Kurama's History Report

History was one of Shuuichi Minamino's strongest subject. The fact that he had lived for over 400 years only added to the point. Still, he dutifully sat and listened to the teacher."Today we are going to study ancient Japanese Mythology. Now class..."

Kurama suppressed the urge to grin.

"...your assignment is to research a story from those times, and two weeks later in class, I will ask some of you to report your findings." The teacher flicked a glance at Shuuichi, his star pupil. He continued, "For the rest of this period you may look at some books, here at the front, that might help you. You may work alone or in groups of two. But if you do, I do not expect any less from those who choose to work by themselves. Very well, you may go about your research."

Immediately the whole class rose and rushed to the front, all endeavoring to grab the best books before anyone else. "SHARE!" the exasperated teacher yelled over the students.

During the rush, instead of running to the books, a group of girls made a beeline for Shuuichi.

"Will you be my partner?" they all asked adoringly. The girls looked at each other suspiously. Just when a huge catfight was about to erupt, Kurama said quietly, "I prefer to work alone." They looked crestfallen, and some could be seen wiping away tears.

Kurama sighed inwardly, and also moved to the front.By now, only a few tattered covers were left. Oh well, I can always go to the library later, Kurama thought. He took one at random, and returned to his desk. The book he had chosen was exceedingly old, but it appeared he had chosen well.

"When Demons Walked the Earth - A Collection of True Stories handed down from Generation to Generation" Kurama smiled. This was going to be interesting...

Later that night, Kurama was at his desk, absorbed in reading the book. He had asked the teacher if he could borrow it, and the teacher had been more than obliged. He came to a page with a picture on it, and froze. He stared at it, amazement written all over his face.

"What's so interesting that you even fail to notice I'm here?" A voice suddenly cut the silence of the bedroom.

Kurama's head snapped up, and breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Hiei.

"Hi Hiei. How've you been?" he asked cheerfully.

"Hn" was the reply.

Kurama sighed, and continued to look at the book-- which was no longer on his desk. He turned around and saw Hiei clutching it.

"Why's your picture in this book, old fox?"

"Ah..."

"What's that writing at the bottom?"

"You mean, you don't know how to read?" Kurama asked, acting surprised.

"Ha, you think I went to school in the Makai?" Hiei retorted.

Kurama smiled. "It says, 'The Legendary Youko Kurama.'--"

"Didn't know you were famous."

Kurama continued, "-- 'was a clever thief. The fox spirit stole many valuables when demons moved freely between hell and our world, and was never caught. He had a mischevious nature, and it is said that he can also take on the form of a silver fox, with five tails.'"

"Never caught, eh?"

"Well, I wouldn't be here now if I hadn't been shot..."

"Ha."

"Say, Hiei, what are you doing here in the first place?"

"Just seeing if you were dead yet." Hiei said contemptiously. "Bye, old fox."

"Goodbye--" Hiei was suddenly gone, flitting off in the night. "Hiei." Kurama finished. Kurama smiled to see the book returned to its place on his desk. He started to make notes.

Two weeks later, Kurama was sitting at his desk listening to a fellow student explain the human-eating monster which terrorised peasants and emporers alike. Kurama snifled a laugh when the presentor showed a picture which looked suspiciously like *Raizen. When the report was ended, Kurama clapped especially vigorously. I wonder where he got that drawing... [*Raizen = Yusuke's natural demon father]

The history teacher beamed at Shuuichi. "Minamino-san, would you like to report your findings to the class?" Kurama nodded, smiling. He began his report. After class had ended, the teacher motioned for Shuuichi to speak with him.

"Minamino, I was greatly impressed by your speech on this... Youko."

"Thank you."

"And where did you manage to get all that information?"

Kurama's eyes twinkled. "Ah... I have an old friend who is extremely knowledgeable in these things."

"I see... well, do you mind if I keep this report? I would like to show this to some of my colleages..."

"Of course."

"Arigato Gozaimasu."

"Do itashimashite."

Late that night, the teacher was flipping through his best student, Minamino's excellent report. There were dozens of stories about that legendary 'Youko Kurama', some which were amusing, others which were frightening. After a while, he stared into the dark night. He wondered what this monster looked like...A silver shape darted into the garden. It seemed to be a fox. Five tails? He rubbed his eyes and slapped himself. No, not dreaming... A chill ran up his spine. The fox stopped, and rose, becoming a human shape. Long silvery hair, simple white clothes... long bushy tail and ears which poked out of the silky mane. The haunting, golden eyes met his gaze for a moment. They seemed to be laughing! He blinked, and the youko was gone. After the realisation hit him, the middle aged history teacher fainted.

"I'm sure I scared the hell out of him", Kurama thought mischeviously.

Shuuichi Minamino= Youko Kurama the Silver Fox.

With all due thanks to Peiqing and Huiling.