The Childhood Friend of Kurama Part 21: Kurama Meets Koga and Yukina's Surprise to Kuwabara
Once in Demon World, Kurama made sure I was close beside him. He was still a bit apprehensive about meeting Koga considering he didn't really know what he's like yet.
"Kurama, you don't need to worry, you know. I doubt Koga would let his comrades attack us."
"You don't know that for sure. He may not recognize your scent since you had your transformation. It's best to be cautious."
I rolled my eyes and stopped in front of his, taking his chin in my clawed hand.
"I appreciate your concern, but I don't think things will turn out the way you're thinking. Besides, I doubt anyone would be stupid enough to attack Yoko Kurama's potential mate, who just happens to work with Team Urameshi."
My words seemed to put him at ease because his face now held a relaxed smile.
"You're right, Ayame. I'm just afraid of something happening to you again, that's all."
"Have a little more faith in me. I'm not as weak as I was before I started training with you guys."
"Ah, I see you're returned."
I flexed my claws and tried to swipe at whoever interrupted us. He dodged and smirked.
"Relax, Princess. Koga wanted me to bring you two to him. He could smell your scents as soon as you entered his territory."
While we walked, I noticed Kurama had let Yoko take over. I decided to let it go since he felt my safety was a priority. Once at Koga's cave, the fox demon had us wait until Koga could come out.
"How long do they intend on keeping us waiting? Shuichi is getting quite anxious."
"Be patient. I don't think he'd stall considering who I am."
Yoko smirked as he looked at me.
"A woman with a level mind. Shuichi is indeed a lucky man."
"I feel the same way he does."
Koga came out of the cave and smirked when he saw who was with me.
"The famous Yoko Kurama. I must say it's an honor to be in your presence. And Ayame, I see you've been through some changes since we last met. So, how painful was it?"
"Painful enough. I'm not the one that wanted to come here. Kurama was curious to see what you were like, so he decided to have me accompany him."
Yoko raised an eyebrow as he looked Koga over.
"Strong, confident, leadership. You remind me of myself back in the old days. How you could fall for a human is beyond me."
Koga laughed at this and crossed his arms.
"With all due respect, Yoko, I could say the same thing about you."
Koga then pulled me aside and talked in a low voice.
"He seems unsure of me."
"He's become quite protective of me over time. He's just afraid of something happening to me."
"A good quality in a mate."
I blushed slightly at his statement.
"He's not my mate, Koga. I guess you can say we're courting, but we're not mates."
"Even so, I'd say you picked the right one. If he ever gives you any trouble-"
"Don't worry. I know a trick or two to keep him in line."
Yukina's POV:
While Kurama and Ayame were in Demon World, Kazuma and I offered to look after Keikoku.
"Yukina, my love!"
I giggled as I gave Keikoku a toy to play with.
"I'm downstairs, Kazuma. Keikoku's with me."
"Oh, good. I didn't see her in her room and wasn't sure where she went."
"That's sweet of you to be concerned, Kazuma. Isn't he a nice man, Keikoku?"
Keikoku smiled and nodded.
"I like anyone that's nice to my mama, Ms. Yukina."
Kazuma smiled his goofy smile and sat beside me on the living room couch.
"So, now what do we do?"
"Actually, there's something I wanted to talk to you about. Keikoku, can you be a good girl and stay right here while I go talk to Kazuma?"
"Uh-huh."
We walked into the kitchen, then I turned to face him.
"Kazuma, how long have we known each other?"
"Uh, a long time now. We met when Urameshi and I were still 14 so we've known each other for...5 years. Why?"
I sighed and remained quiet. Being the kind man he is, Kazuma put his hands on my shoulders and smiled.
"What's up, my love?"
"I wanted to know...how you felt about...becoming...mates."
"Eh, what exactly is that?"
I giggled and removed his hands from my shoulders.
"It's like being married in the human sense. When you become mates, you're usually tied to that person forever. Most kinds of demons mate for life, so once it happens, there's no turning back."
"Wow, really?"
"You don't mind, do you, Kazuma?"
"Oh, of course not, Yukina. I've wanted to be with you always for a long time now. Just wasn't...you know, sure if your brother would've liked it."
"I already talked about this with him. He doesn't mind as long as you don't act like a fool and put me in danger."
"Yeah, that sounds like Hiei."
Pleased he accepted my offer, I smiled and pulled him into a hug.
"It makes me happy that you said yes, Kazuma. I'm looking forward to spending my life with you."
"Me, too, Yukina."
That's a wrap for part 22 will be in Kurama's POV and will be set a couple of years into the future as he prepares to ask Ayame to be his mate. Also in part 22,an attack on Keiko when she's visiting the mansion sets Yusuke into a maddening rage. Stay tuned to see what happens