Chapter Twenty-Four

Trust

Kiara had spent most of the night talking to Sayaka before making her way back home. She had managed to crawl back into bed without waking her mate, or so she thought. The moment she crawled close to Kurama, he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her body to his. "Where did you sneak off to?" he whispered as he rubbed her bump.

"I saw Sayaka. I've missed her and I wanted to see how she was doing," Kiara said as she settled into his arms.

"Are they alright?" he asked.

"Yes. She's huge!" Kiara said as she chuckled. "Honestly, you would think she was farther along in her pregnancy compared to my small bump."

Kurama lazily lifted his head and looked at her before rolling her onto her back and pushing her shirt up and kissing her bump. "Please tell your mother that you are fine and growing exactly how you should be. Help your mother not to worry," he whispered to their child and was rewarded with a small tap to his face causing him to rest the side of his face and ear to her bump. "Our baby just told me that they are fine and that you are perfect."

Kiara chuckled as she ran a hand through his red hair. "Sayaka says that they are having a boy. They've named him Haru. With everything going on, we haven't tried to find out what we're having or even tried to talk about names," she said as he kissed her bump once more before crawling back alongside her.

"Is that something you want? I was under the impression that you wanted to wait until our baby was born."

Kiara tapped her chin for a moment. "I actually haven't thought about it. Like I said we have had so much going on that I sort of forgot about all that stuff that new moms are supposed to be focused and excited on. I mean we're a little more than halfway through and all I have to show for it is my tiny bump. No clue if we are having a boy or a girl and no names to go with it. I sort of feel like a bad mother," she said softly.

"Don't say that. You are and will be a great mother. Look at what you have accomplished with Sayaka. And I do recall telling you all those years ago that you'd be a great mother. And I have no reason to think otherwise," he said as he smiled at her. "If you want to find out what we are having, then we call the doctor this morning and find out. Whatever you want to do, my love."

Kiara smiled at him as she thought about it before chuckling. "Not going to touch the comment about my appearance and weight?" She asked.

"To me, you are always gorgeous but I wasn't born yesterday and I'm not falling into that trap. Nice try," he said as he gave her a gentle kiss and got out of bed to get dressed. A tournament was not far off and he had to be ready to face any foes that would get in his way.

Kiara sat in the bed and watched her mate walk off into the bathroom. She rested against her pillows as she looked down at her bump, rubbing it softly. When Kurama emerged from the bathroom. He walked over and sat beside her, his hand on hers over her bump. "I want to wait," she said, graining a curious look from Kurama. "Too long we've had so many negative surprises. Let's have one that makes us smile. I want to wait until our baby is born."

Kurama smiled softly at her before bending down and kissing her bump. "I can't wait to meet you," he whispered before kissing his mate. "Already a great mother."

Almost a week went by as the tournament was being prepared. To Kiara's surprise, the only demons willing to enter, aside from her mate and his best friend, were Kosuke and Axel. The four demons trained and sparred with each other as their mates sat back and watched. Kurama was certain that his mate wouldn't participate and for once was able to really focus on his training. Kiara spent most of her time watching Kurama, and at times using her powers to give him a slight added challenge which always resulted in a playful glare from him. What Kurama didn't know was that she was doing her best to conserve her energy. For what she had planned, she would need as much energy and power as she could muster.

When the day of the tournament came, a small group gathered at the entrance to their home before making their way to their destination. Walking in, Kiara was shocked at how many demons wanted a shot at the title of King of Demon World. All the fighters who were participating signed up, Kiara in secret, before making their way to the holding area. Instantly, Kiara parted Kurama's side and went to her sister. Kurama smiled at his mate before reuniting with Yusuke and Hiei.

"So what do you think, guys?" Yusuke asked as he clipped on his numbered badge.

"Well, you did manage to stop a war," Kurama said as he applied his own badge.

"Yes, this will appeal to the demon populace," Hiei agreed as he applied his own.

Yusuke laughed before catching sight of the princess sisters. "Hey girls! Looking good! Wow! Sayaka! You're huge!" he said as he got a glare from Hiei and Sayaka. After a little chuckle he turned towards Kiara. "How do you like the balance now? And why are you two still wearing your cloaks?"

"You're still an idiot but I know when to give credit when credit is due. Not bad, Yusuke. You many stop a potential disaster and may have paved the way to a united Demon World. Let's hope this doesn't backfire in your face," Kiara said as she stood next to her mate. "We still have a reputation to uphold."

"Oh come on! Have a little faith will ya?" he laughed before the announcement came on for all contestants to take their place in line. "What the hell?"

"You're one of the founders of this tournament and you have no idea what's going on?" Kiara asked as she shook her head.

"Fill me in, smarty," he challenged.

"Too many demons signed up. So everyone is drawing lots for a preliminary battle royal until the numbers are reduced. Otherwise we'll be here forever and I don't have time for that," she said as a couple chuckles came from behind her.

"I knew that!" he said as he got defensive before storming off to the stage.

Sayaka and Kiara looked at each other and laughed. "He didn't know that," they said at the same time before following their mates.

One by one, each drew lots to see which preliminary match they would participate in. Koto was back again, announcing every fighter and the matches they would be in. So far, fortune favored everyone as friends were not paired off with each other. So far, everything was running smoothly. Even Koenma and Botan had successfully snuck down to the tournament and met up with the former Team Urameshi.

"Next up we have...wait she's here too?! Yes! Ladies and Gentleman, let's give it up for the Queen of Thieves, herself, Kiara!" Koto shouted in excitement. Demons cheered on with excitement as Kiara approached the giant pot to pick her lot. She kept her cloak close as he hand dug into the pot. "Some of you may remember her fight with Toguro at the Dark Tournament and how epic it truly was. Alright, she's picked her number and Kiara will be fighting in group One! Good luck to all you fighters in that group."

Kiara moved away from the pot as it was her sister's turn to draw her lot. Once the two of them had their places in the preliminary matches, they made their way towards the holding area until it was time to start their fights. When they arrived, the welcome was far from happy. Before they could find a place to relax, Kurama, Hiei, Koenma, and Yusuke moved them towards a secure room where Kuronue, Sienna, Axel and Kosuke were waiting. Yusuke slammed the door shut as they all turned on the sisters.

Sayaka looked at everyone glaring at them before leaning closer to her sister. "Run!" she loudly whispered.

Kiara smiled as she walked over and took a seat. "Why am I running?" she asked even as her sister gave her a shocked look.

"How about you explain yourself before you run for the hills?" Sienna said as she got into Kiara's face.

"No."

Sienna looked at her in surprise. "No?"

"No."

Sienna glared darkly at her friend and in the blink of an eye, she grabbed Kiara by her cloak and yanked her up to her level. Instantly Kuronue and Kurama went to them both but neither stopped them. Sienna glared deep into her best friend's green eyes searching for the answers but all she got was nothing. "What are you planning?!" she shouted at her.

"No."

"No me one more time and I will…"

"Trust me."

Sienna looked at her friend. Kiara never asked her to trust her. It was a given but for her to actually call it out caused Sienna to back away. "Why?"

"Because I never failed you before and I won't now."

"But…"

"It will all work out. TRUST ME."

Sienna took a few moments before nodding. "I'll be really angry at you if you fail. Remember that," she said as she made her way to the exit.

"Wouldn't want that, now would we," Kiara called after her, causing Sienna to stop in her tracks. Sienna gave her a small smile before walking out with the rest of their family.

Kurama, Koenma, and Hiei were the only ones that remained. For a moment, everyone was silent, until Kurama gave Kiara a dark look. "Why are you doing this? Why are you taking the risk?" he said as he walked up to his mate.

"Because this is something I have to do and like Sienna, I'm going to tell you to trust me," Kiara said as she placed her hand on his cheek, giving him a beseeching look.

"You're risking your life. Our CHILD's life. And you're asking me to trust you? To Be ok with this...stupidity?" he growled, his eyes glowing gold as he advanced on her.

"I have to agree with Kurama here, Kaida. What are you thinking? Neither one of you should have entered this. Not only could you get hurt but what if you are discovered? What will happen then? You've put yourselves, your babies, and Spirit World at risk!" Koenma started to shout at his daughters.

Kiara moved away from both men, her own eyes glowing slightly. "I have a plan. One that won't fail. I didn't realize that it was so hard to have trust from my family. I have everything under control," she growled. "I don't fail. EVER! Maybe you two should remember exactly who I am!"

With that, she slammed open the door, making all the demons out the room move quickly away as she made her way out. Sayaka looked at her sister and shook her head. "We really do have a plan and it's one that will work. Please. Just trust us, if nothing else at least do that," she pleaded softly as she looked at her own mate. She could tell that he felt the same as Koenma and Kurama but unlike them, he nodded.

"Just don't let anything happen to you two or the babies. Because I know that nothing will stop me from going in there and getting you out," Hiei said as he gave her a soft kiss and walked out.

Koenma looked at his youngest daughter and shook his head. "I hope you two know what you are doing and the risks that come with it," he said as he followed Hiei out.

Kurama stood there for a moment, his anger still running high before looking to Sayaka. "I don't know what she is playing at but this ends. Hiei might be accepting of this but I'm not. You are both being foolish and reckless," he said before storming out to search for Kiara. He wasn't done with this conversation.

Before Kurama could find her, the announcement was made that everyone was to report to their preliminary area. Swearing softly, Kurama took off towards his area. It didn't take long for all within their group to succeed and qualify for the tournament. When Kurama finished his match, he resumed his search for his mate and found her. She was resting in the corner of a room. He walked over to her and took a seat beside her. For a moment, neither said anything. Then Kurama took her hand in his. "Is it really important to you that you do this?" he asked softly.

"Yes," she said as she poked a glance out from her hood.

"I do trust you and I love you more than life itself. But please understand how hard this is for me. I need to protect you and our child and you are putting me in a position where I can't do that," he said as he squeezed her hand.

"I know, my love, but I have a plan that will work," she said softly.

"But now we're in one-on-one fights. What is your plan?" he asked.

"You will have to wait and see," she said as she gave him a knowing smile.

For the first time since hearing she was in the tournament, Kurama smiled. "I know that look. You've got something up your sleeve," he said as she chuckled softly.

"Don't I always?" she asked.

"That's the problem," he laughed.

Kiara chuckled softly as she rested her head against the wall. "I was thinking Mai," she said suddenly, catching Kurama off guard.

"Mai?"

"If it's a girl. I really like Mai," she said as her hand rubbed her bump under her cloak.

"Mai, huh?" he asked with a smile. "I thought you might go with Niobe, after your mom."

"No one could replace her. She was a force to be reckoned with," Kiara said as she thought back to her mother.

"And if we have a son?" Kurama asked.

Kiara shrugged. "Katsuo?"

Kurama glared at his hooded mate. "No," he said with a soft growl.

"Then I'm sure you'll come up with the perfect name for him," she said as the announcers called for Kurama to arrive at his arena. Kurama gave her hand a gentle squeeze before standing up to leave. As he went to pull away, he found that she had not let go of his hand. For a moment, he just looked at their clasped hands as she hid her face. When they called Kurama's name a second time, Kiara finally looked up at him. "Don't you dare die."

"Don't plan on it," he said before walking away from her to his fight.

Sienna walked over and sat down beside her. "Do you want to go watch?" She asked softly.

Kiara shook her head. She was struggling as it was to conserve her energy but to watch the fight between her mate and the doctor that gave Hiei, his jagan. "I can't watch," she whispered.

Sienna understood and quickly got up and walked over to Kuronue. "Watch Youko's match," she said softly as she pointed at Kiara.

"She ok?" He asked.

"Today...I have no clue. She's completely blocked me out. She's blocked everyone out."

"Well if anyone can get her to talk, it's you," Kuronue said as he kissed her forehead before heading over to where Kurama's match was being televised.

Sienna walked back over to Kiara and sat beside her, in silence. For a while, neither spoke. Sienna tried to get her to open up a couple times but was met with nothing. When Kurama was announced as the winner of his match, Sienna grabbed her friend's hand and smiled. But that smile faltered as she felt it. Energy was buzzing all around Kiara. That powerful frightening energy that lived deep within her. Sienna understood. She was harnessing it. Powering up. She understood now why her friend entered the tournament. And it honestly scared her.

Kurama was taken to the infirmary before returning to see his friends and family. Kuronue and Kosuke were the first to congratulate him on his win before coming up to Yusuke and Hiei. "Way to go, Kurama!" Yusuke said as he slapped a hand on his back. "How'd you know to plant those there and so far in advance?"

"Prudent planning. You'd be surprised what I have hidden all over Demon World," Kurama chuckled before looking over at Sienna and Kiara. She hadn't moved from her corner the entire time he fought.

As he went to approach her, a new announcement came through. "Will Queen of Thieves, Kiara and Lady Sayaka please report to arena ten, your fight is in fifteen minutes," the announcer called.

At hearing their words, everyone turned and looked at the two sisters, shock clear on their faces. The two strongest demons in Demon World and the princesses to Spirit World had just been matched against each other. Without a word, Kiara rose from her spot in the corner and walked over to her sister. "Hold nothing back," she said as she gave a knowing smile to everyone and walked away.

"Hold nothing back," Sayaka confirmed before following her sister.