Epilogue: "Baby Get Read, Get Set, Don't Go"

She's gotta do what she's gotta do and I've gotta like it or not. She's got dreams too big for this town and she needs to give 'em a shot. Whatever they are. Looks like she's all ready to leave. Nothing left to pack. There ain't no room for me in that car, even if she asked me to tag along. God I gotta be strong

Hiei watched as Rain packed up a bag to go after a demon that was reported in the Ningenkai. It had been two months since they passed the test and became the new Reikai Tantei, and all eight couldn't have been more excited. Kurohi was now a permanent resident at the castle and made a competent guard, if a little laid back.

Rain looked up at her father and smiled.

"What are you thinking, Daddy," she asked.

"What makes you think I'm thinking," asked Hiei, leaning against her door and crossed his arms.

"Because I know you. You're thinking. What about?"

"Just how much you've grown."

Rain smiled and playfully punched her father in the shoulder.

"You're getting soft!" she said.

"I blame you, Kurama and the twins," he said. Rain giggled.

"I hope you don't act like this to your subordinates," said Rain.

"Gods forbid," said Hiei with a humorous smile. Rain laughed.

She's at the startin' line of the rest of her life, as ready as she's ever been. Got the hunger and the stars in her eyes. The prize is hers to win. She's waitin' on my blessings before she hits that open road. Baby, get ready, get set, don't go.

Rain and Hiei walked toward the courtyard where the rest of the children and their parents were waiting. Yukina and Tama were going over the healing herbs they would be taking along, Kuwabara and Hina were making sure everything in place for her gangster outfit, and Yusuke was giving his two last minute fighting tips while Keiko was ordering them not to fight among each other. Yukei and Shiori were with Kurama, Yukei cleaning his sword and Shiori going over the seeds Kurama gave her. Kurohi was off to the side waiting for the trip to start.

"All right, everyone," said Rain, immediately taking on the role of the leader, "let's go!"

All the children cheered and went to say goodbye to their parents.

"Well, be back soon," said Rain.

"Take care of yourself, fire kit," said Hiei petting his oldest daughter. "Keep your sword sharp."

"Dad!" said Yukei slightly embarrassed. Kurama laughed.

"He's just like you, Hiei," said Kurama looking at his mate.

"I meant you're mind," said Hiei. "I blame Yusuke."

Shiori giggled in her hand.

"Yusuke-oji did teach us a lot. Even if he didn't know it."

"We'll be okay, Daddy," said Rain, with an accomplished smile. "It's a dream come true."

She says things are fallen into place. Feels like they're fallen apart. I painted this big ol' smile on my face to hide my broken heart. If only she knew. This is where I don't say what I want so bad to say. This is where I want to but I won't get in the way, of her and her dreams and spreadin' her wings.

Yukina and Keiko hugged their children one last time and returned to the palace for tea. They let their husbands and Hiei and Kurama escort the children out of the city by themselves. It was an important time for the fathers and they didn't want to ruin it.

Hiei looked over at Rain and saw the biggest smile he'd ever seen on her spread upon his oldest daughter's face. He was suddenly reminded on the first time he had seen Rain. She had only been two years old, but very smart for her age, as that tended to happen in Makai. If you're not smart enough to survive, you die.

Hiei hadn't even known Rain was his daughter at the time. He had just rescued a kitsune kit and two ningens from freezing to death outside of the Koorime Glacier. He felt immediately protective of the white furred kit and took her under his wing, teaching her the sword and how to survive. When he found out Rain was his daughter he had vowed to never let her get hurt. But sometimes, even parents had to let go.

They had reached the gate of the city and the group of children turned back to their parents.

"Well, this is it," said Rain.

"Yeah," said Yusuke. "Take care of yourselves. Raizen, watch after your sister."

"Yes, Dad," said Raizen.

"But I can look after myself, Papa," whined Megumi. Yusuke smiled and ruffled her black hair.

"I'm sure you can," said Yusuke. "Just watch out for each other."

"That goes for both of you," said Kuwabara adopting his "father face".

"Hai, tou-san," said Hina and Tama with a smile. Hiei and Kurama turned to look at their three.

"Watch each other's backs," said Kurama sternly. Yukei and Rain nodded.

"We will, kaa-san," said Shiori. Hiei walked over and petted Rain between her downy ears.

"Take care of yourself," he said, not wanting to say what he really wanted. That he wanted her to stay at the palace and not go off and fight demons. Rain giggled.

"Daddy no baka," she said. She walked up to her father and wrapped her arms around him. "I'll always be your fire kit."

Hiei softly smiled and hugged her back, and then hugged Shiori and Yukei, ordering them to be careful and listen to Rain. Kurama hugged the three as well as Yusuke and Kuwabara hugged their sons and daughters.

"Don't worry, sirs," said Kurohi. "I'll watch them."

"Then who'll watch you," asked Raizen. Both boys had gotten closer during their time together, but still haven't gotten over their rivalry. Everybody laughed as Kurohi glared at Raizen.

"All right, Team Urameshi," called Rain happily. All four adult looked at each other in surprise. The children hadn't told them what they had decided to call their group, but they didn't think they'd take up the old name. "Let's move out!"

And the adults watched as their children left. Raizen, Shiori, Rain, Hina and Tama waving good-bye as the other two simply walked away. Yukei did lift an arm in farewell and Kurohi saluted but other then that the just walked on.

When the children were out of sight Kurama looked down at his mate and saw Hiei still watching the distance figures.

"Are you all right, Hiei," asked Kurama. Hiei nodded.

"Yeah, she's gotta do what she's gotta do," said Hiei. "Whether I like it or not. I still love her. Nothing will change that."

She's at the startin' line of the rest of her life. As ready as she's ever been. Got the hunger and the stars in her eyes. The prize is hers to win. She's waitin' on my blessings before she hits that open road. Baby get ready, get set, please don't go.

END

And this is the end of the Rain series! Stay tuned for Karayami no Akai Bara!