The blinding red and grey of Inuyasha's aura was flashing in jagged slashes from his body- and the unadulterated fury in his face was no match for the hair rising growl he was emitting.

He had come at the call of the others, and the miko was standing by him as she worried her hands in nervous energy. They were standing in some vague pattern of disarray around the grounds that were used to create the portals, and the half demon Shiori was waiting silently with that calm and anxious expression on her face as the demon lord stood proudly and stonily beside her.

Hiei knew who they were waiting for, but he still couldn't see why they could not start in on the reikai brat right away. He couldn't stand waiting, but Onigumo was one who knew more about the diplomatic workings of the three lands- and he was also the one with the higher claim to anything that affected the miko. And Hiei knew that what was going on right now greatly affected their miko.

So he resigned himself to waiting and cast furtive and worried glances at the miko standing beside him. She had left Jinenji in the forest, near the glade where he often went to clear his mind, and had removed her presence because she felt she was an unwelcome distraction.

And now she stood next to the hybrid and worried her hands and sent random glances around them- with her eyes open. An action more telling than any. None truly knew the relationship between this solitary and unusual miko and the demons of the five lands, but Hiei understood it the best. Even he wasn't privy to the innermost workings of the circle, finding himself on the vague outskirts and only allowed in because of the otherwise tentative bond he shared with this small woman. But right now he knew she was worried.

She had always been rather ashamed of her eyes, although he had yet to find how she could be ashamed of such a sacrifice. Granted he knew naught the whole story of her life, rather long that it would be, but he supposed he could infer that the cursed jewel had allowed the creation of the barrier, and she had made a sacrifice to aid someone.

That was just what Kagome would have done.

He had never quite figured out who it was for; but he had his suspicions.

He had only been amongst this family for a set of three years at the most, lucky to have been welcomed into the fold on just the insistence of the miko and not having to go through the painful and tedious initiation from the chosen interrogator. Hiei had seen one demon emerge without being approved, shamed and shaken.

He shook his head and glance around, discreetly putting a hand on the miko's elbow to reassure her of his presence. Her eyes turned to him, the stars ceasing their frantic swirling and she gave him a rueful and worried smile before taking a deep breath and forcing herself to relax. And despite the relaxed position her body took her muscles could still be seen quivering with strain and tension, and her eyes though shut still fluttered at the lashes.

He stepped closer to her side just as four broke through the foliage. The wolf Ginta nodded once to Kouga and continued running, never having broken his stride from entering the sacred grounds, and the other three slowed their pace.

Kurama looked around in confusion; Hiei could see the slick sheen of sweat from exertion gracing his brow slightly before he spotted them. Those green eyes lit up with recognition, relief and a driving curiosity that put Hiei on edge- having plenty of experience with the rather stubborn kitsune.

But Kagome clenched his hand before he could comment, and she drew his attention back to her before he could warn the fox away. Hiei had completely missed Onigumo entering the sacred grounds as well, so completely focused had he been on his teammate. But Kagome had noticed, and she gave him the telling shift of her hand before she stepped swiftly to the tall, lean man's side.

Onigumo pulled her under his arm, whispering something softly to her ear as the kitsune looked on curiously. Kagome looked about worriedly, even glancing back at the stone gateway that would provide the basis for the portal in worry and apprehension before she nodded her head.

Onigumo briefly pressed a kiss to her forehead atop her bangs, and her face lowered before this odd little smile came over her face and she stepped away with a sigh. Hiei noticed, with a rather obvious smirk, Kurama's confusion and turmoil before he decided to step in. As much as he wanted to watch the fox stew in his curiosity…he couldn't let unsavory rumors start circulating about their miko.

"They share a very close bond, having known each other for a long while, and the have been there for each other in some very tight situations. They share no feelings other than those you would feel for your mother had she been more spiritually informed- they are almost family."

Kurama still remained with his questioning expression, but Hiei deemed it far too personal for the fox to know now if Onigumo had yet to inform him. He watched the miko turn her face to where he knew Jinenji wept, and Hiei flinched as the miko shuddered and a tear feel from her closed eyes.

Jin cautiously walked up to the miko, a hand firmly on her shoulder as he looked to Kohaku for permission. Hiei pushed out a breath in misplaced amusement…they were all friends but they each looked up to one other, creating an intricate web of superiors and allies and friends and family. Hiei found he was surprised (as he usually was when he actually thought about the situation) that he was one of those in this web…and he did not want out.

Kohaku nodded his head for permission to Jin, and the usually rambunctious redhead tilted his head in acknowledgment and hugged the miko to his chest, soft words being murmured to her ears as he rubbed her arms and back in comfort. Inuyasha paused in his stewing paces to glance worriedly at the small woman before he shook his head and walked to his mate.

Their whispered conversation was steadily growing quieter as they settled something, and Sesshoumaru and Shiori stepped back from their work just as a portal was pulled into existence – and the lord nodded to Onigumo for the right of way.

Kurama tilted his head as Hiei smirked- he was obviously confused at the order of things. If Sesshoumaru was lord he was honor bound to enter a room before his inferiors, but that was not the way it worked here. The Highers were an unusual lot, and Kurama still needed to figure some things out. But by the looks he was getting from Kagura (a rather cold and measuring glare) he would be set straight soon enough. But for now they had some political matters to attend to.

Inuyasha turned to the distressed miko. "Kikyou has decided to wait with you; we will contact you when we discover what exactly caused this." His look softened briefly at the miko's pained expression. "We'll be back soon, we promise."

Kikyou smiled gently as she walked up to the wind user and the woman in his arms, placing a steadying hand on the shorter female's back. Hiei watched as Kohaku joined them, only briefly entertaining the thought of staying as well…but Kagome would understand.

Koenma was about to be put down a notch or two, and Hiei needed to be there for that and to discover what had gone wrong. He followed the Highers that were going to the confrontation with Kurama at his side without glancing back.

.x.

Koenma had known it was bad the moment the portal opened into his office, he had even had his fears confirmed when Onigumo himself stepped into his territory…and then he was followed by most of the High thirteen and Kurama.

He sat up straighter, practically feeling his back snap in two at the new tenseness it wasn't used to. He could tell this wasn't going to be good for him. It was bad when they needed to contact him…but to come directly to him? His father was surely going to hear of this….

He was drawn back to attention (his back starting to really feel the strain) by the settling motions of the group, only getting him to notice the murderous expression on Inuyasha's face and the painfully curious expression of his fox detective. He really didn't want to look at Hiei…

Onigumo settled into one of the rather bare chairs in the office, and it was as if this was his office…it was as if he had no other care or worry in the world…it was as if he was the one in control. And Koenma knew he was.

There was one thing everyone knew about Onigumo, it was that he was cunning and diplomatic- a rather deadly combination. His true power hadn't been felt in centuries; he just hadn't needed to use it. Onigumo was a demon that need not use his own physical or demonic power to get what he wanted…to keep what he wanted… he had enough tricks and the political power to stay the whole of reikai should he so choose.

And it was no wonder that he was the most feared out of all. He was the unknown factor in everything they did regarding the miko and her brood (actually they really didn't know anything about any of the Highers, but more so of Onigumo), and he was the one that had the guiding hand in this meeting- Koenma would bet his binky on it.

He nodded his head in deference.

"My colleagues tell me that you might be the reason that our miko is in danger."

Koenma spluttered indignantly. "How dare you accuse me of such things!" Ignore the fact that he wanted to study their miko extensively. Ignore the fact that he really had no clue what the miko was- let alone what she could do. Ignore the fact that he wanted to understand how his father had been tricked into granting the Highers political amenities; ignoring that he could be unsuspicious, and he hoped they didn't know this.

Kurama stiffened visibly in realization and Koenma winced, hoping that the fox wouldn't say anything about his previous comments to the miko. It was far too late for him to do any backtracking- at least not any that would throw these demons off his tail, they were far too protective of their miko to be thrown so easily off the scent.

Inuyasha snarled and stood up, his imposing height towering over the prince even in his higher form of the teenager. He winced at the rage flowing off of him and let out a breath when Sesshoumaru placed a hand on his brothers arm to settle him down. Then he gave him a cold glance.

"Do not bother with your lies, prince Enma, we only wish to know what blunder of yours has put ours in danger." The chilling and controlled voice sent no comfort to the reikai prince, and he settled heavily into his chair and glanced briefly at his spirit detectives that were present. Well, at Kurama anyways.

Hiei would not deign to let any emotion show that would be particularly useful…but the fox only appeared confused. Koenma would receive no help from either- though it was a very unlikely the fire and ice hybrid would have in the first place.

Koenma brought himself to the present (it was never good to lose track of your thoughts in the presence of such important people- and Onigumo was the most; it was said once that he was privy to even your innermost thoughts…) with a snap of his neck and focused completely on the rather intimidating persons in front of him.

It seemed that the game had begun.

Not that he treated this as a game mind you…

Snap out of it!

"Enma." The sharp voice was more than enough incentive for the child ruler to focus on the proceedings, but he sunk even further into his chair (as far as possible without looking like a sullen teenager) and resisted the urge to wail out his woes from the foreboding and clipped voice of Sesshoumaru's retainer. "We have no time for petty well-wishes and hollow words." Oh shit he was in trouble now. "I know you have done something that put me and mine in danger." Koenma's eyes darted about his office, searching for an excuse, and alibi, anything! Non-royalty shouldn't be allowed to achieve that tone with their voice! "Now, tell me."

"Tell us."

"Yeah, we would really like to know what has Kagome-onee-sama so distraught."

"Keh, we'd like to know what got a fucking memorial fucking desecrated." Inuyasha growled out at the prince, who was fighting the telling urge to cower away in his rather comfy high-back chair.

The voices all were accusing, the voices were all hard and cold, the voices were all asking him to tell them what he didn't want to reveal. It would prove damaging to the Reikai reputation and their touchy alliance with the Highers and the Higurashi. And then they were looking at him like he was a lowly traitor who refused to give information about his deeds.

Inuyasha growled softly and crossed his arms as he glared at the prince from his aggressive stance.

Sweat beaded on his brow.

Onigumo settled forward, leaning one chin on the hand propped up on the chairs arm.

Koenma's eyes darted back and forth across the room- looking for an excuse…any excuse.

Sesshoumaru leaned against the wall, his intimidating figure cutting into and being encased in the shadows slightly and providing a menacing tint to his glaring face.

Koenma shuffled the papers on his desk.

The wolf demon with the white Mohawk snarled; a lip curling to reveal a fang that seemed altogether too clean of blood- and thirsting for his.

He shuddered and started out; slowly, as if testing the words and the reactions to them. "The Blood Rites… (A few raised eyebrows). I was told that although they had the tale with them…they also had a hidden tale… (A stiffening of some shoulders)." Onigumo tilted his head, giving an expression of humorous interest. Koenma stiffened now in response. "We of Reikai decided that we needed to know the hidden tale."

The punked out wolf snarled, stepping forward in obvious objection to that statement. "That is not in our treaty of new…or any of the old."

Inuyasha snarled, stepping up as the female wind user snapped open her fan and glared over it at the reikai prince. Their actions were stopped, by Sesshoumaru and Onigumo respectively, with them only settling back by the demon lord's smirk and the retainer's amused expression. Kagura fluttered her fan as she looked around huffily.

"We found that we couldn't discover the hidden words," Kagura scoffed and the movement of the fan briefly revealed her satisfied smirk, "so we decided to copy the scroll, hoping that we could study it further…"

"You copied the sign of our allegiance and truce!" came the snarling response of Kagura, Inuyasha snapping at the air beside him as he turned to face away from the prince.

Koenma snapped, standing up abruptly and pushing his chair back with a sharp thud. "You bound my father's hands with your treaties! It is not right to bind the hands of reikai as so! WE hold the lands from the turmoil they faced in the Warring States!"

His rant was stopped by Sesshoumaru's cool and accusing voice. "We designed those treaties with our miko to aid us in maintaining our peace…but this has nothing to do with the problems we now face."

Koenma settled back, eyebrow twitching slightly as he clenched his hands. "That would be well, except for the fact that the copy scroll was…ah…misplaced?" The last word was said hesitantly and frightened, and Koenma hated himself for it. It was just that simply one of this group was scary…a whole bunch of them was…Koenma shivered.

"You made a copy of our scroll…and you lost it?" Kagura's sarcastic yet furious remark was cut off as Inuyasha stood in his fury.

"YOU SPIT UPON HER SACRIFICE!" The hanyou retainer seemed to glow with his ire, his hair lifting slightly with the youki and jyaki that surrounded him as he slammed his fists down onto the desk sending papers and trinkets scattering from the force of his movement.

Koenma spluttered out the beginnings of his excuses, ready to defend the fact that he had worked around their treaty and alliances and promises to discover what exactly made the Highers what they were…and what the miko was. He was ready to straighten his back and possibly order them to leave…and then a portal abruptly opened and out came the wolf retainer to Ayame.

"Kagome NEEDS US!" He gasped out as the whirlwind of speed and youki around him drifted and faded and revealed his bedraggled appearance. His hair was coming out of its tie, and his face was flushed with exertion and panic. Onigumo abruptly stood.

"WHAT!" Inuyasha stopped his would be tirade and snapped his furious eyes to the prince of reikai, taking menacing steps forward. Koenma gulped- audible even above the sounds of conflicting youki and growls and hisses. The hanyou stalked over, far more intimidating with the shadowed eyes and lifted him by the scruff of his collar. "If I so much as find anything grossly wrong, and at your cost, you will know it." He growled out, shaking Koenma as he stated each syllable.

Koenma felt he sweat bead on his brow, but he calmly raised his hand and pushed the half-breed away from him with a haughty expression. "You would do well to remember who I am hanyou."

Hiei snarled, and Onigumo stood up in a flurry of robes and rage. "You would do well to remember the treaties that bind you fool!" The tall imposing form of Onigumo seemed to bristle and become more daunting as he hissed out his sentence, and Kagura and the two wolf demons exited through the still open portal with only a fleeting and accusatory backward glance.

Koenma had the detached wonder of who could hold a portal so long but dismissed it as inconsequential as the taunted hanyou grabbed him by the scruff and dragged him through with the rest of their group.

They emerged from the portal in the ningenkai, coming to the shrine of the Higurashi that Koenma had always wondered about…and now he got to see it. But he had never expected this, this shrine that was desecrated and ransacked…to a point.

He imagined the old broken wood beams with shattered glass and upturned plants had once been a greenhouse, and the erratically tilled dark earth near the tall sacred tree had once been a garden- but it was no more.

He looked around with wide eyes, the fist at his collar tightening against his throat before he was dropped to watch the hanyou and most of the Highers that had been in his office approach an elderly monk and a woman- a young priest in training stood off to the side, staring at the crumbled figure in miko robes that was still in front of the remains of the greenhouse.

He watched her hands fist in the soil of the swept ground, finding it disconcerting that most the other property of the shrine was left pristinely intact. It didn't bode well…

The wolf demon that had interrupted the meeting - Kouga – was kneeling aside her and trying to uncurl her clenched fingers and whispering in her ears. She wasn't really responding, but then she turned and stood so swiftly she swayed at the abruptness that sent blood rushing to her head.

She loped rigidly over to Onigumo, touching his arm with a trembling hand as Hiei and Kagura approached. A few of the retainers that had not been present at his office emerged from the rubble of the greenhouse, Koenma pausing to briefly wonder how large the structure had really been…

The conversed quietly off to the side, watching their miko warily. Her trembling hand finally settled on Onigumo's arm, and she swayed slightly on spot. "It's gone." Her soft whisper echoed on the wind, and Koenma found it foreboding…

What had truly happened?

.x.X.x.

To kogas-mate…I just turned 16! Yay for me! I offer thanks for the compliment! And I'll try to clear up the confusion you have…to my understanding at least. Okay, reiki is the power every spirit has, and I believe every spirit has, yet some have more and greater potential than others- thus they become spiritually aware. There is also the fact that these gifted can be awakened faster in the presence of other gifted. Ha, like Maya and Kurama in YYH, ne? Every Youkai has youki, or demonic energy- and I believe this is dominant over their reiki- like Hiei's dominant is fire and really not ice. But I believe that miko ki and other holy ki is a direct result of reiki- just a whole different category of it. Because the larger a holy persons soul is the greater their power is. So they have an entirely different soul than other humans and gifted and demons. Hence Kagome is in a way using reiki and miko ki. Yeah. So I hope that helps you become slightly persuaded to my opinion (can you tell I'm in English class right now?)

And thanks to Neaera! I loved your review it made me giggle and clap my hands… no seriously it did!

Oh and would people mind reviewing this…or my other stories? I need feedback and encouragement. It helps a lot you know.