InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ The return of Anubis ❯ The Mission ( Chapter 11 )

A/N: I do not own Inuyasha, I do not own YuGiOh, I do not own Fairy Tail and I definitely do not own Tales of the Abyss.

Alright, back to work!

~X~

The festival was done and done and Kagome surely had her fun that night.

But again, those maidens went back to the task at hand when the third week within Egypt came along. They'd continue to recite their hymns and prayers, strengthening and fine tuning their connection to the spiritual world. Anubis' presence drew near and all of them knew that mad god was already putting his own plans into motion to escape that world.

And not only the maidens but so did the people within the city could feel the doors to the other side gradually becoming weak as the days passed.

When night had fallen during those days in the week, there were reports of spirits seen floating in the night sky; all of them were lost souls who managed to slip past the tiny creek between the spiritual realm and the world of the living.

And within the far deeper levels of that realm, there would be the doors that led into the underworld, increased activity seen upon the barren wastelands as hundreds and hundreds of souls gathered at that door, looking like one angry mob that would be ready to rush out those doors when it had opened.

In the far distance from those doors, there would be a tall, overwhelmingly huge castle embedded into the tall active volcano and that was where the god of death Anubis would be, found beyond the impenetrable defenses of that castle through thick layers of obsidian, sitting upon his throne. And there before him at the bottom of those large flights of stairs would be his beasts, all ranging from many creatures like the sphinx, the griffin, some dragons and jackals, some humanoid and some not, all knelt before the god with their heads bowed low.

He was no human, he was no youkai… But he was a god.

Anubis gazed at all of them with an angered gaze and he did not look too happy.

He was a fairly tall man, seven feet possibly, dark skinned just like those Egyptians with long, dirty blonde colored hair that reached up to his shoulders. He was quite muscular and said muscles would be shown as he wore nothing but all black—blank pants, black boots and a black cape that was attacked to spiked padding, held together by strings along with grey shoulder pads that provided some bit of armored protection.

His eyes were on Husani, the tall jackal headed creature that had come in contact with one of the maidens and failed to bring her back. Husani stiffened at the spot when he knew the gods' eyes were on him, nostrils flaring as he kept his gaze down hard onto the stone floor. Anubis' eyes widened a tad when he focused his power upon that beast that did nothing but bring him failure and Husani began to feel the pain that spread throughout his body, the gravitational force of being pulled down even further onto the ground was placed and Husani just couldn't keep himself up any longer.

The beasts and creatures within that large stone room remained silent as Husani was currently feeling the wrath of the mad god's power, Anubis' teeth gritting tight and stood up from his tall throne seat, now forcing Husani down onto the floor with great force that he now laid face first into the stone, creating a dent around his large body.

“Fools! All of you. You cannot complete the simplest of tasks.”

Anubis now began to walk down those stairs and eventually he'd release of Husani from his wrath, the jackal headed beast panting heavily as air returned to his lungs since he couldn't breathe that entire time he was being forced down by Anubis' power. And that's when Anubis stood in front of Husani and once more he would return to his same knelt position, bowing his head lowly before his god.

“I had high hopes of you, Husani. But you clearly did not meet my expectations. How can you let that maiden get away?”

And again Husani would feel the gods' wrath when Anubis' hand rose, again, focusing him down onto his hands and knees and the pain was so intense, Anubis began to grin when Husani refused to let out any sounds of pain.

“It… Is as I said, my lord. Her spiritual body just… disappeared.”

Anubis grew quite angered at this. How can this maiden just up and disappear? Was there a maiden that powerful out in the world of the living? He had only heard of one in his time, the great Midoriko but she had long passed after freeing her fate from the accursed jewel. But was it possible that another had taken her place? An ancestor perhaps? To think Atem found a powerful gem. A real diamond in the rough.

Anubis had to have her.

That was his next plan. To find this maiden and have her bend to his will, making her his goddess. And they will rule the world together.

“Well aren't you all just fancy.”

Anubis' eyes now turned to the source of that voice, watching a hooded figure approach the god and immediately those beasts who served beneath Anubis growled lowly at this intruder, bearing their sharp teeth and fangs.

“Bakura.”

And that very Bandit King removed the hood over his head and saw the greet he got from those beasts before him and grinned right on back to the lot of them.

“I see you have returned. Have you implanted the seeds?”

Bakura drew his lifeless eyes back to Anubis and nodded his head slowly with grin still there splayed across his lips.

“All three of them. They will grow once the time arrives. I would have returned sooner if I wasn't held up by that youkai.”

Anubis' brow rose at hearing this but hadn't pressed on much about it as it didn't concern him.

“Husani.”

The jackal headed beast heard his god call for him and he'd raise up his head, now looking up at Anubis' face.

“Yes, my lord?”

“You wish to redeem yourself? Then I have a task for you.”

Slowly Anubis turned and made his way back up those stairs, heading to his throne. Once he sat upon that large seat, he's turn his eyes back to his guard.

“You will go to the land of the living and find this maiden you failed to bring back to me. You will learn of her name and who she is… And do not come back until you have completed your task.”

Husani gulped. This meant that he would be around those damn humans and youkai he detested and even worse, he had to become buddy buddy with that maiden? Ugh.

And Husani then heard the snickers coming from his brethren, hearing the task Anubis gave him had them laughing at his misfortune. Husani growled back at them through gritted teeth but immediately they drew quiet when Anubis flared up his power for them all to sense with Bakura whistling in surprise. Just how powerful was this god?

“Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, my—“

“Then go. Now!”

Husani bit back his breath and bowed before Anubis and without another word, that stalwart guard left Anubis' presence and exited from the throne room in post haste. He couldn't believe this task of his. How the hell was he supposed to do this? He couldn't just ask for her name, either. He had to be… friendly with her. Eugh.

Well, nothing he could do now… It was a life or death mission and it was obvious what choice he made as he left the underworld without looking back.

~X~

It was mid-afternoon that week and Kagome would be with the oracle, Ishtar, along with the other three maidens and went over the ritual dance needed to keep the doors closed.

It was so different than what she used to learn back in Japan as this dance required a lot more movement than the norm. It almost felt like she was actually dancing! Ishtar took a look at all the girls when they began to move in time by her instructions and there she could see their power grow steadily when they began to sync.

“Do you see it now, girls? The connection you have with each other? Embrace it. Feel it.”

And yes, she felt it. They all felt it. The four of them resonating their power throughout each other and never had she felt so connected with three complete strangers, the four of them sharing a bond that grew stronger than ever. Ishtar smiled at this, knowing full well these girls were ready for the next couple of days.

Kagome felt like she had danced for hours that day. Her feet burned, her legs burned and so did her waist, hips and lower back. Never had she moved so much in just one sitting!

“Alright, that concludes it for the day my dear girls. Rest up well and we shall continue tomorrow. The time is almost near and I need you all to be at your best.”

And Ishtar would bow to the four of them and so would those maidens, bowing their heads back and they would depart from that Temple of Duran, emerging out back into the outside world. Kagome felt so different, like the world she stepped out into was vastly different from where she just was some moments ago. Senses were sharpened when she'd feel the cool breeze hit her face upon arriving outside and almost immediately she was greeted by Aria, handing her a flask filled with water.

Kagome nodded her thanks and wasted no time to drink as she was quite thirsty. That and she didn't need to be passing out beneath the sun again like last time. And soon Inuyasha would draw near, the girl surprised that Sesshoumaru was not here. Where had he gone?

Actually, he had been acting a bit weird lately. She would constantly find him always on alert for the lookout of something. Had he sensed the enemy possibly? And every time she did notice, off he would go, disappearing without another word. Something was out there, most definitely.

“Kagome, are you okay?”

The question coming from the hanyou would be heard when she looked at him and offered him a small smile and nod of her head.

“Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired is all.”

Now these two… So much had been going on between them but their relationship had been repaired somewhat. Inuyasha had apologized to her for his words some days ago and had no intention to hurt her. It seems they finally realized their true feelings for one another as their love seemed to have been in a decline these past few months. They couldn't figure out why it had and Kagome only wished to repair it and bring it back to where it once was.

Inuyasha on the other hand… Well, he did not want that and he made it perfectly clear to Kagome, too. She was completely saddened by this and was not sure why he didn't wish to fix what was broken but did not press this on further, lest it broke her heart completely.

They were back to square one.

This was just like the times where Kikyo was alive and Inuyasha was so torn in choosing between her or her reincarnation. Was this in any relation to the alignment? It couldn't be… Could it? Even after all that has happened so far these past few months, she still loved Inuyasha greatly. It was hard to fall out of love with him. Which was part of the reason why she had not wished for Sesshoumaru to mark her. That meant she had to be completely over the hanyou and presently, she was not. Inuyasha still loved Kagome as well, too, which also had her heart torn so much.

If only she could go back to that time where she was happy to be Inuyasha's proud and loving wife.

Now Aria watched those two closely and knew something was up. Well, not as good with her relationship with Sesshoumaru. Where was that DaiYoukai, anyway?

Aria stepped forwards and slung her arm around Inuyasha's neck and grinned at Kagome. The miko saw this and brows rose just slightly in confusion yet she was curious because she saw that look in Aria's eyes.

“Kagome, this hanyou here made a bet with me last week during the festival. You can blame me for why he was knocked out that night.” Inuyasha glared at Aria and removed her arm from around his neck, gritting his teeth.

“Oh really? I can only imagine what the conditions were.”

Inuyasha huffed and rolled his eyes, now making his exit from the courtyard before the temple. “We're going to the market. He said he'd be willing to let me put him in some new clothes but he doesn't seem to like the idea. You know, after what I did to you on the night of the festival.”

“Ooh…”

Then the two looked to Inuyasha in the distance as he was taking his leave then they'd quickly catch up to him, the both of them grabbing a hold of his arm with Aria on his left and Kagome on his right. Inuyasha's eyes widened at this, now looking at the girls beside him and he was completely confused as to what was going on. But then he remembered that damn bet from Aria's words from earlier and completely grimaced. Kagome smiled at this, likely willing to help Aria in choosing Inuyasha's new clothes.

And so they went, off to have a good time for the remainder of the day.

They'd return to that same busy street that was literally packed with many, many bodies on the night of the festival but today didn't hold as much… Yet it was still busy. As business was done within those shops, the three of them found a building where they began to play `dress up' with Inuyasha. It was actually fun, something that would ease the girl's mind about her current drama with her love life. Or whatever life that was left of it.

They'd have Inuyasha try out so much expensive silks, having him dress up like a lowly commoner and then something more formal like a famous noble. Inuyasha hated it, he was being treated like a damn puppy and these girls were just having the time of their lives playing dress up with him. But he had to endure it because he did lose that bet. Never was he ever going to bet against Aria again. He was lucky that the woman didn't think of anything worse than this.

Now! A few hours would pass that afternoon, bringing it near night. The skies were a beautiful shade of red and orange as the evening would arrive and now Aria and Kagome would be both taking their leave from one last shop with Inuyasha carrying a few piles of clothing. All for him, that is. Kagome was worried about payment for all those expensive silks he was carrying but Aria handled all of that seeing she worked directly under the pharaoh. So payment was unnecessary!

As the two walked along that side street on their way back to the palace, Kagome had picked up something in the far distance, a soul of some sort… And they seemed to be in pain. This was odd. Why was there a spirit wandering about in the living? And how did it manage to escape from the other side? And what was even stranger was that she sensed a bit of familiarity with this presence… Now the questioned remained—should she follow it?

Aria noticed Kagome was no longer following them, stopping in her tracks to gaze behind her and see Kagome a few feet away to look off in the distance with a wondrous expression upon facial features. Aria tilted her head and question with brows rising, Aria reaching out to stop Inuyasha since he kept pacing forwards and couldn't see in front of him as he was holding onto that pile of silks.

“What now?!”

The hanyou growled out in annoyance, already dead tired from being treated like a live dress up doll this day.

“Hold on, Inuyasha. Kagome seems to be looking at something.”

And said miko began to pinpoint the location of that spirit and knew it wasn't too far. However, she was still undecided if she should seek out the spirit or just ignore it. But how could she ignore that pain?

“Kagome?”

The miko blinked slowly, now remembering where she was currently and turned to look at Aria who approached her with a concerned look upon her face.

“Oh, sorry, Aria. I was just… Thinking about something.”

She knew that if she ignored this sensation, it would bother her all night.

“Aria… There's something I need to check out. You and Inuyasha can head back without me.”

Was there something wrong? Aria looked over the miko quickly and wondered what had her attention so suddenly. Was she sensing something Aria could not find out?

“Are you sure? Do you need me to come with you?”

Kagome shook her head, “I'll be fine, Aria. I'll be back before it gets late. I can take care of myself, you know.”

Aria saw Kagome's determined look and slowly crossed her arms beneath her bust but gave her one last look before they separate ways, “Okay. But if it gets too late, I'll be coming for you.”

Kagome smiled softly and nodded her head. The miko would give one last look to the dragoness and Inuyasha before taking off down the other street that wasn't so busy.

And now Kagome was in search of that spirit, noticing it was on the move. Had it sensed her approaching its way? Or was it moving on its own? That spirit had stopped moving from what she could tell and now Kagome noticed her surroundings as she followed the spirit. She came to the more suburban area where there was nothing but stone homes and the like, kids playing in the streets with some of their parents outside.

Kagome walked down that dirt path and turned around the corner at the end of that street, now finding another home that looked to be abandoned. The entry gate was destroyed, that wooden door looked like it was ready to fall off its hinges. And when she drew closer to the home, she'd noticed the potted plants that were placed all around the front yard were all dried up. The windows looked broken into as well but she was certain that the spirit that was in pain was here.

So, she'd tread forward into the home, hearing the sickening creak come from that gate as she pushed it open and stepped into the yard of that home, now letting her senses go to work. There was no one else here from what she could tell, save for that wandering spirit. The girl now came to those doors that led inside the small stone structure and placed her hands upon it, finding that it was not locked. The moment she stepped inside, the cool air would hit her skin and found it to be quite dark. The small windows within the home only provided little light as the sun was making its descent.

She was now looking down a long, wide hall way with various doors on either side, leading to rooms unknown.

“Hello? Is anyone there?”

The voice of the miko called out to the darkness, now in search of that spirit she was hoping to find and perhaps help.

Said `spirit' would be here definitely there in that house, now hoping to hide itself from the arrival of that miko within the dark corners of the far end of the home. It heard her voice but remained within its spot in the darkness. Damn, if only he wasn't so injured at the moment.

Kagome stepped into that home now and began to venture into the vacant rooms, pushing open each and every door she had seen. It was a small home, single floor with no stairs leading up anywhere. There was a set of doors at the end of the hallway, leading out to the backyard, if she were to guess. Before she would heard there, she heard a low, pained growl from the last room she was about to check and knew what she was searching for was here. But wait, a growl? Spirits don't growl, do they?

She'd slowly push open that door and immediately she saw the sight of blood smear upon the walls. There were blotches on the floor too, a small trail leading up to a corner that would be occupied by a figure that was currently hunched over in pain, currently sitting with one arm holding onto their other. She couldn't make out their face at all as their attire consisted of nothing but a black cloak with a hood, the darkness within hiding their face but she could see their sharp fangs when they'd growl at her through gritted teeth.

The small window in that room shone only a small amount of light in there, only able to make out their legs, seeing the black pants and boots they wore.

Was this the spirit that was in pain? Well clearly, given their injuries. She didn't know what injuries they sustained but there was a lot of blood and it was possible that it could be life threatening. But it wasn't a spirit anymore… It was a human… Or maybe youkai?

And while she stood there, they continued to growl at her but Kagome remained where she stood and after some long seconds, she dared to take a step.

“Do not come anywhere near me, human! Lest you value your life.”

That language… It was Ancient Egyptian no doubt. And she heard the pain in their voice, almost as if they struggled to speak. And yes, that creature was trying its hardest to stay conscious as he had lost a lot of blood. Kagome saw it stare at her hard with those red eyes that now glowed beneath its hood but she still remained where she was, their words never affecting her.

“You need help... You've lost a lot of blood.”

“I am fine.”

They did not want Kagome's help but her caring nature got the best of her and only wished to tend to them because they were in quite a lot of pain from what she could see. Another step taken and again that man would hiss at her but the more he tried to have her back off, the more he could feel his consciousness slipping away. Fuck! That damn sphinx will pay for what they did to him.

In truth, this figure that was before Kagome was Husani, the creature that was sent to know more about the maiden that left the underworld with ease. And here she was, right before him! But he couldn't tell at all. His vision was blurred and all his senses were dulled out because of all the pain. The moment he took the portal that led out to the living world, he was struck in the back by a series of attacks and he knew those blades. They belonged to none other than Theinen, the Great Sphynx. That bastard! Never had he been so angry! To be double-crossed by his own brethren. He was going to have his head when he returned back to the underworld.

But he could not do that yet, not until he fulfilled his task for Anubis. And how could he with these injuries?! It'll take him days to recover! By then it would be too late and Anubis would take his life without batting an eye.

Again Kagome moved closer when the silence grew, hearing those growls again and Kagome had assumed this one was definitely a youkai. If a human bled this much, they would have been dead by now.

“I sensed you… You were hurt and in pain. And I am here to help you.”

Actually, Husani began to wonder about this human when she approached him. How the hell did she manage to find him, anyway? And she could understand him when he spoke in that ancient tongue, too… An Egyptian, perhaps? One of Atem's followers or someone else entirely? He had no strength to even growl at her anymore but he was still giving off that hostile aura when she drew near, flaring it as he only wished for her to leave him be.

But she was stubborn and did not, now coming close to crouch down beside him as he remained in the darkness.

It was like coming into contact with a wild animal that had been hurt, now bearing its teeth and fangs at anyone who could come near to try to help.

And when that girl was closer, Husani gathered in her scent. It was faint but he could smell it. A sweet scent he had not ever smelled before and for some reason, it was pleasant.

Kagome noticed she wasn't getting anymore growls or angered words sent her way and had to wonder if they allowed her assistance. And now she managed to get at this point, she needed to know where exactly this one was hurt. When a hand rose and reached out to for Husani, he'd stiffen and again he'd show resistance with a snarl as lips pulled back and showed off those sharp teeth.

“I said go away, human! Leave now before I kill you.”

Kagome frowned at hearing their angered words laced with pain, now watching him stumble over forwards just a slightly. A pained gasp left his lips, his vision going in and out repeatedly.

“Can you not see that you need help?”

And without another word, Husani collapsed onto the hard stone floor wish a pained hiss leaving him.

Fuck, he really felt like he was going to die here. He couldn't even move. But soon he would be when he felt small hands grasping his shoulders, now turning him over onto his back. This was much better for Kagome because now she could get a good look at him since the top half of his body was revealed in the small light offered from the outside. Eyes widened when she saw various stab wounds across his exposed torso but more blood came from his arm that he was holding onto earlier.

Kagome saw the man take short, shallow breaths of air, his eyes closed and saw his face contort in so much pain that even she looked like she felt the pain too. Well, with him unable to move to do much, that's when Kagome would go to work. She'd immediately loosen up her kimono, removing the kosode beneath and began to rip it up into long pieces she was going to use as makeshift bandages.

“…What are you doing…?”

“I am going to help you whether you like it or not.”

He could hear her movements while he laid there defeated, unable to do anything right now. Maybe he should let her help him? But what could a lowly human even do?

Kagome shifted to kneel beside the man, now reaching forwards to undo the strings to that cloak and open it up to reveal all of what injuries he had held. His left arm was currently blood soaked, as if he dipped his arm in it and there right at his shoulder was a deep stab wound of some kind. Wow, he managed to survive this? But now Kagome needed some water to clean the blood and disinfect the cuts.

“I'll be right back.”

And then Kagome stood, now leaving the room and went back into searching through those vacant rooms, looking for water. She didn't find any, not until she went into the back of the hours and found a well. To her luck, there was barely enough inside but enough for the task at hand. So, taking the nearby bucket, she'd use it to gather up some water within and head right back into the abandoned home where the injured youkai would be, placing bucket down beside her when she returned to her initial spot.

She took up one of her ripped material pieces and it would be used as a cloth when she dipped it into the bucket, gathering up some water and ringed it out afterwards. Now she would use that damp cloth to wipe it across his torso first, cleaning up the wounds from all the dried blood upon his pale skinned flesh with the utmost care in the world. Husani felt this as she ran that cloth around his front, going over every stab wound and once that was done, she'd toss that cloth aside to use another piece of ripped cloth, again dipping it into the bucket and wringed it out after. Now she went to kneel upon his other side where his injured arm would be. She was very careful with this, also noted by Husani and began to carefully wipe away all the blood on his arm first before going over the stab wound in his shoulder.

Who was this woman? And why was she treating him with so much care that surprised him?

Now, once that was done, Kagome would toss aside that cloth and lean over just slightly, now gazing into the wound upon his shoulder and the others across his chest. For some reason, these wounds were not closing. Why?

“You are youkai, yes?”

Husani wasn't so sure if he should answer that. He indeed was so if he said yes, would this woman leave? Kill him? Or perhaps do something else?

“…Yes, I am.”

“Your wounds… they are not closing up. This wasn't any normal attack…”

Perceptive she was, too. This was no ordinary human. He knew she wasn't a youkai because he could not sense any youki from her, so, she definitely had to be human. What other possible explanation could there be?

Then Husani would feel her finger lightly graze over the main stab wound upon shoulder, the girl being careful as to not touch it directly.

“This may sting a little. Please bear it. I'm going to try to purify the residue left inside your wounds from this attack.”

Wait a minute. Did she just say purify?

Wait another minute! It was only then he realized that she could understand him perfectly while he spoke in that ancient tongue. Was she one of the maidens?! Why did it take him this long to realize it? Maybe it was the poison from the wounds he had suffered that caused him to dull his more rational thoughts?! …Ugh.

His answer would be found when Kagome began to apply her power into his arm and never had he ever felt warmth like this before. It was soothing. Kagome began to focus on the wound only, trying to purify the residue she mentioned previously within that cut. And when she began to do that, boy did it sting. Husani grunted in pain and Kagome frowned at this, not wanting to cause him anymore pain that he had already felt. This went on for long seconds and when Kagome finally finished removing the substance from his shoulder. That arm began to heal up nicely on its own, seeing the wound close up as the seconds passed.

It still hurt like a bitch, though.

Now Kagome peered at his torso and knew she would have to do the same thing here and when she looked up at Husani's face, he was already looking up at her with a slight pained expression. She nearly gasped when she saw his face. Those eyes were a beautiful shade of red she had not ever seen before, followed by jet black hair that looked to be spiky but it was in a mess. He looked to be in his twenties but knowing youkai, he was likely centuries old.

“…Why do you help me?”

“Because you are in pain. How could I ignore someone who's in pain and look like they need help?”

“Even to a complete stranger…?”

“Of course, it does not matter who they are to me. I always will help those in need.”

Those red eyes focused upon the girl that spoke with his vision clearing up somewhat. She was definitely a maiden that was brought by Atem and he had to wonder if this was the same girl that managed to slip from his grasp from the underworld some weeks ago. He barely remembered her face; all he remembered were her dark locks and this woman here fit the description somewhat. Was it her?

Her voice was… somewhat familiar, too.

Kagome watched him turn his head away from her when she answered him and frowned a tad. Was he also another youkai who despised humans and their help? Either way, she went back to continue her task in healing the youkai.

“I'm going to purify the wounds on your chest now.” A warning given beforehand.

And now both hands would be placed just above the man's chest, a few inches of space between palms and his torso and once more, she began to put in her power into her hands and focus upon those cuts. She had to wonder what happened for him to gain these injuries. Was it a fight he had with another youkai? Should she ask?

Husani winced in pain, a heavy hiss leaving him and Kagome frowned when she began to remove the poison in those stab wounds. Well, at least he managed to stay conscious when she began to remove the vile substance within him, taking far longer than normal since there was so many, compared to the single larger stab wound on his shoulder. She remained at that position for a good minute and thirty seconds until she senses no other trace of poison and so, she settled down and moved her hands from above him and rested them within her lap.

“There… All done.”

Done, yes, but he still needed some time to recover.

To think he had been saved by one of these maidens!

Kagome peered at this face as he laid there with eyes closed and breathed through parted lips; head tilting slowly as she noticed there was an unusual tattoo upon his face. It was like miniature writing, hieroglyphics perhaps? Just beneath his right eye and stopped at the middle of his cheek. She had not seen that before considering it did grow dark by then. Barely any light was getting through into that home.

“Do I… know you?”

The question rang in the air when Kagome gave him that question and Husani immediately froze. Oh god. It is her! He had to think up of something quick because if he told her his true name then she will definitely know who he was and what he tried to do to her that day in the underworld. It was detrimental to get this task done or else Anubis will take his life.

“M-my name is Jin…”

Kagome blinked. Nope. Never heard of him before. But why did the air of familiarity grow the more she looked at him?

“And you are?”

“I am Kagome, Kagome Higurashi. As you may have noticed, I am not from Egypt. I am from another place that is far away from here.”

He heard her speak when his eyes opened, again drawing his gaze to her face when she gazed down at him with a slightly concerned look. He grimaced inwardly. Oh how he hated humans when they looked at him as if he needed help. He was not weak! He grunted when he moved and forced his body to stand, ignoring all pain. Kagome saw this and gasped lightly, likely trying to keep him still from moving.

“You can't move yet! Some of the poison already entered into your bloodstream—“

“I'm fine!” He growled out, again, his ego getting the best of him. He didn't want to be near this maiden right now, even though it was a part of his mission. It annoyed him greatly how she was still here trying to help him but the moment he stood on his two feet, another pained gasp left him and immediately dropped to his knees.

“That damn Theinen…”

Kagome blinked. Theinen? Who was that? The one who possibly injured this youkai?

Kagome would set Husani down once more but this time, she'd let him sit up with his back resting against the nearby wall. As much as he hated to admit it, he was going to need to recover with this damn woman helping him. Again he began to growl when Kagome was still only trying to help and that's when she narrowed her eyes at him.

“Look mister, if you want to go ahead and die, fine. But how about you do it after I leave?”

She'd stare hard at his face when he gazed at his lap, now looking truly defeated.

“What if I was your enemy, you still—“

“I would.”

Husani blinked slowly in confusion, looking up at the miko with a puzzled expression. She would help him, even if she knew who he really was? He sat there completely speechless, unable to find anymore words for the miko. Were the other maidens just as strong and kindhearted as this one?

Kagome no longer heard any rebuttal from Husani and assumed he would leave it at that. She was quite stubborn when it came to this but this was Kagome, after all. And Husani would begin to feel something within him he could not describe, a feeling that he had not ever experienced in his near two thousand year life. Just what was it?

Kagome sighed softly, gazing up to look up at the window and seen the night sky be lit up with many, many stars. How much time has passed since she had been here?

“It is getting late… Don't you have somewhere to be?”

Kagome's eyes widened at his words as she almost forgot! She told Aria she wasn't going to be out for long and look how dark it was now!

“Will you be alright if I leave you here Jin?”

Again, concern heard in her voice and seen upon her face and was having a hard time trying to even look at her when she said those words, immediately turning his head away from her with gaze going the other way.

“Don't worry about me, just go…”

Kagome frowned at his words but he was right, she couldn't be here any longer. Eyes dropped down to his chest and had seen some of those stab wounds already closed up all the way while some were still healing. He'll likely be fine the next day if he got some rest. After giving him one last look, she moved to stand and headed out of that house without another word, leaving the youkai to himself.

When Husani could no longer sense her presence near, he gave one good angered yell that had him swinging his fist hard into the wall behind him, leaving behind a fairly large crater. Some of the rubble would fall onto the ground upon impact from his fist, leaving it there as the male was truly angry beyond recognition. He was going to kill Theinen, that was certain. And now he would let the exhaustion take over and get the rest he needed to take.

Kagome had long left the suburbia area that night, now pacing her way back to the palace. She didn't get lost as she could see the big castle in the distance but her feet was starting to kill her again. Well, she had been dancing some hours ago. She stopped at a nearby stone compound and began to relax and at that moment she heard someone land before her. In the distance up the street, Sesshoumaru had stood there atop the hill and gazed down at Kagome with that same cold expression and damn, did he look good tonight.

Wait, not again!

Well, he did! He was so regal from where he stood, his hair flowing in the wind lightly with the waning moon shining bright behind him in the sky above.

She'd smile at him as she'd slowly approach his form and he noticed her rather sluggish movements. Where had she gone off to? The moment she came near his eyes narrowed and he would catch the scent of something on her, something foreign. A faint trace of blood, too. It was not hers but it belonged to another. Sesshoumaru leaned in without another word once Kagome was within arm's reach, the girl gasping out quietly when his nose brushed up against his neck and began to sniff at her. Did he find something on her?

He'd pull away to focus powerful gaze upon the miko and she gazed back with a slight flushed face and nervous smile.

“Sorry… I was held up with something.”

“Hn.”

Before Kagome could move to continue on her way towards the palace, she would be immediately scooped up into Sesshoumaru's arms and gasped out in surprise when he took one huge leap upon that stone home. Once he made it to the roof, Kagome's eyes closed briefly when she felt the wind rush at her face at how fast Sesshoumaru began to leap off after building after building, heading back to the palace. Her eyes opened and seen the busy streets pass by so quick after each leap he took, finding it amazing to see.

And in no time at all, Sesshoumaru would reach the gates and those doors opened to let them inside. When the guards saw that the maiden has returned, they would pass the message to Atem and the rest of the dragons that she returned safely. Sesshoumaru carried that woman back to their room upon fourth floor and again she was graced with stares from those within the palace and found herself at quite the predicament again. So not only she was found holding hands with the pharaoh, she was now being carried by that silver haired beauty she knew some of the female servants had been eyeing.

Whatever, she didn't care anymore.

Sesshoumaru set Kagome down once they'd appear before their room and she thanked the DaiYoukai for bringing her back. A slight nod of the head was given to the girl and now she would open the door to their suite, now graced with darkness.

Huh. Was Inuyasha not here?

“He is with the red one and the green one.”

Kagome stepped down those small stairs and looked around when he spoke and wondered what that meant. But then she'd realize who he was referring to! So Inuyasha was with Freed and Asche right now, right?

But that meant…

Oh god.

She was currently alone with Sesshoumaru right now.

The moment she turned around, he was already there in front of her, staring her down with a flash of hunger in his eyes. And then she could see the red tint coming through those irises. Was it him? Or his beast? And why the hell was she so excited for some reason?

“…You have another man's scent on you.”

And then he'd growl deathly low to the female, Kagome gasping in surprise upon hearing his words. So she could smell him?! That Egyptian she had helped earlier? Was he angry?! But it was a misunderstanding!

“I-its… Not what you think! He was injured so I took care of his injuries, nothing else!”

But he would still continue to growl at her and Kagome was unsure if he even heard her.

Now he'd began to sniff at her again, burying his face in the crook of her neck and took in her everything whilst placing his own scent upon her by showering that neck with kisses. Kagome whimpered lightly, unable to even make out his face, just barely, in the darkness, feeling his kisses turn to anything but gentle nips every now and then as he looked to break her skin. The slight stinging sensation of that came from his teeth sent jolts of pleasure down her spine but he'd stop once he'd reach her collarbones, pulling away from her flesh. Kagome had to gather her bearings after all that, even something small as those kisses and nips across her neck got her going.

What surprised the female even more is that she saw him kneel before her. Eh?!

Why was he kneeling?

Then she gasped when she felt him bury his face in her crotch, inhaling her scent deeply. What was he doing? Inu youkai were so weird…

“You… are not fertile.”

Kagome's eyes widened when she heard him speak within that darkness, the tone he took was near disappointment, even. Did he want her to get pregnant?! So he was alright in having a child born from her? A human? She gave another whimper when she felt his nose in that special area, feeling the tip of that nose bump into that bundle of nerves beneath she could very well feel through the layers of fabric she wore.

But he'd stop when those small hands of hers grasped his head, her gaze going down to him and couldn't make out anything but those burning amber hues that glowed in the darkness. Again she'd seen the hunger within them and knew he was ready to do something.

It was a good thing she took that silphium earlier this week Aria provided her… just in case this happened.

“Perhaps we shall try again.”

What?!?!

“W-wait Sesshoumaru… You want to have a child…? With… me?”

He stared back up at her, slowly moving to stand once more and gaze remained hard on her face.

“Do you believe to not be worthy to carry this Sesshoumaru's pup?”

“B-but… It will be a hanyou…”

Her reply so quiet, no louder than a whisper and nearly looked ashamed before him. She knew little about the Inu clan but what she did know was that Sesshoumaru detested humans and most certainly hanyous. So why this sudden change? Did he not care anymore about his status? About his pride?

“An heir is an heir. The pup born from our offspring would be worthy of carrying our blood.”

So not only did he not care about it being hanyou, he didn't care about having a child with… her… This meant that he would have to mate her, right? And again, Sesshoumaru leaned in, his teeth coming out and began to nip at the crook of her neck, teeth taking hold of flesh and tugged lightly where the neck met shoulder. Kagome felt her knees quiver when she felt those teeth again, eyes fluttering close slowly. His arm would snake around her waist and pull her closer to him in a near possessive manner.

She was starting to get dizzy, lust was coming out form her being and Sesshoumaru took in the change in her scent. She would be led back onto that enlarged cushion, Kagome suddenly placed upon her back.

“Mm, wait, Fluffy-chan… please…”

The girl breathed out through exasperated breath, feeling the cushion dip with him crawling on top of her. She felt her heart race again as he hovered over her, his hair spilling over both sides of his face with those same glowing amber hues staring hard at her.

She had to make this quick!

“N-no more sex. If I get pregnant… I will only put the child in danger. The planet alignment is soon.”

Something that had he had completely forgotten about, or rather, it did not pertain him at all, so, he thought nothing of it. But that was the main reason why he was on this trip, to give the girl company as she requested and see to it that her task would be complete.

“You've already went against your words once. What makes you think you will hold true to your words this time?”

Because he knew this girl had already lost her mind to her lust once before as evident of some days ago. And it had been entirely his fault. He brought her into a world where young maidens like herself were not supposed to tread and experienced pleasure like never before. Kagome made it clear to Sesshoumaru that she was willing to continue whatever this was until after they came back from Egypt but they had broke that rule of hers three times, well, two since one partially counted but she eventually gave in and he had her for one night.

And again some days after that.

It was possible that tonight may be the next.

But all what he had just said was true.

The girl was currently having a hard time keeping herself in check the more she stared up at him; her heartbeat was the only thing she could hear within the room. Never mind the darkness!

But Kagome took the silphium juice Aria provided her so it was possible she could just give into her desires just once more tonight and act as if she was infertile should he try to impregnate her… But that was a horrible idea. She just couldn't see herself lying to Sesshoumaru at all. He would be furious if he found out, too. Perhaps she should just stop doing this altogether.

“B-because…”

“Because what?”

Kagome whimpered again beneath him as she just couldn't find words to finish her trail of thought. And she began to get uncomfortable, only because her body grew hot. What should she do? How will she ever get herself out of this situation? Sesshoumaru remained silent as he watched her, able to clearly make out her facial features within the dark. She looked to be uncertain, knowing full well the girl wanted to continue this yet held doubts. Eyes closed briefly and took a small breath though her nostrils, gathering her words and herself, now reopening up her eyes to look upon the DaiYoukai with a firm look.

“I can't, you know I can't. I will be putting not only my life at risk but so would the child.”

He stared down at her for long seconds, reading her face and it seems she made her decision. Now, will she stick to it this time? He had to wonder. Without another word, Sesshoumaru leaned away, slipping off of that large cushion and was off, disappearing into the darkness and she couldn't see where the hell he went. Kagome closed her eyes then, exhaling out heavily through parted lips and tried to get her bearings, calming herself down to steady her beating heart. Dear kami, what has happened to her…

Well, whatever. She was going to get some rest. She didn't bother moving from her spot, so, she'd roll to lie upon her side and grab up a cushion, resting her head upon it. And soon she would fall right asleep within the middle of that room within minutes.

At least her dreams were pleasant that night.

~X~

The next morning came and again those four girls were at the temple grounds, continuing to perform the dance needed to seal those doors.

They were here since the crack of dawn, having went into prayer before their dance and had practiced with Ishtar with supervision from the dragons and the priests, both Seto and Mahad there as well. They had to up the security a bit as it was nearing that fateful day.

And so once the day drew to the afternoon, they had completed their task and again, Kagome's legs were burning her like mad at that hour. The soles of her feet felt like there were on fire yet she managed to walk out of that temple without collapsing. And while she walked down that path that led out of the temple behind the other three maidens, she began to wonder if that Egyptian she helped last night was okay. Should she go check up on him? She was so curious.

But how would she manage to slip away from her friends?

Said companions would be outside waiting for her, Aria already approaching Kagome when she exited the temple and handed her a leather flask filled with cool water once more. She had to be kept hydrated in this heat or else she would pass out again. It was burning hot on this summer day.

She drank some water and licked her lips when she was finished, her eyes raising to look upon Aria when she smiled back at her but then took a glance behind her where the other dragons would be, having not found Inuyasha nor Sesshoumaru. Wow, that was a first. Neither of them was here this afternoon. Where did they go off to?

“I saw Inuyasha earlier but no idea where Sesshoumaru is.”

Aria now following Kagome's gaze that lead out of the temple and took a guess at what she was possibly thinking.

“Well, they can take care of themselves so I suppose I don't have anything to worry about.”

“Now that you are done, anything you wish to do today, Kagome?”

“Aria.”

The dragoness blinked when she said her name in a strong tone, wondering what she could be thinking. Was it something she said?

“I need you to take me somewhere for a bit… To check up on someone.”

“Okay. Just tell me where to go.”

Huh. She didn't think she'd agree so quickly. Well, not like she was complaining. So! Kagome told of where she wished to go which would be the more southern part of the city, the far outskirts inside the town where the villagers' homes would be. Aria had no idea why she wished to head there but she would help her out, regardless.

Aria offered to carry Kagome on her back in which she climbed on and thanked the dragoness for all her help. And when they took off, Kagome tried to pinpoint Jin's energy in the distance, pointing out ahead for Aria to see and indicate where to head to. That dragoness wondered why they were in this area. It wasn't off limits but it was a bit near to the exit of the city.

Aria would leap down from one building to another, now landing upon a dried up frontyard of an abandoned house.

“…Here?”

Aria speaking up once Kagome dismounted from her back and now stood before the same house form yesterday.

“Yes. Wait here Aria, I'll be right back.”

“…Okay but you have to tell me everything when you finish.”

Wow, so nosey! But Kagome would tell her when her business here was done. Kagome would not leave Aria's side and enter into the home as soors to that house would be opened, stepping inside and listened quietly for a particular angry Egyptian. She didn't get any growls, however, and wondered if he was still in here.

Kagome returned to the same room she treated his wounds in and he was not h ere. Well, that would mean he had at least recovered, right?

“You actually came back.”

There the ancient tongue would be heard again, Kagome turning around to find `Jin' sitting upon a pile of animal skins in the main living space, having not noticed him there before. Was he masking his youki? So that meant he recovered, right? She turned to face the hooded man who again averted his gaze from her and drew near to observe him closely.

She got a better look at him now that the light from outside shone into the house, gazing at his chest and seen the stab wounds he had earlier were all gone but the bigger wound was currently hidden and she was curious to see if that also healed well. But she looked up at the side of his face, noticing that he still wouldn't look at her and wondered what the problem was. Was he still sour from last night?

Kagome reached out a hand looking to touch him but paused right before doing so, “May I take a look?”

Her quiet voice heard in the space between them and he was mentally cursing at himself for having to do this. It is what Anubis ordered him to do so he had to do this, regardless of his pride or not. And so he leaned up forwards just a bit, hands going to his shoulders and he would remove that hood over his head and that cloak from his shoulders, revealing the top bit of his torso to her, along with that nicely healed stab wound upon his shoulder. And Kagome let her single index finger run over the closed up mark upon his shoulder very lightly, Husani near shivered at the touch.

Not once had he ever been touched like that. And to think just that light amount of contact had him feeling somewhat better.

“Well, you healed up nicely, Jin. I suppose you don't need me anymore, right?”

She offered him a small smile that he managed to catch before she moved to stand and make her way out. She was done with him, form what he could tell but was that enough for Anubis? He got her name and only learned so little about her. Was that an adequate amount of information?

“W-wait…!”

Kagome stopped and turned around to give Husani a questionable glance, wondering what he wanted. He seemed to ignore her all the time, so, why would he speak up all of a sudden?

“Kagome, right? Tell me, who are you? And where did you come from? I… apologize for my rude behavior last night. I was just angry at someone I once thought as my comrade.”

Kagome listened to him speak and wondered why he asked her those questions, almost as if he wanted to know more about her. Why? At least he apologized to her and that had her smiling once more, something he had not expected and again he'd felt something twinge within his core. This foreign feeling appeared again and had no idea what it was.

“As I said before, I am Kagome. I am nothing but a human, a miko, in training. And that was another thing I wish to ask but I hadn't had a chance to last night… Why were you attacked? Those wounds would have surely killed you should I have not had them treated.”

Husani listened to the girl speak and it seems this one was just an ordinary maiden but she held much power, he was certain. She managed to block his attacks and if it ever came down to it to a real fight, he may end up being purified by this girl. And that was just enough to have him attracted to her, the power she had residing within in. To think he was attracted to a human woman. A maiden, no less!

“If I told you… You'll probably end up regretting your decision in healing me.”

Now Kagome was highly curious. She knew him, that was certain, but where the hell did she meet him before? Husani looked at the girl when he saw those facial features bunch up in slight confusion yet he could see the curiosity flare in those ocean blues and he was wondering what she could be thinking right now. But then he saw her shake her head and again, smile at him.

“No. I meant what I said last night. No matter who you are, I will help you, regardless of your background.”

“Even if I was one of Anubis' guards?”

Now things got real interesting. He stared at her, waiting for any reaction she may give off. Fear? Anger? Hate? He did try to have his way with her that day and a part of him hated himself for even thinking that. Why?!

And not a moment too soon, Kagome put those pieces together in a snap. Now she knew who this was.

And Husani's eyes widened when she continued to smile at him with that same heartfelt smile that could warm the coldest of hearts.

“Husani, was it?”

She even remembered his name.

No longer was it interesting, it got quite awkward. Well, for him, actually. He'd nod his head slowly and again, he sensed no fear from her. No anger, no hate… Nothing. Why?

“Did he send you here to kidnap me?”

“…No…”

Well, that was odd.

“I was ordered by Anubis to learn more of you. He knows you are powerful and only wishes to seek you out. Since I had failed in bringing you back, it is why I am here now.”

Cats out of the bag now so why not just tell her everything? He was already in deep water, so, no point in trying to keep secrets to himself. Kagome listened to Husani speak intently, now learning of what his task was. So he had came here to learn more of her? But all what she save was enough. She wasn't some special widely named miko. She was just your ordinary human girl trying to live her life in the past.

“I see. Well, you have your information now, right? Isn't that enough?”

“I am unsure.”

In truth? He didn't want to go back. Not right now anyway. He had to admit, staying in the land of the living could be nice for him but a shame he was shackled to that mad god and could not break free from his power. Husani soon heard her sigh and turn around, now facing the exit of the home down the long hallway.

“I have to go now. There are other things I need to attend to. I won't tell of your presence here, nor will I say I have ever come across you. Hopefully the information I have given you will be enough to appease your god.”

And that was all she would say to him as the girl made her exit out of that abandoned home.

Husani slid against the wall and plopped down onto that same pile of animal skins from, previous, now gazing up at the ceiling and looking like he had been defeated.

Kagome left that home to leave the youkai by himself, Aria approaching Kagome then and had to ask what happened as she looked a bit sad. Who or what was in there?

The miko would likely tell her everything but kept out the relation Husani had to Anubis. Aria was about to head back in there to kill him herself but Kagome reassured the dragoness that that would be unnecessary.

She had other things to worry about such as the planetary alignment.

Only one week away until Kagome's heart would be ultimately crushed.

~X~