Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this gentle adventure... especially for the one who's in a tight spot. A nod of recognition is bent towards Rumiko Takahashi for her creative prowess where InuYasha is concerned. All due respect is also offered to Yoshihiro Togashi, whose fervid imagination is responsible for YuYu Hakusho.


An Affinity for Action


- 34 -
Bolthole

Kagome held on for dear life as Kurama's bruised body shuddered, then began to shift, lengthening and broadening as he traded existences. Within moments, a powerful kitsune took his place. Youko yanked his chains from their anchors in the ceiling, and she huddled against him as fragments of stone and dust rained down on them. A hand gently touched the top of her head, and she glanced up into golden eyes. "Hiei brought you?" the kitsune inquired, cool and calculating.

She nodded. "He's a few levels above us, being a diversion."

Silvery fox ears quivered as Youko listened for signs of his guards. "This is not a safe place to linger."

When he tried to step back, Kagome tightened her hold and shot him a pleading look. "We need to go," he repeated, frowning at her panicked expression. Then, a flash of amusement crossed the kitsune's face as he registered his complete lack of clothing. "Females," he muttered, managing to sound fond in his exasperation. "Close your eyes, then, Kagome-chan."

As oncoming footsteps galvanized him into action, he scooped her into his arms, carrying her from the cell and along a series of twisting passages. He was just reaching the end of his strength when he found a small niche that could serve as their bolthole. Crouching to enter, he staggered to the corner and sank to the floor, still holding the young woman close. She stirred enough to gaze around the meager haven, and he took advantage of the opening. Burying his nose against her neck, he murmured, "I need a moment."

"That's fine," she whispered. "Should I keep watch?"

"Don't go," he growled, curling around her as he waited for his body to mend. Just before he slipped into unconsciousness, he nuzzled her ear and begged, "Hide me."


- 35 -
Small Comfort

Kurama stirred, slowly flexing his muscles to determine the extent of his recuperation. Strength had indeed returned to his limbs, but when he tried reaching out with his other senses, they were soundly rebuffed. He lifted his forehead from Kagome's shoulder and blinked at the faintly crackling halo of spiritual energy that fizzed in the darkness just above his ears. Laying them back in surprise, he wondered how he'd missed the formation of a barrier strong enough to leave his hair standing on end. This young woman is a force to be reckoned with. Glancing down, he considered his rescuer's drawn face. Too many worries, and I am at the heart of all of them.

Kagome nestled against his chest, borrowing some much-needed warmth in this dank space. "Feeling better?" she asked pensively.

For Shuuichi's sake, Youko made an effort to set her at ease. "I will be fine. You came in time."

"Do you think Hiei is okay?"

"No doubt," he assured. "How long has it been."

"Not long. Maybe... fifteen minutes?"

"Good," he sighed, allowing his head to drop back onto her shoulder. "The reversion should last long enough to get out of here, but I need some time to think."

"Okay."

A few moments later, her fingers wove through the strands of his hair, slowly petting the back of his head and sometimes wandering up to rub the base of his ears. It was soothing, and Youko realized that she must have been doing it all along, gently reassuring him even while he was asleep. Relaxing under her touch, he bent his mind to the task at hand. If I'm going to carry Kagome out of danger, I need a plan.


- 36 -
Assets

The kitsune's keen mind sifted through what they had and what they needed. Kagome's power of purification was currently their largest asset, and he hadn't missed the fact that she carried her bow and arrow. Her battle experience will stand us in good stead if we are discovered. Hiei was only bumped to second on the list because he hadn't turned up yet. Youko's own skills were considerable, but as yet, he had no ammunition. Pulling back to meet Kagome's waiting gaze, he asked, "By any chance, did you bring any plants... seeds... grass clippings?"

Smiling in spite of their plight, she quipped, "I'm afraid we left them in your other pants."

His deep chuckle filled their hidey-hole, and he gave her a small squeeze. "For your sake, I will make clothing a priority, but that will be the least of our worries."

"You have a plan, then?"

Youko's expression grew fierce, and he announced, "We have to get it now."

"What... the mirror?"

"Yes," he acknowledged gravely. "After tonight, they will know about you, so this may be our one and only chance. If we act now, we can still surprise them."

"Okay," she readily agreed. "How do we do that?"

"I came in here with a plan," he explained. "With a few adaptations, I can still carry it out."

"I'm going with you!" she declared, grabbing a handful of his hair for emphasis.

"Yes, we will go together, Kagome-chan," Youko said warmly, covering her fisted hand with his own. "Right now, I need your help more than anything."

"Except pants," she primly corrected.

Females. The kitsune smiled in spite of himself and answered, "If you insist."


End Note: These three drabbles were written for the Live Journal community fanfic(underscore)bakeoff and their Secret Ingredient for December 2010—Carry. The drabbles are 300, 284, and 278 words respectively. Posted on December 28, 2010.