The Childhood Friend of Kurama Part 9: A Trip to Demon World
It took several months, but Ayame finally finished her training. I helped her learn hand-to-hand combat and Yusuke taught her both the Spirit Gun and the Shot Gun techniques. Thanks to everything being out in the open and my spending more time with Ayame, we've become as close as we were when we were children. Koenma heard how well she did with her training and let her join us when we'd go on missions. This would be her first, and I could only hope it would go well. Yusuke smirked and cracked his knuckles as a portal opened for us.
"Demon World, here we come!"
"Hn, don't become careless, Detective. That's the last thing we need."
"Then Yusuke wouldn't be himself."
Ayame giggled as she heard Kuwabara's statement.
"That's for sure."
"Ha, ha, ha, let's just go."
Once in Demon World, we set out for our destination. After coming back with Shura from his little journey, Yomi had sent word to Koenma saying heartless bandits tore apart a city inhabited by fox demons and their families, stealing any valuables they could find and leaving many for dead. We were also told to take care of any possible survivors and bring them to his domain since it was closer. Hiei brought out a sword as the village came into view.
"Let's keep our guard up. The fools could be lurking around here waiting to strike."
I readied my Rose Whip and Kuwabara summoned his Spirit Sword. After a long search, it was clear these bandits left no survivors and since many adults were found covering loved ones, they died protecting them. Ayame sighed and wiped tears from her eyes.
"All this pain and suffering caused by evil demons that just wanted to become rich. Now because of them, these children will never be able to grow up."
"Yes, it is a shame. We must give them a proper burial."
"I agree."
Once all the bodies were buried, we split up to look for clues as to who committed such an evil act. Ayame went with Yusuke and Kuwabara while I stayed with Hiei. I frowned as I picked up a strand of what looked like short, brown hair.
"Short brown hair. This is very common among wolf demons, who have been known to have a strong dislike for fox demons."
"Hn. I say they went too far by killing everyone here. Let's give them a taste of their own medicine."
I shook my head and laughed at Hiei.
"Be reasonable, Hiei. We have to find where they are first."
"Yo! Over here!"
"That's Kuwabara. They must've found something."
"Hn, might as well check it out."
Once we got over there, Kuwabara crossed his arms as we turned our attention to Yusuke and Ayame, who were kneeling on the ground.
"Hn, why'd you call us over here, fool?"
"We found a survivor, that's what. Ayame heard crying coming from one of the houses and went to take a look. Turns out it was a fox demon baby. Her parents died trying to protect her. Urameshi and I buried them with the others."
When Yusuke and Ayame approached us, I saw Yusuke had taken off his green jacket and wrapped it around the baby to keep her warm. The sight of Ayame holding her made me feel warm inside, and it made me see she looked like a natural holding that baby. Hiei peered down at the baby and shook his head.
"Get rid of it. A baby will only cause trouble."
Ayame held the sleeping baby closer to her and narrowed her eyes.
"Just because your life turned out crappy after you were left alone as a baby doesn't mean her life will be the same, Hiei. Besides, Yomi must see to her first. We do, after all, need to bring any survivors to him."
Hiei, surprised she stood up to him like that, backed away and took the lead as we walked to Yomi's. Kuwabara cocked his head as he looked at the baby, who was now awake.
"Hey, she's awake."
I smiled as the baby looked at us, then huddled closer to Ayame. Yusuke took notice of this and sighed.
"Looks like she's attaching herself to Ayame. This doesn't look good."
"Yes, especially if Yomi says to give the baby to someone else. I suppose we'll have to see what he says."
Once at Yomi's, I explained what we found out on the attack. Yomi shook his head and crossed his arms.
"Any survivors?"
"Just one fox demon baby. Our newest teammate, Ayame, is holding her right now."
Yomi approached Ayame and the baby, then sniffed the baby. The baby, feeling threatened, growled slightly in warning. This amused Yomi, and he chuckled slightly.
"Apparently, the little one feels her new mother is being threatened."
Ayame's eyes widened as she looked at him.
"Excuse me? Who says I'm going to be her new mother?"
Since I myself was a fox demon, I looked closely at Ayame, who was now looking at the baby in her arms.
"The baby felt you were being threatened and growled as a way of saying 'stay away from my mother'.In the short time she's been with you, Ayame, she bonded with you in the same way a baby would its mother. She growled on instinct, a sign she chose you."
After Yomi had given Ayame permission to care for the baby, we visited Koenma at his office. All he could do was look at the baby, then look at Ayame.
"How'd this happen?"
"Apparently, she picked me to be her new mother. Yomi was checking her out when she ,according to Kurama, growled in a way a baby would tell a possible threat to stay away from its mother. Trust me when I say I wasn't expecting this, either. My only concern right now is where to live. The apartment I'm in right now is out of the question because she'd draw too much attention."
Koenma nodded in agreement and looked at the rest of us.
"Looks like Ayame is in need of another place to stay. Any ideas?"
"They can stay with me and Yukina. My sister moved out recently, so a room's available. It'll just be until a better home comes along."
Ayame smiled thankfully at Kuwabara's offer and nodded.
"I don't want to be any trouble, but how can I refuse?"
"It's settled, then. Ayame will reside with Kuwabara until a room in my mansion is fixed. Until then, let's get her stuff moved to his house."
Over the next few days, Ayame's stuff was moved into Shizuru's old room. I decided to help Ayame unpack her stuff since she'd probably be with the baby most of the time. Once the unpacking was finished, Ayame thanked me numerous times.
"Ayame, it's really no trouble. You're...going through a big change right now and I wish to help in any way I can."
"I know, and I'm thankful for that. I just can't believe I'm responsible for her now."
"She'll need a name, you know."
"You're right. What about...Keikoku? It seems to fit her. She is quite pretty."
"That she is. I'm sure she'll become a fine demoness when she reaches maturity."
Once Keikoku fell asleep, Ayame put her into a bassinet Yukina picked out for her, then looked at me.
"Be honest, Kurama. Do you think I'll be a good enough mother for her? I've never taken care of a child before."
"No need to worry. Being a fox demon myself, I'll be around to give you tips on what to do."
"Really? Thank you so much."
And I spoke the truth. I did plan on being around to help Ayame take care of Keikoku. It felt natural to be near Ayame and since she was in my life again, I knew I never wanted to be without her again.
That's a wrap for part 9. Part 10 will begin in Ayame's POV as Yukina helps her take care of Keikoku. Also in part 10, Kurama helps Ayame move her belongings into a room at Koenma's. Stay tuned to see what happens