InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Forbidden Pain 2 ❯ Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Hiei walked admiring his sword. The hilt was a dark silver that radiated warmth. The blade was the color of the darkest blacks in the world that almost had flames dancing on it. Seeing the inuyhanyou fighting before he had told the old man not to make anything special to it, just an indestructible sword. It was crafted well and he was anx to get blood on it. He had gotten some answers. Where Sesshomaru's son was, that many people knew Kagome had a child and they were close.

`And that the battle demon is the enemy of every dog demon out there. No wonder why Sesshomaru glared at him and kicked him out once he found out…But why did he keep him in the house later on.'

Yusuke, walking, seeing Shuichi walking with Hiei and everyone caught up with their thoughts dropped back to where Yoko was and spoke looking ahead. “My old man and I, we're the last of our race, aren't we.”

“I've never seen another of your type, I'd suppose yes though I can't be certian.” He looked down at him. “After Raizen nearly controlling you, then controlling you to do as he wanted you're going to go to him.”

“And kick his GD ass and tell him to fuck out of my head and fuck off. This my life and not his.” Yusuke looked ahead. “Not now though. I won't have a life if we're all dead. These two demons don't want to open a hole in the barrier or break it all together. They want to control everyone and kill the rest who don't bow down to them through magic… Besides I don't want to bring my kids to him. The bastard does know they exist… Just a feeling I have.”

Yoko smiled some. “That he cares of course Yusuke.”

Yusuke smirked. “Like hell he does.”

Kagome looked ahead still walking. `We left Tototsai nine days ago, and we're just now in the western lands because of my human butt… When he called me mate when he wanted to rutt, love because he wanted to rutt some more… What if it's not just because I'm human? When he first tried having sex with me he called me love at the end to lure me back for more…' She briefly closed her eyes. `Why the hell am I getting myself to think this. He would have let me die long ago if it was just for sex…Right?'

`Unless he likes fucking a forbidden one.'

Kagome looked around from hearing the voice having no idea of where it came from. Shrugging it off as herself she continued to walking not even wanting to think of why Zokusai wouldn't even look at her. She had to find the son, find Sesshomaru who probably knew where they were all along and try killing them again. And she wouldn't fail this time. She couldn't. There was just one more thing out of the norm that was bothering her.

`We haven't seen a single demon attack since we left Totosai… Since the fortress. Is it that human guy going around killing them or scaring them to submission, or something else.' She looked slightly sad. `Hiei's the only one not acting different around me. Giving glances asking to know if I still hate him, injures an animal acting like I can't kill it on my own and leaves…What's up with him.' She sighed. `All I got, but then again…'

“I don't need anyone.”

They continued on much the same. At nights they hunted when needed, slept in close areas with Hiei out of sight `sleeping' in a tree, Yoko holding her. And when they continued in the morning, or evening pending when they rested, Shio and Nijuu the most active, Katsumo having to break them up before they pisted off Hiei who was either next to Shuichi or ahead scouting. Shuichi was quiet, talkative to Yusuke at times or insighting Yoko to probe and tease him in a kitsune way that apparently only they picked up on. With Kagome in the lead, by herself, when she stopped.

As they approached yet another forest from a sandy rocky area a lone figure walked out of it. He had long grey/white hair and wore black pants and cape. The end of his massive sword had blood dripping from it. Katsumo's eyes widened.

“That sword is longer than he is tall almost.”

Kagome looked at him noticing he looked at Hiei, the only member of the group who had a sword. When she pulled out her bow-

Yoko spoke putting his hand on her shoulder. “-Let Hiei take this. If he wants a sword fight he'll get a sword fight.”

It took everything in her not to purify Yoko, or at least shock him some. She was not weak and she could do this and defend some pricks who didn't give a flying fuck about-

Yoko looked down at Kagome worried quickly removing his hand with a small burn. “Kagome what is wrong with you?”

She `growled' to herself. “Nothing.”

Hiei stepped forward separate from the group noticing the person indeed was human. He spoke after some time.

“Demon. I'm called Hiroth, though I doubt you care.” He looked at him closer. “I want to see if you'll waste my time like the rest, since you seem to be tracking me.”

Hiei unsheathed his sword dropping the sheath and stood, let the human run at him and then attacked. And was surprised. The sword heated up some and using his energy in the battle infused small flames around it. Ignoring it figuring it still a good sword he matched the human's attacks move for move. When he managed to shove him back and get a kick in and slice across his arm his nose picked up something.

Yoko sniffed. “He's not human.”

Yusuke watched the two blurs go at it. “But how would Maramaru ever get that confused.”

“something else we don't know. He doesn't smell demon though.”

Hiei growled continuing forward after getting a deep slash in his side. The guy was good, wasn't human, wasn't demon… He couldn't rule out either anymore. As he put up another series of blocks and kicked finding a gap only one thing was important as he quickly jumped over him blocking below and slashed down at his knees.

“You're going to die.”

Yusuke laughed. “Hiei and his death threats-“

Yoko cut him off seeing Nijuu acting weird. “-Nijuu.”

Nijuu shook his head for a while quickly. “There's something in the forest… that…Reminds me of... You?”

A small chuckle was heard from the forest. “I see at least one spirit kitsune is in working order.”

Yoko's eyes narrowed. “Kitsune.”

Four foxes were seen coming out of the forest. Two with red hair, one brown, one white/silver. The four all wore different traditional style clothing. The brown kitsune smirked at Nijuu who growled at him, causing the two reds to laugh at him. The white one spoke with a smile.

“It's a rare comdity to meet kitsune in these day in ages that aren't one tailed stuck forever in their true form…But aside of our own jargon. We were commissioned to kill you.” He smiled at Yoko. “Though it is a shame.” He bowed. “I don't think I've ever had the pleasure Yoko Kurama, though, you are a few years older than I.”

Yoko spoke looking dead at him. “Shimata.”

Shimata raised a brow. “You've heard of me yet can't even say hello. Once again it is a shame to meet on terms like these…And kitsune normally don't fight one another, but times are changing.”

Yoko still spoke. “So then why are you doing this. And I heard you died four hundred fifty years ago.”

He smiled. “Very good. I was injured back then and dropped off of the bandit radar for about forty years and moved to China for a long time to work on regrowing my tails.” He chuckled some. “I never was the thief you were. Though,” he turned to Kagome. “you did bag a tasty mate here Yoko Kurama.” He kept eye contact. “I know she's fire and ice, but you know, kitsune don't really care.” He licked his lips. “We're just in it for a good rutt in the long run.” He looked at Nijuu and Zokusai after a glance at the battle still going on with Hiei and Hiroth. “She made these two full bloods as well? Impressive, you really are that viral Yoko. Another spirit fox…And a fire fox, you do like them rare.” He went back to looking at Yoko.

“But to not keep you waiting we're doing this as you say because a certain demon by the name I'm sure you recognize, Chenja, contacted us quite some time ago and was honest with us. They are going to succeed with their plans and I don't want to be left behind. We kitsune are survivors after all, though… One does wonder how you are alive when you've been killed off twice. I see your mainly human there, but the most recent…”

Yoko looked at him. `Two forest kitsune most likely illusion artist, a spirit fox, and a kitsune.' “You sold out.”

“Sold out picked sides early call it what you want. An old trickster can't fool a trickster…” He went back to looking at Kagome. “Though you're the one I'm confused about little one. What has you so pist off when you don't even know me?” He studied her for a while. “Those blue eyes of yours…At me…” he smiled. “You're just pissed off at a trio of foxes and have been for some time but haven't a clue do they? Please feel free to stop me if I'm wrong, human auroras,” he licked his lips. “are a specialty of mine. Read `em like a scroll.” He laughed turning his back walking back to the forest. “Guess you're little fox family isn't as content as you want it to be, is it-“

As quick as could be the two red kitsunes ran forward towards the middle of the group and started to attack. Yoko quickly got slashed across the face doing like wise to one of them noticing he couldn't see the spirit fox any longer. Seeing the brown only attacking around Yusuke and Shuichi, and the ever changing yet purposeful pattern the two reds attacked in-

Before Yoko knew it they were all sectioned off from Kagome, facing off against the silver alone. He cursed. He had been tricked. He took a few steps and punched down the brown only to see five red kitsunes all around him, all equal in strength and saw one in the distance fighting around Katsumo grinning. They were indeed skilled at real, painful illusions.

Shimata looked at the two fighting grounds going on and sensed the kitsune magic in the air and smiled at Kagome. “Hello…Not a talker but a pist starer, okay okay.” He still smiled at her jumping up as a large stone was hurled past him. “That wasn't even from one of the two reds. You don't have to hide from me love, I know I was right about why you were pist.”

Kagome let a single tear fall down her face. The small word confirmed it. Love. They used it so freely. And she would have felt if any youkai were around her, but… He wasn't invading her mind. Everything she had though, was true. Wiping the tear away she took the bow off from her back. Kitsunes were thieves and illusion masters, sexual, cunning, and even the humans knew. And he had used them all on her.

Shimata saw the miko before him keep her bow in her right hand as she pressed her palms together and said a small prayer. “Then you're ready.”

Kagome quickly ducked down from a swipe clear across her head figuring a head on attack would come first and infused her bow with her energy going across his ankles only to find him jumping forward over her with a devious smile and claw straight across her back. She let out a shout as blood began to ooze down her back. Shimata ran forward as she stood turning around.

“You'll have to do better than that to realize your anger dove!”

Kagome quickly attacked at him with her bow only finding him jumping aside and attacking directly behind her each time having her to roll down out of the way and attack up, stand as he jumped then block behind again. Finding the pattern more bruising then anything else she quickly picked up a small rock keeping it behind her attacking at him with her bow again, found him to jump behind her and with her other hand threw the infused rock at him.

Shimata growled some with a large burn on his chest and quickly jumped back, only to find the miko with a twig already strung aimed at him. He quickly jumped aside from the other edge of the forest from where Kagome was seeing the large purity arrow flying past him, and another, and another, and another. He laughed in the air seeing her unable to hit him with the arrow.

“Face it love, you're human now and reaction time is slower than me asleep. You can't catch me this way-“

The silver let out a loud growl finding himself knocked down severly as he ran into a barrier, dome of energy. The arrows had been a distraction to move him where she wanted. Growling knowing he'd die before leaving the barrier he quickly ran at Kagome and paused seeing her hands glowing. Not the pure energy that the barrier was and the arrows and rock had been-

Shimata came to a dead halt seeing her open her eyes, now blood red. And on her hands, extremely tained energy. He saw the glimmer in her eyes and growled. She was not the superior one in this fight, but still, she was enjoying it too much-

“-I'll kill you quickly if you do something for me.”

Yusuke was certain that now, with all of the illusions going on, fifteen red foxes and eleven brown ones, that only Yoko and the three, if even the brown one, could tell what was real and what only felt real. Getting pounced on again feeling his insides pist as he was he tossed the large seven tailed fox off of him sending a jakai gun at one about to pounce on him again. Annoyed he was going to let the brown fox already in air pounce on him and punch through his stomach only to find a large black five tailed fox pounce on the brown mid air, bite through the next quickly with help from Yusuke defending and a loud yelp was heard as eight red fox illusions and two brown disappeared.

Kagome briefly closed her eyes as a gap appeared in the purify dome and walked through. She only had one injury on her, the bruises were already healed and the clawing through her back had already stopped bleeding and would be fine by morning. When the barrier dissipated the blood of the spirit kitsune wasn't seen when she realized everything she had done was against an illusion.

“Is everything an illusion.”

A red kitsune looked up, let out a small bark and soon five kitsunes were seen jumping over the rest quickly. On separate sides than the rest upon landing one went into humanoid form and smiled.

“Well that was fun.” She smiled. “Well, not for Manico because she really is dead but for the rest of us yes.” She blew a kiss at Yoko. “Work on detecting illusion better Yoko Kurama. I'll look forward to seeing you again.”

Yoko growled as the five ran off then immediately looked to his mate and was very confused. She stood alone with her eyes closed, youkai, necklace in hand. It made him wonder how powerful that kitsune really was, and who really killed one that wasn't an illusion. He saw Hiei on one knee breathing slowly, the possible human gone. And couldn't help but wonder what was the purpose of the meeting they had.

`Weaknesses then attack again later. Meaning the kitsune wanted Kagome demon, she's technically weaker in this form.'

Kagome opened her eyes not wanting to think any longer. Thoughts were what got her into this mess now. Thinking was what led her to let the spirit fox bed her, mate her, knock her up, build up her hopes, shatter them, and leave her confused. She didn't know what was what anymore.

With Yoko. The rest was as clear as before. And she was going to kill those bastards. She didn't sense the rest too injured and started her walk into the forest. If they had something to say they could say it to her face.

Yusuke held Shio and Nijuu back. “This is more than PMS, and she's not even pisted off, at whatever it is that's left her this calm.”

Yoko left the group going towards his mate in the distance in the forest. He had never felt her soul like this. Shattered. Upon tracking her further he realized that she had made two souls for herself, or one soul, two parts. One was shattered, one was strong, vibrant, warm, determined. What did each part of her soul mean, and why were there two parts at all? He continued quickly though the forest.

`What if it's me, and if it is…'

Yoko thought longer, that perhaps what the other spirit fox had said was true. That Kagome was angry at him, Nijuu and Zokusai for some reason that he didn't know because he didn't know she was upset in the first place. And when she was angry, she was normally hurt as well. That he could feel in parts of the shattered soul, half he decided to call it. Of course and not even having to think about it he would fix whatever was wrong with them, hurting her making her angry. He knew why she didn't speak up, because she didn't want to be a bother, in the way, let them do what they wanted, she wasn't important-

Yoko stopped dead on his run hearing the voices and quickly lowered his energy output. He didn't know why she had walked into the forest then ran off in the first place, but she had stopped, sat down, and was speaking to Hiei now.

As soon as she realized that she was running she stopped. Knowing she wasn't trying to out run anyone now, and if she was she couldn't, she waited for the rest to catch up to her and sat down on a mossy rock and didn't bother looking up.

Hiei looked at Kagome stopping from the run he too was on once he noticed she was gone. “Why'd you stop running.”

“I didn't realize I was running.”

Hiei sat across from her. “Hn.”

Kagome looked up at him. “I'm not being sarcastic Hiei.”

Hiei quickly looked up at her and instantly calmed down. It was the first time she had said his name…Since the first time he started calling her weak. Either she was about to die or something was really wrong. She was better than him and shouldn't forgive him.

“And the necklace.”

She still looked at him. “I asked, he removed it.” She looked down again after a `Hn'. “Power and energy aside do you wonder why you're alive.”

“Those are the only two reasons so no. We're both alive now because we are not weak and have proven ourselves to whoever comes up to us, friend or foe.”

“I know why you're not calling me a worthless piece of shit any longer Hiei don't butter it up now.”

Hiei looked at her with a pause. “You finally know why.”

She raised a brow. “I was lying I don't know and I don't really care unless you plan to tell me.” She growled to herself. “Unlike some people.”

Hiei would be killed by Yoko if he told her. `How the hell she still doesn't know after all these years and now is beyond me.' “Yoko.”

Yoko growled at him. “Leave now.”

Kagome watched as Hiei took to the trees and was quickly out of sensory range, at least hers. She was still a little fuzzy from being human for so long, though she supposed she should be used to it. Maybe she was glad Sesshomaru had decided to help her out with this part of her training as well. She looked at Yoko putting everything away ignoring him how she used to do with Nijuu when he spoke to her. Nijuu never could tell, she didn't really care if Yoko could or not. If she had this much doubt in her mind it didn't matter if it was true or not, if Yoko was interested in keeping her around because he saw her as a pet. Something he found attractive at first and liked the idea of, had to look after it and found that it was interesting. Except she was a fuckable pet.

But if he did think of her as a pet or just really was in it for the sex in the long run… She was a forbidden child, ice and fire. She would never find anything like this again a day in her life because everyone hated her in one way or another.

`But can I let myself, live with myself knowing that I would be loving Yoko and let myself get used day after day if I knew he didn't love me? I'm not going to find anything like this again because of what I am, but how long can I pretend, lie to myself.'

`You asked yourself the same thing when you told yourself you would stay with the half dog in the past and you knew he would only use you because he loved a dead woman. And you died on the inside and became what you are today. You can't live with it, and if you decided to how much worse could your life truly be little one?'

Kagome closed her eyes giving another response to Yoko. It was the second time she had heard that voice and now she was assured it wasn't her. But who was it then?

Yoko looked down at his mate seeing her complaint, but more than normal. She answered his questions, didn't put much insite on them and let him do what he wanted. And the only thing he wanted to do was help her not be so tortured in her life but couldn't if she wouldn't open up to him at all. He put a hand on her chin and lifted it up.

“Kagome what is wrong.”

Kagome decided she would have to pay attention now and looked to the side. Kagome. For the longest she just wanted people to learn her name and use it, but with him…She'd even settle for wench right about now. Maybe she couldn't let herself be happy with him or anyone, but it was a survival instinct she wouldn't abandon any time soon. She put her hand on his wrist removing it from her and walked off turning her back to him.

“It doesn't matter any longer.”

Yoko was not going to let her walk away from this and jumped in front of her and held her from walking around him. “Mate not telling me something is about the same as covering it up or lying to me I can fell something is extremely wrong and if it is with me or not I do not want and you should not be okay with having a shattered soul, this much pain.” He looked at her, himself hurt, her, cold. “Just tell me something, please.”

Mate. She looked down at herself and supposed her soul was shattered. It was either true or she had convinced herself that she didn't need or want a mate that was just using her even if it was a lie at a shot for false happiness. She spoke still looking down.

“Either you know or you don't, I'm not telling you one way or another now. I'm just not going to lie to myself again. I made that mistake once and it cost me this and doing it again…” She looked up at him smiling some. “I'd probably kill myself if I did it again and I'm alive as long as I have been so far because of my own accomplishments, nothing else.” She sighed seeing him not understanding and figured as much. “Yoko I have no intentions of telling you now while we're trying to do all of this stuff with the end of the world as we know it but for now I, just don't want to be around you if I can help it.”

Yoko did not understand at all. “What has brought these thoughts. You are angry at myself, Nijuu, Zokusai like that illusion said, but why? And why won't you tell us anything why won't you tell your mate any-“

Kagome stopped him, she didn't want to hear mate from him anylonger. “Yoko… At first it was anger, then it became an understanding. I'm not telling you and not because you didn't tell me-“ She cut herself off. “And I'm not blaming you in any way at all, far from it.” She sighed looking up at the setting sun. “Once again it's my stupid fault again and it took me being human for a while to figure it out but I'm fine with it. Free will, I made the decision and I know how I'm going to live with it because I don't want to die anymore-“

“-Kagome tell me.”

Kagome looked at him. “You don't need to hear this right now Yoko.”

Yoko looked at her. “I know what I need to hear this is what is causing your soul this much turmoil tell me mate. Don't presume that I can't take this information.”

Kagome nodded. “Fine. I pledged myself to Inuyasha back in the past when he asked me to stay with him and not return to this time. And I knew he was only using me because he was in love with a dead woman walking the earth. But I stayed with him until he basically killed me, until the very end, because I loved him and didn't care after a while if it was returned to me or not. And then I pledged myself to you and you took me as a mate. And I love you Yoko and I still do but I am not going to let myself wash away and die inside, because I do know what I feel inside and it's not what it should be. I am not going to let myself be used one way ever again like that and I guess dying inside does leave your soul shattered but you know what it does hurt. And I don't aim to do the same to you but I'd be lying to you which I have never done if I told you I wanted the same things you do.”

Yoko felt himself wither away. “You don't want to be...”

Kagome felt bad and was unable to hide it. “I don't want to hurt you but… Pain is the last thing I would ever want for you Yoko but I don't want to be used like that again-“

“-what possessed you to ever think that I don't care, don't love you and wouldn't do anything for you Kagome. Just tell me.”

She smiled at him. “Call it a voice of reason but if you would do anything for me Yoko even though it is too late, do something for yourself and move on. And no, this isn't an attempt at me telling you I'll only get you killed and you can do better. I still think you can but this was your choice, and this is mine.”

The rest walked up about ten minutes later seeing Kagome waiting against a tree, unreadable as normal. Shuichi had felt it a long time back but wouldn't say anything about it now. Yoko stood with an overcast over him, looking down. Yusuke raised a brow knowing something was wrong as Kagome started walking again and the rest followed. Nijuu dropped to the end with his father and spoke.

“Dad? Is Mom okay what's going on?”

Yoko looked at Nijuu looking up at him confused. He couldn't say anything. He hung his head again getting a whine from Nijuu who trotted up to Zokusai and spoke to him.

“Brother what's with Dad?”

“If he's not telling it's not our place to probe him.” He looked ahead. “Nor mother. We'll just give her space.”

After two days passed they made it outside of the massive forest that surrounded a large estate. Seeing the number of dog demons around the place, never having seen that many in his life Yusuke stepped forward in seeing something extremely wrong with Yoko still and spoke seeing the three dogs at the gate growling at him. He spoke ignoring it.

“Is the lord of the estate in.”

A brown dog glared at him. “Why would you want to know.”

Yusuke looked at him. “Because I, we do and if you have a problem with that, us, myself then you can let your lord deal with it.”

The dog glared at him. “Do not presume that you rein in the lands to which you walk in, boy.”

Shuichi spoke seeing Yusuke about to fight. “If it would serve the lord of the house well, would you at least announce our, arrival. I'm sure you all know of the current events as of most recent and we're here from Maramaru sama of the sorts.”

The golden dog nodded and went inside. About five minutes later the brown dog spoke still not keeping his eyes off of Yusuke.

“Enter and wait in the foyer.”

Yusuke entered, with the brown dog waiting directly in front of him and kept his gaze looked on him. The house was very similar to one of the smaller ones they had seen that were Sesshomaru's, though none of them were small in the least bit. He noticed that the house was filled with a number of different color dog demons and none had the markings on their faces like Sesshomaru did and figured it, along with the crescent moon must be a mark of royalty. He had never seen a dog demon aside of Sesshomaru and his sons and wondered why they all seemingly stayed here. They were powerful so why not reign free through out makai?

`Unless they want to stay together and are arrogant like Sesshomaru. And even if my old man and these dogs fought way back then that was at least a thousand years ago why not move over it I'm not after everyone's lands I just want to live with my wife!'

Nijuu thought to Zokusai. `Brother? Sesshomaru keeps you around and can tolerate you or something. Have you seen this demon we're waiting on?'

`No.'

He hesitated with his thought. `Mom talks to you more than she…Well you and Mom get along. Does she know what's wrong with Dad? Why he's so sad and depressed and torn and hurt-`

`-I don't know.'

Nijuu suppressed a whine, he felt them speaking in the forest days ago and knew… He looked up seeing a white/pale blue haired pale skinned demon with magenta dual face marks on each side of the face also on the wrist. He figured there were more on his body but didn't really want to know. He wasn't curious like that. A blue moon on his forehead, crescent, wearing a dark blue and red outlining traditional garb the same pattern and style as the white one, also with a yellow and blue obi. And he honestly couldn't tell that the demon before him wasn't Sesshomaru, at all. He looked towards Hiei for a while, couldn't read him, then to his brother. Even he couldn't tell.

“Maramaru did not send you here what is it that you seek here.”

Nijuu noticed as Shuichi spoke, the male before him had a voice deep like Sesshomaru, but it sounded different. He wasn't Sesshomaru.

“Maramaru sama did inform us that a human hybrid by the name of Hiroth and the demon Akumu were looking for your father as are we. We look to find Akumu and Chenja before they find us and have no leads at all to follow, this is what Sesshomaru sama instructed Kagome to do.”

The inu looked at them over for a moment then eyes returning to Shuichi. “And what makes you think that I know of his whereabouts.”

He nodded. “I have no doubt that you do lord.”

“Then you should have doubt mixed breed. To whom you seek is after the same human hybrid called Hiroth. I know where neither are though I suspect the earlier is awaiting for your arrival.”

Shuichi wasn't sure if he was telling the truth or not, but he wouldn't be getting any assistance from Yoko and the twins weren't developed enough yet. “We have passed Hiroth just before we entered the north and he left before his fight was finished. We happened to come across him, do you know to whom we might ask for his whereabouts.”

His eyes narrowed slightly. “You should ask your own company.” He turned his back. “You have five days to leave my lands or you will be killed and do not come to me presuming I have to tell you anything at all. If you've already come from the west and most of the south I will tell you the human hybrid is in Japan, unless the lot of you truly are fools.”

Yusuke scoffed going past the inu entering the forest again. “All he had to say was `hey losers my old man's after that dude with the massive sword in the east somewhere'.” He kicked a rock going further. “Do I act like that when you all call me Toushin?”

Shuichi smiled pleasantly. “Not to that extent though I do believe that is only due to the fact that you haven't been alive as long as he has.”

Yusuke smirked. “Fine fine. So when we're in the east. If we don't get any clues do we randomly wonder around or do I have to ask that bastard.”

“As well Yusuke you can't accurately call Raizen a bastard if no one knows if his parents were mated-“

“-damnit you know what I mean.” He shook his head. “There's a small ass hole in the barrier up ahead I'm going into ningenkai to call Kieko, tell her I'll be gone for an extended more amount of time and right back.” He walked off. “You commin' Kagome?” He turned around walking backwards and rolled his eyes. “Let me rephrase, come with me now Kagome.”

Kagome followed Yusuke towards the portal as he exited taking out his cell phone and called in the park. There were a few children near by in seeing how it was school hours and figured delinquents wouldn't ask questions that might get themselves in trouble. She didn't know why Yusuke was asking for her. Of course to talk about why Yoko was so depressed and she didn't want anything to do with anyone. He wasn't going to be getting any answers, even if he was Toushin.

Yusuke pushed the button on the cell phone and placed the small thing he was surprised still in one piece back in his pocket. He turned to Kagome and looked at her.

“Kagome what's wrong? It's been going on for a while now, weeks. And since that fight with the foxes and you got the necklace off Yoko's going around like he's dying and I know you two…” Yusuke looked at her worried. “That fox said you were angry at them.” He saw her stare at him. “Kagome we're not your enemies and I would have thought you to know that for bold honesty by now what is wrong? There's no way that this could have come from no where and it's not just him. Even Nijuu's more tame because of it and normally I'd be rejoiced at this but… What happened.”

“If it makes this go along quicker I'm not going to tell you.”

“Damnit Kagome I'm your friend Yoko's your friend Yoko's your mate why aren't you two even being around each other…” Yusuke looked at her closer, grabbed her incase she decided to get away and lifted up her shirt some looking at her hip, let her go and looked at her. “You two aren't…”

Kagome let out a sigh. `If it's gone then that means he finally let go of me, at least physically. Once he's not dead any longer his spirit will move on, if that's even possible for him. And I want it to be.' “Make of it what you want Toushin is there anything else you want.”

Yusuke felt bad. `She wouldn't do it to keep him safe, and I know Yoko loves her without a doubt otherwise he would have been just fine and of having sex with the first thing with tits that met his standards…' “I thought you love Yoko.”

“I do love him.”

Yusuke was even more confused. “This is permanent.”

“I'd hope so.”

Yusuke lowered his head some. “Fine. Let's find Raizen.”

`If he asked any more questions I'd even start to say something else.'

Kagome lowered her head. “Like don't blame this on Yoko.”

Yusuke turned around. “You say something?” He saw her shake her head. “Let's go then.”

Yoko watched as Kagome walked straight past him and everyone else and started up walking towards the lands that called themselves east. He turned seeing Yusuke emerge looking hurt, sad, but mainly extremely confused.

“How's Katsumi.”

Yusuke turned to Yoko a bit shocked to hear his voice. “She's trying to walk around now and Kieko's having a field day buying dresses and making holes for the tail. She's fine.”

Yoko nodded. “Does Raizen still speak to you in your mind when he feels like it.”

“Unfortunately.”

“Then I suggest not taken this group inside of his, home, and least of all your children. If he has some type of Vendetta against you your children wouldn't stand up against him at all.” He saw Yusuke look up at him. “and no I've never seen Raizen, I'm not that old Yusuke.”

Yusuke smiled some. “Just a wonder on my mind that's all.”

“And if you have something to say and you're thinking about it that much Hiei wherever he is will hear you if Nijuu looks at you as if you are possessed. Words from you can do no more harm.”

“She said she loves you and hasn't stopped.”

Yoko looked ahead of her. “I… Don't know.”

“You didn't know that she still loves you?”

“That as well… Why and where it came from but pushing it on her only pushes me more away and I can not live without her in my life even if she… Can.” Yoko shook her head. “But I can't lead Nijuu and Zokusai on as well and let them continue to be…This. I'm stable Yusuke.”

“I'm still worried about you two.”

“Appreciated but as of now you need to focus on what you will do once you come upon Raizen.”

Yusuke nodded. “Go in demand it upon him beat his ass if need be then leave. I don't want a damn thing to do with that bastard.”

“And refrain from calling him a bastard.”

Yusuke smiled up at him. “That'll be the most difficult thing.”

Kagome looked in the distance seeing the rest settled down from the day. They had traveled for about two days straight when Yoko called rest. She wondered if he saw Shuichi as his son or himself or just someone that was related to him but didn't think much about it. That wasn't important.

`Finding these two demons, killing them, reporting to Sesshomaru who'll banish me to the ends of the earth and tell me never to see him again unless there's someone too powerful after the jewel for me to kill. If I die it's my responsibility to find him before and let him know so that he may revive me and I will never have a moments of peace in my life.' She smiled looking up. `Guy doesn't have to try hard if that's what this is now.'

`Why even follow what the dog demon says? Because he'll kill you? You're killing yourself. Why are you even still here?'

Kagome blinked looking forward. Yet another question ontop of the many she already had floating around in her mind. She looked around seeing Hiei even further away from the group and figured he was either already asleep or looking at her. She shook her head. She didn't have time to figure out what was up with him and didn't really care. She had eaten two days ago, she was fine, despite what anyone said to her.

Zokusai looked on seeing his mother finally go to sleep without eating once again. He didn't care if she wanted to keep him away, he wasn't going to let her. He wasn't going to lose her again.

Yusuke stood ontop of a cliff days later seeing it ahead. Rocks, dead landscape, no plant life. Was this what his father called home? And if so why the hell would anyone fight for this? Realizing that he had just called Raizen father in his head he growled to himself.

`That old blacksmith said there was some spell on the place. So maybe this is it. My old man's shack can't look this damn bad and if it does then maybe he's that damn old and can't tell any longer.' He continued looking ahead. `Interesting. Maybe I'll find something of good use here.' He looked back towards a small hill seeing the rest asleep. Then Kagome, then Hiei above her out of her viewing range asleep. `Out of Yoko's viewing range as well. He still likes her even though she's made it clear she doesn't want to like anyone.' He shook his head looking back at the dead land in front of him. `At least he can hide it from her…Second thought he does a bad job at it and Kagome just doesn't pick up on it.' He briefly closed his eyes. `I'll head out come dawn.'

Kagome opened her eyes in the black of night knowing everyone was asleep, and for the first time that she's come across of since she's known of his existence Yusuke was actually awake keeping guard. She smiled some at the thought and stood to briefly feed herself, finding a small animal on the hill. Finishing it she came down the hill when she noticed Hiei, sleeping with his hand on his hilt. Above where she was once sleeping. Shaking her head knowing that she had been around foxes for too long she sat up on the hill and waited.

Hiei opened his eyes seeing the rest still asleep and Yusuke sitting on the cliff alone. Looking closer he found him asleep and wondered why-

“-Why are you looking at me when I'm asleep.”

Hiei turned around standing. He was getting slack if he hadn't noticed her awake and behind him up on the hill side. Or she was getting better.

“Don't become full of yourself woman I make my rest where I feel like it.”

Kagome walked down the hill past him. “Fine.”

Hiei wasn't going to get another chance like this. “Why aren't you mated to Yoko any longer.”

Kagome stopped and turned around. “Does everyone know now.”

“The brats don't, they couldn't tell if they wanted to since Nijuu's too much of a fool to use what abilities he has.”

“He's not focused. It'll come to him with time. And I'm not going to answer your question.”

“Why.”

She turned going back down the hill. “Because.”

Yusuke woke up seeing Kagome away from the rest and went in front of the majority of the group knowing her and Hiei could hear him. They were all awake and he wasn't going to get his sons killed if his old man didn't find them worthy.

“I'll be back eventually.”

Shio spoke. “Can I come Dad?”

Yusuke waved his hand in the distance walking/jogging. “You're a pain Shio but I don't want you dead!”

Yusuke made it further into the desolate land. For hours. Infact he had kept the same pace for an entire day seeing nothing. When a wave of energy flushed over him. Almost stopping but not wanting to be seen as weak from his old man or watching eyes he continued on. When he noticed his eyes were closed, he opened them and was a bit confused.

He was jogging through serine valleys with lush peaceful forests, water falls, birds singing in the sky. Flowers. Squirrels. Lakes. Even a damn family of rabbits-

“What the fuck.”

Yusuke stopped running seeing two bald men that he presumed were demons wearing plain clothing step in front of him.

“You've come alone Raizen sama.”

Yusuke growled at them. “Do not call me by that name.”

The one on his left laughed. “Just like your father.” He started running and shouted in the distance. “Come Uremeshi sama! Your father is not a lazy man!”

Yusuke easily caught up to their run finding it boring. Even worse looking at the almost Disney view around him. Growling to himself he saw an edge and the two bald men jump off of it. The land was desolate once again, stone, for a very short while that led to a massive structure of stone and other materials he couldn't identify. The two slowed down immediately to a walk as they entered through the small double doors and stopped. The other who hadn't spoken to him nodded.

“Raizen sama is waiting in the northern tower…It is perfectly safe for your family and associates here Uremeshi sama. Shall I send for them?”

Yusuke laughed once. “They ain't gonna think it's safe if I'm not coming for them.” He gave his cell phone to him after a few quick pushes of the buttons. “Give it to the grown Spirit Fox.”

Yusuke saw him walk out of the door then start his run again. Not sure what to think of the place and finding the décor better than the stupid happy shit he just ran through he avoided the people in the halls and on the stairs that bowed to him, finding them all basically human looking and continued for the north tower. Annoyed at spiral stair cases from the past he quickly made work of them and opened the metal door.

The room was plain, stone, with one window letting in natural light with metal bars going across it. The only other thing in the room was a large black stone chair with a man sitting it in. With white/grey large and long hair similar to his own except longer in the front and a bit taller. He wore a yellow head band, light blue pants with wrappings on the outside of them. From his elbows to his wrist were bandaged though he wasn't injured. Yusuke glared at him.

“Bastard.”

Raizen looked at him. “Idiot. You're the bastard, not myself.” He scoffed. “Like a pathetic piece of shit in front of me all of that good blood gone to waist and you can't even do a damn good thing about it. And you took a human for a mate-“

“-if you got a damn fucking problem with me and mine then why the hell do you keep getting into my head!”

Raizen laughed some seeing him lose composure. “Your brother would have liked you, as a person an in bed but the bastard's dead and has been since before you were even thought of.” He saw the confused look Yusuke was giving him. “Siblings of our kind since there aren't that many of us tend to fuck one another. Good rutt no offspring so there's no problems.”

Yusuke calmed himself down as much as he could. “So then you sick bastard why this why taunt me why try to control me during fights when I'm-“

“-with your wife?” He narrowed his eyes. “Because I can. And I can make her scream more than your pathetic ass ever could hope for.” He looked at him closer. “And what are you looking at? Never seen your old man before or something or like what you see? I'm not into that in any form.”

“Why do you have so many more markings over your ugly ass than I do.”

Raizen smirked. “Because I'm old damnit I wasn't born with this many.” He pointed. “The one that spirals on my face formed when I was a thousand and finished ten years later. They're denser above the forearms and the lower back and if you can manage to get another mate who's not human when you're five hundred you get some around your little dick that females just love.” He shook his head. “You don't even know me and yet you dislike me. That's the problem with you boy, stupid and you don't know a damn thing.”

“Yeah? And what the fuck do you know then? What makes you so special and if you got something to say get up to my face and make something about it.”

“I know because I have lived and seen these things and that makes me special, unique and someone you should try listening to some time instead of refuting. Maybe most of the times I got into your head was because your stupid bastard ass was about to get killed.” He smirked. “And I don't have ot get up if I don't want to.” He saw the anger in his eyes yet his calm demeanor and raised his energy some. “If you can get me out of this chair I'll do something for ya bastard. Bet you'll like that. Won't have to be around your old man.”

Yusuke raised his energy. “Asshole.”

“Yes I have one and useless taunts aren't going to get my asshole out of this seat. Focus, concentrate, and hate me later.” He saw Yusuke shot a jakai gun at him only to have it dissipate away from his energy and then start to attack it fist on. He laughed out loud. “You really are pathetic! You can't even use all of the energy that is part of your birth right bastard!”

Yusuke raised his energy even more, markings stand out more and started attacking. “Shut up!”

Yoko looked up seeing Kagome sitting afar with her eyes closed and on the opposite side Hiei doing the same thing. He knew it was because of their previous life styles and not because of anything else. He stood a few moments later with Shuichi doing the same. Two bald men wearing plain grey and purple clothing were seen running towards them and quickly stopped to a walk once near. The one on the left spoke.

“Yoko Kurama.” He bowed. “Raizen sama has requested this to you.”

Yoko thought flipping the phone open. `I suppose Raizen would be Yusuke's official name, to which he probably told them not to call him by. His message is brief: Speaking with old man, bald man takes to the shack, watch my children.' Yoko spoke with a nod. “Let's go.”

The two bowed to the rest. “We will be running. If anyone can not keep up they will not be allowed into the estate.”

The other spoke. “Are you prepared with your belongings?”

Yoko smirked at Shuichi. “Ready?”

Shuichi sighed. “You're having entirely too much fun with this.”