AN: Here's an extra long chapter because, well, they're going to have to be longer because otherwise this story is going to have way too many chapters.

This story is (probably) going to be long. I'm talking, around the length of Deadly Games long (chapter-wise). And the chapters are probably going to be longer too. Just a little warning for you:o)

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho.

Lost City

Chapter Three

"Maybe we should call this search off," Sango commented, "we probably won't find him."

The five sat hidden by a few trees just on the outskirts of the city, waiting for someone most of them were sure wouldn't show up and weren't sure existed, for that matter. The night was cold and getting colder with the chilly wind that came every now and then.

"It's after midnight and the girl is tired," Miroku agreed, nodding toward Kagome. A few turned and looked to see Kagome asleep, her head rested on Yusuke's shoulder. "We've been waiting for over an hour."

Yusuke shifted uncomfortably, which made Shizuru smirk, but Kagome didn't budge. Obviously, she hadn't been sleeping that well lately, or she would have woken up to the movement.

Meanwhile, Sango was running over the night's events in her mind as she stood up, her stiff legs protesting as she did. After Kagome and her two new 'friends' had convinced her and Shizuru to come along on their little escapade, they had gone out searching for more people, but none seemed to fit the criteria. There were too many men with too much muscle and not enough brain. True, they did need muscle, but the person also had to have enough common sense to survive in the wild.

After more disappoints, the group had retired to the tavern, bored and in need of a few drinks. It was there that Yusuke had mentioned the rumors of an amazing fighter, a fighter the people called "Black Death".

"They call him Black Death because you never see him coming and he can kill you before you make a sound. No one has seen him and lived," Yusuke informed their small group.

"Great, a legendary person on top of a legendary city. We're going to drown in all these 'legends'," Shizuru murmured as she downed her drink.

Kagome frowned slightly at Yusuke's words. "Then how do we know this person exists?" Kagome inquired, "I've never heard of him before."

"That's just it, you don't know," Sango declared, "and why do we want this person who kills others in our group? Not to mention, why would he want to join?"

"But, my dear Sango, we're already chasing after one dream, why not chase after another?" Miroku chimed in with a smile, his eyes twinkling.

After her snapping at him that she wasn't his 'dear' and him trying to make a move on her that earned him a hard slap, they had moved on to a place where Yusuke had claimed he had once saw the fighter. Though a few had protested, Kagome had decided in the end that she wanted to go. Since the whole thing was up to her, the others had no choice but to go along.

Sango brushed off the grass that clung to her, making sure she was away from Miroku since she had a feeling he'd take any chance he could get to touch a young woman. Just catching sight of him while she did it confirmed her suspicions.

Looking down at the group, Sango began, "I've had about all I can take for one night, I'm going home. Come for me if you need me, but otherwise—"

Sango didn't get to finish her sentence though as something suddenly grabbed hold of her from behind. In less than a second, she felt the cool metal of a blade against the exposed skin of neck.

"Sango!" Shizuru said, rising quickly to her feet and the rest followed, besides Kagome, still sleeping just as soundly even though her pillow was gone.

Sango was cursing herself internally. She was usually very good at sensing danger around her, but with him she had sensed nothing. He had just dropped out of no where.

"Why are you fools waiting for me?" her attacker asked the others as Sango's hand inched toward a concealed blade. Seeming to know what she was doing, he jerked her and pressed the blade tighter against her skin while using the other hand to grab her wrists. "Don't even try it, woman. I have nothing against killing you."

"Hey, let the girl go," Yusuke ordered, momentarily forgetting her name.

She couldn't see her captor because he was standing behind her, but she tried to get a mental image of him in order to visualize where his weaknesses would be. Based on the way his arm was stretched slightly upward to press the blade against her throat, he was shorter rather than taller than her, meaning if she tried to elbow him, it would hit him in the chest instead of his stomach which would have been more vulnerable. Stomping on a foot was always good too, but somehow she already knew he'd be too smart and fast for that old trick.

While her mind raced, the conversation continued.

"We only came with a proposal in mind," Miroku said slowly, trying to keep the situation calm and under control. "We're going on a… quest, I guess you could call it."

"Get on with it," he snapped. His grip tightened on Sango's wrists, causing her to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from calling out. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

"To the Lost City," he continued as though he'd never been rudely interrupted, though his eyes did shift to Sango for a second, seeing the flicker of pain on her face. "And we're in need of fighters so we can survive the forest."

His grip suddenly loosened, for what reason, she didn't know, but still, she could do nothing. Any move she tried to make, he could slit her throat before she could get away.

After a long period of stranded silence, he answered, "I'm not a team player and I don't get along with others." He took his blade—which turned out to be a sword—away from Sango then and pushed her back toward the group. Yusuke half-caught her and helped her steady herself on her feet. "Go find some other fool to join your group."

When she was balanced, Sango turned and got her first look at her attacker. The first thing she noticed were his crimson eyes that stood out compared to his black attire and black hair—though the spiky quality to it was noticeable as well. His shortness was the second thing that struck her, the height a child (an older child, but still a child) might be; nonetheless she was almost positive he was a few years older than her from the maturity in his face and his body.

He turned his back on the group—that one small movement an insult to them, telling them that he didn't view them even the smallest bit as a threat—and began walking away with a slight swish of his black cloak around him.

"Are you too afraid to go?" Sango called after him. She rubbed her neck where the sword had been, coming back with a few droplets of blood staining her fingers. She shrugged it off. A small cut never hurt anyone.

"Hn." He paused in his movement, turning his head back to regard her and only her. "I'm not afraid of anything."

She took a step forward. "Then come with us," she said.

He was quiet, seeming to be contemplating something. He turned his face away once more, looking in front of him, though she was sure he wasn't seeing any of the scenery, lost in thought. After a long silence, he decided. "I'll come. But I won't guarantee staying long with you idiots."

"Why do you keep calling us idiots?" Yusuke asked, annoyed.

"Anyone who goes willingly into that forest is a fool."

"…You do know you just called yourself a fool, right?" Sango asked with a half-smile, unable to hide her amusement.

He looked annoyed, but before he could retort, Miroku said, "there's just one thing. We're going so that we can protect Kagome along the way."

His face showed his dislike for the idea, but surprising he said nothing about it. "Kagome?" he asked.

Miroku looked toward the girl, making Hiei take a few steps forward to get a look at her as well, still deeply asleep, nearly curled into a ball as she shivered because of the cold night. Sango could see a struggle raging in his eyes, thinking over his decision and wondering if it had been the right choice, no doubt. He seemed to have an alternative motive in mind, making Sango suspicious of him and hardly trusting him at all. Or maybe it was because he had had a blade to her throat a few minutes ago. Just maybe.

He sat down and leaned his back against a tree, glancing away from the group. "Fine."

The rest traded looks before returning to their seats near Kagome. Sango, however, stopped in front of the man and though she was sure he knew she was there, he never turned to look up at her. She nudged his side with her foot, causing him to glare.

"You got a name?"

When he was silent for awhile, she thought he wouldn't answer and was about to move on when he spoke.

"Hiei."

Kagome shivered and reached for her warm blanket to pull around her, but found none. She opened her eyes slowly and was utterly confused to find herself outside, sleeping on the grass, surrounded by people. In moments it all came back and she sat up quickly, looking around her.

She guessed she hadn't realized just how tired she had been. For the last few days she'd been worrying nonstop about Inuyasha, making her sleep habits not as good as they should have been. Just sitting around, waiting, sleep bore down on her until she finally gave in.

Yusuke walked up to her, seeing that she was finally awake. "Have a nice sleep?" Yusuke questioned wryly, peering down at her before sitting down.

She had the grace to look embarrassed as she replied, "you could've woken me up, I wouldn't have minded. I hope you weren't wait—" she was about to continue when she noticed someone new glancing at her, then away. She blinked in surprise. "Who's that?"

Sango looked to her as stretched her legs, cramped from staying in the same position too long. "You're newest recruit," she answered nonchalantly.

"Oh," Kagome replied, almost lamely. If her assumptions were correct the man in front of her must be "Black Death" as Yusuke had put it. They must have spoken with him while she was sleeping. She only hoped they told him everything.

She moved so that she was kneeling in front of him and held out her hand. "Hi, I'm Kagome. Nice to meet you." He glared at her and then looked away, leaving his arms crossed. Kagome put her hands on her hips, which looked odd since she was kneeling. "Well that's rude."

"Hiei's not much of a people person, as you might have guessed," Sango informed her so she wouldn't feel too offended.

Kagome looked like she might pout, but in the end shrugged it off (though unconvincing) and moved to sit back where she was before. She didn't even know him and already he disliked her? That was unfair.

"You were out long enough, we started making plans without you," Shizuru told her.

"Nothing too big," Miroku assured Kagome, "just minor details, such as you should have around seven people with you on this trip. Not too much, not too little"

"Well, I already have five, two more shouldn't be so hard to find," Kagome said optimistically.

Miroku looked uncomfortably, causing Kagome to be curious, but soon it was gone, a charming smile in its place. He continued, "we figured with the forest being so dangerous, one of them should at least be a healer."

"Me and Yusuke went out in town when you were asleep," Shizuru said, taking up the conversation and smiling slightly when Kagome mumbled, "was I really out for that long?" before continuing, "we asked around and got recommended to one girl the most. We were about to wake you up and head over there now."

"Then we'll look for more muscle to take along," Yusuke said. Hiei opened his mouth to speak, but Yusuke cut him off. "You're about to call us all idiots again, aren't you?"

He shifted his gaze. "Hn."

Yusuke grinned in triumph, making a few of the others smile as well, though Kagome was a bit lost. Go to sleep for awhile and suddenly, she missed everything. Oh, well.

"Why don't you skip that part and tell us why," Sango declared.

He stood up. "The forest is dangerous and mysterious, but going in with pure muscle will get you killed. You need an intellect." He started to walk away with all their eyes following him as he did.

"We don't want someone we'll have to watch twenty-four hours a day," Yusuke responded, standing up as well and almost following the killer.

Hiei looked back then. "Isn't that what you're doing for that girl?" he sneered, glaring at Kagome. How come with just one glare he could make Kagome feel so tiny and insignificant? Even when, in reality, she had a higher position than him? It made her feel annoyed, at the very least.

His face took on a sheepish look as he scratched the back of his head, avoiding Kagome's gaze. "Well, yeah, but she's the reason any of us are going in the first place," Yusuke said.

"Hey, stop talking about me as if I wasn't sitting right here," Kagome said, annoyed.

Hiei ignored her still. "Besides, the person I have in mind can handle his own."

"And who's that?" Kagome asked curiously.

Finally, Hiei began paying some attention to the noble, meeting her brown eyes with his red ones. "His alias is Kurama. You'll find him in a closed shop on Keeper's Street." With that, Hiei walked away from the group and disappeared into the darkness. No one even thought to follow him.

"Is he… coming back?" Kagome inquired hesitantly. Sango and Shizuru shrugged and the men looked just as puzzled as Kagome. She shook her head, putting what needed immediate attention at the front of her mind. "I'll go and find this 'Kurama'," she told the group as she rose, "it probably won't take too long. You go look into finding the healer and I'll meet you later, okay?"

Miroku caught her arm before she could leave. "Are you sure that's such a good idea? Going alone? Why not take Yusuke or Sango along?"

Kagome noticed how he hadn't offered to go himself, seeing as how he might meet a pretty girl otherwise, looking for a healer. She also knew since he was the only one that knew about her noble status, he'd be the most protective of her, knowing her importance to the future king and the people.

But they didn't know exactly where to find the healer, whereas she did know where this 'Kurama' might be. Therefore they should have more people looking to find the girl as soon as possible.

She squeezed Miroku's arm gently and he removed his hand reluctantly. "I'll be fine, it won't take long."

Not looking happy, he let her go and she parted ways with her team.

She had found the shop easily from all the commotion and noise from inside. Kagome reached her hand up to knock, but the door swung open before she could. For the second time that night she brought her cloak closer around her and not because she was cold.

The room was dim with only a few candles and a fireplace offering light and some warmth. There weren't too many people in the room and she didn't recognize any of them, but that didn't come as much of a surprise. What was a surprise were the two men that sat in the middle of the room, a chessboard between them. With almost every move the man with long red hair made, the short brown-haired one cursed (with such vulgar language Kagome's ears turned red) and took another shot of liquor. The first declared checkmate, causing the latter to drink a whole pitcher and move on just before someone else took his place.

A man with long black hair who looked somewhat familiar shook his head and disappeared into a back room, though no was else seemed to notice or care. A few other man talked and joked around the room, no one without a drink in their hand, besides the two long-haired men she had seen. Now the big question: which one of these men, if any, was Kurama?

Kagome let out a squeak as she was grabbed from behind and roughly turned around to be face to face with a man who looked (and smelt) like he could use a good bath. His hair looked oily and his face had dirt smudges all over it. "Look at this, I've found a little girlie," he said as he smiled wickedly, revealing yellowish brown teeth, not to mention a few missing ones. "Come to entertain us?"

"Um, no, actually I'm looking for someone…" she began. Keep yourself calm, Kagome, she told herself, just be nice to him as long as he'll help you.

She tried not to wince as his grimy hand brush against her cheek as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind her cheek. "And who might that be?"

"I'm looking for Kurama," she informed him while praying that he wasn't him. If he was… then Hiei was going to be in so much trouble for sending her to him.

He pushed her up against the wall and her heart began racing. "Sorry, there's no Kurama here." He brought his head down so that his face was closer to hers. "I'd gladly be Kurama if you'd like."

Her spirits fell. No Kurama? Suddenly she wished she had listened to Miroku and brought someone along. The sight of Yusuke or, better yet, Sango beating him up would be very pleasing since a man being beat by a woman in front of his friends was always humiliating for them.

"No thanks. Now please let go of me," she said, still trying to be civil since that was how she was raised, while trying to remove his hands from her at the same time.

"I don't think so."

She got his hand from her and began walking toward the door, but he grabbed her from behind again, wrapping his arms around her. Having about enough, she elbowed him in his stomach and he doubled over. She tried to get away then, but he grabbed her wrist painfully.

"Why you little…"

A hand fell on his shoulder and he paused. Both he and his captive turned their heads to see the red haired man behind them, one hand gripping the man's shoulder painfully tight.

"Shuichi," Kagome's captor started.

"That's quite enough," he declared to the man, then looked to Kagome, "come with me."

The man's grip had loosened so she took the chance to yank her hand away. While rubbing her wrist, she glared at the man and had the urge to stick her tongue out at him defiantly, but controlled herself, knowing it would make matters worse.

The other man, Shuichi, had walked to the door the other man had disappeared into before and looked back at her expectantly. Not really having another choice, she followed into the back room. Maybe he would know something about Kurama.

He waited for her and let her enter first like a gentleman would before closing the door behind them. Meanwhile she took in her new surroundings. It was a small room, half shrouded in shadows, with the only furniture in the room being a desk and a chair behind it and a chair off to the side as well. There were, however, a random assortment of plants around the room that were absolutely breathtaking.

Shuichi walked past her and half-sat, half-leaned on the desk, facing her. He motioned for her to sit in the spare chair, but she shook her head in refusal.

She couldn't help but take in his appearance as she stood there, exotic as it was. Most people tended to have dark hair and eyes, but his emerald eyes were gorgeous and his red hair was unusual in color. He wore his hair longer than most men, but then again, it wasn't as long as Inuyasha.

She felt a pang in her heart when she thought of her betrothed. Right, she had to focused. She had no time to get distracted by a man, no matter how pretty he was. Besides she must have seen loads of men more attractive then him… she just couldn't think of any at the moment.

"Thank you, for out there," Kagome said, unable to erase the slight nervousness within her. Surely she was better off with him then the man outside. Hopefully. Though, she did have a odd feeling of familiarity when she looked at him.

He waved his hand dismissively. "No need for thanks. The man had no right to touch you in the first place. It's just not that often we see a pretty woman in here. And, if you don't mind me asking, what are you doing here?"

"I'm looking for a man named Kurama," Kagome declared while trying to blush at the slight compliment she received, "do you know where he is?"

Shuichi laughed softly. "Yes, I know where you can find him."

"Really? Where?" Kagome asked enthusiastically, taking a step forward.

"He's standing three feet in front of you," he informed her.

"But… but that means you… and that man out there, he said… and he called you…" she began, confusion making her jumble her words.

He was polite enough not to out right laugh at her confusion like she had a feeling Yusuke would do if he were there, though Kurama's eyes did sparkle with laughter. "I am Kurama." He stretched out his arms as though to give her a better look, then bowed slightly, before leaning against the desk again. "Shuichi is my real name. I use to go by Kurama as an alias when I was younger, but I've long since stopped using that name. Which leads me to a question of my own. Who gave you that name?"

Kagome regarded him for a moment, but decided she could talk freely with him. Besides, if he was going to join them, she had to trust him. "A man…" she started, then stopped. He hadn't told her his name since he had ignored her most of the time, but she thought she remembered Sango saying his name… "Hiei," she recalled, "he told me where I could find you."

He looked genuinely surprised. "Hiei?"

She nodded. "You see, I came here to ask you something," she began. He stayed silent, waiting for her to continue as she chose her words carefully. Somehow she already knew she'd have a hard time convincing him. "I've been recruiting people to go with me... I've got five people already, maybe six," she told him, thinking of the healer, if her team had found her yet. She remembered Miroku having to tell her firmly to get to the point so recalling that now, did so. "what I'm getting at is, I want you to come with me to the Lost City. To protect me along the way."

There was silence before he sighed and said, "I'm sorry, I can not go with you."

Kagome stared at him, startled. She had expected him to be reluctant or not really want to go, but never expected such a flat out refusal. "W-what?" she asked.

"I can't go with you," he repeated. His voice seemed to hold regret.

She moved closer, close enough that it could be viewed as a intrusion of his personal space. "But why? Won't you at least consider it?" Kagome pleaded. She held her hand in a fist over her heart, looking at him pleadingly.

He shook his head. "I'm sorry, but no." He stood up straight, almost making their bodies touch, and walked around his desk so that he could sit in the chair behind it.

"You'll be paid for your services," she started.

"I can't," he interrupted, not waiting for her to finish. Either way, it wouldn't have changed her mind.

She put both hands flat on the desk, leaning over it and closer to him. "Won't," she accused.

"Either way you want to look at it, I will not be going with you," he told her, his voice firm.

He seemed to be set on his decision. His voice was strong with no sense of doubt in it and she knew she wouldn't be able to convince him otherwise. All the others had something she could use to convince them, but that wouldn't work with him. Nothing she could say would change his mind. Still…

"Kurama, please…" she said.

"I'm sorry, Kagome," he replied.

She sighed and stood up straight, regaining her composure. She was about to turn, when she paused, looking back at him curiously. "I don't remember giving you my name. Have we… met before?"

His face never changed. "No, I don't believe we have. You introduced yourself when you first came in."

"Oh," she said lamely, though she was trying to remember if she had or had not given her name. Having nothing more to say, she turned, disappointed, and walked toward the door where she paused once more. She met his emerald green eyes. "Just… think about it."

Then she was gone.

Kurama watched Kagome leave before he sighed and leaned back in his chair, letting the slight tension in his body run out.

She hadn't changed a bit.

Kuronue came out of the shadows then, letting his presence be known. Kurama, however, knew he had been there all along and didn't even bother acknowledging him. He sat on the edge of the desk, glancing at Kurama. "You wanted to go with her."

His eyes were locked on the door Kagome had closed ever so gently. He spoke absentmindedly. "I've met her before… she just didn't know it was me she spoke with. She was running away then… she still is now." He snapped out of his daze and turned his head toward his friend, answering him. "Possibly."

"Why didn't you go?" he asked.

Kurama sighed, folding his hands over his stomach. "Are you going to question me now as well?"

"You're avoiding my questions. You're afraid they'll find out," Kuronue accused.

He ignored the comment, not taking the bait. "I don't suppose if I asked, you'd drop it?" Kurama asked, having no hope that he would.

He smirked. "Admit it, you'd enjoy a bit of a challenge. Thieving, even the most guarded treasures, has become too easy for you."

It was true, what he said, but he didn't confess. "Why do you want me to go to my doom so badly?" the King of Thieves asked.

"Why, because that means I'll be in charge, of course," Kuronue responded easily. Kurama laughed, but they both knew his heart wasn't in it. "You can't lie, we both know you want to travel with the girl and her friends."

Kurama looked toward the door once more, then away. "It doesn't matter what I want."

Kagome walked down the almost entirely abandoned street, looking for any sign of any of her group. So far, no luck. Once or twice she almost called out to someone, only to have them turn around and find that they weren't who she thought they were, which just made her feel embarrassed.

"Kagome!"

She turned when she heard her name being called and saw Sango rushing toward her. Relief rushed through her.

"I've been looking for you. We found the healer everyone was recommending. The guys are at her house now, explaining things," Sango explained. She looked around, then said, "so I'm guessing no Kurama?"

"I found him, but… he flat out refused," Kagome said, dejectedly.

Seeing Kagome's distress, Sango felt the need to cheer her up. "Hey, don't look so down. If he doesn't want to come, that's his loss. He'll miss one hell of an adventure," she said, not mentioning the fact that at first she wasn't too keen on coming along. "You've got a great team without him."

Kagome smiled. "That's right."

"Now come on, I'll bring you to the others," Sango said, starting to lead the way.

"Hey, Sango?" she said. Sango glanced back inquiringly. "Thanks."

Sango smiled as well and then the two were off. Anxious to meet this possible new addition, Kagome jogged instead of walking, making Sango do the same to keep up with her. It didn't take too long to reach the home of the healer, which was not too surprisingly in the nicer part of the city. It was expected from someone so highly renowned and healers were rare things these days. Though her healing skills must truly be amazing to live in such a nice home.

Sango knocked on the door and there was some shuffling from within before Yusuke opened the door.

"It took you long enough," Yusuke grumbled, opening the door wider so they could come in.

It was then that Kagome caught sight of the blue-haired woman standing in the middle of the room.

"Botan," Kagome said, startled.

Shizuru looked from the healer to her new employer. "You two know each other?" Shizuru asked.

If Kagome looked surprised, words didn't describe Botan's shock. "La—"

Kagome sprang forward and put a hand to Botan's shoulder, forcing her to stay up before she could bow and address her as "Lady Kagome". Her sudden jump forward must have been odd to the rest so, to cover it up, she hugged Botan like she would an old friend, making them think that was what she meant to do all along.

"Botan, it's so nice to see you again! It's been too long! Would you care to join me in the other room?" Kagome said quickly. She dragged Botan away before she had a chance to respond.

"Okay, now that was weird," Yusuke said as the door was slammed shut.

Once the door was closed and Kagome let go of her, Botan began, "Lady Kagome, what are you doing here? I mean, they mentioned that the girl's name was Kagome, but I never connected it, never thought that you were that same Kagome—"

She would have gone on if Kagome had not put a hand over her mouth. "They told you where I plan to go, right?" Kagome questioned.

She nodded while her eyes widened a fraction. Botan looked like she desperately wanted to talk, but since her words would be muffled, she didn't even try.

"Then you understand why I have to go," Kagome told her, removing her hand.

Botan was quiet then as she put the pieces together. "You think you can find a cure for Lord Inuyasha in the Lost City," she said slowly. It was Kagome's turn to nod. Botan jumped forward unexpectedly and hugged Kagome. "Oh, that's so romantic!"

"Why does everyone think that? I'm not doing this for love, I'm doing this because he's my friend and I… I care about him. I don't want to see another person die from that 'incurable' disease." She met Botan's eyes. "Will you come with us?"

Botan stopped hugging her, but kept her hands on her shoulders, her face suddenly solemn. "I couldn't heal Inuyasha." Before Kagome could protest, she continued, "I know, I know, no healer can cure it. But… it was the first time I came across something I couldn't cure." She shook her head. "I'd heard about the disease, but I'd never had to try and heal someone with it. I… felt so helpless!" She let out a shaky breath. "The least I can do now is help you cure him."

Kagome understood. Botan had been one of the only people that knew of Inuyasha's illness before he had collapsed and the news had spread to those close to him, people like Kagome. He hadn't willingly told her, but she found out while she was there healing someone else in the palace at the time. Botan helped him the best she could, but… she could only do so much. Nothing could make it go away, so she did what she could, keeping him healthy for as long as she could. That was how her and Kagome had met, as she stayed around the palace, they got to know each other. Though after awhile Botan got called away and left the palace. Soon after that was when Inuyasha collapsed, sending him into the state he was in now.

Kagome smiled at her. "Thank you," she said with feeling.

Botan then put her hands on her hip. "Now what was that out there? I know you said I could address you informally, but when we're around people I'm suppose to address you as 'my lady'."

It was true that was what they had done at the palace, otherwise others could have scolded Botan or even punished her for not addressing Kagome properly. Though she doubted the latter since healers were so valuable.

"Oh, that. No one coming with us, except Miroku," at Botan's questioning look, she added, "the lecherous one," she nodded then, understanding, so she continued, "None of them know I'm a noble, let alone betrothed to the future king. I think it's best they don't know, so I'd like to keep it that way."

"Alright, easy enough," the healer responded. She nodded toward the door. "So are all those people outside everyone you're taking along?"

"Yes. Well, except for one more. I think," Kagome answered, thinking of Hiei. He was coming back… right?

Feelings of relief and nervousness ran through her. She finally had everyone and now, they could leave. They could head off into the deadly forest and to the Lost City, get the cure and get back to Inuyasha. Easier said then done, granted, but still, she could finally do it. With a team all ready to go, she was one step closer to saving Inuyasha.

There was no turning back now, she was ready to go.

Well, almost.

AN: Betrothed is such a cool word. Don't ask me why, it just is. :P

Enjoy the long chapter, yes, no? They're probably all going to be this long now, if not longer. Alright, as always, any comments, questions, complaints, constructive criticism, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.

Thank you everyone that reviewed!