Title: I'm a father?

Subtitle: Welcome to the world, little one!

Author: Lady Snowblossom

Pairing: Kai/Tala, Bryan/Rei, Spencer/Ian, and various others

Note: Its' been a long ride but we've finally have come to the end of this epic. And to think I thought it'd only run for six chapters! I'm just sorry it took me so long to finish it.

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Showers of snow dropped in sheets of white ice from clouds driven like sheep running from winds that snapped like wolves on the hunt at anything outside in the early morning light. The white cascade piled on roofs and twirled like whirling dervishes down empty lanes as pinpricks of candlelight announced that the village was slowly waking to a new day.

Snug in his little house, Rei Kon watched by candlelight as flakes of snow struck the glass pane like demented moths and sighed as he rested his hands on his distended belly. Behind him, a newly waken Bryan added more wood to the firepit and then prodded it into place with an iron poker. As the wood hissed and popped, he finally broke the silence.

"Do you think they will still come?"

Bryan set aside the poker and crossed the floor to put his arms around his tiger and dropped a kiss on the top of a shining ebony head. "Da," he said quietly, "Kai and Tala are not about to let something like a little snowstorm keep them away. They'd hire a relay of sled teams to make it."

Rei snickered a little at that. "I can see Tala doing that, or hiring a suicidal pilot to fly over the village and parachuting out of the plane." He frowned a little and twisted his head around to look at the Russian standing behind him. "Does Tala know how to parachute?"

A gleam of something, mischief maybe, entered Bryan's eye and he smirked, "Not that I know of, but if the thought occurred to him, I wouldn't put it past him to have taken lessons. He can be quite stubborn. Remember what he said when we left to come here."

Rei grimaced. "Yeah, he said that he would be here a few days before the kitten was due, and if I dared to have it before he got here, he'd skin me alive."

"I'd take him seriously, if I were you." Bryan commented as he nuzzled Rei's neck and smirked as the neko-jin shivered. "And what of the rest, do you think that Ian and Spencer will not come?"

"Oh, Ian will come, if only to harass you." Rei chuckled as he gently pushed Bryan's hands away and turned from the glass, he smiled at the frown on his falcon's face. "Don't worry, love. I'm sure Spencer will keep him in line, if Tala doesn't."

"They better." Bryan growled, "but I was thinking more of the rest of YOUR team. I don't see the human bouncing ball or the geek staying away," He paused before continuing sourly. "Or Granger."

Rei laughed and swatted at him playfully. "You're right, they'll badger Kai until he lets them come, so I guess you'll just have to grin and bear it. They really aren't that bad, you know." He commented as he walked over to the futon and picked up a small wicker basket, before easing down onto the padded surface.

Bryan shook his head and headed for the kitchen. "That's YOUR opinion. Personally, I find them annoying as hell. Granger keeps whining about the tournament and Max has to be tied to a chair to make him sit still. And if, Tala catches the geek trying to get his hands on our new upgrades one more time . . ." His voice trailed off as he disappeared into the stygian depths of the kitchen.

"Kenny." Rei called after him. "His name is Kenny, you twit. And I wish you'd use it." Receiving no answer, he shook his head and opened the basket and pulled out a tiny red shirt. Holding it out, he was struck again with amazement at the size of the garment and it frightened him a little to know that he would be responsible very soon for the well being of the child that would be wearing it. With a soft sigh, he laid the tiny item aside and reached into the basket for the length of white ribbon he intended to use as edging for the neck and wrists. As he did so his lower back throbbed sharply for a moment causing him to gasp and grab for his back with both hands. The pains had been coming and going all night, making him wonder if even though he didn't sleep at night anymore, he shouldn't have just gone in and laid down and rested.

"Rei?" The Chinese looked up as his mate came out of the kitchen, teakettle in hand. "What's wrong?" Bryan asked as his concerned darkened eyes met Rei's and he set the kettle down on the firepit wall and walked over to his tiger and gently pushed Rei's hands aside, so he could rub at the spot Rei had been holding.

"I think my back is telling me that I've spent far too much time hunched over sewing, and it doesn't want do anymore right now." Rei relaxed into the soothing feel of Bryan's strong hands pressing firmly, but gently into his aching muscles.

Bryan snorted softly at that. "I TOLD you that spending all of last night trying to fold yourself in two was a bad idea." The falcon said smugly, as Rei glared up at him.

"Well, you could have stayed up and helped me with the last of the sewing." Rei sniffed haughtily: his bright eyes dancing.

"Not a chance." Bryan replied stoutly, "I refuse to sit around and entertain you by stabbing myself with that instrument of torture."

"Its' not my fault, you can't keep track of your fingers." Rei grinned, "I'll never understand how you can remodel this house, design a new set of blades for your team and learn how to be a carpenter and hunter and yet, you can't learn to sew."

Bryan snorted, but said nothing as he gave Rei one last rub before stepping back and heading over to set the abandoned kettle on the coals to heat. Once there he glanced over his shoulder at his lover and said lazily, "You missed something in your list of talents."

Rei raised an eyebrow, "I did?"

"Yeah," Bryan said gleefully as Rei stepped into his trap. "You forgot to mention that I'm a world class tiger tamer." Then he bolted from the room as a pillow came sailing toward his head.

"Bryan!"

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The darkness of the Beijing sky was tempered by the glow of artificial lights as a group of young men entered the lobby of the airport. Around them, the few other travelers flowed heading either for the gleaming ebony and gold counter, where smiling Chinese women waited, or for a row of vending machines, where they could get something to tide them over till the tea shop opened.

"Man, this place isn't as busy in the morning, is it?" Max chirped as he trailed a small group of boys through the door of the Beijing airport.

"It is five o'clock in the morning, Max." his boyfriend grumped as he plodded along rubbing at bleary eyes. "It would be just like grumpy pants to make us get up this early to go somewhere."

"Tell you what, Tyson. If its' too early for you, you can go back to the hotel and bed. And when we get back, we'll tell you all about Rei and the baby." Ian grumbled as he blinked in the bright lights as they entered the terminal.

"Why don't you all just shut up." Tala growled as he looked over his shoulder at the knot of bladers behind him. "Kai explain all of this to you last night, Tyson. If you had been paying attention instead of stuffing your face, you might actually remember that the weather man said there would only be a short window of clear skies over the village and we have got to make that window or . . ."

"Or we will have to turn back and hope we can outrun a mountain blizzard." Kai stopped next to a row of black plastic seats and turned back to face his companions. "All of you sit down here, while I go and check on our flight status.

"Master Hiwatari! Sir, I've been trying to reach you!" A blonde haired woman wearing a Biovolt uniform rushed up the small party and stopped just short of them. Kai scowled at the woman and said impatiently, "Well, Tanya? What were you trying to reach me for?"

"Sir, the helicopter has developed some electrical problems, we are trying to fix it as quickly as possible, but . . ."

"But?" The icy question caused the woman to flush again as she rushed to finish her explanation.

"We think we can have the problem fix by mid-afternoon."

Kai glared at the hapless woman. "Not acceptable." He snipped coldly, "we have to be in the air in less than ten minutes or we will not reach the village on time."

"I know, sir. And I'm sorry, but it simply can't be done any quicker than our projected repair time, or the helicopter will not be safe to fly." Tanya spread her hands helplessly as she faced her angry employer.

Tala rose to stand at Kai's side and glared at the blonde, who flushed again and fidgeted under the twin death glares she was receiving. 'Now, I understand why Kolya didn't want to be the one to inform Master Kai of the problem." She thought as she wondered how she could get back at the chief mechanic for putting her in this spot.

" . . . Find the problem?" She blinked as she realized that Tala had asked her a question and she had nearly missed it. "Ah, about twenty minutes ago, when we started the preflight check. We were powering up the rotors when . . . "

"Perhaps," A low voice interrupted from behind the group. "I can be of some assistance. I would be happy to offer you and your party a ride in my helicopter." Whirling, Kai felt his jaw drop, as he found himself gazing at someone he didn't expect to see – no, make that three someone's. For behind the aristocrat stood Johnny and Michael who wore identical smirks: gathering his scattered wits, Kai managed not to squeak, as he demanded. "Robert, what are you all doing here?" At his side, Tala gaped like a fish and he wasn't the only one. The other four were also surprised at the appearance of the trio.

Hiding his amusement at the unusual sight of a dumbstruck Hiwatari, Robert gave the other two captains a short bow and said quietly. "I'll answer that on the way, we must leave now if we are to make the window." Tala and Kai exchanged a look and then Kai faced the patiently waiting German and said, "Thank you, we accept."

"Good." Robert commented as he watched Tala snatching for his duffel bag, which broke the paralysis of the rest of the group causing a flurry of activity. Ian and Tyson got tangled up in their luggage straps and had to be rescued before Max and Spencer could grab their own baggage. Tala handed Kai his bag and waited for Robert to lead the way.

"Just a moment." Kai murmured to Tala and turned to the woman patiently waiting. "Tanya, I expect the helicopter to be ready to go when we return. And you can tell Kolya that I will discuss with him –at length- his not catching the problem sooner." He gave the visibly sweating woman a stern look and snapped, "you're dismissed."

"Yes, sir!" Tanya bobbed her head and took off, heartily glad to have escape Kai with nothing more than a couple of glares. She didn't envy Kolya at all; maybe she should rethink her plan to get back at him for putting her in this position in the first place.

Forgetting about the woman as soon as she disappeared past a group of Africans bundled up to their eyebrows. Kai turned back to Robert and simply waited. Taking that as his cue, the German headed for a hallway at the rear of the room. Kai and Tala fell into step with him, causing Johnny and Michael to drop back a step.

"Johnny and Michael are here, but where is everyone else?" Max asked and Robert smirked. "Oliver is catering a wedding and Enrique has a cold. So, they couldn't come. And the rest of the All-Starz's are involved in an exhibition being held in Seattle."

"Which I managed to talk Judy into letting me miss, thank god." Michael said happily.

"She only let you miss it, because Johnny can't go anywhere without you in his left hip pocket, anymore." Robert quipped, earning him a glare from both redheads, who he ignored. "Speaking of missing team members, where is the one you call 'Chief'?

Kai glanced at Max and Tyson and nodded towards them. "The wonder twins there took 'Chief 'skating and got him involved in a game of 'Crack the whip.'

"Oh, no." Robert shook his head, "don't tell me, he was the tail of the whip."

"Hey!" Tyson yelped, "he let go at the wrong time! Isn't that right, Maxie!" Max pretended to not hear the question, as he readjusted his grip on his luggage. Ian snickered and Spencer reached over and swatted him.

"Ow!"

Ignoring the ruckus going on behind him, Kai nodded, "Exactly, he slammed into the rink wall and now he's laid up with a wrenched knee and an impressive array of bruises. He was not happy at having to stay behind." He smirked at the memory of Kenny's rant, Tyson and Max's cringes and apologies and Dizzi's wails of disappointment and continued, "anyway, I was under the impression that we were the only ones invited."

"Well, Robert . . .oompf!" Johnny gasped as Robert pretending to trip on the edge of a planter containing some shoots of bamboo slammed an elbow into his stomach, driving the air from his lungs and doubling him over.

"Hey!" Michael yelped as he wrapped his arms around the gasping redhead. "Sorry, Johnny." said Robert, who didn't look the least bit contrite. Johnny gave him a sour look, but refrained from saying anything as he pushed Michael's hands away and straightened up.

"Well, we're lucky you're here." Max interjected, "since with Kai's 'copter down, we'd be . . . Oh, my gosh! Kai, the presents! How are we gonna get them to Rei now?" Without waiting for Kai to answer, the little blonde turned to address the stern featured youth standing in front of them. "Robert, would you have room for a few gifts?"

"I'm sure we can find the space." Robert assured the agitated boy. "It just so happens that Oliver and Enrique sent along a couple of gifts as well."

"Great!" Max bounced in place. "Kai can call his pilot and transfer the packages over to your helicopter! Can't you, Kai!"

Kai rolled his eyes, but answered anyway. "If you had waited a moment, Max. I was about to do that." He crossed his arms over his chest and said, "If you will tell me which gate, I'll call my men and get the transfer underway."

"Fifteen."

Kai fished his cell phone from his pocket and stepped away from the group to make the call. As he did so, Johnny pulled Robert a couple of steps in the other direction and hissed in a low voice. "Was that elbow really necessary?"

Looking around to make sure no one was listening in, Robert replied just as quietly. "There are some things, certain people don't need to know about. And I will thank you to keep THAT bit of information to yourself." The Scot scowled, "IF you had waited to hear what I was going to say, before going off half-cocked." Johnny growled, "I was going to tell Hiwatari . . ." His voice trailed off, as a frosty look spread across Robert's face and he sighed. "Oh, never mind! You've made up your mind that you already knew what I was going to say, so I'm not going to waste my breath trying to defend myself."

"Boy, someone is just a bit tetchy." Michael interrupted as he rested his hands on his lover's shoulder and glared at the German, while Johnny sighed in vexation. "You know, Robert," The American said quietly as he glanced around at the crowd of curious people, mostly Chinese, who were giving their small group interested looks, before continuing. "Johnny does know how to keep his mouth shut and it isn't his fault that you haven't followed up on that night in New York." Ignoring the look that glazed over Robert's eyes, Michael looked down at his red head, "Let's go, love. Robert needs a few minutes and WE need to get on the helicopter before he decides to leave us here." And he turned Johnny and gave the Scot a push toward the hallway: collecting the rest of their party as they went.

Stunned at Michael's rebuke, Robert watched as the group became one more knot in the stream of humanity ahead of him and vanished. As a man leading a small child brushed past him, the German started and hurried to catch up before they left him behind.

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The morning sky was beginning to lighten as an elderly man stepped out of his house and listened as the village woke to a new day. Below where his house sat in solitary splendor, the cows were lowing in the barns as they began to demand breakfast. Chickens, donkeys, horses and dogs added their cries to the clamor. Thoughtfully, he stroked his beard as his wise old eyes scanned the snow falling from the heavy clouds over head. A slight sound behind him made him turn and he smiled as his grandson stepped out yawning and stretching.

"Good morning, Lee."

"Good morning, grandfather." Lee bowed before walking over to stand at the old man's side. He looked up at the sky and took a deep breath; a thoughtful look entered his eyes and he glanced at his grandfather. "The snow should slack off sometime before noon. At least, for a little while."

"I can read weather signs for myself, you impertinent imp!" Elder Tao growled, his eyes lingering on the lion pendant around Lee's neck, "but you are right." He pulled absently at his much-abused beard, "are the houses done?"

Rei had asked permission a few weeks ago, to use the guesthouse for his and Bryan's teammates, as they didn't have enough room for everyone to sleep on the floor at their home. Once it had been granted the women of the village had descended on the place and they had spent the better part of two weeks refurbishing the place with fresh paint and linens. Old Liang the carpenter, along with his two apprentices – Yong and Bryan were kept busy repairing minor faults in the furniture and Fai the glazier made a few new vases for decorating the hallways and rooms with. And over it all, his mother Chi-lan had ruled like a benevolent dictator.

"Almost. Mother says the beds need freshening and she will send Mariah to do that after breakfast." Lee answered as he watched a tiny swirl of snow dance along the path in front of the house.

"That is good." The dry old voice whispered. "And the other arrangements?"

"Nearly," Lee replied, "The hunters have been bringing in game for two days. The women have plenty of vegetables and bread prepared, so there's nothing else to be done, until our guests arrive."

The old man stopped fiddling with his beard and sighed, "It has been a long time since we have played host to outsiders on a large scale. Perhaps the other elders and I should not have granted them permission to come. A flash of mischief flared in the old man's eyes, "Although, if we hadn't they would have shown up anyway." The mischievous look faded and a thoughtful one took its place. "There have been enough changes already to our way of life. What with Rei taking that Russian boy for a mate and mingling his blood with ours."

"Grandfather!" Lee exclaimed as he turned to face the elder Ki. Was his grandfather going to refuse their guests admittance at this late date? And why this sudden attack on Rei and Bryan? The old man looked over at him with a solemn expression that melted into one of ancient understanding.

"Do not worry, young lion." Elder Tao said quietly, "permission was given and I will not rescind it." He paused for a moment as the bray of a displeased mule came from close by. The old man placed a fond hand on the shoulder of the young warrior. "Change is sometimes frightening, but it is also necessary for growth. I am sure that the village will survive this change as we have others in the past."

"I'm certain of it, grandfather." Lee answered, as he struggled to contain the pride he felt at his grandfather's rare show of affection. He started to say something else, but a soft voice spoke from behind the two males interrupting him.

"If the two of you are through solving the universe's problems, perhaps you will come to breakfast before the fish and rice become too dry to eat?"

Lee turned to see his mother smiling benignly from the doorway, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Woman," Elder Tao complained, as he turned as well, "you would interrupt the Emperor if he were giving a speech, so I'm not surprised that you feel your rice and fish are more important than the conversation you ARE interrupting."

"We don't have an Emperor." His daughter-in-law retorted before vanishing into the interior of the house. Her father-in-law sighed and gestured for Lee to precede him into the house. "Come grandson, we have been summoned and if we do not obey, I have no doubt the old dragon that is your grandmother will be the next to demand our attendance. Women, they simply don't know their place anymore!"

As the old man grumbled, Lee struggled to stifle his laughter and headed into the house. As he disappeared, his grandfather stopped and looked back over his shoulder at the sky and nodded. "Yes," he murmured, "change is coming. And if you and your mate can work things out; Rei is not the only one who will be mingling foreign blood with ours." Casting a final look at the leaden sky and shaking his head over the strangeness of fate, he went into breakfast.

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Sent to fetch Lee and her grandfather to breakfast, Mariah paused as she opened the door and listened as her brother and grandfather discussed the arrangements for housing the village guests. As much as she dreaded facing the arrival of the youths she had so greatly wronged, it still hurt to know that her family was changing their hospitality customs to avoid any unpleasantness. So, intent was she on the conversation going on, she failed to hear the soft footsteps that came up the hallway behind her and she started as her mother spoke.

"Mariah, did you . . .? No, I can see you haven't." Mariah spun to face her mother and Chi-lan gave her daughter a stern look. Mariah flushed at the unspoken rebuke in her mother's voice. "Well, never mind. I'll do it myself. You get back in the kitchen and give your grandmother a hand. Today is going to be busy and we don't have time for you to hang about feeling sorry for yourself."

"Yes, mother." Mariah whispered meekly before ducking past the older woman and fleeing back down the hallway, her footsteps echoing hollowly as she ran. Frowning, Chi-lan sighed as she watched the girl run away. 'I'll have to take that girl in hand as soon as Rei is delivered.' she decided as she turned and erased the frown from her face to open the door wider and call her errant son and father-in-law into the morning meal.

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They had been in the air for twenty minutes; when Tyson finally broached the question, Robert had been waiting for. "So, Robert, why are you, Johnny and Michael here?"

The purple haired aristocrat leaned forward and answered quietly, "Elder Ki wrote me and said that he had something he wished to discuss with me, and that if I so desired I could bring some companions, so Johnny and Michael graciously consented to travel with me."

"Oh," Tyson mumbled, "I thought maybe . . ."

"Thought what?" Robert frowned at him and Tyson hastily shook his head and backed off. "Nothing, really. Just a story I heard." He babbled and retreated behind Max, who rolled his eyes.

Robert glared at the bluenette, but he was distracted when Spencer spoke up from behind him. "The other day I was in the BBA gym in Moscow and overheard a rumor about new rules. Perhaps, you know something?"

"I've heard that too." Kai said twisting around to look at the big blonde, "Something about the older teams getting too much of the spotlight, so they want to promote some of the lesser talented teams by forcing changes to the rules governing the kinds of attacks we can use, wasn't it?"

"Da." Spencer nodded.

"Read that some of the directors have got kids, who can't blade their way out of a wet bag, but they think if they handicap the better teams then the brats will have a better chance." Michael growled from behind Tala. Johnny nodded in agreement.

"Man, that sucks!" Tyson exclaimed waving his arms and nearly bashing Max upside the head in his agitation. "What if they banned 'Phantom Hurricane'!"

"Don't worry, the old man isn't about to let a bunch of no-hopers' ruin the sport he's worked so hard to build to the point it is now." Michael laughed as he leaned back and stretched his long arms over his head before dropping one casually across Johnny's shoulders. "Besides, most of the board are old-timers like him and they know that if they don't give the fans what they want; which is a lot of action. Then, the fans aren't going to shell out the cash to come to the tournaments. It's just a couple of newcomers who think they're being clever in pushing for the new rules."

"I hope you're right, Michael." Max said anxiously, "What does mom say?"

Michael flashed him a cocky grin and chuckled, "She says not to sweat it, sport. It's just a rumor and until it becomes reality, don't worry about it."

"Putting that aside, because we could debate it all day, I assume we will be met when we land." Robert began and Kai nodded. "That's right. Rei and Bryan and possibly Lee will be there." Robert caught his breath at that name, but Kai went on. "Rei called last week and said that everything was arranged. We're to stay in one of the guest houses, since he doesn't have room for everyone at his and Bryan's place." The bluenette commented as he fussed idly with his scarf. "I suppose the same arrangement will have been made for all of you."

"I don't know," Robert confessed, "I really don't know Chinese customs that well, so perhaps we will be staying at the elder's house."

"How do you rate?" Tyson grumbled sourly not liking the thought of being treated differently. Robert smiled thinly at the peevish question. "A personal invitation from the head elder of the village, perhaps? "

Tyson opened his mouth, but a growl from Tala cut him off and he subsided muttering to himself. After a little bit, Max wrapped an arm around him and leaned in to whisper something to him and Tyson slowly relaxed and snuggled against his lover and closed his eyes. Seconds later he was sound asleep.

Having nothing else to do, the rest decided to nap as well.

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"Ah, damn!" Lee stifled a laugh as Bryan slid around a rock and wind milling his arms struggled to keep from sliding into a pile of dirty snow mixed with straw. Sidestepping rapidly, Bryan managed to keep his feet and hearing the choked off snicker, he glared at the tawny lion who stood lazily next to a split rail fence and smirked at him.

"Shut it, Ki." Bryan growled as he limped toward the now broadly grinning neko-jin, "or I'm gonna have to beat you in front of the students again." Raising his hands to fend off Bryan, Lee noted the limp and raised a curious eyebrow. "Did Peony get you again?" He couldn't resist asking knowing full well that the bird- who- seemed to have it in for Bryan had probably gone for the Russian's ankles again.

"What do you think." Bryan said sourly at the mention of his avian nemesis, " I told Rei the next time he fixed chicken and dumplings, she's going into the pot!" He walked past Lee and looked over his shoulder at the Chinese, who if anything was grinning even wider and huffed at him. "Are you coming or what?"

"And what did Rei say to that?" Lee asked as he caught up with Bryan with a couple of strides. "That I'd miss fighting with her to much!" Lee snickered and the lilac haired warrior grumbled at him, but refrained from saying anything aloud.

The two boys walked carefully along the icy dirt lane between the fences that formed small pens filled with a cow, mule or a couple of sheep. Once even a curious pig stopped snuffling at the ground searching for stray bits of missed breakfast to look up with liquid eyes at the pair as they passed by.

For a time only the crunch of the snow under their boots broke the silence, then Lee said softly, "So how did you manage to get out of the house without Rei?"

"It wasn't easy." Bryan looked up at the sky and sighed, "he wanted to come but I forced him to go to bed. He got all worked up over Mariah and his back was hurting, I made him lay down and rest." Lee flinched, but Bryan ignored him as he remembered the scene that took place a little while ago in his home.

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"Bryan, do you think I should tell Mariah to stay out of sight?" Anxious gold eyes stared at his knees as he fussed with the blanket Bryan had insisted on covering him with as he sat on the futon sipping at his breakfast tea. "I mean, I don't want anyone getting upset because of her."

Sighing, Bryan sat down next to Rei, took his teacup from him and set it on the floor. Then he entwined his fingers with Rei's and gazed out at the firepit and its merrily burning wood, "Kai and Tala gave you their promise and they are, despite everything men of their word, you know that. So, as long as she doesn't make trouble, they will leave her alone. What more can you ask for?" Bryan shook his head; "It's not like anything more can possibly be done to her. She's lost Galux, been expelled from the BBA and had to make a public apology to Kai and Tala."

Tearing his gaze from the firepit, Bryan looked down at his and Rei's joined hands, then he looked into saddened gold eyes. Feeling his heart twist, Bryan gently released Rei's hand and slid his arm around the youth drawing him to his chest in a gesture of comfort. "An apology I might add, that was written up in the 'Blader's News'." He finished softly, knowing that Rei-despite his anger at Mariah's actions - had still been hurt at the punishments heaped on the Pink Menace.

"I guess you're right." Rei said softly, " I was just . . ."

"Just trying to solve everyone's problems for them again." Bryan interrupted, "what have I told you about that."

"All right," Rei grumbled from where he laid against Bryan's chest. "I'll stop, but don't blame me the next time you need me to fix something and I tell you to do it yourself."

"All right, I won't" Bryan chuckled, then he smiled softly as Rei wrinkled his nose and yawned widely. "Time for bed, sleepyhead." The Russian tilted his love's face up and smiled. "While you're napping, I need to go and meet Lee. We're going to be the welcoming committee." He said softly before bending his head and giving Rei a gentle kiss.

Rei broke the kiss and shook his head. Bryan frowned at him and Rei placed a hand on Bryan's shoulders a pleading look on his face. "I'll nap later, I want to be there to greet everyone." He yawned again.

Now it was Bryan's turn to shake his head. "It's hasn't stopped snowing and you don't need your feet getting wet." He raised his hand to forestall the protest he saw forming on Rei's lips, "you are not going and that's final." He gently dislodged Rei from his place on his chest and rose and held out a hand. Rei glared at the hand and then looked up at the falcon with a pout, but Bryan wasn't giving in. "Bed, Rei."

Knowing that he wasn't going to get his way, Rei ignored Bryan's hand and struggled to his feet and stomped off toward the bedroom slamming the door behind him. Bryan watched him go and sighed, then he grabbed his coat from the coat rack beside the door and left.

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"So, he gave you a hard time, did he?" Lee's quiet question broke into Bryan's thoughts and the Russian shrugged. "No more than usual, when he's trying to get his way." They were passing by the guesthouses; when a flash of pink distracted Bryan and he squinted at it, trying to figure out what it was. Then it was gone and he shook his head dismissing the image. Glancing at the shadows on the ground and gauging the time from their position, the falcon blader began to trot away from the houses and anyone inside. As he did so, he called over his shoulder.

"Come on, Lion. If we don't step it up, they'll be here before we can reach the bean fields." Hearing the challenge behind Bryan's words, Lee accepted it and took off, determined to prove to Bryan once again that he was –at least – faster than the Russian.

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Mariah peeked around the window frame and watched as the pair disappeared around a bend and sighed. It wasn't like she could accompany them, even if she wasn't in disgrace her mother had made it quite clear that she was to finish making the beds in the guesthouses this morning before she did anything else.

"Here, girl!" A quilt smacked her in the face and Mariah glared at the old woman standing in the doorway. Old Lu-ma was one of the village midwives. Her mother Chi-lan being the other one and Lu-ma used her authority to berate anyone and everyone in the village. The old woman had even gone so far as to lecture the elders on occasion. "Get to work, you lazy good-for-nothing! We need these beds done and they won't be, if you keep mooning out the window!" The old female ranted, "I don't know why they even let you come back! You've disgraced us once! And are likely . . ."

Mariah didn't wait to hear anymore. Tears sprang to her eyes as she shoved passed the bitter tongued old harridan and ran from the house. Her feet slapped on the ground as she sped away from the hateful words that burned like a brand in her mind and heart. "Disgrace. Disgrace." The word seemed to echo to the rhythm of her strides and in her agonized state, she nearly ran over a figure that was stumbling in the snow and clutching at its middle. She slid to a stop and nearly had heart failure, when she recognized the figure.

"Rei!"

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Rei paced the floor, glaring on each pass at the door and grumbled to himself about over protective Russians. He scowled at a picture of Moscow's Red Square as he went past it. Snorted in irritation at several lacquered eggs that sat under the picture in a black and gold basket set on a tiny table that been Bryan's first solo carpentry project.

In an effort to help Bryan win acceptance from the people of the village. Rei and Lee brainstormed a plan in the form of Bryan's accepting an apprenticeship in the carpenter shop where he worked four days a week, taking time off whenever there was a hunt going on, so he could participate in that. The rest of the week was spent training students in the temple. The plan worked like a charm, once everyone saw how hard Bryan was willing to work to provide for his growing family; the villagers had plied them with gifts of food, clothing and other goods – including a small flock of ten chickens and a rooster.

Rei had been bemused at first by the swift way; Bryan had incorporated small bits of Mother Russia throughout their home, since they had moved to the village during his fifth month. After thinking about it for a few days, he had finally realized that what Bryan had been doing was making his presence permanent, even when he wasn't there.

He sometimes forgot how insecure Bryan felt at times: so instead of trying to talk him out of whatever alteration he wanted to do, he applauded the changes and even suggested a few of his own; the end result had been a harmonic mix of two cultures.

"Damn him," Rei muttered, "I could have worn my new boots." A pain sharper than any he'd had before knifed through his middle taking him by surprise and he nearly went to his knees. "Bryan!" Rei cried as he instinctively grabbed his middle and stumbled to the door. Yanking the door open, he scanned the room for his mate and shivered when he saw Bryan's coat was gone.

"Dammit, no!" he moaned as he realized what was happening. 'Bryan is going to kill me! Dr. Chiao TOLD us that back cramps were one of the first signs of labor.' Rei whimpered in fear as he backed into the bedroom and wobbled over to a chest that he frantically opened to remove a pair of black felt boots. Stepping past the chest, he shuffled over to the bed and dropped the boots and leaning on the mattress, he managed to stuff his feet into them. Shoving away from the bed, he staggered toward the door and stumbled across the room to the coat rack. Grabbing up his coat, he fumbled it on as he reached for the door latch and getting it open, he wobbled through it and headed for the main part of the village, leaving the door open behind him.

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"Here they come." Bryan pointed toward a distant speck and Lee nodded. "Good, they managed to get here before the next front came through." The Chinese blader looked toward the mountain where a fresh bank of clouds could be seen gathering.

"Da," Bryan said, "they will have to get off quickly, so the helicopter can leave before the storm hits, or it will be trapped here until the next break in the weather." He reached out and grabbed Lee by the arm, his eyes on the rapidly approaching helicopter. "We better move back, it looks like the pilot has realized that he needs more speed." He said as he pulled Lee along.

"Right." Lee agreed as he watched the helicopter race along. He and Bryan barely made it to a safer spot before the purple and white monster was landing and a door slid open and a number of figures spilled out tossing bags out into the snow as they jumped. As soon as the last figure stumbled clear of the wash, the helicopter took off and raced toward the horizon.

"Come on." Bryan said as he hurried to greet the people, who were gathering up the bags. One figure – a blonde stopped to wave before stooping to pick up something. Lee trotted after him but stumbled to a stop, when one of the figures – a tall redhead bent over and revealed.

A tall purple haired youth, who stood unfazed by the wind that was beginning to blow ice and snow around: a youth who stared straight at him before taking a single step.

"Robert."

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Rei leaned against a fence post and panted. The pains seemed to be growing in intensity and they were coming in shorter intervals. As he stared down the icy lane, he wasn't sure that he could make it to Dr. Chiao's. The path from his house to the doctor's seemed to stretch forever and he didn't think his strength would hold out much longer.

As he recovered from the latest attack, his sharp hearing heard the sound of someone running and he stumbled on some snow as he tried to get out of the way, as he did so, a pink blur twisted to avoid him and skidded to a halt.

"Rei!"

"Mariah!" Rei gasped, "I need your help. I think the kitten is coming and Bryan went to . . ."

"I know!" Mariah dashed tears from her eyes and rushed to Rei's side and drew his arm across her shoulders. "I saw him and Lee heading for the bean fields." She tried to calm her rapidly beating heart and decide what to do with Rei. Dr. Chiao's house was on the far side of the village and she didn't think he could make it there. That really left her with only one option.

"Rei, we have to get to my grandfather's. Mother is there and she can help you, while I go for Bryan."

"All right, Mariah." Rei whispered, as he allowed the girl to support him as they struggled their way through the snowdrifts. Mariah's mind raced as she listened to the soft pants and strangled gasps from her childhood friend. It was taking too long to reach the house and help and she was beginning to think that they would have to turn to one of the neighbors, when she realized that while she had been trying to figure out what to do they had reached her grandparent's.

"We're here, Rei. It won't be long now." She encouraged him and Rei gave her a weak smile. "That's good, Mariah." The boy whispered, "because I don't think I can take another step." And as if to prove his words, he slipped from her grip and slid to the ground.

"Mother!" Mariah screamed as she tried to get Rei back to his feet. She looked toward the house and shrieked louder, "Mother! Help! Mo-th-er!" The door of the house flew open and a tiny little woman cried, "Mariah, why are you . . ." Her voice trailed off as she spied her granddaughter struggling to lift a body from the ground. An turned in the doorway and called, "Chi-lan, Rei is out here and he needs you! Shen, come help Mariah!"

Mariah stopped struggling with Rei and watched as her father rushed from the house and quickly got Rei to his feet and then scooped the youth up and carried him inside. "Mariah, go for Rei's mate, now!" She nearly jumped out of her skin at her grandmother's order. With a frightened look toward the doorway Rei had vanished through, she turned without a word and sprinted as fast as she dared for the bean fields and Bryan.

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Lee was stunned, he hadn't heard from Robert since the German had kissed him goodbye in the hotel back in New York and now here he was. 'Was Robert here because of Rei, or . . .' He refused to dwell on the other option.

Robert felt his breath catch as he gazed at his lion, who seemed to have turned into a statue. 'Lee's wearing my necklace.' He thought absently as he ignored Bryan being swamped by his teammates and a trio of Bladebreakers. He had taken a step toward the tawny youth, when Tyson yelled, "Hey, Lee! What ya doing over there? Come over and say hello!"

Unconsciously, Lee fingered the necklace nestled in the hollow of his throat where it usually rested since Robert had given it to him and forced himself to move. As he approached the group he plastered a smile on his face and nodded to Robert as he stopped a few steps from him. "Hello, Robert, this is a surprise."

Robert suppressed a shudder at the husky greeting and summoned a smile, "Yes, it is, isn't it." Hungrily he devoured the sight of his lion and ruthlessly stamped down on the desire to grab Lee and kiss him senseless right in front of everybody.

Watching the pair, Johnny sighed and Michael leaned in close and murmured, "What's wrong, love?"

"Robert's at it again." Johnny groaned in disgust, "why doesn't he just kiss Lee and get it over with."

"Because a lifetime of training isn't that easy to set aside, just ask Tala and his bunch." Michael observed wisely. "Just give it some time, and I'll bet before we leave here, Robert and Lee will be doing the horizontal tango. Just remember how hard it was for you to be affectionate with me in public at first."

"You're right." Johnny nodded, "I guess we'll just have to let nature take its course, and . . ."

"And?" Michael asked raising an eyebrow. Johnny grinned up at his taller mate, "If worse comes to worse, we'll just have to lock them in a room together." Michael laughed.

Ignoring the Europeans, Tyson darted over and grabbed Lee by the arm, talking ninety miles an hour as he did so, "Man, its cold! Almost as cold as Russia! How's everything? Find someone to replace Mariah, yet?"

"Tyson, give him a chance to answer, would you?" Max shouted and Tyson released Lee and put his hand behind his head grinning sheepishly as he did so. "Heh, sorry about that, Lee. Just excited, ya know."

Lee was grateful for Tyson's interruption and he smiled at the bluenette. "I'm excited to see all of you as well, Tyson." Then, he staggered back as Max glomped onto him. "And you too, Max." Lee laughed giving Max a quick hug and releasing him. Max laughed.

As Lee moved around to greet the rest of the bladers, Robert watched him and pondered the significance of Lee's wearing his necklace. Did it mean that Lee really did love him? Or, had his grandfather told that he was coming and Lee felt it would only be polite to wear the jewel.

He just didn't know.

Ian and Spencer stood off to the side and watched as Lee moved on to greet Tala and Kai. Ian swore as snow got into his eyes, so he hunched down to rummage through his bag. After a few seconds, he pulled out a pair of goggles and slipped them on. Standing up, he looked around and finally noticed that someone was missing.

"Hey, Bryan! Where's Rei?"

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Shen laid Rei down on a bed and Chi-lan pushed past her husband to give Rei a quick examination. She frowned as she ran her hands over the boy's belly and felt the position of the kitten. "Shen," she said softly, "go for Dr. Chiao, the little one is coming and it looks like Rei is going to be one of the quick ones at delivering."

Shen nodded and hurried from the room as his mother entered carrying a steaming bowl of water and several towels draped across her arm. "Here, daughter-in-law, we can start getting Rei comfortable and ready for when his blessing enters the world."

Chi-lan smiled gratefully and began divesting Rei of his clothes.

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Mariah ran till she thought her heart would burst, but she kept going she wasn't going to fail Rei, not now when he needed her the most. She plunged down the path that lead straight into the heart of the fields and nearly cried with relief, when she spotted a small knot of figures in the distance.

She put on a burst of speed and nearly twisted her ankle on a bean hill, but she kept going and soon was within shouting distance. She stopped and panted to get in some much need air then she cupped her hands around her mouth and yelled, "Bryan! Bryan!"

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"About time, someone notice." Bryan shouted back, "Rei is at home taking a nap and he is sooo not gonna be happy that it took at least ten minutes for anyone to realize he wasn't here."

"A nap? At this time of day, is he all right?" Max asked paling. "He never sleeps this late, unless he's sick."

"Rei's fine, Max." Lee interjected glad for a reason to ignore the silent youth standing close behind him, "He's just behaving like a pregnant neko-jin. You should have seen Bryan, when Rei started sleeping during the day and staying up all night, eh, Bryan?"

Everyone looked at Bryan, who flushed. "Well, how was I supposed to know. I thought there was something wrong with him."

"So, what happened?" Tala asked intrigued.

"Dragged him off to the doctor's and got a lecture on neko-jin physiology." Bryan sighed as he remembered that day just a few weeks past.

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'Dr. Chiao gave Bryan and Rei a thoughtful look, then he sighed. "This is my fault, boys. I should have mentioned this when you first came back to the village." He leaned forward on his stool and patted Rei kindly on the knee, at the same time he looked Bryan deep in the eye. The Russian was looking pale under the tan he'd acquired since arriving months ago and there was a shadow of fear in the silvery depths.

"Mentioned what?" Bryan growled as he tightened his grip on Rei's hand and glared at the old man. Rei gave his lover a quick glance but kept quiet.

"That what Rei is doing is perfectly normal for a pregnant neko-jin." The elderly man leaned back and folded his hands over his stomach and prepared to lecture. "In ancient times, our ancestors were nomads and as they traveled from area to area; they discovered that it was safer for the kittens to be born between twelve and three in the morning when the night is deepest. In that way the clan would be close and able to fight off any animal that might try to attack and take the kitten. Consequently that led the child bearers to begin to change their sleeping habits when they were about six months along, so they would be ready for when the birth happened. And even though there is no real need anymore for such caution, it has become ingrained and once the kitten is delivered, Rei will slowly revert to his old sleeping habits, once the kitten allows."

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"So, that's why he's not here." Max said quietly.

"Nyet, he's not here, because I wouldn't let him come."

"Bet he didn't like that." Michael commented and Bryan gave him a look, but before he could answer they all heard the faint cry of Bryan's name and saw Mariah as she stumbled toward them.

"What's she doing here?" Ian asked sourly. The shortest D-boy still hadn't forgotten or forgiven what she had done to them in New York and had hoped the bitch wouldn't be anywhere near the village when they arrived.

"Ian," Spencer warned, "You will not say anything to her. She is Tala and Kai's to deal with, so leave it alone." Ian looked up at his taller lover and flinched at the stern look on his face. "Oh, all right, if you say so." He groused and studiously ignored her as she ran up to the group.

Lee grabbed Mariah by the shoulders to steady her and demanded, "Mariah, what's going on? What were you saying? Why were you running like that?" Wheezing, she looked up into his face and rasped out in a voice raw with cold.

"Rei . . . kitten . . ." Everyone blinked stupidly at her before Bryan stuttered, "Bu . . .but he's not due yet!"

"Never mind that, idiot! Babies come, when they come." Tala snapped as he snatched up a bag and glared at the stunned falcon. Chuffing in exasperation, he batted Bryan in the knees with the bag and growled at the boy. "Are you going to stand there like a statue all day, or are you going to lead us to the village? I'd like to get there before your child arrives, wouldn't you?"

The lilac haired Russian blinked again; then without a word sprinted away; leaving the rest to follow as they could.

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Chi-lan wiped sweat from Rei's brow and smiled at the boy. "You're doing fine, Rei. Just a little longer and it will all be over with."

"I want Bryan." Rei whispered as he laid half propped up in the bed staring down at Dr. Chiao, who sat on a stool between his knees.

"I know, dear. And I'm sure he will be here any moment." Even as she spoke she could hear the soothing voice of her mother-in-law speaking to someone in the hall. She looked up to see the door open and Bryan slipped into the room. The Russian's eyes were fixed on Rei's face and he hurried across the room to take his love by the hand and kiss him tenderly on the brow.

"You made it." Rei said with a watery smile, his eyes glittering with pain. "I'm glad."

"Yes, he made it and with not a moment to spare. Chi-lan, the birthing stool, its' time." Dr Chiao said as he stood up from his stool. He gave Bryan a stern look, "if you are going to leave now is the time to do it."

"I am not leaving." Bryan glared at the old man and tightened his grip on Rei's hand. Looking back down at the holder of his heart, he said firmly. "I will see my child born. And when a contraction comes, I want you to squeeze my hand. I will share your pain." Rei nodded.

She gave both youths an encouraging smile and stepped quickly to the side of the room and carried over an elaborate stool with a hole in the middle of the seat. "Bryan, help me." She said quietly as she went to help Rei to his feet. Between the pair they got Rei onto the stool and Bryan stood in front of him holding both hands and offering all the support he could.

"It hurts, Bryan." Rei whimpered as he rode another wave of pain squeezing Bryan's hands until his knuckles were white. Bryan never uttered a sound until Rei's grip relaxed; then he glared at Chi-lan.

"Why didn't you give him something for the pain." Bryan quietly raged at the woman, who shook her head. " Drugs won't help at this point." She soothed, "Rei is just a bit frightened because this is all new to him and that's making it seem worse than it really is."

Bryan glared at her not at all reassured by her confidence. Minutes ticked by broken only by Rei's soft grunts, then he suddenly shrieked and Dr. Chiao quickly got busy.

Bryan held his breath as Rei gave one last effort and Dr. Chiao caught the infant and quickly handed it to Chi-lan, who wrapped it in a towel she had waiting and hurried over to a table to begin cleaning the child. As she rubbed the little body clean the child let out a lusty wail and Chi-lan called over her shoulder. "A fine boy, Rei! You and Bryan should be proud."

"I am." Rei whispered as he sagged against Bryan, who wrapped his arms around him and kissed every part of his tiger he could reach. Dr. Chiao finished his duties and smiled, "Now, Rei, let's get you cleaned up and back into bed. Then you may hold your son for a moment."

"Here," Chi-lan nudged Bryan and held out a small wrapped bundle that made a soft mewling sound. "You hold your son, while I help Rei." She nearly laughed at the panicked look that crossed Bryan's face. Taking pity on the poor youth, she showed him how to hold the baby, making sure that he supported the head properly.

It only took a few minutes to get Rei cleaned and into bed and then Rei held out his arms, whispering, "let me see him." Bryan carefully walked to the bed and transferred the kitten to his mother's arms. "He's beautiful, Bryan." Rei choked as he gazed down into a tiny face, then he laughed as the little one yawned, awkwardly rubbed his face and went to sleep.

"Not nearly as beautiful as his mother." Bryan felt his heart swell with love and protectiveness and his eyes filled with tears. He leaned down and kissed Rei deeply, "I love you, little mother." He breathed against Rei's mouth.

Dr. Chiao and Chi-lan beamed at the pair, then Chi-lan clapped her hands and said gently, "that's enough, you two." She stepped forward and shooed Bryan out of the way. "I'll take the baby, Rei, while you get some sleep and Daddy here can go tell his friends the good news.

Rei was reluctant to give the tiny bundle up, but he could feel his eyes getting heavy and he sighed as the woman took the baby. Anxiously, he watched as she took the baby and laid him on a nest of pillows. Dr. Chiao stepped to the bedside and smiled down at his patient. "I will take my leave now, Rei. You have done well." Bryan didn't want to leave his family, but Dr. Chiao took him by the arm. "He will sleep now and you will come with me, doctor's orders."

Rei smiled as the door closed and he fell to sleep.

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Ki, An sat behind a red lacquered table smiled benignly at the group of youths in the reception hall. Six were staring stoically out into air, while two huddled together on a bench. The last of the group – Michael, she believed his name was, was prowling around the room and twisting nervously at his hair. She didn't fail to note that one of the boys was standing a little closer than necessary to her grandson. 'So, that's the one who has captured my little lion's heart,' she nodded mentally to herself, 'a fine looking boy that one. Now, we will see if he is serious about this relationship.'

Pleased with her thoughts, she smiled approvingly as Mariah came into the room carrying a tea tray. As Mariah put the tray carefully down on the table, An spoke softly, "Lee, bring your friends over here and have some tea. These things can take some time and there is no need to not be comfortable while we wait."

Max and Tyson exchanged a look, then they hesitantly rose and made their way over to the table and lowered themselves down to the floor. Lee unconsciously reached for Robert's hand, then recalled himself and flushed before mumbling something and hurrying over to the table. Robert followed and deliberately sat down next to Kai and Tala and began to ask about their plans for the next tournament.

Lee looked disappointed and his grandmother bit back a smile. 'He is already learning how to handle my grandson. I think I like this boy.' She signaled for Mariah to start pouring the tea while she picked up a plate of moon cakes and offered it to Johnny. "Please try one of these moon cakes, they are from a recipe my mother taught me when I was a little girl." Johnny thanked her politely and accepted the plate, as he reached for one, he paused, cocking his head to listen. From the hall, he could hear someone not quite running, but definitely moving with a purpose in mind and they were heading in their direction.

Everyone rose and stared as Bryan stormed into the room, his eyes gleaming with suppressed tears and joy. "I'm a father." He announced and the room erupted in cheers. Mariah began to cry. Max and Tyson charged the lilac haired warrior, while Michael and Johnny grinned. Ian and Spencer smacked palms, as Kai and Tala hugged and kissed each other before darting forward to rescue Bryan and do the same to him. Robert took the opportunity to kiss Lee quickly, before offering his own congratulations to the new father.

'Yes, he is definitely learning.' An thought as she too went to tender her own congratulations.

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Stanley Dickenson smiled as he read aloud to D. J. Jazzman from the latest edition of the 'Blader's News".

"Bryan Kuznetsov and Rei Kon are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Kitchi Sahale. The baby arrived at 11:20 on November twenty-second and weighed in at six pounds and four ounces and was twenty inches long.

When this reporter saw the little darling he was two weeks old. Kitchi has smoky purple hair with eyes of silver with gold flecks. His skin in is a pale gold color and he has a killer smile even at his tender age.

It doesn't take a crystal ball to see that he's going to be a heart breaker and I predict that his parents are going to need ball bats to keep the suitors from the door!

Welcome to the family, Kitchi!"

As the old man closed the magazine, he and D.J shared a smile and the BBA announcer mused thoughtfully, "I wonder which of their blades, he'll wield someday. Driger or Falborg?"

"Only time will tell."

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Half a continent away, Rei carefully pasted the article in the baby book that Emily had given him. At the sound of footsteps, he looked up and smiled at the young man who walked in and quickly crossed the floor to his side.

Bryan reached out and took the book from his tiger and placed it on the nightstand. "Time for bed, little mother."

"Kitchi's asleep?"

Bryan leaned down and nuzzled Rei's hair. "Da." The low murmur set Rei's blood on fire. "In that case, daddy, I think you're right."

Bryan smiled and turned off the light.

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Kitchi Sahale is the combination of two Native American names and means: Brave Falcon.

And with that this tale is done! Until I write again! Fair Skies!

Oh, and as for Robert and Lee, that's a tale for another time. When I get it written, that is.