Hey guys! I'm back! Well, sort of and I'm not going to give any excuses for not updating because let me just tell you I have no plausible ones, except for having major writer's block. I mean come on, trying to put down on paper what you want to happen is majorly hard when you have no idea how to get to that point. Anyway, yeah so I updated this one because people seem to like it a lot. And I know a lot of you like all my other stories as well, but I thought this one might be great to get out. Okay, anyway I won't bore you anymore and let you read on. Hope you ejoy and continue reading my stories, even if it is taking me millions of years to update. Ja n.

Disclaimer: Once again I don't own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho


Play Time

Chapter 5

Kagome was rudely awakened the next morning by a cheerful exclamation from her best friends as they practically flew in her room. Yusuke burst through the door first, followed immediately by Sango. Both were grinning broadly as they spotted the sleeping princess unaware of what was to come.

Sango spied her best friend sprawled all over her massive bed and couldn't help but snicker at her friend's misfortune. "Ready?" Sango questioned as she and Yusuke exchanged amused glances and crept ever so slowly towards the canopy bed.

Yusuke smirked as they proceeded to stalk up to the bed. "You bet."

"Okay….and now!" Sango cried as both Yusuke and Sango jumped on top of the bed, thus startling Kagome so bad that she sat up, let out a scream of fright and accidentally-on-purpose punched Yusuke in the face, causing the poor boy to go tumbling over the side of the bed.

Kagome was breathing heavily, one hand covering her breast bone as she glared at her fallen friend and Sango, who had collapsed with laughter. Kagome smirked suddenly and lifted a pillow over her head and swung at Sango knocking her off the bed so hard that she landed on top of Yusuke and succeeded in knocking the wind out of him a second time.

"Ha ha ha, I got you, Sango! Take that, Yusuke!" She crowed victoriously, standing up and prancing around her room like the princess she was. She began backing up as Yusuke sat up and managed to push Sango off, who was still chuckling slightly at the morning's events. As quickly as possible Yusuke jumped up and ran at Kagome, tackling her to the floor and mercilessly attacking her rib cage.

"Ahhhh!" Kagome screamed and attempted to kick the boy off her, but was thwarted when Sango joined the fight minutes later by attacking Kagome's other side. "Argh, Sango, you traitor!" Kagome giggled helplessly as she fought off both friends.

"All's fair in love and tickle fights, Kagome!" Sango laughed and instead decided to turn on Yusuke, who tried to dart away seeing Sango's intent. For several more minutes the room was filled with hearty laughter as both girls chased Yusuke all around Kagome's massive room. The chase finally ended when Kagome tired to trip Yusuke, which accidentally resulted in tripping herself and said boy at the same time. If that wasn't bad enough, Sango got caught between them and so all three fell heavily back onto Kagome's bed in a mass of sheets and body parts.

Kagome lay there on top of Yusuke, while Sango lay covering both of them. Kagome's arm was stuck lying over Yusuke's chest, while the other was bent painfully behind her back. Yusuke's legs were lying halfway off the bed, causing his back to be bent very awkwardly as Kagome lay draped across his middle. Sango was the only one who managed to turn out unscathed as only her right arm was pinned underneath Kagome's body.

"Urg, Sango, Kagome, get off me you fat cows," Yusuke demanded after a few moments of calm.

"I am not a cow!" Both girls claimed at the same time, smacking Yusuke on either side of his head before climbing off and sorting through all their limbs. "So…what do you guys want to do today?" Kagome asked, getting up and going to a chest of drawers.

"Well, Sango mentioned something about seeing the training grounds and maybe some horse back riding, and I have to admit I'd like to get some training done also," Yusuke said.

"That sounds great, Yusuke. Maybe you can show me how your training has progressed," Kagome grinned, happy at the prospect of fighting her oldest friend/brother figure. Of course training also caused a picture of the handsome Kurama to flash before her eyes and it wasn't long before her mind went into a daze as she thought about her new and handsome suitor.

Sango watched stunned as the weirdest look came over her friend's face. Kagome's eyes began to fog over and her grin became very sappy. What on earth had caused such a reaction? Yusuke was looking equally confused although after the events of last night, he was pretty sure it might have something to do with a certain knight. Yusuke had known Kagome for the longest time and was able to identify when Kagome had a crush on someone and it looked like Kurama was it this time.

"Uh, Kagome," Sango waved a hand in front of her friend's face. "Are you okay? You're not sick are you?" When she got no response her face grew worried. "Uh, Yusuke, is this normal?"

Yusuke was smirking slightly and placed a hand on Sango's shoulder in a manner of comfort. "Don't worry about her, Sango. Kagome's just got a crush on someone; maybe on a certain red-haired knight perhaps…someone named Kurama?"

Sango's jaw dropped. Kagome had a crush on a knight? When did this happen? And who was Kurama? She'd only been back a fortnight. At the mention of Kurama's name Kagome snapped out of it and noticed Sango staring at her with a worried and somewhat confused expression, while Yusuke simply sat back, his arms crossed in front of his chest in a relaxed but cocky position. Her face darkened when she finally focused on what Yusuke was saying.

"What's he talking about, Kagome?" Sango asked suspiciously. "Is what Yusuke stated the truth? Have you met somebody?"

Kagome blushed a deep red and shot Yusuke a nasty glare, which in the past had instilled great fear in people who didn't know her well but had never really had an effect on Yusuke. Unless of course she was really pissed off. Then and only then did Yusuke stay the hell away from her. "Um, well I, he's a, and Yusuke's his, um," Realizing Sango could see right through her stuttering Kagome shut up and simply pouted. Curse Yusuke, she thought, for knowing me so well.

"So who is he, Kagome? And when did you meet him?" Sango asked, a smile beginning to grow. If indeed Kagome really was seeing someone, Sango intended on getting all the details.

Kagome sighed and turned to Yusuke. He raised an eyebrow at her silent dismissal and for a moment was confused until it registered that Kagome must want some girl time. "Yeah, yeah, I'm goin'," Yusuke drawled, standing up and heading towards the door. He opened it with quiet strength and just before his body completely vanished he turned around, shot Kagome the widest grin possible and said, "have fun talking about your…lover." He started chuckling and laughed all the way down the hall as he heard his best friend's enraged screams from inside her room. Ah, it was good to have her back. Now, to see about a certain knight. Maybe Kurama would tell him what's going on.

By the time Kagome and Sango had finished their "girl time" Sango knew all about Kagome's little run in with Kurama the night before. Of course Kagome left out some of the gritty details, leaving out the monumental kiss shared between the two. She wasn't sure how much Kurama wanted known and besides, some things were meant to keep secret.

It was now well into the afternoon and both girls were on their way to the stables to get some riding done. They planned to ride out a little so Kagome could show Sango her kingdom and then they planned on riding back when it cooled down to get some training done.

Sango was amazed at how much respect Kagome and her mother received from people. Everywhere she turned people were bowing and showering them with gifts. And Kagome smiled at everyone one of them, choosing to treat everyone as equals; something quite unheard of for anyone that was royalty. She had heard that the queen was a kind and loving ruler but the respect she was shown was genuine. She also rather enjoyed the stables, as Kagome explained that most of the knights owned their own steeds and kept them here for training purposes.

Kagome and Sango were waiting for their mounts to be fitted when they noticed a man with long black hair and deep brown eyes staring at them. His eyes were so brown they were almost black. And as of now those eyes were solely trained on the younger ruler. Both girls noticed right away that there was something different in the way he looked at them. As it was his eyes seemed trained on Kagome and she barely suppressed the urge to shiver. Something in the man's gaze unnerved her.

"Kagome, do you know that man?" Sango questioned wondering why he seemed so dark and forboding.

Kagome turned back to her friend and shrugged, determined to ignore the man's presence and eyes no matter how unnerving they were. "I have no idea…though he looks slightly familiar. I wonder where I have seen him from. Oh well, no sense worrying over something as trivial as a spooky old man." She was given no more time to speak as one of the stable hands walked out with Kagome's mount followed by a slightly smaller cream-color gelding for Sango.

"My lady," The boy said, nodding and bowing respectfully.

Kagome smiled pleasantly. "Thank you."

The boy merely gave another bow to Kagome and nodded to Sango as he stepped away to continue his other duties.

"I just can't get over how beautiful this place is," Sango remarked once both girls were situated in their saddles and walking peacefully along. "If I'd have known how large and grand England was, I would have traveled here ages ago. It would have been nice to know you when I was younger."

Sangos eyes flashed with some unknown emotion and Kagome offered a small smile. She knew what was bothering Sango. Sango had grown up with a father that adored his son and practically ignored Sango. Sango's father, like most men of this time, wanted a boy first, one strong and fit to rule. Instead he'd been handed a girl with her mother's spirit and her father's stubbornness. And although he hadn't been displeased in anyway, it was obvious who the favorite was when Kohaku came along.

"Don't worry, Sango," Kagome said softly. "You can stay here as long as you like. I'm sure my mother won't mind. And besides…we've got a ball coming up." She shot Sango an impish look. "Who knows, maybe you'll even meet your prince."

Sango scoffed. "Me? Please. What sane prince would want a girl like me; one who walks, talks, and acts like a boy."

Kagome's smile dropped and she pulled her mount to a stop. "Listen to me, Sango," Kagome stated very seriously. "You must stop doubting yourself so much. You are a kind and gentle soul, Sango, and yet you possess a strong fighting spirit. Any man who cannot look past what they see on the outside is a fool. Remember that." Kagome pulled away and began cantering up a lane, leaving her stunned, yet appreciative friend behind.

Sango was stunned at the intensity of her best friend's words and for a brief moment her eyes misted over. Kagome certainly was a dear and true friend. She knew whomever ended up with Kagome's complete heart would truly be a lucky man.


Several hours later found Yusuke watching as Kurama patiently and expertly went through several beginning katas. His students were watching in rapt attention, clearly in awe of Kurama's prowess and battle knowledge. Kurama truly was a masterful swordsman. Even after all these years in the man's presence Yusuke still found himself in awe of him. It was no wonder why Kagome was so attracted to the powerful knight.

Ever since she was little Kagome had always had a thing for knights. She could stay up for days, just watching and studying their moves. And all of the knights back then, he was sure, had been enamored with the little princess as well. Some of the more braver knights, who did not fear the repercussions of training her, had actually given Kagome her first taste of battle as they allowed her to practice her growing skills on them. Yusuke remembered watching his friend progress throughout the years, until it seemed there was nothing left to teach her. He remembered wanting to be just like her, which caused him to eventually pick up the sword as well.

But training for him hadn't come nearly as easy as it was for Kagome. Kagome's family was made up of strong warriors and pure blood, formed generation after generation. Yusuke had been but a simple farm boy in those days, never dreaming that his life might turn out to be worth something. But that was before he'd met Kagome, before she'd taken him home and introduced him to her mother and after that it was only a matter of time before Yusuke was hooked on them. Kagome's mother had come to mean just as much as Kagome meant to him and he often times forgot that they weren't his real family.

Yusuke was shaken out of his thoughts by a strange whizzing sound, followed by an arrow streaking directly past his face. He ducked just in time to see it whiz past his face and snag a tree. He angrily swung around and was about to enact his revenge on whoever dared try to pierce him when he noticed a laughing Kagome standing off to the side. Sango stood behind her, amusement clearly evident in her brown eyes.

Yusuke growled and stepped towards her, but stopped upon noticing Kagome's current dress. Kagome…was dressed for battle.

Across the way Kurama stopped dead in his tracks as an arrow came from seemingly out of nowhere and almost stuck Yusuke. His students began murmuring to each other as their eyes quickly discovered the source of the arrow. Curiously Kurama turned around, wondering why everything seemed to have stopped. When he saw who it was his heart almost burst out of his chest.

It was her; Kagome. She was wearing feminine armor which molded to her physique like a second skin. The black, heavy material covered every inch of her delectable body, yet seemed to leave nothing to the imagination. Kurama could clearly make out how wondrous her body was. She had a sword strapped to her right side and a small shield carried upon her left arm. Kurama's mouth ran dry and he fought to keep from rushing over there and kissing her senseless. She certainly was a vision, standing there decked out in all her feminine glory. She looked every inch the warrior she appeared to be…and yet, he had to be the only one who missed the innocence and purity shining in her friendly gaze. Her eyes were bright and expressive, almost glittering with happiness.

Kurama caught sight of his men's stances and knew what each and everyone one of them were thinking. He had to restrain himself from knocking all of them unconscious and dragging the princess off to some undisclosed location and show her exactly what it was she did to him.

Almost by their own, accord his feet began moving in her direction. He barely noticed as Yusuke began his own approach. His only intent was to get closer to her. Before he knew it he was about a foot away from her and watching as her beautiful eyes left Yusuke's and finally met his own intense eyes. She smiled at him, a small shy smile and in that moment Kurama found her quite endearing and dare he say it, cute.

"My lady," He stated huskily, once he was within reach, taking her hand once again and kissing it lightly, nipping slightly at her fragile skin before he drew away. He heard her quick drawn breath and heard the strangles sound of the woman beside her, finally taking notice of the others around him. He turned to the other woman, noticing that she was dressed much the same was as Kagome. He nodded to her as well.

"Oi, Kagome what did you think you were doing!" Yusuke demanded stalking up to Kagome and breaking up the spell. "You could have killed me!"

Kagome tore her eyes away from the enchanting red head and giggled mischievously at her friend. "But I didn't so there is really no cause for concern, Yusuke."

"Hello! You almost shot me with a fricken' arrow!" Yusuke growled, crossing his arms and turning away slightly to pout.

Kagome frowned and gave her friend an apologetic hug and Kurama was surprised to feel a twinge of jealously watching the exchange. He mentally slapped himself. Yusuke and Kagome were long time friends. He knew they held no feelings other than that of a sibling bond. "So Lady Kagome, to what do we owe this pleasure?" Kurama asked smoothly, breaking up the tender moment, wishing that it was he she was hugging.

Kagome drew away and turned to Kurama, blushing slightly as her eyes trailed over his detailed armor. "Oh, I'm terrible sorry, how rude of me. Sango this is Sir Kurama. Sir Kurama, this is my best friend and sparring partner Sango."

"A pleasure," Kurama stated smoothly, while Sango smiled pleasantly.

Well, I will say one thing, Sango thought to herself. At least he has manners.

"Now as to what we're doing here, what do you think? Sango and I came here to train."

"Indeed," Kurama responded as his eyes once again trailed over the princess's impressive, er…armor.

Yusuke's grin nearly split his face at the news. "This is great! I haven't seen you fight since we were younger, Kags. I bet you are ten times as good as you were back then. Can we watch?"

Sango and Kagome exchanged glances and shrugged while Kurama looked intrigued. He was anxious as well, wondering if the princess was as good as everybody claimed she was.

"I have no problem with it. Do you, Sango?" Kagome asked.

"No, its fine Kagome," Sango responded. She grinned. "We'll show these guys what rea women can do."

Yusuke cheered and stepped away.

"Then we're agreed."

The murmurs began again and spread like wild fire throughout Kurama's men. A lot of the men were curious, having never met the princess and knowing even less about the illusive woman. Some of the older and more experienced men who knew about the princess's skills were excited. And of course there were always the doubtful ones, the ones who would always see a woman as less than a man, no matter of status of rank. They could care less about how well some woman claimed she could wield a sword. Battle was no place for a woman.

Kagome and Sango entered the training grounds and each took several paces away from each other. "Okay, the rules are first blood," Kagome explained. "Whoever draws blood first is deemed the winner."

Sango nodded her consent and instantly went into a crouch, body perfectly formed and positioned to take on any opponent. She drew her sword and almost lazily waited for Kagome to make the first move. Kagome dropped into her own stance a tiny smile of anticipation growing on her face as a bead of sweat began to drip down her neck.

Kurama and Yusuke stood back, willing one or the other to move. The anticipation was killing them. They knew that when the spar began, it would be something intense.


Well there is is...and sorry for not having too much Kurama/Kagome time. Don't worry, there's more to come in the next chapter. And don't miss Sango and Kagome's fight. It's going to be a doozy and of course it'll heat Kurama's blood in more ways than one. Hope you guys liked it anyway. Ja ne.

Kura-kun's-lovr

Okay, I have thought it over and decided to let you guys, my ever faithful reviewers, vote on which stories you'd like me to update the most. It would be most helpful if you guys could decide for yourselves which stories you like the most. So, here's what I'm going to do. You guys can either review here or email me and tell me which story you would most like to see finished sometime in the near future. The fics that get the most votes will be worked on first and formost so hopefully I can finish some.