The Better Man

Chapter Twenty-Two

"Don't worry Yukina, Yusuke and the others will find us." Keiko tried to reassure the scared koorime. She knew the others would come for them, hopefully they would come soon. The two men that had them were begining to give them lustful looks. A hand caressed her backside and she began to struggle in her bonds. "Don't touch me."

Surely they would be saved before they were raped or killed. Worry filled her, looking at the rope placed around her wrists. The man had said it would keep Hiei from being able to track them. Was it true? Did Yusuke have no way of finding her? Regret filled her, she knew he would do everything that it took to get her back. Because he loved her.

"Wait," The man stopped in his tracks sniffing the evening air. "Someone's coming and fast. Put the girl and prepare yourself." Keiko felt herself being deposited on the ground roughly. The man pulled out his sword looking around the woods.

Keiko saw something rush past her eyes then the man's head fell to the ground next to her. She screamed when a man stood in front of her. His claws dripping with blood, the knuckles cracked as the fingers flexed.

"Get that girl you two, lets get out of here. Doesn't look like Kanna is here." He leaned over and picked Keiko up. She was thrown over his shoulder as he took off running.

He didn't speak to her again as they ran well into the night. Finally he took them up a large mountain, terror filled her at seeing all the youkai around. Were they going to kill her and Yukina? Why save them just to kill them again. She was placed inside a cave, Yukina was dumped beside her. "Why have you brought us here?"

"Is that your way of saying thanks?" He grumbled. "Don't worry we don't eat humans. So tell me why would Kanna take you two? You don't look special to me."

"I think she did it to draw out the miko. Yes, I heard the man say something about luring Kagome out." Yukina spoke.

His eyes widened, "Did you say Kagome?"

"Yes, she's a very close friend of mine and a miko. So if you harm either one of us she'll make you regret it pal. I'm sure they are coming for us as we speak." Keiko hoped the threat would keep them from being harmed.

"Not with those things on she isn't." He cut through the bindings and grinned. "There, you two will stay here where it's safe. Don't worry, you'll be free to go once Kagome gets here. You can say we're old friends." He chuckled as he thought of seeing her again after all this time.


Hiei picked them up the second their bonds came off, the group changed direction. He was carrying Kagome on his back while Youko carried the other girl. He knew the miko was still awake, the other girl slept peacefully. A grin passed his lips when he looked over at her. He wondered what had changed the fox's mind about taking a virgin to his bed. Bedding one was always a bad idea to begin with. It always took more work to get them there and when you did someone like himself or Youko would have to be gentle. When one wanted to simply fulfill his desire and lust, all that work wasn't worth it if you couldn't lose control.

Everytime Kurama had been around the girl he had been polite and friendly. He'd wanted his next conquest to be the miko who had been proving to be difficult. Hiei knew the miko would have been nothing more than that. She had ignored the fox from day one, which had sparked his interest. Hiei had seen Kurama watching Rin as well the few times they had went to visit. Instead of lust his eyes had held curiousity and admiration.

What he really wanted to know; was what the hell the miko saw in the baka running behind him? She was powerful and beautiful, so why did she want him? Seemed both pairs had been busy while locked up. He could smell the magic still mixed in everyone's release but the fox's. Which meant the spell had been broken when he'd found his. It also said that he hadn't been under it's control when he'd claimed the girl.

They began to climb up the mountain in the darkness, the miko stirred on his back. Her hand tightened on his shoulder, he turned to look at her. They made it halfway up before they were confronted. They stood near the edge waiting for their visitors to show themselves. Hiei put the miko on her feet incase he needed to engage in battle.

Rin felt Youko trying to stir her, she opened her eyes. His hands let go off her legs so she could slide down. He took a step away from her but he stayed in front of her. She looked around, they were on a mountain. Nothing but sky could be seen behind her, darkness greeted her. Seemed the group was waiting on something, only Kuwabara stood next to her. Everyone else took a step forward when voices and growling was heard.

Her blood ran cold when over a dozen yellow eyes were seen coming towards them. Several youkai walked along side the creatures, she took a step back. Fear filled her as they continued to bare down on the group.

Kagome had her bow lifted waiting to see who it was. She didn't recognize any of the youkai walking towards them but knew what kind they were. The wolves were growling showing teeth, coming towards them menacingly. "I don't suggest you take another step."

"Now is that any way for my woman to greet me?"

She lowered the bow, disbelief in her voice. "Kouga?" She watched him step out of the shadows finally and smiled.

Kuwabara bristled at the man's announcement but didn't say anything. His eyes flickered over the man, his guess a wolf youkai and Kagome seemed to know him. He turned his head not wanting to see the reunion. His sight landed on the girl as she took another step back. Her face was pale, he could see her trembling. Her intake of breath was heard as the wolves began to bark, showing teeth. Fear filled him when she took another step back and her foot found nothing. "Stop." His scream caught everyone's attention.

Kagome turned in time to see Rin go over the edge, her face ashen. "Shit, Rin." Hiei ran past her jumping over the edge. "Call off the wolves Kouga." She saw the confused look on his face, "It's Sesshoumaru's ward."

"Get them out of here," He yelled at his men, knowing what had frightened the girl. "Now, before he brings her back up." He saw Ginka and Hakaku do what he asked. The small youkai landed back on the ledge with the girl in his arms. Her head was cradled against his chest, out but still alive.

"Nice friends you have miko." Hiei sneered at her, he'd seen the girl's memories the moment he had caught her. No wonder she was petrified of the animals.

"Excuse me, she's alive isn't she." Kouga could tell he wasn't going to like the man already. It wasn't like he'd known the girl when his wolves had killed her.

"No thanks to you. Takes a real coward to kill a child." He saw the wolf stiffen under the comment, "I should kill you and every last one of your pathetic breed, starting with you. Show you the same mercy as you showed her."

Kagome knew Hiei meant every word he said. Not that she could blame him, not if he'd seen Rin's memories. It had been horrible enough to leave a permanent scar on her mind. "Hiei killing him won't change the past. Besides he's changed since then."

"You know and yet you would defend him?" The others watched the debate not sure what was going on.

"Yes, he was my friend before I found about it. He wasn't the same person, I swear to you." Kagome didn't want to see Kouga die.

"Hn. I don't care what you say. Fine I won't kill him but if him or one of his beasts gets near her I'll show you how quickly I can change my mind." He turned to Youko who had a questioning look on his face. "Later, don't let them near her." He handed the girl over to him.

"Kouga you haven't by chance seen a human girl and a koorime around here have you?" Kagome asked to change the subject. Anything to keep the bloodshed at bay.

"As a matter of fact, I found them ealier this evening. Kanna's men were taking them to her fortress, we got to them before they made it. They are waiting at the camp for you." His eyes roamed over her, she looked a little older but still his Kagome. He could also feel the power radiating off her, the power of the jewel. His nose sniffed the air and he growled, the stench of another man clung to her. "Follow me, I'll take you to them then we will talk."


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