Nakoruru: Okay, I am really sooo sorry about not updating this as soon as I
wanted to. Me, my brother, and his friend went out to see Freddy vs. Jason
last night. Man that was a good movie. Me and Blaze were in love.
Blazer: With the movie that is.
Nakoruru (looking at him): Did you think I meant something else?
Blazer (blushes): What about. . .last chapter?
Nakoruru: Oh, you thought I was serious? Oh, sorry about that. I was having some fun. I didn't mean to get you all twisted up in the game.
Rinka (hits writer with harisen): Stop quoting from Bringing Down The House and get to the reviews.
Nakoruru (glares): Fine. Bunnychu, I want to address you personally. I was going to finish reviewing your work, but my computer has sort of locked up on me. I can't send reviews or go to other chapters. I think it has to do with the finalizing installation thing that keeps flashing, so I'm going to get back to you on Monday, sooner if I find out what's up. Sorry I keep breaking my promises.
Nicole, at the end of the chapter you can vote who you actually want to see Mina with. Cause even though using her, as humor is fun, I'm trying to have happiness spread.
Kayla, I honestly don't know if bluenette is a word, but I've seen a lot of people use it in their fics. So I sort of picked it up. And I'm happy you found this so wonderful. I aim to please when I can. And if you want to see Mina with someone vote at the end from my candidates and I'll work my magic.
The Masked Mistress, glad you love the romance and we are definitely going to find someone for Mina. Vote at the end from our choices.
Eo*Angel, well, sorry for the wait. But the movie was definitely calling me. And now that I know Scary Movie 3 and House Of The Dead are coming out, I'm sort of glad that I wasn't home. Man, Freddy vs. Jason was hot, I should go see it again.
Mai-Ly, sorry for stealing your fave person, yes I know which you're talking about. I looked up your information. And what are you paranoid about? Let us know.
SerinityRules, I don't think I can let Hiei orbit Emi, she is such a cutie. Orbit Rini all. . .no. . .I need her for my other project actually. ^_^;; Can't orbit.
Artemis Crescent thanks for the kind words. But starting school isn't so bad. Since my computer is demented, I can stay around school after classes and go in the library and use their computer cause I don't have to work. Yeah. So I'm happy.
Nakoruru: Now let's get on to the next chapter of TOY. Hope you all enjoy.
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The light from the closed curtains made its way through into the room, waking up the sleeping with long blond hair. The young woman turned over in bed, reaching over to find the other half of the bed empty. The young woman cracked open a sleepy blue eye. "Hiei," Serena mumbled sleepily. There was no answer as she slowly woke up fully. The other half of the bed was empty, the only sign that something had once been there was the rumpled sheets. "Where is he?"
She was by now use to waking up with him warm body not too far from hers. Usually when he woke up first, he woke her up with passionate kisses and touches that led to sweet morning. . .(um, we don't need to go into that, we know what they do, right?)
Serena sat up, pulling the covers around her body as she swung her feet over the edge of the bed. Moving from the bed, she went through the small apartment she had been sharing with Hiei for a week now. She pushed open a door that had an extra bed in it. The room was designed for Rini's stay, but the room was now empty. A few clothes scattered the floor, but other than that, no Rini and no Hiei. With a slight frown, she headed for the kitchen. As the other places she checked, it was empty. But on the counter was a note.
Serena picked up the note, scanning the words. It was Hiei's handwriting. "Serena, stepped out for a few hours. Have Rini with me. Will be back before dinner. Hiei." Serena frowned even more. What was the koorime up to that he hadn't woken her up to go with him and Rini? Surely he couldn't be going somewhere with Yukina and not want her along. "Sometimes, I don't understand that koorime at all."
With a slight huff, Serena went to the bathroom and discarded the cover. Once she was showered, dressed, and made up the bed, Serena got a light breakfast and headed for the door. Well, there wasn't much she could do about Hiei and Rini's absences. So maybe she should get missing a few hours herself. Grabbing a piece of paper from a nearby pad, she scribbled a note of her own, telling Hiei that she was going to find out what Raye and the others were up to. Once done, Serena headed for the door.
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"Are you sure you want to do this Hiei?" Kurama looked at the male with a concerning eye. The koorime nodded, bracing himself for what was to come. Rini stood to the side, her eyes covered.
"Otou-chan be fine?" Rini asked, peeking through her hands to look at Hiei with tearful red eyes.
"Don't worry about me Rini. You should be strong, and not cry," Hiei said. The little girl looked up at her "otou-chan", removing her hands from her eyes. Rini sniffed once then wiped her tears away.
"I won't cry anymore otou-chan. I'll be strong too!" Rini chirped.
Hiei smiled at the girl before turning his eyes back to Kurama. The male was in his youko form. "Okay Kurama, we're going to try this again."
"Don't you think there's a simpler way this could be done? I mean such trouble-" Kurama started.
"It's not trouble. I want it this way. I wouldn't want it any other way. No let's continue kitsune," Hiei interrupted Kurama's sentence. The youko looked at the koorime, then blinked once before a smile settled on his lips.
"You are a difficult one, but I can understand why you would do this. I shall help you. Let's continue." Kurama rose his rose whip once again, powering up.
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"You mean he just up and left with Hiei?" Serena blinked her eyes. She had gone to the Minamino residence where Raye currently was. Her and Shiori, Kurama's mother were busy with wedding preparations. Raye had told Serena that Amy had left with Toya not too long ago and Lita and Jin were no where to be found. Mina was MIA also on her continuous search for a cute youkai guy that would pledge his love to her eternally.
"Yeah, I asked him what was going on, but he told me that he had to help Hiei with something. He wouldn't tell me what, but it seemed like something important," Raye said. Raye huffed for a second then blew a loose strand of hair out her face as she flipped through the wedding dress catalog. "Serena let me get your opinion on this one."
Raye held up the catalog that was in her hand and pointed to a long sleeved gown with a U-neck collar. The gown was accented with lace and pearl. "That one looks wicked. You would look so cool in it, Raye. You should get it."
"Really," Raye blushed.
"Absolutely. I mean you would be the most beautiful bride I ever saw. It would take his breath away," Serena grinned. The blush on Raye's cheeks darkened as she looked down at the dress. "You shouldn't worry about the small details. It's your wedding, nothing could go wrong. (A/N: Except her fiancé getting killed or leaving her at the altar, or falling in love with another woman or a man, or he confesses he's a woman. But let's keep it happy and simple, it pleases the masses better. ^_^)
"Do you think that he'll really like it?" Raye said, chewing on the end of a loose lock of hair. "What if he doesn't like the dress? What should I do?"
"Raye, Kurama didn't fall in love with you because of how you would look in a wedding dress. He fell in love with you because of you. No matter what you're wearing, he's still going to love you. Just make sure you don't come to the wedding in your birthday suit," Serena teased.
"Yeah, you're right. I shouldn't worry," Raye agreed. Just then, Mrs. Minamino walked into the room with a tray of tea. She smiled at Serena then looked over at her soon to be daughter-in-law.
"Have you picked out the dress finally?" Shiori asked.
"Yeah. Serena said that the dress we picked out would be fine," Raye answered.
"See, I told you that one was a good choice," chimed Shiori as she sat down Serena's teacup in front of her. Serena thanked the woman for the cup of tea. "By the way, Serena, where's that adorable daughter of yours today? You didn't bring her along?"
"Oh no. She's with Kurama and Hiei," Serena said.
"Where did Shuuichi go anyway?" Shiori questioned.
"That's a good question. The minute we find out we'll tell you," Raye said. Shiori nodded before looking at Serena once again. Serena had a feeling the woman wanted to say something, but kept it to herself. Serena wondered what could be on the woman's mind.
"Um, Shiori-san, is there something you want to say?" Serena dared to pose the question.
Shiori sat down beside Raye, continuing to look at Serena for a long second, then began. "It's nothing much, but. . .I was wondering. I know it's none of my business, but are you pregnant?" Both Raye and Serena stared at Kurama's mother with gaped mouths. What made her think that?
"I-I don't think I am. What made you ask me that?" Serena said.
"I had this dream about you and Raye and your friends. It's silly, but you were protecting a little boy with black hair and blonde streaks. In the dream I saw you hug him and tell him something about his father. Then he said he would protect you because you were all he had left. I know it's just a dream, but. . .oh forget about it. It was just a dream after all," Shiori smiled.
Serena and Raye looked at the woman then blinked. Could her dream have been a premonition to something to come? Or was it just that, a dream? Serena wondered though, could she be pregnant with Hiei's child already. They had only truly been together for a week now. Raye looked over at Serena with a concentrating stare. Serena knew Raye was trying to read her life signs, being that she was the more spiritually adapted of all the sailor senshi. Serena's heart pounded in her chest as she stared at Raye. After a long minute, she saw a smile rise to Raye's lips.
"You'll be fine," Raye said. "It's nothing bad after all!"
"You mean. . ." Serena said.
"You'll be fine. We'll discuss this later. Let's concentrate on the more important issue," Raye said. "Has he asked you to yet?"
"Asked? Asked what?" Serena said, not getting over the fact that Raye had underlined the fact that Serena was pregnant. It really wasn't a bad thing. After all, it was by the man she was in love with. But how was he going to take the news? Would he be angry with her for becoming pregnant? He wouldn't get mad, he couldn't. This was their child, and if anything, he would be more than happy. After all, the way he acted with Rini ensured that he would love this child as much as her and Rini.
Raye rolled her eyes, sometimes she forgot that Serena could be a bubble brain about things. "I mean has he asked you to marry him yet. I mean, you want to be with him forever don't you?"
"Of course I do. And I've been thinking about talking it over with him. Our future together and all. But I don't know how he would feel about it. You know. So I've just tried to be happy with him for now. I guess when the time comes, he'll ask me and then we'll be together," Serena sighed. "I don't want to make him uncomfortable or obligated to marry me if he's not ready."
"Serena," Shiori said, drawing Serena's attention. The woman had a kind smile on her face. "I don't think you have to worry about it. He seems like a wonderful person. And he probably has been thinking about it. More than you maybe. I don't think he would want to make you worry about it. Before you know it, he's going to be asking you, I'm sure."
"Thanks, Shiori!" Serena said. "I feel better hearing that. And I'm sure it won't be long either." Suddenly, the bell to the door rung, Shiori got up to answer the door. A minute later, Lita came in with Amy. Neither Jin nor Toya were in tow. "Lita, Amy, what are you guys doing here. I thought you would be with Jin and Toya."
"They had to go back to the Makai to do a couple of things. So what are you guys doing?" Lita said, sitting next to Raye while Amy took a seat beside Serena. Raye broke out in a grin that Serena knew was her "I-got- something-to-tell" smile.
"You won't believe who's pregnant!" Raye chimed.
"You!" Lita said with wide eyes.
"Not me. But sooner or later I'm probably going to get knocked up. But it is someone sitting in this room," Raye said. All eyes turned to Serena who blushed and looked down at her hands. "Her aura is a lot higher than usual. It's almost the same as when she was pregnant with Rini, but a few notches more. I wouldn't have noticed if Shiori hadn't mentioned the dream she had about a black haired kid with blond streaks."
"A premonition?" Amy said.
"Maybe, maybe not. Hopefully it was just a dream," Raye said.
"Well, congratulations anyway Serena. I'm sure that you will have beautiful children," Lita said. "Hopefully me and Jin will too. And they get his ears."
"So they can hear people talking two cities away?" teased Raye.
"Funny, but if you realize, your children will have bushy tails and fox ears," Lita said.
"I think we're the only ones that are going to have normal children Amy," Serena smiled.
"What? What do you mean?!" Amy blushed.
"Ah, don't be so coy with us. We know that you and Toya really like each other. Don't you want to be with him forever too?" Serena said.
"Well. . .I do like him and everything, but I think it's too soon to be talking about marriage and children. We've just started to get to know each other. What if we aren't together in the next year or so? I don't want to be making plans and-" Amy stated.
"Oh, don't be a wet blanket Amy. It's fun to not have to worry about being together. You should be freer. Love can never work until you start believing in it. If you never give up on it and try to second guess it, your life will always be happy," Raye said. "Just let go of the what ifs and have fun. Love is better that way."
"Raye's right. If all we thought about are the what ifs, there would be no room to enjoy the relationships we have. And then when they are over, you don't have any good memories. So just let loose and have fun," Lita winked. "Let's pick out wedding dresses. Let's enjoy things for once."
"I second that notion," Serena said.
"I third it!" exclaimed Raye.
"Well of course you notion it, you are the one that's about to have a wedding soon after all," Serena pointed out. "You don't have to remind us."
"Oh, but I'm sure you're right behind me," Raye said. "Then Lita and Amy. And maybe Mina who is still missing in action. Think she'll find someone?"
"This is Mina we're talking about. If she doesn't drag him off kicking and screaming then I would be surprised. Sailor V always gets her guy," Raye stated.
"So we'll look for her one too," Serena said.
"Yeah."
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"Hiei, Rini, are you around?" Serena walked into the apartment looking around. She heard the pattering of little feet running towards her a moment later. Rini runs out of wherever she was and wraps herself around Serena's legs. "Mommy! Mommy! Mommy! You're back! Where you go? I miss you."
"I was with Raye, Amy, and Lita. Where were you?" Serena said, kneeling down to stroke the little girl's hair.
"I was with otou-chan and Uncle Kurama! Oh, and I play with Emi too! Uncle Yusuke pushed us in the swings. We had lots of fun," Rini chimed.
"So you were with Kurama and Yusuke too? What were you all doing together?" Serena inquired.
Rini put a finger to her lips and made a shushing sound. "Me can't tell. Otou-chan told me to keep it secret. He said he wanted to tell you something."
"Really? Where is he now?" Serena stood up as Rini took her hand and led her to where Hiei was sitting in the bedroom windowsill looking out over the falling night. After a minute's more observation, Hiei turned his crimson eyes to her. Serena felt her heart pound, seeing the lights fall on him, casting soft shadows over his form. She would tell him now. "Hiei, I have something to tell you."
"And I want to tell you something too." Hiei got up from the windowsill and walked over to Serena. Looking her deep in the eye, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small case. Opening it up, Serena's eyes fall on the ring. Her breath catches in her throat once she realizes that the stone set in the frame was a Hiraseki stone. It wasn't the one Hiei had given her, she still had that one.
This was a different one. It reminded her of the one that had helped to become her new crystal. Serena realized that this one. . . "It's a Hiraseki stone from your tears."
"Yes. I had the fox and Yusuke help me get it," Hiei said. "This will tie up the loose ends. I love you Serena."
Serena felt tears slid down her face as she wrapped her arms around the koorime, hugging him with all her love. "I love you too, Hiei. I'll marry you if that's what you're asking me. I would never turn you down. I love you too much for that. And I want to tell you something else. I-we're going to have-I'm pregnant Hiei."
Hiei pulled back to stare at her with wide crimson eyes. Serena wondered if he was happy or just shocked. Finally, his expression softened as he cupped her face in his hands. "My love for you has seemed to have risen more than I can imagine. I'll continue to not only protect you, but Rini, and now our child."
"Hiei. . ." Serena felt more tears roll down her cheeks as he kissed her. *I want that so much. Please continue to protect us. For all eternity.*
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Nakoruru: Yeah! This chapter is done. And some breaking news for everyone. The next chapter is the last chapter in this story. I'm sorry if many people feel that this story shouldn't end, but it must. It has been a rough two months, but I've made it to my goal.
Blazer: Shouldn't you be making comments like that in the next chapter.
Nakoruru: I just want to tell everyone ahead of time. So, now on to what I was talking about earlier. It's voting time. Mina will be with someone from the Hakusho world in the end. I had to ask my friend Bishonen No Miko for some help, and she gave me four choices. It's voting time.
Choice 1- Mina and Chu (the guy from Team Rokuyukai that Yusuke fought first go rounds of the tournament)
Choice 2- Mina and Rinku (the little kid from Team Rokuyukai Kuwabara fought against and lost to. He had the yo-yos)
Choice 3- Mina and Shishiwakamaru (I forgot his team name, but he was the blue haired cutie that fought Kuwabara, beat him and then lost to Genkai in the semi finals)
Choice 4- Mina and Suzuka (the crazy narcissus who told everyone to put beautiful before his name when addressing him, he lost to Genkai in the final round of the semi finals)
Nakoruru: Okay, people there are your choices. The next chapter comes out Tuesday and you will know then who was voted for. Until Tuesday, see everyone later.
Blazer: With the movie that is.
Nakoruru (looking at him): Did you think I meant something else?
Blazer (blushes): What about. . .last chapter?
Nakoruru: Oh, you thought I was serious? Oh, sorry about that. I was having some fun. I didn't mean to get you all twisted up in the game.
Rinka (hits writer with harisen): Stop quoting from Bringing Down The House and get to the reviews.
Nakoruru (glares): Fine. Bunnychu, I want to address you personally. I was going to finish reviewing your work, but my computer has sort of locked up on me. I can't send reviews or go to other chapters. I think it has to do with the finalizing installation thing that keeps flashing, so I'm going to get back to you on Monday, sooner if I find out what's up. Sorry I keep breaking my promises.
Nicole, at the end of the chapter you can vote who you actually want to see Mina with. Cause even though using her, as humor is fun, I'm trying to have happiness spread.
Kayla, I honestly don't know if bluenette is a word, but I've seen a lot of people use it in their fics. So I sort of picked it up. And I'm happy you found this so wonderful. I aim to please when I can. And if you want to see Mina with someone vote at the end from my candidates and I'll work my magic.
The Masked Mistress, glad you love the romance and we are definitely going to find someone for Mina. Vote at the end from our choices.
Eo*Angel, well, sorry for the wait. But the movie was definitely calling me. And now that I know Scary Movie 3 and House Of The Dead are coming out, I'm sort of glad that I wasn't home. Man, Freddy vs. Jason was hot, I should go see it again.
Mai-Ly, sorry for stealing your fave person, yes I know which you're talking about. I looked up your information. And what are you paranoid about? Let us know.
SerinityRules, I don't think I can let Hiei orbit Emi, she is such a cutie. Orbit Rini all. . .no. . .I need her for my other project actually. ^_^;; Can't orbit.
Artemis Crescent thanks for the kind words. But starting school isn't so bad. Since my computer is demented, I can stay around school after classes and go in the library and use their computer cause I don't have to work. Yeah. So I'm happy.
Nakoruru: Now let's get on to the next chapter of TOY. Hope you all enjoy.
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The light from the closed curtains made its way through into the room, waking up the sleeping with long blond hair. The young woman turned over in bed, reaching over to find the other half of the bed empty. The young woman cracked open a sleepy blue eye. "Hiei," Serena mumbled sleepily. There was no answer as she slowly woke up fully. The other half of the bed was empty, the only sign that something had once been there was the rumpled sheets. "Where is he?"
She was by now use to waking up with him warm body not too far from hers. Usually when he woke up first, he woke her up with passionate kisses and touches that led to sweet morning. . .(um, we don't need to go into that, we know what they do, right?)
Serena sat up, pulling the covers around her body as she swung her feet over the edge of the bed. Moving from the bed, she went through the small apartment she had been sharing with Hiei for a week now. She pushed open a door that had an extra bed in it. The room was designed for Rini's stay, but the room was now empty. A few clothes scattered the floor, but other than that, no Rini and no Hiei. With a slight frown, she headed for the kitchen. As the other places she checked, it was empty. But on the counter was a note.
Serena picked up the note, scanning the words. It was Hiei's handwriting. "Serena, stepped out for a few hours. Have Rini with me. Will be back before dinner. Hiei." Serena frowned even more. What was the koorime up to that he hadn't woken her up to go with him and Rini? Surely he couldn't be going somewhere with Yukina and not want her along. "Sometimes, I don't understand that koorime at all."
With a slight huff, Serena went to the bathroom and discarded the cover. Once she was showered, dressed, and made up the bed, Serena got a light breakfast and headed for the door. Well, there wasn't much she could do about Hiei and Rini's absences. So maybe she should get missing a few hours herself. Grabbing a piece of paper from a nearby pad, she scribbled a note of her own, telling Hiei that she was going to find out what Raye and the others were up to. Once done, Serena headed for the door.
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"Are you sure you want to do this Hiei?" Kurama looked at the male with a concerning eye. The koorime nodded, bracing himself for what was to come. Rini stood to the side, her eyes covered.
"Otou-chan be fine?" Rini asked, peeking through her hands to look at Hiei with tearful red eyes.
"Don't worry about me Rini. You should be strong, and not cry," Hiei said. The little girl looked up at her "otou-chan", removing her hands from her eyes. Rini sniffed once then wiped her tears away.
"I won't cry anymore otou-chan. I'll be strong too!" Rini chirped.
Hiei smiled at the girl before turning his eyes back to Kurama. The male was in his youko form. "Okay Kurama, we're going to try this again."
"Don't you think there's a simpler way this could be done? I mean such trouble-" Kurama started.
"It's not trouble. I want it this way. I wouldn't want it any other way. No let's continue kitsune," Hiei interrupted Kurama's sentence. The youko looked at the koorime, then blinked once before a smile settled on his lips.
"You are a difficult one, but I can understand why you would do this. I shall help you. Let's continue." Kurama rose his rose whip once again, powering up.
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"You mean he just up and left with Hiei?" Serena blinked her eyes. She had gone to the Minamino residence where Raye currently was. Her and Shiori, Kurama's mother were busy with wedding preparations. Raye had told Serena that Amy had left with Toya not too long ago and Lita and Jin were no where to be found. Mina was MIA also on her continuous search for a cute youkai guy that would pledge his love to her eternally.
"Yeah, I asked him what was going on, but he told me that he had to help Hiei with something. He wouldn't tell me what, but it seemed like something important," Raye said. Raye huffed for a second then blew a loose strand of hair out her face as she flipped through the wedding dress catalog. "Serena let me get your opinion on this one."
Raye held up the catalog that was in her hand and pointed to a long sleeved gown with a U-neck collar. The gown was accented with lace and pearl. "That one looks wicked. You would look so cool in it, Raye. You should get it."
"Really," Raye blushed.
"Absolutely. I mean you would be the most beautiful bride I ever saw. It would take his breath away," Serena grinned. The blush on Raye's cheeks darkened as she looked down at the dress. "You shouldn't worry about the small details. It's your wedding, nothing could go wrong. (A/N: Except her fiancé getting killed or leaving her at the altar, or falling in love with another woman or a man, or he confesses he's a woman. But let's keep it happy and simple, it pleases the masses better. ^_^)
"Do you think that he'll really like it?" Raye said, chewing on the end of a loose lock of hair. "What if he doesn't like the dress? What should I do?"
"Raye, Kurama didn't fall in love with you because of how you would look in a wedding dress. He fell in love with you because of you. No matter what you're wearing, he's still going to love you. Just make sure you don't come to the wedding in your birthday suit," Serena teased.
"Yeah, you're right. I shouldn't worry," Raye agreed. Just then, Mrs. Minamino walked into the room with a tray of tea. She smiled at Serena then looked over at her soon to be daughter-in-law.
"Have you picked out the dress finally?" Shiori asked.
"Yeah. Serena said that the dress we picked out would be fine," Raye answered.
"See, I told you that one was a good choice," chimed Shiori as she sat down Serena's teacup in front of her. Serena thanked the woman for the cup of tea. "By the way, Serena, where's that adorable daughter of yours today? You didn't bring her along?"
"Oh no. She's with Kurama and Hiei," Serena said.
"Where did Shuuichi go anyway?" Shiori questioned.
"That's a good question. The minute we find out we'll tell you," Raye said. Shiori nodded before looking at Serena once again. Serena had a feeling the woman wanted to say something, but kept it to herself. Serena wondered what could be on the woman's mind.
"Um, Shiori-san, is there something you want to say?" Serena dared to pose the question.
Shiori sat down beside Raye, continuing to look at Serena for a long second, then began. "It's nothing much, but. . .I was wondering. I know it's none of my business, but are you pregnant?" Both Raye and Serena stared at Kurama's mother with gaped mouths. What made her think that?
"I-I don't think I am. What made you ask me that?" Serena said.
"I had this dream about you and Raye and your friends. It's silly, but you were protecting a little boy with black hair and blonde streaks. In the dream I saw you hug him and tell him something about his father. Then he said he would protect you because you were all he had left. I know it's just a dream, but. . .oh forget about it. It was just a dream after all," Shiori smiled.
Serena and Raye looked at the woman then blinked. Could her dream have been a premonition to something to come? Or was it just that, a dream? Serena wondered though, could she be pregnant with Hiei's child already. They had only truly been together for a week now. Raye looked over at Serena with a concentrating stare. Serena knew Raye was trying to read her life signs, being that she was the more spiritually adapted of all the sailor senshi. Serena's heart pounded in her chest as she stared at Raye. After a long minute, she saw a smile rise to Raye's lips.
"You'll be fine," Raye said. "It's nothing bad after all!"
"You mean. . ." Serena said.
"You'll be fine. We'll discuss this later. Let's concentrate on the more important issue," Raye said. "Has he asked you to yet?"
"Asked? Asked what?" Serena said, not getting over the fact that Raye had underlined the fact that Serena was pregnant. It really wasn't a bad thing. After all, it was by the man she was in love with. But how was he going to take the news? Would he be angry with her for becoming pregnant? He wouldn't get mad, he couldn't. This was their child, and if anything, he would be more than happy. After all, the way he acted with Rini ensured that he would love this child as much as her and Rini.
Raye rolled her eyes, sometimes she forgot that Serena could be a bubble brain about things. "I mean has he asked you to marry him yet. I mean, you want to be with him forever don't you?"
"Of course I do. And I've been thinking about talking it over with him. Our future together and all. But I don't know how he would feel about it. You know. So I've just tried to be happy with him for now. I guess when the time comes, he'll ask me and then we'll be together," Serena sighed. "I don't want to make him uncomfortable or obligated to marry me if he's not ready."
"Serena," Shiori said, drawing Serena's attention. The woman had a kind smile on her face. "I don't think you have to worry about it. He seems like a wonderful person. And he probably has been thinking about it. More than you maybe. I don't think he would want to make you worry about it. Before you know it, he's going to be asking you, I'm sure."
"Thanks, Shiori!" Serena said. "I feel better hearing that. And I'm sure it won't be long either." Suddenly, the bell to the door rung, Shiori got up to answer the door. A minute later, Lita came in with Amy. Neither Jin nor Toya were in tow. "Lita, Amy, what are you guys doing here. I thought you would be with Jin and Toya."
"They had to go back to the Makai to do a couple of things. So what are you guys doing?" Lita said, sitting next to Raye while Amy took a seat beside Serena. Raye broke out in a grin that Serena knew was her "I-got- something-to-tell" smile.
"You won't believe who's pregnant!" Raye chimed.
"You!" Lita said with wide eyes.
"Not me. But sooner or later I'm probably going to get knocked up. But it is someone sitting in this room," Raye said. All eyes turned to Serena who blushed and looked down at her hands. "Her aura is a lot higher than usual. It's almost the same as when she was pregnant with Rini, but a few notches more. I wouldn't have noticed if Shiori hadn't mentioned the dream she had about a black haired kid with blond streaks."
"A premonition?" Amy said.
"Maybe, maybe not. Hopefully it was just a dream," Raye said.
"Well, congratulations anyway Serena. I'm sure that you will have beautiful children," Lita said. "Hopefully me and Jin will too. And they get his ears."
"So they can hear people talking two cities away?" teased Raye.
"Funny, but if you realize, your children will have bushy tails and fox ears," Lita said.
"I think we're the only ones that are going to have normal children Amy," Serena smiled.
"What? What do you mean?!" Amy blushed.
"Ah, don't be so coy with us. We know that you and Toya really like each other. Don't you want to be with him forever too?" Serena said.
"Well. . .I do like him and everything, but I think it's too soon to be talking about marriage and children. We've just started to get to know each other. What if we aren't together in the next year or so? I don't want to be making plans and-" Amy stated.
"Oh, don't be a wet blanket Amy. It's fun to not have to worry about being together. You should be freer. Love can never work until you start believing in it. If you never give up on it and try to second guess it, your life will always be happy," Raye said. "Just let go of the what ifs and have fun. Love is better that way."
"Raye's right. If all we thought about are the what ifs, there would be no room to enjoy the relationships we have. And then when they are over, you don't have any good memories. So just let loose and have fun," Lita winked. "Let's pick out wedding dresses. Let's enjoy things for once."
"I second that notion," Serena said.
"I third it!" exclaimed Raye.
"Well of course you notion it, you are the one that's about to have a wedding soon after all," Serena pointed out. "You don't have to remind us."
"Oh, but I'm sure you're right behind me," Raye said. "Then Lita and Amy. And maybe Mina who is still missing in action. Think she'll find someone?"
"This is Mina we're talking about. If she doesn't drag him off kicking and screaming then I would be surprised. Sailor V always gets her guy," Raye stated.
"So we'll look for her one too," Serena said.
"Yeah."
~~~~~~~~~~~ * * * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hiei, Rini, are you around?" Serena walked into the apartment looking around. She heard the pattering of little feet running towards her a moment later. Rini runs out of wherever she was and wraps herself around Serena's legs. "Mommy! Mommy! Mommy! You're back! Where you go? I miss you."
"I was with Raye, Amy, and Lita. Where were you?" Serena said, kneeling down to stroke the little girl's hair.
"I was with otou-chan and Uncle Kurama! Oh, and I play with Emi too! Uncle Yusuke pushed us in the swings. We had lots of fun," Rini chimed.
"So you were with Kurama and Yusuke too? What were you all doing together?" Serena inquired.
Rini put a finger to her lips and made a shushing sound. "Me can't tell. Otou-chan told me to keep it secret. He said he wanted to tell you something."
"Really? Where is he now?" Serena stood up as Rini took her hand and led her to where Hiei was sitting in the bedroom windowsill looking out over the falling night. After a minute's more observation, Hiei turned his crimson eyes to her. Serena felt her heart pound, seeing the lights fall on him, casting soft shadows over his form. She would tell him now. "Hiei, I have something to tell you."
"And I want to tell you something too." Hiei got up from the windowsill and walked over to Serena. Looking her deep in the eye, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small case. Opening it up, Serena's eyes fall on the ring. Her breath catches in her throat once she realizes that the stone set in the frame was a Hiraseki stone. It wasn't the one Hiei had given her, she still had that one.
This was a different one. It reminded her of the one that had helped to become her new crystal. Serena realized that this one. . . "It's a Hiraseki stone from your tears."
"Yes. I had the fox and Yusuke help me get it," Hiei said. "This will tie up the loose ends. I love you Serena."
Serena felt tears slid down her face as she wrapped her arms around the koorime, hugging him with all her love. "I love you too, Hiei. I'll marry you if that's what you're asking me. I would never turn you down. I love you too much for that. And I want to tell you something else. I-we're going to have-I'm pregnant Hiei."
Hiei pulled back to stare at her with wide crimson eyes. Serena wondered if he was happy or just shocked. Finally, his expression softened as he cupped her face in his hands. "My love for you has seemed to have risen more than I can imagine. I'll continue to not only protect you, but Rini, and now our child."
"Hiei. . ." Serena felt more tears roll down her cheeks as he kissed her. *I want that so much. Please continue to protect us. For all eternity.*
~~~~~~~~~~ * * * ~~~~~~~~~ * * * ~~~~~~~~~~
Nakoruru: Yeah! This chapter is done. And some breaking news for everyone. The next chapter is the last chapter in this story. I'm sorry if many people feel that this story shouldn't end, but it must. It has been a rough two months, but I've made it to my goal.
Blazer: Shouldn't you be making comments like that in the next chapter.
Nakoruru: I just want to tell everyone ahead of time. So, now on to what I was talking about earlier. It's voting time. Mina will be with someone from the Hakusho world in the end. I had to ask my friend Bishonen No Miko for some help, and she gave me four choices. It's voting time.
Choice 1- Mina and Chu (the guy from Team Rokuyukai that Yusuke fought first go rounds of the tournament)
Choice 2- Mina and Rinku (the little kid from Team Rokuyukai Kuwabara fought against and lost to. He had the yo-yos)
Choice 3- Mina and Shishiwakamaru (I forgot his team name, but he was the blue haired cutie that fought Kuwabara, beat him and then lost to Genkai in the semi finals)
Choice 4- Mina and Suzuka (the crazy narcissus who told everyone to put beautiful before his name when addressing him, he lost to Genkai in the final round of the semi finals)
Nakoruru: Okay, people there are your choices. The next chapter comes out Tuesday and you will know then who was voted for. Until Tuesday, see everyone later.