Chapter 4: Secrets

Yoshi's POV (still)

I got home just in time to rush into my robes and grab my small yellow backpack. I avoided grandpa in favor of running to Karasumori to do my job. I saw Madarao fly (I think or is it hover) next to me.

"So Yoshimori, how was your day? You were gone almost all day."

I felt my eyebrow twitch. How he knows things like this is beyond~ me.

"Let's say I went for a flight and made a new friend." He glanced my way when I jumped the gate.

There is no way I am telling him about Kagome. I had a nice time, and I am not going to let him or anyone else mess it up for me.

I caught sight of an ayakashi right off the bat of turning a corner.

I created a blue kekki around it and dispose of it quickly.

"I'm feeling good tonight Madarao! I'll get all of them!"

I ducked an oncoming green kekki aiming for my forehead. I started to laugh and I just had to trip over the next one at my legs. I landed face flat in the dirt, skitting I might add.

"I'm impressed that you were able to dodge the first one, though~ you still got far to go Yoshimori."

I spat dirt from my mouth and turned to my attacker, Tokine along with Hakubi, laughing at my dirt smeared sulking face.

"Oh come on Tokine! You didn't need to go that far."

I jumped up, surprising her and Hakubi.

"Well, no time to mess around! I want to get this over with." 'And get some rest for tomorrows so I can meet Kagome … wait a moment! I don't know where she lives since I was half awake or set up a place to meet with her. Gah I am so~ stupid!'

I sulked and berated myself angrily for my stupidity but got to attention when Madarao hovered near me.

"Yoshimori, an ayakashi is near. Get ready! This one smells powerful."

I glanced around, ignoring Tokine's curious gaze on me. Then out of the ground came a mole the size of a teen's bike and its looks was its body and head was ran over by a truck and with one too many hits with the ugly stick.

Its yellow crooked teeth were shown when it roared and it charged with knife–like claws. The next thing I know is that I can hear Kagome's voice shouting with concern, anger, and authority,

"Yoshi, get down!"

Then a flash of pale blue aura covered arrow was shot at the ayakashi.

When the arrow pierced the mole ayakashi, it turned to ash. I did what Tokine and/or I always did.

"Ten-Kets"

Our staffs created the portal to suck up the remaining ashes. I turned to Kagome to yell at her for being here then I froze at seeing her outfit.

She had her hair in a high ponytail like Tokine and just a bit longer. (Down to her thighs) She had on the traditional miko garbs but where red was, it blue.

She had a silver bracelet with different charms on it that look weapons. Slung over her shoulder is a traditional bow along with a quiver full of arrows. She smiled sadly at the place where the ayakashi once was.

"I guess I am not out of the business yet, but my question is: what are you doing here Yoshi? Do you guard these grounds?"

I caught her eyes. I only nodded, seeing her serious face.

"Who are you and why have you come? How do you know Yoshimori?" Tokine questioned expression serious and wary.

I looked at Tokine and Kagome. I watched Kagome smile a knowing and sad smile.

"Hello, my name is Kagome Higurashi. I came here when I felt a negative demonic aura and though that I could help get rid of its presence when I saw you two," She smiled, "as for knowing Yoshi, well let's just say we happen to crash into each other."

I gave her a grateful look and blushed at mischievous wink. Tokine didn't seem satisfied so she turned to me for confirmation. I nodded, but she was still wary though she was less tense. Then I watched Madarao and Hakubi float over eagerly to her and twirled around her with each of their heads on either side of her shoulders and their ghostly tails wrapped around her waist. Kagome smiled and petted the two mutts' heads.

"Well, it has been a long time since I have seen you Kagome, but it is a pleasant surprise that you like the same after all these years. Oh, how long ago was it since we last met? 500 years or so ago. I mean really that pup, Hakubi, only heard of you when I got to meet you when I was still alive."

I could feel myself fall anime style at that mutt's boasting; I mean, come on. There is no way Kagome could have met that Madarao when he was alive, but I could feel my mind reel at what she said next.

"Oh come on Madarao don't be too hard on him. He is only 100 years or so younger than you and he's doing a good job. Besides if you're here then that mean Yoshi and, please excuse me, the other girl is probably a decedent of Tokimori Hazama." She glanced at us. "Hm, I guess that is why they are here."

"Oh, stop your boasting Madarao. You're just peeved that you are not as young and handsome as me. Besides even if I only herd of her, I am meeting her now - !"

Suddenly they unwound themselves from Kagome, which I am glad for since their conversation is confusing me, and returned my side along with Tokine.

"Yoshi, another ayakashi is around again. Be on the alart but you might be able to see A miko in a bit more action tonight."

He gave me a glance just as the ayakashi emerge and a sutra flew toward it, stabilizing it enough for me and Tokine to destroy it.

I looked at her questionably and a bit mad that she didn't help as much as she did to the first one. She met my gaze with a wiser and playful one of her own.

"You think that I will help you when you need help with your basics so bad?"

'Ack, she knows just by watching'

"Don't be surprised Yoshimori," said Madarao, "She is a trained miko. They were around even before Kekkishi. In fact, I remember correctly, that she helped trained my first master, Tokimori Hazama." He looked to Kagome for confirmation; in return, he got a nod with her saying "well just a little bit" and an embarrassed blush.

That got my mind thinking with a glimse of Tokine's scarred hand and resolution set in.

"Okay, now I have questions for you." Tokine and I said at the same time. Kagome sweat-dropped at their faces: one curious and serious; the other was determination and resolve.

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Ok that is to make up for the missed week and I'll probably update more often. Please review! XD