Author's Note: Sorry about the few updates lately. I've had a lot going on, and I'm sorry to say I will not be updating at all next week due to some activities I have going on, so this will be the last chapter of the month. Here is a prequel of what to expect next month! Enjoy chapter 18 and please review!

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to or affiliated with Inuyasha, however this particular story is M-I-N-E! :)

Tricksters Afoot

"Well, I'm going home for a couple of days. I'll see you guys soon!" Kikyou hoisted her backpack and bow on her shoulder and walked towards the door to the hut.

"I'll walk with you," Kagome skipped after her, grabbing her newly acquired bow and leaving the others to finish their breakfast. Sesshomaru started to get to his feet, but Miroku placed a steadying hand on his arm, discouraging the hanyou from following.

After the two girls had put some distance between themselves and the hut, Kikyou sent a sly smile towards Kagome before asking, "So how did your 'walk' last night go?"

"Hehe…well, you know…"

"No, in fact I don't know. That's why I am asking," Kikyou raised a brow at the furiously blushing girl.

Kagome gave in and sighed. "Where do I start…He checked me for injuries first and somehow we got to talking about mistaken identities, and then he kissed me and then he…then he…told me he loved me!" Kagome covered her face with her hands, feeling even worse than she had last night.

"Well, do you love him too?"

"…What?"

"Do you love him too? It's a simple enough question isn't it?"

"How is that a simple question?!"

"Well, it is either yes or no. You can't have an in-between when it comes to love right?"

"Yeah, I guess so…"

"Then you either love him or you don't. Simple."

"Urgh! I don't know! I mean, I loved Inuyasha! Am I just supposed to forget him?!"

"I never said you had to forget someone."

"But I can't love two people!"

"Yes you can. Love takes many forms, and sometimes people can share space in our hearts. The trick is to find out who holds the biggest portion of it."

"So…you're saying I can love them both? That kind of makes me sound like I'm a cheater."

"How can you be cheating if you aren't dating either one? Your Inuyasha hasn't promised anything to you, and you haven't promised anything to Sesshomaru. Your heart is free to love whomever you choose, but one day you will have to make a decision if you ever want to be happy."

"…Where did you come up with all this?"

"Hmm, woman's instinct?"

"Haha, if you say so!"

The two women continued talking as they neared the well, but a familiar spark caught their attention, and the two whirled back to back each with an arrow drawn. Leaves rustled, and a pair of bright green eyes flashed in the shadows.

"Who's there?!" Kagome shouted in the direction of the sound.

"Show yourself, youkai!" Kikyou followed suit.

A large man swooped down in front of the girls as three more surrounded them from behind.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" The man in front spoke with a boyish voice, but his height and stature were that of a grown man. He wore a stunning blue haori under polished armor, and his dark red hair was tied up in a high pony-tail that fell to his shoulders. Five bushy tails swayed behind him, and bright green eyes glinted with mischief.

Shippo! Oh, he looks so cute all grown up! But what does he want with us? I don't know what he's like in this world!

Shippo stepped forward and started sniffing the girls before saying, "I've heard of a priestess who can sense the sacred jewel shards. If I'm not mistaken, one of you girls has that power!"

Kikyou pointed her arrow at Shippo and narrowed her eyes dangerously. "Take another step and I'll purify you to dust!"

"Whoa!" Shippo held his hands up and said, "We don't mean any harm, ladies. Come with us willingly, and I promise we will treat you kindly." He flashed his fangs in a charming smile.

"What do you want with us?" Kagome asked curiously.

"You'll find out soon enough." Shippo took another step closer as the three kitsune behind them closed in on them.

"I said stay back!" Kikyou fired her arrow straight at Shippo, but the kitsune surrounded himself with green fire and easily incinerated it.

Shippo shook his head and sighed. "I was hoping we could do this the easy way, but brute force it is, then." He signaled to the other three kitsune, who wrestled Kikyou's bow away from her. One of them lifted her over his shoulder, as she kicked and screamed at him. Kagome started to aim for the kitsune holding Kikyou, until Shippo lunged toward her, twisting her hand hard and causing her to drop her bow. He yanked her towards him as she let out a sharp cry. Shippo hauled her over his shoulder before bounding into the trees, the others close on his heels.

xxx

Sesshomaru heard Kikyou scream a split second before he heard Kagome's cry. He rushed toward the sound until he found himself near the well. Sesshomaru could smell the youkai and knew they were quite a ways off. His first instinct was to track them down immediately, but Sesshomaru knew that kitsune always traveled in packs, and it was doubtful he could face four grown ones on his own. He waited for Sango, Miroku, and Koga, who soon arrived on Kirara's back.

"What's happened?" Sango leaped off the cat and ran towards Sesshomaru, her sword already drawn.

"Where's Kikyou and Kagome?!" Koga followed closely behind Sango.

"Kitsune have captured them. I cannot face these youkai alone."

"Kitsune? Are they not known for their tricks on humans? Why would they capture the girls?" Miroku appeared behind Sango, looking confused.

"That is what I wish to find out. Kitsune live in clans, and the nearest one in this territory is the clan of Ukitake."

"Ukitake?" Sango sheathed her blade and crossed her arms.

"She is the clan's elder. Her grandson is the prince of the tribe, and I smell his scent here. I am not sure if he acted with the clan's orders or on his own accord."

"I see. Are kitsune generally receptive of guests?" Miroku asked a bit nervously.

"If they do not feel threatened," Sesshomaru replied before facing the direction the kitsune had come from.

Sesshomaru waited for Miroku and Sango to climb on Kirara, then sprinted off towards the mountains.

That kitsune better keep his hands away from Kagome! If what I've heard of the young prince is true, then we must get there as quickly as possible. I promised to myself I would never let anyone harm someone precious to me again!