Disclaimer: Do I have to say it ?. .okay . .
Cheeto *stands up* Hi, my name is Cheeto
Group: Hi, Cheeto
Cheeto: And I . . . don't own Yu Yu Hakusho *sobs*
*clapping*
Councilor: See, class? Acceptance is the first step to recovery.
Anyway, thank-you everyone who reviewed! You love me, you really love me! *waves supermodel like* or, aleast you love my fic, which is just as good! Keep it up!
Anyway, a question arose if Yusuke was going to be a demon in this story. Hm. Yes, probably. See since Raizen is his ancestor, not his father like many think, Inuyasha couldn't sense him being a demon. So, I'll probably have him go demon form in a couple of chapters and kick some major ass! Yay!
Oh, and also . .I was so impatiant to update my story that I waited until 12:15 AM after a whole day, just to make you wait! Mwahaha! And, if you haven't seen Finding Nemo, it is like the cutest movie ever! Except for screaming kids in the theatre! *chases after toddlers with a flamethrower* DIE!!!
*~Chapter Three~*
It was a bright, new morning when Yusuke got up. He was surprised to find that he was the only one. Sliding out of the sleeping bag and getting to his feet, he rolled it up and decided to go for a little walk.
It was beautiful, a gentle breeze rustling the flower-spotted grass, making a sort of wave shimmer through it. The sun was just barely peeking over the rolling hills, so the sky was still a shade of grey and the land chilled. Walking a bit more, Yusuke noticed that his pant legs were getting soaked by dew, but really didn't mind.
He almost tripped over a small stream and knelt next to it, cupping some of the frigid waters and splashing it over his face, shuddering at the sort of cold satisfaction. As the sun rose higher, no sounds could be heard, except for the babbling of the brook and the occasional gust of wind.
Smiling, Yusuke and flopped down onto the ground, not caring it his whole backside was wet from the grass, letting the growing light warm him. Birds began to twitter amongst themselves, as if wondering wether it was time to awaken the world with their songs, deciding so after the gentle sounds of the forest coming to life.
"Nice morning, isn't it?" Kagome whispered as she sat next to him, not making too much noise in fear of disturbing the wildlife. "Don't see this in our time, it's nothing but apartments and building." Yusuke grunted in agreement, and they relaxed in a comfortable silence. Kagome lay down near him, staring into the clear blue sky. It was going to be a good day.
Botan and Sango sat near the sat on logs near the smoldering ashes that had once bore the name of fire, brushing their unbound locks carefully.
"I guess I should warn you."
"About what?" Botan asked as she pulled her azure hair back into it's trademark ponytail, then took Sango's locks into her hands, separated them into three thick strands, and began to intertwine them in a distinctive pattern.
"Well. . .Miroku . . he's a sweet guy but," Sango frowned, tapping her chin with one hand as the other stroked Kilala, who was nestled in her lap. "Lets, just say, he has a habit of not keeping his hands to himself. And I don't mean in a good way."
Botan stopped, sweat-dropping and turning bright red. Suddenly, the two broke into giggles, almost falling off the old logs they were sitting on.
"Hey, what are you guys laughing about?" Kuwabara asked, sitting down on a large rock next to them as he pulled his shirt the rest of the way over his head.
"Oh, nothing Kuwabara." Botan said, waving her hand, embarrassed.
Kurama sat up, rubbing his eyes and yawning. He got to his feet, surprised that almost everyone else was up, even though it was just after dawn. Those herbs he took must have made him more tiered than he thought.
"Come on, people, let's get moving." Miroku yelled, drawing Kagome and Yusuke from the edge of the field towards them, and everyone else to their feet. The monk slung his bag over his shoulder, picking up his staff with his wrapped hand, "There should be another town over the next few ridges."
Kurama went over to the tiny figure of Shippo, who was still very much asleep, and shook him gently.
"Five more minutes." Shippo grumbled, pulling up the blanket and rolling over sleepily. Kurama smiled and picked up the little fox, rolling up his little cot and carrying it too.
They began to leave the field, talking and laughing, when Kurama and Inuyasha stopped abruptly. Hiei, too had paused for a moment, his Jagan eye glowing under the white headband.
"What's wrong guys?"
"Sh." the area began silent as they watched the two canine demons. Their ears twitched, searching for sound, Kurama's tails quivering with anxiety as their noses sniffed the air delicately. All three demons exchanged a look and nodded. "Demons."
As if on cue, dozens of demons crashed through the woods, headed straight for them. Strangely, they all looked alike. hey were all a monster that resembled a sand colored bony, human corpse dressed in clay armor armed with crude swords, daggers, clubs, bows and arrows, and everything else imaginable.
"Take Shippo." Kurama said, shoving the sleeping fox into Botan's arms. "Now you and Kagome get out of here!" And he was gone, thought racing through his head. This was close combat, and anything very large or very deadly could harms his friends, so . .Kurama plucked a seed from his hair, a plant covering his hand and forming a sharp spear/sword. *Might as well do it the old fashioned way.*
"Dragon of the mortal flame!" Hiei yelled, the attack sweeping through about twenty of the things, disintegrating them on the spot. He watched in horror and amazement, though, when the cinders flew together and re-molded into the dirt colored demons once again. The things lashed out and he slashed with his katana. The waist fell off the legs, but now it attacked as two things instead of one, the head trying to bit off his ankles while the feet ran around like a beheaded chicken.
"Shotgun!" *Dammit, why won't these things stay down?!* Yusuke thought angrily as his attack tore through the skeleton-like soldiers, but they just got right back up and came back for more, reassembling their various body parts and attacked like nothing had happened.
"Urameshi, why wont these things die?!"
"How the hell am I supposed to know?!" Kuwabara was chopping them in half, but he got no better results than Yusuke. Wit one quick motion, he chopped of one's head, but the body kept swinging the sword wildly.
"That's not right . . ."
"Dragon of the mortal flame!" Hiei blew the suckers to ashes, but he already realized he had just bought himself seconds before the next attack. *Dammit! What the hell are these things made of?!*
"This isn't working!" Sango yelled as she and Kilala flew overhead, avoiding arrows and plowing through the things with her boomerang. Only Miroku seemed to be having luck, merely sucking them into his wind tunnel.
"Where are they all coming from?!" For everyone that disappeared into his hand, there were two more to replace it!
"Ahh!" Miroku cried as a six-inch dagger found it's way deep into his back, the thing wrenching it down to for a huge gash, knocking him into unconsciousness as the zombies began to pile around him.
"Stay away from him!" Sango yelled, jumping down, fighting them off with her small close-range sword. A club appeared out of nowhere, smashing her in the side of the head, knocking her out almost instantly with a spurt of blood. Kilala dove for her owner, but was thrown off with a number of arrows into her side. Reverting back to her small kitten form, she fell into the horde of attackers.
Kurama saw something out of the corner of his eye and gasped, racing for Botan as arrows hurtled for her. No time to knock them off course, just had to stop them . .
"Kurama!" Botan said in surprise as he slid in front of her. He grunted in pain as his body was thrown slightly forward. Reaching back, Kurama muffling a cry of in pain as he grabbed the tails of the arrows and wrenched them out of his back, leaving three puncture holes.
"Oh my God!" He pulled out two seeds that immediately became roses, muttering a few words. The petals flew off, forming a flurry around her, Shippo, and Kagome. More arrows flew forward, but just bounced off the beautiful shields. Suddenly, he was gone, tearing through more soldier things with his green sword.
Kuwabara cried out in pain as two arrows found their way into his leg, another two piercing his side. He collapsed, blood gushing from the wounds and puddeling around him as the brown corpses began to surge toward his body.
"I'm out of energy!" Yusuke yelled, punching a zombie in the face. They just wouldn't end! It was becoming very clear that they just might just lose.
"Kagome, is there a Shikon shard anywhere?!" Kagome peered through the flurry of petals. She hadn't seen one before, but maybe. . .
"Yes, Inuyasha, there! On the top of that tree!" They all looked up to spot a dark figure chanting wildly, it's eyes glowing bright red. Inuyasha was about to jump up and take care of it, but was halted by a voice.
"Dragon of the Black Flame!" and it's namesake appeared, a huge black, fiery dragon exploded from Hiei's arm, writhing towards the figure and seeming to devour him. Suddenly, all the soldiers disappeared, leaving behind small piles of dirt.
"They were just sand?" Botan asked, kneeling next to one of the piles, touching it gently.
"Shikon shards do that sometimes." Inuyasha mumbled, tearing an arrow from his shoulder, then he flitted off. Hiei stumbled, Yusuke and Kurama appearing at his side immediately.
"Hiei, you alright?"
"Shouldn't have used those attacks, so close together . ." He mumbled and slumped, Yusuke catching him gently and picking him up. Dragon of the black and mortal flame so close together multiple times had to be exhausting.
"I got him." he said to Kurama, who nodded, going over to the other wounded. Tearing the knife from Miroku's back, he slung the monk over his shoulder, them moved onto Sango, who was still passed out, also picking her up. Kagome went forward and cradled Kilala gently, removing the arrows with a wince. Inuyasha eased the bloody Kuwabara off the ground, careful not to touch the arrows protruding from his body.
"Are you sure your alright, Kurama?" Botan asked as she examined his bloody back, and he shrugged.
"In this body I have a very high tolerance for pain."
"Well, lets get going. If someone else shows up, we're pretty much screwed." Inuyasha grumbled as they headed over the hill's crest.
When they all felt like they couldn't possibly walk another step, they came upon a small cottage at the edge of a subdued town. Inuyasha banged on the door, drawing a small old woman from the house.
"May I help you?'
"Yeah, you got a doctor or a healer or something in this dump?"
"No, but I think I can help your friends. Come inside, please." She led them in, going to a closet and pulling out some cots in which they lay their unconcious friends on.
"You have healing abilities, correct?" the woman asked Kurama, who was kneeling next to her.
"Yes, some. . ."
"Kurama!" The little fox leapt onto Kurama, surprising him and knocking him to the floor. His eyes widened and he bit his lip until it bled to stop himself from screaming in pain as his back slammed into the hardwood floor. The three puncture wounds tore open even wider, blood gushing across the floor.
"Shippo! Get off him!" Kagome screeched as she ran forward to pull the boy off.
"What's wrong, Kurama?" Shippo asked as the fox's teeth ground together and his fingernails dug into the floor boards as the puddle of blood widened. Kagome pulled of the small fox and knelt next to Kurama as he struggled to sit up.
"Kurama, are you alright?" Shippo saw all the crimson and gasped.
"Kurama, you're bleeding!" The kitsune bit back a *No shit*, shutting his eyes even tighter and clenching his fists to ward of the searing agony that tore through his back. Cool hands touched one of the wounds gently, and he hissed in pain.
"Oh, my, you've been carrying them with wounds like these?"
"I'm fine." he muttered gruffly, wincing as he tried to get to his feet.
"By the expression on your face, I think it's safe to say you're lying." Inuyasha smirked at the growl that rose from the kitsune's throat. Never before had the half demon met someone who's arrogance matched his own.
"My wounds aren't as serious as theirs, help them first." The old woman sighed and moved away from him.
"If you insist." She went over to Kuwabara, removing the rag that Yusuke was pressing to his friends side, tearing out the arrows as the boy yelped in pain. Gently removing Kuwabara's shirt, she reached for her herbs, but was stopped by Kurama.
"No, I can heal him." The fox stumbled over and knelt next to Kuwabara, using some of his ki to close the wounds. The old woman went to Miroku, tearing a hole in his robes and examining the long split.
"I can handle this one." she muttered almost forcefully, pulling out bottles and bandages, carefully dressing the wound. After a few moments, she went to the kitten that had moved from Kagome to Botan's lap.
"Um . ."
"Don't worry!" Botan chirped, "I'm already taking care of this one!" Her hand hovered above the small animal, tiny yellow threads of light resembling lightning trickling down into the wound, and after a few moments she was fully healed. The old lady looked at Hiei and Sango, and seeing no life threatening injuries, left them alone to sleep. Now she turned a concerned eye upon Inuyasha's arm.
"Don't even think about it hag. I'll be fine by tomorrow."
"Sounds like you, Urameshi." Kuwabara muttered as he rolled over in his sleep, causing Yusuke to grin.
Kurama looked up to see Botan sitting down across from him, her hands already lightly glowing from spirit energy. He fixed her with a glare, but she just frowned at him and shook her finger in his face.
"You helped me Kurama, now let me help you." He looked at her for a moment more, then nodded slightly. She cupped his face and let her energy out as he stared into her eyes with his bright, golden irises. She didn't shy away from him, but instead returned the gaze with the same intensity as he had given. After his wounds fully closed, Kurama uttered a low moan and slumped into Botan's arms.
At first she was surprised, then smiled lightly, gently easing the fox onto the floor. Healing usually made both the giver and receiver exhausted, and with his other wounds it must have knocked Kurama out. Botan yawned as she covered him with a blanket, then went to join the others around the small stove where tea was brewing.
The old woman left to go get some more blankets, and Inuyasha cast an evil eye after her. "Something isn't right about that old lady, I mean, who would help a bunch of bleeding demons on your doorway?"
"Oh my God, Inuyasha, does everyone have to have an ulterior motive with you?"
"I wish Hiei or Kurama were conscious, then they could read her mind or something." Yusuke muttered as he scratched his shoulder, wondering why it was so irritated.
"Yusuke, your bleeding!" he looked at his hand, which was covered in blood, and wondered why he hadn't noticed before. Oh, wait, he had. That would explain a few things. The old woman hurried out, helping him by applying herbs to the not very deep gash in his shoulder. After that, she stood hastily.
"Come, it is time for you all to get some sleep." They all nodded and followed as she led them into a back room.
***
Miroku's eyes slid open, adjusting to the pitch black of night, and he sat up. Or at least tried to, until he figured out that he couldn't move.
*What happened?* He thought groggily. His mind was swimming and he was having a hard time concentrating. Feeling a presence near him, he stilled and listened to try and figure out who it was.
Warm, gentle breath played across his neck as fingers with long, sharp nails traced light circles on his bare chest.
*What?*
"Good, your awake." a soft, feminine voice whispered, "I wouldn't want you to miss this." A face emerged in his line of vision. It was a young woman with folds of bright blonde hair, innocent brown eyes and large, black-tinted spots. Her teeth were very big, fang-like.
"It's been so long." she moaned softly as she lowered her head back down to his neck, rough tongue darting over his pale, creamy skin.
*This could get interesting . .*
"Since I've had human blood." *That can't be good.* Now Miroku tried to call out to somebody, anybody, but no sound emerged from him. Summoning all of his strength, he tried to move his hand to unleash his wind tunnel, but he didn't so much as twitch.
"Don't even try to move." She purred, her tongue tracing his lips, then pressing hers to them as she crushed herself hard against him. Pulling away, she smirked."You won't be able to move for at least three days or so."
"Your other little human friend has a bit of demon blood in him, so his blood will be naturally sweeter, but I like you more." *Who? Inuyasha? Yusuke? Well, at least I was the favorite in death.* The monk thought sarcastically as his eyes darted around the room, looking for someone, anyone! But he couldn't see, her face filled his vision. Her body was taut against him, her fingers running through his hair as her tongue swirled in his mouth teasingly.
"Usually, I like to play with my victims before I kill them," her voice thick with desire, "But since your friends are here, I guess I'll have to make a quick kill. Such a shame."
The woman's face went to his neck and her teeth grazed it. Miroku closed his eyes, waiting for impending doom. She bit down.
Blood sprayed everywhere
What have I done to Miroku?! I have kilt him! *evil cackles* Or maybe not, you'll have to stay tuned in to the next chapter! *Sees mob of Homicidal Miroku fans standing outside of Cheeto's window with torches and a battering ram * Crap. Help me!!! Remember, leave reviews!!!
Cheeto *stands up* Hi, my name is Cheeto
Group: Hi, Cheeto
Cheeto: And I . . . don't own Yu Yu Hakusho *sobs*
*clapping*
Councilor: See, class? Acceptance is the first step to recovery.
Anyway, thank-you everyone who reviewed! You love me, you really love me! *waves supermodel like* or, aleast you love my fic, which is just as good! Keep it up!
Anyway, a question arose if Yusuke was going to be a demon in this story. Hm. Yes, probably. See since Raizen is his ancestor, not his father like many think, Inuyasha couldn't sense him being a demon. So, I'll probably have him go demon form in a couple of chapters and kick some major ass! Yay!
Oh, and also . .I was so impatiant to update my story that I waited until 12:15 AM after a whole day, just to make you wait! Mwahaha! And, if you haven't seen Finding Nemo, it is like the cutest movie ever! Except for screaming kids in the theatre! *chases after toddlers with a flamethrower* DIE!!!
*~Chapter Three~*
It was a bright, new morning when Yusuke got up. He was surprised to find that he was the only one. Sliding out of the sleeping bag and getting to his feet, he rolled it up and decided to go for a little walk.
It was beautiful, a gentle breeze rustling the flower-spotted grass, making a sort of wave shimmer through it. The sun was just barely peeking over the rolling hills, so the sky was still a shade of grey and the land chilled. Walking a bit more, Yusuke noticed that his pant legs were getting soaked by dew, but really didn't mind.
He almost tripped over a small stream and knelt next to it, cupping some of the frigid waters and splashing it over his face, shuddering at the sort of cold satisfaction. As the sun rose higher, no sounds could be heard, except for the babbling of the brook and the occasional gust of wind.
Smiling, Yusuke and flopped down onto the ground, not caring it his whole backside was wet from the grass, letting the growing light warm him. Birds began to twitter amongst themselves, as if wondering wether it was time to awaken the world with their songs, deciding so after the gentle sounds of the forest coming to life.
"Nice morning, isn't it?" Kagome whispered as she sat next to him, not making too much noise in fear of disturbing the wildlife. "Don't see this in our time, it's nothing but apartments and building." Yusuke grunted in agreement, and they relaxed in a comfortable silence. Kagome lay down near him, staring into the clear blue sky. It was going to be a good day.
Botan and Sango sat near the sat on logs near the smoldering ashes that had once bore the name of fire, brushing their unbound locks carefully.
"I guess I should warn you."
"About what?" Botan asked as she pulled her azure hair back into it's trademark ponytail, then took Sango's locks into her hands, separated them into three thick strands, and began to intertwine them in a distinctive pattern.
"Well. . .Miroku . . he's a sweet guy but," Sango frowned, tapping her chin with one hand as the other stroked Kilala, who was nestled in her lap. "Lets, just say, he has a habit of not keeping his hands to himself. And I don't mean in a good way."
Botan stopped, sweat-dropping and turning bright red. Suddenly, the two broke into giggles, almost falling off the old logs they were sitting on.
"Hey, what are you guys laughing about?" Kuwabara asked, sitting down on a large rock next to them as he pulled his shirt the rest of the way over his head.
"Oh, nothing Kuwabara." Botan said, waving her hand, embarrassed.
Kurama sat up, rubbing his eyes and yawning. He got to his feet, surprised that almost everyone else was up, even though it was just after dawn. Those herbs he took must have made him more tiered than he thought.
"Come on, people, let's get moving." Miroku yelled, drawing Kagome and Yusuke from the edge of the field towards them, and everyone else to their feet. The monk slung his bag over his shoulder, picking up his staff with his wrapped hand, "There should be another town over the next few ridges."
Kurama went over to the tiny figure of Shippo, who was still very much asleep, and shook him gently.
"Five more minutes." Shippo grumbled, pulling up the blanket and rolling over sleepily. Kurama smiled and picked up the little fox, rolling up his little cot and carrying it too.
They began to leave the field, talking and laughing, when Kurama and Inuyasha stopped abruptly. Hiei, too had paused for a moment, his Jagan eye glowing under the white headband.
"What's wrong guys?"
"Sh." the area began silent as they watched the two canine demons. Their ears twitched, searching for sound, Kurama's tails quivering with anxiety as their noses sniffed the air delicately. All three demons exchanged a look and nodded. "Demons."
As if on cue, dozens of demons crashed through the woods, headed straight for them. Strangely, they all looked alike. hey were all a monster that resembled a sand colored bony, human corpse dressed in clay armor armed with crude swords, daggers, clubs, bows and arrows, and everything else imaginable.
"Take Shippo." Kurama said, shoving the sleeping fox into Botan's arms. "Now you and Kagome get out of here!" And he was gone, thought racing through his head. This was close combat, and anything very large or very deadly could harms his friends, so . .Kurama plucked a seed from his hair, a plant covering his hand and forming a sharp spear/sword. *Might as well do it the old fashioned way.*
"Dragon of the mortal flame!" Hiei yelled, the attack sweeping through about twenty of the things, disintegrating them on the spot. He watched in horror and amazement, though, when the cinders flew together and re-molded into the dirt colored demons once again. The things lashed out and he slashed with his katana. The waist fell off the legs, but now it attacked as two things instead of one, the head trying to bit off his ankles while the feet ran around like a beheaded chicken.
"Shotgun!" *Dammit, why won't these things stay down?!* Yusuke thought angrily as his attack tore through the skeleton-like soldiers, but they just got right back up and came back for more, reassembling their various body parts and attacked like nothing had happened.
"Urameshi, why wont these things die?!"
"How the hell am I supposed to know?!" Kuwabara was chopping them in half, but he got no better results than Yusuke. Wit one quick motion, he chopped of one's head, but the body kept swinging the sword wildly.
"That's not right . . ."
"Dragon of the mortal flame!" Hiei blew the suckers to ashes, but he already realized he had just bought himself seconds before the next attack. *Dammit! What the hell are these things made of?!*
"This isn't working!" Sango yelled as she and Kilala flew overhead, avoiding arrows and plowing through the things with her boomerang. Only Miroku seemed to be having luck, merely sucking them into his wind tunnel.
"Where are they all coming from?!" For everyone that disappeared into his hand, there were two more to replace it!
"Ahh!" Miroku cried as a six-inch dagger found it's way deep into his back, the thing wrenching it down to for a huge gash, knocking him into unconsciousness as the zombies began to pile around him.
"Stay away from him!" Sango yelled, jumping down, fighting them off with her small close-range sword. A club appeared out of nowhere, smashing her in the side of the head, knocking her out almost instantly with a spurt of blood. Kilala dove for her owner, but was thrown off with a number of arrows into her side. Reverting back to her small kitten form, she fell into the horde of attackers.
Kurama saw something out of the corner of his eye and gasped, racing for Botan as arrows hurtled for her. No time to knock them off course, just had to stop them . .
"Kurama!" Botan said in surprise as he slid in front of her. He grunted in pain as his body was thrown slightly forward. Reaching back, Kurama muffling a cry of in pain as he grabbed the tails of the arrows and wrenched them out of his back, leaving three puncture holes.
"Oh my God!" He pulled out two seeds that immediately became roses, muttering a few words. The petals flew off, forming a flurry around her, Shippo, and Kagome. More arrows flew forward, but just bounced off the beautiful shields. Suddenly, he was gone, tearing through more soldier things with his green sword.
Kuwabara cried out in pain as two arrows found their way into his leg, another two piercing his side. He collapsed, blood gushing from the wounds and puddeling around him as the brown corpses began to surge toward his body.
"I'm out of energy!" Yusuke yelled, punching a zombie in the face. They just wouldn't end! It was becoming very clear that they just might just lose.
"Kagome, is there a Shikon shard anywhere?!" Kagome peered through the flurry of petals. She hadn't seen one before, but maybe. . .
"Yes, Inuyasha, there! On the top of that tree!" They all looked up to spot a dark figure chanting wildly, it's eyes glowing bright red. Inuyasha was about to jump up and take care of it, but was halted by a voice.
"Dragon of the Black Flame!" and it's namesake appeared, a huge black, fiery dragon exploded from Hiei's arm, writhing towards the figure and seeming to devour him. Suddenly, all the soldiers disappeared, leaving behind small piles of dirt.
"They were just sand?" Botan asked, kneeling next to one of the piles, touching it gently.
"Shikon shards do that sometimes." Inuyasha mumbled, tearing an arrow from his shoulder, then he flitted off. Hiei stumbled, Yusuke and Kurama appearing at his side immediately.
"Hiei, you alright?"
"Shouldn't have used those attacks, so close together . ." He mumbled and slumped, Yusuke catching him gently and picking him up. Dragon of the black and mortal flame so close together multiple times had to be exhausting.
"I got him." he said to Kurama, who nodded, going over to the other wounded. Tearing the knife from Miroku's back, he slung the monk over his shoulder, them moved onto Sango, who was still passed out, also picking her up. Kagome went forward and cradled Kilala gently, removing the arrows with a wince. Inuyasha eased the bloody Kuwabara off the ground, careful not to touch the arrows protruding from his body.
"Are you sure your alright, Kurama?" Botan asked as she examined his bloody back, and he shrugged.
"In this body I have a very high tolerance for pain."
"Well, lets get going. If someone else shows up, we're pretty much screwed." Inuyasha grumbled as they headed over the hill's crest.
When they all felt like they couldn't possibly walk another step, they came upon a small cottage at the edge of a subdued town. Inuyasha banged on the door, drawing a small old woman from the house.
"May I help you?'
"Yeah, you got a doctor or a healer or something in this dump?"
"No, but I think I can help your friends. Come inside, please." She led them in, going to a closet and pulling out some cots in which they lay their unconcious friends on.
"You have healing abilities, correct?" the woman asked Kurama, who was kneeling next to her.
"Yes, some. . ."
"Kurama!" The little fox leapt onto Kurama, surprising him and knocking him to the floor. His eyes widened and he bit his lip until it bled to stop himself from screaming in pain as his back slammed into the hardwood floor. The three puncture wounds tore open even wider, blood gushing across the floor.
"Shippo! Get off him!" Kagome screeched as she ran forward to pull the boy off.
"What's wrong, Kurama?" Shippo asked as the fox's teeth ground together and his fingernails dug into the floor boards as the puddle of blood widened. Kagome pulled of the small fox and knelt next to Kurama as he struggled to sit up.
"Kurama, are you alright?" Shippo saw all the crimson and gasped.
"Kurama, you're bleeding!" The kitsune bit back a *No shit*, shutting his eyes even tighter and clenching his fists to ward of the searing agony that tore through his back. Cool hands touched one of the wounds gently, and he hissed in pain.
"Oh, my, you've been carrying them with wounds like these?"
"I'm fine." he muttered gruffly, wincing as he tried to get to his feet.
"By the expression on your face, I think it's safe to say you're lying." Inuyasha smirked at the growl that rose from the kitsune's throat. Never before had the half demon met someone who's arrogance matched his own.
"My wounds aren't as serious as theirs, help them first." The old woman sighed and moved away from him.
"If you insist." She went over to Kuwabara, removing the rag that Yusuke was pressing to his friends side, tearing out the arrows as the boy yelped in pain. Gently removing Kuwabara's shirt, she reached for her herbs, but was stopped by Kurama.
"No, I can heal him." The fox stumbled over and knelt next to Kuwabara, using some of his ki to close the wounds. The old woman went to Miroku, tearing a hole in his robes and examining the long split.
"I can handle this one." she muttered almost forcefully, pulling out bottles and bandages, carefully dressing the wound. After a few moments, she went to the kitten that had moved from Kagome to Botan's lap.
"Um . ."
"Don't worry!" Botan chirped, "I'm already taking care of this one!" Her hand hovered above the small animal, tiny yellow threads of light resembling lightning trickling down into the wound, and after a few moments she was fully healed. The old lady looked at Hiei and Sango, and seeing no life threatening injuries, left them alone to sleep. Now she turned a concerned eye upon Inuyasha's arm.
"Don't even think about it hag. I'll be fine by tomorrow."
"Sounds like you, Urameshi." Kuwabara muttered as he rolled over in his sleep, causing Yusuke to grin.
Kurama looked up to see Botan sitting down across from him, her hands already lightly glowing from spirit energy. He fixed her with a glare, but she just frowned at him and shook her finger in his face.
"You helped me Kurama, now let me help you." He looked at her for a moment more, then nodded slightly. She cupped his face and let her energy out as he stared into her eyes with his bright, golden irises. She didn't shy away from him, but instead returned the gaze with the same intensity as he had given. After his wounds fully closed, Kurama uttered a low moan and slumped into Botan's arms.
At first she was surprised, then smiled lightly, gently easing the fox onto the floor. Healing usually made both the giver and receiver exhausted, and with his other wounds it must have knocked Kurama out. Botan yawned as she covered him with a blanket, then went to join the others around the small stove where tea was brewing.
The old woman left to go get some more blankets, and Inuyasha cast an evil eye after her. "Something isn't right about that old lady, I mean, who would help a bunch of bleeding demons on your doorway?"
"Oh my God, Inuyasha, does everyone have to have an ulterior motive with you?"
"I wish Hiei or Kurama were conscious, then they could read her mind or something." Yusuke muttered as he scratched his shoulder, wondering why it was so irritated.
"Yusuke, your bleeding!" he looked at his hand, which was covered in blood, and wondered why he hadn't noticed before. Oh, wait, he had. That would explain a few things. The old woman hurried out, helping him by applying herbs to the not very deep gash in his shoulder. After that, she stood hastily.
"Come, it is time for you all to get some sleep." They all nodded and followed as she led them into a back room.
***
Miroku's eyes slid open, adjusting to the pitch black of night, and he sat up. Or at least tried to, until he figured out that he couldn't move.
*What happened?* He thought groggily. His mind was swimming and he was having a hard time concentrating. Feeling a presence near him, he stilled and listened to try and figure out who it was.
Warm, gentle breath played across his neck as fingers with long, sharp nails traced light circles on his bare chest.
*What?*
"Good, your awake." a soft, feminine voice whispered, "I wouldn't want you to miss this." A face emerged in his line of vision. It was a young woman with folds of bright blonde hair, innocent brown eyes and large, black-tinted spots. Her teeth were very big, fang-like.
"It's been so long." she moaned softly as she lowered her head back down to his neck, rough tongue darting over his pale, creamy skin.
*This could get interesting . .*
"Since I've had human blood." *That can't be good.* Now Miroku tried to call out to somebody, anybody, but no sound emerged from him. Summoning all of his strength, he tried to move his hand to unleash his wind tunnel, but he didn't so much as twitch.
"Don't even try to move." She purred, her tongue tracing his lips, then pressing hers to them as she crushed herself hard against him. Pulling away, she smirked."You won't be able to move for at least three days or so."
"Your other little human friend has a bit of demon blood in him, so his blood will be naturally sweeter, but I like you more." *Who? Inuyasha? Yusuke? Well, at least I was the favorite in death.* The monk thought sarcastically as his eyes darted around the room, looking for someone, anyone! But he couldn't see, her face filled his vision. Her body was taut against him, her fingers running through his hair as her tongue swirled in his mouth teasingly.
"Usually, I like to play with my victims before I kill them," her voice thick with desire, "But since your friends are here, I guess I'll have to make a quick kill. Such a shame."
The woman's face went to his neck and her teeth grazed it. Miroku closed his eyes, waiting for impending doom. She bit down.
Blood sprayed everywhere
What have I done to Miroku?! I have kilt him! *evil cackles* Or maybe not, you'll have to stay tuned in to the next chapter! *Sees mob of Homicidal Miroku fans standing outside of Cheeto's window with torches and a battering ram * Crap. Help me!!! Remember, leave reviews!!!