Okay, I have finally updated… Yippy for me…and you… Thank you all so much for your reviews and your understanding. I will try not to let the waits for my chapters to be so long anymore, I'm not promising anything though. I will not quit my stories until they are done so fear not.

Last time:

"The only thing that matters right now is Aiko. Besides if Sesshou's going to take care of me and my family as well as employee me I have no worries and can finish school later." Kagome tried to lighten them all up. They all agreed that it best if they leave immediately.

Chapter 8:

The three, as in Shippo, Rin, and Kagome all snuck out of Shippo's room. They had a lot to do and little time to do it, plus many to avoid while in the process. It was no surprise that they would have to sneak out of the school to avoid the spirit detectives. The problem was getting their stuff and doing so…

"We'll leave tonight, but it will have to be done quickly," spoke Shippo. He had learned a lot over the years and was a sneaky kitsune who knew how to get in and out of places easily. "So be ready."

"I'll see if I can get Mia to help. It'll be a lot easier if we don't have those detectives on our trail." Kagome stated, in thought.

They all agreed and went their separate ways. The spirit detectives and girls watched Kagome calmly walk towards them. This confused them since they were sure Rin and Shippo had told her of Aiko being taken. They brushed it off though as Kuwabara ran to his cousin.

"Are you alright," he asked her worriedly. She knew that he and his friends knew of Aiko when he asked this so played it dumb. Kagome raised a questioning brow as she smiled slightly.

"Why would anything be wrong," she asked. The others all made a hush noise to Kuwabara in hopes of keeping him silent. Kagome saw them and rolled her eyes. "You are all weird," she stated and walked off.

Once away from them, Kagome sighed. She was about to break down, but knew that would not be wise. Her best friend, her adopted father's mate was missing. Things just kept getting worse for her. First, she has that sick freak, Ademu, after her and now Aiko had been taken while with pups and by Naraku, whom she was sure she had killed, no less. Her life seemed to become twisted at every turn and she was beginning to think Kami had it in for her.

Kagome entered her room silently walking over to the phone. She dialed a number and waited patiently for someone on the other end to answer. Her room was empty, seeing as she had left everyone at the other dorm building. The phone continued to ring in her ear as she waited.

"This is the Higurashi residence, Sota speaking," the phone finally was answered. Kagome smiled happily at hearing her brother's voice.

"Hey Sota," she greeted. Sota smirked when he heard his sister's voice. He knew she would call before long. "I need you to do me a favor. It's really important." Kagome said. She didn't really know how to properly word what she needed him to do, so she came out with the truth.

"Alright, what do you need me to do?" Sota asked. He scratched the back of his head as he listened to what his sister needed.

"I need you to get a hold of Mai and have her come here tonight. It's really important that she gets here quickly. I'll fill you in on the rest later and Sota don't tell mom." Kagome waited for her brother's reply, which didn't take long.

"Fine, but I want details," agreed Sota. Kagome smiled slightly at hearing this. Her brother had been a big help a few times since she got back and she knew she could trust him not to tell.

Kagome smirked as she hung the phone up after saying her thanks and goodbye. Her brother was the best and she was damn glad that she didn't have to answer questions at the moment. It wasn't that she didn't want her brother to know, it was just she didn't want to chance someone walking in on her explanation. That would only lead to more problems and questions.

Packing a small bag, Kagome shoved it under her bed just as the door to the room opened up. Yukina walked in with Keiko and Botan. The three girls were chatting happily about something that Kagome didn't catch. They stopped and greeted her before they continued with Kagome joining in every now and then.

Kurama and the others sat within the room that housed Kuwabara and Yusuke. It was rather messy since the boys had only thrown their belonging around without any organization what so ever.

"She was lying," Hiei stated, flatly. It was something he had seen when they ran into her. Her eyes were blaring with the emotion of fury. It was one he knew well and one that could not escape his eyes. The others agreed that she was indeed hiding something, but they weren't sure if it was about Aiko or not.

"I agree that she is hiding something, but the question is what," Kurama contemplated over this. It was in his nature to solve problems and the harder the problem the more it enticed him. His mind's wheels were turning in wonder as he thought over what they did know.

"Who knows, but we should keep an eye on her." Yusuke sighed, as he leaned back against the headrest of his bed. There was no point in them getting worked up over nothing and Kagome didn't act as if anything was wrong. "It's not like she's just going to leave school all together."

Sota stood at the door of a hotel room, a piece of paper with the room number and hotel name crushed in his hands. He knocked and waited.

"Hold on," a feminine voice reached his ears. He did as she asked and waited. Sota was a bit nervous about seeing Mai. She was always to outgoing and had no modesty what-so- ever. He was brought from his thoughts when the door opened slightly. To his relief Mai wasn't in her carefree mood at the moment. She was actually doing what appeared to be work.

"Come on in, kid," she stated friendlily. Sota walked in and shut the door seeing as Mai was now on the other side of the room He observed her silently as she shuffled through a few files on a desk. Her long black hair was pulled up into a messy bun. Deep azure eyes glistened with curiosity. She was wearing a black seamless, fishnet camisole top which had a built in bra, black fishnet arm warmers, a pair of tight black pants, and black sneakers.

"What brings you here Sota," she asked. Sota jumped and blushed in embarrassment.

"Kagome said there was something important happening. She needs you to go to her new school tonight," Sota told her what Kagome had told him, "And asked that you come quickly."

"Kagome," asked Mai, though it was a question that was not meant to be answered. Mai flopped down on her bed and looked over to the young boy standing close to her door. She could tell he was nervous that she would tell him no. It made her smile as she remembered how Kagome had been when she first met her. The two were a lot alike, maybe because they were siblings. Mai wasn't sure, but she was sure that this boy was going to make something of his life. "I'll drop you off at home and then be on my how. How does that sound?"

Sota smiled, all nervousness gone. He knew he shouldn't have been so nervous. Mai wasn't the type to leave someone in trouble. His sister wouldn't consider her to be one of her closest friends if she wasn't trustworthy. Mai packed a small bag and her briefcase before going to check out. Sota followed her without a word.

Mai dropped Sota off. "Thank you." Sota said before running up the stairs.

"Don't mention it," yelled Mai. She then sped off. She accelerated her speed now tat Sota wasn't with her. It wasn't as if she wanted to have Kagome screech her ears off for endangering her little brother. Mai couldn't help but wonder what it was that Kagome needed.

Mai pulled into the schools parking and waited in her car. She wasn't told where to go or anything so she assumed Kagome would find her here. The night's sky was lit by the full moon and Mai's lips twitched up into a small smile. Her head turned to the side as the passenger door opened.

"Kagome," she greeted the teen that snuck into the passenger side. Kagome sighed when she made it without being seen. She turned a smile to her friend.

"Thanks for coming Mai." Kagome thanked. Mai leaned back, her seat pushed back all the way.

"No problem. Now what did you need me for? Your brother didn't have anything to go on," Mai asked. She looked over and saw the one bag the girl was caring which had her raising an eyebrow in question.

"I need you to be me for awhile." Kagome admitted. Mai blinked in confusion. "Sesshomaru's mate was taken and I'm going to help find her. She's one of my best friends and practically my step mother."

"Yeah, I know. It was almost a month ago that she was taken." Mai sighed. Things were starting to make sense now. "My sources informed me that it was an unknown hanyou that has been hanging out in the East. Apparently, he's been recruiting a bunch of lowly worthless demons. Sesshou can't seem to locate him though, something about a barrier. Anyway, that's why I was sent to the Ningenkai. They think I'm going to be one of his targets."

Kagome lit up at hearing this information though she still looked worried. "How did you hear about this?" Kagome asked. She wasn't sure if she wanted to know when Mai smirked. "I mean Shippo and Rin didn't say anything about it."

"I may not be the ruler over any particular land, but I am not unknown in the Makai. I have eyes and ears everywhere. There isn't much that transpires without me knowing. Besides, those two wouldn't know since they've been here since that information was gained and unlike me they aren't updated." Mai laughed lightly, but it was far from a friendly laugh. Kagome shook her head knowing that that was Mai's way of saying she wasn't going to tell her how she knew. It was probably better that way anyway. Mai was a bit cruel when it came to getting information. "Now why do you need me to be you? Why not just drop out, it's not like you've attended any of the main classes yet," Mai inquired.

Kagome's eyes narrowed slightly. "Koenma's spirit detectives are 'guarding' me. I need you to keep them fooled into believing that I'm still here why Shippo, Rin, and I search out Aiko's whereabouts."

"Ah. That would explain why Sesshou gave me the charms. He had this all figured out and knew you'd call me. He was more than likely the one who sicked the detectives on you. That son-of-a-bi…" She didn't get to finish her outburst as two other figures entered the vehicle and one of them sat right on top of her. Mai pushed the giggling girl off her and shook her head.

"Mai you're so predictable. He knew you wouldn't decline on helping and he's been dying to get revenge since you enchanted the castle to look like a little girls play house." Shippo snickered. He remembered the lace, frills, ribbons, lights, flowers, and everything else that decorated the castle. The castle's once grey stone turned pink. Sesshomaru had returned from a meeting to find his castle had been transformed into a little girl's wet dream. His guards were wearing girly looking uniforms in pinks, purples, and soft blues to top it off his mate was laughing while she put bows in their hair.

"I reversed it after a few days!" defended Mai. "You can tell his royal humorless ass that he owes me for playing babysitter. I'm doing this because Kagome and Aiko. It has nothing to do with him at all."

Kagome, Shippo, and Rin knew better than to believe Mai. She has always had a soft spot for Sesshomaru, just like Rin. Mai saw their unbelieving stared and glared. "Fine, so I like the tight ass. He's fun to annoy and he's been good to Aiko and the pups."

"We're about to have company," Kagome stated, a bit irritably. They all felt the detectives heading in their direction. Mai chanted under her breath and when she was done, she looked identical to Kagome though her clothes were still her own. Kagome handed her a piece of paper which she shoved into her pocket.

Mai handed Kagome her keys as she got out of her seat. Rin slid into the back seat while Kagome slid over from the passenger seat, and Shippo took the now available seat in front. "Just leave it at the shrine. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. And take care of each other and that pompous jerk. I'll be seeing you."

"Kagome," shouted Kuwabara, as he and the others made their way over to her. Mai, not completely in character didn't respond as she continued to watch the rear of the car as it sped out of sight.

Mai was jerked out of her thoughts as she was pulled into a firm chest. Instinctively she grabbed the offender and threw him over her shoulder. Her eyes went wide as she realized what she had done. "Uh...oops." She fought to find the right words. She hadn't had time to learn what relationships Kagome had developed with these people and she wasn't sure how she was supposed to react to such intimate positions.

Yusuke laughed as Kuwabara picked himself off the ground. "What was that for," asked Kuwabara, slightly hurt. Mai relaxed slightly as she noted they weren't looking at her suspiciously.

"I was caught off guard is all," she answered, simply. It wasn't as if she was lying. "Is their something you wanted?"

"Yukina was worried. She said you left in a hurry and were caring a bag," wisely answered Kurama. Mai smirked as she started to realize just what she was getting herself into and she loved a challenge. They weren't all that dense, well not all of them at least. She would have to be careful around that red haired fox and the evil looking hybrid.

"Are you boys watching my every movement? I take it I can't even take a shower without one of you watching me. It doesn't concern you, but a friend wanted to borrow a few things for her up coming date." Mai smoothly answered. She could change how she looks easily, but how she acts is something completely different. It was just lucky that she knew Kagome really well and knew how she behaved for the most part.

"Well now that you mention it the shower," Yusuke didn't have time to finish that perverted sentence as Kuwabara punched him. Mai blinked and blinked again as the two boys started to fight one another. Hiei glared at her wondering why she wasn't breaking them up as she did before, as was Kurama.

Mai wanted to hit herself. She couldn't believe she had agreed to baby-sit these boys. They were already fighting and it hadn't even been five minutes. Taking a deep breath Mai walked towards the two boys. Without warning, she kicked them both in the side. Hiei and Kurama winced as the sound of cracking ribs reached their ears. Mai on the other hand sighed peacefully as the two boys choked for air.

"That's better. Now if you two can't act your age and admit you care deeply for one another then I will be forced to take action. It will be rather humiliating for the both of you," Mai then walked away from the stunned boys. She believed she had handled herself rather well considering she wanted to beat the life out of the two teen boys. They were going to get them in trouble!

"Is it just me or did she get even spookier?" Yusuke asked, slightly stunned. The pain had already left, but his breath was still a bit labored. He couldn't believe she had actually kicked them like that. If he didn't know any better he would think that she had perfect aim since she hit with barely any force behind that blow but when it made contact his ribs buckled. She had hit the perfect spot from the feel of it.

Mai walked away from the boys and out of their sight. She leaned against the side of the building and pulled out the piece of paper Kagome had handed her. Reading over the contents she went wide eyed.

Kuwabara-

Hair: Red

Eyes: Grey

Species: Human

Relation: Cousin

Other: A baka, has a sixth sense about things.

Yusuke-

Hair-Black

Eyes: Brown

Species: Human, I think

Other: just met him, but clearly a punk. His girlfriend is Keiko.

Hiei-

Hair: Black with white starburst

Eyes: Red

Species: Demon

Other: Is really sneaking watch out for this one. He already attacked me. His sister is Yukina, but that's better kept to ourselves.

Kurama-

Hair: Red

Eyes: Green

Species: Demon in a human vessel

Other: Intelligent and from what I can tell just as sneaky as Hiei.

Yukina-

Hair: Blue

Eyes: Red

Species: Demon

Other: Roommate, Kuwabara has something going for her.

Keiko-

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Brown

Species: Human

Other: Yusuke's girlfriend. She's a smart one.

Botan-

Hair: Blue

Eyes: Violet

Species: Lady Death

Other: Koenma's right hand Lady.

It's Dorm B, Room 102, the right side of the room. Not to friendly with them, but you can do as you please. I'll be sure to have Sota update you. We'll use him as our in-between boy. I'm sure he won't mind. In the suitcase under the bed, you'll find my schedule, and a map of the school. Thanks for this-

Stuffing the paper back into her pocket Mai walked towards Dorm B. She needed to check over Kagome's schedule and see what classes she would have to attend. It wouldn't be good to start failing. Mai hoped Kagome had her books so she could read them and not have to worry about looking foolish in this human school.

Yukina looked towards the door as it opened and in came Kagome. Her red eyes went wide as she noted what Kagome was now wearing. It was not the same outfit she had left in. "You changed?"

Mai froze at hearing those words. Turning to look at the beautiful ice maiden Mai scratched the back of her head. "Yeah, I lost a bet awhile back and my friend is now making me pay by wearing a few outfits of her choice," lying Mai, pulled out the suitcase Kagome had mentioned. She smiled over to Yukina as she pulled out the needed info and books. Mai lay out over the bed and started to read, laughing evilly when she noted the extra classes Kagome had signed up for, and the little faces beside each one letting her know which detectives were in them as well.

Yukina stared curiously at Kagome before she shrugged and prepared for bed.

Okay, I know it's not that long and I am still working on this and my other fics. Please be patient and hopefully I'll get time to update this again soon. I swear it won't be a year! Hehe… Thanks for all the reviews they help motivate me when I'm feeling completely uncreative and ill. Keep reviewing and I'll keep writing!