Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ You Never Know Until It's Gone ❯ Setting Out ( Chapter 4 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Note (As per usual)! I’m updating, as I should have long ago. To make up for it, I’m making sure his chapter is especially long! Much thanks to those who are waiting patiently for updates, and those who’ve read and especially those who review! It’s summer, which means that I’ll have no more excuses for not updating!!


Thoughts inside of ‘ ‘ belong to Youko, thoughts inside of - - belong to Kurama, and italic ‘’ belong to Hiei. Any other thoughts will be in normal ‘’ but you should be able to tell who they come from.
ALSO! There’s going to be a lot of switching around in this chapter, so I’m counting on you to try to be able to understand. If I failed horribly, let me know and I’ll try to clear it up for you!Your loving author
CF




After Kagome and his Reikai Tantei had disappeared through the black portal, Koenma frowned and abruptly let his head fall to the table with a dull thud.

‘I hope none of this reaches Father! If it does…’ The demi-god lifted his head and narrowed his eyes, not wanting to think about the punishment he would receive. ‘I’ll sort this out before it gets to out of hand…right?’

“GEORGE!” Koenma called for his assistant, and jumped when he noticed the large ogre standing before him. “When did you get here?”

“Just now, Koenma sir. I’ve returned with the calamari you’ve requested.” In his hands he held two orders of the delightful dish, and the ogre glanced hopefully between the food and his boss as he handed it over.

“Thank you. Now, I need you to research everything you can on the Shikon no Tama, and those involved with it. I’m very busy here, so you best be off.” As George sighed and left the room with his rumbling stomach, Koenma decided to call his spirit detectives back. With something as important as this, it was his job to make sure nothing went awry. Stuffing some of the squid into his mouth, he called Botan into his office. The cheery face of death appeared almost immediately, and regarded him curiously.

“What is it, Koenma?”

“I need you to open a portal for Yusuke and the others, they have a new mission.” Botan nodded and opened her communicator. It took only a few seconds for the face of a slightly agitated Urameshi to appear, and regard the reaper with an expecting look.

“What does the toddler want now, Botan?”

Slightly thankful Koenma was too wrapped up in his food and stamping documents to overhear Yusuke’s name for the ruler, she shook her head and replied. “I’m opening a portal for you four. Koenma has a new mission for you, although I’m quite sure you already expected that.” She saw his nod, before he closed off communication.

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“I was right. We should be getting be a portal opened any minute.” The others nodded, having heard the exchange, and stood. Kagome stood as well, although she wasn’t quite sure why, and smiled at the four. The void opened a minute later, and the boys moved towards it.

“We’ll be back soon, Kagome. We can’t be sure of when though, so don’t wait for us, alright?” Kurama smiled at Kagome, who nodded and smiled return. He stepped through, disappearing from her line of sight and Kuwabara turned to Yusuke.

“Hey Urameshi! Kurama sounded like you do every time you talk to Keiko, except more polite!” Before Yusuke could come up with a retort, his eyes widened in realization.

“Keiko! Our date! She’s going to kill me!”

Kuwabara hastily exited to Koenma’s office at the look of his leader, and Hiei made to follow, but he stopped and shot a glance at his companion.
“Hn. Not like that’s anything new.” Almost imperceptibly, he nodded towards Kagome who once again smiled although this time with a confused look, and left. Yusuke shook his head, and the remaining occupants of the room heard his mutterings before he too vanished.

“Forgetting Keiko’s date… Hiei talking… Kuwabara actually noticing something…this is definitely not a good sign…”

Shippou stared oddly at the space where the detectives once were, only hearing Yusuke’s incoherent rambling as he returned, but shook it off and turned to Kagome.


“So, Kagome, are you planning on staying with us for awhile then?” His voice sounded hopeful, and Kagome couldn’t help but be reminded of the small little kit that she traveled with so long ago.

“Yeah, but I don’t know how long it is before I’ll have to set out. I’m thinking that the others might not return until tomorrow, which is okay I guess, because I’m exhausted. Is it alright if I stay with you and Souten tonight?” She yawned, and Shippou began to notice really how tired she was. He frowned, slightly upset over the bags under her eyes, but convinced himself it was nothing a good night’s sleep couldn’t fix. After she had taken care of him, it was the least he could do to show his appreciation.

“Of course, in fact Souten and Sesshomaru would kill me if they knew I didn’t offer you first! If you’re not too tired though Kagome, I want to give you something. Miroku, Sango, me, and even Kaede, wanted to make sure the next time you were found, you had a gift to know that even though you weren’t there for everything, we still thought of you and knew you wanted to be. They barely had enough time to give it to me before I had to go through the barrier.”
Kagome nodded and let him lead her out the room, not being able to say anything for fear of crying again. Shippou seemed to understand, and they walked down the corridor in a comfortable silence, leaving Kagome to her thoughts.

‘They cared enough to do that for me? And yet…I still wished to forget the past only six months after I left…How could I? Maybe I‘m not meant to forget…’ Kagome sighed and noticed they had stopped moving. Shippou had taken her to a rather large bedroom, and one large, odd shaped parcel was lying on the white, modern bed. Although nearly 500 years old, as she looked over the wrappings, Kagome could tell the objects inside were in almost perfect condition.

“The first one is from Miroku, he didn’t know if it would be much help, but he seemed to think you would find a good use for it.”

Kagome delicately unwrapped the package, and was astonished at the number of things inside. The first being Miroku’s own staff. She lifted it up gently, and was rewarded with the faint chiming noise she associated with the monk trying ‘knock some sense into Inuyasha.’ She smiled and set it off to the side, picking up the next item.

“From Sango, right Shippou?” She only needed to look at the armor and taijiya outfit to know who created it. It was after all, an exact mirror of Sango‘s.

“Yeah, she had been making it for you before she even knew you left. She thought it was more useful than that school uniform.” Shippou watched as Kagome fingered the material, and then softly set it next to Miroku’s staff.

The next item, Kagome smiled at. A set of arrows, a practical gift from Kaede. She always knew just what to say or do, and Kagome missed the old woman she regarded as a grandmother.

The next and last gift, was a tied bundle of papers. Opening them, she let out a loud laugh that sounded more like a bark than anything. It was the drawings Shippou drew from her first encounter with Kouga.

“Shippou, thank you. How did you manage to keep these intact after all these years?” She was genuinely confused, and Shippou laughed.

“Honestly, I don’t know. Just a demon thing I guess.”

Kagome smiled and looked over her gifts, setting the drawings down in-between the arrows and taijiya uniform. “I wonder if they know how grateful I am…”

“They do Kagome, I’m positive of that. But, there’s one more thing-” Shippou hesitated, before continuing. “When Inuyasha died, we found something and knew he wanted you to have it. He seemed to have been carrying it for awhile, it was like this when we found it.”

Shippou reached into his pocket, and pulled out a chain with what appeared to be a heart locket on it. Kagome’s brow furrowed and her hand began to shake as she accepted it. It was still shining, but appeared to have several small dents on it. It took a little trouble, but Kagome managed to open it, and a small sliver of paper was revealed. Careful not to tear the tiny note, she opened and read with much difficulty:


“Kagome (The word wench had been crossed out several times)- I don’t like the idea of that Hobo guy hanging around you, got it? Don’t think to much on this.


Kagome smiled, and she suddenly remembered a time about a month before she had left permanently.

----Flashback------

“Kagome! I see you’re feeling better!” Kagome stood near the well in her yard as Hojo came running towards her carrying a rather large basket. She panicked slightly, knowing Inuyasha was in the well house with her backpack. Hopefully, he would stay there until she could get rid of Hojo. There was always the trusty sit command just in case though.

“Hi Hojo. Actually, I really have to be-”

“I brought you these mushrooms! There are all different kinds, and they’re rumored to help with constipation and nausea! You have to grind them up then just add them to whatever you’re eating!” Hojo paused, and looked at his watch. “I have to go Kagome, but I’ll see you later okay? We can plan a date!” With that he shoved the basket into her arms and ran down the shrine steps leaving a beet red Kagome.

“Grandpa…why can’t you ever just say I have a cold?!” She was just about to go berate the old man when Inuyasha stepped out looking annoyed. Despite this, he picked her up and jumped to her room, setting her and her stuff down and leaving before she could even say a word.

“Thanks Inuyasha…” She murmured before heading downstairs to spend some time with her family.

It wasn’t until several hours later that Inuyasha showed up again, while Kagome was studying. He had suddenly appeared on her bed, and had been silently staring at the back of her head for the last hour. Sighing, she gave up her impossible quest to learn geometry, and turned to Inuyasha.

“Something on your mind?” Kagome watched him as he sat in his usual position, legs crossed and arms folded, giving her a slightly suspicious stare. After several moments when Kagome thought he wouldn’t respond, he spoke.

“Why did that stupid guy give you those useless mushrooms?” She moved from her spot at the desk and sat next to him, leaning her back against the wall.

“He thinks I get sick, and so he tried to help make me better. But it’s also because he likes me I guess. In my era, when a guy likes a girl, he does something to show it. Like trying to help me feel better.”

“Or like groping people?” Inuyasha asked, referring to a certain monk. Kagome giggled and shook her head.

“Miroku’s a pervert, that’s not how people normally show it. Guys often buy girls gifts like jewelry, but Hojo’s a little odd, and it’s the thought that counts.”

“Hmm…” Inuyasha returned to his thoughts, and Kagome knew he was done talking.

During the week that followed, she saw him often, but he never stayed to talk with her, always appearing right after she left school with a broom or some other cleaning tool in hand. Whenever she questioned him, he just ‘keh-ed!’ and fled back to his era. Once, at the risk of being late, she spied on him, and found him helping his mother with the dishes.

When Inuyasha came to collect her, she noticed her mother hand him something shiny. He never once told her what it was.


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‘I guess I know now. Oh, Inuyasha…’ She smiled through the new set of tears as she put the necklace over her head, and tucked it in her shirt next to the piece of the jewel. It was a few moments later when Kagome realized Shippou had left, so she set the bow and quiver of arrows that had rested forgotten on her back next to her gifts. Staring at them fondly, she crawled into bed, intent on getting as much rest as possible with all the thoughts still clouding her mind.

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“When did Kagome and the others arrive, Shippou?”

“About an hour or so after you returned and began your patrol. The others have not returned, but Kagome’s sleeping in the guest room across from my room.”

“Shippou and I thought it best she was somewhere close to people she remembers. She seemed very exhausted, poor thing.”

“I expect no less, she has been through a lot today for a human.”

“She informed us of the jewel. Kagome said that Koenma misplaced it, and that she sensed someone hiding it here in the Makai. That was her purpose, she wants your help to retrieve it. I wished to go, but she told me she refused to see me separated from my family.”

“Indeed, I agree. You are required here to watch over the castle and your wife. Since the jewel is here, it is my obligation to help.”

“Hey! I am not some helpless little girl who needs watching over!”

“Souten, we know you are perfectly capable of defending yourself and our kits, but if there was a siege, could you really protect them and our home at the same time?”

“Enough. It is decided then, I shall accompany Kagome and the Reikai Tantei to recover the shards, and both of you will protect this place in my absence. You both are dismissed.”

“Good night, Lord Sesshomaru.” Two voices spoke in unison and the sound of footsteps gradually fading could be heard. When it was once again silence, an almost emotionless whisper could be heard.

“It isn’t fair for you, Kagome. I hope you’re strong enough to overcome what’s to come.”
Silence once again reigned in the castle.

-----------------------

“Have you managed to find out anything else about Kagome and the Shikon no Tama?”

Koenma sat patiently behind his paperwork, watching Yusuke glare at Kuwabara. Finally, after a few moments when no one appeared willing to speak, Kurama relayed the details of their time in Makai, from finding out about the jewel’s general location, to Kagome’s true past.

“I see…” Koenma sat silent for a moment, pausing to switch his pacifier from one side of his mouth to the other. “I’m not surprised that she didn’t tell the truth before, but what I don’t why someone risked their lives to get past the extensive guard we had and steal the jewel…”

“That’s easy,” Yusuke snorted, finally brining his attention to the case at hand. “They wanted the power right? I mean, if it’s really as powerful as Kagome made it out to be, wouldn’t hordes of demons be trying to get it?”

“That’s true Yusuke, but the jewel is not whole, and without the whole jewel, a demon cannot fully taint it. If the jewel can not be fully tainted, then it’s full dark power cannot be accessed. That would make it less valuable.”

“Kurama is right, Yusuke. So then why-” Koenma was interrupted by a snort, and the group turned towards the voice.

“It wouldn’t be useless if they knew when, or where, the other portion of the jewel was.” Hiei stated it as if it was obvious, then resumed silence.

“But who could know that?” They all pondered Yusuke’s question for a moment before Kuwabara spoke.

“It had to have been someone from the past right? I mean, someone who knows Kagome, at least. Otherwise, why wouldn’t they have stolen it sooner? The thing must’ve known she was back here, or they would’ve blindly guessed, never knowing where the other shards were.” Yusuke stared blankly at Kuwabara before shaking his head.

“Who could’ve known!? The oaf can think! Did it hurt Kuwabara?”

“Shut it Urameshi, before I make you!” Kuwabara stood, and cracked his knuckles. He grew even more flustered as Yusuke began to laugh.

“You think you can take me? Go ahead and try!” Kuwabara opened his mouth to retort, but was cut off by the now frowning toddler.

“Stop it you two, you have a mission to take care of. Go home and do whatever you need to do by tomorrow morning. Botan will have a portal ready for you to Sesshomaru’s castle by eight at the latest.” With that, a portal opened from underneath the detectives, taking them once again back to the Ningenkai.

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Kagome awoke to a bright light and the feeling she was being watched. Groaning, she rubbed her eyes and turned towards the two pairs of eyes that were peaking over the edge of the bed. As soon as they noticed her movement, they pounced onto the bed, one giggling and the other poking the tired miko.

“Ne! Reiji, Mika let me wake up!” She sat up as the two continued their ministrations an frowned.

“You woke up the dreaded miko, Kagome! Prepare to pay!” She roared in mock-anger and pushed herself onto her knees. The youkai children eep!-ed, and began to scoot away, but were caught in the evil miko’s tickling grip, unable to move.

“Ah! Mika is so-so-sorry!” The last word came out in between the little girls gasps of breaths.

“You won’t ever defeat ME!” Reiji roared, trying to ignore the fact that he was laughing even harder than his sister. Finally, after both threatened to ‘go potty’ on her bed, she released them and they scrambled off the bed.

“Daddy told Mika and Reiji to tell you that there’s a change of clothes to put over your taijiya outfit in the closet- and that down the hall to your left is the dining hall- and that that’s where everyone will meet- and if you’re hungry--” Reiji groaned and Kagome giggle as the girl took a big breath, meaning to continue. Kagome however, jumped off the bed and clasped her hands together, intent on cutting her off.

“Thank you very much Mika, Reiji. Now go tell your dad and mom that I will be there shortly!”

After they exited, Kagome made her way over to the large mahogany wardrobe in the far corner of her room. The doors were carved with large crescent moons, and old designs which could have been mistake for those in Celtic lore. Inside several thin, summer kimonos were hanging on wires, waiting for her inspection. She picked out a light blue one, with dark blue embroidery lining the bottom of the kimono and sleeves. As she changed into the taijiya outfit and kimono she let her thoughts wander.

‘I wonder how long this will take…I remember the quests in the feudal era took ages sometimes…then I would have to beg to go back to visit Momma and go to school.’ Kagome outwardly gasped. ‘Momma! I don’t doubt she’ll be worried, and I don’t think I’ll get to go visit her whenever I want this time…I hope she’ll understand.’

She folded the jeans and shirt she had previously been wearing and set them in the closet, along with the drawings Shippou had given her. The only other things she had planned to take with her, were her bow and (Kaede’s) arrows, and Miroku’s staff.

Taking one last glance around the room, she exited through the doors and made her way solemnly down towards the dining hall and paused outside the doors, hearing a myriad of voices.

“This is exactly why we didn’t tell you, we knew you’d act like this!” A female voice said angrily, Kagome assumed it must’ve be Souten’s.

“And that’s bad?! Another person to help guard her is a good thing! I couldn’t protect her last time the least I can do is protect her now!” A male’s voice shouted. Kagome thought is was slightly familiar, but she couldn’t quite place it.

“And what of the Northern Lands, who will watch over them while you are out protecting her? She is fine with them! Isn‘t that right Kurama?” The female again, although more calm, Kagome could tell she was frustrated.

“I’ve got it taken care of. I have to do this, I owe it to her for not being there!” The male again. Kagome decided to enter and find out what the squabble was about. As soon as she did her eyes widened, and a gasp escaped her lips.

“Kouga?” Part of her was astounded, the other part amused. With the protective way the man sounded she should’ve known.

“Kagome! I’ve missed you!” He embraced her in a bone crushing hug, and after a moment, held her out at arm’s length, inspecting her. “I see my woman is just as beautiful as ever! How are you?” Kagome smiled and laughed, but made to correct him when she noticed the Reikei Tantei standing patiently off to the side.

“Good morning everyone! I’m glad to see you four returned already.” She grinned at them, then turned back to Kouga. “I missed you too! But Kouga, doesn’t that line ever get old? I’m as much your woman as you are Naraku’s best friend. So what was going on here that caused an argument?” Kagome stepped away from him, and towards the food that was calling to her on the table. Picking up a piece of toast she began to nibble on it, observing the others.

“Ah, Kagome, it seems Kouga wishes to join us on our mission.” Kurama was the one to speak.

‘We don’t need him. He would only distract Kagome from more important things.’ Youko’s voice was filled with disdain inside Kurama’s head.

-Possibly, but he could also help her focus on the mission at hand.- Kurama was confused, usually Youko didn’t mind extra help, he was to absorbed in other things to care.

‘I was not talking about the jewel shards…’ Youko’s snort was loud inside Kurama’s head, letting him know he should’ve known what he was talking about.

‘Fox, must I always remind you to pay attention.’ Hiei’s voice was impatient, before he closed the link off fully.

Kurama ignored Youko, and returned to conversation at hand.

“It‘s settled. Kouga will return to his lands to investigate any leads, and if he has anything will join us immediately.” Sesshomaru had joined them sometime during the conversation, and was now informing them of what was to happen.

“This Sesshomaru will be meeting with the other lords to find out anything informative, and will join you five after.”

“All right, then it’s all set!” Kagome turned to Shippou and Souten, who had remained relatively quiet for most of the discussion. “Take care you two, and keep your little ones safe!” She hugged them both, her embrace with Shippou lasting longer as he whispered in her ear.

“You better come back to get your drawings.” She smiled and nodded, then waved at Kouga.

“Take care Kouga, I’m sure I’ll see you all later!” Kagome started walking toward the Tantei, not bothering to give more than a smile and a wave in Sesshomaru’s direction. She would see him again soon enough. Stopping in front of the four she sighed and grinned. “Ready to go?”

“Let’s just get this over with.” Yusuke responded, and shoved his hands in his pockets. Keiko had caught up with him before he left, so he wasn’t in a good mood.

“Which way do you sense the shards? Botan is listening in and ready to open a portal in whichever direction you need.” In his hand, Kurama held an open communicator with Botan’s smiling face staring back at them. Kagome closed her eyes, and waited for the familiar buzz that came with the shards.

“Somewhere…in the south I think. It’s pretty fuzzy, but I think it’s in that area.”

“Right-o! One trip to the southern lands coming right up!” As the communicator turned off, a void opened the middle of the dining hall. Kagome was the first to go through, pausing before she passed through to give a final parting.

“Don’t worry about me Shippou, Souten. Just, if you could, get a word back to my mom to let her know what’s going on.” She didn’t wait for there nod, and vanished, only to be followed by the hesitant detectives.

Reviewer Responses

Fox Vixen: Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I’m not completely finished with the YYH series (I‘m on an episode in the 70‘s I think, I‘m not quite sure though), but I immediately fell in love with it, so some of my facts may be a little off.


ponygirl2112: That information is extremely helpful! Thanks! Like I said before, I’m not as well acquainted with YYH as I am with Inuyasha. I’ll be sure to keep that in mind. I’m assuming though, that as infamous as the Shikon is, he quite probably heard the tale of it in the time of his existence.


Kagome Lady of Darkness: Thanks! You’ve reviewed before, and I love hearing from you! I’ll be sure to try to update more, rest assured!


MichiruAOZ: Thanks, I’ll be sure to try very hard!!


Vyncent: Thank you so much for your review. That information is really in depth, and it’s handy to know that know, especially in such depth! As to the story being better, I agree wholeheartedly, but I don’t plan on revising it until it’s complete, or nearly so. Perhaps I could look for your corrections until then, ne?


Angeltsuki: I thought so too! I am thinking I might go into further depth with their relationship, and how it developed. I didn’t give much info on how that happened. But we’ll se what happens!! ^_^
Megan Consoer: I see you all over MediaMiner! Thanks for the reviews and support, and I’ll make sure to write a lot more chapters!




Until next time!

Ja!