Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Mating ❯ Meetings ( Chapter 16 )

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

"The Mating"

Disclaimer: See chapter one!

AN:

Chapter 16- Meetings

Botan looked at the serious tableau in front of her. This group was never the most fun loving, but they were never this serious, either. This seemed to be a very dangerous situation. "So what do you think is going on?"

Kurama looked at the spirit guide. "I will play along with Koenma's game for now, however, there will come a time when we will have to stop being puppets for Koenma."

Botan asked, "Because of the threat?"

Kurama nodded. "The four of us have worked for him for a few years now. As badly as he used to react to apparitions breaking loose into the Ningenkai, a few of the one's lately, he hasn't needed to have us hunt down. We are all S-class, save for Kuwabara, who would rank as an A-class if he was a demon. These have all been so weak that we haven't needed our powers lately to take them out."

"The fact that all three of us are heirs to the entirety of the Makai wouldn't be coincidence, would it?" Hiei asked, sounding very much like his old self.

"Hey, Hiei, are you getting paranoid again?" Yusuke asked.

Kurama shook his head. "I don't think so." He turned to Keiko, "Did you want to go talk to Shizuru now? I promise that we'll fill you in later. I think this is going to get a little messy."

Keiko nodded and went over to the little table where Shizuru had placed the drinks, motioning her over.

Hiei gave a brief, gentle squeeze to Shizuru's shoulder. He placed his mouth directly next to her ear and dropped his voice so that only Shizuru could hear him. "Go, ask your questions. If you have any that she cannot answer, please, ask me."

Shizuru just nodded, standing up and joined Keiko.

"By the way, Kurama, that was just sweet, you up and mating Keiko like that!" Yusuke commented with affection for them both clear in his voice. "I was hoping that she would find someone worthy of her."

"Thank you, Yusuke." Kurama replied. "Now, on to the serious discussion on what is happening with Koenma and the Makai."

"Hey, is there any chance of us getting some food while we talk?" Kuwabara replied.

Yukina smiled, "Why don't I go in and see if there's anything I can prepare, Kazuma? I don't think I will be able to contribute to this discussion." She turned to Kurama, "Do you think your mother would mind?"

"No, I don't think she would mind at all. She's been under a lot of stress lately, which is undoubtedly why she's asleep now." Kurama replied. "My stepfather should be home any minute now, if he discovers you, just tell him who you are and that we are all out back."

"Okay." She gave a small bow and went inside.

Genkai looked at the remaining tableau. "Well, it looks like we are back to the core where we started."

"Indeed." Botan agreed.

"Yes, the non-fighters are all occupied and will be protected." Hiei replied. "At least as much as possible."

"Okay, Kurama, Hiei, what's going on? This smacks of paranoia, but makes too damn much sense." Yusuke asked, turning to the two older demons.

"It goes back to when Koenma completely, pardon the phrase, pissed me off last night." Kurama said, with some embarrassment.

Yusuke raised his brows, "Okay, now I'm interested. What happened?"

"Oh, my! Koenma actually managed to get you angry?" Botan asked.

Kurama only nodded.

"This is not to be taken lightly." Genkai added. "When someone of Kurama's temperment gets pissed, bad things tend to start happening. Want to tell us about it?"

"I will do it." Hiei replied for his embarrassed friend. "The core of it is that Koenma doesn't trust anyone with demon blood in him, or her. He accepted me on the team only because Kurama wouldn't join unless I was on the team as well. Koenma has never trusted me, barely trusted Kurama and mostly trusted you, Yusuke, until your demon blood overtook your human blood." He looked around, "Actually, of the group, the only ones that he really trusted were Kuwabara and maybe Genkai."

"If he completely trusted me, he was a fool." Genkai said, "I never worked for him. Not that he didn't want me to, though."

"Yeah, Grandma, you were still busy beating down demons, though." Yusuke added.

"Only because they got in my way, though. Remember, I didn't go on a crusade." Genkai replied. "There has always been some overlap between the Ningenkai and the Makai. The Spirit detectives were only supposed to be to capture demons who were out of control, actively killing humans, or were otherwise a very large danger. Koenma has taken this to mean all demons are dangerous and need to be confined to the Makai."

"Oh, that stinks!" Kuwabara commented. "I don't know how many times our rears have been pulled out of the fire by Hiei and Kurama. Sounds like he's paranoid, if you ask me."

"He is, to a great extent, Kuwabara, you're correct." Kurama replied. "He doesn't see how we can be called demons and be anything other than evil."

"But what about Yukina? She's about as sweet as you can get!" Botan interjected.

"Even so," Genkai replied, "She's only allowed to stay here in the Ningenkai as long as she lives in my temple, as a sort of control. I would never dream of hurting her and I know she would never hurt a fly. But all the same, Koenma trusts her no more than any other demon."

"And that," Hiei added with a bite in his voice, "Pisses me off. If he doesn't even trust Yukina, how does he manage to trust the rest of us?"

"I'll answer that," Kuwabara added, "I don't think he does."

"For once, I'm going to have to agree with Kuwabara." Yusuke replied. "Koenma has been keeping us busy, but it always seems as if there is something off about the assignments lately. Or am I alone in this?"

"No, Yusuke," Kurama told him, "These assignments are getting more numerous, even as they are getting more trivial. I would say he is trying to keep our minds from turning to the troubles in the Makai. Which would be our next order of business."

"I say we keep an eye on the Toddler, Detective, and go from there when we reach a decision." Hiei suggested.

Genkai nodded, Botan looked shocked, but didn't disagree. Kuwabara nodded as well. Yusuke winked and gave a 'thumbs up.' Kurama calmly nodded.

"Now, what's going on in the Makai?" Genkai asked.

"We're not really sure." Yusuke replied.

"A whole lotta unrelated stuff, from what I could make out." Kuwabara added.

"No, they're related, I'm sure. It's finding the connection that will be difficult." Kurama corrected his teammate.

"Kurama's right." Hiei affirmed. "It's nothing we will be able to get to the bottom of from this side, though."

"Someone want to elaborate?" Genkai asked looking around at the five boys.

"Yes, for those of us who weren't in on the conversation that you four had with Yomi and Mukuro." Botan added.

Hiei and Kurama with a little help from Yusuke, detailed what was going on. Kuwabara and Shuuichi stayed quiet as they didn't really understand Makai politics.

"The problem comes in," Kurama summarized, "Is that those three groups have always killed each other on sight before, at least the bandits and the rebellious warlords have. Catching the theives, which by nature come in groups of four or less usually avoid trouble just avoid the previous two."

Hiei nodded. "Kurama's right. These warlords have always wanted independence, but every time in the last 500 years they were given it, they ruined the land with their constant petty arguments."

Kurama agreed with his youko grin, "It made it remarkably easy to sneak in and snatch stuff, though."

"I don't know much about this from a historical standpoint, but that ambush this morning was remarkably well planned and I know I don't have any bandits that powerful in my realm." Yusuke added.

"No, you don't." Hiei confirmed. "The leader was a totally different class. The rest of them were obviously fairly high ranking bandits. Who also don't work with each other."

"Okay, I'm confused." Kuwabara stated trying to sort out this information.

"I think we're all a little confused, Kuwabara." Genkai stated as she put what information she had about the Makai in order and this was totally contradictory to everything she knew about it.

"And we will be, until we find the connection between the three groups." Kurama nodded. He looked over at his mate and Shizuru, wondering what they were talking about.

**********During the above conversation************

Keiko and Shizuru both got drinks. Keiko refilled her lemonaide, while Shizuru got a glass of iced tea.

"Okay, babydoll, I have a fire demon courting me. I need answers." Shizuru opened up the conversation.

Keiko smiled at Shizuru. "Hiei's courting you? How wonderful!" She took in the serious expression gracing the other woman's face, and asked, "What answers do you need?"

"Yukina told me some of it, but she kept blushing, and mumbling when she tried to explain it. What actually happens during mating? I got something disjointed about biting during, and then she mumbled again." Shizuru asked, suspecting what the answer was, but not sure.

Keiko lightly blushed, but went on, "During mating? It's exactly what it says. During sex, each of the two must bite the other on the neck."

Shizuru nodded. She had expected as much. "I was beginning to get that impression from the way Yukina's face kept getting redder than my brother's. Now, what happens? From the inside, not general knowledge. I was able to get plenty of general knowledge from Yukina. Apparently their parents were mated, though how they both knew that is beyond me."

Keiko took a deep breath and said, "I don't know on your last comment, but as for what being mated is like?" She thought for a good few minutes. "It's like you will never be whole again without the other being near. Your emotions must be involved, on both parties side, else you end up completely miserable. If Hiei's courting you, that means that he loves you, Shizuru. Demonic emotions seem to be much more intense than our human ones."

"I noticed that myself, thank you." Shizuru said dryly. "Never be whole." She added softly, looking over at Hiei. Could he really care about me that much? "So, sugar, what's it feel like?"

Keiko concentrated on their bond, speaking with an effort. "You are aware of where your mate is at all times and from what I have gathered from Hiei and Kurama both, depending on the strength of your bond, what is going on with them if you are not together."

Shizuru just looked at her quizzically. "How do you mean?"

Keiko opened her eyes. "Such as earlier, I was able to tell when Kurama was knocked out, as well as the fact that he was temporarily sealed off from his youki. He instantly felt it when I was injured as well."

"And the two of you mated when?" Shizuru was incredulous.

"Saturday." Keiko's voice turned dry. "It has been an interesting two days for me."

"So, in two days what has been happening to you?" She needed details. This she had not been expecting.

Keiko thought and detailed what her powers were becoming and how the changes were occuring.

"So, you will be becoming a kitsune like Kurama?" Shizuru asked.

"Yes. The only question is, when?" Keiko stated. "Kurama was studying that journal all afternoon while I slept, recovering from the poison."

"So, if I mated with Hiei, I would become what he is?" Shizuru asked for clarification.

"From what Kurama can find out from the book, yes."

"Well, kiddo, you've given me a lot of food for thought." Shizuru was shocked. Mating with a demon wasn't just asking them to share their lives in the conventional sense! She thought frantically, I would turn into what he is? How would I cope?

"I have a question for you, Shizuru, if you don't mind." Keiko asked, taking advantage of the pause in the barrage of questions.

"Shoot." Shizuru replied, gratefully seizing the chance to focus her thoughts.

"How do you feel about Hiei?" Keiko asked, worried for someone whom she was starting to see as a brother.

"That's the question of the century, Keiko." Shizuru replied. She tried to put her thougths in some kind of organization. "I didn't even know that he cared for me before last night. And some of his abilities, are almost frightening."

"It's still him, though, Shizuru. Are you afraid of Kurama in his demon form?" Keiko pressed, using the only other demon whom she could think of that Shizuru had a good working relationship with.

"No, though some of his plants make me a little nervous." Shizuru started, then clarified her statement. It was completely true. It wasn't him that she had problems with, just his plants.

Keiko pressed her advantage. "It is no different. Hiei's attacks, from what I understand, are related to his Jagan eye, which he had implanted. Mating with him would not make you the exact same as he is now. You would become what he was born as."

This knowledge was somewhat reassuring. "I see what you're saying, and he's making me understand that he would never hurt me. I still don't know what I feel. I've never seen him be anything other than cold, save for today. Please explain what happened to me, if you know." Shizuru asked, wanting to know what had brought such a change to the being who was courting her.

Keiko understood the confusion going on in Shizuru's mind. "How well do you know Kurama's human mother?"

"I don't." Was the blunt answer. "He always tried to keep his demonic connections as far removed from his family as possible."

Keiko thought for a moment. "That makes this a little harder to explain. But she broke his emotions loose." She started explaining what happened in Kurama's old den. When she came to the part about Shiori hugging Hiei, Shizuru sat bolt upright.

"He actually let her hug him?" Shizuru exclaimed. She understood a bit more with this information. Hiei had always been tender underneath, it was all a facade to hide himself! She remembered his tirade earlier which brought to mind the old addage, never judge a book by it's cover. She realized that she had indeed been guilty of committing that misjudgement of his character. Kurama's eyes had always given him away, but Hiei's mask was perfect. Hiei could really be cold though, too. She touched his tear-gem at her throat. She looked over at Hiei again, trying to see beneath the facade that he always seemed to be wearing, save for when he was only amoung people that he completely trusted. There had always been tension between Hiei and her brother and several times she could have sworn they would kill each other, but they never even began. She sighed, hopelessly confused. "What do you think of him?"

"Truth to tell, I think you could do much worse, but only if you love him as he loves you. If you don't, then let him go." Keiko told her. "Mating is not to be done lightly or quickly, in spite of the example put forth in Kurama and I."

"Yeah, what did happen there? One day you two weren't even dating, and the next, you mated?" Shizuru asked, her curiousity getting the better of her.

Keiko blushed brightly, but explained. "Apparently youkos are different from most demons. They give off a mating scent, kind of like an aphrodesiac when they are finally with the one they love. Well, the only way for it to be counteracted is Mating. It provides the trigger for the youko's body to stop producing it, and it counteracts the effects occuring in the other's body."

Shizuru raised her brows, remembering earlier. Hiei had well and truly showed her just how much he did care about her. "Well, I would guess that Hiei's body doesn't produce something like that. Either that, or he has an iron will." She dryly commented. "I'll ask Hiei about it. You wouldn't know that one."

"Does this mean that you are actually considering being his mate?" Keiko replied.

Shizuru considered the question, wishing she actually had an answer for Keiko. She realized that she was indeed considering it, but didn't want to commit that final step just yet. "Well, I would like to get to know who he actually is underneath that whole thing first, but I'm beginning to think that the only way I will ever truly know him is to Mate with him."

Keiko looked at the other woman. "Just, don't shortchange yourself, or Hiei."

"You worry about him alot, don't you?" Shizuru had never known that Keiko and Hiei were particularly close.

Keiko smiled, replying, "Let's just say that he is a friend, now anyways. Kurama had to explain what friendship was counted as in the Makai, and I'm starting to see how. I think I'm starting to get some of the same intensity as Kurama and Hiei have." Keiko clarified, realizing that it was the truth. The intensity was something she'd have to mention to Kurama later. In some wierd way she realized that she loved all of them. Kurama was her mate, but now she could see where the Makai definition of friends could mean lover. She shivered as she imagined hating someone as thoroughly as she cared for these people.

Shizuru realized that could be a real danger. "That's the other thing that worries me. If I feel things this acutely sometimes now, how will it be if I acquire demonic emotions too?"

Keiko smiled softly, "How do you think it was for Hiei and Kurama all these years? Neither of them are what one would call unscathed. Betrayal hurts and both of them have more than enough pain without any additional."

Shizuru thought about what Keiko said. "So what are you telling me?"

"Are you actually asking for advice?" Keiko replied, unwilling to actually give such out unless specifically asked.

Shizuru sighed. She needed some, badly. "Yes, babydoll, I think I am."

"Find out what you feel before making a decision. Hiei doesn't need to be hurt anymore than he already has been and neither do you." Keiko told her with a pointed look at the lighter that she had carried ever since the Dark Tournament as Shizuru lit up another cigaret.

"I think I understand. Thanks, Keiko." Shizuru replied. "Now, shall we go rejoin the guys?"

Keiko nodded. She refilled her lemonaide, long since empty and brought it with her. She gracefully sat down next to Kurama who promptly put his arm around her. She wordlessly offered the glass to her mate.

Kurama nodded, taking it from her and sipping. He was still focused on the conversation, but took a moment to say, "Thank you." as he handed it back to her.

Keiko noticed that Shizuru had picked a spot at Hiei's feet and had sat.

Hiei reached down to reassure himself that she really had come back from her conversation with Keiko. He knew better than to assume that one conversation would convince her, she was as skittish as he could be. As he met her eyes, he was reassured. She seemed to accept it a little more, if the look in her eyes was saying anything. There were also other questions he could see just waiting to be asked.

Genkai continued speaking, "So let me see if I've got this straight. The ultimate result of this whole mess is that you three will probably be taking over the Makai before the end of the summer and leaving the Ningenkai except for maybe the occaisional visit."

Kurama nodded. "I can't help but feel that this is playing right into someone's trap."

Yusuke slammed his fist into his hand, "Yeah, I hate this!"

"Then I suggest we spring the trap." Hiei added, anger clear in his voice over the way they were being manipulated. "Either that, or disarm it."

"I think this one's a little too complex for me to disarm in three months, at least without more study." Kurama stated.

"This one took a lot of work, from the sounds of it." Kuwabara added.

"More than that, Kuwabara." Kurama clarified, clearly worried. "This one also took some blackmail and a very good convincer."

"The question becomes, what did he convince them of?" Hiei asked.

"Somehow," Botan said, "I get the feeling that if we find that out, we find out who."

Shuuichi had just sat there absorbing the knowledge. He was learning more about the way these four thought than he would have believed. Genkai he was still a little clueless on and Botan seemed to be an airhead with a brain. The other four were almost seemless in their teamwork.

Yukina came out and bowed once again. "Kurama, your father is home."

"Hello, sons." Hatanaka greeted them as he looked about at the assembled tableau. "Who are these people?"

"I am sorry for inviting them over without asking you first. We had a number of very interesting things happen today, and it's caused some concern." Kurama told his stepfather.

"Just some?" Genkai replied. "I thought the whole day was cause for concern."

"Would you please just explain what's going on?"

Hiei looked at the man who was married to the woman who had adopted him. "You might want to sit down first. We will explain as best we can."

"Dad, please, do as they say." Shuuichi added. "This stuff is starting to make my brain hurt."

"Doesn't show, kid." Yusuke told him.

"Hey, Urameshi, this stuff makes my head hurt!" Kuwabara stated.

"Baby brother, most things make your head hurt." Shizuru retorted.

Hiei gave a very small smile. He was trying to refrain from calling him his favorite nickname.

Hatanaka just looked around at the assembly. Kurama was sitting there with a very serious look on his face, nodding. That was what convinced him. His stepson usually had a serious look, but this was far worse. The old lady standing there also inspired confidence. There were two strange looking girls, one with blue hair and one with aqua colored hair. A normal looking older girl, mid-twenties he would guess was sitting at Hiei's feet. There were two strange looking older teens, maybe the same age as Keiko, one had slicked back black hair, the other had extremely short carrot-top hair. The latter two looked as hardened as Hiei and Kurama.

Kurama looked at his stepfather as he sat down and perused the group. "Sir, I'd like you to meet Yusuke, the leader of our team."

"Hiya." Yusuke nodded at the man.

Kurama went on with the introductions, pausing for each to say something. "Kazuma Kuwabara, another member of our team."

"Glad to meet you." Kuwabara nodded respectfully.

"Shizuru Kuwabara, his sister."

"Howdy." This was said with a casual wave.

"Botan, she works for Koenma."

"Hel-lo !" This was said with a big smile and a wave.

"Yukina, Hiei's sister."

"Pleased to meet you." This was said with a polite bow.

"And last but not least, this is Master Genkai. She trained Yusuke."

"Greetings." Genkai didn't move, she just acknowledged the introduction.

Kurama looked around, "Everyone, this is my stepfather, Kazuya Hatanaka."

"So, what was this gathering for?" Hatanaka asked.

"Mostly to discuss what happened today." Kurama explained, "You see, Shiori and I were kidnapped today."

Hatanaka bolted upright, "What?!? Are the two of you okay?"

"Yes, we are, but the reason why was a whole different issue."

"It looks like the group of us are being used again." Yusuke added. "Damn that toddler!"

"Urameshi! There are ladies present!"

Genkai looked at Kuwabara, "You have a kind heart, but such will not get you anywhere with Koenma. He'll only use you."

"Yes, exactly like Sensui." Hiei added. "And we all know where he ended up."

"Yeah, I remember." Kuwabara replied.

"So what does this have to do with Shiori and Kurama being kidnapped?" Hatanaka asked.

"This is all a very elaborate trap, Father." Shuuichi replied. "Designed to do something with Yusuke, Hiei and Kurama!"

"But the question is, what's the trap?" Hatanaka asked.

"Look, if you can figure it out, more power too you. We haven't got a clue!" Yusuke replied angrily, trying to be polite and not call him Old Man. He seemed very respectful and not tolerant of nicknames.

"Excuse me," Yukina said as she got up, "I must tend our dinner, as Kurama's mother is not capable of doing it quite yet."

"Yukina, can you-?" Kurama started to ask, only to be interrupted by Yukina.

"I have already done so, Kurama-san. There is nothing wrong with your mother, just great fatigue and mental stress." Yukina replied before bowing slightly and going back into the house.

Kurama sighed deeply.

"Fox, you should remember also that what they used to knock her out also has the side effect of causing great tiredness for that day. It's why they used to use it as they did." Hiei reminded his friend.

"You're right, of course, Hiei. I had forgotten that side effect completely."

"You never did half the things I did, either." Hiei reminded him.

Kurama only nodded. "Is there anything else that we need to talk about?"

"I think we've about covered it all. Only thing that's left is how to train Shuuichi." Yusuke replied. "At the end of the school year, depending on how far Keiko's transformation is, you'll take over Gandistra, Hiei'll take over Mukuro's third, and I'll go full time. Man this stinks!"

Genkai looked at the surprised and puzzled look on Hatanaka's face, "Yes, that's right. At the moment you have the future leaders of the entirety of the Makai in your house."

"How did this manage to happen?" He asked faintly.

Botan looked over, "And from what I understand Koenma-sama saying, your son should be the next Spirit Detective!"

"Easy, Botan. We don't want to poor guy to fall over dead with a heart attack." Genkai told the ferry girl.

Hiei just looked over, "I have never been one to believe in coincidence."

"Damnation! Don't tell me this is another conspiracy!" Yusuke told his friends.

"For all we know, Yusuke, they could be part of the same conspiracy." Kurama corrected them.

Yusuke groaned. "Damn! Remind me about this the next time I think you two are paranoid!"

Kurama just smiled fondly over at their leader while Hiei's eyes were amused.

Kuwabara just groaned and shook his head. "Ya know, conspiracies really stink!"

"I agree baby bro. Looks like we've both found our way into a doozy here, though." Shizuru replied, placing her hand over Hiei's where it rested on her shoulder.

"Was there any other order of business?" Botan looked around, preparing to stand up.

"Yes, there was Botan." Kurama told her. "If you would, please just tell Koenma that it took a lot of convincing for me to agree to the journal. We don't need Koenma getting even more suspicious of us than he already is."

"Yes, that would be a bad idea." Genkai added. "I don't know who's worse, him, or his father. Koenma didn't use to be so paraniod. I think the episode with Sensui going off the deep end and nearly destroying the entire Ningenkai did something to him."

Botan nodded. "While at the time that Sensui was working for him I was a simple ferry girl, I don't remember him obssessing about things this much."

"I thought it was priceless with Shiori setting him on his ear." Hiei smiled in reminiscence.

"Maybe I should recommend a counsellor to him?" Yusuke added with a laugh.

"I think we are getting off subject here." Kurama firmly brought the conversation back into a controlled state.

"Now I know why I don't need to be here." Genkai replied, glad to know that someone would keep them focused on the problem at hand. "Kurama, how bad do you think this is going to get before it's done?"

Kurama shook his head as he replied, "I wish I knew." This was said very soberly. "Someone is obviously trying to take down Koenma's most powerful Spirit Detective team. This is not idlely done."

"You don't think the old goat is behind this, do you?" Hiei asked, referring to Yomi.

Kurama thought about it, then replied, "If he is, well, let's just say, he's going about this in a very bizarre way." He added, after thinking a moment more. "And this isn't his style. The kidnapping was completely his style, but this plot? Not unless he's changed more than I'm reading him to have."

Yukina came out, "Supper is done, if everyone would like to come in. Hatanaka-san, would you do the honor of waking up your wife so she can eat?"

Botan said, "That's my cue! I'd better be off to report! I'll try not to give you guys away, okay!" She summoned her oar and flew off.

Hatanaka just watched the ferry girl depart. "What?"

"Botan's way of transporting between Reikai and Ningenkai." Genkai explained, then shooed the rest into the house, saying. "Now, I suggest we all go in and enjoy Yukina's cooking."

With that they went in, Keiko grabbing the tray of drinks on the way in.

To be continued . . .