Epioluge
The silence was suddenly shattered by the song of a solitary bird heralding the beginning of a new day. Before I could curse the little winged creature for waking me from my wonderful sleep a wave of nausea hit me. I quickly got of bed, being careful not to wake my still sleeping mate. I dashed for the bathroom, where I emptied my stomach of what little was left of if. As I cleaned up, an intense feeling of déjà vu overcame me. I realized with a start that it had been about a month since Kurama and I had our nightly visit to the beach. A feeling of apprehension and excitement tingled up my spine.
I quickly left the bathroom and snatched up my robe from the foot of the bed. I put it on as I headed for the door. I left the room, quietly shutting it behind me, glad I had not awakened my mate. I nodded to Jin and Toya, who had just gone on duty. They nodded back in greeting, bowing their heads slightly in respect.
I went down one flight of stairs to my sister's room. I could sense her energy and knew she was awake. I knocked softly on the door. A moment later it opened. Yukina looked at me in surprise. "What brings you here so early brother?" she asked softly as she moved aside to let me in. "You don't look well," she murmured worriedly as I entered the room. "I don't feel well either," I informed her. "What ails you?" she asked. "I have my suspicion, but I'd like for you to confirm it," I replied. Yukina nodded and motioned for me lie on the bed. I did as she asked and closed my eyes. I could feel her healing power washing over me and in a moment it was all over.
I opened my eyes and looked at her expectantly. A smile spread across her lips. "You're pregnant again brother," she said as she sat up. "I thought so," I murmured. "Kurama is going to be a basket case when you tell him," Yukina giggled. I laughed softly, remembering how he was when we were expecting the boys. "What do you suppose the baby will be this time?" she asked. I shrugged. "As long as the baby's healthy I don't care what gender it is," I replied.
I felt my stomach lurch again and sighed. Just like before, morning sickness was going to be the bane of my existence for a while. "I'd better get some of that tea Nadeshiko made for me last time, before my stomach decides to rebel again." I said as I stood. "Why don't I go with you to tell Kurama the good news?" she suggested. I nodded in agreement. I had a feeling that I would need Yukina. Besides, it was obvious she was as eager to see Kurama's reaction as I was. He had been ecstatic when he found out I was pregnant with the boys, I just hoped he would be just as happy this time.
We ran into Sachi on the way toward the kitchen. "Morning Your Majesties," she greeted as she bowed. "Good Morning Sachi," Yukina greeted warmly. "Good morning," I greeted. "Do you require anything m'lady? or you m'lord?" she asked. Yukina shook her head. "I would like some of that ginger tea Nadeshiko fixed for me before," I answered. "Would you like it with your breakfast Your Majesty, or shall I bring it up?" she asked. "Bring it up," I replied. "Yes, Soveirgn," she murmured. "He should have a light breakfast as well," Yukina added. "Yes, Your Highness," Sachi replied. She only waited a moment longer to see if we needed anything else then quickly went to do her appointed tasks. Yukina and I headed up the stairs.
Kurama was awake and standing out on the balcony when we arrived. As soon as we entered he turned to face us. In a heartbeat he turned around and quickly entered the room, striding toward us with a swift long legged stride. "I was wondering where you slipped off to," Kurama said as he slipped his arms around my waist. "Good morning Yukina," He added as he smiled warmly at her. Yukina smiled and bid my mate good morning.
I slipped from my mate's embrace and steered him toward the bed. I sat down on the side of the bed and he followed suit. Kurama looked from Yukina to me. "What's going on?" he asked. "Fox, I'm pregnant," I said softly. Kurama's eyes widened. "Pregnant?" he asked. "Really? We're going to have another baby?" I nodded. "Why that's wonderful news Love," he exclaimed, just before his eyes went unfocused and he fell backward on the bed. Yukina looked at me with wide eyes. "He fainted," she cried in disbelief, and quickly began to look him over. "Is he alright?" I asked. My sister nodded. I couldn't help but laugh. "He is going to be embarrassed when he wakes up," She commented.
I couldn't blame him for fainting though. He would once again have to deal with my mood swings and cravings. Then there were the feedings at all hours of the night once the baby arrived, and the diaper changes. One thing was for sure, once the baby was born, Kurama and I seriously needed to find a birth control strategy. With our apparent good fertility we'd end up with a palace full of kits if we didn't do something. I loved my fox dearly, but this was the last time I was going to go through this.
He came to a moment later, blinking in confusion as he sat up. "What happened?" he asked. Yukina giggled. "You fainted," she informed him. Kurama's cheeks swiftly turned a bright shade of red. I chuckled and leaned against him. He smiled softly and put his arms around me. "I suppose I was a little overwhelmed," he said. "Liar, you were thinking about the mood swings and midnight cravings," I teased. Kurama's cheeks got even redder. He rested one of his hands against my abdomen. "It will be worth enduring that yet again to meet our new kit," he said softly. "With our luck, it may not be just one," I replied. Kurama murmured his agreement. "Shall we tell the others at breakfast?" he asked. I nodded, a smile creeping upon my lips. I couldn't wait to see Kuwabara's reaction.
I stood on the balcony, looking down at the scene below. Kurama was busily teaching our now five year old sons how to use their plant wielding abilities. Our two year old twin daughters watched their brothers with undivided attention, clapping their little hands with glee when each of our sons successfully completed their task. Kurama beamed at our sons, then looked down at our daughters. "Hina, Ruia, Do you want to give it a try?" he asked. Hina eagerly nodded, the movement instantly releasing her long raven hair from its ponytail. Ruia looked up at her father, as he placed a small seed into her tiny palm. She looked at it, her little face frowning with concentration. Hina squealed with delight as her silver haired twin managed to grow the seed into a small tea rose. My raven haired daughter then tried her hand at it, growing a small daisy from her seed. Kurama praised them both, and tucked their flowers into their long hair. Kurama looked up and beamed at me, then beckoned me to join them. I leapt from the balcony to the tall oak which shaded my family below and landed a few feet away. All at once the kits got to their feet and raced toward me, their silver tails wagging happily. I embraced them all in turn, and listened as they each told me what their father had taught them. Kurama chuckled as their chatter sped up making them hard to understand. "Alright," he said gently. "Go wash up for dinner, you can tell your Papa all about what you did today while we eat,"
Kenji and Kenshin raced off. Ryou took his younger sisters by the hand and followed his brothers. Kurama gently wrapped his arms around me and I leaned into his embrace. He raised one of his hands as he held me and a moment later a large red rose appeared. As I accepted his gift I couldn't help but marvel at my situation. Before I met Kurama, I would have never imagined myself with a mate and five children, much less that my mate would be a King and my children royalty. I had always thought that I would never marry, and would live out my days alone once Yukina took a husband, and Genkai left this world. I was glad that never came to pass. If it had, I would have never known what it would feel like to live happily ever after.
Author's Note
Well everyone that's the end of this tale. I should have a new tale for you in another week or two, the sequel to "Making of the Band,". Until then I bid you aideu.