InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Commitments Made In Blood ❯ Chapter 6

Commitments Made In Blood

 

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or YYH no matter how much I wish otherwise.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 6

 

 

 

They experienced the strangest sensation whenever they travel through the well. It was almost a feeling of weightlessness, but there was more to it. A tingle that raced through their bodies as the magic transported them to where they needed to go. No one knew who it was that instilled the spell on the well, indeed, it's time traveling capabilities had long ago been forgotten through time until the fateful day that she had been pulled through it.

 

 

So much had happened since that day, now they traveled freely back and forth whenever the need came upon them. That was where they were at now, back in the past and ready to resume hunting for the jewel shards. They would set up after they met up with the rest of their group.

 

 

They were likely somewhere in the village, they rarely strayed far from their when they took their small breaks from traveling. They were content with staying in a small hut that had been granted to their group by the villager in return for the work they did while they were present. It was also a way of saying thank you, for the fighting they did on everyone's behalf against Naraku.

 

 

For a time they had stayed with Kaede, but it had been Kagome that pointed out to them that she would quite possibly want her home back instead of having them invade it on regular intervals. The new arrangement made everyone happy and gave them a place to call home which helped the groups moral just by knowing they had a place they could always go to.

 

 

Strong arms slung the big yellow pack of supplies over a shoulder. He then took a firm hold around Kagome's waist and leapt up and out of the dry well. Though her senses might not be as sharp as Inuyasha's, even she could tell the difference in the air here. It was refreshing to be back in the past even if it wasn't for a vacation.

 

 

He set her down on her feet gently and turned towards the village. Their break was over, it was time to get back to work. They walked in silence towards the village, enjoying each others company. Inuyasha noticed that she was still melancholy but she wasn't going to open up to him either. That disturbed him, he knew it wasn't a trust issue so it could only be that she was trying to spare everyone else's feelings. He knew that the method she used would only hurt her in the long run but she was determined to bottle things up. He only hoped he would be there for her when she was finally able to let her pent up emotions go.

 

 

Kagome knew what the looks he was giving her meant but she wasn't going to give into them. She could deal with her internal problems on her own, no one else needed to be burdened with them. She had no one to talk to, so instead on her shopping trip she decided to buy herself a diary. She would keep a record of things that happened and how she felt on things as they came to her. It would be enough to give her the outlet she needed to carry on.

 

 

She gave him a reassuring smile and they crossed the bridge together that separated them from the village. It wasn't that much farther to the hut the five of them shared together. Somehow they doubted that they would be there though, with how nice of a day it was out. And they were right, So the next place to go would be the clearing they used to train. That was where they found everyone.

 

 

Miroku was seated underneath a large tree. One would think that he was meditating if you spared him a glance. Upon closer observation though you could see he had his eyes opened, just the barest hint of violet showing through as he watched Sango train. It was no great surprise though, he could often be found admiring her. She was unlike any woman he had ever come across before. Sure, she was beautiful physically in his eyes but he also admired her inner strength greatly. She had been able to overcome terrible odds and carry on with her life, even if it was now devoted to the downfall of Naraku. He had taken her family from her, she was determined that she would take his life in return.

 

 

 

That was the reason she trained so hard. Naraku would be a difficult opponent to beat and she refused to be taken down by him. He had much to pay for, she would make sure that he suffered for every one of his crimes. She was practicing with her katana currently, her movements smooth and graceful. It was as if she was dancing as she battled an imaginary opponent. She was a master with the sword but her true calling was with the Hiraikotsu. A large boomerang made of demon bone. It took a person of exceptional strength to wield it, and even more so to be accurate with it. One had to be exceptionally careful with this particular weapon. More than one person wielding such a weapon had died when they miscalculated the return path the Hiraikotsu took. It could easily cut a person in half.

 

 

“She's beautiful isn't she?”

 

 

Inuyasha followed his gaze and nodded. “She is.”

 

 

 

Miroku had noticed the auras of his two friends as they approached. It was time to go, he was ready having finished his meditation long ago. Truth be told he had the greatest need to press on this journey. His wind tunnel was steadily getting wider. He had already had it repaired once, there wouldn't be a second time. The spell they had used to seal it the first time to be repaired only worked once. He had maybe another year if he was lucky. If Naraku wasn't killed within that time frame then the wind tunnel would take his life the same way it had with his father and grandfather.

 

 

His bloodline ended with him, for he had not been able to produce an heir to continue the fight after he was gone. There were several women who would perhaps be willing to bear his children but lately his thoughts had turned more and more towards the woman in the clearing before him. He wanted her, to be his wife and the mother to his children.

 

 

He wasn't sure if she would accept him or not, for she always brushed his question off. She didn't realize that he was no longer playing the part of the perverted monk with her, he was in fact in love with her. Once this war was over he would formally ask her if she would be willing to be his wife. Until then he would wait and watch her. Occasionally feeling her up, it kept the mood light and was good for making the others laugh, even if it was at the expense of his face when she lashed out at him.

 

 

Her exercises coming to an end, she finally noticed the group standing to the side watching her. She jogged over after sheathing her katana. The only one left of the group to hunt down now was Shippou, who was likely playing with the village children. They were all glad that he could at least have part of his childhood instead of having it all stolen from him.

 

 

“Are we leaving?”

 

 

“As soon as we find the brat and you two gather your stuff.”

 

 

“Inuyasha, be nice. Shippou is not a brat.”

 

 

“Could have fooled me.”

 

 

Kagome just rolled her eyes at him. Whether he was willing to admit it or not he had a fondness for the kit, it was obvious. Most of the time they had begun to act like brothers although she often wondered how Inuyasha could possibly act like he was younger than Shippou. He was so immature about some things, sharing among others. There were still occasional fights over the food, particularly whenever ramen or potato chips were involved.

 

 

“Shippou is over at Taro's house. I'll be ready within the hour.”

 

 

With that said Sango walked away, most likely to go and take a bath before setting out. Kagome made her way over to Taro's house and Miroku followed Inuyasha back to their own hut to gather their things.

 

 

As Kagome neared Taro's house Shippou's nose picked up Kagome's scent. He said goodbye in a hurry and bolted out the door. He had missed her while she had been gone. He leapt up into her arms and greeted her enthusiastically.

 

 

“Hello Kagome, I'm glad you are back!”

 

 

Kagome gave the kit in her arms a hug and then set him down so they could rejoin the others. Shippou reminded her a lot of her brother Souta, just with a bit more of a hyper streak. She had missed him as well when she had went home.

 

 

“I'm glad to be back Shippou. Did anything of interest happen while I was gone?”

 

 

“Nah, just the usual. Miroku gropes Sango. Sango tries to slap his face to the other side of his head. Things calm down for a while, then they do it again. What happened when you went home?”

 

 

“I did a lot of shopping. Inuyasha stayed overnight last night. Aside from that nothing much. I just hung out with my family.”

 

 

“Well, I'm glad you are back now. It's boring when you aren't here.”

 

 

Kagome stifled a laugh, she wasn't sure what was so great about her company but she was glad that he enjoyed her being there. She enjoyed spending time with him as well. But she felt guilty as well, how many things in her brother's life was she missing when she came here? Quite a few she was certain but this was a duty she couldn't afford to shirk. Everyone had sacrificed something in this quest, what was left of her childhood was minimal compared to the others. So she had to grow up faster than anyone had ever thought she would have to. No big deal right?

 

 

They met up with Inuyasha and Miroku in the hut. Taking a seat next to Inuyasha they waited on Sango to get back from her bath. It didn't take long before she walked in, dressed in her Exterminator outfit. Hiraikotsu had been leaned against the outer wall of the hut. It would seem that they were all ready to go.

 

 

 

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He stood before the gates of his estate. It was no surprise to him that his home had been left well enough alone. There were a few that were foolish enough to attempt to once rumors of his death had spread. His plants had made sure that any who attempted met particularly painful fates.

 

 

Those were the ones who grossly underestimated him if they thought death could claim him. If that were the case then his special plants would have simply withered away without his particular energy to feed them. That should have been their first clue that he wasn't as dead as everyone had assumed. There were still bones laying upon the ground, bleached white from exposure to the elements. His plants had fed well.

 

 

He walked through the grounds, unmolested by the plant life. If anything the vegetation seemed to perk up, looking healthier than they had before with the close proximity of their master. Youko smiled as he walked past, he took great pride in his ability to manipulate the plants. There was none so skilled as he was.

 

 

He entered the main building, his footsteps echoing through the halls. It was hard to believe that this once busy place was now empty. Perhaps it was only wishful thinking, but one day he wanted to be able to come home to stay. The human realms was great for a while, once you got used to it. But he much preferred the Makai.

 

 

But with the current road he traveled, searching out this Miko who had sparked his interest there was a good chance that the particular dream of moving back here would never come to be. Makai was dangerous at the best of times, a human in the Makai was literally courting death. A Miko would be signing the death warrant. He had no doubts he would be able to protect her here as long as he was around her. The problem came in if they ever became separated. It was something to seriously consider for the future.

 

 

He descended down a dark staircase, he needed no extra lighting. The vault was down here, he was intimately familiar with every aspect of this area. He had spent enough time down there anyway. At the far end of the hall was the room he sought, large purple vines climbed the walls and stretched across the doorway much the same as a spider web would be. Some may have mistaken it for a harmless vine since it had no thorns. No visible ones anyway, but if you looked closely you could see the fine, hair-like protrusions. If someone was unfortunate enough to touch one of them they would die within moments from a fast acting poison the plants exuded. The added benefit of using this particular vine was also that it was drawn to body heat like a moth to a flame, so even if you had the idea to cut through them, the plant would reach for you. It was an effective barrier for what lay beyond.

 

 

Youko went into the room and quickly some candles to provide a bit of light. He had not been in this room since his “death” so Shuichi had never seen it. He had known the kitsune was one of the best thieves ever, matched only by his late partner Kuronue but the reality of it all was quickly driven home when he looked at the fortune Youko had amassed.

 

 

`Wow.'

 

 

Youko chuckled at the awe struck voice that sounded in his head. It was a lot to take in at once. This room was not by any means his only vault, just the one that had the items in it that were his most valued treasures. Some had more of sentimental value to them more than anything, such as the blood stone pendant that lay upon the desk.

 

 

`We had a lot of good times together. A good half of the stuff in this room came from jobs he pulled. Nothing was too big of a challenge for the two of us. Until the last one anyway, but neither of us could have foreseen Akira betraying us to the enemy. '

 

 

When Kuronue had been killed he had thought the pendant was lost, but to his surprise he had found it and the one who had set the trap who had killed his partner. He had made Akira suffer, he could still hear the screams that had been torn from his throat. Yes, that was one particular kill he took great pleasure in. Kuronue's death had been avenged and his pendant retrieved but he still missed his friend greatly.

 

 

Kurama felt the mood shift in his friend as he watched from the inside. He knew what that pendant represented and on more than one occasion had wished there was some way to bring Kuronue back to him. They had been close, one would have thought them brothers with how they acted with each other if you could disregard the fact they were totally different species. Perhaps once their debt to the Reikai was paid Koenma might be convinced to bring him back, assuming he hadn't reincarnated by then which was always a possibility. They were going to be in Koenma's service for a very long time.

 

 

“Enough reminiscing, we have a sword to return to its owner.”

 

 

He picked up the sword and examined it. Really, it would have never made it to this particular vault except for the story behind it. There was nothing really remarkable about it. Shrugging he proceeded to wrap it in a cloth. Taking a long sword into a public place in the human world would raise suspicion. Before he left his eye was caught by a golden locket, he pocket it and walked back out the door. It would make an acceptable courting gift to the Miko once he found her.

 

 

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Dear Diary,

 

I suppose this is my first entry. I'm not going to bore you with my entire story, I don't really expect anyone else will ever read this so there's no need to rehash ancient history so to speak. I spent the past few days at home, we desperately needed a break from hunting shards. It's hard to believe but I was almost anxious to come back here. How screwed up is that? My life at home is dull and boring. One would think I actually like the life and death situations we face on a daily bases in this time period. Wouldn't it give my mother a heart attack for her to hear that?

 

 

We managed to pick up two shards today, let me tell you I am exhausted. I swear I had never wanted to see another centipede demon again, especially after the one pulled me into the well which brings me here. Somehow it managed to embed both of them underneath its scales making it difficult to kill. It just kept regenerating. Inuyasha finally landed the death blow to it with the Tetsusaiga. Let me say now I hope that I never smell anything that horrid again. Bug guts are bad enough but the stink that came with it was enough to make even me sick. I hate to think of how badly it affected Inuyasha's nose.

 

 

There wasn't much sign of Naraku today. I could have sworn I saw a Saimyoushou at one point but the next minute it was gone. None of us could find a trace of it. I cannot help but think Naraku is planning something, the question is what? Whatever it is, you can be guaranteed it won't be good. I only hope we can survive the next move he makes.

 

 

Kagome quietly closed the book and packed it away in her bag. Inuyasha had been watching her write in the tiny book but he hadn't commented on it. She could read the curiosity that passed his eyes but he didn't push the issue. For that she was thankful, she didn't want to have to explain what she was writing about. She wondered if Inuyasha could read anyway, the subject had never come up. Nevertheless she would keep an eye on the tiny book. That way it didn't fall into the wrong hands.

 

 

She looked over the rest of the group, Sango and Miroku had were talking quietly and Shippou looked like he was about to fall asleep. Inuyasha had set a grueling pace, not that she could really blame him. Something ominous hung in the air, it was as if he could sense it as well and pushed the group trying to outrun whatever it was.

 

 

“Time to move, lets see how much more ground we can cover.”

 

 

Kagome picked herself up off the log she had sat upon and braced herself for a few more hours of walking. If necessary she supposed she could see if she could hitch a ride with Sango on Kirara's back. She once again got the feeling they were being watched but brushed it off.

 

 

***************************************************************** *****

 

 

Youko enjoyed his final moments of being in control of their body while he could. All to soon it was over, and in his place once more stood Kurama looking immaculate as ever. One would never have guessed he just ran through the wilds of the Makai. He stepped through the barrier and made his way into the human world.

 

 

It wasn't long before he was back at the same coffee shop as before, and as promised Kentaro was still there waiting for him. He walked purposefully up to his booth and took a seat opposite of him. He carefully placed the sword in front of him, keeping a hand on it. The sword would not be relinquished until the information requested was given.

 

 

Kentaro reached for it but was stopped when Kurama's eyes flashed gold. Youko was no fool, and while this guy was a good contact to have it did not mean he trusted him to uphold his end of the bargain.

 

 

“Now, tell me about the Miko.”

 

 

His voice became dark and seductive as Youko poured more influence into him. Kentaro would give up all of his secrets concerning this girl one way or another. Once this meeting was over there was little chance he would learn anything more from this person without resorting to violence.

 

 

“Unwrap it first so I know you're keeping your end of the bargain.”

 

 

A low growl issued forth from Kurama, neither of them appreciated the insult that they would dishonor themselves by substituting another sword for the one requested. Casting a quick glance around to make sure there weren't any prying eyes he cautiously unwrapped the sword for Kentaro's benefit before rewrapping it.

 

 

“Fine. The Miko's name is Kagome Higurashi, she lives at the Sunset Shrine. You should be able to find it without my help although there is a good chance if you go to speak to her she will not be there.”

 

 

“Why is that?”

 

 

“First off, why do you wish to know about this girl?”

 

 

Neither of them wanted to explain themselves to this person, so it was best to be as vague as possible in their answer.

 

 

“We've taken an interest in her. What else can you tell me.”

 

 

“She is the Guardian of the Shikon no Tama.”

 

 

Kurama had to fight to maintain his calm composure, this was certainly a turn he had not expected. The jewel had disappeared long ago so how had this girl gotten it in her possession? Kurama could feel the burn coursing through his body as Youko's interest jumped to greater heights. He had been right, the girl was powerful.

 

 

“The Jewel was lost centuries ago. Where did she get it and why hasn't the Reikai confiscated it?”

 

 

“Well for one the girl was born with it, as to why the Reikai has not confiscated it? The jewel was shattered, she still hasn't finished reassembling it. Until it's back in one piece there isn't much that they can do about it.”

 

 

“In that case I'm surprised the team hasn't been called to help her.”

 

 

Kentaro just chuckled at that suggestion. “Believe me, she already had help in finding the jewel shards. Which brings me back to my original question. Why this particular Miko? If it's a romantic interest you have I would suggest looking elsewhere. She's already involved with an Inu Hanyou. And he doesn't take kindly to other males around her.”

 

 

If Kentaro thought the news of the Inu hanyou was going to upset him he was sadly mistaken. It actually had the opposite effect on them both. If she was involved with a hanyou then she obviously knew about demons. They would be able to tell her exactly what they were and the issue of purification greatly reduced.

 

 

“The hanyou is of no matter. However I am surprised that there is an Inu Hanyou in the human realm. I hadn't heard anything about him.”

 

 

“You wouldn't have. He is rarely here, the little Miko you're interested in is a time traveler. There is a portal on the shrine she lives on. She spends the majority of her time in the past hunting for the jewel shards.”

 

 

 

 

 

Authors Notes: Err None I think, so I'll go right to reviewer responses.

 

 

ady anhee 999: I saw a herd of plot bunnies off in the woods behind my house about an hour ago. Feel free to go hunting if you wish, there's plenty of them to go around I say. As for my muses being held captive, I wouldn't be surprised in the least. I'll know if I get a ransom note I imagine. Pity though I'm broke. I guess I could always give them Ermmm… well.. I have dog drool here in abundance. If nothing else I can threaten to slime them to death if they don't let them come home. As for Youko I'm going to attempt to make him very intense. We'll see if I manage to pull it off well or not. Kagome is way too often portrayed as the innocent, virginal kid that blushes at everything. I distinctly remember at 15 I was NOT a blushing innocent by any stretch of the imagination. Hard to believe that was over 10 years ago. O.O now I'm showing my age. Sigh.

 

 

 

phoenixs_paiste: For YYH images a good site is Agaru! I'm not certain we can post links here or not but I found it by doing a google search. Unfortunately Agaru does not have pictures of Kuronue that I have found. Instead do a google image search with his name, it will bring them up. Unfortunately there aren't many pictures of him out there which is a pity. As for Hiei/Kag pairings, I think a large part of my problem with working on WITN is they are just so damned different. It's a fine line working with them and staying true to Hiei's personality. I don't want to move too fast with their relationship but if I draw it out too long I'm going to bore everyone including myself to death. Then you throw in the hell I'm putting Kurama through in that fic. It's a mess that I'll eventually get straightened out one day.

 

 

Rabid: I thought your new nickname was kinda cute myself ;) As for Youko. I've read several fics now that has him as a separate entity in Kurama's body and very, very few of them portray him as anything but being a perverted horn dog (Or would that be horn fox? Nevermind) that gets extremely excited whenever anything with two legs walks by, male or female. Somehow I just can't see him as truly being that way all of the time. Honestly who would be happy trapped where they could watch everything happen but not actively take part in it? I think I would go insane in his position. I think we have the right idea, Youko is probably an extremely lonely kitsune in that position and few ever go in that direction with him in their stories. I'd love to see more fics out there that explore that particular side of him. That's probably a large reason why I am seriously considering somehow bringing Kuronue back into the picture in this fic although I wouldn't be turning it into a triangle like I did with ACOS. He needs a friend who knew him as he was. As for the rabid fangirls mention, actually no when I put that in there I wasn't thinking of you. But if you want to take it that way feel free :-D Anyhow, I hope you feel better. There is a bug going around here again, I pray I don't get it. If it happens then all fics go on hold until it passes and then no one is happy. Get some rest, you'll feel better in no time hopefully.

 

 

xoulblade aka Jamee  : Glad you like the story. As for being tired, you have no idea. Once I'm done here I'll be crashing for a few hours. Then the cycle will begin anew, just hopefully I'll be able to work on at least one of my other stories lol

 

 

 

Arbor: Please blame the sentence error on my brain turning to a puddle of goo. I distinctly remember writing that sentence and now that I've reread it, it's actually a combination of two sentences I had running through my head at the time. I spend way too much time in front of this computer I think. And yes, I am teasing you Mwahaha. Don't expect them to meet anytime soon. I want to get some good solid time in chapter wise with her and Inuyasha in the past setting up the gruesome assault on the group. I never really was good at scenes like that but I am going to do my best to make it as gory as possible. Unfortunately I'm running out of ideas for what to put in there in the meantime. A lot of what they do is just walking, pretty boring at any rate. Hence the diary idea. I can throw in a battle scene here and there and not throw the flow of the story off. It'll work, I think. *looks around uncertainly* If it doesn't we'll pretend it does for a while.

 

 

 

 

To everyone else, thank you for reviewing. I hope you all enjoy this chapter as much as the previous ones.