A/N: Okay, let me say something to some of you.

Some people can't read!

Yes, there are people who reviewed and got mad at me because I put out a teaser. NOT a chapter. It was to let you know what was going on, and give a sort of preview. I even left a note and everything! I wrote, in bold, underlined and italicized letters that the chapter was NOT finished, that I was having trouble and I couldn't finish the chapter, and that I was going to finish later.

THIS IS THE REAL CHAPTER! THE ACTUAL ONE! HONESTLY!

Okay, now that I've said that, I want to say something else. I have had so much trouble on this story that I want to murder it. I've re-re-re-written this chapter, and I still don't like it. I just want to put it on hiatus and not deal with it at all for a long while. Maybe put it off until Christmas. Unfortunately, all my readers would be mad. Right?

Which gets me wondering, how many reviewers actually READ my author's notes? Anyone? Should I just stop putting them up? Hm?

Right, back to my not-so-happy rant. I'm annoyed that people didn't read my note. Hell, I even called the chapter title CH17: Teaser! That alone should have given something away. It wasn't a nice thing to have my work praised so long, and then have some reviewers yell at me the first time I put out a teaser. I mean, I'm supposed to choose my chapter length anyway. If I want to make a 200 word chapter, I shouldn't be yelled at. It's my decision.

I just choose not to. I choose to work hard to write, write, write, and hope that people appreciate how much time and energy actually goes into this story. I don't think people know how hard it is for me to keep going when people yell at me right after saying I'm their favorite story-teller. It makes me depressed and more inclined to not continue a story.

I know there are some people who read my story and really appreciate it. I like that you stick with me, but there are still those people (you know who you are!) who are getting on my nerves. I thank those of you readers who praise my story and help me make it better by giving me ideas with your comments. Thanks goes out for you folks.

So, my final words are if you're going to flame me, make sure your information is correct before hand. I don't like being put down for something I didn't do. Next time, I may blow up and put this story on hiatus with all the trouble I'm getting. It's almost not worth it.

I'm in a bad mood. If you don't read this, then don't review.

Kittey Rin

Kagome pulled back the bowstring to her ear. Her muscles shaking, she held it there obediently. Genkai walked over to examine her posture and placement of limbs. Sweat gathered on her brow and she was breathing heavily. Genkai, seemingly satisfied with Kagome, stepped away and nodded. Kagome shifted her weight to aim for the target some fifty paces away, adjusted for wind and other variables, and fired.

The bowstring twanged as Kagome let the bow spin in her hand. Kagome watched as the arrow shot like a bullet towards its goal, finally finding a place in one of the outer rings.

"You're getting better, but your not there yet. Don't start celebrating." Genkai's harsh voice snapped Kagome out of whatever spell she had been in when firing the arrow.

Kagome nodded. "I'm not. I know that this is just the beginning." She sighed wistfully as her mind wandered over how much she had accomplished in the past weekend.

This was her and Sango's last day here. Kagome didn't know where her friend went during the day, but she was too busy to find out and too tired to care when she had two minutes to herself. Each day had been the same. Kagome would wake up to Shizuru's movements in the morning and get ready for the day. After a quick breakfast, she would go work on her miko abilities with old Kaede. After lunch, by which time Kagome would be ravenous, Genkai would help Kagome to build up her strength and work with her weapon.

It still surprised Kagome at how far she had come. Then again, the lecture Genkai had given her when she had first slacked off was still fresh in her mind.

Apparently, because she was going to be so powerful, she would be hunted down by every species of youkai in the world. Not just for her spiritual power, with which she could purify any demon that annoyed her. No, it had something to do with a jewel from the past.

Kagome had just begun to research it. She didn't think she was supposed to know, seeing as she had overheard it when Sango and Shizuru had been talking late one night. Sango had said something about the idea that the jewel was in Kagome's body, and that they had to keep a close watch on her lest it fall into the hands of evil. Since then, Kagome had been trying to find as much as she could about the jewel.

Kagome snapped to attention when she felt Genkai's power elevate. That was part of her training, she knew. Kaede had told her to try and tell when any of them raised their auras while Kagome was around. That and to continue practice meditating.

Genkai smiled slightly. "Good. Because one weekend isn't going to change much. All that practice with the wannabe spiritual maiden has done you some good, but not nearly enough. As soon as you hit the center, you're going to have to go up against a moving target, then Kaede is going to teach you how to add power to it."

Kagome nodded and bowed. Genkai dismissed her, and Kagome gratefully began to put her things away.

Kagome sighed as she finished up her work. It had been just over a week since she had returned home from Genkai and Kaede's temple, and she was still exhausted. Of course, it could be the fact that she was still visiting the temple on the weekends...

Kagome groaned and rubbed her shoulder. Shippo had been unwilling to talk this time, so Kagome had just ran through his exercises. Aki hadn't spoken at all, again, and Kagome had Himitsu help her with the girl's own workout. Now Kagome had to look forward to a night on the town, as it was a Friday and she stilled owed Himi, and a long drive tomorrow morning to the temple again.

Before that, though, she needed to talk to her boss. He had told her he wanted to speak to her, and she didn't have a reason to say no. Even though she got creeped out whenever he was near.

Kagome jumped as Himitsu put a hand on her shoulder. Turning to her worried friend, she asked, "What's up?"

Himitsu's eyes reflected concern. "Why are you so jumpy all of the sudden?"

Kagome laughed uneasily. "I'm not jumpy. I'm just...nervous. About meeting with the boss. You know, I've been missing a lot of work lately, and I might be in trouble and all..." she trailed.

Himitsu gave her friend a disbelieving look. "I guess that's reason enough to be nervous. But don't forget about tonight, like you promised."

Kagome nodded as her friend left the room. What Kagome had said was true, she really didn't want to meet with her boss. But that wasn't the real reason.

After all, it wasn't like she could walk up to her friend and say 'Hey, I'm jumpy because I'm just now realizing how many demons live among humans without any of us realizing. Oh, and the fact that most of the people I know are demons, and quite possibly you yourself have demon blood. I get this funky aura-reading-feel when I'm around you that I only get when I'm around demons'. Even to Kagome it sounded crazy.

Glancing at the clock, she realized that she needed to get to get to her boss's room if she wanted to get home in time to spend some time with Yuuki. She had really been neglecting him a lot, lately. She would have to make it up to him soon.

Standing, she made her way slowly to the top level of the hospital. Turning to the right hallway, she approached the very regal, impressive-looking door to Dr. Gensou's office.

Gritting her teeth, she put her hand on the doorknob, and turned.

Nobody stood in the doorway to greet her, and there was no one at the desk where Kagome knew Dr. Gensou had himself glued to during work hours.

Stepping into the room slowly, she got a good look around. She was unsurprised to see it was just like every other head office at a major hospital. Down to the minute detail, too.

She jumped when the door slammed behind her. A tall figure stood in front of the entrance, looming over Kagome. Stepping forward, the figure was revealed to be the good doctor.

The shadows around his dark eyes made the whites stick out like sore thumbs. "I'm sorry, did I scare you?" he practically purred.

Kagome, trying to get her frightened heart back under control, shook her head. "No, no. You wanted to see me?"

Dr. Gensou narrowed his eyes, a look of pure hunger flitting across his face momentarily. "Ah, yes." His voice tightened with a hidden emotion. "It has come to my attention that you have been playing hookie, Higurashii."

Kagome gulped audibly. "Sir, I can expla--"

Dr. Gensou's arm shot out and caught Kagome's wrist. "No, Higurashii, you can't. However, there may be a way to have me...overlook- this little charade."

Kagome swallowed. What was it with insane people going after her? Now her boss was trying to hit one her! "Sir, I don't think--"

Once again, she was interrupted. "I do think. Unless, of course," he told her, lowering his voice and having it take on a deadly edge to it, "you want your dear friend to be let go?"

Kagome froze. He wouldn't do that to Himitsu, would he? Somehow, deep inside, she knew he would. And just to date her!

She was released, and Dr. Gensou stepped back. "I can see you need time to think on this. I expect an answer by Monday, Higurashii." He stepped to the side. "Good day."

Kagome fled.

The door opened and Youko perked his ears forward. It had been a slow and dull existence lately...did this new sound bring some new entertainment for him?

I really doubt that, Suuichi huffed. He, too, was bored. Bored beyond belief. Bored enough that he was actually complaining about it. I mean, it's not like she's going to come in and say 'Oh, Yuuki, I confess that I'm tired of living here. Let's move to Demon realm and hunt down thieves and demon lords so that you can lift your boredom and be content with a bloodbath'.

Souta entered the room, and Youko put their ears back.

Youko wagged their tail. Now, see? That's the kind of entertainment we need.

Suuichi groaned and put his 'head' in his hands. Did you have to comment?

Do you have to ask?

My mistake. Suuichi shook his head and folded his arms. You know, I could bring up the fact that, whenever we have been alone with our thoughts, you think about Kagome.

Youko raised their lips in a snarl. Drop it, kit.

Suuichi glared at his other half. I told you not to call me that.

Youko didn't answer.

Really, he was thinking about her a little too much. After all, this was a human wench. Not some demoness to parade about and such.

Youko didn't like this. He didn't like the fact that he appeared to like a woman. He didn't like the fact that he liked a human. He didn't like the fact that he liked a human woman who might not like him. When had it mattered that the human woman he didn't like to like might not like him? What if it wasn't like like? What if this was like love like? What if she didn't like like him like the way he like like love liked her? What if he didn't like like her and she like liked him and he didn't like that she liked him like that?

His head was starting to hurt.

The door opened again and, before he could even open his eyes, someone jumped over him. He jumped himself and looked up, following it as the shadow flew over him.

Kagome's back, Suuichi commented unnecessarily.

Youko absently nodded as Kagome called back, "Sorry Yuuki, I'm gonna be late!" In moments she had disappeared up the staircase, making her way up to her room.

The shower started soon after.

Youko looked at Souta, sitting on the couch, who looked just as bewildered as himself.

Souta sighed and turned to Yuuki. "I guess she's going out with Himitsu." Turning off the television, he stood and began packing up his things. "Which reminds me, if I want to get to school on time I'd better hurry. You can stay home alone for a bit, eh?" he asked.

Youko didn't have to answer. Souta just walked over to the door and left, without even telling Kagome.

The shower cut off and Youko could hear Kagome stumbling around and cursing when she hit things. A loud thump was heard, followed by a large string of curses.

Nice vocabulary. Youko stood and trotted to the couch, claiming the spot that had been recently vacated. I wonder where she learned it all.

Suuichi rolled his eyes. Come on, most of her friends are probably guys. She's not that innocent.

Thundering down the staircase, Kagome shouted. "I'm leaving! Be back soon. Don't terrorize the house, and--" She stopped short. "Souta! You weren't supposed to leave!" she called out breathlessly. "Oh well, I don't have time! Yuuki! Be good!" The door opened once again, and Kagome vanished with a slam.

Youko decided it was time enough to nap. Not that he had anything better to do, but it was tiring to be laying about all day. The last rays of the sun began to fade and Youko absently noted that tonight was going to be a new moon.

A tingling sensation came over the two beings.

Wait, this seems familiar... Youko trailed.

A blue flash of light swept from the fox and encompassed the entire room. When it died, a tall red-haired man sat on the couch.

"Wait a minute, is this supposed to happen?" Suuichi asked aloud.

Youko snickered. Suuichi raised an eyebrow. I don't know, Youko supplied, but you had better get some clothes.

Suuichi looked down and found he was standing in the middle of Kagome's living room...completely naked.

And soon.

End Chapter
Any questions? Comments? Suggestions?