A Demon's Love pt. 8
Shiori walked out of the room and joined the others in the small kitchen. The others had made quiet conversation as she walked to a window. She spied strange light blue clothing and a midnight blue cloak with shining silver trim hanging over the balcony. She noticed the cloak seemed to be torn and tattered with its fine fabric frayed and ripped. Walking out to the balcony, she gently picked up the cloak. She noticed the strange clothing seemed to belong to a young lady, but she had never seen such strange and bizarre clothes before. She spied tiny slippers sitting in the sun with a pair of light blue bands that hung small pink and white beads. 'Where on Earth does this girl live?' she thought. With the cloak, Shiori walked into the apartment.
He held her hand and stroked her soft pale skin as she laid upon the bed while he kneeled on the floor. She looked to him in pure love.
"Where are we?" she asked, curious of her surroundings. "And why does your mother call you Suuichi? Your name's not Suuichi."
"We're at Yusuke's house," he replied his eyes shining with love and happiness. "The Ningekai. A long time ago in the Makai, I was injured by a demon hunter. To save myself, my spirit escaped to the Ningekai and was planted inside that woman's womb."
She smiled in understanding. Turning on her side, she locked him in a sweet kiss. They moaned in pleasure as their tongues battled for dominance neither winning nor losing. They hungrily fought for dominance in each other eager to be with the other. Their sighs and moans grew louder as they deepened the kiss further, starving for each other's love. Breaking the kiss, they gasped and panted for breath as they looked into the others' souls. Moving into a sitting position on the bed, he gently pulled her into a tight embrace. She wrapped her arms around him as tightly as she could never letting him go. The roughness of her bandages contrasted the delicate softness of her wings.
"Aishiteru," she whispered into his ear.
"Aishiteru," he whispered back.
He tilted her head up and locked her soft lips in another kiss. As they broke apart, he pulled her into his strong yet gentle arms and held her. Their eyes closed with his head resting on her shoulder and hers on his chest, listening to his heart, savoring the moment.
Shiori walked into the kitchen and joined the others. She heard muffled voices of their conversation along with Hiei and Kuwabara's argument abruptly stopping as she walked over.
"Yusuke do you happen to have a sewing kit?" she asked, looking down on the table as she stood.
"Sure," he replied as he went off to look for the kit.
She silently sat down at the table as the others stared uncomfortably at her. They tried to keep calm not sure of what to say to the human mother each hoping the other wouldn't somehow tell the actual truth of the girl and Kurama. 'Stupid human,' thought Hiei looking over at Kuwabara. 'He'll probably tell her.' 'That shrimp will probably tell,' Kuwabara thought matching Hiei's gaze.
"I don't believe I have met any of you," said Shiori making polite conversation. "Are you friends of Suuichi?"
The others turned towards her.
"I'm Kazuma Kuwabara," he said politely.
"Hm," grunted Hiei turning away.
"That's Hiei," said Kuwabara. "Don't worry his always like that."
She smiled as the light taps of shoes on the floor made their way to the kitchen. Yusuke held a small box and handed it to her. Opening the small box, Shiori found a small spools of thread and needles. Gently, she picked up the needle and midnight blue thread. She threaded the thread into the eye of the needle and began to sew. Soft and gentle hands pierced the fabric making repairs. They watched her in silence as her fingers pushed and pulled the needle through the thick fabric.
They laid in the bed together as he held her close absorbing everything about her. The smell of her hair, the strange exotic smell of her skin that smelled like fresh white roses and the fruit of the Makai. He pulled her into a deep kiss and made his way ravaging her neck caressing the skin with her lips. She sighed as the tickles when through her. She tried to not get lost in his gentle touches worried they would be caught, only to succumb to his charms. They looked up in alarm as they heard footsteps outside the door.
Shiori held up the cloak in front of her to examine her handy work. Kizna's cloak was as beautiful as the day Kurama had given it to her although Shiori didn't know that. She silently stood from the table and walked to the bedroom.
Kurama hurriedly covered her up to her neck hiding the small red marks made from his caresses. Using his kitsune grace and speed, he quietly leaped off the bed and kneeled on the floor by her side grasping her hand. They watched as the door creak open, revealing Shiori, holding Kizna's cloak. She smiled at the couple unaware of their earlier actions. They smiled softly back making soft innocent faces as they did so.
"Here dear," Shiori said softly as she handed the cloak to her. "Is this yours?"
"Yes," Kizna replied taking the cloak careful of how she moved the blanket. "It's fixed."
"Yes dear," she said with only a mother's tenderness in her voice.
"Thank you," she replied voice full of gratitude.
Shiori smiled with only love in her eyes. Kurama smiled as he realized that his mother had taken a liking to Kizna as well.
"Tell me where do you live?" she asked.
They looked at each other unsure of what to say. He lightly squeezed her hand silently telling her not to worry.
"She lives.... very far from here," said Kurama trying not to falter.
"Yes, I live very far away," Kizna added looking up to Shiori.
Shiori sat down on the bed and smiled. In the distance of the apartment, a small tapping sounded on the door.
Yusuke stood up to answer the door. Keiko and Botan stood in the mid morning light with worried looks on their faces.
"How is she?" asked Botan worriedly as she walked in.
"See for yourself," said Yusuke as he led them to the closed bedroom door.
Slowly, he opened the door as Keiko and Botan looked inside. A small girl with shining silver eyes appeared before them, her hand clasped in her his. They turned to each other in amazement and surprise.
"Is that her?" whispered Keiko receiving a nod from Yusuke. "What an adorable couple."
Yusuke slowly led them away leaving the trio in the room to their privacy. They joined the others in the kitchen their conversation returning to a relaxed deportment.
"Suuichi I have a few errands to run," she said looking down on the two as she sat. "I need you to come."
"But... mother," Kurama started before receiving a nod from Kizna. "All right."
Head downcast, eyes saddened, Kurama stood and walked out of the room following his mother. He turned and took a longing look at her. She smiled softly in return. Seeing her smile brought a small smile to his face as he left the room.
Their relaxation was shattered as they watched Shiori and Kurama walk out of the room.
"Keiko? Botan?" Kurama said bewildered. "When did you get here?"
"Just a while ago," replied Botan smiling.
"I'll be back in a while my mother and I have some errands to run," said Kurama as the others nodded.
"Come back soon!" Botan called as they walked out of the door.
"I want to meet her." said Keiko looking to the others. "May we go in?"
Kneeling on the bed, Kizna stared out into the morning light of the window as she watched the people below. She unfurled her wings stretching them to slowly wake them to the mid morning sun. 'I've been in bed for too long,' she thought as she held the blanket around her covering herself and her bandages except for her wings. She softly flapped them shaking the numbness out of her body and mind. Around her, she grew curious of the humans walking in the morning light with strange animals on long cords and of the strange human girls walking with a strange cart that held a smaller version of themselves. She propped herself on one elbow with her free hand holding the blanket shut and watched the humans from her window as she heard a knock on her door.
"I don't see why not," said Kuwabara as he and the others walked to the room.
He lightly rapped on her door. The door fanned out as Kuwabara opened it not waiting for an answer letting the others in. Keiko screamed in shock.
She turned at the rapping coming from her chamber door. She heard soft human voices just outside. Her door opened revealing a young human with shoulder length brown hair. The strange girl screamed.
"Stupid human," muttered Hiei glaring at Kuwabara. "Now she knows."
"How was I suppose to know shrimp?" insulted Kuwabara glaring at the small fire demon.
"How... how..." stuttered Keiko as she stared and gaped at a blushing Kizna.
"So she's a fairy," said Botan observing her. "How romantic!"
"Well here comes another explanation," said Yusuke as he prepared to leave the room. "I'll get your clothes."
Shiori and Kurama walked through town carrying bags of food as the late afternoon sun neared its setting. He sighed despairingly. His eyes scanned shop windows, unconsciously lingering in the jewelry shops. Placing his bags down, he touched his palms to the cool glass of a shop and stared like a child at the sparkling gems, bracelets, rings, and necklaces. Shiori walked and no longer heard her son's quiet footsteps behind her. She turned and found her son eyeing the display in a jewelry store. She noticed the name of the store, the renowned Tiffany and Co. 'Is he...' she thought curiously to herself. Smiling, she pulled out some yen from her purse and quietly walked over to Kurama.
"Suuichi," she said as she walked behind him startling him.
"Yes mother?" he asked politely trying not to blush after realizing what he had been doing.
"I'm going to go off for a while, here's some money," she said smiling as she handed him the yen. "And buy a few things for yourself."
"Yes mother," he replied already knowing what he was going to do with the money.
He watched his mother pick up her bags and walk off around the corner to browse the other shops. Quickly, he stuffed the money in his pocket, picked up his bags and dashed into the jewelry store. Around the corner, a human mother smiled as her son ran into the jewelry store.
"And that's about it," said Yusuke as he finished his explanation that lasted from the morning to the late afternoon.
They sat around the table patiently explaining and answering the Keiko's questions. Kizna sat among them lightly blushing as she was talked about, dressed in her clothes.
"So, let me get this straight," Keiko started disbelieving. "Hiei is a demon, Kurama is a kitsune, Botan is the grim reaper, and she's a fairy."
"Yea," replied Yusuke casually.
"Well," Keiko began again unsure of what to say, somehow understanding. "It's very nice to meet you Kizna."
"Thank you Keiko," Kizna replied smiling. "I've heard so many nice things about you and Botan. Do you like Yusuke as well?"
Kuwabara and Botan burst into silent giggles and smirks as the Yusuke and Keiko blushed.
"I DO NOT LIKE HER!" screamed Yusuke at the top of his lungs trying to feign anger. "And she doesn't like me."
"Hm," muttered Hiei.
Kurama examined the jewelry cases carefully looking for the perfect ring for her. (Author's Note: notice I said RING! HEHE) The jewelry around him sparkled and shined begging him to buy them. The bags on his arms dug into his skin weighing his arms down. Despite what anyone would say, he would be with her no matter what. True love had struck his heart at the first moment he saw her and true love had struck her as well. Outside, his mother watched happily.
Shiori crept to the window of the jewelry store and watched her son exhaustively search the jewelry cases for the right ring. She smiled. She didn't know how he was looking for a ring, but her mother's instinct was usually never wrong. She had given him a hefty sum of yen, hoping he would buy Kizna the perfect ring for her.
"May I help you?" asked a clerk from behind the counter.
"Yes I'm looking for a ring," Kurama replied looking up at the man.
The clerk smiled. The clerk, a man wearing a vest, white shirt, spectacles, and slacks, instantly knew the shine in Kurama's eyes.
"Engagement I presume?" he asked as Kurama nodded blushing lightly.
The clerk scanned the cases looking for a suitable ring. He pulled out a small silver ring with a small diamond solitaire.
"How about this one?" the clerk asked.
The diamond seemed to shine its brightest in the orange light of the store pleading to Kurama to buy it, but it didn't seem to suit her. Kurama shook his head.
"Do you have anything in gold?" he asked as he gripped the money in his pocket.
He leafed through the money in his pocket and found his mother had given him a hefty sum. He smiled as he watched the clerk look through the cases. The clerk pulled a small gold ring with three round diamonds of considerable size. Perhaps it was the way the light hit the ring or the cut of the diamonds, Kurama knew it would be perfect for her. Quickly, he pulled out the money from his pocket and began to count. He counted 150,000 (author's note: I don't know how much yen it takes to make something expensive in Japan. Just pretend this is an expensive ring) yen crumpled in his hand. He didn't care. 'Well you don't really need money in the Makai anyway,' he thought.
"How much will you give me for it?" Kurama asked the clerk.
"Well it is pretty expensive," said the clerk pondering his question. "How about 120,000 yen?"
"Done," he replied eagerly.
He watched excitedly as the clerk wrapped the small ring in a light blue box with white ribbon. Kurama eagerly paid the clerk. Putting the box in his pocket, he walked into the cool Ningekai evening air.
Shiori dashed around the corner hoping her son wouldn't see her. Kurama smiled inwardly as he walked around the corner in a drunken and lighthearted stupor.
"Suuichi," a woman called. "Are you ready?"
"Yes mother," he replied snapping out of his daze. "Mother?"
"Yes?" she answered turning around.
"May I go back to Yusuke's?" he asked.
"Sure," she replied. "Give me the other bags."
Taking the bags from her son, Shiori smiled with tears in her eyes as her son ran off. 'I'll get to have a daughter,' she thought smiling. 'And maybe grandchildren.'
Kizna watched the sunset on the balcony and put on her cloak preparing for the cold night air. Her bandages showed through her clothing, but didn't detract from her beauty. She patiently waited for Kurama. She didn't know why, but she had a feeling of pure joy, excitement, and nervousness in her heart. Her hearted rammed and pounded against her rib cage as she waited.
He ran as fast as he could on his human legs to reach Yusuke's apartment. He leaned on a lamppost to catch his breath. Looking around and finding no one, Kurama leaped onto the rooftops and continued his journey to reach Yusuke's house on graceful leaps and bounds. The breeze flew his red mane back as he leaped from roof to roof caressing his skin. In the stretches of the city limits, he spotted a small figure wearing a midnight blue cloak waiting for him.
She saw flashes of red in the distance and smiled as she realized who it was. She watched as he leaped with the greatest of ease and grace. His red hair flowed behind him shining like red silk in the dim starlight as the first stars appeared overhead. She watched as he leaped down from the last building and sprinted through the lobby doors.
He sprinted through the lobby and charged into the elevator not caring who was in his way with a childish grin spread across his face. His smile widened at the thought of her, and his adrenaline raced as he impatiently watched the elevator make slow ascend to Yusuke's floor. As the elevator doors dinged open, he raced through the halls reaching Yusuke's apartment. He charged through the unlocked door and ran to the balcony catching the odd looks of the others as he passed.
She turned as she heard him racing through Yusuke's apartment. Before she knew it, she was scooped into his arms and spun around wildly both laughing as they did so. The others watched through the balcony door at the lovers' strange behavior. Kurama pulled her into a deep kiss under the glistening starlight and the shining moonlight. Keiko and Botan sighed dreamy sighs as they watched the lovers. Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Hiei only watched eyebrows raised not knowing what to make of the sight.
"What was that for?" Kizna asked dizzily as Kurama stopped spinning.
"Just because I love you," he whispered as he pulled her close.
"Shall we go back to the Makai?" she whispered back.
He nodded. The others watched as they scene unfolded before them. Small smiles grew on Yusuke and Kuwabara's faces as Hiei turned away ignoring the sight. Stars shined in Keiko and Botan's eyes as they looked on the sight. She buried her head into his neck enjoy his personal scent of roses. Kurama turned towards the group as they sharply turned away faces red, embarrassed of being caught. Smiling, Kurama brought his attention back to her.
"Yusuke call my mother and tell her I'm staying at your house tonight," said Kurama bringing her head up to match his gaze. "We're going to the Makai."
Yusuke raised an eyebrow and hesitantly nodded. Kurama held his hand out to her. She placed her hand in his as she raised her hood. He swept her off her feet to her surprise and leaped into the night sky on the rooftops. They flew in the cold night air warmed by each other. His hair and her cloak flapped and waved as he flew from rooftop to rooftop on unseen wings.
Botan and Keiko watched from the edge of the balcony as he leaped with unmatched grace and skill into the distance. Yusuke walked inside and dialed Kurama's number. Kuwabara watched from the balcony door not understanding what the girls saw in Kurama's behavior. Standing in the shadows unseen by everyone else, Hiei silently smiled happy for his friend.
"Minamo- San?" asked Yusuke as he spoke into the phone to Kurama's mother.
"Yes?" Shiori answered.
"Suuichi will be staying the night here will that be all right?" Yusuke asked thinking of the best way to lie.
"Sure does he need anything?" she asked.
"No," he replied.
"All right tell him I'll see him in the morning," she said. "Goodbye."
"Bye," he replied.
She looked up to him as her head rested on his chest listening to his heartbeat. The wind brushed against their skins as he gently flew from one rooftop to another. He felt her gently gaze upon him as he looked down on her finding her smiling with pure love and happiness. He smiled. The ring bounced and jostled in his pocket, making his smile grow wider. They reached the gates to the Rekai and walked through. He gently placed her on the paper littered ground. Demon workers bustled around them ignoring the lovers.
"Can you walk?" he asked worriedly.
"Yes don't worry," she replied.
He took her hand and led her to the gates of the Makai without anyone noticing. They quietly walked through and were greeted by the nighttime symphony of the Makai creatures. The stars shined in happiness, and the moon shined in a virgin white. Nighttime clouds hung in the sky covering and hiding the moon in an endless game of hide and seek. They walked hand in hand towards their home admiring the night sky and each other. Kurama kept a close eye on her noticing every detail of her beauty. Her eyes shined like the stars, and her skin was as pale as the moon. Everyday he loved her more and more. His heart told him to give her everything, yet she was happy with so little. Kizna admired his moonlit features. His eyes glistened like emerald pools against the stars telling her to get lost in their green depths. His fiery mane shined a mysterious and enchanting metallic silver and red as the moon light fell upon him. His lightly tanned skin was hidden in the shadows making him look as though he was a mysterious specter haunting the Makai and her heart. He smelled the tree-house in the distance with its unmistakable smell of flowers. Moving the vines aside, they ascended into their only sanctuary from the worlds.
Tables and chairs were scattered everywhere, the mess remaining from her kidnaping. Digging through the mess and clutter, Kurama found the lantern and turned it on illuminating the room with its dim light. Kurama looked around the room trying to forget the grim memories of having her almost lost forever.
"I'll clean up," offered Kizna as she went to pick up the mess.
"No," he replied. "Rest."
He handed her the lantern and opened up the bedroom door. Silently, she walked in letting the door close to a small crack. Kurama groped about the undisturbed cupboards and found candles and matches he had kept. One by one, the many candles were lit and spread across the room shedding their dim light through the small space. He quickly began to pick up the discarded chairs and table setting them to their former glory. The rose bush with its soil dispersed on the floor marked with footprints stared up at Kurama looking for salvation. Pulling a pot from in the cupboard, Kurama replanted the bush restoring it to its romantic elegance. Hastily, he brushed the spilt soil into a small corner planning to get rid of it tomorrow. Kurama turned toward the small bedroom door. In the door, a small sliver of light shined through the cracked door. He looked inside as he held onto the ring prepared to propose any moment.
Kizna let the cloak slowly crumple at her feet. She was covered in bandages from torso down to her legs with small spaces for her wings to be free. She unfolded her wings and lightly flapped them waking them. Removing her clothing, she began to undo her bandages revealing soft pale skin without a scratch or scar, healed by her strange anatomy. Green eyes watching her widened in shock.
Kurama stared shocked and quickly stood to the side trying to stop is already racing heart and the blush that spread across his face. Needing something to take his mind off the sight, he remembered the candles. He extinguished every candle leaving nothing lit in the small dark room.
Kizna studied herself and found no scars and bruises. Her pale skin had returned to its unmarred perfection and was more radiant and beautiful than ever. Still, she doubted herself. 'I'm ugly,' she thought sadly as tears welled in her eyes. 'Why does he love me?'
He walked back to the door ready to walk in and propose to her. He looked in and saw a small tear run down her cheek. He rushed inside to comfort her, forgetting the ring in his pocket.
Kizna turned in embarrassment as her love ran in unannounced. She quickly wrapped a blanket around herself and turned away so he wouldn't see her tears. He quickly ran to her side and gripped her in a tight embrace. He lifted her chin and wiped away her tears.
"Why are you crying?" he asked worried as he bent down to kiss the trail where the tears ran.
"I'm ugly," she rasped out. "Why do you love me, I don't deserve you."
"You're wrong," he replied as he pulled her closer. "I don't deserve you."
"Huh?" she whispered not understanding his words.
"I don't know who or what told you; you were ugly," Kurama started. "But don't listen to them. You're beautiful, but you somehow don't see it."
"Do you mean it?" she asked into his clothing.
"Yes," he whispered to her ear. "Let me see you."
She nodded. She pulled out of the embrace and let the blanket fall. His eyes studied her and found her as beautiful as the day he first fell in love with her. He smiled softly as he pulled her back into the embrace.
"See?" he whispered. "You're as beautiful as the day I met you."
"Make love to me," she whispered imploring him to do so. "Please."
She looked up to him in hope. He nodded eyes filled with pure love, no lust, no lecherousness, just love, and nothing else. A love that would only be for her and no one else. He pulled her chin up into a deep kiss as his arms tightly wrapped around her naked body.
Shiori walked out of the room and joined the others in the small kitchen. The others had made quiet conversation as she walked to a window. She spied strange light blue clothing and a midnight blue cloak with shining silver trim hanging over the balcony. She noticed the cloak seemed to be torn and tattered with its fine fabric frayed and ripped. Walking out to the balcony, she gently picked up the cloak. She noticed the strange clothing seemed to belong to a young lady, but she had never seen such strange and bizarre clothes before. She spied tiny slippers sitting in the sun with a pair of light blue bands that hung small pink and white beads. 'Where on Earth does this girl live?' she thought. With the cloak, Shiori walked into the apartment.
He held her hand and stroked her soft pale skin as she laid upon the bed while he kneeled on the floor. She looked to him in pure love.
"Where are we?" she asked, curious of her surroundings. "And why does your mother call you Suuichi? Your name's not Suuichi."
"We're at Yusuke's house," he replied his eyes shining with love and happiness. "The Ningekai. A long time ago in the Makai, I was injured by a demon hunter. To save myself, my spirit escaped to the Ningekai and was planted inside that woman's womb."
She smiled in understanding. Turning on her side, she locked him in a sweet kiss. They moaned in pleasure as their tongues battled for dominance neither winning nor losing. They hungrily fought for dominance in each other eager to be with the other. Their sighs and moans grew louder as they deepened the kiss further, starving for each other's love. Breaking the kiss, they gasped and panted for breath as they looked into the others' souls. Moving into a sitting position on the bed, he gently pulled her into a tight embrace. She wrapped her arms around him as tightly as she could never letting him go. The roughness of her bandages contrasted the delicate softness of her wings.
"Aishiteru," she whispered into his ear.
"Aishiteru," he whispered back.
He tilted her head up and locked her soft lips in another kiss. As they broke apart, he pulled her into his strong yet gentle arms and held her. Their eyes closed with his head resting on her shoulder and hers on his chest, listening to his heart, savoring the moment.
Shiori walked into the kitchen and joined the others. She heard muffled voices of their conversation along with Hiei and Kuwabara's argument abruptly stopping as she walked over.
"Yusuke do you happen to have a sewing kit?" she asked, looking down on the table as she stood.
"Sure," he replied as he went off to look for the kit.
She silently sat down at the table as the others stared uncomfortably at her. They tried to keep calm not sure of what to say to the human mother each hoping the other wouldn't somehow tell the actual truth of the girl and Kurama. 'Stupid human,' thought Hiei looking over at Kuwabara. 'He'll probably tell her.' 'That shrimp will probably tell,' Kuwabara thought matching Hiei's gaze.
"I don't believe I have met any of you," said Shiori making polite conversation. "Are you friends of Suuichi?"
The others turned towards her.
"I'm Kazuma Kuwabara," he said politely.
"Hm," grunted Hiei turning away.
"That's Hiei," said Kuwabara. "Don't worry his always like that."
She smiled as the light taps of shoes on the floor made their way to the kitchen. Yusuke held a small box and handed it to her. Opening the small box, Shiori found a small spools of thread and needles. Gently, she picked up the needle and midnight blue thread. She threaded the thread into the eye of the needle and began to sew. Soft and gentle hands pierced the fabric making repairs. They watched her in silence as her fingers pushed and pulled the needle through the thick fabric.
They laid in the bed together as he held her close absorbing everything about her. The smell of her hair, the strange exotic smell of her skin that smelled like fresh white roses and the fruit of the Makai. He pulled her into a deep kiss and made his way ravaging her neck caressing the skin with her lips. She sighed as the tickles when through her. She tried to not get lost in his gentle touches worried they would be caught, only to succumb to his charms. They looked up in alarm as they heard footsteps outside the door.
Shiori held up the cloak in front of her to examine her handy work. Kizna's cloak was as beautiful as the day Kurama had given it to her although Shiori didn't know that. She silently stood from the table and walked to the bedroom.
Kurama hurriedly covered her up to her neck hiding the small red marks made from his caresses. Using his kitsune grace and speed, he quietly leaped off the bed and kneeled on the floor by her side grasping her hand. They watched as the door creak open, revealing Shiori, holding Kizna's cloak. She smiled at the couple unaware of their earlier actions. They smiled softly back making soft innocent faces as they did so.
"Here dear," Shiori said softly as she handed the cloak to her. "Is this yours?"
"Yes," Kizna replied taking the cloak careful of how she moved the blanket. "It's fixed."
"Yes dear," she said with only a mother's tenderness in her voice.
"Thank you," she replied voice full of gratitude.
Shiori smiled with only love in her eyes. Kurama smiled as he realized that his mother had taken a liking to Kizna as well.
"Tell me where do you live?" she asked.
They looked at each other unsure of what to say. He lightly squeezed her hand silently telling her not to worry.
"She lives.... very far from here," said Kurama trying not to falter.
"Yes, I live very far away," Kizna added looking up to Shiori.
Shiori sat down on the bed and smiled. In the distance of the apartment, a small tapping sounded on the door.
Yusuke stood up to answer the door. Keiko and Botan stood in the mid morning light with worried looks on their faces.
"How is she?" asked Botan worriedly as she walked in.
"See for yourself," said Yusuke as he led them to the closed bedroom door.
Slowly, he opened the door as Keiko and Botan looked inside. A small girl with shining silver eyes appeared before them, her hand clasped in her his. They turned to each other in amazement and surprise.
"Is that her?" whispered Keiko receiving a nod from Yusuke. "What an adorable couple."
Yusuke slowly led them away leaving the trio in the room to their privacy. They joined the others in the kitchen their conversation returning to a relaxed deportment.
"Suuichi I have a few errands to run," she said looking down on the two as she sat. "I need you to come."
"But... mother," Kurama started before receiving a nod from Kizna. "All right."
Head downcast, eyes saddened, Kurama stood and walked out of the room following his mother. He turned and took a longing look at her. She smiled softly in return. Seeing her smile brought a small smile to his face as he left the room.
Their relaxation was shattered as they watched Shiori and Kurama walk out of the room.
"Keiko? Botan?" Kurama said bewildered. "When did you get here?"
"Just a while ago," replied Botan smiling.
"I'll be back in a while my mother and I have some errands to run," said Kurama as the others nodded.
"Come back soon!" Botan called as they walked out of the door.
"I want to meet her." said Keiko looking to the others. "May we go in?"
Kneeling on the bed, Kizna stared out into the morning light of the window as she watched the people below. She unfurled her wings stretching them to slowly wake them to the mid morning sun. 'I've been in bed for too long,' she thought as she held the blanket around her covering herself and her bandages except for her wings. She softly flapped them shaking the numbness out of her body and mind. Around her, she grew curious of the humans walking in the morning light with strange animals on long cords and of the strange human girls walking with a strange cart that held a smaller version of themselves. She propped herself on one elbow with her free hand holding the blanket shut and watched the humans from her window as she heard a knock on her door.
"I don't see why not," said Kuwabara as he and the others walked to the room.
He lightly rapped on her door. The door fanned out as Kuwabara opened it not waiting for an answer letting the others in. Keiko screamed in shock.
She turned at the rapping coming from her chamber door. She heard soft human voices just outside. Her door opened revealing a young human with shoulder length brown hair. The strange girl screamed.
"Stupid human," muttered Hiei glaring at Kuwabara. "Now she knows."
"How was I suppose to know shrimp?" insulted Kuwabara glaring at the small fire demon.
"How... how..." stuttered Keiko as she stared and gaped at a blushing Kizna.
"So she's a fairy," said Botan observing her. "How romantic!"
"Well here comes another explanation," said Yusuke as he prepared to leave the room. "I'll get your clothes."
Shiori and Kurama walked through town carrying bags of food as the late afternoon sun neared its setting. He sighed despairingly. His eyes scanned shop windows, unconsciously lingering in the jewelry shops. Placing his bags down, he touched his palms to the cool glass of a shop and stared like a child at the sparkling gems, bracelets, rings, and necklaces. Shiori walked and no longer heard her son's quiet footsteps behind her. She turned and found her son eyeing the display in a jewelry store. She noticed the name of the store, the renowned Tiffany and Co. 'Is he...' she thought curiously to herself. Smiling, she pulled out some yen from her purse and quietly walked over to Kurama.
"Suuichi," she said as she walked behind him startling him.
"Yes mother?" he asked politely trying not to blush after realizing what he had been doing.
"I'm going to go off for a while, here's some money," she said smiling as she handed him the yen. "And buy a few things for yourself."
"Yes mother," he replied already knowing what he was going to do with the money.
He watched his mother pick up her bags and walk off around the corner to browse the other shops. Quickly, he stuffed the money in his pocket, picked up his bags and dashed into the jewelry store. Around the corner, a human mother smiled as her son ran into the jewelry store.
"And that's about it," said Yusuke as he finished his explanation that lasted from the morning to the late afternoon.
They sat around the table patiently explaining and answering the Keiko's questions. Kizna sat among them lightly blushing as she was talked about, dressed in her clothes.
"So, let me get this straight," Keiko started disbelieving. "Hiei is a demon, Kurama is a kitsune, Botan is the grim reaper, and she's a fairy."
"Yea," replied Yusuke casually.
"Well," Keiko began again unsure of what to say, somehow understanding. "It's very nice to meet you Kizna."
"Thank you Keiko," Kizna replied smiling. "I've heard so many nice things about you and Botan. Do you like Yusuke as well?"
Kuwabara and Botan burst into silent giggles and smirks as the Yusuke and Keiko blushed.
"I DO NOT LIKE HER!" screamed Yusuke at the top of his lungs trying to feign anger. "And she doesn't like me."
"Hm," muttered Hiei.
Kurama examined the jewelry cases carefully looking for the perfect ring for her. (Author's Note: notice I said RING! HEHE) The jewelry around him sparkled and shined begging him to buy them. The bags on his arms dug into his skin weighing his arms down. Despite what anyone would say, he would be with her no matter what. True love had struck his heart at the first moment he saw her and true love had struck her as well. Outside, his mother watched happily.
Shiori crept to the window of the jewelry store and watched her son exhaustively search the jewelry cases for the right ring. She smiled. She didn't know how he was looking for a ring, but her mother's instinct was usually never wrong. She had given him a hefty sum of yen, hoping he would buy Kizna the perfect ring for her.
"May I help you?" asked a clerk from behind the counter.
"Yes I'm looking for a ring," Kurama replied looking up at the man.
The clerk smiled. The clerk, a man wearing a vest, white shirt, spectacles, and slacks, instantly knew the shine in Kurama's eyes.
"Engagement I presume?" he asked as Kurama nodded blushing lightly.
The clerk scanned the cases looking for a suitable ring. He pulled out a small silver ring with a small diamond solitaire.
"How about this one?" the clerk asked.
The diamond seemed to shine its brightest in the orange light of the store pleading to Kurama to buy it, but it didn't seem to suit her. Kurama shook his head.
"Do you have anything in gold?" he asked as he gripped the money in his pocket.
He leafed through the money in his pocket and found his mother had given him a hefty sum. He smiled as he watched the clerk look through the cases. The clerk pulled a small gold ring with three round diamonds of considerable size. Perhaps it was the way the light hit the ring or the cut of the diamonds, Kurama knew it would be perfect for her. Quickly, he pulled out the money from his pocket and began to count. He counted 150,000 (author's note: I don't know how much yen it takes to make something expensive in Japan. Just pretend this is an expensive ring) yen crumpled in his hand. He didn't care. 'Well you don't really need money in the Makai anyway,' he thought.
"How much will you give me for it?" Kurama asked the clerk.
"Well it is pretty expensive," said the clerk pondering his question. "How about 120,000 yen?"
"Done," he replied eagerly.
He watched excitedly as the clerk wrapped the small ring in a light blue box with white ribbon. Kurama eagerly paid the clerk. Putting the box in his pocket, he walked into the cool Ningekai evening air.
Shiori dashed around the corner hoping her son wouldn't see her. Kurama smiled inwardly as he walked around the corner in a drunken and lighthearted stupor.
"Suuichi," a woman called. "Are you ready?"
"Yes mother," he replied snapping out of his daze. "Mother?"
"Yes?" she answered turning around.
"May I go back to Yusuke's?" he asked.
"Sure," she replied. "Give me the other bags."
Taking the bags from her son, Shiori smiled with tears in her eyes as her son ran off. 'I'll get to have a daughter,' she thought smiling. 'And maybe grandchildren.'
Kizna watched the sunset on the balcony and put on her cloak preparing for the cold night air. Her bandages showed through her clothing, but didn't detract from her beauty. She patiently waited for Kurama. She didn't know why, but she had a feeling of pure joy, excitement, and nervousness in her heart. Her hearted rammed and pounded against her rib cage as she waited.
He ran as fast as he could on his human legs to reach Yusuke's apartment. He leaned on a lamppost to catch his breath. Looking around and finding no one, Kurama leaped onto the rooftops and continued his journey to reach Yusuke's house on graceful leaps and bounds. The breeze flew his red mane back as he leaped from roof to roof caressing his skin. In the stretches of the city limits, he spotted a small figure wearing a midnight blue cloak waiting for him.
She saw flashes of red in the distance and smiled as she realized who it was. She watched as he leaped with the greatest of ease and grace. His red hair flowed behind him shining like red silk in the dim starlight as the first stars appeared overhead. She watched as he leaped down from the last building and sprinted through the lobby doors.
He sprinted through the lobby and charged into the elevator not caring who was in his way with a childish grin spread across his face. His smile widened at the thought of her, and his adrenaline raced as he impatiently watched the elevator make slow ascend to Yusuke's floor. As the elevator doors dinged open, he raced through the halls reaching Yusuke's apartment. He charged through the unlocked door and ran to the balcony catching the odd looks of the others as he passed.
She turned as she heard him racing through Yusuke's apartment. Before she knew it, she was scooped into his arms and spun around wildly both laughing as they did so. The others watched through the balcony door at the lovers' strange behavior. Kurama pulled her into a deep kiss under the glistening starlight and the shining moonlight. Keiko and Botan sighed dreamy sighs as they watched the lovers. Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Hiei only watched eyebrows raised not knowing what to make of the sight.
"What was that for?" Kizna asked dizzily as Kurama stopped spinning.
"Just because I love you," he whispered as he pulled her close.
"Shall we go back to the Makai?" she whispered back.
He nodded. The others watched as they scene unfolded before them. Small smiles grew on Yusuke and Kuwabara's faces as Hiei turned away ignoring the sight. Stars shined in Keiko and Botan's eyes as they looked on the sight. She buried her head into his neck enjoy his personal scent of roses. Kurama turned towards the group as they sharply turned away faces red, embarrassed of being caught. Smiling, Kurama brought his attention back to her.
"Yusuke call my mother and tell her I'm staying at your house tonight," said Kurama bringing her head up to match his gaze. "We're going to the Makai."
Yusuke raised an eyebrow and hesitantly nodded. Kurama held his hand out to her. She placed her hand in his as she raised her hood. He swept her off her feet to her surprise and leaped into the night sky on the rooftops. They flew in the cold night air warmed by each other. His hair and her cloak flapped and waved as he flew from rooftop to rooftop on unseen wings.
Botan and Keiko watched from the edge of the balcony as he leaped with unmatched grace and skill into the distance. Yusuke walked inside and dialed Kurama's number. Kuwabara watched from the balcony door not understanding what the girls saw in Kurama's behavior. Standing in the shadows unseen by everyone else, Hiei silently smiled happy for his friend.
"Minamo- San?" asked Yusuke as he spoke into the phone to Kurama's mother.
"Yes?" Shiori answered.
"Suuichi will be staying the night here will that be all right?" Yusuke asked thinking of the best way to lie.
"Sure does he need anything?" she asked.
"No," he replied.
"All right tell him I'll see him in the morning," she said. "Goodbye."
"Bye," he replied.
She looked up to him as her head rested on his chest listening to his heartbeat. The wind brushed against their skins as he gently flew from one rooftop to another. He felt her gently gaze upon him as he looked down on her finding her smiling with pure love and happiness. He smiled. The ring bounced and jostled in his pocket, making his smile grow wider. They reached the gates to the Rekai and walked through. He gently placed her on the paper littered ground. Demon workers bustled around them ignoring the lovers.
"Can you walk?" he asked worriedly.
"Yes don't worry," she replied.
He took her hand and led her to the gates of the Makai without anyone noticing. They quietly walked through and were greeted by the nighttime symphony of the Makai creatures. The stars shined in happiness, and the moon shined in a virgin white. Nighttime clouds hung in the sky covering and hiding the moon in an endless game of hide and seek. They walked hand in hand towards their home admiring the night sky and each other. Kurama kept a close eye on her noticing every detail of her beauty. Her eyes shined like the stars, and her skin was as pale as the moon. Everyday he loved her more and more. His heart told him to give her everything, yet she was happy with so little. Kizna admired his moonlit features. His eyes glistened like emerald pools against the stars telling her to get lost in their green depths. His fiery mane shined a mysterious and enchanting metallic silver and red as the moon light fell upon him. His lightly tanned skin was hidden in the shadows making him look as though he was a mysterious specter haunting the Makai and her heart. He smelled the tree-house in the distance with its unmistakable smell of flowers. Moving the vines aside, they ascended into their only sanctuary from the worlds.
Tables and chairs were scattered everywhere, the mess remaining from her kidnaping. Digging through the mess and clutter, Kurama found the lantern and turned it on illuminating the room with its dim light. Kurama looked around the room trying to forget the grim memories of having her almost lost forever.
"I'll clean up," offered Kizna as she went to pick up the mess.
"No," he replied. "Rest."
He handed her the lantern and opened up the bedroom door. Silently, she walked in letting the door close to a small crack. Kurama groped about the undisturbed cupboards and found candles and matches he had kept. One by one, the many candles were lit and spread across the room shedding their dim light through the small space. He quickly began to pick up the discarded chairs and table setting them to their former glory. The rose bush with its soil dispersed on the floor marked with footprints stared up at Kurama looking for salvation. Pulling a pot from in the cupboard, Kurama replanted the bush restoring it to its romantic elegance. Hastily, he brushed the spilt soil into a small corner planning to get rid of it tomorrow. Kurama turned toward the small bedroom door. In the door, a small sliver of light shined through the cracked door. He looked inside as he held onto the ring prepared to propose any moment.
Kizna let the cloak slowly crumple at her feet. She was covered in bandages from torso down to her legs with small spaces for her wings to be free. She unfolded her wings and lightly flapped them waking them. Removing her clothing, she began to undo her bandages revealing soft pale skin without a scratch or scar, healed by her strange anatomy. Green eyes watching her widened in shock.
Kurama stared shocked and quickly stood to the side trying to stop is already racing heart and the blush that spread across his face. Needing something to take his mind off the sight, he remembered the candles. He extinguished every candle leaving nothing lit in the small dark room.
Kizna studied herself and found no scars and bruises. Her pale skin had returned to its unmarred perfection and was more radiant and beautiful than ever. Still, she doubted herself. 'I'm ugly,' she thought sadly as tears welled in her eyes. 'Why does he love me?'
He walked back to the door ready to walk in and propose to her. He looked in and saw a small tear run down her cheek. He rushed inside to comfort her, forgetting the ring in his pocket.
Kizna turned in embarrassment as her love ran in unannounced. She quickly wrapped a blanket around herself and turned away so he wouldn't see her tears. He quickly ran to her side and gripped her in a tight embrace. He lifted her chin and wiped away her tears.
"Why are you crying?" he asked worried as he bent down to kiss the trail where the tears ran.
"I'm ugly," she rasped out. "Why do you love me, I don't deserve you."
"You're wrong," he replied as he pulled her closer. "I don't deserve you."
"Huh?" she whispered not understanding his words.
"I don't know who or what told you; you were ugly," Kurama started. "But don't listen to them. You're beautiful, but you somehow don't see it."
"Do you mean it?" she asked into his clothing.
"Yes," he whispered to her ear. "Let me see you."
She nodded. She pulled out of the embrace and let the blanket fall. His eyes studied her and found her as beautiful as the day he first fell in love with her. He smiled softly as he pulled her back into the embrace.
"See?" he whispered. "You're as beautiful as the day I met you."
"Make love to me," she whispered imploring him to do so. "Please."
She looked up to him in hope. He nodded eyes filled with pure love, no lust, no lecherousness, just love, and nothing else. A love that would only be for her and no one else. He pulled her chin up into a deep kiss as his arms tightly wrapped around her naked body.