InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ An Inseparable Bond ❯ Severe Training for the Obstinate ( Chapter 9 )

An Inseparable Bond

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho.

 

Summary: What is a miko to do when fate thrusts two troubled demons directly in her path? With her responsibility of reforming the jewel looming over her head, Kagome takes on the nearly impossible challenge that appear in the forms of a silver kitsune and forbidden child. Will the miko be enough to melt the ice around these demons' hearts or will their darkness over cloud her purity?

 

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Chapter 9: Severe Training for the Obstinate

 

Kagome closed her eyes as her arms began to ache. After their meeting with Koenma, they all agreed it would be wise to pack their things and start training. Kagome returned home to explain everything to her family and packed her things before meeting the guys back at the house that Yusuke, Kurama, and Hiei apparently shared. They had suggested it would be best if she trained with them and she agreed, knowing that Hiei and Youko must have improved greatly over the 500 years she'd been missing from their lives. So after packing and saying goodbye to her family, Kagome set out to the guys' house. They only had a week before they had to meet at the boarding location for the trip to Hang Neck Island, so there wasn't much time to train.

 

Upon arriving at their house, she was confused to see them preparing to leave. They're bags were packed and set by the door, even Kuwabara was there with his things. She thought they were staying here to train but apparently they were going somewhere else. She'd asked Kurama, since he was the first person she stumbled upon, where they were going and he explained that it would be far more efficient if they trained at Genkai's. Since Hiei had explained who Genkai was during his explanation the previous day, Kagome wasn't completely confused and was quite curious to see if the old psychic could help her improve her abilities.

 

Once they arrived at the beautiful temple, Kagome was introduced to Genkai and Yukina. Kagome immediately noticed something familiar about the ice maiden and turned a curious glance toward Hiei. Although the hybrid shouldn't have been surprised that she caught on, he still felt his eyes widen a fraction before sending her a stern look that demanded she remain silent. Respecting his request **cough** death threat **cough**, Kagome didn't question anyone referring to the matter. Kurama and Yusuke had easily seen the interaction between Kagome and Hiei and were also shocked the miko caught on and realized Yukina was related to Hiei so quickly. Youko had merely laughed and muttered about how Kagome still didn't cease to amaze him with her intelligence.

 

After introductions and explanations of the upcoming tournament, Genkai had immediately thrown several orders at Yusuke, beginning his training on the spot. She demanded that Kuwabara follow Yusuke and do exactly as he did because he needed to improve his spiritual energy as well. She even told Hiei and Kurama that she expected to see them training or she'd give them tasks that would keep them occupied. After ordering around the detectives, she'd turned to Kagome and asked her several questions about what training she'd accomplished. With reassurance from Hiei, Kagome told the old woman everything she needed to know before she advised the miko to follow her to the dojo.

 

That is where Kagome now was, in the dojo. It was her first day of training with the crazy old psychic and Kagome already wanted to give in and hide under a rock. Genkai had told her to push her miko powers into the tip of her finger and use it to keep herself above a rather large needle. She explained that Yusuke had gone through this exact training and it was used to improve her control as well as her stamina. Not only would she possess a strong hold on her miko powers but she would be able to use more of it and generate the power quicker. Unfortunately, in order to reach that goal, the poor miko was ordered to balance herself above the needle for twelve hours. TWELVE HOURS!

 

After the first four, Kagome was already glaring at the ground and muttering profanities. Genkai had left her there after two hours to check on the others and she'd been left along for approximately five by now. Her arm was beginning to ache and she could slowly feel her body starting to hurt as well. She hadn't realized that holding this position would build her muscles as well. Trying to stay in that same position was very straining, practically like a gymnast holding a one handed handstand for twelve hours but to top it off, using her energy as well, and therefore draining her further. She was on her ninth hour when Kurama and Hiei came in to check on her.

 

They'd been training the entire afternoon and once the sun began to set, everyone decided to call it a night. They'd been so busy with their own training that they didn't notice where Genkai had taken Kagome. After asking the psychic where Kagome was, both Hiei and Kurama decided to check on her while they waited for Yusuke and Kuwabara to finish using the showers. They were curious as to what form of training Genkai had Kagome in that was still in progress after six hours. Upon entering the dojo, they saw the little miko doing the same training Yusuke had done once before.

 

She had changed into a pair of tight shorts and a sports bra after Genkai had suggested it and she was completely drenched in sweat. Approaching the miko, they could see her eyes were closed tightly and she looked to almost be in pain. They knew that this training was extremely hard on not only the body but the mind as well. It drained her energy and her strength all at once and if she didn't possess patience and stamina, she wouldn't last much longer seeing as she'd already been here for nine hours straight.

 

“How are you holding up Kagome?” Kurama asked quietly, trying not to startle her since it was obvious that she was concentrating very hard on her task.

 

“Perfectly fine, barely breaking a sweat.” she said, forcing a smile to her slightly strained features.

 

Hiei snorted. “Yea, barely any sweat at all.” he commented sarcastically as he stepped closer to her and trailed a finger down her stomach and flicked her sweat off his finger.

 

Kagome blushed as she felt her concentration falter and her energy flow decrease. With Hiei touching her in such a way, it had her mind racing and was interrupting her hard work. She needed to keep her mind out of the gutter and focus on her task. She still had three hours left. So once she regained her composure, she turned a glare up to him as she straightened her posture. “Do you mind?”

 

Hiei raised a single brow down at her.

 

“You're ruining my concentration; I've still got three hours left before I can call it a night.”

 

“three hours?” Kurama asked, his eyes widening slightly. There was no way this miko could last that much longer. At most, he bet she'd fight for one more hour before collapsing.

 

`You'd be surprised what she is capable of; I bet she'll make it for the last three hours.' Youko stated confidently.

 

`I don't know Youko, even Yusuke had trouble with this training and he's far more physically fit than Kagome. Her muscles must be on the verge of collapsing.' Kurama argued, staring at the obviously exhausted miko. Her arm was even shaking slightly.

 

`How about we make this interesting then? If I win this bet, you have to give me control for an entire day.' Youko purred.

 

`And if I win?'

 

`I will be silent for an entire day. No perverted thoughts, theories, or suggestions.'

 

Kurama thought for a moment before focusing his gaze on Kagome. “How many hours have you already completed?”

 

“Nine, Genkai wants me to complete twelve today.” Kagome answered.

 

Kurama nodding in agreement to his counterpart's challenge. `Alright deal.'

 

“Onna why don't you quit being so damn stubborn and stop for the night?” Hiei growled. Apparently they'd been arguing about how she should give it a rest and start up again tomorrow.

 

“Because I want this training to be effective and in order for it to help me at all, I know I need to listen to what Genkai tells me, therefore I will be holding this position for my last three hours.” she stated stubbornly.

 

“You are insufferable.” Hiei rolled his eyes.

 

“Yet you are still standing here holding a conversation with me.” Kagome retorted, smirking up at him when he pinned her with his cold glare.

 

“I merely came to make sure you haven't killed yourself yet.” he growled.

 

Kagome grinned as she stretched her legs out to the sides. Moving around every once and a while helped her not get stiff, which in turn would help her maintain this position for her remaining hours. “Well thank you Hiei, I really appreciate it.”

 

“Hn.” The hybrid muttered before making a quick escape in order to hide his blush. Kurama chuckled at his companion's expense before taking a seat on the ground. Kagome turned a questioning look toward the avatar and he merely smiled.

 

“What are you doing?” she asked.

 

“Keeping you company.” he answered.

 

“Are you sure? You don't have to, you know. I probably smell really bad and I'm not sure that you want to stay here for the next three hours when you could be resting in a comfortable bed in the temple.”

 

Kurama shook his head. “I'll remain here and help support you. I'm aware of how tiring this training can be.”

 

Kagome smiled toward him as she positioned her legs straight up in the air once more and rolled her ankles to increase blood flow to her sore muscles. “Well thank you then Kurama.”

 

“And you surprisingly don't smell bad at all, quite the contrary in fact.” he commented, his eyes flashing golden.

 

Kagome rolled her eyes at the avatar. “Youko, can you not go a day without attempting to take control from Kurama?”

 

The red head shook his head slightly and scowled. “I apologize for his behavior Kagome.”

 

Kagome shook her head. “Don't worry about it; I'm used to his perverted comments by now. I've actually grown to enjoy the attention in fact…” she murmured the last part of her sentence, forgetting that Kurama possessed Youko's excellent hearing.

 

He sighed and pretended his hadn't heard what she said that she obviously didn't think he heard. “Yes well I don't know how you've managed to keep you're sanity after two weeks with him.”

 

Kagome giggled. “Well seeing as he wanted to kill me for half of the first week and then kept me prisoner for the remainder of that week, I wouldn't really count it. Youko only truly began acting like his true perverted self after Naraku attacked his den. Stupid kitsune stole the most inappropriate outfit for me.” she muttered under her breath, now glaring at the ground.

 

“Indeed, he shared his memories with me.” Kurama chuckled, recalling the memory of Kagome wearing that delicious outfit that complimented her curves perfectly.

 

`I knew I wouldn't be able to contain myself if she remained in that towel but I didn't want to cover up that luscious body with too much clothing.' Youko explained, purring at the thought of seeing Kagome in a towel again.

 

`You are terrible.' Kurama sighed.

 

`You cannot deny she has the perfect body. Take a gander Red, the clothes she is wearing now are simply wonderful.' Youko grinned, his eyes drinking in the miko's form through his vision.

 

Kurama shook his head and decided to ignore his counterpart as his mind wondered to more inappropriate thoughts. He heard Kagome's laughter and turned his attention back to her to see her smiling. “Something funny?”

 

“You say you don't know how I've held onto my sanity after a mere two weeks with Youko but I am just amazed that you still possess your sanity after growing up with that perverted fox in your head.” she laughed.

 

“Believe me, it baffles me as well.” Kurama sighed, smiling slightly.

 

“So let me guess… he has already commented on my state of dress?”

 

“Indeed.”

 

“And he wants to ravish my body?” she smirked. Kagome wasn't stupid, she knew that Youko liked her. He openly voiced his attraction to her so it must be difficult for sweet and polite Kurama to have to listen to all of Youko's perverted thoughts and fantasies.

 

“Formulating his plan as we speak.” Kurama blushed, admitting that Youko was fantasizing about her.

 

Kagome sighed. “I'm sorry you have to deal with him all the time Kurama.”

 

`I resent that.' Youko pouted, overhearing her comment.

 

Kurama chuckled. “I believe that Youko's feelings are hurt now.”

 

Kagome rolled her eyes. “He'll be fine, he knows I'm kidding.”

 

`Tell her I said that once I gain control, she'll regret that comment.' Youko requested.

 

“He says that once he gains control, you'll regret that comment.” Kurama relayed the message, rolling his eyes.

 

Kagome laughed. “I'm not too worried. The only form a torture he would ever use on me would have something to do with being a complete pervert.”

 

“And that does not worry you?” Kurama questioned, confused.

 

“Nope, only because I'm pretty sure I wouldn't resist if either of you made a move on me.” she replied as a relieved expression overtook her exhausted features and she slowly lowered herself to the ground. Stretching for just a moment, she smiled down at the stunned avatar. Stepping toward him, she placed a quick kiss on his cheek and thanked him for keeping her company before abruptly leaving the dojo.

 

`Did she just…'

 

`Admit that she's attracted to not only me but you as well? I believe so.' Youko purred.

 

`And she…'

 

`Kissed you? That doesn't exactly count; it was merely on the cheek.' the kitsune pointed out.

 

`But she still…'

 

Youko sighed before he realized the time and smirked. `I believe I won the bet my friend.'

 

That got his attention. Kurama turned to the clock and swore under his breath. `It would seem so.'

 

`I will inform you at a later time of which day I would like control.' Youko stated, smirking to himself as he hid far within their mind to continue his planning. There was so much to do in so little time…

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~One week later~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Kagome wearily glanced around the area that was completely filled with demons. She and the boys had just arrived at the boarding location and Kagome's senses were going haywire with all the different demonic energies surrounding her. She was on high alert and her powers desperately wanted to purify every demon within the nearest five mile radius so that she would feel less threatened. After a week of training with Genkai, Kagome's powers had improved drastically. She felt far more powerful than before but she also felt to be in even more control, which is the only reason she was able to keep her powers from flaring around in a chaotic mess.

 

The reason Kagome knew she was safe is because of her overprotective body guards. There were three of them and they consisted of a kitsune avatar, a punk with insane amounts of spiritual power, and a short fused fire apparition. All three of them were standing around her as if to hide her from the prying eyes of those around them. Kagome didn't believe they're reactions were necessary but refrained from complaining. When she had first made a comment about them acting ridiculous, Hiei had turned a deadly glare to her that practically said `Continue complaining and I will silence you myself.'

 

Kuwabara was waiting impatiently with them as they listened to the demons around them chatter away. Kagome caught the words `miko' and `murderer' from one of the stray conversations and frowned. So obviously the demons around them knew she was a miko but who in the world said that she was a murderer? She never killed anyone unless they made the first attack… She didn't like that demons were making her seem like a heartless priestess.

 

Hiei and Kurama immediately noticed the miko's mood change and had also heard the words, and much more, that she'd heard. “They are not referring to you.” Hiei stated, gaining Kagome's attention.

 

“What?”

 

“They are not talking about you. There is apparently another miko entering the tournament.” Kurama informed her.

 

`Another miko?' Kagome thought in surprise. Wasn't she the last miko in this time? Didn't the rest die out several hundred years ago? Kagome's eyes suddenly widened. Was it possible that this other murderous miko was Kikyou? She had to still be alive seeing as Kagome still only possessed half of her soul. If Kikyou was dead then the other half of her soul would have returned.

 

“What's the matter?” Yusuke asked, catching her expression.

 

“Just… thinking…” she muttered. Yusuke shrugged and turned his attention back to the boat that was slowly approaching them. Kagome stared at the ground as thoughts of Kikyou filled her mind. If Kikyou was in the tournament then that mean Hiei, Kurama, and Yusuke couldn't fight against her if they had to face the dark miko's team. She doubted that Kuwabara would be able to take the other miko on seeing as his code held him against fighting girls. So that left only one fighter that could battle against Kikyou if they ended up facing her team in the tournament. Kagome scowled at the thought of fighting against Kikyou. She was sure that if Kikyou was alive that she'd been improving her powers over time and could possibly be quite a challenge for her. Kagome shook her head.

 

What was she talking about? She needed to take Kikyou down so she could get the rest of her soul back. Her thoughts were interrupted as Kurama placed his hand on the small of her back and nodded his head toward the boat everyone was boarding. She absentmindedly followed behind her team as her mind fell back to her previous dilemma. If Kikyou was truly alive and in the tournament then things were going to be difficult… not only would they have to worry about the demon that wanted to destroy the human realm but they would also have to prevent Kikyou from taking the rest of Kagome soul.

 

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A/N:

 

Like? Yes? No? Maybe so? Hope you all did. This chapter practically wrote itself. I definitely didn't plan for it to play out like this but all well. I don't mind cause everything still fits and I can just make the next chapter how I wanted this one to be. This worked out quite nicely if I do say so myself

 

~*Icyfire*~

 

Next Chapter - Chapter Ten: Exploration of the Unknown