Part 6=Nine months/Baby's Born!

Kurama was surprised to find her boyfriend a raven haired youko but accepted him. Hiei was the only one allowed to touch Kurama. The others had to watch from a distance.

Yukina made regular visits to check on the baby. She had to visit while Kurama was sleeping. She confirmed each time that the baby was fine and healthy. Everyone pitched in to help Kurama in her new home. Yusuke and Kuwabara helped catch rabbits since Kurama had a craving for them from time to time, the girls bought baby accessories, Shiori stayed mostly in the temple, bringing her work home. She also cooks the ningen food Kurama sometimes craved and Genkai brought her blankets and candles. Hiei was with Kurama constantly, he never left her side. They often looked at the stars like the always did, tails intertwined. Hiei was actually starting to like being a youko. He can hear the song of nature that he never did hear in his normal form. He often listened to the songs while Kurama slept. It was soothing.

One night they lay near the den looking at the stars, tails twined, arms encircling each other. Kurama had her head on Hiei's shoulder and the later was gently rubbing his lover's melon belly.

"Hey, Kurama?"

"Hm?"

"I made a new picture in the stars."

"Where?"

"There." And he points at Draco. "Near the dragon, that cluster of stars. If you look hard enough it makes an animal."

"Yeah. It looks like a . . . a fox! And they're touching noses. Like they're kissing. Did you name it?"

"Yes, Kurama the Fox."

Kurama laughed gently then she gasped, clutching her stomach.

"Kurama!"

"Hiei, I'm in labor!" she yelled as another contraction came. "Get Yukina!"

"But…."

"Now!"

Helping Kurama in the leaf bed in the den, he covered her and left, quick as lighting. Coming to the temple he yelled as loud as he could, "Yukina!"

"What?" she asked coming out. Shiori and the others walked out of their rooms.

"Kurama's in labor! She needs you!"

"Okay! Keiko, Shizuru, bring blankets. Yusuke, warm water and a towel. I'll meet you there."

Hiei turned to lead the way back but then someone grabbed his arm. Turning around he faced Shiori.

"Please, let me come. She may need me."

Looking at Yukina for a second he smiled and nodded. Picking her up he ran as fast as he could toward the den, Yukina behind him. They ran to the den as Kurama screamed from another contraction.

"Shuichi," yelled Shiori running inside, Hiei and Yukina close behind.

"How far are the contractions," asked Yukina as Hiei propped Kurama on his shoulder and Shiori taking one of her hands as Hiei too the other. Getting one hand free she held up five fingers.

"Good. Ah, thank you." The others came with what she had asked for and they waited outside. A few hours later Yukina told Kurama to get into position and push with each contraction. She used her healing powers to dull the pain.

"Aah," she yelled as she pushed.

"I can see the head! It's almost out! One more push, Kurama!"

"I can't!"

"You must! Please, Kurama!"

"Come on, fox, you can do it," said Hiei in her ear. "You can do it!"

"You can do it, Shuichi," said Shiori. "One last time and it's over."

Nodding Kurama pushed with all she was worth and screamed as it felt like her skin was being ripped apart. She was relieved when Yukina said, "It's out! It's a girl! And a beautiful girl at that."

"Just what you wanted," said Hiei as Yukina handed the baby to Kurama and she took her first look at her new born child. She had raven red hair with a white starburst above the bangs and almond eyes with emerald irises. Black fox ears poke out of her head and a tiny black tail curled around her legs. She had wailed her lungs out when she was born but as soon as Yukina put her in Kurama's arms she quieted.

"She looks sort of like you," said Kurama. "Aren't you going to say hi to her?"

"Hello," he said shyly and the baby turned her head toward him as if knowing who he was.

"What are you going to name her?" asked Shiori.

"I like the name Akira," said Kurama.

"I like it too," said Hiei.

"Akira it is," said Yukina and she and Shiori left to tell the others the news.

"I love you Hiei," said Kurama looking at his beloved.

"I love you too, fox," And he kissed her forehead.

`You thinking of staying a fox,' asked Kurama lying on Hiei's paws. The black furred kitsune rested his head on her shoulders. They were both in kitsune form looking at the stars as they shone brightly. Kurama was still a girl and would be for a while.

`Yup, I like being a fox,' replied Hiei.

`Well, I hate to burst your bubble, love but I like you in your normal form.'

`Oh, really?'

`Yeah!'

`Well, what if I . . .'

"Hiei-san, Shuichi," yelled Shiori. "Akira's awake!"

Kurama turned to her human form and looked at Hiei as he turned into his new aspect.

"You're changing back!"

"I could keep it as a third aspect. Like you."

"Hey, no fair!"

"Guys!"

"Race you, Hiei!"

Hiei smiled and gave Kurama a head start. Then he jumped up and ran after Kurama. Scooping the redhead up, he ran back to the temple.

*End*

Damn, that was long to write. A sequel to this story, `Identity Crisis II: Hiei's Turn!' for the aspect decision read the next story.