Having It All

Chapter 10

I don't own Yu Yu or Inu. Just the story line.

oOo

'Isn't this how our began affair began? With her blade pressed to my throat' The avatar fox spirit reminisced fondly. What other woman would greet a man in such a way? Only one known to him. The female who'd left him in the forest with a bleeding heart some five hundred centuries prior. The only taijiya he'd ever encountered. His Sango!

"Are you familiar with me demon?" The metal was starting to dig in as a thin crimson trail appeared.

'Every curve, deep, and hollow' Kurama responded in thought.

Sango gave herself a mental shake. His tender yet firm grip. She couldn't describe it, his touch wasn't unfamiliar. The taijiya was at a loss as something from deep within beckoned.

Emerald orbs, she could concentrate on nothing else, were making an unvoiced demand.

Remember

His hold loosened more so, as her arm was gently caressed. Sango gasped loudly as her skin prickled. Fire and ice rushed through her being simultaneously, causing the startled taijiya to tremble.

Eyes wide and disbelieving, she took in his appearance. Fire green eyes. Crimson locks. Unearthly beautiful face. Sango was certain that she'd never encountered this demon before. It'd quite be impossible to forget really. Yet, she couldn't really deny the sensation caused by a single caress. The goose bumps were a tell tale sign.

Do not see with your eyes

Suddenly feeling weak, her grip on the dagger seemed less certain by the moment until it dropped. The sharpness of the blade caused the to metal ring softly as it fell to the ground. This stranger, with his emerald eyes and familiar touch held her completely at his mercy, as she was overwhelmed.

Remember with you heart

'Green eyes? I don't want his eyes to be green! Why is that?'

She searched for strength, her voice, anything that would break his spell.

"Take your hands off her demon!" In all the time she'd known him, Sango had never heard Miroku speak so harshly. He seemed jealous, almost bitterly so. It caused her to stutter over her response.

"Hou -Houshi-sama" Sango peered at her fiancé nervously as he stalked toward them with their friends in tow. "I-I-"

"I said get away from her!" Completely ignoring her, the monk focused his attention on the demon who'd dared lay hand on his intended. The ward between his finger tips portraying his intent on purifying his ass straight to hell. What right did this strange youkai have to touch her. Sango was his!

Quickly putting distance between them, Sango stepped away from the man- no demon with green eyes.

Her entire being trembling with anticipation and ...fear? His touch had startled her. True. But it was his familiarity that caused her breathing to hitch and her limbs to quake. Casting a cautious glance in his direction, Sango's eyes widened dramatically at the fact that his own gaze remained studiously upon her.

In truth, Kurama was studying her. And the similarity's were startling! From the cherry blossoms fragrance that blended with her own unique scent( that also carried the monks lingering smell, which displeased him greatly) to the needle fine scar on her neck. She's received the mark from her first extermination. It was all the same. Except for the eyes. They were the same shade has his Sango's, but so very different. Pain. Such horrible pain that it shadowed any light that my have been there. There was a always such hope in his lovers eyes. A beacon for the weary spirit. It was what called to him, tempting him with it's purity and warmth. There was little warmth left in the woman. This woman with Sango's face. His lovers aura was a bright, almost blinding, where as this womans was blackened, saturated with hate and malice. Those were not the eyes of his lover. More fitting for a being like Hiei. The were cold, cruelly so. Anguish and loathing deftly concealing the madness that lingered just beneath the surface.

Who is the woman Kurama?

Speak of the devil. He wasn't surprised that Hiei would question his peculiar behavior.

I am not certain, but she may be familiar with Youko. Refer to me as only Schuicci for the time being. Make sure Yusuke and Kuwabara do as well. Kurama didn't divulge anymore information knowing that Hiei would automatically assume the worst. No one would ever guess that the avatar may or may not be this females former lover.

Normally Hiei would have lashed out at being spoken to in such a manner, but the fox seemed serious. Almost desperate. And if the woman knew Youko, there was a damned good reason Kurama didn't want his true identity revealed.

Now the avatar had a few choices to make. He could reveal himself, and hope all hell didn't brake loss immediately after, Youko's was quite unpredictable at times, and there was a chance that he might actually try and harm the woman. Or he could let the situation play itself out. It was still a chance that this was not his lover. But if so, why? And more importantly how?

He didn't have time for further consideration as a split second later, he was practically touching noses with the owner of a pair of very stony violet eyes. The monk was seething.

"It would be wise for you to keep your distance." The humans aura was crackling with spiritual energy and Kurama briefly wondered if the monk would be more formidable than he originally thought. Pushing those thoughts a side the fox spirit narrowed his eyes in distaste. Both men turned away when the hanyou growled.

Miroku looked towards his friends to see Inuyasha grasping Sango's chin. The houshi gasped as he took account of the bruises and scrapes that covered her face. Anger renewed, he marched over to the taijiya to get a better look.

"Inuyasha" Sango warned in a dangerous voice, trying to yank her head away. Although she knew he was just concerned, it was still embarrassing to be fawned over in such a way. As if her pride hadn't already taken a sever beating. Then for Miroku a moment later to do the same thing. It made her feel weak. Inuyasha ignored her, and turning to the unfamiliar group, he glowered at the lot.

"Which one of you bastards hit her?" He didn't have to wait long as the shortest of the four stepped forward. Purplish blotches marring his features, but to a lesser degree. He was a demon after all.

"I did. What of it half breed?" Hiei sent the dog a taunting smirk, reaching for hilt of his sword.

"I don't need my sword for short shit, my claws will do just fine!" He cracked his knuckles as step forward ready to take the little asshole's head off. No one touched his humans! No one! Sango was second only to Kagome, since the miko was his mate, the taijiya being more like a sister. He knew Sango well enough to know that she wouldn't just go around picking fights. Then there was Shippo's warning. This little bastard had thought his friend some easy human prey, and she'd shown him a thing or two for his poor judgment. What Inuyasha wouldn't give to see him take Sango on when she was fully geared up. Quickest match in history.

"Inuyasha" Sango said trying to gain his attention by grabbing a hold of his arm. "Inuyasha, I don't need you to do that! I took care of it already." Sango declared in a strong voice.

"Getting the shit beat out of you is what you call handling it?" Inuyasha asked incredulously.

"Inuyasha!"Sango's lowered her tone to a warning growl.

"Inuyasha stop it! Or so help me!" Kagome shouted. "You've been itching for a fight since that jerk" She jabbed her thumb in Yusuke's direction. "Showed up. Pound him all you want, but I won't let you pick on this little boy." The unfamiliar's gave the girl an odd stare. It started out as a few snickers that quickly bloomed into full out side splitting laughter. Hiei remained frozen in silent shock, the signs of embarrassment being the red tinge coloring his cheeks.

"Why you ignorant little wench! I should-" Hiei advanced on the girl.

"You just try it buddy! I purify you before you can take another step!" Kagome said while raising her hands. Instantly a pink light began to emit from her finger tips.

"Shorty might be a twerp" Kuwabara said between chuckles as he stepped between his friend and the girl who was ready to turn Hiei into dust. "But he aint a kid."

"Oh..."Kagome replied her own cheeks reddening a bit. "Well... Still we shouldn't be fighting when we need to get down to the bottom of things. Just let me heal Sango than we go inside and have a nice long talk."

"No Kagome! You don't have to-" The taijiya held up her hand to ward off her friend's help.

"It's no problem at all!" She said while waving her hand. When the taijiya protested again, Inuyasha began to get annoyed.

"Sango shut up and let Kagome heal ya!" Inuyasha barked having grown tired of the taijiya's stubbornness. Though it wouldn't take her friend much energy at all, Sango didn't need it. She didn't want to need it. She'd heal in a few days on her own. She wasn't some weakling liability.

Glaring heatedly at the half demon, she clinched her fist to keep her temper in check. Choosing a tone that expressed her hostility as well as her full intent to fuck him up if he chose to persist, Sango spoke.

"I said that I don't need any damned-"

"Sango." I was Miroku who'd spoken this time. It was one of the only times he'd used this tone with her. One that said he wouldn't be defied. The tone of a husband. She may have been a taijiya and a willful woman in her right but even she was not so defiant that she would disobey her husband to be. Her mother had been a boar of a woman, but she still respected her father within reason. "Let Kagome heal you."

There was a brief flash just behind her eyes that lasted only a moment. Torn between telling her fiancé to go to hell and relenting, Sango's shoulders sagged and chose the latter, all fight seeming to leave her body that instant. 'He's only concerned for me. They all are' she thought, though being spoken to like a child didn't bode well. After a resolute nod she motioned for the miko to start.

Approaching her friend quickly, the no longer inexperienced priestess extended her powers to access the damage. 'Hmm.. Several bruised ribs, twisted ankle, busted lip,one black eye. It's a wonder she's even conscious! But then again this is San- Oh my gods!'

"Sango" Kagome began eyes wide with concern and shock. "Did you know your shoulders dislocated?" The taijiya must have been in immense pain. At Sango's stiff and very embarrassed nod the miko quickly gathered the older girl in her arms quickly. Concentrating on each injury a serene light encased the females and those unfamiliar with this process stared in wonder.

The miko closed her eyes as healing powers course through the tips of her fingers causing the her friend's aura to brighten just a fraction more.

Sango could feel raw energy of Kagome's powers flowing through her and she closed her eyes with a sigh. Though it was only for her benefit, she couldn't help feeling vulnerable. And the tingling always caused itching. During exterminator training, her mother and father had preached that working through the pain made one stronger. Sango had even learned two throw Hiraikotsu with three broken fingers. All pain, all gain. If that were fact, was Kagome unintentionally making her weak?

Kagome smiled as the light began to fade. Healing was getting easier all time.

"There. All done! Now that wasn't so bad, was it?" Sango couldn't decide whether she sounded like a healer, mother, or both.

"Not at all. Thanks Kagome." Though Sango did refrain from scratching her arms. She rotated her shoulders, stretched and flexed her joints, finding the cracking and popping sounds oddly comforting. She'd have to stretch the kinks out later. Looking over at Miroku, she returned his smile before quickly slipping her mask back into place. The cold unfeeling persona that spoke volumes of her abilities. She looked serious, dangerous, and completely on guard. Or was her smile really the facade? Sango couldn't tell sometimes.

"No problem" The miko waved her hand with a proud smile on her face. "Now let see if we can do something about your clothes." The taijiya female held back a startled gasp. It looked like most of her outfit had been shredded. The various rips and holes in her shirt as well as skirt made Sango feel half guilty about ruining Kagome's gift. On the other hand she felt sweet relief in the knowledge that the skimpy excuse for clothing was completely useless now.

"Wow!" Kuwabara was the first to speak, after what was witnessed. "How'd she do that?"

"She a miko!" Inuyasha answered, a great deal of pride lacing in his tone. He's mate was unbelievable.

"She's a what?"

"A miko you idiot!" Hiei snapped. "A priestess. A woman with spiritual powers."

"Oh." Was his intelligent reply before anger set. "Well how the hell should I know what a miko is. It's not like they taught us that stuff in school or somethin. I've never even heard that word before."

"I'd actually be surprised if you had." Hiei said seriously. "Miko's and monks aren't as common as they use to be. Especially not ones with this much spirit energy." He eyed not only Kagome but Miroku as well.

Kagome ignored two men and focused on helping Sango out of the ruined denim jacket. It shocked her at first, but the more she thought about it, Sango wearing her arm blades shouldn't really have came as a surprise at all. Her friend was like Inuyasha. And Inuyasha was nothing if not guarded and prepared for anything. Truly there wasn't a carefree bone in his body.

Sango kept her head down and allowed her friend to remove the jacket. The red head hadn't let his eyes stray yet, and she was finding it hard to disregard him. She shivered at the knowledge of those green orbs continuing what Kagome started. It was thrilling to a certain degree.

Mistaking her tremble, Miroku quickly unbuttoned his shirt and placed it around her shoulders, rubbing her arms for warmth. Sango flashed the monk a grateful smile, happy to have her attention elsewhere.

It took all his years of practiced resistance to keep from ripping the woman who may or may not be his Sango out of the monks arms. He took a calming breath, desperate not to give himself away. Hiei was already gaging him, trying his damnedest to peak behind the century old barriers he'd set in place. True his mind had locked her away, but his heart never could. God's help him, he still loved her. Be it reincarnation, or future relative or cosmic prank, he loved woman standing before him.

'Am I such a fool?'

Yes

The monk moved aside and the priestess wrapped her arm around Sango's shoulder, leading her to the old shack on the shrine grounds.

"Wait." Sango stopped, suddenly remembering something very important. She gave Miroku and Inuyasha pointed looks. "There are telepaths among them. Be on guard." She returned Hiei's glare, and sent Kuwabara an apologetic glance. She didn't want to offend him since he'd gone out of his way to nice, but there was still too much they didn't know about these strangers. Why take chances?

Kurama discretely watched them until the two women disappeared inside the wooden structure.

"Where are they going?" Yusuke questioned clearly skeptical.

"To get changed."

"The house is that way."

"Mind your own fucking business asshole!"

"Okay shit head! Thats about all I'm gonna take from a puppy like you!"

"Guys violence aint gonna solve nothin!" Kuwabara jumped between the two, single handedly trying to prevent a disaster. Hiei sure as hell wasn't gonna help, and Kurama just seemed out of sorts.

"Shut the hell up ugly before I kick your ass too!"

"Now Inuyasha" Miroku ceased his glaring at the red headed demon in hopes of maintaining peace. "He has a good point. We should try to remain peaceful until the situation settles itself."

Having overheard the commotion Kirara left off guarding the exhausted Shippo to help her friends. Her human and the other female had left, leaving only the half dog(he was only half dog, thus only half bad) and Sango's male. She'd have to protect them.

She came to stand beside Miroku, hissing threateningly at the strangers.

"Whata pretty kitty!" It was no secret that Kuwabara never met a cat he didn't love. And they fury balls of cuteness always seemed drawn to him. There wasn't a cat alive he couldn't woo. He leaned forward, reaching for the little sweetheart, completely ignoring Yusuke and Kurama.

"Com mere pretty kitty." Instantly seeing him as a threat Kirara ran forward while transforming. She roared loudly.

"Whoa! Big kitty!" His eyes widened dramatically as the cat prepared to pounce on him.

"Kirara no!" Miroku shouted. "Don't attack him." The fire cat halted, though reluctantly. She refused to revert though.

"She's cool in a frightening sorta way." Miroku smirked at the orange haired man.

"You have no idea." Then he looked over at the one they called Hiei. "I wouldn't touch that neko if I were you! Not if you want to live to see another day that is." Even with the monks warning Hiei refused to remove his hand from the hilt of his sword.

"And what will happen if I do human. Your hardly any match for me!"The fire demon sent the man a challenging smirk, removing his hand from the hilt, showing that he wasn't the least bit worried.

"It's not me that you should worry about. I'm not her owner." Then Miroku sent him a smirk of his own. "And as to whether or not I am formidable, that as yet to be seen." Their guest were starting to grate his nerves. First the one called Yusuke was brash, rude, and completely volatile. He already had one belligerent half demon to deal with, he didn't need another. Hiei. Well, he'd struck Sango. That was reason enough to despise him. The orange hair man didn't seem so bad, just dim. Terribly, terribly dim.

Then there was the red head. Miroku didn't catch his name, but he hated him the most. The youkai couldn't seem to keep his eyes or hand off his fiancé'. If he touched her one more time... lets just say Miroku wouldn't be held responsible for his ass getting suck up in the wind tunnel. 'He really needs to keep his hands to himself. Damned lecher.'

"Don't worry about Kirara, Miroku," Inuyasha said with a snicker. "She'd probably use his little ass as a tooth pick."

"Whats the matter dog shit" Yusuke spoke before Hiei could retort. "Mad cause I came at a bad time?" The former spirit detective grinned openly when he heard the half dog's warning growl. "From the smell of things, it looks like I came right when your were eating-AHH" He was cut off by a powerful right hook. Yusuke slid a few feet before skidding to a stop. He could barely hear what dog boy was shouting.

"Shut your fucking mouth about about my mate, you son of a bitch!" Inuyasha shook his fist threateningly watching while the other half demon got to his feet. Without words, the punk made a mad dash for him, only to be grabbed by the red head and Ugly. Miroku stood as a barrier trying to restrain him.

"Yusuke! Calm yourself!"

"Let me go goddammit! I'm gonna kill him! You here me bitch-boy? Your fuckin dead!"

"Chill Urameshi! You can kick his ass later!"

"Get outta the way, Miroku! That bastard's mine!"

"Inuyasha settle down now!" Miroku was turning red from all the straining. He could really use some help from the black clad demon.

Hiei wasn't going to budge an inch considering, one he'd love to see the half dog get knock on his ass; two, the detective really needed to be taken down a few pegs, and lastly, he hadn't seen a really good fight in a long while. Why stop a good thing?

"Gentleman ,I'm sure we can talk things out" Yusuke swung blindly and Inuyasha ducked. Miroku who hadn't been paying attention wouldn't be so lucky. "peaceful-" Save for the Hiraikotsu, the monk had never been hit so hard. Instantly clutching his jaw, the monk staggered drunkenly for a moment, trying to blink the stars from his vision. Time paused for a moment and all death threats were forgotten. Still holding the offended side of his face, the monk glared incredulously at his attacker while everyone stared in wide eyed shock. The bastard had actually hit him, and Miroku was so outraged that he couldn't utter more than four words.

"Kick his ass Inuyasha!" And the hanyou smiled.

The other two released their violent companion, washing their hands of the matter. The two advanced on each other.

"Hiraikotsu!"

The massive demon bone flew between the combatants with great precision effectively snapping them out of their murderous haze. They watch as the projectile reached it's limit before returning to it's owner. The woman, now clad in a black with pink armor caught the boomerang with grace before narrowing her eyes distastefully at the lot of them. Even though a black mask covered the lower half of her face, they could still see that the taijiya female was scowling.

She was death incarnate. Her clothing rang true of her occupation and capabilities. A wayward breeze tugging at her unbound hair as locks danced about the wind. She looked unearthly.

Sango glanced between friend and foe, daring either side to spark up this nonsense again, as she crouched into battle stance. She hadn't noticed the vines until Hiraikotsu had been plucked from her grasp.

oOo

I am soooo sorry!!! I know you all want to kill me, but please don't! Life's been hard. From switching jobs, to moving, to divorce, you name it! And if thats not enough, how bout the nastiest, most crippling case of writers block ever thought possible. Yes, things have been as shitty as this chapter. I know it sucks. But at least you won't have to wait another three months for a one! Where The Heart Lies will be up by the end of this week, next week tops. Plus theres a new story brewing!

Things are about to heat up from here. Please let me know what you think!

Happy reading,

Chigirl!