InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Seductive Embrace ❯ Chapter 12 ( Chapter 12 )

 

A/N I would like to give thanks to Ryukotsusei for all of her helpful suggestions and to all of my wonderful reviewers. Thanks for being patient with me!

 

 

 

 

 

Once Kurama had finished his shower, he joined his guest in the living room. Hiei was resting on the windowsill, looking out at the city.

 

“Would you like something to eat?”

 

“Not in particular” he replied.

 

“Well, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to fix myself something” Kurama explained as he headed to the kitchen.

 

Hiei watched as his friend retreated to the kitchen, his mind still plagued by his last encounter with Kagome. He still couldn't make out the looks she had been giving him and the way she treated him. Every human female that he had encountered had always been frightened of him, whether they knew he was a demon or not. Even Keiko and Shizuru, who had spent quite a lot of time around him, still kept their distance.

 

He knew that the fox would be able to explain it better, but he didn't know how to go about it without seeming weak. Of course, he had no interest in the girl what so ever, he was just curious as to her odd behavior.

 

A few moments later, Kurama emerged from the kitchen empty handed. “Well, it looks that I have forgotten to buy groceries. Would you care to accompany me while I get some take out?”

 

Hiei merely stood and waited while Kurama gathered his keys. They headed out into the city, attracting various stares from the people littering the street. Hiei paid close attention to the way that the human females regarded Kurama. Some eyed him like a piece of meat, while others would get a clouded look in their eye as their face darkened, which was the same expression that Kagome had worn when she had been staring at him.

 

“Kurama, why is it that these human females look at you so?” he asked, trying to not seem too interested.

 

“Whatever do you mean Hiei?” Kurama asked, not noticing the looks of lust and admiration that were being sent his way.

 

“Almost every female you come across gets a strange look in their eye.”

 

Kurama looked puzzled for a moment before realizing what Hiei meant. “I'm sorry. I guess that I have become so accustomed to it that I don't even notice it anymore. They look at me like that because they are attracted to me” he explained.

 

Hiei considered his explanation. So Kagome was attracted to him. But he still didn't really know what that meant. “Attracted to you how?”

 

“Let's see, how to explain it” Kurama replied, tapping his chin. “Let's just say that they want to mate with me.”

 

Hiei almost faltered in his steps at the thought of Kagome wanting to mate with him. Was that really what she was thinking when she had been looking at him like? But why would she have any interest in him? He had threatened her life.

 

“Are you ok Hiei?” Kurama asked, noting the puzzled look clouding the Jaganashi's face.

 

“It's nothing” he replied.

 

“Are you sure?”

 

“It's nothing. Drop it” Hiei replied, clearly becoming annoyed.

 

“Fine then. How about here?” Kurama asked as he came to a stop in front of a restaurant.

 

“I said I wasn't hungry.”

“Then would you at least keep me company?”

 

Hiei walked ahead of Kurama, giving the kitsune his answer. Kurama followed his friend into the restaurant.

 

`What do you think that was all about Youko?'

 

`I think that Hiei may have an admirer.'

 

`That would be interesting. Who do you think it is?'

 

`I'm willing to bet that this has something to do with Genkai's new student.'

 

`Well, this should prove to be entertaining.'

 

 

 

~~~~~*~~~~~

 

 

Tarasu's servant slowly made his way towards the estate of Lord Sesshoumaru, clearly enjoying the fact that he had been chosen for this journey. It had been a long time indeed since he had wandered outside the grounds, and it felt great to be free. He only wished that it would last, and had considered not returning to his master, but knew that he would be hunted down if he did not return.

 

He fingered the envelope that resided in his pocket, curious as to what this task was all about. He was certain that it had something to due with the kitsune that was under Tarasu's keep. He and all of the servants had been surprised that he had been kept alive for so long, seeing as Tarasu disposed of her company fairly quickly.

 

Though it was good to be free of his master's grounds, he felt bored and lonely as he made his way. He was used to the companionship of the other servants, even if they did have to live under Tarasu's rule. As long as they stayed in line, they were relatively left alone unless Tarasu was in need of another victim.

 

His attention was once again brought back to the envelope that occupied his pocket. He wondered why it was so important that he be the one to open it and why it had to be done only once he had arrived at his destination. Making a quick decision, he took the letter from his pocket, eyeing the envelope that hid the written words from his eyes. He couldn't find a reason to not open the letter now, since he would be the one to open it later.

 

He stopped in the middle of the path, and slowly slid his finger under the sealed edge. Looking around to make sure no one was watching he slid the piece of folded parchment out. Immediately he became disoriented, before collapsing to the ground completely, the letter floating from his now slack hand, landing beside him on the ground. Before he could even question the odd feeling that had come over him, his world turned black as he took his last breath.

 

 

~~~~~*~~~~~

 

 

Tarasu watched in amusement as her companion, Nari, tried to get the foolish kitsune to eat. He had begun to struggle under her influence, and it only weakened him more the longer he fought. He refused to eat no matter how hungry he became, and only went to sleep when pure exhaustion got the better of him.

 

“Nari, you should just give up. He's not going to eat anything” she relied nonchalantly as she eyed her perfectly manicured nails.

 

“If you say so” Nari replied, placing the plate of food she had been offering to their guest on the table. “What are we going to do with you?” she asked as she shook her head in dismay.

 

Shippo couldn't respond verbally, but the look that was buried deep within his eyes promised death to his captors if he were to get free.

 

“I know, why don't you have the servants run him a nice hot bath. Maybe you could join him and help him…relax a bit” Tarasu suggested, a mischievous glint showing in her purple eyes.

Nari perked up at the thought. Her mistress never let her have fun with their guests. “I'm right on it my lady.”

 

After giving her orders, Shippo's still pliant body was hauled up the stairs by two of Tarasu's stronger attendants, and once he was brought to the bathing room, was immediately undressed by some of the lower female servants.

 

Nari watched as they undressed the kitsune, pleased by his muscular appearance. `This is going to be fun' she thought to herself.

 

Once he was undressed, Shippo was placed into the large bathtub, and was soon joined by a very excited Nari. Knowing that he could feel and see her, she went about the task of washing his hair, loving the way that his silky auburn hair felt in her hands. Too bad that they hadn't met under different circumstances. He would have made a more than suitable mate.

 

Once his hair was rinsed, she began to work on his bushy tail. “What a gorgeous tail” she cooed as she lathered it up. As soon as she had finished, she moved to his front, straddling his lap. Noting the now worried expression in his eyes, she began to giggle.

 

“What's the matter my dear Shippo? I will not harm you. It's actually quite the contrary.”

She reached her slender hand between his legs and began stroking his member, pleased at the response that she was getting. She had thought that with as stubborn as he had been that it would have taken much more to prepare him. But within a matter of minutes she had him ready.

 

Locking her lust filled eyes with his green, she noticed that he still had a look of apprehension. Not liking the way that he looked at her, she closed the distance, locking him into a one sided kiss as she slowly mounted herself on him.

 

Her pleasure-filled moan echoed throughout the chamber as she rocked herself against the still immobilized Shippo. Within a few moments she reached her peak, holding off until the very end to make sure that her partner came with her. Despite his unwillingness, Shippo's grunt combined with Nari's moans as they reached completion together.

 

After a moment, Nari slid herself off of his lap and began to tend to the matter of bathing herself. Once she was finished, she turned back to her reluctant lover, looking deep into his eyes. “If only this were real” she whispered before placing a soft kiss on his lips. She then rose from the bath, and once she had dried herself, summoned the servants to return Shippo to his room.

 

 

~~~~~*~~~~~

 

Kouga continued on his way, not stopping in his journey until he had made sure that he had reached his destination. Pausing in the middle of the wooded path, he took out the map that Lord Sesshoumaru had given him, checking his location. If he was correct, he should reach the area of the portal by morning.

 

Folding the map back up, he returned to his tedious pace. Before too long he came to stop, noticing what looked to be a body lying on the path. Kneeling down, he immediately noticed that the demon was dead. `Poor bastard. Probably attacked by bandits' he thought to himself. But upon closer inspection noted that there wasn't one wound on his body, nor the scent of blood.

 

“What the hell?” he muttered to himself as he looked at the belongings of the corpse. It seemed that all of his things were still present, being another reason to go against the idea of a bandit attack.

 

He stood back up and was about to resume his trek when a piece of paper lying next to the body caught his eye. Deciding that it wouldn't hurt anyone to be nosy, he picked up the paper, unfolding it to see what had been written. As the words registered in his mind, his heart clenched with trepidation. What he had wished were not the case was reality. Shippo had been taken hostage. But he couldn't believe the ransom. Kagome? How would anyone know of her existence?

 

He pondered on what action he should take next. If he returned to Sesshoumaru's estate, he would miss the portal. And if he were to find Kagome, maybe she would be of some help in his retrieval. Deciding that he would return to Sesshoumaru's immediately upon arriving back in the Makai, he proceeded with his journey, praying to whatever gods that were listening that Shippo would be okay.

 

 

~~~~~*~~~~~

 

 

 

 

After a cup of tea, Kagome and Yukina remained inside, chatting about this and that. Before they knew it, dusk had already come, and with it Genkai.

 

She made her way into the main house, not surprised that they had company.

 

“I see that you made your self at home” she said as she entered the small kitchen, taking a seat at the table that the two younger females shared.

 

“Sorry, I hope you didn't mind. I just needed to get away for a while” Kagome replied, hoping that her unannounced visit wouldn't be considered rude.

 

“You're fine dear, just giving you a hard time. Actually you are just the person I wanted to see. It seems that I may have found a solution to your problem.”

 

Kagome perked up, focusing all of her attention on the woman in front of her. The prospect of finally finding a way to control her energy brought on a sense of excitement. Yukina rose from the table, setting about the task of making more tea, leaving the student and teacher alone to their discussion.

 

“It seems that the problem revolving around your energy is a tricky one indeed. Normally, miko exhaust their power by using it on a daily basis, such as purifying and healing. But for you there is no need to do as such.”

 

Genkai paused in her explanation as she placed a small velvet bag on the table between them. “So I believe that your solution may just be what is concealed in this pouch.”

 

Kagome reached across the table to retrieve the item, turning it over in her hands.

 

“Well, open it” Genkai urged.

 

Kagome giggled, and then pulled the drawstring that kept the pouch closed, emptying the contents into her hand. She now held what looked to be some sort of gem, purplish in color. Kagome inspected it, not entirely sure as to how this little rock would be of any help to her.

 

Seeing the confusion in her eyes, Genkai decided to explain it more clearly.

 

“It's a special type of stone, one that is capable of absorbing massive amounts of energy. I believe that if you keep this on you, that it may be able to prevent your energy from lashing out.”

 

“I see, so if I just keep it on my person it should do the trick?”

 

“That I am not sure. Since I have never had any experience with this type of thing, it may take a few days to figure out if the stone will actually help. For now, just keep it with you and we'll see how things work.”

 

“Thank you Genkai…I really appreciate what you've done for me.”

 

“Just remember that we had a deal. You are still willing to give me information pertaining to the Shikon no Tama?”

 

“Of course. We can start whenever you like.”

 

“Perhaps tonight. You are welcome to stay at the temple tonight so you don't have to make the journey back to your home at night. If you need to call someone, Yukina can show you were there is a phone.”

 

“That would be great. Let me just call my cousin so she doesn't worry about me” Kagome replied, following Yukina out of the kitchen. She just hoped that the gem would indeed to the trick.

 

 

 

~~~~~*~~~~~

 

 

After Kurama had his fill of food, the two companions set out into the now approaching night. Once they reached Kurama's apartment, they went their separate ways. Even though he still felt quite fatigued by the incident that afternoon, decided that he would try to find Kagome.

 

`So, Kagome is a miko. So that's what she's been hiding.'

 

`Yes, but I still believe that there is more to it than that.'

 

`I agree. It does explain why she would have an extensive knowledge of the Shikon no Tama though, and why she had acted so strangely around us at first. She must have noticed our youki.'

 

`But one thing that still bothers me is that if she did know that we were…different…why did she remain around us. From my experience, miko hold the natural instinct to slaughter youkai. That is why that there are not many around these days. Since the formation of the barrier, those born with miko ability are left untrained since there is no use for it.'

 

`That brings up another question. How would she know how to identify youkai if she hasn't been properly trained? She shouldn't even know that youkai still exist.'

 

`I do believe that our sweet Kagome is not as innocent as she appears. She has somehow come in contact with youkai before, but how and why?'

 

`Maybe those scars on her back are related to her knowledge of youkai, for those were not inflicted by a normal man or beast.'

 

`It seems that our Kagome will be more of a enigma than we had anticipated.'

 

 

Within a few minutes, Kurama had made his way to Keiko's, entering the restaurant that her family owned. Seeing that she was busy and that Kagome was no where to be seen, he took a seat at the counter, waiting patiently for Keiko's attention.

 

Once all the customer's had been taken care of, Keiko untied her apron, taking a seat next to the kitsune.

 

“So, what brings you here Kurama?”

 

“I was just stopping in to see if Kagome was around” he explained.

 

“I'm sorry to tell ya, but it seems that she got caught up sight seeing and ended up renting a room at a hotel. She just called a little bit ago.”

 

If Youko had been the one in control, his eyes would have narrowed with suspicion.

 

“That's alright. I do have a question though. Where is it that Kagome lives?”

 

“Oh, you mean the shrine?”

 

“So she comes from a shrine does she. Do you know if she has any knowledge pertaining to youkai?” he asked.

 

 

“Not that I know of. All I know is that it's a Shinto shrine that has been in her mother's side of the family for a few generations now. I haven't visited it in a long time, but it was nothing special. Why do you ask?”

 

“Just curious, that's all. Would you by chance know the address to this shrine? I don't mean to pry, its just I want to know all there is to know about Kagome.”

 

Keiko regarded him with a dreamy look. “I wish Yusuke was that interested in knowing all about me. You must really like Kagome, huh?”

 

“You could say that” he replied, hoping that Keiko would be forthcoming with the information.

 

“Just wait here and I'll see if I can find it.” She then ran up the stairs into the main part of the house, and within a matter of minutes, returned with a piece of paper.

 

“Here it is. It's not too far from here, a few hours by train really.”

 

“Well, I thank you for your help.”

 

“No problem. I'll talk to you later, I should really be getting back to work.”

 

Kurama opened the piece of paper as he exited the restaurant, noting the area of the shrine.

 

`So what do you think Youko?'

 

`Are you up for some investigating?'

 

~~~~~*~~~~~

By the time Hiei had returned to Genkai's, it was already very late. Much to his surprise, he noticed that Kagome had remained at the temple, and was now in the house chatting with Genkai. He bounded into a nearby tree, making sure that he was within earshot of the two females, curious as to what they were talking about.

 

“So, what is it about the Shikon that you wish to know?” he heard Kagome ask.

 

“Why don't you start with the first protector. The one that you had called Kikyou.”

 

Kagome inwardly sighed, not liking to talk of that subject, but knew that it had to be done.

 

“She was once a very proud and beautiful miko, and once youkai had started pursuing the jewel, it was entrusted to her. It was a short time after that when a hanyou by the name of Inuyasha came in pursuit of the jewel. Instead of killing him, however, Kikyou choose to let him live, and soon fell in love with him.”

 

“Interesting. Please continue” Genkai instructed.

 

“Sensing her weakness, another hanyou by the name of Naraku, who was also after the jewel and lusted after her, deceived the lovers, causing them to betray one another. On that day, Naraku inflicted a fatal wound on Kikyou, who then used her remaining strength to pin Inuyasha to a tree, where he remained for fifty years.”

 

“So what became of the jewel?”

 

“It was burned with Kikyou's ashes, which then carried over to her next incarnation. Fifty years later, this girl would appear, releasing the spell that had entranced the hanyou. The jewel then became shattered by her hand in an effort to protect it, thus begging the wave of destruction that it caused.”

 

“It is said that a small party had been formed in an effort to retrieve the shards. Do you know anything about the members of this group?” Genkai asked.

 

“From what I have seen in my memories, the group consisted of five people. A monk, a Tajiya, an orphaned kitsune youkai, Inuyasha, and the incarnation. All were brought together by either the jewel or by the deceptions of Naraku, who was still in pursuit of the jewel.”

 

“So what happened after that? How did they manage to regain the shards?”

 

“They eventually regained the shards, destroying the hanyou Naraku. During their travels together, the incarnation had fallen in love with the hanyou, who still mourned over Kikyou. You see, Kikyou had been revived by a witch who had intended to use her to retrieve shards.”

 

Kagome paused, making sure her emotions were in check before she explained the last part.

 

“After the completion of the jewel, Inuyasha returned to Kikyou's side. He took the incarnations life in an effort to revive Kikyou completely. After that point I do not know what became of them, for that is were my memories stopped resurfacing.”

 

“Do you know what became of the jewel? If you are the third incarnation, it would make sense that you would have it.”

 

“That I do not know. As I said, I do not have any recollections of what happened after that. To my knowledge the jewel may or may not still be in existence.”

 

“I see. Well, that should be enough for tonight. I'll let you know if I have anymore questions. Have Yukina show you to your room when you're ready.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Kagome remained by herself, trying as much as possible to reign in her emotions. It had been the first time that she had actually spoken of that day in words, and it hurt her to no end. She quickly brushed away a stray tear, rising from her seat. Deciding that she needed some air, she walked outside into the courtyard.

 

She gazed up into the sky, marveling at the star littered sky. That again brought back memories of the Sengoku Jidai and her nights camping underneath a clear sky. Her thoughts left her though as she felt another presence join her.

 

“Hello Hiei” Kagome replied as she continued her perusal of the night sky. “It's beautiful, isn't it”

 

“Hn.”

 

Kagome surpressed a giggle at his response. She watched as a star streaked across the sky, immediately clasping her hands together as she made a wish. “I wish for happiness, for me and my friends” she thought silently to herself.

 

“Did you make a wish Hiei?”

 

“Wishes are for fools. If you want something to happen, do it with your own hands” he replied as he came to stand next to her.

“I suppose so” she muttered out quietly.

 

Kagome noticed from the corner of her eye that Hiei was now staring at her. Not being one that liked to be stared at, she turned so she could meet his gaze. “Is something the matter?” she asked.

 

“It was you, wasn't it” he stated, not taking his eyes off of her.

 

“What?” she asked, startled by his statement.

 

“It was you. You were the second incarnation.”

 

“How…” she asked as she took a few steps back.

 

Hiei looked up into the sky. “You may have been able to deceive Genkai, but I possess the Jagan. The emotions that you display are not from memories of someone else, but of your own.”

 

Kagome remained silent, not knowing what to say. There was no denying it now, but still, she didn't know if she could handle discussing those events once again.

 

Hiei returned his gaze to her. “I do have one question though. How was it that you lived in that time period and still alive in this one? You may be a miko, but a human none the less.”

 

Kagome wondered if she should tell him the truth, but he already knew so much as it was. There would be no harm in telling him about her time traveling.

 

“I traveled through time. Five hundred years to the past, through a well in my families shrine” she replied, questioning if he would actually believe her explanation.

 

“So that would explain your behavior around youkai and the archery you displayed.”

 

“Yeah” she replied, relieved that he had actually believed her. But then again, he was a youkai, and most likely had come across many unbelievable things in his lifetime. “We were constantly under attack, so I had to learn how to defend myself. But even still, I was always the weakest one out of the group” she replied, some of the bitterness that she had felt during that time showing in her voice.

 

“We all do what we can.”

 

Kagome smiled at his reply. Maybe him knowing about her past adventures wouldn't be so bad after all. She felt herself relaxing, feeling comfort in his presence. Hiei failed to miss her reaction, and chided himself. He had only come to ask her questions, not to her solace. Without another word, he bounded into the trees, wanting to be away from her and her smile.

 

Even though she couldn't see him in, she followed him with her senses. After a few more moments, she turned back to the house to find Yukina.