Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Like Sakura Petals Falling... ❯ Prodigal ( Chapter 7 )

Blanket Disclaimer: InuYasha belongs to Rumiko Takahashi, YuYu Hakusho belongs to Yoshihiro Togashi. Perverse bastardizations of both can be blamed on me.

 

"Another chance to undermine at the dead rose decides to come alive." - Le Cirque En Rose (Obsolescence)' by Deadsy

 

Chapter Seven (Prodigal)

 

Kagome. Higurashi Kagome.

 

The Mystery Girl of the Hours had looked adorably shocked when Kurama had asked if Higurashi was indeed her family name. He shock openly reflecting his own surmounting, albeit hidden, surprise toward the petite, ebullient creature in his bed this morning.

 

At the impromptu embrace, his youko had nearly gone ballistic when he found himself engulfed in the scent of sakura petals and pampas grass. Then the girl recognizing fox in his own scent.

 

Who was this Higurashi Kagome?

 

Kurama glanced up from his contemplation, as he heard the water in his bathroom shut off. His little puzzle must have finished her shower. Kurama couldn't resist the faint smile that touched his lips at the stray thought that had found itself popping to the fore. He suspecting his time for quiet contemplation would soon be over.

 

A few moments later the door to his bathroom opened to reveal Kagome still drying her hair with a towel. The borrowed clothing she wore now were still over-sized, and seemed to dwarf her delicate form, but at least his own clothing wasn't falling off her like the dress he'd found her in.

 

That dreadful piece of apparel had almost literally been falling off her, it was so large. Kagome had appeared to be verging on tears over its state. Naturally winning Kurama's mercy as he offered her an undershirt and pair of pajama bottoms to wear until he could locate more appropriate garments for the girl.

 

Which had led him to his present moment of waiting for Keiko to arrive with clothing he'd called and requested of her. Not to mention staring at the freshly bathed shrine maiden walking toward him, her gaze thoughtful and content.

 

“Thank you.” Kagome spoke softly, as she joined Kurama on his sofa.

 

“I've told you before, Kagome-san, it is no trouble.” Kurama answered with a slight smile.

 

Her facial features began to set themselves into stubborn lines, and Kurama was sure she was about to argue when the news program had caught her attention. Kurama blinked as he, too, focused on the news report.

 

“… Police speculate the break-in to have occurred around one in the morning. What was stolen from the Tokyo National Museum has yet to be released to the public. The police also claim to have no current leads to either the theft or death of two of the museum's security guards.” The anchorman droned on in that bored interest that only television news anchors seem to embody.

 

Beside him, Kagome let out a soft gasp at the flippant mention of the two deceased museum employees.

 

“Are you alright, Kagome-san?” Kurama asked her with a concerned frown.

The girl jumped slightly before nodding her head distractedly. “Yes, I'm fine. It's just so sad. Those poor families.” Kagome answered in genuine concern for complete strangers.

 

“I agree.” Kurama replied observing the girl and her quiet distress.

 

«What do you think was stolen? Answer correctly and I'll give you a cookie.» His youko aspect suddenly flared to glib life.

 

«Youko.» Kurama warned in no mood to play games with his baser self.

 

«Just answer the question… or do you need a clue?» Youko taunted undeterred.

 

«The statue.» Kurama replied wryly, resisting the urge to roll his eyes.

 

«Now, why?» Youko prompted smugly.

 

«I'm not going another round with you over `Her,' Youko.» Kurama countered.

 

«But you don't deny all this stems around her.» Youko insisted, the devilish smirk was nearly a tangible item in Kurama's mind.

 

«Youko---»

 

“Shuuichi-kun?”

 

Kurama blinked and found his vision filled with concern-filled brown eyes.

 

“Shuuichi-kun, aren't you going to answer the door?” Kagome asked after a moment's hesitation, as another knock sounded on his apartment door.

 

“Oh, yes, of course.” Kurama muttered rising quickly to head toward the door, hiding his own embarrassment at his lack of attention.

 

~*~

 

The clearing by daylight offered no additional clues as to its significance as it had the night before. Claret eyes narrowed in disgust and frustration .

 

The only recollection Hiei could piece together were jumbled, chaotic images of faces and events that Hiei was certain he'd never personally witnessed before. Which left only one viable conclusion for the fire apparition---

 

The Jagan.

 

Though what the implanted eye was trying to reveal, and to what purpose; Hiei couldn't begin to comprehend. A thought that left him cold.

 

From his perch, half concealed amongst the high, leafy boughs of an ancient oak, Hiei scanned the clearing one last time, before snorting derisively and rising on the branch he was perched on to leave.

 

Only to be stayed by a sound which started out a low moan slowly building into a loud keening which filled the small clearing. The mournful wail echoed off the trees, both muting the sound and intensifying it.

 

What the hell is that? Hiei pondered, already moving toward the plaintive cries.

 

~*~

 

Keiko eyed the girl before her appraisingly, before nodding to herself and clearing her throat to gain the girl in question's attention.

 

“Yes, I think that will work.” She said with a pleased nod. “I was just guessing on the sizes from what Ku---Shuuichi described.” Keiko added, grimacing at her won near slip. The kitsune beside her flashing her a sharp glance before his features smoothed out into his usual mask of polite affability.

 

Though today Kurama did seem rather... distracted. Keiko couldn't help the slight smirk at her husband's friend's odd behavior.

 

“It does look alright?” The girl, Kagome, asked in open uncertainty. The petite woman turned a slow circle taking in her own appearance all the while worrying her lower lip with her teeth.

 

“You look lovely, Kagome-san.” Kurama assured, winning a blush from the young woman.

 

“I'm just not used to wearing such things.” Kagome confessed nervously, as her fingers smoothed over the simple white blouse and camel knee-length pencil skirt.

 

Keiko frowned at the comment. `Not used to such things`?

 

Kagome was dressed like most single, young women her age. Well, those that worked in offices, anyway. In fact, Keiko was fairly certain she'd owned an outfit that was very similar last summer during an internship for her uncle's business company.

 

Despite the conservative, and simplistic cut, Kagome somehow seemed to make it look almost exotic. Her long, sleek black hair cascading loosely down past her hips in a heavy silken fall that shifted and swayed with every move and gesture, seemed alive. The cut and lines of the clothing flattered Kagome's petite form, accentuating all the right curves while still keeping them wrapped in a snug veil of mystery. The color was flattering and warming to the girl's skin-tone, giving her a soft glow. Altogether leaving Keiko with an odd pang of jealousy.

 

“It suits you well.” Kurama assured yet again. “Keiko made an excellent choice.”

 

Keiko blinked at Kurama in startled surprise, as Kagome came over to seat herself primly in one of the arm chairs.

 

To say she'd been surprised to receive a phone call from the kitsune was an understatement. Add to that, his asking her for help on a “sensitive matter,” left her shocked and dumbly agreeing to the impossible. Purchasing clothing for another female she had never so much as laid eyes on before.

 

And, furthermore, to say she was curious as to how she came to find herself in Kurama's apartment with the Japanese version of Lady Godiva in newly purchased apparel, would also prove a to be a gross understatement. Unfortunately, her questions had thus far all been met with clever evasions from the handsome kitsune sitting to the right of her.

 

Must have been one hell of a night. Keiko thought dryly.

 

“Well, try on those shoes, and see if they fit.” She added aloud with a discreet gesture to the one remaining bag.

 

“Oh, alright.” Kagome replied somewhat sheepishly.

 

The girl pulled out the pair of brown loafers before slipping them on in a graceful and delicate fashion. Where did Kurama find this girl?

 

Kagome stood, and took a few experimental steps before a smile broke out across her face.

 

“They fit.” She affirmed, much to Keiko's relief. “Thank you so much. I can't begin to think of how to repay you.”

 

Keiko dismissed the girl warmly. “Think nothing of it, Kagome-san.” She replied with a shrug. “Shuuichi is a good friend of mine. It was the least I could do to help.”

 

“Thank you, Keiko.” Kurama replied with a soft smile.

 

“Like I said, it was nothing.” Keiko replied with a soft flush, before flashing Kurama a sly grin. “Besides, I've never had a problem spending other people's money.” She teased, noting Kagome's surprised expression.

 

Standing, she surveyed the two coolly. They'd make a cute couple. She thought, then blinked at the statement. Dear lord, I'm turning into my mother!

 

“Well, my work here is done.” Keiko stated airily. “And I should probably get down to the restaurant before Yuusuke burns it down around him.” She quipped, moving to leave. “If you need anything else, don't hesitate to call.”

 

“Of course. Thank you again, Keiko.” Kurama replied showing Keiko to the door.

 

Just as she was stepping through the door, Keiko pivoted, quickly turning toward the fox and poked him hard in his chest. She smirked as emerald green eyes widened in surprise.

 

“You owe me an explanation, Fox Boy.” She demanded with a smirk and her husband's nickname for the kistune.

 

Then turned on her heal and exited the apartment of a now very stunned Kurama.

 

~*~

 

Kagome stared up the steps of the small family shrine and read the torii at the front gate.

 

Her shrine. Home.

 

Uncertain brown eyes darted to her quiet companion. Shuuichi Minamino stood beside her, the portrait of casual elegance. The sight was both intimidating and yet oddly reassuring.

 

Taking a deep breath, she focused on the steps before her and began her ascent, relieved when Shuuichi silently continued his accompaniment.

 

How will I repay him? Kagome silently mused, frowning fretfully. Reaching the shrine grounds, Kagome couldn't help the soft gasp that escaped her lips.

 

Home. I'm home! She thought, overwhelmed by the aching familiarity surrounding her as reality finally struck her. She moved quickly across the shrine grounds, eyes hungrily taking in each sight, until her eyes fell on a lone figure.

 

Kagome froze as the figure of a woman slowly turned to face her. Teas welled up in wide brown eyes as Kagome heard her own breath hitch.

 

“Kagome?” The woman called out in disbelief, as she took a hesitant step forward.

 

“Mama!” Kagome cried out, running to the stunned woman. Kagome threw herself into her mother's arms, nearly knocking the elder woman down. Relief pouring through her as her won vice-like grip was returned with an equal fierceness.

 

“You're here! You've come back!” Her mother gasped, gripping her daughter tightly. “You've come back.”

 

~*~

 

The man crouched, huddled in on himself, moaning low and brokenly as he rocked himself back and forth. Blood dripped and ran steadily through the creases of his fingers and down his hands and arms.

 

“No! No!” The pathetic creature wailed as his keening cries finally began to form coherent words. “Why?”

 

Pointless, unintelligible, but coherent words nonetheless. Hiei glared down at the broken man with open disgust. The utter lack of clarity, cohesion, and reason of the scene unfolding before him did little to assuage Hiei's mounting frustrations. Not to mention, served only to magnify his current dark disposition.

 

The sound of some nearby humans caught the glowering hybrid's attention. No doubt drawn by the plaintive wails of this pathetic excuse of a man before him.

 

Hiei slipped further into the concealing foliage of the tree he'd alighted himself in upon first arrival as the first hiker called out as he cautiously approached the rocking, huddled figure.

 

“Sir?” The hiker addressed gently to the wailing man. Hands out in a placating fashion as he approached the man. “Sir? Are you alright?” He asked in the same careful, cajoling tone.

 

A second male stepped into the clearing, “Takeo--- Shit!” The loutish addition swore violently as he gaped at the mournful figure. “What the hell is wrong with his face?”

 

The first hiker, Takeo, turned back to his friend and frowned. “That's what I am trying to asses, Matsu.” He stated with exaggerated patience.

Takeo returned his attention to the forlorn man. “Sir?” Cautiously the fool reached out and touched the near catatonic man on the shoulder.

 

Silence rang through the clearing creating an almost shuddering stillness like the calm before a storm. Therefore, Hiei really wasn't all that surprised by the next series of events.

First came the loud roar ripping from the strange man's throat, from that point on everything became less clear. Takeo stepped back, removing his hand as though it had been burned. The cowering creature lowered his blood-drenched hands and turned blindly toward the two hikes. Both of the would-be Good Samaritans gasped in horror at the ravaged man's face. Said crazy launched himself at the two, biting and scratching like some feral beast. Shouts and cries as the two tried to fend the man off.

 

Hiei leapt from his place of concealment without much thought, aiming a blow to the back of the deranged man's head with the hilt of his katana. The rampaging human dropped to the ground unconscious, as his two victims stared up at the small, dark figure in shock.

Hiei stared down at the still form at his feet, darkly. Deep furrow ran down the man's face. As though he had tried to claw his own eyes out. Whether he had succeeded or not Hiei couldn't tell. There was, however, something familiar about the face; though who, or where he'd seen the man before, Hiei couldn't place.

 

“Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit!” The loutish man chanted. “His fucking eyes, man!”

 

“It's Murata-sensei.” Takeo observed in quiet shock, soft horror plain on his facial features.

 

Claret eyes narrowed on the two. Murata-sensei? The name sounded familiar for some reason. Hiei made a mental note to drill the fox later.

 

“Perhaps you should call for an ambulance.” Hiei bit out scathingly to the two young humans.

 

Takeo nodded rapidly, too rapidly. “Yeah, you're right. Matsu, where's your phone?”

Good. Hiei thought as he slipped off back into the forest unnoticed by the others. He had a possible fucking clue. Now it was time to hunt for answers.

 

~*~

 

“Father, please.” Koenma entreated as he prostrated himself before his father, the Great Enma.

 

“No.” Came the thunderous reply.

 

“But they have a right to know,” Koenma cried out in exasperation.

 

“It is none of their concern.” Enma replied, unmoved. “This cycle must complete itself. Balance must be restored.”

 

“None of their concern?” Koenma sputtered. “It has made itself their concern personally!”

 

“You will not interfere, son.” Enma boomed down authoritatively.

 

“But, Father,” Koenma rallied.

 

“Enough!”

 

Koenma jumped and cowered at the harshness and finality of his father's tone. “But what if this destroys them through their ignorance? Yuusuke won't back down, and the rest will follow.” He persisted on with infuriated sucks of this pacifier.

 

“Then so be it.” Enma stated in a tone that brooked no argument.

 

“And that's it?” Koenma demanded haughtily.

 

“That is all.”