Chapter 11

"Is He or Isn't He?"

Using the large amount of carpeted space in the room, Kiyoni plans accordingly. "Wait right here," she instructs. Taking the chakra set to her bed and on bended knee, she mumbles, "Praises to you, great mother." Returning to her guest, "Are you ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be," he answers.

With what residual power she has, Kiyoni opens her magical territory, her classic, multicolored rune circle, "We have to be on the floor for this." Kurama sits down to her amusement. "No, silly. I mean lie down," she joins him, "Given how these stones are shaped, it's best to do so."

"What's next?"

"I place these gems on you." The set is designed as a pair of rubies, orange tourmalines, yellow quartz, peridot, sapphires, and amethysts. Kiyoni hesitates before placing a ruby on Kurama's body, "Um…"

"Something wrong?"

"Uh…this one is supposed to be on…your crotch."

Kurama raises an eyebrow, "Really?"

"This is the root chakra, a connection to physical survival. And since you're on your back, it's supposed to be at the spinal base, so..."

"I see," he sticks out a hand, "If it's uncomfortable for you, allow me to place it." She does. Afterwards, she comfortably sets up the rest of the stones on his body.

When she gets into position, she places her set of stones on her body, replacing her necklace with the other peridot. Before placing the diamond, Kiyoni sends out an order, "Hey, you guys can make yourselves useful. Could one of you slip this through? Also, could both of you make sure our bodies are safe while we're gone? Please, oh please." One fulfills her first request. She checks in one last time, "Ready?"

"You do know how to handle this, correct?"

"I never done this before but, we should be fine," she adjusts herself and gives the signal, "Here we go." The gem slips within the space between their heads. Using the teens' combined energy, both sets of stones glow. The ritual goes into effect when both Kurama's and Kiyoni's souls enter the diamond as the guards take a knee.

Kurama awakens to find himself in an unknown space standing in an ankle-high pool of illuminated, deep blue water, "Kiyoni? Kiyoni, where are you," he looks around some more and sees nothing, "Maybe I should answer my own question."

"The lazy answer would be limbo," Kiyoni appears from behind, "Our souls have just left our bodies. This is a junction, a place where we can decide to take our journey."

"Are we…?"

"No, we're very much alive. This is more like…astral projection. Don't mind me, I'm just going by what my mom says."

"That's reassuring," he takes a good look at Kiyoni, "You're not wearing anything."

She claps back, "Neither are you." Since they're in their ethereal form, their souls are completely nude. However, given that they are not deceased, physical features (such as nipples and sexual organs) do not appear.

In somewhat of a relaxed mood, Kurama wonders, "So, where do we go from here?"

Kiyoni interlaces her fingers with Kurama's while meeting him forehead-to-forehead, "Let's start with your past. Like we discussed."

"How do we get there?"

"Use your third eye, open your mind. We'll be there before you know it…hopefully." With eyes closed and an open mind, the pair leave the area of nothingness en route to Kurama's past.

In the master bedroom, Akio catches his wife as she prepares for bed. "Had enough," she asks.

"Something bothered me while watching those two," he answers.

"Go on."

"Do you remember the discussion we had with Mister Yomi? You know, the part about his days with Kurama?"

"I remember that conversation. What about it?"

Akio sits on the bed, "Well, long story short, something tells me that the 'Kurama' he spoke of, is the 'Shuuichi' we know."

Ava completes her head wrap, "How so?"

"Kiyoni is going to send Shuuichi and Hiei over to the mining fields tomorrow. She said that their skills in thieving would be a great asset to the area's security."

"Shuuichi? A thief? Don't make me laugh. That young man has never stolen anything in his life. You're overthinking things like you normally do."

"And what about Kiyoni?"

"I'm sure her plan is to have Shuuichi keep an eye on Hiei while she does other things. Smart move if you ask me."

"Given what Yomi said about humans and this world, did Kiyoni ever explain to you why Shuuichi doesn't need anything to survive here?"

"She didn't answer me quick enough. Eventually, she will. No one wins against my curiosity," she climbs into bed, "If it bothers you that much, maybe you should join them."

"It would be helpful to have someone who knows their way around with them. I'll have to switch my schedule a bit. I like your way of thinking. Good night."


The sun rises on the third day of the getaway. As everyone dines at the breakfast table, Kiyoni and Kurama can't help but take quick glances at each other. The chakra link ritual, last night, was successful. However, they had spent so much time shuffling through Kurama's past, they couldn't spare anymore to reach Kiyoni's. Akio was right, the ordeal was an exhausting one, mentally.

"So, Kiyoni. What's on the agenda, today," Shizuru questions before taking a bite of an omelet.

"Well, today is volunteering day," Kiyoni informs, "It's also prepare-for-my-birthday-party day."

"The entire event is a nationwide celebration," Ava continues, "Everyone will do what they can to put in for the festival. Us, nobility, military, everyone."

"Sounds like a lot of work," Yusuke claims.

"That's only the tip of the iceberg," Kiyoni counters, "All three of us celebrate our birthdays with the rest of the country. Since my brother is no longer with us, I'm the first of the three. My dad and mom come after me, in that order."

"Whoa, three big festivals in one year? That's crazy," determines Yusuke.

"We were told that this year is a coming-of-age celebration," Koenma reiterates, "What exactly does that entail?"

"Well, it's not much different than any other festival. The actual 'coming-of-age' part will happen during the fall equinox," Ava answers.

"The fall equinox?"

"Remember that 'Bath of the Fallen' thing I told you about," Kiyoni reminds before taking a drink, "That's what she means."

"It's similar to the Seijin-no-Hi ceremony back home, but with major differences," Akio compares.

"Like," Shizuru asks.

"Instead of wearing pretty kimonos and what not, everyone gets naked," Kiyoni states which causes the boys to nearly spit out their food and drink.

"Care to expand on that," requests Kurama.

"I don't mean completely naked. Every vampire of every house wears a robe or cloak to the event. Most of the time it's a ceremonial family heirloom. Other than that, everyone wears nothing."

"So, that means…," Yusuke thinks of Kiyoni wearing nothing but a scantily draped cloak around her. The idea gives the twice resurrected teen a major chub.

His thoughts are interrupted when a spoonful of oatmeal lands on his face by Botan, "You do know who's all in here, you pervert."

"What about the sanguinistas? Do they have a similar ritual," asks Koenma.

"We're left to our own devices," Kenichi responds, "Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Seijin-no-Hi, Ji/Guan Li, cow jumping, the list goes on. Yes, vampires join in on the tradition if and when they become the age for it. The bottom line is, we all have something worth celebrating."

"Wait, so not everyone, down there, is a sanguinista," Yusuke affirms.

"No, doofus, there's a decent mixture of vampires and sanguinistas around here," Kiyoni confirms, "What made you think otherwise?"

"Oh, I just thought that on a giant, mountainous island sitting in the middle of a country, is where all the vampires live."

"I guess we'll have to show you later today," Ava implies.

"She's right," Kiyoni gets excited.

"What? What's going on today," asks Koenma.

Kiyoni reverts to the previous subject, "You'll see once everyone gets outside."

A guardsman enters the dining hall and whispers a message to Akio. "I've just been informed that your tour guides have just arrived. So, I advise everyone to get a move on," suggests the king.

The gang returns to the palace courtyard where they are greeted by both guardsmen and some volunteers. "What do we have here," Yusuke wonders. When the royal family shows up, everyone takes a knee.

"Good morning," Kiyoni steps forward, "Ready to put my friends to work?"

"Now, wait just a minute, Kiyoni," Yusuke takes charge, "Vacations usually don't involve work. What makes today different?"

"I told you, Urameshi that today is 'prepare-for-my-birthday-party' day. These wonderful people have come to help."

"Help, how?"

"By spending some time with them today, not only would you be able to see and learn more about this country, you'll be doing a service."

"Heliopolis was built on the basis of compassion and kindness," Ava goes on, "Our founding father and mother depended on the assistance of others to survive, returning their kindness over time."

Kiyoni informs, "Our ancestors eventually learned that no one is above anyone once they saw the world outside of Egypt. It's one of the main principles of the city-state. We may be royalty, but we still have to show and earn respect from others. That's what this day is about."

"How often is this done," asks Koenma.

"About five times a year," Akio claims, "The beginning of the year, our birthdays, and year's end."

"Sister, please," Kiyoni gestures to one of the volunteers, "Everyone, this is Madam Sebbi, a well-known teacher around here. I should know, I was one of her former students." The instructor offers prayer hands, everyone responds in the same manner.

"She's gorgeous," Keiko acknowledges.

"Madam Sebbi, she is your partner for today, Keiko Yukimura," Kiyoni points out.

"Me?!"

"Yes. I heard you want to be a teacher someday. Madam Sebbi is fantastic with children and is willing to give you some pointers."

Madam Sebbi steps to Keiko, her youthful, middle-aged appearance intimidates the teen, "Do not fret, Miss Keiko, we will get along just fine," she states with a central African accent. Keiko sighs in relief.

"Shizuru? Here's your partner," Kiyoni informs, "This is Adjul, a real artist in the hair braiding game."

Adjul gets a good look at Shizuru, her hair in particular, "It's thick. This will be interesting."

"Thick? Thick for what," Shizuru's confused.

"Think of it this way, there are other blasians and women who look and have hair like me in Japan. And if there's one thing that we like, it's for someone to braid our hair every now and then. You learn this skill and I guarantee your client list will go up," Kiyoni confirms, Adjul agrees.

Kiyoni continues down the list. Yukina's volunteer duties lie in maintaining the bird population with an ornithologist, Yusuke and Kuwabara join Kenichi in military and security training, Botan's stationed in the fashion and fabrics department, and Koenma is once again spending the day with Queen Ava.

"So what am I gonna do," Hiei asks.

"You and Shuuichi will be going to the mining fields…with me," Akio states.

"Dad?! You're going with them," Kiyoni's surprised.

"Yes, I am. They have to have someone with them who knows their way around. Hiei, Shuuichi? We'll take my personal vehicle." Akio leads the two demons away while a nervous Kiyoni watches.

"Kiyoni? We have to go now," Ayesha claims.

"Yeah, okay," Kiyoni heads for the farmlands for her volunteer mission with Ayesha. Isis, Nut? Please watch over them.


Flying high in Akio's personal hovercraft, he, along with Kurama and Hiei, observe the terrain below. "So, tell me Shuuichi. How are things back home," he asks.

"Fine. Things are normal like always," Kurama answers.

"Kiyoni tells us that your mother is a remarried woman now. Is that true?"

"Yes, two years ago to be specific. It's now the two of us along with my stepfather and younger stepbrother in one house."

"Mm, younger huh? I bet Kiyoni gives you a hard time about sibling life, huh," he laughs a little, "I still remember Natsuno and how upbeat he was despite his condition."

"We all do, Mister Ikeda."

Akio gives another short laugh, "I guess I've been around Ava too long. Like her, you don't have to be formal with me. You can call me 'dad' if you like."

"Pardon my insolence but, referring you that way is something I'm not exactly comfortable with doing at the moment. I barely feel that way with Miss Ava."

"Ha! Suit yourself. Your parents raised a fine man. No wonder my wife and daughter like you so much."

Kurama blushes a little while Hiei sits in the back wondering when this conversation will end.

Kurama looks over at how Akio is driving, "When and how did you learn how to drive this thing?"

"It took me about…nearly a year to master vehicles like this. I chose this one in particular because it was the closest thing to one of those fighter jet planes I used to like as a child. Ava had this customized for me for the first wedding anniversary we celebrated here. I've been trying to maintain it since."

"We're approaching our destination," Hiei points out. Just outside of the snowcapped mountains and near the country's coastline, lie Heliopolis's mine fields.

"Yep, that would be it," Akio prepares for landing.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking, Kura-," Kurama immediately slams a hand over Hiei's mouth. Hiei looks back at him as if he wants to fight.

"Everything alright with you two," Akio checks in as the hovercraft lands.

"Everything's fine, sir," Kurama assures.

Upon exiting the vehicle, the three are greeted by a mining supervisor, "The King is here! Spread the word! King Akio is here," he takes a knee before his ruler, "My lord."

"Good morning. I hope you have enough activity for two more today."

The supervisor looks at the two demons, "I never seen them before. They're even dressed funny."

"That's because they're not from around here. They're here to celebrate my daughter's birthday and since today is volunteer day, she personally sent them here to do some work, particularly security work."

The employee concedes, "Alright, I guess we can work something out. You two, follow me." They do.

Along the way, Kurama mentions something to Hiei, "Before we go on, I'd like to apologize for my behavior earlier."

"Yeah, what the hell was that about," Hiei's attitude has yet to go away.

"I'd be careful with how you address me while we're here."

"Oh, you mean 'Shuuichi'?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"While Kiyoni's parents obviously know about their daughter, they don't know anything about me. They don't know that the 'Kurama' that Yomi spoke to them about is the same person they met all those years ago."

"So, neither Kiyoni's parents nor yours know about who you are or used to be? Just how long do you plan on keeping up with this charade?"

"Oh, I don't know. How long are you going to maintain your facade with Yukina?" That silenced Hiei.

The three are lead to a surveillance office. "This is where we keep track of all the activities going on here," the supervisor informs.

An employee recognizes one of the demons, "Hey, I know you. We caught you stealing some gems, yesterday. What's he doing back here?"

"Your job since you didn't bother to catch me," Hiei states.

"These two are here to…improve our security system," informs the supervisor.

Kurama takes a look at the monitors, "Mind telling me what exactly is what on these screens?"

"Well, that's our ruby area over there. Down there is where the diamonds are. The metallics are in the middle. And there we have a mixture of metals and gems. It's a pretty scattered operation."

"Hiei. Do you remember where you were when you visited here?"

Hiei points to a screen at the top left corner, "There. That area was the first spot I hit."

Kurama notices that space is virtually dark, "The lighting there is left to be desired."

The supervisor notices the space as well, "Hey, I thought there was supposed to be extra lights over there."

"The request was made two weeks ago. Since, no one made sure that the request was complete, it remains dark, sir," informs the employee.

"Which is primarily the reason why I went there," Hiei claims, "Everyone knows the darkness is advantageous to a thief like me. I suggest improvements in employee efficiency and workstation maintenance."

Kurama hums a short laugh, "Thieving 101."

"Ugh," goes the supervisor, "I want extra lights out there, immediately."

"Yes, sir," the employee gives the order.

"Maybe we should peruse the fields for extra security," Akio suggests.

"Yeah, perhaps these two can point out things we can't," the supervisor takes the lead as he and his guests take a tour of the territory. Along the way, both Hiei and Kurama make suggestions of their own on how to make the mine fields more efficient. Kurama goes the extra mile by working alongside some of the miners. The supervisor takes careful notes as Akio watches with pride and curiosity.


Back at the palace, the gang decides to hang out at the patio outside of Shizuru's room to discuss their adventures of the day. Hiei decided to stay behind at the mines for more observation.

"How are you feeling Yusuke, Kuwabara," Kiyoni asks.

"Ugh," is all the boys can say. A day with the military has nearly worn them out completely.

"O-kaaaay. So, Keiko. Did Madam Sebbi show you a good time?"

"Oh, yes. I learned a lot from her and the children were so live and energetic," Keiko answers.

"You're going to love the presentation we made for you," Yukina claims, "I'll give you a hint, it's similar to what you did during your performance."

"I got lucky. The dress, you're going to wear tomorrow, is absolutely gorgeous," Botan claims.

"I love doves so I'm going to love whatever you have for me, Yukina. I'm actually nervous about my birthday outfit, so I'm glad you managed to take a look at it, at least, Botan," Kiyoni responds with a smile, "Oh that reminds me, were you all aware of the activities for tomorrow?"

"You mean the games and parade and stuff," Yusuke gets his swagger back, "Kuwabara and I have already signed up for some of them."

"I as well," Kurama inputs, "The archery competition and scavenger hunt."

"That's good. Fun fact: some of those games have been going on since our ancestors first ruled," Kiyoni informs, "This will definitely be an all-day affair."

"All this 'ancestors' this and 'ancestors' that, if they were such badasses, how did they get that way," questions Yusuke.

"Ooh! Would you like to know?!" Everyone nods. "Wait here. I'm gonna fetch us some snacks and drinks. I'll tell you the story when I get back," out the door she goes.