AN: Hey all! Sorry. I have no excuse for my lateness. I'm just lazy. Please check out my one-shot Bloodlust: Predawn!!!
Pulling the collar over her neck and holding the front of her baseball cap low, she ran towards the only place she could think of: the hotel Youko was staying at. Not sensing any familiar aura's Kagome sighed and sat down under a ledge besides the building. It was only mid- afternoon, but Kagome had only got a few hours of sleep the night before, and she had a feeling she'd only get a few tonight. Sitting down and making herself comfortable, Kagome pulled her hat down to hide her face and went to sleep, effortlessly putting up a miko barrier invisible to any sense.
A couple hours later
Botan was late. After pulling those two demons down and questioning their intentions, she'd only gotten one clue. They couldn't remember anything. And the smell of magic was strong. After bringing the demons into custody (a long and hideous task considering the paperwork she'd have to go through to attach them to their long and hideous, and low class profiles) she's decided to walk back instead of fly, which led her to be hopelessly lost. Finally giving up, she'd gotten out her oar and flew to Koenma's office. He'd been rather dazed when she got there and she'd had to question him for an hour (damn her curiosity) only to wield no results. Checking the clock and seeing how late she was, she'd panicked and ran out towards the hotel the boys stayed at. In her haste, she's forgotten the way (which didn't make sense because she'd gone there a million time) and the entire fact that she could fly.
She'd wasted a good hour and a half in the rain trying to convince herself she HAD seen that coffee shop, that tattoo place, that bush...
Now that she'd finally got back here, she smirked triumphantly. She'd known the whole time EXACTLY where she was! Really! How else did she end up here? Hmm?
Boton ignored the dozen or so voices in the back of her head answering just that question and, still smirking, walked up to the hotel. She would have gone right in, and by all rights she should have, but a sound from the shadow stopped her. Turning to look, she saw a huddled form in the corner, wet from the rain, shivering in their sleep. Walking over to him, she leaned down and tried to tell from a distance if it was a violent youkai that would probably kill her if she woke her up. The rain had stopped, but it was a little chilly, and she had doubts that the creature would survive. The aura was so weak it should be dead by now.
Wait...
Probing further, Botan found that she couldn't find the aura. In a panic, she ran to try and save the figures life. No one was scheduled to die tonight. At least no one that would be near the hotel, and she couldn't let somebody go before their time.
She was slightly shocked when her vision turned pink and the air around her held her still for a moment and searched her aura before letting her through. As soon as she was through, she felt the aura of the figure and caught her breath. A power like she'd never felt before sat in the huddled body. It was a demonic power so pure she'd almost call it more angelic then demonic. She couldn't make herself fear the person before her, but she couldn't keep her curiosity back either.
Leaning forward, she took hold of the shoulder and shook. Stormy- blue eyes flew open, catching red in a shocked stare. The two stayed in that position until the huddled form spoke.
"So you're death, ha? Not exactly what I'd expected..."
Boton's eyes widened in shock. Then she grinned warmly and shrugged.
"People always picture the reaper. Or a blonde haired angel that glows. Either way, I'm not really what they expect," Boton reach out her hand, "I'm Boton by the way. If you call me death in public people stare." Kagome giggled and grabbed her hand. Instead of shaking it in greeting she used it to pull herself up, almost pulling Boton down in the process. After muttered apologies the two laughed and begin to talk.
They spent almost an hour in small chat, Kagome sharing jokes and little riddles about her past that kept the atmosphere light and Boton chatting about her "respectable" boss (who was still a pain in the butt, apparently) and the different problems 'the boys' had.
Kagome had known from the moment the exchanged names ( "Just call me 'Gome...") who Boton was and the almost VIP position she held at the tournament. Becoming friends would benefit them in the long run. Besides, she liked the girl. So, holding back the urge to shake the information out of the girl, she instead allowed the conversation to continue along the line of comfortable things they both liked. Kagome was reminded of Sango, though the two were nothing alike. She just felt that same easy girl-to- girl feeling when she talked to her.
Of course, any easy going feelings vanished in favor of nervous shaking when she realized she might well be meeting Youko soon. Kagome quickly pulled her baseball cap lower in an effort to shadow her face. Boton, oblivious to the sudden tense atmosphere, showed her the way to the boys room. Before her companion could object, she flung open the door and walked confidently in before gesturing for Kagome to follow. After a brief hesitation, she did.
Damn you, Youko! she thought angrily. Your stupid curiosity has been rubbing off on me.
When they found only two people in the room, neither of which were Youko, Boton again failed to notice the half relieved, half disappointed sigh of her companion.
"Yusuke, Hiei. I'd like you to meet 'Gome. She was getting soaked outside so I invited her in to warm up!" Hiei didn't move. The only acknowledgement she received from him was opening one eye before shutting it and ignoring her completely. The other boy looked up at Boton and gave her an angry look.
"You could get us in trouble, you know!" he growled. Kagome grinned, keeping her defenses up to protect her from the unobvious attention of the fire demon. He seemed to know something was different about her.
"Well, Karma would be after you if you didn't help. Between Karma and demon hotel management, I'd be a little more afraid of Karma," Yusuke growled again and turned his focus to Kagome.
"Like Karma would get me for turning away some demon bum," Kagome lifter her hat and grinned, showing off her normal teeth.
"Wrong!" She shook her finger at him in a scornful gesture, "Karma may have it out for me, but I'm not a demon or a bum. Just didn't get reservations in time." Everyone in the room was shocked at her confession. Even Boton.
"You're not a demon?" She asked, confused and wary. Kagome smiled at her.
"Nope," seeing the distrustful expression on Yusuke's face she looked at him like he was a moron, "What? You thought you were the only humans with demon connections?" Kagome snorted and prepared for what she knew would happen next.
The steel blade of Hiei's sword sparked angrily as it lay across her neck. Her eyes hardened, but the smile never left her face.
"You should be a little more respectful," a voice hissed in her ear, "Not all demons like humans." Kagome grinned and moved the knife she'd had to his stomach since he'd appeared behind her. She felt him tense.
"I'll be ready." Scortch came out from the folds of her jacket and jumped to her shoulder, face inches away from Hiei's as he growled, "I've never really been afraid of demons. Their arrogance tends to blind them from the dangers of a little girl." Hiei growled and begrudgingly backed off. She'd won that trail according to demon customs. Kagome smiled at the shocked looks of the other occupants and looked to Boton.
"So... where can we get some food around here?"
AN: Okay people.. I've become a little lost and bored with my own work so I'm going to be changing and twisting the story for my own enjoyment. I know that sucks, but that's how it works. I can give you one clue though! There will be a lot of the past mixed in with this story!!!
Thank you all who've stuck with me even though my grammar sucks!!!
Kagome laughed and slurped a Ramen noodle. She didn't like it all that much, but it was a familiar taste from her time in the feudal era.
Boton had happily brought Kagome down to a little bar by the restaurant. The main reason she'd chosen this place over all others cause it was the only place they didn't serve human flesh. Kagome knew that it was illegal, but she also knew demons didn't like to follow rules. She was very thankful to Boton for her choice and, as a way to show it, paid for the food.
That turned out to be a mistake.
She was surprised at how much the girl could eat! You'd think death would watch her calories... Of course, when Kagome pointed that out, Boton waved it off and said that since death couldn't REALLY die anyway... what was the point limiting the pleasures in life?
But it hadn't taken long for Kagome to figure out something wasn't right. The food had come later then with everyone else, and though she'd usually pass it off as a racist thing, she'd also noticed they'd each been given something they didn't order. When the waiter pointed at the man who'd sent it to them prepaid, they'd looked over to find an empty table. The waiter had been shocked but not angry. He had already paid for the drinks which were, surprisingly, the only things he'd ordered. And surprisingly, again, he'd taken them for a moment before he sent them over.
Kagome knew right away what Boton had been given. The girl had regular alcohol. She found out then that death didn't have ANY tolerance to the stuff. She'd been drunk in almost one drink. No game.
But Kagome's was worse. She could have smelled the poison in it from the door. So she didn't touch it. But she didn't comment on it either. She knew how to put on an innocent face. And just from knowing her as short as she had, she knew Boton didn't.
So she laughed and told stories and eventually hauled a dead-drunk girl of death out of the greasy bar. All without touching the drink by her plate.
Kagome faked that she was drunk, too. Calling a taxi, she pulled up the collar of her jacket and pulled her baseball cap a bit to the side. Mussing her hair, she asked the taxi-driver for a drink of whatever he was having. He wouldn't. At least not until he saw the fist-full of cash being presented as a trade. Then he smiled and handed it over.
Kagome spilled a bit on her shirt ("... a bump in the road." according to the now snappish taxi-driver) and took a swig.
It was most possibly the worst thing she'd ever tasted. It was a metallic drink with a bitter, long lasting after taste. She realized with extreme distaste that it was laced with blood. She could only console herself that the bottle said it wasn't human blood, but some exotic demon's.
Passing it back to the driver, she slung Boton's arm over her shoulders and pulled her up. Not being able to resist, they engaged in a good-natured drinking song that would probably be suited to none but the most dirty-mouthed sailors. Singing loudly and a bit off-pitch they made their way to the apartment the team was staying in.
Kagome was pretty put out when she found nobody inside. But, being Kagome, she quickly shrugged it off and brought Boton to the room she guessed was hers and dumped the girl on the bed. The girl was asleep. At least... she seemed to be. Every few minutes her eyes would snap open and she'd shout out a particularly loud verse in the song they'd been singing before falling back into the less unusual (but equally loud) snoring.
Giggling loudly, Kagome made her way back out of the room.
At the door, she ran into someone she didn't expect.
Probably SHOULD have, but didn't.
Somebody unusually short.
Kagome giggled.
"Hey, toddler?" She giggled again and clapped. She loved playing the drunk, " 'zat you? giggle Your look so CUTE!!!" And she promptly picked him up and spun him around. Koenma sputtered and screamed. Kagome giggled. George looked unsure. And Scorch just watched.
"Put me down! Put me DOWN!!!" Kagome stopped giggling and put him on the ground roughly.
"Fine! Your such a party pooper! No wonder you still wear diapers!" Kagome's face blanked, then she went into another series of giggles. Koenma scowled.
"If you don't mind me asking... Well... even if you do. I'd like to know what, exactly, YOU are doing here???"
Kagome looked at him with a look of confusion. Then her mouth went into a little 'o' and she looked like she finally understood.
"I guess your parents wouldn't have told you yet, huh?" Kagome looked pensive, "Well, when a man and woman love each other very much they- "
"No!" Koenma was deep red, "I mean what are you doing at this apartment, moron!" Kagome seemed to ignore the insult. She beamed.
"I walked!" Koenma sweat-dropped.
"Never mind... a couple unintelligible insults... just... Where is Boton?" Kagome giggled.
"She's out." Koenma frowned.
"...Out?"
"Yup. Passed out just after we got back." Koenma sighed. The door to Boton's room creaked open.
"... Koenma, sir?" a grumbled voice called. Kagome looked at the room and frowned, bubbly attitude gone.
"It's time, Boton." Boton's eyes widened and teared up. The door opened all the way.
"...No... not... not so soon?" It didn't come out like a statement, but a question. Koenma didn't say a thing. Boton's eyes widened even more, "But... Yusuke..."
"He is done." Kagome frowned and looked down, making herself (not literally) part of the shadows. Boton hesitated, then walked stiffly to the door. She followed Koenma out the door.
Kagome waited there only a moment before walking to the window and opening it. Stepping on the windowsill, Kagome groaned. She'd always hated heights.
A little prayer and she was off. Landing silently, Kagome stumbled a second before righting herself and looking toward the end of the ally she'd landed on. She waited there several seconds, staring at nothing, before taking off at a run after her new friend.
They had just gone into a lightly treed area when Kagome felt something that knocked her to her knees. It would have only hinted to a demon or even a highly trained human. But Kagome was a priestess, so reading aura's was her power.
This aura was both black and gold. It was power and greed and anger and a long seeded hate. But there was something else. There was the smallest bit of love. Almost like the reaction to an old friend.
It was a killing strike. Someone would never again see the end of these tree's.
Tears came to her eyes and Kagome changed her path to collide with the strike. It took her only moments to reach the area where the death blow was. She looked towards the two forms in the center of the clearing and almost whimpered.
A boy only about Kagome's age held an old woman. The old woman was bleeding. She could smell it from here. And her heart was slowing. The boy had tears streaking his cheeks while the woman spoke to him. Only the occasional insults broke a heart-achingly loving speech as she died. Kagome fell to her knees and prayed. Prayed for a painless passage to the next world. For a good life. And mostly for the boy who held her as she died. She prayed for him and all the others who'd be left behind.
Kagome wasn't crying anymore by the time she finished. Prayer always did that for her. She was a priestess, after all.
Kagome turned as she saw Boton at the edge of the clearing, speaking silently with the woman's soul. Kagome could hardly see the outline, but she knew she was there. Silently making her way to their side, she watched as Boton cried and the woman comforted her. Kagome smiled sadly.
"Congratulations. You've earned yourself a pretty decent afterlife." Only the old woman heard her, but when she looked toward Kagome, so did Boton.
"Kagome?... How... What are you doing here?!" Kagome smiled.
"Saying goodbye to a woman whose earned the respect of a priestess." Boton was still a little tipsy from the drink and her mind mudded in sadness, so it took her a moment to understand. But Genkai understood immediately, and her eyes widened.
"A priestess? In the land of demons?" Kagome laughed.
"Pretty much, yeah. Say high to Jason for me." Genkai frowned.
"Jason?" Kagome laughed.
"The god of humor. He's pretty decent. You'll meet him soon." And Kagome disappeared.
She'd reserved a room in the local hotel. That's pretty much where she reappeared. Dead tired from the magic she'd used, Kagome lie down and fell right asleep.
But her dreams weren't like those she'd normally have had. She spent the night speaking to the old woman in the clearing about her life. She woke up the next morning with tears on her pillow.
"Goodbye, Genkai."
AN: I don't like this story much, but I'll continue for those of you who do. The real action of it should start next chapter, but I'm not sure. Thanks for reviewing!!!
Pulling the collar over her neck and holding the front of her baseball cap low, she ran towards the only place she could think of: the hotel Youko was staying at. Not sensing any familiar aura's Kagome sighed and sat down under a ledge besides the building. It was only mid- afternoon, but Kagome had only got a few hours of sleep the night before, and she had a feeling she'd only get a few tonight. Sitting down and making herself comfortable, Kagome pulled her hat down to hide her face and went to sleep, effortlessly putting up a miko barrier invisible to any sense.
A couple hours later
Botan was late. After pulling those two demons down and questioning their intentions, she'd only gotten one clue. They couldn't remember anything. And the smell of magic was strong. After bringing the demons into custody (a long and hideous task considering the paperwork she'd have to go through to attach them to their long and hideous, and low class profiles) she's decided to walk back instead of fly, which led her to be hopelessly lost. Finally giving up, she'd gotten out her oar and flew to Koenma's office. He'd been rather dazed when she got there and she'd had to question him for an hour (damn her curiosity) only to wield no results. Checking the clock and seeing how late she was, she'd panicked and ran out towards the hotel the boys stayed at. In her haste, she's forgotten the way (which didn't make sense because she'd gone there a million time) and the entire fact that she could fly.
She'd wasted a good hour and a half in the rain trying to convince herself she HAD seen that coffee shop, that tattoo place, that bush...
Now that she'd finally got back here, she smirked triumphantly. She'd known the whole time EXACTLY where she was! Really! How else did she end up here? Hmm?
Boton ignored the dozen or so voices in the back of her head answering just that question and, still smirking, walked up to the hotel. She would have gone right in, and by all rights she should have, but a sound from the shadow stopped her. Turning to look, she saw a huddled form in the corner, wet from the rain, shivering in their sleep. Walking over to him, she leaned down and tried to tell from a distance if it was a violent youkai that would probably kill her if she woke her up. The rain had stopped, but it was a little chilly, and she had doubts that the creature would survive. The aura was so weak it should be dead by now.
Wait...
Probing further, Botan found that she couldn't find the aura. In a panic, she ran to try and save the figures life. No one was scheduled to die tonight. At least no one that would be near the hotel, and she couldn't let somebody go before their time.
She was slightly shocked when her vision turned pink and the air around her held her still for a moment and searched her aura before letting her through. As soon as she was through, she felt the aura of the figure and caught her breath. A power like she'd never felt before sat in the huddled body. It was a demonic power so pure she'd almost call it more angelic then demonic. She couldn't make herself fear the person before her, but she couldn't keep her curiosity back either.
Leaning forward, she took hold of the shoulder and shook. Stormy- blue eyes flew open, catching red in a shocked stare. The two stayed in that position until the huddled form spoke.
"So you're death, ha? Not exactly what I'd expected..."
Boton's eyes widened in shock. Then she grinned warmly and shrugged.
"People always picture the reaper. Or a blonde haired angel that glows. Either way, I'm not really what they expect," Boton reach out her hand, "I'm Boton by the way. If you call me death in public people stare." Kagome giggled and grabbed her hand. Instead of shaking it in greeting she used it to pull herself up, almost pulling Boton down in the process. After muttered apologies the two laughed and begin to talk.
They spent almost an hour in small chat, Kagome sharing jokes and little riddles about her past that kept the atmosphere light and Boton chatting about her "respectable" boss (who was still a pain in the butt, apparently) and the different problems 'the boys' had.
Kagome had known from the moment the exchanged names ( "Just call me 'Gome...") who Boton was and the almost VIP position she held at the tournament. Becoming friends would benefit them in the long run. Besides, she liked the girl. So, holding back the urge to shake the information out of the girl, she instead allowed the conversation to continue along the line of comfortable things they both liked. Kagome was reminded of Sango, though the two were nothing alike. She just felt that same easy girl-to- girl feeling when she talked to her.
Of course, any easy going feelings vanished in favor of nervous shaking when she realized she might well be meeting Youko soon. Kagome quickly pulled her baseball cap lower in an effort to shadow her face. Boton, oblivious to the sudden tense atmosphere, showed her the way to the boys room. Before her companion could object, she flung open the door and walked confidently in before gesturing for Kagome to follow. After a brief hesitation, she did.
Damn you, Youko! she thought angrily. Your stupid curiosity has been rubbing off on me.
When they found only two people in the room, neither of which were Youko, Boton again failed to notice the half relieved, half disappointed sigh of her companion.
"Yusuke, Hiei. I'd like you to meet 'Gome. She was getting soaked outside so I invited her in to warm up!" Hiei didn't move. The only acknowledgement she received from him was opening one eye before shutting it and ignoring her completely. The other boy looked up at Boton and gave her an angry look.
"You could get us in trouble, you know!" he growled. Kagome grinned, keeping her defenses up to protect her from the unobvious attention of the fire demon. He seemed to know something was different about her.
"Well, Karma would be after you if you didn't help. Between Karma and demon hotel management, I'd be a little more afraid of Karma," Yusuke growled again and turned his focus to Kagome.
"Like Karma would get me for turning away some demon bum," Kagome lifter her hat and grinned, showing off her normal teeth.
"Wrong!" She shook her finger at him in a scornful gesture, "Karma may have it out for me, but I'm not a demon or a bum. Just didn't get reservations in time." Everyone in the room was shocked at her confession. Even Boton.
"You're not a demon?" She asked, confused and wary. Kagome smiled at her.
"Nope," seeing the distrustful expression on Yusuke's face she looked at him like he was a moron, "What? You thought you were the only humans with demon connections?" Kagome snorted and prepared for what she knew would happen next.
The steel blade of Hiei's sword sparked angrily as it lay across her neck. Her eyes hardened, but the smile never left her face.
"You should be a little more respectful," a voice hissed in her ear, "Not all demons like humans." Kagome grinned and moved the knife she'd had to his stomach since he'd appeared behind her. She felt him tense.
"I'll be ready." Scortch came out from the folds of her jacket and jumped to her shoulder, face inches away from Hiei's as he growled, "I've never really been afraid of demons. Their arrogance tends to blind them from the dangers of a little girl." Hiei growled and begrudgingly backed off. She'd won that trail according to demon customs. Kagome smiled at the shocked looks of the other occupants and looked to Boton.
"So... where can we get some food around here?"
AN: Okay people.. I've become a little lost and bored with my own work so I'm going to be changing and twisting the story for my own enjoyment. I know that sucks, but that's how it works. I can give you one clue though! There will be a lot of the past mixed in with this story!!!
Thank you all who've stuck with me even though my grammar sucks!!!
Kagome laughed and slurped a Ramen noodle. She didn't like it all that much, but it was a familiar taste from her time in the feudal era.
Boton had happily brought Kagome down to a little bar by the restaurant. The main reason she'd chosen this place over all others cause it was the only place they didn't serve human flesh. Kagome knew that it was illegal, but she also knew demons didn't like to follow rules. She was very thankful to Boton for her choice and, as a way to show it, paid for the food.
That turned out to be a mistake.
She was surprised at how much the girl could eat! You'd think death would watch her calories... Of course, when Kagome pointed that out, Boton waved it off and said that since death couldn't REALLY die anyway... what was the point limiting the pleasures in life?
But it hadn't taken long for Kagome to figure out something wasn't right. The food had come later then with everyone else, and though she'd usually pass it off as a racist thing, she'd also noticed they'd each been given something they didn't order. When the waiter pointed at the man who'd sent it to them prepaid, they'd looked over to find an empty table. The waiter had been shocked but not angry. He had already paid for the drinks which were, surprisingly, the only things he'd ordered. And surprisingly, again, he'd taken them for a moment before he sent them over.
Kagome knew right away what Boton had been given. The girl had regular alcohol. She found out then that death didn't have ANY tolerance to the stuff. She'd been drunk in almost one drink. No game.
But Kagome's was worse. She could have smelled the poison in it from the door. So she didn't touch it. But she didn't comment on it either. She knew how to put on an innocent face. And just from knowing her as short as she had, she knew Boton didn't.
So she laughed and told stories and eventually hauled a dead-drunk girl of death out of the greasy bar. All without touching the drink by her plate.
Kagome faked that she was drunk, too. Calling a taxi, she pulled up the collar of her jacket and pulled her baseball cap a bit to the side. Mussing her hair, she asked the taxi-driver for a drink of whatever he was having. He wouldn't. At least not until he saw the fist-full of cash being presented as a trade. Then he smiled and handed it over.
Kagome spilled a bit on her shirt ("... a bump in the road." according to the now snappish taxi-driver) and took a swig.
It was most possibly the worst thing she'd ever tasted. It was a metallic drink with a bitter, long lasting after taste. She realized with extreme distaste that it was laced with blood. She could only console herself that the bottle said it wasn't human blood, but some exotic demon's.
Passing it back to the driver, she slung Boton's arm over her shoulders and pulled her up. Not being able to resist, they engaged in a good-natured drinking song that would probably be suited to none but the most dirty-mouthed sailors. Singing loudly and a bit off-pitch they made their way to the apartment the team was staying in.
Kagome was pretty put out when she found nobody inside. But, being Kagome, she quickly shrugged it off and brought Boton to the room she guessed was hers and dumped the girl on the bed. The girl was asleep. At least... she seemed to be. Every few minutes her eyes would snap open and she'd shout out a particularly loud verse in the song they'd been singing before falling back into the less unusual (but equally loud) snoring.
Giggling loudly, Kagome made her way back out of the room.
At the door, she ran into someone she didn't expect.
Probably SHOULD have, but didn't.
Somebody unusually short.
Kagome giggled.
"Hey, toddler?" She giggled again and clapped. She loved playing the drunk, " 'zat you? giggle Your look so CUTE!!!" And she promptly picked him up and spun him around. Koenma sputtered and screamed. Kagome giggled. George looked unsure. And Scorch just watched.
"Put me down! Put me DOWN!!!" Kagome stopped giggling and put him on the ground roughly.
"Fine! Your such a party pooper! No wonder you still wear diapers!" Kagome's face blanked, then she went into another series of giggles. Koenma scowled.
"If you don't mind me asking... Well... even if you do. I'd like to know what, exactly, YOU are doing here???"
Kagome looked at him with a look of confusion. Then her mouth went into a little 'o' and she looked like she finally understood.
"I guess your parents wouldn't have told you yet, huh?" Kagome looked pensive, "Well, when a man and woman love each other very much they- "
"No!" Koenma was deep red, "I mean what are you doing at this apartment, moron!" Kagome seemed to ignore the insult. She beamed.
"I walked!" Koenma sweat-dropped.
"Never mind... a couple unintelligible insults... just... Where is Boton?" Kagome giggled.
"She's out." Koenma frowned.
"...Out?"
"Yup. Passed out just after we got back." Koenma sighed. The door to Boton's room creaked open.
"... Koenma, sir?" a grumbled voice called. Kagome looked at the room and frowned, bubbly attitude gone.
"It's time, Boton." Boton's eyes widened and teared up. The door opened all the way.
"...No... not... not so soon?" It didn't come out like a statement, but a question. Koenma didn't say a thing. Boton's eyes widened even more, "But... Yusuke..."
"He is done." Kagome frowned and looked down, making herself (not literally) part of the shadows. Boton hesitated, then walked stiffly to the door. She followed Koenma out the door.
Kagome waited there only a moment before walking to the window and opening it. Stepping on the windowsill, Kagome groaned. She'd always hated heights.
A little prayer and she was off. Landing silently, Kagome stumbled a second before righting herself and looking toward the end of the ally she'd landed on. She waited there several seconds, staring at nothing, before taking off at a run after her new friend.
They had just gone into a lightly treed area when Kagome felt something that knocked her to her knees. It would have only hinted to a demon or even a highly trained human. But Kagome was a priestess, so reading aura's was her power.
This aura was both black and gold. It was power and greed and anger and a long seeded hate. But there was something else. There was the smallest bit of love. Almost like the reaction to an old friend.
It was a killing strike. Someone would never again see the end of these tree's.
Tears came to her eyes and Kagome changed her path to collide with the strike. It took her only moments to reach the area where the death blow was. She looked towards the two forms in the center of the clearing and almost whimpered.
A boy only about Kagome's age held an old woman. The old woman was bleeding. She could smell it from here. And her heart was slowing. The boy had tears streaking his cheeks while the woman spoke to him. Only the occasional insults broke a heart-achingly loving speech as she died. Kagome fell to her knees and prayed. Prayed for a painless passage to the next world. For a good life. And mostly for the boy who held her as she died. She prayed for him and all the others who'd be left behind.
Kagome wasn't crying anymore by the time she finished. Prayer always did that for her. She was a priestess, after all.
Kagome turned as she saw Boton at the edge of the clearing, speaking silently with the woman's soul. Kagome could hardly see the outline, but she knew she was there. Silently making her way to their side, she watched as Boton cried and the woman comforted her. Kagome smiled sadly.
"Congratulations. You've earned yourself a pretty decent afterlife." Only the old woman heard her, but when she looked toward Kagome, so did Boton.
"Kagome?... How... What are you doing here?!" Kagome smiled.
"Saying goodbye to a woman whose earned the respect of a priestess." Boton was still a little tipsy from the drink and her mind mudded in sadness, so it took her a moment to understand. But Genkai understood immediately, and her eyes widened.
"A priestess? In the land of demons?" Kagome laughed.
"Pretty much, yeah. Say high to Jason for me." Genkai frowned.
"Jason?" Kagome laughed.
"The god of humor. He's pretty decent. You'll meet him soon." And Kagome disappeared.
She'd reserved a room in the local hotel. That's pretty much where she reappeared. Dead tired from the magic she'd used, Kagome lie down and fell right asleep.
But her dreams weren't like those she'd normally have had. She spent the night speaking to the old woman in the clearing about her life. She woke up the next morning with tears on her pillow.
"Goodbye, Genkai."
AN: I don't like this story much, but I'll continue for those of you who do. The real action of it should start next chapter, but I'm not sure. Thanks for reviewing!!!