Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Mating ❯ Acquiring the Engagement ring ( Chapter 7 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

"The Mating"

Disclaimer: See chapter one

AN: This is actually the second half to the previous chapter, it was just getting too long to do one chapter. As is, this will be one long chapter.

Chapter 7: Acquiring the engagement ring

Kurama looked around his lair. Save for the thick layer of dust, it looked like everything was fine. He glanced into the first two rooms. One of the was the same as the rest of the place, covered in dust, the other was devoid of any dust. Into the latter, Kurama threw a small stone into, which was promptly snatched and eaten by what appeared to be a very large venus fly trap. "Please do not enter this room at all. As you can see, it is quite deadly."

"Charming place, Fox."

Shiori looked around, except for the layer of dust, this place seemed remarkably cozy and very large. "Did anyone else live here with you?"

Kurama looked saddened at the question, "Once, a very long time ago, my only partner lived here with me. He died a long time ago." He took a deep breath and Keiko wordlessly embraced him for a moment. He looked down at her and smiled his thanks. "If Keiko has no objections, we shall move here at some point in the future after our obligations in the Ningenkai are all done." He looked at his mate with the question hanging in his eyes.

She was also looking around. "I'll have to see the rest before I make a judgement call." She said, knowing that with the life-span of demons, they wouldn't be able to live in the Ningenkai forever.

Kurama nodded. "A fair answer. Keep one thing in mind, there is still room for expansion here."

He continued to lead the others deeper into his lair. "Here is the kitchen and dining room, off of it is the pantry. In the pantry, I'm sure the spices are still good, but the rest, well, let's just say that it'll need a good cleaning out."

"Fox, why do you think that I bothered to catch a brace of rabbits?"

"I know, Hiei. Breakfast will be upcoming. Did you want the rest of the tour, or to start breakfast?"

"Hn, your mate is not the only one who is hungry. Leave me some sweetmeat tubers and sageorsis. Anything else you'd like to throw into the pot?"

Kurama thought and quickly pulled out two appropriate seeds, growing them enough to harvest the required amount and then returning them to seeds. "I think that should be sufficient. Pots as well as any other spices you might want should be in the pantry.

Hiei nodded as he took the proferred items and then turned into a black blur.

Kurama shook his head as he watched Hiei. "Well, let's continue, shall we?" The two women nodded. The passage got much wider and there were larger plants that gave off a natural lumescence, as well as flowers on the floor that acted as lites. "The guest room." Kurama pulled aside a blanket made of thick vines to reveal a smallish bedroom. They continued on the pathway a short ways and pointed to his left. "My bedroom." This was again covered by the thick vines which seemed to be his equivalent of doors. "Keiko alone is allowed in that room besides myself." He led the way to the right. He smiled as he enhaled that wonderful mix of aromas as he lifted the door. Daylight greeted their eyes. Lush plants bloomed all over, surrounding a pond of water which was fed by a small stream that entered the pond by a waterfall. He simply identified it as, "The arbor and bathing room."

Shiori and Keiko both oohed and aahed at the beautiful room. The waterfall was high enough to be used as a shower, but not so high that the water would come pounding down on the head and hurt. The lush plants gave off a wonderful aroma that hightened the senses, but left a clear head.

Keiko had an intense urge to go lose herself in that water and actually took a step towards it when she felt a gentle hand restraining her. She looked up to meet the golden eyes of Kurama. She didn't speak, but her eyes held longing and the question, "Why?"

"Not now, my flower." Kurama said, the unspoken promise said, "Later."

Shiori was starting to understand just why these two could not be separated, but knew that they were going to have problems with some of the people involved. She agreed that this was a beautiful room, but couldn't feel the pull, unlike the two mates. She wordlessly withdrew, not being noticed by either of them and decided to go back to the kitchen.

Hiei paused in his cleanup when Shiori entered the kitchen and smiled somewhat ruefully. "Want to help?"

Shiori was grateful as her slight blush died down. "Sure. I've never seen my son this open with his emotions, even as a very small child."

"It's one of the side effects of mating. The other unavoidable one is that their libido will be out of control for the first day. It's another reason why he asked me along." He looked at her, "You are different from most Ningens I have observed over the years. You were what Kurama needed." Hiei wished that he had of known his mother. He knew that Kurama hadn't known his demon mother, either and couldn't help but wonder if that was the first thing wrong with their world. Shiori made him long for that family that he'd never known. Maybe Yukina would be able to accept him and he could pick up the peices of his broken family. He shook aside such thoughts and went back to checking the pot that now held the two skinned and cleaned rabbits along with the other things that he required.

Shiori looked around and found what could only be called a broom and started to sweep. "Thank you, Hiei, but I did no more than any other parent that I know of."

"Our world is one of power, pain and betrayal. Giving birth does not always have an emotional attachment here and most often the mother, or father, in some instances, abandon children at birth, or teach them how to hunt and then leave them to sink or swim. It is safest in the world to not have any emotions, for to have them is to open yourself up to pain. Pleasure is much safer. A moment's pleasure and then separate, neither gives anything of themselves beyond their bodies for mutual enjoyment." Hiei looked at Kurama's mother. "Kurama was actually understating the truth back there in the clearing after the ambush. Those demons could not have truly hurt either Kurama or I. The true threat was to yourself and Keiko."

"How do you mean?" Shiori asked.

"Those demons were barely above a D class rating. At that you need to have great cunning or win the favor of someone great in order to stay alive. Kurama and I are both at the highest levels of power. We have been defeated, but not horribly and we have both won ourselves renoun though every courner of the Makai. Keiko and yourself, though, are vulnerable. Keiko's gaining the power, thanks to Kurama's demon blood, but you are true Ningen still." Hiei sat down at the table. "Kurama should finish explaining the rest. Now we just wait on the stew." It was now seven thirty am back in Shiori's home.

*****Meanwhile*********

Kurama looked up from his mate's pleading eyes to see that his mother disappeared. Hoping that she had the sense to rejoin Hiei in the kitchen, he turned back to Keiko and smiled. "Come, it looks like we have some time now. I want to gather a few things from my room first." He hoped that they were still in condition to be used, but he had made sure that the trunks that he used for storage were airtight, so they should be okay. "Go ahead and get in the water. I'll be right back."

Keiko nodded, smiling. "Okay." Then she frowned, "If you're not back here in five minutes, I'm going to go look for you."

Kurama only nodded and ran into his room. Fortunately it appeared as thought the only thing to suffer in here was from the thick layer of dust that seemed to cover everything except the arbor, which was only to be expected. He found the trunk with spare clothing in it and fished out something that he had found years ago, hoping one day to actually find someone whom he wanted to mate with. He also found the washing sands that he stored in the trunk and grabbed some absorbant cloth that served as towels. He hurried back over to the bathing chamber to find Keiko swimming lazily across the small pond, completely nude. Her discarded clothing sat on a rock next to the pond.

Keiko flipped onto her back in the water. "Why is this heated? It doesn't have the mineral type smell to it that hot springs do."

Kurama quickly put down his armloads on the same rock that housed her clothing. "No, but it is a natural by product of some of these plants, they warm the soil and the soil warms the water." He put down the washing sands next to the waterfall. "I brought you a change of clothing as well. I didn't think you'd appreciate some of these creatures that we'll be seeing later to be eyeing your lovely legs, though I myself love the view." He quickly stripped and dove in, coming up right next to her. He gave her a lazy kiss that heated both of them up far beyond the water temperature. They both moaned into each other's mouths. "Come over to the waterfall."

Keiko found that the water near the waterfall was much warmer than the rest of the pool, nice washing temperature. She leaned her head back under it to find that it was a natural shower. Kurama came up behind her and rubbed something though her hair. It smelled nice, similar to roses, but not quite as sweet. "What is that?"

"Washing sand. It suds up and is a very good cleanser. I add fragrence to this one, though you can buy some at the market completely unscented or with assorted fragences." Kurama quickly explained. Taking another palmfull and briskly washing her, lingering enough to leave her aroused, but not enough to turn her into complete mush.

Keiko was frustrated until she heard him whisper in her ear, "Did you not want a chance to wash me?" Then she knew what he was doing. Getting her to overcome her natural shyness, which seemed to be rapidly evaporating around her mate anyway. After he was done washing her, she bent down and got a handfull of washing sand. She had a chance to explore his human body, but hadn't yet had a chance to explore his demon body. She started as he had, by washing his hair. She carefully washed around his ears and then gently washed the ears themselves. She was surprised to hear him moan loudly.

Kurama felt pleasure sweep through his frame at her caresses to his sensitive ears. She started to explore them as he leaned into her hands. His ears felt soft to the touch, soft and covered in short fur. She wondered what other differences she would find between his human and demon form as she leaned his head back to rinse off his hair and ears.

Keiko moved her hands down and got some more of the sand. She rubbed her hands together briefly and then proceeded to wash him in much the same fashion that he had washed her the previous evening. The majority of his body seemed much the same, except for bigger and the muscles more defined. She had only been with this particular body once and she blushed slightly at seeing how much bigger he was in this form than the human one that she was getting to know so well. There was only one other major difference and she hesitated, wondering if it was allowed. Only way to know is to try. She decided and bent to get some more of the sand as she proceeded to wash his tail.

Kurama wondered briefly at her hesitation and then felt the tentative hands touch his tail. He moaned loudly in pleasure as her hands moved through the fur in his tail. His tail was one of the most sensitive areas on his body and her washing it was another sign of acceptance as his mate. He felt himself getting rock hard as the pleasure continued to shoot bolts of pleasure through his whole body.

Keiko blushed at this reaction, but knelt and continued washing was appeared to be one of the most overwhelming sources of pleasure on his body. She rinsed the soap out of his tail. She kept one hand on his tail, the other reaching around and wrapping around his prominent manhood.

Kurama thrust urgently around the hand that grasped him. With one hand of hers on his manhood and the other stroking his tail, pleasure was quickly overriding any thought. Quite the little vixen. Was Kurama's last coherent thought before giving himself completely over to the pleasure that she was creating. With this kind of stimulous, he knew that he wouldn't last long. He reached down and untangled her hands from his tail and from around his manhood. He quickly pulled her up, drawing her in front of him and lifting her up so that she was against the wall under the waterfall even with his aching member. He shifted to lean against her and quickly thrust inside her body.

Keiko cried out as he entered her, more than prepared for the invasion from bringing him such pleasure. She lifted her legs around his hips to hold him inside her. She crossed her ankles just above his tail and her hands clutched at his shoulders. She pulled him firmer into her body gasping as he sank in to the hilt.

Kurama wanted to start a slower pace, but was too needy to do so and Keiko didn't seem to want it, either so he pistoned in and out quickly against them. He felt her push just as hard against him as he was pushing against her. They both knew that they could not prolong this coupling as they were both too frantic to do so. The two of them worked in tandem to thrust them both into the heights of passion together crying out each others name. They sank down under the waterfall in shoulder-high water as they attempted to recover.

******Back in the kitchen******

Shiori was bright red hearing the cries of passion echoing through the lair. "So this is part of the side effects of mating?"

Hiei went over to the stove and stirred the almost done stew. He nodded. "It's actually very healthy behavior. The more they mate within these first twenty-four hours the stronger their bond will be. It already seems quite strong to me and keeps getting stronger."

"Oh." Was all Shiori could say to that. "I'm just hoping that we don't have too many problems getting my husband and Keiko's parents to understand what's going on here."

Hiei nodded, "They will have to be told all as well. This is not something that can be hidden, especially with the changes that Keiko is going through."

Kurama's voice came from the entry way. "Then you have noticed as well?"

Shiori and Hiei both turned around to look in the doorway. Keiko's face had a slight flush to it, but she seemed remarkably unphased by her recent activities. She was wearing a blue outfit that shimmered when she moved that was both beautiful and practical. It had a sleeveless shirt similar to Kurama's and a tailored pants that left enough room to manuver in, but weren't quite as loose as Kurama's either. Shiori came over to the two and looked Keiko up and down. There were not any physical changes that she could see.

"I don't know where the changes will end, Mother." Kurama replied to Shiori's questioning look. "She's always been stronger than she looks, but she never could have picked you up and dodged an incoming javelin like that until today."

Keiko laughed nervously. "I guess training won't be quite as bad as we thought, eh?"

Hiei simply nodded. "Though it is important to train as your power increases. Restraint as well as how to properly use it. You don't want to accidentaly hurt any Ningen who angers you. Or break something that you intended to pick up."

Kurama agreed. "We all have to grow into our power, Keiko. Yusuke actually has to pull his punches anymore if he doesn't want to accidentally kill Kuwabara. Especially now that he's also a full demon, but even at the end of the Dark Tournament, Yusuke could have easily killed him had he wanted to. Hiei and I don't pull our punches at all if we spar with each other, or with Yusuke, but then, we're all demons and very similar in power levels. Like it or not, we are the three hiers to this place." The last was said with bitterness.

Keiko embraced him. "Kurama, you've got to let go of the past. You may have been forced to this position, but what can you see yourself doing after we live here? Go back to the theiving life you had before?"

Kurama immediately shook his head. "No, that life no longer has any appeal for me, it nearly killed me once and gave me the best second chance in existance. I shall try to accept this. This does not mean that I like Yomi, though."

Shiori was trying to absorb all of this new information. "What are you talking about, son?"

Kurama smiled ruefully, "Let me serve, and I'll explain over breakfast." He found four bowls and spoons that Hiei had cleaned and served the stew. He sat down and started. "It goes back to my explanation of power in the Makai. There is brute strength, which counts for nothing if you cannot back it up with cunning. There is cunning alone, which can get you pretty far in this place, if you don't mind doing some boot licking while you get there. Then there are combonations of the two. This latter group usually becomes leaders of groups, either small or large. The Makai is broken down into three territories. Yomi's, Mukuro's and Yusuke's. You've met my friend Yusuke, remember?"

Shiori nodded, amazed that a boy in High School could also be the ruler of a vast territory of this place. "But how?"

"Well, it turns out that one of his anscestors was a demon, and not just any demon, but a Toushin by the name of Raizen, who was the third ruler with Yomi and Mukuro. Something you need to understand is that Yusuke's died twice." Kurama explained. He heard Keiko's breath catch at his mentioning Yusuke's deaths. "You okay, love?"

"Yes, but it's still painful to remember." Keiko answered, giving Kurama a brave smile.

Kurama hugged her and went back to his explanation. "The first time was extenuating circumstances and was brought back. The second time he died in the Makai and something managed to trigger his dormant demon blood and he rose a full demon. Well, there was a tournament and once again, I was forced to participate in it. This time for who the rulers of the Makai would be. Yusuke was entered as his demon self, Hiei and I entered as ourselves. Hiei became Mukuro's hier and I became Yomi's. After fighting so many high class demons, you have two choices, either get stronger, or die." He shook his head. "I don't like the thought of death, especially now."

Shiori comprehended as much as she could, but didn't quite understand all of it. Then she considered how she would try to explain the world that she lived in to a complete stranger who had never set foot on or heard of Earth. "Understanding this won't be easy, Shu-Kurama, but I'm trying. I'm trying to get to know this son who's kept so much of himself so distant from everyone. That looks like a survival tactic now, but at the time, I didn't know what was going on in that little head of yours."

"I'm sorry, mother, if I've unintentionally caused you to worry. I just did what I would have done growing up here. Here I would have been abandoned at birth or what did happen, I was taught how to hunt, and then abandoned to fend for myself." Kurama glanced over at Hiei, "And I was one of the lucky one's."

Shiori stood up and with tears in her eyes, hugged Kurama who was still sitting. The wordless comfort that only a mother can give. What shocked everyone else, though was when she went over to Hiei and did the same thing.

Hiei stiffened as Shiori's arms went around him and his hand twitched, but couldn't move. He didn't know what to do with this. This Ningen woman was managing to throw his thoughts into utter chaos. This feeling was different from what he felt for Shizuru and seemed to be more similar to what he felt for Yukina. She was so much younger than he was, but wisdom shone from her eyes. Wisdom and some other emotion.

Shiori released the unresponsive fire demon and looked down seeing the shock in his eyes. "You do have a family. If only in your heart. Kurama seems to consider you as a brother and that makes you my son, too. When you are ready to accept the offer let me know."

Keiko sat in shock, Hiei didn't let anyone get close to him. It was kind of a rule. Don't touch me. There for all the world to see.

Kurama wasn't in complete shock, he knew his mother. His mother had taken many wounded animals and others, witness himself and his younger stepbrother, in and gave them a home. What he was surprised at was Hiei allowing Shiori the contact. The grouchy fire demon seemed to like his mother.

They finished their meal in silence, preparing to leave for Gandistra. Kurama got a bag of coins from one of his treasure rooms while Hiei cleaned up the dishes. Keiko and Shiori sat quietly, waiting on the men.

Once they had left it was a very quiet twenty minute walk to get to Gandistra. The guards at the gate recognized both of them on sight and saluted, letting them pass without incident.

Shiori heard the whispers on either side of them and could tell from the twitching of his ears that her son could, and probably much clearer than she. Save for the variety of forms and body shapes, she could have been in an old arabian style market. Hiei was flanking her left side with Keiko on her other side and Kurama on the other side of her. One thing about Keiko's new attire was that it clearly showed her mating mark, which Shiori could see now. The small silver fox, clutching a rose in it's teeth. Kurama's was appearing as well, though slower. It was clearly a brown spot, but seemed to be having trouble deciding on what shape it should be. It seemed to be vaguely fox shaped, but was indistinct beyond that.

Kurama heard the whispers on either side of them. Mostly wondering who the strange Ningen woman was or who had managed to get the infamous Youko to mate with them. Envy was also uppermost in some of the whispers. Some wondered at the presence of Mukuro's heir, especially with a Ningen. It was well known that Hiei hated Ningens. He stopped and put his most stern face on, training it on the group of gossipers. He wondered if he should say anything and decided against it as they all fell silent and very obviously found other places where they had to be.

~Very well done, Fox.~

~Thank you, Hiei.~

The four continued down the street where the craftsman lived that Kurama wanted to commision for this. He hoped that he had brought enough, but then he considered that he had grabbed almost all gold and smiled. This was worth it. He also had an idea on the style for the ring as well. She wanted something small, but symbolizing him. He smiled as he knocked on the door.

They heard a crabby voice call out, "What is it? Come in, and it had better be good!"

Kurama bent down as he came through the door, straightening as soon as he got through the door, letting Hiei, Shiori and Keiko through and then closing the door. "It's been a long time, Mosathar."

"Youko!? What do you want now? Appraisal? I don't do stolen items anymore!" Mosathar looked up and then asked, "What are you doing with a Ningen, a hanyou, I think that's what she is anyway, and Mukuro's heir?"

Kurama smiled, bringing Keiko forward, "This is my mate. This is Shiori, and you should know enough to know that I am friends with Mukuro's heir, Hiei." He plunked down a bag of coins that he had with him. "I bring you a commision, but I need it done now."

"Those are costly. What kind of object did you want commisioned?" He looked questioningly at Kurama.

"I need a ring." Kurama stated. He saw Mosathar's eyes widen.

"A simple ring? You could get that at half a dozen stalls outside! I do specialty peices!"

"I never said a simple ring." Kurama sat down at the chair opposite the cranky old demon. "I want a specialty ring." He motioned Keiko forward, who came to stand next to his chair. "It needs to fit this finger." He held out her left hand's ring finger. "And this is what I want it to look like." He started explaining his idea, who's eyes lit up as he realized that Youko didn't want just any ring, he did have a special idea in mind.

"Did you want this is a silver color, or gold?"

"Silver, to match my coat."

"The petals should be?"

"Crimson, with emerald color for the leaves and stem."

Mosathar's eyes lit up. "Come back in two hours. I don't have anything serious pending, save for this, and you've more than paid for it." It was now nine thirty back home.

Kurama nodded. "We'll be back in two hours. Come, let's leave him to his work."

The small group left the craftsman. Shiori asked him, "Can he really accomplish all that within two hours?"

"He is the best jeweler in the Makai, if he can't accomplish it, than no one can. But I have dealt with him for many centuries and trust me, this is minor compared to some of the commisions that he's taken." Kurama explained. "Come, I want to get a little more shopping done, and we promised that we'd meet Jin and Touya."

The four went from stall to stall, some of them breezed over without a purchase, some extensively looked through. Hiei purchased a new sheath for his Katana, the old one was rather tattered. Shiori got several gossamer multi-layered dresses designed to be loose, cool and frilly, but cover the wearer completely from neck to toe. Kurama seemed intent on purchasing clothing as well for Keiko. Keiko got some of the same style dresses as Shiori, but different in colors as well as some more practical clothing. Both women objected profusely, but were ignored. Hiei also broke down and purchased a few shirts. Kurama got a few of the Chinese style outfits that he had taken up wearing in his human form and two outfits for his youko form. Such wasted one of the two hours.

Kurama spied an inn and suggested that they get something to drink and rest their feet a little bit. When they entered, they immediately heard a, "And here they be a comin'."

Jin and Touya had saved a large table toward the back and motioned the four to come back to join them.

Touya took in their collection of purchases. "I see you have been shopping."

"Word's bein' whispered in e'ery courner o' the market, Youko's mated."

Kurama looked at Jin and Touya resignedly, "Of course it is. I knew by coming here that this would also spread word of that. My main objective was to commision a ring for Keiko so we have an official engagement ring."

"Speaking of engagement rings, how is it that you two are together when it's commonly said that Keiko is with Yusuke?" Touya asked carefully, not wanting to rouse Kurama's anger once more.

"We discovered that we'd cared for each other for years and just never spoke of it. Yusuke and Keiko made it official last year in what was possibly the most anticlimactic breakup ever, that they weren't a couple." Kurama replied. "It was all it ever was, just an assumption."

Keiko made a face. "How could I be with a guy that I look on as a brother?"

Jin, Touya and Shiori laughed. Kurama looked thoughtful and Hiei just kept an eye on the crowd.

~Excuse me, Fox. I forgot something that I needed from the market.~ Hiei sent to Kurama and then departed.

"And where might he be goin'?" Jin asked.

"He'll be right back." Kurama replied. He ordered some drinks and knew what to order to not knock out anyone and make sure they were still clear headed to get home.

"Would you like an escourt?" Touya asked. "On the house."

"If you are offering." Kurama replied. "It'll be a quieter trip back."

"Were y' havin' a bit o' trouble?"

"Just a little." Kurama explained.

Shiori raised her eyebrows. Just a little?

Keiko nodded.

They fell into a quiet discussion for almost an hour on various subjects. Hiei had returned a while ago saying not a word and when asked about his whereabouts by the irrepressable Jin, simply said, "Hn."

Kurama left money on the table to pay for the drinks. He led the group back to Mosathar's.

"Well, come in! Here's what you ordered!"

Kurama took the delicately crafted ring gently. The ring's band was a silver fox. Where the head met the tail, there was a crimson rose flanked by two delicately crafted leaves that were metal, but emerald in color. The stem wrapped around the tail a couple of times.

Keiko gasped at the crafting of the ring. Everything was metal, even the rose, but the colors were so bright and true that they looked like gems.

"Magnificence." Kurama complimented. He slowly slid the ring onto Keiko's finger. It fit perfectly. "How you do it every time, Mosathar, is beyond me, but the next time I need a peice, I'll come to you."

"You pay handsomely, Youko. And know the quality of what you purchase. Those people are rare. I look forward to seeing you again."

"You've more than earned what I paid you. If there's any left after the fees, keep it as a tip."

The group of six left the craftsman's shop and quickly left Gandistra. The had a very quiet trip back to the portal that they had entered. It was now noon back home. Jin and Touya bid them a fond farewell. The two stayed in the Makai as the four who had entered the portal went back into the Ningenkai.

To be continued . . .