KH: From the depths of my heart, I apologize! It's been so long since I've update and I'm pretty sure most of my fans have moved on. But I am not dead and neither is the story! I really should wish for an inspiration attack; it leaves with the worst sort of author blocks...

I will not quit this story, but I also will not be updating like I used to. (T.T) I also warn you that the wait was totally not worth it for this chapter, but the next ones will be... I hope. I no longer have anything written, but I am trying to transition between these chapters and the ones I had already done.

I own no one!

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The class ended after many cool ',magic tricks' and another long discussion about Hiei's lifestyle that he was reluctant to talk about. Shizuru managed to prod answers from him though. He told us that he's still a bandit. I half expected the class to begin realizing that he was the child in the story we told, but no one did such a thing. He's been traveling between worlds since the barrier between ningenkai and makai was created. I'm not too sure what this barrier is, but Mino and his other friends who knew about demons seemed really surprised at this. I can only assume it's been taken down recently, since I've never known demonic discussions to be so openly discussed.

Before I left, Hiei told the class about the upcoming field trip we were going to have at the end of the semester. He told us that he couldn't remember the details, since it's been a long time since he's been at our destination, but he said we'd all have an interesting experience. This was of course finished by the fact that our teacher, Hachi, told him to mention it. I wanted to ask if it was the same tenuki youkai Hachi I knew well in the past, but Hiei didn't even stay a second longer than he needed to. As soon as the clock in the back of the room touched our ending class time, he left. It's so strange to not hear bells signaling the end of class.

The walk home with Mino was quiet. I can only guess that this day had been disturbing for him. Well, at least no one's dead! Of course, a lot of secrets have been revealed, and he probably wanted to keep a few, well, secret. Like the part of him that's a kitsune. I bit my lip and walked to his side. He looked a bit upset, actually. Maybe Hiei, Kazuma and Yusuke were indirectly teasing him during the kistune sake story and he's just mulling over it.

"Are you shocked about the existence of demons?" I asked. Mino blinked before giving a dry laugh. I'd take that as a no. Well, Hiei did tell me that his friends were well aware.

"I just wasn't expecting the mythology class to be, realistic."

"Right. Are you mad at Hiei?" He gave me a questioned look, looking surprised at the suggestion. "I saw how he was teasing you with grins and sneers. He was having the time of his life making fun of Youko, and he was somehow connecting you to him." He took a deep breath.

"Well, yes. I'm upset with him. I end up learning something new about Hiei almost every week I'm with him." I grinned. That's how Hiei likes it. "It's nothing I'm going to hold over him though." He quirked an eyebrow at me. "What about you?"

"What about me?" I asked as I walked in front of him to continue with my back to our path and my face towards his.

"Are you shocked about the existence of demons?" Ah, now that's a question I can answer truthfully and not fear being locked up for insanity. At least now I can.

"Not at all! I've often wondered what it'd be like if demons walked in friendly terms around humanity these days. I kind of hoped they were still alive." I gave him a look, trying to imagine him as Youko. Youko was much taller, and sharper. Well, at least Mino has long hair. If only he had a tail, or at least the furry ears. I smiled. "I wonder what parts of you are influenced by kitsune nature... and who you got it from." Shiori doesn't really look like him, so it was most likely his father's side. He grinned at me, a flash of mischief in his eyes.

"Do you care for a puzzle, my fair sister?" I grinned back.

"Depends on the difficulty." He feinted a look of contemplation.

"It's only as difficult as you feel it is. It has a solution regardless."

"Then what's the puzzle?"

"What color kitsune am I?" I think I surprised him with my laugh. I quickly covered my mouth with a hand, but my smile was wide behind it. He looked at me with the curiosity I probably should have been looking at him with.

"If that's the puzzle, than it's an easy one. Add another equation."

"Very well... turn to your left." I stopped walking and looked at him oddly.

"Huh?" What does that have to do with…?

"Your left. We have to turn here." Oh... Right. We're heading home. I forgot that there were a few many turns the closer to the house we are. I hardly had any at my other house... Oh foo, slight melancholy.

"Okay, what's your other puzzle?" I asked after determining how much longer I had to keep walking backwards.

"How about... what element do I control." I frowned slightly.

"You KNOW that?" He nodded easily, the way one would to a child. My frown grew.

"I thought fox demons generally took years to find the element that they can connect to." But then, he's a gardener type of person, so maybe... No, Shippo said kitsune who connect themselves to foliage are rarer than the other types of kitsunes. If they are a rare breed, they wouldn't mix their blood with humans and weaken themselves. He smirked, crossing his arms. I frowned and stopped walking, forcing him to pause too since I was in front of him. "Hm..."

"Is that too hard of a challenge?"

"I just didn't expect you to actually know that part of you." He covered his laugh with a good cough.

"Yes, well-"

"Plant." I answered easily. He looked startled, and surprised. "You're a gardener, and I've peaked at your work. They're all healthy and, well, huge. It's a talent you really don't work for and yet excel in. Plants are your specialty." I made sure to frown now.

"..." He didn't say anything, so I continued.

"I'm pretty confident that's right, except for the rarity of the trait. It's an ancient ability passed by genetics, thus an almost sacred honor to bear. Why would you have it with such a human body?" He laughed. "I take it I'm wrong?" I mumbled, blushing now that I realized I seemed a bit, much. He shook his head and bid me to continue walking, continuing to do a maniacal giggle. "Is it too late to say fire?" I asked, taking a stab in the dark by his hair color.

"No, no. You were correct." I did a silent 'oh' in response. "I just," He chuckled some more. "You seemed to be blaming me for a fault I couldn't control." I did another oh and blushed some more. "So, since you had no problems with my element, what type am I?"

"Um..." I gave him a hard look. "I'd say silver, since I know that silvers are capable of plant elements, and Yusuke and Kazuma seemed to really enjoy imagining you as one, but I think you're more of a forest red. Your hair matches this. But..." I caught sight of something odd behind him. A person cloaked in black... "Hiei!" Mino turned around quickly, letting a small gasp of surprise out as Hiei came closer.

Hiei staggered towards us in a hurry. Yeah, staggered. He was, well, not exhausted, but he did seem pretty tired. He leaned against the wall of some stone fencing, glaring at us as if we were the cause. Wait, no, he was glaring at something in front of him. Probably the sidewalk. Mino quickly started backtracking towards him and I followed close.

"Hiei, what happened?" Mino asked, sounding rightfully concerned. Hiei's hair seemed, well, sad. It was just a little flatter that it's normal spikiness. Hiei's face had a small scratch on his temple, but that would disappear in a few hours. Hiei only growled lowly as his face darkened. He reached into his cloak pocket and pulled out a parchment of paper. He gave it to Mino. I peaked over his arm to read what it said.

Kitsune, you are to meet with your ex-boss for a meeting. Your rendezvous point will be at Ka-go-me's school. Hiei will escort your beloved relation to your place of residence.

Miko, Hiei has a gift to give you as well as an errand to run for me.

Both: prepare yourselves. You will not see Hiei nor hear his voice for the month during his punishment for his friend's disrespect. I bid you a good day.

Lord Sesshoumaru of the Asian Continent

Hm, well, I guess it was fate that gave Sesshoumaru the Asian world to be Lord over. He always did have a mainland taste. Though, I think he's being a jerk to Hiei. How do they even know each other? I thought about that question. Maybe all my friends just got together and figured they'd try to find me or something. They don't seem to be aging after all. If they are my friends and not simply reincarnations. Mino, glanced at me and Hiei before speaking to his friend.

"You'll be alright?" Hiei nodded, though his eye looked a little twitchy. "What have you done in the half hour between class ending and now?" Hiei shuddered slightly. He walked forward and led me away, effectively ending Mino's slight interrogation. Mino sighed, following us long enough to give me his bag. "I should be home before dinner." He said as he stopped after I held his things. Hiei wouldn't let me slow down. Speed demon.

"'Kay! Good luck with whatever you need to do!" Mino watched us for a moment longer, just enough to nod before beginning in a sudden run to where Hiei just came from. I glanced at my soul bound child. He seemed like he was forcing himself to be strong. I frowned. "What is Sesshoumaru forcing you to do?" Hiei grimaced, but he didn't answer. "What could you have done in the past half hour?" He gulped. "You know, talking to me in my mind isn't technically considered talking." He glanced at me and seemed to ponder my statement. We crossed a few streets before I felt a familiar presence shyly nudging my mind. I let him in.

When we get there, can I have some food? He sounded really tired and small, like he was up to my waist again instead of just a breath taller than me.

"Sure thing, Hiei. You have to let me know what Sesshoumaru's doing to you though."

Promise not to tell?

"I swear it." He was silent for a moment more.

He calls it training.

"Uhuh, and you're doing...?"

...unspeakable things...

"Hiei! I promised I would tell! Do I need to promise I wouldn't laugh too!?"

Please?

"Uh... I'll try." I answered while looking at him with an half smile half sympathetic look. He looked at his shoes instead of steadfastly in front of him as he answered.

Enduring humiliation by various means. He means to destroy my pride

"Elaborate Hiei!" I nudged him a little.

Well, I'll have to go to ningen brat's birthday parties as a magician. And I won't be allowed to kill any of them.

"I would hope not." I whacked his arm slightly.

I'll also have to race around the world with him. I stared at him. I'm not allowed any breaks, but he always wins anyway so I don't know why he has that rule. Also, and worse of all... He grimaced, deciding he's told me enough.

"Hiei! What's the worst part of it!?" He remained silent, the bridge of his nose changing just the slightest color again. "What, does he have you dress in a ballerina suit?" He clamped his hand over my mouth and glanced around us in paranoia.

Don't ever say that again! You'll give him ideas! I doubt he's even here, Hiei. But his spy is watching me! Just to make sure I don't break his law! His law? He made it a law that you're not allowed to talk? No, his word is law enough! Then what's the worst part of your humiliating punishment?

Hiei let out a small whimper.

Remember, when I was really hyperactive and uncontrollable?

"Um, yeah?"

Remember what you did to calm me down?

"Um, yea- ..." I tried to hold my laugh down, instead it came out like a choppy cry.

You promised!

"Actually, I think I said I'd try." I repeated as I continued to struggle against my giggles. I really did try. And then I actually thought about it and now tried not to gag.

When Hiei was my little Hiei, he did have his moments when he reveled in his childhood since he knew me, Youko and Kurounue wouldn't keep him from doing otherwise. Sometime, though, he'd get too hyper and it would be difficult to get him to settle down. Other times, like during a lesson that we'd try to give him, he'd just be too distracted. I think he had ADHD or something like that. Then I discovered a way to just have him completely calm and he'd pay attention, regardless of looking like he's in a state of euphoria. I rub my finger against the back of his ear along his neck. It'd be kind of like petting him, except he didn't purr and only had the faintest of smiles. He'd do anything so long as you didn't stop.

I can't really see Sesshoumaru doing it to him... Unless he has some odd sense of humor, which I guess he must have acquired between the times I knew him and met him again.

"Uh, just how would Sesshoumaru do this to you?"

He'd hol... I'm not telling. You laughed.

"I tried not to!" I cried, trying to give him an imitation of the puppy dog eyes that he always gave me. He gave me a look that made me feel stupid for trying. "Fine, I'll let my overactive imagination think up all the possibilities." Hiei ignored me for the rest of the walk.

We got to the house with little event and I set towards the kitchen for some food for Hiei. He still looked worn down and food and a little rest seemed like a good idea. I gave him a cup of ramen and grinned when he raised an eyebrow. He ate with a small smile, noodles splashing every once in a while purely for my amusement.

Kagome-sama, I was ordered to give this to you. Hiei said after he finished eating. He fished around his pockets again and pulled out a small letter. It was written elegantly, but it was obviously not from Sesshoumaru. While I read, Hiei wandered upstairs to do whatever it was he felt like doing.

Greetings, guardian of the jewel.

Technically, you know me, and yet you don't. But I know you very well. Regardless, I'm afraid I cannot give you my name. I would like to inform you, pardon Sesshoumaru's grammatical influence, that it would be in your best interest to consider the Archery Lessons given for your school district. Your brother, Hatanaka's boy, will bring a pamphlet with the details tonight. Your powers and abilities would do best to be hidden, but the lessons will aid you greatly in controlling them.

There was a smiley face drawn as a signature. I laughed as it looked adorable and there was an unnecessary note and stating 'me' with an arrow connecting them.

I have to leave now. Hiei declared as he came back down. He actually looked worse that when he went up. It must be the disappointment and slightly more annoyed look that darkened his eyes. He really didn't want to leave.

"Good luck." He snorted before vanishing, leaving me alone. I glanced at the clock. Hata wouldn't be home for another hour. Daddy and Shiori won't be home until dinner; same with Mino. Well, being alone in a house sucks when you're still not sure about where anything is in this town. I sighed and walked up the stairs. I dropped Mino's bag onto his bed and laid face down on my own bed for a few moments. I think I'll try reading that story that I apparently wrote with Sesshoumaru.

I sat up and stretched before getting off my bed. I ended up sitting on the edge instead. I looked at my reflection, seeing Kikyou. I eyes dropped a bit more in depression. After that fight with Inuyasha, after bonding my soul with Hiei, Kuronue and Youko, my features changed just a bit. My hair grew just a bit longer, and slightly straiter. My skin became a little paler, but my scars and injuries faded to be nonexistent. I even grew a little. It wasn't noticeable changes, but they were there, and a reminder that I was no longer just myself. I was related to demons.

I headed to my desk and rummaged around for the scroll, but it was nowhere to be found. Maybe Mino had it? I timidly entered his room and opened the bottom drawer of his desk where I saw it had been once. Only a few parchments of various letters in a slightly familiar demonic language were in there. I nibbled my lip and peeked into the other drawers. They only had random papers and small booklets and folders. Mino didn't have it either. My mind flashed to Sesshoumaru's note. Hiei had an errand...

"Hiei you thief!"

"I'm home!" Oh, Hata! I dashed down the stairs and promptly glomped him.

"Welcome home! How was your day?" Hata laughed at me and I followed him to his own room as he set his bag down.

"It was alright. I met up with old friends, met some new teachers, heard of a new principle and got this flyer." He added as he pulled a piece of paper out of his bag. He sat on his bed and I took a seat at his desk.

"Attention! Starting at the end of the week, we will begin tryouts for out districts new archery club! All who are interest may apply! Please remember that all schools in our district will be on the same team and districts compete against each other, not campuses. Prepare for the most exciting archery club year to date!" I was grinning.

"So, if you join, you might be on the same team as someone from my school, or Mino's college?" Hata blushed. Aw, did little Hata want to spend some bonding time with me? Perhaps hope that I would join with him?

"Actually, Kagome, I was kinda hoping that we'd join together." I knew it! I laughed at my stupidity.

"It does sound interesting. Do you think daddy would let me?" If not, I'd have to figure out a way to join anyway. The person who gave me that note with the smiley face said it'd be good for me. I don't know how hiding my powers will help me control them during these lessons, but I guess there's no harm in trying out. It could be fun. Hata grinned in a way I haven't seen since he was four...ish.

"If not, we can always persuade him." Yup, there's the little mischivious brat who used to sweet talk his way into whatever he wanted from me. Under the rouse of 'wanting my attention' of course. Now daddy will eat his words. Haha!

xXx

HK: Okay! This long break in between updates was not fruitless! Though it was kind of pointless. I had tried to even out my chapter lengths, but I could only really do that if I merged the first two chapters. Turns out I really didn't care to do that. I like being able to say I have more than ten chapters on this story.

Um, I did go through the past chapters and clear a few things though. I think. I hope so anyway. I hope no one's lost. If you are, let me know and I'll try to clear it up without spoiling anything. Chances are I've already cleaned up any confusion in the earlier chapters.

Reviews let me know you're here!

And on a side note, I blame Naruto. I had a story idea I thought would be a one shot and it just, exploded. I think it'll be a few many chapters and I'm almost done with it.