Silver Savior
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Youko tenderly gathered the unconscious girl into his arms after picking the locks on the metal cuffs around her wrists. She sagged into him bonelessly as soon as she was free from the restraints. Youko trembled in relief and anger. The condition that he found her in filled him with a pain that tested the very limits of his control.
"I'll never let him touch you again," he whispered against her dark hair. "I swear, I'll protect you."
She murmured incoherently against his chest.
"You have to leave," Kagura snapped. "Go."
Youko shifted and lifted Kagome into his arms and tossed the wind users weapons to her. He waited until she looked up. "Thank you," he said.
She looked surprised, then smiled wryly. "Just remember your promise. If you keep her safe, you'll be helping me more then you know..."
Youko nodded and made to leave. The sparkling of Kanna's mirror on the floor caught his fleeting attention. He stood over it with Kagome held tightly to his chest. He could feel the powers in it, and knew that they were a part of the woman against him. "Is this...?" Youko didn't finish but stooped to take the mirror in one clawed hand. It singed his fingertips and he pulled back abruptly.
"It is," Kagura confirmed, "But no one with demon blood can touch it now...Kanna was the only one that could control that mirror. Now, Kagome's powers control it. You must go."
Youko scowled at the thought of leaving any remnant of Kagome here in this place. The only thing that cheered him is that this Naraku character would be unable to approach the object either. He turned to go.
Wait! Shuuichi's voice made him pause again. You can't touch it, but I can.
What are you saying?
Let me out. I'll get the mirror and set it with Kagome, then you get us out of here. You won't have to touch it.
Youko considered this. He really disliked the idea of leaving it. What if Kagome needed that? He decided rather quickly and set the girl in his arms down gently.
"What are you doing?!" Kagura shifted unhappily from foot to foot. She was answered by a mist and light that emanated from the body of the Kitsune kneeling beside the sleeping Miko. When the air cleared, she was startled to see a human boy with long red hair and bright green eyes staring at her. He calmly scooped the mirror up and tucked it into the remnants of a cloth that was part of the debris littering the room. He placed it in the crook of the Miko's arms and lifted from the floor.
"I'm ready now, Youko," the boy said.
The mist and light reappeared and the silver fox stood gleaming in the shadows with a smirk on his face. "Thank you, Shuuichi."
Kagura blinked and tried to figure out what just happened. Either he was talking to himself again, or he was two people. And judging by what she had just witnessed, she decided which answer best fit. So, he's not crazy after all, she thought looking him over. To bad he's mated...
Youko nodded to her once more and then left. The castle vanished quickly in the distance. When he came to the barrier, he searched for the pattern in the spell and tested each hole until he found one big enough to fit both him and his burden before it shifted and disappeared. Once he had her secured on the other side, he pulled her close and tucked her head under his chin and began to run.
He had to find a safe haven to settle in so that she could heal. And he had to find it fast.
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"Eh?" Boton stopped her oar in mid-flight, the forward momentum flung Inuyasha into the trees ahead. The resulting crash and curses made the others stop in concern, or in Kouga and Hiei's case, amusement.
"Oy! What the hell was that for?!" he yelled up at the ferry girl hovering above them. She dropped down to the ground quickly and ignored the hanyou to hurry over to the fire demon.
"Hiei! What do you think of this?" she asked his excitedly and pushed the demon compass under his nose.
Hiei focused on the device. "Hn.," he answered with a soft tone.
"That's what I thought too!" she gushed. "It's okay Inuyasha!" she sang out happily. "Youko's found her!"
"What?"
Boton handed him the compass and danced a few steps around him. "Oh! I'm so relieved!"
"Are you sure, Lady Boton?" Miroku eyed the compass spinning madly in Inuyasha's clawed grasp.
"Pretty sure," she answered. "Read the meter. She's the only one I know of with that much Miko energy."
"Hn," Hiei agreed.
"So where is she?" Kouga insisted.
"I don't know. HE's moving with her," Boton pointed out. "It's pointless to run after him until they stop. He'll probably backtrack four or five times before he's satisfied she's safe."
"Isn't that a bit excessive?" Sango asked.
"Youko's very careful. That's why it took them four hundred years to catch him," Hiei said.
Took who four hundred years to catch him for doing what?" Inuyasha asked suspiciously.
"That," Hiei said stiffly, "is none of your concern. Just as long as you know, he's the best."
"Hiei!" Boton hissed.
"Hn."
So, what do you think that we should do now?" Inuyasha asked gruffly.
"Go back to Kaede's?" Sango offered. "They'll come there eventually, right?"
"I agree," Miroku nodded.
"Keh!"
"Let's go then!" Boton cheered.
"You're not going to throw me off again, are you?" Inuyasha grumbled.
"I did that?" she crinkled her brow. "Ah, hehehe...sorry..."
"Feh!" Inuyasha heaved a sigh. "Women..."
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Youko hadn't gone as far as he would have liked when Kagome started to wake up. He stopped in a small glade near a cool stream. He knew her well enough to know bathing would be a top priority for her. A few miles back, he had prowled through a village, pilfering a rich kimono and a few other random objects that happened to be unattended, including some food.
He watched her stir restlessly.
Why is it that we can never be together alone, without one of us being injured or exhausted? Kurama mourned as Youko smoothed her hair away from her face.
"It does put a bit of an obstacle in the relationship," Youko chuckled good-naturedly.
Kagome heard a deep voice laughing lightly and frowned in her hazy half-sleep. She remembered dreaming about Kurama and she could feel him surrounding her. She could still feel him now...The sense of peace and completeness that she only got from being around him engulfed her and saved her from dark thought. She found her center and made herself so comfortable in his aura, taking some of his energy to wrap it around her own shattered spirit.
It was like the dream had become reality. The strength with which she could find reason to continue to fight...but, it couldn't be Kurama. Not in Naraku's palace...
Kagome moaned and blinked open her eyes. She squinted at the strange demon hovering way to close for comfort. She stared uncomprehendingly at him. There was a look in his eyes that she remembered, a hint of familiarity that puzzled her. Her eyes landed on his alert ears pricked to catch any little sound that she made and she remembered him. "You!" she breathed senselessly.
Youko felt his relief flare into something stronger and waited no more then a heart beat to insure to himself that she was alive and well in his arms before he covered her lips with his own. His emotions where in a chaos of relief, joy and contentment that overrode all common sense.
Kagome's heart skipped several beats as her waking mind tried to function rationally and failed. No one should be aloud to kiss this good! Just like Kurama did, he was making her knees go weak and her toes curl. Kurama...her fuzzy thoughts connected with that memory and she woke up completely to find herself locking lips with that same silver demon that had invaded her room months ago. Kurama! She cried out inside.
She promptly pushed him off of her and made the next move.
SMACK!
"You arrogant jerk!" she yelled.
Youko held his cheek and watched the girl with hurt and caution in his bright eyes. His handsome features were twisted with a pout. "That's the second time that you have slapped me like that!"
"And you deserved it!" she announced. "Both times."
Youko settled for being hurt. "Am I really so bad?" he muttered, his pride refuseing to mend the hole this put in his self confidence. "I've never had complaints before..."
Kagome gasped, her color alternating from a deathly pale to a brilliant red, and back again.
OH MY GOD, YOUKO, YOU DIDN'T!?! Shuuichi screeched in his head. Youko resisted the urge to cover his ears.
He did, Kurama sighed in suffering.
What? The fox winced at their disgust in confusion. "What did I do wrong?" he asked aloud.
YOUKO! Shuuichi screamed in frustration. Shut up before you make this worse!
Youko glanced at Kgome in concern. Her eyes had darkened to an ocean blue in anger and her delicate jaw was set. Her assumption that he was talking to her made perfect sense because she was the only other person there...that she knew of. "First of all," she snarled when he looked into her eyes apprehensively, " you don't just grab a girl and kiss her!"
He eyed her in confusion. "Why not? I've always gotten the right response from women before...except you. But even so, you were enjoying..." he trailed off.
Kagome's eyes widened and she rapidly changed colors a few more times.
"Are you okay?" he asked in concern.
She ignored that and took several deep breaths. "No woman likes to be manhandled by a stranger," she began.
"But," he protested. He was about to remind her that he wasn't a stranger but the look on her face stopped him short.
Shut up! The voices chorused together.
She glared him into silence. "Second, You find out if a woman is willing BEFORE you get physical. And before you ask why again," she snarled, " the lady may not like you, or she might already have someone else!"
Youko couldn't help it. "What if I could change the lady's mind?" he asked with a purr.
This time he did wince when Shuuichi verbally attacked. He tried to block it out, amazed that the flighty human even knew such words.
Kagome stared at this stranger in disbelief. Kagome's anger grew. It consumed her aura and billowed around them in visible waves of energy.
In her already drained state, this was an amazing show of stamina. Youko watched, perplexed by all of this.
"Lastly," she said quietly, he looked at her attentively, "when you want to gather a woman's attention, you most certainly DO NOT talk about other conquests!"
"Oh." Youko said, finally understanding. He looked confused again. "But you pulled away before I said anything."
Kagome twitched and glared.
"And I know that you are attracted to me," he continued. 'So that leaves..."
"I already have someone else." she said in a steely voice.
"What!? Since when!?" he snarled back, mad now that she would say such a thing.
"Since I met someone that I really care for!" she shouted.
Youko growled. "Who is it?" he demanded dangerously. Kurama added to his anger. She met someone else!?
This was completely unreasonable considering it hadn't been that long since he had seen her and considering the situation she had been in for most of that time spent apart, but logic eluded him for the moment. He growled and advanced on her instead.
"Keep away from me!" she yelled.
"No," he said in a deadly quiet voice.
She scooted backwards until the rough bark of a tree at her back prevented further escape. "I warn you," sje hissed, "I'm not as defenseless as I seem. You don't want to test me!"
"You cared for me once," he moved into her personal space and grabbed her hands. "I know that you still do..."
"Wha-"
"I'll prove it to you!" he snarled and closed the distance between them.
He mouth was possessive and hard. He kissed her roughly, proving a point of dominance that Kagome struggled against. Youko took advantage of her surprise and consumed any protest with determined practice. When his lips softened against her's, she felt the pleading and gentleness that was so different from his beginning onslaught. He heart started to pound in her ears and her whole body heated up. Despite all her protests, his touch felt so right.
She came undone and melted against him, unaware of her actions. Her hands automatically twined into his long hair and she lift her face up to kiss him back. This kiss was controlled passion and future promises. Youko poured himself into this moment and Kagome couldn't resist his silent plea for acceptance. The kiss deepened until Youko became aware that if they continued, he wasn't sure where it would end.
He pulled back and rested his forehead against hers. It was a gesture that she remembered from another. "This other guy," Youko whispered, "is not for you."
Kagome worked to try to focus on his words. "This is wrong." she whispered back and raised sorrowful eyes to his.
"That kiss we shared was not one of someone bound to another. Tell me you felt nothing," he answered hoarsely, " and I'll let you go. Tell me that you love this other guy, and I'll leave you alone."
His golden eyes pleaded with her.
Kagome met his gaze and felt tears gather in her eyes. The kiss had felt so right, but...
She held his gaze as a tear slid down her cheek. "I love him," she said simply.
Shuuichi and Kurama had gone eerily silent.
Youko could see the sincerity and truth in her eyes and he felt his heart crack. He searched her face in despair. "Is there no hope for me then?"
"I love him," she repeated, but her words were sad.
"I can change your mind," he breathed desperately.
"I love him," she said with more confidence.
Youko felt hollow. He touched her hands, wondering if the warmth form his body was deserting him. The emptiness had not yet consumed him, he still had a shred of hope. "Who is he?" Youko asked.
Kagome touched his cheek and turned his head to face her. "You rescued me, helped me," she said, "and I may not be immune to your charm, but I love him."
"You could have loved me," the bitter words left his mouth before he could stop them.
"You're probably right, but he already holds my heart..."
"You never answered me," he sighed. "He better be good enough for you. Why wasn't he hear for you now? What kind of mate lets his love be stolen and tortured? Who is he?"
"The kind that exists in another time," she answered, confusion pulling a frown on her face.
Youko jerked his head up in surprise. She was backing into the tree suspiciously.
"You," she whispered. "You were in the future, in my home even. That's where I slapped you the first time...how did you get here?" Her eyes widened. "And why do I sense Shikon shards on you?! Pure ones..." She stared at him, emotions chasing across her expressive features. "Who are you?" she finally whispered.
Youko felt a sickenng sense of understanding wash over him. She had forgotten again that she did not know him. But before he would let hope fill him, he had to know something. "This man you love, what is his name?" he demanded.
Kagoem flinched at the silver demon's determined expression.
"His name!" Youko insisted, allowing his desparation to color his tone and show on his face.
"What does it matter?!" she cried out. "Who are you?!"
"It matters!" Youko braced his arms on the tree on either side of her, effectively blocking any hope of escape. "It matters a great deal," he leaned in. "Kagome, what is his name?"
Kagome hesitated. She wanted to trust this youkai, for reasons she couldn't put into words. His nearness was comforting, but it was on an instinctual level. There were levels of herself telling her to just give in to him, assuring her it was okay...it was right. "Kurama," she sighed out a name like it was a life line. "His name is Kurama."
Youko snatched her from the tree and into his arms before she could squeak a protest. He buried his nose in her hair and inhaled her scent as if he were afraid that he would forget it. She could feel his heart pounding in his chest under her cheek. He held her tight to him, but tenderly as well, almost as if he were afraid that she would break.
She loves me? Kurama whispered in awe in the back of Youko's mind.
"Thank god..." he whispered and placed a brief kiss on top of her head. His heart had stopped beating for several seconds after her answer, only to pound powerfully now. He felt..he felt...complete. "Oh god, Kagome," he whispered to the limp woman in his arms, "I was so afraid..."
He felt her struggle weakly against him, and allowed her to pull back enough to look into his eyes.
Kagome stared in shock at her new captor. There was a look of such deep and unconditional love there...and it was directed at her. It was enough to make her head spin. She swallowed and searched his beautiful face for answers. She lifted her eyes back to his, wonder and confusion in her own silver blue gaze. "Who are you?"
He grew serious and a bit wary. "Kagome, there is something that I need you to understand, I need to tell you, but I want to know that you'll listen before you make any decisions..."
She nodded slowly, "I can do that," she agreed.
He tenderly stroked her hair and ran light fingers down her arms until her hands were trapped in his own. He took a deep breath, preparing for the worst.
"I am Kurama."
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Ooooookay...I'm gonna have to stop thanking the reviewers...not that I'm not thankful, but...there are so many of you that I spend more time typing everyone's complicated or sometimes strange names out when I could be typing another chapter! WOW. There were so many people this time and I have to make up for last time too, that I was overwhelmed by over 100 reviewers...since I will be taking e-mail addresses for a mailing list, I can respond to individual questions that way instead! So...if you want to be on this list, send me an e-mail marked Strongest Ties List to Silverecho475@aol.com I never use it for anything, so I can use it for this!
So until then, here are the thank you's to the ones who reviewed the past two times I've updated!
Dark Topaz, Yabou, Star Silver Fox, Artemis the Goddess, Katzztar, Shinigami Clara, dark-elmo, Dee-chan, Why?What?Shutup, HeavenlyAnimeAngel-Amaterasu, aznfangurl16, b, tarah, AkaBara, Michelle, Koishii Tenshi13, Silver Spell, Ryumasa the Ryuhaitou, DemonLady1, kitana, Chiisana Kitty, Daiphanous, Laura Ann, ForestSprite, kuro honoo, tessa3, Neo-Crystal, Silent Dark, Nyte Shade, Hinoke, Quichi the Vole Slayer, Leostargirl, Delphine Pryde, Inuyashafan, Alexis of the Westlands, Sukera, Sukuri, badgerwolf, hentai houshi, Helen, Jin lover, rogue solus, Silver1, gigigirl281, hiei is mine forever, Elyndewen Startree, lemmings-please, Michi-chan6, Lady Arilyia, Hebi Youkai, lulu, Lady love, Damsel-of-Distress, tootsie, lady sakura, Anime-Cutie, silvervail, Helio Youkai, inu's girl, animefan2007, Tygerfyre, Andrea10, baka-chibi-puffs, dark-death-angel, EvilHermione1824, Black Kitsune, Moon-n-Universe-Goddess, Kitty, Inu-Anime, Melshenia Kari, Mona, Midnight Frost, Elven-Inu Luthien, Eris Goddess of Chaos, half-goddess-Katai, Shade, Fire Pheonix1, Sukuri, Arella Hallo, Inuchick13, wackoramaco87, flare2, sunset-youkai7, Valkyrie Nienna Helyanwe, ixi, cccccccccc, InuYoukai, Hime, chinita, Crimson Blades16, ^-^ , Adrelliehs, InuBabe, watergoddesskasey, MissPriss998, silverclaws, Trina3, Sabrina Usagi the Goddess, ceara, bluemoon gurl, Kang Lin, wolf girl11, yukiko, sassylee, the Sisters of Chaos, Mermaide99, BC1, starkitty, Inu-Leeli, Kawaii Youkai, Emme, Dark Whispers, Hikari no Sekai, distorted-desire, Alex, and Marilyn Clark
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! (Deep breath and continues to shout) YOU MAKE ME SO HAPPY WITH YOUR SUPPORT AND HAPPY REVIEWS! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I will keep writing and I am sorry this past month and a half has been hell. I had my last final this week and I will be writing and posting more like I was before hopefully. It is hard to tell with Christmas...(my least favorite holiday) and all the crap that I have to organize for the family...sigh. I detest this time of year...but, it's for the kids. Julian will love it! SO, I'll muddle through too.
For all you Xmas lovers, Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and for you fellow non Xmas lovers, do something fun anyways!
Sylvannastar