I'm going to start by apologizing. I had had this chapter typed up and ready to be uploaded when my computer crashed and since I've got my new one all I've been up to writing has been drabbles. Of course I am not making any excuses however I am amazed at my own laziness, in the previous chapter I believe I said one month…try ten, right?
Anyway here is the fourth chapter, fifth will most likely not be out for a couple of months, it's in the planning stages and will hopefully be written soon.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the plot, characters, settings, nor affiliates of Yu Yu Hakusho, Inu-Yasha, nor the brief mention of Naruto characters.
Enjoy.
X-X-X
It was nightfall before the others began to awake, and they all awoke in varying degrees of bewilderment.
The demon slayer was first to awaken, she woke slowly and when she did regain full consciousness she called the cat demon to her side, whispering comforting things to her.
She only looked quickly and partially around the clearing, she stayed completely oblivious to Youko who was diagonal to her.
The monk was the next to wake up, and he woke immediately and with his awareness in tact. He quickly took a defensive posture on the ground, his mind telling him that the danger had not passed, and he quickly took stock of the situation.
He and the demon slayer noticed each other in the same moment and she wasted no time running to the monk on swift but shaky legs. After the initial shock of oneself still being alive after a battle it was a pleasant shock for every comrade that was still alive as well.
The only bad part about the reunion is that when she reached the monk she embraced him, looking over his shoulder and noticing Youko sitting there for the first time.
Now it was natural for anyone who had just been through an intense battle, knocked unconscious and woken to be startled by a silver fox demon sitting across the clearing from said person, to promptly scream.
So naturally Sango shrieked.
Her shriek awoke the fox kit that had just finally gone to sleep where his adoptive mother lay. And, unfortunately, her shriek definitely alerted the monk whom she was clutching.
The Monk looked over his shoulder only once; he swung upright, hauling both himself and the demon slayer into a standing position. However Youko could tell that it hurt the monk to both stand and ready himself in a defensive posture.
Youko simply stood from his previous position against the tree and hung his head, these people were so bothersome. He was not looking forward to any altercation with these people, if only because it would be tedious. He had his reasons for being here: babysitting wasn't one of them.
However just then fate intervened, or rather, Shippo did.
"Wait! Miroku, Sango!" yelled Shippo as he sprinted over towards them. "He's O.K. He destroyed the Naraku puppet after you guys were knocked out!"
Miroku and Sango looked from one fox to the other before they lowered their weapons, still looking dubiously at Youko. Miroku, however, decided that he sensed no threat in Youko as he lowered his staff and began to approach him.
"My name is Miroku, and I am a servant of the cloth," said Miroku in small declaration, bowing after wards. He made sure that his holy power was felt in the air, and the familiar tingle of close sutra went down Youko's spine. It made him smirk
Sango looked at Miroku for just a moment before stepping forward to do just the same.
"My name is Sango and I am a demon slayer. (at this she paused for a slight moment, her eyes trained on Youko to see how he would take that information, he took it well, considering he already knew that information) Thank you for saving us."
Youko looked at the both of them before bowing his head in compliance 'At least these mortals have respect and manners,' he said to himself. How often he had to deal with filthy mortals who didn't know to fear and respect him, it was tiring.
"I'm Shippo," Shippo chimed in, not wanting to be left out.
"So you are," Youko intoned. Miroku grinned a bit and Sango bit back a small giggle, leave it to Shippo to break the tension. "And my name is Youko Kurama."
"Oh," said Miroku as if just remembering something, which he was "Inu-Yasha! He was stabbed, is he alright?"
While Miroku was directing his question at Youko, who appeared to be the one who stabilized the situation, his gaze was lost on the clearing, searching for Inu-Yasha. His eyes finally met his prone form which was laid out on the ground across the clearing. Concern for his comrade showed on his face.
"And Kagome?" added Sango, concern for her friends lacing her voice.
"The half-breed has begun to heal and will be fully healed by morn of morrow," said Youko answering Miroku's question and leaving Sango's out.
"And Kagome?" Sango pushed. Youko sighed this slayer was a persistent one; however he was barred the duty of answering that question, by the young kit that tittering about his legs.
"Kagome-mama's doing fine!" said Shippo excitedly.
"Well that's good," said Sango smiling down at the kit's excited face. She did however keep glancing around the clearing, and surreptitiously out into the night air.
"Yup! She's just sleeping now, Silver-san had to put her to sleep," Shippo exclaimed this once more, raising eyebrows with this declaration. He was very proud to be one with so much knowledge at that exact moment.
"Silver-san?" questioned Miroku.
"Put her to sleep?" asked Sango.
Youko sighed; he figured that little detail would come up sooner or later. However the monks question was just…tedious, one would think he was smart enough to figure out why Shippo called him Silver-san, it was blatantly obvious that he was a silver fox after all.
Shippo answered Miroku's question.
"Yeah! Youko's a silver fox! And he has nine tails, which means he's stronger than any of the other members of the Kitsune Clan. Like my mama and papa were only orange kitsune like me and they didn't have nine tails!" Shippo sucked in a huge breath, all the while keeping a proud grin on his face, he seemed very proud of himself that he knew so much.
Youko chuckled once more, this kit before him was full of surprises. It was likely that the humans would take kinder to the information of his power than if he were to inform them himself. Generally Koronue was better at dealing with the reception of the plebeians.
"Though…" trailed of Shippo uneasily.
"Yes?" asked Youko directing his full attention to the kit, an amused gleam in his eyes.
"You don't use illusions, my mama and papa-?" Shippo was cut off by Sango.
"I'm sorry Shippo but before it get's disregarded: the answer to my question?"
'Damned persistent!' growled Youko to himself; however he kept his stoic demeanor up on the outside.
"She was going senile," Youko responded "The fear of the battle must have rattled her; she lost her bearings and was screaming her head off-."
"It hurt my ears!" interjected Shippo. He clutched his small hands to his pointed ears in demonstration.
"-So I knocked her unconscious before she could do harm to herself," Youko finished.
"I see," muttered Miroku turning to Sango "Perhaps we should check on Inu-Yasha."
Sango looked as if she had a few more questions to ask but nodded in compliance. Sango and Miroku both knew that they could do little as they were recovering from battle and they both knew that their small group needed any help they could get, at least for the moment. She and Miroku began to walk back over towards Inu-Yasha as Shippo began questioning Youko again.
"So why don't you use illusions? Huh? Mama and Papa used to use illusions and so do I, so why don't you? Huh? Huh?"
This time Youko didn't sigh, he actually smiled. It had been a long time since he had encountered a child of his kind.
He decided it was quite refreshing.
X-_X-_X
Miroku grinned as he heard Shippo break into a round of questioning.
"I guess it is a good thing that there is another Kitsune around," said Miroku. He leaned a little heavily on his staff, but with movement the ache of his muscles was beginning to abate.
"Why?" asked Sango, adjusting the large boomerang on her back.
"Shippo will be able to interact with his own species for a while," replied Miroku "Even if it is a short while."
"It is a good thing, on those grounds," agreed Sango "However I have heard that kitsune's name before, and not in respectable conversation."
"What?" asked Miroku, not faltering in his step.
"He's a criminal," said Sango, a bit of venom entering in her voice "A thief."
Miroku gazed at Sango for a few minutes as they continued to walk slowly towards Inu-Yasha's prone form. Then he spoke.
"Even if it is the case, and I hope it's not," he began in even lower tones than they were already using. "He did save us, and I will treat him with the respect and dignity that is due him until he makes me think otherwise."
Sango refused to argue, and she just continued to look worried. She would protect the group herself if the need arose.
X-_X-_X
"Your clan is an illusion clan kit," began Youko. He had told the young fox that he had to be absolutely quiet while Youko spoke, so thankfully he hadn't gotten many interruptions yet.
"It differs from mine as I was born to a clan that uses the nature around them as their weapon," Youko was out of his element and for once that fact had little effect on him, it was almost peaceful to be explaining these things to this kit, it had been such a long time since he had seen a fox as young as he.
"Outside of my clan there are also clans that use the other elements as well. Fire and Ice and some who use Wind and Light, though those clans have long since disappeared all those who remain are usually from my clan or the ice or fire clans. Your clan is the fire clan," he looked meaningfully into Shippo's eyes to make sure the kit understood. It was necessary for him to understand his background, even if Youko could only teach him a little.
"Each clan usually has a sub power that they manifest," Youko continued "Your clan, the clan of fire, is most common for their illusions, and on rarity their psychic prowess. The Ice clan uses, in addition to their powers over ice and snow, the powers of transportation and summoning. They can move instantly and call objects or powers over long distances."
"The Wind clans used to have the power of puppets; or rather they were able to control another's body through either their spiritual power or a series of poisons and elixirs that were a secret of their clan. The rare Light clan used to also have the power of speed and they were the smartest of all the clans, however I guess you could say brains aren't everything because they were the first of all the clans to be wiped out."
Youko took a bit of pleasure in seeing that Shippo's eyes were wide and his attention was focused solely on the words coming out of Youko's mouth.
"Now," he said carefully "Do you have any questions?"
"Has there ever been a Kitsune with allthe powers?" asked Shippo rapid fire. "Like a super Kitsune?"
"A super kitsune?" Youko stated more than asked; the mirth was evident in his voice. He folded his arms tighter.
"The great Taiyoukai of the south has all of the powers you could say," began Youko "He was originally of the fire clan but through methods unknown to any of the other kitsune he acquired powers not of his clan, that's probably why he rose to be great demon of the South."
"What's he like?" asked Shippo "What can he do?"
"Well…he's stubborn," said Youko rolling his eyes "And he has the power to move mountains with just one of his great nine tails-."
But Youko couldn't finish his sentence; he had been abruptly cut off by a large growl.
Inu-Yasha had woken up.
X-_X-_X
"Inu-Yasha!" exclaimed Sango in delight.
The aforementioned being however could not muster the same amount of delight as he opened his eyes. His eyes were bloodshot and his body was shivering tightly
Perhaps it was because of the just healed gaping hole in his chest.
"Wha-what happened?" asked Inu-Yasha, a raspy pain filling his voice. He tried to adjust himself to the Earth around him, his claws making great gashes into the dirt.
"We were attacked Inu-Yasha, by Naraku," began Miroku.
"Well obviously!" bit out Inu-Yasha "I meant what happened in the fight?"
"Well…" started Sango slowly "We won…and lost."
"What?" asked Inu-Yasha incredulously. The nighttime air and the sounds of it's animals were pushing his senses slightly.
"We lost but a Kitsune came and…well he rescued us."
"A Kitsune?" asked Inu-Yasha again
"Yes," said Miroku, moving to the side a bit, and pointing. "That one."
Inu-Yasha looked at him for a moment then looked away. He didn't enjoy at all feeling the aura of another unknown alpha male in the area, consorting with his comrades. It set him on edge and made his shackles rise.
He also felt jealous and ashamed. He was ashamed that another demon male had had to rescue his friends, and he was jealous that they had allowed him to stay around afterwards. He was also entertaining Shippo, something he had never been able to do.
"What about Kagome?" he said. He gave a growl as he struggled to sit up. Sango leaned over to help him and Miroku began to talk.
"She's asleep over on the other side of the clearing," he said simply.
Inu-Yasha looked over to where Miroku had said and Sango looked over to Miroku. Miroku locked eyes with Sango in a manner that clearly stated that Inu-Yasha need not know anything about Kagome having to be knocked unconscious.
Inu-Yasha grumbled something unintelligible. However the tone suggested that Inu-Yasha did not enjoy the fact that Kagome was 'slumbering' on the other side of the clearing.
Miroku sighed and looked the other way.
X-_X-_X
The first thing Kagome became aware of was a jerking halt. It felt as if she had been floating on a body of water than suddenly thrust upon the land.
So naturally she groaned her displeasure.
This sent everyone's attention to her and the friends in the clearing began to wander over. (Sprinting over in Shippo's case) She didn't realize the people coming towards her for several minutes of sweet consciousness. She also wasn't aware of the only person to remain seated; the nine-tailed demon remained under his tree a stoic expression adjusted to his face. He observed the others.
Kagome had fainted before but she had never been forcibly knocked unconscious in such a fashion before. So naturally the sensation of her brain trying to reconnect with her conscious sensors she felt absolutely boggled.
She missed Sango asking her if she was all right.
She missed Inu-Yasha insulting her.
And she missed Miroku hitting him upside the head.
She caught Shippo shouting excitingly though.
The thing, however, that caught her attention, that made her head snap up and her aura coil threateningly was the cloud of demonic aura that spread across the clearing with all the subtlety of a wolf demon. It rang out, clear as a bell it called to her in a familiar voice.
And she remembered, and her Miko powers grew.
And she made a vow.
X-_X-_X
It ended up being much later, around a lighted campfire that the next problem arose.
Youko had been graciously invited to sup with them and spend the night at their campsite until he had "recovered" by morning. The topic of dinner had long since passed and everyone was sitting mostly amicably around the fire and staring into it, all except Shippo who was nodding off in Kagome's protective arms.
Kagome spoke, her voice quivering just enough to break the tentative ambience. "He's getting stronger."
Miroku stayed silent, he didn't trust his hollow voice at the pronouncement of those words. Sango too stayed silent, she not trusting the water that was now collecting in her now saddened eyes.
"Who's getting stronger?" asked Inu-Yasha. He remained oblivious to the flow of this conversation as he had previous sat there glowering at the relaxed Youko. Youko had his eyes closed and Inu-Yasha didn't trust the feeling of true ownership that seemed to waft from the revered Youko.
"Naraku," said Kagome, the solemnity of her voice reverberating through their small clearing.
"How do you figure?" demanded Inu-Yasha. He crossed his arms across his chest looking at Kagome sternly. He certainly didn't think Naraku was growing stronger.
"He's getting stronger," said Kagome once more. She buried her head in her knees and with the note of finality in her voice she stared determinedly into the fire.
Inu-Yasha growled something unintelligible and his anger raised the tension within the group noticeably.
"He is," put in Miroku, uncharacteristically speaking softly. He looked over to Inu-Yasha in particular. "And obviously we were defeated, unprepared for new strength.
Youko who had his head rested upon his hands and who was reclined upon the earth in front of the fire opened his eyes and chose that moment to voice a few questions of his.
"You've had skirmishes with this Naraku being before?"
"Yes," acquiesced Sango. "We go forwards towards the same goal."
"And what might the goal be?" Youko goaded Sango with the obvious question and grinned to himself a bit in reflection that he of course already knew the answer.
"Why should we tell you?" grouched out Inu-Yasha slamming his hands down on his knees.
Youko simply looked over at him, as did the rest of the group. And with bated breaths galore he taunted Inu-Yasha with his eyes.
"Just asking."
"I suggest you keep your questions to yourself," half yelled Inu-Yasha.
"Inu-Yasha!" it came as a bit of a surprise that it was she that spoke up. Her previous statement had been her only communication to the group since she had finally laid Shippo to sleep next to Kilala just a few minutes earlier.
"That's no way to talk to Youko-san," she said "We are in his debt."
"Debt my ass!" pouted Inu-Yasha "Why is he still here? We barely know anything about him!"
"Not that we aren't grateful of course," put in Miroku hurriedly. "But it is true we do not know why you are still here, or anything about your background."
Sango nodded along and patted Kagome who unfurled her position and simply continued to stare. Inu-Yasha fumed.
Youko grinned. He had been waiting for these questions to arise; he had received many curious glances throughout the day especially after his unusual acceptance to stay the night.
He dropped the bomb, his best card, and he did it in the best callous voice he could muster.
"Without me you will not get out of these territories alive, I am helping you at my own great expense I assure you."
"Yeah right," snorted Inu-Yasha "You may have saved us once but that doesn't mean we need to be protected by you."
"You have not a thread of comprehension of whose lands you currently cross," Youko said in his best superior voice.
Kagome looked up into Youko's face. It was true; they didn't know whose estranged lands they were trespassing on.
"Whose?" asked Sango "Are we not in the Western Lands? Sesshomaru rules these lands right?"
Youko looked at Sango with the faintest glimmer of excitement apparent on his face. The hesitation and trepidation that was in her eyes was something he took especial pleasure in.
In the next second Youko had a wicked idea.
"You know not of him," said Youko softening his rumble just a tad more so as to get everyone to lean just a bit. "These are indeed Lord Sesshomaru's great lands. Yet the lands we are currently on belong to a vassal of his. One who saved his life more than a century ago. Lord Sesshomaru gifted these lands to that vassal."
"A fiercely loyal vassal," Youko continued "And a person with an aura so evil that he drips malice."
Youko closed his eyes once more and once it was apparent to the group that he was going to volunteer nothing more Miroku slid off his log to sit next to Youko upon the Earth
"What more could you tell us?" said Miroku who like Sango was glancing wearily around them.
Inu-Yasha looked enraptured in Youko's tale of demon lore however the face next to him not so much. Kagome looked absolutely terrified.
Youko sat up and stretched, he obvious enjoyed both what he was about to say and the group sudden need for him.
"I don't think now is the best time."
"What?" exclaimed a few voices in unison.
"Why?" added Kagome.
"If I may," began Youko "I would like to spend the night with you, and then perhaps we could talk in the morning?"
"You expect us-," began Inu-Yasha before being cut off by Miroku.
"Perhaps it could be a good thing, Inu-Yasha," said Miroku, trying to act soothing and looking straight into Inu-Yasha's eyes. "He could be an asset."
"Why?" demanded Inu-Yasha stubbornly.
"Think about it," said Sango. She wasn't certain of her words however, she only thought to follow what ever ideas Miroku was obviously acting on.
"We are heading off into unknown territory, and to face an unknown enemy, we need all the help we can get," Miroku pushed on Inu-Yasha's chest lightly trying to get him to see some sensibility.
Inu-Yasha looked at one person to the other before crossing his arms and 'feh-ing.'
Youko grinned.
Easy. Easy.
X-_X-_X
"What information to you have Kagura?" asked a dark voice from the shadows.
"The Silver Fox is called Youko Kurama," said the red-eyed demoness.
"The thief?" questioned the deep voice again, sharply.
"The same," Kagura replied, her voice silky smooth.
"You've done good Kagura," the male voice said "I already have some ideas for our newest adversary."
"Yes, Naraku."
X_-X-_X
So yeah. This chapter has been a hell of a ride. Computer's been broken I've had to retype the whole chapter and then I lost my paper version and had to find that and now? I'm finally finished with it.
You know me it'll probably be Christmas or further before you see and update for this. I have a couple more PI's I'm going to put up and a drabble or two. My next big thing I need to work on is a new chapter for Trapped In A Bottle.
Thanks for reading the latest installment and I hope ya'll review and tell me what you think. I hope the length was good?