Path of Discovery
Parts 6 - 10
By Sonya-chan

Hiei had been living at Makoto's for a week now and there had been no other attempts on his life, or Yuusuke, Kuwabara or Kurama for that matter. They all would meet tonight at Hikawa Temple to discuss it. He drank his tea pensively. Makoto had left for school; he had escorted her to school and came back to her apartment. She told him he could stay and read a book or watch TV if he wanted. He read some books but he disliked TV. He liked her apartment. It felt cozy and it made him feel... wanted. Hiei found he didn't want to leave the apartment. He wanted to stay, but he couldn't do that.

While drinking his green tea, he thought about the little incidents that have been happening around here. The first night he was there, he dreamt he was kissing her and that she was kissing him back. It felt so real. There was another time when he helped her clear the table. Their hands touched and they looked into each other's eyes. They were on the verge of a kiss when that Mamoru and his girlfriend Usagi came calling to see how they were doing. Hiei was fuming, but he wondered if it was because he almost kissed her again or because they had prevented the kiss.

And then there was yesterday night. He woke up and went to get a glass of water. He heard her talk. She was mumbling in her sleep. "Oh yes, darling, that's very nice of you..." she had said. Intrigued, Hiei entered her room, and sat on the edge of her bed. She was having a conversation in her dream on her day, how she had spent it. She seemed to be talking to her boyfriend. Hiei started to envy that guy when she turned on her back and whispered.

"Oh, Hiei... That's so sweet of you, darling..."

Hiei blinked. Had he heard right? He inched closer to her. She whispered his name again. Hiei looked down on her. She looked so beautiful. Her pale rosy lips beckoned to him. He inched closer to her. His eyes closed and... he stopped. He couldn't do this... not now. What would she think? She would never trust him again. So he carefully got up and tried to go back to sleep.

"What should I do?" said Hiei out loud. Maybe talking to someone could help... Yeah... but who? He thought and reviewed all is friends and he can up with the only person who might possibly help. Yes, I'll go see her... If she can't help, well, I can always talk to her. He grabbed his coat and headed for Makoto's balcony and was off.

Seiya was happy. Redi and he had started to go steady, even though Taiki thought it was a bad idea. Strange thing, though. Yaten told Taiki to leave Seiya alone. His two siblings were conversing as he went on his date with Redi. When he came back, he expected Taiki to sermon him again but he didn't. He simply asked how was the date. When Seiya finished telling him what he wanted to know - leaving some juicy details out of course - Taiki and Kurama went back into teaching Yaten what was taught that day in school.

Yaten's health was much better, as though the poison actually made her stronger. She could change back now, but until she would feel better she had decided against it. Seiya wondered if Yaten didn't want to lose the male persona. He hoped not. The Three Lights wouldn't be the same without Yaten. No, maybe not now, but he had the definite feeling that one day, the male Yaten wouldn't exist anymore.

Seiya never thought about his sex. Seiya was Seiya. Inside, that was all that mattered. He knew he always had a preference towards women. So did Taiki, but Yaten... He had never had interest in women, so it wasn't a surprise for Seiya that Yaten had fallen in love with a man, Kurama.

Kurama, for the past week, had been living with them. Seiya was happy he did. He liked having him around. He was such a calm person. He smiled. No one had a serious fight since he was there with them. And he could tell Yaten appreciated having him around. He slept in her room, on the futon next to her bed. This morning, Seiya caught Yaten looking longingly at Kurama who was still sleeping. She had reached with her hand and had started to comb her fingers through his hair when the alarm woke him. She jumped and pulled back in surprise at the sound and made it look like she was still asleep.

Now, he thought if I could just get Mamoru to stop looking at me like he does when I'm with Redi-chan, I should be okay. Seiya knew that Redi-chan came from the 30th Century. But he no longer was chasing Usagi-chan so what was Mamoru's problem? Seiya long ago understood that he and Usagi could never be. So why did everyone seem to be against him and Redi being together? He sighed and tried to re-interest himself in what the literature teacher was saying.

Everyone was surprised at the temple later that day to see Yaten waiting with Hiei on the steps. Kurama went to Yaten and started to scold him gently when Hiei told him to relax and that some sunshine couldn't hurt Yaten.

"Besides, I was walking next to her the whole trip to make sure she was okay..." he added. Kurama was surprised Hiei would take the time to actually walk with someone. He knew Hiei would rather jump to his destination. Kurama wondered what Hiei wanted. Yaten smiled and took her lover's arm and asked him how was his day.

Once Yuusuke and Kuwabara arrived, they were ready to start their meeting.

"Do you have meetings like that all the time?" Hiei asked Makoto.

"When we have a situation, yes... Most of the time we compare notes and ponder on how to deal with it," she answered him.

"I've done a scanning sweep of our area and I could not detect any demonic activities," started Ami.

"Indeed..." continued Taiki. "It seems all antagonist activity has ceased... Now, either they decided against attacking you or..."

"They decided to pause their activity to lull us into thinking they went away..." said Haruka suspiciously.

"What should we do, then?" asked Yuusuke.

"I think we should go back to our normal way of life..." said Kurama. Yaten pouted without wanting to, she sighed heavily. There goes my nice evenings and mornings with Ku-chan, she thought. "But we should still be on our guard, just in case. I don't think they will make their presence known unless they feel we have our guard down."

"In any case, I think you guys should keep the communicators we gave you," started Mamoru. "Just in case you do encounter problems, you can always communicate with us..."

"We can take care of ourselves..." started Kuwabara.

"Normally, I would agree with you, Kuwabara. Unfortunately, with the attempts that were made... I'm beginning to wonder if they won't put the senshi into the equation..." started Kurama.

"I agree," said Ami. "When you were attacked, Hiei, Sailor Jupiter helped you and when the failed attempt on Kurama happened... Sailor Star Maker was seen checking the area."

"It won't take long for them to put two and two together," added Makoto.

Everyone nodded grimly. Someone was targeting the Reikai Tantei and being allies, the senshi couldn't let them down. Redi fumed. Everybody had long faces. They were no fun at all. Suddenly, she remembered something that would mix necessity with pleasure.

"Hey, minna-san!" she chirped. "Tomorrow is the Cherry Blossom Festival. Why don't we get ourselves a nice little spot under the cherry trees and relax. Everybody can come, right? I mean NO ONE has got school, ne?"

Everybody blinked at her. Yuusuke broke the silence. "I was kind of hoping to be with Keiko tomorrow..."

"I was supposed to pass my day with Yukina-chan," added Kuwabara.

"You can bring them... Come on. It'll be fun. You will come also, won't you, Hiei?" asked Redi. The three guys blinked at her a little embarrassed. She became all starry eyed and looked up at them with the most cutest irresistible pose she could make.

"PLEEEEEAAAAASE!" she begged, while all the senshi sweat dropped at the display. "Pleasepleasepleaseplease... With pink heart sugar on top!"

Usagi was beginning to wonder if the guys would start to develop cavities with all that sweet talk, when the guys finally accepted. Even Hiei nodded.

"There's just one thing I don't get..." said Kuwabara. "How come you didn't bother Kurama?"

"Because I know if Yaten-chan is there... Kurama WON'T be far, ne? Kurama?" asked Redi, turning slightly to see the two lovers' reactions. They both looked at her blushing, their emerald eyes blinking. Everyone started to chuckle when Kurama scratched his head in embarrassment, still blushing.

Yaten kissed Kurama good-bye. She sighed. He wanted to go to his home early and bake a few goodies for their holiday. Taiki was walking with Ami on the temple grounds and Seiya was talking with Redi, under the watchful eyes of her parents. Yaten sighed. She didn't have the heart to tell Seiya she thought he was making a mistake. Seiya was lonely; she knew. He was happy. Who was she to tell him not to fall in love with Redi. She had Kurama and Taiki, Ami; Seiya was entitled to fall in love.

She was about to walk a little herself when she felt a tug at her arm. She turned around and saw that it was Makoto. The brunette led her to a secluded part of the temple grounds. Yaten wondered if what Makoto wanted to talk to her about was of the same subject that she discussed with Hiei.

"Yaten-chan... I'm sorry to bother you, but..." started Makoto.

"But you wish to talk about something... right?" asked Yaten as she sat on the bench. Makoto nodded. There was a silence as the taller girl was trying to formulate her sentences.

"Yaten..." she started. "I think I have a problem... Well, not exactly a problem. What I mean to say is..."

"Take your time, Mako-chan..." said Yaten, trying to make her relax. "Is it because of Hiei?" Bingo, thought Yaten when she saw the brunette gasp.

"Is it... that obvious?" asked Makoto.

"No... Remember, I have empathic powers. I just could feel it," said the silver haired girl. That! and the fact that Hiei came to me this afternoon on the same subject, she thought to herself.

"Yaten-chan... I think I've fallen in love with him..." said Makoto slowly. Yaten smiled, Hiei had confessed his own interest with Makoto this afternoon. He was unsure on how to approach Makoto with this.

"Then, everything is all right, isn't it?" asked Yaten.

"No... not really..." Makoto replied. Yaten raised an eyebrow. "It's just that... I don't know, I thought I would fall in love with a nice guy who would marry me and give me a nice little house and bring me flowers. I would bake him sweets and take care of the house and have children..."

"Errr... Mako-chan... that's a nice dream, but..." started Yaten.

"I know I can find a guy like that... I know I can..." replied Makoto, her hands brought up in prayer. Yaten raised an eyebrow.

"Mako-chan, you don't want a guy, you want a stereotype..." answered Yaten dryly. Makoto fell down the bench, not believing Yaten had just said that.

"W-What?"

Yaten sighed. "You heard me. You want a doll, live in a cute little doll house and live happily ever after... News flash, Mako-chan... Life isn't like that... No prince in shining armor is going to come to sweep you off your feet..."

"You should talk!" barked Makoto. "You found YOUR Prince Charming. Why can't I find mine?"

"I'm not saying... Let me start over..." Yaten said, trying to calm the brunette. "Mako-chan... Didn't you say you wanted to open your own shop or a restaurant?" Makoto nodded.

"And I know you take your role of protector to the Princess very seriously..." Makoto said nothing but nodded again.

"Mako-chan, that dream of having a husband that would provide everything to you and all you have to do is be a nice little wife. Are you sure that's what you REALLY want? Do you really think you would be happy that way?" Yaten paused and let that sink in.

"I- I thought that was what I wanted..." said Makoto.

"That husband fantasy... don't you think it's because you lost your parents and that for you it's an ideal you want to attain because you think it's a way to have a normal life..." Yaten said softly. Makoto looked at her as though she was seeing things with new eyes.

"You think I'm searching for the impossible?" the brunette asked.

Yaten shook her head. "No. All I'm saying is that you put this fantasy on such a pedestal that no one will ever be able to fulfill it. And by clinging to it, you might let love slip through your fingers..." Makoto was pensive. Had she been deluding herself, scaring guys away because she asked too much of them? Was Yaten right? Was she searching for something so unattainable that any sane person wouldn't want anything to do with her. Was it that fantasy that scared her first boyfriend away? Was it what scared... She started to cry, her hands covering her mouth.

"I was a fool..." she started. Yaten, afraid she had done something wrong, took the brunette's head and placed it on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry... Mako-chan... Don't listen to me... I'm wrong..." started Yaten, embarrassed that she provoked such a reaction in Makoto.

The brown haired girl shook her head. "No, no Yaten-chan... You were right..." she started to chuckle. "I never thought about it this way..." She lifted her head from Yaten's shoulder and looked into the shorter girl's emerald eyes. "Arigato... You are right... I let two persons slip from me because I thought the way I did. And if I'm not careful, Hiei might slip away too..."

Makoto hugged Yaten. They both started to cry softly. Yaten felt something burn brightly inside her. It felt good. She helped a friend. Her words helped someone. Her eyes were full of tears of joy and pride. She actually did something right. It made her feel so good inside.

Makoto started to chuckle. "Even though... Even though Hiei isn't what I thought I would like in a man..." Yaten wiped her tears.

"Why is that Mako-chan? Isn't he nice with you?" she asked.

"Yes... yes, he is..." Makoto admitted.

"What do you feel when he's with you?" asked the silver haired girl.

Makoto paused and thought about it. "I feel... protected, warm, but I feel the need to protect him, too. I think of him when he's not around. I like his silence. Those cute little smiles of his, his strength. Am I making any sense at all?"

Yaten smiled and nodded. "You make more sense than you know, Mako-chan..."

"I feel a sadness in him, too... It reaches me inside. It feels so familiar. I feel he would understand my own loneliness..." whispered Makoto.

Yaten smiled and saw her brothers come towards her and Makoto. "I think we should stop here... You have a lot to think about, Mako-chan..." Makoto nodded and they both got up. Yaten started to walk toward her brothers when Makoto called to her.

"Yaten-chan... Domo arigato..." smiled Makoto. Yaten smiled back and winked.

Makoto walked back to her home alone, deep in her thoughts. She didn't feel Hiei following her from afar. She hummed to herself. Yaten was right. She needed to think about herself.

Meanwhile, Hiei himself was deep in his thoughts. Yaten had told him to do something nice for Makoto, that way he would know if Makoto liked him. You can't be alone all your life, Yaten told him. She might be a pain sometimes, Hiei chuckled to himself, but she made him realize that he really felt something for Makoto. He was at a loss at what to do to tell her or show her. Part of him feared she might not be interested or that she would fall out of love with him, just like Kurama.

He saw her enter her building. He jumped up to her balcony and waited, looking toward Tokyo Tower. Wondering what to do next, he just stood there. When she came into the apartment, she saw his dark coat floating in the wind. She slowly opened the balcony door. He hadn't heard her. She took a few steps and whispered his name. Hiei was so lost in his thoughts that he jumped and yelped, scaring them both. They both looked at each other startled.

Makoto started to chuckle and then laugh. "Gomen... I didn't want to startle you, Hiei... Why don't you come inside?" He nodded, trying to regain his composure. He's so cute when he's pouting like that, she thought.

Makoto reheated some dinner for them, when suddenly it started to rain cats and dogs.

"Oh! I hope the weather will be nice tomorrow... Cherry Blossom Festival is so beautiful..."

"What do people do at that festival?" he asked.

"Well first you have to get up very early to get a nice spot in a park," she replied taking out a big blue plastic carpet. "They we sit under the trees and talk and eat and have fun." He looked at the plastic blanket questionably. "Oh! That's for putting on the ground tomorrow morning. I'm sure the ground will be wet... Hiei... Since it's raining outside... I was thinking... you better stay here for the night. So you don't get wet and catch a cold..."

He nodded. "Arigato, Mako-chan... You're... You're so nice to me... I don't know if I deserve it..."

She sat next to him, looking down at her feet. "I... I like having you around..."

He looked up to her. "You do?" She looked to him and nodded.

"I'm not lying..." she said softly. They both looked at each other as on the radio a song played.

"Mako-chan..." whispered Hiei.

"Yes... Hiei..." replied in a sigh Makoto, gazing into his red eyes.

He looked deeply into her green eyes and inched closer to her. "Mako-chan... I... care..."

"Hiei... I... care too..." Makoto eyes closed as did Hiei's as they got closer to each other.

Their hearts skipped a beat when their lips touched, lightly at first, shy of the other's reaction. Then the kisses became more sure. He moved to cradle her in his arms. She moved with him, her arms hugging the koorime's little frame. She tasted like sweet honey to him. She felt comforted by his presence. She felt like she was melting slowly in his arms.

Hope is home, and the heart is free.

The microwave emitted a high pitched beep to tell them that their dinner had finished reheating. They both ignored it.

Part 7

Makoto awoke from the sofa. She had fallen asleep against Hiei, but Hiei wasn't there any more. She frowned and got up. He wasn't in her room. She checked the kitchen. That's when she saw the note.

Makoto smiled softly and decided to go sleep in her bed.

Hiei arrived at the park and spotted the most wonderful place. Unfortunately, someone was setting camp at HIS spot. He grumbled. Maybe he could persuade the fool to move. Hiei jumped next to the guy as he was getting ready to jump into his sleeping bag. Hiei recognized him.

"Seiya? What the hell are you doing here?" asked Hiei, scaring the daylights out of Seiya.

"YAAAH! HIEI?!" yelled Seiya. "Could you PLEASE stop doing that?... What are you doing here yourself?"

"I..." started Hiei, can't tell him my real reason, he thought. "Well Mako-chan was concerned about finding a good spot. I thought I would find her one to thank her for letting me stay at her place. Now move over. I'll put that plastic cover there. I guess we could share the spot..."

Seiya nodded. "Well that was my plan - find a big space so we could be all together..." Seiya helped Hiei. That plastic cover was big and once in place it could easily accommodate all of their friends and they still had some space to spare.

"That plastic blanket was a good idea, Hiei..." started Seiya.

"It wasn't my idea... it was Mako-chan's" replied Hiei as he laid down to get some more sleep. Seiya smirked at the koorime as he crawled back into his sleeping bag.

"Hiei, since when do you call Makoto, Mako-chan like that?"

Hiei eyes opened wide, he coughed. "Isn't that her name? That's what everybody calls her anyway..."

"Yeah, but... Is there another reason why you're here?" asked Seiya.

Hiei grumbled and turned to his side opposite to Seiya. "Nosey Idol Singer..." mumbled Hiei under his breath.

"What was that?" asked Seiya.

"I said, she snores... I wanted a good night's sleep," spat Hiei. It wasn't true but he wouldn't say that to him. Seiya facevaulted, shrugged and went back to sleep.

"Hiei? What are you doing here?" Hiei opened his eyes in time to see a pair of green eyes and a mop top of silver hair look down on him.

"Is it morning already?" replied Hiei.

"Hai..." replied Taiki. "Actually we are the first to arrive... Do you want coffee, Hiei?"

The koorime nodded, scratching his head then yawning. When he finished stretching, Taiki was holding a cup of hot coffee for him. As he drank, Hiei looked around. The park was getting filled with people. Many eyed their spot. Well, tough, thought Hiei. He saw the four generals that were always with that Tuxedo Kamen arrive. On the opposite side of the park, Ami, Minako and Rei arrived too.

As they all were saying good morning, Mamoru, Usagi and Redi arrived, followed by Keiko and Yuusuke, Kuwabara and Yukina. Seiya rose and bid Redi good morning. Keiko went to sit next to Yaten. She didn't seem to pleased.

"Anything wrong, Keiko-chan?" asked Yaten. He was surprised when she took his hand.

"Yaten-kun... You must know Kurama has not be truthful to you." Started Keiko. Yuusuke facevaulted.

"Keiko-chan! That's between Kurama and Yaten, don't butt in!"

"Yuusuke-kun! If Kurama says that he loves Yaten-kun, then he must know about this!" replied Keiko. Yaten was getting worried here.

"Demo (urk!)" That's all Yuusuke could say as Keiko decked him.

"Yaten-kun! You may not believe me but I must tell you this! Kurama is not what he seems. He a fox spirit!" She took a deep breath. "There I said it..."

Yaten blinked a couple of times. Everyone on the plastic blanket looked at them. "Is that all?" said Yaten.

"What do you mean is that all? Isn't that enough?" she asked.

"Well I already knew about it... so there is not big problem, right?" replied Yaten simply.

"You... you already knew?" Yaten nodded. She blinked before continuing as Michiru, Haruka, Setsuna and Hotaru arrived. "Anyway, Yaten-kun you CAN'T be gay!"

"I AM NOT G..." started angrily Yaten. He sighed. "You wouldn't understand anyway..."

"I mean, you're an Idol Singer... You can't have a homosexual relationship..." continued Keiko.

"OH? What do you have against homosexual relationships?" asked Haruka.

"Indeed, girl!" hissed Kunzite. "It's not like it's your business, anyway..."

"I'll say!" added Redi. "I thought that archaic mindset was gone... " She hugged Seiya, "Don't worry, I don't feel that way!". Usagi and Mamoru sweatdropped.

Keiko blinked and looked at Seiya and Taiki. "You mean you don't mind?"

"Of course not!" replied Taiki. "We're happy for Yaten." he added, hugging Ami.

"We like Kurama, and as long as Yaten is happy with him, why should we be against it?" added Seiya.

"But... he's a fox spirit and he has enemies..." continued Keiko.

"It's all very nice but I can take care of myself..." replied Yaten gruffly. "Just because I'm sick right now doesn't mean I can't pull my own..."

"Demo..." said Keiko.

"He knows what he's talking about, Keiko-chan. Don't worry, you busy body, you..." kidded Yuusuke. Keiko fell silent. She didn't know why, but in the back of her mind she knew somehow that was true. She excused herself for being so rude.

Kurama and Makoto arrived together and all the goodies were placed for all to enjoy. Kurama and Yaten sat next to each other but the only sign of affection they showed were side glances. Kurama spied that Makoto and Hiei shared the same quick little glances.

The scene at the park was illuminating a dark room. Three figures watched. One of them stepped forward.

"My friends..." it started. "I think I found a way to reap our revenge on our enemies..."

"How?" the tallest of them said.

"You see, each of them has a weak spot. Each, even the koorime, has a betrothed. If we can't get to them directly..."

"Then we shall hit them where it hurts the most," finished the third one. "We shall take their loved ones away. If they do not surrender to us, we will kill them. Either way, we avenge our siblings..."

"Brilliant!" exclaimed the tallest. "Shall we pluck them now?"

"Don't be so eager..." said the smallest. "Right now, it would be folly to try something against them. They are all together."

"Yes..." gloated the last one. "They can't watch their beloved all the time... And when they are alone, we shall strike!"

They started to laugh evilly, the echo of their laughter shaking the foundation of the derelict castle.

"Never fear, brother. Thy death shall be avenged!" they all chanted in chorus.

"Chibi-chibi!" said a voice behind Hiei. He turned around and was face to face with a cute red haired little girl that looked at him with baby eyes. What the hell? Hiei had barely time to think when the little girl grappled him in a bear hug.

"GYAAAA! What is this?" screamed Hiei.

"Chibi-chibi-chan!" all the senshi said. The members of the Reikai Tantei and friends blinked.

"What are you doing here, Chibi-chibi-chan?" asked Makoto as she was trying to pry the little girl from Hiei. But she held on, she held on good. Makoto had to let go. Chibi-chibi snuggled to Hiei as the others looked on amused at Hiei's indignant look.

"I think she's a little too young for you, Hiei!" said Kuwabara.

"...for you, Hiei." repeated the little girl, hugging Hiei.

"KAWAII... ne minna?" said Minako.

"Looks like Hiei will make a very good father one day," said Rei. The members of the Reikai Tantei started to chuckle, then laugh. Hiei merely grumbled, it didn't look the little girl minded.

"Well... I know how to get her off Hiei..." said Usagi. She took a handful of sweets and called Chibi-chibi. That worked. She let go of Hiei and ran to the Okashi. She ate with almost as good an appetite as Usagi.

"You know," kidded Yaten. "It's a good thing we know she isn't Usagi's kid, because the way she packs in the food you would wonder."

Both Usagi and Redi swallowed the big mouthful they were chewing. They glared at Yaten. "And what is that supposed to mean?" they both said in perfect unison.

"K-K..." stuttered Yaten, trying to calm them down. "Nothing... I was just joking..." They both glared at him. A huge sweatdrop fell down Yaten's skull. The two girls decided to cut Yaten some slack after making him cringe good.

Soon everyone decided to imitate Chibi-chibi and dug in. The atmosphere was that of pleasant conversation and laughter. Full, Yaten reclined on the blanket and looked at the cherry blossom petals flowing in the wind. This was so nice and perfect. Nothing in the world could happen to mar this perfect day, he thought.

Famous last words...

Setsuna moved and went to sit next to Redi. She whispered something in her ear. Redi turned with a puzzled look at Setsuna. The older woman nodded grimly. Redi gulped. She knew this look. Setsuna never kidded when she was looking at her like that.

"Okay, my lips are sealed..." replied Redi. Setsuna smiled and nodded.

Yaten was still looking up in the sky when he saw a pink cloud appear. "What the?" he said. Out of the cloud fell a small white figure. Yaten had just time to get up when the small figure fell head first into Usagi's cake just as she said.

"Who wants some of my cake?" Well everybody got some all right. The cake flew all over the place as the little figure fell into it. Everybody was so busy dodging the cake no one saw the shining metallic object that flew from the grasp of its small holder.

"Nanni o... My cake!" cried Usagi. "Who destroyed my cake?"

"Ahhh well, whoever it is, he's welcome to it!" said Rei. "I think I had enough cake for today..."

"Ara... Kawaii..." cooed Michiru. Everybody was looking at what she was looking at.

There was a very cake soiled little fox spirit. He didn't seem much older than Chibi-chibi. His big green eyes were looking at everyone. The little kitsune seemed to realized he lost something and he started to wail a high pitch sob.

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" I lost it!" he said.

"Is that your little brother, Kurama?" asked Taiki.

"I don't have a younger brother... Well I didn't last time I checked..." replied Kurama looking at the little kitsune full of cake.

"ahhh... What's your name, little one?" asked softly Yaten.

"Ki... Kiku..." said the little kitsune wiping his tears. He got up and ran to Yaten and hugged him and hung by his neck.

Yaten started to cringe. "My brand new shirt..." he said between his teeth. "Oh well... I can always buy another." He tried to pry off the little kitsune so he could look at him. "What did you loose, Kiku-chan?"

"I lost my..." the little kitsune bit his lips. "Nothing. I lost nothing..." Yaten could tell he was lying through his teeth, but he was giving him such a kawaii puppy face, Yaten didn't pursue the subject.

"Kiku-chan..." said Usagi. "Where is your mama?"

"At home..." Kiku replied.

"What's your mama's name?" tried Usagi.

"... mama." answered the little kitsune. Everyone facevaulted.

"I guess the best thing to do is to ask Botan or Koenma if they know about this little kitsune." said Yuusuke.

"Yeah... We have enough of one sweet kid around here..." grumbled Hiei. Everyone looked at him. Chibi-chibi was hanging on to him as though he was a new stuffed toy.

"But you both look so cute together..." said softly Makoto. Hiei tried not to blush and tolerated the little girl.

"And you're so darn cute tooYIIIIOUTCH!" yelled Kurama. All the attention was directed to him and the little fox spirit. Kiku was actually growling as he was biting Kurama's finger. "LET GO!!!!" Kurama growled back. The little fox spirit let go and his lower lip started to quiver.

"Nice going Kurama..." cringed Yuusuke. "Now the waterworks will start!" And as if on cue Kiku started to wail.

"BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!! He's a meanie! <hiccup> BWHAAAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" The little kitsune buried his head into Yaten's chest inching away from Kurama.

"There... there, shhh... It's okay... You probably scared him when you pushed away that lock of hair, Ku-chan..." Yaten said.

"That's easy for you to say, you're not the one he bit..." said Kurama dryly. "He even drew blood!..."

Yaten chuckled. "Poor dear... let me see." As Yaten examined Kurama's finger, Keiko couldn't help but notice that Yaten had started to, well... act like a girl. That made her hair stand on end, as though he just took off a mask or something. It was quite distressing to see a popular Idol Singer act like that. Keiko whispered to Yuusuke.

"Is he really like THAT?" she accompanied her comment with a downward movement of her hand, suggesting that Yaten was effeminate.

Yuusuke sweatdropped. How could he explain to Keiko that Yaten was in reality a girl without blowing up their Senshi cover... and frankly he really didn't see how he could pull that off.

Minako started to giggle. "You know, it looks like Yaten-kun is a kitsune magnet."

"I'll say..." said Rei. "Maybe you should go in the exorcist business, Yaten-kun. You seem to have the knack for finding them..."

"I resent that comment..." mumbled Kurama. He turned his head and looked at the little kitsune who blinked at him. Kurama was about to say something nice to make him feel better, when the kitsune pulled on the skin under his left eye and stuck his tongue to Kurama.

Kurama's eyes narrowed at the little child. Kiku just grabbed back Yaten and cringed.

"Kare o kowai ni" The child sobbed. "He's scaring me..."

"What? but... but... " stuttered Kurama.

"Ku-chan! Stop antagonizing him!" scolded Yaten. He rocked the little kitsune and took a rice ball and gave it to Kiku.

"Me???? I didn't do anything! Who's side are you on?" asked Kurama, slightly annoyed.

The little kitsune's face lit up when Yaten gave him the rice ball. He hungrily tore into it. "I'm on nobody's side. But he's obviously scared and hungry..."

"I could have told you that he was hungry when he bit me like that..." grumbled Kurama.

"Come on... he's just a little kid..." started Yaten.

"Kit... he's a little kit..." started Kurama, he sighed. "You're right... I'll behave... he's probably scared..."

Haruka nudged Michiru. "Is it me or is Yaten acting... well... weird?"

Michiru chuckled lightly she put her bent finger to her chin. "I think the word you are looking for is 'motherly' Ruka..."

"You know... I have a feeling of deja-vu here..." whispered softly Mamoru. "Yaten?... Does he have a key on him?"

"A key?... let me check..." Yaten checked the small pockets on the little kitsune. He started to giggle. "Nope... no keys why?"

Then that can't be it, thought Mamoru. "Nothing, Yaten... just checking..."

The little kitsune was giggling and teasing Yaten into tickling him. "You're ticklish aren't you?" grinned Yaten as he tickled Kiku. He laughed himself silly.

Kurama looked at the entire scene with mixed emotions. He saw that Yaten was happy with the little kitsune. But he also felt the pangs of jealousy budding in him. He shook his head. That was crazy. He's just a little kid. He can't take Yaten away from him... can he?

Kiku planted a big kiss on Yaten's cheek. "Ya-chan!" he said in such a cute manner that all the girls were going: Aaaaaawwwww!

Seiya blinked "Hey what are we going to do? We can't take him with us..."

"My mom is going to kill me if I bring him home!" said Minako.

Ami got up. "My mother is away for a conference. She left this morning. I could bring him home with me..." She tried to take Kiku from Yaten but he started to yell.

"Yaaaa, Yaaaa... Yaaaa... I wanna stay with Ya-chan..." cried the baby kitsune. Why am I NOT surprised? thought Kurama. Ami let him go and Kiku put his head on Yaten's shoulder. He looked back at Ami with pleading eyes and started to suck his thumb.

Ami cooed, "Oh you're soooo kawaii... Would you mind if I visited you sometimes?" Kiku nodded. Yaten started to yawn.

"No one is going to hurt you, Kiku-chan... but I'd like to rest a little while... Okay?" asked Yaten. Kiku nodded and got off of Yaten's lap. Yaten laid down next to Kurama looking at the little kid as he made sure he visited everyone on the plastic blanket.

Kiku giggled as everybody was saying hello, but he froze in front of Setsuna as she was smiling softly at him. He turned around and ran to Seiya and started to tug at his ponytail, saying piggyback ride. Seiya chuckled and took him around the park with Redi.

"Oh, look at the cute kid in a fox spirit costume..." some people said. "he's sure one kawaii little tike..." said another.

After a while Seiya and Redi came back. Kiku was sitting on Seiya's shoulders eating a snow cone. Redi had one for Chibi-chibi. The little girl let go of Hiei when she saw Redi present her with a cone.

Kurama was thinking, why did Kiku ran away from Setsuna like that? I saw his eyes; he looked frightened. Kurama felt Yaten's face brush against his hand. While every one was busy watching Kiku's antics. Kurama caressed with his thumb Yaten's face. Yaten smiled and sighed in his sleep. Kurama started to massage Yaten's scalp with his fingers when he saw Kiku looking at them.

Kiku went on all four and crawled underneath Yaten's arm. He snuggled up to Yaten and started to suck his thumb. Slowly he closed his eyes and went to sleep. They are so cute together, thought Kurama. He stroked the little kitsune's head and heard him whisper.

"papa... mama... gomen ne..."

Meanwhile six figures were watching on a dais the scene at the cherry blossom festival.

"It was a brilliant idea..." said a female voice. "They will never suspect our little bundle of joy is there to spy on them."

"Please..." said another. "They are not ready... They can't fight you now..."

"It would be dishonorable to strike them now, I agree. Our victory would be without flavor..." added yet another.

A fourth figure merely nodded as she watched the scene.

"You know, we cannot go against the elder's wish. It's an unsavory duty, but one we must perform," said a fifth.

The last one stepped in. "I know, they seem so happy. If it were just of me, I would leave them alone..." she sighed. "But we have our orders. How shall we do the deed?"

They all fell silent. This wasn't something they were looking forward to. One of them was crying bitterly. Suddenly a form appeared in the shadow, that of a man.

"I could help you out..." he said. "Actually, I have a proposition to make to the elders..." They all turned to the man and listened to what he was offering.

End of part 7

Note: Kiku means Chrysanthemum.

Part 8

Yaten woke up a few hours later. Everybody was packing up their things. Oh Stars! he grumbled to himself, don't tell me I slept through all of it. He sighed, rubbing his eyes. That's when he saw Kiku, sleeping next to him holding on to his ponytail. Yaten felt weird looking down on the little kitsune's trusting sleeping face. He shook his head, what's wrong with me? I feel like I want to protect the little kid... That's weird.

"So it's settled. Everyone is going to our place for a little swim in our indoor pool?" asked Haruka. "Oh! Yaten... I see you're awake. Are you coming with us to swim?"

"Well... I could come but I don't think I feel like swimming too much..." Yaten replied, trying to get up but Kiku was holding his ponytail and he didn't want to wake up the little boy. Kurama gently pried the hands of the kitsune off of Yaten's hair and gathered the still sleeping Kiku into his arms. Almost immediately as he was in Kurama's arms, Kiku reached and grabbed a hold of one of his sideburns. Freed, Yaten got up as Minako cooed loudly.

"Ohhh! He's sooo cute! Can I hold him?" She asked. Kurama didn't see why not. So he pried his hair off the little kitsune and gave him to Minako who happily took him. Kurama helped Taiki get the things inside the van as Yaten took also a small bundle.

"Tell me, Redi-chan..." said excitedly Minako. "Have you ever seen such a kawaii little kid?"

Redi shook her head smiling. "No, no I never saw such a cute little thing before..." Mamoru raised an eyebrow. Redi didn't know that little kitsune? Strange, I was beginning to wonder if this might be Kurama and Yaten's child from the future. But if Redi-chan claims she never saw a child like that... mmm...

While the others were cleaning up things, Setsuna looked at Mamoru. She saw him looking intently on the strange child, then waving his hand in front of his face as though he had dismissed his trail of thoughts. Smiling, Setsuna feigned that she had lost something and pocketed a small object that had fallen forgotten on the ground. She was hoping no one had seen her when faith pushed help along the way.

Kiku had grabbed Minako's hair; who was giggling and chatting away with Rei; when he sniffed, sniffed some more. WRONG SMELL! His eye grew wide and he started to throw a tantrum.

"Yaaaa, Yaaaa.... BWAAAAAA!!!! MAMA!! DOKO MAMA? BWAAHHAAAAAAA!" he yelled right into Minako's ear.

"OW!" she cried out. She tried to hold on to him as he struggled to get away from her. "Kiku-chan... We're friends... Calm down!" Minako gasped as the little boy broke free from her grasp. Rei tried to catch him but she was too late.

Surprisingly the little kitsune fell down on the ground easily and sprang forward like rubber band and he ran straight in front of him, towards a very busy street. Kiku ran. He was frightened. He had woken up in a stranger's arms. He wanted his mother or his father, even one of his kit siblings would do. Where was he?

As he ran, he remembered the trip. He had stolen something from his parents. Not really stolen, he just wanted to borrows these items. But now, he didn't remember where they were. Papa and Mama yelled this morning. It was his fault. He stole something that meant so much, so he ran away. If he ran away maybe his parents wouldn't be mad at each other again.

Kiku yelled when he felt himself lifted up from the ground. He saw red hair, but the smell was familiar. Not what he was used to but familiar. He cried into the arms that held him.

"Hey... Don't go running like that into traffic. You could have been hit!" said a worried Kurama.

Kiku looked at him with fright and he sobbed. "Mama?" He hugged Kurama very hard, trembling. Seiya raised an eyebrow and chuckled.

"Did he just call you mama, Kurama?" asked Seiya.

"I don't *THINK* so..." replied Kurama. Just then Yaten peeked from inside the van.

"What's wrong?" he asked. Kiku spun his head and reached out for Yaten.

"I want Ya-chan..." Kiku pitifully started. "Ya-chan..." He started to fidget and tried to get out of Kurama's grasp.

"Whoa! Stop struggling like that..." said Kurama, trying to hold on the little fox-spirit.

Taiki, appraising the situation, finally said. "You better get in the van, Kurama. Then give Kiku to Yaten. He seems almost calm when Yaten holds him." Kurama nodded and got into the van. Taiki closed the van door.

"It's weird on how he can latch himself onto Yaten like that..." started Seiya. "But not as weird as Yaten's reactions..."

"I know... " continued Taiki. He shrugged. "... maybe he's tired..."

"Yaten would be even crankier, if he were tired..." added Seiya. Taiki nodded and they both got into the car.

As the Three Lights and Kurama were getting in the car, Minako asked Hiei.

"Soooo... Hiei... Was it your first time?"

Hiei froze and so did Makoto. They both became blue in the face. "That's rather..." he started.

"It was fun, huh?" asked Minako, after a silence. "Aren't you glad you came?"

"Mi... Minako-chan..." said Makoto, her right eyebrow twitching. "You're talking about the Cherry Blossom festival... aren't you?"

Minako blinked. "Of course!..." She made a face. "What did you think I was talking about?..." Hiei facevaulted as Makoto started to laugh nervously, her right hand rubbing the back of her head.

"Nothing... beside the Festival, of course!"

Keiko was heading home. She had to get her swimsuit. But frankly, she didn't feel like going. She knew Yukina was already heading back to her shrine. She chuckled. Ice Maidens and water didn't mix, just like Fire Demons avoided water. But then... why did Hiei tag along? Mmm, she thought. First Yaten-san, then Hiei acts weird. Not to mention all of Yaten's friends who didn't bat an eye when she announced that Kurama -Minamino Shuuichi- was a Youko, a fox-spirit. She thought the one who was studying to be a Shinto priestess would freak... no she just nodded along like it was normal. Also, when Kiku-chan appeared most of them were more shocked to get cake all over them, rather than ponder on the fact there was a live kitsune kit in front of them.

Those were a weird bunch... she thought, I'm not even sure the word eccentric would apply here... They just accepted the little kitsune as though he was... well, one of them. Like I said... weird...

Keiko entered by the back door not wanting to disturb her parents who were still managing their small shops. I'll just drop them a note, she thought. She wrote a small letter saying that she had gone to swim at a friend's house and not to be worried. She folded the note and took her bag with her towel and swimsuit in it. That's when she felt that she wasn't alone. She spun around and came face to face with a fellow just about her height. She gasped. He looked familiar.

"Konnichi wa Yukimura Keiko..." the young man started, lifting his hand and light emitted from it. "... and Sayonara..."

Kiku was splashing water all around. He was having the time of his life. He even started to like the red haired guy a little more. But he liked Ya-chan even more. His smell was so familiar but something was missing. He couldn't place it, but for Kiku it was enough. He multiplied his antics to impress his new friends.

"Hey!" said Hotaru. "Quit splashing! You'll get my hair wet!"

Unfortunately for Hotaru, Chibi-chibi decided to join in the fun and started to splash as hard as Kiku was.

"How old are you anyway?" asked an exasperated Hotaru.

"I'm three!" said Kiku. Chibi-chibi giggled and repeated "three!"

"Hey, stop that you copy-cat!" growled Kiku. Chibi-chibi repeated the last word that Kiku said and she swam next to him.

"Hey! Stop that!" protested Kiku. Chibi-chibi latched unto him and gave him a real big kiss. The kiss was spied by everyone who just went.

"AAAAAWWWWWW so cute!..."

Ewwww... someone bring me a barf bag, thought Hiei. He turned his head around when he felt Makoto next to him. Up to now she had been busy in the kitchen preparing snacks.

"Looks like Chibi-chibi really likes Kiku-chan, ne, Hiei?"

Hiei felt like his bottom jaw had just hit the cement floor. Makoto was well... gorgeous. She's... she's... whoa... Even Hiei's thoughts couldn't form themselves inside his head. He blinked, there were beautiful women around but Makoto wearing that green 2 piece bikini with pink rose, literally made him stare. Makoto giggled and blushed. She put her hand under his chin and closed his mouth.

"Kawaii..." she whispered to him. "You have almost the same reactions Yaten had when he saw Kurama in his bikini..." she chuckled and dove right in the pool. Making Hiei wonder if he really did a good thing when he said that he didn't want to take a swim. Because he sure would need to cool off right about now...

Kurama, like almost everyone, was looking at Kiku and Chibi- chibi kiss. "Mmmm... Three years old... That would explain it..."

Taiki and Mamoru, who were on either side of Kurama, lifted an eyebrow. "Is there something you think you know about Kiku-chan, Kurama?" asked Mamoru. Haruka heard it, too, so she turned around and rejoined them followed by Rei.

"Well, it still doesn't explain how he came here but..." started to say Kurama.

"Please tell us. It might explain why Kiku-chan is here..." said Taiki.

Kurama nodded. "Very well... But I would like to start by saying please do not think we are a savage race... It's just the way it's been for fox spirits since the beginning of time..." They all nodded. Satisfied, he continued. "You see when a Kitsune Kit is weaned, his mother abandons him to the clan."

"At what age are they weaned?" asked Mamoru.

"Three." was Kurama's reply. All around him gasped. "During that time, a Kitsune kit usually attaches himself to someone who will become his or her big brother or sister. That's the way it is. The kitsune will then follow his foster brother around until he's mature enough..."

"And you think that Kiku-chan has attached himself to Yaten in that way?..." asked Taiki. Kurama nodded.

"Poor little kit... Why has he attached himself to Yaten? He's no kitsune. You would make a better candidate..." said Rei.

"His mane..." started Kurama.

"What about it?" asked Haruka.

"A silvery mane is considered low cast... he was lucky the vixen who bore him, didn't abandon him as soon as he got out. Maybe the green eyes were considered a curiosity..."

"You mean..." said Seiya. "That he might have been cast off?"

"How do you know this?" asked Michiru who had swam next to Haruka.

"I know..." sighed Kurama, his green eyes seemed haunted now. "Because, that's what happened to me..." He looked down, his eyes mesmerized by the water splashing on him. "I have a silver mane and gold eyes... the bottom line in the Kitsune hierarchy... I was abandoned, left to die mere hours after my birth... if that thieving guild hadn't taken me in..." he stopped, as everyone near Kurama swallowed what he just had said. Everyone had a lump on their throat.

"How could anyone be that cruel?" whispered Taiki, echoing everyone present thoughts.

"Does Yaten know?..." asked Seiya, Kurama shook his head.

"No... And I do not wish to burden Yaten with this..." Seiya frowned. They both had tragic childhood. It is a way faith has found to give them strength? Bring two very scared people together, fall in love and maybe repair the damage that was done to their soul by giving them children that they will love?

"But still... Why Yaten?" asked Michiru.

"Maybe Yaten's own silver hair is what Kiku made want to attach to him... It's a rather instinctive process and a necessity for the Kitsune to find someone to bound to. Maybe... just maybe, Kiku couldn't find anyone and when he saw Yaten, his initial reject of a Ningen was overridden..."

"You mean he probably went to Yaten because..." said Ami unbelieving.

"Because Kiku-chan had ran out of options... they usually starve themselves to death if they can't find anyone..." concluded Kurama.

Meanwhile, Yaten was lying on a futon Haruka had placed for him by the edge of the pool. He smiled back at Kiku who was waving and calling for his attention. He didn't know why but he liked the little kitsune, but now his yelling and splashing was giving him a headache. He sighed as he looked toward Kurama, he seemed troubled about something. At least he and Kiku were starting to get along. Good, he didn't want to hurt either one's feeling.

He blinked, why was he thinking that? Sure, Kiku was a cute kid but he wasn't Kurama. He sighed again he just wished he could be alone with Kurama right now and put his head on his shoulder and drift toward a nice little nap. He closed his eyes and imagined Kurama's arms around him. He smiled. He almost felt Kurama's silky hair on his nose. He was drifting towards sleep when he heard a screech.

"PUT ME DOWN!!!" yelled Kiku as Kurama held him in a towel. "I want to see Ya-chan..."

"And you will as soon as you are dry... Yaten is sick and going to him all wet is going to make him sicker... that would be bad. You wouldn't want to make Yaten sicker than he already is?" asked Kurama as he energetically dried the little kitsune. Kurama was himself soaked, water dripping from his hair. Soon Kiku was dry enough for Kurama's standard and he rushed to Yaten.

Kurama was busy drying himself while the little kitsune was snuggling to Yaten. "Sleepy again?" asked Yaten. The little kitsune yawned and nodded. Chibi-chibi after Hotaru dried her, giggled and went to sleep next to Kiku at Yaten's side. Yaten shook his head and saw that Kurama was also yawning as he was putting on his robe.

"Are you tired, too?" Yaten asked shuffling the little ones in his arm to make some place to Kurama. "There's still room..." he smiled.

"Unfortunately, I'm not a little kid..." started Kurama.

"Soooo?" interrupted Michiru. "What's your point? No one will mind here... Go on... go on..." she almost gave him a tap you give to stubborn children and he resigned himself. He laid down next to Yaten and he put arm around his waist. Yaten closed his eyes and smiled as he felt Kurama's head recline on his pillow, he sighed and drifted off to sleep.

Yukina was brewing some tea when she saw a shadow fall on her. She barely had time to turn around and scream when everything went dark.

Chibi-chibi was already up and about when Kurama woke up from his nap. Greeted by grins and flashlights, Kurama realized they were taking pictures. He was a little annoyed but when Minako gave him the picture he understood why. Yaten had turned around to face him in his sleep and Kiku had gotten up and settled in between them.

"You looked so much like a cute little family, we couldn't resist..." said Usagi. Kurama blushed slightly when Usagi said family. Yes... he thought, it really looked like that didn't it?

As he was looking at the picture, Kiku woke up. Of course upon seeing that Kurama had something in his hand, the little kitsune wanted to see. He literally climbed up Kurama's chest and peered at the picture.

"Oh... Ya-chan and Ku-chan... OH! and me..." He giggled softly. Kurama was surprised, Kiku had called him by the name Yaten used to call him.

"Would you like to keep the picture, Kiku-chan?" asked Usagi.

Kiku nodded, "Hai, arigato..." He beamed and turned to look at Yaten. When he saw he was still sleeping, he turned to the others who were giggling. "Shhh... Ya-chan is still asleep..." He turned to Kurama and whispered in his ear. "Maybe if we go away they will leave Ya-chan to sleep..." Kurama nodded and Kiku grabbed hold his neck.

As soon as Kurama was up, Kiku climbed on him and settled on his shoulder. Redi put her head on Seiya's shoulder. "Aren't they cute like that?" she asked Seiya.

"Not half as cute as you..." replied Seiya with a smile. He was about to kiss Redi when he felt two pairs of eyes on them. Mamoru coughed, Seiya suddenly remembered he had something important to do in the other room. Redi glared at Mamoru for interfering and took the direction Seiya took.

"Ku-chan..." said Kiku. "Ya-chan is cold..." Kurama looked and saw that Yaten had rolled into a ball and had started to shiver. Kurama took a wool blanket and put it on Yaten. He kissed his forehead.

"Me too..." whispered Kiku and Kurama lowered himself back so that Kiku could kiss Yaten. When he got back up he was surprised, the little kitsune was hugging him and had just given him a quick peck on the cheek.

"What do you say we go change and go play outside and let Ya-chan sleep?" The little Kitsune nodded and they headed for a room to change.

Michiru just marveled at Kurama's stamina and how good he was with kids. It was almost dinnertime and Kurama had been able to occupy Hotaru, Kiku and Chibi-chibi and prevent them from being bored. They had started by playing at hide and go seek, then he was a horse and gave them pony ride. Well Hotaru thought she was too old for the pony rides and had gone inside to help Makoto.

After the pony rides, Chibi-chibi was exhausted and had gone to snuggle next to Hiei who was nodding off under one of the trees. But Kiku was still full of energy so after taking off his shoes, Kurama installed Kiku on the flat of his feet and was holding him up, careful so the little kit wouldn't fall. Kiku laughed, shouting that he was flying.

Haruka came to them and knelt down next to Kurama as Kiku let himself fall gently on Kurama.

"Congratulations... You managed to tire him up..." smirked Haruka.

"Yaten will be so mad he missed all the fun, eh Kiku-chan?" Kurama started, tickling the little kitsune.

"No, he won't... I got it all on tape!" She replied. "And if Kiku-chan behaves he'll get to see himself on TV... Well, dinner is ready. I'm sure you are all hungry..."

Both Kurama and Kiku nodded energetically. Kurama laughed when he woke Hiei and when he realized that the person snuggling next to him was Chibi-chibi. Kuwabara sneered.

"She must think Hiei to be a Ken doll..." Hiei glared at the taller boy. "Humpt!" was his only reply.

Everybody was sitting down when Makoto realized that they had all forgotten about Yaten. She told everyone she would wake him up.

She walked the long corridor up to the pool. And sure enough, there he was all snuggled up in the blanket Kurama put on him. She started to shake him.

"Yaten-kun... hey, sleepy-head, wake up... you slept enough to..." Makoto gasped as she pulled out the blanket. Yaten was no longer there, in fact a strange woman had taken his place. The woman with a swift motion brought her hand to her mouth and blew a powder in Makoto's face. Makoto had taken a deep breath and was about to yell her henshin when the world became a blur and she fell down.

"Humpt!" said the woman. "That was almost too easy." She got up and as she snapped her fingers Yaten became visible. On his face glittered the same dust that the woman used on Makoto. She whispered a few words and both unconscious bodies floated. She opened a portal and they all disappeared through it.

Meanwhile, Kiku fidgeted on his chair. All the tall ones were laughing and eating. "What's wrong Kiku-chan?" asked Kurama.

Suddenly everyone's eyes grew wide. There was a flux of energy and it came from the pool area. Kurama and Hiei were out of their chair in a heartbeat. The Reikai Tantei and the Senshi all ran to the pool. Too late, the energy was gone, so was Makoto and Yaten.

"Kurama..." said Hiei pointing to the futon where Yaten was sleeping. There was a folded piece of paper and some dust. Kurama carefully smelled the dust. He knew what it was. It was the pollen of the Black Lotus. If blown on someone's face it would render anyone unconscious. He took the piece of paper and read it out loud.

"That's all very nice!" yelled Kuwabara, "But who the heck are we supposed to fight?"

Only the wind that came from the opened window replied.

Part 9

"DAMN! Keiko is nowhere to be found!" said Yuusuke as he entered the temple fire room. He got dirty looks from many of the Senshi. He shut up quickly when he saw Rei concentrating before the Sacred Fires.

Kiku was agitated but remained calm in Kurama's arms. He was crying, worried sick about Yaten. Kurama was, too, but he was trying to stay calm for the little kitsune's sake. But inside him his blood was boiling, enraged by the kidnapping. Those cowards, he thought, they took away those we loved to get at us. There will be hell to pay when I am face to face with them, he promised. They will pay if they ever harm one hair on Yaten's head.

Hiei was in one corner shivering with hatred. He would rip the spleen of the creature that took Makoto away, he swore. He stood in the darkness so that nobody could see that his face was locked in a rictus of hatred, his red eyes burning. Kuwabara's hands were pulled into a fist and you could see by his expression that he was ready to explode the face of who ever took Yukina away.

Suddenly, the fire burned brighter indicating that Rei was getting a reading from the fire. All eyes were on her as she peered into the sacred fire. For several minutes all was deadly still, even Kiku had stopped crying and was looking at her.

Seiya and Taiki watched, worry etched on their features when Rei took a deep breath and the fire returned to a more normal rate.

"I saw" she whispered, "three figures. One looked like a humanoid tiger. The second one was a woman. She wore a bronze dragon design on her clothes. And lastly I saw a small man, on his shoulder was perched a bird..."

"Was he wearing a headband with a red stone?" asked Yuusuke.

Rei looked at him puzzled. "Yes... but the stone was blue not red..."

"You know who kidnapped them Yuusuke-kun?" asked Seiya. Kurama started to growl, his hand curled into a fist.

"It's impossible... they were all dead." he said, Kiku looking at him with a strange expression on his small face.

"There's more..." continued Rei. "There were figures behind them and by the look of things I'd say that they were dead..."

"It seems..." Hiei's voice was a slow growl. "That someone has decided to reform the Shiseiju..."

Makoto came to in a dark and dank dungeon. She shook her head and groaned.

"So you're finally awake, Mako-chan?" asked a familiar voice.

"Yaten-kun?... Where are you?" she asked trying to peer into the darkness.

"Just in front of you... I'm chained to the wall..." he replied.

"Makoto-san..." said Yukina. "They took you, also?"

"But why? I don't understand... I mean I get the idea that me, Yukina and Yaten-kun got kidnapped because we were in love with someone of the Reikai Tantei. But you... it makes no sense..." said Keiko tugging at Yaten's chains.

"I had gone to wake up Yaten-kun for dinner." said Makoto. "Maybe I interrupted them before they could get away with Yaten-kun..."

"Maybe..." Keiko replied then she groaned. "It's no use, Yaten-kun, the chains won't break... Now you see why I told you it was a bad idea to be with Kurama..."

"Listen Keiko," started Yaten, trying to stay calm but her nagging was starting to get on his bad side. " I love Kurama and he loves me... End of story!"

"If he really loved you he would have prevented this..." Keiko replied hotly.

"Oh Yeah??? I didn't see your beloved Yuusuke seeing that coming, either, you know. Would you say HE doesn't really love you...?" Yaten was starting to be mad and his tongue lashed out when that happened. Makoto shook her head. She hoped this would be over soon.

"Please, don't compare us with your abnormal relationship!" replied Keiko miffed.

"Ab... ABNORMAL????" screamed Yaten. "Listen, girl. Who died and put you in charge of match-making?... Abnormal... Ku-chan and me... I've never been so insulted in my life."

"I'm... I'm sorry. That came out all wrong... I didn't mean to..." Keiko started. "But to think that the Idol of so many girls is gay. Well..."

"Okay. Listen well because I won't say it again... I... AM... NOT ... GAY!!! Because I'm a gi..."

"YATEN!" screamed Makoto, just in time before Yaten could blow his cover. She started to pull on Yaten's chains. She yanked a couple of times and she succeeded in pulling the anchor out of the wall. Yaten was free. He still had chains on but at least he wasn't tied to the wall anymore. As he thanked Makoto, the other two girls looked at Makoto.

"Wow... You're strong..." said Keiko.

"OH. You just loosened it enough for me to pry it loose." Makoto lied. Even when untransformed Makoto had an uncommon strength. "Where are we anyway?... Besides a dungeon..."

"We're in the Makai..." replied Yukina, who was peering from the window.

"So this is where Hiei... and Kurama come from?" asked Makoto.

"And I also..." replied Yukina.

"Tough looking neighborhood..." said Makoto as she looked outside. The landscape was bleak, black trees lining a gray skies.

"There are beautiful places in the Makai. You'd be surprised..." replied Yukina.

"All the places in the Makai I have been to, looked like that." added Yaten. His fingers went nervously to his ring. He gasped. "My RING!"

"What's wrong, Yaten?" asked Makoto.

"They must have taken my ring..." replied Yaten. "The ring that Seiya and Taiki gave to me and Kurama..."

"I have a few rings," started Makoto. "I have them all. Maybe you forgot to put it on or you took it off when you slept..."

"No, I always have it on me." He said, fishing into his pocket to no avail. The ring was nowhere to be found.

"I bet you took it off at Haruka's place, Yaten..." replied Makoto putting her hand on Yaten's shoulder. Keiko looked at them puzzled. It's almost as though Yaten-kun has been here before, she thought, but when? And why? And the way Makoto was acting around him. This was more than a girl being friends with a guy. It's almost as though they are hiding something, but what? I don't know. Things have been weird ever since Yaten-kun came to our school. Starting with Hiei breaking up with Kurama, only to have Kurama fall in love with Yaten... And Yaten knowing he was a Fox-Spirit and almost finding that normal... And what did he mean by I'm not gay... He's a guy if he is in love with another guy, doesn't that make him an homosexual? I mean, unless he's really disillusioned but I don't think that's the case. Also, what did he mean he could take care of himself if he got attacked? He was helpless now like all of us... Only he and Makoto don't seem too troubled by that...

As Keiko was pondering those questions, three beings came to their cell door. Keiko gasped when she saw one of them. He was a man- tiger and looked menacing.

"What is it? The lodging is not up to your expectations?" said the smaller of the three. "Perhaps you would like bigger accommodations?" He asked with a sneer. They all stayed silent, knowing all too well that an answer would be met by sarcasm.

"Looks like the little boy managed to get free..." The woman of the group said.

"Who are you and what do you want from us?" demanded Keiko defiantly. I've got to admit, Yaten thought, she's got guts.

"Who we are," growled the Man tiger, "is none of your concern. But know that if your loved ones don't come and fight us, you'll die. Either way, we have what we wanted..."

"And what might that be?" asked Yaten with slanted eyes.

"Revenge..." The three of them said at the same time. They turned around and left them.

Seiya headed for bed. The Reikai Tantei had agreed that they could escort them to the gate they would take. But the senshi also promised not to cross the portal at the same time the Reikai Tantei did. He didn't like this, but Kurama had talked to both him and Taiki.

"If it is revenge, I do not want Yaten harmed... If you come along with us, they might decide to kill the hostages. That's why I'm asking you to stay... I know you are worried about Yaten and I assure you I am as worried if not more. Also, could you please take care of Kiku-chan for me... I can't take him with me..."

Kurama's words rang in his head. He peered into Yaten's room. So that Kiku would calm down, Kurama was lying down with him in Yaten's bed. Kiku was sound asleep but even if his eyes were closed, Seiya knew that Kurama was still awake. He couldn't sleep. After a while he opened his eyes. When he saw Seiya he closed them back again. He doesn't want me to worry, Seiya thought as he closed the door and went into his bedroom. We have to find a way, thought Seiya, if Kurama were to die... Yaten would... be heartbroken... no, much more than heartbroken I'm afraid.

Seiya lay down and closed his eyes. I won't be getting much sleep myself, he thought. But sleep he did, because he had a dream.

Seiya and the others were by a beach. Everybody was happy and had a good time. He saw Kurama and Yaten together in each other's arms looking more in love than ever before. Yaten was a woman and Kurama was twirling her as they danced. Taiki was doing the same with Ami. They too seemed so much in love. Others were dancing also. Rei was with Yuushiro. Minako was dancing with Jadeite. Even though the music was rhythmic, Michiru and Haruka were dancing as though it was slow.

Usagi and Mamoru were also dancing, but they were waltzing. Usagi wore a gauzy-like lace gown. She looked like a Princess. Mamoru was wearing a lavender tuxedo. They seemed so happy that Seiya smiled in spite of himself. He wanted to go dance but he had no one to dance with. He heard a giggle and saw Makoto and Hiei hand in hand rejoining the others. They started to dance, too. Seiya found the image funny, The smaller Hiei dancing with Makoto, but he couldn't laugh. Instead he felt great sadness. His friends, they were all dancing, all of them. Even Mamoru's generals, Yuusuke and Kuwabara were dancing with someone, all of them that is; except him.

Seiya felt sad and couldn't help it as a tear flowed from his eye. Then as Usagi and Mamoru danced they passed before a mirror. Their reflection twisted until Seiya saw Redi smiling at him. Seiya wanted to go dance with her but he was rooted in place and he saw her gliding towards him. Without stopping, she escorted him away from the party.

Seiya heard the music change and a voice started to sing as they moved. He could hear the song clearly in his head and they seemed to mimic what was going on in the song.

Seiya saw Redi moving away from him. On the waves, Pluto was standing there. Redi was moving towards her. Seiya called to Redi but he no longer had any voice. He could see Redi's smile as she advanced towards Pluto. A gigantic door materialized next to Pluto and with a movement of her staff, the door swung open. Seiya saw a unicorn with wings looking at Redi when the song continued on.

Seiya was helpless to stop her when he saw her get on the Pegasus' back. Spreading its wings it bore her back into the doorway. Pluto looked on Seiya with an emotion mixed of sadness and of joy. Before he could ask her what she was doing there, she vanished also; leaving Seiya alone.

Seiya closed his eyes and when he opened then back again, he was exactly where he was when his dream started. Seiya felt a sadness enter him as he watch his friends. He sank to his knees on the sand, tears flowing from his eyes. He felt numb with an inner pain that was striking his heart. He bled from a wound no one could see he felt as though this wound would bring his downfall. His vision blurred as the tears filled his eyes.

Then he felt a gentle pressure on his shoulder, someone had knelt beside him. She wore a perfume that smelled of Jasmine. The scent soothed him. "May I have this dance?" she asked him. Her voice was warm and caring, wise and young all rolled into one. He nodded, blinking his tears so he could look at her. She helped him up and he felt himself moving toward the dancers. He first thought there would be no place, but as they proceeded a place was made for them. Seiya saw Taiki and Yaten smile at him, a smile that told him more than with words how happy they were for him. Seiya, smiling, turned around to face the person who asked him to dance.

"GOOD MORNING UNCLE SEIYA!!!!" Kiku choose that exact moment to wake Seiya, who, dazzled, sat up in his bed, blinking. A dream. It was all a dream, but it felt so real even though there were weird elements in it. What did it mean? Seiya was taken out of his reverie by Kiku who was jumping up and down on his bed. Taiki's head peered in the doorway.

"Maybe we should keep him." he kidded. "He seems to be more reliable than an alarm clock..."

"Yeah..." replied Seiya as Kiku was giving him a big hug. "But you think we are ready to keep a small child?"

"I doubt it, but if he's attached himself to Yaten, what choice do we have?" replied Taiki as he was brushing his hair. He was tying his ponytail when Kiku asked to be combed, too.

Kurama arrived fully clothed and told Taiki he would take care of combing Kiku. With one hand he put Kiku on his hip, who was giggling and having the time of his life. They headed for the living room.

"It's almost uncanny the patience he has with Kiku..." thought Seiya out loud. Taiki nodded, smiling, and went to get dressed.

When Seiya came out of his room, Kurama was asking Kiku what he wanted for breakfast.

"Anything, except oatmeal..." Kiku made a face when he said oatmeal.

"How about this?" Kurama showed him a box of cereal. Kiku beamed.

"Yeah! Capt'n Krunch!" He was jumping on his chair in anticipation as Kurama poured the cereal in his bowl and added some milk. Seiya looked up questioningly at Taiki who was frowning.

"What's wrong?" asked Seiya.

"Probably nothing..." replied his sibling. "But don't you find it odd that Kiku knows about oatmeal and Capt'n Krunch?"

Seiya shrugged. "He's a kid..."

"Maybe, but I don't think they would have cereal in the Makai now, would you?" Taiki said as he walked to the table. Seiya frowned. That was true. How would Kiku know about a morning cereal in the Makai? Maybe there were demons stealing stuff from the Ningenkai and taking it to the Makai, he thought.

Taiki was pouring himself a bowl of cereal and asked Kurama if he wanted any. Kurama nodded and Taiki proceeded to pour him a bowl. When he placed the bowl before Kurama, he saw that he was looking all over the place.

"What's wrong?" asked Taiki.

Kurama looked at him embarrassed. "It's my ring, the one you gave Yaten and me. I can't find it. I don't remember taking it off, but when I woke up I realized I didn't have it any more... I never take it off... Where could it be?"

"Maybe you took it off somewhere and forgot about it. It's probably at Haruka's house. You took it off and put it on the counter yesterday. That's where it probably still is... Don't worry about it!" Taiki reassured him.

"Yeah... Most likely..." replied Kurama. But I'm so sure I had put it back on... He shrugged, I probably thought I did.

"So do we have a deal?" said the man as he faced the five women.

"I think so... what you offer is honorable. We will convey your proposition to the Council and I will personally send a messenger to inform you," said the woman who seemed to be their leader.

The man bowed before the golden clad woman. "A pleasure doing business with you. I will wait patiently your envoy." As he stood up a portal opened behind him. "Sayonara... miladies"

When the man disappeared, the leader of the women said to the one on her right. "Karasu... Inform the Council I will be going to see them..."

"Hai!" The woman answered and she disappeared.

Hiei woke up, not that he had slept that much during the night. He rose from Makoto's bed. He had slept there hoping that maybe she would come back. She didn't. Without her, the apartment seemed sad and empty. Already he missed her, the way she would talk to him, the cute smile she had when she gave him something to eat, the way she would look at him before she would kiss him. He missed her. He sighed as he looked at her things, cursing himself to have himself be smitten by her.

He wasn't afraid for her. He knew she was strong. But those who had taken her away from him had better beware. He was no man to forget a thing like that. I will find you Mako-chan, don't you worry about it. I will see to it that those who hurt you pay for their crimes.

He opened the balcony door and leaped to the meeting. "I will not let them hurt you, Mako-chan!"

Yuusuke was getting out of the house. His mother was sleeping her alcohol away. As soon as he got out, he started to run toward his objective. Grim faced, he started to glow with an inner power that was fueled by his anger.

"Hang on, Keiko... I'm coming!"

Kuwabara had just finished writing the kanji for 'vengeful retaliation' on his new white trench coat. He put it on and looked himself in the mirror. He took a bandana on which was written 'Spirit' and tied it to his brow. He would make them pay. I, Kuwabara, will make them rue the day they though of kidnapping the sweet and gentle Yukina. They are dead meat!

He left the apartment he shared with his family and ran to the portal. Arriving at the end of the street, he pointed to the sky.

"As the sky is my witness I, Kuwabara, vow to rescue you Gentle Yukina. I will not let them treat you with disrespect!"

Kurama had stopped along the way in a park. The very park where Yaten and he confessed their love. As Seiya, Taiki and Kiku waited for him, Kurama broke twigs and secured them in his hair. He took a small branch from the bush where Yaten and he hid. Then, kneeling before a rosebush, he plucked one blossom.

"Yaten... Even if I have to go to Hell and back, I will do all that I can to keep you safe, Koibito..."

End of Part 9

The song is "The Old ways" sung by Loreena McKennitt from her album The Visit.

Part 10

Yaten looked outside. The girls were still asleep. Yaten was used to waking up early in the morning to practice and ever since his fever went down, he was able to go back to his normal schedule. His siblings scolded him about it, but Yaten felt fine. Anyway, he better not start to get used to sleeping late. It would be hell to start back on his routine afterwards.

If push comes to shove, he thought, I hope I can help Kurama and the others. They don't seem to think of Makoto as a threat since they didn't chain her to the wall like they did me. They don't consider me much of a threat either. Damn! If only I could transform, I know Makoto can... If we only knew of their plan... It could help us out.

As he pondered, from the corner of his eye he saw Makoto's eyes flutter open. She was waking up. When she opened her eyes she sat up straight, then relaxed.

"Gomen... I thought I was back at my place..." She told him, embarrassed.

He smirked, "You too, huh?" He sighed and looked back outside. "Mako-chan... I don't know what they really want of us, but if we ever need to..."

Makoto silenced him with a gesture. She didn't know if their jailers were keeping tabs on them. And frankly, if Yaten and she had something that could upset their plan, Makoto preferred to keep it a secret as long as possible. Yaten understood and nodded. He sat next to Makoto.

"Do you miss him?" she asked.

"Yes, I do miss Kurama... and I'm also afraid for him," admitted Yaten.

"I know how you feel..." replied Makoto. Yaten put his arms around her shoulder, comforting her.

"I'm sure Hiei will be all right. You'll see..." smiled Yaten.

"Is it normal that I miss him already?" she asked. Yaten nodded.

"You also fear for him and you wish he won't get hurt because of you..." Yaten said. Makoto turned to look at him surprised. "How do I know?... Because Mako-chan, I feel exactly the same, but for Ku-chan. I'm afraid that because of me, he'll get hurt... maybe even die." Yaten lifted his head toward the ceiling and bit his lip, trying to fight the tears that pooled in his eyes. "If that ever happened, I could never forgive myself..." His voice cracked at the end. His body was wracked with sobs that he fought not to let out.

Makoto was surprised to see Yaten shaken by such emotions. He always seemed so much in control. The only time she saw her crack like that was when Kakyuu died. She thought Yaten to be even more emotionless when he was a boy. Nothing seemed to fray him. And there he was next to her, trying not to come apart.

"You... You must love Kurama very much..." she said out loud and almost regretted it. It sounded so corny. It was obvious that Yaten loved Kurama.

"Mako-chan... If he were to die..." He whispered through his tears. "I don't think I could go on living..."

"DON'T SAY THAT!!!" said Makoto. "Because it won't happen, you'll see... You'll marry him and have children, or my name isn't Kino Makoto!"

Yaten chuckled, "I can't marry him... "

"Maybe not now... But later... I'm sure of it. And you'll be very happy and have lots of children..." said Makoto with a smile.

"Have you gotten a prophet license?" kidded Yaten. They both started to laugh. That woke up Keiko and Yukina.

As they stopped laughing, Yaten had a great sigh, as Yukina was rubbing her eyes. "I wonder if Kiku-chan is all right... Poor little kit..."

Keiko blinked. "I thought you would be happy not to have him around to bother you and Kurama..."

"He's not bothering us..." started Yaten. "I have to admit I miss the little kitsune..."

"Maybe you and Kurama could adopt him..." chimed Yukina. Yaten blushed. Kurama and he, adopt Kiku. Yaten felt a warm feeling inside his chest when he thought that he and Kurama could raise Kiku like their own.

"Yukina-chan!!! I can't believe you just said that!!!" said Keiko.

"Well, if Kurama loves Yaten-kun and he loves Kurama, I don't see where there is a problem..." blinked Yukina.

"They could never adopt!!! They are BOTH guys. No one will let them keep a child!" said Keiko. Yaten started to emit a low growl, glaring at her.

"Listen Keiko-san, you really think we want to see a social worker and try to explain Kiku-chan's appearance?" counter-attacked Makoto.

"Ara..." Keiko blushed. "You have a point..."

"I'm too young to adopt, but I love Kiku-chan almost as much as I love Kurama. If Kiku-chan needs someone, who are you to deny me to help him?" spat Yaten.

"You know." said coldly Keiko. "For a boy, you talk a lot like a girl! Boys don't talk like you do, you know..."

Yaten bit his lips. Was he blowing his cover with the way he talked? Was Keiko beginning to suspect that he was in reality a girl? He stayed silent.

When some people told me they thought he was effeminate, said to herself Keiko, I didn't think it was that much. Sheesh, Kurama is starting to sound like Mr. Macho compared to him. What's the saying? Conceal your true nature and it will come back to haunt you? Compared to Kurama's old flame, all I can say is that Yaten and Hiei are from opposite sides of the swing.

Makoto was about to say something to try to veer the conversation away from where this was heading, when they heard a loud sound. Their jailers had just opened the heavy door that prevented their escape. The huge man tiger was at the door. He growled, making sure he had their attention.

"Come with me!" He growled as he gestured to them.

"Where are you taking us?" asked Makoto.

"You'll see soon enough..." He replied.

"What if we don't want to come?" asked defiantly Yaten.

The man tiger looked at him with a cocky smile on his face. "You talk tough, little boy. It's your choice, either you come with me willingly or else I go get you. I was ordered to bring you alive... If you get damaged along the way because you didn't listened to me... So are you coming? Or shall I come and pluck you?"

Makoto put a hand on his shoulder and with a head gesture she told him it wasn't worth it.

"Very well... I'm coming..." He replied. He would bide his time for now, knowing all too well that it wouldn't help them to get injured this soon. Maybe the Reikai Tantei would need his and Makoto's help. He just prayed he could do something. He walked and got out of the cell.

"I'm glad to see you have some sense, Boy!" sneered his jailer. Yaten let him sneer all he wanted. He would remember this Youkai.

Keiko walked after Yaten, glaring at him. What a wuss! she thought. Kurama left Hiei for that guy??? Something doesn't add up here. Hiei would have tried to get the jump on that Monster, Mr. Idol Singer just followed like a sheep going to the slaughterhouse. Kurama really wasn't thinking straight when he left Hiei for Yaten Kou. I mean, she reflected, what can he possibly see in him?

In the early hours of the morning, the Senshi, Mamoru and his Generals, as well as the Reikai Tantei had arrived in a secluded park. Well hidden from prying eyes, they were preparing to open a portal to the Makai. Ever since they had arrived, Hiei, as always, had kept silent; and sensing his anger, even Kuwabara hadn't antagonized him. Yuusuke thought it was because his sister, Yukina, had been kidnapped, but Kurama knew better. Of course, he was mad they had taken away his twin sister, but Hiei was furious because they had taken Makoto, too.

Kurama looked in sadness at the koorime. He wondered if Hiei had told Makoto or not what he felt about her. Poor Hiei, he thought, things have not been easy for him. Their separation had been sudden. Then he started to get interested in Makoto and spent a lot of time with her. I bet, he said to himself, that Yuusuke and Kuwabara haven't even noticed.

"We're ready to go..." said Yuusuke gravely. Everyone present could tell he was furious and that he tried to contain it.

Kurama nodded. He moved to Seiya and Taiki and gave them Kiku who held on to Kurama.

"I wanna go, too!" cried Kiku.

"I can't take you with me... It's too dangerous..." said Kurama to the little kitsune. "I'm sorry..."

"But I want to help Ya-chan..." pouted the little one who, resigned, held on to Seiya.

"We have your word. You are not to follow us through this portal." warned Yuusuke.

"But..." say Rei. "There is one of our friends that is trapped over there..."

"We know..." answered Kuwabara. "And we'll bring her back, too. But we don't want any harm to come to them. And they did warn us. If we were to bring unexpected guests with us, they wouldn't hesitate to kill them all. I, for one, am not ready to put their lives on the line."

"How can you be so sure they will not kill them as soon as you get there?" asked Kunzite.

"We don't... But I will not add to the risk..." replied Yuusuke. Kunzite nodded.

The portal opened and the Reikai Tantei disappeared into it. The senshi stood there as the portal closed. Seiya, still bearing Kiku in his arms, went to Usagi and Mamoru. Seiya passed Redi who beamed at him but Seiya gave her a weak smile and continued straight for Usagi and Mamoru. Ara... thought Redi, what's wrong with Seiya? Next to her both Hotaru and Setsuna exchanged a a glance.

Setsuna whispered to Hotaru. "Did he have the dream?" Hotaru's only response was a nod.

Seiya walked up to Mamoru and Usagi. How am I going to tell them this? thought Seiya.

"Usagi-chan, Mamoru-san... I need to talk with both of you... alone" started Seiya. For a few instants, Mamoru glared at Seiya but his face softened when he met Seiya's gaze. Usagi and Mamoru nodded and went to a more remote part of the park.

Redi sighed, she had heard the alone part. What's going on? she thought. Suddenly Redi froze. In the park two women were coming towards them.

"That's it! We're lost!" said the first woman.

"No, we're not... Trust me. You know I have a knack at finding my way around..." said the second one.

"humpf... I can see the headlines here. Upcoming musical actress found dead along with her best friend... They had just come to Tokyo..." replied the first woman.

The other lifted an eyebrow. "Can't you be a little less melodramatic, Hikoku-chan?"

"I'm not as optimist as you, Yuka-chan... Ara!" She stopped when she saw Taiki. He himself blinked when he heard her name Hikoku... That name was familiar somehow. But of course! She must be... Taiki walked towards her as she advanced to him.

"Ara?... Excuse me, but aren't you Taiki Kou?" Hikoku said.

"Hai... You wouldn't be Heiwa Hikoku, by any chance?" ask Taiki.

"Hai. Hajimemashite Heiwa Hikoku desu..." she smiled. "Oh! And here is my childhood friend and roommate Murasaki Yuukana." Yuukana bowed to Taiki and smiled but she stayed silent. "Oh! I'm so happy to have run into you... I can't wait to be Sarah for the Labyrinth Musical..." She started to chatter away while her friend seemed to sweatdrop.

Minako fumed. She told Rei. "I don't believe it... She's the one they choose to do Sarah... What a bimbo! Look how she pesters Taiki!" Ami sweatdropped.

"Oh Yeah, like you NEVER did that right?" sneered Rei. Everyone that was next to them at the time decided to look elsewhere and gave them a wide berth. What happened next was a spectacular fight between Minako and Rei.

"Well, you see..." Sweatdropped Taiki as he heard the two girls fighting. "If you follow this road and continue on for three streets and take a right, you should find your apartment building..."

"Great! Arigato Gozaimasu Taiki-san... We will see you tomorrow, then" Hikoku said. The two girls went away and Yuukana asked her friend.

"We? What do you mean we? I'm not an actress!"

"No, but you are now my gopher..." her friend replied. Yuukana growled. "Anyway, didn't you want to meet the Three Lights? If you're my gopher... You can see them practice... Won't it be great???"

Yuukana merely sighed.

Yaten, Keiko, Makoto and Yukina were brought to an arena like room in the top tower of the castle. They were shown to some seats and as soon as they sat down, straps came down on them and strapped them in. Yaten looked at Makoto. She gestured to him to stay calm. Makoto tested the straps that held her and she realized they couldn't hold her down if she really wanted to get free.

A small man with a birdlike creature on his shoulder approached them. "I hope you all are comfortable?" he asked sarcastically. "We want you to be comfortable if you are to witness the fall of the Reikai Tantei. Finally, we'll be rid of them and of those traitors, Hiei and Kurama. Oh yes, both will suffer greatly before dying..." The man started to laugh as Keiko and Yukina gulped. Yaten and Makoto looked worriedly at each other.

The woman that had captured Yaten and Makoto came forward.

"My Lord... The Reikai Tantei has teleported to the Makai..."

"Are you sure they are alone?" asked the man.

The woman nodded. "As you can see..." she waved her arm in the air and they could see the portal from the Ningenkai open, the Reikai Tantei coming out of it, and the portal closing back.

The man smiled. "Good, and none of the others can open a portal to the Makai. Once they are here, their fate is sealed."

"What will you do with them?" asked Keiko defiantly. The man flashed her a dangerous smile.

"Simple, they are too dangerous to defeat by normal means. So we have installed two ReiWyrms under the surface..."

Yukina gasped. "REIWYRMS!!!! NO YOU CAN'T!!!"

He laughed at her. "I see you know of the ReiWyrms, as you know your friends are doomed." He laughed leaving her to cry bitter tears which crystallized into gems. Keiko was trying to comfort her.

"Yukina-chan, please don't cry. It can't be that horrible... is it?"

"Oh... Keiko-chan..." she hiccupped between her tears, "it's horrible. The ReiWyrms will eat all of their spiritual energies... I don't know how they caught those... Because when it grabs a hold of a Youkai spiritual energy it will suck the Youkai in to its pocket dimension and eat him..." Yukina burst into tears again.

"Oh my god..." said Keiko horrified.

"No... no... Ku-Kurama..." choked out Yaten.

"Hiei..." breathed out Makoto.

"That's why I wanted to know if you knew anything about Redi- chan and a Pegasus." concluded Seiya. He had just told Usagi and Mamoru about the dream he had the night before.

"That's a very vivid dream, Seiya... Do you have any idea what it means?" asked Mamoru. He had a small idea but he wanted Seiya to think for himself to see if he could come to the same conclusion he did.

"I..." Seiya hesitated. It hurt him but that dream told him something. "All those I saw dancing... they were dancing with the one they loved. I tried to go dancing but I couldn't and Redi took me away. Then she went back to the future with a Pegasus." He paused. Usagi bit her lips. She felt bad for poor Seiya. She felt like she could have been a little less harsh with him when he was with Redi. But now she understood why she had acted the way she did...

"Redi-chan... doesn't belong with me..." Finally said Seiya, echoing Usagi's thoughts. "I should have never kissed her... I don't want to break her heart..." He let Kiku sit by himself and rose. "I just wanted to be happy with somebody..." He looked to his feet. "I knew that maybe it wouldn't last..." He admitted. "But even in my dreams... I'm destined to be alone!"

Seiya turned his back to them. He hugged his arms. Damn, it hurts, he thought, it hurts so much. I don't ever want to fall in love again. I mean what's the point of falling in love if I only get hurt because the persons I fall in love with were not meant for me. Tears started to flow from his eyes. No, no damn it, I am not going to cry, he scolded himself. Better get used to loneliness Seiya, he told himself bitterly. It seems you are destined for it.

Mamoru and Usagi looked on to Seiya. They didn't know how to react. Poor Seiya, thought Usagi, it isn't fair for him. He must feel so lonely sometimes. She felt a little guilty for being so hard on him. Usagi looked up and saw Mamoru in the same dilemma. He was rising when he saw Kiku ran up to Seiya. The little kitsune grabbed his leg and hugged him.

"Don't cry, Uncle Seiya... When I feel like crying, Kaasan always hugged me, Tousan too. Don't cry... "

Seiya looked down to the little kitsune. Kiku had looked up to him and had started to cry, too. Seiya got on his knees and hugged him back. Doing so, he saw Mamoru and Usagi come to him.

"Seiya... We never wanted you to get hurt like this..." started Mamoru. "I guessed we must have felt it, that's why we were so harsh. I'm sorry Seiya..."

Seiya looked at them trying to blink his tears away. They all closed in for a group hug. Mamoru hugged him as one might hug a brother, so did Usagi, while still being careful not to crush the little one.

Seiya sniffed. "We... We better get back with the others or else they'll start to talk..." Mamoru and Usagi nodded. Mamoru took Kiku and placed him on his shoulders to the great joy of the kit.

They rejoined the others. Taiki was about to tell them that they had seen Heiwa Hikoku, the Sarah of their play when they saw her, a girl with blue hair, dressed in traditional kimono and floating sitting on a oar.

"Ano..." started Taiki. "Botan?"

"Hai, Taiki-san, it's me. I bring a message from the court of Koenma-sama. We wish to employ Eternal Sailor Moon, Tuxedo Kamen, Sailors Mercury, Mars, Venus, Star Fighter and Star Maker, for a rescue mission," she said while concentrating, a portal opening in front of them.

"Ano... Botan..." said Mamoru. "Did you find out where this little kitsune is from?"

"Hai... I do, don't worry. Someone will bring Kiku-chan where he belongs, soon... Now please you must hurry!"

"Hey, wait a minute!" said Haruka. "Why aren't we invited?"

"Because, in case something goes wrong, you'll be able to come rescue them... If they fail... they will need your strength to come back..."

"I guess, you better transform, girls..." started Luna.

"NO!!" yelled Botan. "You mustn't or else they will see you coming and our attempt will have failed. You can transform just before the battle..." Mamoru gave Kiku to Redi and went to stand in front of the portal like the others.

"Why can't I come with you?" asked Redi while Kiku pouted, that's twice he was left behind.

"Because Small Lady, you know there cannot be two Eternal Sailor Moons at the same time. There would be irreparable damage in the Time Stream if you were Eternal Sailor Moon at the same time as Usagi-chan." said Setsuna calmly.

"Just who are we rescuing?" asked Seiya as he prepared to enter the portal with the others.

"The Reikai Tantei!" replied Botan.