Disclaimer:I do not own Yu-Yu Hakusho,nor Inuyasha,but I like both very much.
This is the first fiction that I write, so please be nice! I hope you'll like are welcomed, it helps me to write you like it I'll write more chapters,just tell me.
Warning: The characters are a bit OOC and I imagined that Sesshomaru and Youko's mother is a kitsune, while their father (and Inuyasha's father) is a inu youkai.
Brothers
Chapter I: In the Ningenkai
Kagome was counting the hours left until school would be over. They had received much homework for next week and she was still tired from the day before, when she had helped Inuyasha to get a piece of the Shikon no Tama from a demon.
Finally the last class. They received the results of the tests that they had passed two weeks ago; not a very happy moment for Kagome, but her mark wasn't too bad, considering how few time she had had to colleagues had received good marks, the best mark was given to the new student, Minamino Shuuichi. Kagome didn't know him well, he wasn't talking too much but was pretty popular because of his high marks and his intelligence; he was also very good looking, which brought him many fans among the girls. He didn't seem to enjoy that attention, he was always polite and reserved, smiling but you would usually find him focused on a favorite book. His favorite classes were mathematics and biology, but he seemed to like all of was all that Kagome knew about her new colleague and she didn't have much time to find out now all she wanted was to see Inuyasha, she was worried about naughty hanyou always managed to get himself(and those who were with him) into trouble, and poor Kagome ended up being in danger or worrying for Inuyasha.
As soon as the school bell rang, Kagome got out of the class first, quickly making up an excuse as to why she couldn't join her friends on the way less than falf an hour she had already arrived at home and was heading towards the fountain that was a kind of bridge between the Ningenkai and the Makkai (the world of demons and half-demons), when she spotted a familiar figure at the entrance..
-Minamino-kun, what a surprise! How…are you? Asked Kagome, trying to smile and to seem relaxed.
-Higurashi-san! I'm fine,arigato. "What am I supposed to do now?" thought Kurama,"I can't go in the Makkai while she is here I promised Yomi that I won't stay in the Ningenkai for too long; I'm still his advisor, I should be there!" I was visiting your temple, it's very nice! You have many antiquities.
-Too many for my taste, said Kagome more to herself, remembering how fond was her grandfather of all those antique things, although many seemed useless. There are interesting things to visit outside too, Kagome added quickly, eager to find Inuyasha.
-I think I will see what can be seen here first, replied Kurama smiling you can go, I don't want to keep you from what you were doing, he added throwing a glance at the fountain.
-Do you have something particular to do here? Kagome implied, noticing Kurama's repeated glances at the fountain.
Kurama looked carefully at her, feeling that she might know something.
-What about you?
Kagome smiled.
-Does it imply the fountain?
Kurama's eyes narrowed with suspicion. Kagome's smile widened.
-I have this feeling that we're both trying to get to the Makkai and we don't know how to hide am I right?
Kurama was surprised at first, than smiled and they both ended up laughing lightly.
-How is it possible that you can go to the Makkai? Asked Kurama.
-Well…let's say that I have some abilities that humans don't you must have some abilities too.
-Abilities..said Kurama, thinking of his other life as kitsune youkai, yes…you could say that too.
Than, after Kurama's principle-lady is first-Kagome jumped first in the fountain, followed by Kurama.
Chapter II: Friends
After a while they managed to arrive in Makai. They walked together for a while.
-Minamino-kun, may I ask why did you came in the Makkai?
-I came to visit an old…friend, said Kurama thinking at what Yomi would have said if he had heard that, so that you know, my real name is Youko Kurama. Shuuichi is my human name.
-Human name? Are you a youkai?
-I was, but now I have a new life in a human body, although I still have my memories from when I was a youkai…it's a bit complicated.
-It's ok! So..Kurama-kun, do you come often in Makkai ?
-It depends. Why?
-I was asking because it's amazing how you manage to come to Makkai and keep up with all the work at school. Isn't that difficult?
-A little, I can manage.
-I have a lot of trouble keeping up with all this, said Kagome with a tired expression on her face. My grandfather has to invent a lot of diseases(some of them really weird) in order to justify my absence in classes.
-So that's why I haven't seen you around too often, said Kurama, a little smile playing on his face. I can help you with the notes, when you need.
-REALLY? Arigato,that would be great! Said Kagome, full of gratitude. "At last I won't have to go through all kind of trouble to get those notes!. I have a very good friend who wants to gather all the pieces of the sacred jewl Shikon no Tama in order to become a full youkai. He has a good heart, even if he won't admit it. I don't know how he manages, but he's like a magnet that attracts trouble and it's not easy to get out of it is why I have to skip school so much…I can't say my life is normal anymore.
-But I think you like this kind of life, don't you? Asked Kurama, looking at Kagome. That friend of yours seems very important to you otherwise you wouldn't go through all that trouble to help am I right? Asked Kurama, smiling.
-Yes…he is important, very important, answered Kagome, blushing slightly and with her head a bit lowered.
-I have heard of the Shikon no Tama, said Kurama remembering his days as is a sacred jewl that accomplishes the wish of the one who posseses why does your friend want to become a youkai?
-Well…he is a hanyou, explained Kagome, and unfortunately hanyous aren't seen with good eyes by the youkais.
-It depends on the youkais; not all of them think that way, said Kurama. A thought came suddenly to his mind- he remembered a person from his past, who had been very important to him."A hanyou?...No, it can't be him..!"
-Kurama-kun?
Kagome's voice brought Kurama back to the present time.
-Yes?
-I saw you were lost in everything ok? Asked Kagome, concearned.
-Sure! No need to worry…you know, it doesn't matter if your friend is a hanyou or a youkai, as long as you're beside him everything will be fine.
-I know…arigato! Said Kagome and smiled.
Chapter III: The encounter
Suddenly the wind began to blow a bit harder and a ray of light separated the two, than it came to take form in front of Kurama, at a certain distance. Then, instead of the light there was a tall demon with human aspect, long silver hair, cold golden eyes and elegant posture. Kurama's face darkened, his eyes became alert, as if sensing an inevitable danger. Both Kurama and Kagome spoke the same name, at the same time:
-Sesshomaru!
Kurama and Kagome looked at each-other in surprise.
-You know him? Asked Kurama
-I met him a couple of times, said Kagome smiling. He's not a friend though…rather the opposite. Do you know him too?
-Yes…replied Kurama keeping a vigilant eye on the youkai. He's my elder brother!
-WHAT ? Kagome was in full state of shock.
-Long time no seen, ototo!You have changed a lot, said Sesshomaru with a dangerous look in his eyes. I see you finally dared to return.
Sesshomaru advanced a few steps and got out his sword.
-I never meant to leave; a hunter from the Reikai forced me to seek refuge in the Ningenkai.
-And I suppose he kept you away from your home for 19 years, didn't he! Said Sesshomaru calmly, though Kurama could feel the anger beneath. Kagome was listening carefully.
-It was something else that kept me, more important. I don't think you would understand it; you never liked humans, answered Kurama, getting into fighting position.
-And I still don't like them! Said Sesshomaru, ignoring the image of Rin that had formed in his mind.
Sesshomaru swung Tokajin once in the air, creating a powerful wind. Kurama remained firm on the ground, but Kagome was blownaway. She finally managed to find shelter behind a tree.
-Sesshomaru! You came after me, so leave the girl alone! Kurama ordered in a threatening tone.
-Or what? You will destroy me in your human body? Asked Sesshomaru mockingly. To think I respected you! You are a disgrace to our family!
Kagome was making a great effort to assimilate all the information. A great energy covered Kurama and opposed the wind created by Sesshomaru. It lasted a few seconds, that seemed hours to Kagome, Kurama's energy and the wind neutralized each-other pushing both Kurama and Sesshomaru back. Kagome slightly gasped in shock: instead of the red-haired Kurama there was a man with long silver hair, golden eyes, kitsune ears and tail.
-Who…who is that?Asked Kagome aloud, finding difficult to believe what she was seeing.
-That is Youko Kurama, the youkai form of Minamino Shuuichi, said a cool voice.
Kagome turned around to see a man with black hair and eyes, keen look, walking towards her.
-Youko…Kurama…so that is how he really looks like! Observed Kagome, things becoming a bit more clear to her. Do you know him?
-Yes, we're…partners, said Hiei.
-Partners in…fights? Asked Kagome, impressed by how well trained Kurama was-well, he was standing against Sesshomaru and that was something!
-Of course! In what else do you think we would be? Answered Hiei upset.
-Nothing else, replied Kagome smiling as friendly as she could. By the way, my name is Kagome.
She waited a few seconds, than..
-Well? Aren't you going to tell me your name?
-Maybe..
"Ok Kagome…stay calm, don't get angry..smile"
-If you won't tell me your name how am I supposed to call you?
-It's not my problem.
Kagome was trying hard not to get angry. The fire youkai looked at her, than said in a bored tone.
-Well…I guess I can tell you..my name is Hiei.
Kagome muttered to herself something about creazy proud demons.
Meanwhile Youko had created a sword from a Makkai plant and was opposing Sesshomaru's sword, Tokajin.
-You became weaker since you left Makai. All that human nonsense influence you! Said Sesshomaru through clenched teeth.
-You're wrong. I discovered another side of myself, which made me stronger!
-Hmf! I hate Inuyasha because he's so attached to those mortals, but to become one of them…you're no better than him! Sesshomaru began to attack Kurama continuously with his sword.
-You shouldn't underestimate humans, aniki!Kurama said, focused on protecting himself from Sesshomaru's attacks and sometimes striking back.
Kagome and Hiei watched from a certain distance, Kagome a little concearned about the result of the fight.
-Both seem pretty strong…maybe we should stop this before it's too late! Said Kagome, as if asking Hiei to do something.
-Kurama can handle this.
-Aren't you worried? Kagome asked surprised.
-No. I just enjoy a good fight, answered Hiei calmly, as if discussing the weather report.
"Oh! I don't know if I will ever be able to understand this guy!"
-I wonder what had happened between them, why is Sesshomaru so upset at Kurama? Asked
Kagome, more to herself.
-There are things about Kurama that even I don't know, he doesn't talk about his past.
-So…they finally met! Said a voice behind Hiei and Kagome turned around to see a green little creature.
-Jaken! Said Kagome surprised.
-You know him? Asked Hiei.
-I am the feared Jaken, the right hand of master Sesshomaru, explained Jaken very proud of himself.
Hiei gave a small ironical laugh.
-So you know what happened between Kurama and Sesshomaru in the past? Why are they fighting?Asked Kagome eagerly.
-I'm not answering to a mere human girl, declared Jaken in a superior tone.
-Oh, but you'll answer to me! Threatened Hiei.
-You're a youkai?
-Of course, said Hiei and start talking and maybe I will let you live…just maybe!
-Ok. I'll talk…I'll talk! Cried Jaken in fear, trying to free himself from Hiei's grip.
Hiei put him down and Jaken began the story.
-Sesshomaru-sama and Youko are natural brothers; Sesshomaru-sama is one year older than Youko and both are half-brothers for Inuyasha, their little brother who is a hanyou, Sesshomaru always respected Youko but hated Inuyasha (and still hates him) and they ended up fighting, but Youko was cold and distant to Inuyasha, always ignoring one day Youko disappeared and Sesshomaru-sama later found out that he was in the Ningenkai, possessing the body of a human almost 15 years we hadn't heard anything of him, than one day Sesshomaru-sama felt Youko had returned to Makai and remained here for tree years in order to take part in the Dark Martial Arts. Sesshomaru-sama was too busy with searching for his worst enemy, Naraku, and couldn't take part in the tournament or meet now that Naraku was defeated my master prepared himself and was ready to meet his brother.
-So I guess Sesshomaru hates Kurama for becoming human, seen that he doesn't like them, observed Kagome.
-I don't like to get involved too much with humans either, said Hiei, but this guy is exagerating! No wonder Kurama didn't search for him when we were last time in the Makkai.
Kagome nodded in agreement."Wow! We have the same opinion, we don't argue anymore! That is a start!" Thaught Kagome.
-What do we do now? This fight could last forever.
Kurama had taken out his rose and he was preparing to lance the Rose Whip at Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru had also prepared the whip of energy from his began the attack at the same of the incredible speed Kagome could only hear the sounds of the battle and sometimes see some flashes of light.
-What is happening there? Asked Kagome concearned.
-It is over.
Kagome looked confused at her unspoken question found an answer immediately: both Kurama (who became Shuuichi Minamino again) and Sesshomaru fell to the ground.
-Kurama! Kagome hurried by his side fallowed by Hiei,who was keeping a certain distance and acting as if he wasn't too concearned.
-Sesshomaru-sama ! Jaken hurried to him.
-What happened? Asked Kagome, noticing that Kurama was well, he had only lost his consciousness.
-Kurama managed to throw a sleeping powder from a plant on Sesshomaru, but couldn't avoid getting hit by that energy. He's going to be fine! He just needs to rest for a while, explained Hiei.
Kagome breathe in relief.
-So Sesshomaru-sama is only asleep? Yokata! Said Jaken, tears of happiness forming in his eyes.
-Jaken-sama, so here you were! A little girl with long raven hair came near Jaken.
-Rin! Where have you been?
-I was taking a nap. I've told you that, remember? Asked Rin innocently.
-Taking a nap! I was here, worrying for Sesshomaru-sama and she was taking a nap! Fate is so cruel to me..
-Sesshomaru-sama! The little girl hurried to Sesshomaru's side, ignoring Jaken's laments. Sesshomaru-sama! Cried Rin, concearned.
-He's only asleep let's take him out of here, said Jaken. Surely we don't want him to see Youko when he wakes up, they may want to fight again.
Kagome nodded in thing was sure: none of them wanted that Sesshomaru and Kurama meet least not and Rin slowly took Sesshomaru away and in a few minutes they were gone behind the trees.
-I'll take Kurama, said Hiei. He wanted to visit somebody in the Makkai, so I'll take him there.
Kagome remembered that old friend Kurama had mentioned and she thought he will be safe there. Without waiting for an answer Hiei took Kurama and disappeared."What a guy!"Kagome thought about Hiei. She hoped to see Kurama again, now all she wanted was to find Inuyasha; she was already in delay.
Epilogue: Kurama's reputation
Kagome entered the school sleepy in the had spent most of the previous day arguing with Inuyasha and trying to explain to him why going to school was so important for was surprised to see many of her colleagues outside the class.
-What's happening? Asked Kagome, curious.
-Higurashi-san! Sensational news! You won't believe it! Answered a colleague.
-What? School has been canceled? Asked Kagome full of hope.
-No..better!
-Better? "Now what could be better than that?"
-Minamino-kun is missing!
Kagome was on the ground.
-And what's sensational about that? He might have caught a cold. "Poor Kurama, after everything he went through no wonder he's missing!"
-Oh yeah.., said the boy a little discouraged. But if he's not…imagine! MINAMINO-KUN SKIPPING SCHOOL ! Now that's news!
"Kurama" thought Kagome "he really has a reputation! But I know that underneath it there is a good friend with kind heart…who also happens to be the brother of Inuyasha and that's really tough!"