Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Evolution ❯ Name ( Chapter 12 )

Evolution

 

OooooO

 

Kagome stretched and yawned. She had been in the caves for about a week now, and all she had seen was Seiryoku's bedroom and the hotsprings buried in the mountain. After the first day, the only person Kagome had seen was Seiryoku, and even though few words were spoken between them, Seiryoku came off as a very nice person. Kagome was quickly becoming fond of her. `What's a nice person like Seiryoku doing with a bunch of thieves anyway?'

 

“ Good morning, Kagome,” Seiryoku's clear voice said. Kagome turned and smiled.

 

“ Ah, good morning, Seiryoku-chan,” Kagome replied.

 

“ How are you feeling today?”

 

“ Much better. My ribs don't ache anymore,” Kagome said brightly. Seiryoku tilted her head.

 

“ I'm not knowledgeable in human healing, but isn't that a bit abnormal?” asked the dog youkai. Kagome smiled nervously. `Oh no! I definitely can't tell her I can speed up my healing with my powers.'

 

“ I guess I'm a bit special then,” Kagome said. Seiryoku looked a bit skeptical, but didn't press.

 

“ Mm. Youko and Kuronue are out right now, but I'm going to introduce you to the clan today. They're a bit curious about you,” said Seiryoku. Kagome smiled nervously. `Meet the whole clan? All at once. I hope that I made a good impression with my healing…' The youkai seemed to sense Kagome's uncertainty.

 

“ Don't worry about it. If they bother you, I'll kill them,” Seiryoku said simply. Kagome turned shocked eyes to the taller woman. `Kill them?!' Seiryoku chuckled at the look on Kagome's face.

 

“ You're a guest here, Kagome. Not only that, you're here to heal them when they're injured. If they want to be healed well, they'd best give you proper respect. Besides, they know how I feel about men. They don't want to give me another reason to remove their heads, because for me, being a man is enough,” Seiryoku told Kagome. `That really doesn't make me feel better…' Kagome steeled herself and swung her legs off the bed.

 

She was wearing a white yukata, just as she had since she arrived here. Each morning, Kagome woke up and found a new one laid out for her on the bed. `If I didn't know better, I'd almost think Seiryoku was supposed to be my personal maid.' Kagome thought wryly. This time however, a white outfit not unlike Seiryoku's was laid out. Kagome blinked.

 

“ I didn't think you wanted to go out there in front of everyone in just a yukata,” Seiryoku explained. Kagome smiled in thanks. `Besides, Seiryoku makes a better friend than a maid. She's a bit like Sango, except more…aggressive.' The human clambered out of bed and swiftly changed clothes, marveling at the light feeling of the new outfit. It was flowing and thin, but warm. It was almost as if it wasn't there. Except for the fact that it wasn't skin tight, Kagome was willing bet that acrobats and gymnists wore stuff like this. Kagome glanced at Seiryoku. `Does she fight that way? Like an acrobat?' It wouldn't surprise her. After all, females were known to be more flexible than males, and could make their bodies bend and flex in incredible ways. The pants were so long, that if Kagome wasn't careful, she would trip over them. Luckily, the top had no sleeves, so Kagome didn't have to roll anything up besides the pant legs.

 

“ I have the smallest foot size in this whole clan, and your feet are even smaller than mine, so you'll have to wait to get some shoes. Hope you don't mind going around barefoot,” Seiryoku said. Kagome shook her head.

 

“ Right then, follow me,” the woman ushered. Kagome padded along beside Seiryoku, looking around curiously. Before, Seiryoku had always taken her down the right hand path. This time, they were going left. The tunnel was rather simple and straight, and there were few turns, until they started getting further along. Kagome easily memorized the path.

 

“ Be careful about which way you turn. You could easily end somewhere you don't want to be,” Seiryoku told Kagome

 

“ Where would that be?”

 

“ Well, besides the fact that we set up traps all over these tunnels ages ago, and besides the fact this used to be a ninja hideout, so it has old traps we haven't even set off yet, you might wander into one of the mens' rooms. While there is a strict rule not to bring anyone home and to find pleasure either amongst themselves or elsewhere, seeing you in their room might put them under the impression that you're offering,” answered the youkai. Kagome listened closely, but as the words registered, Kagome choked on air.

 

“ Amongst themselves?!” Kagome shrieked. Seiryoku looked at Kagome oddly.

 

“ Yes. Some of the men are not fond of women pleasuring them, so they look to other men. Since the clan is mostly made up of males, it works out,” Seiryoku said. Kagome stared pointedly at the ground, her face bright red. `How can she talk about things like that?! Like it's no big deal at all!' Even with her head bowed, Kagome paid careful close attention to the way they were going. She definitely didn't want to get lost in here. As the sounds of voices reached her ears, Kagome looked up. The tunnel had opened up into a large room full of youkai. It reminded Kagome of Kouga's caves. Large boulders had been rolled into the cave, and were used as chairs or work areas to polish or sharpen weapons. And Kagome was sure it was official. She was going to have a nosebleed. `If there were a Youkai GQ, these guys would be modeling for it…' As soon as she stepped into the room, everyone stopped talking. All eyes were focused on her, and Kagome fidgeted under their gaze.

 

“ Umm…hi?” Kagome forced herself not to bow her head, or wring her hands, or nibble on her lip. She thought she was doing pretty well. A youkai slid off a rock. His hair was black, his eyes a stunning shade of violet, and a horn stuck out from two spots on his forehead along his hairline, turning outwards, framing his facing and showing off his smooth, aristocratic face. His hair brushed his shoulders, and like everyone else in the clan, was wearing all white. When he turned his head, Kagome could see small horns sticking through his hair on the back of his head.

 

“ So this human is to be our healer?” he looked at Seiryoku, who nodded. Murmurs broke out, but they quieted swiftly. Kagome pursed her lips and executed a shallow bow.

 

“ I am Kagome,” she said shortly. She waited for his response. And waited. And waited so more. `Ugh, how can a person be so rude?'

 

“ Well? Aren't you going to tell me your name? It's common courtesy, you know,” Kagome said. He smirked.

 

“ If you haven't noticed, this place doesn't exactly practice common courtesy,” he replied. Kagome scowled.

 

“ Fine then. If you won't tell me your name, I'll make one up for you,” Kagome glared at the youkai. “ How does `Cho' sound?” The youkai blanched, and several of the men started to chuckle.

 

“ Well then, Cho-chan, it's a pleasure to meet you,” Kagome smiled sweetly. All of the youkai burst out laughing at the purple eyed one's expense, who was flushed with anger. Kagome turned to face the rest of the group.

 

“ Is everyone else going to tell me their name? Or will I have to make up names for them?” Almost instantly, the laughter stopped.

 

“ So, Cho-chan, are you going to tell me your real name, or will I have to call you Cho-chan for the rest of my stay here?” Kagome asked the youkai. He scoffed.

 

“ Well it's obvious what your mother should have named you, Bitch-chan,” he said mockingly. Kagome felt rage bubble in her chest.

 

“ Take that back,”

 

“ Why should I? The truth hurts, doesn't it?” He smirked down at her. Kagome scowled.

 

“ Don't make me grab your horns,” Kagome warned. He blinked, but looked down at her disbelievingly.

 

“ You wouldn't dare,” he replied. With those words, Kagome reached up and grabbed one of the horns on his temple and yanked him down to her level.

 

“ Listen here, buddy, I don't like you, and you don't like me, and we probably won't ever like each other, but the least you can do if give me some respect, even if I am a human,” Kagome hissed angrily in his ear. She released him, and the youkai began his angry rant at her. However, Kagome cut him off.

 

“ You bitch-“ SLAP. The cave, which previously had been filled with quiet snickers, fell silent once more. The youkai's cheek was a bright red, and Kagome could feel her palm tingle. `Wow, I hit that guy hard…'

 

“ I told you, Youko, that putting those two together would be dangerous. She's already slapped him,” a voice said. It was strangely familiar. Kagome looked around the youkai to see two more at the entrance, Youko and a dark haired youkai with wings folded tightly against his back. The youkai whipped around angrily.

 

“ Dammit Youko, you can't think this human can really do anything, can you?”

 

“ She healed Ryuuza from a fatal wound that had been poisoned,” Youko replied. The other youkai scoffed.

 

“ A fluke,” he said.

 

“ No fluke, I assure you. As it is, you will give her proper respect due to her station,” Youko said. The other youkai scowled deeply.

 

“ Respect? She is a woman, she does not deserve respect from me,” as if by saying magical words, Seiryoku's fist connected with his face. The force of the blow sent him to Youko's feet, where he struggled to get up. It appeared as if he was quite dizzy.

 

“ No respect because she's a woman?” Seiryoku said softly. The cave was deadly silent, all the youkai watching Seiryoku fearfully.

 

“ Did you perhaps forget that I, too, am I woman? Did you forget what happens to men who don't give women proper respect? I think it is time for you to have that spar against me that you've been asking for. Except I won't go easy on you like I had been planning to. It looks like you'll have to get a lot more respect for Kagome in the next ten minutes, because when those ten minutes are up, she's going to heal you, and depending on her mood, you might just heal with an arm or leg that wasn't set right. Wouldn't be much of thief then, would you?” Seiryoku finished. Her voice still held that chillingly soft tone, almost as if a mother was talking to her child, except much, much more menacing. Even from the distance, Kagome could see the bruise already blossoming on his face. Kagome really wanted to stop Seiryoku, she really did. But the look on her face stopped Kagome. `I'm not about to risk my neck for a guy who just got done calling me a bitch!'

 

“ Let's go, whelp. I'm about to kick your ass,” Seiryoku growled. The youkai didn't meet Seiryoku's eyes as she strode past him. He stiffly followed her out. A few moments after they had left, the ground began to shake, and it sounded as if there was an earthquake.

 

“ What's that?” Kagome asked as she fought to keep her balance. Youko glanced briefly outside, where a tree fell under Seiryoku's wrath.

 

“ That would be Seiryoku and her insane strength,” he answered. `Insane strength? I thought all youkai had insane strength…maybe that's only compared to humans…' Silence reigned for a few minutes, with only the crashes ringing out from the forest.

 

“ Kagome,” a voice said. She turned and looked at the bat youkai who had accompanied Youko.

 

“ Yes?”

 

“ A few days ago, I gave Seiryoku the box that I believe has your medical supplies. It may be wise to bring it out,” he said. Kagome nodded and left the room, following the path to Seiryoku's room. It took her a short while to find her medical kit, but she did, in one of the chests of clothing. When she returned to the main entrance, Seiryoku had come back from outside without a scratch on her. The nameless youkai “Cho” was no where to be found. Kagome shifted awkardly, feeling strange. Even though Seiryoku's face was calm, she could still feel her seething with rage, her anger simmering just beneath the surface.

 

“ Um, he is going to be all right, won't he?” Kagome asked tentatively. Seiryoku's nose twitched and her eyes narrowed.

 

“ Unfortunately,” she said shortly. `Talk about girl power…' Kagome thought wryly. Seiryoku gave an uncaring glance behind her.

 

“ He should be in a few moments when he's done nursing his pride,” Seiryoku said blandly. Kagome nodded. `I hope that guy is okay. I really didn't mean for him to get beat up…' Kagome looked around at the youkai, who acted as if this were a natural occurrence. Seiryoku turned her attention to Youko and the dark youkai.

 

“ How did everything go?” she asked. Youko flicked his hair over his shoulder.

 

“ Fine,” he turned his body to face one of the youkai.

 

“ Koroku, have you found any interesting news?” The purple haired youkai who had grabbed Kagome that night when she ran into their camp nodded.

 

“ Yeah. Apparently, them demon slayers fought that Naraku person around here. It blew up the whole area. It doesn't look like there were any survivors. Good riddance, I say. We don't need a bunch of hunters after us that are powered with the Shikon no Tama,” Koroku told Youko. Kagome felt her heart stop. `We're….demon slayers? Wait….no survivors?'

 

“ Demon slayers? I heard the village of demon slayers was found and destroyed,” Kagome started.

 

“ There's a group running around Japan collecting Shikon shards and slaughtering any youkai in their path. Their biggest adversary right now is that Naraku. Apparently, their group consists of a hanyou, a priestess, one of the surviving taijiya, a monk, a middle class fire cat, and a fox kit. They're unstoppable, once they've decided to kill you, or so the rumor goes. The only youkai they have yet to kill that's on their list is Naraku,” the bat youkai answered. Kagome nodded. `That's us…do youkai really fear us so much?'

 

“ I'm more concerned about this Naraku. He is actively killing any youkai in any area he settles. He poisons the land and makes food hard to come by. Youkai have went into hiding, and cower away from him. And of course, the nobles aren't concerned only for themselves. The only one who is actively trying to stop Naraku is Sesshoumaru,” Youko said. Kagome nibbled on her lip. `So this group is against Naraku as well…it'd be best to not let them know I'm the “priestess” of the demon slayers. Perhaps, later on, I could convince them to join our fight against Naraku…'

 

XevolutionX

 

The day had passed rather quickly with no more mishaps. Kagome had met Youko's most trusted underlings, Otonashi, Takahiro, Koroku, Ryuujin, and Ryuuza. Ryuuza was grateful towards her once he had found out she had been the one to save him from certain death. Koroku seemed more neutral, and it was impossible to tell what Otonashi thought. Apparently, he never speaks, though Kuronue, the bat youkai, is adamant he can. Takahiro however, hated Kagome's guts. The same went for Kagome. He was arrogant and cocky, and incredibly shifty. Kagome wondered how Youko could trust him so much. Seiryoku had mentioned to stay away from him, since there were rumors he became more than a little rough with his women, though nothing solid. He had always managed to toe the line with Seiryoku around, and while Kagome thought that with Seiryoku's apparent hatred of men, she would be searching for a reason to kill him, she maintained that he was trustworthy, despite the rumors. Kagome remained wary, however.

 

It was when the sun was setting that she became worried for “Cho”. `Seiryoku really didn't hurt him that badly, did she?' When the sky turned turquoise, she declared that she would find him.

 

“ It's what I'm here for, isn't it?” she said hotly when Ryuuza tried to stop her. She left the cave swiftly, sliding down the steep slope of the mountain the cave was nestled in. Youko watched after her impassively.

 

“ Otonashi,” he spoke. The youkai appeared before him.

 

“ Go after her and make sure she remains safe. If he becomes violent, use any means necessary to see that she remains unharmed,” Youko said. Otonashi gave a curt nod before disappearing into the darkening area, hand on the hilt of his sword.

 

Kagome turned on her flashlight, grateful that the batteries were fresh, and that she even had a spare set in a compartment in her first aid kit. When she spotted a freshly fallen tree with a hole in the center the size of a fist, she knew she was on the right trail. She continued her trek through the forest, searching for the elusive youkai. She found him in a small clearing, held captive in pained doze.

 

His face was badly bruised, and his arm bent at an awkward angle. It was clearly broken. Blood that had trickled from his mouth had dried and crusted to his jaw. There was a gash from his thigh to his calf, and several others around his torso. Kagome winced. `Seiryoku really was angry…' She crept closer, trying hard not to startle him. It was his voice that startled her, instead.

 

“ Come to laugh at me, girl?” he said harshly. Kagome bristled.

 

“ No, I've come to heal you,” she said shortly. His purple eyes glared at her coldly. Then he scoffed.

 

“ Do your best, then,” he said. Kagome huffed, but dropped to her knees beside him. Setting the flashlight at a convenient angle, she peeled off his shirt. It stuck in some places where the blood had dried. Opening her kit, she pulled out a wipe and began to clean off his chest and face. Under her gentle ministrations, Kagome could see his body beginning to relax ever so slightly. Then, taking her antibotic salve, she applied it to all the gashes and cuts on his body. Kagome then wrapped them all in bandages. She flushed bright red when she got a close up of his bare thigh and hip. All the while, he watched her with a sharp eye, scrutinizing every move she made.

 

“ Well, all that's left is your arm. Just hold still, and please, don't stab me,” Kagome said dryly. He sneered.

 

“ What a good idea,” He said nastily. Kagome scowled, but placed her hands softly on his arm, taking note of the low hiss he uttered. Sucking in her breath, she quickly snapped it in place. A loud growl escaped him, but he made no other noise. Kagome glanced at his face. It was pale, and sweat rolled down its side. She reached over and rummaged in her kit for the makeshift brace she had made a while back. She quickly put it on his arm, letting it rest as comfortably as it could on his stomach. Then she sat back, looking at him carefully.

 

“ How are you feeling now?” Kagome asked softly.

 

“ Better,” he replied gruffly. Kagome packed up her things and stood, then helped the male up.

 

“ Okay, let's get you back to that cave so you can get some rest,” Kagome said determinedly, and started off.

 

“ Oi,” he called after her. Kagome turned around.

 

“ Huh?”

 

“ It's the other way,” he said amusedly. Kagome flushed with embarassment. Kagome could see his smirk in the darkness.

 

“ C'mon, I'll take you back,” he said. Kagome trotted after his form, slowing when she reached his side. They walked in silence, but it was strangely comfortable. Kagome listened as his breath became slightly erratic as the walking began to talk its toll on his wounded body.

 

“ Don't push yourself,” Kagome warned. He stopped.

 

“ Why?”

 

“ Why what?” Kagome said confusedly.

 

“ Why did you come out here just for me?” he asked, staring at her intently. Kagome looked down at her feet.

 

“ I…when we first saw each other, we didn't like each other. We both said some pretty mean things. But…it's…it's not right just leacing someone out there by themselves, knowing that they are injured and that you can help. So I came,” Kagome finished, raising her head to stare him in the eye. The look in his eye was strange and unknown to Kagome, but it didn't look like a bad look, so she decided to ignore it. They started off again.

 

“ Yomi,”

 

“ What?” Kagome asked, looking back at him.

 

“ My name. Its Yomi,” he said. Kagome smiled widely.

 

“ It's nice to meet you, Yomi,”

 

OooOooOooOooOooOoo

 

I sincerely apologize for the long wait. I'm just glad I was able to finish this before April. I've started some school activities, so updates are going to be slow, but I'm trying, really I am. I'm glad for all the people who've stuck with me, and rereading all the reviews I've gotten so far has helped to motivate me, because then I know of all the people I'm disappointing by not writing this. I think this chapter sucks hard, but at least its something, right? I rewrote it like four times before I was satisfied. Please, enjoy.

 

With the intro of new OC's, I will give the translation to their names. Otonashi means no sound, and Takahiro means valuable and great. And also, Yomi makes his appearance!

 

 

 

 

 

HiHi