Chapter 13
"Happy Birthday, Kiyoni!"
Approaching Kurama's bedroom door, both he and Kiyoni hesitate when they see two guards standing outside. "This doesn't look good," he acknowledges.
"Aw, damn. My parents must've sent them in case we do the ol' room switcharoo," she whispers.
"But you can order them to go away, right?"
Kiyoni shakes her head, "Sorry, Suu'chi. My parents' orders overpower mine, in this case. You saw how things went down with my room." Kiyoni looks around for an idea and stops when she sees one of the guards' shadow, "Hmm…"
"Hmm?"
She speaks to him telepathically. Remember my fight with Tai? How I used the darkness to my advantage?
Yes, I remember.
That's exactly what we're gonna do.
Come again? These halls aren't exactly dark.
They don't have to be. I can—we can use what darkness we have.
I'm afraid I'm not following you.
Kiyoni embraces Kurama. Watch this. As they kiss, Kiyoni presses Kurama against the wall. After a few moments, the two young lovers sink into the shadows of the wall. Using only the shade, the two navigate their way to Kurama's room, using the shadows of the two guards before sliding underneath the door. Free from any supervision, the teens emerge from the shadows.
Kurama is the first to comment, "That was rather im—,"
Kiyoni, immediately, shuts him up. Inside voices, Minamino. Don't wanna give ourselves away and spoil the fun, right?
Kurama hums a short laugh. Right.
So, you wanted to talk to me about something? Kiyoni's adrenaline starts to rise.
…Your parents…they're still unaware about me, right?
Yeah. I mean, I don't think I've mentioned your other name around them yet. Don't tell me you're gonna come clean to them while you're here!
No. He takes a seat on the bed and gestures Kiyoni to join him.
What exactly happened with you and my dad?
Nothing. Hiei and I analyzed the situation in the mine fields while your father watched.
That's it?
Well, I…did some work as well.
You worked in the mine fields? Like you actually put in some work?
Kurama adjusts his position. Yes, I worked. That was the plan for today, correct?
Kiyoni gets up and removes her necklace, placing it on top of a book that sits on a nightstand. Straddling him, she gives him another kiss.
Kurama breaks away from her again. What was that for?
Remember when I mentioned 'brownie points'? This is what I mean. She kisses him again, this time with a little more passion.
I take it this is for a job well done?
That and…well, we are alone, aren't we? They continue their romantic moment. Eventually, pieces of Kurama's dream, from the night before their first date, become reality as he leans back on his bed, taking Kiyoni with him.
As Kiyoni's mothers warned, hormones overcome rationality as she and Kurama engage in some tongue play and heavy petting. Turning over, Kurama takes a hold of Kiyoni's right thigh as she wraps her arms around the back of his neck. If there was one thing the princess wanted to do with the spirit fox, it was this. As they embrace and kiss, Kurama can feel his sexual desires rising. Whether it was the desires of Shuuichi or the desires of Youko, he couldn't tell. All that mattered, was Kiyoni and her irresistible charms.
As she combs her fingers through his hair, Kiyoni eventually feels something quite familiar. No way.
Kurama checks in. What? What is it?
Kiyoni tries to hold back laughter as to not spoil their private get-together. Your ears…your ears are back.
Huh? Kurama sits up to assess the situation. Again?
A mental giggle follows. Does that always happen or just around me?
I-I wasn't planning on this, I swear. It just...happens?
Kiyoni sits up on the bed, her cheeks cherry red as she hugs her legs. I know about your dream.
What dream?
The one where you had me in your room wearing nothing but one of your shirts. The one where I asked you to…make love to me.
Now Kurama's face is the one that's red. You caught that? You really are a mind reader. You know better than to pry without my permission.
It's nothing to be embarrassed about. I…I have those types of dreams, myself. The two sit in silence for a moment.
A thought comes to Kurama's mind. It feels like it's getting late. Do you…know the time?
Kiyoni steps to the balcony to look for the moon. It looks like it's about midnight.
You can tell just be looking at the moon?
Yeah, I learned from my mom when she taught me how to fly. She makes her way back to Kurama. Don't tell me you're turning in.
As Kurama takes her by the hand he sings a tune. Happy birthday…to you…
Nooooo! Suu'chi…
Happy birthday…to you…
By now, Kiyoni has her face buried in her hands. Shuuichi, please stop.
Happy birthday…He reaches for something underneath his pillow when Kiyoni isn't looking. …dear princess…Happy birthday…he stops singing as he hands her a small jewelry box…to you.
Kiyoni uncovers her face. When she sees the gift, her expression changes from embarrassment to anger. Ah! Shuuichi Minamino! Didn't you hear a word I said?
Surprised, Kurama asks, What word would that be?
Kiyoni walks away, disappointed. I specifically told you that I didn't want a birthday present from you, this year.
Yes, you did. Unfortunately, I had already bought this gift before you made that declaration. Why did you say that, by the way?
She mumbles in a low tone. You don't get it.
Get what? Kurama walks up to her. Please clarify.
Shuuichi, ever since I celebrated my first birthday here, my one wish was to do so with you. I made that wish every year.
Well, I'm here now.
She looks back at him with soft eyes. And that's all I wanted.
Come again?
When we reunited, I knew. I knew that when the time comes, I would finally see my wish granted. Suu'chi, the second you accepted my invitation and arrived here, you gave me what I wanted. That box in your hand is totally unnecessary.
What about everyone else and their gifts?
That's fine. Your gift to me is what really matters.
If that's the case then, he extends his present, please, accept mine.
I already told you, I don't wa—
-Please. If my presence is what matters to you, watching you open this box matters to me.
Kiyoni reluctantly accepts. If that's the case, then alright. She takes the gift and sits in one of the reading chairs while Kurama sits in the other. A wave of surprise and excitement overcomes her face when she sees what her boyfriend bought for her. You got me a charm bracelet? You actually got me a charm bracelet?
Mm-hmm. Other than your desire for my presence here, a charm bracelet was something, I knew, you always wanted.
Suu'chi…her eyes begin to water…I don't know what to say.
Your facial expression is more than enough.
Thank you. She gives him a grateful kiss as tears fall down her face. Regaining what little composure she has, Kiyoni takes out the bracelet. Would you?
Sure. Kurama clasps the piece of jewelry around her left wrist.
Kiyoni sticks out her arm in the light of the fire to admire her new arm decoration upon returning to her seat. Suu'chi, it's beautiful.
I'm glad you like it. I'm also surprised you haven't noticed what's on it.
Oh, that's right! I haven't! She takes a closer look at the bracelet. Okay, they say a charm bracelet tells the story of its owner, right? Let's see… She picks the charms one by one. Okay, we have an apple…
Because we became friends in school…
And then we have…?
That's alexandrite, one of the birthstones of June. I wanted to add an uncommon charm.
Alexandrite, right. Duh, Kiyoni. Ooh, an ice skate!
Your performance during your fight with Tai may have inspired that.
Suu'chi, you know how I am with figure skating.
Yes, I know. I remember going to a competition or two with your family to see you skate.
Kiyoni gives a warm smile. No way! Is this a moonstone?
Yep.
I love moonstones!
I know. Kurama is really getting a kick out of watching Kiyoni light up. And to think, she originally rejected this present.
Kiyoni looks at the final three charms. This one's a key, this one is a heart, and this one is… Suu'chi, what's this one?
…What does it look like?
…It could be…a wolf…a fox?
A grin comes across Kurama's face. It's a fox, Kiyoni.
Why is there a fox on this bracelet?
Look at the last three charms again. The charms are arranged as the key, the fox, and the heart, in that order.
A key, a fox, and a heart. A key, a fox, and a heart. I take it these three mean something?
…They do? Kurama raises an eyebrow, hoping for Kiyoni to figure it out.
Kiyoni mumbles. A key, a fox, and a heart…a key—O-M-G, I'm slow! Suu'chi!
Kurama giggles. Figured it out, did we?
Kiyoni lowers her voice. Suu'chi, are you saying that I…have the key…to your heart?
Kurama sits up with confidence. I am.
Kiyoni rests her head on her palm as she looks at the fire with more tears falling down her face. That is the corniest and sweetest thing you've ever said to me. Even if you're not 'saying' it.
Corny, but true…at least, I want it to be.
Kiyoni reclines back as more tears flow. Shuuichi…
Kurama meets her while standing on his knees. Kiyoni, enough crying.
My bad for having a soft heart.
Kurama wipes away her tears. Nothing wrong with having a soft heart. Consider it a valuable asset. I do.
Kiyoni sniffles a bit. Thank you.
Kurama looks at her with an admirable smile. You're welcome, birthday girl.
The goddess of the skies changes her skin tone, marking the dawn of a new day. As Kiyoni peacefully slumbers in her bed, a mysterious four-legged creature appears on her balcony. The animal studies the locks of the balcony doors, successfully picking at it until the doors open. Upon entering, morning breezes grace the royal space causing Kiyoni to twitch her head a little. All the while, her unknown visitor stands at the foot of the bed to observe her. Breaking through her draping, the creature takes caution as to not disturb her as he sneaks in for a closer look.
Kiyoni lies on her back with sweet dreams of her big day dancing in her head. The observer wiggles its tail contemplating its next move, licking his chops when he notices Kiyoni's bracelet. His sense of sight satisfied, the small beast puts his nose to work; the sweet scents of the princess pleasing the animal. When he sniffs and licks around Kiyoni's neck, she giggles while whispering, "Stop it, Suu'chi. That tickles."
Upon reaching her ear, the creature whispers, "Happy birthday, Kiyoni."
Startled, the princess rises from her slumber to find the source of that voice, "Who's there?"
By the time her vision reaches the balcony, she notices a figure similar to a tall man in white standing on the edge, the draping of her bed blurs his face. "Wait! Who are you," she shouts upon getting up. When the stranger notices her, he leaps from the balcony. "No," Kiyoni makes it outside but misses the man completely. Just who the hell was that guy? Wearing nothing but her bedsheets, Kiyoni takes a moment to watch the sunrise. Today is her birthday and there is absolutely nothing that will dull her day. Satisfied with the outside, Kiyoni returns to bed but not before coming across something on her balcony gate. Silver hair?
Elsewhere, in the forests of the territory, a group of hunters prepare their game for tonight's celebrations. A wild boar has just been caught and given that a few of the hunters are vampire, the animal is planned to become their breakfast.
"Ay, ay," warns a sanguinista, "What do you think you're doing?"
"What's it look like," a vampire questions back, "It's pig's blood for breakfast."
"Have you forgotten what today is?"
"…"
"It's the princess's birthday. Everyone knows royals get the first blood of the hunt on their birthday."
"He's right," states another vampire, "The princess gets first blood."
"Bah," the first vampire takes what looks to be an ice pick and stabs the animal right in the jugular. A strong flow of blood gushes from the makeshift wound to be collected in a canteen.
When the canteen is full, the second vampire shouts, "For our future Pharaoh Queen!" The rest of the group repeat his statement.
Back at the palace, everyone is pumped for today. Inside the throne room, Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Kurama wait to be lead to the stadium by either Kenichi or Akio. "I heard these games can be quite competitive," Kurama implies.
"If they're anything like the dark tournament, then I'm not too worried," Yusuke claims.
"Yeah, leave the wrestling matches to me. Gives me an opportunity to show off my guns," Kuwabara flexes as if Yukina is watching.
"Good morning, boys," Kenichi walks into the room, "Is everyone ready?"
"Wait, where's the shrimp," Kuwabara looks around for Hiei.
"He's still under surveillance so he'll be among the audience," Kurama informs.
"I get it. If it's slicing and dicing, he's all for it. Pure fun and games, he's a no-show," Kuwabara crosses his arms, "Oh, well. More for us."
"Alright, you three. Let's go," Kenichi instructs.
"Wait, can't we see Kiyoni first," Yusuke nudges Kurama.
"We can't. Since you're participants in the games, you have to be outside first for the parade," Kenichi gestures for the three to leave.
Along the way, Kurama looks back. I guess I'll see you later, princess.
Inside Kiyoni's bedroom, she and the girls make final preparations for her big day. "I never felt so much life in one day. And it's only morning," Botan claims.
"Yeah, I feel it too. Today's gonna be really fun day," Kiyoni states as Shizuru and another hairdresser put the finishing touches on her hair, "I see it didn't take you long to get into braiding, Shizuru."
"Well, thank Miss Adjul for that," Shizuru digresses.
"So, how exactly is this gonna work," Keiko wonders.
"First, the competitors, including our boys, will enter the arena. You all will arrive with me as a part of my royal court after," Kiyoni informs, "Then the crowd salutes the family, I make a speech, and then the games begin." She starts fidgeting with her bracelet.
Shizuru notices, "A gift from Kurama, I presume."
Kiyoni's necklace glows in admiration, "Yeah. He gave it to me last night."
"What?! Kurama got you a bracelet," Botan shrieks, "I wanna see." The rest of the girls admire Kiyoni's present.
"Oh, it's beautiful," Yukina marvels.
"Yeah, it looks like Kurama went all out for you," Keiko comments.
"It's no big deal," Kiyoni gushes. Though, coming from Suu'chi…
Suddenly, Kiyoni gets a knock on the door, "Princess Kiyoni, there's a special delivery for you."
Kiyoni gets up to answer. When she does, she's greeted by two game hunters. They take a knee and say, "Good morning, future queen. We bring you gifts."
"Oh? What do you have for me?"
They present her a canteen, "First blood from our hunt today."
"Oh, goodie! I haven't had my morning drink yet. Thank you," she grabs the bottle and goes to town much to the disgust of the girls. "Ahhh, thank you, gentlemen," Kiyoni wipes her mouth, "I was getting thirsty."
The hunters stand and take a final bow before taking their leave.
Finishing her drink, Kiyoni checks in, "Are we all ready to go?"
