Disclaimer: I don't own YYH or the characters, just my OCs

Another update so soon? It's like back when I first started writing the story, except the chapters are longer and so it takes more time XD But we are almost done with this one, and I'm going to see it through to the end. Then work on sequel planning.

Kurama awoke, looking down to his mate in his arms. It had been months since he returned from Yomi's territory, and his plan had already been put into action. Before he had left, he admitted to the king that he had devised a plan to make him stronger. He had promised that he would get him more warriors, six strong demons that he had met at the previous tournament: Rinku, Chu, Touya, Jin, Shishiwakamaru, and Suzuki. He requested time to go recruit and train them for his army. Yomi had once again accused Kurama of his past, that on the surface level he had somehow received the ability to make friends yet they were tools to him and he didn't care about them. In truth, he was only sort of correct in this case. He was going to train them harshly so that they would reach near S class levels, but he did care, and he knew they would too. They were allies to Yusuke, mainly, indebted to their team in one way or another, especially since Yusuke had been the one to end the monstrous Toguro. They would not waver in turning against Yomi once the time came. They would defend Yusuke to the end, even from Kurama himself without the desire to end his life in the process. They would be his failsafe.

So in a way, they were tools, but only because Kurama trusted them. Suzuki had assisted them when he didn't have to, giving Kurama the Fruit of the Previous Life to allow his transformation back to Youko. Shishiwakamaru was a loose cannon, but he'd do whatever Suzuki told him, Kurama was certain of that. It didn't matter that Kaili's father Sebastian had hired them. They were not their enemies. Touya had reminded Kurama of himself, the two getting along quite well in their brutal battle, and Jin and Yusuke had hit it off. Chu and Rinku owed their lives to Yusuke as well, the former spirit detective having stood for them against the demons allowing the fighters to leave with their heads held high and the promise of another fight another day.

Yomi had once again poked fun at his human family, saying that interpreting his care for them was tougher, asking what they gave him. His ire grew, but he kept his cool and requested to return home first to tend to family affairs, and in exchange for that he would bring him these fighters. He knew Yomi would be watching him anyway, and Yomi had no qualms confirming his claim.

It was now September, just another school day, and yet Kurama would just be gliding through the day. He had to keep up appearances for his normal life. His mother could not know what was going on. Kaili finally knew all the inner workings of his mind, of his plan, and she realized that he wasn't truly fighting against Yusuke. She also finally understood what Yomi meant by unification.

"Shuichi?"

The fox demon jolted out of his thoughts, his eyes returning to his mate's only to find that she was still asleep. He smiled at her, the only figment of peace he had right now. She hadn't been feeling well lately, for months now, but she claimed to be fine. She asked him not to touch her, though. She had taken to wearing baggy clothing and keeping herself comfortable. He tried to convince her to go to a doctor, but she refused. Lately, she had been feeling worse, dizzy even, so he thought it best for her to stay home. Kissing her temple, he left her and started his day. Unfortunately, he wouldn't have her to distract him from the rest of the day and keep his mind on school.

It was later in the day when Kurama had his first test of the year. Kaito had approached him, noticing his distraction throughout the day. He joked about looking at his test so he could brag. He really could brag this time. Kurama had barely been paying attention to the learning material lately. His paper was riddled with mistakes.

Kaito asked if he was on another case, and Kurama gave him cryptic answers, admitting that he, Yusuke, and Hiei were all on opposing sides. The human admitted he obviously didn't have all the facts, but he offered his help. Kurama could not accept it and would not burden him with them. This was a Demon World battle, their war, and the less humans involved the better. Besides, Kaito had already played an integral role in a case before, and he now needed to focus on leading a normal life, not a double life like the fox was leading. The lines between his two lives were starting to blur.

As much as Kurama wanted to deny it, his double life was becoming a triple life. He was living as Shuichi Minamino, a normal, human teenager, Kurama, a fighter trying to protect the balance between worlds, and Youko, the demon from his past re-emerging, a figure who survived on bloodthirst and brutal instinct. He knew he would not be able to juggle them all, thus ensuing an identity crisis within him. He knew he would only be able to handle two, and he wondered which side of himself he would lose.

The night before, he had been thinking long and hard about that outside when his stepbrother approached him, searching for him. "Shuichi, where did you go?"

"Kokoda," Kurama called, coming out from his hiding place. Though his stepbrother and he shared the same name, the family had taken to calling the child by his middle name to avoid confusion. The boy didn't mind. Actually, he was rather fond of having two names…a plight that Kurama was still getting used to in his daily living. "Don't stray too far."

Shuuichi was a good kid: bright, energetic, and cheerful. He looked up to Kurama for reasons the demon could not understand. The boy loved Kaili, treated her like an older sister. He was just so happy, and lately there had been a shift in his behavior. He still sought out his older brother, but he had become more reserved. Kurama had his suspicions, but he played along until he could confirm it.

Kokoda turned to see his brother and seemed very relieved. "Oh, hey, there you are," he remarked. "You left. Is something wrong?"

"No," Kurama lied. "I'm just staring at the moon."

In that short time from their parents' marriage, the boy had come to depend on Kurama, and Kurama actually felt enjoyment from having a brotherly bond with someone. He was older which gave him responsibilities. He needed to be there for Kokoda, no matter what, give the teenager a reason to have that unnatural adoration. He would not squander the connection or betray him.

Of course, now Kurama was starting to sense that something was wrong with his stepbrother, and he believed it had to do with his position in Yomi's army.

His phone rang in the middle of his conversation with Kaito. "Let me guess. It's your girlfriend."

"No, it's just my stepbrother," Kurama replied. "Odd, though. He should be in school, now. Pranking from the lunchroom payphone, no doubt."

When Kurama called, that's when he got that confirmation, that something was affecting his stepbrother. He would not let this slide.

"Hey, bro, thanks for meeting me," Kokoda said, his voice mocking. Kurama kept his cool, but inside he was raging. Still, he needed to remain level-headed to protect his brother from whatever had possessed him. He couldn't believe Yomi would send a spy to harm his brother. "Come on, why you looking so serious? I figured you'd be happy to see me."

"Not only should you be in school now," Kurama stated stoically, "you've never called me 'bro' before."

"Ah, relax," Kokoda teased. "Let's just go somewhere private where we can talk and trade some advice. I mean, that is your specialty."

Kurama was going to kill whatever bastard thought this would be a good idea.

He and Kokoda returned to the house, thankfully finding it empty. Shiori must have taken Kaili to the doctor or out somewhere while Hatanaka was at work. That left Kurama alone with his possessed stepbrother. The demon wasted no time delving into the reason for his visit. "Your friend, Hiei, keeps getting stronger. Mukuro's officially made him second in command," he was told, just as he had predicted.

"I was aware," Kurama responded curtly.

"Urameshi is training like a dog, too," the demon continued. "He'll be sure to take over once Raizen dies." The demon took out a cigarette, and was about to light it up. "Now, do you really want to fight your friends?"

Kurama swiftly grabbed the foul stick away from his stepbrother's hands, enraged. Coolly yet forcefully, he said, "Say what you will, but I won't let you spoil this boy's lungs. Now come. I want to see who I'm talking to."

The demon that came out was one Kurama had never seen him before around Yomi. He felt his desire to kill the foul being growing, but he was stopped. It could probably sense his murderous intent. "Now, before you try getting violent, you should know the nature of my power," the demon threatened. "As long as I'm still connected to him, my host body, if I die then so will they."

"A parasite demon," Kurama determined. "Did Yomi put you up to this cowardly act? Is this his way of watching over me so I'll be certain to fulfill my duties?"

The demon chuckled, and was clearly not one for self-preservation. "Actually, Chief Shachi's who I'm working for. He wants me to make sure you stay home and never come back."

"And you think you have control over me." Kurama was offended by that notion. "It's as you said, if I kill you now, my brother dies." The parasite looked perplexed for a moment, especially when cold, green eyes never left his, a mental mind game existing between them. "But I have methods to make your life so utterly meaningless, you'll crawl out on your own, and then beg me for your death."

In that instant, the parasite could see the demon Yomi craved behind the guise of this human boy and grew slightly nervous. "Okay, yes, I believe you," the parasite panicked. "Now, don't do anything rash. No need to kill me. Forget Shachi. Let's face it, I'm a parasite. Jumping from one master's back to another is what I do. Truth is, I lied. I'm playing two sides. Yomi sent me here also. You wouldn't want to hurt his aid, right? He wants to know about those six fighters."

Kurama stepped forward. "Yes, it's all in the works. Though I don't exactly trust Yomi, I'll bring them to his side."

"Oh? Is that wise?" The fox's eyes narrowed, and the parasite changed is attitude. "Not that I'm calling you unwise. Look, yes, let's work something out. I can do lots of things. Do you need intelligence? Protection? Oh, maybe your mate. When I came, I tried to possess her as suggested, but she was protected by a strong demon energy and I couldn't break through. Maybe she needs protection, now?"

That unsettled Kurama. He understood what the parasite was implying by mentioning the energy. He needed to keep his composure, continue to make the parasite fear him. This was not the time to react to any news. Instead, he said, "You're lucky, demon. I do have a use for you."

The following day, Saturday, Kaili was stressing out. Shiori had decided to take her shopping, and Kaili would have rather stayed hidden. The stress of the impending Demon World conflict and the strange occurrences with her pregnancy were causing the teenager to become uneasy. There was really no one she could talk to about this. Chris was her only confidant. She didn't want to freak Kuwabara out with her new developments, especially now that he had started high school, and in his first months, he was excelling.

Kaili was very lucky that her secret had not yet come out, but it was only a matter of time. She expected to be showing large by now, getting closer to an eight month mark. She had been talking to Chris about how she was only just starting to feel a baby bump about two months prior which was normal, but the growth had been delayed. Her brother suggested that maybe it was different being pregnant with a demon child. Perhaps they took a little longer to develop. They did have very long lifespans. Perhaps that played a role in gestation. Honestly, that would be a blessing. Maybe by the time she absolutely had to tell her mate, this war would be over.

The teenager was very distracted, and the raven-haired mother of her mate observed her, never taking her eyes off the downtrodden girl. "Kaili?" she called, earning the startled attention of the young woman. "Is everything okay, with you and Shuichi?"

The question surprised Kaili. "Yes," she replied. "Why would you think anything is wrong?"

The older woman smiled sadly. "There has been a heavy energy surrounding you both, and both of you have been unusually quiet. I know that you two are still together since you've been staying in the same room. Is this related to the reasons you returned to your family months ago? I thought everything had been resolved."

If Kaili hadn't known that Kurama had been forced to flee to Human World and had randomly come across Shiori, she would have assumed Kurama had chosen her. It was almost like destiny that the most observant and devious demon thief had been sent to an equally perceptive woman who could notice even the slightest differences in his behavior no matter how calculating he was or how normal he thought he appeared. She had to come up with something quick.

"We've just been putting pressure on ourselves at school," she lied. "It's nothing to worry about. We'll be fine."

Mentally, Kaili was slapping herself silly for flat out lying to Shuichi's mother. Kurama had become a terrible influence on her. She had always hated those who lied and lying in general, even white lies, and now she had chosen to do it, justifying it in her mind that she could never tell Shiori what was really happening between them, that she was hiding a baby and her son was preparing for war in another world, that those thoughts had consumed them both to where they were just living through the motions of their daily lives.

Out of nowhere, Kaili felt sick from the stress, and her stomach churned in her distress. She could already feel the sensation of needing to vomit, but if she fled now Shiori would definitely figure it out. Either way, she knew she would. It was better to get to a bathroom quickly. She murmured a quick "excuse me" to the woman, running to the closest restroom. Shiori, concerned, followed close behind.

Shiori entered the bathroom, Kaili already in a stall with the door closed and locked, emptying the contents of her stomach. The woman was not foolish. Kaili had been living with them for over a year. She was sure that at some point, the teenagers had gotten physical. She had sensed a shift in them since around that time. Shuichi had become lighter. The two acted like newlyweds for the longest time. She knew her son planned to marry this girl, and so she trusted them. Shuichi had always been beyond responsible, but maybe at some point they slipped. That sometimes happened when one was young and in love.

"Kaili, how are you feeling?" she asked when the girl finally stopped retching, catching her breath. "Do you need me to get you anything?"

"No," Kaili whimpered, most likely crying. Shiori could tell she was scared. Her musings were starting to solidify in her mind.

"When you're ready, I'll be waiting outside," the woman warmly stated. Kaili breathed out an "okay," so the woman waited for her.

It wasn't long before Kaili joined the woman, sitting by her side. Shiori looked to her, and that exhausted energy she had been feeling around the house intensified. "Sweetheart, I need to ask you something," she said seriously, but with a light and understanding tone, not wanting the girl to get upset again or make her fear judgement. Dulled, blue eyes met hers, and Shiori offered a sad smile. "Kaili, is there any way you could be pregnant?"

Those eyes sparked and widened. Shiori had hit the nail directly on the head with a sledgehammer. The ground felt like it was crumbling beneath Kaili, terror filling her heart. She knew her secret was about to come out.

Kurama had spent the following day visiting Genkai's to check on the progress his demon friends were making in their training. Even Koenma had been there, and Kurama was both surprised and relieved to find out that Koenma had returned to Spirit World, no longer a fugitive and having some power returned to him once again. Apparently, the Reikai ruler had decided the business in Demon World was more important than his grudge against his son, a wise choice given the circumstances and impending war.

Koenma had asked Kurama his plan, knowing a war was looming. Kurama was straight with the prince saying that the only reason he was involved was to make sure the result wasn't bad for Human World. That seemed to settle the prince. It was good to know that they were still on the same side. Kurama planned to protect this world with every fiber of his being, especially now that he was mated to a human. Still, Koenma was wary of the decisions he was making. It could do more harm than good, what he was doing, but Kurama had control again and he was not going to explain the inner workings of his plan to Koenma. Besides, as much as Koenma wanted the fox to say his reasons weren't personal, they were. He was trying to protect Human World, trying to protect his mate, trying to give Yusuke an edge against Yomi by planting warriors who would easily betray the demon, and he was also trying to determine which of his three identities would lose to the others.

Everything had become too complex.

He returned home, mentally going over the strengths of the other demons in his head. They were all fighting hard to protect the balance between the three worlds. A unified Demon World could prove dangerous for the Human World. They all needed to get stronger if they wanted to live through the war. He just needed to make sure they were ready in the time which Yomi had awarded him.

When he opened the door to the house, his mind was temporarily interrupted as he was met with a sight he did not expect or understand. In the living room sat Kaili and his mother, his mate hugging a pillow over her and crying. The fox demon felt a strong sense of foreboding, and then it clicked in his mind. He remembered the parasite demon, had yet to discuss the facts with Kaili. He gaped at the woman before his normally stoic disposition resumed. "What's going on?" he asked seriously.

Shiori looked to her son a smiled warmly, standing up to approach him. Gently, she stroked his cheek with her hand, an unusual gesture from her that it took Kurama aback. "I'll leave you two to talk," she softly said.

The woman left the room leaving her son alone with his mate, green eyes taking in Kaili's small appearance. She was hugging the pillow now and looked completely overwhelmed. His heart was thumping rapidly as she met his gaze. He repeated his question, cautiously asking her what this was all about.

Kaili began to tell him about her day. "Shiori and I were out shopping," she relayed. "When we were out, I got sick. Your mom followed me, and everything just kind of unraveled." Uncertainty crept up inside Kurama. "Shuichi…" Kaili breathed out, "I'm pregnant."

He had already been aware, and yet he could hardly process this. How could he when he was going to be returning to Yomi's soon? He wondered if Yomi already knew about his mate or if he was completely unaware. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner," Kaili whispered.

"It's all right," Kurama assured her. He gathered from her easy admittance that she wasn't trying to keep in the dark. She understood that he needed to handle this and didn't try to keep him there even though she deserved for her mate to be present. "How are you feeling?"

"Honestly, scared," Kaili admitted. "I just don't understand something, and I was hoping you could reassure me."

"Okay," Kurama said, taking a seat next to her. "What's the matter?"

"How long are demon pregnancy periods?"

That question took Kurama by surprise and he shook his head. "It depends on the species. For animal spirits, it's shorter, if that's what you're asking." Kaili paled, and Kurama sensed her unease. "I take it that wasn't the answer you were looking for?"

"Shuichi…" Kaili said hesitantly. "I've been pregnant since when you told me you were leaving, eight months ago, and I just started showing recently. I was hoping you'd tell me it was longer." She hid her head in her hands, getting worked up again. "This just doesn't make any sense. What are we going to do?"

Kurama took her hands in his. "First," he said, his calm demeanor rubbing off on his mate, "we're to schedule a doctor's appointment, to see what's going on, and then, when I get back, we're going to tell our families, together."

A wave of relief washed over Kaili as she hugged Shuichi tightly. His protective embrace was just what she needed in that moment, and truthfully he needed her presence too. Now that he knew what was going on with her, he could reassure her. Besides, Yomi knew he had family obligations. That is why he was given free passage between the worlds. As much as Kurama hated to admit it, all jeers aside, he was thankful that Yomi just let him do what he needed to. His identities may still have been at war with the others, but at least he could focus on being the mate Kaili needed in that moment. That would be easy.

It was the end of the six month leave Kurama had been given from Demon World, and he had to return. It was difficult leaving Kaili, now that he knew what she had been suffering. He had been able to reassure her that the baby was fine. Actually, a doctor had, a special one that had spiritual awareness and could understand their plight, courtesy of Koenma's suggestion. The news they received stunned them. First, there were babies, twins, a boy and a girl, and they had been controlling their own growth with their energy, aware of what was happening between their parents. It was not uncommon for demons in utero to be aware, but the fact that one of them, the boy, was keeping himself and his sister hidden, suppressing their growth so it merely seemed like Kaili was three months along. It surprised Kurama, Kaili, and their doctor. Most likely, they wouldn't be born for another six to seven months. He was already impressed by his children.

Now, he needed to make sure that he'd be back within that time, that this war would not escalate as Yomi wanted. He was there now, presenting the fighters to Yomi, Youda reading their levels with a strange device. Youda and the other demons of Yomi's elite group were stunned. Shachi refused to believe how high their power levels were, over one hundred and twenty thousand, but they all now rivaled the strongest demons.

Yomi downplayed his pleasure, but inside he was beaming. "Excellent work," he stated. "You've done as promised. And so, in return, I'd like to make you my new second-in-command, if you'll accept it."

Kurama was not surprised that he now had Yomi's favor. It was exactly as he had planned. Chief Shachi would now have to be dealt with, but for now he'd go along with the moment. "Sure," he said casually.

"But, Lord Yomi, should you be so rash?" Shachi questioned, untrusting of Kurama's intentions. That was yet another reason Kurama needed to do away with the warrior. His presence threatened that of his and his family. "We don't know if we can trust these six, where their loyalties lie."

"That is enough from you," Yomi declared harshly, surprising his general. "What have you done these past five hundred years to further my power, Shachi?"

The red demon was stunned. "But, our army…"

"It is true Shachi," Youda stated, "that by our numbers you are the second strongest on our side, but in brains and leadership you are weak."

"What do you know?" Shachi challenged the advisor.

"You speak of the army you've maintained, but what good's it done? Can you name one soldier with energy levels even close to one hundred thousand? There is a dark time ahead of us, a great war for power where any edge we get could mean the difference between order and bowing to Mukuro's chaos. In a short time here, Kurama has brought six fighters stronger than your entire army combined, yet you can't even give him praise."

"Youda," Yomi interrupted, "your point is heard. Now, please draw up the papers to make this change of power official." The ruler stood up. "What matters here is that the path to unification can live another day."

Youda bowed his head, accepting the order. The meeting was now adjourned.

Shachi's rage had escalated.

Later that night, Kurama was wandering the large fortress alone, unable to sleep. He had spoken to Kaili more frequently. He knew he shouldn't, given Yomi's powerful hearing, but this could not be helped. His mate was concerned, terrified. He did not say anything that Yomi would find incriminating, only listened to her and assured her that he would be home soon enough. Everything would be find, and he was certain the war would not last long with the fighters he brought to the table. Kaili knew that he needed to be careful with what he said, so when she talked about the babies, she knew he couldn't respond. They couldn't afford to have Yomi know that they had twins on the way.

With as much control Kurama was awarded, he was still stressing over the situation at home. The fact that his children were delaying their growth and birth still baffled him. They knew a war was looming. They knew their mother had wanted to keep them hidden from him so that he would continue with his plans. They were already aware and intelligent, and he needed to make sure that he ended this as soon as possible so they could stop. Eventually, it would become suspect. At least now the pregnancy seemed to be progressing normally. The children must have sensed something that the fox had not yet accounted for, if that were even possible.

He couldn't help but think of home, desperate to return and be there for Kaili, but at least he knew she would be taken care of while he was away. His mother knew. They had yet to tell their families. They would within the week once he returned from this trip. At least Yomi was no longer giving him much of a hard time about returning to his human family.

Shachi had been following Kurama with intent to kill, and Kurama had yet to react. He knew he was there, but he did not see him as a threat. The fox actually wanted him to come after him. The other demon saw him as weak and feeble. He was in for a rude awakening.

Kurama stopped in his stride. "Shachi," he called out, "no more hiding. Let's settle this."

The other demon came out from his hiding place, ready to fight. Kurama merely looked to him, not even getting into a defensive stance. "Be wise," he warned. "A blade can't undo what is past."

"And that's what your kind never gets," Shachi growled. "Blades can undo anything."

"What Youda said is correct," Kurama replied. "Dark times approach. I cannot waste effort on your personal feelings. I have acted solely on what I think is right." He added darkly, "And my moves have been precise. The only thing you can influence now is the time of your death."

"You're wrong again," Shachi challenged. He pulled out a communication device and put it to his ear. "It's Shachi, are you getting this?"

He was talking to the parasite demon that he had sent to Human World to infiltrate Kurama's family. "Of course, sir, I hear you loud and clear," the parasite replied.

"Excellent," Shachi said, chuckling darkly. "I want you to kill the boy you've commandeered."

Kurama had planned for this, too. He did not give Shachi the satisfaction of a reaction. Instead, he merely watched on in morbid fascination as Shachi's world was beginning to unravel right before the helpless demon general.

"Sorry, sir, but that I do not hear," the parasite returned. "I do not serve you any longer."

Yellow eyes widened in shock. "What?"

"Truth is, I haven't for months," it confessed. "The information I've relayed were lies to keep you busy. Kurama is my master now."

"You sniveling traitor," Shachi accused. "After all those years I've protected you?"

"You should have known not to trust a parasite demon's loyalty," Kurama pointed out, and Shachi glared the redhead down, the desire to kill him intensifying by the second. The general knew, now especially, that Kurama could not be trusted. He was a self-serving bastard looking out for his own interests. He would bring Lord Yomi to his downfall! This could continue no longer. "We've both played our cards, and my hand was stronger. Now leave and let me do what must be done."

"I'll put your head on a stick!" Shachi declared, charging in to attack.

Kurama managed to dodge his weapon, tilting the upper portion of his body out of the way and then precisely dodging every sloppy strike. "Your power is nothing to mine," Shachi declared. "You don't stand a chance with that human stink on you."

Shachi wasn't wrong. As the anger was leaving him, his strikes started to become more deliberate, and Kurama's rhythm was thrown. He fell back, Shachi about to give a finishing blow that he narrowly avoided. His transformation was unfortunate, but he needed to survive this scuffle. Emerald eyes gave way to gold, and red faded into silver. His opponent was completely taken aback.

"What's this?" Shachi questioned, fear entering his eyes.

The two clashed, but Youko was far stronger than Shachi, his rose whip carving his body into pieces. The general cried out in agony, his energy level reading landing directly in front of him to show that his opponent, the one who deceived them all, was hiding a power level of over one hundred and fifty thousand. "Your power," he barely breathed out. "How…?"

"Fool," Youko spoke, his voice dark and gravelly. "You should have known your enemy."

Sensing the power and defeat of his general, Yomi smirked. "Welcome, Youko. It's about time you took control of him…for good."

Of course, the demon king had no idea that Youko and Kurama were one in the same, two halves of the same coin, a merged entity. Shuichi Minamino was not a possessed human. He was a choice Kurama had chosen for himself, merely an alias to a life that was untainted by his horrific past.

The moment Shachi was killed, the demon parasite was freed from his responsibilities. He removed himself from the body of the younger Shuuichi. "Time to find a new dummy to leech on," he snickered, disappearing from the boy's room.

Shuuichi looked like he was in a trance, but he snapped out of it fairly quickly. He turned his head, taking in his surroundings. "What a dream," he whispered.

At that moment, Kaili was walking by the room, and she heard him speak and felt an unfamiliar energy disappear. She quickly ran in to check on Shuichi's brother but found him alone in the room. "Kakoda," she called, earning the boy's attention. "Did you say something? Are you alright?"

The black-haired kid looked to his brother's girlfriend and grinned, beaming. "It's nothing, I'm fine," he said, his voice chipper as always. "I just had the most bizarre dream, though. I'll have to ask Shuichi about it when he gets back."

Kaili blinked in surprise, wondering what Shuichi had to do with it since he wasn't there, but then she wondered if maybe Hatanaka's son was experiencing what she had in the beginning of her friendship with the redhead. Perhaps he was starting to become spiritually aware, attracting unwanted attention from weakened demons. She would keep an eye on the boy. It was the least she could do on the Human World side while her mate was doing everything to protect their family from the Demon World side.

A/N: Ironically, I had not planned this plot point for the babies other than them being twins, but as I was watching the series, so much time had passed, and for the story to progress as I had planned to the end, I needed to make something work XD I hope it wasn't too bizarre and flowed well. I had to re-work the chapter as I went along… But that makes for giving them interesting abilities in the sequel, so that works XD