I know I know it's been a while since I've updated this I'm really REALLY sorry! But that's what happens when life decides to throw a million things at you all at once. Just so you know I've been looking through my previous chapters and decided that some of it needed some work so there's been a few ( and probably more later on ) slight changes, nothing major, just trying to give a better description of the image I have in my head.

Since it's been a good month or I decided to give you guys an extra long chapter! So here's chapter 4 enjoy :)

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters or ideas created by the wonderful Rumiko Takahashi

"this" means someone's speaking

'this' is someone's thoughts

"this"/ "this' is something that happened in the past

"Attention recruits this is your 10 minute warning"

Hearing this the remaining cadets began to frantically search for the other participants in order to gather all the points they could within the amount of time they had left. Since they didn't know how the instructors were basing their pass or fail grades everyone was giving their all in order for them to continue with the course and get through this first test.

Noticing the slight desperation that some of the men were showing, Kagome decided to hide herself from the panicking, hectic males and wait till the clock ran out. People were unpredictable when cornered or pressured and she'd rather not get into any unnecessary fights and be injured, it would only make completing the qualification course that much more difficult.

Finding a secluded area thick with tall trees and brush, the only female of the test found an abnormally large tree with roots that formed a sort of wooden cage at its base. After a quick inspection and survey of the area she found an opening big enough for her to slip through but the roots would still mask her figure from sight.

Settling into a comfortable position, Kagome grabbed her pistol and placed it in her lap for easy access, just in case someone did find her and she had to fight back. Listening for any noises that would indicate the presence of someone in the clearing, she kept her body tense and ready to spring into action.

After a minute of hearing nothing the exhaustion of the past hour's activities finally started to settle in so Kagome decided it would be ok to close her eyes for a bit, but still stay alert.

While waiting for the instructors to announce the end of the test, the raven haired female began thinking of all the people that she'd shot and hit with her knife during this trial and started tallying them up in order to see just how many points she had.

'Let's see...those first three groups, the three idiots from the ambush, the crazy tranny-'

Hearing a twig snap brought Kagome out of her musings and, upon snapping her eyes open, started scanning the area in order to find where the sound had originated from. Seeing a shadow pass by the base of the large tree and slowly get closer she lifted up her pistol and tensed her muscles, waiting for the right moment to spring forth from her shelter and surprise this new adversary. Holding her position for a few more seconds until the shadow was close enough, the female cadet took two slow, deep breaths before jumping out from the cover of the roots and aiming her gun at the unsuspecting perso-rabbit?

Letting out a breath that she'd been holding in, Kagome gave the fluffy, snow white bunny an exasperated look. "The heck- they even put animals in this arena? Guess they really strive for authenticity..."

The startled rabbit just stayed where it was when she first jumped out, staring at the intimidating human with wide, black, frightened eyes. Noticing the petrified bunny at her feet she crouched down to the grass covered ground and gave the animal a disarming smile.

"Sorry about that little guy I thought you were another participant", lifting her hand in the direction of the small animal she gained a soft look in her eyes, "there's no need to be afraid though, I won't hurt you."

Cautiously the pure white bunny inched its way over to her hand before delicately sniffing it in order to determine if she was truly a threat. Having deemed her safe the rabbit happily hopped into Kagome's arms and snuggled into the warmth that they provided.

She may have seemed calm and collected on the outside but mentally she was squealing over the cuteness of the furry little mammal. 'How adorable! Ayame would be sooo jealous if she saw this right now.'

Out of nowhere a rich chuckling could be heard sounding as though it was coming from all around the small clearing. Popping her head up, Kagome observed the area but was unable to find where the voice originated from. Carefully, she placed the rabbit onto the hard ground and tensed up in anticipation of an attack.

.

.

.

.

.

"Over here"

Quickly spinning around Kagome raised her right leg and swung it down in a arc behind her but was only met with air.

Dropping back into a defensive stance she waited for the next sound that would alert her to the location of the elusive man.

Not even 5 seconds had passed before he made his next move. At first she had thought that it was just the grass brushing against her calves but after looking down, discovered that what she once thought was grass turned out to be vines slowly curling up around her legs. It was too late though for they had already encompassed both her feet completely, preventing her from moving around.

Just before the trapped woman attempted to free herself from the deep olive green vines a voice was heard to the left of her.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

Twisting her head sharply in the direction the voice had come from, causing her black locks to whip around behind her, Kagome's surprised, vibrant blue orbs locked with a pair of amused and shockingly green ones. Staying to the shadows, the man's almost glowing emerald eyes where the only thing that Kagome could see of him besides a faint outline of his body.

'Demon, and this one seems pretty strong too...well crap.'

Not giving it a second thought the immobilized female lifted her gun into the air and shot off three consecutive rounds towards the man in the shadows only to watch his image fade as soon as the projectiles came into contact with it.

Letting a deep frown settle on her face Kagome continued flicking her eyes all around the small area. 'An illusion user as well, just my luck.'

Forgetting about the warning the demon had gave her earlier, she went to go lift her right foot from the ground but as soon as she started pulling up on the constricting plant long, barbed, and sharp thorns emerged out of it, biting into the strong calf muscles of the young woman's leg.

Buckling slightly from the wound, Kagome let a small pained moan escape from her grimacing lips. "Shit!"

Once again laughter could be heard coming from all directions of the tiny enclosed clearing causing a slight annoyance to begin building within the now injured woman. "Hahaha, are all humans really this stupid? I've warned every last one I came across yet they always do the exact opposite of what I tell them, how predictable can you all get?"

Being unable to move from her current position, Kagome decided to try a different tactic. "So what if we're predictable, at least we face our opponents head on instead of using cheap tricks. If youkai are so much better why not show yourself."

"If that's what you want..." Seconds later a figure could be seen walking towards the immobilized female and out of the shadows. Once completely emerged Kagome had to take a second to fully appreciate the alluring male standing before her.

He stood around 6 foot with dark red orange hair pulled into a ponytail atop his head, sun tanned skin, and a strong, chiseled face. His forest colored eyes were hooded with a seductive smirk resting upon his slim lips and his arms were crossed in front of his broad chest. Sporting the same uniform as everyone else his five fluffy tails, the same color as his hair, where splayed out behind him causing a sort of fanning effect, the black of the uniform only making the bright color stand out even more.

Noticing the admiring look that the female before him was showing, the demon's small smirk turned into a full blown predatory smile. "Like what you see kitten?"

"Kitten?" Kagome questioned.

"Sure, you're as graceful as one and just as cute too." He replied while winking in her direction.

Feeling her annoyance increase even more she let her irritation show through her eyes. "Don't think you'll have your way just because of your looks, I'm not like most females and won't fall for it."

Gaining a bit of excitement from the challenge that she seemed to be presenting him with the man let a playful gleam enter his gaze. "Oh really...", and without warning he vanished from his spot 10 feet from her and suddenly appeared less than a foot in front of the surprised girl smiling in a way that showed off his sharp canines, "we'll just have to see about that won't we hm?"

Over the course of the test there had only been a few recruits that had even caught the young Daiyoukai 's interest. Many we're turning out to be soldiers who were above average but nowhere near the level required to enter into the notorious special forces group.

"Nothing but weaklings, these past few years haven't produced any results and I do not believe this group will be any different."

An older male on Sesshomaru's right gave the doubtful Inu a wise look. "Don't count them all out just yet boy, this is only the beginning, we haven't even seen half of what they can do yet."

Nodding Toga had to agree. "Hyousuke's right you know, it's the first day, we still have months to determine whether they're worthy or not."

"Hn."

Raising a dark eyebrow Toga looked at his son with a bored expression planted firmly on his young looking face. 'If he continues with that kind of attitude I'll never get grand children...'

Ignoring the look given to him by his father Sesshomaru once again turned his attention to the screen broadcasting the last couple minutes of the test, all the while counting how many participants would be forcibly removed from the course due to injuries. In his opinion, the fewer left the better.

Scanning through the list of names in their ranked order the cold demon noticed that his ( rather unwanted ) charge was currently engaged in battle. Using a special tablet provided to all the proctors of the qualification course he flipped through all the fights before finding the one he'd been searching for. Upon clicking the video feed for it, it enlarged enough to fill up the notebook sized screen.

'So the vixen meets the fox, interesting.'

With nothing else to do and little time left in the first trial, Sesshomaru decided to watch how things would turn out, wondering if the girl could possibly outsmart one of the most cunning demons there is.

After those words left the mouth of the red head a sudden fuzzy feeling began seeping into her mind and body, making it hard for her to concentrate on anything, especially the male before her.

'I can't...control my own movements'

Allowing a smug expression to settle across his face, the young fox walked closer to her, leaving mere inches between the two adults. "Let's have some fun shall we?", and without warning the handsome male closed the gap between them, sealing her full pink lips with his own.

When Kagome attempted to pull away the clouded feeling in her head became stronger, causing her to lose focus and momentarily forget what she was trying to do. Instead she unknowingly began responding to the forced kiss making the demon smile against her lips.

Regaining some semblance of normal thought the female soldier began recognizing just what was going on. 'Dammit, he's draining all my energy! I need to think of a way out of this and fast before things go too far.'

While she was conjuring up a strategy the devious fox decided to up the ante and take things one step further. Sliding his hands down from her face he began slowly making his way down her smooth tanned arms and back up, caressing them the whole way before working his way down to her tiny waist.

The entire time he was laughing on the inside, 'This is just too easy.'

'That's it I've got it!' Ever so slowly, Kagome stopped resisting the attractive man and began responding to him innocently at first before making things much more heated, turning what was once unwanted affection into a full blown make out session, surprising the fox demon in the process.

Not being one to look a gift horse in the mouth, the ginger haired male answered back just as zealously. Without him knowing it the fox had greatly eased up on whatever had been clouding Kagome's mind, giving her full control of herself once again. She continued with their little charade until she felt his hand start to creep up her shirt.

That's when she made her move.

Hastily unclipping her gun from its holster she swung it up and hit the side of his skull with the butt of the black pistol right as he broke away from her. Stumbling backwards, unfocused, the now pissed demon let a string of curses slip from his scowling lips. Not wanting to wait for him to regain his bearings Kagome quickly pulled out her knife, swiftly cutting through the vines constricting her feet, then took off towards him, raising her gun, and let loose three fast shots, two hitting the intended target and the other missing him by a hair. Feeling the sting of the paintballs as they hit the front of his chest the fox looked down to see two brightly colored blotches of paint covering his once unblemished uniform.

Becoming aware of the increasing tension within the small enclosure the dark haired woman watched silently as the paint covered man slowly rose from the slightly bent over position that he'd been in earlier. The amusement was still present in his gaze but underneath it you could see a simmering anger that was waiting for release.

Lacking hesitation Kagome went to fire off another round but found that she'd used up the last of her ammunition. Seeing this, the demon shot her a wide carnivorous smile and launched himself in her direction. Casting off the now useless hunk of metal and dropping to the cold ground, she barely dodged a nasty strike to her throat, instead gaining a deep cut to her upper left arm, courtesy of his razor sharp claws.

Not giving her time to recover the man grabbed his knife from the holster on his thigh and chucked it straight at the middle of her chest. Thinking fast Kagome raised her own combat knife and deflected the deadly weapon aimed at her vitals, though it still managed to clip the top of her other arm and form a small gash there as well.

'I can't keep this up much longer. Between the punctures on my leg and the slashes on my arms I'm losing too much blood.'

Falling to the harsh ground in a kneeling position with her hands placed firmly in front of her Kagome began to breath heavy due to over exerting her battered body.

Observing the woman that was barely staying upright the sneaky fox let a victorious look spread across his face as he made his way over to the struggling Kagome.

"I thought you'd at least put up more of a fight than that kitten. What happened to the feisty girl from earlier, she was much more fun to play with."

Still breathing heavily Kagome gave him a look that showed her dislike for the man above her.

"Oh well, all good things have to come to an end at some point." With those words said he brought his right hand up and to the left side of his body, straightening his hand in a way that his claws resembled the edge of a blade, before bringing it down sideways at the center of her torso. Just as he was inches away from his intended target Kagome's hand sprung up from the ground, intercepting the dangerous strike and, using his surprise, grabbed the same arm with her other hand before flipping him over her shoulder and onto the dirt covered earthen floor.

Once it registered what was happening to him and made a move to sit up the demon felt the cold metal of her knife pressed against his jugular, letting him know that she could end him whenever she felt like. Gazing up into calm blue eyes he noticed that her breathing was once again normal and she didn't appear as shaky as a few moments ago.

"Kitten indeed, cute and graceful but deadly and cunning. You even managed to trick a fox at his own game."

Conceding to let an amused smile filter over her features Kagome replied in a light hearted tone, "Is that a compliment coming from a fox? Guess beating you at your own game garnered a little respect huh?"

All of a sudden a loud horn was heard all throughout the large arena, signaling the end of the first of many tests that the remaining recruits would be undergoing.

Rising from her position atop the red headed male Kagome offered a hand to him which he gladly took. They both watched as the landscape around them started to fade and shift back into the large empty room they had entered an hour ago, revealing the rest of the cadets that were still standing as well as those that needed medical attention.

"You know I never did catch your name."

Happy that he'd asked, she gave him one of her kind smiles. "Kagome, Kagome Higurashi and you?"

Sliding amused eyes onto the human woman that had bested him the tailed man gave her a friendly smile. "It's Shippo, Shippo Kasai."

Later on, once all the badly injured had been either bandaged or taken away, a large screen popped up in the middle of the room. At the very top it was titled ranks and below a list of all the cadets were in order of how well they did during the "game", going from first place all the way to last.

Class Ranking ( Top 15 )

1. Ryuji Izo

2. Bankotsu Shichi

3. Steve Hawkins

4. Azizi Naasir

5. Shippo Kasai

6. Enrique Esteban

7. Renkotsu Shichi

8. Hiten Arashi

9. Jakotsu Shichi

10. Kagome Higurashi

11. Wolfgang Haas

12. Inuyasha Taisho

13. Miroku Hitoshi

14. Philippe Lafayette

15. Hoshiyomi

Surprised blue eyes stared up at the projection being displayed before the mass of recruits. 'It's only been an hour into the first day and we're already down from 200 to 150 people.'

"Hey Kagome!"

Twisting around to face the gruff voice that she knew so well, the number 10 cadet watched as a silver headed male jogged across the dull gray floor until stopping after reaching her. A teasing smile settled upon her face once Inuyasha was standing in front of her. "So...looks like ill be collecting on that bet of ours right Mr...Number 12."

Showing the annoyance that was running through his mind while hearing that comment the lieutenant firmly planted his feet on the ground and crossed his strong arms over his chest, sending a low growl in Kagome's direction. "Whatever Gome, someone must've been counting wrong. No way are ya stronger than me."

Rolling her eyes at the predictable man, Kagome braced herself for the inevitable argument that would soon ensue. "Ya go ahead and tell that to the guys running this whole thing then, after they laugh at your immaturity, come and tell me how it went."

Gaining a slight tick in his eyebrow the hanyo continued to throw verbal jabs at the raven haired female. "Sarcasm's not cute on anyone, especially you."

Experiencing the same irritation that pops up during all their fights, Kagome raised a sculpted brow. "And what exactly is that suppose to mean, at least I can use sarcasm unlike a certain idiot I know."

Glaring directly at her the half demon began walking closer to her."It means, ya she devil, that your more like a dude then a chick."

Kagome began to stalk up to him as well. "Well since you dated this "dude" for a little over a year I guess that would make you gay now wouldn't it?"

Seeing the slightly horror stricken look that passed over his face at the mention of being gay (AN: jsyk, I've got nothing against gay people, love them actually, so don't take any offense kay?) Kagome allowed a mocking grin to be plastered onto her features.

Watching the teasing light in her eyes grow even brighter, the still emotionally disturbed man decided enough's enough. "Why I outta..." But before he could finish his sentences two tanned arms snaked around the body of Kagome and lifted her into the air.

"Wow down boy, down."

Angling her head to face her captor confused blue met laughing green. "Shippo!"

"The one and only. " he replied with a wide smile.

"Who the hell is this Kagome, another fan boy?" Asked the now confused Inu.

Focusing back on her long time friend the suspended woman decided to introduce the two to each other. "Oh where are my manners...Shippo this is Inuyasha, one of my closest friends. Inuyasha this is Shippo, we met during the test."

Both males were eyeing each other, one skeptically and the other in boredom, after Kagome's little introduction though Inuyasha was first to break eye contact. "Keh, aren't you a little young to be taking part in this fox brat?"

Keeping the innocent look firmly in place Shippo kept that look of boredom but with a minuscule smile pulling at his lips. "Aren't you a bit old to be here? Pretty soon you'll be needing someone to fetch your bone for you."

"You ginger headed punk, ya better take that back or I'll make you." Replied Inuyasha.

"Ok guys enough, why don't you just whip it out, measure, and be done with it." stated an annoyed Kagome. She'd had plenty of arguing for one day and it was still only 9:00 in the morning.

Shocked by the female before them the two finally calmed down and just throwing annoyed (in Inuyaha's case) and mocking (in Shippo's case) glances at each other every so often.

Five minutes after the end of the test a hidden door in the dull colored walls slid open revealing the proctors of the qualification class.

Once everyone had quieted down and the men had made their way to the front of the large group, Toga took a few steps forward from his original position next to his fellow instructors before addressing the mass of youngsters ahead of him, an amused smile pulling at his lips.

"Congratulations recruits for passing the our little warmup exercise, now, all of you that stand before me get to begin the qualification course."

Loud exclamations of surprise and outrage could be heard throughout the testing room over what the esteemed general just told them.

"A warm up? These people are crazy!"

"You mean we haven't even begun the course?!"

"..."

During the mild chaos Kagome decide to think a little more about what the head of the SPOK compound said. "So root out the ones that aren't even worth running through the course, how ruthless, it's efficient but still..."

Hearing what his dark haired friend said Inuyasha decided to share some of his own insight. "Well what did ya expect, it's the toughest group to get into, and for good reason, besides I'm sure you've heard of the rigorous training that people go through here."

Angling her head to face the dog eared male, she gave a short "yeah yeah I know" before Toga silenced the chatter around the room.

"Now it's time to split you off into your squads. As you may recall I did say that it pays to win, therefore, I will be putting you into squads of 10 and grouping you from the highest scores to the least. When your name is called step over to your instructor."

One by one the names of all the cadets were called by their instructor, the top ten being in the first group, numbers 11 through 20 in the next, etc. Having come out as one of the top performers during the "warm up" Kagome was placed in First Squad and just as luck would have it their instructor turned out to be none other than the silver haired male that had scolded her and Inuyasha earlier.

Her eyes became a darker tint of her normally bright blue, showing her displeasure. 'Great just what I need, an arrogant jerk for our instructor.'

Seeing the not too happy look his new comrade's face was directing at the man that would be in charge of them Shippo decided to investigate. "Hey you got something against iron face up there?"

Coming back from her inner rant Kagome blinked a couple times to clear her head. "If basically calling me a slut in front of the other guys counts for anything then ya, I got a bone to pick with the bastard."

Catching the sound of a deep chuckle the two conversationalists spun around only to see a man with black hair pulled back into a long braid and sporting an expression that screamed arrogant. On his forehead were three small vertical slashes and his eyes were a bloody red that seemed to drill into you. He had tan skin and a lanky but muscled frame that was positioned in such a way that it match his expression.

"Is there something funny about what I just said?" asked Kagome.

Ceasing his laughter the man directed his red orbs at the female. "Well I would have to agree with our instructor, there's just no other way that you got into this class, let alone the top ten."

Observing that Kagome's already tightly clenched fists were even tighter and turning her knuckles white Shippo decided it was time for him to jump in. "My, first time meeting and you're already jealous that other men can snag this beautiful creature yet you can't, someone's a little egotistical."

The snotty man gave the fox a dirty look. "And just who are you supposed to be?."

Gaining a twisted sense of pleasure from the other man's anger Shippo replied with a bright smile. "The name's Shippo Kasai and since you've already so rudely interrupted our discussion it would only be fair for you to tell us yours."

Irked even further by the smart mouthed redhead the still nameless man slightly stuck out his chest and put a haughty smile on his thin lips. "I'm Hiten, Hiten Arashi and one of the last of the thunder tribe so you better watch your back mongrel."

Disliking the way that the new demon was talking to her companion Kagome decided to speak up. "Who do you think you are, God's gift the Earth? I don't think so. You can take our pompous attitude and cocky ass back over to wherever you came from."

Narrowing his eyes Hiten sneered at Kagome. "You need to keep your bitch in line fox."

Eyes widening in rage Kagome grew furious. "Bitch? You f-"

"Higurashi, Kasai, Arashi!"

All three turned towards the voice that called out to them only to be faced with the person that was at the core of their whole argument. Seeing the withering look that Sesshomaru was shooting them they all stiffened up in their spots.

"Unless you want to be shipped out to the front lines by tomorrow I suggest to start paying attention. I will not lose any sleep if one of you end up killed during this course." he continued in a voice that would put a blizzard to shame.

Choosing to pay attention the three joined the rest of their squad as they listened to Sesshomaru explain what was to be expected of them before heading out with the rest of the squads as the all went outside to the training course, beginning the grueling task of finishing the qualification course. A feat that many, and most, will never be able to accomplish.

That's it for now sorry about the sucky ending -_- and if it seems to be going slow that's cuz I'm trying to introduce as many of the characters as I can before really getting into the main plot but don't worry things are gunna start speeding up in the next chapter :)

As always R&R !