Ch. 5 Rescuing Mommy

The months passed and Kitsune's due date grew closer. Soon, she and Hiei returned to Master Gyro's home so they could be near a demon doctor that could deliver the baby. Because of her small stature, the doctor had recommended that she spend the majority of her time in bed or on a couch. This greatly irked Kitsune. She wanted to be out and moving, but she wasn't allowed any farther than the garden.

She was also told that she was not to use any of her powers. So, until the baby was born, she was just a short girl with fox ears and a tail. Waddling out to the garden, she sighed frustrated. They wouldn't even allow her to go and sit by the pond. It was a short distance down the path from the garden. It wasn't as if, if she went into labor, she'd be that far away and couldn't get back.

Making up her mind, Kitsune decided that she was grown and she could make her own decisions. Continuing down the path, she made her way to the pond. Upon reaching her destination, Kitsune slowly sat down. She then struggled to bend forward and reach into the water. Taking the water on her hand, Kitsune rubbed behind her neck to cool off. It was a very warm day and it felt great to stick her feet in the water.

Her favorite spot had always been this pond. Whatever the problem, Kitsune knew that a few minutes at the pond would ease her mind. At the moment, she was worried that she didn't have what it took to be a good mother. She had been young when her parents had brought her to Gyro's place, and he had been more of a mentor than a parent. She had never seen real parenting, and she wasn't sure if she'd know what to do when the time came.

Lying back gently, Kitsune stared up at the clouds. A calming effect for most people, it was just making her antsy. However, she had been feeling restless all day and she wasn't quite sure why. It could possibly be that she had been cooped up in that house for a week. But for some reason, Kitsune didn't think that that was the problem. She just had this awful feeling that something bad was going to happen.

The wind blew. Kitsune closed her eyes, breathed deep, and savored the feeling that washed over her as the scent of the breeze, pond, and forest filled her nostrils. She was a tad tired after her journey to the pond, so she decided that a small nap wouldn't hurt. Keeping her eyes closed, Kitsune relaxed and let all thoughts leave her mind as she drifted off.

She hadn't been asleep long when a shadow came over her. Sensing a change, Kitsune slowly opened her eyes. There was a person standing above her, but she couldn't make out the face so she blinked to clear her eyes. Once her eyesight had cleared, Kitsune gasped as she recognized the figure above her.

"Hello again, Kitsune."

Hiei entered the cottage and called out for Kitsune. He didn't get a reply. Again he called out to her, and again nothing. Figuring she was out in the garden, Hiei made his way through the house and out into the garden. "Kitsune! Where the hell are you? Didn't the doctor say you needed to stay close to the house?" Again no reply.

Becoming worried, Hiei started down the path continuous calling her name. Hearing a scream, Hiei paused as his blood turned cold. He then began running toward the direction of the screaming praying to any god that would listen that it wasn't Kitsune. Rounding the corner, Hiei stopped dead in his tracks as he set his eyes a person he never believed he'd see again.

"Karoshi!" He exclaimed as familiar red eyes met his. "But how?"

"You don't really think you could have killed me with that ridiculous sword of yours, do you?" He asked. "I collapsed the cave so I could escape and have enough time to regain my strength. And I'm sure you can tell that it worked perfectly, and now, I am here to kill the little pest that caused it." He turned and Kitsune was being held tightly in his other hand unconscious.

"Kitsune!" Hiei exclaimed as he ran forward and tried to rescue Kitsune from Karoshi.

Karoshi easily dodge him and laughed. "Ah, sweet love, and they were starting a family." He laughed cruelly as he rubbed Kitsune's belly. "But I must be going now that I have what I came for." And with that he disappeared with Kitsune.

Hiei stared at the spot where he disappeared. He couldn't breathe; he felt as if someone had taken his heart from his chest and stomped on it. The two most important people in his life had just been taken by a demon that wanted them all dead. He hadn't even met his child yet, and he may never have the chance. Turning on the spot, Hiei ran back towards the cottage.

Reaching the garden, Hiei began to yell for Master Gyro. Gyro came hobbling from the house. "What is it? What is all this yelling about?"

"Karoshi is back! He has Kitsune!"

Gyro came to a stop and stared at Hiei. "But how? I thought you all said you killed him!"

"Apparently not; he somehow escaped the cave and was able to rejuvenate over the months." Hiei replied testily. "I have to get Urameshi and the others; we have to find him somehow. Kitsune is so close to her due date, and there is no telling what he will do to her." Pausing and taking a deep breath to hold his tears at bay, Hiei continued. "I finally have someone important in my life, someone I care about and someone who cares about me, and I can't lose her. I can't lose my family before I even have it."

With an understanding gaze, Gyro nodded. "Follow me." He gestured towards a door on the side of the cottage that Hiei had never noticed. Hiei frowned, but followed. Gyro entered the room and at first Hiei was convinced it nothing more than a broom closet, but then Gyro clapped his hands, and the room was filled with light by a million candles. "I haven't used this in years because it really drains me and I'm not as strong as I once was, but two young lives are at stake, so I am willing to make the sacrifice."

Not understanding what the old man was talking about and feeling frustrated about being held back, Hiei lashed out slightly. "Is there a point to this or can I go?"

Gyro glared, and pointed to a small fountain in the corner. He then walked towards. Hiei followed. Looking into the water, Hiei was shocked to hear murmuring voices from the water, and faint shadows of millions of people. Closing his eyes and concentrating, Gyro waved his hands over the water and the shadows began to swirl quickly. Gyro then began to chant quietly. Suddenly the shadows stopped swirling, and began to zoom into a picture. Hiei was staring down at a thick forest path. The shadows then began to lead them down the path. The picture then focused on two figures. Hiei recognized them immediately. It was Kitsune and Karoshi. She was trying to fight back but he was just too much for her. They were at the base of a gigantic tree. Knocking three times in a specific rhythm, the bottom of the opened and Karoshi dragged Kitsune down into the tree.

Just as suddenly as it started, the shadows again began their swirling, and then settled into calm floating, just as they had been found. Gyro then collapsed onto the floor. Hiei knelt down beside the old man. Lifting him up, Hiei carried him into the house and laid him on the sofa. Gyro then opened his eyes. "He has taken her to the same forest in the demon world that you first fought him in, but as you saw the vision, he has created a new lair in the large tree near the center of the forest. Assembly the team, and hurry quickly to her. I will be fine, just leave me here."

Nodding his head, Hiei ran out and made his way towards the portal to the human world. Once in the human world, Hiei immediately made his way to their old apartment. Kurama and Takara had been staying there while he and Kitsune were in the Spirit World. Also there was the fact that Yusuke also lived in the same building and there was a big chance that Kuwabara would also be there. If not, however, Kuwabara didn't live that far away.

Running up the stairs, Hiei burst into the apartment silently praying that Kurama and Takara were decent. Jumping up, the two stared at Hiei as if he had lost his mind. "Is there as reason you just tore the door off the hinges?" Takara yelled angrily. She then paused and her eyes widened in shock. "OH! Is Kitsune having the baby?"

Hiei shook his head. "Karoshi is back and he's kidnapped Kitsune. I know where he has taken her, but I'm going to need everyone's help to get her back."

Admitting that he needed help was a big step for Hiei, and Kurama stared at his friend in shock. "Then we need to find Yusuke and Kuwabara. They should be downstairs, but if not, they are definitely at the arcade."

Nodding, Hiei rushed out of the room, Takara and Kurama following him. Again, he didn't knock; he just burst into the room. However, Yusuke and Kuwabara did not jump up; they were too engrossed in whatever game they were playing. "Hey!" This got their attention. Turning around, both looked confused at how the others had gotten into the room. Before they even had a chance to speak, Hiei interrupted them. "Karoshi's back. He's kidnapped Kitsune and taken her to the demon world. I need everyone's help to get her back." And with that he turned and hurried out of the room. The other's followed without question.

Kitsune slowly opened her eyes. She looked around and tried to figure out where she was. It looked as if she were underground. As she went to move her arms to wipe her eyes, they wouldn't budge. Looking up, she found that her arms were shackled to the platform she was leaning on, as were her feet. There was no one else in the room, but she had this feeling as if someone were watching her. She remembered the events back at Gyro's, but after her capture, things were blurry.

A sharp pain ran across her lower abdomen and in her lower back. Biting her lip, Kitsune tried not to moan aloud in pain. She couldn't possibly be going into labor now, could she? That would be her luck wouldn't it. If she was, she had to remain calm and not let on to Karoshi that she was. For some reason unknown to her, Karoshi was very interested in her child.

Breathing slowly, Kitsune was able to fight away the pain. Suddenly, the platform she was on began to lower back, and Kitsune soon found herself lying on her back. Trying not to show her fear, Kitsune looked up obstinately at Karoshi. He had taken so much from her, but her pride and her baby would not be one of the things he took.

Smiling cruelly, Karoshi leaned over Kitsune and put his hands on her swollen stomach. Kitsune wanted to slap that smile right off his face and cut his arms from his body for touching her. It made her sick to think he was so interested in her child. She didn't even want to think about what he wanted to with her baby.

"You do realize that you are soon going to birth, a very strong A class demon. You and your mate are both very strong yourselves, but your child will even surpass the two of you." Karoshi whispered into her ear. "And when this child is born, I am going to kill, and raise him or her as my own. And then when the time comes and the child is old enough, we will take over the human world. What do you think about that?"

"You sick bastard! You will never get your hands on my baby, and you'll never even live long enough to see him born! Believe me, I'm sure Hiei and the others are on their way to find me now!"

"Yes, most likely they are, but the chances of them finding you are slim." He grabbed her face. "We are completely hidden underground." He pushed her face away. "Now, why don't you just rest, so that my future minion will be born perfectly healthy." He then turned and left the room.

Another contraction rippled across her abdomen, but she didn't let it show. She had to figure out a way to get out, even if it meant using her powers, she had to get out. She couldn't let this monster have her baby, and if what he said was true, Hiei and the others may not make it before the baby arrived. Concentrating her energy on shackles on her wrists and ankles, Kitsune tried to escape from her prison.

Once more in the forest that he first met Kitsune, Hiei was assaulted by how worried he was over finding her. He had never worried over anyone before and it was killing him, but it was also driving him on. He had to save his mate, and his child. They were his life and soul. He had always been a loner but from the first day that he had met her here in this forest, something about Kitsune stirred him. And now that the situation was presenting itself, he didn't think he could live without her.

The tree was somewhere near the center of the forest, and they were approaching that area. "The tree should be somewhere around here. It's possibly the biggest tree in the forest and it has a huge hole at the base of it. Keep your eyes open for it."

His heart jumped as his eyes landed on an enormous tree trunk. Looking up, the tree stood at least ten feet taller than the others, and looking down; it was at least twenty feet wider than the others. It also had the hole at the bottom which signified that this was their tree. Signaling for everyone to be quiet and to follow him, they made their way into the cavern.

Knowing that Karoshi took as many precautions as possible to know about intruders, the gang took as much time as they could and refrained from talking. They didn't want to blow their cover like last time. After a few minutes of walking, it was becoming obvious that Karoshi didn't have an army like last time.

However, as they entered what appeared to be a throne room, they realized that they had assumed wrong. As soon as they entered the room, they were swarmed by at least fifty demons. Although he still had his army, it wasn't composed with as strong of demons as last time. They quickly fought their way through the small army, as made their way forward.

"Ah, I see that Kitsune was correct. You all did find your way here." Karoshi said as he appeared from around the throne.

"Well, you could possibly believe I'd leave her with you." Hiei said through gritted teeth.

"Hmm, well, since you're here maybe I should let you see where your darling mate has been staying."

Leading them into the next room, he indicated towards the platform on the other side of the room. However, when he didn't get the reaction he had expected, he turned and looked at the platform, where he discovered it was empty. "Where the hell is she?"

"Here I am." Kitsune said from behind him and then hit him in the head with the shackles that were once connected to her wrists.

Karoshi held his head, and Kitsune ran to Hiei. Straightening back up, blood running down his face, Karoshi charged towards Kitsune, but Hiei pulled out his sword and pushed her behind him. "Please, don't tell me you're going to use that little sword on me again. As I recall, it didn't work last time, so why would it work this time?"

Smirking, Hiei threw down his sword. "You're right, that sword didn't kill you last time." He began roll up his sleeves. "But you see, I have been alone all my life. I was a fire apparition born to an ice apparition, I was also a male born to an all female colony, and thus I was thrown away as a baby. I've always taken care of myself and only myself, but since I've met Kitsune, that's all changed and I don't plan to go back to the way things were before. I haven't used this technique in years, but I love Kitsune and what you did was unforgivable." Hiei's arm was full exposed and jagan eye was wide open. "Dragon of the Darkness Flame!"

Karoshi's eyes widened in shock and Kitsune and the others hid as the dragon over took Karoshi. Disintegrated, there was no possible way Karoshi was going to be able to come back this time. Hiei collapsed to the ground exhausted, but they had no time to hesitate. The Dragon of the Darkness Flame was causing the cavern and the tree to collapse around them.

Kurama pulled Hiei to his feet and they all ran as fast as they could. Reaching the outside of the tree, the group stopped and turned around, and watched as the huge tree collapsed. Kitsune then dropped to her knees holding her stomach. She had probably been in labor for a good few hours. Hiei rushed to her side in spite of his lack of energy. "The baby's coming Hiei; he's been coming for awhile. And I think when I used my powers, it may have progressed my labor a bit." She grimaced as another pain hit. "I think this is it; I think it's time for me to push!"

A small look of fear crossed Hiei's face at the thought that he was going to have to deliver his baby. "Well, then should I take a look and see if I see the baby's head?" He asked unsure. Kitsune gave a small nod, and Hiei first glared at everyone to turn around, and once they had, Hiei lifted Kitsune's skirt and then removed her panties. He wasn't quite sure what he was looking for, but he was sure he would recognize a head if he saw one. And sure enough when he looked, he could see the top of the baby's head.

Taking off his shirt, he quickly laid it down underneath Kitsune where the baby would come out. He then asked the other guys to remove their shirts. He wasn't sure how much covering a small baby would need but he wanted to be sure he had enough. Taking Kitsune's hand, he gave it a quick kiss and then returned to his position between her legs. Takara was up by Kitsune's head, giving her support and coaching her. "Ok, Kitsune, I don't really know what we're supposed to do here, but I would guess that on the next contraction you need to push." Hiei said shakily. He then felt a hand on his shoulder.

Kurama smiled at his friend reassuringly. "I was at the delivery room when my mom's friend had her baby. I'll help when you need me too. But I would say that you instincts are leading you on well."

Kitsune screamed slightly as her next contraction hit her, and then she began pushing. Hiei was shocked that the baby's head actually moved a little. As the next contraction came, Kitsune did the same, and soon after a few more contractions Hiei was holding his screaming son. He felt his eyes fill with tears and he wasn't sure what this emotion was but it was overwhelming him. "It's a boy." He croaked out as he still looked down at his son in awe. He then wrapped the baby in the extra shirts as Kurama help Kitsune deliver the afterbirth. Hiei then brought the baby to Kitsune who also had tears in her eyes.

"We have a son." She whispered as she stared down at the baby. He had a little tuft of black hair and a black fox tail, but normal ears. He was a perfect little mix of them both. Hiei just nodded afraid he would show too much emotion. "We should probably try to get back to Master Gyro's now. The baby probably still needs to be checked out." Nodding, Hiei picked her up, and they all made their way back.

Once they were back at Gyro's and Kitsune and the baby had both been checked out, Hiei sat next to the bed that Kitsune was lying in as she held their son. "We're going to have to come up with a name for him now." Kitsune said quietly.

"I don't know, I was thinking maybe we could just call him baby for the first year." Hiei teased.

Kitsune snorted with laughter. "I don't think that would be a good idea. How about Karoshi?" She joked back.

Hiei scoffed. "Oh yes, son, you named after the demon that almost killed your mother."

"I still can't believe I gave birth in a forest. Maybe we should name him after something in the forest."

"No, no I don't think I would like that."

"Well, you're just too picky."

"Me? I was perfectly content calling him Baby."

The two shared a laugh at their bickering. "We're a perfect little family, aren't we?" Kitsune asked quietly.

Smiling, Hiei kissed her temple. "Yeah, but I know something that will make us even more perfect." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. "Now, I know that this is generally a human ritual, but I figured that since we'll be living in the human world it would only make sense." Opening the box he revealed a small diamond ring. "Will you marry me?"

Her eyes filling with tears, Kitsune nodded. "Of course, I'll marry you." The two shared a kiss. She then let out a small laugh. "We kind of did it backwards. In the human world, they generally have the baby after they get married I believe. Not mention, I think you're trying to distract me from the fact that we still need to name our baby."

"Of course I'm not. I already have the perfect name, I was trying to lead you into thinking that I did not."

"What? Son?" She teased.

"No, Shuichi, after Kurama. That's his human name, and without his help we may have never gotten back together, not to mention I may not have had the nerve to deliver the baby. He's also the best friend I've ever had." Hiei said feeling a slight bit embarrassed at the sentiment of it.

"I think it's perfect. His name will have a real meaning behind it, and Kurama will be touched. And I agree with you, Kurama has been a big help throughout all of this." Kitsune said smiling at how sweet it was. "Now, I do believe that we have a wedding to announce and a baby to introduce officially with a name. Are you ready?"

"I'm definitely ready to start my life with you." Hiei said with a smile.

"You do know that Botan is out there just waiting to gush?" Kitsune asked with a smile. Hiei groaned as he opened the door to let the others meet his family.