Chapter 23

Spirit Detectives

DAY FIVE

What's that brick doing in my bed? Half awake, Kagome tried to roll away from whatever was pressing into her spine, only to have something sharp pierce her hip.

"Owww!" she said out loud, waking herself up. It took her a second to realize she wasn't back in her bed at Genkai's place. Rubbing her eyes, Kagome lifted herself on her elbow & saw 5 sleeping bodies sprawled around a campfire site, which was now a crackling pile of glowing orange embers. Oh, yeah, I'm in Makai.

She sat up & felt every muscle ache. Looking up, Kagome gasped at the vision that faced her. Streaks of pink, yellow, & red splashed across the sky. Bands of wispy lavender clouds sailed overhead, their undersides glowing gold – evidence of the sun hiding just beyond the horizon. It's so beautiful. Kagome gulped in the sight, the air crisp & cold in her nostrils.


FLASHBACK

It's 12 in the midnight when the mission came. "Koenma have a task for the spirit detectives & as one, this will be the perfect opportunity to test your powers. I want you to go." Genkai ordered.

"But Genkai-sama, are you sure I should go with them to Makai? I mean, don't I need to practice some more?" Kagome hesitated.

"It wouldn't do you any good just to practice, this way, you'll have real live opponents. Consider this as part of your training." Genkai explained. "Anyway, this is only for one day, you'll have your last lesson the next day," she added.

"I understand. I'll go to the others right away," Kagome answered. Genkai nodded. "Be careful."

Kagome smiled. "I will. Thank you."

END OF FLASHBACK


Kagome lay back in her futon to watch the sun rise in the sky. After a few peaceful moments her eyes fluttered shut, the image of the glorious morning still vivid behind her closed lids.

The next thing she knew, Kagome felt someone shake her.

"Kagome-chan, are you awake?" It was Botan's voice. She opened her eyes to see Botan crouching over her.

"I guess I fell back asleep. Ohayo." she said sleepily.

"Good morning to you, too!" She laughed, standing up. "We better prepare the food. The guys will wake up in a few more minutes."

After a while, Yusuke's voice can be heard saying, "I'm starving!" Both girls giggled. All the guys are awake.

They all gathered around the campfire & munched on their breakfast.

After they'd eaten, Kurama examine the ground & surroundings for the trail of the demon they're catching left behind.

"The water-demon seems to be heading west. There's a shortcut to the mountains. If we head there, we might be able to catch it before sunset." Kurama announced. "Piece of cake," Yusuke stated. "Looks easy enough," Kuwabara agreed.

"Let's all go then," Kurama called. Kagome buckled the waist belt of her pack & rode with Botan's oar. Kurama, Hiei & Yusuke set the pace in front as they took off.

"Nice that it's not so hot yet, isn't it?" Kagome said to Hiei, who was surprisingly slowing his pace for them to catch up.

"Hn." Hiei grunted. Kagome, wondering why she even bothered, decided to give up trying to connect with him. Out of the corner of Kurama's eyes, he watched the little communication Kagome had with Hiei. If that's what you call communication. Youko commented. Shut up. Kurama retorted.

The group moved along smoothly as the heat of the day rose with the sun.


"I'm starving. Kurama, do you know what time it is?" Kuwabara asked, knowing full well that he wasn't wearing a watch.

"I think it's time for lunch. This is about the same time we stop for a rest in the Feudal Era," Kagome answered instead.

"Okay let's rest for a while," Kurama concurred. They stopped at the shaded portion of the forest for a few minutes to eat & rest before they continue on their way.


At the base of a tall, narrow peak, Kurama stopped. "I think we're here," he announced. "Thank God," Botan sighed. She & Kagome got down from the oar & they all gathered around Kurama. "Good job, Kurama." Yusuke slapped his friend on the back.

"Let's get the search going," Kagome said. They spread over the area, each determined to find what they were looking for. "I don't even know where to look for," Kuwabara said, wandering aimlessly, kicking up dust.

"Look for something that could be a hiding place, Einstein," Yusuke snorted. "Like you're a genius yourself", Kuwabara retorted. "When was the last time you used your brain, Yusuke?" Yusuke glared at him, Kuwabara glared back.

Will these 2 just put a lid on it already? Kagome thought. Their constant bickering was getting really tedious. Then she spotted the mouth of a cave. This is it! Kagome looked up & called to the others. "Hey, guys! Look what I found!"

Hiei reached her first. "Hn," he commented. Kagome rolled her eyes.

Nobody spoke as they crept slowly into the cave. Kurama in front of the line, followed by Yusuke, then Kuwabara & Botan, next is Kagome & Hiei at the last. Kagome stepped carefully, the ground was slippery & the cave walls shone with moisture. What if there was one of those underground streams there? She suddenly had the image of water rushing through he cave at them. Kagome shook her head. Don't be ridiculous, Kagome.

Then she heard a strange flapping noise. "What the---" Yusuke broke off as the noise got closer & closer. What is that? Suddenly it was on top of them, & something brushed Kagome's forehead. "Watch you heads!" Hiei yelled out, ducking & bringing Kagome with him. Botan & Kagome screamed, everybody fell to the ground as a flock as seemingly bat-like creatures dived over their heads. Then, as quickly as they appeared, they were gone.

"What was that?" Botan said, brushing off her clothes. "I'm not sure," Kurama answered. "Everybody's okay?" He asked but eyes focused on Kagome. "We're fine," Kuawabara answered. In the distance, Kagome & Hiei stood close to each other. Kurama narrowed his eyes. He got to her first! Youko growled.

"Kagome-chan, you okay?" Botan asked. "Yes, I'm okay, Botan-chan." Kagome smiled.

The group kept on going onward. How deep was this cave? Kagome thought. After a few more minutes, they reached a fork. One corridor veered uphill, while the other seemed to lead deeper into the earth. "Which way should we go?"

"I think we should split up," Hiei suggested. "Good idea," Kurama said. He wouldn't mind being alone with Kagome --- especially in the dark. Youko suggested. "I'll go with Kagome & Kuwabara up here --- you guys go down that way."

"Umm, OK," Botan said tentatively, looking back at Kagome. "Be careful, you guys," Yusuke called.

"We'll be fine," Kurama called back, taking Kagome's hand. Her fingers felt soft & cool in his palm. He gripped her tighter, pulling her close. "Be careful not to slip", he said gently, smiling. "I'm OK," Kagome said, returning his grip.

Now separated from the others, in this dark, intimate place, Kurama could hold in no longer. He had to ask her --- didi she feel that strange, latent attraction between them pushing its way to the surface?

"Kagome?" he started, turning around to face her.

"What is it?" she asked. Her lips were inches away from his. Kurama wondered what it would feel like to kiss them. He wanted to kiss them now.

"Stop! I think there's another passageway!" Kuwabara's voice echoed through the tunnels.

Looking startled, Kagome backed away from Kurama. Damn it! Youko cursed. I almost forgot Kuwabara is with us. Kurama thought. "We better check it out," Kagome said, a little out of breath. "What were you going to say, Kurama?"

"Nothing," Kurama mumbled. "Let's go."


NOTE:

Anyone is welcome to share his or her ideas for the fic.

This will be the new rule, I'll update once the review reaches 10 & above with every chapter. So please click the lower left button & review! Tell me what you think. Also, you can REQUEST for a scene or event with your fave character. I promise I'll try my best to accomplish your demand.

Three more chapters & the voting poll will close. People vote now!

I decided to add more chapters before ending this story. Some readers said this story is short so I'm going to make it longer.

I thank everyone who reviewed my fic & for the ones who continuously vote for the pairings! I love you all!

Remember everyone, your nonstop support (by reviewing, sharing ideas & voting) is what made this story going. So thank you very much!

Also, please read & review my other fic "Endless Sorrow", a Rurouni Kenshin fiction. The site is http / www. fanfiction. net /s/ 2150379 /1/ --- don't mind the spaces . (AU: When Kenshin rejected Kaoru's confession of love to him, she became so depressed. Her past & secret haunts her. Prophecy will come true: Death & Rebirth. Dark fiction. Tragedy. Angst & Supernatural. Very short one.)


Poll Vote Results:

KuramaxKagome 147votes

HieixKagome 145votes

Since only Kurama & Hiei are in the lead, we all know that the other pairing will not be able to catch up:

SesshoumaruxKagome 5votes

KougaxKagome 3votes

InuYashaxKagome 14votes

KoenmaxKagome 8votes

YusukexKagome 2votes

So I'm going to pair them with another person:

SesshoumaruxRin (Such cute pairing. I'll have to make Rin grow up first.)

KougaxAyame (They deserve each other. Kouga will be happy with her than Kagome, I think.)

InuYashaxKikyou (Please don't get mad. InuYasha deserves to be with someone. Besides, they really did love each other.)

KoenmaxBotan (I think this pairing is cute. Since they both are from the Spirit World, it's the most appropriate.)

YusukexKeiko (Yay! This pairing is really strong!)

I'll try to make a chapter or scene for those pairing. Maybe do a side story. But right now, I'll just be focusing on Kagome.

Please refrain from voting for other couples aside from Kurama & Hiei.

This will be the other pair: (not subjected to change)

KuwabaraxYukina

SesshoumaruxRin

KougaxAyame

InuYashaxKikyou

KoenmaxBotan

YusukexKeiko


Review Responses:

To Raping Time, dani draper, korokochan16, kogas-mate05, InuLuvr18, shin02, Dancing-Anime-Love, inulover 27, shadow miko, Guessr, 6ty, dragonseraph88, Damned-to-Hell, RoseFire-shadow666, Yokaigurl, & tr:

Thanks for voting! Here's another chapter for you guys! Enjoy!

To Duzzie:

Well, if it ever should be a Kurama-Kagome fic, I'll make sure to make Hiei become her bestfriend or maybe a brother figure. I also like Sesshoumaru, he's so handsome! Even more handsome than Youko (to me, that is). But too bad he was way behind the poll voting. Thanks for voting!

To shangxiang10:

Hehehehe… I know what you mean. Well, I'll take it that you voted for one of them? Thanks for voting!

To nhjade1:

Thank you! I'm glad you think that way. Thanks for voting as well.

To Ox King:

Hello! Thanks for voting! I'll try to make a Koenma-Kagome fic. But it'll be hard because for my next fic, will be a sequel to All Things Well. Maybe I'll make another scene/event for the 2 of them. Is that all right?

To jo31891:

Hello! I know what you mean, I'm having difficulty writing a romantic scene between Kagome & Hiei. Hiei is such a cold being that it's hard to make him become soft for Kagome. Kurama is easier coz he's sweet to begin with. Anyways, if ever Hiei should win, I'll try my best to make him fit for Kagome. Thanks for voting! And also, I would love to read your stories once you've submitted them. Thanks again!

To Anonymous:

I was surprised to read your review. In my opinion, I don't think Kurama or Hiei would want to share Kagome with another. I think demons are very possessive when it comes to their mates & cubs. I'm sorry I can't make the story how you wanted it. But I'm glad you still like my fic. Here's another chapter for you to enjoy!

To Kura-kun's-lovr:

Hehehe… I agree with you. Anyways, thanks for voting! Hope you also like this chapter. Please review again.

To inuyasha's fan:

Huh? I don't quite understand what you mean. But if you mean that I should kill Kikyo, well… I mean, she's already dead. Or should I say, she became the undead. I also don't like Kikyou, but I don't hate her. That's why I'll be good to her in this fic. She also deserves to be happy. Thanks for reviewing.

To SsAnImE:

I just wanted to say, thank you! I'm glad I was able to satisfy readers such as yourself. Also, thanks for voting! Here's another update. Enjoy!

To Skye:

I'm glad you like it. I'm also happy that you see this fic different from others. Thanks for voting!

To kill kikyo:

Thanks! Hobo is Hojo. InuYasha usually calls Hojo "Hobo" either coz he can't the name right or he does it intentionally. Thanks for voting!

To Okashii Saru:

Hi again! Thanks for understanding. I've already read your fic but sad to say I ran out of prepaid card & my Internet was disconnected. Anyways, I'll give a review once I'm able to again. Thanks for voting!

To Desi:

Yeah I think Rin & Kohaku are a good pair. But since Kohaku is already dead, that might be a problem.

To kagegrl:

Hello! Thanks for voting & for liking my fic. Well, I can't guarantee that Hiei won't get hurt. But I assure you that he'll be happy for Kagome & contented.