Chapter Three
Demons, she could possibly handle. Rude hanyous, she'd handle sooner or later. But no way could she handle being stuck inside a plant while in the arms of a complete stranger--An incredibly handsome stranger.
"What is this?" Kagome asked hesitantly.
They were concealed inside some sort of plant-like dome that Kurama had summoned only seconds before the flames had reached them, and Kagome had only heard a faint commanding tone saying, "Petals of Protection."
Kagome reached out and hesitantly touched a portion of the wall that completely surrounded them. It had a soft feel to it, like satin, yet it was still cool to the touch, despite the fact that she could hear the crackling of the flames just outside of thier shelter. It was while she was relishing the pleasant feeling beneath her fingertips that the red headed stranger spoke.
"It is called the Petals of Protection. A Makai plant that is nearly indestructable; including being fire proof."
Kagome took in this information, then she stirred slightly in the arms that were still wrapped loosely around her waist. That's when she noticed his arms. Really nice arms. Around her waist. Before she could stop herself, Kagome blushed in embarassment, but decided not to say anything. Besides, there wasn't much room, Kagome decided almost too enthusiastically.
"It feels so soft..." Kagome murmured as she tried to discern Kurama's eyes in the slightly darkened enclosure. It did not take long for, to be sure, Kagome soon found two orbs of devastating emerald. "You said your name was Kurama, right?"
A small smile quirked his lips. "Yes, that is my name. And you are....?"
"Higurashi, Kagome," She provided shyly, "It's a pleasure to meet you.. even under these circumstances."
"Yes, this is quite a predicament we're in," Kurama agreed, "Though your friend is lacking the ability to realize it."
"Oh no! Inuyasha!" Kagome gasped as if she suddenly remembered the predicament they had left the hanyou in.
Hearing the blaze beginning to wane outside, Kurama said soothingly, "It seems as though we should be able to leave the plant's protection soon."
Kagome focused her attention to the sounds outside of the safe haven she was currently in. The flames were indeed receeding, but that didn't quite matter because Kagome wasn't exactly sure how they were going to get out. Not that she would mind... Concentrate, Kagome, concentrate. Then suddenly, the plant began to shudder slightly around them, causing Kagome to squeak in surprise. A shaft of light suddenly penetrated the dim interior of the plant as it seperated into four petals.
Kagome blinked in bewilderment, and only one word came to mind. Pretty. Hmm, imagine what Valentines day would be like! Kagome shook her head in frustration and was prepared to call out Inuyasha's name when--
"Hijinketsou!"
Oi.
Kagome turned just in time to see Inuyasha, who was still hanging in the air, direct his beastly attack towards Yura. Kagome watched in horror as Yura successfully block his attack with the skulls she kept, and surprisingly, her sword-wielding hand (which was not attached to Yura's hand), appeared behind Inuyasha and pierced the hanyou behind his back. It then promptly returned to the female demon by re-attaching itself to her wrist.
Before Kagome could scream out his name, Kurama had silenced the former by muffling her mouth with his own hands. "Shh, Kagome. It will not benefit us if she knew we were here."
After seeing Kagome nod in agreement, Kurama released the girl and eyed the battle in deep thought. Yura, now grinning with malice and triumph, began to mock Inuyasha for being such a weak half demon.
"Such a disadvantage you have, poor mutt. Being half human is useless and makes you weak beyond imagination." Yura sneered.
Inuyasha seethed while panting in pain and replied, "Shut up, bitch!"
Yura narrowed her eyes at him and was prepared for a final slash when suddenly, Inuyasha's arm penetrated deep inside the chasm of her chest. Yura gasped in sudden pain when a single, glowing shard fell from her body.
"You incompetent dog!" She screeched, seeing Inuyasha reach for the shard, then stepping on his hand. "How dare you!"
Just then, Yura felt an unpleasant tug on one of her hairs, and whirled around just in time to see Kagome climbing the vast amount of hair. Yura let out a sigh of frustration and whipped her head around to search for a certain kitsune. Kurama was no where to be found. She then cursed Kagome for being such a wretched girl, and began to shake Kagome off. Kagome, now struggling to hang on to the hairs, caught a red gleam out of the corner of her eyes.
A red skull. Ah-hah!
"That's it!" Yura yells, "I'm going to kill you once and for all!"
Kagome glanced up in perplexity as Yura dashed towards her, preparing for an attack. Suddenly, Yura was thrown back violently and a green vine revealed to be wrapped around the demon's neck. Kagome released a sigh of relief when she saw the distinct red hair of Kurama, but then was soon thrown into worry again when Yura lunged for Kurama. Quickly groping for her arrow, Kagome clutched the weapon within her hands and furrowed her eyebrows in consternation. What to do? What to do? Ack! Just poke it, Kagome!
Finally, out of an instinctive impulse, Kagome thrust the arrow into the red skull with all the force she could muster. She then heard the distinct crunch and felt it shatter as the arrow's sharp head pentetrated the skull. Yura immediately stopped in her tracks.
"You--you--" But before she could finish her insult, Yura had disintegrated into nothingness.
Kurama watched all of this in amazement, and Inuyasha was suddenly let down with a sound thud. Kagome breathed a sigh of relief and hobbled over to Inuyasha, seeing as how the hanyou was in a more dire position than the kitsune. Inuyasha stood up slowly and looked at Kagome as she bent over to retrieve a shikon shard on the way.
"Kagome, are you alright?" Inuyasha asked, his voice was a little gentler than before.
Kagome widened her eyes in shock and replied, "You said my name!"
"That is your name isn't it, wench?!"
Kagome narrowed her eyes dangerously and slapped Inuyasha's shoulder in revenge. He grimaced in pain and Kagome quickly apologized, and they both remembered that Kurama was still in their company. Kagome turned around and beamed at Kurama before thanking him.
"Thank you for all your help." Kagome said.
"Feh, not that we needed it or anything." Inuyasha grunted. Kurama's lips quirked in amusement upon hearing the arrogant hanyou's interception.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome scolded.
"What? He was more of a nuissance than a help."
"He was not! We could've been killed!"
"Yeah, and who's fault was that?!"
"Are you saying it's my fault?!!"
Kurama cleared his throat, successfully halting their quarrel, and said, "Would someone please tell me what time period we're in?"
Inuyasha blinked.
Kagome stared at him in astonishment. "I knew it!"
"Oh no, not another one." Inuyasha groaned.
"Are you from present Tokyo? I knew from your clothes. How did you get here?" Kagome's numerous questions were answered by a single arch of a red, delicate eyebrow.
"That's what I would like to know as well." He answered politely.
"Feh, whatever, I don't need this. Go back from wherever you're from." Inuyasha bit.
"Did you come from the well?" Kagome asked, stepping closer to Kurama and peering at him with curious eyes.
He nodded and glanced at Inuyasha's scowling face before saying, "I was sent to investigate you."
"Investigate me? By who?" Kagome's eyes widened considerably, revealing a pair of soft, gray irises.
"I can't give out that information, I'm afraid," At this, Kurama inclined his head in apology and continued, "But it appears that the reason you can travel is because of the shikon jewel."
"You know about it?" Inuyasha asked instantly upon hearing the words, 'Shikon Jewel'.
"I do. It is a jewel that possesses great power and gives unlimited power to the one who holds it." Kurama answered, his lips pursing in thought.
Kagome took a moment to observe this new stranger and take in his beautiful features. His malachite eyes were bright and full of perception while the crown of his head was boyishly adorned with the brightest of red hair. His jaw was firmly set, and there was an air about Kurama that told of experience and old-age mannerisms. He looked and dressed as if he came from her era, but the aura he gave off was like that of the Old World. She couldn't place her finger upon it, but Kagome knew that there was much more to Kurama than what he was revealing to them.
"So.. Are you human?" Kagome asked reluctantly.
"In a sense, yes." He replied mysteriously. Inuyasha grunted.
"What's that supposed to mean?" The hanyou snapped.
"Mhmm, I think we should head back before we ask anymore questions, Inuyasha." Kagome murmured, laying a gentle hand on Inuyasha's arm. Kurama observed them with a feeling of uneasiness, though he did not know why.
"Feh, whatever. I think I left the old woman buried somewhere." Inuyasha replied, disgruntled.
"What?! You left Kaede and you don't know where?!" Kagome shrieked. Inuyasha's ears flattened back in defense.
"What do you mean I don't know where! I know where! I just don't remember!" He countered.
"Inuyasha...." Kagome gritted her teeth together. Kurama raised both eyebrows in interest.
"What?!"
"SIT!"
Ouch. Kurama almost pitied the poor fellow. Almost. That was why inside, he was laughing in utter rapture.
"Wench!" Inuyasha roared. "What are you trying to do? Kill me!?"
"Hmph," Kagome haughtily stepped over him, "If only I could."
"Does this happen very often?" Kurama asked, stepping over Inuyasha to follow Kagome without giving much thought to the hanyou.
"Only when he's rude or inconsiderate." Kagome replied.
Oh. In other words, always.