Chapter 1
"You're Invited!"
It's a late, Friday afternoon in Mushiyori City. Temperatures are slowly on the up-and-up as summer creeps into the atmosphere. Taking advantage of the weather, Kurama and his new girlfriend, Kiyoni, spend their free time relaxing at Hikari Park. They have been dating for a little over a week and things between them have settled down a bit. Using a large tree as shade, the young lovers blend into the multitude of people while remaining in their own world. After a long walkthrough, Kurama rests his head on Kiyoni's lap, as she runs her fingers through his hair. The thickness of her thighs bring great comfort. Even though he's adamant about other people touching said hair, Kiyoni's touch is as soothing as his mother's when he was younger. He lets it slide for now because of that comparison.
Kiyoni notices his drowsy demeanor by watching his breathing as fatigue kicks in. "Suu'chi? Suu'chi? Are you falling asleep," she asks in a sweet, whispered tone.
Kurama opens his eyes halfway, "Hm?"
"I'm asking you if you're falling asleep."
Kurama awakens even more, "No, no. I'm not falling asleep," he sits up as proof, "See? I'm wide awake."
"You liar," Kiyoni concludes, "I watched you. You were gonna snore and everything."
Kurama chuckles at the thought, "Snoring is something, I know, I don't do."
"Sure, you don't," Kiyoni teases before taking a sip of strawberry soda, "I still find it hard to believe."
"Find what hard to believe?"
"Well, you know..."
Kurama shakes his head uncertainly, "…No, I'm afraid I don't. Please, enlighten me."
"Do I have to," Kiyoni whines. Kurama stays silent. "Ugh! I find it hard to believe that…" Kiyoni starts fidgeting, "one minute we were neighbors and best friends and now were…" the volume of her voice changes from normal to low, "boyfriend and girlfriend."
Kurama puts a hand to his ear, "I'm sorry, what was that? What did you say you and I were?"
Kiyoni mumbles again, "Boyfriend and girlfriend."
"Could you repeat that a little louder, please?" He asks in a honeyed tone.
Annoyed, Kiyoni shouts, "I SAID BOYFRIEND AND GIRLFRIEND! YOU AND I ARE BOYFRIEND AND GIRLFRIEND! CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW-" She quickly covers her mouth and blushes much to Kurama's amusement. Realizing that Kurama was teasing her, Kiyoni smacks him on the shoulder, "I hate it when you do that, Suu'chi."
Kurama hums a laugh, "Sorry, just harmless fun. I swear that will never get old."
"Well…it's not like you're shouting it from the rooftops or broadcasting it to the world."
"Oh, is that what you would like me to do?"
"Huh?"
"Expose our relationship to the world. I'll do that right now, if you wish."
"You know what? Yes. Yes, I do want you to inform the world of our relationship. That is, if you got the balls." Kiyoni raises an eyebrow.
Kurama stands up, "As you wish…" He gestures Kiyoni to stand as well. Holding her right hand, Kurama cups his free hand around his mouth in an attempt to shout out the good news. After inhaling a good amount of air, Kurama pulls her in. "For as long as possible, boyfriend and girlfriend is what we are to each other. Don't you ever forget that," he whispers before kissing her within the temporal area.
In disbelief and red-faced again, Kiyoni steps back a bit, "I said 'the world', Shuuichi. Not to me."
Kurama pulls her close for a second time, "I know. What you're failing to realize is…you are my world. At least, you're starting to be." He kisses her again, this time, directly.
During their sweet moment, Kiyoni, telepathically, states, "You're a jerk, you know that?"
He replies in the same manner, "I'm aware."
About an hour later, Kurama and Kiyoni take their leave. They think about the immediate future along the way. "So, your birthday is coming up. Any ideas on how you'd like to celebrate," Kurama asks.
Kiyoni is touched by the gesture, "You remembered my birthday. How sweet of you."
"Well, it's not like I've forgotten on purpose. Every year, around this time, my mother makes those mochi cakes that you love so much. It's become traditional, now," he informs.
"Are you serious," Kiyoni gets excited, "I adore those cakes! Oh, my mouth is watering just thinking about it." The same year the Ikeda family moved next door to the Minamino family, Shiori made strawberry mochi cakes for Kiyoni's birthday. She's been making them, every year, since. "I gotta have one now that I'm back in town," Kiyoni declares.
"You'll have them soon, I think. My mom added the ingredients to her grocery list, yesterday. She hasn't forgotten about you," Kurama confirms.
"Yay," Kiyoni cheers followed by a celebratory dance. "Oh, I forgot," she remembers, "I wanted to ask you for a favor."
"Sure. What do you need?"
"I need phone numbers…of everyone. And I wanted to know if there's a way to reach Spirit World or whatever you call it."
"May I ask why do you require all of that information?"
"I'm planning a dinner party at Miss Genkai's compound and I want to invite everyone to come. That includes Mister Koenma and Miss Botan."
"A party, huh? What for?"
Kiyoni stops walking, "Believe or not, I still feel bad about what's happened. This party is my way of apologizing and establishing good friendships with everyone. Will you help me?"
Kurama gently kisses her left hand, "Of course."
A couple of days later, all of Kiyoni's invitees arrive at Genkai's compound. It's a casually dressed affair. The gang is led by Kurama and Yusuke as they walk along the stairs. "So, Kurama…is there a reason why Kiyoni invited all of us to dinner," Yusuke starts off.
"I've already told you. This dinner is her way of building bridges with us all. Her family has done this before," Kurama answers.
"This isn't the first time," Keiko chimes in.
"I'm afraid not. About a week after moving in, her family invited my family over for dinner. If I remember correctly, the food, that night, was quite delicious," Kurama finishes his train of thought, "It wouldn't surprise me if tonight's like that one."
"Speaking of 'delicious', I smell something that can fit the description," Kuwabara predicts. Everyone else picks up on the scent. Sure enough, something does smell delicious. It's the scent of barbecue.
Inside the kitchen, the Ikeda family are hard at work, preparing for the feast. Favorite dishes from all cultures of Heliopolis are on the menu. Kenichi handles the grilling, Ayesha handles the oven and stove, and Kiyoni handles both clean up and set up. Yukina does her best to help out anyway she can as Genkai sips tea on the front porch. "Hey, Grandma," Yusuke greets, "Did they eat you out of house and home already?"
"Ugh, dimwit," she mumbles, "Maybe you stick to a brain food diet." Some of the guests laugh at that remark.
"Hello! Are we late for the big feast," Koenma shouts with Botan in tow.
"No way, you were invited too," Kuwabara looks back.
"Well, yes, thanks to Kurama," Botan states.
"Well, when Kiyoni said everyone, she meant everyone," Kurama reiterates.
Yukina steps outside to greet her friends. Her peach pink and white polka dot dress and light denim jacket perfectly symbolizes her girl-next-door personality. "Good evening, everyone," she welcomes with a smile, "I'm here to let everyone know that the feast is ready," she finishes with a bow. Elated, the guests make their way to the dining hall.
When the hall doors open, everyone is amazed by what they see. The sights and smells of the dining table are impressive and appetizing. Couscous and berbere beef and chicken from Africa and the Middle East; sweet and spicy rice cakes, vegetable lo mein, and pork dumplings from the Far East; falafel, rice pilaf, and traditional gyros from the Mediterranean; and stuffed cabbage, pierogi, and stroganoff from Eastern Europe. "Holy smokes," Kuwabara exclaims, "I never seen so much food in all my life."
"Was this the type of dinner you were invited to, Kurama," Shizuru looks to the right of her where Kurama is standing.
"More or less," Kurama plans his meal, mentally, "emphasis on the 'more'."
"Well I don't know about any of you guys, but I'm grabbing a spot," Yusuke declares upon entering the room. He's tripped by Genkai, causing him to fall flat on his face. "What the hell was that for you old hag," he shouts.
"Elders first, dimwit," Genkai enters the room and takes her seat. The rest follow.
The doors of the hall open once more, revealing Kenichi and Ayesha. Although the dress code of this event is casual, the couple wear traditional Japanese attire, with colors fitting for the coming summer season. They bow to the attendees as a sign of salutation. "Good evening, everyone," Ayesha starts off, "We are honored by your attendance."
"Please welcome your hostess for the evening, Princess Kiyoni Ikeda," Kenichi announces.
Kiyoni enters the room composed and confident. Completely opposite from the last time she approached her friends in this manner. Her outfit of the night is a cheongsam dress similar to the colors and design of her favorite flower, the Starlette Lily. A flower of the same name adorns the bun in her hair. No doubt a flower from the gift Kurama gave her after their second date. "Welcome to my friendship feast, everyone," she bows, "I hope you're hungry."
"Are you kidding? My stomach and I were having a conversation on the way here," Yusuke answers as Kiyoni and her parents take their seats. Now that everyone is at the table, a quick and unified "itadakimasu" begins the feast.
Sounds of utensils and dishes clashing are followed by a few "Mm's" as everyone tastes and eventually devours their food. "Mm, this is incredible," Botan starts off as she tries out the rice pilaf and lo mein before combining the two.
"These dumplings are amazing," Kuwabara declares as he inhales the rest of his.
"I never had gyros before. The meat is so soft and chewy," Keiko determines.
"It sounds as if everyone approves," Kiyoni concludes. Everyone nods in agreement followed by more "Mm's".
Kiyoni looks over to her left as Kurama analyzes his plate, particularly the couscous and lo mein. "Enjoying the food, Suu'chi," she asks.
Kurama takes a deep breath as he covers his mouth with a napkin while finishing his last bite, "Something's familiar about the couscous."
"It should be. That's the same couscous that was made the first time we had dinner together," Kiyoni informs, "I remember how much you liked it, back then."
Kurama nods, "It's a little less spicy than I remember it, but the overall flavor is the same. And you're correct, I did like it a lot back then. Just as much as I do now." The two share a laugh.
"So, Kiyoni. Kurama tells us that your birthday is coming up. Any plans," Yusuke questions.
Kiyoni stops eating, "As a matter of fact…yes, I do have plans. They involve all of you."
"All of us? What does that mean," Botan inquires.
"I may have told you all that this dinner is all about friendship…but there's another catch," Kiyoni hints.
"Well, out with it! Don't keep us in suspense," Botan urges.
Kiyoni positions herself as if she's making a declaration, "This dinner is another invitation…"
"An invitation to…" Kuwabara continues.
"An invitation to my eighteenth birthday party…in Heliopolis."
"What," Yusuke exclaims as everyone looks at her in shock, "You're inviting us to come to demon world to celebrate your birthday?!"
Kiyoni places her hands up in defense, "Now, now. Just hear us out. Kenichi? Ayesha?"
Ayesha takes the floor, "This isn't any other birthday. This is a coming-of-age occasion. Something the people of Heliopolis take very seriously."
"Much like some countries in this world, Kiyoni will reach adulthood on that day. She wants you all to come celebrate with her," Kenichi finishes.
"There may be a small catch…," Kiyoni states, "We all will have to leave a bit early."
"How early are we talking," asks Yusuke.
"Like, this Wednesday."
"Wednesday," Everyone exclaims, Kiyoni nods her head.
"That's right in the middle of exams week," shouts Kuwabara.
"I know, I know," Kiyoni sulks a little, "But, we're in the process of getting that covered. My uncle is working on getting us in the clear for the week…we'll just have to…cram?
"Ugh," goes Kuwabara, Keiko, and Kurama.
Kurama face palms himself, "Permit me to ask why Wednesday is the departure date?"
"Trust me, Suu'chi. You'll see when you get there. Look, if everyone is concerned with exams, I'm more than happy to host study sessions, if need be."
Kenichi and Ayesha nod in agreement.
"All in favor of Kiyoni hosting one tomorrow," Keiko calls, everyone raises hands.
Kiyoni sighs, "Alright, deal."
"Uh, another problem," Kuwabara interjects.
"What is it this time, bro," Shizuru implores.
"I hate to single people out but, it's Keiko. She can't come to Demon World." He declares.
Kurama quickly looks at Keiko, "Kuwabara's right. How quickly I've forgotten."
"What do you mean, 'Keiko can't come'? Why," disappointment takes over Botan's voice.
"Because she's human," Kurama answers, "The most humanly person in this room." Disappointment takes over Keiko's face.
"Okay, Keiko's human. So what," Shizuru argues.
"Ugh, it's something Hiei said when we were dealing with Sensui in Demon's Door Cave," Yusuke confirms, "Ordinary humans, like Keiko, wouldn't be able to survive even the air over there."
"But I thought Hiei handles the ones who cross over to that side," Shizuru claims.
"He does. But part of that objective is to make sure those humans return home before the effects of Demon World prove harmful. It's happened a couple of times under Hiei's watch," Kurama discloses.
"Oh, no. I'm sorry, Keiko," Botan places a hand on Keiko's shoulder.
"It's alright. I'm honored that I'm invited to such an event," Keiko gushes.
"Um, Kiyoni. You don't look too down," Yukina points out.
Kiyoni sits at the head of the table resting her chin on her left palm. The smile on her face symbolizes her confidence, "I don't see the problem."
"Uh, hello! If she steps one foot into that territory and gets hurt, it's me and you," Yusuke threatens, "Do you see the problem now?"
"Nope," Kiyoni brags, "Keiko can come just like the rest of you. And do you know why? It's because I prepared her to come ahead of time."
"How did you do that," Kurama wonders.
"Keiko? May I take a look at your necklace, please," Kiyoni sticks out her hand.
"Um, okay," Keiko hands over the necklace.
Kiyoni hoists the piece of jewelry up for all to see. Keiko's necklace is a three inch long, pencil-shaped, pure amethyst crystal on a string. "You see this? To everyone else, including you, this is just a uniquely crafted piece of amethyst. However, there's more," Kiyoni taps the gem to make it glow, "This gem has been dipped in the same solution as my vampire repellent. It has also been dipped in my blood. I don't know what good it'll do her in the rest of Demon World, but in Heliopolis, she'll be just fine. So long as she wears it, of course."
"So…I can come," Keiko affirms.
Kiyoni places the stone around Keiko's neck again, "When I said I want all my friends to come, I meant it."
Yusuke stands up, "Hell yeah! A five-day weekend in vampire-ville. I'm game."
"Yeah! I could use a vacation," Kuwabara agrees, "And if we gotta study our butts off to get there, it'll be worth it!"
"Quiet down, you loudmouths," Genkai demands.
"Are you sure it's alright with your parents," Kurama asks.
"Yes, Suu'chi. They can't wait to see you again," Kiyoni blushes, Kurama does the same.
"So, when you say 'everyone', that includes me as well," Koenma checks in.
"Yes. Spirit World royalty meeting with vampire royalty is highly encouraged. It wouldn't be right if you weren't invited," Kiyoni avows, "That Hiei guy too, if anyone can find him."
"Don't worry. Hiei will get the message," Kurama assures.
"Great! Everyone, grab your glasses," Kiyoni stands on her knees, "To turning eighteen!"
Everyone else repeats before raising their glasses, "To turning eighteen!"
As the feast continues, Hiei stands in one of the grounds' trees listening in on the conversations. "A birthday party with vampires? Why the hell would I attend," he asks himself. Using his Jagan, he peers into the room, paying attention to Yukina's interaction with the gang. Assuming that she will be part of the celebration, Hiei thinks again, "I guess…" before disappearing into the night.