Rescuing Hiei

Scene 26 ------------------------------------------- Spirit World/Several Hours Later

* Teen Koenma enters Shishi's room to find Kurama settling the twins down to take a nap. Yukina is on the other side of the room pacing with Chiisai. As soon as the twins see Koenma, the Prince realizes his mistake too late. Before Kurama can catch them they blur over to stand in front of the Teen growling as fiercely as a pair of demon infants can.

Kurama- Boys,...!
Ichiro- You!! You have our Papa!
Jiro- And Momma Shishi!!
Ichiro- Give them back!

* Kurama decides to go over and try something as the boys begin to back Koenma up against the closed door.

Koenma- Now, boys...

* Kurama reaches down quickly, but gently to get ahold of the small boys by the scruff of their neck. The action completely shocks the boys out of their anger. The kitsune sighs when he feels them both go limp in his grasp.

Kurama- I do this when I have to stop Rai and Kaz from fighting.
Koenma- Good move... Now what?

* Kurama hesitates, then shrugs.

Kurama- With my boys I usually put them down and they go on playing or go take a nap.
Koenma- I'm tempted to get cages for these two...
Kurama- They're just upset, Sir. It's understandable. They're too young to grasp what's going on.

* In spite of the hold Ichiro still tries to take a snap at Koenma when the godling speaks.

Yukina- Chiisai is going to have to eat... Babies can't go as long as adults...
Koenma- I know that. Have you tried blood-feeding?
Kurama- I did with these two, but Chiisai won't have it.

* Jiro raises a hand to rub his eyes sobbing.

Jiro- I'm hungry... Where's Papa?
Kurama- You're sleepy, too, Jiro. If I let you go, will you go back to the bed?

* When the sensitive boy continues sobbing Kurama carefully pulls him up to his shoulder. Jiro snuggles against his chest.

Koenma- Not to be crass, but why won't they.. nurse from you?
Ichiro- We want.. Papa!!
Kurama- Well, that's one reason. For another, I'm starting to wean my babies, so I'm.. drying up...

* Ichiro attempts to struggle loose.

Kurama- Ichi, if I release you, will you go over to the bed and stay there? Your Papa is sick and this guy is trying to help him... Do you understand me?

* Kurama watches the small Yusuke-lookalike with Hiei's shaggy spikes cross his arms and actually consider his words. Finally he nods.

Ichiro- Let go!
Kurama- If you move toward the door again, you know my vines can catch you.

* When Ichiro nods Kurama carefully puts him down. In an instant he is back over in their hiding place above the headboard. Jiro squirms and Kurama releases him so he can go join his brother. Ichiro hisses toward them as he places Jiro behind him some. Kurama looks back at Koenma.

Kurama- We're thinking Chiisai may have an appetite more similar to Shishi's...
Yukina- But he's still too young to start solid food.
Koenma- Do you think he's nursed from Hiei?
Kurama- More than likely.
Koenma- I have an idea. That's why I came up... Yukina, bring the little squeaker along.

* Yukina glances a shrug up at Kurama as she follows Koenma out. The Teen leads her quickly to Hiei's room. Yukina pauses inside the door to examine her brother.

Koenma- The transfer is nearly eighty-five percent more to the nutrient side now... Do you think that's a safe level to allow Chiisai to nurse some?

* Yukina moves closer to the bed to stare down at her sleeping twin. It's a bit of an impact for her to see him with so many tubes attached to him. Koenma waits patiently for her to respond.

Yukina- We can try... I'll use my powers to monitor the baby as he nurses. If he starts to get sick I'll remove him quickly and heal him.

* Koenma nods.

Koenma- Okay. Give it a try.

* Koenma gently eases Hiei's yukata open. He then watches Yukina carefully lay the tiny boy on his Father's chest. Both breasts are slightly swollen, showing their buildup of milk.

Koenma- If this works, it will eleviate this problem, too.

* Yukina nods. As soon as she guides Chiisai's mouth to one of Hiei's nipples the spikey-haired baby latches on and begins suckling voraciously. When the baby gets his fill Yukina smiles up at Koenma with a happy nod.

Yukina- It worked!!
Koenma- Great! Now, as soon as the twins calm down, tell Kurama that he can try the same with them... One at a time... And keep them away from any ogres! I need to get back up to my office to monitor Shishi's search.

* Yukina nods, caresses Hiei's cheek a moment, then sighs.

Yukina- If his injury were a natural physical one, I could heal my brother.
Koenma- I know. He's doing well, Yukina. We just need to find Shishi and get him back up here.

* Yukina nods and leaves. Koenma glances back down at Hiei. He hesitates a moment when he notices the partially-opened jagan glowing dimly behind the heavy warding cloth. Hiei's brow is scrunched up slightly. The Prince leans down to speak quietly to the jagan, experimentally.

Koenma- (Quietly) We'll do what we can out here... You do what you can in there... Deal?

* In a couple moments, the jagan blinks lazily. Koenma sighs, hoping the message got through, then leaves.