InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Seductive Embrace ❯ Chapter 6 ( Chapter 6 )

 

 

Shippo followed behind the skipping girl, hoping that he would be able to make this quick. He was pretty sure that Kouga could handle things with Sesshoumaru, since he had centuries of politics under his belt from being the leader of his clan, but he still wanted to be there to hear the information for himself.

 

As they neared the manor, he was astounded by the size, questioning if it could rival Lord Sesshoumaru's. He proceeded to follow the girl through the entrance, the two double doors closing behind them with a soft click. His eyes had to adjust to the dark room, and once they had, he immediately glanced around, noticing the rich tapestries and fine artifacts that littered the walls and tables. A large winding staircase stood in the middle of the room, an expensive looking chandelier hanging above it.

 

“Why don't you sit and I'll be right back” she asked, motioning to a comfortable looking chair that rested along the wall.

 

Shippo nodded his head, taking the girl's suggestion. As soon as he was seated, the girl bounced off towards the staircase, taking two steps at a time. Shippo chuckled at the girl's enthusiasm, remembering when he had been like that. Although he had never really gotten over Kagome's sudden departure, with the help of Miroku and Sango he had eventually come to terms with what had happened. He had made his home with the odd couple, helping them to raise their many children. It had been hard for him when they had finally passed away, but he continued to live with their children, and their children's children until he was forced into Makai.

 

He had been terrified when he had been driven into Makai, having been used to living with humans. But he had quickly located Kouga, and then Sesshoumaru, and with their guidance, he had carved out his own territory. They had all formed an alliance with each other, never forgetting that it was all due to Kagome's influence. If it hadn't been for her, they would have most likely not even crossed paths, and Shippo was even more sure that he wouldn't have even survived if it hadn't been for her acceptance of him and the introduction to

 

Shippo's attention was directed towards the staircase when he heard the sound of footsteps. The girl bounded down the stairs toward him, a goofy smile plastered on her face.

 

“She'll be right down. Are you comfortable?” she asked.

 

“Yeah.” Shippo answered.

 

Nari took a seat in a chair next to him, winding a piece of her curly blonde hair around her slender finger. They sat in silence for a while, before Shippo realized something.

 

“Hey, I never did get your name.”

 

Nari's eyes widened a bit, realizing that was true. “I'm sorry, you must think that I am so rude. But it's Nari” she answered, a faint blush overcoming her cheeks.

 

“Don't worry about it. I didn't ask, so you didn't tell” he replied, shrugging his shoulders. He had just started relaxing when he was alerted to another presence. He gazed up the steep staircase, squinting his eyes to get a better look at the figure approaching them. When they had stepped into the light, Shippo could hardly contain his gasp. She had to have been the most beautiful demoness that he had ever seen, her dark black hair descending past her waist. Her eyes were the color of violets, and seemed to sparkle in the dim lighting. But as she neared them, something in the back of his mind screamed danger. He quickly abandoned his seat, wanting to get the introduction over with so he could be on his way. The demoness glided towards them gracefully, stopping only a few feet from Shippo.

 

“So, is this the kitsune who brought you home?” the woman asked of Nari, eyeing the youkai up and down. Shippo shivered slightly, her intense glare making all of the hair on his body stand up.

 

“Yes mam” she replied in a childlike voice.

 

“Well, then I must thank you for bringing my ward safely home. I don't know how to repay you.”

 

“Don't worry about it. It was my pleasure. But if you will excuse me, I really must get going” he replied in a shaky voice. Something about this woman was wrong. He didn't know what, and didn't want to find out.

 

“Nonsense. You must be hungry and exhausted. Why don't you stay for the night and leave in the morning in a more refreshed state” she offered.

 

“No. As I said, I'm in a hurry” he replied, turning for the door, but the woman appeared before him. He took an instinctive step back as she reached a clawed hand out towards his shoulder, but was stopped when he bumped into Nari. Before he knew what was happening, he felt her hand grasp his shoulder firmly. His surroundings began to swirl around him as a feeling of fatigue and hunger washed over him.

 

Nari giggled, supporting the kitsune as he experienced the vertigo that was common when being forced under Tarasu's influence. She watched in amusement as a blank look overtook his usually serious expression, his once vibrant eyes glazing over slightly in his stupor.

 

“Well, I guess I could stay a bit” he mumbled out as if he were intoxicated.

 

“Now that's more like it” Tarasu purred into his ear before releasing his shoulder. “Nari, why don't you notify the servants of our new guest, making sure they prepare a bath and some food for him. I'll take the pleasure of showing him to his room.

 

“Hai!” the girl exclaimed, hurrying off to do her mistresses bidding. She was very proud of herself, having found an exceptional specimen. When she had first informed Tarasu of her find, and the possible information that he held, her mistress had been very pleased indeed. Luckily for the kit, he wouldn't become Tarasu's next victim, at least not yet.

 

“Now, come this way” instructed Tarasu, clasping Shippo's large hand in hers. He followed dazedly behind her up the staircase into a long hallway. They walked a ways before stopping in front of a large door, which Tarasu opened. The room was considerably plain compared to the rest of the manor, a large four-post bed and other meager furniture occupying the small room.

 

“Now, all I ask is that you remain in this room unless escorted by me or my ward. Do you understand?” she asked, gazing intently into his glassy green eyes. Shippo nodded his head dumbly, letting her lead him to the bed.

 

“Now rest” she commanded before releasing his hand. He obeyed her without a word, sprawling out on the mattress, instantly falling into a dreamless sleep. Tarasu gazed down on her newly acquired prize, a feeling of pride swelling in her chest. If Nari was correct on her assumptions about this kitsune, he would be the most valuable quarry that she had managed to get her hands on.

 

“The Shikon no Tama” she whispered to herself. She had heard many rumors pertaining to the jewel, the most famous one being the wish that it would grant its owner. But it just wasn't the jewel that she was interested in. The protector of the jewel would have to be a very powerful being to possess it, and that would be another trophy that she could add to her list. All she had to do was compel the kit to give her the information that she wanted and devise a plan to lure the guardian to into her grasp, and the kit seemed willing enough with the right encouragement.

 

Deciding to leave the interrogation to later, she left the bedchamber, intent on fulfilling her promise to her companion.

 

 

 

~~~~*~~~~~

 

 

 

Kagome reached the staircase that she assumed led to the shrine that she was seeking just as the rain had ceased, gazing up the steep incline before proceeding. To any normal person, this climb would most likely leave even the most fit person winded, but to Kagome it was nothing. Not only did she have to climb stairs like this at her home, keeping up with an inu hanyou had built up her endurance greatly. As she reached the top, she almost stumbled under the immense amount of power that washed over her, her entire body throbbing. But as her senses settled, a feeling of contentment consumed her being. Once she had felt that she had properly grounded herself, she continued on, approaching what she assumed was the courtyard of the temple, taking in every detail of her surroundings.

 

She continued to peruse the area, stopping when her eyes rested upon a girl hanging laundry out to dry. But as Kagome inspected the girl, her eyes widened a bit as she quickly realized that this was no ordinary girl, but another youkai. Blue eyes continued to watch the girl who seemed oblivious to her presence, her turquoise hair billowing slightly from the breeze. Sensing no danger from the female, Kagome slowly approached her, clearing her throat to gain her attention so not as to startle her.

 

Crimson eyes met with hers, looking slightly surprised by her appearance, but the youkai quickly recovered, greeting Kagome with a brilliant smile. The girl pushed aside the laundry, walking over to Kagome with her hands clasped gently in front of her.

 

When they had finally reached each other, the youkai was the first to speak.

 

“Hello. Is there something I can help you with?” she asked, kindness lacing her voice.

 

Kagome bowed to the girl in greeting. “Yes there is, actually. I was hoping to be allowed an audience with the resident priest or priestess, if possible” Kagome asked with sincerity.

 

The ruby-eyed girl seemed to contemplate her request before answering. “Well, I'm sorry to inform you that there isn't an actual priest or priestess that resides here” she answered, instantly noticing Kagome's disappointed look. “But, there is a psychic that resides here” she answered, hoping to dispel the girls unhappiness.

 

Kagome instantly perked up. It wasn't exactly what she was looking for, but if this person interacted with youkai on a regular basis and could produce the amount of energy that she sensed, then maybe they could be of some help to her after all.

 

“Is there anyway I could meet with them?” Kagome asked hopefully.

 

The youkai thought over the Kagome's request before answering. “I don't know if she is willing to accept visitors at the moment, but I will go and see. If you want to wait here, I will go inform her of your arrival” she answered politely before turning towards the main house.

 

Kagome watched the retreating form of the polite girl, hoping that she would be granted what she had asked. As she waited, she spread her senses out even more, relishing in the tranquility of the place. She immediately noticed the youkai from before, wondering why he was still watching her. She pondered as to how he was connected with the temple and its inhabitants, but concluded that they must be important to him since he had been weary of letting her come here.

 

She recalled their encounter, trying to organize her thoughts on him. He was very powerful, that she didn't doubt despite his small size. He had been about her height, with the hair, chuckling to her self as she imagined how much shorter he would have been without it. His energy had felt malevolent, but he him self hadn't felt evil, per say. She had no doubt that he could be a very formidable enemy, or a very helpful ally, and hoped that he would somehow become the latter of the two.

 

Kagome was brought out of her musings when she saw the youkai exit the house, heading back towards her. She waited patiently for the girl to reach her, hoping that all would go well. Once she had reached Kagome, she informed her that her request would be granted.

 

“If you'll follow me, I'll show you to the dojo” she instructed, turning once more towards the dwelling. They walked in silence until the youkai spoke up again.

 

“My name is Yukina, by the way. What's yours?” she asked in a friendly manner.

 

“I'm sorry. I'm Kagome. Kagome Higurashi.”

 

“Well, I'm pleased to meet you, Kagome, and I hope that all goes well for you” Yukina offered as they walked up the steps to reach the long porch.

 

“Thank you” Kagome replied graciously. Yukina approached a shoji screen, sliding it open to reveal a well kept dojo, motioning for Kagome to enter.

 

“Now, if you'll just wait here, Genkai will be with you shortly” Yukina explained before sliding the shoji shut, leaving Kagome alone in the training hall.

 

Kagome's eyes adjusted quickly to the indoor lighting, as her attention was drawn to one particular wall which was adorned with an array of weapons, most of which were katanas. But one particular set interested her the most, and that was a large bow, mounted off to the side. She walked over to it, running her fingers over the smooth wood of the weapon longingly. It had been too long since she had fired an arrow, and although she had been awful at archery, she had quickly picked up on it since it was her only means of self-defense.

 

She jumped slightly at the sound of the shoji sliding open, turning around to meet her visitor. She assumed that the old woman was Genkai, and hoped that she hadn't offended her by inspecting her collection. Much to Kagome's relief, the woman seemed unaffected by Kagome's curiosity, gesturing for her to take a seat in the center of the wooden floor. Kagome followed her as she walked to the opposite side of the dojo, taking a seat on the floor, crossing her legs under in an indian style fashion.

 

Kagome followed suit, folding her legs under her. Kagome remained still as her elder inspected her, trying not to squirm under the scrutiny of her gaze.

 

“What has brought you here today?” Genkai asked, never taking her eyes off of the girl in front of her.

 

Kagome bowed to the woman, her forehead coming to rest on the backside of her hands.

 

“I have come here in search of a suitable teacher, one who can help me to better control my energies” Kagome answered, rising up to a sitting position once again.

 

Genkai considered what the girl asked. “What makes you think that I could be of any help to you?”

 

“Well, from the energies that I have sensed so far from your temple, I believe that you may have the knowledge to aid me” she answered confidently.

 

“From what I sense from you, you seem like any ordinary human. What could I possibly teach you?”

 

Kagome sighed, knowing what she would have to do. She hadn't released the concealment spell that she had placed on herself since she had cast it, but knew if she was going to persuade this woman, she would have to show her.

 

Genkai watched patiently as the Kagome closed her eyes, relaxing into a meditative state. Kagome focused all of her thought inward, searching for the power that was usually elusive. Once she had located it, she reached out to it, coaxing it to come forward.

Genkai's eyes widened in shock as the girl's aura filled the dojo, the immense purity that it contained almost overwhelming even her senses.

 

Kagome opened her eyes once her objective had been achieved, waiting for Genkai to speak before explaining herself. Genkai looked over the girl again, but in a completely different fashion. She had thought that this type of energy had become all but extinct after the formation of the barriers.

 

“Explain yourself” Genkai demanded, curious as to how such a girl could possess so much energy.

 

Kagome refocused on her power again, this time coaxing it into a dormant state. She swayed for a moment as her power was drawn back into her, but once she was sure that it was contained, she returned her attention back to her elder.

 

“Its not a very believable story, I must warn you, but I assume that you will be open minded enough since you associate with youkai.”

 

Genkai's eyebrows rose a bit at that remark, but chose to remain silent.

 

Kagome took her silence as a cue to continue. “It all started when I was fifteen. It was then that I realized that I was the reincarnation of a powerful miko, one who lived long ago during what I suspect was the feudal era. It was then that I started having regressions, the odd part being that they were mostly of what appears to be the reincarnation before myself. I have somehow retained all of her memories, along with her abilities” she explained, but not as truthfully as she could have been.

 

Genkai digested the information before asking any questions. “Do you know exactly who this miko was?”

 

Kagome sighed once more, not liking to bring up that one revealing factor. But she knew that in order to convince the women to aid her, that she would have to explain everything, even if she did have to twist some of the information.

 

“From what I recollect, the miko was once named Kikyou, guardian of the Shikon no Tama, but for some reason, the second reincarnation's name has remained a mystery to me.”

 

Genkai continued to inspect the girl, but with more care than before. Sensing no lies, she continued with the conversation. “That would explain the amount of purity that resides in your soul. But what of the Shikon?”

 

“That I do not know. From what I've seen, it was in the possession of the second reincarnation, but as of her fate, I do not know” she explained as truthfully as she could, for it was true that she had no idea what fate would deal her.

 

Genkai squinted her eyes at the girl, knowing that she was leaving something out. She considered calling her on it, but decided that if the girl was indeed hiding something, that it was probably for good reason.

 

“You seem to have a good enough handle on your power, so what do you need of me?” she questioned.

 

“Well, it seems that when I get overly upset, or have a particular disturbing flashback, my energy flows from me uncontrollably. I fear that if it continues, that I will either hurt someone or call unwanted attention to myself” she explained.

 

“That could be a problem indeed” Genkai mused, thinking over the girl's predicament. “But tell me, how do you know of youkai.”

 

“For one, I was born and raised in a Shinto shrine, and have been taught all the lore pertaining to youkai and mononoke, and as I've said before, I have retained most if not all of the memories of my past incarnations. It seems that both had very close relationships with youkai, and when I see the memories, it's as if I'm reliving them first hand” Kagome explained.

 

Genkai accepted her answer for the time being as she pondered over how to help the girl. Although she was an expert with spirit energy, she only had a scant amount of knowledge when it came to miko powers.

 

“To tell you the truth, I really don't know how much help I can offer you. I know little to nothing about miko abilities of how to train them.”

 

Kagome shifted her eyes to a downcast position, the disappointment evident on her fine features.

 

“But, your story had intrigued me greatly, so I will do some research and see what I can come up with. If I can find a way to help you, all that I ask in return is the history of your past incarnations so they can be properly recorded. True accounts of the Shikon no Tama would be invaluable.”

 

Kagome's head shot up at the offer, excitement quickly dissolving her disappointment. “I can see no problem with that” Kagome replied, relieved that the woman would at least try to help her.

 

“Return in a week, and we will see how my findings can be of use to you” Genkai instructed as she rose from her position on the floor.

 

Kagome followed suit, bowing respectively one last time before exiting the dojo. She scanned the courtyard, and when she had located the object of her search, she jumped off the porch. She wanted to see Yukina once more before she left, knowing that they would most likely become good friends.

 

Yukina was sitting on a bench underneath a tree, seemingly lost in her own thoughts. Kagome slid in next to the youkai, and the pair stared off into the sky, both comfortable in each other's company.

 

“Did all go well?” Yukina asked.

 

“Hopefully. I won't know anything definitely until next week, though” Kagome replied thoughtfully.

 

“Well, Genkai has never been one to let a challenge slip by her.” Yukina turned her attention to Kagome, giving her a wink.

 

Kagome smiled back, grateful for the encouraging information. The two remained silent for a while, until Kagome's musings were once again captured on a spiky haired youkai, the tingling sensation that signified his presence as strong as ever.

 

“Yukina?”

 

“Hm?”

 

“You wouldn't by chance know a short, black haired youkai, would you? One that hangs around this forest” Kagome asked, not caring that he would hear.

 

“Oh”, Yukina replied, surprised that Kagome would know of him. “You mean Hiei?”

 

“I don't know. He never told me his name. He was just about my height, with the hair, and had a katana. Kinda rude if ya ask me.” Kagome explained, rolling the name around in her head. For some reason she could have sworn she had heard it before.

 

“Yeah, that sounds like Hiei all right. How did you meet him?”

 

“He stalked me through the forest, and when I had almost reached the steps, he confronted me, telling me that I was trespassing” Kagome replied, amusement evident in her eyes.

 

Yukina shook her head a bit as she laughed. “Once again, that sounds like Hiei.”

 

 

~~~~~*~~~~

 

 

 

 

Hiei watched from a nearby tree as the strange girl approached his sister, preparing to defend her if the need arose. He relaxed a bit when the girl announced herself and seemed to have a friendly encounter with Yukina. He knew that he was being over protective, knowing that the human girl couldn't do any real damage if she tried, but he still felt that he had to make sure that Yukina was safe.

 

Hiei watched as Yukina headed back towards the house, the dark haired girl staying behind. He assumed that his sister was going to tell Genkai about her arrival, his curiosity about the girl once again spiking. He recalled that the girl had said something about training, but for what, he couldn't understand. She seemed even weaker than Kurabara, but then again, she could sense him.

 

His sister quickly returned, fetching the girl for Genkai. Hiei took that as his chance to move closer, picking up on their conversation. His ears perked up when he heard Yukina ask for her name. Kagome. Kagome Higurashi.

 

Hiei observed as Kagome entered the dojo, and once Genkai had followed, he took that as his cue to move closer. He perched himself comfortably in a nearby tree that was within earshot of the conversation. He listened as they went through the normal introductions, wondering what Genkai would do.

 

He heard as Genkai accused her of what he himself had thought, that she seemed like an ordinary human girl. He listened as the dojo grew quiet, and nearly fell out of the tree when a strong, powerful aura permeated the air. Hiei quickly righted himself, unconsciously rubbing his arms to soothe the hairs that were standing on end. He hadn't felt anything like this before…it was so pure, yet it was tinged with something. As he focused on the taint, he quickly recognized it, being something that he had been all too familiar with in the past, and that was sorrow. He knew that without the Jagan eye, that it would have most likely gone undetected, and had to fight the urge to delve deeper into it.

 

As quickly as it had appeared, the energy receded, leaving not even the faintest of traces. Hiei was amazed that the girl possessed so much energy, and wondered how she kept it concealed. He listened more intently as Genkai demanded an explanation, and what he heard made his fine eyebrows raise considerably. The reincarnation of the guardian of the Shikon no Tama. So he had been right about his assumptions that she was no ordinary shrine maiden.

 

Her explanation as to why she needed training corresponded with the sorrow that he had felt intertwined with her energy, and he knew first hand how uncontrollable energies could become when coupled with unbalanced emotion. Hiei listened attentively as she also discussed her ability to sense and recognize youkai, and though the answer seemed viable, there was still something odd about her behavior. Even if her past incarnations had had close relationships with youkai, that still didn't explain how she had reacted to him. It was as if she had encountered youkai firsthand dozens of times.

 

Hiei's scowl turned into an amused smirk as he overheard their arrangements, hoping that Genkai would come through. He was now more curious about Kagome then he was to begin with, and if she were to remain at the temple for training, Hiei was confident that he would be able to find out more about her.

 

He flashed to another tree when he heard footsteps resounding through the dojo, not wanting to be seen directly. Kagome was the first to exit, and he watched as she located Yukina, taking a seat next to her. When their conversation shifted towards him, he had to fight he urge to interrupt their prattling. So, she thought him rude. That was fine, since he knew he could be much worse.

 

 

 

 

The two females quickly finished up their discussion, and once they had said goodbye to one another, Kagome made her way back into the dense forest, heading towards the city. Kagome mentally smirked as the familiar presence of which she now knew as Hiei followed her on her way down the stairs. It had been too long since she had had a youkai escort, and even if that wasn't what he intended, it felt nice to have that presence anyway.

 

 

 

 

 

A/N: Thank you once again to all my reviewers. As far as the pairing, all will be revealed in due time. Normally I would say, but I feel that the plot has a lot to with that aspect, and revealing it would be like giving the ending away. If all goes as planned, there will be several twists in the story. Hope everyone enjoys, and keep the reviews coming!!!