai."

 But as the King took Hiei's hand to lead him away, a shout rang out in the darkness. "Traitor!"

 It was Mukuro. She and Koenma had come from the temple and had overheard the plot.

 "Traitor!" she screamed again.

 Kuwabara leapt to kill Mukuro with his dagger, but Hiei ran between them to shield her.

 "Go quickly!" he warned Kurama and Kuwabara, and the King ran, dragging an unwilling Kurama with him.

 ***

 Hiei stood before Mukuro and Koenma. He did not try to escape. Instead, he threw down his sword.

 "I surrender!" he cried. "I am your prisoner!"

 ***

 The treason of Hiei shocked and infuriated all of the Makai. Guards locked him in the deepest dungeon in the palace. Soon his trial would begin, and he would be sentenced to a horrible death.

 Mukuro was in a state of grief. Her love for Hiei had not diminished. Deep in her heart, she knew he had not meant to betray his country. Her own jealousy had made the mighty warrior a prisoner. She longed to beg her father, Yomi, to release him, but she knew the Hiei still loved Kurama. She also knew that soldiers had killed Kuwabara, but that Kurama had escaped and was alive-somewhere.

 In desperation, Mukuro commanded the guards to bring Hiei to her. She humbled herself and pleaded with him to forget Kurama.

 "I will find a way to set you free," she said. "Free to marry me and share the throne of the Makai. But you must never see Kurama again."

 But Hiei refused, shaking his head and saying, "You are the Princess of my country, and have all that anyone would ask for. But there is no room in my heart for anyone but Kurama."

 The more Mukuro begged, the more strongly Hiei refused.

 When the priests came to take Hiei, Mukuro was in a rage of anger and jealousy, and she made no attempt to stop them. But when he left, she fell to the ground in tears, cringing as she heard the priests loudly accuse Hiei of betrayal.

 "Traitor! Traitor!" the priests shouted again and again, but Hiei never uttered a word to defend himself [though inside, no doubt, he was countering everyone of the priests' barbs with one of his own]. Louder and louder the cruel accusations were hurled at him.

 Mukuro prayed to the gods to show mercy and save the one she loved, but the gods were silent.

 The priests pronounced Hiei guilty of treason and sentenced him to be buried alive.

 As the priests passed from the trial, Mukuro flung herself before Koenma. She insulted him and threatened revenge, but her cries were in vain.

 "Hiei, the traitor, will die," he said coldly.

 ***

 Only the priests and guards were allowed to watch Hiei walk into the deepest vault in the palace. They sealed the last opening, shutting out all light and the last breath of fresh air. Alone, waiting quietly for death, Hiei thought only of Kurama. He would never see his sparkling eyes and gentle smile again.

 Suddenly, in the darkness, he heard Kurama's voice. At first, Hiei thought it was only a dream. But no-he had escaped, and was hiding in the vault, waiting for Hiei.

 "Kurama, your too beautiful and kind to die yet!" Hiei protested. He began to push against the vault in vain to open it.

 But Kurama gently leaned down and placed his arms around the smaller man. With a tender kiss, he told Hiei to stop.

 "Remember, we will never be separated again. For eternity, we will be together."

 And with all the love in the world, they held each other close-so close-as if they would never part.

 ***

 Above their tomb, dressed in black, Princess Mukuro prayed to the to forgive her and grant heavenly rest upon Hiei, her love.

 The gods granted Mukuro's wish, but not as she'd hoped. For as she prayed to the gods and wept, a peaceful death had come to the Ningen Prince Kurama and Hiei, the Makai's greatest warrior. Finally they were together-forever in each other's arms.

 *********

So, you like? If not, I did warn you about all the things that were different....

 I'm not too sure.... Was Mukuro a good choice for the Princess of the Makai? She was the only one that I could think of.... Anyway, the main reason I wanted to do this was because of the ending. could have used Keiko and Yuusuke, or Kuwabara and Yukina, but it worked better this way.

 Ja!

 Too bad you can't buy a voodoo globe so that you could make the earth spin real fast and freak everybody out.

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