Past and Modern Adventure
Written By: Mandii (Boukyaku Kitsune)
I do not own InuYasha or YuYu Hakusho.
Chapter IV
(EDITED)
"Six Months Later"
Since Kagome's last day in the Feudal Era, things had been a little crazy in the present time. She hadn't seen anyone yet, for one, and waiting for her friends was starting to greatly get on her nerves. Weren't they the least bit concerned about her? It didn't seem like it, but who knew--- they probably lost track of how long it had truly been since she left through the well. Or maybe they had been--- no, Kagome refused to believe that they had been killed. But she was irritated; demon's were showing up frequently to try and take the Shikon no Tama, just as they had so many years before, but Kagome was its Protector, and no demon was ever going to lay their hands on the jewel again. She wasn't about to make the same mistake twice, and she wasn't stupid enough to let them trick her either. She also had Midoriko to thank as well, for she was spending every moment she could to help train Kagome for the worst case scenario, but who or what could be worse then Naraku, or Kikyo for that matter?
Kagome would take no chances though, and she trained every night until she had reached her full potential as a Miko, though with the jewel in her care--- she still had a long way to go. Midoriko's training was not of the normal kind either; they used Kagome's dreamscape. The place in Kagome's dreams that was to be used merely for training, meditation and strengthening her spiritual power was of the first things Midoriko had her do.
FLASHBACK
Kagome had fallen asleep moments ago, happily tucked away under her covers within the confines of her light pink bedroom. It was then that a familiar pink haze clouded her mind of dreams. Not sure if she was still asleep or not, she looked around what appeared to be a field. It seemed almost too real to be a dream, but she couldn't remember ever coming to this field either, and no civilization was in view. It was beautiful, the grass was a fresh green, flowers and herbs were scattered across the large field. She was in such awe, that she didn't notice the person coming up from behind her.
"Kagome, it is good to see that you have reached your home safely." Midoriko's voice startled the raven haired girl, causing her to almost fall down on her bottom from spinning around so quickly.
"Midoriko? Oh! Yes... we reached home perfectly fine. But--- where are we now?" Kagome looked around in confusion, her curiosity getting the best of her.
"This is where you will be training."
"Training? Goodness, whatever for?"
"The Shikon no Tama is whole again, and demon's shall continue to crave its power and attempt to take it from you. You still haven't reached your full potential of being a Miko." Midoriko explained, she sat down on the lush grass and motioned for Kagome to do the same.
"We will train in your sleep, and improve your spiritual power. Each night you will mediate and I will teach you all I know that could help you in your battles." She continued; raising a hand and summoning a small amount of energy to her hand. It formed in the shape of a pink ball.
"Tonight I will be teaching you to summon your energy, without the use of a weapon. You've done it before, sub-consciously, but you are capable of doing it."
"I remember... back when I first fell in the well, then again before I released Inuyasha." Kagome said in amazement. "You can teach me to do that?"
"You have much to learn, Kagome. There are many things I can teach you. Now, lets begin."
END FLASHBACK
Sixth months of that really did improve Kagome's skills, so much that she was even impressed with herself. To help with her physical training, she actually joined some of the clubs her school had. The Archery Club she only took for the first month, but she was surprised by how much more she learned just by attending, even if her skills were already close to perfect from all her shooting back in the Feudal Era. After that, she spent the rest of the time in the Kendo Club, then taking many forms of Martial Arts in a dojo after that. With that, she also did what she could to enjoy life in High School as well, making more friends, talking about boys, though this was only in school. She was a Sophmore now, and had just celebrated her seventeenth birthday with her family. Kagome was still the sweet(sometimes moody) girl she had always been, if not a little more mature, and nothing could change that. Battle was a different story however, for after all that training she had grown quite a bit of confidence in herself. Midoriko was currently teaching Kagome how to master most weapons, though her bow was still her favorite. Her matter of dress would have remained the same had it not been for the fact most of her wardrobe was filled with dresses or skirts of some kind. Instead; she had taken a liking to wearing Khaki's with t-shirts--- the Miko garb still didn't appeal to her. Her hair was the same length as Kikyo's now, though Kagome had made sure to keep it up or tied back tightly in a braid(avoiding the resemblance to Kikyo at all measures).
Currently, her father and she were delivering some relics to local shrines. A job that Grandpa gave her and that her father was nice enough to help out with. They were walking up the stairs to a well known shrine, most people knew of the person who owned it at least. She was only the most powerful psychic in Japan, sought out by many who wished to be like her.
"Does Genkai still own this shrine?" Kuro turned his head slightly to look at his teenage daughter who was walking a few steps behind him.
"Yes, she does. How do you know her?" Kagome quirked a single brow curiously.
"I used to come to this shrine all the time when I was your age, Genkai didn't always welcome me though, apparently I got on her nerves a lot. But she's like another mother to me, despite the way she thinks of me." Kuro gave a loud laugh.
"I can't imagine Genkai hating you of all people, I wonder why that is." Kagome said innocently, with a hint of sarcasm.
"Let me guess, she treats you kindly without the use of fists or weapons?"
"Yes, is there a problem with that?"
"No not at all, I just think that she has something against males. She was always nagging me to get off my lazy ass." Kuro laughed at the memories.
"I see, I'm sure it's the best to be nagged by Genkai." Kagome smiled amused.
"Oh yes! Quite enjoyable!"
They reached the bottom of the steps then and Kagome masked her spiritual energy, she knew Genkai would notice the moment she stepped within the property and seals that surrounded the area. They then proceeded to climb the stairs, Kagome ignoring the complaints that came from her middle-aged father in front of her. Genkai was waiting for them at the top like she was expecting them.
"As always, you knew we were coming." Kuro seemed disappointed that she was able to tell even at her older age.
"Well if it isn't the Jackass, I knew I saw a spark of you in Kagome here." Genkai scoffed, Kagome smiled and held up the box she was holding. Genkai motioned them to follow her onto the grounds. Once the boxes were set inside, the three proceeded to the main room where Yukina came out with some prepared Tea.
"Genkai had me prepare tea, would you like some?" Yukina smiled in greeting to Kagome and Kuro, the tray of tea in hand. Kuro was grumbling again so Kagome went ahead and answered for the both of them.
"So I heard you died, and yet here you are." Genkai seated herself, glaring toward the two Higurashi's and causing Kagome and Kuro to glance at each other nervously.
"Cant get rid of me that easily." Kuro spoke up first, a grin appearing on is face. It was the 'you want to know, but I'm not gonna tell you' face that Kuro usually gave Kagome and Souta after teasing them with hints about Christmas or Birthday gifts.
"I suppose not, I did miss nagging you. Although a couple of years ago, after your supposed "death", I got myself a new dimwit to irritate." said Genkai.
"That's the Genkai I know." Kuro laughed, accepting the tea Yukina poured with a nod of thanks.
"So who is this dimwit? Is he a irritating punk like I was?" asked Kuro, causing Kagome to look at her father surprised.
"YOU? Were a punk?" Kagome looked at him with a look that clearly said she didn't believe him. "Couldn't of been a very good one..." She muttered under her breath, causng Yukina to give a soft giggle.
"Believe it or not, I was."
"I'll choose not to believe it." said Kagome, turning back to Yukina
"Actually he's quite like you, I wouldn't be surprised if you were related." Genkai
"Really now? I'd like to meet him." No doubt to see who the biggest "punk" really was.
"He was supposed to get here over an hour ago for his training, but being the dimwit he is... he probably forgot and he'll be running up the steps any minute." Genkai sipped her tea, and as if on cue--- the doors burst open to reveal a panting Yusuke. He was wearing jeans, a white t-shirt and had a dirty green jacket thrown over it, the sleeves rolled up(it was a wonder why he wore a jacket in the summer in the first place). His hair was also in his trademark slicked back style, though it looked like it done at the last minute.
"Your late, Dimwit."
"Yeah, yeah, Grandma." Yusuke scoffed and looked at the visitor's in surprise.
"Would you look at that, I am related to your new dimwit." Kuro stood up and grinned at his nephew.
"Uncle Kuro?!" Yusuke looked at him in bewilderment; Kagome actually started choking on her tea at the sight of her cousin who should have been dead.
"Y-Yusuke?!" Kagome pointed at her cousin with a equally bewildered look. "B-but--- it can't be!"
"Yes, I do hope you remember your own cousin."
"Damn right I remember him! He shouldn't be alive though! You're supposed to be dead, Yusuke!" Through her anger, it was clear she was relieved since tears were starting to gather at the corners of her eyes. She was trying hard not to let them fall though, she was stronger then that. Then for an added effect; "Undead Jerk!"
"Interesting." Genkai stated, though she clearly looked uninterested. Kuro just looked amused, though he had no idea what was going on. Yusuke was now the subject of four pairs of eyes, including Yukina's sympathetic ones.
"No... Kagome, please don't cry...you know I hate it when you cry!" Though he could nothing but stand there looking for a scapegoat to get him out of this mess. Finding none, he kneeled down in front of her into begging position. "Please stop! I can explain!"
"I'm not crying!" An obvious lie as she broke down into sobs. "You're supposed to be dead!" She repeated as she hugged him tightly. Yusuke sweatdropped as he rubbed her back in a small attempt to comfort her without looking uncool at the same time.
"It's a long story... I was dead. But things happened..." He let it trail off, unable to think of an excuse at the moment. He turned his attention to his uncle then who returned the stare. "What about you? I thought you died of cancer." Kagome pulled away from him and wiped her face.
"He never was dead." She explained quickly, exchanging a look with her father.
"She's right. I've been in a coma for many years now, you know how rumors go--- they get a little out of control after so long." He smiled convincingly at his nephew. "I woke about six months ago, give or take a few weeks." He shrugged.
'I forgot he was good at lying, I'll have to be careful around him...' Kagome mused to herself.
"Well... Kagome and I only came here to drop off these boxes. It was already dark when we came here, we're pushing our luck now. Besides... we don't want to interfere with whatever training the witch is up too." Kuro laughed acting like a teenager himself, he seemed to think the whole visit had been planned for his amusement. Yusuke gapped at his uncle in bewilderment; apparently he thought that with this reunion he could get out of his training.
"What?! Your leaving already?! But---!"
Kagome them all off by standing and smacking her father upside the head; "Be nice to Genkai! I can't believe you would say that! Your supposed to be the mature one!" She snapped, hands planted firmly on her hips.
"Aw... Kagome, you take after your mother. Genkai knows I'm kidding." Kuro gave a grin, making way to stand up himself. "Anyways, come by sometime Yusuke. Kun Loon will want to see you now that its clear your still alive. Souta too."
The thought of facing his aunt made him pale then, she would probably start crying too. He really was horrible when it came to females and their tears. But on the other hand; Souta had to be old enough to play video games pretty well. "U-uh yeah, I'll get back to you on that one."
The two Higurashi's grinned before bidding farewell's to the three others; Kagome promising to come back soon to visit as she usually did. She just didn't realize how soon it would be until she reached the bottom of the stairs, a look of surprise registering on her face. "Oh shoot... I forgot my handbag in the shrine." She turned to her father who was just turning back around to look at her.
"Its probably a good thing we didn't get too far then. Shall we meet at home? Your mother is probably starting to worry by now."
"Yeah. I should be okay by myself." Kagome turned back to the stairs, waving over her shoulder. "Go on!"
"Alright, mask your powers and your scent! I don't want to have to come looking for your dead body when you decide not to show up at home!" He yelled up after her retreating form. "And don't bother them too much, Genkai's probably gonna have Yusuke do that needle training all night..." He was sure his daughter was too far to hear him by now though and gave a sigh of frustration before walking off in the direction of home.
Kagome retraced her steps back to the shrine, slowing down as she came to the top steps. She skipped over to the shrine building and paused in front of the doors to knock and announce her presence to those within.
"Why cant those demons just leave us alone!"
"That was Yusuke's voice...? He said demons..." Kagome looked confused, her hand resting on the sliding screen door. She decided to listen in on the conversation for a bit longer. It was a good thing she did as her father asked and masked her scent before coming back up--- Yukina would have noticed her by then.
"Stop your complaining, dimwit. This tournament will probably do you some good, like last time. Maybe knock some more sense into that thick skull of yours." This was Genkai's voice.
"But why would the Lord of Makai want you guys to fight?" Yukina's quiet voice could barely be heard.
"To kill us off? Try, at least."
"Have you found a fifth member?"
"What the hell do you mean, Grandma?! You're going to be the fifth member!"
"Not this time, Yusuke."
"What?! But the tournament starts in one week!"
Kagome leaned against the door, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. She was still confused about this tournament, but very slowly se was getting some information out of the conversation. Yusuke wasn't exactly keeping quiet about it with his yelling.
"I'm too old, and I gave most of my energy to you in the last tournament. What makes you think I have the energy to survive a third tournament? Ask Koenma to find you another member."
"Great! Just great!"
"What about Koenma? Can he fight?" Yukina asked hesitantly.
"That toddler cant even stamp straight." Yusuke said annoyed. It was silent after that, so Kagome decided to make her presence known and slid the door open, eyeing the occupants within with a serious expression. Yusuke looked at her in bewilderment then swearing and childishly ramming his fist into the floorboards. Genkai and Yukina exchanged looks, then a curious expression crossed Genkai's face.
"You know about demons?" Kagome broke the silence first.
"How long have you been here?" Gnekai countered with her own question. She seemed to be pondering something by the thoughtful look on her face. "...and how long have you been able to mask your presence?"
"Long enough." Kagome stated, closing the door and picked up her bag that had been left in the corner. Though she didn't leave again, and instead seated herself before the three. She had no intention of answering the second question yet either.
"Shit---!"
"Oh, stop it, Yusuke. This isn't the first time I've had to deal with demons." Kagome threw her cousin a sour look. "I know Yukina is a demon, and have for awhile now. I wondered what your connection to Genkai and Yukina were though."
"You knew I was a demon?" Yukina asked slightly shocked.
Kagome smiled at her; "Yes. But I also know you have a pure heart, so I didn't mention anything. So what's this about a tournament?"
"Hold on a minute! You have some explaining to do yourself, 'Gome!" Yusuke finally snapped, standing at his full height to look down at her. "Just how do you know all that? Depending on your answer, I'll explain the tournament to you. Maybe." Which meant he wouldn't so long as he could help it. But that didn't mean Genkai wouldn't explain things to her.
"Fine. I'm a Miko, and not a weak one either."
Yusuke looked confused, turning to Genkai to for an explanation. Said person gave a sigh, peering at Kagome thoughtfully once more.
"I had a feeling you had a little spiritual power in you, but a Miko... I'm impressed."
"I thought Miko's had died out years ago..." Yukina murmured in surprise.
"Someone tell me what the hell a Miko is! I'm seriously getting mad!"
"Shut up, Dimwit/Yusuke." Genkai and Kagome both threw annoyed looks in his direction.
"A Miko is a Priestess, and their power exists to exterminate demons. Generally a Miko is a female, and they were a great threat to demons. Their power is like yours Yusuke, and can be used in the same way--- but their energy is completely pure and a lot more dangerous to demons then your spiritual energy is." Genkai explained to her dimwitted student. "Though as Yukina said before, Miko's were thought to have died out many years ago."
"I'm a reincarnation of a Miko that lived in the Feudal Era." Kagome explained as short and sweet as possible. "So... what's this Tournament?"
"The Dark Tournament." Yusuke crossed his arms and looked off to the side in a pissed off manner. The thought of the tournament seemed to make him depressed, Kagome had to wonder why, though that would soon be explained.
"The Dark Tournament is typically held once every fifty years." Genkai started to explain since Yusuke was busy sulking and cursing to himself and the "damn demons". "The last Tournament was a few years ago, but upon special request from the Lord of Makai--- they are holding yet another. Teams of five attend, and killing is not uncommon in the fights."
"Why are you involved in this, Yusuke?" Kagome turned her attention to her cousin. He seemed to have calmed down a little bit, but still looked a bit peeved.
"Look, I'm a Spirit Detective. It's my job. I died and the toddler gave me a second chance at life but only if I became a Spirit Detective. So now I work for him and go on these crazy missions to save the world, the Lord of Makai invited us there for some reason so me and my team mates are going." Yusuke shrugged. "We're special guests. We don't have a choice in the matter."
"And you need a fifth member?" She asked, making him nod.
"Great! I'll be the fifth member!"
"WHAT?! LIKE HELL YOU ARE!" Yusuke stood inches before her, glaring down at her unaffected form.
"Why not? If I heard right, you need a fifth member and soon." Kagome smiled innocently up at her cousin.
"I'm not putting my cousin in danger!"
"Oh! Quit it! I'm not going to be in danger!"
"No! There's no way your going!" said Yusuke
"Come on, Yusuke! I'm pretty strong! I promise I wont die!" She gave pout, the one he usually fell for. He was close too.
"OH NO! I'm not falling for that!" Yusuke snapped.
"Hey Genkai, you wanna know something that happened to Yusuke when he was six?" Kagome asked slyly, Yusuke rushed to cover her mouth.
"No. She doesn't." Yusuke glared down at her, and she glared back before biting down on his hand.
"Ow! Dammit 'Gome!"
"I'd love to here the story, Kagome."
"FINE! You can be the fifth member!"
Kagome smiled brightly and practically tackled her cousin in a hug. "THANK YOU! This'll be a great bonding experience! I can't wait!"
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever. But if you die, I swear I'll force Koenma to bring you back just so I can kill you myself!"
"Some way to show affection." She muttered drily. "But its a deal!"
"Ok then, if I remember correctly the boat leaves at seven in the evening, you can come over and meet Yusuke and I here and we'll set off from there." Genkai stood up.
"Sounds good!" Kagome stood up and moved to the door, turning back to grin at them. "See you in a week!" She then turned and skipped out of the room, her laughter heard until she disappeared down the stairs.
"I hope she knows what she's doing, I'd hate to think what would happen to her." Yukina looked after the Miko in a worried manner.
"I have a feeling she'll be fine." Genkai turned to look at an annoyed Spirit Detective. "Dimwit! I want fifty laps around the property! Then meet me in the dojo."
End Chapter IV