CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
The Surprises of Demon World
Thunder roared in the distance as Kurama and Kiara looked down at the border of Yomi's kingdom. Kiara waited as she listened to her mate speak to his mother. Kurama had done his best to protect his human family before the two of them left for Demon World. When they arrived in Demon World, Kuronue and Sienna greeted them at the entrance and made their way to Yomi.
"Is it too much to ask for a freaking break?! Honestly, it's like one drama after another with you," Sienna jabbed playfully at her friend.
"Hey! The Kings started it! I was trying to get ready to have a baby," Kiara joked as she embraced her friend.
"Yeah about that, did we hear you correctly? Yomi is the third king? As in...he survived all those years ago?" Kuronue asked as he stood beside Kurama.
"It was Yomi. There was no mistaking that," Kurama confirmed, his eyes showing some darkness within them.
"Well...this sucks," Sienna said, drawing a chuckle from Kiara.
"That's one way to put it," she said as they walked towards the edge of Yomi's territory.
"So is there a plan by any chance?" Kuronue asked. "I mean, you two always have plans. I mean you're clever foxes. We're not walking to our deaths, right?"
"At this point, don't get killed. He wants to see me. Kiara is coming to make sure I come home and I want you two with us to make sure nothing happens to her or the baby. And Kiara and I are just friends. After all, I mated Kaida," Kurama said as they came to a stop and looked
down at his territory.
"You two are too complicated some days and you hurt my head!" Sienna said but nodded.
"You're used to it," Kiara threw back at her before looking at Kurama. "Are you sure you want to do this? Not too late to turn back."
"No. This needs to be done," he said before taking off towards Yomi's palace.
Kiara rolled her eyes as she and their friends followed close behind. It didn't come as a surprise to Kiara when Yomi sent lower level demons to attack them. He was testing Kurama and it seemed that he passed. Kiara watched her mate carefully. He glared darkly at Yomi's palace as they slowly approached, where they found the demon from their past waiting for them.
"Youko, my old friend! It's been too long! And is that who I think it is? Kiara. As beautiful as ever," he said as he gave her a warm smile before looking towards Kuronue and Sienna. "Kurone! Sienna! My favorite bat pair! This is one Hell of a reunion, don't you think?"
"I don't know if I would call this a reunion after you sent demons to attack us, Yomi," Kurama said, getting to the point.
"Just a formality, my friend. I meant nothing by it," he said with a shrug as a very familiar demoness came up beside him, dressed in gorgeous silks. Where Yomi had been warm and welcoming, this demon brought cold and hatred. "Yoshi, my love. Look who came for a visit!"
Kiara felt the air leave her lungs as she stared down Yoshi. Yoshi glared darkly at Kiara and Sienna. Kiara could see every drop of hatred that she had for them and Kiara knew that she had to accept that. "I thought you had invited Youko only. Why are these pieces of filth here?" she spat out towards them.
"Filth?!" Sienna growled as she glared at Yoshi but was silenced by Kiara's hand.
"Yoshi, you look well," Kiara said as she rose above the snide comment.
"Oh I am well. Better than I was with you, a lowly thief who wishes she was a queen," she said as she sneered at her.
"Glad to see you rose above the whore that I found you as," Kiara said as she relaxed and crossed her arms. Normally she wouldn't play the games but her hormones were not behaving.
Yoshi growled as she went to lunge for Kiara but Yomi stopped her. "Dearest, they are our guests. Please, behave yourself," he said as he turned towards her. He raised his power level slightly as a warning, effectively putting her in her place before turning back to Kurama. "Women, am I right Youko? Memory serves me right, Kiara here would test you daily."
"Still does," he said as he finally approached Yomi. The two clasped hands but it was a strained embrace, both holding something back.
Yomi laughed softly as he pulled away. "Come! I have some demons I would like for you to meet and please join us for a special meeting," he said as he walked them into his palace before stopping at a room. "Kiara, you, Kuronue and Sienna can wait here for us. Yoshi will keep you company."
"Kuronue goes with Youko. That is non-negotiable, Yomi," Kiara stated matter of factly.
"Afraid for the little fox," Yoshi bit out.
"Yoshi!" Yomi growled.
"Where Youko goes, so does his second, Kuronue. It's how it always has been and will stay that way. Thought you would have remembered that, Yoshi," Kiara said before giving Kuronue a stern look.
"Yup. Hope you don't mind, Yom," he said with a relaxed tone that brought a smile to Yomi's face.
"Absolutely not! You are more than welcomed, old friend," he said as he turned but stopped next to Yoshi. "Keep them company, dear and please behave."
With that, the three demons left the room, leaving Kiara and Sienna facing Yoshi. For a moment, the three just stared at each other. Neithing moving nor speaking. Finally Yoshi moved towards the table at the center of the room and took a seat. Kiara and Sienna gave each other a quick side glance before following suit and taking a seat opposite Yoshi. For the longest time there was nothing but silence. Kiara just kept her eyes locked on Yoshi, never once showing an ounce of emotion or anything really. Yoshi shifted in her seat over and over, until she finally slammed her hands on the table. "What are you playing at Kiara?!" she shouted at her.
"I'm not playing at anything, Yoshi," Kiara said, unaffected by the outburst.
"Only Youko was extended the invitation to come here. So why are you three here?! Especially after the stunt you pulled," Yoshi said as she stood up and advanced on Kiara.
Kiara turned her seat slightly to face Yoshi, her arms and legs crossed as she relaxed in the chair. Sienna was on alert as she moved closer to her friend but Kiara wasn't phased by Yoshi. Kiara smiled up at Yoshi. "Stunt? I don't remember any stunt. But if you must know, I don't trust you or Yomi. So we are here to make sure that nothing happens to Youko. I will always watch his back. That won't change even with the new circumstances," Kiara said with a shrug.
"That's right. Youko found himself a real queen and not someone who gave herself the title," Yoshi sneered.
Kiara shrugged again. "I didn't want that title in the first place. Someone else called me that, I think more to get under Youko's skin than to actually make me a queen," Kiara mused as she tapped her chin before looking back. "But regardless, I don't need titles. I know who I am and I am happy with my life. So if you want to parade around as a queen then go ahead. Personally, I wouldn't waste my time or talent on being a subordinate to a mate...just for a title."
In a blink of an eye, Yoshi launched herself at Kiara but Sienna got in her way. "Yoshi, knock it off!" she shouted at the demoness.
"YOU ARE IN MY KINGDOM! I WILL HAVE YOU ARRESTED AND KILLED!" Yoshi shouted. "GUARDS!"
Two demons entered the room as they looked at the scene. "Milady?" they asked.
"I want these two arrested and put in the dungeon!" she ordered as she sneered at them.
The two guards looked at Kiara and Sienna before looking at Yoshi. "Um...we're not allowed," they said.
"WHAT?!" she shouted at them. "Who said?"
"I did," Yomi said as he and Youko and Kuronue walked into the room. "Honestly dear, your temper will get you in trouble. They are our guests and should be treated as such. I think it's best if you retire."
Yoshi's jaw dropped as she looked around the room. Her mate was dismissing her and everyone knew it. Especially Kiara who gave her a smug smile. Glaring at everyone Yoshi pushed past Yomi and stormed off, followed by her guards. Yomi walked over to Kiara and extended his hand to her. "My apologies for my mate's behavior. She struggles with moving beyond the past."
"It's fine. I'm used to a similar notion," she said before walking over to Youko and Kuronue. "Are we done here?"
"I invite you all to stay the night before you leave in the morning. I'm sure some of you have a very long journey ahead of you," he said as he showed them to their room.
Kiara gave Youko a concerned look but Youko merely nodded and walked in. Once the four of them were alone, Kiara turned towards Youko. "So what the hell happened?" she asked as he sat on the bed.
"Yeah, Kiara, you are not going to be happy with him. Come on love, let's go for a walk," Kuronue said as he quickly rushed her out of the room.
Kiara looked at the two bat demons as they ran out the room and set her glare on her mate. "Why am I not going to be happy with you?" she asked as she crossed her arms over her chest.
Kurama gave her a sheepish smile before shrugging. "I may have promised Yomi six incredibly strong fighters to be delivered to him and effectively making me his new second-in-command," Kurama said as he walked over to her and placed his hands on her shoulders.
Kiara pushed Kurama away as she glared at him. "Are you out of your damn mind?!" she shouted at him.
"No, I have a plan," he said as he watched her pace.
"A plan? This sounds like a stupid plan coming from you. You are seriously joining Yomi?!" she growled.
"I don't have a choice," he said softly.
Kiara stopped and looked at him. "What do you mean?"
"He made veiled threats towards my family. Towards my mother and stepfather. Towards Kaida and our child," he said, getting her attention. "He also knows that it was I who sent the assassin to kill him but he says there are no hard feelings."
"He's finally learned to play the game," she said softly as she sat on the bed in contemplation. "Who are the six fighters?"
"Fighters from the Dark Tournament. I've already dispatched them to Genkai's for training," he said as he sat next to her.
"That's cruel even for you," she said with a soft smile. "Kurama, are you prepared for this? To go against Hiei and Yusuke?"
"I will do what I think will be the best option for the three worlds. That's all I can do," he said as he sat beside her.
"I understand. I will do what is best for our family here in Demon World and I think the best option would be to not be involved with the kings. Not until we absolutely have to. And I'm sorry but I will not call Yoshi a queen," Kiara said, gaining a chuckle from her mate.
"Rest, we will be going our separate ways in the morning but I will keep you posted on what happens. My loyalty falls first with you and our friends before Yomi," he said as he kissed her forehead and walked off towards the restroom.
The next morning they departed Yomi's territory and returned back to their own home in Demon World to say their goodbyes to Sienna and Kuronue before returning to Human World. Kaida thought their first stop would be their home but instead, Kurama took them to Genkai's. It was there that Kaida met the fighters that Kurama had promised Yomi. All good fighters with great potential. Kurama had chosen well. Kaida took a step back as she watched her mate and her master discussing the training of the demons. She had to admit, she was impressed by her mate. The Youko of the past wasn't capable of fighting for worlds other than his own personal. Yet here he stood, doing his best to protect everyone. Kaida couldn't help the smile that graced her lips as she watched him.
After a few moments, Kurama turned and looked at her, smiling back before walking over to her. "What makes you smile like that, love?" he asked.
"You," she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Me?" he asked as he nuzzled her.
"Yes, you. I'm proud of you and I know you are doing the right thing," she said as she pulled away so she could look at him. "I can't get involved in the Three Kings. I will keep our family out of this mess but if YOU need us, we will come. I will not answer to Yomi but I will have your back."
Kurama pulled her tight against his body and kissed her deeply. He knew how she felt about everything and that this put her in a very difficult and delicate situation but to know that she would throw that all aside for him, showing him her loyalty, made him want her more than he had in the 15 years apart. Kurama broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers. "Stay with me here," he whispered.
"Always," she whispered back as Kurama scooped her up and carried her to her old room in the dojo.
Time moved quickly as they formed a routine on Genkai's mountain. Kaida and Kurama would only leave when Kurama had to attend school or family affairs and Kaida had to attend the shop. When they were on the mountain, they helped Genkai to train the fighters. The deadline was approaching and they needed them to be at their strongest. Neither Genkai nor Kaida showed them mercy. In Kaida's mind, their strength was linked to her mate's life and she would not let them fail.
When the time came to return to Demon World, Kurama begged Kaida to stay behind. By now, her bump was very clear and their child thriving and strong. The risk of loss was too great and he didn't want to risk losing them. But the night before Kurama and the fighters were to return to Demon World, Kaida slipped out into the night and returned to being Kiara.
It was pouring down rain in Demon World when Kaida arrived at her old home. Sienna was already waiting outside as Kiara walked into their home. In Sienna's hand was a communicator with Kurama looking furious but Kiara walked past her to her old room and closed the door shut. Grabbing a few towels, she walked to her balcony and looked out over Demon World. The day would bring a whole new world for her and she wasn't sure that the three worlds would survive it.
Kiara kept her eyes on the storm outside as a knock came to her door. "You and the fox fighting?" Sienna asked as she stuck her head in.
Kiara chuckled softly. "We have a difference of opinion," she said as she crossed her arms over her chest and turned to look at her friend. "Today, he is going back to Yomi."
"So why aren't you with him, watching his back?" Sienna asked.
"He isn't alone," Kiara said as she turned back towards the balcony. "And I have to choose a side."
"Choose a side? Isn't Youko the only side that matters?" Sienna asked as she sat on Kiara's bed.
"Right now, Kurama, Hiei, and Yusuke are all working with a different king. Kurama will become Yomi's second, pledging his allegiance to him, simply because Yomi got smart and figured out what he needed to do to get Kurama to comply. Our home. Our territory has managed to stay out of the hands of all three Kings. But when Raizen dies, there will be a war and I must do what I need to, to protect our home," Kiara said as thunder clapped above her.
Sienna walked over to her friend, concerned. She wrapped her arm around her friend and held her close. "It feels like you two are on opposite sides again," she said as she watched the raging storm.
"I don't know where we are," she said as she turned away from her friend. "I want everyone on high alert today."
"We'll make the preparations," she said as she turned to leave but not before turning back to look at her friend. For the first time since she met the princess all those years ago, she could see the pure exhaustion in her body. Already a decent baby bump stuck out from her abdomen and even as she watched the raging storm, she stroked it lovingly. Every now and then, Kiara's shoulders would shudder and the rain would fall harder and as much as Sienna wanted to return to her friend, she knew that she needed to release this pain on her own. As the day went on, it was discovered that Kurama had taken his place as Yomi's second. The news nearly broke Kiara but she used the last ounce of her strength to keep going as they prepared their home for the war that was to come.
As night fell, Kurama departed Yomi's territory and made his way towards his mate. He felt her pain and her conflict and knew that this was eating her up inside. Yomi knew where he was going and didn't stop him. As he approached their old home, he was shocked at how it had changed. Kiara had moved fast to prepare their home for any attack that should befall them. Guards were posted all around and some even circled the air. From below, he could see Kiara on her balcony. He knew the moment she knew he was there. Her eyes drifted from scanning the surroundings to looking directly at him. Kurama smiled softly up at her as he gently touched the mark on his neck. He saw her close her eyes and release a sigh before turning away.
Kurama approached their home and was surprised to find that he was stopped by members of his old gang. They gave him an apologetic look before Kuronue greeted him at the entrance. "Sorry Youko. We're under lock down. No one in or out without checking first," he said as he escorted Kurama up towards Kiara's room.
"Am I the enemy now?" he asked with amusement.
"Not per say but you are working for Yomi now. Honestly, my man, what the hell were you thinking? After all the effort you made to get rid of him, why join him?" Kuronue asked.
"Because he knows of my human family and of my mate and child. My working for him has everything to do with keeping them safe," Youko said, giving him a dark look. Kurama wasn't happy about the situation and he was letting his best friend know. He felt backed into a corner and any good fox will tell you that that is not a good place for a fox. "How is she?"
"Struggling and being pregnant isn't helping her situation. You're putting a lot on her, my man," Kuronue said as they arrived at Kiara's room.
"I know," he said before knocking and walking into his mate's room. Kiara was sitting on her bed. Her eyes closed as she relaxed against the pillows, her hand gently rubbing her bump. Kurama didn't say anything as he walked over and laid down next to her on his side. Instantly, his hand went to their child, cupping the bottom of her bump to hold them both. "I'm sorry."
"For what?" She asked, resting her head close to his.
"You and our baby don't need this stress," he said as he nuzzled her.
"You don't have a choice, Kurama. I know what Yomi is doing to you and I know you don't want to do this. I'm just worried because I don't know how this will end and that is hard for me," she said as she finally opened her eyes and looked at him. "So, it's official?"
"Yes, I am now Yomi's second-in-command. And as of now, we are in a holding pattern. As long as Raizen lives, there will be no war," he said as he pulled her into his embrace. "Rest for now. Nothing will happen for a bit." Kiara couldn't resist the warmth of her mate and easily settled in beside him, drifting as he stroked her bump, whispering to their child and to her, all the love he had for them.
Before dawn's rays filtered over the land, Kurama placed a final kiss on Kiara's lips and then her bump. He had spent as much time as he could there and he didn't want to risk Yomi coming all this way and endangering those he loved the most. He took a moment to watch his mate as she slept and in his heart he knew that what he wanted most of all was to be next to her, holding their child. With a lingering look, he made his way to the balcony and out into the forest.
Kiara was awoken to a strange silence that filled the air. Something was wrong. Something had changed. She rolled over to find Kurama gone. A part of her was disappointed he was gone but she knew that he had to. Crawling out of her bed she walked out of her room in search of Sienna. She found Sienna with Kuronue and Kosuke in the war room, their faces riddled with worry.
"What has happened?" she asked as she covered a yawn.
Sienna looked to Kuronue before walking over to her friend. "You haven't noticed?" she asked, a little surprised.
"Noticed?"
"Raizen is dead."