Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Bittersweet Reunion ❯ The Hybrid's Secret ( Chapter 2 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

By: KibaSin

Part II:The Hybrid's Secret

Kurama was shocked. He could clearly see the faint outline of Hiei's energy rising from his body, pouring into the miko as if it had no other place it wished to be. The miko's energy acted in a similar manner, though Kurama knew that it must have left a nasty sting, and sank into the hybrid's body without hesitation. The excess energy rose around them, twisting and tumbling, and creating a dance that left the kitsune avatar stunned.

They were clearly feeding off of one another life force. Kurama had seen it done with many demon mates, but he had never thought a miko would readily fall into the instinctual dance. Her energy, by all rights, should have entered Hiei and turned him to dust within a matter of moments. Yet she calmed the savage waves, tamed the beast that would want nothing more than to do so, and allowed herself to become apart of the hybrid. She insured that her energy would never harm him, but she also tied him in such a way that no one else with holy energy would be able to.

She protected him in one of the only ways she could, just as the hybrid would raise his blade to defend her.

Kurama had no doubt that they would protect one another. They were mates. And he doubted that the hybrid had taken the woman as his mate simply because he liked her figure—which he obviously did. He also doubted that the hybrid had taken the woman because of her power, no matter how much more powerful he would become because of it. Hiei would need someone with a large heart, and also someone special enough that they could break through the barrier he placed around himself. Apparently Hiei had found that person, and Kurama was happy for him, because the miko was his mate.

It just all seemed so unreal.

He had not expected this outcome when he followed Hiei. He had expected fighting, blood, mockery, and a lot of other things, but he had not expected to find out Hiei had a mate. Nor had be expected the intimacy they were sharing together, so wrapped around one another that they did not even notice him standing not fifteen feet away.

However, the new questions that came with his conclusion kept him from moving. He had spent quite some time watching them interact, seeing more than he truly needed to, and the entire time only brought question after question. Questions that could obviously only be answered by the two currently kissing each other, rising higher and higher toward the goal they sought once more. Questions that roamed Kurama's mind, but he knew that at this moment it would not be the best to ask—or in the future, since it would bring up some threatening questions toward himself, no doubt.

The hybrid growled once more, pressing close to his mate as the green tint to his skin began to drain away. Kurama noticed that his back rose sharply as he panted, obviously pleased by the woman in his arms. His eyes narrowed, though, at the tender touch that Hiei used to pull himself and his miko mate from the tree they were currently making use of. The hybrid touched her as if she was made of glass, like she would break, and it was not surprising that he would be somewhat different with his mate. However, the amount of tenderness that he used brought forth another question in Kurama's mind.

Why did Hiei not bring his mate forth? He obviously cared for her, respected her to some point, yet he hid her away as if she was not good enough for anyone else's eyes. He did not allow anyone to know that he had a mate, choosing to keep her hidden from everyone that knew him. Kurama knew that it could be because of the countless enemies he had, but Hiei could protect her. Kurama also knew that the female could be the docile type—he doubted that because of her large, raging aura, but he supposed he could be wrong. Then again, he also doubted that Hiei would have mated with a woman that would never challenge him in some fashion.

So, the question still stood, while Kurama came up with others quite quickly. Why did Hiei's mate allow such a thing? Why did Hiei not come to her often, because it was clear he did not from his scent alone? Why did she wait so long for him to come to her? Why did she not seek him out?

All of them were legitimate questions, and all of them swirled in Kurama's mind while his sharp green eyes watched them. The hybrid had turned them, placing his back to the tree and sliding down until he sat with his mate sitting in his lap. Her kimono, stilling hanging from her shoulders, hid their naked flesh from sight. Kurama was neutral on that piece of information, and he was slightly glad that he was beginning to merge with Youko. There was no telling the amount of talk that would penetrate his mind if the spirit fox caught sight of what was in front of him.

The miko sighed, and Kurama instantly refocused his attention on them. She had allowed Hiei to tuck her head underneath his chin, leaning into the warmth that his blood gifted his flesh. She sighed again a moment later, clearly relaxing in the hybrid's hold, while Hiei's calloused hand swept through her thick black hair. The affection the hybrid showed was rare, so rare that Kurama was almost surprised to see it, despite the fact that he knew the miko was his mate.

The affection was returned through soft, tender touches that the miko gave Hiei. Her hands drifted along his sides, gently caressing him as he twisted her hair between his fingers. She nuzzled into his throat, clearly showing that she cared as much for the hybrid as he cared for her. Kurama's sharp eyes noticed the moment that her hips rotated, though, bringing forth a growl from Hiei's chest. Unlike what he believed, though, Hiei restrained himself and allowed the miko to continue her petting without his interference.

For the first time, Kurama heard Hiei address the miko by name. It came out as a soft growl, muttered to the point that he almost did not catch it. Yet he did, as the hybrid said, “Kagome.” Then he began their dance anew, holding his mate by the hip and shoulder, directing her though she seemed to already know what he wanted.

Kurama frowned a bit. The questions in his head grew, his curiosity demanding that he find his answers. The miko's name was unique, and he could not remember hearing it in his life. It had certainly never come from the hybrid's mouth, and it only made the question of why Hiei went to all this trouble just to keep his mate hidden. Why did he never mention her? Mutter her name? Appear as if he was even thinking about her?

Another thought came to Kurama's mind. Perhaps it was the miko that left Hiei for so long? Perhaps she was the one that thrust him aside, called upon him, and allowed them to meet when she felt the need? What if that were true? Why did the hybrid allow such a thing? Did he allow his mate to push him around, demanding that he leave her, only to call upon him when she felt the need? Did he ignore his body's need by turning it into a need to kill, just to respect her wish? If so, why? Was there some terrible thing, some regret that caused Hiei to respect her wish to never look upon her until she called him?

Again, Kurama could not answer the questions that roamed his mind. He did not even know the miko, so he could not know if his roaming thoughts were true. She could very well be the reason that the hybrid ignored the fact he had a mate, even if she seemed to return his affection. She could have been hurt emotionally or physically, and called upon Hiei when she felt she was able to deal with the pain. Of course, there was always the possibility Kurama could be wrong, considering he did not know this Kagome, and he did not know the past they shared.

What else could it be, though?

Was Hiei ashamed that he had mated with the enemy of his race? That did not make sense, because he doubted the hybrid would have mated with the woman if he thought that way. Also, he doubted that Hiei had fallen into his lust at an early age, thus ending up with the miko as his mate—not to mention the miko probably would have purified him in that case. And, from the amount of information he knew of the hybrid's past, he would see Hiei being more the type to mate this Kagome because she was the ultimate enemy to demons.

Was he only trying to protect her from something that threatened her life? It was a better possibility, and it would also explain why the hybrid never mentioned her and stayed a good distance away for years at a time. It would explain why Hiei never told Koenma of her, never allowed information of their mating leak forth, and certainly never told of her hiding place. Kurama also knew that the possibility would explain the reason Hiei never gave any type of sign of longing or a wish to see her, never complained, and did everything in his power to make sure no one would ever find out where his mate was.

Truly, it was the perfect plan. If it did not seem like he had a mate, then why would anyone look for one? Why would anyone search for something that did not appear to be there?

Still, Kurama knew that he would not do the same in Hiei's position. He would have told Koenma of his mate, demanding that he was allowed time with her, and used the excuse to get out of his petty work many times. He was almost surprised the hybrid did not, since he only went on the ridiculous missions in order to get the chance to kill on his restrictions. Of course, Yusuke would constantly complain about him being lazy, and questions would arise from the constant disappearances, so that could very well be the reason Hiei kept his mouth shut.

A stir drew his attention away from the hybrid and his mate. His eyes had been drawn to the motion of Hiei's hands, watching the hybrid pull the kimono down her shoulders until it settled around her elbows. However, he was easily pulled away when he felt the shift in his mind, silently cursing the spirit for choosing such an inappropriate to awaken from his sleep. He had hoped to walk away from this place after gathering as much information as he could, without the constant banter of Youko, but it seemed that it would not get his wish.

Though, he knew that the spirit fox merging with him would have shouted later when he shifted through his memories. The fox would know all of his questions and thoughts, but he had hoped to be without him until after it happened. At least then he would not have to listen to him trying to understand the Hiei did this or that when it came to fucking. Or, worse, the constant comments Youko would no doubt make about the hybrid's mate or the hybrid himself.

A yawn caused Kurama to sigh, waiting for the storm of questions that was about to come. Youko's voice was very soft at first, telling him that it should not take many more merges before Youko would be gone, and in a small way he was almost saddened by that fact. However, his slight sadness about Youko's slow disappearance vanished the moment Youko's voice rose, piercing through his mind the way it always did. After all, it was only a matter of time before the spirit fox realized the situation.

`Hey, Red, how long was I…' Youko's voice drifted off, and Kurama knew that he had noticed the sight before them. `Holy! What the hell, Red? You didn't wake me for this?'

I did not think it was very important, Youko, Kurama replied.

`Not important!' Youko yelled, and Kurama knew he would soon have another headache. `I've been laughing for years that that little bastard will never get laid, and you don't even think it's important to tell me about this historical event? What is wrong with you? There is so much to use against him here! Like that, did you see that?'

Youko, I do not think that will be such a good idea, Kurama sighed.

`And why the hell not?' Youko snapped. `That little fucker thinks he's so much better than me. Ha! I could pleasure that woman far better than he's doing, and I'd make sure that—'

Kurama cut him off, saying, Youko. I don't think Hiei would ever allow you to do that.

Youko seemed a little angry with his response. He stated, `Ha! If I wanted that woman bad enough, I could run circles around that little bastard until I had her. She'd fall into my arms willingly, and there'd be nothing he could do about it.'

Youko.

`What?' Youko asked.

I believe that Hiei would take offence to you doing such a thing, and probably killed you for coming near his woman, Kurama replied. He knew that his vague answer would have Youko's mind working, and he hoped that he did not yell again when he realized the woman was Hiei's mate. Then, he added, Or perhaps she would.

`I don't think that I'd fall prey to a woman, Red,' Youko laughed a little. However, his counterpart's words had him wondering. He focused a bit more on the rutting couple, taking note of the design that appeared and faded on the female's back. It appeared to be some type of long serpent that reached from her shoulder to her lower back, but as he looked closer, he realized that it was a dragon. A dragon that looked identical to the one he had seen pull itself away from the hybrid's arm.

I think this woman might be the one that would do you in, Kurama snorted. But, I'm afraid you will not get the chance. I am not about to risk my life just because you'd want to try and prove yourself better than Hiei.

Youko did not reply, continuing to focus on the woman and Hiei. His mind moved continuously as he looked upon them, because he could see the energy that was rising from the woman's flesh. He could not seem to recall what it was, though, for it was dampened and drained—no doubt from the way it was leaking from her. After a while, he asked, `What am I missing?'

Kurama allowed Youko the moment to think, knowing that the merge had weakened his senses. The spirit fox might not be able to sense that the hybrid's mate was a miko, and a powerful one at that. However, when he felt Youko begin to pull at his memories, he knew that it was only a matter of time before the spirit fox found the answer he sought. It did not take him long, either, and Kurama felt Youko's spirit retreat a bit at the information.

`Interesting,' Youko muttered. `I'm going to have so much fun with this. A miko! I had thought they were gone, and that little fucker is—'

Youko, perhaps you should look a little more, Kurama said.

`Hn?' Youko frowned, before doing so. He had not looked much into Kurama's thoughts until he found what he had wanted, so he knew that he had skipped a lot. Though, he really did not see how it mattered. That was, until he pulled forth a single thought, wondering at the reason that he could feel Kurama's pervious shock at the thought. `Holy!'

Do you see now why—Kurama stopped, because he could already hear Youko's loud laughter. Apparently the spirit fox was not going to be listening to him anytime soon.

`This is hilarious! That little bastard has been saying for years that he has no needfor such activities, and he's got a mate. Oh, boy. And she's a miko,' Youko laughed. `I mean, she's got a nice figure and all, but a miko? Beauty is only so much. Though, I suppose if he wanted something dangerous to deal with, he definitely got it!'

Kurama heard Youko's pause, before his muttering erupted through his mind once more.

`Lucky little bastard, though. Look at those legs. I wouldn't mind having those wrapped around my waist, and it is almost delightful to think about how much she'd have to restrain herself to fuck a demon. The danger is very appealing,' Youko muttered.

Don't get any ideas, Kurama growled.

Youko, again, seemed angry with him, as he yelled, `Hey! Don't think that just because I'm admiring such a beauty that I'm going to go jumping into that ring. Hiei can keep his little miko mate. I might like the idea of such danger, but I'm not going to go trying to fuck someone else's mate! I have morals!'

Kurama rolled his eyes, deciding that it was best not to comment on such a thing. Youko would deny everything that he could come up with that challenged his morals, even if he had all of his memories. Of course, Youko had never tried to rut with another persons mate, but he had done a lot of things in his long life that were almost as offensive.

Ignoring the continuous talk of Youko, Kurama returned his eyes to the couple that still had not taken notice of him. He had expected that after such a long time, one of them might notice that there was another presence within the area. But he was not about to push his luck, considering he did not want to find out how long it would take for Hiei to find his sword—the thought caused Youko to snicker, saying something about already knowing where it was. He also did not wish to see how fast he could get himself purified, and his feet were ready to run should one of them actually pull away from the euphoria that surrounded them.

Though, after he glanced at the position of the moon, he doubted that either of them would notice him after not having done so for so long. He could tell from long years of observation that the two of them had been going at it for more than a few hours. In fact, he was almost surprised that he had not noticed how much time had gone by until now. The sun would be rising within the next hour or so, and he had been standing in the same position the entire time with his green eyes focused on the two before him.

Trying to figure out the puzzle that surrounded them.

A passing thought focused his attention back onto the spirit fox living inside him, though. Irritated, considering Youko had just deemed himself honorable, Kurama said, I have no doubt that Hiei would abhor the idea of a threesome, Youko.

Youko blinked, trying to make his voice innocent. He replied, `I was only thinking about what might occur if the miko was not Hiei's mate, and you weren't such a tight ass.'

Of course you were, Kurama shook his head, sighing. Just like you're always throwing sexual suggestions at Hiei justbecause you like to rile him up a little.

`I can't help it if the little bastard has a certain masculine beauty,' Youko huffed.

Well, I can't help it if it will never happen, Kurama replied.

`You're no fun, Red.' Youko snorted at his counterpart, wishing once again that he had chosen to inhabit a body with a better personality. Preferably one that would not constantly turn down his suggestions, and turn aside his comments. It would not bother him so much if Kurama loosen up a little, giving into the need his body had, and he was determined to push some of that onto him while they merged. Unfortunately, it seemed that his efforts were still in vain.

Hiei's low snarl brought them both back to reality, focusing on the hybrid in case he had taken notice of their presence. It would not be a good thing; that was certain. However, when it became apparent that his attention was still on the woman positioned before him with her hands bracing the tree, Kurama calmed a bit. He had almost expected to look up and find Hiei completely controlled by his beast, looking at him with an insane intent to kill him. After all, he doubted that the hybrid would take very well to him having looked upon his female naked or for so long.

The hybrid held his mate by the hips, his face nuzzling lightly into her back. His tongue lapped lightly at the sweat coating her flesh, continuing to growl lightly while he did so. Finally, after she fell limp against the tree, he pulled away from her for the first time. He pressed his chest to her naked back, having discarded the kimono some time while Kurama was not paying attention, and held her with such care that his affection was clear.

Kurama's green eyes flickered away from them, wondering where the time had gone. He could see the faint outline of light on the horizon, signaling that the sun would soon shine down upon the land once more. He could have sworn that it had not been more than a few minutes ago that he had glanced up, estimating dawn to be around an hour or so away. Yet already it was drawing near, and he frowned deeply at his unfocused mind.

`It's probably the energy in the air,' Youko commented. `Your body isn't used to being around miko energy, so you're probably going to feel rather out of place for some time. It happened to me quite a few times in my younger years, though they were trying to kill me then.'

Kurama accepted the answer. It made sense that the unusual holy energy popping in the air would cause him some discomfort, at least.

He ignored his discomfort when he felt Youko nudge his attention back to the couple, though. His calculating eyes focused onto Hiei, taking note that he could finally see his eyes. If he was not mistaken, there was sadness there, even while he licked and kissed along his mate's spine. He looked pleased, and after coupling so many times it was not a surprise, but the sadness caught Kurama off guard. There was no reason for Hiei to be sad, and it brought back the possibility that the miko pushed him away until she felt the need to call upon him.

`Red, I don't think she casts him aside,' Youko replied to his thoughts.

You must admit that it is a possibility, though, Kurama replied.

`Of course I do. But look at them. Feel her aura—she's almost even sadder than he is,' Youko said calmly.

Kurama turned his attention away from the hybrid and onto his mate, Kagome. He found that Youko was correct. Her body radiated her sadness, clearly not wishing for her time with her mate to end. Why, though? Why were they both beginning to show such sadness? Was there something he was missing? Something in their past that would tell him instantly the reason why he could not put the pieces together?

The miko leaned away from the tree, pressing herself back into her mate's arms. She looked defeated, as if there was nothing she could do even though she wanted so much to try something. Kagome turned her head, gazing upon her mate, while she said lightly, “I'm so sorry.”

Kurama's eyes flickered, once again thinking that it was her fault. She was—

The hybrid shook his head, holding her closer. He replied, “You should not apologize for my mistakes.”

Kurama supposed he should not assume so quickly. There was clearly something that he just could not see. Something about the situation that was hidden from his sight, making certain that he constantly questioned himself until he was confused and unable to believe any of the possibilities he had come up with.

“I just wish we had more time,” she whimpered.

“I know,” Hiei said. He brushed the strands of hair from his mate's face, continuing to hold her as if she would suddenly disappear if he let her go. The hybrid's sexual touches had faded into caresses of affection, of love, and Kurama could see that Hiei cared for the miko more than he cared for anything.

Kagome began to cry, turning in his arms so that she could hug him tightly. The hybrid allowed her to do so, cradling the back of her head while she cried into his shoulder. “I hate this,” she sniffled. “I wish I could try harder, but the curse is more powerful than I could ever hope to be.”

Curse?

`That explains a lot,' Youko muttered, clearly putting the pieces together faster than Kurama could. He did not pass the information he knew on, though, allowing his counterpart to fight through the haze in his mind to find the answer. Besides, it was fun to watch him fumble.

After a moment, Kurama's eyes widened a little. A curse would explain a lot. It certainly explained the reason Hiei had never smelled of his mate, never went to her, and never mentioned her. The curse could be a number of different things—could cause a number of different things to happen—and he was surprised that he had not thought of such a possibility.

Hiei pulled his mate a little closer, growling, “It is weak. Everyday it grows weaker, and it should break by our next meeting, perhaps the one after.”

She shook her head in disappointment, saying, “That will not be for another hundred years.”

“I know,” Hiei snarled, clutching her to him. “But I can wait that long, as long as I know I can be with you after that. As long as I know I'll wake up and you won't be gone.”

She nodded, obviously thinking the same thing from the way she held him. However, after a few moments of reigning in her emotions, she pulled away from him. She stared into his eyes, bringing her hand up to hold his cheek, and said, “I'll think of you everyday, Hiei. And I'll try everything in my power to make the curse break sooner than it's supposed to.”

He held her hand to his cheek, returning her gaze.

Kurama's eyes flickered away from them again when he noticed the faint stream of light that came over the horizon. It grew steadily while the two of them soaked in the moment. Already Kurama was beginning to inch back into the foliage near him, though, not wanting Hiei to turn and find him standing there. He would have to think about this event, because he knew that somewhere in Youko's long life the spirit fox must have found something that could help the hybrid.

`As if I want to help him,' Youko muttered darkly.

The woman became almost frantic when she noticed the light, grabbing Hiei's other hand within her own. Tears washed over her cheeks once more, and she was barely given the chance to yelp before something unexpected happened. “I love you, Hiei!” she cried, and Kurama stilled when he saw her body crumble in upon itself. She disappeared within an instant, the ash that she had become drifting out of the hybrid's grasp and to the ground.

Hiei had barely managed to swipe his hand out, catching only a minor amount of the ash. Kurama saw him open his fist to allow the dust to fall to the ground with the rest, his face twisting in a mixture of anger and sadness. He looked completely defeated, standing over the ash his mate's body had become, before he finally looked up at the tall, ancient tree standing over his head.

The tree glowed suddenly, a faint blue light filling the area and reaching out to grasp hold of the small blue orb that had been expelled from the woman's body. Kurama's narrowed his eyes at the sight, watching as the light from the tree connected with the blue orb. He realized that the blue orb was apart of the light from the tree, and as it became whole it reached out toward the hybrid. It wrapped around him, twisting around his shoulders until Kurama noticed the image of Kagome resting her head upon his shoulder, her arms wrapped around him. It was only for an instant, but the faint image of the woman disappeared, and the light retracted back into the tree.

Hiei reached up, resting his hand upon the trees bark.

Kurama's mind moved, and he came up with the answer the moment Youko did.

The blue light had been Kagome's soul, and now it was trapped within the tall, ancient tree towering over Hiei's head. Trapped there, unable to do anything for her mate, even when she might want so badly to be with him. The fact put a lot more pieces into the puzzle he had created, but it was not completed, because Kurama did not understand why her body had turned to ash. It should have been preserved, like her soul, unless the curse was more powerful than he thought.

Silently, with the information in his head, Kurama slipped away before the hybrid took notice of him. He retreated, planning on heading back to Yusuke and Kuwabara before the hybrid managed to get there. Kurama decided that for now it would be best not to mention the event, in case Hiei decided to kill him, but he might someday. But, Kurama also decided, that that would only be best if he could find something to help him.

After all, he did not plan on dying anytime soon, whether Hiei wanted to kill him or not.