I do not own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho fandom or characters. They belong to Rumiko Takahashi and to Toshihiro Togashi. I do not make any monies or profit from the writing of this story.
Thank you, thank you to those who took the time to review and to those who made this story a favorite! As you can see from the title this is a re-written version of my original story. I hope you will enjoy it just as much. I really love to hear your thoughts and comments...Please let me know what you thought of this chapter as well whether good or bad. Thank you again!
Enjoy,
DawnFire_ice
Chapter 11
Kagome was livid, no she was more than livid, (Who did that youkai think he was dealing with?!) She was so angry in fact that she wasn't paying any attention to her surroundings and crashed into something-someone who grunted slightly at the impact. Kagome's head shot up ready to lay into the moron and she froze as her eyes locked with the deepest emerald eyes she'd ever seen. He was breath taking and she knew she was staring rather rudely as he stood and brushed himself off before offering her his hand. If Kagome had ever seen a more perfect specimen of the male species she couldn't recall. From his perfectly silky dark hair to his faintly glowing green eyes, he was completely beautiful.
"My goodness Kagome, are you alright?"
"Do I know you?" Kagome gasped out overcoming the speechless stat hearing his voice put her in.
"Well, not as much as before obviously. However that is no matter, I am Kurama though I go by Shuichii to humans." He took her hand and lifted her effortlessly to her feet as though she weighed nothing.
"Oh! You are Shuichii we had a date or something didn't we? I heard your message on the machine." She was flustered by the kiss he laid upon her knuckles and was trying to think of a way to reclaim her hand without seeming rude.
"We had a date planned that night, yes. I was looking forward to spoiling you as a girl like you deserves, but ah well, perhaps you might be willing to allow me to be your friend once more and earn the right to date you again?" He smiled gently at her and Youko praised his charm as her heart fluttered. "I think dear, that perhaps there was a reason you came out here looking like a goddess of fury…?"
"Humph, I don't want to talk about that selfish, arrogant, irritating…" Kurama pressed a finger to her lips.
"Nothing more need be said about him. Would you care to come join me in watching a movie perhaps, relax and clear your mind? You've had a long day and I think you could use a little pampering my dear Kagome." She eyed him with suspicion her gaze saying clearly "uh huh you expect me to fall for that line kitsune".
He hastily amended her assumption "Strictly as a friend I assure you. You set the pace before and I am quite willing to let you do so again. You have my word that I will never push you into anything you are uncomfortable with."
"So you are asking me to just hang out and relax then?" Kagome asked to be sure and smiled when he nodded. "Alright, that sounds like fun Kurama-kun."
"Never mind the formality Kagome-chan." He chuckled as she wrinkled her nose. "See it seems unnecessary doesn't it, but if you are more comfortable that way…"
"No, it's just- Thanks Kurama."
"Of course- Kagome," Kurama purred gently and he placed his hand at the small of her back to guide her out of the dark forest and back to his room at the temple.
oOo
As dawn brought light to the land it also brought back Hiei to Genkai's shrine. When he arrived he looked first for Kagome. Slipping in to the still slightly darkened room, he was alarmed to find it empty, the bed still made and untouched. Pulling the ward from his Jagan he scanned the area, breathing first a sigh of relief and then a growl of jealousy. Why, was that dammed Fox so close to his Kagome?
In a flash he was standing in front of the open door to the room where Kagome slept against the side of a comfortable kitsune. It looked as though she had cried herself to sleep and the glow of the television said that they had probably watched one of those moving pictures again. He could not expect Kagome to be a different person than she was however- ^you took advantage of her pain?!^
~No, such thing, firebug. We merely comforted her in her sorrow. She needed a friend and since the detective told her that he broke up with her because she wouldn't sleep with him- ~
^What?! He said what?!^ Hiei interrupted now seeing the situation differently. Why had Yusuke said such a thing to Kagome? It certainly wasn't true… Still- ^that does not explain her being in your room Kurama. ^
*Relax Hiei, nothing happened and even if I could use my charm on her, I want her to love me not hate me. I give you my word that I will never do anything she doesn't want. I won't resort to tricks or cheap shots. I'll give you a fair chance. If you win her heart I will back off and simply be a friend. I don't want to lose your friendship either Hiei.*
^Fine I won't kill you- yet, but hurt her and I will skin you and hang your pelt on my wall as a trophy fox. ^
"Kagome, Hiei has come for you and I need to get going to work." Kurama said as he gently shifted her and chuckled as she swatted at him sleepily.
oOo
Hiei stepped over and pulled her into his arms and she sighed falling deeper into sleep. With a nod of acknowledgement and thanks Hiei carried her out the door and back to the rooms he'd given her. Then he thought better of it and carried her swiftly through the forest and to his house.
Pushing the door open he carried her up the stairs to his room and walked over to the bed. As he moved to lay Kagome on the bed he noticed her fist firmly holding an odd cloth bag that was tightly tied closed. Curiously he coaxed her hand open and untied the edges. Reaching inside he pulled forth a small crimson stone that shimmered in the partial light. It was only one of several in the "bag" and it took him but a moment to realize what they were: his tears, forever frozen into priceless hiroseki gems.
The detective must have given them to her last night prior to telling her that outrageous lie. Putting the tear stone back into the bag he tied it closed and pressed it back into her hand. She griped it unconsciously, pulling it tightly to her chest as she curled on to her side. With a rare true smile Hiei settled on the bed, sitting beside her and closing his own eyes for a moment as he had not slept at all the night before.
Kagome awoke to familiar warmth next to her and moved closer to the soothing scent of cinnamon and a unique scent she couldn't place, but it was purely male. She smiled, recalling who had such a scent. Hiei was back. The feeling of his powerful arm cradling her to his chest made her feel a surge of warmth that had nothing to do with his higher than normal body heat.
Absently, his fingers drew imaginary patterns on the skin of her arm as he dozed. His bandaged arm, as usual, was kept up under his head and away from her. Kagome took the rare moment to allow her aura to search out his.
She was pleased that the pain in him had dulled and that he seemed honestly happy. He did not stiffen at the touch of her power as she continued to let it explore the youkai holding her. Carefully she searched him for any injuries before allowing a trickle of her power to touch the bandages wrapping his arm. She blinked. Wards? Why would he need such powerful wards for his arm? She pushed just a little and- it pushed back.
Startled, Kagome raised her eyes to peer at the ward only to find herself looking into gold and black eyes of a very powerful and aware dragon even if it was in a smaller form the danger was still the same should it decide to attack. It was not violent right away so Kagome relaxed and smiled at the beast. It cocked its head to one side studying her. After a moment its lips curled back in a very toothy semblance of her smile. Carefully and slowly Kagome reached out her hand and gently rubbed the eye ridge closet to her. She giggled softly as it purred back in response.
oOo
Hiei opened his eyes slowly as he came awake. He could feel nothing amiss and so was in no real hurry to wake up. But when his eyes opened fully he nearly fell off the bed in alarm. Kagome was curled to his side and, for lack of a better term, playing with the Dragon of the Darkness Flame branded on his arm. Broken free of the restraints the dragon was materialized in its smaller form in front of her.
When the dragon smiled at her, Hiei tensed in preparation to wrestle him back into the wards, but when he allowed her to touch him, Hiei's eyes bulged. Here was the most feared creature from the depths of hell playing with and letting a Miko touch him, and not just any Miko but the guardian of the Shikon jewel. It seemed right and wrong somehow at the same time, yet it was oddly comforting to know the dragon would not hurt her. Yes, the dragon had been very agitated when he'd first encountered Kagome. However, as time had gone by and the danger of her power lessened each day she didn't try to purify them, the dragon had gradually relaxed…but Hiei would never have imagined this.
When Kagome leaned forward and lightly kissed the dragon Hiei decided that was quite enough, he didn't need to be jealous of his dragon too. Then he saw for the first time just what the dragon had been up to while he was distracted by her actions. With a frown he forced the dragon back into the wards and locked him down tightly with the Jagan.
"Damn," he cursed lightly, looking over the black mark marring the back of her hand. He could feel power resonating from it and sighed. This had not been his plan. He had never intended to mark her this way. Though he and the dragon were one he'd never thought the dragon would mark her as its own. This most definitely complicated things. It seemed the dragon had no intention of playing nice with the fox.
Kagome looked up at his face when he spoke. "What's the matter? Did I do something wrong?" she asked, feeling confused.
Hiei sat up bringing her with him. Reaching into his cloak he found a roll of warded bandages. "The dragon marked you and left a part of itself in the marking. I assume- it is for your protection, but even I do not know the dragon's mind, though we are one and the same."
Kagome sighed rather despondently. "I guess you could say I have an affinity for everything bad for me. I am not a proper anything. I -" She would have continued but Hiei placed a finger to her lips.
"You are a proper Kagome. That is what matters. Now be still and let me ward the dragon for you." Kagome nodded holding out her arm.
"I could purify the mark, but I really don't mind the dragon Hiei. It looks cool."
Hiei worked silently for a moment before Kagome spoke again. "Hiei do you suppose he marked me to give him some immunity to my power like you have?" she asked, trying to puzzle out the emotions she felt from Hiei. Yusuke's words were fresh in her thoughts and questions burned on the tip of her tongue. After a night of crying out her frustration at Yusuke's words she still felt like before he'd lied to her.
Hiei shrugged, oblivious to her searching gaze as he twined the bandage around her slender arm. His thoughts were racing. Why, had the dragon acted out? How in the seven hells did he not sense him? "It makes sense I guess," he replied as he wrapped her hand, forming the first ward. (I think it's more of a claiming mark though.)
Kagome eyed it dubiously. It didn't feel strong enough, but then again why was Hiei so concerned about warding the dragon in? Kagome felt the presence of the dragon mentally curling protectively and possessively around her soul. She really didn't think she had to force it to stay. "Hiei I think it's rather content to be where it is and open for view," she began.
Hiei growled a low oath as the bandages burned away as he moved to tie it off. The dragon was fighting him. "Why hide him anyway, he really is quite beautiful." Kagome asked. Hiei stopped and looked at her silently before his eyes fell to the sentient marking on her arm. "It's for everyone else's protection actually," he said finally, moving to sit on the edge of the bed instead of kneeling on the floor.
Kagome watched him thoughtfully before she lightly raised her other hand and traced a line on his cheek where a tear would trickle from his eye. Hiei stopped at the purposeful touch and turned his eyes to hers. A thoughtful frown tugged at her lips and a question was in her eyes. He could practically hear it without it being spoken just by the look. "I assume then that Yusuke told you what those gems are," he stated.
Kagome nodded softly. "Why, Hiei?" she asked, unable to bring herself to ask how she had died. Somehow she knew that asking would cause him pain. If that was what had caused this proud youkai to shed tears in the first place she did not want to know. Hiei sighed heavily and his hands stilled.
Hiei was torn. On one side she had every right to know that it had been by the very hands that touched her now that her life had ended, but on the other he was afraid she would be revolted and stop allowing him close to her. He drew a deep breath. Kagome was not the type, from what he knew, to pry; even so he wanted to be the one who told her everything even if doing so made her hate him.
Trusting someone did not come naturally to Hiei but they had forever together. If he couldn't trust her how would she trust him? He drew back from his task and took her hand gently in his. Feeling her fingers wrap around his rough hand Hiei closed his eyes. He'd almost lost this. He'd almost thrown it away without ever knowing that he'd been looking for it. He looked down at their hands, for he could not face her eyes.
"You want to know why I cried," he stated, his voice low as the memories washed through him. He would not cry again though his chest ached in remembrance of the loss. He remembered the vow he'd taken to get her back, telling her everything was a risk he'd have to take... "The youkai who took you used you as bait in a trap set for me. I stumbled into it, like a fool. I thought it was your tormentor I was killing. But, I was tricked into killing- you. I-I do not know how to earn your forgiveness Kagome." He hung his head in shame as his shoulders slumped.
Kagome was alarmed yes but not by what he had said or not said, but by the defeat and despair she both saw and felt coming from Hiei. "If it was a trick or a trap then you don't need my forgiveness-..." Kagome began softly trying to ease his unexpected burden.
His head shot up, eyes blazing with deep sorrow. "I killed you Kagome!" he snapped bitterly. His voice caught. "You died upon my blade. The very sword you polished and covered in your tears. I stained it with your blood." Horror filled his eyes as his eyes locked with hers and cobalt blue filled with tears and pain. Her hand tightened around his as he began to pull away.
"Don't," Kagome said softly as he tried again to pull his hand from hers. "It was an accident, Hiei. I don't blame you and I don't hate you. I'm sorry you are suffering the burden of my death, but Hiei, I'm alive. You cried for me that's enough. Don't suffer anymore, not because of me. I want you to be happy," she cried as she clung to his hand, something telling her that if she let go he'd disappear.
Hiei looked down at her white knuckle grip on his hand silently. He knew she spoke the truth and the guilt he felt was oddly washed away with her tears. He put his other arm around her and drew her to his chest as he silently thanked any Kamis listening for the treasure he had been given. Once again this pure being had cried for him. What had he possibly done in any life to earn such? "I won't leave Kagome. Let's ward your arm," he said with a tenderness he'd never have believed he had till Kagome. She nodded as she once again held out her arm.
oOo
Working for most of the afternoon Hiei and Kagome created a powerful ward of their combined energy. To one who could see it and knew what to look for it resembled a woven net of pink and red and black. They had made two of them: one, to ward her left hand and one to ward his. The bandages had proven to be unnecessary and unhelpful after several attempts to use them, so Kagome wore her mark just as Hiei did now visible and, proudly.
Her mark was smaller and more delicate looking on her skin, taking up only the space from her knuckles to her wrist, whereas Hiei's boldly covered his whole arm from the top of his hand to his shoulder. The serpentine dragon wrapping his arm lent a further feeling of danger and darkness to Hiei's overall look. but Kagome only noticed the way the dragon emphasized the firm muscles in his arms and the strength that filled them.
"Now I am starving!" Kagome said as she flopped down on the mattress breathing a sigh. Her hair fell limply and damp around her shoulders as she had worked up a sweat, having never used her power like that. It had been delicate work interweaving their energies together without hers purifying the whole net. The trace amounts of purity she was unable to hold back in her reiki were difficult to manipulate alone. So Hiei had used the Jagan giving her an up close and personal glimpse of its power.
"There is a shower through that door on the left, if you wish, or a large bath in the room down the hall," Hiei stated, trying to keep his mind from wandering to other more pleasant ways to make her look as disheveled than energy work. "This is your home now Kagome so pick a room and it is yours. If you want this one I will gladly give it."
"Isn't this your room Hiei?" Kagome asked seeing for the first time the carved dragons in the four posts and the variety of reds and black the room was done in. The room suited him perfectly. "I can't steal your space Hiei. Is there a guest room or something?"
"Or something…" he retorted with a smirk. Now that the tension had been broken between them and he had her forgiveness, he was eager to begin earning her love. He had no intention of failing and no the dragon had given its blessing and demand... "Come with me Kagome." He said before leading her out the door of his room and down the hall. He stopped before a door and opened it for her. The bed was the same size minus the posts. Still black dragons decorated the room but this room was done in blues it was softer somehow and she loved it.
(It is perfect).
He smiled at the thoughts the Jagan picked up.
Before he had much of a chance to do anything more, Kagome dashed to the room he'd said had a bath tub. Pausing at the door, she turned. "Hiei...never mind," she said as she shook her head and went through the door. The sound of running water filtered to his ears, before she returned and dug silently through her bag. Pulling out her necessities she set them out on the bed and then dug again through her pack. "Oh man!" she said finally. "I forgot my shampoo and body wash! They were my favorite too," she pouted, chewing on her bottom lip.
Hiei watched her abuse the flesh of her pink lip until he couldn't take any more. "Go start your bath. You can use what's in there. I have to leave for a while but I'll get you some more," he said softly. No, it wasn't really his way to do something nice for anyone, but for Kagome he'd fetch her the moon if she wished. When she grinned and threw her arms around his neck he knew it was worth the looks he would get for buying such a girly scent.
But he could recall the smell clearly and would get her exactly what she wanted; perhaps a little more than she expected though, he thought silently as she pressed herself close to him briefly. She pecked his cheek and darted back to the bathroom as her cheeks pinked. Hiei left long before the first article of clothing hit the floor.
oOo
As Kurama entered the silent shrine he thought for a moment that he had missed everyone and that they had all gone somewhere else for the evening. However, gradually he was able to pick out the sounds of Yukina humming her odd melody as she prepared lunch and the heavy breathing of Yusuke as he worked out in the dojo. He could not detect Kagome anywhere. Yusuke was the first to spot him as he came around the side of the dojo.
"Hey long time no see K'rama!" he said pulling the Kitsune into a quick hug. "It's been too long. Hiei brought Kagome here and I guess that Hiei was planning to have her live here, or at least stay for a while judging by the pack Hiei was carrying for her. However I think Hiei changed his mind this morning. So where ya been, man?" he asked, offering a seat with a gesture at the ground.
Kurama sat down as a look of sorrow and regret showed briefly on his face. "I stayed in the Makai for a time and thought about what happened. Can you forgive me for my awful behavior?" he asked softly. "I am going to give Hiei a fair chance, it's the least I can do for him."
Yusuke snorted. "Sure, I can forgive you. But do me a favor, don't mention Kagome. I screwed up big time last night and told her I dumped her cause she wouldn't put out. I think she hates me now."
"Why on earth would you tell her something so rudely uncouth? Did you want her to hate you? I thought you and she were…"
"Yeah, no don't remind me." Yusuke said quickly. "The girl I loved died that night let's leave it like that alright?" He looked miserably at the ground. (My Kagome died…) "I've never seen Hiei act like that. He loves her, Kurama, and I am nearly positive she probably feels the same maybe even before we ever met her. There is some kind of bond there that goes deeper than I've ever felt. I wish Kuwabara was here to tell us if it's one of those fate strings."
Kurama sighed; a bond he hadn't counted on. When had the apparition fallen in love? And for that matter if Yusuke was right, when had she? When she had been marked his mate the game was over, even he would not cross that line. Until then though, she was still free game and he would play fair as he promised. A streak of black flashed by and into the forest, signaling Hiei's return. Curiously Kurama and Yusuke followed him.
oOo
Hiei stopped in the room and looked balefully at the bag clutched in his hand. It had been more of a hassle and a nightmare than he'd thought but in the end he had his prize and he tapped at the bathroom door. "Kagome I got them for you," he stated as he stood waiting.
Kagome opened the door wrapped in nothing but a towel and dripping wet. "Arigato Hiei," she said. Opening the bag she paused at the delicate necklace twisted around one of the bottles.
With shaking fingers she withdrew it and held it up to look at it. The gold chain was thin as a thread but she could feel his youki in it and knew that as long as he lived it would never break. On the chain was a single crimson orb that shimmered in the light held onto the chain by an intricate gold pendant that wove around the stone in the shape of a small dragon.
"Oh Hiei," she sighed in awe. "Is this...for me?" she asked softly she sighed as he nodded nervously. (Is this a courting gift?!)
Hiei took the necklace from her shaking fingers. "I assume you know something about old youkai customs. I would like to court you eventually Kagome, but this is not a courting gift. (it was made to be-but) This I had made from one of the tear gems. The rest are still in the bag on the dresser. I thought this would be a better way to honor our shared past," he said, answering her unvoiced question she wasn't ready to be courted by any of them it was too soon. He would never tell her that he had had the gifts made for her shortly after he'd met her. Nor would he tell her that the tear gem in the pendent was not from the bag. "Will you accept this gift Kagome?"
The bag of shampoo felt to the floor landing with a soft thump as Kagome flung her arms around Hiei and pressed her lips to his cheek. "I accept," she breathed before she scooped up her bag before turning to head back to the bath. The scent of her soaps was different than that of her favorite shampoo in that it contained a hint of cinnamon and some other spices she couldn't place. She liked the smell and breathed it in deeply. It reminded her of Hiei.
After finishing her bath Kagome climbed out and dried off then, glancing and feeling around her, she came out of the bathroom and got dressed. As she reached for the robes she'd laid out she found instead a low cut v-, neck shirt in cream with dragons embroidered on the side and collar. It was sleeveless and cut for fighting. Fingering the fabric Kagome sighed. It was softer than anything she'd ever felt. Kagome liked the look as it paired it with the black and cream colored pants that went with it. Her pendant would show beautifully in the v cut of the neck line and the dragon's mark seemed to shimmer as a contented feeling came from it.
Still she could not wear the ensemble…yet. The clothes had meanings in the youkai traditions she wasn't ready for: they said that Hiei was proud to show her off as his intended. It was not lost to her either that he'd adorned her with dragons, which were his symbol, just as he'd added the cinnamon and spices to her soaps and shampoo to give her as close to his scent as he could without covering her with it in other ways. It was his way she knew, to show he was unashamed to show others he wanted her and she was going to be his. She was flattered by the intention, but she just wasn't ready.
oOo
Hiei knew that it was unlikely that Kagome would wear the clothes he'd gifted her but he kind of hoped she would. Still it was far too soon and though he'd told her his intent it meant little till he presented her with a formal courting gift. "Kagome is my life and my soul, now and forever." Hiei said softly as he watched the door way of the kitchen for her to appear.
A soft knock at his door had Hiei moving to the door and he answered it with a gruff "What?" He didn't like visitors on the best of days and he had no patience for them now. Yusuke scuffed his feet anxiously and Kurama had a look of polite inquiry.
"I wondered if I might have a word with Kagome. And Yusuke seems to need a word with you Hiei." Hiei moved out of the doorway letting them enter his house. He led them to the living room and waited for them to sit before taking a seat facing the entrance to the kitchen.
"I'm an idiot Hiei." Yusuke said quickly.
"And?" he retorted.
"Hiei, please, Yusuke needs you to listen." Kurama chided.
"I need you to help me salvage at least a friendship with Kagome, I lied to her last night and I hurt her but I still love her Hiei, I wanted to marry her before-." Hiei growled, "I won't get in the way Hiei, but I can't stand her hating me!" He hung his head at how pathetic he sounded. "Please Hiei I need her to be in my life in some way even if just friends."
Kagome gasped from the door way. "You- Yusuke you…said-" Hiei was not the only one to see the black misty creature winding around her but he was the only one unsurprised by its appearance. Green and brown eyes stared in disbelief as the creature nuzzled her gently before turning its unforgiving gaze on them.
You have hurt my Miko, it hissed coldly. Kagome reached up and rubbed its eye ridge with gentle fingers to calm it. Then she shook her head her eyes pleading silently with the dragon to let her handle this. Slowly the dragon returned to the mark on her hand leaving a feeling of everything finally taking a breath.
Kurama was startled and could only sit there, mind in a flurry. *Youko, what can I do?! The dragon claimed her we have no chance! I don't want to be devoured by it!* Kurama snapped at the Kitsune spirit within him.
Yusuke sighed as he met her eyes, unhappy that she had heard that way at all. Hiei, glared at Yusuke, then his eyes turned to Kagome and softened. "Yusuke take Kagome and talk." He ordered firmly. Slowly Yusuke climbed to his feet and wordlessly he offered his hand.
Kurama sighed. Clearly Hiei cared for her dearly. They should concede now and let them alone, but could they? Could they truly just be a friend and hold such desire for her? And there was the dragon to consider. No woman, not even Kagome, was worth being devoured for. He frowned thoughtfully at the thought of the Dragon of darkness marking a Miko. That was going to make things tricky. The danger just made it more of a challenge. "Forgive me as well, Kagome, I meant no harm in bringing him here. Please allow me to make amends in some way to you," he said, sounding flawlessly sincere.
Kagome frowned facing the young crimson haired man she hoped was her friend. "I helped raise a kit you know and I know all his tricks and yours are no better. Shippo would be very angry with me if I let another Kitsune trick me after all he tried to teach me about them."
"Shippo?" he asked, his eyebrows lifting to his hairline as he completely ignored her warning. "You know the current king of thieves in the Makai?" he questioned in disbelief. Impossible, how did a human Miko know the infamous Shippo and still have her innocence?
Kagome giggled slightly and then sighed. "I am well aware that your type has an obsession with things they consider beautiful," she said with a smile that had the other males on edge. "However, I don't judge. I want your friendship and I want to know the real you. Not the charmer you pretend to be. Aren't you lonely Kurama? Why does that not surprise me? Perhaps, you can make it up to me after all."
Reaching down to her side she began to methodically remove a set of black beads that were spaced now and again with a tooth of some sort from her pocket. "These belonged to... a dear friend of ours," she choked on the words for a moment before she recovered. "Will you take them to him? He left before our friend died. Tell him I would love to see him again and that I will be waiting. Oh, and by the way, these beads are spelled and should you give them to the wrong being you will be subjugated and only a Miko can remove them."
Kurama took the beads with a frown. "Shippo is not that easy to find," he grumbled only upset that she threatened him it wasn't necessary. He would never- could never betray her.
Kagome grinned and rolled her eyes. "Are you telling me that...? Yoko Kurama can't find another Kitsune? Oh please! I remember the time we traveled through your forest, I was afraid to bathe for fear I was being watched." The beads slipped out of his fingers as he stared at her. Yusuke and Hiei looked just as shocked
"You look surprised that I can see through your disguise. I recognize your youki. For you it has been five hundred years plus, but for me it was a year and a half ago." Her voice softened and she continued, "I would give anything to see them all again..."
oOo
Hiei wanted to put his arm around her shoulders and offer her his silent support but Yusuke stood between them still looking like he wanted to be sick. "There are things I left unfinished there. Promises I have not yet been able to keep. Shippo can help me finish those." Kagome left whatever else was on her mind unsaid as she let Hiei lead her from the dojo and to the garden. They obviously needed to talk after she talked with Yusuke. He gestured to the Mazoku to go and Yusuke led her out of the room though he walked like one condemned.
"Kagome-," he began.
"Nope you don't get to talk yet. I have something to say and you are going to listen. You hurt me, Yusuke and I don't know why you thought that was necessary. I thought when I saw you yesterday in the courtyard- that you were a male of honor, and that you and I might somehow become good friends.
Then I realized you were in pain and I had to help you. I had to be there for you because I felt we had a past that was worth saving. But- you threw my feelings in my face. I don't even think you are the male I thought you were. So please prove me wrong. Yusuke tell me the truth and if you ever loved me, don't lie."
"When we met Kagome, you were my angel of mercy. I was planning to kill myself that night because everything I had lived for was gone. My girlfriend dumped me, my Mother died of alcohol poisoning and my mentor passed away all in the same three months. I had nothing left and then," he paused looking up at the sky through the trees, Kagome was listening wordlessly but he couldn't look at her.
"A beautiful girl plopped herself into my lap out of nowhere. She was being harassed by some thugs and I had to help her. It was love at first sight for me but finding out she knew I was youkai and still sat in my lap- whoo I couldn't believe my luck. I took you to dinner and learned that you were the most amazing being to walk in my world. I asked you to marry me but you thought it was a joke, maybe it was then but after I asked I had hoped maybe-," he sighed shaking his head.
"Kami's I loved you Kagome, but then I saw signs that Hiei liked you too, I had known happiness but Hiei- well he hasn't so I resolved to step back if I ever learned that he loved you. He needs you Kagome, Kurama needs you and I need you but Hiei needs you more. I thought since you forgot me that I could return the happiness I had while you and I were- I wanted Hiei to have all the happiness I could give him. He suffered the most at your death because-," he stopped.
"I know he told me. Continue please." Kagome urged.
"You are everything to him Kagome! You don't know him from when we first met but he was a wreck, a mean little shit who was trying to make a name for his self and find a place in the worlds. I was assigned to catch him since he was a fugitive but I liked his moxie and something told me he was all bluster. Kurama's life has been shit too, except for his mother who taught him to love. Me I had it rough but I had my guys and it was okay, and with Botan I was never lonely. (I wonder why she hasn't been around? I should go see her.) I tried to make you hate me so you would turn to one of them. That's the truth."
Kagome stood up and walked in front of where he sat on the porch, he looked up at her waiting for her response. She raised her hand and he winced in reaction and habit to Keiko's slaps. Kagome laid her hand gently on his cheek and leaned in pressing her lips softly and tenderly to his. "I was wrong Yusuke you are noble, irritating but noble. Thank you for telling me the truth. I don't want to be fought over and ruin the friendships you've had for so long-."
"I know so," he dipped her back and kissed her deeply and fully then he set her on her feet and walked a step or two away. "Good bye, my sweet beautiful Kagome. When I come back, I will be- only your friend. Don't worry Kagome; none of this is your fault." Yusuke turned before he could see the tears falling down her cheeks or see her lips form the word 'sayonara.' He walked till he was out of eyesight and then he ran.
With trembling fingers Kagome touched her lips and choked out a sobbed "I'm so sorry." She fell to her knees sobbing silently. She was mourning the love she would miss even though she'd only felt a small taste of it as he had not held back when he kissed her. Yusuke was an amazing man and she had never meant to cause him pain. Her body shook with sobs.
oOo
^That is the second time he's kissed her and she burst into tears. ^ Hiei commented silently to Kurama through the mental connection he'd re-established.
~Perhaps his kisses are just that moving. ~
*Ugh, Youko don't even think about it.*
~Are you sure, I recall Mazoku are amazing lovers, ~ Youko couldn't help but add.
*I hope you aren't suggesting-*
~Nah the males are too aggressive. On the other hand I heard that hiyoukai- ~
^Kurama he's going to get you killed one day…^
Kurama sighed. "I know."
oOo
Hiei could only watch her cry for so long before he picked her up and took her back inside to the kitchen. Hiei was no chef but he could cook simple meals. With the ingredients in his kitchen he stared at the open pantry with a frown. He knew many things about Kagome but he did not know the foods she liked. "Uh-,"
Kagome saw his frown and got up from the chair she'd been sitting in to help. "Sit down I'll cook for you instead," she offered as she took sever things out of the pantry and moved to the refrigerator.
"What promises do you need to keep, Kagome?" he asked after sitting down to watch her cook.
Her voice broke a little as she whispered, "I need to give the Tetsuaigua to Sesshomaru. Inu-He asked me to tell him of his death and take their father's sword to his brother, so that it could be placed in their father's tomb. I didn't get a chance to do so in the past. So it is here with me. I left it in the woods behind the shrine, on the hill just past where I used to camp." She bit her lip as she willed the tears in her eyes not to fall. She had vowed to herself once long ago that she was never going to shed another tear for Inuyasha. Her emotions were still raw from Yusuke's farewell so keeping her composure wasn't easy.
Hiei frowned. "Kagome, you are telling me that you know the lord of all the western Makai, and not only that you know him but that you plan on going to see him? He is fierce and blood thirsty and devious, dangerous and-..."
"And he would have been my brother in law, had Inuyasha chosen me. He also saved my life many times in the Sengoku Jidai. Once during the battle with the band of seven he saved me from being raped and 'married' to Mukotsu the poison master." Hiei growled fiercely "Who is dead (again), and then, he not only saved my life in the final battle but he protected me as well," she said with a smile of remembered rescues she had not expected.
"He wears a fierce façade, like you do, but inside he is a noble and honorable being that had a soft spot for a little girl named Rin whom he traveled with constantly. I have only seen him kill when necessary and even then as little as possible. Hiei, you can trust me when I say, that I will be in no danger going to see him. I am not afraid of him and he knows me. Besides I can't die; you told me I was immortal. I've felt his dokotsu and survived it, so I really don't think that there is much more he can do to me. Besides, what honor is there in killing a woman traveling alone?" Kagome asked as she began chopping vegetables.
She saw Hiei stiffen and the heat of his angry glare nearly cost her a finger or might have where it possible. "Alone?" he asked in a tone that gave away his anger.
Slowly Kagome nodded. "If I take a protector it will seem that I expect to be attacked and that will not give a good first impression. I have to go alone Hiei." She emphasized trying to stifle the wince of pain from the cut.
"Maybe, into his shiro, Kagome, but not through the Makai that would be suicide or worse. I will be going with you and nothing you say will change that. You would be a living target for slavers and thieves, bandits and murderers, not to mention that the first hama no ya you fired would bring the whole of Makai down on you." He clenched his teeth. "I am your guardian and that will protect you for the most part as will the dragon, but there are still those who would use you to get to me-Did you cut yourself onna?" He paused as he gathered his thoughts and stood up to see the extent of the damage. It was small but looked deep her blood pooled a little on the cutting board. Little pink sparks flickered around the cut that was sealing as they watched. Within moments there was unblemished skin.
"See Hiei I would be perfectly fine. I would heal form any damage and I am not helpless."
('Mentally speaking to her seems to work best,') Hiei decided, seeing the disbelief on her face and the defiance in her eyes. He knew she could defend herself –but it was his job to make sure she didn't have to fight more than necessary. Maybe if she knew the truth…
^Youkai do not like Miko. ^ He felt her incredulous thoughts and heard her scoff. So he hurried to add, ^It's like you would be a come-to-life version of a youkai boogieman. If I have my times right, a mere ten years after you left the last time, there was a war unlike any other. All the holy people, Monks and Priestesses, waged war on the youkai and drove them into the Makai. ^ He had her undivided attention now and sighed she was not going to like the rest. ^Those that would not flee were slaughtered. Though not one of them contained the reiki you have they did enough damage. ^
She gasped and hung her head. He paused again to see if she comprehended his words. ^ Do you ever wonder why there are so few Kitsune? They were the first to be massacred for their love of humans. ^
"No! Oh no. I didn't mean for- I never wanted-How cruel! How could they? My poor little Shippo-chan!" I should have been there. I h-have to stop this I have to go back and change it!"
Feeling her horror growing, he withdrew his mental contact. "You can't change anything now Kagome. I do not carry my hatred of humans lightly or for no good reason. And before you ask, you are the exception to me. If I felt any contempt or disdain for you I wouldn't be here with you. I do not make vows lightly so you may believe me when I say this." he back to give her a little space but her hand fisted in his shirt.
"What happened? I thought I had changed some things. I showed many holy people that not all youkai were bad. Didn't that do anything? Didn't I help at all?" she asked in a shaky, watery voice.
Hiei had no idea what he should say. How could he tell her that it was because of her that the holy people attacked the youkai? When she disappeared the Miko and Monks blamed the youkai and not even the small amount of those like the monk she had traveled with had been able to quell the outrage. In fact had the monk not been married to the slayer he would have died right alongside the youkai he was protecting. Though it was only due to the protection he gave to a wolf pack in the mountains that he had been accused in the first place.
Hiei himself had been very careful to remain out of sight and hidden well during those unstable times. He was under no pretenses that if he were found he would have been left alive. Kagome had known what and who he was when she had felt his aura, they would have killed him for the same reasons. Fortunately for the youkai, without their presence to encourage the monks and priestesses to train, the power died out rather quickly and soon, though some were still called by the official titles, they had no power. Kagome it seemed was the accumulation of that lost power coupled with the jewel inside of her.
In the end, Hiei said nothing more on the subject. Instead he just held her in his arms as she cried bitter tears of sorrow for the lives lost that she had been unable to prevent, the meal she had been making forgotten.
Although she understood that she couldn't change things a tiny part of her wondered, if she would have been able to return, if she could go back, was there a chance that it could all be different? Could she have made a difference and, if she had, would Hiei be still so bitter? Would the Kitsune have been slaughtered? There were far too many what ifs for her to list them all. Kagome paused, feeling the fluttery feeling of Hiei's Jagan eye pushing at her thoughts. Hiei. If she changed things would she have Hiei?
Her tears fell harder but for a completely different reason. Where would she be without him? Looking into his concerned carmine eyes that were softer just for her Kagome raised her head and lightly rested it upon his shoulder. She needed to feel him close to her while everything else fell apart within her; she needed the anchor he was to her. She was sure he could also feel her pain. Again she felt the fluttering in her mind and opened herself willingly to him.
Hiei pulled back from their impromptu embrace to look at her. I'm here with you. We are bound as one. It was the dragon's voice that she heard through the Jagan. "I am here Kagome," He said softly as he touched the dragon marking her hand. It was not like him to be gentle or soft but Kagome was hurting and he could not find it in himself to be rough or harsh with her for her thoughts.
Had he not wondered the same thing? Had he not wished and hoped that the slaughter would end or that the one responsible return to see the damage she'd caused? At that time he'd believed, as the other youkai did, that Kagome was the problem. But then he'd met an old metal bender fire youkai who had taken him in for a short time and he had spoken very highly of the Miko.
Hiei had scoffed but after receiving the Jagan he'd found the old youkai again and, while he slept, searched his memories. After that Hiei had never thought of her as the problem again. She had fought nobly for his kind and he could not find fault with her. Nor could he fault her for protecting the humans that some of the youkai loved to torture. However he could remember wondering what a soul like hers would be like. Would it be pure white like the untouched snow or would it have some stains tainting it?
Now he knew what her soul looked like and he could never recall seeing anything more beautiful or painful. Even his painful life paled in the light of her own. Her loving, giving heart had been tried and tested and broken time and again. Once he had thought of her as a foolish human, but now he understood. One had to feel her love to understand.
Feeling arms tighten again he gave in for a moment allowing her to overwhelm his senses as she pressed herself close to his chest as though she were trying to climb right inside his heart. She had to know, though he had not spoken the words, that his heart was hers. Hiei understood then as she wrapped her arms around his neck that he would forgive her anything, be anything she desired and more…that he was truly irrevocably in love with this small, beautiful onna.
Her smiles, her tears they were what he had to protect. The jewel had made her immortal but it was in his hands to keep her heart pure. Some day he hoped that he would be the one she gifted with her pure body, but even if that did not happen, he would have to find a way to keep her soul untainted from the pain that seemed constant in her heart. Could he do it? Was he truly the right one for this eternal task? Even as his mind dithered over the question his heart whispered "yes". There was none better than he for he alone knew her inner heart; he alone knew her pain as he felt it as keenly as his own.
Being immortal made some things that had once seemed important loose meaning and others become vital. Perhaps it was time he set aside his own petty fears and faced them head on. Beginning with the most important, he looked at the half finished meal and decided. He reached up to untwine her arms from his neck and startled her. She jumped away from him with her cheeks bright red, but he didn't give her time to be embarrassed as he tipped her face up so he could see her eyes. Something about the serious look on his face made her eyes widen.
"Kagome, I want you to properly meet my sister, Yukina." The smile she gifted him with left him breathless.