InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ A Dragon's Possession ❯ Chapter 8

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Title: A Dragon's Possession

Author: Ryukotsusei

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho. I merely borrow the characters from time to time for my own amusement.

Chapter Eight

Shizuru took a drag off of her cigarette and considered the red head standing beside her. She wasn't quite sure what to make of the way Kurama was acting towards her anymore, strange didn't begin to cover the change in him. Ever since they had watched Hiei and Kagome walk away from them the the kitsune had started acting strange. She'd almost consider it hovering if he'd been anymore noticeable about it. Yusuke hadn't been helping matters any either with the knowing smirks he was casting in her direction. It was like he knew something she didn't and it was quickly getting to the point that it was all she could do not to throttle the both of them.

When Kurama's fingers landed lightly on her arm for the third time in the past ten minutes she came to an abrupt stop which earned her a surprised look from both of the men walking beside her, "Okay just what the hell is going on with you two?"

It was the irritation in the brunette's voice that forced Kurama to drop the mask just enough to allow the concern he was feeling show through. Realizing that he was making her slightly uncomfortable though he allowed his hand to fall back to his side, breaking the physical contact that he'd been enjoying, "Forgive me Shizuru, the current situation has everyone on edge, myself included. The situation we've entered into places you in considerable danger and it would be unforgivable if something were to happen to you because of it."

Shizuru rolled her eyes upon hearing that and took a step away from the kitsune. 'It's not like I need or want a babysitter.' Occasionally the thought had crossed her mind that perhaps Kurama had been looking at her with something more than friendship in mind. But aside from the odd behavior he had exhibited today, he hadn't given her any reason that she could use to call him on it. Sighing heavily she threw her cigarette down and stepped on it, "You don't have to remind me of the risks Kurama. I'm well aware of what could happen and I'm not worried about it. Let's just get this over and done with okay?"

Yusuke couldn't help but shake his head as he started walking away from the two of them. It was plain to see that they both liked each other, so why they hadn't acted on it yet was completely beyond him. Shizuru was enough of an empath to be able to pick up on Kurama's feelings wasn't she? Then again perhaps not, the kitsune was a master at hiding what he felt when he saw the need for secrecy. If there was something holding the redhead back then there was a good chance that he'd go out of his way to conceal what he felt. Looking back over his shoulder he noticed the two in question were still staring at each other, "If you two lovebirds are finished with the staring contest we still have things we have to do!"

Kurama nodded once, almost thankful for the interruption that had been provided even though the nickname that Yusuke had chosen was a tad bit inappropriate. He could have sworn that he saw something lurking in the woman's eyes that he could have easily labeled as disappointment. Perhaps he had waited long enough? Although he was a bit hesitant to take that step, especially with the trouble they had coming their way. Now was not the time to entertain such foolish thoughts as starting a relationship. Instead he covered his inner thoughts with a grin, "Shall we then?"

Seeing the mask resume on his face forced Shizuru into squashing her disappointment. For now she resigned herself into saying nothing at all, maybe they could speak about it at a later time when things weren't so chaotic. Instead she turned to follow after Yusuke who had already stepped into the portal and disappearing into the Reikai. Once more Kurama had resumed up his position at her side, although this time he left a bit more distance between them, "We should go, I'm sure Koenma doesn't want to be kept waiting any longer than necessary."

"Indeed," Kurama said just before he walked through the portal with her. He knew that Shizuru was right, the timing had to be perfect with this in order for it to work. As they crossed into the other realm he kept a very close eye on her and was pleased to see she was completely unphased by the crossing. Often times those with increased spiritual awareness experienced some form discomfort from crossing over which just confirmed his thoughts that she was indeed stronger than she appeared.

To their relief Koenma was waiting for them on the other side as they'd been hoping for although he was tapping his foot rather impatiently. Upon seeing them Koenma scowled and unclasped he hands from behind his back, "It's about time you three showed up. Do you know how hard it is to get rid of that big blue idiot? If he sees her here there's no way that he'll be able to keep his mouth shut! I had to have him return my breakfast for this saying it was too cold. Now there's no telling when he'll come back so let's get this over with."

"Well at least you got rid of him right?" Yusuke couldn't say he was overly fond of Jorge but the ogre seemed to be exceptionally tolerant of Koenma's antics. Had he been in the assistant's place he would have already taken that pacifier and shoved it somewhere uncomfortable a time or two. There was no way in hell he'd be able to put up with the same abuse.

Nodding slightly, Koenma placed his hand upon the panel of door they had stopped in front of. It was one of the quickest ways into the palace which managed to bypass most of the occupants of the building. It was for the best if they could avoid being seen by anyone as they walked through the palace. Even if most of the occupants wouldn't recognize Shizuru someone might figure out that something wasn't quite right. If word of this got back to his father they were all screwed and he knew it, "Of course I got rid of him, you know that this must be kept as quiet as possible. It's not just your necks that are on the chopping block anymore. I'm taking a major risk by helping you out but I owe you guys at least that much."

"So just what are you going to tell your father anyway? Based on what these two have told me you've been watching the girl for a while. Won't he notice that she's one?" Shizuru was more than willing to help in any way she could but if it was for nothing then they had to think of another plan fast and somehow relay it to the apparition.

All eyes were on Koenma as he considered the question. It was one of the very few things that had been on his mind n all actuality, "I have, although I will need you all to play along with this it's going to work. Kagome traveling through the well isn't an unusual occurance and while it doesn't please my father he knows she has a mission to accomplish. Once the quest is finished she should have no reason to return to the past. But even if she chooses to do so, the time line would not be disrupted any further than it already has been. I can't exactly say for certain what my father would try to do but I seriously doubt he would try to retrieve her. While it wouldn't be impossible for him to do so, it would be more trouble than it's worth at this point as long as she keeps the jewel safe. I've been maintaining watch over the meters since this has happened and my father is attending to other matters that demand his attention. After this is examination is done, I'll report to him that Kagome was released and then returned to the past where we cannot track her.” Koenma sighed heavily as he came to the sticking point of the whole plan, “He'll accept that explanation, the one he'll demand an answer on is why your team is now a member short."

Kurama looked thoughtful for a moment as he considered the problem. He'd been wondering the same thing himself even if he hadn't brought it up to the others, "To be honest with you Koenma, both my own and Hiei's probation for all intents and purposes has been fulfilled. You could always inform your father that Hiei has returned to the Makai permanently and has no intentions of becoming involved in Reikai business again. It would not be unrealistic, especially when you consider that he has some ties to Mukuro. Just send word to her that should anyone ask, Hiei is off performing some task for her and it is uncertain just when he will return. From what I understand she is on Hiei's side in this."

Koenma's surprise plainly showed on his face as he stared at the redhead. His team was certainly moving quickly if they had already assured the compliance of Mukuro. Just what all had they been doing in the short time that they'd been back? "How do you know this?" He directed them down another unoccupied hallway and urged them to move quickly. They were getting close to the examination room where the doctor was waiting for them. This conversation needed to end soon but he still wanted an answer to the question.

"We met with Hiei and Kagome just as they crossed into the Ningenkai this morning. Apparently Mukuro has agreed to give them a place to stay but it is only available as a last resort. I've given the problem some thought and if it comes down to it I will be resuming my position over my own lands. The two of them can take refuge with me along with anyone else that's been dragged into this mess," Yusuke said with his expression turning to one of defiance. He was daring Koenma to contradict what he'd said. His job as spirit detective had ended some time ago even if he still took on odd jobs but even then that was by his choice alone. If it came down to a choice between helping Koenma and keeping Hiei safe from the Reikai, Koenma would just have to find someone else to save the world.

Koenma wished he could say that he was surprised but he had been expecting something of this sort. Yusuke's loyalty was unquestionable and with Hiei's life now in danger the man was clearly showing just whose side he was on. "I already figured as much Yusuke. While I dislike how this has all come to pass I understand it. I never should have sent Hiei after the girl, that was my mistake and I'll take responsibility for it. I just hope that things don't become any worse but I'm afraid that even that will be in vain."

"Don't you think you are over reacting just a little Koenma?" Shizuru stared at the ruler of the Reikai with a bland look. Everything she had heard centered around this child that might not even exist. "You don't even know if she's pregnant and if she is, all you have is speculation. The kid could come out perfectly normal for all you know! What will you do then?" Somehow it wouldn't surprise her if they hadn't even considered that possibility and if the look on the demigod's face was any indication, she was right. 'Males and their short sightedness. Even if the kid does have the sort of power that they are afraid of, who says its going to turn out evil anyway? I can't see a priestess instructing her kid to blow things up with the intention of one day taking over the world.'

"You're forgetting that they are two very powerful beings. The likelihood that the kid would take after them is too much for my father to ignore," Koenma said, meeting her look with one of his own. Oh how he wished he could just ignore what was to come but he couldn't. The circumstances made him a bit more sympathetic to the girl's plight and he knew that he would be more lenient than his father. After all he had watched over Kagome for years and he had a very hard time believing any child she raised could turn out evil. But the apparition was another story, he knew that the possibility for corruption was there especially with Hiei for a father. While the apparition had done much for them, Enma still didn't trust him and was certain to order him executed for an indiscretion such as this.

Shizuru shook her head as she stared at the man, "You and your excuses. I don't want to hear about 'likelihoods'. Both of my parents were the top doctors in their respected fields before their deaths. If likelihoods meant shit then both my brother and I wouldn't be living where we are at now. Instead we'd both have gone to school and be making money hand over fist, living the life of luxury. Instead I dropped out of high school and Kazuma is struggling through the courses he's taking at the community college in between his job with you. Don't speak to me of likelihoods. That child could be perfectly normal and you know it."

Koenma was at a loss as to what exactly he could say in response. He knew that she had a point and could very well be right but it wasn't his call. King Enma still had the final say on these things and in this instance he was unlikely to listen to reason. It was only because of the friendships he had formed with these people over the years that he was even willing to take the chance to help them. Fortunately he was saved from having to reply because they had arrived at their destination, "We're here. Nothing further about this until we leave."

Kurama had remained silent through the entire exchange even though personally he agreed with Koenma. Perhaps it was maternal instincts most human women had that drove Shizuru to put forth such an argument but he wasn't going to voice his disagreement with her. He had stated his opinion earlier and had been ignored, it was now out of his hands. One thing was for certain though, he refused to leave Shizuru during this 'examination'. Silently he followed her through the door and into the room where a middle aged man in a white coat waited.

Needless to say Shizuru was slightly surprised at just how little time was being wasted, she'd only been standing there a moment before she was accosted and taken to another room. Casting a glance back over her shoulder she saw that Kurama was following her closely, his expression carefully guarded. Koenma and Yusuke remaining in the other room however, seemingly content with allowing Kurama to follow her. "Coming to keep me company huh?"

"Of course Ms. Higurashi," Kurama slipped into his role perfectly, playing the protector of the one who had supposedly been kidnapped, "I was assigned to make sure that you arrive home safe and sound. That includes guarding you while you are here in the Reikai." It wasn't difficult to maintain his calm facade when he met the surprised look the Doctor was giving him. Apparently the man didn't believe that she could possibly be in any danger just by being in the Reikai. 'That just shows exactly how little the man knows.'

"I see," Shizuru didn't say much more since she did not know how much this doctor knew about Kagome. She didn't want to be responsible for somehow slipping up and betraying the part that she was playing. However when they reached the examining room and was told to undress she put her foot down, "If you think I'm undressing with both of you in the room you are mistaken." She couldn't help but wonder if everyone in this place was out of their fucking mind when one of them looked surprised and the other hid a grin.

Pushing his glasses up higher on his nose the doctor coughed slightly, "That's not exactly what I meant Ms. Higurashi. Here." He directed her over to a paper gown that was folded upon the examination table, "Through that door is a bathroom, you are welcome to change in there. We will proceed with the exam when you are ready."

Kurama cast her an amused glance as she snatched up the gown and stalked off into the bathroom. While he wouldn't have objected to seeing her undress, the circumstances surrounding it were poor and not conducive to being able to act on her being nude. Instead he waited patiently, his keen hearing easily picking up the sounds of her clothing being removed.

Once she'd pulled on the flimsy paper gown Shizuru stepped out of the bathroom and made her way across the room. Uneasily she took a seat on the edge of the examination table and tried to remember how she acted the first time she'd been to an appointment at the gynecologist. As she laid there looking nervous and uncertain she silently praised herself on her acting skills. The exam proceeded much the same as any other appointment she had gone to, with the exception of a couple of strange machines she had never seen before. Everything from her blood pressure to the amount of spiritual energy she held within her at the moment was taken, though she grew slightly concerned when the doctor commented on how low it was for a priestess of her caliber.

Thinking quickly, Kurama stepped forward to give an explanation after giving Shizuru a warning look to remain silent, "We ran across a tribe of snake demons who decided they wanted to use her for a sacrifice to their Gods. She expended a massive amount of energy purifying those that came near her. I am sure after a few days of rest she'll be back to normal."

The Doctor nodded thoughtfully after a moment and made a note in his chart, satisfied with the explanation, "Alright, I must request that you lay back Ms. Higurashi. Forgive me for asking such a personal question but have you had any sexual encounters while you were in the Makai that we should be aware of?"

Glaring at the man Shizuru crossed her arms, "As if I'd let any of that scum touch me." Really, the thought of having sex with any of the demons she had seen in her years of being associated with them was revolting, with a couple of exceptions. But, then again, with the exception of Youko all of those who fell in the fuckable category could have passed for human.

"All the same, I need to examine you to be sure. Once this is over you can of course get dressed and will be free to go home. Barring any complications of course," He ignored the glare directed his way but help the woman place her feet in the stirrups. Once she was as comfortable as she could be he took out his instruments and began his examinations although she seemed rather reluctant to keep her legs open for him to proceed. He was also well aware of the Kitsune's glare boring holes into him, he had glanced up once and was started to see that the man's cold green eyes had changed to a burning amber. Apparently this demon took his job of guarding the girl quite seriously.

Getting back to work he was relieved to see that there was no evidence that she had taken a lover recently. While the woman was by no means a virgin, this was one large worry off of their minds and it would please King Enma to hear of his findings. Indicating that he was through he wrote the results down in the chart and then turned to them both, "Everything looks fine. I'd suggest resting for a couple of days, just to recover your energy. Aside from that you should be back to normal in no time. Try not to fall into anymore portals though, you caused quite the stir with this little incident."

Shizuru straightened out her gown and cast the doctor a disgusted look, "It's not like I planned on this happening you know." Without waiting for his response she stalked back into the bathroom and slammed the door behind her. Wasting no time she pulled the gown over her head and began putting her clothing back on. She wanted out of this place and it was unlikely that anyone was going to object to her wanting to leave. As she stepped out of the bathroom her gaze locked with Kurama's, her patience was at an end and by the look on his face he knew it, "Kurama, please take me home."

"Of course," Quickly he stood beside her, laying his hand on her arm and guided her out of the room leaving the doctor to stare at their retreating backs. Yusuke and Koenma were waiting on them and stood as soon as they walked through the door. The demigod past them quickly and that pleased him. Instead of detaining them any further he was going to inquire as to the results. It was a wise decision in his opinion, if Koenma had done otherwise it would have looked suspicious. Without another word the three of them vanished through the door, intent on making their way back to the Ningenkai without any further interruptions.

~*~

Back in the Feudal Era, Hiei was waiting impatiently for Kagome to finish packing up their supplies. At first she had asked him if she could return to her own time to grab some clothing and other necessities but that was a risk he refused to allow her to take. If he were to attempt going through the well a second time there was no telling what difficulties he would run across trying to traverse it the third. Allowing her to go alone was out of the question and he'd stated as much before she could think to ask him. Not only would the dragon erupt in a rage once more, forcing him to go through but it would leave her virtually unprotected until he arrived.

Kagome continued stuffing food items in one of the baskets that Kaede had provided. She missed her backpack now more than ever but there wasn't much that she could do about it. While she wasn't exactly enthusiastic about Hiei's decision about her returning home, she could understand his reasoning behind it. For this reason alone she backed off of her argument without much complaint which seemed to stun the others. He was only trying to keep her safe after all and while her stuff would be useful it was not necessary. Her gaze went to the stacks of food the villagers had so willingly provided. Even with all of the hardships they went through and the recent destruction that had occurred, the people of the village were more than happy to give them what they could. At times it made her feel guilty for accepting stuff from them when she knew that they had so little.

Soon though the food was packed away and her hands fell to the pile of clothing that had been provided. It was nothing fancy really, just a few informal kimono's as well as the traditional priestess garb. She was loath to wear that particular outfit but she couldn't be picky anymore. As she fingered the fine red material of the hakamas, she caught the look of curiosity that Hiei sent to her. Not wanting to answer his questions, fearing his thoughts about how inadequate she was compared to a fully trained priestess, she picked up the garment and placed it in an empty bag, "Is there anything that we need to get for you before we go Hiei?" So far she had been surprised, he had not requested any clothing but she imagined that since she was wearing a set of his clothing at the moment he would be taking them back before long.

Hiei followed her line of thinking but didn't bother revealing how right she was. Two changes of clothing would suffice for him although to be honest for a while he had every intention of making the cave clothing optional. Of course, with Shippo coming along it made things more difficult and he had quickly revised his plans of just which cave they were going to be staying at. Instead of the one that was nearby, he had another destination in mind. It had multiple chambers, including more than one escape route if they found it was needed. It would be easy to hang a blanket, closing off their sleeping chamber from the rest of the cave. Perfect for his plans later that evening providing that she was willing. When she looked ready to repeat the question he shook his head, "I require nothing more than what I already have."

With a sigh she tied the top of the bag shut and then turned to look at Hiei. She wasn't sure what it was about him, but something seemed to be different. She studied him for a moment before the realization hit her. He seemed to be a bit more relaxed than he had been over the past twenty four hours. It wasn't anything that casual observation would pinpoint but part of the wariness that he constantly carried had eased even if it was just slightly. Was in the fact that they were now in a safe place or something more? Unable to make a determination without outright asking him she stood, "Well, I think we are ready to go. How long will it take us to get there?" She didn't relish the idea of a long walk carrying such heavy containers.

"Hn, about four hours at a fast walk. Burdened such as we will be perhaps longer," Hiei replied and calculated the weight of the supplies they were taking. There was no way he would be able to carry both baskets and Kagome if they were to utilize his speed, nor was it possible to leave part of the items behind. As it was, they hadn't enough room to put any bedding in there so it would be up to him to catch game large enough to provide furs and then treat them. Until then they'd just have to make due with his cloak as a ground cover.

"I thought so," Kagome sighed heavily and eyed the supplies. While she was used to walking she wasn't exactly looking forward to the journey that lay ahead of them. "Maybe we could borrow Kirara. She could help us carry this stuff and we'd get there a lot faster. Besides, I'm sure the others would want to know where we were exactly in case they need us," She nearly smiled at the scowl that crossed the apparitions face, obviously he didn't like the idea but she knew she had a point. Besides, he wouldn't want to be out in the open any longer than necessary either she was certain.

"Fine, see if the slayer would object to borrowing the cat. The sooner we leave the better." A movement at the doorway attracted his attention for a moment before he turned back to Kagome, "Nevermind, the kitsune is taking care of asking her. The jagan flared briefly as he waited for the answer and what he heard surprised him slightly but he wasn't going to object, “Gather some bedding, it looks like we will be able to take a few blankets with us after all." With the fire cat they should be able to cut the journey down to two hours at most. He watched as Kagome made her way into the other room, emerging moments later with a large stack of blankets. Nodding his approval he snagged an empty basket and opened the top so she could drop them in, "Good enough, those will suffice for now."

Kagome nodded and set the blankets down on top of the basket. It was beginning to get chilly at night, it wouldn't be long before the first snow began to fall and then she wasn't sure what they would do. Staying inside a chilly cave through the dead of winter wasn't exactly her idea of fun. 'I'm sure that he has other ideas on how to keep warm though.' The thought was enough to make her blush uncomfortable, earning a raised eyebrow in her direction, "Umm.. I'm just going to go talk to Sango now. I'll be back in a few minutes."

Hiei waited for her to exit the hut before following her silently from a discreet distance. Rushing out like she had was an obvious attempt to get away from the thoughts he invoked in her but he could see that she was attempting to play it off. It was no matter though, he'd give her time to say goodbye to her friends like she wanted, but he would remain nearby in case something chose to attack. As he watched her, not only had the Demon Exterminator joined her but the Hanyou as well. The monk was no where to be seen, however he could feel the man's energy not far away. Based on the calm aura he was giving off, it would seem that the man was meditating. Shippo and Kirara seemed to have disappeared as well, to where he wasn't sure but it didn't overly concern him. The kit wouldn't go far from Kagome, it was almost as if the kit was glued to her hip but he still couldn't determine just what sort of relationship the two of them had worked out. It certainly wasn't one of mother and son, the kit ignored what Kagome had to say far to often to see her as a parental figure. Perhaps it was more of a brother and sister relationship. He wouldn't know on that account. his own relationship with Yukina was far from what anyone could consider normal.

Time slowly passed and he could feel himself growing impatient. He had already told the girl that they could arrange specific meeting times occasionally with her friends, if only to assure them that he hadn't disposed of her in some violent way but if this was what he could look forward to on those occasions he was seriously going to need to rethink things. Already he could smell the scent of her tears drifting up to him, no doubt saddened that she would be leaving her friends for such a long time. His crimson gaze drifted over to the hanyou, who was doing his best to look disinterested in the whole thing and failing miserably.

The apparition had to admit, he had been expecting much more of a fight out of the hanyou over losing his claim for the girl. It was fortunate that Kagome had been able to make him see reason. She knew that he had no qualms about killing the other man if it became necessary. Sifting through Kagome's memories had given him enough of an advantage to take the hanyou on a fight and win, even without using the dragon. Yet, should it come down to a fight things would become increasingly difficult between him and the girl. One additional headache he didn't need.

Shifting on his branch, he allowed the breeze to ruffle his hair for a moment while he glanced at his bare arm. Where wards would normally cover his skin it remained bare, despite his repeated attempts to cover it. Whenever the wards would touch his skin, black fire would erupt and destroy them instantly. It was vexing to say the least, considering the fire was not of his own making but that of the dragon. However the beast was content to remain on his arm so long as he remained near the girl. Ever since they had arrived, it had only flared twice and that was in reaction to Inuyasha and Miroku approaching Kagome while she was a good distance from him. Quickly he had decided it was in everyone's best interest if he became the girl's shadow. It had earned him more than a few disapproving looks but it wasn't like he gave a shit about anyones opinion about his actions.

Suddenly though he tensed as the wind shifted, heralding the arrival of an unknown youkai. His gaze trained down at the three below him even as he unsheathed his katana. Kagome seemed slightly nervous but not overly so, occasionally casting glances in his direction. Sango seemed resigned, barely moving from Kagome's side. Inuyasha on the other hand had tensed, flexing his claws repeatedly, one hand going to the sword at his side. Even from here Hiei could hear the low growl coming from his throat. It didn't seem to him that the threat was a serious one if he were to go by the girl's reactions but at this point in time he was far more likely to take his cues from the hanyou. Leaping down from the tree he was in, he quickly took up a position on the opposite side of Kagome. Glancing over to Inuyasha he caught the faintest nod of approval before turning his attention to the West where the strange youki was coming from. Whoever this demon was, if he was looking for trouble he had just found it.