InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ An Inseparable Bond ❯ Exploration of the Unknown ( Chapter 10 )

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 10: Exploration of the Unknown

 

Kagome followed closely behind Hiei as her teammates led the way to a large building. There were so many powerful demons gathered on this one little island that Kagome feared that maybe it wasn't a good idea to let Hiei and Youko join. They had been so worried about her joining the team that they had completely missed the fact that she was actually worried for their welfare. It'd been over five hundred years for them… she seriously hoped their skills had improved since she last saw them.

 

The boat ride to the island was rough. Apparently, of all the teams that boarded the ship, only one was allowed to qualify to the tournament. She'd been confused at first but immediately understood when all the demons on the boat turned their attention to her team. Yusuke had explained that they won the last tournament so many demons were merely here for a rematch or to claim the glory of defeating one of them. Unfortunately, the guys disposed of the demons before she could even approach one. She knew they were trying to keep her safe but this was ridiculous! She couldn't fight a few low level demons to warm up and release some of her nervous tension?

 

She'd been quite irritated with her overprotective teammates and stomped off the boat until she realized that she didn't have a clue as to where she was supposed to go. Grudgingly, she waited for the guys to catch up to her. Hiei possessed a smug expression on his face that nearly tempted the miko to pound him into the ground. She held back her urge and decided not to cause a scene. Her senses were on high alert and she could pinpoint every single demon that was either relatively close or equal in strength to her teammates. While examining the auras of the demons on the island, she was also trying to search for any sigh of the other miko that had entered the tournament… she needed to know if it was Kikyou.

 

Kagome's attention was snapped back to reality when she felt a sharp smack on her backside. Her eyes widened as her hands moved to cover her rear in reflex before glaring at the males around her. Kurama was far too respectful to harass her in such a way, unless Youko had gained control for a moment but even if that was the case, he would have done much more than just smack her backside. Hiei… she wasn't sure about but didn't think he would smack her ass in order to get her attention but Yusuke on the other hand, fit the description perfectly.

 

“What was that for.” she ground out between clenched teeth.

 

Yusuke grinned. “You weren't payin attention.”

 

“Touch me like that again and I'll hit you so hard, you won't be getting any attention from anyone.” she threatened.

 

Yusuke rolled his eyes at her empty threat and continued making his way down the hall. “I was just tryin to warn you that you'll be sharing a room with all of us. One room per team.”

 

Kagome shrugged as she followed her team down the hall until Yusuke stopped at a particular door. He pulled out a key that he must have gotten from the front desk while she was in her daze and opened the door before stepping inside. Kagome warily followed behind, allowing her gaze to sweep over every inch of the room before she even stepped inside. Standing just inside the room but still near the doorway, she examined the room they'd been given. It was a pretty decent size, seemed to have three other separate rooms aside from the bathroom and had two full size beds in the main room. There was a large flat screen tv in front of a couch that looked quite comfortable and a small kitchen area that she was sure she'd be using more than the guys.

 

Glancing out the large window that occupied majority of the wall to the right, she frowned. She was sure why, but she had a terrible feeling at the pit of her stomach. Suddenly, a large pair of arms wrapped around her and lifted her into the air. So shocked that she couldn't even move, Kagome was about to react on pure instinct and purify the demon that dared to attack her when she suddenly found herself on the complete opposite side of the room cradled in Hiei's arms bridal style. Staring up at the hybrid in confusion, his eyes held relief as he placed her on her feet and turned a calm glance toward the doorway. Following his gaze, Kagome stared warily at the two demons standing where she had been just moments ago.

 

The one that had apparently lifted her off the ground was taller than the other demon. He had purple colored hair styled in a Mohawk type of fashion that turned slightly into a mullet. His hair was held in a low ponytail at the nape of his neck with an elastic band. He was very muscular and oddly enough, looked to be intoxicated with the way he swayed slightly. The demon could barely remain on his own feet as he grinned toward her and winked.

 

The other demon was several inches shorter than the first and less built. His hair was a creamy blue color aside from his bangs, which were green in color and styled to the left side of his face. His eyes were as icy blue as his hair and his personality seemed to mirror his aura. From what she could sense, he was an ice demon and quite powerful. He stood beside the seemingly drunk demon with his arms crossed over his chest as he stared at her with slight curiosity.

 

“Do you have some kinda death wish man? You can't go round startling mikos! She nearly fried you!” Yusuke was the first to break the silence as he stepped toward the two demons and grinned.

 

“I didn't know the sheila was a miko, though it's good to know! To think that we all believed that mikos were gone for good yet there are two in the tournament this year.” the tall demon chuckled as he slowly made his way over to her and Hiei. Seeing everyone's calm postures, Kagome figured they must know these demons, otherwise there was no way the drunk one would be allowed to approach her. He stopped just a few feet away from her and grinned once more. “Ello there, I'm Chu.”

 

Kagome smiled, feeling more comfortable. “I'm Kagome. Sorry for almost purifying you, I was caught by surprise.”

 

“No worries love, no harm done.” he waved it off before turning his attention back to Yusuke. “She your fifth fighter?”

 

“Yea, we didn't really have a choice.” Yusuke shrugged.

 

“Considering that she is indeed a miko and could kill you from a mere touch, I don't find it wise to degrade her.” the other demon spoke up, turning his blue eyes to Yusuke with slight amusement.

 

“Yusuke was not referring to her strength; we are certainly not concerned about her abilities to fight in the tournament.” Kurama piped up.

 

“Oh? Then the gal's got game?” Chu turned his gaze back to Kagome and grinned once more. “If you're a half decent fighter then why's the bloke seem to not want you on the team?”

 

“They're overreacting like all males do. They don't want me to get hurt so they figured if they could keep me from entering with them then I would be safe.” Kagome explained.

 

“Yet you are here.” the blue haired demon commented, staring at her with that same curiosity as before.

 

“I can be quite persuasive.” she smiled.

 

Hiei rolled his eyes. “Koenma forced her on the team.”

 

Kagome turned a glare to the hybrid beside her. “Even if Koenma did make me join the team, you and Youko tried to stop me but I thought this could be fun.” she defended herself.

 

“Fun eh? Well good thing you came cause this event is definitely filled with excitement.” Chu chuckled, resting his hand on her shoulder. “And just in case you're wondering, that lad over there is Touya. We met your team at the last tournament and they wiped the floor with us!”

 

“What are you guys doing here anyway?” Yusuke asked curiously.

 

“We desire our rematch with your team of course. Jin, Rinku, and ShiShi are here as well and on our team.” Touya answered.

 

“Rematch huh? Well we'll kick your asses again!” Kuwabara mocked.

 

“If I remember correctly, you were the only individual on our team to lose and it happened to be against Rinku.” Kurama pointed out, amusement dancing in his emerald green eyes.

 

Kuwabara turned a sharp glare toward the avatar. “Yea well I'll pound that damn kid into the ground this time!”

 

“We'll pass the message on but we must be going for now. We'll catch all of you later.” Chu announced as he made his way to the door before stopping and turning a grin to Kagome. “It was nice meeting you Sheila, can't wait to see what you've got to throw into the ring.”

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~That night~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

“So when does the first round begin?” Kagome asked as she pulled a sweater on.

 

“In two days I think, anyone know who we're against and when we're up?” Yusuke asked after answering Kagome's question.

 

“I believe we're against Team Kouin.” Kurama announced.

 

“Our match is third.” Hiei added from his position on the window sill.

 

“Kagome, where are you going?” Kuwabara asked, gaining everyone's attention. Kurama and Yusuke turned from watching television to look toward the miko as Hiei's gaze averted from outside the window to her as well.

 

“I'm going for a walk.” she said simply.

 

`Not by herself she isn't.' Youko growled.

 

“Not without one of us with you.” Yusuke stated.

 

Kagome turned a glare toward him. “Says who?”

 

“It doesn't matter; you're not leaving this room by yourself.” Hiei agreed, glaring at the miko slightly.

 

“You guys are ridiculous.” she scowled as she stomped out the door.

 

“I'll go after her.” Kurama said, standing and following after the miko before anyone could take action. Trailing the miko's scent, he found himself venturing toward the forest that surrounded the hotel. Where was she going and what was her hurry? If his senses were correct, she was quite a ways into the forest already but why? Picking up his pace, he stopped in his tracks when he heard voices. Completely concealing himself, he slowly approached the voices and soon saw Kagome and a woman that looked oddly identical to her standing on the opposite end of the small clearing glaring at the miko.

 

`Kikyou.' Youko growled, trying to push forward for control.

 

`Youko stop! Who is this woman?'

 

`That is Kagome's incarnation, a witch stole Kagome's soul to resurrect Kikyou but was unsuccessful in completely bringing her back because Kagome was strong enough to call back half of her soul.' Youko explained.

 

`But how could both of them possibly remain alive if each only possesses half a soul?'

 

`I am unsure but if Kikyou is still alive then she still possesses half of Kagome's, therefore our miko's powers have not reached their full potential.' Youko growled.

 

Kurama was about to question his counterpart further but Kikyou began to speak once more.

 

“I will have the rest of my soul reincarnation and I will rid this world of your filth.” she said, still glaring at Kagome.

 

“It's not your soul to take Kikyou; you had your chance at life.” Kagome retorted calmly, though her posture spoke otherwise. From what Kurama could see, she was very nervous. Every muscle in her body looked tense and ready to defend herself.

 

“You are a disgrace to our existence! Our ancestors cannot rest in peace with the knowledge that a youkai loving miko remains with the living.” she scowled.

 

“How can you say that!? You loved Inuyasha once as well! A demon with no intention of harming others should not have to die just because of the blood in their veins!” Kagome argued.

 

“Why do you think I wanted Inuyasha to use the jewel to become human?” she spat out sourly.

 

Kagome glared at her incarnation with pure hatred. “Inuyasha was perfect just the way he was.”

 

“With demon blood running through his veins, he was just as filthy as any other demon. In fact, he was worst because he was the proof that a human had sullied herself to mating with a demon.”

 

“How dare you speak of Inuyasha like that.” Kagome scowled. “What makes you think you are worthy of another chance at life with all the dark hatred that clouds your aura?”

 

“Because I am a true miko and once I have the rest of my soul and win the tournament, I will rid this world of all demons.” she stated, glaring at Kagome with her hate filled eyes. “So value what little time you have left because when my team faces yours, you and your filthy demon teammates will die.” She scowled before disappearing into the trees she came from.

 

Kagome stared after the miko that she'd hoped wouldn't be here. Kikyou was much stronger than she was before and Kagome was scared that she would try to eliminate her teammates before their match. Kikyou always did play dirty and she wouldn't put it past her to try taking down someone on the team or maybe trying to steal her soul before their fight so she was weak. Kagome jumped slightly when she felt a hand placed on her shoulder. Turning her wide surprised eyes to Kurama, she allowed herself to calm.

 

“You scared me…” she murmured.

 

“Don't let her intimidate you.” Kurama stated, staring at her seriously.

 

“You don't understa…”

 

“Youko told me everything about Kikyou and if you allow her to intimidate you, she will defeat you.” Kurama interrupted her.

 

Kagome remained silent as she turned her gaze back to where Kikyou had been standing. She could feel that Kikyou's power had increased but she was positive that Genkai's training had paid off. She was confident that she could beat Kikyou in a one on one fight but then again, Kikyou knew spells and other powerful tricks that she didn't. Kagome sighed as she realized that not only did they have to save the human realm from the demon that wanted to destroy it but now they had to save Makai from Kikyou. Kagome jumped once more when Kurama wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and the miko immediately knew the red head was no longer in control. She knew that Kurama wouldn't be so affectionate with her so soon… even though she had kissed him on the cheek.

 

“You're letting her get to you.”

 

Kagome turned to gaze up at the golden eyes of the kitsune that had definitely either been given control or taken it forcefully. She sighed and leaned back against him as she closed her eyes. “I'm not worried about our fight; I'm worried about her going after you or the others.” She admitted, feeling Youko's body changing against her.

 

“What do you mean?” Kagome turned her gaze up once more to see Kurama staring down at her with concerned green eyes. Apparently Kurama hadn't given control to Youko; the kitsune had stolen it like the thief he was. Not minding the change or that Kurama was the one now holding her, she continued to relax against the avatar as she closed her eyes once more.

 

“I wouldn't put it past Kikyou to try killing or harming any of our team members… but I will do anything in my power to keep all of you safe from her.” she said, determination clear in her soft voice.

 

“Don't worry Kagome, we'll be fine.” Kurama tried to reassure her.

 

“Kikyou could easily kill you, Hiei, or Yusuke and I refuse to let her take any of you from me.” the little miko stated before turning in his embrace. Staring up at him with serious blue eyes, she pulled him into a tight hug. “I may have only met you, Yusuke, and Kuwabara a few weeks ago but I care for you more than you could imagine… I don't know what I would do if she harmed any of you…”

 

Kurama blushed slightly at her actions and words. Had she just admitted to liking not only him, Youko, and Hiei but Yusuke and Kuwabara as well?

 

`Don't be ridiculous, it's obvious that she only sees the baka as a friend and nothing more.' Youko scowled.

 

`But what of Yusuke?'

 

`That I am unsure of… but I wouldn't mind sharing our little vixen with Hiei and Yusuke.'

 

`It's common for demons to share mates but she isn't a demon Youko.' Kurama pointed out.

 

`That doesn't seem to matter because she already likes Hiei and I, where's the harm in adding two more males? Although you and I can be considered one…' Youko mused.

 

“We should probably head back before the others start to worry…” Kagome murmured as she pulled away from him and smiled slightly.

 

“Alright but don't let Kikyou's threat bother you, we will keep you safe from her and watch for any tricks she might try to pull on us.” Kurama smiled back.

 

“You won't have to worry about her; I'll be monitoring her location at all times. If she gets anywhere near any of you, I'll know.” Kagome stated as she began walking back toward the hotel.

 

“So is that why you came out here in the first place? You felt her and knew she desired to see you?”

 

“Pretty much. I hadn't felt her presence until a few hours ago and I was keeping track of her until I felt her waiting in this forest. I figured she was waiting for someone and when no one arrived for several hours, I realized she was waiting for me…” she explained.

 

“Either way, you should have told us Kagome, it's not safe to meet with enemies with no one here to help protect you. Kuwabara could have gone with you.” Kurama scolded.

 

“Ok ok, sorry.” she sighed.

 

Kurama rolled his eyes as they approached their room. “We're just worried about you Kagome, you've seemed extremely on edge lately and now that we know it's because of Kikyou, we are going to need to be even more alert.” he stated as they entered the room. Everyone turned their attention to them.

 

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A/N:

 

So Kikyou is alive and STILL intends to steal the rest of Kagome's soul… what will she do? Does she stand a chance against the miko that's had over a five hundred years to perfect her skills? You'll just have to wait and find out

 

~*Icyfire*~

 

Next Chapter - Chapter Eleven: Dangerous Encounters