InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Commitments Made In Blood ❯ Chapter 31

Commitments Made In Blood

 

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

 

 

 

Chapter 31

 

 

 

They landed on the other side of the well and the first thing they noticed was how utterly quiet it was compared to the noise of the city in the future. The cleaner air was a huge plus to them as well. Kuronue leapt out of the well followed closely by Kurama. Taking a look around they spotted the village off a short distance from their current position. Wasting no time they set off.

 

 

Kurama was acutely aware of how quiet it was in his head. He could barely feel Youko's presence and it was unsettling. He had wondered plenty of times what it would be like if he didn't have the kitsune aware of every thought he had. Well now he knew and he couldn't say he particularly liked it much. As nice as it seemed to be here so far he was anxious to get this over and done with.

 

 

Kuronue was being oddly quiet while they walked towards the village. He knew his friend and partner was right beside him but it wasn't the same as it had been before. Shuichi was now there and he would take some getting used to. He knew he could trust him, seeing as Youko was a part of him. He just needed to spend the time to get to know this other side of his partner.

 

 

They passed people working in the fields, their ears easily picking up the hushed whispers that passed from person to person. It was obvious that Kuronue was a demon but he wasn't sure what it was that marked himself as being demonic. If Kagome would have been there she would have been able to tell him it was his hair color. But she wasn't, fortunately for them though word had rapidly spread and reached the village before them.

 

 

A lone child had almost crashed into Kaede, out of breath with the news that two demons were coming. Demons approaching the village was not necessarily an uncommon occurance but it wasn't something that happened every day either. Better to be prepared she decided as she picked up her bow and a quiver of arrows and headed to the entrance of the village. They could state their business and then be gone.

 

 

She was not expecting the vision of Kurama and Kuronue however. Neither wore garments from that time frame. One of them was definitely a demon, bat if she was any judge and he looked to be clothed in black leather. The other was an oddity to her with his crimson locks and green eyes. He looked completely human even if she could feel a slight demonic energy to him. She would have missed it if she hadn't specifically looked for it. He was dressed in clothing that was similar to what Kagome had taken to wearing, durable pants suited for hiking and a long sleeved silk shirt.

 

 

“Why have ye come to our village?”

 

 

Kurama looked over the old woman who barred their path. She was clothed in traditional miko clothing and holding a bow clearly indicating she was willing to protect the village should they prove to be a threat. She did not have the level of power Kagome had however. Regardless, they were not there to fight. They only wanted the sword and then they would be gone.

 

 

“We seek the Miko of this village on behalf of the Guardian: Kagome.”

 

 

“I be who ye seek. What knowledge have ye of Kagome?”

 

 

“Kagome is safe at home currently, she sent us with this note.”

 

 

Kaede took the envelope that the Red haired man held out for her. She watched them warily. She didn't know if they were really there on Kagome's request or if they were searching for the jewel. Kagome had not been seen since before the accident, no one knew for certain if she was alive or not. She read the note carefully examining the handwriting. It appeared to be legitimate though she was unsure of turning over Inuyasha's sword without Kagome being there. She would need more information.

 

 

“Follow me.”

 

 

She lead them through the village and to the hut that was once occupied by the shard hunting group. When their remains had been discovered Kaede oversaw the burial of the bodies and then with the help of the other villagers brought their items back to the village. Kagome's body was not among the carnage so perhaps she would return one day. The items would become hers in such a case, Kaede knew she would want them for sentimental reasons.

 

 

They stepped into the darkened hut and she indicated for Kuronue and Kurama to take a seat while she started a fire going to provide a bit more light. They took in the surroundings inside the hut. On a far wall there was Hiraikotsu, Sango's primary weapon. Kurama had listened to Kagome as she spoke about each member of their group. His respect for the demon slayer grew when he saw the size of the weapon. She would have to have been powerful to wield it.

 

 

Next to it was Miroku's staff, the rings catching the firelight and reflecting it back. Even though the monk was dead, his staff still radiated with the holy energy he had infused into it.

 

 

And then, in a corner by itself leaned a katana. Kurama wondered if that was the sword they were meant to retrieve. From what he could see of it, it certainly did not look like much but then looks could be deceiving. She had told him the power the sword had though she wasn't sure if he would indeed be able to use it or not as Inuyasha had said. Kaede finished and sat down across from them, regarding them quietly for a moment.

 

 

“Who are ye?”

 

 

Kurama decided to do the majority of the talking, after all he knew Kagome far better than Kuronue did and he wasn't at all certain what she would ask. He had the feeling she would know immedietly if they tried to lie or skip around something, just like Kagome did.

 

 

“This is Kuronue and I am Kurama. You know why we are here, will you let us have the Tetsusaiga?”

 

 

“That remains to be seen. Tell me how ye know Kagome.”

 

 

Oh, of course she was going to have to ask that question. And it wasn't even “him” that had found her it had been Youko. Which was opening up another can of worms entirely. Especially if he needed to explain how they were bonded. He wondered if he could perhaps only tell her half of it, like how he saw her walking that first day.

 

“Do not think of lying to me, I will know of thy falsehoods.”

 

 

Scratch that idea.

 

 

“This will take a while. I originally saw Kagome walking past while I was at lunch with my mother. She interested me so I set out to learn what I could about her. I found out how she is the Guardian and how she traveled through time.”

 

 

“And how did ye find that out?”

 

 

“I have my sources for information. Now, the difficult part to explain. I have the spirit of a centuries old Kitsune by the name of Youko Kurama residing in my body. He can occasionally become the dominant personality, even to the point of reverting to his previous form.”

 

 

“I have heard of Youko Kurama, he is a thief is he not?”

 

 

“He is, though I assure you he has no interest in the jewel.”

 

 

“And why should I trust ye word on that?”

 

 

“Because he is Kagome's mate.”

 

 

“Impossible, Kagome would not mate with anyone besides Inuyasha. She has not been gone long enough to be courted by ye.”

 

 

“I assure you, it is possible. The night of the attack on the group one of our friends helped her get to the well where she returned to the future. When she came through she was quite delirious. That is how Youko found her, she was on the brink of death. In order to save her he had to perform the blood bond.”

 

 

“Why would the two of ye bind yourself to her?”

 

 

“Youko was obsessed with the girl, which quickly turned to love. I myself am developing feelings for the girl. Neither of us were willing to allow her to die.”

 

 

Kaede wasn't sure of what to think of what she had just heard. She could detect no lies off of the avatar in front of her but she just couldn't understand why Youko Kurama had done that in the first place. He had already built up quite the reputation by that time period and his tastes were very well known. And now Kagome who was for all intents and purposes innocent, was his mate? The irony of it all was not lost on the old woman. However if the kitsune bandit truly loved the girl then she would wish them the best. Although she had to pity the girl, she was going to get a crash course in bedroom matters soon if she hadn't already.

 

 

“And has she recovered yet?”

 

 

“She has for the most part. Although myself, Youko, or the one who took her to the well has to be with her at all times now. Naraku has gone to our time and is after her and the jewel.”

 

 

“Poor child, Naraku will not stop until he has her or he is dead.”

 

 

“I know, that is why we come seeking the Tetsusaiga to protect her.”

 

 

Kaede stood and walked over to the katana and banished the barrier she had placed around it. The energy that leaked from the sword washed over the two demons in the room. It was powerful indeed. Now they just needed to know if Kurama could use it or not. His explanation combined with the note from Kagome was enough, the girl was going to need all the help she could get.

 

 

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Lord Sesshoumaru, Taiyoukai of the Western Lands had had enough. It was bad enough that his bastard half brother had been a blight on his family name for over half a century, then he had the audacity to die by his wench's hands. His death was supposed to belong to him, no one other than he had the right to take Inuyasha's life. If he had been aware of his death he would have used the Tenseiga to revive him so he could have the honor of killing him. But no, he had been too caught up in meetings with the other Lords and he had come across the site of his death too late. His body was gone, along with the Tetsusaiga.

 

 

He had sought the Tetsusaiga then, without success. He had thought it had been taken to the village but when he went to investigate he felt no trace of the sword whatsoever. The sword exuded it's own energy, one separate from any others in the group. And that energy just was not present. So he had continued his search elsewhere, thinking perhaps someone else had taken it.

 

 

He snarled inwardly, whoever had taken the sword would die. No hands but his would touch the blade again once he found it. A pulse of energy resonated through his body, one he was very familiar with. Without another thought he turned and headed back to the human village.

 

 

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

 

 

 

She placed the sword in his hands fully expecting the sword to reject him. After all, very few could touch the blade. She was surprised when his hand closed around the hilt and there was no reaction. So, the sword took to him. Perhaps he would be able to wield it after all.

 

 

He slowly slid it out of the scabbard to examine the blade. He was disappointed when he saw the condition that it was in. It had obviously not been well cared for somewhere along the lines. The edge was dulled and chipped in places, rust coating the metal in patches. Hiei would have a fit if he saw the condition of this sword. The lack of care it had received was inexcusable.

 

 

“That's supposed to help you protect Kagome?”

 

 

Kuronue looked doubtful, in it's current state it was unlikely it would be able to cut through much. However Kagome about how it would transform. No one would ever expect such power from this katana unless they had heard of it before.

 

 

“It will. We need to return to her though before she comes looking for us.”

 

 

“Tell Kagome I wish the both of ye well and that it would be nice to see her come visit.”

 

 

“I will do so Lady Kaede. Thank you for your assistance.”

 

 

Kurama tied on the sword to his belt and then they stepped out of the hut to began the short walk back to the well. No one challenged them as they passed and for the most part the whispers had ceased since Kaede had deemed them safe enough to pass through the village. They had become fairly used to unusual happenings ever since Kagome had first appeared.

 

 

However half way to the well the entire forest went quiet. No birds sang, the crickets went silent, it was as if even the wind had stopped blowing. Instantly they both went on alert, ready for whatever it was that was coming. Kurama's senses were extremely dulled due to Youko's remission but even he could sense that something powerful was coming. Kuronue drew his scythe as he scanned the surrounding areas. He couldn't detect anything which meant whatever it was had the ability to mask itself and was likely extremely powerful.

 

 

Sunlight broke through the trees and as if on cue into the light stepped Sesshoumaru. He observed them calmly, evaluating the pair that stood before him. Instantly he noticed that the red headed human was the one that held Tetsusaiga. His voice came out cold, with obvious distaste in it for lowering himself to speak to this human. He unmasked his aura and allowed his energy to spike in an obvious threat.

 

 

“Give me the Tetsusaiga.”

 

 

Kurama's eyes narrowed. The Lord in front of him fit the description of Sesshoumaru perfectly. It was then he realized that they could be in trouble. If he were able to change into Youko there was a good chance they could defeat him but not as they stood now. They needed to get to the well and hope that Kagome could seal it before he came through after them.

 

 

“Lord Sesshoumaru, my apologies but I was given this sword by it's prior master. I am afraid I cannot part with it.”

 

 

“The Tetsusaiga does not belong to you human. You will give it to me or you will die.”

 

 

Kurama gathered what energy he could and readied himself for the attack he knew was coming. Kuronue did the same, neither of them would go down without a fight.

 

 

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

 

 

Kagome was sitting in the living room watching tv with Shippou and Souta while Hiei watched over the three of them when she felt a sense of foreboding. Something was wrong but what was it exactly? She tried to ignore it but the feeling just wouldn't go away and it was becoming increasingly difficult to sit still.

 

 

Hiei looked at over at her, she was extremely agitated about something but he could sense nothing wrong. Not even when he used the Jagan. He put a hand on her shoulder in a rare show of comfort, perhaps she was just anxious about Kurama being gone.

 

 

She smiled at Hiei but she still couldn't reconcile the feeling of dread that was rapidly overwhelming her. The sensation intensified when she thought about Kurama. Somehow whatever it was that was wrong centered around him. She stood up suddenly making Hiei take a step back. Without another word she went up to her room and grabbed her bow and arrows slinging them both over her back.

 

 

Hiei watched her come back down armed, she obviously felt strongly enough about whatever it was that she thought that his protection would not be enough. Maybe there was more to this than just missing a mate.

 

 

“What's wrong?”

 

 

“Something is wrong with Kurama, I can feel it.”

 

 

This put Hiei in a quandary. He was supposed to watch over and protect Kagome while her mate was gone but if Kurama needed assistance then he seriously doubted he would be able to keep her there. And he couldn't follow because of the paradox.

 

 

“Kurama will be fine, Kuronue is with him.”

 

 

“I can't explain it Hiei I have to go.”

 

 

“No. Kurama said for you to stay here.”

 

 

“You can't force me to.”

 

 

Kagome turned and started to walk out the front door when Hiei moved intending on grabbing her arm and holding her there if necessary. He wasn't prepared for the barrier that formed around her of it's own accord. Her powers recognized the danger that was coming and reacted to it, she had to go and help her mate. The bond was now screaming at her to take action. With a whispered I'm sorry to the fire apparition who was picking himself up off the floor she raced to the well and jumped in.

 

 

When she landed on the other side the sound of metal on metal met her ears. Kuronue was viciously attacking Sesshoumaru in an attempt to allow Kurama to get to the well. Unfortunately though Sesshoumaru had the Toukijin which was no ordinary blade. Kuronue wouldn't be able to stand up to him for long when he combined the use of his whip in his attacks. Kurama was doing his best to manipulate the plant life around the Taiyoukai to restrain him and give his partner an advantage however the energy he had just was not enough to make a huge difference.

 

 

When it looked as if Kuronue was going to be hit with a particularly hard hit he drew his rose whip attempting to drive Sesshoumaru back. He didn't want to waste precious time trying out the Tetsusaiga without knowing if the blade would respond to him. Seconds could mean life or death for the both of them.

 

 

Unfortunately it drew the Taiyoukai's attention back to him and he was faced with damaging attacks from Sesshoumaru. Only a few more yards to the well though, perhaps they could make it after all. Kurama's eyes narrowed when he felt the wells energy activate behind him. There was only one reason he knew of why it would flare up like that.

 

 

Kagome pulled herself up and out of the well quickly. When she was faced with the sight of both Kurama and Kuronue bleeding heavily from Sesshoumaru's attacks she didn't hesitate. She drew an arrow while she was still perched on the edge of the well and prepared to fire, all she needed was an opening. She hoped the multiple injuries that Sesshoumaru had received courtesy of Kuronue's attacks would slow him down some.

 

 

It was difficult to fix her aim on her target, Sesshoumaru was fast and she needed to be careful not to hit the guys. Seeing an opening she loosed the arrow and prayed. Sesshoumaru dodged at the last moment, her aim had gotten considerably better than when he had first met her. It landed in the ground close to him. The holy Energy flared, driving him further back. He snarled at the girl who already had another arrow ready to fire.

 

 

“Back off Sesshoumaru, I'll kill you. Don't think I won't.”

 

 

“Wench, you cannot kill this Sesshoumaru. Now die.”

 

 

As Sesshoumaru spoke the Tetsusaiga pulsed, urging Kurama to draw it. When he did the fang transformed into the mighty blade that had protected the girl so many times before. Not waiting another moment he launched an attack on the Inu who was threatening Kagome.

 

 

Sesshoumaru was surprised when the Tetsusaiga transformed. It should not have done so for the human that held it. He would think about it at another time though, for Kurama was hellbent on eliminating him now.

 

 

Kurama wasn't sure why but there was something urging him on, something he could not explain. Suddenly the wind scar appeared before him and the urging became more insistent. Taking a chance he cut along the wind scare.

 

 

Kuronue's eyes widened when the sword transformed and then he saw the attack that Kurama had completed. Never again would he question it's usefulness. It would seem the Inu was just as surprised when the attack raced towards him. When the dust cleared there was no sign of Sesshoumaru.

 

 

“Damn, it evaporated him.”

 

Kagome shook her head. She knew that Sesshoumaru was not dead, the Tenseiga would prevent that as it had done before. No, he would be back later after he recovered and she knew that he would not underestimate them again.

 

 

 

Reviewer Responses:

 

 

 

Arbor: You should know me better than that :-D I had planned on sending her back anyway lol. I had to have a way for Kurama to realize he could use the Tetsusaiga which wouldn't transform until it knew he wanted to protect her ;-) Hiei is quite nice. Ah my Hentai closet would be full if only I could catch these guys. Unfortunately they would never be seen again, they'd be too busy mwahaha

 

 

Rabid: The ear plugs would be a necessity. I don't want my eardrums pierced by the screaming masses. And yup, By Any Other Name is probably my favorite crossover that I have read to date. I love how Kurama is in that fic. Hiei as well. I can't wait to read what you have done for that fight scene. It should be quite good. I read the fic you provided a link for. How amusing! I can picture him doing that too, I had a good giggle fit over that one you know lol Especially the bring a friend. I wanted to scream pick me!! :-D Umm I dunno what to bet, I'm sorta broke. Spent all my money on Private investigators to find my missing muses. They're still gone by the way. What a waste of money lol I haven't decided yet. I dislike the “I'm completely helpless” routine but I also don't want the “Yes, I'm Super Miko!” either. I'll figure it out eventually. Probably around chapter 50 lol If we were to ask Hiei about protecting the rest of her family I'm sure he would not be amused. He's probably going to be pissed as all hell that Kagome's barrier threw him. Yup, unhappy fire demon ahead.

 

 

inuyuyu_15: Your routine is extremely similar to mine I've noticed.

 

 

bloodbunny: I wouldn't mind, but again we have to ask Kuronue's mate what she thinks of the idea. I don't want her upset with me O.O

 

 

Shabopo: Shrooms, don't care for them much lol I end up sifting through anything that has them in it and discarding them. Sesshoumaru made his first appearance. Now we have both an unhappy fire apparition and a homicidal Inu Youkai who just experienced the wind scar again. Things might get ugly soon. *hides* My original intent had been for Naraku to kidnap Kagome while they were in the past but what I needed to do with the Tetsusaiga and Sesshoumaru nixed that. I'll have to find another way for Monkey boy to get his hands on her. Naraku in a shopping mall, that could be amusing. Of course he'd have to go on a killing spree drawing the Reikai's attention. Hmmmmmm….. I might be able to run with that idea. I'm located in Fl, so I'm a definite night owl. Got to bed at 6 am last time. Of course I ended up at 8 am again. Beh, sleep is overrated it seems. Thanks for the recommendation by the way, that made my evening :-)

 

 

Tsukiko-san: My sanity disappeared as well, perhaps they are barhopping together or something.

 

 

Rose Fury: I'm considering exactly how perverted to make that future lemon but I also don't want to traumatize Kagome either lol Youko's just a bit intense and she's very inexperienced. Makes for an interesting combination when running these deranged images through my mind. I have a Hentai closet. Unfortunately the guys keep escaping, they say I spend too much time writing and not enough time with them.

 

 

crazy-punk-gurl: 31 now, seems like yesterday I started writing this almost. How very odd. Yes, Shippou will be getting training in illusions before he goes into school.

 

 

Kagome-reincarnation: here you go

 

 

moonlightdemonKita: Im not exactly happy with the fight scene but it was the best my tired brain could come up with lol

 

 

Kura-kun's-lovr: I cannot wait to read it, there are far too few stories with him in it. It is a shame, he really is quite talented. He's doing a great job by the way, although please don't worry. The few cuts he received during the fight scene have already been healed even though he insisted he was fine. I felt bad that both him and Kurama got hurt *sigh* He'll definitely do anything for Youko won't he, even risk his own life. Such a sweetheart, you are very lucky to have him.