Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Kawaridane ❯ Epilogue ( Chapter 24 )

Ayako grinned as she watched Hiei wrestle with Kurama and Shizuru's son, Akashi.

Shizuru was sitting beside her and Kurama was out in the clearing with his son and best friend giving him tips on how to take Hiei down.

“I don't think I've ever seen Hiei smile so freely.” Shizuru commented lightly beside her. Ayako grinned and nodded.

Things had finally returned to a measure of normalcy in their little world. It had been just over a year since the battle in the Makai where Ayako almost lost her life trying to save Kurama's. Her sister had sensed her rage and frustration and had found her sprawled across Kurama's unconscious form bleeding freely as Hiei was attempting to gather her up and stop the bleeding.

If her sister hadn't stopped the bleeding when she did…

Ayako sighed. That was all behind her now. As they predicted, when Nikushimi had taken his last vile breath the Karyuudo had fled. The rebel army celebrated and she had woken up a couple days later.

She and Kagome discussed what would happen to their ancestral home and had come to the same conclusion. They asked Tenmei to watch over it for them. They would be returning to the Makai when the Ningenkai held nothing more for them and would resume their duties then. For now, they still had their twisted family here, in Genkai's compound and they would stay with it for as long as they could.

Tenmei had been adamant that they choose someone else but they insisted he was the only one who could handle the job. Eventually he relented.

The rebel army had dispersed but some had stayed to assist in rebuilding the palace guard. The servants returned and peace spread across the Northern Makai for the first time in a century.

Ayako giggled as Hiei took a blow to the stomach and fell over comically for little Akashi. The boy had Kurama's bright red hair and green eyes. Hence the “Aka” in his name. His spirit was entirely his mother, Shizuru. He already had a `don't mess with me' attitude that was reminiscent of Shizuru and she grinned with pride every time Ayako brought it up.

Kurama beckoned Shizuru over as Hiei made his way towards them.

“The man is calling me…” Shizuru laughed and jumped to her feet.

“Mommy Mommy look!” Akashi pointed, “I gave Uncle Hiei a buise.”

“Bruise honey, and High five!” Shizuru grinned and Akashi giggled as he slapped his mother's hand.

Ayako grinned as Hiei settled down beside her.

“Getting beat up by toddler's now Hiei?” She teased.

“Hn… shut it woman.” Hiei put an arm around her and she leaned into his warmth.

They sat in comfortable silence.

“The kid is tough. He will make his father proud.” He said quietly. Ayako sat back and looked him in the face. She could tell this was going somewhere but didn't want to rush him.

“Hn. Stop looking at me like that woman.” He growled.

Ayako laughed lightly. “Like what?”

Hiei didn't reply.

“The brat isn't as annoying as I expected… I wouldn't mind seeing more around.” Hiei said quietly.

Ayako grinned. She knew what he meant. She had been waiting for the right moment to tell him anyway. She was surprised he didn't already know but Genkai had told her that it was her holy energy blocking Hiei's senses about it.

“Well that reminds me Hiei… I have something to tell you.” Ayako grinned and Hiei looked shocked.

Ayako nodded and grabbed his hand. She suppressed her holy powers and pressed his hand to her lower abdomen. His eyes got wider and his face broke into a smile like no other she'd ever seen.

“I'm going to be a father?” He asked stunned as he felt the life stirring inside her.

She nodded slowly and he kissed her hard.

She melted in his embrace and sighed inwardly.

Everything was perfect.