Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Greatest Treasure Of All ❯ Chapter Five ( Chapter 5 )

The Greatest Treasure Of All

Chapter V

 

Disclaimer: I do NOTown Yuyu Hakusho or Inuyasha! Though I do own my imagination, which was used to think up the story line.

 

Author's Note: I've created a new website where you can talk about fanfics, and in one of the boards it's possible to get a sneak peak at some of the fics I'm working on, as well as ask questions about any of my fics. Here's the site url: http://chrystalhearts64.webs.com/

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The group had been traveling for many more months since Kagome's disappearance and they noticed that the miko had been extremely happy since the night they'd first left the village. No one questioned it as they were all happy for their friend and even Inuyasha seemed to be in a better mood.

As for Kagome, she hadn't thought about the thieves she'd stayed with in a long time. They were far from her mind now that thoughts of the promises Inuyasha had made to her were there. Her mind slowly drifted back to the previous night when she had been in arms and he kissed her deeply. It was so unlike him to be that way and yet he was. It caused a soft smile to appear on her lips as her eyes once again traveled to him.

A sudden tug had her mind moving from her inner thoughts and to what was somewhere within her senses. Energy began to rise from her form and the others turned to her noticing the change; her eyes automatically turned to the side and looked into the forest as something was caught in her vision. “I sense a jewel shard.”

“That way?” Inuyasha questioned softly as he spread his aura in the direction she was looking. He could feel something that way and it did feel strong. Turning back to the miko he dropped to one knee in front of her, “get on.”

The priestess easily slipped into place on his back as she was used to doing while her kit jumped to the hanyou's shoulder and the half dog-demon took off. Kirara quickly transformed into her larger form and allowed Miroku and Sango to climb onto her back before hastily following Inuyasha. It wasn't long before they reached the demon that held the shard. It was a tall greenish oni that didn't seem very smart, but after the first few minutes into the fight it was proven to be very strong.

Kagome stood toward the back as the others handled this one; while it was true that her powers had surfaced to the point that she could call them into her hands, it required a bit of meditation to do it. That meant she needed to be able to prepare for the battle before it occurred. The quickest she could call it forth was after ten minutes of meditation.

Her thoughts returned to the battle as she heard her name screamed by Sango; shifting to see what was wrong, her eyes widened as she saw the oni aiming his claws for her and Shippo. As soon as her kit crossed her mind her instincts reacted instantly and a solid field of energy shot out and surrounded them. As the demon hit the energy it screamed in pain as its arm was disintegrated.

Using its distraction to her advantage, Sango threw her hiraikotsu and sliced it in twain. The energy fell apart as the miko took a step toward its body and reached for the tainted shard. As her fingers clasped the dark sliver it turned to a stunning pink; turning to the others she noticed as two smiled at her while one shrugged it off.

With a smile on her face Kagome walked to the rest of the group and they continued on their way. Nightfall soon came for the group and they were all settling down for the night when the new moon started to rise. Shippo had just returned with enough kindling for a fire Inuyasha came through the trees with a deer. It was rare that he hunted, but it was a most welcome surprise that they'd have real food that night.

As Kagome started picking out sticks that they could use as skewers, Inuyasha started cutting the meat into smaller pieces. Later that night as the group fell asleep under the stars one of members snuck away into the night. Inuyasha made his way deep into the trees to where he could sense something.

Kagome woke up just about an hour later and noticed their missing companion. As her senses joined her wakeful state she felt a tug occurring on the inside. Recognition soon dawned in her eyes and she rose softly to her feet and was careful not to wake anyone as she made her way into the woods to where she knew Inuyasha was; with Kikyo.

Hoping she was wrong she masked her presence as Youko had taught her to do a few months prior and eased her way through the foliage to where she sensed her incarnation. As she pushed some of the brush aside she came within view of the scene she was afraid she would see. Once again Inuyasha was holding Kikyo close and whispering words of love and promises of protection into her ear.

Tears gathered within her eyes as she witnessed the sight he promised she'd never be forced to observe again. Forcing herself from the scene she knew she had to get away; away from everything. Starting off toward the camp she quickly wrapped Shippo in a blanket and packed all her things. She would not leave her kit alone with the hanyou and allow him to worry over her once again. She made a promise, and unlike certain half-demons, she kept them.

 

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It was sunrise before the others noticed their missing miko and kitsune pup. Miroku quickly expanded his aura in an attempt to find the girl's but was unsuccessful. Sango was distraught and instantly placed the blame on Inuyasha as he was also missing. Spreading his aura once more he found the hanyou to be returning to the camp and also found Kikyo's energy shortly behind where he was at. “I believe you are right Sango; it seems Inuyasha spent the night with Kikyo.”

“I knew it! I'm going to kill that jerk!”

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Shippo opened his eyes to look up at the face of his mother and was curious to figure out why. “Where are we momma?”

Kagome looked down into his emerald eyes with a teary smile and he was instantly on guard. “I'm not too sure Shippo, I just had to get away.”

“What did he do?” there was worry in the kit's eyes as he looked into the stormy eyes of his mother.

“He went to her, after he promised to only be with me!” there were tears in her voice as she spoke and it made Shippo cringe.

“Where are we going momma?”

“Someplace away from him,” it was sad listening to her voice as it quivered and the kit couldn't help but reach up and wrap his arms around her in an attempt at comfort.

“I love you, momma.”

“And I love you, my little kit,” she whispered out as her inner turmoil became too much and she just allowed the tears to fall. At least her kit would never leave her; he was her son and he would be with her forever.

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Youko was tending to a heist and his men and he were fleeing when he caught a familiar scent. Pausing for just a second he issued orders to continue on to their `base'. Shifting direction he made his way to where her scent was issuing from. At the scene he came across he stopped short as tears were cascading down the girl's porcelain skin.

Landing silently behind her and a young kit he called out her name and watched as she turned to him. It took only a second for her arms to wrap around him and her tears to begin soaking his tunic. The kit was confused and worried for a moment before Youko wrapped his arms around the girl; only then did he calm, though he still looked confused.

“Kit, what has happened?” he addressed the boy as it appeared the woman wouldn't be much help in this situation. Something was obviously distressing her to the point she would become ill.

“I'm not too sure, I just know that Inu-Baka did it,” the kit paused there, unsure if he should say anything more than that.

“He promised.. He chose me, but he lied. He was with her all night,” tears still cascaded down her cheeks as she looked up into his golden eyes; eyes that were so similar and yet so different.

The look she gave him made him angry, not at her, but at the person responsible for it. The girl looked as if she was heartbroken and it didn't sit well with him. Pulling her back to his chest he held her tight as he looked down at the top of her head. “Come stay with me, with my group.”

“May we?” her tear streaked face was hard to deny and he could tell that she felt weak.

He didn't even respond as he easily lifted her into his arms bridal style and motioned for the kit to join him. The boy was quick to jump up and curl onto his tired mother before the adult kitsune took off into the trees. They moved quickly and were barely a blur; Kagome allowed herself to slip unconscious as her body relaxed against the demon's.

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Blue-gray eyes slowly opened to look around; a soft fire light was off to the side and the girl slowly rose to move closer to the heat. Her body shivered as she made it to where the temperature increased. Soft footsteps had her turning to the entrance of wherever she was at and she was somewhat surprised to see Kuroune standing there. A smile was on his lips as he looked at her, though the smile seemed somewhat sad, “I've brought a kimono for you.”

The girl looked down at herself and blushed at noticing her state of undress; she was still wearing her pajamas, but they were torn from her time wandering through the woods. “Thanks.”

“No problem,” he responded to her meek tone. Youko was right and something was definitely wrong with the girl.

At her continued blush he chuckled and walked out of the room to wait just outside. The girl changed quickly and joined him soon afterward. He led her through the twists and turns that was the hideout for Youko's band of thieves. “Where is Shippo?”

“He has been staying with Youko,” Kuroune answered easily before noticing her confusion. “You've been asleep for nearly two days.”

“Oh, sorry.”

The bat youkai just looked at the girl for a moment before looking at their path once more. “May I ask what transpired to hurt you so much?”

Sadness pervaded the air and he caught the faintest scent of tears before she answered his question. “I'd rather not talk about it, it's personal.”

He respected her privacy for the moment as whatever it was obviously had her very upset. Youko did not know much, only a bit of mumbling from before she had passed out in his arms. The most either could deduce was that a man had hurt her in some way. It was obvious that it was not physical, as Youko could still smell innocence surrounding the girl; but something had happened.

The two reached a large room with many other demons inside and most turned to look at her as they entered. Humans were not permitted into the hideout except for the ones the men tended to bed. This female was obviously different though, as she held an aura of innocence about her. As she was led through them and up to Youko, they all noticed that she seemed unafraid to be around any of them.

It was when she reached Youko that they were surprised. The little kit that had been with their leader the last few days threw himself into her arms and called her his mother. Strange that a mere human would take in a kitsune pup, but now her presence sort of made since to them as kitsune took care of their own; especially the young.

“I'm glad you are finally awake,” Youko mentioned as he, too, made his way over to the girl.

Looking up into his amber eyes the girl attempted to give a soft smile as she responded, “sorry that I slept so long.”

He simply nodded before looking to all the surrounding thieves, “I said you may stay, but everyone is expected to do something around here. It is my wish you tend the wounded and perhaps help with meal preparations.”

Kagome just nodded as she looked into his eyes. He was trying to help and even offered her sanctuary away from Inuyasha; for that she was incredibly greatful. “I'd be happy to help.”

“Momma! Come look what Youko taught me how to do!” Turning to the excited kit, the girl managed a smile and even told the kit she was proud of his accomplishment of growing a flower in his hand.

Youko turned to his partner and friend as the two wondered off a little ways so that the kit could show her more of what he could do, “warn the men not to touch either of them.”

A nod, “Yomi will be happy when he returns, he has missed her presence. I think her energy soothes his nerves and calms his worries about his sight.”

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It had been a week since Kagome and Shippo had arrived and the thieves were getting used to their presence. Kagome was a very good cook and even knew what spices went best with which foods. She was also a pretty knowledgeable healer. Many of the thieves came back from daring heists injured, and it was her job to take care of them. Not once did she use her miko ki as she was afraid they might take it the wrong way and attack her. No one actually knew she was a miko; Youko, Kuronue, and Yomi knew she had energy though.

As it was, Kagome was on her way to find Youko because she wanted to leave the cave and had no idea where the exit was. Shippo was already somewhere off with Kurounue who was teaching the kit who knows what. Wandering around proved to be almost useless as the girl had just stumbled into a large chamber full of nothing but pelts. Looking around it took a few moments before realization dawned in her eyes. Sango had once mentioned a story she had heard about the kitsune's entire clan being decimated.

“You shouldn't be in here,” the voice was deep and almost cold, causing the girl to jump and turn toward the sound.

Before her eyes she saw Youko leaning against the entrance to the chamber she was in. “I was looking for you.”

A smirk graced his lips as he continued looking toward her, “it seems I've found you though.”

A soft giggle escaped her lips at that and it sounded like music to Youko's ears. He hadn't heard her giggle like that before, and she hadn't really even smiled much since he'd brought her here. It seemed she was happy with something. “Will you umm... take me outside? I dunno how to leave the cave system?”

At her question he merely raised a brow, “you wish to leave?”

“I just wanna go outside,” was her lame defense. Truthfully she didn't want to leave, she just wanted a place to be by herself.

“I suppose you wouldn't want to leave since your son is still here,” he agreed as he motioned for her to follow and began leading her away from the place that held all of those pelts.

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Shippo was having fun as Kuroune flew with him through the air and even flew close enough that he could stretch his hand into the water as the flew over it. “This is so much cooler than traveling with Inuyasha!”

“Inuyasha?” the bat demon questioned. It was curious because the meaning of the name was 'dog demon'.

“We used to travel with him,” the kit's voice grew quiet as he spoke of the person, and Kuroune had a feeling that the kit was upset with the man.

“Did you travel a lot?”

“Except for when momma wanted to go home; he'd put up a fight and refuse even though he knew she really wanted to.”

“Was Kagome homesick often?” the bat asked, trying to figure out if maybe he should see about taking the girl home to visit her family. It might be able to cheer her up a little.

“It seemed like a lot to me, but I just didn't want her to leave. Really she didn't leave much. Sometimes she'd stay home for a week at a time, but it was for something important.” The kit just found himself talking because he was so upset about it all. He really missed Kirara, Sango, and Miroku, but his momma was too upset to go back; though he really liked Youko and Kuronue. The one named Yomi hadn't returned from wherever he was yet.

“Do you think she'd like it if we took her home?”

“Probably,” the kit murmured.

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Kagome slowly made her way through the forest that surrounded the hideout as she wandered aimlessly around. Light up ahead made her realize that she must be nearing a meadow; picking up her pace she broke through the foliage and lay on a beautiful field of flowers. Everywhere she looked was a gorgeous flower standing tall and calling out to her.

Slowly she made her way to one of the rosebushes and gently plucked a single rose from its stem and lifted it to her nose. It smelled as wonderful as she had heard many describe. Looking back down to the silver rose she smiled and kept it within her hand. It wouldn't die from simply being plucked as it was said that this rose was unnatural. Already her energy was stirring at the feel of demonic energy held within.

Clouds soon appeared overhead and the skies parted as water began sprinkling the earth. The beauty of it all was enough to make Kagome both laugh and cry at the same time as she twirled around in the falling droplets. It was here that Youko found her lying down in a field of roses, soaking wet, and content. To most it would appear as if she belonged there, surrounded by nature and sleeping in the rain.

As the kitsune knelt next to the girl in the downpour he gently reached up and brushed a few strands of hair from her face before lifting her into his arms. Only then did he notice the special little flower clutched within her entwined hands. It was one of the additions he had made to the field to warn others off; letting them know that a powerful plant manipulator lived within.

As he looked upon her pale skin and dark hair something within him twitched, though he ignored it as he suddenly realized just how beautiful the young woman was. Pushing the thoughts from his mind he allowed a sliver of his ki to slip into the flower and will it to move. The plant easily slid up her arm and wrapped itself around her bicep.

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Here is yet another chapter, and as you can see the whole Inuyasha-Kagome pairing didn't last. The idea came to me the other night and I just had to put it in there. I think I'll keep this story strictly in the past as I have a few ideas for it.