Odd Combinations

Authors Note: Ok so I’ve gotten two very conflicting reviews.  One person says that they like the way I’ve denoted who is speaking with the telepathy, the other is wildly against it.  Same conflict with the length too.  So here’s my decision:  I’m starting to try and lengthen my chapters, after going back and reading them after posted they do look too short.  However the telepathy thing is staying until I get a review that’s a tie breaker.  So If you have an opinion about it, let me know Please!

For easier reading when using telepathy: ‘Hiei’, ‘Kurama’, ‘Yoko’, ‘Kagome’

Chapter 7: Oops!

Reactions about the room varied greatly Kuwabara stood there shocked. Yusuke started yelling about why she hadn’t told them she must have been lying about being able to take care of herself. Kurama stepped over and asked to look over the wound, hoping that his healing abilities would be of some help. Hiei most would have said that he didn’t even notice what was going on.  Except Kagome noticed the briefest of movements as he sniffed the air and let out an almost inaudible growl.

‘Was that a growl, Shorty?’ Yoko was shocked.  Hiei almost never spoke unless directly addressed or making degrading someone. 

‘Use your nose, you stupid fox. The wound is over a day old, but there is the smell of fresh blood.’ Hiei growled out through their mental link.  He didn’t like caring, but keeping her safe was his job now and he was taking it more serious than he had ever taken a mission before.  He just couldn’t figure out why…

‘Maybe because you like her?...’ Yoko teased.

‘Shhh, Yoko! Do you want to get us killed?’  Kurama hissed at his other half.

Hiei just ignored them and put up the mental barriers to keep them from hearing any more of his musings.

“Here Kagome let me take a look at that.” Kurama said as he quickly took her hand from Shizuru’s grip. “Smells like you’ve reopened the wound.” Kurama continued to open the wrappings as Kagome made no move to stop him.  Though she did keep a close eye on him while speaking to Shizuru.

“Shizuru, I know that this is a little hard to believe but I’m a Miko, and I’ve been dealing with demons for three years now.  I can handle myself.” Kagome said quietly as Kurama finished unwrapping the wound. She wasn’t able to hold in the hiss as the wound hit the open air.

“Oh my god! You call this taking care of yourself!” Shizuru yelled while staring at the deep gashes in Kagome’s arm.

“Well… I got a little careless and didn’t check to make sure the bear youkai was actually dead before walking up to it…” Kagome laughed as she rubbed the back of her head nervously. “It’ll heal quickly though.  It would be much further healed if I didn’t reopen it during the fight earlier.”

“The demon must have reopened the wound when he grabbed you.” Kurama stated remembering the fight. “Well normally I’d be able to help along the healing process, but I don’t have any of my herbs with me. So I’ll just have to make do with the typical first aid.” Kurama sighed asking Kuwabara to grab their first aid kit.

“Actually I have my supplies in my room, just let me go grab them.” Kagome said as she got up and went to the guest room to get her bag.  When she returned she had a case with dozens of glass bottles, bandages, and assorted fastenings for treating wounds.

“Wow, you really are prepared, aren’t you Kagome?” Kuwabara laughed.

“Well I’ve learned that being resourceful is necessary, but being prepared makes life a whole lot easier.  Besides some of these herbs are hard to find and making do without means longer times to heal.”

Kurama was looking through examining all the different herbs when he stopped and pulled up a bottle. Holding it up to the light he asked, “Isn’t this poisonous to humans?”

Kagome just giggled. “Yes actually.  It’s quite poisonous, however it works great for knocking Inuyasha out for a few hours when I need to make him rest. He tends to push himself past reasoning even when severely injured.  So I just mix that in his ramen and tell him that it’s to help speed the healing process… he he… fifteen minutes later he’s out like a light and has no idea that I did anything.”

Everyone in the room was quiet for a minute as the stared at her in shock.  Shizuru the most shocked of all spoke first. “Kagome! You poisoned him while he was injured?  Are you trying to kill him? And who is Inuyasha anyways?”

“He he… No I wasn’t trying to kill him. Inuyasha is a hanyou so that herb will only knock him out for a couple of hours.  And to explain who he is…well I should start at the beginning so that it’s not too confusing…” Kagome trailed off before taking a deep breath and starting into telling an abbreviated version of her story.

……..

By the time Kagome had finished telling her story Kurama had finished tending to Kagome’s arm. As the conversation ended Kagome told Shizuru about meeting Koenma and his decision to send the boys back with her.  “So now I’ll be even safer than before with these guys helping us out.” Kagome smiled as she looked to see Shizuru’s reaction.

“Well..” Shizuru sighed, “at least you’re not going to have these lugs protecting you from now on.  That makes me feel a lot better about the whole thing.” Shizuru rubbed her forehead wearily. “Your sure that they can’t just handle this without you?” She asked.

“No Shizuru.  I’m the only one that can sense the shards. Besides, I’m the one that shattered the jewel in the first place.  This is my responsibility.”  Kagome responded.  “Now, I’m expected back tomorrow afternoon.  Do any of you have a problem heading over to the shrine tomorrow morning? That way I can pack up the rest of my supplies before heading out.”

There was a general consensus of agreement among the men before Kagome continued. “I’ll take care of most of the supplies, but you guys will want to bring clothes, bathing supplies, and any other nessessities you think you’ll need for the next two weeks.  It’ll probably be that long before we make it back.”

After that was agreed the boys slowly dismissed themselves.  “Well then, I’ll go start packing.” said Kurama before quickly making an exit.

“I’ve got to go let Keiko know what’s up, and spend some time with her before we leave.” Yusuke said as headed for the door.

Hiei never said anything before leaving. Though when Kagome looked over to the corner he had been in he was gone.  Not that she was worried.  She could still feel his energy nearby and new that he was keeping an eye on her for now.

Kagome turned to Shizuru.  “I need to get some more supplies.  Normally I’d shop tomorrow before leaving, but with the guys going with me I’d rather get it out of the way.  Is there a camping store nearby?”

Shizuru was intrigued. “Sure, why don’t I take you there.  Kazuma won’t mind us taking some girl time.”