Every Rose Has Its Thorn

by AbsentAngel

YYHIY crossover Youko is hired by Naraku to steal the Shikon No Tama in return for the thrill of the hunt. But when Youko's part of the deal isn't fulfilled he intends to improvise . . . KagYouko

13. Every Little Thing

When I'm walking beside her
People tell me I'm lucky.
Yes, I know I'm a lucky guy.
I remember the first time
I was lonely without her.
Can't stop thinking about her now.
Every little thing she does,
She does for me, yeah.
-Every Little Thing, The Beatles

(:)(A)(:)
Every Rose Has It's Thorn
Chapter #13
(:)(A)(:)

It was strange, amazing even. That when one cleared their mind of all distractions, the eery silence of the forest wasn't so silent any more . . . The hiss of leaves tumbling across the ground, the gurgle of the spring a yard away . . . the insistent chattering off the pair of squirrels on her far left.

However, for Kagome Higarashi, none of these sounds were what she wished to hear. No, she wished to hear the snapping of a twig, or a startled yelp. Anything that belayed her targets position.

She sighed mentally, unwilling to give up the meditative silence she had upheld for a good five minutes just yet. Who knows, maybe a mistake will be made and she'll have the opportunity to go on the offensive for a change . . .

She studied the possibility for a moment, before frowning. She knew full well that wouldn't be the case. Her target was too crafty, to skilled in the art of combat to make such a petty mistake.

Lucky her.

She took a deep breath, inhaling slowly as she was taught, allowing her muscles to relax languidly.

;;;;;;;;Flashback;;;;;;;;

"Just think of a pond."

Kagome cracked open an eye, looking up at him questioningly from her medative sitting. "A pond." She restated, verifying his words dubiously.

He ignored her skepticism. "Yes my dear Kagome. A pond." He sat across from her, mimicking her sitting position with practiced ease. "With out disturbance a pond's surface will be utterly still, correct?"

She nodded slowly. Her mind no longer concentrating on how she was told to sit and breath. But more on what the man across from her was thinking. "Yes . . ."

"As soon as something disturbs the water, a leaf let's say, ripples will appear, spreading across the surface." He stated calmly, his eyes closing languidly as he spoke. "Your energy is the pond Kagome, if something disturbs that energy, even if only slightly . . . the ripples will alert you. The hard part is being focused enough to see them. And calm enough not to let your mind over rule your spirit, lest it disturbs the surface from under the water."

There was a silence for a moment, as Kagome turned his words in her head. "Why- why can't I feel it now then? I've been attuned to my energy for a while now . . . I would think it would be long enough to have felt-"

"You have." He opened a golden eye, staring across at the miko lazily. "You just had yet to realize it."

. . .

. . .

"You mean to tell me . . . this whole time I could have actually sensed trouble without the jewel shards . . ." She asked, her voice belying her agitation.

The kitsune only smiled, tilting his chin in arrogant amusement. "No, I'm saying you've been sensing it this whole time."

She gave him a hard glare. "Gee, thanks. That makes me feel SO much better!" She grumbled. Crossing her arms under her breasts in a stubborn pout.

Youko scanned over her body with a smirk. "You know love, you really should stop doing that . . ." He purred, inching closer to the miko.

She looked at him blankly, her head tilting to one side as she watched him stalk toward her. "Do what?"

He stopped his pursuit momentarily, mimicking her arms position as best he could. "Cross your arms of course. It will get you into trouble one of these days." He chuckled lightly at her confused look. "It really enhances your breasts my dear . . ."

Her eyes widened, a dark blush spreading across her cheeks as her hands quickly moved to cover the said body part protectively. Scooting away from the kitsune as he stalked closer, a smirk etched onto his lips. "N-now Youko, don't- Eep!"

He pounced, pinning her shoulders to the ground gently. Growling playfully while planting gentle nips and kisses to her neck.

Kagome squirmed underneath him while wrapping her arms around his neck. Giggling madly as he attacked her face with a storm of kisses. Enjoying the feel of his curiously playful aura brushing against hers.

;;;;;;;;;End of Flashback;;;;;;;;

Crystal blue irises stared forward, not focusing on any one thing, a exasperated sigh escaping her lips. "Just think of the ripples . . . expand your energy . . . feel his aura . . ."

Moments passed, and the sounds of the forest filtered through her ears as she searched. Threads of her power winding around the grove of trees, creating a web of energy. . . waiting for it's fly to come.

A soft tug on one of the lines was the only warning she had before a silver blur rushed toward her. Instinctively, she covered her face with her arms. Shielding herself from harm . . . though it was unnecessary.

Cautiously, she looked up from her makeshift shield. Eyes widening when seeing a very sour Youko sitting ten feet away from her . . . and a bluish purple miko barrier standing between them.

She blinked stupidly, before her eyes registered how he held his palms upright on his knees . . . burnt black. A wave of guilt hit her as she ran forward, bringing down the barrier with a wave of her hand. Falling to her knees in front of him to inspect the damage. "Oh Youko! I'm so sorry!"

He huffed indifferently at the fuss she was making. "You know, when I taught you to use that barrier I never thought I'd be the one you used it against." He grumbled, frowning at his hands.

She sniffled lightly, gaining his attention. One look at her face and he rolled his eyes with a sigh. "Oh, come now. It's not a big deal. In fact, this is probably for the best. I've been meaning to give you a lesson on your healing abilities any way."

Once again her bewilderment had her blinking. "Healing abilities?" She looked down at his hands, biting her lip anxiously. "Uh . . . Youko? I don't think Keade even knows of a plant strong enough to heal a burn like that . . ."

He wrinkled his nose at her, looking at her strangely. "Plants? My dear, what on earth are you talking about? Your a miko, you don't need plants!"

Her eye twitched irritably, her hands fisting themselves in her skirt. "For HUMANS I don't, your a DEMON. Say it with me, D-E-M-O-N! Even if I knew how to use my healing abilities, the PURIFICATION would just hurt you more!"

He gave her a cold glare, not appreciating the tone she was using with him as much as she would have hoped. "Are you finished?" He asked boredly, having hardly listened to her rant in the first place.

She gave a huff, crossing her arms over her chest in what has become her trademark pout. "Yes I am."

"Good. Now I can tell you that you have been completely misinformed and to never listen to . . ." He paused for a moment, forgetting the old woman's name. "Ah yes! Never listen to Keade again." He stated bluntly, leaving no room for argument.

Unfortunately for him, Kagome was stubborn enough to simply make room. So with a glare in his direction, her pout ended as she balled her hands at her sides, fully intent on making herself understood. "Now you listen here! Keade has taught me everything I know, and-"

"Everything?" He raised a skeptical eyebrow. "I do recall teaching you how to put up the pretty little barrier up there . . ."

She gave a sheepish laugh, twiddling her fingers in front of her. "Well, almost everything-"

"As well as how to sense spirit energy . . ."

She frowned, not liking where he was going. "Well she's taught me a lot-"

"Not to mention how to fight in hand to hand combat."

Now she was starting to get frustrated. "Any one could have taught me that!" She argued loudly.

"That's true, but not every one can teach you how to heal a demon. Now sit down and stop making this difficult." He ordered briskly, his patience having worn thin. His hands still hurt . . .

Refraining a growl, Kagome reluctantly sat in front of him. "What do I do?" She grumbled, bitter that he had won the argument.

He smirked, seeing that she had finally given in. "First summon up your energy. Not to much! Too much and it'll just hurt . . . more."

(:)(A)(:)

"Where the hell are they!?"

Inuyasha paced around the camp, worry beginning to eat away at him. "They should be back by now!"

Miroku sighed, leaning on his staff as he watched the constant pacing boredly. "Inuyasha, they've only been gone for two hours or so."

"THAT'S TOO LONG!" He roared. "We need to start moving! We've been sitting here too long!"

"Inuyasha will you calm down? We don't even have a real destination. If Kagome gets trained then the better off we'll be. There's no point in wandering around if we can get more done by staying put." Sango informed, stroking Kirara's soft fur as she sat. The purring neko demon having settled herself on her lap a good hour ago.

Inuyasha grumbled, crossing his arms stubbornly. "Well they should still be back by now . . ."

Shippo rolled his eyes, taking the time to stop playing with his toys to bug the hanyou. "You just don't like that they're spending so much time together."

The simple statement sent a dash of pink to the hanyou's cheeks. Though he remained immobile, not bothering to change his stance. "Feh, you stupid kid. Why would I even care if they spent time alone?"

Miroku stroked his chin thoughtfully, an eyebrow quirked suggestively. "Now, it's really not for me to say . . . but there are so many things one can do when left alone with a partner . . ."

Twitch.

"And Kagome and Youko have become very close as of late . . ."

Twitch. Twitch.

"They've certainly been gone long enough to-"

"SHUT THE HELL UP!" The violent roar rang through the clearing, startling a flock of birds from their resting place. Suddenly intent on finding a more . . . peaceful place to retire.

"I see you still remain to be as loud and obnoxious as before, dear brother." The smooth voice ran over their ears like tainted satin.

They hastily reached for their weapons (or in Shippo's case, ran for cover in the nearest bush) , Inuyasha letting loose a snarl as the Tetsaiga transformed in a dash of conquering light. "What the fuck do you want Sesshoumaru!? If you've come for Father's fang then-"

"Don't be foolish. Your sword has no use to me." Golden eyes narrowed to dangerous slits. "I come for the fox . . ."

(:)(A)(:)

Hot, tired, and hungry are three things that should never be put together . . . "Youko! Where the hell are we going?!" It made for a very grumpy, and very impatient Kagome.

Youko sighed from behind her, placing his hand on the small of her back to keep her moving through the thick underbrush. "Calm down Kagome . . . I just want to show you something . . ."

Had Kagome been any less agitated at the moment, she would have the strangely wistful tone his voice had taken. "So." She panted, moving a tree branch out of her way as she continued upward. "This is my reward for healing your hands?" She huffed, glancing back to see the unblemished appendage. "Walking over two miles, through rough terrain, when you had already wore me out with training, to show me something."

"No, this is your punishment for burning them in the first place."

She rolled her eyes,and continued her rant as if she didn't hear him. "Something which you refuse to tell me about. Not even giving me a hint-" She paused, her feet slowing to a stop. "Oh. . ."

Before her, nestled between three trees, was a grave. The marker glistened dully under the protective shade. Squinting, she noticed with some surprise, that the polished slab of rock was unblemished . . . no name etched onto it's surface.

She eyed the grave site with confusion, before snapping her head to Youko inquisitively. "Who-" She paused, looking at him for the first time since they had arrived . . . Their eyes locked instantly, as if he had been watching her the whole time . . . measuring her reaction . . . His gaze went to the ground, in a sudden wave of . . . shyness?

He rubbed the back of his neck, kicking a small pebble on the ground. "Kagome," He gestured to the grave, eyes still focussed on that tiny pebble. "Meet Kuronue . . ." His eyes rose to meet hers once again.

Kagome blinked at him stupidly, trying to remember where she had heard the name. ‘Kuronue. Kuronue.' She racked her brain for answers, yet it stubbornly refused to answer.

Youko coughed into his hand, sensing her dilemma. "My . . . previous partner in crime."

Three more rapid blinks, and it hit her.

;;;;;;;;;;Flashback;;;;;;;;;

"Who's Kuronue?" Kagome questioned, yawning sleepily as she felt herself sink into the cushion of her warm bag. Her eyes suddenly becoming heavy as she snuggled into the covers Youko had just tucked her in. "Is he a partner of yours?"

Youko stalled, nearly wincing at the use of present tense in her innocent question. Though he quickly composed himself, and with a sudden impulse he answered. "Yes . . . yes he is." He whispered softly.

She smiled, not hearing the wistful tone his voice had taken on due to the sleepiness that weighed heavily on her. "That's nice . . . I'll have to meet him someday." She yawned widely, her eyes fluttering close.

He smiled down at her sadly, his eyes taking on a tenderness as he brushed a hair away from her cheek and standing to his feet. "Yes, I think he would like that . . ."

;;;;;;;;End of Flashback;;;;;;;;

She looked between him and the grave. I stab of guilt piercing her chest. "Oh Youko. I-I didn't know. I-"

"Shouldn't worry about it." Youko finished, coming up behind her and wrapping an arm around her waist. Smiling tenderly down at her, eyes softly begging for approval. "I promised you a meeting with him."

She looked at him for a long, decisive moment. Eyes searching for his sincerity . . . all she found was truth. The turned back to the grave, walking the last 20 feet to the marker before sitting on her knees, skimming the perfectly smooth stone with a finger. Not needing to look back to know that she was still being intently watched. "Why didn't you put his name on the tombstone?" She asked. The simple question rolling off her lips, it would be most easily answered question she would ask him for the rest of the day.

Still, it took him a moment of silence before answering, his voice strangely detached off emotion. "Kuronue and I . . . weren't exactly embraced by most . . ." He let his eye wonder to the stone. "If I put his name, it would most likely end up in this sites demise."

Kagome frowned, looking over her shoulder at the demon leaning against one of the trees nonchalantly. "Did you really have that many enemies?" The concept was slightly disturbing . . . what if someone came after him? Was that how Kuronue died? Did someone kill him? If they could kill his partner . . . could they kill Youko? Would they try to kill Youko? So many questions, so many possibilities . . . and not enough reassurances.

Youko quirked an elegant eyebrow, oblivious to her distress . . . his mind too busy with the memories that flooded over him . . . "Did? I'm afraid the correct question would be, ‘Do we really have that many enemies.'" He stated, when she remained silent he realized that he would need to answer her question more directly. His underlying answer obviously not being as clear as he thought it to be. "The answer is yes Kagome. When you live your life as a thief it comes with the territory."

A moment of strained silence passed, and Kagome could no longer take it. "Then why did you become a thief?" The question left her bitter. How could he act as if it didn't' matter? How could he be so calm when her heart was fiercely pounding in her chest?

Eyes shut tightly, and hands fisted in her skirt, she barely heard him walk up next to her. She turned to him fiercely, ready to scream at him for his own lack of self concern, when she stopped. His arms were crossed over his chest casually, his eyes staring down at the polished black stone with a mixture of emotions. Bitterness. Pity. . . Anger . . . and something else that eluded her for a moment . . .

Guilt.

Quickly, she looked away from him. Suddenly ashamed of herself for being so bitter with him. He was the one who took the time, and the thought to bring her here. A place that, for him, must have had so many memories . . . and he took her into this circle of trust to tell her. To show her a little bit of himself.

She fiddled with the hem of her skirt timidly. Eyes downcast, afraid to look at him. Afraid to see the emotions she had disregarded so recklessly. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't-"

"Because I chose to be."

She blinked, suddenly confused. "Wha-"

"I'm a thief because I chose to be." He looked at her, amber eyes thoughtful as he mentally traced the outlines of her face. The curve of her cheek, the fullness of her lips . . . the softness of her eyes . . . "I chose this path, just as every one must choose their own." He sat next to her, his movements fluid enough to make even the most graceful of people jealous.

Kagome scooted her body toward him, hugging him around the waist impulsively. "Do you regret your path?" Her voice was soft, undemanding.

His gaze never wandered from the stone, mesmerized by the glossy surface. "I did . . ."

She looked up at him, despite how uncomfortable the action was for her neck. "Did? As in . . . you don't any more?"

A tender smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Yes Kagome. As of now, I regret nothing." A sliver of guilt passed through him. ‘I only regret what's coming . . .'

"Why?" Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion, her lips parting cutely as she contemplated his answer.

"Because had I not become the thief I am, I would have never went after the jewel." He kissed the top of her head, whispering into her hair. "And had I not tried to steal the jewel, I would never have met you."

Yet another moment of silence passed, and Kagome loosened her hold on his torso. Hands sliding against his leg as her arms dropped, allowing her to fully look at him. "Do you mean it?" She asked softly, blue eyes big and searching.

A soft, tender smile greeted her. His hand involuntarily reaching to stroke her cheek lovingly. "Every word." He cupped her chin, tilting her head back and planting a soft kiss to her lips before pulling back . . . and noticing the tears pooling at the corner of her eyes. He frowned in worry, wiping a tear away as it rolled down her cheek. "Kagome?"

She gave a choked laugh, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him, pulling in him as close as she could. Her chest now flushed with his, she pulled back. Lips still gently brushing against his own. "I love you."

She felt him smile against her lips. Saw his eyes open to reveal the golden irises hidden beneath the curtain of eyelashes. Smelled the strangely masculine perfume his body naturally gave off. Tasted the sweet nectar from his lips . . . Heard the soft confession . . . before the earth took a sudden turn, and irony showed it's ugly face.

"Youko Kurama." The smooth voice was all too familiar. "I believe I owe you something . . ." With that said, Sesshoumaru, Lord of the Western Lands, lunged.

(:)(A)(:)

"Youko! Where are we going!?" Kagome yelled from on the kitsune's back. Legs wrapped tightly around his waste, arms locked around his neck, and her head tucked down into his shoulder to avoid the harsh wind that came with the speed they were going at.

Youko said nothing, not because he didn't hear her . . . but because his mind was too busy reeling. ‘How the hell did that bastard find me here?' ‘Was this part of Naraku's doing?' ‘How many more days do I have left?' ‘What did I steal from Sesshoumaru again?' Too many questions, and not nearly enough answers for the mind of Youko Kurama.

Seeing that she wasn't going to get an answer, Kagome sighed. Burying her face into his shoulder . . . the air seemed to be getting colder and colder. She clinged to his neck, trying to get as close to his warm body as possible, her teeth beginning to chatter stubbornly.

The wind refused to allow the sound to reach his sensitive ears. Had it not been for the the vibrations he felt on his shoulder, he never would have noticed. He swore under his breath, realizing that he was no longer running from the stoic demon lord, but for Kagome's health. His pace quickened, securing Kagome's legs to his sides. "Hold on Kagome, were nearly there." He felt her nod stiffly, giving him the reassurance that he needed.

His path veered suddenly, the sound of a river flowing into his acute ears. One giant leap to the side later, and he was knee deep in water. He leapt upstream, his feet either in air or water before arriving at a massive waterfall. He apologized in advance over his shoulder. "I'm sorry about this Kagome."

She looked up from the folds of his tunic, obviously confused. "S-sorry for what?" She chattered. Teeth clicking relentlessly.

"For this." He leapt up, and into the waterfall. The cold water drenching them both, chilling poor Kagome to the bone. Kagome looked up, her whole body now shaking with cold. Around them was a simple cave, wet walls shining with the reflection the moon was giving off throughout the tower of water. The near deafening sound of it's thundering power seeming to echo off the walls. Youko's ears lay flat against his head, his teeth gritted in obvious pain.

Kagome looked at him sympathetically. ‘If all this noise is a lot for my ears it must be torture for his . . .' She was startled out of her thoughts when she felt him moving again, toward the back of the cave.

At first glance, there seemed to be nothing. Just solid rock. Yet, when Kagome looked closer she noticed the vines that clung to the back wall . . . yet there were no other vines in the cave.

Youko put a single finger on the thinnest, nearly nonexistent vine there. A pulse of his energy was all it needed before the inanimate object defied the laws and began moving. The shock of energy carrying itself down it's stem, and to it's brothers, before all were moving willingly. "Open my flower." Three words, and suddenly the the wall was shifting before them. Vines rearranging the rocks as if it were some kind of Cubix Cube, moving every which way before suddenly . . . there was a doorway.

Kagome's eyes widened in pure wonder, her gaze following the door even as Youko passed through it. The rearranging starting as soon as they were through, pieces moving back into their original places. The doorway vanishing as if it had never existed. "Wow . . . that was so extremely coo-" Her eyes finally pried off the wall, she saw the rest of the room.

There was the standard japanese table in the center of the room. With large, comfortable looking cushions surrounding it. The floor stone floor was smooth, covered by some sort of weaved rug. There was a large futon in the corner . . . piled with blankets and cushions.

"Ok. Now I REALLY want to know where we are." The young woman stated, her chattering stopping momentarily as she gazed in awe at the room before her.

Youko allowed her to slide off his back, kissing her wet forehead before moving into the room. "I'll explain when you get some dry clothes on." He answered gently, slightly amused at her obvious shock.

"B-but I don't have any dry clothes!" She shouted after him, her shivering continuing as she remembered exactly how cold she was. "Why did we have to go through the waterfall exactly? I'm sure you have other hide outs." She complained, even though Youko had long disappeared from her sight behind a wall. Another room?

"Because my dear Kagome," He started, coming back into vision with a bundle of white cloth cradled in his arms. "If by chance a certain angry lord was to track my scent all the way to the river, despite my attempts to scatter my scent as much as possible considering the short amount of time that we-"

"Yes, I understand that. But why the waterfall?!" The miko whined, stroking her arms in an effort to warm up. "A COLD waterfall I might add."

He simply rolled his eyes, handing her the bundle he was carrying. "Because traveling in water allows us to move with out leaving a trail. Now change into this. Were going to have to spend the night here." He gestured toward her drenched clothes. "And I don't consider it healthy for you to sleep in wet clothing."

Kagome blinked, giving a soft ‘oh' before looking down at the clothing. "Uh . . . Youko? This is a formal kimono . . . a very expensive looking formal kimono . . ." She stated nervously, eyeing the cloth as if it would break if handled to roughly.

Youko looked at her, silently tilting his head in inquiry. "So?"

Her mouth refused to shut itself, as it hung ajar. Sputtering as she tried to make sense of everything. "I can't wear this to bed! I-I'll ruin it! It's not like they have dry cleaners in this era!" Her eyes widened, a hand slapping itself over her mouth. One look at Youko was all she needed to know that it was to late to cover up her slip. "Oh dear . . ."

He nodded, confirming her words briskly. "Oh dear is right. Now change into those clothes, and then we'll have a nice, long talk."

She squared her shoulders bravely, puffing out her chest in an attempt to look stronger than she really was. "I don't have to tell you anything!"

He raised an eyebrow, obviously not amused by her stubborn display of power. "I'm afraid I disagree. You do still owe me that question. So after you change you can tell me what you were talking about." With that he left the room, leaving the woman alone so that she could change in privacy.

Kagome just stood there, trying to make sense of what just happened. After a minute or so of silence, realization dawned. With out thinking, she said the only thing there was left to say.

"Shit."

(:)(A)(:)

Wow, I really was having a writers block DX but if you read my recent one shot, then you would know that my mental illness has disappeared! (everybody cheer!) What's that? You need proof? Well ok then. I wrote 11 of these pages in less than three days. And if I do say so myself (which I do) the last 11 or so pages flow much better than the beginning!

Need more good news? Well then you came to the right Author Note. The end is near folks. I'm estimating 2-3 more chapters and then it shall all be done! Mwahahahahaha! (I'm very excited in case you haven't noticed.) I'm hoping only two . . . but you never really know with me. (sweat drop) I just kinda write and see where it's going . . . but ya . . . . so be happy!

Need even MORE good news? Well guess what! I have it! (Amazing I know) If you look at this chapter you may see that there is some differences in the format . . . like say . . . it's prettier. By a lot. And it makes me OH so extremely happy. (So much so that I'm altering and editing all the previous chapters) So if you don't like it . . . then that just sucks monkey poo for you!

Need even even MORE good news? . . . Yes you say? Well that's just too damn bad. What do you think I am? A miracle worker! A pixie! A fairy GODMOTHER!! This isn't Cinderella! I don't have no glass slipper! (Though I do have my prince, but SHHHHHHHHHHHH!) A goddess! A witch! A CELEBRITY! (You can blame my boyfriend for my hyperness today by the way. If he didn't have to go bloody camping for an entire week . . . with out AIM . . . and with out phone service . . . then I wouldn't be tweaking out all week.(He's coming back tomorrow so I'm super excited) So thank/blame him) Well your WRONG! (evil laughter)

Now, on to my lovely, oh so charming, fantastic, wonderful, down right amazing (Ya I know, I can just dish out the compliments can't I?) reviewing reviewers! (And the disclaimer, but we all know that that comes later since I hate admitting my non-ownership)

tbiris: Uh oh is right. And just you wait till the next chapter! There shall be much ‘uh oh'ing . . .

nunofyorbiz: Aww! Why thank you! (Does it make up for this chapters extreme lateness as well? (sweat drop))

BlueDove: I shall try to find the errors when I can. Right now I'm just struggling to find the time to write the new chapters! And I haven't heard from my proof reader lately (frown) So I'm just going to go through it all myself one of these days. Right now I'm trying to get all the earlier chapters done first, then I'll migrate my way to these later ones. Also, I added an explanation of the whole Kouga thing on the last chapter for you.

Tyukotsusei: Why thank you! I rather love my tension chapters! (Huggles tension) Tension just always seems to be my friend! (especially since you always get more reviews for the cliffhangers) (wink)

Hya-chan: Ya . . . well . . . it's certainly not as soon . . . as I'm sure any body had hoped. (sweat drop) But I hope you enjoyed it just as much! (And yes, writers block sucks mucho grande)

Sakura Blossom-Cilla-85: I think Kouga likes to just judge in general. (sweat drop) Silly judgmental people . . . judging people . . . like that . . . (Does this mean I'm judging judgmental people? . . . Does this mean I AM a judgmental people! (Yes I put people on purpose)) I must ponder this . . .

Vanya the Elven Maiden of the Valar: Wow! I don't think I've heard from you before! Greetings fair maiden! (Is that one of those things that only guys are suppose to say?) Yes yes, verbal fights are oh so fun . . . but then again I think I simply just enjoy making everything capital letters . . . it just makes it more BOOMy. (Shush, that is so a word)

RoseFire-shadow666: Hehe . . . he . . . not soon I'm afraid . . . but I'll try my best one the next chapter to get it out as soon as physically and mentally possible! (salute)

Cattibrie393: Yes!! (does victory dance) I've been excused! You hear that! All you, non-excuser people! Some people have hearts! (tear) I'm glad you thought it was humorous! I do try to add humor into all and any chapter . . . except for the upcoming ones . . . (your really wishing I told you what's coming now huh?) hehe. I love being the author . . . you get to know everything before it happens!

Keta1123: Yes so fair! I am the evil authoress. Has no one told you? MWAHAHAHAHAHA(cough)AH(sputter) wow . . . that really doesn't feel so good on your throat . . . Hope you liked the chapter!

darksaphire: XD I will. First we got to get this sucker finished . . .and the the sequel finished . . . . hopefully that won't take as long as this one has (sweat drop) It's been over a year since I started! Time sure does fly! (especially when your throw your alarm clock out the window every morning)

Baka KitsuneBri: Don't be sorry! Just keep reading! XD And yes, Fluffy-sama isn't going to be too pleased when he can't find Youko. (snickers) Do you think he'd beat up Jaken to relieve frustration at a time like this? (ponders) Yup, probably. Oh, next chapter is going to be more fun than I thought . . .

Lord Koga: Why thank you! Though I do have a question. Is Foamy actually a squirrel? Because I like squirrels (nod) they carry the plague. (evil snicker) The ability to spread disease and KILL KILL KILL! Mwahahahaha! Plus their tails are fluffy. How can they get any cooler?

pitbull123: (nervous laughter) Well . . . it's been updated ASAP . . . AbsentAngel version . . . (sweat drop)

gurlhushere13: Well, I'll try to keep it the good work coming for you!

ringurl107: (sweat drop) If I said I tried really really hard to get this updated will I get off the hook for it being late?? . . . . Well how about I get forgiven for being such an all around cool person (see, I can even compliment myself!) I think that should get me off the hook.

SoarMoreFlyHigher: Wow! Have you really read it about five times! Well that certainly puts me to shame! (sweat drop) I know I haven't read through it that many times! And you'll see what happens to Kagome in the next chapter. (smile) I can almost (if not fully) guarantee it.

dragon85: (blink) Kagome's suffering? I think she has it pretty good. Hot guy, single room, new clothes. Yup. Kagome's living in the high life right now. XD

Decidedly Odd: (looks at you weird) I have decided . . . that your odd . . . no, I'm joking. No one who thinks Kurama is sexy can be odd. (wink) I apologies for the typos. (sweat drop) spelling isn't really something I'm good with . . . I'm glad you like the story though!

Lady Metillic Rose: You know what? I like you. I think I'll give you a cookie (gives you a cookie) Even though there is a slight flaw to your (really good) advice. I live in Sacramento . . . it mucho grande hot here. Like . . . It was a 106 degrees today . . . I did manage to make myself a little room where I can just curl up with my laptop and right. :o) helped me a lot. Wrote most of this chapter in there. Put some Fleetwood Mac on, and all was good! You certainly sound as if you've had experience writing . . . I'd love to see some of your work!

Yokaigurl: I'm always swimming! My Dori taught me right! XD And everything went well. Thank you for asking.

AnimeMoonlightGoddess: Ahahaha. They should make an episode where Kouga's mom comes to visit him XD have her be one of those mothers whose ALWAYS on his case. Lmao. Oh boy, that would be great. (Yeah, I know my mines twisted and that no one should wish that kind of fate on another but . . . I'm just not nice. So nani nani boo boo!)

BlackAndSilentFire: Well I'm glad XD

gothmiko: Math does suck. Math sucks mucho grande. I hate math, with a passion. I think it should die . . . with Kikyo (which I still have to incorporate into the story I know (sweat drop))

Tsuki-tora: (blinkblink) How do you people do it . . . stay up till 3 am . . . and then get up at 5 . . . I envy you . . . I can hardly stay up after 1 and then get up at 10 the next morning! Damn you talented people . . .

Mouko Ryo Twins 88: (blush) Well I'm certainly glad you think so! (Though I'm afraid I'll never see it as one of the best) Golden Gaze is one of my all time favorites, I'm hoping the author starts posting more chapters soon! (prays) Have you read that fic?

YamiHoshi: Why thank you. I'll be sure to do that for you XD

Night Ember: Umm . . . I would definitely consider it . . . if there was a url added into your review (sweat drop) it didn't seem to show up . . .

silvermoonray101: I'll be continuing. That's definitely something you don't have to worry about. I'm not stopping this close to the end! No way!

Labyrinthine Reflection Poison: Ahaha, every one is just so anxious for Kurama! Don't worry, he's coming in the sequel. I PROMISE. And I really am thrilled you like the plot. (blush) I tried to make it as original as I possibly could.

rikiki: I certainly do have a lackage of Sango/Miroku scenes. (blush) I . . . just kinda tend to forget that theirs other people besides Youko and Kagome (sweat drop) I'll try to work a slapping scene in the next chapter for you. :o)

sacaku: Well I really want you to read more too. So I guess that makes both of us happy campers. (except not, because I here by decide that I don't like camping.) (grumbles about stupid boyfriends and camping trips, and over all insanity) Hope you liked the chapter!

Fire Phoenix: Yes he did. Youko is a naughty naughty thief . . . who can't remember what he stole . . . Sesshy was originally suppose to have a big ol' fight scene with Youko . . . but then I thought about it . . . and I realized . . . I really didn't want them to beat each other to a bloody pulp . . . so there is a lackage of Fluffy. Even I'M surprised at myself. I'll try and include a special scene for him (if I remember (sweat drop)) so he doesn't feel left out. (nod)

Black Rose Faith: Why did you have to get a new name? And yes . . . I know it's depressing . . . I'm feeling rather ashamed of myself for letting you guys wait it out so long . . . The next chapter won't be so late, promise.

bAkA kItSuNe 2000: I'll try my hardest!

PervyMonk: You know, I have NO clue where the walking stick thing came from. (is mind boggled) I-it just . . . APPEARED! Then I look back . . . and I'm like . . . "Wow . . . I wrote something that insightful . . . am I sick?" Youko is cooler than everyone XD except maybe Yusuke . . . (I love Yusuke, I can't wait for the sequel so I can play with him!) But Youko's definitely the sexiest (nod)

Blade of Fire: You. Yes you. (who else would I be talking to?) You get cookies too . . . and huggles. (tackles you with huggles) (cough) Ya, I can be serious for a minute. (just you watch!) I'm thrilled you gave this fic a chance! As well as the wonderful review you sent me (it really put my ass in gear) :o) I hope you liked this chapter, and the next one will be coming MUCH sooner. Cross my heart and hope to die. (except not . . . cuz I don't want to die . . .)

Baeneflovescandy: Well I think you've waited patiently LONG ENOUGH! Get reading girl! (and at the the risk of sounding like a hillbilly) Go on, git!

punkchickykagome: Kagome will meet Kurama in the future, in the sequel. So don't worry! :o)

dragon85: . . . . Did you review earlier too? (Maybe I'm going crazy . . .) Thanks any way though!

Jinx: (Smiles) Yes he does. And he's going to enjoy sucking out every last drop of information. (He's like, the super duper brain leech . . . guard your mind well . . .)

blah: (blush) Why thank you!

And now, for the much loved (coughhatedcough) disclaimer.

I do not own, Inuyasha (because if I did there would be more Miroku and less clothes) OR Yu Yu Hakusho (Because then I would make Yusuke my personal love slave . . . oh, and bring Youko back permanently so he can join the fun too.)