Kirby-Chan: First of all, Sesshomaru talks about himself in third person sometimes in the Japanese version. Hehehe! I think it's funny! Second, I have a message to tbiris, I would never EVER kill off Botan-chan. I love her too much!! ::Cries:: Why would you even suggest that! BOTAN!!! WHHHHAAAAAAAAAA!
Simon Belmont: And if she got any ideas, I'd beat the snot out of her! Number one: It's not Mika's place to kill off characters that aren't her own. Number two: Botan is cute!
Kirby-Chan: ::Glares at Simon:: Simon, number two is one of YOUR reasons... College is starting soon...::teary eyes:
Simon: Deal with it.
Kirby-Chan: Well, just wanted to tell you all that my updates my take a little longer now.
Simon: She'll get over it.
Kirby-Chan: ::cries:: WHAAAAA! I don't want to be an adult, yet!
Simon: Oh brother, um....let's get on with the chapter.

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An Unlikely Fellowship

Chapter 14: Hate is such a strong word...

"Botan!" Shippo wailed as he curled up by Kagome's lap with tears streaming down his eyes. Yusuke turned to Inu Yasha, "Listen, you guys can go a search for the shards if you want to. I need to find Botan!" Inu Yasha growled in abjection, "Hey, I may not care what happens to you but, Botan got into this mess because of MY brother. I'm going to help you guys!" Sango walked forward, "Plus you don't really know which one of the mountain belongs to Seiko the Raccoon-Dog. I, as well as the rest of us, wish to assist you! Besides, Botan is our friend as well."

"Thank you." Kurama said as he bowed to the group in respect. Hiei growled as he stood apart from the group, "I for one don't wish to dragged into some pointless tournament." Kagome rose from where she sat, "What are you saying?" The fire youkai turned his face away from the miko as the others stared at him, "Hn. What I am saying is...it's not my problem." Yusuke clenched his fist in rage, "Damn it, Hiei! This no time to be an ass! Botan is our friend she-"

(NOTE: If you have been watching Yu Yu Hakusho, Hiei can (and will) be a dick at times. This is just one of them.)

Hiei's fiery red eyes glared at the teen, " I was sent here to be a body guard, not a hero. Plus, she's YOUR friend, not mine-" Yusuke and Inu Yasha were about to pound the dwarf into the ground when a loud, SLAP! echoed through out campsite. Hiei's eyes were widened with shock as a red hand mark was imprinted onto his face. Kagome stood over the fire youkai with pure rage in her eyes, "HOW DARE YOU! YOU-YOU HEARTLESS, SHELFISH, COWARDLY JERK! Stay here if you like! I don't want to be protected by someone who doesn't care about any one but himself!!"

With that Kagome picked up Shippo and marched off, leaving a surprised group of travelers behind. "Wow," Miroku said as he placed a hand over his heart, "That is a side of Kagome I have never seen. I almost had a heart attack." Sango glared at Hiei and stuck her nose in the air as she gladly followed her friend. The rest of group soon followed after the enraged women until all that was left was Kurama and Hiei.

Kurama took pity on his friend, "Hiei, please. I know you really feel bad that you couldn't help Botan but, did you have to bring out your anger like that?" Hiei didn't turn to his friend but bowed his head in shame. The kitsune knelt by him, "Hiei, come with us. Botan needs us the most right now and making the others hate you won't make Sesshomaru stop playing dirty." Hiei rose from were he sat and walked away from the kitsune as placed a hand to his face, "Hn. It doesn't hurt my face...I've been struck a lot worse...why do I feel so...horrible?"

Kurama smiled as he looked at his friend, "Because, Kagome has a kind heart and you are feeling the pain you inflicted on it. She's a woman Hiei, you need to be more gentle." Hiei growled and turned to his comrade, "Why don't you march off with the rest of them? I am the heartless jerk after all." The kitsune chuckled to himself, "I know you better than that, Hiei."

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"LET ME GO!!" Squealed Botan as she kicked and thrashed about in the taiyoukai's vice grip. "You really want to die, don't you, bitch?" Said Sesshomaru as he flung the annoying Ferry woman over his shoulder. Botan pummeled the dog lord's back as she roared, "Bitch? How dare you! You smelly old mutt!" Sesshomaru snarled at the ferry woman's remark and hurled her into a near by tree. Before Botan could recover, Sesshomaru brought a poison claw to her face, "Bitch, if you ever call me that again you shall be punished."

Botan winced in pain as she was once more flung onto the fluffy shoulder of Sesshomaru. "My friends will come for me!" The taiyoukai smirked, "Good that is what I want." Botan placed her hand to her face, "Why Hiei and Kurama? Why not any other youkai?" Sesshomaru leaped over a brook and coldly replied, "Because, the other youkai you speak of are weak and stupid. Your "friends" have remarkable power, including that so-called Ningen."

"So-called? You mean Yusuke?" The ferry woman looked at the dog lord with anger, "What do you know?" Sesshomaru growled at the death woman, "I know what my nose tells me. He isn't exactly human nor is he exactly a dirty hanyou." Botan rubbed the bump that bothered her head, "So, if I'm a GOOD little girl, you won't kill me and you will take me to my friends in three days?" Sesshomaru coldly chuckled as they approached a winged creature, "You catch on quite well, Bitch." Botan growled at the lord as they mounted the animal, "My name is Botan, not bitch!"

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Kagome angrily marched through the forest ahead of the group. Yusuke totted over to Inu Yasha and exclaimed, "Yo, does Kagome act like this a lot, Dog-breath?" Inu Yasha's yellow eyes glared at the teen, " Kagome is a nice person but, once some one pisses her off she won't give up until they apologize." Yusuke's gave the dog man a mischievous look, " I take it you know by personal experience." "Shut up Grease-Monkey!" growled Inu Yasha as he shook his fist at the Spirit Detective

Miroku smirked as he took this time to interject, "Oh, Yusuke. When Inu Yasha and Kagome fight it's like an old married couple!" The hanyou spun around and stared the houshi down, "What the hell do you mean by that!" "It means that you have the hotts for women that can purify your ass, Dog-breath!" Yusuke smirked as he continued, "Kagome and Inu Yasha sitting in a tree!! K-I-S-S-" Inu Yasha bore his claws and dashed at the teen, "BASTARD!!!"

Yusuke glanced at the puppy's "Dinky finger nails" and laughed, "Hey, if you want a Spirit Gun bullet up your ass, just go ahead and try me!" Kuwabara turned his head toward the back of the group as he looked at Kurama and asked, "Did Hiei go back?" Kurama shook his head, "No, He just doesn't want to be seen right, now." Kuwabara muttered, "Serves that dwarf right, he shouldn't have even thought about saying something like that." Kurama bowed his head, "Yes, Hiei how ever, is sulking at the moment. I think he feels bad for what he said."

Kuwabara instantly roared in laughter, "Hiei sulk? HAHA! That's a new one! I've seen him growl at people when he knew he was wrong, but sulk?" Sango turned her head and began focusing her attention to the kitsune and tall teenager. Kurama smiled as he noticed her gaze. "Well," began the fox, "It is my theory that Miss Kagome is the one who brought it upon him." The huntress stopped in her tracks, "I for one know youkai are very hateful creatures, especially the forbidden children of the Koorime. Actually, I am surprised that Hiei would have a heart at all."

Kurama eyes narrowed at Sango, "And why would you say such things, Lady Sango?" The huntress rang her fingers through her raven hair, "My great grandfather fought one by the name of Kyou. If they even survive being throw form their island, the forbidden ones are often rejected, so they are full of hate and bloodlust." Kuwabara shuttered at the thought, "Eee..and I thought one Hiei was bad enough. How strong was this, Kyou?" Sango's gaze drifted toward the sky, "Kyou was called by many, "Death Bringer". He destroyed many villages. My great grandfather fought Kyou, and almost died at his hands. He was rescued by a powerful man with Holy powers, much like Kagome."

Kurama froze in his tracks, "Was there any account of what this holy man looked like?" Sango shook her head, "All that I know was that he was from the far West. A barbarian to say. Why?" Kurama waved his hand, "It's nothing. Oh, and don't worry about Hiei. He'll get over it." The huntress growled as she scoped the trees, "Yes, I guess so."

Kagome's mind burned with anger, 'I thought Botan was his friend! How cruel! Poor Botan is stuck in the hands of that darn Sesshomaru and he won't fight for her! JERK!' "Kagome-onee-chan?" a voice called to her from her arms but Kagome was still lost in her thought. 'How can any one just be so heartless! I HATE him!' "Kagome?" the child like voice rang to her once more as the young miko still wandered in her thoughts. "Hate...? No, he did save my life twice already...' Her voice awakened to reality sighing, "I guess, I was just so frustrated with him. After all he did for me, I thought....."

Shippo looked at the young beauty stating, "Are you talking about Hiei? He was mean wasn't he? But you got pretty mean yourself! I am proud of you, Kagome!" Kagome smiled at the kit and guilt fully replied, "Thanks Shippo." Inu Yasha bounded away from Yusuke and next to Kagome, "Hey...you ok?" The miko smiled at the hanyou, "Yeah, I feel a little better now, Inu Yasha. Why? Were you worried?" He turned his head away from her, "Feh, Well...I was...a little bit." Kagome's eyes brightened as she gazed at Inu Yasha and to her surprise, he smiled at her.

Miroku gazed into the horizon, "It's getting late. We have been walking the whole day in the dark for awhile now so, we should stop for tonight and rest up." Yusuke glowed with determination, "But, Botan is still out there. She-" Kurama placed a hand on Yusuke's shoulder, "I know Sesshomaru won't do anything really horrible to her. She is part of a deal is she not? Have some faith, Yusuke." With that, the group began to set up camp.

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Botan sat by the taiyoukai with her arms crossed and nose in the air. She was getting sick of this stupid dog and ignorant attitude. Maybe, if he got distracted some how, she could easily fly away on her boat ore and make her escape! Botan smiled at her flawless plan, this mutt would not use her to get her friends to do his bidding! Suddenly, a smell of blood and smoke filled her as the sight of a large castle burned.

Sesshomaru's eyes burned with rage as he scooped up the ferry woman and dashed toward his castle. "What in the hell happen here!" Called the enraged Lord of the western lands. One of the palace youkai soldiers limped over to his master, "It was that bastard fish king from Europe, me lord! He knew you left us, so he attacked while you where gone. The castle will be alright, the rest of soldiers are already putting out the flames."

Sesshomaru dropped Botan and in a panic he grabbed the solider and mournfully growled, "Where is Rin?" The solider shook his head, "I am sorry...I was here the entire time, I have no idea." Sesshomaru glared at the ferry woman and then turned to the palace. After deciding what was more important, he dashed in to his home. Botan dusted her self off and took to the air on her boat ore. She was about to fly away when something caught her eye, a little human girl was huddled by herself by the far corner of the great walls of the palace. The young woman gasped in fear for the child so she quickly flew over to her, "Little girl? Are you alright? It's dangerous here, you must escape!"

Rin looked up form where she sobbed and saw the beautiful blue haired woman staring back at her, Rin's eyes streamed with tears as she hugged the nice lady, "Please!" cried Rin, "You have to get Sesshomaru-sama! Jaken is hurt and Chi...Chi is-Chi is-HE ATE HER!!! Whaaa!" Rin buried her face in the woman's kimono and wailed. Botan gently patted the girl's head as her eyes gazed up on to the wall in front of her...there a message was written in blood...fairy blood...

Botan narrowed her eyes in disgust as she read:

Sesshomaru lord of the western lands of Japan,

Come to the gathering to fight me,

or else, next time I will kill your ningen child.

-Balorog Lord of the Fomori

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The camp was still and calm that night, Kagome had trouble sleeping even with Shippo cuddled next to her. She sat up and eyed her friends. Inu Yasha was the closest to her. He protectively clenched on to the Tetsusaiga in his slumber. Kagome smiled at the hanyou. She was glad that he was getting along better with the newest members of the group, that meant Inu Yasha could have more friends than just her, Sango, Shippo, Kirara and Miroku.

She was especially happy that Inu Yasha was getting along with Yusuke, the two of them had similar personalities, so it was natural that they wouldn't get along at first. Kuwabara was becoming one of Miroku and Sango's favorites and Shippo clinged to Kurama. Kagome giggled at the thought, Shippo had missed the company of his own kind and Kurama was so sweet to him. She loved how Shippo would trot closely behind the older fox as Kurama would just smile. Then her thoughts went to Hiei...Hiei didn't seem to get along well with any of the others.

Miroku and Sango didn't seem to like him because of his attitude, Shippo avoided him out of fear and Inu Yasha....Well, Inu Yasha hated Hiei's very presence around her. She remembered the events of earlier that morning and sighed, "May be I was a little too mean to him." Suddenly she heard a soft chuckle come from behind her, "Well it seems that I am not only one that can't sleep." Kagome jumped and quickly turned toward the voice. Standing there in the moonlight, was the crimson teen, Kurama.

She gave a sigh of relief, "Oh, you gave me a scare there, Kurama." He smiled kindly and crouched down beside her pulling out some crisp red apples from his pockets, "Would you like one? They're fresh." The young miko slightly pinkened at her cheeks and took one, "Thanks." The human kitsune's emerald eyes softened as he cooed, "Your welcome." The two sat in silence, for awhile, only the sounds of them crunching on the sweet apples was heard. Kagome stopped and stared off into the sky, "Kurama-kun, do you think I was a little hard on Hiei?"

Kurama turned his gaze to the sky as well, "Miss Kagome, you where hurt by what he said. You did as you felt. As for Hiei, he doesn't want any one to see it but, he has a big heart as well. The truth was he was ashamed that he couldn't help Botan, so he made it seem like he didn't care." Kagome folded her arms over her legs and sighed, "He sure does a good job at making himself mean." Kurama looked at Kagome, his glaze more intense and forgiving, "Hiei, has known nothing but hate for a long time Miss Kagome." The raven haired beauty waved her hand as she smiled, "Kurama, please, it's just Kagome."

Kurama's face brightened with amusement, "Well, Kagome, Hiei hasn't had a family like the rest of us. The fact is...oh never mind. I better not say to much or he will hear me." Kagome's cheeks brightened, "I thought-" The Human Kitsune stood from his spot, "No, Hiei feels guilty, so he stayed. He's not far, in fact." He walked over to Kagome and placed a soft hand and her head as she blushed, "Kagome, I think I shall retire, good night." With that the fox walked over to his bed and fell fast asleep.

Kagome clenched her chest as her heart throbbed gently. 'Don't be silly, he was just being nice.' She told herself, 'A nice drink of fresh spring water should do the trick.' With that Kagome got up with out trying not to arouse the sleeping Shippo and strolled to the nearby creek. She knelt by the edge of the brook as cupped her hands as she scooped up some water and brought it to her parched lips.

With out warning, some thing landed next to her making Kagome "EEp" in surprise. As she turned to see who or what it was that startled her, a pair of blood red eyes looked back into hers. Hiei turned his face away from her as she stared at him. Slowly, he pulled out his blade from his sheath. Kagome's eyes widened in fear, was Hiei this mad with her? She gasped for air she closed her eyes preparing for a blow.

Then a ring of dropped metal was heard in her ears. She opened her eyes to see the sword laid in front of her. Hiei got down on his hands and knees and bowed his head, "Listen," he muttered, "If you're angry with me then punish me and get it over with." Kagome's face filled with shock, "What?" Hiei raised his head to her, "Ermm! You heard me!" Kagome glanced at the sword laid by her feet, "Are you crazy? I'm not going to cut you up just for something you said!"

Hiei rose to a sitting position on his knees, "Don't listen to that fox! I don't want you to change you opinion just for something he said! I know you hate me so get done with your rage with me now!" Instantly, Hiei's face was caught gently by two silk soft hands. Kagome gazed in to his Ruby eyes, "Hiei," she said in a soft, sweet voice, "I do NOT hate you and I won't punish you any more than that slap you got today."

She continued, " Hiei, I know it was wrong for me to-" The forbidden child's eyes flared, "Don't! I don't want to hear that. I was the one that offended all of you blasted ningen. Don't apologize." The young miko sadly gazed at the youkai, "Hiei...I'm sorry. Can you please be my body guard again?" Hiei finally pulled his face away from her soft hands and stood, "Hn. Didn't I just say not to do that?" Kagome handed him his sword, "Hiei..." He glared at her with annouyace, "WHAT!?" Her chocolate eyes filled with care, "Would you consider being one of my friends?"

The fire youkai's face filled with surprise, no one had ever said that to him. Still, he swallowed his pride and turned away from the ningen miko to hide his slightly pinkened cheeks, "Hn. Whatever, Lets just go back to camp." With that Hiei trotted into the campsite with a satisfied Kagome walking behind him.

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There you go people, A bit of Kagome/ Inu Yasha

Kagome/ Kurama

and Kagome/Hiei! ::Evil smirk:: I am going to leave you guys guessing! MWAHAHAHA!!!

Chi has been murdered by some unknown "Demon King" that calls himself Balorog. Who is he? What does he want with Sesshomaru?

Question time!!! Ok you may be asking Kirby-Chan, What the hell is a Fomori?

Well in Celtic mythology, the Fomori are demons that live in the impenetrable darkness of the sea's depths and in lakes and dark pools in the upper world. They were once ruled by Balor (He was the King of Demons), who provided them with food (Take a wild guess what that was). After Balor's demise they returned to their waters and prey on people, taking the form of sea-monsters or any other type of lake spirit.

Balorog is my play off of the name Balor. He's a villain I made up so you won't see him any where in the myths.

Ok, Pantom Kitsune brought up a good point to me. If Yusuke does have demon blood why didn't Inu Yasha smell it in him? Cleary he smelt Kurama and Hiei but why not Yusuke?

Well, I read that Yusuke isn't all hanyou but carries the blood of an oni. This means that one of his ancestors was, in fact, a full-hanyou but not him. Merrr....and if I am wrong you can correct me. Heck, even Kurama and Hiei call Yusuke a human. So after reading my Inu Yasha manga I found out the only reason that Inu Yasha had trouble using the Wind Scar(Kize no Kitsu)(Is that spelled right?) was because he couldn't smell it at first. Sesshomaru had a better nose so he was able find it easier. (Inu Yasha Graphic novel 14, page 19.)

If you want to correct me on any thing please email me! And thank you PK! (o.O Can I call you PK, Pantom Kitsune?) for bringing that point up...Heck, at first I didn't even notice it! O.o() I am a bit of an air head.......

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THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR REVIEWS! IT'S WHAT KEEPS ME GOING!!!