As Kurama neared the pinnacle of the ivory, well-worn steps he caught a glimpse of Kagome's figure resting against the oldened bark of an enormous tree. He approached the girl, observing her serene expression, her eyes closed and her body relaxed.
Kurama hesitated for a moment, unsure if he should disturb her slumber or not, but then cleared his throat. Kagome's eyes fluttered open, her stormy blue eyes oddly bright in the dim lighting of the evening. "Minamino-kun." She greeted, before patting the grass beside her in an invitation to join her. Kurama also moved to sit against the tree, and they were close enough that he could felt his arm touch hers and the spark of holy energy that accompanied it.
"I'm sorry about disturbing you while you were resting, Kagome." Kurama apologized, watching as Kagome shook her head.
"It's totally fine. I was waiting out here for you anyways and I just dozed off for a moment. Everything around me was just so… peaceful. I couldn't help it." Kagome said sheepishly.
Kurama could feel the hum of an old and deep wisdom from the tree, and it sung to him of legends past and battles fought. "This tree is very old, isn't it?" He remarked.
Kagome nodded, moving her hand to stroke the bark in a way that was almost tender. "It's at least been here since the Feudal Era." She said, smiling. "It's called the Goshinboku. I'm sure this tree has seen many generations and has many great stories to tell."
Kurama agreed quietly, taking a moment to admire the beauty and power of the ancient tree.
"This tree has comforted me many times." Kagome said in a small voice, and paused to wait for his reaction to her comment.
Fortunately for her, Kurama was sure no one could appreciate the glorious life that each plant held more than him. "I can understand why it would be a refuge for you." Kurama replied, and was happy to see Kagome smile at him. She then paused again, studying him carefully as if she was about to make an important decision.
"Kagome?"
A soft sigh escaped from her lips, and she leaned closer into the wood of the tree. "There's actually a portion of the Shikon Legend that ties back to this tree." She started, biting her lips in nervousness.
Kurama decided to relieve her anxiety a bit. "Would you tell me about it, Kagome?" He asked kindly. "I would love to hear about it."
Kagome gained confidence with his words, and continued. "We studied the origin of the Shikon Jewel in the part of the tale that talked about the mighty priestess Midoriko… but there's another part of the story about a miko who was the guardian of the jewel many years later."
Kurama listened to her relay the tale of the miko and the injured bandit. The tragedy of the inu-youkai hanyou and the miko. "...And it is said she sealed him with an arrow to this very tree." Kagome finally finished.
Kurama noticed a few tears had escaped her eyes. "It is a very moving story. I'm glad you shared it with me." He thanked, offering her a warm smile.
Kagome blushed, hands moving to wipe her eyes. "There's more to the tale." She started. "But I guess we can save that for another time." Kagome rose, offering a hand to help Kurama up. "I guess we should start the project."
He accepted, rising with her. "And Minamino-kun..I shared it with you because I trust you." Kurama felt his insides warm at the statement, and Kagome sent him a knowing smile. "I hope you know you can share anything with me too. Anything at all."
Kurama's emerald eyes widened when he felt the ebb of Kagome's aura reach his, and once more he felt the crackle of sacred energy tickle at the edges of his own youki. His surprised eyes met Kagome's but she only smiled at him and tilted her head.
"Shall we go in, Minamino-kun?" She said sweetly, leaving Kurama behind to follow after her, his curiosity burning brighter than ever.
Enjoy! No worries Kurama will find out about Kagome and her entire past soon (:
Disclaimer: Inuyasha and Yu Yu Haksuho do not belong to me