FINDING MY WAY HOME

I hope everyone read the full version of Chapter 22. I screwed up and accidentally posted only the end of the chapter and had to repost it.

Alright everyone, this story is finally wrapping up. The next chapter will be the end. I’m thinking there will probably be a short chapter and then an epilog that will be set a few years in the future. Sorry, but I’m not going to write a bunch of chapters about H&K raising a baby.

I hope you all enjoyed this. Kurama was very out of character but I think being pregnant gave him a good reason to be. Please leave me a review and thank you all for reading.

Chapter 23

Alone in the wilds of Makai it’s hard to actually time my contractions, but they’ve got to be about five minutes apart now. With no other choice than to continue to my den, I push on. This last half mile has taken four times as long as the first mile did, but my den is finally in sight. Glancing back at my unconscious mate I call over my shoulder. “Your nap better be just about over Hiei, because I’m going to be in a whole lot of trouble real soon if you don’t wake up in time.”

Another contraction stops me. Fighting, I manage to stay on my feet. After the first few, I learned pretty quick that it’s too hard and takes too long to get back up when they take me to the ground. Two more contractions hit me before I reach my den. Disengaging myself from the litter, I take advantage of a break between contractions to quickly check the area.

Other than some indigenous wildlife, the area is uninhabited. Sitting on a rock near the entrance to the den, I wait out the next contraction before unsealing it. A quick glance inside tells me all is as I left it. Calling to the vines on the litter, I secure one end to Hiei’s waist and wrists, then secure the other to a thick root inside the den. Though it takes a few minutes, I manage go use the vines to get Hiei on the bed. Even not lifting him myself, the drain on my energy is exhausting.

Knowing I don’t have much time left, I grab two jugs from the den and hurry to the spring a few hundred feet from the den. Somehow I manage to fill them and make it back with only a little spillage when I had to stop for a contraction. Working as quickly as I can, I push back the covers from one side of the makeshift bed and cover it with towels. Rummaging through my things, I find a sharp knife, some twine and a bottle of whiskey. Using the knife I cut two pieces of twine about a food long each and tear a sheet into quarters. Pouring the whiskey into a wash basin, I add the strips of twine and the knife, hoping the high alcohol content in Makai whiskey is enough to sterilize them.

Going to the entrance of the den, I look around in a vain hope that Yusuke has found me. Disheartened, I start to go back inside. Suddenly, remembering something Yusuke had done once, I scream out. “YOMI! IT’S KURAMA! I NEED HELP! AHHH!”

Gripped with the pain of a particularly strong contraction, I lean heavily on the side of the entrance to stay on my feet. When the contraction finally passes, I feel moisture running down my legs. My water just broke. “Inari help me. I don’t think I can do this by myself.”

Praying that someone would help me, I go inside and seal the entrance. As I strip off my wet pants I suddenly hear Hiei groan. Desperately I call out. “Hiei!”

All I get is another groan. Going to one of the jugs, I pour water into a glass. Shaking Hiei, I call out again giving him one last chance to waken on his own, but when he only groans, I throw the water in his face. This has the desired effect, as Hiei sputters and shoots up, grabbing me by the shirt. I didn’t have time to worry if he will hurt me because I’m hit with another strong contraction. “HIEI!”

When the pain stops, Hiei is blinking at me in shock, as if he’s trying to clear his vision. “Kurama! What the hell is going on? Where are we?”

Panting, I start to make my way around the bed. “Later Dragon. We’re having a baby. RIGHT NOW!”

I know Hiei is confused as hell, but he helps me into bed. “What do I do Fox?”

I wonder if I look as terrified as he does. “I don’t know Hiei. I guess look and see if you can see the baby’s head yet.”

His ruby eyes go wide, but he nods and does as I say. Using his hand he lifts my genitals out of the way. I didn’t think his eyes could get bigger but they do. “I see its hair. What do we do now?”

When the next pain hits, Hiei rushes to my side. As it passes I try to sound calm as I answer him. “I don’t think we have much choice Dragon. I’m going to push the baby out, and you’re going to catch it.”

From the look on his face I can see he doesn’t like my answer, but he leans down and kisses me. “As I’ve told you before Fox, together we can do anything. So, let’s have a baby.”

He must have seen that laying flat wasn’t the best position for what we are about to do, because Hiei gathers pillows and helps prop me up. “Is that better Fox?”

I can’t answer as another contraction grips me. “I need to push!”

Moving down the bed, Hiei rubs my legs. “That’s it Fox. I see more of the head.”

We do this two more times before Hiei cries out. “Kurama! The head is out!”

Panting, I try to remember what to do. “Check the baby’s neck with your fingers and make sure the umbilical cord isn’t wrapped around it.”

A moment later Hiei looks up at me. “No, it’s all clear. What next?”

Relieved, I tell him what to expect next. “The shoulders will come next. Try to help guide them out one at a time. Grab those cut up sheets and have them within reach. We’ll use them to clean and wrap the baby.”

When the next contraction comes we repeat the pattern of push and rest several more times. “We’re almost there Kurama. The shoulders are out.”

I see him reach for one of the sheet quarters, but all I want to do is push the baby out. Two more pushes later I feel a huge release wash up my body. “You did it Kurama! It’s a boy!”

Momentarily forgetting my exhaustion, I lean forward to see. Cradled in Hiei’s hands is our son. Without even telling him, Hiei is using the edge of the sheet to clear the baby’s face and mouth. I smile as little hands flail and the baby lets out a tiny cry. I’ve never seen Hiei’s smile so big as he looks up at me. “We have a son Kurama.”

So happy I can barely speak, I nod. “I see that. He’s beautiful.”

After cleaning him up, Hiei wraps him in a clean section of sheet and places him in my arms. Leaning back against the pillows we cuddle and admire our son a minute before I give Hiei a look. “We still have work to do Hiei. Over in that basin is a knife and some twine. Dry them with the towel and bring them here.”

When he returns to my side I can see he is confused and I smile. “First tie one piece of twine on the cord near the baby’s tummy. Then tie the second piece about an inch from first. It needs to be tight enough to cut the blood flow. When that is done use the knife to cut the cord between the two pieces of twine.”

He didn’t have any problem with the twine, but he looks nervous as he holds the knife to the cord. I give him an encouraging smile, and he makes the cut. “Kurama, where did you learn to do all of this?”

I can’t help but grin. “Well, without my memory I wasn’t as nervous about having the baby. I got curious and searched the internet for videos on childbirth.”

Hiei chuckled. “It’s a good thing you did or we’d be in a lot of trouble right now. Alright Mr. Know-it all, what’s next?”

An hour later, the afterbirth was delivered and disposed of. With Hiei’s help, I am now comfortably settled on my side in the bed with our son laying beside me. When I can’t suppress a huge yawn, Hiei strokes my hair. “Close your eyes Fox. Get some rest. I’ll be right here.”

XXXXX

Yukina: “Oh Hiei! I’m so glad you’re all alright.”

Yusuke: “Damn Hiei. I let you guys out of my sight for a five minutes and look what happens.”

Mukuro: “Speaking of which, what did happen?”

Hiei: “I wish the hell I knew. One minute we’re at the temple and Kurama is telling me he wants to have the baby in Makai. The next thing I know I wake up here and Kurama’s in labor.”

Yomi: “Looks like Kurama got his wish. But then, he always does.”

Yusuke: “You and Kurama went for a walk. A few minutes later I hear Kurama scream my name. As I run into the forest, I see Dante closing a portal. Behind him I can see you on the ground with Kurama kneeling over you. The area looked like a deserted area of my territory, so I just guessed it was along the border somewhere.”

Yomi: “That must have been when you called me. I in turn called Mukuro and we sent out search parties. It was hours before I heard Kurama’s cry for help and we knew what area to head to.”

Yusuke: “After Yomi called and said which way to go, I found where Dante must have brought you through the portal. There was a big puddle of blood which I hope was him. There were also signs of something being dragged and leaves in the shape of an arrow pointing this way.”

Hiei: “If it was Dante, that would explain why I found this on the floor.”

Mukuro: “Is that the Dimension Blade? That was supposed to have been destroyed centuries ago.”

Hiei: “Detective, make sure Koenma locks that up where no one else can ever find it.”

Yukina: “Poor Kurama. I can’t imagine what a day he’s had.”

I’d been laying there listening to them try to put the pieces of my day together. Reluctant to wake up however, I hadn’t opened my eyes to join them. “It’s been a day from hell, but in the end I was rewarded with an angel.”

When I open my eyes, Hiei is beside me. “I’m sorry we woke you Kurama. I should have made them go outside, but everyone was worried about you and wanted to see the baby.”

I give him a smile. “It’s alright Hiei. So long as I don’t have to move, I’ll tell you all what happened. First though, what the hell is my son wearing?”

Everyone laughed. Even Hiei had a little smirk as he answered. “Next time we get kidnapped, make sure to grab the diaper bag. I did the best I could under the circumstances.”

The baby was still laying on the bed in front of me. Part of a towel had been fashioned into a diaper with a large diamond and ruby broach fastening it together in the front. Wrapped loosely around him was a flowered silk scarf. He looked adorable and I smiled. “I think you did great Hiei.”

Mukuro stepped forward. “Alright Kurama, we’re dying to know what happened after Yusuke saw the portal close.”

Lazily, I turned to look at my friends. “Dante injected Hiei with something that knocked him out cold. Then he said he didn’t see me as a threat since all I could do was grow flowers.”

No one was laughing now, but the looks on their faces were almost comical. Yomi finally snickered. “Guess he didn’t live long enough to regret underestimating the great Yoko Kurama.”

I grunted. “Oh he regretted it alright. My pets love it when their victims beg and scream. With Hiei unconscious, I made a litter and dragged him here.”

Hiei growled. “That was too much for you in your condition. You should have left me and gotten yourself to safety.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You would have rather I been here alone when our son was born? I didn’t think so. Hiei, I was so uncomfortable by the time Dante was dead, I think I was already in labor. I just knew I had to get us to the safety of the den before the baby came. I got everything ready and was thinking I’d be delivering our baby alone when you finally groaned.”

Hiei’s lip curled up at the corner. “That must have been when you threw the water on me.”

Yusuke laughed. “I’d have loved to see that.”

Pushing him aside, Yukina came and put a hand on Hiei’s shoulder. “Well I think you did a wonderful job, both of you. Now, everyone out. It’s time for me to check on Kurama and the baby.”

When everyone but Hiei filed out of the den, Yukina didn’t comment. With her hands over me, I could feel the familiar tingle of her energy healing me. “There, that should do it. Now, is there a place nearby where you can get a bath? I’m sure you want one.”

I smiled. “Thank you Yukina. I can’t think of anything I want more right now. Hiei, can you grab me some clean clothes from that trunk over there?”

When Hiei returned with my clothes, Yukina practically pushed us from the den. “Hiei, you take care of Kurama while I check this handsome nephew of mine.”

Wrapped in only a sheet, I walk past everyone and lead Hiei to the stream. Hiei stands watch as I let the water wash away the dirt and stress from one of the longest days of my life. Once Hiei had helped dry me and I’m dressed, we head back to the den.

When we arrive, Yusuke, Yomi and Mukuro are all circled around Yukina who was holding the baby. Seeing us first, Mukuro called out. “You have a fine son here Hiei. I can tell he will grow into a very powerful demon some day.”

Yusuke grinned. “He looks just like you too Hiei, except that he’s got Kurama’s hair color.”

Indeed, the baby looked just like Hiei, with a riot of spiky hair and big almond shaped eyes. His hair however was the same silver as mine except that the very Hiei-like starburst was red. I’d only caught a glimpse of his eyes earlier, but they were as ruby as Hiei and Yukina’s. Hiei’s sister smiled at everyone. “I think he’s a beautiful combination of both of them.”

Yomi grunted. “Of course he’s going to be powerful and beautiful. He is Kurama’s son after all.”

Hiei grunted, but didn’t contradict Yomi’s words. Moving forward, I hold my hands out to Yukina. “I see you found something better to dress him in.”

Placing the baby in my arms, Yukina grinned. “Unlike you, I did have time to put a bag together while we waited for Kazuma to use his sword to open portals while we looked for you.”

Looking down at my son, I see he is wrapped in a soft baby blanket. Pulling it back I see he is wearing a cute little sleeper with teddy bears on it. I can feel a real diaper under it all too. “Yukina, is there a bottle and formula in that bag too?”

She nodded and turned to get the bottle. “Way ahead of you Kurama. I waited though, so you could feed him.”

With Hiei at my side, I sit on one of the big rocks near the den and feed our son for the first time. “I’m amazed he hasn’t really fussed the past couple of hours.”

Hiei grunted. “You just didn’t know because you were asleep. He doesn’t like to be wet. Let’s just say you’re going to need new towels and sheets.”

When I laugh, the baby stopped feeding and looked up at me. “Hello there Little One. Are you ready to go home? Let’s see if your uncles have a plan to get us there.”

As I talk to him, his ruby eyes watch me intently. Fascinated by him, I’m only half listening to Yusuke. “We could always give this a try.”

Looking up I see him flipping the Dimension Blade end over end. “I wouldn’t recommend that Yusuke. Apparently you have to know how to control it or you end up some place you REALLY don’t want to be.”

He stops flipping the blade and gives me a look that says he knows there is more to my comment. “In that case, you’ll be happy to know I went with plan B. I’ve already contacted Koenma who will get you home by way of Rekai.”

We barely had time to say goodbye to everyone when Botan appeared to take us to Rekai. A little while later Koenma delivered Hiei and I safely to the balcony of our apartment. Turning to me, Hiei holds out his arms. “You’d better give me the baby Fox. Those women are going to be all over you any second.”

Just as he predicted, a moment later Shiori and Iris were rushing out to hug me. They were so excited they were talking over each other. “Oh Shuuichi, we were so worried.” “Yoko, thank Inari you’re alright.” “When you didn’t come back we called and Kuzuma told us you’d been kidnapped.” “Was anyone hurt?”

All of a sudden they both went quiet. Both women were looking at my almost flat stomach. Quickly, I try to reassure them. “Don’t worry. Everything is fine. Let’s go in…”

I was forgotten when they saw Hiei behind me. “Hiei! Oh my, look what you have.” “Let’s have a look. Oh, he’s beautiful.” “He has your eyes.” “And Yoko’s silver hair.” “With a touch of Shuuichi in it.”

Seeing Hiei’s wide eyes, I laugh. Gently pushing past them, I usher Hiei inside. We’d barely made it through the door when Shiori reached for the baby. “Alright Hiei, hand him over. It’s Grandmother’s turn.”

Now Hiei looked startled for a whole new reason. I think if anyone but Shiori had reached for his son, they might have lost an arm. “Oh Iris, he’s just precious.”

The two women were huddled together admiring the baby. After a moment, Iris came over to hug me. “He’s just perfect Yoko. I knew you could do it.”

I barely got out “Thanks Mom” before she went back to the baby. “Okay Shiori, it’s my turn to hold our grandson.”

Beside me Hiei grunted. “Looks like you’ve been replaced Fox.”

Shiori must have heard him because she looked up and scolded him. “Not replaced Hiei. No one could replace you boys in my heart. Babies are just extra special.”

While the ladies are distracted, I give Hiei a kiss, then change to my human form. The moment Shiori saw me she came to hug me. “Oh Shuuichi, he’s just beautiful. You boys did such a good job.”

When she released me she hugged Hiei next. “I’m so happy for you both. It’s been a long day, you boys must be hungry.”

Iris reluctantly handed me the baby. “We have food ready. Come on Shiori, let’s give them a minute. Then they can tell us how they managed to have this baby without us.”

Almost as soon as they went to the kitchen, the baby began to fuss. When my eyes widen, Hiei shakes his head. “It’s your turn Fox.”

In the nursery I gently lay him down on the changing table. When I just stare at him a moment, Hiei chuckled. “You’re not afraid of a dirty diaper are you Kurama?”

I shake my head. “No, I’m afraid of the sleeper. He’s so little, I’m afraid of hurting him.”

With a little help from Hiei, I manage to get our wiggling son safely out of the sleeper and change his diaper. When he is dressed again, we go and sit at the dinning table just as Shiori and Iris come out with the food. As she set a plate in front of me, Iris took the baby from me. “Don’t you worry about this little guy. You two just enjoy your meal.”

With a big grin on her face, Shiori looked at Iris. “I’ve got the bottle Iris.”

Hiei and I look at each other as our baby is whisked away by my mothers. After a moment I shrug. “They’re just on the sofa Hiei, they didn’t kidnap him. Let’s eat.”

As we eat, neither of us can take our eyes off our son. “Hiei, we can’t just keep calling him the baby. We’re going to have to pick a name soon. Did you like any of the ones I suggested before?”

Hiei sighed. “The names you picked were fine Kurama, I just had something else in mind.”

I frown. “Hiei, I didn’t realize you had a name picked out. What is it?”

For some reason he looked nervous. “I was thinking our baby’s name should be special. A legacy he can be proud of.”

Truly curious now, I wait to hear the name he picked. “I know you haven’t suggested it because you’re worried I won’t approve, but he was special to you and I think that deserves to be recognized.”

My heart is pounding as I wait for him to say it. “I think we should name our son after Kuronue.”

I’m stunned. “Hiei, do you realize what you’re suggesting? You want to name our son after my dead lover.”

He nodded. “Believe me Kurama, I know. He was special to you, and I would be disrespecting your memory of him if I ignore that. I’m not threatened by his memory Fox. I’ve accepted that you will always love him, but I know I hold your heart.”

Choked with emotion, I turn to hug him. “I love you with all my heart and soul Hiei.”

Embarrassed, Hiei sits back. “Besides, it’s a good, strong name. He doesn’t have your notoriety, but the name does command respect.”

My smile couldn’t be bigger as I look at my mate. Just then Iris called from the sofa. “Are you two done eating yet? We’re still waiting to hear the details of this little guy’s birth.”

Shiori grinned. “We’d also like to know his name. We can’t keep calling him baby and little guy.”

Hiei and I grin at each other then go to join them. “Actually, we were just discussing what his name should be. I’ve been suggesting names for weeks, but Hiei didn’t seem interested in any of them. Hiei finally picked one that I just love. I was a little reluctant at first, but Hiei has convinced me it’s a perfect name for him.”

I pause, letting Hiei be the one to tell them. “Our son’s name is Kuronue.”

Aware of Kuronue’s importance to me, both women go quiet for a moment. Finally Shiori responds. “I hope that’s what you boys were talking about so intently over there. If you’re happy with your choice, then I think it’s a wonderful name.”

I wait for Iris’s reaction. “Hiei, you must really love our son to make such a thoughtful and unselfish gesture. Kuronue is a good strong name. Perhaps Yoko can reciprocate when naming your second child.”

I know my eyes must be bugging out of my head, because Hiei laughed. “Relax Kurama. If and when YOU decide we should have another, then we’ll talk about it.”

Breathing easier, I smile and kiss him. “Thank you Koi. So, what is little Kuro going to call you ladies?”

Iris smiled. “Oh, we’ve already discussed that. Since you call us Mom and Mother, we were thinking Grandmom and Grandmother. Now enough about that, we’re dying to hear what happened today.”

I manage to steal Kuronue back from them, then for the next hour Hiei and I regale them with the days events. After their initial fear for our safety, I was a bit surprised that they were both amused at the way our son came into the world. By the time we reach the end of the story, Shiori was actually laughing. “Oh Shuuichi, after all your fears and all the preparations that were made for the birth, it’s just hysterical that Hiei delivered your baby in a cave in Makai.”

As I stare at her in disbelief, Iris couldn’t hold her mirth back any longer. “Kuronue is like the Makai royal baby. I would have loved to see him in a bejeweled towel diaper and scarf.”

Hiei suddenly jumped up. “Let me get my cell phone. Yusuke was supposed to text the pictures to me.”

I gasped. “Hiei! You let Yusuke take pictures of our son looking like a vagabond’s baby?”

Hiei smirked and held his phone out to Shiori. “We thought you’d want to have Kuronue’s first baby pictures.”

Of course the ladies were gushing over how cute he looked. Then fussing over how tired I looked in the pictures. “You guys took my picture too? Let me see those.”

Hiei used the opportunity to take the baby, as I looked at the pictures. “These are really cute pictures. Alright, you guys are off the hook.”

Next thing I know, Shiori was snapping pictures. Indulging her a few minutes, baby pictures and family pictures were taken. Deciding it was time to call it a night, I let a yawn escape. “Shuuichi, you must be exhausted. I’m going to head home before your father thinks I’ve moved in with you. I can’t wait to tell him about your day. Don’t get up Son, I’m just going to kiss little Kuronue here, then I’m off.”

She kissed Kuro and me, then hugged Hiei before Iris walked her out. Hiei and I took the opportunity to go change the baby. Once he is in a clean diaper and new sleeper we head towards our room. On the way through the living room, Iris smiles. “I’m so proud of you both. You did a great job today. Get some sleep, and don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything.”

I give her a hug and kiss. “Thanks Mom. Sleep well.”

Once in our room, I settle Kuro in his cradle, then just stand there and watch him a moment. With his arm around me, Hiei smiles. “You were great today Kurama. You killed Dante, took care of me and gave birth to our son. I couldn’t be more proud of you.”

Turning in his arms, I hug him. “Thank you Hiei. You did pretty good yourself. You woke up to total chaos, but held it together and came through for me and Kuro.”

Hiei chuckled. “You got your wish. Our baby was born in Makai. Now, go brush your teeth before you fall asleep standing up.”

A few minutes later Hiei and I were spooned in the bed, watching Kuronue sleep. “Inari Hiei, he is so beautiful. I can’t believe I was ever reluctant to have a child. He’s not even a day old and I love him so much.”

Hiei kissed my neck. “I was never really worried. I knew you would love him the moment you saw him. Thank you for our son Kurama. I love you Fox.”

Not bothering to stifle my yawn, I whisper back. “I love you too Dragon.”