Title: Secrets
Author: inuyashagirl5
Rating: T
Genre: Action, Adventure, Romance
Pairing: Kagome/Yusuke
Disclaimer: InuYasha is owned by Rumiko Takahasi and Yu Yu Hakusho is owned by Yoshihiro Togashi. I only borrow their characters for my own amusement and for the amusement of my readers.
A/N: Sorry for the delay. I have no excuses. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Also, all previous chapters have been slightly edited. No major changes, just minor error corrections.
Chapter Ten: Coming Together
"I'm glad I could meet with you on such short notice." Koenma sat down, giving a small smile to the female demon that set the cup of tea before him then hurried out of the room, leaving him alone with the one he needed to speak to. "I have a favor to ask of you."
The woman sitting across from him gave him a long, hard look. Her aged mauve eyes studied him before she released a soft, annoyed sigh. Koenma frowned, this wasn't going to be easy to explain.
"Well, I'm listening." She grumbled. She was curious about the Reikai prince's visit. He rarely asked her for a favor, not since she stopped helping the boys on their missions.
"I need you to go on a little trip with Yusuke."
"Why?" She inquired.
"I have assigned him to a very important mission. He's guarding a modern day priestess who travels through a portal to the Feudal Era. I'm asking you to go with him and to perhaps train the priestess a little. She can do a few things on her own, but she could use some work."
She studied him. Her eye's watching him, gaging him. She could sense that there was more to it than what he had said.
"Is there any particular reason to have her trained? Wouldn't that endanger your team?"
"She's different." He murmured, "Very different."
"How so?"
He shifted nervously in his seat, she noted. She could only speculate on his reasons, but she knew there was something special about the priestess in question.
"She's the guardian of the Shikon no Tama, for one. Two, she doesn't hate demons." Koenma answered in a rush and sighed after he finished.
"And three?"
"That one is complicated and I'm unable to speak of it just yet. Please, Master Genkai, I need your help with this. She needs to be protected."
She pinched the bridge of her nose and muttered about being to old to deal with it.
"Alright, I'll do this on one condition. You have to tell me why this girl is so damn important before we leave."
"Genkai..." Koenma groaned.
"Those are the terms. Either deal with it or get out."
"Okay. Okay." Koenma shook his head slowly and groaned again, "That's really unfair, you know?"
"You'll get over it. Let me make a few phone calls first. I don't want Yukina to stay here alone."
"Take your time."
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Yusuke sat back the following morning and watched the group go about their usual morning routines. He only felt slightly guilty about interrupting it, but that guilt was quickly washed away when his eyes landed on Kagome. She moved about the tiny hut like a pro, helping Kaede with breakfast, getting Shippo set and comfortable and trying her very best not to sit the disgruntled inu hanyou. He was surprised by her patience. He had seen how angry she could get, or at least a small dose of it anyways. InuYasha was really pushing her this morning and he was sure it wasn't going to take too much more for her to snap.
Kagome's thoughts were scrambled. She was trying so hard to get everything accomplished that morning so her and Yusuke could get what they needed to get done in her time and hopefully return before nightfall. The sudden though of being alone with Yusuke again made her cheeks tint with a cute rosy hue. 'Damn him and those lips!'
She shook the thoughts away as InuYasha mumbled something with the word wench in it and she was going to sit him, until she saw Yusuke watching her intently. This added more color to her cheeks and again she forgot that InuYasha had even said anything to her.
"Are you alright, Lady Kagome?" Miroku noticed the flustered priestess. She looked up at him with a stupefied expression, "Kagome?"
"Huh? What?" she shook her head, "I'm sorry, Miroku. Did you say something?"
"I asked you if you're alright. You seem a little out of it this morning and your cheeks are red." he gave her a knowing smile, which flustered her more.
"Oh! I'm alright." she looked away quickly and went back to helping with breakfast, ignoring how Miroku grinned at her.
Once breakfast ended, the group strolled together towards the old well. Kagome was eager to go and get the day's events over with so they could return and get the introductions done and over with as well. She was slightly worried about how things would go over. Hiei didn't seem very sociable and she doubted he'd listen to anything InuYasha might say. This could be more problematic than she was able to handle.
"We look forward to your return. Be safe." Miroku smiled at them as they reached the well and Kagome turned to him.
"We will likely be back by dinner. If everything goes well, we can probably set out first thing tomorrow. I'll get more supplies while I'm home too."
"Feh. Hurry up and go, wench." InuYasha muttered, but Kagome didn't respond to him. Instead she sat next to Yusuke on the brim of the well and slipped her arm around his waist. His arm went around her and then they were gone, slipping down and into the blue glow.
"You do realize you're going to have to let her go, right? You chose Kikyo, InuYasha and that means Lady Kagome is free to choose another." Miroku spoke calmly to the his friend.
"Yusuke seems like a nice enough guy. He's capable of protecting her and he's from her time. Once Naraku is defeated she won't have to decide which era to stay in." Sango added, keeping her gaze away from the easily angered hanyou.
"I ain't got to listen to this shit." InuYasha snarled and turned away, "Kagome don't need anyone but me to protect her."
He was gone before the others could respond. They shared the same unamused expression before setting off back to Kaede's hut. There wasn't much for them to do but wait for the return of their friends.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Kagome was quietly seething as she climbed out of the well and joined Yusuke in the well house. She was tempted to jump back into the well and sit InuYasha at least one hundred times.
"Hey." Yusuke tried getting Kagome's attention, but it wasn't doing any good. The girl looked close to murdering something, and he had his money on the hanyou in the past. "Hey, Kagome?"
He tried again to no avail. With a soft sigh he left her there to brood and stepped out of the well house and into the courtyard. Botan was already waiting on them it seemed and he gave the blue-haired reaper a wave.
"Good morning, Yusuke!" She called out with her typical perkiness and a cheery wave. "Where is Lady Kagome?"
"Give her a moment." He gestured with his thumb that the priestess was still inside the well house.
"It's alright. We can go." Kagome replied quietly as she exited the old wooden structure, "I have a lot I need to get done before going back."
"You alright?" Yusuke asked as Kagome stepped up next to him. She gave him a bright smile and a nod of her head.
"Everything is fine, but really, we should go."
"This way please!" Botan motioned them to follow her behind the well house, and out of sight of an possible eavesdroppers in the area. She gave one last look around then opened the portal.
When they stepped through the portal, Yusuke sputtered and pointed at Genkai before Koenma ordered them to sit. The junior god watched as Kagome and Yusuke moved to sit together on the couch, his eyes narrowing as the pair's hands touched and neither pulled away.
Genkai cleared her throat, motioning for Koenma to get on with the mission briefing. He shot one last quick glare at Yusuke, who didn't notice because his gaze was on Kagome.
"Well then, Kagome, these are the ones that will be traveling with you and your companions. You're already familiar with Botan, Kurama and Hiei. This is the psychic Genkai." Koenma motioned towards the old woman with the most matured mauve eyes Kagome had ever seen. "I have asked her to accompany you and assist you with some training. I hope that will not be a problem?"
"It shouldn't be a problem. I don't think so, at least. InuYasha always tells me I'm weak, so, some training will do some good." Kagome nodded her head a couple times, ignoring the quiet grumbling now coming from Yusuke, "I'm really just hoping that everyone gets along."
"You already show great potential, Kagome, but, I feel that there is more to you. I'm certain that, with time, you'll be the strongest priestess ever."
Genkai cleared her throat again, effectively silencing Koenma before he spoke too much. She could see how nervous he was, not that she blamed him.
"Shouldn't we worry about getting through the portal? Are there measures being taken to assure our passage without needing to be with Kagome?" At Kurama's question, Koenma nodded and placed a set of black wooden beaded necklaces on his desk.
"These were commissioned by my father. The four of you will have to wear them and they will allow you to go back and forth between times. Kagome will have to put them on you, her power being the source to activate them."
"So, they can return without me?" Kagome asked and Koenma nodded. With a grin, Kagome turned to Yusuke, "No more jumping into the well holding me then."
"I don't think that will stop me." Yusuke wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, drawing a rosy blush to Kagome's cheeks.
Koenma cleared his throat, giving Yusuke another angry glare. Kurama and Hiei shared a glance as he did so, noting just how angry the Reikai prince was.
"Are you alright with your mission then, Yusuke? You can still back out if you..."
"Oh fuck no!" Yusuke jumped to his feet quickly, determined to set Koenma straight without cluing Kagome in to his fears. He didn't want her to know of his failures. It was too soon. "I'm going! You don't have to worry!"
"Don't I?" Koenma's gaze was stern and Yusuke sneered.
"I don't understand the reasons for the glares," Kagome stood slowly, her eyes looking between the two men. She stepped in front of Yusuke and placed a hand on his chest, "But, I trust Yusuke. He's already proven himself to me and my friends."
"You don't need to worry, Koenma. We've met InuYasha. He might be a bit problematic when it comes to cooperation within the group, but there's no doubt he's strong. That goes double for that sword of his as well." Kurama's attempts at placating Koenma worked for all of two seconds before his eyebrows furrowed and he frowned deeply.
"What sword?"
"It was his father's sword." Kagome began calmly, not really willing to answer the question, "He knows how to handle it and besides, he's not the only one there. Sango and Miroku are strong as well. We'll be fine. Trust me."
Koenma's frown didn't leave his face, but he did acknowledge Kagome with a curt nod. There wasn't anything he could do at the moment except trust her words, his men and Genkai. He sighed. It wasn't going to be easy.
"Where's the other guy? Kazuma, was it?" Kagome questioned.
"Kuwabara will be staying at my temple with his sister until I return. He won't be joining us, but he sends his luck and safe wishes." Genkai replied and moved forward to take all of the necklaces off of Koenma's desk. She handed them over to Kagome. "Let's not dawdle here any longer. There isn't anything more that needs to be said. Let's focus on our mission and learning everything we can of our enemy."
"Miroku would be best suited to explain, though each of us has our own story to tell." Kagome frowned. "It'll get explained in time. But, you're right. We can't dawdle here. I still have to pick up some supplies before heading back."
"Alright. All you need to do, Kagome, is channel a little of your power into each necklace until it glows light blue. Once the glow vanishes, you can then put the necklace on them." Koenma instructed.
Kagome set four of the five necklaces aside and focused on the one in her hands. She'd never attempted to channel her energy into anything in this manner before. It was always on a subconscious lever that her arrows were charged. But, she pushed out with her energy like she would if she was erecting a barrier, and sure enough, the necklace in her hands began glowing a vivid shade of cerulean.
She looked up at the startled gasp Koenma emitted and noticed not too far off to the side, both Kurama and Hiei had taken several steps back and away from her. Apparently she was releasing too much energy.
'Weird...it doesn't feel any different...'
She pulled her energy back and after a few seconds the blue glow subsided. Since Yusuke was the closest to her, she reached up to place it around his neck.
She released a startled squeak as his arms circled her waist and back, pulling her flush against him. He chuckled at the noise and the deep blush that spread across her nose and cheeks.
"That's enough already..." Koenma muttered angrily and turned his head away as Kagome sent him a questioning gaze.
'He's acting overprotective again...'
Yusuke grumbled under his breath, but released Kagome. She repeated the process with the next necklace, this one she gave to Genkai. The old woman thanked her and ran a finger along the still warm beads. The energy she felt was strong and pure. A combination that seemed to fit the young priestess perfectly.
Kagome repeated it again with the last three of the necklaces. Giving them to Botan, Kurama, who flinched slightly as the beads settled on his flesh and Hiei, who tried his best not to look effected by her power, but ended up narrowing his eyes anyways. Kagome could only offer a soft apology to the demons for their discomfort.
"That's that then. We'll test them when you get back from buying supplies." Genkai stated and turned to Koenma, "We'll contact you before we leave so you know for sure. Let's go, Botan. Portal."
"I expect to be filled in on a weekly basis. Please stay safe." Koenma rose from his desk and came around the front to stand before Kagome. He took one of her hands between his. "If you need anything at all, please, don't hesitate to ask me."
"Hey, hey..." Yusuke snatched Kagome's hand from Koenma's, backing the girl away from his boss, "Keep your hands off of Kagome. She's not interested in you, Koenma."
Genkai snorted and smirked off to the side. The reaction was unusual and Kurama and Hiei shared another confused glance before focusing their attentions back on Yusuke. His jealousy was amusing to the pair. They couldn't remember a time when Yusuke had been thatprotective of Keiko. This was something totally new.
"Your safety is important to me, Kagome." Koenma continued as if Yusuke had never even spoke, "So, I will help in any way possible."
Kagome was quick to place her hand over Yusuke's mouth and smiled at the Reikai prince, "Thank you for your help. If indeed I am further in need of your services, I will make sure one of your own relays that to you when they report in." 'If they get the chance to report in, that is...'
Kagome lowered her hand from Yusuke's face and bowed to Koenma. He returned the gesture and she noted the concern in his brown eyes. He really was worried for her, and deep inside, it made her feel a little happy and perhaps a bit safer. She joined Botan by the open portal and followed Genkai through.
"I won't fail her like I did Keiko. Make no mistake about that, Koenma." Yusuke glared hard at his boss before turning and following Kagome through the portal.
"Is there anything else we should know before we go?" Kurama asked as he approached Koenma, "Or perhaps there's something you might want to share? Your concern for Kagome is a bit much."
"Just go." Koenma murmured calmly, turning away and heading back to his desk, "I expect to see you in a week, Botan."
"Yes, sir!" Botan chirped.
Kurama chuckled quietly, amused at how easily dismissed his questions were. He stopped in front of Koenma's desk and leaned down to face him. He narrowed his blazing emerald eyes and growled lowly.
"If your secrets cause harm to myself, or any of the others, you will be held responsible." He hissed out and Koenma swallowed hard, "I will discover what you're hiding too. I'm sure I already know, but I want to see how it plays out in the long run."
He stepped away and Hiei followed him through the portal. Botan gave he employer a small bow and smile.
"Be safe, Botan and please, come to me immediately should something happen to Kagome."
"Koenma, sir?"
"Yes?"
Botan stared at him for a bit before shaking her head. "Never mind. I'll see you again soon."
Botan stepped through the portal and onto the grounds of the shrine Kagome lived at. Kagome was introducing the rest of the team to her mother and grandfather. After a few moments of discussion, the group broke off into three sets.
Botan and Genkai were staying at the shrine to wait for the others to return. Kurama and Hiei were going to make their way first to speak with Kurama's mother, and second to Genkai's temple to make sure the Kuwabara siblings and Yukina were settled and safe. Yusuke would accompany Kagome to pick up supplies. They would leave as soon as everyone returned to the shrine.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
InuYasha was frustrated. He really, really didn't like having these guys coming out of nowhere and joining their group. He especially didn't like how Kagome was reacting to Yusuke. She didn't need Yusuke to protect her. Not while she had him. It didn't matter if the boy was capable. Kagome was his to protect. His and his alone. It didn't matter that he hadchosen Kikyo. He hadpromised to protect Kagome in his father's tomb. He wouldn't go back on his word.
But, somehow, he just knew Yusuke wouldn't care about any of that. Not unless Kagome set him straight about it, or he got the chance to pound some sense into him. InuYasha groaned and slapped a hand to his face. There was no way Kagome would let him pound any sense into Yusuke. Not after the display they made in the well house the day before. That had been a sight he didn't want repeated anytime soon. He'd have to stick close to Kagome for the rest of the journey.
Yeah. He could do that. He just hoped she wouldn't sit him because of it. With that in mind, he began making his way back through the forest and back to Kaede's hut to wait with the others for Kagome's return.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
"Kagome! Kagome, wait up!"
Kagome frowned deeply at the feminine voice calling out for her. It wasn't that she didn't want to speak to Eri, but wherever she was, Yuka and Ayumi were sure to follow. She plastered her best, fake smile on and turned to the voice. Sure enough, all three of the girls were rushing forward.
'Great...this is just what I need...'
The trio of girls promptly snatched up her arms and led her away from Yusuke, who stood dumbfounded as she was pulled away from him. He could tell from their glares that they did not like him. It became apparent as to why not long after.
"Oh my gosh, Kagome! Do you even know who you're hanging out with?" Yuka hissed, just loud enough for him to hear. "That boy is bad news, Kagome! Bad news!"
"You probably don't know about the rumors circulating around him since you're always sick." Eri replied, then leaned closer and spoke softer, "He doesn't go to our school, not that he hasn't bullied our classmates before, but that's not the point."
"What is the point and can you make it quick? I have things to do."
"His last girlfriend, only girlfriend actually, though no one knew what she saw in him, but she died. A lot of people think he killed her." Eri answered and chanced a glance over at Yusuke. His eyes narrowed on her and she flinched and ducked back down. "He's no good for you, Kagome. Get away while you can."
'Bullshit...'Kagome scowled, keeping her eyes off her friends. There was no way that rumor was true. Yusuke would never do something like that.
"Trust us, Kagome. We'd never steer you in the wrong direction." Ayumi added, grabbing Kagome's free hand and squeezing it, "We just don't want anything bad to happen to you."
"Your concern is noted. I'll make sure to be careful if I'm around him. Please, do excuse me though. I am in a hurry." She extracted her hand from Ayumi's, "I'll see you guys later."
'Like I'm going to believe thatcrap! Honestly, what is it with those girls and rumors?'
Yusuke could see in her eyes that she was angry and confused as she walked back to him. He had only caught the beginning of the girl's conversation, so he could only speculate on the rest of the conversation. It was clear that those girls hated him, if the death glares were any indication.
"You alright?" He asked quietly, putting his hand against her back and leading her away from the now squawking girls. He glanced back only once to shoot them a devilish smirk. They all wore similar surprised expression, before they huddled and began whispering to each other again.
"Yeah, I'm fine. They have overly active imaginations." Kagome replied and pointed to the grocery store nearby. "I need to pick up some ramen and pocky...hm, and maybe more first aid supplies. I haven't quite got a handle on my healing powers yet, and with more people in the group, there will likely be more injuries."
"Let's hope not." Yusuke grinned and followed her inside. "I think your friends are going to follow us. Should I make them leave you alone?"
"They're harmless, really. They're just worried that you're going to bully me for my lunch money."
"Like I'd do that." Yusuke scoffed. "I don't need anyone's lunch money."
He followed after her as she looked through the many flavors of instant ramen, pulling out specific ones and placing them in her basket.
"Any particular flavor you like? Or perhaps your friends might like?"
"I'm not picky." He shrugged and Kagome loaded a few more into the basket before they walked away to a new aisle, this one full of snacks. Not far behind them, Kagome's three friends continued to follow and eavesdrop on their conversation.
'This is getting annoying...' Kagome glared over her shoulder at them and they frowned.
"Maybe she likes the psychotic types..." Yuka said as she backed away, "I mean, after all, she refused Hojo for that horrible two-timer."
Kagome groaned and tugged on Yusuke's hand, getting him to follow her further down the aisle.
"Her head must be messed up from being so sick all of the time. Our Kagome would never be interested in a jerk like him." Eri chimed in and Kagome sighed loudly. They weren't going to quit unless she did something.
"My head is just fine, thank you." She snapped angrily and her friends eyes grew wide at her loud outburst. "Now, please, for the love of all things fluffy, go away and leave us the fuck alone! He's not bullying me and I'm not afraid of him. So, just quit following us!"
Eri and Yuka jumped and Ayumi grabbed their wrists. They backed away from their friend, and fled. Yusuke laughed at the language she used and couldn't resist poking her side.
"Easy there tiger. Hate for you to break a nail." he teased and she slapped his chest hard.
"Shut up."
The rest of the shopping went quickly while the two were left alone to shop. They spouted playful banter back and forth and enjoyed each other's company. The words of her friends were pushed aside. Even if something had happened to his girlfriend, Kagome knew he would tell her himself, when and if he wanted to. She doubted he had killed her anyways.
When they returned to the shrine, the others were waiting for them by the well house. Kagome excused herself for a few moments, running inside with the new supplies to shove them into her worn, yellow backpack.
"That's quit a group you've got tagging along." Kagome's mother spoke from the doorway to her bedroom, "Genkai filled me in with what she could, but I'm curious about this man that's so adamant about protecting you."
"His name is Koenma. I can't really say more than that." Kagome answered and continued shoving things into her bag, missing the way her mother's eyes widened in surprise and her face paled.
"Oh." She choked out and forced herself to calm down before her daughter could notice the change, "Well, I'm certain he has a good reason for doing so. BE careful while you're away and stay out of trouble. InuYasha said he doesn't like that new boy you've been spending time with."
"Yusuke is harmless," Kagome closed her bag and faced her mother, "And InuYasha is being overprotective. We'll be fine. If anything, I'll be safer now."
"Alright, dear." Her mother smiled at her, then departed for her own room. Kagome sighed softly and hefted the heavy bag onto her shoulders. It was time to head back to the past and resume the search for the shards of the Shikon jewel and Naraku. But first, they needed to make sure everyone could cross over safely. With that thought in mind, Kagome hurried outside and rejoined the rest of them.
"Shall we then?" Kurama questioned and she gave a nod in reply, "How about you go first, Yusuke? If you make it through, it'll be good to have someone familiar with the place. Kagome should go last."
"I agree." Kagome slid open the door tot he well house and waited for everyone to enter before shutting it. "If InuYasha is waiting, don't pick a fight with him. He's likely to be sour for a few days, that goes especially for you, Yusuke."
"Yeah. Yeah." Yusuke waved her off, "Got it. No fighting with the mutt. I'll do my best."
Kagome narrowed her eyes at him and he grinned over his shoulder at her.
"Just get going before I shove you in head first." She grumbled, coming to stand next to him by the well. She looked up at him with worried eyes, "If the clearing around the well is empty, be alert."
"Don't worry about me." He replied and chuckled when she pouted a little. He leaned forward to kiss her lips quickly, catching her completely off guard, then turned and jumped into the dark well. Kagome leaned forward to watch and released a soft sigh of relief when the well lit up, a sign that the beads had done their work.
Once it was confirmed, and Botan reported that news to Koenma via communicator, the others followed and as Kagome came through last, she could hear Miroku welcoming Yusuke and his friends. She climbed up out of the well and found not only the monk standing there, but Sango and Shippo too.
"Where are InuYasha and Kirara?" She inquired as Shippo launched himself into her arms.
"There were rumors of a shard to the north. He ordered us to stay and wait for your return and then follow once you were back." Miroku explained, "Kagura and Kanna were both spotted. It seems Naraku is moving again."
"So much for proper introductions. I guess we'll have to do it along the way." Kagome sighed.
"That sounds like a good idea, Lady Kagome. They left less than an hour ago. If we move quickly, we may catch up before nightfall."
They set out to catch up with InuYasha and Kirara. Along the way introductions were made and Miroku spoke of Naraku, his incarnations and the reasons why he and Sango were perusing him as well. Kagome remained quiet, walking slightly ahead of the group with Shippo and Sango. She was worried. Worried for InuYasha and Kirara, who were off possibly fighting Naraku's incarnations on their own and worried for Yusuke and his friends, because they had no idea what they were getting into.