REVIEWS!!!!!
kireishi-chan (DV; You have no idea how demented. QFF; I RESENT THAT! DV; Of coarse you do... oh, and inventive threat! You get the cookie!)
inudemoness247 (DV; hehe... I'm evil. QFF; Tell me about it. DV; SHUT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
fallen-666-angel (DV- O.o; And I thought striking muses were bad! QFF; How soon can you have them kill DV so I can take over the story? DV; Queenie!)
star's dreams (Try having Thanksgiving dinner with it. -_-; DH; HEY!!! I'M NOT THE ONE WHO EATS EIGHT TIMES MY OWN BODY WEIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!! DV; What's wrong with that? QFF; *rolls eyes* any who, for recognizing my insanity, SD is now one of my favorite reviewers!)
Luscious (DV; Thank you so much! Hmm... that WOULD be funny... but I've kinda already got plans for Yakuso. QFF; And don't bother asking. I've already tried *pouts* DV; Sadly, I suffer from OPP (Over Protective Parents) And I'm lucky I'm allowed to be on FF.net, forget about having a screen name. Dad insists that I'm gonna end up kidnapped/murdered/raped if I do things like that. -_-;;; I can NOT wait until I'm out of here...)
ladyofthedragons1 (DV; O.o; To tell you the truth, I pick all the names of my OCs by looking in a Japanese-english dictionaries for a word that I either like or fits the character. QFF; Yep. Yari means spear, Yakuso, medical herb, Hogasha, protector, Ganko, stubborn (^-^;) Kurai, black/dark, Reikoku, cruel, inhuman, Yume, dream, and Mayonaka, moonlight.)
DarkReuku13 (DV; You're gonna hafta read to find out... QFF; And yes, Sessy- chan's gonna make an appearance DV; I agree. Sessho-maru's one of my absolute favorite anime characters... Sesshy... *sigh*
kitsunekagome23 (DV; I will QFF; An uma youkai is a horse demon. Not those weird looking ones with four legs, either. I just LLLLOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEEEE horses!!!!!)
DV- I hope you didn't take Queenie's threat to heart. Uma youkai are vegetarians.
QFF- I COULD eat someone's inner organ's if I really wanted to!
DV- Riiiiight... And anyone who thinks I'm taking Kagome and Kurama's relationship a little too fast... Show me ONE SANE GIRL that didn't fall in love with Kurama on sight.
Kagome- DreamVixen?
DV- Hm?
Kagome- Um... Miroku's still sort of...
Miroku- GET THESE BLOODY BEASTS AWAY FROM ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DV- OH! Right, sorry. *Miroku taken down from shark pit*
Miroku- Thank you, Lady DreamVixen.
DV- Keep your hand off my ass, houshi
Miroku- What do you mean, my lady?
DV- I mean the hand that's going south better make a u-turn if you don't want to lose it!
QFF- Amateur threat.
DV- Shut it, horse-girl. I own nothing but one or two anime posters, a handful of mangas, a few DVDs and my little brothers YuYu Hakusho GBA game (That STILL has me ticked! They made KUWABARA stronger than HIEI!!!! AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO THINKS THAT'S WRONG?!?!?!)
\\.........\\ Youko\Kurama talk -.........- beast talk *.........* telepathy '.........' thoughts
*********************The Would-Be Lovers Counterstrike!********************
"KURAMA!"
\\DAMN HIM TO ALL SEVEN LAYERS OF HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHO THE FUCK DOES HE THINK HE IS, INTERRUPTING OUR KISS LIKE THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!\\
I growled softly as Youko continued to curse. Granted, I hadn't really thought about what I was doing a few minuets ago when I kissed Kagome, but that didn't mean this guy could come along and interrupt!
"WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!?!" said interruption bellowed at me, "THAT WAS MY WOMAN YOU WERE AL OVER, YOU FUCKIN' FOX!!!!" I suppressed the urge to growl louder (Barely) as I glared at the wolf youkai in front of me. (^-^; The 'my woman,' line gave it away, didn't it? oh, well! I left you in suspense last chapter, so it's the least I can do now! ^-^ Bakeries for Luscious, star's dreams, DarkReuku13, )
"Kouga, please-!"
"You will pay in blood for trying to take what is mine, fox!"
"Kouga he wasn't- HEY, I'M NOT-!!!"
"What gives you claim over a woman's heart? Last I checked, that was something they could give freely." Kagome blushed. Kouga growled.
\\Nice. That'll win some points with her...\\
\\You never give up, do you?\\
\\I wouldn't have become one of the greatest kitsune thieves to ever live if I had.\\
"The strongest is the most suited to mate," Kouga said shortly. "I'm stronger than you, so I get Kagome," I stared at him.
\\You've gotta be kidding me...\\ I almost smiled at the teenage phrase.
\\Perhaps you've spent too much time around humans, Youko,\\
\\You make it sound like I have a choice in the matter.\\
"If you're truly stronger than me," I said to the wolf, "you are going to have to prove it before I will relinquish Kagome to you," I watched as Kagome sputtered in indignance. I was going to have to explain that to her later. Kouga grinned and cracked his knuckles.
"Agreed." I dodge quickly as he came at me with a punch. Because he had the shikon shards in his legs for so long, the magic had altered his muscles permanently, so he was still incredibly fast, yet nowhere near as fast as my jiganshi friend and sparring partner. Then again, that was like compairing a 20 year old pickup truck to a race car. (AN; Throw me a bone here, people, I'm surrounded by guys on a daily basis!)
I pulled one of my seeds out of my hair, transforming it into my rose whip. I lashed out six times, striking him in various places, yet not killing him. While Kagome didn't love the wolf, she did seem to like him and I didn't want to blow any chance I had with her because I killed her friend. Besides, by Youkai mating laws, I'd won, already. I was stronger, so I got the girl. Kouga fell painfully to the earth. Clutching some of his wounds.
"I believe I've shown who is more powerful here," I said, rolling my whip back up. "I will not kill you, and I promise you no more harm if you leave right now." Kouga looked at me, then Kagome, desperation in his eyes. Then he stood and glared at me.
"This fight isn't over, fox. I WILL come back to free my Kagome from your grasp!" and with that, he left, his wounds slowing him down slightly. I mentally sighed as I turned to the still fuming Kagome.
"I apologize, Kagome. But remember this IS an older time period. Youkai laws are held here much more strongly than in the Makai. That was the only way to stop him from believing you belonged to him." Kagome's glare softened and she sighed.
"I know." She said, then she smiled at me. She leaned up and gave me a quick, chaste kiss, "Come on, it's late."
I watched silently from my spot against the wall as Kagome got into the sleeping bag next to Shippo, who unconsciously moved closer to her.
\\He truly does look to her as a mother,\\ I mentally nodded at Youko rare, somber tone.
*Meaning whoever wants her better be prepared to be a father,* Neither I nor Youko were surprised at the new voice in the mental conversation.
\\We realize that, Hiei,\\ I said.
\\It's not like we weren't planning on having kits with her, anyways.\\ Youko scoffed.
\\Why so concerned?\\ I asked, curiously.
*I'm not. I just think it's careless to run into a relationship without thinking about it first. Getting involved with her means two weaknesses and an angry king in charge of a large army of kitsunes. You know that.*
\\Yes, and it's all the more reason to get involved. She doesn't deserve to face him alone. And he does not deserve to live after such dishonorable intentions.\\ Youko said, serious again.
*This coming from a thief.* Hiei snorted.
\\Perhaps, but I'm a thief that knows the importance of family honor.\\ a few yards away, Sango sighed and tossed in her sleep. I raised an eyebrow as a large bruise on her left shoulder came into view.
\\I see you and the tajiya are taking training quite seriously,\\ I said, closing my eyes and preparing for sleep.\\Why are you so concerned about her?\\ there was silence. I frowned, thinking Hiei had left.
*... her brother.*
\\What?\\
*She wants to be stronger to protect her brother. And the miko-vixen, who she reguards like a sister.* I understood. Hiei respected her because she'd go so far for a sibling. As far as he, himself was willing to go for Yukina's safety.
\\I see.\\ I said softly, \\Well good night, Hiei,\\
*Hn*
I awoke the next morning to find a breakfast similar to the one we had yesterday. After eating my fill and listening to the light chatter from my companions I went out for a walk in the forest, enjoying the feeling of being surrounded by an untamed wilderness, untouched by the modern world. I paused to watch Shippo, Souta and Kohaku playing in the clearing near the well, Yakuso was sitting at the well's edge, watching them. The boys spotted me fairly quickly and raced over.
"Kurama!" Souta yelled, grinning. I hadn't known the boy for very long, yet I liked him a lot already. He was friendly and innocent without being foolish. Just like Kagome.
Shippo ran in front of the group, being the fastest. Youko and I had both taken an eager liking to this boy as well. The kit was clever and spunky and cared for Kagome intensely. I could tell he like me as well, yet I wasn't quite sure if he wanted me as his surrogated father just yet.
"Oh, hello Kurama," Yakuso said smiling at me, in a friendly matter, "I was just letting the boys work off their access energy before their lessons. I promised Kagome to teach them about the Shadow Kitsune Kingdom in case they decide to return their upon our arrival back to our time."
"That makes sense," I said, calmly.
"Hey, Kurama! Watch this!" I watched in open amusement as Shippo attempted the vine trick I had taught him, struggling slightly, but prevailing in the end. I nodded in approval, making the little boy beam in pride.
"Are you going to teach us any other tricks, Kurama?" Souta asked, hopefully. I chuckled.
"I promise that as soon as things settle down with Kagome and after you learn all you can from Yakuso that I'll teach you everything you want to know." The boys faces lit up.
"Does that mean you'll stick around?" Souta said eagerly. I smiled at their hopeful faces. Neither of them had had many older males in their lives. Shippo's father was dead and Souta knew little of his. The only other males that were around all the time were InuYasha and Miroku. Something told me InuYasha didn't teach them very many things and the girls wouldn't allow the boys to know too much of what Miroku knew. They needed someone to teach them things like these.
"Of coarse,"
"YAY!!!" I laughed as the boys started to dance around. Then Shippo turned back to me with yet another hopeful face in place. I raised an eyebrow at him in question.
"Does this mean you're my new daddy?"
I stared at him, my jaw hanging slightly, catching the hidden meaning behind the innocent question.
"Umm..."
\\Damn it, SAY YES!\\
\\I don't want to pressure Kagome to become our mate.\\
\\Why not?\\
\\Because it won't be fair to her!\\ Youko grumbled for a second.
\\Fine. But you'd be hard pressed to give the kit an answer that won't pressure her.\\ I ignored him, along with Yakuso who was trying to suppress her laugher and failing miserably.
"I suppose that'd be up to you mother," I answered reasonably. Shippo nodded, apparently satisfied with that answer and Yakuso raised her eyebrow at me. I smiled at her as I stood. "I'll leave you to your lessons now,"
"Kay!" Shippo said happily.
"See ya, Kurama!" Kohaku simply nodded shyly. I was a little surprised at how much his personality contrasted to his stubborn, spunky sister. Then again, taking a look at Hiei and Yukina I supposed they weren't that different after all.
"Hey, Fox!" I stopped at the harsh, yet now familiar voice. "I've got a bone to pick with you." I turned to face the golden glare of the hanyou.
"Yes?" his ear twitched in annoyance as he studied me carefully.
"What are you trying to pull with Kagome?" I mentally sighed. Youko pricked up indignantly in the corner of our mind.
"What do you mean?" he glared at me.
"You know damn well what I mean!" InuYasha yell, sending all nearby birds into the sky. "I saw what you were doing with her last night! The only reason I didn't kill you then and there was because the wench was kissing you back! You KNEW I was there, don't deny it, fox. Now I'll ask you again, What are you trying to pull with Kagome?!" I sighed.
"I myself don't really know what last night was about. I won't deny I'm attracted to Kagome, that may have simply been it. Yet know that whatever my intentions are, I would never harm her," Youko was grumbling again.
\\Since when are our intentions any of his business?\\ I ignored him as InuYasha walked towards me.
"Feh!" he grumbled. "Fine, fox. But if you make Kagome cry even one time..." His eyes narrowed as he let the threat trail off. I nodded, understanding the meaning. I started walking again, and InuYasha kept pace with me.
"Why are you not with Botan?" I asked, changing the subject.
"Damn vixen told me to beat it while she taught her more about the katana," InuYasha half grumbled, half growled. I almost laughed at his sulky attitude towards Yari's bluntness.
"Well, Yari knows what she's doing, I'd expect,"
"Guess so," the hanyou said with a shrug. "The kits ain't causin' mass chaos in the village." He remarked as we reached the reached the edge of the forest, "I'm guessing they're either dead or with the wench," I smiled slightly as I realized InuYasha never really called Kagome a name with the feeling that made it an insult. Truly, I'd think the only reason he called her names at all was because he was stubborn and also unwilling to give up on the age old fights that resulted from them.
"Neither, actually. Yakuso is teaching them kitsune etiquette." InuYasha snorted and grumbled something under his breath. Even with my hearing, all I caught was 'Bullshit, kitsune's have etiquette,' 'stupid wenches,' 'waste of time,' and 'should be training,' I smiled to myself as I shook my head.
Suddenly I felt a lot of you-ki heading towards a spot where Sango, Hiei, Keiko, Yukina, Kagome and an oddly familiar young human energy were. Along with an energy I cursed myself for not noticing earlier. InuYasha must have felt something, too. He cursed loudly and headed in that direction.
I raced after him, worry knotting my stomach. No matter what her problem was with the hanyou, I could not allow her to take it out on Kagome. (AN: Okay, if you haven't guessed by now who all the energies are, I seriously worry about your common sense. Or your amount of Inu-obsession. Whichever comes first,)
"Kikyou!" InuYasha yelled as we neared the group. (AN: Told you. The other two might be a little harder, but you still shouldn't have to wrack your brain out.) When we reached the clearing they were in, we came upon a tense scene.
Kagome and Kikyou stood at different ends of the clearing, both with drawn bows. Yukina, Keiko, Hiei, Sango and a little girl stood behind Kagome. Sango was hugging the girl close to her as Hiei glared at the undead miko, clutching his right arm which looked like it had been nicked with a miko arrow. The arrow sticking out of a nearby tree made that suspicion stronger. (AN: DON'T FLAME ME FOR LETTING KIKYOU HURT HIEI!!!!!!!! It will make sense later, I promise!!! In all honesty, I think Hiei could kick Kikyou's butt to hell and back a hundred times over!)
"InuYasha, Kurama stay back!," Kagome yelled to us, not taking her eyes off of Kikyou. We stopped hesitantly obeying her. A few seconds later, InuYasha's half-brother made his way into the clearing, glaring at Kikyou.
"Sessho-maru-sama!" the little girl, who I now recognized as his human ward, called out. Sessho-maru glanced at her, his eyes warming ever so slightly then returned his cold glare to the clay pot priestess.
"Wench," He growled, "You will pay for harming someone under the care of this Sessho-maru."
Kikyou said nothing. She refused to look away from Kagome's cool glare. Sessho-maru growled again, taking a step forward.
"No, Sessho-maru! Kikyou put a miko barrier up anyone with you-ki will be killed if they touch it." Sessho-maru stopped, glancing at Kagome.
"You're a sad excuse for a miko, and an even more pathetic copy," Kikyou said coldly, "You are not worthy of my soul. I demand it's return,"
"It is MY soul now, Kikyou," Kagome said in an icy tone, "You died fifty years ago, you have no right to walk the earth as if you still belong here. Please, Kikyou, just pass on. There are still living people who care for you, and they wish to see you rest in peace."
"I refuse!" Kikyou hissed, "This is my chance to truly live, without the burden of being a miko. I can hate now, I can be free."
"Your not alive, Kikyou and you know it!" Kagome yelled back in exasperation, "Staying here, sharing a soul is simply hurting the both of us. I'll only ask you once more before I take action, go back to the afterlife," Kikyou glared icily at Kagome and sent some sort of spell into the arrow, making it glow a bright golden color. Kagome's eyes widened slightly and she quickly turned to the others.
"Hurry! Get behind me!" Yukina and Keiko quickly complied. Hiei ignored her, still glaring at Kikyou and Sango tried to follow Kagome's instructions, but was weighed down by Rin, and seemed to have something wrong with her leg.
Kikyou's aim switched from Kagome to Rin before anyone could blink. When Sango saw the arrow coming, she pushed the girl away, and took the blow in her place.
"SANGO!" the hanyou cried, stepping forward to be greeted with the crackling of the miko barrier. Suddenly those odd, flying snake creatures Kikyou had used to get away in the fight against the hanyou started coming at Kikyou rapidly, each dropping what looked sickeningly like souls into her body. Kikyou drew her spelled arrow again, This time catching Rin in the right shoulder. She turn to Kagome triumphantly. The shadow vixen glared at her, her energies flaring.
"Save your power, reincarnate. You'll need it if you want to save the girl and your friend," Kikyou laughed and slowly faded into nothingness, her soul catchers following in pursuit. Kagome raced to the fallen's side right before the barrier flickered out of existence. Sessho-maru immediately drew Tenseiga, but stopped at Kagome's shout.
"NO! That was a very complex spell Kikyou used. If you try to stop it with anything but miko energy, the one affected with the spell will die," Sessho-maru scowled then sheathed his blade.
"This Sessho-maru trusts you know what your doing, miko." Kagome nodded shortly and turned to the fire apparition.
"Hiei, You're the fastest one here, Take Sango and go to Kaede's hut. Tell her Kikyou used a Nakusu spell on an arrow. I'll be right behind you with Rin. InuYasha go get Yakuso tell her it's an emergency!" Everyone sprang into action. I ran beside Kagome as she raced back to the hut, eyeing Rin worriedly.
"Is there anything I can do?" I asked anxiously. I didn't know much about miko magic, but I could heal, and something told me they'd need all the help they could get to save these two. Kagome gave me a brief reassuring smile.
"Not much. You could watch the hut for us and keep the others from starting a panic in the village," I nodded and watched as she entered the hut. Quick words were exchanged between her and the elderly miko. A few seconds later Hiei left the hut and leaned against a wall. I glanced at him.
\\Do you know what's going on?\\
*No.* Hiei said, glancing towards the hut. Yakuso hurried past us a minuet later, not even acknowledging us as she entered the hut. All the others joined us soon enough.
"What happened?" Shippo asked me, worriedly "Is momma okay?" I sighed.
"Kagome's fine," I said calmly, "Sango was the one who was injured, along with Sessho-maru's ward," Kohaku's face whitened.
"My sister's going to be okay, right?" he asked worriedly.
"No worries, kid," Yari said as she leaned against a tree, trying to give Kohaku a reassuring smile and keep an eye on the monk next to her at the same time. "Yakuso's never lost a patent."
"And Kagome and Kaede are really good healers!" Shippo added quickly, "Nothing dumb old Kikyou could do can't be stopped by them!" Kohaku didn't look any less worried.
"Your sister just got you back," Hiei said shortly to the kid, making a few people jump in surprise, "She's too stubborn to leave you now at the hands of a miko she doesn't like," That seemed to calm the boy down quite a bit. Yusuke looked at him, and something told me that the seriousness of the situation we were in was all that was keeping him from making a crack hinting towards his relationship with Yukina.
We sat there for hours, saying little if anything. Once in a while a little village child would come by asking about 'the pretty tajiya lady,' and the older villagers often bowed in respect when they passed the hut. It was obvious that the group of shard hunters were well liked and greatly respected. Finally, I heard voices in the hut that sounded like Sango and Rin. From the looks on their faces, the other youkais (and hanyou) heard them, too. I smiled as I straightened up, catching everyone else's attention.
"They're awake," I announced. InuYahsa nodded, confirming my statement. Suddenly a loud scream was heard in the hut. Panicked, everyone rushed to see what had happened.
Inside the hut was two vixens, a miko, a Henka Neko and a young Silver Inu.
Somewhere in my shell-shocked mind, I made a mental note not to let any other women ningens get taken from my sight. This made the second and third to turn into youkai while my back was turned.
************************************************************************
Reikoku growled slightly as he looked over the papers yet again. This didn't make sense! Hojo claimed to have found the princess years ago, and said he had constantly reports to him. Reikoku snorted. His had received no such reports. Hojo must have been lying to save face for having the princess under his nose all along and never noticing. A knock on the door diverted his attention.
"Enter," He said gruffly. His youngest brother complied. "What do you want, Hojo?"
"General Reikoku, sir," He said with a slight bow. "I went to the shrine as ordered. The former Queen and her father had already escaped, but I did find something rather interesting," Reikoku nodded and Hojo came up to his deck, placing a photo album in front of the Kitsune General. Bored, Reikoku flipped in open-
-And stared at the pictures in front of him.
"It was in the princess' room, sir, under her mattress." Hojo said as Reikoku started at flip though the pages. "I believe it has something to do with her missing school over the last few years. I find it surprising that Ganko had no information on this."
Reikoku couldn't believe his eyes. The album was filled with page after page of the princess in her human form and the inu hanyou, kit, two of the ningens that had come to save her and an old lady dressed up like a miko. He frowned. From what he read, the princess knew only legends of youkai after her memories where erased. Yet the dates on these pictures suggested she knew of them for years.
In the back of the book was a real shocker. Instead of people, it showed scenery. Most pictures here were of villages, or landmarks that faded before the barrier was put up.
"Very good, Hojo," Reikoku said with a curt nod, "Excellent work. You may take leave now," Hojo bowed one last time before leaving. Reikoku turned back to a picture that had caught his eye in the first part of the book. It showed the whole group. The princess was in front, holding the kit. To her left was the hanyou, scowling at the camera. The ningen woman was on her right one hand on a small fire cat on her shoulder and to her right was the ningen male, dressed in the robes of a monk. As he studies the picture, one and only one word came to mind.
Ganko...
************************************************************************ Sango- *strangling DV* WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?!?!?!
DV- Ack!
QFF- Go Sango!
Kagome- Shouldn't you help her? She IS your cousin...
QFF- Nah. This makes up for the time she accused me of flirting with that guy at Texas Roadhouse.
Keiko- Were you?
QFF- no comment.
Yusuke- Riiight...
Botan- Well! Now's the time for you to review!
Inu- Kagome?
Kagome- Hm?
Inu- Who's Tex-ass and why would he build his house on a road? O.o;;;
kireishi-chan (DV; You have no idea how demented. QFF; I RESENT THAT! DV; Of coarse you do... oh, and inventive threat! You get the cookie!)
inudemoness247 (DV; hehe... I'm evil. QFF; Tell me about it. DV; SHUT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
fallen-666-angel (DV- O.o; And I thought striking muses were bad! QFF; How soon can you have them kill DV so I can take over the story? DV; Queenie!)
star's dreams (Try having Thanksgiving dinner with it. -_-; DH; HEY!!! I'M NOT THE ONE WHO EATS EIGHT TIMES MY OWN BODY WEIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!! DV; What's wrong with that? QFF; *rolls eyes* any who, for recognizing my insanity, SD is now one of my favorite reviewers!)
Luscious (DV; Thank you so much! Hmm... that WOULD be funny... but I've kinda already got plans for Yakuso. QFF; And don't bother asking. I've already tried *pouts* DV; Sadly, I suffer from OPP (Over Protective Parents) And I'm lucky I'm allowed to be on FF.net, forget about having a screen name. Dad insists that I'm gonna end up kidnapped/murdered/raped if I do things like that. -_-;;; I can NOT wait until I'm out of here...)
ladyofthedragons1 (DV; O.o; To tell you the truth, I pick all the names of my OCs by looking in a Japanese-english dictionaries for a word that I either like or fits the character. QFF; Yep. Yari means spear, Yakuso, medical herb, Hogasha, protector, Ganko, stubborn (^-^;) Kurai, black/dark, Reikoku, cruel, inhuman, Yume, dream, and Mayonaka, moonlight.)
DarkReuku13 (DV; You're gonna hafta read to find out... QFF; And yes, Sessy- chan's gonna make an appearance DV; I agree. Sessho-maru's one of my absolute favorite anime characters... Sesshy... *sigh*
kitsunekagome23 (DV; I will QFF; An uma youkai is a horse demon. Not those weird looking ones with four legs, either. I just LLLLOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEEEE horses!!!!!)
DV- I hope you didn't take Queenie's threat to heart. Uma youkai are vegetarians.
QFF- I COULD eat someone's inner organ's if I really wanted to!
DV- Riiiiight... And anyone who thinks I'm taking Kagome and Kurama's relationship a little too fast... Show me ONE SANE GIRL that didn't fall in love with Kurama on sight.
Kagome- DreamVixen?
DV- Hm?
Kagome- Um... Miroku's still sort of...
Miroku- GET THESE BLOODY BEASTS AWAY FROM ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DV- OH! Right, sorry. *Miroku taken down from shark pit*
Miroku- Thank you, Lady DreamVixen.
DV- Keep your hand off my ass, houshi
Miroku- What do you mean, my lady?
DV- I mean the hand that's going south better make a u-turn if you don't want to lose it!
QFF- Amateur threat.
DV- Shut it, horse-girl. I own nothing but one or two anime posters, a handful of mangas, a few DVDs and my little brothers YuYu Hakusho GBA game (That STILL has me ticked! They made KUWABARA stronger than HIEI!!!! AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO THINKS THAT'S WRONG?!?!?!)
\\.........\\ Youko\Kurama talk -.........- beast talk *.........* telepathy '.........' thoughts
*********************The Would-Be Lovers Counterstrike!********************
"KURAMA!"
\\DAMN HIM TO ALL SEVEN LAYERS OF HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHO THE FUCK DOES HE THINK HE IS, INTERRUPTING OUR KISS LIKE THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!\\
I growled softly as Youko continued to curse. Granted, I hadn't really thought about what I was doing a few minuets ago when I kissed Kagome, but that didn't mean this guy could come along and interrupt!
"WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!?!" said interruption bellowed at me, "THAT WAS MY WOMAN YOU WERE AL OVER, YOU FUCKIN' FOX!!!!" I suppressed the urge to growl louder (Barely) as I glared at the wolf youkai in front of me. (^-^; The 'my woman,' line gave it away, didn't it? oh, well! I left you in suspense last chapter, so it's the least I can do now! ^-^ Bakeries for Luscious, star's dreams, DarkReuku13, )
"Kouga, please-!"
"You will pay in blood for trying to take what is mine, fox!"
"Kouga he wasn't- HEY, I'M NOT-!!!"
"What gives you claim over a woman's heart? Last I checked, that was something they could give freely." Kagome blushed. Kouga growled.
\\Nice. That'll win some points with her...\\
\\You never give up, do you?\\
\\I wouldn't have become one of the greatest kitsune thieves to ever live if I had.\\
"The strongest is the most suited to mate," Kouga said shortly. "I'm stronger than you, so I get Kagome," I stared at him.
\\You've gotta be kidding me...\\ I almost smiled at the teenage phrase.
\\Perhaps you've spent too much time around humans, Youko,\\
\\You make it sound like I have a choice in the matter.\\
"If you're truly stronger than me," I said to the wolf, "you are going to have to prove it before I will relinquish Kagome to you," I watched as Kagome sputtered in indignance. I was going to have to explain that to her later. Kouga grinned and cracked his knuckles.
"Agreed." I dodge quickly as he came at me with a punch. Because he had the shikon shards in his legs for so long, the magic had altered his muscles permanently, so he was still incredibly fast, yet nowhere near as fast as my jiganshi friend and sparring partner. Then again, that was like compairing a 20 year old pickup truck to a race car. (AN; Throw me a bone here, people, I'm surrounded by guys on a daily basis!)
I pulled one of my seeds out of my hair, transforming it into my rose whip. I lashed out six times, striking him in various places, yet not killing him. While Kagome didn't love the wolf, she did seem to like him and I didn't want to blow any chance I had with her because I killed her friend. Besides, by Youkai mating laws, I'd won, already. I was stronger, so I got the girl. Kouga fell painfully to the earth. Clutching some of his wounds.
"I believe I've shown who is more powerful here," I said, rolling my whip back up. "I will not kill you, and I promise you no more harm if you leave right now." Kouga looked at me, then Kagome, desperation in his eyes. Then he stood and glared at me.
"This fight isn't over, fox. I WILL come back to free my Kagome from your grasp!" and with that, he left, his wounds slowing him down slightly. I mentally sighed as I turned to the still fuming Kagome.
"I apologize, Kagome. But remember this IS an older time period. Youkai laws are held here much more strongly than in the Makai. That was the only way to stop him from believing you belonged to him." Kagome's glare softened and she sighed.
"I know." She said, then she smiled at me. She leaned up and gave me a quick, chaste kiss, "Come on, it's late."
I watched silently from my spot against the wall as Kagome got into the sleeping bag next to Shippo, who unconsciously moved closer to her.
\\He truly does look to her as a mother,\\ I mentally nodded at Youko rare, somber tone.
*Meaning whoever wants her better be prepared to be a father,* Neither I nor Youko were surprised at the new voice in the mental conversation.
\\We realize that, Hiei,\\ I said.
\\It's not like we weren't planning on having kits with her, anyways.\\ Youko scoffed.
\\Why so concerned?\\ I asked, curiously.
*I'm not. I just think it's careless to run into a relationship without thinking about it first. Getting involved with her means two weaknesses and an angry king in charge of a large army of kitsunes. You know that.*
\\Yes, and it's all the more reason to get involved. She doesn't deserve to face him alone. And he does not deserve to live after such dishonorable intentions.\\ Youko said, serious again.
*This coming from a thief.* Hiei snorted.
\\Perhaps, but I'm a thief that knows the importance of family honor.\\ a few yards away, Sango sighed and tossed in her sleep. I raised an eyebrow as a large bruise on her left shoulder came into view.
\\I see you and the tajiya are taking training quite seriously,\\ I said, closing my eyes and preparing for sleep.\\Why are you so concerned about her?\\ there was silence. I frowned, thinking Hiei had left.
*... her brother.*
\\What?\\
*She wants to be stronger to protect her brother. And the miko-vixen, who she reguards like a sister.* I understood. Hiei respected her because she'd go so far for a sibling. As far as he, himself was willing to go for Yukina's safety.
\\I see.\\ I said softly, \\Well good night, Hiei,\\
*Hn*
I awoke the next morning to find a breakfast similar to the one we had yesterday. After eating my fill and listening to the light chatter from my companions I went out for a walk in the forest, enjoying the feeling of being surrounded by an untamed wilderness, untouched by the modern world. I paused to watch Shippo, Souta and Kohaku playing in the clearing near the well, Yakuso was sitting at the well's edge, watching them. The boys spotted me fairly quickly and raced over.
"Kurama!" Souta yelled, grinning. I hadn't known the boy for very long, yet I liked him a lot already. He was friendly and innocent without being foolish. Just like Kagome.
Shippo ran in front of the group, being the fastest. Youko and I had both taken an eager liking to this boy as well. The kit was clever and spunky and cared for Kagome intensely. I could tell he like me as well, yet I wasn't quite sure if he wanted me as his surrogated father just yet.
"Oh, hello Kurama," Yakuso said smiling at me, in a friendly matter, "I was just letting the boys work off their access energy before their lessons. I promised Kagome to teach them about the Shadow Kitsune Kingdom in case they decide to return their upon our arrival back to our time."
"That makes sense," I said, calmly.
"Hey, Kurama! Watch this!" I watched in open amusement as Shippo attempted the vine trick I had taught him, struggling slightly, but prevailing in the end. I nodded in approval, making the little boy beam in pride.
"Are you going to teach us any other tricks, Kurama?" Souta asked, hopefully. I chuckled.
"I promise that as soon as things settle down with Kagome and after you learn all you can from Yakuso that I'll teach you everything you want to know." The boys faces lit up.
"Does that mean you'll stick around?" Souta said eagerly. I smiled at their hopeful faces. Neither of them had had many older males in their lives. Shippo's father was dead and Souta knew little of his. The only other males that were around all the time were InuYasha and Miroku. Something told me InuYasha didn't teach them very many things and the girls wouldn't allow the boys to know too much of what Miroku knew. They needed someone to teach them things like these.
"Of coarse,"
"YAY!!!" I laughed as the boys started to dance around. Then Shippo turned back to me with yet another hopeful face in place. I raised an eyebrow at him in question.
"Does this mean you're my new daddy?"
I stared at him, my jaw hanging slightly, catching the hidden meaning behind the innocent question.
"Umm..."
\\Damn it, SAY YES!\\
\\I don't want to pressure Kagome to become our mate.\\
\\Why not?\\
\\Because it won't be fair to her!\\ Youko grumbled for a second.
\\Fine. But you'd be hard pressed to give the kit an answer that won't pressure her.\\ I ignored him, along with Yakuso who was trying to suppress her laugher and failing miserably.
"I suppose that'd be up to you mother," I answered reasonably. Shippo nodded, apparently satisfied with that answer and Yakuso raised her eyebrow at me. I smiled at her as I stood. "I'll leave you to your lessons now,"
"Kay!" Shippo said happily.
"See ya, Kurama!" Kohaku simply nodded shyly. I was a little surprised at how much his personality contrasted to his stubborn, spunky sister. Then again, taking a look at Hiei and Yukina I supposed they weren't that different after all.
"Hey, Fox!" I stopped at the harsh, yet now familiar voice. "I've got a bone to pick with you." I turned to face the golden glare of the hanyou.
"Yes?" his ear twitched in annoyance as he studied me carefully.
"What are you trying to pull with Kagome?" I mentally sighed. Youko pricked up indignantly in the corner of our mind.
"What do you mean?" he glared at me.
"You know damn well what I mean!" InuYasha yell, sending all nearby birds into the sky. "I saw what you were doing with her last night! The only reason I didn't kill you then and there was because the wench was kissing you back! You KNEW I was there, don't deny it, fox. Now I'll ask you again, What are you trying to pull with Kagome?!" I sighed.
"I myself don't really know what last night was about. I won't deny I'm attracted to Kagome, that may have simply been it. Yet know that whatever my intentions are, I would never harm her," Youko was grumbling again.
\\Since when are our intentions any of his business?\\ I ignored him as InuYasha walked towards me.
"Feh!" he grumbled. "Fine, fox. But if you make Kagome cry even one time..." His eyes narrowed as he let the threat trail off. I nodded, understanding the meaning. I started walking again, and InuYasha kept pace with me.
"Why are you not with Botan?" I asked, changing the subject.
"Damn vixen told me to beat it while she taught her more about the katana," InuYasha half grumbled, half growled. I almost laughed at his sulky attitude towards Yari's bluntness.
"Well, Yari knows what she's doing, I'd expect,"
"Guess so," the hanyou said with a shrug. "The kits ain't causin' mass chaos in the village." He remarked as we reached the reached the edge of the forest, "I'm guessing they're either dead or with the wench," I smiled slightly as I realized InuYasha never really called Kagome a name with the feeling that made it an insult. Truly, I'd think the only reason he called her names at all was because he was stubborn and also unwilling to give up on the age old fights that resulted from them.
"Neither, actually. Yakuso is teaching them kitsune etiquette." InuYasha snorted and grumbled something under his breath. Even with my hearing, all I caught was 'Bullshit, kitsune's have etiquette,' 'stupid wenches,' 'waste of time,' and 'should be training,' I smiled to myself as I shook my head.
Suddenly I felt a lot of you-ki heading towards a spot where Sango, Hiei, Keiko, Yukina, Kagome and an oddly familiar young human energy were. Along with an energy I cursed myself for not noticing earlier. InuYasha must have felt something, too. He cursed loudly and headed in that direction.
I raced after him, worry knotting my stomach. No matter what her problem was with the hanyou, I could not allow her to take it out on Kagome. (AN: Okay, if you haven't guessed by now who all the energies are, I seriously worry about your common sense. Or your amount of Inu-obsession. Whichever comes first,)
"Kikyou!" InuYasha yelled as we neared the group. (AN: Told you. The other two might be a little harder, but you still shouldn't have to wrack your brain out.) When we reached the clearing they were in, we came upon a tense scene.
Kagome and Kikyou stood at different ends of the clearing, both with drawn bows. Yukina, Keiko, Hiei, Sango and a little girl stood behind Kagome. Sango was hugging the girl close to her as Hiei glared at the undead miko, clutching his right arm which looked like it had been nicked with a miko arrow. The arrow sticking out of a nearby tree made that suspicion stronger. (AN: DON'T FLAME ME FOR LETTING KIKYOU HURT HIEI!!!!!!!! It will make sense later, I promise!!! In all honesty, I think Hiei could kick Kikyou's butt to hell and back a hundred times over!)
"InuYasha, Kurama stay back!," Kagome yelled to us, not taking her eyes off of Kikyou. We stopped hesitantly obeying her. A few seconds later, InuYasha's half-brother made his way into the clearing, glaring at Kikyou.
"Sessho-maru-sama!" the little girl, who I now recognized as his human ward, called out. Sessho-maru glanced at her, his eyes warming ever so slightly then returned his cold glare to the clay pot priestess.
"Wench," He growled, "You will pay for harming someone under the care of this Sessho-maru."
Kikyou said nothing. She refused to look away from Kagome's cool glare. Sessho-maru growled again, taking a step forward.
"No, Sessho-maru! Kikyou put a miko barrier up anyone with you-ki will be killed if they touch it." Sessho-maru stopped, glancing at Kagome.
"You're a sad excuse for a miko, and an even more pathetic copy," Kikyou said coldly, "You are not worthy of my soul. I demand it's return,"
"It is MY soul now, Kikyou," Kagome said in an icy tone, "You died fifty years ago, you have no right to walk the earth as if you still belong here. Please, Kikyou, just pass on. There are still living people who care for you, and they wish to see you rest in peace."
"I refuse!" Kikyou hissed, "This is my chance to truly live, without the burden of being a miko. I can hate now, I can be free."
"Your not alive, Kikyou and you know it!" Kagome yelled back in exasperation, "Staying here, sharing a soul is simply hurting the both of us. I'll only ask you once more before I take action, go back to the afterlife," Kikyou glared icily at Kagome and sent some sort of spell into the arrow, making it glow a bright golden color. Kagome's eyes widened slightly and she quickly turned to the others.
"Hurry! Get behind me!" Yukina and Keiko quickly complied. Hiei ignored her, still glaring at Kikyou and Sango tried to follow Kagome's instructions, but was weighed down by Rin, and seemed to have something wrong with her leg.
Kikyou's aim switched from Kagome to Rin before anyone could blink. When Sango saw the arrow coming, she pushed the girl away, and took the blow in her place.
"SANGO!" the hanyou cried, stepping forward to be greeted with the crackling of the miko barrier. Suddenly those odd, flying snake creatures Kikyou had used to get away in the fight against the hanyou started coming at Kikyou rapidly, each dropping what looked sickeningly like souls into her body. Kikyou drew her spelled arrow again, This time catching Rin in the right shoulder. She turn to Kagome triumphantly. The shadow vixen glared at her, her energies flaring.
"Save your power, reincarnate. You'll need it if you want to save the girl and your friend," Kikyou laughed and slowly faded into nothingness, her soul catchers following in pursuit. Kagome raced to the fallen's side right before the barrier flickered out of existence. Sessho-maru immediately drew Tenseiga, but stopped at Kagome's shout.
"NO! That was a very complex spell Kikyou used. If you try to stop it with anything but miko energy, the one affected with the spell will die," Sessho-maru scowled then sheathed his blade.
"This Sessho-maru trusts you know what your doing, miko." Kagome nodded shortly and turned to the fire apparition.
"Hiei, You're the fastest one here, Take Sango and go to Kaede's hut. Tell her Kikyou used a Nakusu spell on an arrow. I'll be right behind you with Rin. InuYasha go get Yakuso tell her it's an emergency!" Everyone sprang into action. I ran beside Kagome as she raced back to the hut, eyeing Rin worriedly.
"Is there anything I can do?" I asked anxiously. I didn't know much about miko magic, but I could heal, and something told me they'd need all the help they could get to save these two. Kagome gave me a brief reassuring smile.
"Not much. You could watch the hut for us and keep the others from starting a panic in the village," I nodded and watched as she entered the hut. Quick words were exchanged between her and the elderly miko. A few seconds later Hiei left the hut and leaned against a wall. I glanced at him.
\\Do you know what's going on?\\
*No.* Hiei said, glancing towards the hut. Yakuso hurried past us a minuet later, not even acknowledging us as she entered the hut. All the others joined us soon enough.
"What happened?" Shippo asked me, worriedly "Is momma okay?" I sighed.
"Kagome's fine," I said calmly, "Sango was the one who was injured, along with Sessho-maru's ward," Kohaku's face whitened.
"My sister's going to be okay, right?" he asked worriedly.
"No worries, kid," Yari said as she leaned against a tree, trying to give Kohaku a reassuring smile and keep an eye on the monk next to her at the same time. "Yakuso's never lost a patent."
"And Kagome and Kaede are really good healers!" Shippo added quickly, "Nothing dumb old Kikyou could do can't be stopped by them!" Kohaku didn't look any less worried.
"Your sister just got you back," Hiei said shortly to the kid, making a few people jump in surprise, "She's too stubborn to leave you now at the hands of a miko she doesn't like," That seemed to calm the boy down quite a bit. Yusuke looked at him, and something told me that the seriousness of the situation we were in was all that was keeping him from making a crack hinting towards his relationship with Yukina.
We sat there for hours, saying little if anything. Once in a while a little village child would come by asking about 'the pretty tajiya lady,' and the older villagers often bowed in respect when they passed the hut. It was obvious that the group of shard hunters were well liked and greatly respected. Finally, I heard voices in the hut that sounded like Sango and Rin. From the looks on their faces, the other youkais (and hanyou) heard them, too. I smiled as I straightened up, catching everyone else's attention.
"They're awake," I announced. InuYahsa nodded, confirming my statement. Suddenly a loud scream was heard in the hut. Panicked, everyone rushed to see what had happened.
Inside the hut was two vixens, a miko, a Henka Neko and a young Silver Inu.
Somewhere in my shell-shocked mind, I made a mental note not to let any other women ningens get taken from my sight. This made the second and third to turn into youkai while my back was turned.
************************************************************************
Reikoku growled slightly as he looked over the papers yet again. This didn't make sense! Hojo claimed to have found the princess years ago, and said he had constantly reports to him. Reikoku snorted. His had received no such reports. Hojo must have been lying to save face for having the princess under his nose all along and never noticing. A knock on the door diverted his attention.
"Enter," He said gruffly. His youngest brother complied. "What do you want, Hojo?"
"General Reikoku, sir," He said with a slight bow. "I went to the shrine as ordered. The former Queen and her father had already escaped, but I did find something rather interesting," Reikoku nodded and Hojo came up to his deck, placing a photo album in front of the Kitsune General. Bored, Reikoku flipped in open-
-And stared at the pictures in front of him.
"It was in the princess' room, sir, under her mattress." Hojo said as Reikoku started at flip though the pages. "I believe it has something to do with her missing school over the last few years. I find it surprising that Ganko had no information on this."
Reikoku couldn't believe his eyes. The album was filled with page after page of the princess in her human form and the inu hanyou, kit, two of the ningens that had come to save her and an old lady dressed up like a miko. He frowned. From what he read, the princess knew only legends of youkai after her memories where erased. Yet the dates on these pictures suggested she knew of them for years.
In the back of the book was a real shocker. Instead of people, it showed scenery. Most pictures here were of villages, or landmarks that faded before the barrier was put up.
"Very good, Hojo," Reikoku said with a curt nod, "Excellent work. You may take leave now," Hojo bowed one last time before leaving. Reikoku turned back to a picture that had caught his eye in the first part of the book. It showed the whole group. The princess was in front, holding the kit. To her left was the hanyou, scowling at the camera. The ningen woman was on her right one hand on a small fire cat on her shoulder and to her right was the ningen male, dressed in the robes of a monk. As he studies the picture, one and only one word came to mind.
Ganko...
************************************************************************ Sango- *strangling DV* WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?!?!?!
DV- Ack!
QFF- Go Sango!
Kagome- Shouldn't you help her? She IS your cousin...
QFF- Nah. This makes up for the time she accused me of flirting with that guy at Texas Roadhouse.
Keiko- Were you?
QFF- no comment.
Yusuke- Riiight...
Botan- Well! Now's the time for you to review!
Inu- Kagome?
Kagome- Hm?
Inu- Who's Tex-ass and why would he build his house on a road? O.o;;;