Chapter Six: The Time Has Come

As his due date drew nearer, Hiei was getting help from the others to set up the baby supplies that they had stored away some many months ago at Shizuru's house. The bassinet went next to the bed, the clothes were folded and stored in a small dresser that someone had dug up somewhere. Toys were placed in an old toy chest of Yusuke's.

All in all, Hiei was happy with how the room turned out. It was neat, but not stuffy, open but not too cold and not too hot. A great accomplishment in his opinion.

Then his due date, came, then went. And two weeks went by. Hiei was used to the almost constant kicking now. At first it had bothered him but he got through that problem too. That morning, he was walking to the bathroom, when a sharp pain, hit him, then left. It didn't happen again, so he ignored it for a kick. Thirty minutes later, the pain came again.

When they were fifteen minutes apart, he told Genkai. She in turn called Shizuru who came and drove Hiei, the old woman and Yukina to the hospital. At first, Hiei was against having the baby in a hospital, but Tsukayama had explained that it might be dangerous anywhere else due to Hiei's small stature.

When he got there, the contractions were much closer together. Tsukayama took a look at him and proclaimed a long wait.

So they waited. Yusuke and the others soon came the nurses tried to shoo them out saying that close family only was permitted, but Hiei had stopped her, with saying, "Fool, they are family."

The sun dipped low, and Hiei could barely hold back his cries of pain every time he was hit by a contraction. They were starting to feel like one long one. But Tsukayama told them that they had nothing to worry about until the water broke.

Yusuke came over to relive Kuwabara who was nursing crushed fingers. Hiei held on for dear life as another contraction ripped through him. "This is," he gasped, "The last time I ever do this!"

"Yeah, I second that." Yusuke said through gritted teeth, "You may not look it but boy do you have a grip little man."

The minutes ticked by, but the doctor had insisted that nothing had changed. "You listen to me." Hiei hissed, "If this thing doesn't get out soon I am going to personally kill someone."

The doc bent to take another look. Hiei's water still hadn't broken. "I think that we'll need to do this soon." He said, pulling on gloves. "Your so close together right now. We need to break your water and then get this over with as quickly as possible. you won't be able to stand a dry birth."

Going to a table, he took a long silver stick that was needle sharp. Going between Hiei's legs, he prodded sharply, and the tiny demon's birth waters gushed out, bringing another contraction.

"Alright Ruri." He said, "I need you to push as hard as you can, right," he watched as the muscled tightened for another contracted. "Now!"

Hiei pushed. He pushed until he felt his bones crack, it was as though he was trying to force his insides out.

"Good," the doc replied, "but we're not done yet push again!" so Hiei pushed. Kurama watched the doctor's face as he worked.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Her hips arm too narrow." He replied, "It's causing the baby to become stuck. Only pushing can free it though."

"There had better not be a problem!" Hiei screeched.

"Just push again! Now!"

Hiei pushed, and pushed and pushed. Yusuke could have sworn that the demon had stopped breathing to do this. Finally, he had to stop he was completely exhausted he fell back and panted.

"Very good! The head is starting to show, one more good push like that and it'll be out!"

"I can't." Hiei panted, "I'm too tired."

"You must! You have to or your baby will die!"

Those words got to him. No! I can't let this child die! It hadn't gotten the chance to choose! He took a deep breath, grabbed Yusuke's undamaged hand and pushed.

He pushed and pushed, feeling muscle and flesh tear, and still he push and the infant's head was forced through the narrow opening. Tsukayama grabbed the head and pulled, freeing the baby.

The baby turned out to be a girl. She was bright red and very healthy at least they could guess that by the loud screams she was making. She had two small folded up ears against her head and a long tail was wrapped around her tiny frame.

"Kind of funny huh?" Yusuke joked flexing his numb fingers. "Something that tiny makes that much noise?"

Kurama stepped forward to take the infant who was still bawling. "She just wants her mother." He said with a grin. "Kuwabara why don't you wake her up eh?"

The large teen tried, but was stopped by a lightning fast hand grabbing his throat. "I give I give!" he squeaked. Hiei looked around dazedly, "what's going on?"

Kurama handed him the tiny screaming bundle. "My friend allow me to introduce the thing that will be the cause of many sleepless nights in your near future."

Hiei's eyes seemed to glow in wonder as he took his little girl. "She's Beautiful." He whispered.

"Yes," Kurama said, leaning in close, "You did a lovely job." He grinned at the way the kitten was nosing at her mother's chest and making tiny whimpering noises. "But I think she's hungry."

Hiei nodded, and twisted to undo the strings to his gown. Finally he managed to pull it down, and the infant latched on instantly.

Kuwabara guffawed and Yusuke whistled, both of them turning his back to give the two some privacy. Keiko and Botan left to get a snack. Shizuru and Genkai pulled chairs over to the window, and the old woman left in search of a tea pot.

Yukina had pulled a chair closer to her brother's bed and she sat, just watching the two. "So, how long until she gets teeth?" she asked.

Hiei shrugged, "I don't know, but there will be no biting."

"I think you did the right thing." Shizuru told him, from her seat by the window. "She'll be a good influence on you I think." She gave him a glare, "If anything happens to her I will kill you myself, you got that?"

The tiny fire demon sputtered and she laughed. "How stupid do you honestly think I am?" he demanded.

The End

A/N: Okay that's it! Next chappie is the last, and a full disclaimer will be included. Oh, and yes, Hiei will turn back to normal. I will also be answering reviews at that time. Thank you!

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