Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Mating ❯ Enter Toguro ( Chapter 21 )

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

"The Mating"

Disclaimer: Didn't own it then, still don't own it.

AN: To date this is my absolute longest chapter yet, just so you know. They are a bit longer from here on out, though. Thank you to my wonderful reviewers! Last time I was really rushed, so here are some additional thoughts and such to my lovely reviewers.
Brollysan, *blushes* thanks for the compliment!
Rabidfangirl101, Thanks for the praise on the Yukina/Kuwabara scene, was wondering at myself as I wrote it, but . . . Glad you liked it.
Morwen re, Do I still qualify for those cookies? Ice cream cones are always appreciated too, though.
Mehi, Don't know if I replied to you earlier or not, if not, gomen and hope this makes up for it. Glad you're enjoying the story.

Chapter 21- Enter Toguro

Genkai walked around on patrol. She wasn't sure exactly who should take over after they were done. There was no sign of any demons in the area, period. That in itself was more than a little strange. Most took one look in the sky though and did not dare to cross the Toushin who had taken over these lands.

Genkai looked towards her young protege affectionately called the Dimwit. He looked so peaceful there curled up with Botan and Puu. Puu really was a reflection of Yusuke's inner self. He was strong and fiercely protective of anything that he saw as part of his family. Genkai raised her brows as she heard familiar sounds coming from the woods off to one side of the clearing and she knew who that had to be. She shook her head. Kitsunes never changed, no matter what they were doing, they would find time to have sex. Then again there was the fire demon and his mate. She softly smiled as Kuwabara curled up with Yukina. She sat back, wondering what would happen between herself and Toguro.

She sat there feeling around for any ki at all and not finding any except for those that she was travelling with. It was kind of a shock for her to feel a familiar large hand rest on her shoulder.

Genkai looked up, knowing who she would find there. Her first thought was that he wasn't in his demon form that she had seen through the eyes of Puu, but he was still in his human form. He still looked like he was around his late twenties. She couldn't speak for a moment but when she did open her mouth, he quickly hushed her and indicated with only a motion of his head that he would like to talk with her off to the side.

They went just beyond the clearing to a field and sat down next to each other. Neither spoke for several minutes when Genkai finally broke the silence. "Why?"

"What do you mean? Do you mean why did I return or why did I kill you?" He quietly asked.

"Both are good questions. I won't ask how you returned, as I know that Koenma does not have the authority to pull souls out of limbo. But why were you specifically brought back? And were any others?" Genkai asked.

"I don't know if any other souls were brought back, I only know of my own so far. As for why, well, let's just say that Sakyo wasn't the only crazy out there."

"Are you telling me that-" Genkai asked, true shock showing on her face.

"Koenma's paranoia, and I know he's paranoid, is stemming from his father's worsening condition. Koenma actually tried to talk me into a lighter sentence, and I wouldn't have expected that of him. Enma's trying to take control of the entirety of the Makai by causing enough chaos and confusion. He doesn't understand demons. You and I know this very well."

Genkai watched the deadpan expression. There was very little within Toguro's voice or mannerisms to show when he was nervous, or excited. His sunglasses were everpresent, covering his eyes. "I think I can suspect why you killed me. I knew you would, and prepared myself for that eventuality. I would rather you killed me, than for you to despise the old hag that I inevitably must become and you rejected."

"In favor of becoming a demon, you mean." Toguro turned away. "I did. This is not to say that I had no regrets. If I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have made this choice, either. But I did." He looked at her. "This is almost all irrelevant now. King Enma's your enemy, though he's hiding himself behind his son's paranoia."

"Did he explain anything to you?"

"Just enough, but I've never been as stupid as I look, or sound sometimes and that could be his undoing in this situation. The best thing Koenma ever did was make Yusuke the Spirit Detective. That boy cares about people. I've even heard it said in the fields around here. He doesn't care what they look like, what he cares about is who you are. You made a good choice in your successor, too."

"So tell me, are you going to kill me again, Toguro?" Genkai asked emotionlessly.

"Not unless you really want me to. I need someone to be my partner and I saw what Kurama did to my brother. A better fate for him I could not have picked myself. He was always insanely jealous of you." The two were sitting quite close and he reached an arm out to pull her closer to his side. "Believe it or not, I've missed this and you."

Genkai almost caught herself giggling as she sometimes did back when she was younger. Instead she just smiled. "Guess I now have my two favorite dimwits to look after." She said as she just rested against his side.

"I still can't help but wish that you looked like you did, though. I miss that beautiful face of yours."

"Me, too. Getting old sucks."

They rested in silence, just looking out over the darkened field for a time when he asked, "So, what do you think is the situation in the Makai?"

"Certainly not the same as the last time I was here. It's much more peaceful then it ever has been. Yusuke keeps the bandits in line over here, he's also recruited some familiar faces from the Dark Tournament. Chuu and Rinku are both at his castle full time and Jin and Touya both work for him as well, though I think Touya might change to Kurama's allegiance once Kurama takes over for Yomi, who's planning on turning everything over to Kurama by the end of this summer. Hiei will be taking over Mukuro's territory at the same time Kurama does."

"There's another miscalculation for Enma. The teamwork between those three is so strong that he would literally have to kill one of them to tear it apart. I created bonds using hatred, Yusuke creates them with loyalty. He's by far the wiser of the two of us. He has you to thank for that, though he would deny it."

"And does frequently." She replied dryly. "Though I find Kurama's assesment closer to the truth. As one family, with Yusuke binding us all together."

"For all his callousness, he really is tenderhearted when it comes to his friends. So is what I'm hearing from the farmers the truth? Is Yusuke an S-class now?"

Genkai only nodded. "Ever since his Toushin within him woke up, yes. Kurama and Hiei have worked hard and tirelessly to match him. I would guess that Kurama's not too far from another tail. Yusuke's still stronger than either of them, but not by much. They are also the first S-class youkai in the history of the Reikai to mate with a human."

"I doubt that highly, Genkai. We're just not seeing the whole picture." Toguro told her, "Remember the times before the barriers between the worlds was up? You and I studied them in particular detail. While never completely peacefully, human and demons have cohabited before."

Unnoticed behind them, Yusuke opened one eye and listened to the conversation that his old mentor was having with the person who had already killed her once.

She had forgotten just how sharp his mind really was. "So what do you think Enma's really trying to do here?"

"I wish I knew. I even understood Sakyo, as twisted a mind as he had. Enma's closed to me. He has some kind of scheme going here, and I would also like to know what it is."

"No one ever knows what Enma's up to. He really didn't like Yusuke becoming his son's spirit detective, but what he's done since then. The Meikai(Underworld) tried to take over the Ningenkai, but this is the other way around. We really can't wipe both of them out, Reikai and the Meikai. But all the same, we're going to have to tread very carefully since Enma's behind this. Koenma's young enough that we can still work around him."

"Indeed. Trying to work around Enma is a bit difficult, if not impossible."

"Yeah, but if you think I'm going to give the Makai to anyone, you have another thing coming, Toguro." Yusuke said from behind them with a hardened voice. "I see you're not trying to kill Grandma."

"No, Yusuke, I'm not." Toguro said before slowly turning around. He saw Yusuke standing there, in his demon form still, with Botan standing slightly behind him. "You have indeed become S-class. Our fight caused me to jump to an A."

"Hooray for you. I got a question for you, since you seem in a talkative mood." Yusuke paused before one who used to be his arch-rival, many years ago. He looked hard into the expressionless face. "Would you want to come work for me?"

"You want me to work for you?"

"Yeah. I liked you, in a way. I just needed to know not to emulate you. Kinda like my mom." He gave a wry smile. "Ya know, love her all you want, just don't follow in her footsteps."

"That was my greatest fear with Shizuru." Genkai said quietly. "That her bitterness would eat her from the inside out. Looks like she's been saved from that, anyway."

"Yeah, by the most unlikely savior, Hiei." Yusuke replied with a chuckle. "Now, we can decide what to do next."

Genkai explaned to Toguro dryly, but not without her own brand of humor, "We have sort of a bizarre 'to do' list going."

"Yeah, and next up is help Hiei and Kurama with their mates any way that we can. After you give me your answer." Yusuke told Toguro. "You can either come back with us, or you can stay here in my castle. Either way, we have several issues going on, and get this, Yukina and Kuwabara are mated, so it is undecided on whether they will stay at the temple with Genkai, or if they will stay elsewhere. If they do stay elsewhere, I would like someone to guard them."

"I see. I don't think I would be a very wise choice. I was at Tarukane's, remember? I'll stay here. Take Jin, Touya or Chuu. I'll stay here."

Genkai looked surprised. "Then I'll stay here, as well. I need to get to know this old partner of mine that once killed me."

"I'll see if I can locate Touya then, he can blend in the best with the normal world." Yusuke told him. "I wouldn't have expected it of ya, Toguro. Quite honestly, I was testing you with the offer of the mission. If I recall correctly, you were the one who made Yukina cry for that bastard last. I wouldn't have wanted her haunted by those memories, especially as she's pregnant now. She should have an easy time with this. I was thinking of asking the two if they wanted to move to the castle anyway, hell, more the merrier, right?"

"I was right. You are more dangerous than Enma knows." Toguro told him. "You are very dangerous in that you can draw others of power to you and make them loyal to you. So where are Jin and Touya?"

"Off looking for you, actually. They spotted you and came to report to me, but when they got back, you had disappeared. They should be back again in the morning." Yusuke just looked at Toguro. "I'll have Jin escourt you back to my castle so that my folks back there know that you're my new head of the guard. I have a special project in mind for Chuu. I shall assume there's no one else in the area?"

"Just your tenants and us. There were a couple of bandits in the area, but I took care of them." Toguro told him.

"Well, thanks. I'll make sure you get back pay." Yusuke replied. "So let's all get a couple of hours of sleep. It'll take us at least a day to get back to the Ningenkai. You led us on a very merry goose chase. Just wanted to make sure that you were one of the good guys."

"I don't know if I'll ever qualify as that, Yusuke."

"But look at the bright side!" Botan said, "At least you're not trying to kill him now."

"Well, this is true. He could defeat me with ease."

"Just don't go on any rampages. I would hate to have to kill you." Yusuke told him.

***********In the morning*************

"Rise an' shine, Urameshi!" Jin looked over the camp with his partner. "It looks like we were na needed after all!"

"Yes, but we still must report." Touya told him. He had to smile wistfully about the situation of everyone in this camp. He could barely make out Hiei and Shizuru sleeping in a tree off to the side. He could feel two fox presences beyond them and then there were the six, seven if you counted Puu around the campfire itself. Puu had a wing folded over their lord and Botan, who he would guess were cuddled up together judging by how close their heads were. The human who had taken out Risho was curled around the same ice apparition that had come to him in the Dark Tournament. He just shook his head at the last sight. There lay the object of their search. He was stretched out on the ground, using his trench coat as a pillow, well, part of it. Genkai was using the other half of it, radiating away from him.

"Must you make such a racket first thing in the morning?" Hiei told them grumpily.

Shizuru was right behind him. "Morning guys."

"Well, ya know fer yerself just how hard Urameshi is t' wake up!" Jin said defensively.

Kurama and Keiko came into the clearing. Keiko was still rubbing her eyes and yawning. "Good morning." Kurama said to them all. He looked over at Puu and smiled. "That looks sweet."

Keiko just looked at Kurama and asked, "Think it's anything like our situation? Loved each other for years, but never told anyone?"

Kurama smiled down at his mate, "I think it's entirely possible. Though there was one person who knew of my feelings." He motioned over to Hiei.

Genkai rolled over and faced them, "While it's fascinating listening to you, I think we need to wake up the Dimwit."

Toguro sat up, asking, "Which one?"

"The one which has died twice, unlike the two of us who've only died once." Genkai told him.

"Though they do make a cute couple." Shizuru commented. "Who's turn is it to cook? I'm starved."

Kurama spoke up, "I do believe it is my turn. Did we want meat, or vegetarian?" Seeing no input coming around, but knowing some of the preferences in the group, he loked at Hiei.

Hiei just raised his brows at the fox. "Come Shizuru. I think we're being asked to get a rabbit or two."

Shizuru looked in surprise at her mate.

"I have to teach you how to hunt sometime and better now than later." Hiei told her.

The two left the clearing. Kurama chuckled at watching his friend. He would have to do the same thing somewhat soon, but at the moment, harnessing her powers came first. He used the same circle of stones they had used the night before to hold the fire. He used a fire weed cluster for a fire, the leaves literally were flames, fortunately they were also somewhat rare. He gave some seeds to Keiko, telling her to harvest leaves, or in some cases vegetables. He got to work with some other seeds, creating a plant cauldron that would conduct heat, but was fireproof. He took some of their store of water they had gathered from the night before and set about making a stew, just as Hiei and Shizuru came back with Hiei carrying two rabbits, skinned and cleaned.

Shizuru looked a little green, but didn't say anything as she sat down.

"Your own portable kitchen, eh, fox?" Hiei asked with some amusement at the entire thing done with plants.

"It sure beats roughing it and seeds are easier to carry then the actual items."

Botan stirred before either Puu or Yusuke. She blushed deeply at seeing the ensemble. "Why didn't you wake us up?"

"I woulda thought I could wake anyone! Turns out I was mistaken'." Jin told her brightly.

"Indeed. Normally Jin can almost wake the dead when he wants to." Touya looked around. "It looks as if we are no longer needed, here. Shall we go?"

"Not so fast." Yusuke said from behind them. "Kurama, whatever you're making, it smells great!"

"You needed to talk to us, my lord?" Touya asked.

"Well, more in the nature of asking a couple of questions." He replied. "Let's go over there so we're not trying to talk over my stomach."

The three walked off.

"Well, then, what were y' wantin' t' talk about?" Jin asked.

"I need to know if you guys would mind if I gave you separet assignments for a while." Yusuke asked them, a serious look on his face.

The two looked at each other. "How long is a while?" Touya asked.

"I don't know. I have a rather long term assignment in mind for you, Touya. You've mentioned that you were thinking of spending time in the Ningenkai, are you still?"

"I am still, yes." Touya replied quietly.

"So, the question becomes, Jin, can you keep an eye out for bandits by yourself?" Yusuke asked.

"I can. It'll be a little lonely, though."

"How about if Rinku went with you? I know it's not the same, but he needs to start learning how to do something besides his excellent fighting skill." Yusuke said in response.

"Wha' about Chuu?" Jin asked, while Touya just looked intreged.

"I have a special assignment in mind for him, much as with Touya." Yusuke said. "As a matter of fact, that would be your first order of business. Escourting Chuu to my mother's apartment."

Jin just looked at Yusuke as if he'd lost his mind. "If yer certain about this, Urameshi."

Yusuke nodded. "Touya, I need you to stay with Kuwabara, who's increasingly just going by Kazuma, as we all know, demons have no last names, just lineage. However, it's looking like he and I are going to have the increasingly occupying job of standing guard since Keiko and Shizuru are changing even faster than anyone anticipated. I am also charged with training Kurama's younger stepbrother as my replacement."

"Sounds like everyone is in for interesting times." Touya said.

"Then you agree to the assignment?" Yusuke asked.

"Yes, my lord, I do. Jin, will you be okay without me?"

"Aye, ah'll be okay. Not t' say that I won't be missin' y', but we can't be havin' everythin' now can we?" Was the reply that he gave Touya.

"I'll see you around, then, guess I'll be travelling with the lord and them for a while."

"Jin, I'll need you to escourt Toguro and Genkai to my castle informing them that Chuu is being reassigned and Toguro is now the head of the guards. Then you will proceed to escourt Chuu to my apartment in the Ningenkai and take Rinku with you." Yusuke yawned, then grimaced as his stomach gave a particularly loud grumble. "However nothing is being done before breakfast."

The trio made it back to the campfire just as Kurama was serving Yukina a bowl, only vegetables and broth, being the one in most need of nutrition, she was served first. He then went back to serving Keiko and Shizuru some, with both meat and vegetables. He then served everyone else a bowl of the stew.

As they all ate, Hiei looked at Yusuke, "So what's the plan now?"

"We lay low until the ladies can defend themselves. We learned last night that Koenma's not responsible for all this crap, it's his father." Yusuke replied grimly.

Botan just looked downcast. "I always knew that Enma didn't trust youkai, but I never dreamed that it would be as bad as this! He sees the stability of the Makai as a threat, most likely. I learned also that he was against either of your paroles. Youkai to him must either be contained, or locked up, which amounts to the same thing." She looked around at all of her friends, some of the few that a grim reaper could call friends. She saw Hiei's look of disgust, whether at her or what she said, she didn't know. Kurama just looked on with compassion. Shizuru and Keiko both looked at her in sympathy before looking at their mates, then embracing them fiercely. Genkai and Toguro's impassive mien, though there seemed to be a softening there. Touya and Jin, who just made her smile slightly. She finally looked up at Yusuke, who gave her a tender smile.

"Easy, Botan. We've brought down some big fish, between the four of us. We'll figure out what to do with this too." His voice then hardened. "Though I can't say that I'm looking forward to trying to bring down Enma himself."

Hiei had seen the fleeting look of sadness cross the ferry girl's face when she had looked at him and knew it was because of his look. "Botan, I mean nothing against you. It was Enma that I was disgusted at."

"Indeed. Thinking that we are so shallow that we cannot govern ourselves?" Kurama added. "I could get angry myself. This is no idle threat. Koenma angered me, yes, with his unfounded paranoia, and the information he wanted on my mate. Enma simply wants us completely controlled and I will stand against that."

Hiei looked at his best friend, "Hn." was all he said by way of agreement.

Yusuke gave a wicked grin. "You know I don't like someone pulling my strings. Be careful, with Toguro being brought back, though, we can't guarentee how many old enemies have been brought back. We could come across anyone." He looked deliberately at Kurama.

Kurama softly replied, "Yes, I know, even Karasu. But Yusuke, I'm stronger now than I was then. Closer to who I once was, without the flaws in my personality."

Keiko hugged him tightly, remembering that fight vividly. Kurama reached around and held her to him, placing her in his lap and then wrapping his tail around her waist.

"Well, thanks fer breakfast, Urameshi! I'll be off t' yer castle now! I still think yer daft, but I'll do it!" Jin said as he just took to the air.

Yusuke looked around at the remaining collection, before yelling at the top of his lungs, "JIN, GET BACK HERE! YOU FORGOT SOMETHING!"

Jin came back, looking at Yusuke. "Wha' was I fergettin'?"

"You neeed to escourt those two." He pointed at Genkai and Toguro.

"Oh! Aye, sorry 'bout that, it slipped m' mind."

"Granny, just in case Jin here forgets, can you remind him? He's supposed to get Chuu and Rinku. Rinku will be travelling with him, Chuu is being escourted to my apartment and Toguro's being placed in charge of my guards."

"I'll remember." She gave a small smile, "And thanks, Yusuke, for letting me stay there as well."

"It's not a problem. I have too damn much space there as is and I'd rather have friends and family take it up than enemies. We'll see what happens from there, but I'm thinking we lay low for a while until the girls aren't quite as vulnerable as they obviously will be. Kurama and Hiei can continue training them as they understand their powers best and I'm still under obligation to train Kurama's stepbrother. We'll travel the long way back, I'm sure we need the time." Yusuke looked hard at Toguro. "There are a few things that I'm expecting when I actually arrive to deal with the bandit issue. One, my troops at least a semblance of sober, considering that Chuu has been in that position, I'm sorry. Two, you'd better not treat Genkai here with any disrespect. I'd hate to have to kill you again."

Toguro looked down at the toushin. "I don't think you have to worry about me, Yusuke. Especially now that I know what I do."

"Good, let's just keep it that way." Yusuke replied. "We all have our own destinations, then, so let's all get moving."

"Dimwit, take care of yourself. Don't bring any unnecessary attention to yourself or the team." Genkai told him.

Yusuke grimaced, but nodded. "I know, we'll mostly be laying low anyway, just due to the whole issue of Keiko and Shizuru. We don't want either one in danger." He looked off at the fields. "Looks like it's about a days travel to my castle by foot. I'll be seeing the two of you in about a month and a half, then." He was about to walk back to the rest of the group, when he turned to Genkai, "And Grandma, try not to kill too many of my guards."

"I'll try." Genkai and Toguro walked off with Jin flying overhead.

"I wonder what will happen there?" Hiei asked.

Shizuru looked down at her mate. "I don't know, Hiei. Last time she saw him, she knew he would kill her. Now, I don't know. She doesn't have the same feel as before, this time it's almost like she's finally coming back."

"Toguro made one fatal mistake when he was turned into a demon," Kurama said, "And that was the fact that he didn't learn about demons by living amoung them, such as what Yusuke did. He knew enough to slay demons, but living with or as one of us is a whole different story."

Keiko nodded. "I remember the one's at the Dark tournament. If that's all you have to judge demons by, then it is easy to misjudge them all."

Kurama nodded. "Even most of those were fairly well behaved. Most of what we've ended up dealing with are one's who are after the end of the Ningenkai. I think we're heading into a different era and if the two can learn to work together, I think most of the problems can be solved."

Botan said, "I really would like to get this problem solved."

"We all do, Botan. For the moment, though, I do believe Keiko and I are being trained in our abilities." Shizuru replied. "Nothing can be done at this point."

"Today, Keiko and I shall be travelling on the ground. I want to teach her about any of the plants and how to utilize them rather than through trial and error." Kurama told them. "It is also time to start training her illusion capablities. We've missed a whole week of school, which we've determined that we won't finish in any event, but we do have to return the school books."

"My lords, what would you have me doing?" Touya asked.

"Touya," Yusuke told him, "First of all, stop calling us lords. Kurama's gotten the folks at school half used to the rest of us calling him Kurama, as a 'nickname' so to speak, Hiei is just Hiei, I am either Yusuke or Urameshi and Kuwabara is usually just Kuwabara, though he has started taking the demon custom of no last name, which means we're trying to call him Kazuma."

"Yeah, and you're not always successful, either." was the reply.

"Just as often as you're successful calling me Yusuke rather than Urameshi. Course, Jin still calls me by my last name."

"He's always been strange, Yusuke." Touya replied. "How will you explain me to your friends?"

"You mean besides this group? Don't really have many. Keiko's always had a few friends, Kuwabara's had his three cronies forever and Kurama's always been aloof."

"In which case, Yusuke, how about we explain him as a cousin who came from out of town?" Kurama suggested.

"Yeah, but whose?" Yusuke asked.

"Mine won't work," Kuwabara said, "I don't have any relatives and it's kinda well known."

"How about mine?" Kurama suggested. "I have a few human relatives scattered here and there."

"Geeze, Kurama, you could have told me this before, ya know?" Yusuke replied.

"Well, I could have, but what was the point? Mother and I have always been self-sufficient and we're not that close with the other branches of the family. They're Father's relatives, anyway."

"Okay, so Touya is a cousin visiting suddenly from out of town. He's staying with Kuwabara why?" Yusuke asked rather incredulously.

"Because he has a guest room and I don't?" Kurama asked. "Rather a lame excuse, but true. Hiei has been given the guest room on a permanent basis. Shizuru's welcome, too."

"Hn."

"Quick save there." Shizuru commented. "I'm going to need to get in touch with work. Hopefully, I'll be able to give them a two-week notice, but I can't guarentee it."

"Since it's been decided to well and truly lay low, we're going to try to go to school for as long as possible. Hiei can tail Shizuru and work that out between the two of you. Kuwabara, I think Yukina will have to come with us to school for a while. She's pregnant and has very little to defend herself with. Between Kurama, Touya, Kazuma and myself, we should be able to keep Keiko and Yukina safe."

"But how are you going to explain my presence in the school?" Yukina asked.

"Urameshi, how about we tell the almost truth on this one? Say she's my fiance?" Kuwabara asked.

"You know, baby bro, that could work. And that could also explain all of our disappearance for almost a week." Shizuru approved.

"I'm not dumb, ya know." He retorted.

"Okay, okay, break it up you two." Yusuke told the two. "Okay, that explains Yukina and Touya. We can tell the truth about Hiei, too. Though most don't know that he's been there the whole time."

"I avoid contact with most Ningens, as you well know, Yusuke. I have no desire to be bored. I will keep an eye on my mate and expect that you and the baka will be able to protect my sister."

Botan, not one to be left out, piped in, "And what about me! Or should I be Yukina's cousin for an escourt?"

"That is not a bad plan." Hiei told her. "You can explain that in this clan, some of the closest relatives must go with the betrothed while they live with their betrothed for at least six months, as an observer."

"Well, then let's head out." Yusuke said. "The day's not getting any younger."

The day was spent in quiet travel. Once more, Yusuke was riding Puu and Botan was riding her oar. Touya kept a sharp eye out on the ground while Kurama and Hiei taught their mates what they could while they travelled.

They reached the portal quickly and went through, everyone breathing a sigh of relief when they closed it behind them. Kurama and Yusuke both changed back into their human forms and they agreed to call each other tomorrow after they determined what day of the week it was, by everyone's reckoning, it should be Sunday tomorrow, but with the small time fluctuations between the Makai and the Ningenkai, sometimes time fluctuated by a day or so, one way or the other.

Hiei and Shizuru went to her house to briefly pick up some of her things while Kurama and Keiko went straight to his house. Yusuke and Botan headed to Yusuke's apartment. Kuwabara and Yukina went to the Kuwabara residence, with Touya.

Kurama and Keiko went in, "Hello, Mother, I'm home!" He called out.

Shiori came from the kitchen. She immediately went over and gave them each a hug. "Come in, come in! I'm just putting the finishing touches on supper."

Shuuichi poked his head out from his room, "You're home!" He flew down the stairs. "Tell me everything!"

Kurama laughed, "This was actually a rather boring trip. We went, met with someone, found some information, and came home. Finding him was the hardest part."

Keiko nodded ruefully. "You can definately say that again! Even so, we didn't find him, he found us."

Hatakana came walking in from the living room. "So, boring trip, eh?"

"Yes. However we did learn some valuable information on this one. Until Keiko and Shizuru's transformation is complete, we are being forced to lay low at the moment."

Shiori looked at her son, "Shizuru?"

Kurama nodded. "Yes, it turns out Hiei mated with Shizuru that night before we left, as did Yukina and Kuwabara."

Shiori smiled, "I could see just how much Yukina cared for the young man." She smelled something from the kitchen and flew back in, "I hope it didn't burn!"

Kurama sniffed. "It didn't, but would have in another minute."

"Well, come in. Don't need to keep members of the household standing in the entryway!" Hatanaka told them.

Keiko and Kurama took off their shoes and walked with him into the living room. Kurama was already thinking of the information that Toguro had revealed. Koenma wasn't their enemy, Enma was. He was one of the elder gods, and not to be taken on lightly.

"Sir?" Keiko asked Hatanaka quietly.

He smiled at her. "What is it? You don't have to be so formal with me."

Keiko smiled back, "I was wondering, what day is it today?"

"It's Sunday night, why?"

Kurama's eyes met Keiko's. Both of whom in unison said, "School!"

Kurama quickly turned this information over. "Which means time did fluctuate this time. By a whole day!"

"But why would it fluctuate now and not before?" Keiko asked.

"The deeper you go into the Makai, the less stable the environment itself is. Time and space are sometimes only words."

"Not just time and space, Fox, reality, too, can only be a word." Hiei broke in with.

"Hi, guys." Shizuru said. "Sorry for just kind of barging in like this."

Shuuichi jumped up and asked, "So, you're Hiei's mate?"

Shixuru looked down at her mate and blushed. "Sure am."

"But you're so much taller than he is!"

"Well, kid, there's two phrases that come to mind there. Size doesn't always matter and sometimes big things come in small packages." Shizuru just laughed at the look of confusion on Shuuichi's face. "You'll understand, someday."

"Hiei, Shizuru, Keiko thought to ask already, it's sunday evening." Kurama quietly explained.

"Damn! That means back to work for me, and back to school for you two!"

"Not just us, but also Yusuke, Kuwabara, Yukina and Touya. It is unknown whether Botan will attend with them, though it would be a good idea, considering Yukina's condition to have another healer present."

"Hn." Hiei nodded. "I do not like having to rely on my sister for healings. Until her twins are delivered, she will be more and more restricted."

"Twins?" Hatanaka asked.

"My sister, being predominantly Koorime, when she mated, she concieved twins. They are currently staying with a friend of ours who is posing as a cousin of Kurama's."

"I was half debating asking Touya to stay here during the day and guard my mother, but I think it's best to concentrate on our group. Our real enemy is not after the humans in our lives, just us." Kurama quietly stated.

"I would like to know what Yusuke's plans are for Chuu." Hiei asked.

"The only thing that I can figure is that it has something to do with his mother." Keiko said, "But I know that his mother's been preying on his mind of late. She's so far gone to the alcohol she doesn't even try to be sober anymore."

Shizuru nodded. "Yeah, I'm surprised she doesn't have liver disease."

"But she does. It's only the beginning stages of it, so it's barely detectable." Kurama said sadly. "I don't know how long she'd have to live, but she's barely held herself together, and only because of her son." Kurama remained silent after he quietly stated that fact.

Keiko just buried her head in her hands burrowing into Kurama's shoulder, not wanting to think about it.

"So, Yusuke's mother is finally succeeding in her efforts to die." Hiei murmurred to himself. "I understand a little more, now. He's been more driven these last few weeks. We all know that demons have better noses than Ningens, it was only a matter of time before Yusuke noticed."

Shizuru gave a twisted smile, "Can't force someone to remain amoung the living, but man, she's picking one of the worst."

"How can you two be so-so . . ." Keiko floundered for a word, finally settling on , "Callous?"

"Kiddo," Shizuru replied, "Hiei and I have had very painful lives. I know that I for one contemplated killing myself more than once. Only one reason why I didn't, Kazuma. He needed me. I suspect that Hiei has been in a few fights as well that he contemplated throwing."

Hiei only nodded. "I have more things to do now. My sister has accepted me and I have mated. I found someone who cares for me as if I was one of her own, which I had only felt in the womb. I have more reasons to live now than to die."

Keiko ignored propriety and what Hiei would think of it and threw her arms around Hiei. "You are a friend!" She pulled back, sniffling. "If you ever die, I'll kill you myself!" She quickly released him and went back into Kurama's arms.

Hiei got a bemused smile on his face. "I never knew I was that much of a friend."

Shizuru put her arms around her mate. "Kiddo, next time warn me when you're about to do that. I'm still working on this demonic jealousy thing."

"Sorry, Shizuru."

"She truly meant nothing by it, Shizuru. Kitsunes in general, and female kitsunes in particular are very affectionate with their firends." Kurama explained.

"I've never seen you behave so openly." Shizuru commented.

"I have overcome that much, having to hold myself aloof from others. Hiei and Yusuke were my first two actual friends in this particular lifetime." Kurama nodded at Hiei.

Hiei nodded back. "Amoung the clans, female kitsune are not looked down upon for showering friends with hugs at the slightest provocation. They are also the scariest within the clans if you anger them."

Kurama could only nod. "No one in their right mind ever tries to anger a female kitsune. The only exceptions are the true commons, such as the reds, who are definately weakest amoung the kitsune."

*****************At Yusuke's********************

Botan and Yusuke entered the still filthy apartment. Yusuke immediately heard the snoring that indicated his mother was sleeping off another party. He went in to her bedroom, wondering if she would be there alone, or if there would be one of her friends in there with her, not that any of them ever seemed to care whether Atsuko was drunk or passed out. Fortunately she was alone.

Yusuke sat down on the bed, giving that soft smile that indicated that he did love whom he was either looking at or talking to. "Hey, Mother of the Year."

She stirred but didn't wake up.

"I'm home, Mom. Botan will be staying over for a while."

She rolled over, mumbling, "Whatever."

"I should have a friend coming over that I think you'll get along with just great." Yusuke told her as he got off the bed and stumbled out onto the couch, sitting down with his hands resting between his knees and his forearms resting on his knees. "Botan, what do I do? I know that her days are numbered. I can smell the fact that her liver isn't cleaning up the alcohol in her system. That's a painful way to go."

"It might be her time to go, Yusuke."

"I've never been one to quietly let the world go on around me, Botan. I know that she could die quicker in the Makai, but I want her to be happy, and I know the thugs that she hangs around with and her drinking partners don't make her happy. I'll see what Chuu thinks of my mother in the morning. She'll be sleeping most of the day, anyway." He went over to the watch that he kept on the TV for just such occaisions as longer trips to the Makai. "Shit! It's Sunday night! I was hoping we'd have a little time to rest, anyway!"

He quickly called Kuwabara to inform him not to stay up too terribly late and to have everyone ready for school in the morning. Touya complained that he had no school uniform, at which Yusuke supplied, "Check with Kurama, the two of you are almost the same size."

Yukina declined the Ningen attire, claiming she was more comfortable in her Kimono.

Yusuke just chuckled. "Can't force someone to join the modern age, especially not someone who's that old and used to wearing kimonos." He said as he hung up the phone.

"I suppose that means that I should wear a kimono too, tomorrow, after all, I am posing as their cousin." Botan said.

"Yeah. It would seem awkward if you showed up in normal clothing and she showed up in her kimono."

"Well, then, my pink kimono it is!" Botan exclaimed.

"Let's get something to eat and then we'll hit the sack." He looked at her. "This time, you take my room, I'll take the couch." He went into the kitchen, looking to see if his mother had by chance brought home something besides the booze that he knew he would find. He sighed, and brought out the ramen that he kept on hand.

Botan came into the kitchen. "So, what is there to eat?"

"Only the thing that's always on hand. Ramen."

He quickly prepared the ramen and sighed over the dishes. "Looks like I'll have to clean the place in between training Shuuichi and school."

Botan smiled at him. "I'll help. What are your plans with Chuu?"

"The two are so close to each other's personalities that I'm hoping they might be able to, oh, I don't know! Hell, who am I trying to fool!" Yusuke picked desultorily at his ramen.

"Oh, Yusuke, don't you know that your attitude of never giving up was one of your first qualities that I actually noticed? I mean besides your punk one, anyway."

"Thanks, Botan." Yusuke finished his ramen and the two did a small bit of the dishes together before going to bed. Yusuke curled up on the couch, while Botan had his bed. He smiled ruefully at that. Botan was in his bed, but he wasn't.

To be continued . . .