Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this gentle adventure... especially for the one who understands the true meaning of treasure. 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 Rarities

- 46 -
Soul Survivor

Hiei didn't stop until they were hidden within the Higurashi Shrine's impressive aura of purity. Youko stumbled on the last step and swayed with a weariness that dragged him to his knees. "Shuuichi was trying to protect her." The fox stared at the faint stars showing beyond the haze of city lights. "I killed her instead."

"No," said Hiei. "Although the fool with the mirrors did try."

Youko's ears twitched at the odd note in his friend's voice. Mockery? Impatience?

"She has been useful." Unusually generous, coming from Hiei. The demon stepped closer, dark eyes intent. "Her soul is still working to shield us."

"What?"

"I have never seen you like this—foolish, blind." Hiei's gaze dropped to the girl in Youko's arms. "She is not dead."

"Kagome is alive?"

Hiei gave him a flat look and showed him the Mirror of Souls. A shimmer of pink filled it to overflowing and enveloped Hiei's hand. "Hers is a rare soul—vast, uncontainable."

Kagome's power didn't sting or bite, nor did it attempt to purify Hiei. It was as if her soul recognized the demon as an ally and curled around his arm, brushing against him like an affectionate kitten.

"Call her off," grumbled Hiei.

Patting Kagome's begrimed cheek, Youko whispered Kagome's name. "Pull yourself together."

Nothing. How was he supposed to get the girl to call back her soul?

He stroked the hair away from her face, leaning down to speak into her ear. "Come back. You are making Hiei nervous."

His friend snorted.

More urgently, Youko begged, "Wake for me, Kagome. You are home."

That caused a stir in the rosy shimmer, which retreated into her.

Even before her considerable strength was fully returned, lashes fluttered. Kagome's gaze was hazy, but relief roared through Youko. "Welcome back."

"I'm back?"

- 47 -
Home Away from Home

Kagome first registered a possessive masculine embrace, then the silhouette of ears. A familiar voice had welcomed her back, and her first thought was that she'd finally, finally made it back.

Hiei's cool scrutiny tipped her off. "Youko," she whispered.

"Thank goodness." He pressed his cheek to hers. "Shuuichi would have been furious with me if anything happened to you."

His voice rasped. His hair tickled. His whole body trembled.

Kagome asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Youko growled. "Everything is fine, thanks to you."

She could smell blood. "You're hurt?"

Youko snorted. "Have you forgotten the state in which you found Shuuichi?"

Kagome pulled away, hands fluttering over stained cloth. "You're bleeding!"

Hiei said, "The blood is not his."

It looked fresh.

The fox looked at his hands, then shook them, looking for all the world like a cat who'd stepped in a puddle.

Again, Hiei chimed in. "He thought you were dead. You have been avenged."

Kagome decided to be touched by the sentiment.

And then Youko's arms were around her again. "You saved my life. Thank you."

"Hiei-sama is the one who made everything possible." She eased out of his arms. "You two make a good team."

The demon grunted. Lifting the mirror, he said, "I will get this to Koenma."

"Reversion will not last." Youko levered himself up. "Shuuichi will need care."

Hiei moved in, and Kagome quickly pushed up under his other arm. Between them, they half-carried, half-dragged the exhausted fox across the courtyard.

"Sorry, Kagome," he muttered.

"It's no trouble," she quickly assured.

He shook his head. "This is not where you thought you were."

Her steps slowed to a stop.

Youko turned his head, ears pricking, nose lifting to point. "This is not where you belong."

Kagome mutely followed his gaze to the well house.

- 48 -
Drastic Measures

Youko's consciousness was fading in and out, but he clung to reversion. He was not done with Kagome. There were things he would regret if he left them unfinished. Shuuichi never would get around to the important parts. This was up to him.

Kagome's mother met them at the door and quickly stepped aside.

"He's hurt," Kagome whimpered.

Mercifully, no other explanation was called for. The woman only said, "Go. I'll bring the medical kit."

Hiei only lingered long enough to get him to the bed, leaving Kagome to fuss and hand-hold.

No time. Now or never.

"Drastic measures," he muttered.

She brushed the hair away from his forehead. "Just rest, Youko. Everything's fine now."

He snorted. "Wrong. Be warned. I am going to kiss you goodbye."

"I'm not going anywhere," she said softly.

Sometimes, he hated it when he was right. "Shuuichi is too polite, but I am a thief. I can steal kisses just as easily as I can steal riches."

But the real treasure was out of reach.

Youko pulled her closer. Why did she have to look so resigned? "You could cooperate. Let me steal your heart. You could give Shuuichi the kind of life he might have had if it were not for me."

"I'm all out of wishes." Kagome held his gaze. "Why are you talking as if this is for him and not for you? You're the same person."

"Then you are going to have to forgive both of me."

He was too weak to force the matter, but she didn't retreat. Kagome allowed their lips to meet, soft and mostly sweet. A slowly deepening kiss that tasted like salt and sorrow. And then Shuuichi was rising to the surface, and Youko had to smile. Not a bad way to wake—kissing Kagome.

End Note: These three drabbles were written for no other reason than to nudge this story along to its long-awaited conclusion. Well, I'm also celebrating the cover reveal for the third book in the Amaranthine Saga. Check it out at ForthWrites dot com! These drabbles are 300, 300, and 300 words respectively. Posted on October 29, 2018.