Chapter 7

"Can't Keep My Eyes off You"

After receiving the information about the upcoming performance, Kenichi shares the news with Ava and Akio, "She's ready, majesty."

"Have Ayesha gather the girls while you get the boys," Ava instructs.

Kenichi gets on one knee, "I obey."

"I'm not so sure about this, Ava," Akio is trying his best to remain calm.

"About what? Kiyoni's dance? Now you're really sounding like a concerned dad," Ava giggles.

"Not by what it is, but the nature of it. There's only one thing Shuuichi will have on his mind while he's watching."

"Perhaps. Unfortunately, for us, whatever Shuuichi will be thinking it'll be up to Kiyoni to know. Remember Akio, this holiday is a test run," Ava leans in closer towards her husband, "Relax. Trust your daughter. Ra knows I'm trying."

Kiyoni's friends return to their seats all with small dishes in their hands. "These meatballs are to die for," Botan comments as she stuffs one in her mouth.

"What did you pick up, Kurama," asks Kuwabara.

"A little bit of couscous, some fruit, and Turkish delight. I always wanted to try this dessert," he answers.

"So Kiyoni is gonna perform a little number, huh? This should be fun," Koenma proposes before biting a ham roll.

"Do you think she'll show us some magic tricks," Yukina wonders.

"Ooh, that'll be awesome," exclaims Yusuke and Kuwabara.

The models in the fountain, step outside as their stage lowers and disappears beneath the floor. Seeing that action done before, the noble courts of the country step aside while the musicians are joined by even more music players. When the floor is cleared, Kenichi steps forward facing the gang, "Honored guests of the evening, feast your eyes on the mystery, magic, and majesty of our great nation. Performing for you, our future Pharaoh Queen, Princess Kiyoni Ikeda."

With a couple of hand claps from Ava, performers enter the hall. Streaks of purple, gold, orange, blue, red, green, white, black, and pink engulf the eyes of the audience while sounds of tribal shrieks, drums, and clattering jewelry fill the room. Drummers become conductors of the background music as male dancers perform their African based routine. The girls marvel at the physique and style of said dancers. "Oh, yeah. I think I'm gonna like it, here," admits an intrigued Shizuru.

"Mm-hmm," agrees an equally interested Botan.

Kuwabara notices Yusuke shimming his shoulders, "What do you think you're doing?"

Yusuke is in his own world, "What? It's catchy."

Suddenly, the music stops. The dancers stand in a squatted position as hints of Arabian music slide into the fray. Behind them, a large periwinkle blue certain is held in front of the door by two female dancers with an illuminated female silhouette behind it.

The music takes on an upbeat, urban tempo, this time, as the silhouette follows the dancers. When the beat drops, so does the curtain revealing Kiyoni in a shimmering pink and gold belly dancer outfit. With snake arms, she meets another dancer with a dual shimmy. The two repeat these moves when they meet the second dancer. The male dancers depart as the three women walk and snake arm their way front and center, with a couple of hip rolls upon hitting their spots. The performance, Kiyoni and her dance troupe worked so hard to perfect, is off to a strong start. The girls are immediately entertained, Yusuke and Kuwabara move along to the music, Koenma is entranced, and Kurama is charmed.

Kiyoni decides to leave the dancers to the high-class audience while she gets up close with her friends, dancing in front of the girls first, "Hey, ladies. Care for a private show?"

"I swear you make that look so easy," Shizuru comments.

"Are you gonna teach us how to do that," Keiko questions.

Kiyoni giggles, "Sure. It's not that difficult. Once you master the basics, everything else falls on you."

"She's right. Belly dancing is one of the most creative dances known to man," Ava interjects, "Also perfect for expressing one's sensuality, as well." Akio grimaces on the thought.

Kiyoni turns towards her parents, greeting them with prayer hands and a bow, "Mommy. Daddy." They nod back in acknowledgement. She then turns her attention to the boys, "Can't leave you guys out."

"Looking good, Kiyoni," Kuwabara cheers.

"Yeah, looking real good," Yusuke agrees as he watches Kiyoni swirl and shimmy her lower body.

"I thank you, boys. Maybe you'll feel the same way about Keiko once I get her on my level huh, Yusuke," she steps in front of Kurama who hasn't been able to take his eyes off of her since she entered the room. She lifts up her hair, allowing her man to get a better view of her dancing frame. Nervous and tense, Akio grips the heads of the cobras that decorate his armrest as Ava observes the action. Kurama remains silent as Kiyoni continues dancing. When the music pauses momentarily, Kiyoni takes advantage by collapsing in front of Kurama, allowing their eyes to meet.

When the music resumes, Kiyoni flips Kurama's hair in his face, ending his hypnosis. Everyone in the hall laughs as Kurama adjusts his hair, "Very amusing, Kiyoni."

Kiyoni returns to her group, "If you thought that was funny, then I've done my job." The routine continues.

Male belly dancers enter the room to show off their skills. While it makes the boys feel a bit uncomfortable, the girls are even more delighted. "Who knew this place has so many cute guys," Shizuru states, "Kurama may not be the only one walking out of here with a vampire on their arm."

Botan is a few seconds from drooling, "Yeah, especially cute guys that can dance."

The music changes tempo again cueing the male dancers to pull small, colorful veils from their pockets. Kiyoni is once again joined by the same female dancers, each one of them with a set of Isis wings. The girls swirl their props along with the men and according to the music. As they take center stage, the women finish their routine with a few more twirls and belly rolls. The entire show is completed when Kiyoni disappears as a group of doves, wowing everyone in the room. The rest of the dance troupe take a bow and exit surrounded by a round of applause. "Wow, that was awesome," Kuwabara claims.

"Hm, show off," Ava mumbles.

"Ava, you are the one who taught her everything she knows," Akio comments.

Ava brushes it off, "Yeah, yeah…"

Calming, background music resumes and so does everyone in the room. Kuwabara takes a bite of his food, "Aww, man. I got so caught up with the dance, my food turned cold."

"You know, some of the food tastes better that way," Kiyoni whispers in his ear, surprising him.

"Y-you! Where did you come from?!"

"Uh, you do see my parents behind us, don't you?"

"Wow, you changed quickly," Keiko points out.

Kiyoni's outfit has Egyptian/Arabian undertones, "I know, right? Gotta love magic. Did you all enjoy the show?" Everyone nods.

Shizuru steps up to Kiyoni, "Would it be alright if I speak with one of the dancers?"

"Uh, go right ahead. They're coming in right now." Kiyoni directs Shizuru's attention towards the door where the dance troupe join the party.

"Gotta go," Shizuru makes her presence known.

"Wait for me," Botan follows.

Kiyoni taps Kuwabara's shoulder, "You're not gonna stop her?"

"She's a grown woman. She can handle herself," Kuwabara bites a slice of fruit.

"I think you started a new trend, Kurama," Yusuke jokes, "We may see two other vampires with us by the time we leave." Kurama looks up at Kiyoni, she returns the favor with an intriguing smile.


The party ends and everyone takes the time to relax and focus on themselves. Per Kiyoni's request, Kurama waits for her outside and near another fountain on the palace campus. Inside his hands is a gift from home.

The princess sits at her vanity area putting her looks together for her private meeting. Both Ava and Ayesha join her. "So I take it you're gonna keep a close watch on me," she asks.

"Don't get cocky with us. As much as it pains me to say it, I won't," Ava confirms as she assists her daughter in wrapping her hair, "I'm going to try and let you have your freedom. Ayesha is too."

"Mom, you didn't have any problems with Suu'chi and me hanging out together by ourselves before."

"You were kids back then, Kiyoni."

"So what's the difference now?"

Both Ava and Ayesha answer simultaneously, "Hormones."

"Hormones? I'm not that kind of girl!"

"Your behavior from earlier today said otherwise," Ayesha debates.

"That's enough, Ayesha. Kiyoni, both your fathers and ourselves know what having Shuuichi here means to you. We're just making sure that things between you two go at a reasonable pace," Ava assures.

Ayesha places a hand on Kiyoni's shoulder, "That's why it's important to practice self-control. Since you'll be an adult soon, it's time to start thinking and acting like one."

After finishing another beauty ritual, Kiyoni takes her leave, "All four of you can relax. I won't do anything too outlandish. I just don't understand why you're more worried about me than you are about Suu'chi."

"We should be worried about him," Ayesha agrees.

Ava looks at her with a crooked brow, "And why should we be worried?"


As he waits outside, Kurama switches his attention between the nearby fountain and the illuminated city below with the three - tiered fountain winning his vision war. A familiar voice breaks his concentration, "Lovely view isn't it?" Kurama peeks over to find Kiyoni in a completely new outfit, the reflecting waves makes the red of her cherry and lapis colored dress appear purple.

"Good evening, princess," he takes another bow.

"Shuuichi, please…don't…don't do that."

"Hm?"

"Please, don't…don't address me that way. It isn't necessary."

"I thought that's how it goes around here."

"It is but, not between us." Kiyoni takes a seat along the outer ring, Kurama joins her. "Let's just address each other like we normally do, okay? I feel a bit more normal that way."

"A bit unusual, but alright."

Kiyoni looks at the box in his hands, "So, what's with the bento?"

Kurama smiles as if he's up to something, "Why, it's for you."

Kiyoni receives the box and immediately opens it, "You have got to be kidding me!"

"When my family heard the news of my departure, my mother made a beeline for the kitchen. They were freshly done by the time I left. She wanted to make sure you received your birthday present in time." The creation in question is a half dozen display of ichigo daifuku.

"She made this…for me?" Kiyoni's eyes water a little as her pendant glows again.

Kurama nods, "That's correct."

Kiyoni takes a bite of the sweet cake, "Mm…," a tear falls down her face, "it's as I remember. I definitely have to show her my gratitude when we get back." Taped inside the top of the container is a handwritten note, to which Kiyoni reads:

"Welcome home, dear Kiyoni. Have a happy and wonderful birthday! P.S. Make sure Shuuichi stays on his best behavior."

The note ends with a winking bunny face.

"Your mother is forever sweet. It seems that whatever you did for her has really paid off."

"To be able to make a half-dozen mochi cakes in two days, I would say so."

"Please tell me you helped her."

"Of course, I did. My brother as well."

Kiyoni offers the dessert, "Share with me? Consider this my appreciation."

Kurama plucks one out, "Why not?"


Near the guest bedrooms, Yusuke decides to become a bit adventurous. Since the halls are without guardsmen within a twenty foot radius, his stride is a bit relaxed. While he walks along looking out for security, he incidentally bumps into someone familiar, "Ku-Kuwabara?!"

"Urameshi?! What are you doing out here?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

"Well, I was…was…"confidence takes over, "I was looking for the bathroom."

"Idiot, how can you be looking for the bathroom when each bedroom has one?"

"Shut up. What's your excuse?"

"Well, I…thought that since this place has some sorta Egyptian feel to it, I thought I'd find some secret passages or something. You know, like Indiana Jones?"

"Ohhh. Well, why didn't you say so? That's what I was doing!"

"Well, why didn't you say so, dumbass?"

"Whatever, Urameshi," Kuwabara looks around the hall, "So, where do you think we should start?

Yusuke looks behind them, "How about here?" Kuwabara turns to find an obsidian sculpted caricature of the goddess, Bastet.

"In the movies, statues usually have some sort of button or lever to open a door," Yusuke claims, "I wonder if this one does."

It's possible that Yusuke and Kuwabara have stumbled upon a palace secret. What mystery does the domestic goddess possess?