Don't Smile

Chapter 8

A/n: Since I haven't updated for like four years, well I could just say my writing is completely different. And the direction I am taking this fanfic is probably going to be a bit more different. So, the whole flow will be choppy. Otherwise, let me continue on with this story.

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This whole place seemed surreal.

Taking a few steps onto the hallway, Kurama felt his mind almost separating from his body. Not in the sense where his inner demon was about to take over More so, in the sense that he felt like he was watching himself walk these hallways without any control of his body. Everything had been going too fast. Too fast. It was only a couple of days ago that Koenma had called all four of them into his office, relaying bad news about the Human and Demon Worlds. Then, moving to this new school with all these people from his past. Or was it really them? He had no idea what to think. And, to top that all off, his dreams about the past seemed like a never ending nightmare.

"Shuuichi-kun?" Kurama looked over at Kagome, realizing her presence was there. He almost forgot that she was there--guiding him to the office.

Concealing his surprise, Kurama quickly gave a soft smile and asked, "What is it, Kagome-san?"

"Well, I was wondering if you wanted to go out for lunch… like… after school."

He noted Kagome's faint blush. It was cute that she was asking him out like that. "I wouldn't mind going out with you after school. Though, how about later? I need to discuss some stuff with Sesshoumaru-sama and Onigumo-sama." He inwardly shuddered at the thought of giving respect to Onigumo. He remembered all the problems Onigumo caused him and his band of thieves. If it wasn't for him, some of his greatest companions would still be alive… like Kagome.

"Alright!" beamed Kagome. Her happiness slightly rubbed off on Kurama, but not enough to erase the pain of the past.

It was in a matter of a few seconds that the two reached the registration office. "Well, I'll see you later, Shuuichi-kun!" Kagome then rushed off to class, as the bell rang signaling for everyone to head to class.

Kurama opened the door. There stood Sesshoumaru and Onigumo.

"Good morning, Minamino-san," greeted Onigumo.

Kurama nodded, not exactly pleased to see him.

"Well, aren't we quite grumpy in the morning?" Onigumo paused to see what sort of reaction he would get from Kurama. So far. None. "Either way, we have quite a few things we have to discuss at my office." He then led the way.

Sesshoumaru and Kurama silently followed behind.

Once reaching the office, Kurama realized that Onigumo placed a barrier within the room. "What is the meaning of this?"

Onigumo smirked. "You should keep your cool, Youko Kurama. And, I would like to see your true form instead of this human form. It's quite unnerving to see you act what is below your status."

"Speak for yourself." Kurama felt his mindset switch. He had to be the cold, calculated demon that he trained himself to be for centuries. "Why would my demonic form be of any use to this meeting?" He quickly glanced over at Sesshoumaru to see him reverting back to his humanoid form. It was interesting that the only thing that changed about Sesshoumaru was that his dark purple jagged markings and crescent moon weren't present in his human form. Though, the thing about high class demons, such as Sesshoumaru, they can never look completely human. But, maybe that was the purpose of his, Sesshoumaru's, and every other demon's that looked human design.

"Just do it," said Sesshoumaru. It was typical of Sesshoumaru to lack any emotion in his voice. He then reverted to his humanoid self. His long fluffy tail. His markings. His long, sharp nails-just like a dogs. He could feel a strong power surging from this demon. Kurama quickly estimated that Sesshoumaru was indeed an S-class demon. Strangely enough, he believed that Sesshoumaru could probably defeat all three great demon kings of the Demon World.

Kurama closed his eyes, and he could feel his form changing. It felt a bit painful-this transformation. It was just like how it was earlier in the hallway with his mind separating from his body, except this time it was switching over to a different form. He felt his power surge through his body, but he kept it under check. He didn't want to let out how strong he was, even though the two before him already know.

What puzzled Kurama greatly was that Onigumo just stood there, with his stupid smirk. "Now that you both have reverted into your true form, this realm here is filled with three familiar lost souls. Though, what is the point of this?" He paused, checking for any reaction from the two demons. None. Quite typical. "These lost souls are Kuronue, Kagome, and Rin. If you both don't rescue them, well… it's mainly a loss for all the worlds because each one holds a piece as to why there's a disorder in the world."

"Why both of us?" inquired the now Youko Kurama.

"Because, my little foxy friend, you both are the closest to these spirits. They won't allow anyone to go near them. The Spirit Defense Team had already tried. And, knowing you both already having connections to them, it seems worth a shot. Any other questions?"

Sesshoumaru felt quite amused. "You have connections to the Spirit World? Nonetheless, since when did a being such as yourself even consider about saving the world?"

Onigumo cackled. "Sesshoumaru-sama, you amuse me. You truly do. However, I feel that those are irrelevant to this situation."

"How are they spirits even though they have counterparts existing outside of here?" asked Youko.

"It's just like how Kagome and Kikyo existed in the same time period. No more questions. I will be leaving you two." A portal opened for Onigumo, and he walked through.

Just as he exited, the room expanded into what seemed like an endless field of flowers. Something that Youko could use to his advantage possibly. He looked over to Sesshoumaru, and he looked back at him.

There was a silent agreement made between them as they met eyes. Both will bring back those lost souls, even if it killed them.

-

They had split up to cover more ground. They kept in contact through telepathy.

Once Youko was hundreds of miles away from Sesshoumaru, he stumbled upon a forest and walked toward it. He sensed a presence near the entrance. When he approached it, he noticed this human figure leaning against a tree.

He blinked.

Kagome! His mind shouted at him. He rushed to her aid. "Kagome… what's wrong? What happened to you?"

She was naked. Her figure was all beaten and battered up like a rag doll. He held her close. "What happened?"

She didn't even utter a reply.

He gently pushed her back to look straight into her eyes. "Kagome?"

"Kill me."

End of Chapter 8.