Disclaimer: I don't own IY or YYH

Lies By Omission

Chapter 10

Kagome sat quietly as Yusuke finished his tale. At first, the Detective hadn't spoken a word; allowing Kurama to speak, telling his portion of their story.

Who would have guessed that her quiet lab partner was once the infamous demon thief Yoko Kurama? It certainly explained the cold and malicious gleam Kurama's eyes would get on occasion...and the gorgeous silver haired being with adorable fuzzy ears that had overlaid his person the first day of class.

Yusuke, on the other hand, his story was nearly as far-fetched as her own. Saved by a single act of Sacrifice and screwed by the same act…. Too good for Hell, but not good enough for Heaven…. Talk about getting the shitty end of the stick there.

The fox avatar had briefly touched on Hiei's back story; the smaller stoic demon remained silent throughout the tale. Somehow, it didn't surprise Kagome at all that Hiei had wanted to enslave the human race. It also didn't surprise her that the quiet swordsman was ballsy enough to break into the Reikai vault.

"And you thought Kagome's story was far-fetched?" Shippo stated with a grin as Yusuke fell silent. Yusuke glared at the copper-haired fox.

"Indeed," Kagome said, causing Yusuke's teeth to snap together, effectively silencing the snide comment he was about to toss at the kitsune. "You all have had such amazing lives; small wonder all of you are so strong."

Shippo tried to suppress his smirk as Kagome unwittingly unleashed the full power of her smile upon the helpless demons. Both Kurama and Yusuke starred at her with matching stunned expressions as Kagome smiled brightly and complemented them on their battle prowess. Not even the mean little cuss in the corner was able to remain unaffected by his mother's genuine warmth and acceptance.

Shippo glanced at the demon beside him and saw a smirk on the wolf's face. Even after all these years, Kagome still had no idea the sort of power her personality seemed to have on demons.

"Give it another couple days," Kouga whispered, "And she'll have them all wrapped around her little finger…"

Shippo smirked, unable to refute the wolf's prediction.

His momma had a way of making even the surliest demon adore her; just look at how fond of her Sesshomaru had become. Only Rin and Kagome had ever made the cold demon lords eyes soften with affection.

Kurama wasn't sure how to react to Kagome's praise; he hadn't been expecting it. The fact that she KNEW who Yoko Kurama was, was miraculous enough; the fact that she praised his cleverness and skills in battle as she listened to Yusuke's stories… that grew more and more animated as it became clear that Kagome was an interested and captive audience.

What had started off as a sullen demon giving the cold hard facts of his 'story' to a potential enemy… had rapidly evolved into a happy Yusuke retelling their adventures as he would to a friend.

Kagome had once again blind-sided him. Every time he thought he had a handle on the young woman; she did something to completely throw him for a loop.

"If it makes you feel better," Shippo muttered softly, as to not distract the two young people from their conversation, "She's done this to all of us."

Kurama gave him a questioning look. Shippo nodded towards Yusuke, who was in the middle of telling an enraptured Kagome, about the Dark Tournament match with Team Masho in great detail.

"Those odd feelings of having someone accept you completely despite your flaws and despite the hurt you may have caused them," Shippo replied to the unspoken question, "To know that no matter what, that one person will always be there for you…. And will care for you even when the whole world is against you…."

"Trust me," Shippo said, "Once you have that… nothing else in the world will ever compare to it."

From the corner, Hiei snorted in disbelief, "With that sort of mindset," he stated, "It's amazing the girl is still alive."

Shippo nodded, "She attracts trouble," he agreed, "Or rather that damn jewel does."

"Equal parts Kagome and Jewel," Kouga stated, "When I snatched her the first time, the fact she could sense the shards was a plus. Even if she didn't have that ability I would have nabbed her." Both Shippo and he grinned at the memory, "but alas, she was hung up on that stupid dog…."

"Oh yea," Shippo muttered, "Totally InuYasha's fault… and had nothing to do with the fact that you were a poster child for demonic playboys and totally forgot you had a fiancé already."

"Hey, she didn't know about Ayame until later!"

"Fact of the matter is," Shippo said, ignoring his friend, "Kagome was only with us for about four years; we, in the Western Lands, have spent the last five HUNDRED waiting for her…."

Could she have really effected so many? Kurama thought, it's hard to believe.

Believe it, fox, Hiei's cold mental voice stated, her interactions within that tribe were… odd…

Odd? How? Kurama asked, intrigued. Hiei's confusion had been plain in his 'voice'; to have let such an emotion slip, the experience in the Western Lands must have been far more unsettling then he had initially lead Kurama to believe.

Only silence met his questions; Kurama scowled at his friend. Damn the Imko and his blasted secrets. Getting anything out of the apparition was like pulling teeth. Kurama was sure the demon did it on purpose; knowing full well that it would cause his curiosity to go crazy. His fox-self LOVED puzzles and mysteries….

Kagome listened intently as Yusuke spoke; it had taken a while for the Detective to warm up to her, but now the wariness and barely veiled aggression had faded from his voice. For the first time since meeting him; Kagome could understand how this young man had managed to gain the respect of so many demons.

Even as removed as the Western Lands were from the events of the Makai; still word of this young human-turned-demon had managed to filter through. Shippo and Kouga both had mentioned Yusuke and his team, having witnessed their trials during the Dark Tournament and then again during the Makai tournament.

They were two sides of a coin, Yusuke and her; so different, and yet so similar. Both humans thrust into a demon filled world by a strange twist of fate, only to find out that they were a little more than 'normal'.

He had his enhanced spiritual powers and hidden demonic heritage; she had her own budding powers and the Shikon no Tama hidden within her body.

Then there was also their uncanny ability to gain the respect and even, dare she say, affection of demons who had once been enemies; she smirked at the thought.

Yusuke paused in his story, seeing the amused look on the young priestesses face.

"What?" he demanded, feeling his neck and ears heat with a blush as he suddenly realized that he had essentially been talking the woman's ear off.

"What, what?" Kagome asked, blinking at the blush that suddenly crept across the demons face. How…cute! When was the last time she had seen a demon blush?!

"You were looking at me weird….and smiling…" he replied, shifting uncomfortably. Kagome blinked, trying to suppress a smirk at his actions.

"I'm not allowed to look at you and smile?" she asked innocently, "You were telling an amusing story…"

"No….I mean…Yea… it's not that… it...uh…" Yusuke gave her a glare, "You were looking at me weird."

Kagome couldn't help it; the indignant look on the Detectives face was to priceless… plus he was actually… pouting. Kagome laughed.

All conversation seemed to pause as a wave of pure happiness and mirth washed through the room like a wave as Kagome's laughter echoed in the small space.

Wow… Yusuke thought, as the priestess' energy seemed to wrap around him; he had expected it to hurt, Kurama had told him that a Miko's energy could burn and completely purify a demon depending on their strength….

Yet, he didn't feel any pain as her energy washed over his; instead, he felt warm and comforted… like being wrapped in a warm blanket… or in a loved one's hug.

Not even his own mother had made him feel this….safe...and…loved?

Kurama clenched his hand against the warmth of her energy; he could clearly see that the Miko's strange powers were affecting the young demon lord. Kurama glanced at Hiei; the other demon was sitting on the counter, his back against the wall, arms crossed and eyes closed.

For all the world he looked to be completely unaffected by the energy radiated from the Miko; yet, Kurama knew the other male well enough and long enough to know that he wasn't nearly as unaffected as he'd liked everyone to believe.

The Imko's body, normally held in a tense readiness, had relaxed… the lines around his eyes had softened…. He too was feeling the near drugging effects of Kagome's power.

Was that her strategy? Did her energy somehow drug demons, making them more pliable? Causing them to feel a strange sort of attachment to the woman and thus…protect her?

Kagome's looked back at Yusuke; who had a stunned expression on his face, almost as if someone had slapped him.

"Yusuke?" she said, reaching over to touch his knee, "Are you alright?"

The Detective blinked, his face growing an even darker red if possible.

"Yea," he muttered, "I'm fine…."

She frowned, had she somehow managed to insult him with her laughter?

"I didn't mean to upset you," she said softly, completely misinterpreting his embarrassment, "I wasn't really laughing at you… it's just…with you stammering like that and then pouting… you were just too adorable."

Adorable?

Shippo barely concealed his own mirth as his mother suddenly realized that she had just called her guest 'adorable'… he hadn't realizing two people could turn such a vibrant shade of red.

"Anyway," Kagome said, trying to change the subject, "When you were talking it just dawned on me that we have a lot in common. It's kinda funny, is all. It's nice to know that I wasn't the only teenager who Fate decided to play with,"

She paused for a moment, then seeing the puzzled look on Yusuke's face, continued,

"I mean, we were both tossed into a world of demons as young teenagers. Neither of us were really 'normal' to begin with, what with your demonic heritage and me having the jewel. Then, we have a habit of somehow managing to turn enemies into friends. All your friends were demons you fought and beat at some point. All MY friends where demons who tried to kidnap me or steal my jewel shards…" Kagome cast a pointed look at the two demons beside her.

"Heh…" Yusuke laughed softly, "Yea…you have a point. I never really thought of it like that…." He rubbed the back of his neck, and sighed, "I guess I have been kinda a dick to you… it wasn't like it was your fault that Botan decided to be stupid and try and steal something…"

Kagome patted his hand, "What's done is done," she replied, "From here on out is a new page. You were worried for a friend; that's not something to be ashamed of. Botan is very lucky to have a friend like you."

In the corner, Hiei snorted in disgust. Kagome cast a sidelong glance at the fire demon,

"She is lucky to have all of you… there aren't many who would go to the lengths you all have gone to protect a friend."

"That fool is NOT my friend," Hiei growled.

"Me thinks the fire demon doth protest too much…" Kagome replied with a smirk. Hiei glowered at her, turning to glare back out the kitchen window. Score one for Kagome!

"Speaking of which," Kagome said, "How is your friend?"

"Better," Yusuke replied, with a faint smile, "Yukina said she was still weak… but she had improved tremendously already."

"Good," Kagome said with a wide smile, she wouldn't admit that the girl's fate had weighed heavily on her mind all night, and wasn't far from her thoughts that day. "I'm glad I was able to get to her in time."

"Me too," Yusuke said, "Look, I never did say thank you for…helping her yesterday. Botan has been with me since I died… she may be overly bubbly…and bossy….and has this uncanny ability to pop in at the worst times… but she's still …. She almost died a few years back when she tried to hide the Netherworld's power orb inside her body… she such an innocent…and to know that…it almost happened again…."

"It's ok Yusuke," Kagome said with a soft smile, she had never met a demon-or man for that matter- that could apologize without it sounding like it was killing them. Add to that trying to get them to admit that they cared for someone…. Yea, she'd have an easier time pulling teeth out of a live –angry- crocodile.

"I understand," she said, "When she wakes up, I'd like to visit her again… just to make sure that there isn't any miasma lingering. It doesn't take much to start to taint someone's spirit."

"MAN! THAT FELT AWESOME!" Kuwabara's voice bellowed as he came back into the room, "I don't smell like sewage anymore!"

"Pity the shower didn't do anything for your looks…"

"What was that Urameshi?!"

"I'll take that as MY cue," Shippo said softly, "But unlike big man… I won't take three hours."

"Hey! I wasn't in there THAT long!"

"Dude…you were totally in there for…like…ever…" Yusuke snipped.

"Was not!"

"Was to"

"Was NOT!"

"Was TOO!"

"Was not!"

"Was too!"

Kagome glanced away from the two arguing friends; who were nose to nose… or as close as was possibly with their height difference. Kagome took the lapse in conversation to make another pot of tea and make some ramen.

She blinked back tears as the scent of the cooking noodles reached her; the scent never failed to remind her of InuYasha. Despite the years that had gone by; she still felt pain at his loss. What would her over-zealous best friend have thought of these detectives?

She laughed softly to herself; what a silly question. She knew without a shadow of a doubt what InuYasha's response would have been…. He would have attacked the Detectives, swinging Tessiaga wildly and practically destroying her family shrine before Kagome finally SAT him. Then, he would have sat in the corner, much like Hiei, and growled and snipped at the other males.

InuYasha never played well with others and it would take months for the temperamental hanyo to warm up to anyone.

No, it was probably just as well that he wasn't here; she would be constantly breaking up fights if he was.

Still….

She swallowed hard as a pang of loneliness pierced her heart. She would have felt more confident if InuYasha was there. With him beside her; she had felt invincible. She knew Shippo and Kouga would protect her… but… they would never be able to replace that annoying, obnoxious, loud-mouthed hanyo.

Shaking her head to clear herself of the melancholy; Kagome turned and set the pot of noodles on the table. Passing out bowls and chopsticks; they ate in relative silence. The bickering between Kazuma and Yusuke only quieted due to the food both were shoveling into their mouths.

Suddenly, a loud ringing noise filled the quiet kitchen. The Kurama and Yusuke both froze; then began patting their pockets.

"Where is that damn communicator," Yusuke growled under his breath. Finally, he found the compact-like contraption in his jacket pocket.

He flipped the top and Yukina's ethereal face filled the screen. There was a muffled noise from Kuwabara as he attempted to stand, breath, swallow a mouthful of noodles and speak all at the same time…

"Yukina," Yusuke said, ignoring his friend as the fool began choking and sputtering. "What's wrong?"

"My apologies for bothering you," Yukina's soft voice replied, "But Master Genkai asked me to call you…"

"What is it?" Yusuke snapped, his anxiousness bleeding through. A growl behind him warned him that he had better check his tone when speaking with the korime. There were very few things that would set Hiei's temper off faster than upsetting his soft-spoken twin.

"Botan is awake," the ice apparition said with a smile, "Master Genkai asked for me to inform you. She's still weak, but she's awake and asking for you."

"Thanks Yukina," Yusuke said only to have his communicator snatched out of his hand. He rolled his eyes as Kuwabara began talking or rather…cooing to the demoness.

"Well," Yusuke said, looking up at Kagome, "It seems Botan is awake… did you still want to see her?"

"Yes, I would." Kagome stated, a thrill of anticipation racing down her spine. Finally they would be getting some answers.

Less than an hour later Kagome and Shippo quietly followed the three detectives up the excessively long staircase to Genkai's temple. Kagome could sense Hiei flitting far ahead of them; she suddenly envied the demon his speed. These stairs were MURDER!

They had decided that Kouga, under the guise of not wanting to upset the recovering woman, had stayed at the shrine to install the transportation mirror. With Souta's help; the two of them would be able to get the mirror set up and calibrated, so by the time Shippo and Kagome returned with news, they could immediately head to the Western Lands via the mirror and report to Sesshomaru.

The elder psychic met them at the top of the stairs, her dull pink hair falling limply around her shoulders and face. Immediately Yusuke approached his teacher; somehow sure that her presence meant that Botan had taken a turn for the worst.

"Is she…?"

Genkai gave him a droll look; "Go see for yourself, dimwit."

Like a shot, the young mazoku was gone; Genkai smirked at the impatient youth and shook her head. Turning back to her guests, she gave a small bow to the priestess and her kitsune companion.

"It's good to see you again, Kagome," she said, her voice soft despite its natural gruffness.

"Thank you, Master Genkai," Kagome replied with a bow of her own, one that was echoed by Shippo, "It's good to see you again."

"Staying out of trouble, fox?" Genkai asked, smirking at the overly innocent look on the boy's face.

"Of course…." He replied, with a wink; Genkai rolled her eyes.

"Honest," Shippo insisted, "I'm only in trouble if I'm caught…and I'm rarely caught."

Botan dozed lightly, enjoying the warmth of the sunbeam she was laying in. She felt remarkably well for someone she knew had been close to death. That odd, dirty feeling that she had gotten from holding that damned jewel was gone as well.

What had happened?

She could recall fleeing the Wolves of the West and running into Yusuke… then… that was where things got fuzzy. She vaguely remembered a fight… then a fuzzy image of a dark haired woman… then… It was like some dark film was pulled over her eyes… she remembered…Oh Kami… she had attacked Kurama!

No...No…not her. That evil, slimy, presence that resided in the jewel… it had attacked Kurama. She hadn't been able to move. She could remember that. She could remember screaming in her head, fighting with her own body as it moved of its own accord.

She hadn't been able to do anything.

After that…nothing. She couldn't remember anything. No…that wasn't right… she remembered pain. Such an intense pain, it nearly rivaled the pain she had experienced when Yakumo ripped his power sphere from her body.

Yet, the energy that pained her also tried to comfort her. It was a cleansing pain. Pure.

Hurried footsteps down the hall roused her from her thoughts; she instantly recognized Yusuke's long stride. The man may be light on his feet when he fought, but any other time he sounded like a herd of elephants stampeding down the hall.

He hesitantly slide back the door to her room; a rarity, since Yusuke was never hesitant about anything.

For a moment he seemed to stare at her, unseeing. His dark eyes filled with worry and his face pinched with the stress.

"Yusuke…" she whispered giving him a small smile, her throat sore and her voice hoarse; though she wasn't sure why.

The Detective's tall frame sagged in relief at hearing her voice. He grinned as he sauntered into the room, flopping down next to her; so close to her hip that she could feel the heat of his body through the blanket she had draped over her.

"You scared the shit out of me," he growled, giving her a glare that lacked any heat. "How are you feeling?"

"Weak…"she replied truthfully, "but all in all, better. I ache really badly, that's about it. Is everyone ok? What happened?"

Suddenly her eyes went wide, "That jewel… where is it?"

"Back where it belongs," A familiar soft baritone stated from the doorway, the sound sent shivers up Botan's spine. "With its guardian."

Botan felt her heart do an unpleasant flip-flop in her chest at the sight of the tall coppered-haired kitsune standing in her door; though her heart nearly siezed in fear at the sight of him, Botan couldn't help but notice how stunning the demon was. His copper hair shimmered in the sunlight pouring through her window, even as forest green eyes glittered mischievously at her from under those gleaming locks.

Botan glanced at Yusuke, who sent an annoyed glare at the Western Land's guard, but otherwise didn't move.

"You gonna move anytime soon?" an annoyed feminine voice asked, even as the kitsune jumped and let out an undignified yip.

"Dammit," he growled, at the person behind him, rubbing his side, "That hurt!"

"Then move your abnormally large fox rump before I decide to spank it," the female snapped, "You act like a kit and I'll treat you like one."

The kitsune let out an amused snort, but stepped aside.

"May I remind you," He growled, almost playfully, "I'm technically older then you."

"Details, details," a dark haired woman said, waving away his words, muttering, "Terrorizing my patient, what the hell is wrong with you… stupid males…"

Botan stared at the young woman who walked into the room, sending a warning glare at the kitsune; who grinned wickedly back at her.

Long dark hair flowed down the woman's back and shimmered with dark midnight blue highlights. Large dark eyes regarded her with warmth and a touch of concern. Otherwise, plain; it was the woman's aura that left Botan speechless. Though the energy was wrapped tightly around the woman's body…her energy glowed brilliantly, like a mini-sun. It was pure, untainted by any darkness.

And there, lying so casually around her neck, just above the swell of her breasts… was an iridescent pink gem the size of a marble. No, not A gem… THE gem. The jewel Botan had been charged with stealing from the Western Lands.

She glanced between the kitsune and the woman; the fox's words echoing in her tired brain. Guardian?

Suddenly her eyes widened as his meaning sank in. The Guardian of the Shikon no Tama…?

"Oh…my…" Botan said softly, at a loss of words. What could she possibly say to a living legend? A woman that, according to Reikai's records, had mysteriously appeared five hundred years ago only to disappear as abruptly and mysteriously four years later, after the grisly battle with the demon Naraku.

Very little was known about the mysterious priestess that befriended a half-demon and helped destroy one of the most dangerous demons of the time. Those that had been alive in that time and had been rumored to have interacted with the woman; guarded her memory viciously. Thoses that did speak of her, did so in soft, reverant tones... only a few human records exsisted that mentioned the great priestes. No, demon records had ever been found... almost as if the story, her story, had deliberatly been lost to the sands of time.

Koenma had always assumed she had passed on, and that her demon allies had hidden her grave; yet they had never been able to find any record of her death… or her life. Then again, not knowing the priestess' name made it impossible to look up any records. All they had to go on were rumors and old stories handed down through the generations.

"My lady miko," Botan said softly, attempting to bow in her reclining position.

"Please, none of that," she replied, waving away the formalities, "My name is Kagome. It's good to see you are doing better….Botan, right?"

The reaper nodded, her pink eyes flicking from the priestess to the Western Guard; she swallowed hard.

"Am I to be arrested?" she asked, fearfully looking back at Yusuke.

"No," Kagome said, speaking before either Yusuke or the guard could open their mouths. The copper-haired kitsune made a sound of disagreement. Kagome turned a dark look on him, effectively silencing his protest.

"Fine," the kitsune replied, "But you get to fight with Fluffy on that topic should it arise."

"Of course," Kagome replied, moving further into the room to kneel next to Botan.

"I'd like to check and make sure I purified all of the miasma from your energy," Kagome continued, "Will you let me?"

Botan glanced at Yusuke's quiet form sitting next to the priestess, silently asking for his opinion; perhaps one of her greatest friends, she would trust Yusuke's judgment.

"It's not gonna hurt her anymore, right?" Yusuke asked, looking at the miko, "Last time she was in a lot of pain…"

"No," Kagome replied, lightly patting the Mazoku's hand that was resting on his knee, "It only hurt the last time because the Miasma had such a strong hold on her. I don't sense any taint on her this time; so it shouldn't hurt at all. I just want to make sure. Naraku was always a sly bastard; I want to make sure his taint isn't still hiding in some shadowy corner."

Botan gulped, "N-Naraku? W-What's he got to do with anything?"

Kagome smiled at her, "It's nothing to worry about. When you took the jewel, it was a dark purple, nearly black color correct?" She paused long enough for Botan to nod, "Well, part of the reason why, is because there is a constant battle raging within the jewel. It had been in Naraku's possession so long, that his energy remained in the jewel. I wasn't able to completely purify it before I was forced to leave. Without its priestess; the taint within the jewel grew. When you touched it, that tainted reached out to you. That little part of Naraku, confined in the jewel, attempted to use you as its next vessel. Even though the jewel was removed from your possession; the taint upon your energy remained and continued to grow. Fortunately, your friends were able to contact me and I was able to cleanse you of this taint before Naraku's essence could corrupt you further. However, he was always a stubborn creature; so his removal was painful. I'm glad you were unconscious for it."

"Is that why I hurt so much?" Botan asked; Kagome nodded.

"The body is reflecting the wounds on the spirit," she replied, "But don't worry, it'll fade with time. Like all wounds…it'll heal."

Botan sighed, "Ok…I mean, you can check and make sure…that thing isn't lurking around somewhere…"

Kagome smiled, reaching out to take Botan's hand. It took a moment for Botan to relax as she felt Kagome's warm energy slide up her arm. The sensation wasn't at all odd or invasive as Botan expected; instead it was warm and comforting.

She glanced at Yusuke and was surprised to see the young demons eyes closed in, what could only be described as reverent bliss. A small smile curled his lips and the tension seemed to have drained from his body.

After a few minutes; Kagome opened her eyes and released Botan's hand. Her energy lingered for a while, filling the room and basking everyone in its warmth.

"Botan," Kagome said softly, "Now that that is done, I need to ask you a few questions. Do you feel up to it?"

"Hey, you didn't say anything about questions?" Yusuke grumbled, all the tension returning to his lithe frame.

"Would you prefer I ask the questions, or hand her over to Shippo? Or perhaps Kouga? Or more likely….Sesshomaru?" Kagome replied, turning to give her friend a solemn look. "The fact remains that for some reason, she was sent to take possession of the jewel. Though, I will not arrest her and am willing to forgive this; I need to know why."

Yusuke crossed his arms and looked away; unable to deny that even he had questions about why Botan would do such a thing that was so obviously suicidal.

Botan looked at her lap; "I know what you are going to ask….and I don't understand why I was sent after the jewel. Koenma had never shown any interest in it before other than to ponder over what happened to you, Lady Kagome. Then, one day he starts acting…odd. Nothing I could put my finger on exactly; but it was a nagging feeling. Suddenly he wants Jorge to get him all the information they can find on the jewel and its where-bouts."

Botan shuttered at the memory of her boss, the man she adored above all others, as he sat at his desk with a strange, crazed look in his eyes, scouring over the ancient texts for any reference of the legendary artifact.

"He didn't eat, he didn't sleep…. No work was getting done. He refused to speak to Jorge or me…. And he...he…"

She paused, unsure how to explain the next part without sounding ridiculous.

"He..?" Kurama prompted from the corner. When had he come into the room? Matter of fact, when had Hiei and Kuwabara come into the room either?

"He didn't… feel right," Botan said, struggling to explain, "I mean, not just his energy… which felt odd too. But, physically. I touched his arm; trying to pry him away from the texts to eat… his arm was hard and unyielding. He was in his adult form, so I know that he is a bit more muscular then in his toddler form; but this… this was different. It was… almost… wooden?"

Botan shuddered; recalling how Koenma hadn't felt even remotely alive…there had been no give to his skin and muscle. It was like touching a solid piece of granite.

"Not long after that he instructed me to travel to the Makai," she said, "I attempted to bring my concerns to King Enma but he refused me. Instead, I was instructed to follow Koenma's instruction. So…I did."

"Why didn't you come to one of us with these concerns?" Kurama replied. Botan looked down,

"No one else seemed to notice his odd behavior… so I….thought perhaps I was mistaken…" she said softly.

"Hn, foolish woman," Hiei's hard voice stated, "You should never ignore your instincts."

Botan flinched at his words, though didn't refute them; he was right after all.

Kagome frowned at the obviously distressed woman. Something just wasn't adding up. She couldn't detect any falsehood in the woman's words; yet, they didn't make any sense. Why would the ruler of Reikai want they Jewel? Moreover, why had his father, Enma, not noticed his son's odd behavior? Were they working together? But WHY? They were gods for Pete's sake.

Kagome glanced back towards Shippo, who was watching the young teal-haired woman intently. He glanced toward her; suspicion and confusion mirrored in his emerald eyes.

"Thank you very much, Botan," Kagome said softly, "Now I believe it would be best if you got some more rest. You should feel much better by tomorrow morning."

With that, she rose, shooing everyone but the quiet attentive korime from the room.

"Honestly," Yusuke asked, coming up behind her as they walked back out to the courtyard, "Is she going to be ok?"

Kagome turned to look at the young demon; worry pinched his brow and tension hummed in his muscles. She reached out and clasped his shoulder;

"She will be fine, Yusuke," Kagome said softly, allowing her energy to flow out and sooth him. "I promise, by tomorrow she'll have enough strength to start moving around the shrine. Within a week or so, she'll be right as rain."

The tension seemed to drain from the Mazoku's face; whether it was from her words, the soothing effects of her energy, or a combination thereof… she wasn't sure.

Though, now that she was looking…exhaustion etched lines in the young man's face. All of them, with the exception of perhaps Hiei, were exhausted.

She looked around at the three men and pursed her lips.

"Uh oh…" Shippo muttered, backing a couple steps away. "I know that look…"

"When was the last time any of you got a good night's sleep?" Kagome demanded, pinning the three detectives with a stern look.

Lounging in his tree, Hiei smirked as the three floundered at her tone. He also didn't miss the fact that the Oh-So-Great Shippo had inched his way slowly away from the priestess and was now trying to blend into the tree trunk.

"The great and powerful Shippo, General of the Western Lords Army, is running scared from a young human girl," he taunted, "How pathetic."

"Mock me all you want half-pint," Shippo muttered, "You've never seen what Kagome can do…."

"Please, you are a half-millennium old demon," Hiei scoffed, "What could she possibly do to you?"

"Heh," Shippo growled, "This is coming from the same demon that I spent over a day and a half torturing and wouldn't say a word; and yet, here comes that same lowly mortal…she talks to you for what…five minutes…and whatever SHE said obviously was enough to get YOUR attention…"

Hiei growled, glaring down at the copper head below him; the fox's eyes hadn't left the woman who was now shoving and dragging his three friends into the shrine… apparently sending them all to bed; much to the amusement of the elder Genkai.

Hiei didn't speak after that; the fox had made his point. Though the woman lacked the physical strength to injure him; she was still a force to be reckoned with. She was just as cunning as Kurama; he had to remember that. On the surface she was kind and loving, but when all the fluff was stripped away… the woman could be as ruthless as any demon.

"Do you believe her?" Shippo asked suddenly. Hiei blinked, the fox had moved away from his tree, but hadn't gone inside. He sat on the edge of the porch that surrounded the temple.

"Botan," Shippo repeated, "Do you believe her?"

"Hn." Hiei replied; unwilling to discuss anything with the kitsune. Though he had to cooperate with the annoying General; Hiei hadn't made any deals with him. His commitment was made to the priestess, not the General, or the Lord of the West.

A few moments later, Kagome and Genkai came back outside, the younger woman carrying a tray filled with cups and a pot of fresh tea.

Kagome was silent for a moment as she filled cups and handed them to Shippo and Genkai.

"Hiei," she called, "Would you like some tea?"

She wasn't surprised when garnet eyes barely glanced at her, before closing again. Still, she knew the demon enjoyed tea… even if he was too proud to accept it from her. She balanced the cup on a branch; within easy reach should the stoic demon change his mind.

Hiei glared at her through slitted eyes; dammit there she went again… being nice. His attitude and distain toward her never seemed to faze the woman; she simply ignored it and went about her business. A part of Hiei wanted to cut the woman down where she stood. She had figured out one of his deepest fears and used that against him….he was justified, his basest survival instinct demanded it. Yet… yet, another smaller part… felt a sort of pride for her because of that.

Hiei viewed kindness as a weakness; often telling his teammates that their continued mercy on opponents would be their downfall. However, much like he had with Yusuke; Hiei was finding more and more reasons to…be…tolerant of the priestess. The fact, confused him and infurated him.

"So," Kagome said, after a moment, "What do you think?"

"The girl wasn't lying," Shippo stated, "Least not as far as I could tell."

"Botan can't lie," Genkai stated, "She'd tell on herself within minutes."

"The girl is an idiot," Hiei stated, cooly, "But the hag is right, she's not clever enough to make up a story like that."

"And this Koenma?" she asked, taking a sip of her tea.

"He too is an idiot," Genkai stated gruffly, "But, generally he's a decent sort. It is unlike him to be so concerned an artifact."

"Unless it came from the Reikai vaults…" she added with a sly glance toward the dark demon in the tree.

"If Koenma was seeking the Jewel," she continued, "It would be to add it to the vaults. To keep it away from those who would use it for evil."

"Though he is a fool," Hiei stated, "Even he would not want to start war he couldn't hope to win."

"Agreed," Genkai stated, "Even Koenma isn't that stupid."

"Then if he wasn't acting on his own," Shippo said, "Could someone have forced his hand? His father perhaps?"

Silence met his question.

"It would not be out of the realm of possibility," Genkai finally stated, "Generally, though, Enma pays little attention to anyone aside from himself. Botan's misgivings were probably ignored, not because they were misplaced, but rather because she was beneath King Enma's notice."

"Hn" Hiei agreed.

"So we'll file that in the 'maybe' category," Kagome said, "Fun. Okay… next possibility… possession? Botan said he was acting out of character."

"Possible…" Genkai said, "Doubtful, but possible."

"Is there any way to get to Reikai to see Koenma?" Kagome asked, "It should be easy enough to tell if he's possessed."

Hiei snorted.

"The only way we have of getting to Reikai is through Botan," Genkai stated.

"So…we wait." Kagome said, "When she regains her strength, we'll go to Reikai and investigate this ourselves."

A/N: Another Chapter done. I know I said we'd be getting into Reikai in this chapter... but it just didn't make it. Next for sure! LOL. Thank you to everyone who reviewed. I love you guys! This is the highest reviewed fic I've ever posted. I'm so stoked.

Also, I'd like to thank Flaming-Twilight for pointing out such an obvious 'oops' in my writing. When I first read your review, my immediate response was... 'no i don't. I know how to spell Reikai and know the difference between 'Reikai' and 'Reiki'. It must have just been a typo...' well yea... of extensive porportions. I can't believe how many times I've done that. *face palm* All I can say is that my fingers obviously had a mind of their own. Smh. Anyway, thank you for pointing it out. I made doubly sure I spelled it right this time. LOL.

I hope you enjoy and as always REVIEW!