The Search For A Mate
Chapter 21
It was early morning and Beth was cooking breakfast. Kurama was sitting at the table reading the newspaper. "What would you like to do today? It's been a while since Mother took all of the kits at once." Beth smiled. "Yes they are a handful aren't they? And she did say she was keeping them overnight. This house will be empty and silent until after school tomorrow." Kurama smirked. "I wouldn't count on the silent. This will be our first night alone in a very long time. I intend to make use of it."
Beth set a plate in front of him. "How did I know what you were thinking?" "Because you were thinking the very same thing." He pulled her into his lap for a quick kiss before she called the kits. All it took was one call and the herd raced for the table. Beth shook her head. "You'd think there was a possibility of someone starving if they weren't the first to the table. Did everyone wash their hands?" There were murmurs of "Yes ma'am." Even Kaishou had begun washing his hands regularly, afraid to displease his uncle.
Kurama had sat him down last night and explained why Hiei would be unable to continue his training for a while. He had been disappointed but when he learned the reason he was optimistic that it wouldn't be long. His uncle would soooo kick the rebel asses. The boy had a serious case of hero worship going there. His parents were happy that it was focused on someone who was a strong role model. Kaishou had surprised them by saying he would continue to practice what Hiei had already taught him and that he would add strength training for his hands. He really wanted to be as good with a sword someday as his uncle.
Shiori arrived shortly after breakfast. Kurama kissed her cheek. "Hello Mother." She hugged him. "Hello Shuichi dear. Where is Beth?" "In the kitchen. I will see if the kits are ready." Beth put a cup of tea on the table for Shiori. Then she hugged her. "Hello Mother. How is Father?" Shiori laughed. "Enjoying his retirement. I finally convinced him we should stay home for at least a little while. I have enjoyed the trips, but I'm tired. And I miss my family."
Beth sat down across from her. "Good. You will be home for Christmas?" Shiori nodded as she sipped her tea. Beth gave her a small smile but the twinkle in her eyes had Shiori suspicious. "What are you and Shuichi planning?" "I don't think planning had anything to do with it." Shiori set her cup down and reached for Beth's hand. "You're pregnant again." It was a statement, not a question. Beth nodded. Shiori was smiling. "When?" "Just before Christmas."
"That's wonderful news. Kazuya will be so pleased. You and Shuichi have made me so happy. I used to despair that he would ever give me grandchildren, and now he has given me so many to love. I always wanted a big family. After trying for several years with Kazuya, I now know that if Shuichi were not what he is, I would have been childless. I was blessed that he found me that day so long ago."
Beth knew the woman truly loved Kurama. It amazed her to this day that he could have ever thought his mother would reject him once she found out the truth. Beth still teased him about his insecurity. He would huff and tell her that Youko Kurama had no insecurities. It was only caution that guided his actions. To which she would snort and say "Yes dear."
They were interrupted when the kits came running in screaming, "Grandma!" Kurama began carrying their backpacks out to his mother's car. Shiori hugged each and every one of them. "Grandpa is waiting for us. So let's be off. We're going to Disneyland today. There's not enough room in the car so we have to take the train. It's an hour from the house." There were squeals from the kits as they ran out the door to pile in the car. Beth shook her head. "You're braver than I am Mother." Shiori smiled. "Nonsense. They're all good children. They won't be any trouble at all."
Shiori had hardly pulled out of the drive when a soft pop accompanied a portal in the living room. Koenma stepped out followed by Yomi. Koenma had taken his adult form not long after he took over the rule of the Reikai. His adult form was still as handsome as his teenage form, but was more mature. He looked the part of a ruler now. No Jr. on his forehead, the mafuukan now worn as a ring.
Yomi hadn't changed. He was still a handsome goat. His coming to the Ningenkai was strange. Something was definitely wrong. He went straight for Beth, much to Kurama's ire. His possessiveness had eased somewhat. Since he had made Beth his mate, Yomi's behavior stayed well within the bounds of friendship only. Yomi kissed her cheek, chuckling as he pulled away. "Another kit? By the time my general is ready to make his home in the Makai, I will have to enlarge the palace to hold all of you."
Beth smiled at him. He just took it for granted that Kurama would resume the post Yomi had given him once his human life ended. Beth was not sure what he would do. It was still a long way off and they didn't discuss it. She knew Kurama would make his decision when the time came and not before. There were too many variables to plan that far ahead.
Kurama went straight to business. "The two of you together and here. Very strange. What do you want that you required reinforcements?" Koenma opened his mouth to answer, but Yomi held up a hand silencing him. "The rebel problem in the Makai has gotten out of hand. Their raids are bolder, more destructive. Entire villages are being destroyed, people killed, enslaved. It has to end or the Makai will become destabilized again. Everything you and your friends worked hard to bring about will be lost."
He began to pace. "That fool Enki allowed it to go on too long with his attempts at a peaceful resolution. He allowed them to get organized, grow too powerful. Now it will be a war just to get rid of them. They are raiding along the Tourin/Alaric border at this time. I can't send troops without leaving my people unprotected. I'm asking you as my general, as my friend, to go to Alaric as my representative. Help put an end to the rebel threat."
Kurama looked to Koenma. "You're here why?" Koenma returned the stare. "Besides the fact that I owe Yomi a favor, I have a stake in this too. If the Makai were to return to the days before Yusuke set up the tournament, there would eventually be a war. The barrier is down between human world and demon world. If the current government in the Makai were to collapse, there would no longer be a border patrol. Nothing to prevent raids on the human world. Enslaving humans, consuming humans. It would all begin again, only this time on a much larger scale since there would be no restrictions on the demons coming over."
Koenma crossed his arms over his chest. "Can you imagine the panic once humans learned demons are real? There would be no concealing it. There would be chaos and destruction far more horrendous than even the chapter black tapes. I'm asking you to help us." Kurama looked away from him. "Have you talked to Yusuke?" Koenma nodded. "We stopped there first. Since one of the villages destroyed was in Tourin, we didn't even need to ask. He's leaving for the Makai in the morning."
Kurama looked to Beth, the concern and sadness clear in her expression. "Give me time to talk it over with Beth." He took her hand and led her to the bedroom. Once the door closed, he let the sound absorbers grow. He didn't want Yomi listening in. Beth went into his arms. "You know you don't have to ask. This concerns all three worlds. If the rebels aren't stopped, then there will be no safe place to raise our kits." "You always know what I am thinking. You're alright with this?" "I have to be. I know you'll do what you need to, to keep your family safe." "But you'll worry anyway won't you?"
She tightened her hold on him. "I won't worry as much. You'll be in Alaric with Hiei to watch your back. I know the both of you would die for the other." She kissed him soundly. "I'll come up with a story for your mother so she won't worry." He pressed his forehead to hers. "I love you." She smiled and pulled away caressing his cheek. "I love you too. Let's go tell them your decision."
They walked back into the living room hand in hand. Yomi and Koenma were sitting on the couch. They both stood. Kurama gave Beth's hand a squeeze before he let it go. "I'll leave in the morning." Koenma breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you Kurama. The Reikai and I are once again in your debt." Yomi put out his hand and Kurama took it. "This is the reason I insist on having you as my general. I can always count on you to do what's right for the good of everyone. Thank you old friend."
Koenma promised to look in on Beth and the kits while Kurama was away. Yomi thanked her for her understanding. Koenma opened a portal and they left. Kurama pulled Beth down on the couch with him. "So what do we want to do…" He was interrupted by the sound of a car in the drive and Yusuke's energy signature. Sighing, he helped Beth to her feet and they went out onto the porch. Yusuke and Keiko were getting out and heading for the house.
Kurama was leaning on one of the porch supports. "What brings you here Yusuke?" Yusuke scratched his head and looked around. "We, uh, well…" "They've already been here and gone Yusuke." "Oh. Well, what did you say?" "Do you even need to ask?" Yusuke grinned. "Che. Yeah. I guess not." They went into the house and Beth poured them tea. "Where are the kids?" Keiko sighed. "They went with mother We're kid free until tonight." Beth grinned. "Us too. We should do something. Something adult for a change."
Yusuke grinned. "Hell yeah! Arcade!" Beth and Keiko rolled their eyes. "That's certainly adult." Beth commented. Yusuke was on a roll. "Let's call Kuwabara. And Hiei if he's in town." He pulled out his phone. "Party!" With the determination of a steamroller, Yusuke had everything organized in minutes.
The ringing of his cell phone woke Hiei. Rayna was still sleeping in his arms. He had to move her to reach his phone on the nightstand. She began to stir, her source of warmth now missing. Hiei narrowed his eyes as he picked up the phone. This had better be important or somebody was dead. The caller ID showed it was Yusuke. "What do you want, detective? And it better be three worlds important or I'm going to kick your ass."
Yusuke chuckled. "Somebody's grouchy this morning. Oh, wait. You're grouchy every morning." The growling heard through the connection just made Yusuke's grin bigger. "Kurama and I are heading for the Makai in the morning to help you with your little rebel problem. We're both kidless today, so we thought we'd all get together to do something before we left. Whatta ya say? You and Rayna in?"
Rayna was awake and listening to the conversation. Hiei looked over to her in question. She nodded. Hiei told Yusuke they would meet them. When Yusuke told him to meet everyone at the arcade in an hour, Hiei rolled his eyes. At least he and Rayna could have a rematch. He owed her for her dirty tactics last time. On second thought, after last night, a repeat of their air hockey match might not be such a good idea after all.
Hiei closed his cell phone. Rayna was sitting up in bed. "When did I move to the middle of the bed?" He smirked. "Hn. Probably about the same time I did." She turned pink. "Oh. Does this mean that you won't have a problem adjusting to not sleeping alone?" "Apparently." He got up and got out his clothes for the day. "Hiei?" He turned toward her. "Yes?" "You're warm. Did you know that?" The look he shot her said, 'I'm a fire apparition, duh.' He was, however, too polite to voice it. He really had come a long way hadn't he? He ignored her until they were ready to leave. He could only be polite so long.
The arcade wasn't that busy when they arrived. It did most of it's business after school and on Saturdays. Hiei spotted the oaf playing a fighting game with the detective. Yukina was watching them, cheering her mate on. Keiko and Beth were playing air hockey with Kurama watching them. Rayna dragged him over to Kurama's side. She asked Kurama, "Are you going to play?" Kurama shook his head. "Not really my game." "Ok. I've got the winner," Rayna declared.
It was clear very quickly that Rayna would be playing Keiko. Beth was frustrated. "How'd you get so good at this?" Keiko snorted. "Did you forget who I'm married to?" "Oh. Right." Beth had just resigned herself to losing this one. Rayna was watching the game closely, and Hiei was watching her. He was thinking. Thinking about how she assessed her opponent's skill. That was vital in a battle. He already knew she could assess her opponent's weakness. She'd certainly nailed his.
Beth lost quickly. It wasn't even a contest. Her cousin clearly had her outclassed. Rayna took her place across from Keiko for the next game. Yusuke and Kuwabara had finished their game and came over to watch. Yusuke elbowed Kuwabara. "Five on Keiko. This is going to be so good." Kuwabara frowned. "No bet Urameshi. I've watched her play." Hiei smirked. "I'll take that bet." Yusuke turned to him, surprised. "Ok. You're on."
Yusuke went over to Keiko and massaged her shoulders. "I got money ridin on ya babe. Make me proud." He kissed her for luck and backed off. Hiei went to Rayna. After laying a major lip lock on her, he whispered his words of encouragement. "Don't bother showing her your tits. It won't work on her." Rayna turned a deep shade of red as he walked back to his place by Kurama.
Rayna and Keiko grabbed their paddles and took their stances as Kurama dropped the coin. The puck came out on Rayna's side. She laid it on the table and covered it with her paddle assessing her shot. When she sent it to the other end, Keiko just managed to block it. They battled for several minutes before either scored. Keiko scored first. Yusuke pumped his fist in the air and cheered.
Rayna answered the point quickly. Keiko had realized early on this game would not be easy. Rayna was skilled. She had expected as much when Hiei was willing to wager on her. He was not the type to lay a losing bet just to be supportive. He had to believe she had a better than average chance at winning. Keiko was brought back to concentrating on the game when Rayna scored a second point. She was now ahead and Hiei was smirking in satisfaction.
Keiko and Rayna were giving it their all, and both women were sweating with the effort. It went back and forth for some time. Each point was answered. Until Rayna noticed Keiko's weakness. Rayna knew she had a good bank shot. It was equally good on both sides. Keiko, however, was weak defending against it on her left side. Rayna used that to her advantage and the game was won 7 to 5. Yusuke paid up and put his arm around Keiko to console her. She rarely lost to anyone but him.
The group all congratulated Rayna on her win. Keiko shook her hand. "You've got to teach me that bank shot. It's wicked." Hiei snorted. "If you want to beat your mate, let her teach you her other trick. It certainly worked on me." Rayna blushed. Keiko was now really intrigued. So was Yusuke. "She beat you? No wonder you were willing to bet on her."
It was nearing lunchtime and Yusuke and Kuwabara announced they were starved. They went out to the little sidewalk dining area and claimed one of the large tables. They scattered in different directions depending on their food choice. After they had eaten, the subject of the Makai rebellion came up. Deciding not to put a damper on the day for the girls, Kurama suggested they take a walk. The girls were happy to remain at the table and talk about the shopping trip tomorrow. Beth had included Yukina as well as Keiko.
While the guys were gone, two men came up to the table. "Hello ladies. Mind if we sit with you a while?" Beth looked up at the speaker. He was dark haired, medium height, with a smirk on his face that said he knew the answer to his question. Wrong. "Actually we do mind." She returned to her conversation. The other man, also dark haired, had an air of arrogance that said he was not used to being turned down. "You need some company and we are here to provide it."
Keiko looked down her nose at him. She had perfected that stare years ago when she had to deal with Yusuke skipping class. "Perhaps my cousin wasn't clear enough for you to understand. No. Simple enough. Even for the simple minded." She turned her back on the man. The first man grabbed a chair and turned it around. "I don't think you realize how lucky you are to have us pay attention to you. You act like you could find someone better than us." Beth snorted. "Already did. Married him. Now go away."
The other man followed his friend's example and sat down. "Ok. So you're married. There are still three more of you." Keiko held up her hand showing him her ring. "Ditto moron." Yukina didn't say anything, but held up her hand as well. Both men turned their attention to Rayna. "Engaged." One of the men smirked. "I don't see a ring." She glared at him. "And?"
The guys were on their way back when they took in what was happening. They had arrived just in time to hear the comments made about the girls' marital status. Both of the idiots at the table had their attention focused on Rayna. One of the men was chuckling. "Can't mean much if he didn't even spring for a decent ring." Hiei growled and started forward. Three hands pulled him back. He snarled. "Let go. Now." Kurama was the voice of reason. "You can't do anything here. They are human. Stupid. But human nonetheless. Let's wait and let the girls handle it. They are quite capable. If they can't, then we will all step in."
Rayna was livid. "You are clueless. A ring is nothing more than a symbol. I wouldn't trade the man I am engaged to for a thousand morons like you. Now get lost. Before I really get mad." Something in her eyes convinced them to leave, but not without a parting shot. "You girls weren't worth the effort anyway." As they walked away, Rayna's eyes flashed and she made a circular motion with her finger. Clouds appeared over the men's heads and in seconds they were soaked as they ran for the shelter of a building.
Beth, Keiko, and Yukina were laughing uncontrollably when the guys joined them. Kurama leaned down to kiss Beth. "That was entertaining." "How much did you see?" "Most of it," he admitted. Beth looked over to Hiei. He had sat down next to Rayna but hadn't said anything. He was simply staring at her.
Hiei was proud that Rayna thought so highly of him. She had been a little imprudent using her powers in the open as she had, but it was funny. He frowned when he thought about the man's comment on her lack of a ring. Beth had discussed this with him when he started his search. When he found out Rayna was a demon, it was something else he considered unnecessary. Once again he was proved wrong. He wondered if it had upset her to know she was the only one in the group without one. He vowed she would have one as soon as he had time.
To be continued….