InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Seductive Embrace ❯ Chapter 4 ( Chapter 4 )

Nari strolled through the small town, stopping here and there to gather supplies for her mistress. She had already found several fine silks with which she could make kimonos. She smiled, thinking of how beautiful Tarasu would look, especially in the black silk. She hadn't been able to uncover any rumors of strong females in the area, so decided to stop at the local tavern for a drink in the hopes of hearing something.

 

She approached the bar, ordering a drink before taking a seat at a table in the back. She mentally laughed when several of the locals immediately left, knowing who she was and what she was most likely looking for.

 

Although Nari didn't have any special abilities, she possessed superb hearing, so one by one, she eavesdropped each table, catching a few moments of each conversation. When she had finished listening to the last discussion, but not obtaining any useful information, she chugged the last of her drink. She rose from her chair, preparing to leave, but stopped when two handsome demons walked through the door. Eyeing them up and down, she returned to her seat, motioning to the bartender to bring her another drink. If she couldn't find any females, then she could at least bring in the two juicy youkai that were before her.

 

The two males, from what she could gather from appearances, were wolf and fox. Both had a muscular build, the wolf's dark brown hair accentuating his blue eyes, while the fox had green eyes, his auburn hair pulled back into a ponytail.

 

After they had settled down at a table, she once again spread out her senses, wanting to figure out the best way to lure them to her mistress. She always used one of three tactics; lust, chivalry, or greed. She would flirt with them, promising them a good time if they escorted her home. If the male actually held some morals, she would pretend that she was lost, desperately in need of someone strong and brave to take her home. And if those two were out of the question, she would bribe them, promising a hefty cash reward for her safe arrival home.

 

As she observed the two, she figured the best route would be to play the lost innocent girl. She was about to rise to approach their table when part of their conversation caught her attention.

 

“Damn Sesshoumaru. Why can't he hold his meetings some place closer to my lands? I hate leaving Ayame alone with the cubs” the wolf youkai protested loudly.

 

“You know as well as I that Sesshoumaru will not go out of his way to make things easier for anyone. Besides, you know that you didn't have to come” replied the fox.

 

“I know, but I'm just as anxious as you to find out when we can contact Kagome. Its been too damn long since I've seen my woman, and I want to make sure that she's safe after her incident with dog turd.”

 

“Kouga”, the fox responded with an exasperated sigh. “Do you still think Kagome will be your mate. What about Ayame? She would have your head if she heard you talking like that.”

 

“Hey, its common knowledge that wolf youkai can have more than one mate” he responded matter-of-factly, crossing his arms defiantly.

 

“And what do you think Kagome would say? Do you really think that she would want to be second best in another relationship? You of all people know what Inuyasha put her through, and if she still possess the Shikon no Tama, it would be too dangerous for her to stay in Makai.”

 

Nari's eyes lit up with curiosity with the mention of the fabled jewel. She had heard a few stories pertaining to the artifact, but everyone had always assumed that the jewel had vanished from existence.

 

“I know, I know. You don't have to lecture me kit. At any rate, I can always dream, can't I?” replied the wolf dreamily.

 

The fox youkai rolled his eyes at his companion, but chose to not argue the subject any further. After the wolf had apparently finished day dreaming, they began talking again, much to Nari's satisfaction.

 

“Well, Kouga, we had better get moving. We wouldn't want to upset Sesshoumaru by being late.”

 

“Keh. I don't care what dog man thinks. If I want to be late, then I'll be late.”

 

“Yeah, and then he won't let you in on the information. You know that Sesshoumaru is one of the few that has the connections to find out what we need to know, and the only reason that he is helping us is that Kagome was the key player to the destruction of Naraku. Although he won't admit it, I think he actually grew to respect her for what she was, and is doing this, knowing that it would make Kagome happy.”

 

“Hell, Sesshoumaru? Respect a human? I thought he was just getting senile in his old age and didn't realize what he was doing” snorted the wolf.

 

The fox rolled his eyes once again, choosing once again to ignore his companion.

 

“At any rate, let's get out of here.” With that, the fox abandoned his seat.

 

 

Nari took that as her cue. Putting on her most innocent looking face, she timidly approached the two youkai, clearing her throat to get their attention.

 

The two turned around, both inspecting her cautiously. If they had learned one thing in their long lives, it was not to trust anyone.

 

“Ano…I was wondering if you two could help me?” asked Nari softly, her eyes downcast.

 

“What can we do for you miss?” asked the wolf.

 

“Well, it seems that I have become separated from my companions, and was wondering if you two would be kind enough to escort me home.” Nari lifted her eyes, trying to give them her best puppy dog eyes.

 

“Well, I don't know. We're in a bit of a hurry” replied Shippo apologetically. He wanted to help her, but didn't want to risk angering Sesshoumaru.

 

Kouga took one look at the girl's innocent face, and was immediately suckered in. “What's wrong with you Shippo. She needs help, and we should help her. After all, it's a man's duty” boasted Kouga, puffing out his chest.

 

Shippo thought about it for a moment, trying to make a decision. If one of them were to escort the girl home, and the other continue, then at least one of them would make it in time. But which one of them should go with the girl?

 

Shippo looked over at Kouga, who had grasped her hand in his, promising that he would protect her on her journey home. That's when Shippo decided that it would probably be best for him to take the girl home, since Kouga was known to be easily distracted, and he could catch up with Kouga in no time since he had perfected his transforming techniques. All he would have to do is transform into a bird and meet up with the wolf.

 

“Fine. But I'll take her home, and you'll continue on. I'll meet up with you when I'm done.”

 

Nari faltered for a minute. She wanted both of them to come with her, but didn't want to be suspicious.

 

“Ano…wouldn't it be safer if we all stuck together?” she asked shyly.

 

“Naw, Kouga will be alright, and I can handle myself until I meet up with him. It's just we have a very important meeting to get to, and at least one of us has to be there on time” answered Shippo, waving his hand at the wolf in a disregarding fashion.

 

The wolf glared at the fox for a moment, but quickly shrugged it off. “Fine, I'll go ahead, but you better meet up with me, kit, cause I don't want to meet with Sesshoumaru by myself.” With that Kouga sped out the door, heading towards the west.

 

Shippo nodded towards the blonde. “Lead the way.”

 

Nari smiled, gathering her packages from her days shopping, before exiting out the door. If Shippo had been paying attention, he would have caught the pitying looks directed towards him from many of the tavern's occupants.

 

`Well, better the one than neither of them. Maybe with the right persuasion, we can get some more information about this Kagome girl and the Shikon, and then Tarasu will fulfill her promise' she thought to herself smugly.

 

 

 

 

 

As they neared the movie theater, the discussion of what movie to watch was brought up. Youko already had something in mind.

 

`We should see a horror movie. Females get scared at horror movies, and then they get clingy.' Youko exclaimed excitedly, immediately imagining Kagome locked onto their arm.

 

`We have to find something that every one agrees on' Shuichi argued.

 

Youko was about to push through enough to make the suggestion when Kagome's voice reached their ears.

 

“If it's not a problem, can we see something that has some action in it, maybe something a little scary? I hate movies that are all drama.” Kagome hated love stories, since all they did was remind her of Inuyasha.

 

Inside their mind, Youko displayed one of the most devilish looking smiles that Shuichi had ever witnessed, causing him to shudder.

 

Yusuke turned around in the front seat to where he was looking at her. “Kagome, you're my new best friend. Keiko, I guess you're out voted.”

 

“Fine, but you're going to take me to see the other movie that I want to watch soon” she replied.

 

Kagome turned towards Kurama, wanting to know his opinion. She was about to ask, but something about his eyes caught her attention. She could have sworn that his eyes had shimmered to a golden color. But as soon as she had seen it, it was gone. She blinked a few times, but the same brilliant green welcomed her. She shrugged it off, thinking it was probably just the lighting, considering they were in a dark vehicle.

 

Kurama was so entranced with her sapphire orbs, which seemed to glow in the surrounding darkness, that her next question caught both Shuichi and Youko off guard.

 

“So what do you think?” she asked.

 

Youko pushed through at the same moment that Shuichi was about to reply.

 

“Beautiful” they responded in unison, surprising the both of them.

 

Kagome looked bewildered for a moment, but blushed when she realized the way he was looking at her.

 

Shuichi regained full control when he realized their outburst. “Oh, I'm sorry. Yes, that sounds like a wonderful idea.”

 

“Great” Kagome responded, quickly turning away from Kurama, hoping that he had not noticed her blush.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kagome and Shuichi walked behind Keiko and Yusuke as they headed for the ticket booth of the movie theater. So far, no more fighting had erupted from the couple in front, much to the other pair's relief. But the relief was short lived.

 

“What do you mean you don't have any money Yusuke? I thought Koenma started paying you?” asked Keiko angrily.

 

Yusuke mumbled something uncomprehendable, even to Kurama's excellent hearing.

 

“What was that?” she asked.

 

“I said that I spent it on a video game. Happy?” Yusuke all but yelled at her.

 

Keiko rolled her eyes at Yusuke, but decided that she wanted to try and keep the remainder of the evening peaceful. “Fine. I'll pay for us, but you had better make it up to me when you get paid again. Got it?”

 

“Yes mam” replied Yusuke mockingly.

 

Keiko glared at Yusuke for a moment longer, but turned her attention away from her boyfriend to pay for their tickets. Once she had received them, the couple retreated from the window, Keiko still fuming and Yusuke still pouting.

 

Kagome approached the window next, pulling out the money she had brought with her just in case. She jumped slightly when she felt a hand close over hers. When she looked up, Kurama had an almost scolding expression to him.

 

“Now Kagome, where would my manners be if I let you pay for yourself.”

 

Kagome looked confused for a moment, but quickly recovered.

 

“I'm sorry Shuichi, but I must insist that I pay for my own ticket. You're a really nice guy, and I wouldn't feel right letting you pay for me when we aren't even on a date” she replied sweetly, turning to pay the ticket lady before Kurama could regain his composure.

 

 

`That was a first.'

 

`Ouch. That was harsh…yet not insulting. I think I like her even more' Youko answered, his lips turning up into a playful grin.

 

`She may be harder to win over than we originally expected.'

 

`Well, if it's a game she wants, then it's a game she'll get' replied Youko, his tail swishing back and forth in their mind.

 

Shuichi mentally groaned at the implications of that statement. He now knew that it would be extremely difficult to control Youko and almost considered calling it a night until Kagome's voice broke through his thoughts.

 

“Shuichi, are you ok?”

 

Kurama looked up, immediately locking with Kagome's blue eyes.

 

“Oh, yes, I'm fine. Just daydreaming, that's all.”

 

“Ok. I just hope that I didn't offend you or anything” Kagome replied, worry creeping into her eyes.

 

Kurama continued to look at her, his lips curling into one of his most charming smiles. “Let me assure you that you did no such thing. Instead, I must again apologize for being so forward.”

 

Kagome's face lit up with a smile, making Kurama's heart almost skip a beat. “Don't worry about it Shuichi. I know you were just trying to be polite. We better hurry, or we won't be able to find Keiko and Yusuke in the crowd.”

 

“Oh, don't worry. All you have to do is look for the loudest couple” he responded with a smirk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the two had located their friends, the group made their way into the theater, taking seats near the back. The boys sat in the outer seats with the girls in between them. Keiko and Yusuke had started cuddling, leaving Kagome and Kurama to their own musings.

 

 

“So, Kagome, have you graduated from high school yet?”

 

“Barely, but yes” she answered truthfully.

 

“Really. You don't strike me as a person who would have problems in school” he responded. If Kurabara could pass high school with flying colors, then she should have had no problems.

 

“Oh, well, it wasn't because of my grades per say, but rather my health. I was very sick and missed a lot of school. Actually, I think my grades were my saving grace.”

 

Kurama nodded his head in understanding, but Youko seemed reluctant to accept her answer.

 

`Why would she lie about something like that?' questioned Shuichi.

 

`Look at her. Does she look like someone who has ever been seriously ill enough to miss so much school to not pass?'

 

`True. But I don't think it would be a good idea to delve any deeper. It wouldn't do us any good to make her think that we don't believe her.'

 

Youko shook his head in disgrace. `I thought that you would have learned this by now. You just have to ask the right questions.'

 

Before Shuichi could say another word, Youko had pushed through enough to take control of their vocal chords. Settling a concerned look on his features, he looked at Kagome.

 

“My, that must have been awful. What were you sick with?” he asked.

 

Kagome looked over at him, almost shuddering under his intense stare. She started fidgeting, not knowing what to say, and quickly regretted saying anything about it. She didn't want to tell him any of the embarrassing illnesses that her grandfather had made up for her.

 

“Well, just a bit of this and a bit of that. You know how it is, when it rains, it pours” she replied in a soft voice, hoping that that would be a good enough answer for him.

 

She noticed as he looked her up and down, grateful when his unwavering stare turned more soft.

 

“I understand if you don't want to talk about it, but if you ever have any problems with your health, just let me know. Botany is one of my specialties, and I'm sure that I could mix something up for you.”

 

“Arigato” she replied, relieved that he hadn't pushed the issue any further.

 

The movie theater became silent as the lights began to dim. Youko continued to examine Kagome from the safety of their mind.

 

`She is definitely hiding something.'

 

Shuichi remained silent for a moment, thinking over the last part of their conversation with Kagome. `Maybe she's just embarrassed to tell us what was wrong with her' he offered.

 

`Nonsense. This girl hasn't been seriously ill a day in her life. Look how healthy her appearance is, and not to mention her energy.'

 

`Even if she is hiding something, we just can't interrogate her.'

 

`As I said before, all you have to do is ask the right questions' he responded before withdrawing into their mind to ponder his new puzzle.

 

 

Shuichi visibly relaxed with Youko's departure. He couldn't explain why, but he felt it necessary to not scare the girl off. He shifted his gaze to where he was looking at her, but not making it obvious. He couldn't understand why he felt so drawn to her, and it just wasn't him, but Youko too. He had never seen Youko so interested in a human before, and it was almost unnerving. From the moment that they had ran into each other in the park, the both of them had been immediately attracted to her, and it just wasn't physically, either. She had an air about her that just screamed mystery, he decided, and that was what had reigned them in.

 

 

 

Kurama continued to watch Kagome during the movie, Youko especially intrigued with her demeanor. The movie that they had chosen was a fairly graphic one, yet Kagome seemed completely unfazed by the gore.

 

`Well, she did say that she liked these types of movies' Shuichi offered when Youko began to pout, disappointed that the girl hadn't latched onto their arm yet.

 

`Still, I was hoping that she would have at least a somewhat startled reaction. Look at Keiko. She's seen more bloodshed than most lower youkai ever get to experience, and she's at least jumping' he replied, referring to Keiko's audience at the Dark Tournament.

 

`True' Shuichi agreed.

 

`Well, if she won't cuddle with us, then we'll have to take a different approach.'

 

Shuichi was about to ask Youko what he meant by that when his mind reeled, knowing immediately that the disorienting feeling was due to Youko trying to take control. He instantly fought against the intrusion, but knew that when Youko had his mind set on something, that it was nearly impossible to stop him.

 

Shuichi watched with dread as Youko stretched their arms, resting their hand on the same armrest that was currently occupied by Kagome. They felt her tense as his hand brushed hers, but they were pleased when she quickly relaxed, redirecting her attention to them.

 

“Is it ok if I share this arm rest with you?” Youko purred out innocently.

 

“Ah…sure” she replied, not knowing what to say.

 

Their hands remained on the armrest, slightly overlapping each other. They continued to watch the movie, but as a particularly violent scene began to play out, Youko glanced to his side, wanting to observe the girl's reaction. The hero of the movie and his comrades were facing their arch nemesis. During the confrontation, one of the said comrades had been severely injured, and instead of finishing the fight, the hero went instead to the aid of his fallen friend, causing himself to be wounded. Youko was completely taken off guard when she smiled.

 

“That was sloppy. He should have finished the fight, and then helped his friend. Then if his friend did die, then it wouldn't be in vain” she whispered nonchalantly, her eyes never leaving the screen.

 

Youko and Shuichi were surprised, to say the least. Only veteran fighters could retain such wisdom.

 

`Just something else to add to her mystery' Youko stated.

 

`Indeed' replied Shuichi, clearly perplexed by her statement.

 

Within a few minutes, the movie had ended, with a triumphant victory for the heroes and a happy ending. Youko had ceded control back to Shuichi, but didn't fail to notice Kagome's almost disappointed expression.

 

“Is something the matter?” Kurama asked her as they exited the theater.

 

“Its nothing. I just get annoyed when every movie has to end with a happy ending. It just makes it all the more unrealistic.”

 

“I agree, but what makes you say that?” he prodded.

 

“Well, let's just say that I've learned from previous experiences that not every tale can end that way” she replied.

 

`Ask her what she means by that' Youko encouraged.

 

Shuichi was about to fulfill his request when an unwanted, yet familiar, voice caught his attention.

 

“Ah, Shuichi, there you are. We…I mean I was looking all over for you today.”

 

Kurama turned around, mentally cursing his bad luck when he recognized her as one of the girls that had chased him into the park.

 

“I'm sorry. Sanda, was it? I had other business to attend to this afternoon” he replied, scanning the area to look for a suitable escape.

 

“Awww! You remembered my name!” she exclaimed dreamily.

 

`Just kill her and be done with it' Youko hissed annoyingly.

 

Shuichi chose to ignore his counterpart, but quickly considered it as the next event played out.

 

“So, who is this, might I ask” Sanda questioned, eyeing Kagome up and down.

 

“Kagome Higurashi. Pleased to meet you” Kagome replied, bowing in greeting.

 

Sanda scowled at Kagome. “So, is she your girlfriend or something.”

 

Kurama was about to reply, but was beat to it. “No, we're more like friends” answered Kagome politely.

 

“Well, you look to more than friends in my opinion, especially with the way you're hovering all over MY Shuichi” she spat, noticing how close they were standing to each other.

 

“Told ya so” Yusuke whispered to Keiko, who were currently standing to the side of the trio.

 

“Excuse me?” Kagome asked, confusion taking over friendly features.

 

“You heard me. He probably just found you strutting your stuff on the corner and picked you up. Now move aside.” The girl went to push Kagome away from Kurama, but before the girl's hand could make contact with Kagome's shoulder, she sidestepped the attack, causing Sanda to fall forward. Kagome extended her arms out to the girl, not wanting her to fall, but Sanda grabbed the bottom of Kagome's shirt. The sound of ripping fabric filled the air, the falling girl landing on the ground, clutching a piece of cloth in her hand.

 

Kagome looked mortified. She had ripped the entire right side of her shirt off, exposing her hip and part of her lower back to everyone's eyes.

 

“Damn, Kagome. What happened to you?” Yusuke asked, eyeing the gruesome scars on her back.

 

“Yusuke” Keiko whispered a hint of warning in her voice.

 

Kagome's eyes began to moisten with unshed tears. She hated it when she had to explain her scars to others. She had received one of two reactions; repulsion or pity. And the truth was that she had learned to prefer the repulsion over the sympathy, hating it when people felt sorry for her due to her disfigurement.

 

Noticing her glassy eyes, Kurama quickly removed his over shirt, draping it over Kagome's shoulders to hide her exposed body from view, but not before taking in an eyeful. Kagome looked up at him gratefully, but as they turned to leave, Sanda jumped up from the floor, Kagome's shirt still clutched in her hand.

 

“See, Shuichi. She's deformed, so how could you want to be seen with the likes of her?” she said haughtily.

 

Kurama turned to look at her, contempt radiating from his being.

 

“If you even try to approach myself or my friends again, I will personally make you regret it” he replied in a deadly tone, Youko backing him up.

 

The girl was speechless, to say the least. Kurama began walking again, thankful that the annoying girl chose to remain silent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The passengers of the car remained silent for most of the way home, still shocked over the night's most recent events.

 

`How in the hell did she get those scars?' Youko asked, more or less to himself than to Shuichi.

 

`I don't know, but it must have been traumatic, since I gather that what we've seen is only a portion of what's on her back.”

 

`But what situation could she have possibly been in that would have caused her to obtain that type of injury? They look like claw marks to me.'

 

`Yes they do, but I don't think that now is the right time to ask her about them. We will probably need to wait until she is ready to share that information.'

 

Youko remained silent for a moment, considering his counterpart's words. `For once, I agree with you on that. But on another note, did you see how she reacted to the attack. She completely avoided it like it was nothing.'

 

`I noticed that too. Perhaps she has taken some form of martial arts' he offered.

 

Their attention was brought back to their surroundings when Kagome spoke, the first time since their encounter with Sanda.

 

“Well, I guess you all are wondering how I received these scars?” she asked, not bothering to look up from her squirming hands.

 

Everyone remained silent, and Kagome took that as her cue to answer them.

 

“It happened about a year ago, when a really big dog approached our home. Being as naive as I am, I approached it, thinking it was friendly. It wasn't until I was in arm's reach of the dog when I realized that it was aggressive. I tried to run from it, but the dog attacked me, scratching up my back” she explained solemnly, not once looking up. She hoped they would believe her story, knowing that if it was her, that she wouldn't believe a word of it. But it was the best excuse she could come up with.

 

Everyone remained silent as they digested the information. Well, everyone except Youko.

 

`That's bullshit. Those aren't scratches, those are lacerations, too deep to have been caused by a normal dog. Plus, there were five marks, and if I'm correct, dogs only have four claws on their front paws. It looks more like they were done by a hand with extremely sharp claws' Youko explained, illustrating by flexing his own.

 

`I agree, but there must be a good reason why she won't tell the truth.'

 

`Exactly. It's because she's hiding something.'

 

Shuichi remained silent for a moment. `As I said before, we'll just have to wait until she's ready to give us that information. Judging by her reaction to us seeing them, she is very uncomfortable with people knowing about it.'

 

A very perturbed Youko stayed silent, brooding over the newest mystery that had been added to his list concerning the girl.

 

Shuichi returned his attention to Kagome, trying to think of something to say that would make her feel better.

 

“I'm sorry that this happened. It's my fault, and if there's anything that I can do to make it up to you, just let me know.”

 

“Well, if you two start hanging out more, you could always hire a bodyguard for her” Yusuke spluttered out, turning to face the couple in the back so they could see his playful grin.

 

Kagome choked back a laugh when she saw Yusuke's face, quickly wiping away the tears that threatened to fall. It's not like she couldn't handle being threatened by other girls. Hell, this was nothing compared to Kikyou coming after her life due to her association with Inuyasha.

 

“Don't worry about it Shuichi. You had no way of knowing that that would have happened. Besides, I was warned” she explained, playfully glaring at the still smirking Yusuke.

 

Satisfied that Kagome was no longer upset, Kurama chose to drop the subject. As they approached Kurama's apartment, he began to wonder when he would next be able to see Kagome again, hoping that tonight's experience wouldn't scare her off. When the car came to a stop, he reached over, grasping Kagome's small hand, placing a chaste kiss on it.

 

“I do hope to enjoy your company again, Kagome” he said with sincerity.

 

“Well, I think we could all do without the stripping of Kagome part again” Yusuke joked again. All the outburst earned him was another playful glare from Kagome and a swat upside the head from Keiko.

 

“Me too” she replied shyly.

 

Kurama once again gave her one of his most charming smiles, reluctantly placing her hand back in her lap. He stepped out of the car, waving as it sped off.

 

 

 

 

 

A/N: I would like to thank all my reviewers =) If you see any mistakes, or have any suggestions, please don't hesitate to tell me.

 

 

Fox Vixen , PrincessRock323, BrokenSouledPoetess , Reiti Hecam, moonscout11 tbiris

 

 

 

 

Kuramas gurl: thanks again for the correction!

 

Ayeka Penor Thank you! I'm glad you like it!

 

Kin-chan Pandun: Um..wow, I don't know what to say. I'm flattered that you like my story, and I hope I don't disappoint anyone. To tell you the truth, I kinda know where this is going, but I've been writing this as I go along. Thank you for the movie suggestion…I was at a standstill with how I wanted to do that scene, and as you can see, I used your suggestion.