InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Seductive Embrace ❯ Chapter 11 ( Chapter 11 )

Kouga headed towards the study in which Sesshoumaru was waiting. In one hand, he was very excited at the prospect of seeing Kagome. It had been centuries since he had seen her. But he didn't know what to do about the disappearance of Shippo, knowing that Kagome would be devastated by the news.

 

He lightly tapped on the door to the chamber, Sesshoumaru immediately giving him permission to enter. He strolled into the large room, not bothering to glance at the thousands of books that littered the walls. Kouga strolled up to the desk, waiting patiently for Sesshoumaru to finish whatever he was doing. After a moment, Sesshoumaru gazed up from his work, motioning for the wolf lord to take a seat.

 

“I have found the information that you have requested” Sesshoumaru explained, shuffling all of his work to the side so he could make room for the map he pulled from his desk.

 

“According to my resources, a portal will open in this area” he instructed, pointing a clawed finger to the map. “The only stipulation is that this portal will only be open for a brief moment. This is a rare time indeed, for it only happens every so often. According to my sources, it will occur a week from now, so you should plan to head out sometime tomorrow. You will need to return to the same area that you arrive at in the Ningenkai for your return exactly 12 hours after your arrival. If you do not, then you will be on your own for finding a way back, and I guarantee that the Reikai does not take kindly to youkai running loose in this realm unchecked.”

 

Kouga nodded his head in understanding, absorbing the information that he was given. “So, what about Shippo?”

 

“If the kit is found alive, I will send him in that direction. If not, then make no mention of this to the miko, for she does not need an excuse to run to Makai.”

 

“I agree. Knowing her, she would be here in a heartbeat searching under every rock in this world looking for him” Kouga replied.

 

“Then I take it that you understand the consequences” he spoke as he rose from his seat, walking towards the door. “Enjoy your excursion, and do give the miko my regards.”

 

Kouga watched as the Lord left him, thinking over the instructions. He knew it was going to be hard to not tell Kagome about Shippo, knowing that she would ask for him. He would just need to figure out an excuse as to why he couldn't make it.

 

 

 

~~~~~*~~~~~

 

 

Kagome ran until she could run no more, holding her side as she gasped for air.

 

`I can't believe that I almost purified my date' she thought to herself sadly. He was sure to hate her now, even if he didn't know he had youkai blood. She figured there would be one of two ways that he would take it; if he was simply ignorant to the fact of what happened, he would most likely think that she was a freak, and if not, well, she didn't want to even go there.

 

Deciding that it wouldn't be a good idea to head back to Keiko's, she decided that the next best place would be Genkai's. Shuichi would have no idea to look for her there, and maybe she could see how things were looking up as far as her training was concerned. If nothing else, maybe she could just stay a while and vent some energy.

 

As she neared the temple, the youki of now two familiar demons greeted her senses. She had been expecting Yukina's, but knowing that Hiei was there brought her feelings that she just couldn't understand. Was it the excitement of another possible encounter with him?

 

She pondered the question in her head as she ascended the staircase, letting it slide as the site before her caused her to pause in her footsteps. There in the courtyard stood Hiei, katana out, as he practiced different moves, varying from offensive to defensive. The only thing was that this was a very topless Hiei. Kagome watched in awe, his taunt skin rippling with muscle as every move was exacted with a deadly grace. One that she would bet even Sesshoumaru would be impressed by.

 

She was so lost in her daydream that it took her a few moments to realize that Hiei had stopped, and now had his full attention on her. A dark blush flooded her cheeks as she turned her eyes downward, scurrying away as fast as she could to avoid any more embarrassment.

 

`What's wrong with me!?' she asked herself as she walked a quickly as she could to the main house. `First I almost purify my date, and now I'm here peeping on a half naked youkai?'

 

Kagome knocked on the door, and a few moments later was greeted by a smiling Yukina. “Well hello, Kagome. What a nice surprise!” she elaborated, immediately gesturing for the girl to come in. She led her inside to what had to be the living room. “I'm sorry, but Genkai has stepped out for the day, but should be back before dark. Is there anything that I can help you with?” she asked out of concern, noticing her distraught face.

 

“No. I just needed to get out of the city for a while. Do you think it would be okay if I hung around here? I promise I won't get in the way” Kagome replied sullenly.

 

Yukina thought for a moment. “Well, I see no problem in that. If you would like, you could join me outside for a while. I was just planning on going through the equipment shed for Genkai.”

 

“That would be great” Kagome accepted thankfully. She looked forward to spending time with the female youkai.

 

As they walked across the courtyard towards the shed, Kagome noticed that Hiei was no longer practicing, but knew he was still around. She felt relieved that she didn't have to face him at the moment, the embarrassment from a few minutes ago still fresh in her mind.

 

The two immediately set to work, pulling old and battered equipment out of the shed for disposal, and rearranging those that could be kept.

 

“What happened to this?” Kagome asked, holding up what used to be a punching bag.

 

“Oh, that's what's left from Genkai's former student” Yukina replied, giggling with amusement at the stunned look on Kagome's face.

 

“Well, I hope she doesn't expect this out of me!” she exclaimed, tossing the tattered bag outside the door.

 

They were just about to call it quits, when something in the back of the shed caught the light from outside. Making her way to it, her eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness. She picked up the item, which turned out to be a quiver of arrows, only one of which was turned upside down.

 

“Yukina, would there happen to a bow for these arrows?”

 

“Um, let me see. I think I saw one right over here” she replied, walking to the opposite side of the shed.

 

Yukina promptly presented Kagome with a large bow, well worn, but in overall good condition.

 

“Do you think it would be okay for me to use these?” Kagome asked, running her fingers over the feathered ends.

 

“I don't see why not. Genkai doesn't use them, but I don't know where you could shoot them.”

 

“All I need is a tree.”

 

 

 

~~~~~*~~~~~

 

 

Kurama finally made his way through the door to his apartment, heading straight for his bedroom. He hadn't felt this bad since the Dark Tournament and his battle with Karasu. He lowered himself on the bed, but made himself stay conscious until he could converse with Youko once more. The errie silence was getting to him now, and although he could still feel the kitsune's presence, he wanted to make sure everything was ok. Also, he had no idea what really happened at the museum, and hoped that Youko would be able to explain the situation.

 

All he could remember before he woke up in Kagome's lap was her tear-filled eyes, and then a bright flash. And then he couldn't figure out what had upset her so much that she would leave like that. Why had she apologized to him? Surely she was not the one responsible for him passing out like that.

 

As he tossed the questions around in his head, his mind finally gave way to his body's protest, falling into a dreamless slumber.

 

 

 

~~~~~*~~~~~

 

 

Kagome aimed at the tree, the feel of the taunt string and balanced arrow in her hand soothing to her soul. It had been far too long since she had practiced, not having any need for it in her era.

 

The twang of the string filled the air, followed by a hollow thunk as metal met wood.

 

“Oh, good job Kagome!” Yukina praised as she clapped her hands together.

 

“Thanks” Kagome replied while she notched another arrow.

 

Kagome shot again, this time aiming for the wooden shaft of the previous arrow. She gracefully let the arrow fly, and this time the sound of splintering wood filled the air. Kagome smiled inwardly. `Not so rusty after all' she thought to herself, a wide smile lighting up her face.

 

~~~~~*~~~~~

 

Hiei watched from a few trees away. `So the girl thinks she can play with arrows.' He watched half-heartedly as she notched her first arrow and as she hit the tree. `Lucky shot' he thought to himself.

 

He paid closer attention now that she had another arrow notched, his eyes narrowing as she splintered the preceding arrow with another perfect shot. He abandoned his perch, hopping into the tree that Kagome now had a third arrow aimed at, wondering just how good she was.

 

He watched her movements, and when he sensed that she was about to release her arrow, he jumped down from the tree, directly into the arrow's path. He took notice of her panicked expression, and just as he thought, the arrow whizzed straight past his shoulder, impacting the tree behind him.

 

Keeping his eyes on the girl, his interest now began to escalate. Although he had no intentions of actually being shot with her arrow, he was quite impressed that she could make such precise last minute adjustments. If she hadn't, the arrow would not have missed unless he had redirected it.

 

He watched as her panic quickly turned to anger, her blue eyes glowing with rage.

 

“Just what in Kami's name are you doing? Trying to get yourself killed?” she shrieked, causing him to wince by the shear volume of her voice.

 

“I was only trying to gauge your skill. Besides, one arrow certainly cannot harm me” he replied nonchalantly, crossing his arms across his chest.

 

Kagome looked at him incredulously, but quickly remembered that he didn't know what her arrows could do, especially to youkai. “Look, just don't do that again, ok? You about gave me a heart attack.”

 

All Kagome received was a `hn' before he jumped into the tree. She waited until she was sure he was out of hearing range before she turned to Yukina, who had remained silent through the whole ordeal.

 

“Jesh, what's his problem?” Kagome asked as she walked over to the tree to collect her arrows.

 

“Don't worry about him. I'm guessing he was just curious, as am I. Where did you learn to shoot like that?”

 

Kagome now felt foolish for showing off, which wasn't what she had intended to do. “Oh, I started practicing archery a few years ago and picked up on it real fast” Kagome explained. `Especially when it meant the difference between life and death for me and my friends' she thought to herself.

 

“You are very good at it. Why don't we go inside and I'll fix some tea.”

 

“That sounds great” Kagome replied as she looked up at the trees surrounding the courtyard. Although she couldn't see him, she felt Hiei's eyes on her. So as soon as she had gathered her bow, she gladly followed Yukina towards the house.

 

 

 

Hiei continued to watch her, many thoughts running through his head. Where had she learned to shoot like that? He knew that humans still practiced archery and other forms of fighting, but for her to change her aim at such a short notice. He knew that it would take a lot of experience to be able to do that.

 

Another puzzling thought to him was the fact that she had seemed so concerned for his safety, chiding him for the danger that she felt he had put himself in. And that look she had been giving him when she first arrived, standing at the top of the stairs. He had an idea what it was, but didn't want to even acknowledge the idea. He didn't have much experience in dealing with ningen women; the only ones he had come in contact with were Keiko and Shizuru, but they were nothing like the girl Kagome.

 

Hiei immediately halted his thoughts, deciding that he was spending too much time pondering her. She may be different, but she was still a human none the less. Standing up from the tree branch, he darted off into the forest, intent on paying his friend Kurama a visit.

 

 

 

 

~~~~~*~~~~~

 

 

 

After saying farewell to Rin and Kirara, Kouga headed out into the lands that surrounded Sesshoumaru's estate. There were numerous trees that lined the road that would take him in the direction of southeast, their tops a great contrast against the red tinged sky littered with gray clouds.

 

Even though he had just started on his journey and he had the excitement of seeing Kagome building up inside, he just couldn't get past the feeling that something bad had happened to his friend. He felt mostly responsible for the kitsune's disappearance, since he was the one who offered to escort the girl home. If Shippo hadn't volunteered to do the task, he himself would be in the exact situation.

 

But he knew that he must have faith in the kitsune, and the fact that Sesshoumaru was searching for him. Kouga decided that as soon as he made it back to Makai, that he would add his efforts to the Lord's as well. With those thought's, he slowly pushed away the growing uncertainty and focused on his journey ahead.

 

 

~~~~~*~~~~~

 

Hiei bounded into the tree that stood in front of the kitune's apartment, waiting impatiently for a few moments for the sliding door of the patio to open. He knew that Kurama was home, having already detected his presence. Hiei jumped onto the patio, looking into the living room for signs of life through the partially opened blinds. Thinking that this was very unusual, Hiei checked the patio door, and to his liking the door slid open easily.

 

He stepped into the quiet room, scanning the room once more for any sign of his friend. Becoming concerned, he made his way towards the back of the apartment to where he knew Kurama's bedroom was. Kurama always knew when he showed up, and invariably met with him whether he had been asleep or not.

 

Hiei walked into the darkened room, immediately noticing that his friend was indeed asleep. He shook his head, displeased that his friend would be so careless. He walked over to the bed, coming to a next to Kurama's still sleeping face.

 

When Kurama made no signs of waking, Hiei reached out a hand, grasping the shoulder of his friend, giving it a firm nudge. Kurama responded, groaning as his hands met with his forehead.

 

“Kurama, wake up” Hiei demanded, taking a few steps back.

 

Kurama stared blindly in the direction of the voice through half-lidded eyes.

 

“Hiei?”

 

“Be glad that it is me and not someone who has come for your life. What is wrong with you?”

 

Kurama carefully sat up, trying in vain to stop the dull ache that pounded throughout his head.

 

“I'm sorry. I must be coming down with something” Kurama explained, not entirely sure what had come over him either.

 

`Actually it would be more like recovering.'

 

Kurama almost openly sighed in relief, but knew that he needed to keep whatever did happen to him a secret for now. Deciding that it would be better to wait until they were alone to discuss the day's previous event, they pushed all thoughts of what had happened out of their mind.

 

Hiei looked at Kurama skeptically. “Since when has an illness ever made you this inattentive?”

 

“Well, I'm also a bit drained from some exercises this morning. That's all.”

 

Hiei continued to eye his friend suspiciously, but decided to drop it, knowing that the fox wouldn't keep anything from him if it was of any importance.

“So what brings you here, Hiei?”

 

“Nothing much, just a little cramped over at Genkai's” he replied, leaning against the wall.

 

“Is she on your case again about telling Yukina?”

 

“No, the old woman hasn't been bothering me. Just needed a change of scenery.”

 

“I see” replied Kurama.

 

After a moment of silence, Kurama decided that a hot shower would really do him good and give him a chance to speak with Youko. So after making sure that his legs would support him, he rose from the bed.

“Hiei, I'm going to go take a shower. You are more than welcome to stay if you like, I will only be a minute.”

 

Hiei nodded his head in response and headed into the living room. After gathering his clothes and a towel, Kurama headed to his bathroom. After stripping off his clothes, he turned on the water, and once it reached a temperature that was to his liking, stepped under the warm streams.

 

`Youko?'

 

`What is it? It feels like my soul is going to split' he moaned, not liking the fact that he had been disturbed.

 

`What happened to us? Why did Kagome run away like that?'

 

`There is only one thing that can make a spirit kitsune this weak….'

 

Shuichi waited for the kitsune to continue as he began to lather his think red hair.

 

`And that would be…' he prodded, not liking the pause.

 

Youko sighed. `The purifying energy of a miko.'

 

Shuichi continued to lather his hair, and began to rinse. `And how would we come in contact with that kind of energy?' he asked as he picked up the bottle of conditioner.

 

`Tsk tsk…now you should be able to put this one together.'

 

`Kagome ran away because…'

 

`The purifying energy came from her' Youko finished for him.

 

Shuichi dropped the bottle, hissing as it came in contact with his foot. `It all makes sense. But how would she have been able to hide something like that from us?'

 

`It must be a concealment spell of some sort. But I promise I do intend to find out. She may be more fun than we anticipated.'