Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Bittersweet Reunion ❯ To Revive a Miko ( Chapter 3 )

Part III: To Revive a Miko

 

He swept his hand through the dust once more, staring down at the writing that interesting him. His intelligent eyes skimmed the page with ease, reading swiftly, before he came upon the information that he wished for. However, even with the information presented, he knew that it was but wishful thinking to believe it was the correct spell to use.

 

After all, there was still so much that he did not understand.

 

`Just ask the stupid little bugger already,' a voice penetrated his thoughts.

 

He shook his head, ignoring the voice that had crept inside his mind, despite how hard he had tried to push it away at that moment. He knew already that he had taken a risk by following his friend, and he held a secretive card up his sleeve with the knowledge that the hybrid had a mate. He knew it well, just as he knew the only person who could tell him about the curse was the very person that might cut off his head because he held so much.

 

Friendship be damned.

 

That was the reason he was going to such lengths. He wanted to make sure that he had enough knowledge of ways to break similar curses and perhaps the correct one before he confronted the hybrid. If he had enough information to interest him, he would keep his head, and hopefully help his friend hold his mate in his arms with the knowledge that she would not turn to dust with the rising sun. That he could show his affection each day, instead of bottling it up and allowing it to flow forth once every hundred years.

 

Though, truly, he doubted that his friend would do such a thing. He was far too much of a private person to suddenly begin to show that much affection. Yes, perhaps he would take his mate's hand and stare into her eyes, but he doubted that in public he would do much more. He was far too reserved for anything more, and he almost wanted to walk down the path of wondering once more how a miko had managed to snag his attention and actually put up with him.

 

There was no doubt in his mind the hybrid was far worse when younger.

 

`Isn't it obvious?' the voice butted in. `The little thief had his heart stolen. And he obviously did not have much of an argument from what we saw. Little bastard probably handed it over without a thought after looking at those legs.'

 

He rolled his eyes, once again deciding it best not to reply. He cared not for the words, and he definitely did not care if the woman had had the best legs in the world. She was the hybrid's mate. There was no way in the three worlds that he was even going to think about walking down that path, no matter how much it drifted through the mind of his counterpart.

 

`You have to admit, though,' the voice growled. `She was a beautiful woman. Her legs were magnificent, Red!'

 

Whatever you say, Youko. He turned away from the spirit fox for a moment, knowing that he would be pouting inside of his mind. However, now was not the time for his shenanigans. He was focused on his task, and he truly did not wish to hear Youko whining and pleading with him to at least ask the hybrid where in the hell he had gotten the courage to approach such a beautiful woman. Because, according to Youko, he should have been so rude that the woman would have slapped him and probably purified him just to show him which of them was the greater being.

 

Clearly, though, that was not what had happened.

 

Sighing once more, he finally returned his attention to the spirit fox. Youko, he asked. Do you think that this spell is the appropriate one?

 

Youko scowled, snapping, `How am I supposed to know? I stayed as far away from witches and mikos as much as I possibly could—'

 

He rolled his eyes. He had the fox's past memories, and knew for certain that that statement was merely said to make himself look better. After all, the fox believed that that which was supposed to be unobtainable was so much sweeter once caught. And a miko fell well into that category, considering the fox had tried multiple times to get one into his bed in hopes of sampling what was said to be forbidden. Had he succeeded, he would have told everyone and everything until finally everyone acknowledged him not only as the great thief that he was, but also as the miko charmer. A demon capable of making even that which was forbidden to fall into his bed.

 

`Don't give me that look!' Youko continued. `I might have tried a few times when I was young and foolish, but after I nearly got my ass fried, I stayed far away from those types of women! Especially those damn witches. Not only are they beautiful but they can cast one hell of a spell—Hey!'

 

He blinked in surprise, his thoughts quickly turning when the spirit fox shouted. Contemplating the idea, he turned his complete attention to the spirit inside of him once more. He almost smiled, but knew that it would make the fox more arrogant than he already was, because obviously Youko's mind was working toward another possibility of what the curse they searched for was.

 

`I remember a spell much like the curse the hybrid's mate has gotten herself into,' Youko grinned. `A very kind, beautiful witch showed it to me after I tried to seduce her. Of course, I didn't stick around long enough for her to actually try it on me, but it is quite the same.'

 

Oh really? He waited, not wishing to push the fox to the point that he decided to keep the information until he gave him something in return. Like the time that he demanded they lay with a pretty librarian that had caught his eye, only for him to complain afterward that the woman was nothing but a limp bag of flesh and bones. Or the time that he had demanded he be given three hours of control over their body, only for him to go straight into the Makai in search of a beautiful woman that he hoped to seduce.

 

`Yeah!' Youko continued. `She used it on a lower class demon, trying to scare me away. It worked for a little while, but she didn't expect for me to come back and—'

 

Youko, he almost sighed. What about the spell? How did it work?

 

`Oh, well, it stole the soul of the demon and trapped it into the first item that the witch touched, which happened to be a very large rock at her left.' Youko was very proud of his escape from that spell. He could not imagine being trapped inside of a rock or tree, even if he was cramped inside of a human's mind. `The body fell to the ground without a word, because without a soul it wasn't going anywhere. But, as she prepared to use it on me, she explained that the body would not age or die as long as it was protected and the soul was not harmed. I didn't really hear all of it, but it sounds similar.'

 

Indeed it does, he replied, his eyes sparkling. I suppose, though, that we will not know if it is the same one or not unless we speak with Hiei.

 

`As if that wasn't obvious,' Youko said.

 

OoO

 

His eyes flickered to where the fox sat, continuing to stare at him with those calculating eyes. He narrowed his own, determined to figure out what the fox was up to now. He doubted that any of those fools had managed to track the trail he had left, even in his haste to make sure not a second was wasted, and he had worked extra hard to make sure the fox could not follow. Of course, he knew there was a chance he had, but unless Youko had been in complete control, he probably turned away before he could figure out anything of importance.

 

And if the fox believed her to be a random woman, his mate was safe.

 

Though, he had to force down the scowl at the very thought. Only very few individuals knew of his mate and her location, and he planned to keep it that way. Not only that, but the fox would have had to face the barrier that had been erected, which should have proven a challenge for even him. However, he did not like even the thought that the fox might think he had lain with any human woman—for no doubt he would have picked up on that much in a short visit.

 

Finally, irritated with that stupid stare, he mentally asked, What do you want, fox?

 

Kurama continued to stare for a long moment, obviously thinking on his next words. Hiei forced down the urge to snarl at his pause, knowing that his temper could result in the fox telling him nothing. His temper was rising, though, his anger pushing against him when he realized that someone might have found out his secret. Someone that he did not trust with the information—even if it was one of the people he had come to trust with his life—and that did not settle with his darker half.

 

The fox's eyes flickered between green and gold, as he obviously conversed with the spirit inside of him. Hiei began to scowl a bit more, his eyes trying to burn a hole into the fox's head while he thought. However, he would allow him a minute more to think before he pried open his mind and found the information he wanted if he had to.

 

“Hiei,” Kurama stated very slowly. Hiei narrowed his eyes a bit further, the twin red orbs becoming slits that appeared to be living flames. He did not like the tone with which the fox spoke, and he especially did not like to wait as he finally went to speak again after judging his reaction. “What is the current state of your mate's body?”

 

The words stunned him for only a moment, before he reacted. A deep growl was released from his throat, and he slammed the avatar against a nearby wall. Hiei's eyes darkened considerably, while he pierced his claws into the fox's neck. Unable to truly think with his body demanding he protect his mate in her moment of vulnerability, Hiei asked, “How do you know of my mate, fox?”

 

He went very still in his grasp, allowing him to dictate whether or not he moved at all. Kurama knew when to push and when to remain neutral, and it appeared that he had made the right choice in that instance for Hiei saw him as a slightly lesser threat. Especially when he said, “I may know of a way to break the spell that was cast upon your mate. Youko led me to it, surprisingly, since he seemed quite upset that you held such a beautiful woman and he could not get at her.”

 

Projected into his mind through their link, he heard the spirit fox's yell. `Hey!'

 

“However,” Kurama continued, “I must know the current state of her body. I must know if it was burned or hidden or whatever it is that the spell does to it. If it was destroyed, there may be a way to rebuild it through other means, but that can only be done if her body was not purified.”

 

He chuckled a bit, the sound dark and dangerous. He still did not trust the fox completely, for he had searched long and hard for such a thing until finally he had had to admit to himself that he would have to wait so many long years before he could be in his mate's presence once more. He remembered it well, for he had told him mate upon their next meeting, and she had only smiled, telling him that it was all right. So, he thought it best to set the fox straight. “Her body is not destroyed, turned to dust as you so obviously saw.”

 

“I did not suspect that,” Kurama replied. Hiei doubted him. “I realized that most likely it was the spell that caused that to happen. A way for the body to be far away, rebuilt by some other element near the tree her soul is trapped in, until the time the spell breaks.”

 

Hiei did not reply, his eyes boring into the emerald green that stared at him.

 

“Please, Hiei,” Kurama said. “I know that it must hurt.”

 

He shoved him a bit against the wall, stating, “You will never know.”

 

“Youko remembers almost being caught by a witch long ago and sealed in a similar manner.” The fox spoke as slowly and clearly as he possibly could, and Hiei supposed that was what saved his life. His instinct to protect his mate was strong, strong enough that he would have gladly taken the avatar's head to protect her. And he also supposed that that was the only reason that he began to regain control over his darker half and consider his words. “Thanks to his memories, I was able to find several spells that could break the curse on your mate, but only if I know the current state her body is in.”

 

As he considered his words, Hiei pulled away. He supposed, as long as his damn spell would not do more damage, it would not hurt to try. However, he would first consult one that he trusted with magic far more than the fox before even thinking of trying to draw his mate's soul from the Goshinboku. If he said it would not harm her, Hiei supposed that it might be worth it to actually try.

 

“Hiei—”

 

“Her body,” he said, turning his eyes toward the ground. He stopped, knowing that after so many years of keeping it secret it would be hard to actually tell someone. Then, he began again, “Her body is within suspended animation in the realm between life and death.”

 

The fox looked confused, as he said, “You cannot possibly mean where they judge souls in the Reikai.”

 

He gave him a chipped stare, and wondered if he should perhaps choke him once more for his stupidity. Growling in the back of his throat, he stated, “No. And clearly you are not as intelligent as I thought you to be if you believe that is what I meant. I'm surprised Youko is not laughing at you already, for surely he would remember.”

 

The fox's eyes narrowed in challenge, but Hiei ignored him.

 

`Oh! Clever little bastard you are,' Youko replied. Clearly he did not tell Kurama the reason for his words, though, as the fox still looked as confused as ever.

 

Sighing, Hiei continued, saying, “Before the Reikai was created there was a world between life and death, a dimension of space that souls had to pass through in order to be judged on whether they were reincarnated or sent to hell. This world still exists, but few know of it since the ferry girls now escort all souls straight to the Reikai.”

 

Understanding blossomed in the emerald eyes gazing at him. It appeared that the fox knew what he was speaking about, even if only from Youko's memories of the time. After a moment, he asked, “Why would you place her body there?”

 

Hiei snorted, saying, “Because it is protected there. No one living is able to pass through the main gate because of the two guardians stationed there, and only those with great skill are able to create portals that cross into that plane of existence. But those demons are dying out, and only a handful of the items they create to go there are still obtainable. Not to mention that she was placed deep within the bones of the Inu no Taisho.”

 

Kurama's eyes widened at the very name of the ancient demon that had died so long ago in order to save his hanyou son. Hiei knew that Kurama knew that, and he was not surprised when he asked, “How in the world did you get Sesshoumaru to agree to such a thing? Surely he would have thought placing a miko there would be tarnishing the name of his great and powerful father?”

 

Hiei smirked devilishly, stating, “Obviously you know nothing of my mate, fox.”

 

“Or perhaps there is more to you than I have yet to figure out,” he challenged.

 

“Perhaps,” Hiei replied. “Though, I would say it is obvious, since you seem to think that I only associate with the people you see me around.”

 

The fox changed the subject suddenly, skipping around the challenge that he had set. Hiei knew he would never be able to figure out all of his secrets. Especially since it had been so long since he had stepped foot within the House of the Moon. The reasons were his own, but often times he swore he caught glimpses of the demons he once knew there passing by to visit the Goshinboku. None of them had blamed him for leaving his mate's side on that day, allowing her to be drawn away by powerful magic, but he was determined not to speak with any of them until he held his mate's hand in his own once more.

 

“If that is truly the state of her body, then I believe I have found the correct spell to break the curse upon her,” the fox stated.

 

Hiei looked away, but he knew that his silent message had been sent.

 

We will see.

 

OoO

 

He slid from between the trees, casting his eyes over the forested area of the Makai. He knew that the area was highly guarded, and whether they knew him or not, they would attack should he prove to be a threat to him. However, he tightened his hand around the scroll that the fox had given him and stepped forward, watching as two shadowed figures finally slipped into the area with him.

 

“What business have you here, hybrid?” one asked. The ears atop his head flickered to and fro, searching for possibly enemies that may be hiding in the trees. He had brought no one with him, though, so he knew that the demon would not find anything.

 

Scowling, he replied, “I seek the one who leads you.”

 

The second scowled back at him, gray eyes clouding over. He stated, “We have not seen you in many years. You are no longer considered a friend of this clan, so do not think that you will receive an audience simply because you demand one.”

 

Typical of them really. He had suspected that his long absence would make them wary, unable to determine if they should call him friend or foe any longer. However, despite what these underlings thought, he knew that the demon that led them would give him a moment to speak. Especially considering what the subject was about.

 

The demon turned to his companion, saying, “So, hybrid, your opinions are narrowed down. You will either tell us what you wish to speak with our leader about, or you will leave. If you refuse to do either, we will be forced to eliminate you.”

 

The first demon nodded, agreeing with him.

 

He forced down the wish to slice their heads from their shoulders. And instead, he said, “Tell him that it is about Kagome. He will speak with me, despite being a friend or not.” Really, he wished that the elder demon had not enforced his followers to believe in that stupid rule. True, not many in the Makai were to be trusted, but as an old acquaintance and mother's mate, he should be excluded.

 

The two perked up, eyes widening when they heard the name. He knew that it would have sent them into a frenzy to take him back to their lair, for only the small clan, him, and those within the House of the Moon truly knew anything about his mate. Anyone else would have never heard of the name—except for that peeping fox, who still needed his head severed—for they had done all they could to erase it completely from everything they could. Only a handful of trustworthy demons were left with the information, and they were ones that knew to keep their mouths shut.

 

“Kagome-sama!” the demon cried. “Why didn't you say so? Shippo-sama will be delighted to hear anything you have regarding Kagome-sama.”

 

The other fox demon smiled brightly, stating, “If you will come with us, Hiei. We will take you to our leader, for we are positive that anything concerning Kagome-sama will be something that Shippo-sama will want to hear about. He has been very happy lately, but if news you bring is good, he is sure to be in higher spirits.”

 

Hiei sighed at their delightful voices. Shippo had taken in the small clan of fox demons' long ago, soon after he set foot away from his cozy home inside of the House of the Moon to become stronger. He had taken them on to make them stronger, better, and allowed them to grow underneath his rule. But, most of all, he had told them story after story of his majestic and kind miko mother who saved him from a pair of demons that would have killed him without remorse.

 

They turned and he followed, racing through the familiar area mindful of the traps that Shippo had most likely set. The fire fox was not dumb enough to let his home go without protection, and made sure to remind all that he was not over five hundred years old for nothing. The traps were easily avoided, though, if one was familiar with Shippo's brand of magic and trickery. Though, the demon preferred to find some way in order to confuse and surprise even those that knew him well.

 

The fox demons led him between the traps and straight into their den. More of the demons looked up at him, ears flickering atop their heads while they silently asked the reason he was there. The two that had led him raised their hands and stated simply that he was there to speak with Shippo about Kagome, bringing smiles to the faces of the demons sitting about. All of them adored the stories they heard of the miko, even when they had never had the chance to meet her, and many of them knew of him.

 

An older female smiled at him, dipping her head of orange hair. She said, “It is a pleasure to have you here once more, Hiei-san.”

 

He dipped his head in return, but did not acknowledge her more than that. There was no reason to, especially when the female knew that his body and soul belonged only to his mate. The woman that she knew as the kind, loving, and brave miko that once saved the demon she followed. And he did the same with the other demons that spoke with him, recognizing a few as the young brats that Shippo had first introduced to his mate as his students.

 

Their scowling faces had not changed.

 

One of the fox demons that brought him to the den trotted off, disappearing deeper into the den, and it was not long before he picked up the faint voices speaking. He almost expected Shippo to come flying out in excitement, perhaps as the pink bubble that he used to have a habit of transforming into, but instead of matured fox strolled out in a much more calm manner. He walked right up to him, placed his hand onto his shoulder, and Hiei growled when he felt the spike in magic.

 

He escaped just barely.

 

Shippo scowled, stating, “Hey! You haven't come here in a really long time, and I think you deserve a little punishment for not telling me the status of my mother's health! All I've ever gotten is a letter from Sesshoumaru saying that her body is still well and that you'd disappeared without a trace! So, get back here.”

 

“I don't think so,” Hiei replied.

 

The fox grumbled underneath his breath, cursing his speed, but Hiei did not have time for such antics. He knew that the other demons would make themselves scarce until Shippo called them back, so he spoke. “I am currently employed underneath the Reikai, and one of my teammates found this for me.”

 

He tossed the scroll and watched as Shippo caught it with ease. The fire fox was still scowling, but he unraveled the old scroll and glanced over the writing there. His expression did not change, while he clicked his tongue against the top of his mouth. Then, he asked, “Your friend must be quite knowledgeable about the world to have found this. I had heard of it, but I could not find the scroll.”

 

“Will it help?” he asked.

 

Shippo's eyes brightened, while he grinned playfully. “I think you probably know the answer to that question, but if you tell me who gave you this scroll, I might be willing to tell you the real answer. After all, I heard this was stolen a long time ago from a witch named Mayuko by the thief Youko Kurama. How in the world did you get your hands onto it? Find his horde of treasure? No, Youko would have been too clever to let someone like you do that—”

 

“Shippo,” Hiei growled in warning.

 

“Ha!” Shippo laughed. “Don't think that tone is going to work on me anymore. I realized long before Kagome was cursed that even if you are her mate, you are younger than I am. I only listened to you because I respected my mother, not because I actually thought you were threatening.”

 

He glared at him.

 

“Well, you tell me where you got this scroll and I will tell you what I think of it,” Shippo suggested. “It's that easy little guy.”

 

Hiei's eyebrow twitched, as he wished that Shippo were not a fire fox. Though his flames were hotter than most demons, the fire fox was able to manipulate them long before they harmed him physically. And then try to blast him with a large amount of magic filled fire that could not be put out through normal means.

 

“Well?”

 

Hiei decided that it would simply be best to give up Kurama. After all, Shippo had worshipped Youko like he was a god, and he was sure that the fire fox would give the avatar a run for his money. And really, if he persuaded him enough, he would probably be willing to try and show Youko that he was much better than him now. Younger and more talented, which would probably yank Youko's chain enough to make him almost not wish to strangle him for looking upon his mate's flesh while she was naked. So, he told him.

 

Shippo's eyes lit up the moment he heard that the avatar he worked with had Youko Kurama's spirit melding with him. The fire fox happily told him that the spell should work, and if not it should not harm Kagome's soul, though some of the ingredients would probably need both him and Youko to obtain them. Clearly Shippo meant to be apart of the act until Kagome was released, and he wanted to work alongside Youko.

 

Hiei could only hope for a small moment of peace until it was over.

 

OoO

 

Youko, now is not the time, Kurama sighed once more. He glanced over at the young fire fox, noticing the superior grin that had blossomed onto his face. Clearly he was very proud that he had found, obtained, and gotten away with all the items he was assigned with before the great Youko Kurama. But, Kurama wished that it had been the other way, if only to get Youko to stop complaining inside his head.

 

`Damn little brat,' Youko hissed. `He thinks he's so great, having found twenty-five of the ingredients within three days. I'd like to see him try and steal from a witch that is still home.'

 

Youko, I told you that trying to seduce that woman would probably end with you losing your bet, Kurama added. If you had listened to me, you probably would not have lost.

 

Youko huffed, saying, `Yeah, well, it's not my problem. It's your money that I'm giving away.'

 

That hit a little low, but Kurama returned his sight to the ancient tree that towered over his head at the moment. It was the only aura that threatened to overpower him, most likely because the family living in the shrine was fast asleep and Kagome's soul was pulsing in sadness. It was obvious that her soul would probably continue to do so for quite some time, while she struggled to return to her mate.

 

If only she knew.

 

If only there was a way to tell her soul that soon, very soon, she would be reunited with those she had left behind.

 

Youko began to grumble about the human side of him, complaining that it was nothing but trouble. Kurama understood that Youko did not like him trying to deter him from women, bets, and everything that made his life as a thief thrilling. However, he merely rolled his eyes when he realized that now he was complaining about the fact that he wanted to reassure someone.

 

Youko's grumbles became louder when the fire fox, Shippo, glanced in their direction again. The mocking grin was still on his face, even while he went about the task of placing the items he had brought in their appropriate places. After he was done, considering the fact Kurama had already finished placing the items he had obtained, they would only need to wait for Hiei to return with his mate's body. Then they could perform the ceremony, sever his mate's soul from the ancient tree, and leave the presence of the gloating, younger fox.

 

`Good,' Youko snarled. `I don't know how much more I can take of that brat. Look at him! Acting as if he owns the world. I have stolen and seduced more than he will ever in his entire life! I am the master thief, how dare he think he is better than I am!'

 

Kurama felt the need to rub at his temple.

 

`And you!' Youko turned his anger onto him. `Quit acting as if you don't care! Damn it, we share this body; therefore the reputation is as much yours as it is mine! You're ruining our perfect image by not acting as if you at least care that little asshole got the better of us!'

 

I do not believe a thief has ever had a perfect image, Kurama replied.

 

Youko glowered from inside his mind, growling underneath his breath. `You know full well what I mean, Red,' he added.

 

Kurama ignored him, turning his head just slightly when he realized Hiei had materialized at the top of the shrine steps. He was holding the body of a woman, obviously his mate, with great care. And it was obvious why. She was deathly pale, showing that despite the fact her body had not been harmed throughout the years, the lack of her soul was beginning to affect it in some way. Yet, despite the lacking luster of life, she retained the beauty that he had seen the night he had followed Hiei to the shrine.

 

Youko's anger was forgotten for a moment, as he began to grumble once more on how it was not fair that someone like Hiei could obtain such a woman. Kurama noticed right away the glare that the hybrid sent him, clearly telling him to back off from the way his lip lifted slightly. He decided to ignore the warning, however, for he had no intentions of going after a woman that was already captured. Therefore, there was no reason for Hiei to find him as a threat.

 

Shippo perked up, his grin fading into a soft smile as he gazed upon the woman in Hiei's arms. Kurama was still not quite sure what his relationship with the woman was, but he guessed that there must be some type of deep affection between them for the hybrid to have gone to ask him for help. “Hey! What took you so long?” Shippo called.

 

Hiei's crimson gaze flickered behind him for a moment, as he stated, “The dog wished to know the reason why I wanted the jewel. He has demanded that we meet him later to receive punishment for not including him in the revival of his sibling.”

 

“Damn,” Shippo cursed. “The old man didn't follow you, did he?”

 

“No,” Hiei replied. “He left after I retrieved Kagome's body. Though, there is a large possibility that he will show up when we least expect him.”

 

“Weird, no threat?” Shippo asked.

 

From the look on Hiei's face, there had been one. The hybrid did not look happy with that fact, and Kurama felt quite left out. It was clear that the fire fox knew a lot more about Hiei than he did, and the demon they were speaking of must have been someone from his past. A demon that clearly knew Hiei's mate, though Kurama found it strange that a demon would call a miko his sibling, considering they were meant to destroy one another.

 

There was obviously more than he knew going on.

 

“Oh, harsh,” Shippo grinned. “Luckily it wasn't me he threatened. That old dog wouldn't know what hit him! I came up with the perfect spell to finally kick his hide!”

 

“I doubt it,” Hiei growled. “Now, will you stop playing around?”

 

Shippo frowned at the word the hybrid had chosen to call his actions. However, he motioned for him to place Kagome upon the thin platform that he had made out of gentle fire. The spell required a high level of magic, so the fire fox had chosen to push most of the magic needed into the bed that the miko's body would lay upon. He was quite bright to have come up with such a thing, and had obviously spent years honing his skills to be able to do such a thing.

 

Plus, the fact that Hiei wished for the fire fox to perform the spell spoke volumes about how well trained he was. Otherwise, he doubted that the hybrid would allow someone barely over five hundred years of age—as Shippo had rubbed in quite nicely—to even attempt relocating his mate's soul back into her body. In any other case the hybrid probably would have held them at sword point, ordering that they step away from his mate.

 

Shippo continued to mope while he watched Hiei place Kagome's body upon the platform. Once the hybrid had completed his task, the fire fox stepped forward, his attitude changing with each step he took. He knelt in position once the hybrid had stepped back, placed his hands onto the ground, and began to mutter in an ancient tongue that had been forgotten after the worlds were split. Kurama was actually surprised that he knew the language, but decided to say nothing while he watched the spell take place.

 

`Damn little bastard,' Youko hissed. `Now he's going to go on and on about that, too!'

 

Hush, Youko, Kurama scolded. His tone silenced the spirit fox for a few seconds, before he was sent into another bout of grumbles that put down basically everything Youko could think of. However, he seemed to have forgotten one little detail. Kurama decided to remind him, Youko, you do realize that every time you insult me, you are insulting yourself, correct?

 

The spirit fox shut up.

 

Returning his attention to the spell taking place, Kurama watched as the magic swept out from the fire fox's body in his signature form, green flames. Shippo's brow was creased in his concentration, while the green fire probed and caressed the skin of the miko before him. It was searching for a weak spot, while the rest of the magic he released activated a few of the items settled around him. An incense began to smoke near his knee, while a small orb lit up from the inside the moment the fire lightly tapped the surface. Each item had a purpose, and when his magic finally began to probe increasingly around her temple, a few more items were activated instinctively.

 

From how little the fire fox moved, it was clear that he had read and reread the process of the spell many times. And it was also clear that he cared very much for the woman, even if she was the hybrid's mate. Kurama still did not know why, but it was obvious from how thorough he was while performing the spell. Nothing was left out, nothing left untouched, and soon it became apparent that it was beginning to work.

 

The ancient tree pulsed again, beginning to glow the longer Shippo's magic probed along the miko's temple. The tree's aura was green, gripping tightly to the blue that began to leak forth in waves. Kurama was actually surprised with the massive soul that began to fill the area, and he was sure it would have frightened many if they had the ability to see such things. He had never seen a soul of such mass, and he wondered briefly how it fit inside of her body.

 

A dagger, lying innocently in a bowl of blue liquid began to hum with magic. Shippo's fire grasped a hold of the handle and it lifted from the bowl, liquid dribbling down the blade to the ground. It hovered there for a while, tense and waiting, while the miko's soul struggled to gain distance from the tree it was bound to. Then, when it became clear that the soul had managed to escape the tree's grasp, the dagger swept through the air. It sliced through the two sources coming from the tree, severing them from one another.

 

The miko's soul instantly pulsed with life. It was clear that it was ready to leave the plane of existence, as the scroll warned. However, the fire fox did not miss a beat. His magic sprang forth to embrace the soul, coxing it back to where it belonged, and it took only a second for the soul to comply.

 

It was clear that they were familiar with each other.

 

The soul moved with the tendrils of magic, slowly drifting through the air until it hovered above the body. Already the fire fox was guiding the soul, thin flames pulling pieces back into the body. It was a tedious process, but needed, for once enough points had been connected with the body, it pulsed and plunged back inside at a rapid pace.

 

The hybrid took a step forward, watchful. Kurama's eyes, however, were zeroed in on the woman's face. Already it was beginning to darken with color, while the faint glow of magic faded away—Shippo collapsed forward onto his face, panting. A moment later, the miko's chest rose as she sucked in oxygen.

 

Kurama smiled a little when he noticed that Hiei had moved to her side. The hybrid was there when her eyes fluttered open, and when she softly asked if she was dreaming. He bluntly told her no, she was not dreaming, and she tried to rise. The weakness of her body being animated for so long prevented her from doing so, however, and the hybrid knelt down to lift her upper body into a sitting position.

 

Her hand lifted with determination, and she touched the hybrid's cheek. “Hiei.”

 

Youko began to mutter once more in his head. `Damn, lucky little bastard.'

 

“Kagome.” Hiei's eyes spoke what refused to leave his lips, before he leaned into her. He locked lips with his mate, kissing her thoroughly. As it went on, Kurama began to wonder if the hybrid was merely happy to have her back, or was making up for lost time. However, his musing was cut short by the other fox when he lifted his head up.

 

“Hey!” Shippo's whine was pathetic with how hard he was panting. “I just spent a lot of energy to complete that spell! I'm the one that did all the work to revive you! When I am going to be acknowledged? Or am I too old to get a little lovin' now?”

 

The miko began to laugh against Hiei's lips, clearly ruining the moment. The hybrid pulled away from her, turning to glare at the fire fox. He obviously did not like the fact that Shippo had ruined his tongue action.

 

Continuing to pant a little, Shippo asked, “Are you laughing at me now? I'm not that old!”

 

Kagome's eyes opened to look upon the fox. Her smile was brilliant, as she said, “Oh, Shippo, I'm just so happy to be back. Thank you for whatever you did.”

 

The fire fox smiled, saying, “I'd do anything for you, mother.”

 

`Mother?' Youko whispered in wonder.

 

In Kurama's mind, though, another piece of the puzzle fell into place.

 

--Fin