Author's Note: My internet is finally back up after being down for a week. If not for that theis chapter would have been up sooner. Thank you to all those who've reviewed. I'm still getting to reading and replying to them. Don't forget the responses are now in my live journal. Hope you all enjoy this chapter.

Yami

Chapter Three

Kuwabara's eyes swept over the numerous books that filled the many shelves of the small library. "Hey Yusuke," Kuwabara called to his friend. "Do you think Kurama really reads all these?" Yusuke who was standing beside him looked around, trying to decide for himself if the king could possibly read so many books.

"As a matter of fact Kuwabara, I have read all of them," Kurama answered as we entered the room. "Spending nearly a century alone allows one to have more than ample time to kill, and with little else to do I read to pass the time," The tall carrot top jumped at the sound of the silver fox's voice. My eyes danced with amusement at Kuwabara's reaction.

Yusuke shook his head. "I still don't see how you stayed alone here for so long without loosing your mind," he said. "I would have went nuts, or died of boredom," Kurama chuckled. "I think I would have finally lost my mind if it weren't for Hiei showing up when he did," he confessed.

He greeted Yukina, Shizuru, Genkai and Keiko before sitting down at the large table that had been brought up for the occasion. All those closest to us were gathered in our private library on the third floor. The silver haired king smiled; glad to see that everyone was present. The servants had outdone themselves, turning the cozy room into a comfortable dining area. Soon, the aroma of freshly cooked food would fill the room and dinner would begin.

I sat beside him, my heart pounding in my chest, knowing the moment that my secret would be revealed was at hand. Kurama exchanged a glance with his me, asking without words if I was ready. I gave a slight nod and inwardly braced myself. Kurama gently took his my hand reminding me that he was with me.

"I suppose you are all wondering why we're gathered up here tonight instead of in the dining hall," Kurama said once the room had fallen into silence. "Hiei and I wish to share something with you all without the eyes and ears of our guests present, and although they will be gone in a few days we felt we have waited long enough,"

I took a deep breath as Kurama spoke his next words. "Hiei and I will soon be parents," the king announced. "You guys are gonna adopt?" Yusuke asked in surprise. "That's great," I swallowed hard. "Actually Yusuke, I'm bearing the children," I amended. Kuwabara's eyes widened in shock. "You mean you….y-you're pr-pregnant?" he stammered. Slowly I nodded. Kuwabara's eyes got even wider, something I didn't think possible. "…but that's impossible…!" he cried. "You're a guy," "That was my initial reaction as well," Kurama said. "We're still not sure exactly how it's possible that Hiei is able bear children, but both Yukina and Genkai confirm it, Hiei is pregnant,"

The room was completely silent as the information sank in. "Wait a minute," Yusuke said breaking the silence. "Hiei, did you say children?" I nodded. "Three," I informed my friend and second in command. Kuwabara gawked at me, his jaw hanging open in shock. Shizuru was the first to break the silence that followed. "Congratulations you two," she said. "How far along are you?" Keiko asked. "Three months," I answered. "Three months and you're just now telling us?" Yusuke cried. Kurama looked hurt at his friend's outburst. "It is no easy thing for my brother and his mate to tell you their good news," Yukina said softly. "If you had the ability to carry a child wouldn't you need some time to come to terms with it, to adjust to that knowledge?" Yusuke nodded, then his usual grin slid into place and he congratulated us wholeheartedly.

It was then Kuwabara finally seemed to recover from his shock. " In six months there'll be three chibi Hieis among us, am I the only one who thinks we should be afraid?" the tall carrot top cried. Shizuru rolled her eyes. "In case you forgot they're half Kurama too, baby bro," she reminded him. I smirked at my mate. "Let's just hope they don't inherit his love for mischief," I said, indicating Kurama. "Then you really would have something to worry about," Kurama gave an undignified snort at the remark. The others laughed knowing that Kurama was notorious for teasing those closest to him. After all they had all been victims of his wit and good natured teasing at one time or another.

Now that the secret was out, I was glad it was over. Soon everyone was happily chatting about plans for the babies' arrival including Yusuke taking over for me completely until I could return to my duties. Soon the food arrived and the gathering quickly became a celebration of the new lives that would soon enter the world.

It was late when we climbed into bed that night. Kurama held me close to him and I leaned into his embrace, resting myself against his body. "Fox?" I asked softly as I closed my eyes. "Hmmm?" he responded. "Do you think we'll be good parents?" I asked. "I hope so," he responded. "You know, we never did decide upon names for the babies," " What about Kenji for a boy?" I suggested. He made a soft sound of agreement. " Kenshin and Ryou are nice too," Kurama added. I liked those names as well and murmured my agreement. His hand gently caressed my belly. "What if there's a girl?" he asked. "Hina," I said immediately, deciding that if I did indeed bear a daughter she should have the honor of carrying my mother's name. "I like that," Kurama murmured softly. "and if we have a second daughter we could name her Ruia," I made a soft sound of agreement, then began to drift off to sleep.

I was drawn out of my peaceful slumber sometime later by my mate abruptly sitting up in bed. I turned to face him and sat up. Kurama sat with his head bowed, his hands covering his face. His long silken hair hung down like a curtain, blocking his face and hands from view. "Fox," I murmured sleepily. He didn't reply, but I could feel fear though our bond. "Kurama, what is it?" I asked. He lowered his hands and turned his head to face me. I reached up to touch his face and was immediately taken aback by the fact his cheeks were damp. He was crying. He let out a shaky breath and put his arms around me, drawing me to him. "Thank Inari, it was just a dream," he murmured softly. "What did you dream that upset you so?" I asked, curious as to what could have brought my mate to tears. " You were taken from me," he answered, his voice barely a whisper. " You died during the delivery…just as my mother had,

Now I understood why Kurama was so nervous concerning our children's birth . If his mother had died during childbirth, it was understandable that he would afraid of loosing me the same way. "What happened?" I asked, curious now that he had mentioned it. Kurama had never told me he had any siblings. A soft sigh escaped his lips. "I was only ten when it happened, a mere kit," he said softly, "My mother had difficulty with the birthing and in the end both she, and my newborn sister died," I could hear the sorrow in his voice and adjusted myself so that I could look at him. "My father took it as hard as I did," he said. " During my mother's pregnancy he'd abandoned his mistresses and lovers, and never returned to them after mother died," "I think that end the end, he realized how much he loved her," he continued. "He spoiled her rotten up until she went into labor," A soft smile played upon his lips for a moment, then quickly faded.

"Fox, Yukina and Genkai will do all in their power to ensure that things go smoothly," I assured him. "I know," Kurama responded softly. "Still, the thought of loosing you frightens me," His eyes locked onto mine and he leaned closer. "I have nothing, if I don't have you," he whispered, then gently kissed my lips. I responded in kind, then pulled away. "I will be fine Kurama," I assured him. "We should get some sleep before Sachi arrives to announce breakfast," Still holding me close Kurama laid down bringing me with him. "I'm sorry for waking you Darkfire," I pressed my fingers to his lips, silencing him. "Sleep now," I said. "You can make it up to me later," Kurama smiled and closed his eyes. I followed suit and soon returned to the oblivion of sleep.

When I awoke next, Kurama was already out of bed. A steaming mug of ginger tea awaited me on the bedside table. I looked around for my mate as I sat up and spotted him on the balcony. He was already dressed, his hair looked slightly damp and I guessed he hadn't long bathed. I took my mug and joined him. We stood watching Yusuke lead the training exercises. "It's a miracle he's out of bed this early," Kurama murmured. "I'm sure Keiko has something to do with that," I responded. Kurama chucked. "Yes, and the fact he knows he'll face your wrath if he doesn't get the job done," he agreed.

Something below caught Kurama's attention, and I followed his gaze. A silver haired yoko vixen had just entered the garden. My mate watched her with obvious interest as she slowly strolled down the path. I turned my attention back on my mate, an eyebrow raised in silent question. "I've never seen her before," Kurama said. "I wonder who she is," "Why does she interest you so?" I asked. "I'm not sure myself," he answered. "Perhaps it is simply the fact that she is a mystery to me,"

Sachi entered then, waiting patiently to be acknowledged. "Sachi, do you know who that young lady is?" Kurama asked. The dark haired vixen stepped quietly up to the railing and looked down at the silver haired vixen Kurama was referring to. "She is Sata, Lady Leiko's servant, Sire," Sachi answered, then shook her head sorrowfully. "From what the other servants have told me, Leiko treats her pretty awfully," Kurama frowned at that but said nothing. "Thank you Sachi, the Sovereign and I will have breakfast in the garden this morning," he said. "Would you see if the princess and Lady Genkai would like to join us?" "Yes, Sire," the servant girl replied, bowing respectfully.

Kurama returned his attention to the vixen in the garden below, a studious expression upon his handsome face. "Hiei, there is something oddly familiar about that girl," he murmured. " …but I'm sure I've never seen her before," I shrugged and continued sipping my tea. My mate then turned to me a few minutes later, a sheepish expression on his face. "I've been ignoring you, haven't I?" he asked. "Yes," I answered, then drained the mug and set it down on the small wooden table. "…but it is understandable," I added as I turned and headed back inside our bedroom to clean up and get dressed.

Soon we were in the section of the garden off limits to anyone who wasn't of the royal family or invited by a member of the royal family. Kurama, Yukina and I lay on the blanket that had been laid out on the lush grass for us, a wide variety of food spread out for us to feast upon. "It's a shame Genkai could not join us," Yukina said. "She would have enjoyed this," Kurama murmured his agreement, his mouth currently occupied with a rather large bite of sweet roll. His tail swished happily to and fro as he chewed. It amused me to no end that the yoko king had a notorious sweet tooth.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw our guards Sakuya and Jade tense. I turned to see what had captured their attention. The silver haired vixen we had been watching from the balcony had wandered in through the open gate. Her golden eyes widened with surprise and she began to back away. "Wait !" Kurama called to her. "Don't leave, come join us, we have far too much food here to enjoy comfortably," The vixen approached timidly, bowing low before us. " Thank you Sire," she said softly.

Without another word she sat down beside Yukina, keeping her eyes lowered in a gesture of respect. " What is your name?" Kurama asked gently. "My name is Sata, Sire," she answered. " Which clan are you from Sata?" Kurama asked next, pushing the platter of food toward her as he spoke. " I have no clan Sire, I am merely m'lady's servant," she replied. I could tell he wanted to ask her more, but Kurama held his tongue. He let Yukina do most of the talking, preferring to let her lead the conversation while he observed the young vixen that had so captured his interest. I would have been jealous if not for the fact that his interest in her was not an attraction, but of curiosity. Something about her had obviously struck a chord with my fox and he was intent on finding out why.

As I began to study her, I started to realize why Kurama felt he should know Sata even though he had never met her. There were similarities between him and her. For starters, their eyes, they had the same golden eyes. I began to wonder if the sister Kurama had lost as a child wasn't really the young vixen sitting before us.

Before long the food was gone and Sata looked around the garden. She seemed to be positively enchanted with the plant life surrounding us. It didn't escape Kurama's notice either. "You seem to enjoy my garden a great deal," Kurama commented. Sata blushed. "Yes Sire," she responded. "I've never seen such a lush garden, why all the plants seem to radiate with joy," Kurama smiled. "Yes, they seem to enjoy my company," he replied. "Sometimes I wonder if that's because of the energy I feed them," A soft smile played upon Sata's lips as she looked over the greenery. "Oh they enjoy your company greatly Sire," she said. "I can sense it from them," Slowly her golden eyes closed. "They love the attention you give them, it makes them feel special and loved," Sata opened her eyes again, a look of sadness and longing was there for a brief moment before they widened in surprise. "Forgive me Sire, but I really must return to my mistress. She will be expecting me soon and would not like it if I were late," she said softly.

Kurama nodded. "It has been a pleasure having you in our company Sata," he said. "It is a shame that we did not meet sooner," Sata smiled, rose to her feet and bowed reverently before us. "It is has been an honor as well as a pleasure of being in your company Sire, and those of your royal Highnesses," With that she backed away through the gate and hurried down the garden path toward the palace.

Sakuya watched Sata leave with an expression of amusement in her golden eyes as she carefully tucked a lock of her fire spun reddish gold hair back into the band holding her fiery mane into a ponytail. "Sachi tells us Leiko treats her cruelly," Kurama stated to our flame haired guard. "See if you can find out if this is true, as well as anything else you can find out about Sata," Sakuya nodded. "As you wish Sire," she replied.

That night a dinner was held to bid farewell to the members of the tribal council. Leiko had tried her best to get and keep my mate's attention. She flirted with him every chance she got. It irritated her to no end that Kurama hardly paid her any attention and angered her all the more whenever he showed his affection for me through his small but numerous gestures of love. By the end of the night, Leiko and I were glaring daggers at each other. Needless to say I wasn't sorry to see her or any of the other council members leave the next morning.

As the months passed, Kurama continued to have his nightmare about loosing me in childbirth. It made him increasingly nervous about the upcoming birth. Still, he managed to spoil me to no end. He saw to it that I got whatever food I happened to crave, even at the most ungodly of hours. He never stopped assuring me that he found me attractive, despite the changes the pregnancy had brought and how dissatisfied with my body I'd become. At times, I wondered how my mate would keep his sanity. Especially during the last month or two when Genkai practically confined me to bed.

The growth of our children within me brought the both of us a sense of awe and wonderment as we felt them kick for the first time, and the first time we was able to sense them. As my pregnancy drew to towards its end I could also sense the emotions of the children growing within me much like I could sense Kurama's through our bond. I was afraid that before long I wouldn't be able to distinguish what I was feeling from what they or my mate was feeling. To be honest, I wasn't sure when Genkai and Yukina planned to deliver the babies, but it was the babies themselves who let us know when it was time.

I lay with my eyes closed against Kurama's firm, broad chest. My silver haired mate absently ran his hand through my hair as he read his book. His ocarina lay on the nightstand where he had set it after playing a soft lullaby to lull the babes within me to sleep. It had worked, calming them down and lulled me into a light slumber as well. I was just drifting off to deeper sleep when sharp pain in my abdomen jolted me awake. Kurama looked at me, concern evident in his features. "What is it Darkfire?" he asked. I opened my mouth to answer him when the pain struck again. I could feel the fear of the babies within me and soon felt their fear intensify. "Get Yukina and Genkai," I replied through clenched teeth as another wave of pain hit.

Kurama's eyes grew wide with fear, but he gently laid me down beside him and rushed to the door, yelling for them to get Yukina and Genkai. Soon he was at my side again, stroking my hair gently, trying to calm me. I groaned as the pain hit again. Kurama swallowed hard, looking at a loss for what to do. Genkai and Yukina entered. I felt Genkai's energy washing over me. A moment later it faded and she nodded to my sister.

"You're going into labor," Genkai informed me. I turned my head slightly and could see Yukina setting up equipment. Kurama grew pale, his eyes wide with fear. "Kurama, I'll need you to lift him," Genkai said as Yukina approached with a thick blanket. I felt myself being gently lifted, then lowered onto something quite soft, which I assumed was the blanket. I cried out as the pain wracked me again and the babies' fear was beginning to border on desperation. Kurama kissed my cheek then was ushered out of the room by my sister. Genkai placed her hand upon my forehead and soon the pain faded and I began to feel very sleepy. My eyelids became heavy and I let them close. Darkness claimed me.

"Hiei," someone called. I opened my eyes and looked around. A tall handsome male with dark hair stood in the corner. A large hat adorned his head, though the top was cut out. A pair of wings extended from his back. Around his neck was the necklace Kurama wore alongside the one I had given him. "Kuronue?" I whispered in surprise. His eyes widened and he smiled. "My you are the clever one aren't you?" he responded. "Kurama did always like the ones with brains as well as looks,"

I looked around and realized we were in the hallway outside the bedroom I shared with my mate. Fear flooded through me. Had I died? Is that the reason I could see someone who had died over a century ago? "Relax, Hiei," he said. "Your body is still very much alive, I just happened to bring your spirit away from the goings on in there. I thought you would prefer being where it wasn't so …busy," "What are you doing here?" I asked. "Don't tell me you've been haunting this place for the last century," Kuronue's cheeks reddened slightly. "Actually, that isn't too far from the truth," he answered. "I was given the chance to become Kurama's guardian spirit, and as you can see I gladly took the job,"

"Guardian spirit?" I inquired. "Like a protector?" Kuronue nodded. "In a way, yes," "I'm more a guide, and influence if you will," He explained. "For instance, your sister coming to the palace that stormy night was not a coincidence. I lead her here in hopes of helping my prince break Karasu's spell," He smiled wickedly. "Little did I know that my hopes would so wonderfully achieved," I looked at him skeptically. "You lead Yukina here on your own?" I asked. "No, he had help," a familiar voice said. I turned and my eyes widened in shock. My mother walked toward me. Her long teal hair flowing down her back, a sad smile upon her pretty face. She knelt and embraced me, and I returned it, feeling tears well up in my eyes. I opened my mouth to speak but she placed her long slender fingers upon my lips, silencing me. "I know there is much we must speak of, but we must save that for another time," "So why are you here?" I asked. "There is something I wish to discuss with you," he continued. "Be on your guard for I fear that a danger is coming your way, but what it is I am not sure," I frowned, but he continued to speak "You will soon face a danger that, should you fall it may mean your death and the death of those babes you now bring into the world," mother said softly.

I could feel fear and nervousness emanating from my mate in great waves, and I automatically turned my head in that direction. Kuronue smiled. "Do you want to see him?" he asked, a look of amusement upon his face. "He's pacing you know," he informed me. "I'm sure he'll have those two guards in there dizzy from watching him soon," I smiled, knowing it was a particularly nasty habit of his. Kurama always paced when he was really nervous. "I'm afraid he doesn't have time Kuronue," mother said. "he must return to his body now," Kuronue nodded. My mother kissed my cheek and embraced me once more. "Be the mother to your children I was unable to be for you my son," she whispered. "I love you, never forget that,"

I felt a hand upon my face and slowly opened my eyes. Yukina let out a deep breath. "Thank goodness," she breathed. "…for a moment there I feared I wouldn't be able to wake you," The piercing wail of a baby assaulted my ears and I was instantly awake. I looked up and could see the wailing was coming from the bundle nestled safely in one of Yukina's arms. Carefully she laid the baby in my arms as I reached out for my child. "Congratulations," Yukina beamed "You now have three healthy sons,"

I peered into the blanket, a pair of copper colored eyes stared back at me. Two tiny silver ears peeked out from a crown of jet black hair, complete with silver starburst like mine. I looked up at the sound of the door opening and smiled when I saw Kurama enter. He practically ran to the bed. "Hiei, are you alright?" he asked as he sat down beside me, his golden eyes filled with worry. "I'm fine Fox," I assured him. "Just tired," Kurama sighed with relief and he leaned down and kissed my lips gently, then kissed my cheek.

"Meet your son," I said softly, as I looked down at the little bundle in my arms. The baby looked up at Kurama then back at me, then back at his father. "Inari, he looks like you," Kurama murmured. "He's got your ears," I pointed out. "I'm willing to bet he's got a tail too," "Hiei, did you see that?" Kurama gasped. "He flicked his ears toward your voice. Do you think he can really hear us?" I nodded. "I could see and hear before I was born, perhaps it's the same with him," I answered. " If so, he probably can understand us some too," I looked back up at my mate, his cheeks had turned an interesting shade of red. "Do you think he heard everything?" he asked. I chuckled. "Who knows," I replied.

"What shall we name him?" Kurama asked softly. "Kenji," I answered. The baby cooed softly. " I think he approves," Kurama chuckled. Yukina approached with a second bundle. Kurama gently took Kenji from my arms and I took my second son from my sister. My eyes widened in surprise when I peered into the bundle. Red hair with a streak of silver adorned his head. Like his brother he also had a pair of silver fox ears and copper colored eyes. Kurama peered eagerly into the bundle. He made a soft sound of surprise. The baby wriggled a bit and freed his hands from the blanket reaching out to his father. I chuckled. "I think he wants you to name him Fox," I said. "Kenshin," Kurama said softly. I nodded in agreement. Yukina gently lifted Kenshin from my arms and placed him in Kurama's arms.

Keiko approached with a third bundle and I reached out for my third son. I peered into the bundle as I took my son into my arms. He was the spitting image of Kurama, with silver hair and the silver fox ears atop his head. Like his brothers he had copper colored eyes, but he was smaller than his brothers. I looked up at Genkai. "He's a little small isn't he?" I asked. She nodded. "Yes, but he's just as healthy as his brothers," she assured me. I looked to my mate. "He looks just like you," I said. Kurama made a soft sound of agreement. We looked at each other, then back at our silver haired son. "Ryou," we said in unison. Ryou's ears perked up and he looked at us, his copper eyes filled with curiosity.

The door opened again and this time it was Yusuke and Kuwabara with one of the cribs. They set it up near the bed and the babies were placed into it where the others cooed and generally made a fuss over them until Genkai shooed everyone out so that I could get some rest. Kurama removed the pillows that had been propping me into a sitting position and I tiredly laid down. I felt his arms around me and breathed in his scent as I closed my eyes. For the moment the danger ahead was forgotten. I was content to feel safe and loved in the warm embrace of my mate.