Title: Enigmatic Anomaly

Author: inuyashagirl5

Rating: M

Genre: Action/Humor/Romance

Pairings: Kagome/?? (unknown at this time), Other pairings may pop up during the fic.

Warnings: Violence, Suggestive Situations and Adult Language.

Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha or Yu Yu Hakusho. InuYasha is owned by Rumiko Takahashi and Yu Yu Hakusho is owned by Yoshihiro Togashi. I only borrow their characters for my own amusement and for the amusement of my readers.


Chapter Two:

He had already seen the girl go through a myriad of moods and emotions and he had only been within the temple for three days. Just that morning the girl had been in tears, though the reason why was still unknown to some of them. A few minutes after Shippo consoled her, she was swiping at his head and chasing him down through the long hallways. Apparently it had become a common occurrence in Genkai's temple. If she wasn't chasing one of them, then they were chasing her and more often than not it resulted in playful sparring.

But, the tantrum she was throwing now was both annoying and a bit amusing to Hiei. She was cursing about her mother. The other three were laughing at her, further frustrating her. She stalked away from them while shouting out promises of death and torture. Kagome was absolutely livid and out of curiosity, Hiei followed after her as she slammed open the door to the dojo.

"I swear she does it because it amuses her." Kagome muttered as she continued into the dojo. She whirled around and faced Hiei as he entered in behind her. "The nerve of her! If I was capable of harming my family, she would be first!"

Hiei said nothing, letting the girl rant as she spun back around and landed an impressive, solid right hook to the punching bag in front of her. She continued to punch the bag, grumbling and cursing the whole time. She was mid-way through a sentence when she stopped and turned back to face him. She didn't say anything, she just simply stared at him.

"What?" He finally asked after her staring lasted for at least a minute. It was really starting to get on his nerves.

"I'm going to use it to my advantage." She smirked, "That'll teach them to laugh at me. Thanks, Hiei! Remind me later to thank my mother too!"

She left him standing there, quite confused and just a little curious. Her mood had switched again within a few seconds as did her feelings for her mother. He was beginning to think that she was either crazy, or had split personalities.

He rejoined his teammates and the fox demon in the kitchen. They each gave him questioning glances, though Yusuke's bordered on a glare. He paid them no mind and sat down.

"She's up to something." Shippo resumed the conversation they had stopped when Hiei had entered. "I know that look she had in her eyes. She's got something planned and I bet it has to do with her a guest that's coming here."

"Yes, but the question is, if she does have something planned, who is going to be effected by it? Will it be us, or will it be this Hojo fellow that is paying her a visit?"

At Kurama's question, Hiei snorted. He found all eyes on him yet again, but he said nothing, knowing that they wanted him to speak. Tough luck for them. He was going to let them suffer.

"You know something, don't you?" Yusuke leaned in closer, his face only a few inches from Hiei's. Hiei narrowed his ruby eyes.

"Get out of my face before I castrate you."

"As if you could."

"Would you like me to prove it?"

"No bloodshed in the kitchen!" Kagome's voice rang out seconds before she cuffed the back of Yusuke's head. He shrunk back into his seat, scowling and holding the spot she had hit.

"Dammit, Kagome, that..." His shout died off abruptly, making the other three males look over at Kagome. She already had her back turned to them, her arm reaching up in an attempt to grab a cup off a higher shelf. The motion made the short black skirt she was wearing ride up higher, revealing more of the backs of her toned, tan thighs.

"That what, Yusuke?" Kagome questioned, a soft, annoyed moan escaped her lips intentionally as she reached up a little further, "Almost there...just a little more."

"Let me help you with that!" Shippo and Kurama both spoke and rose to their feet at the same time. They shot each other a glare, that was interrupted as Yusuke cut between them. He stepped up behind Kagome, reaching over her head. His fingers brushed lightly over the back of her hand before he grabbed ahold of the cup she was reaching for.

"Oh dear!" Kagome mock gasped. She snatched the cup out of his hands and using her hip, she bumped him to the side. "Thank you, Yusuke. It was very sweet of you to help me."

"When you dress like this, I'm willing to help you with anything." He quipped playfully. "Of course, if you continue to dress like this, I may need your help with something else."

"In your dreams." She sneered at him and he smirked.

"Yes, you are often in my wet dreams."

"Stupid pervert!" Kagome glared at him half-heartedly and gave him a little shove, "Oh yeah. Just so you know, I spoke to Hojo a short while ago. The two of us are going to head to the nearby lake to do some swimming. We won't be too long though because a couple of his friends will be waiting for him."

"Sounds like fun. Count me in!" Shippo replied, much like Kagome knew he would.

"That's not going to happen, Shippo. Hojo and I need to talk alone. I mean, he can be shy sometimes. What if he's going to confess his feelings for me?" She managed to keep a straight face as she watched three of the four demons in the room scowl. What they didn't know was that Hojo had a girlfriend and he really was only visiting to check on her health. She wasn't going to tell them that though.

"But, Kagome!" Shippo resorted to whining, something she usually couldn't resist, but this time she had to just to make the situation more interesting.

"No." She said firmly. "I'm going alone and that is that."

She knew they would follow anyways. Shippo would want to keep an eye on her and he would use that as an excuse to get Yusuke and Kurama to go too. Then, if things went awry and they got caught, Yusuke and Kurama would blame it all on Shippo.

"Can't I at least walk you there? It's dangerous around here! You know that!" Shippo protested more.

"He is right, Kagome. I know you can take care of yourself if you're faced by one or two low level demons, but you could be attacked by far more than that here." Kurama interjected.

"The answer is still no. Give it up." She ignored the two persistent foxes and got herself a drink of water. She didn't have much time until Hojo arrived and she wanted to be ready. She glanced at Yusuke who opened his mouth to speak, "No."

"I didn't get to say anything!"

"I know! Imagine that!" Kagome laughed and set her cup in the sink. "It's a change for you, isn't it, bigmouth?"

"That'll cost ya!"

"Fat chance."

"Um, Kagome?" Yukina poked her head in the kitchen doorway, "There is a young man here to see you."

"Thank you, Yukina." Kagome responded and twirled around towards the doorway, effectively getting her skirt to flare outwards. "Well, I'm off! You boys behave yourselves while I'm gone!"

They sat immobile as she left, not even muttering a goodbye as she strode out of the kitchen. Shippo and Kurama shared a look before looking towards Yusuke. All at once, the three of them broke into a run from the kitchen, leaving Hiei sitting there alone and confused. He rose to his feet slowly and followed after them. He wanted to know what the hell they were up to this time.

He found them standing in the hallway near the front door of the temple, watching Kagome as she greeted the male he assumed was Hojo. Kurama and Shippo were muttering quietly about how much the male didn't deserve Kagome and Yusuke was scowling darkly at him. The boy was oblivious to the hostility, his eyes only on the girl as they talked. Her smile was fake, he noted and wondered why it was so. Weren't they close friends? Couldn't the others see the falsity of it?

Apparently not, because they were jealous of the interactions, especially when Kagome took the boy's hand into hers and pulled him from the temple.

"We're going." Yusuke growled after the door had closed. He spun around and started walking down the hallway, "Get dressed to go swimming. There is no way I'm letting that runt continue touching her."

"Possessive much?" Shippo muttered with a smirk as he and Kurama moved towards their own rooms. Kurama chuckled.

"Only a little bit."

It didn't take any of them long to change into suitable swimming attire, with the exception of Hiei who remained unchanged. He followed the trio as they rushed out of the temple after Kagome and Hojo. Kurama had suggested they take the shortcut to get to the lake before Kagome. The path through the forest was quicker and any demons nearby knew better than to mess with any of them.

Upon arriving at the lake, Kagome scowled at the four males lounging on the beach further ahead. None of them looked her way and Hojo didn't show any care or concern about them being there, so Kagome led him in the opposite direction down the beach. She was sure that at least one of the boys would interrupt them at some point, though she hoped it was after she revealed her swimsuit.

It wasn't like she didn't know that Yusuke was attracted to her, or that Kurama sometimes gave her looks that just screamed that he wished to devour her whole.

Kurama often found ways to touch her. Whether it was just a small pat on her head or a gentle caress to her cheek, he would show her through those actions that he cared for her. He was always a perfect gentleman on the rare occasions they could go out and his chivalrous qualities were very appealing and so opposite of Yusuke.

Yusuke, however, was much more brash with his actions. He had never been a think first and ask questions later sort of guy and that came through when he was with her. Every thing he did, he did without thinking and that included the few times he had been bold enough to kiss her.

Though, she did slap him the first time because he had been drunk and bitching about Keiko. In one moment he was spouting off angry words about the girl, and in the next, he had Kagome pinned to the wall and his tongue invading her mouth. She had slapped him unconscious and left him where he had fallen, leaving Genkai and Yukina to check on his well being and make sure the idiot didn't choke on his own vomit while he was out.

After that, there had been a few random kisses exchanged between the two of them, including the one the day before when he had tackled her and pinned her to the floor in the hallway. But, Kagome always made it a point to keep them short. As nice as the attention was, she wasn't ready to jump into a relationship, and Yusuke knew that.

She had priorities that needed to be handled first. Most important of them all being that she once again housed the artifact known as the Shikon no Tama and she needed to be strong enough to protect it and herself. She didn't have a protector anymore and she didn't want anyone else to step into that role. That was why she was staying with Genkai, so she could learn to protect herself.

Though, the old woman had refused at first, saying she was retired and no longer took on pupils. It took quite a bit of convincing on Kagome's behalf to get her to agree. Her temper had gotten the best of her and in one small moment of anger and frustration, her control on her power had slipped.

It had surprised Genkai, feeling the force of the wave of energy her body had released in her anger. It proved that Kagome was telling the truth and her agreement to train her came seconds before Koenma had arrived to confirm what had been felt. Kagome's story was apparently well known in the Reikai, as made apparent when Koenma addressed her with such polite formality. He expressed a great need to get her trained, to which Genkai had called him a fool and ushered Kagome into her temple. She'd been there ever since, only leaving once a week or so to visit her family.

"The atmosphere is very clean, Kagome. It's no wonder why you came out here. It has to be good for your health!" Hojo broke the silence, bringing Kagome out of her thoughts.

"Yeah, it's done wonders." She rolled her eyes, though he didn't see it. "The place I'm staying at is nice and quiet. I'm able to rest and relax."

"That's wonderful, Kagome!" Hojo smiled, "You deserve it!"

Kagome didn't want to burst his happy little bubble by telling him the truth about the place she was staying. It was time to divert the attention elsewhere before he questioned her about it. She wanted to get her plan in motion too.

"I know you can't stay too long. So, we should probably get our swimming in now. I don't want to make your girlfriend wait too long for you."

"She'll be fine for a bit. She said she had a few friends that lived in the area that she could visit."

Kagome frowned at those words because no one lived anywhere near Genkai's temple. No one for many, many miles.

Hojo kicked his shoes off first, making Kagome push the thought aside and follow his lead. Little by little she stripped down to the small, yet modest, blue bikini underneath.

Half tempted to glance in the boy's direction, Kagome decided to focus on only Hojo for the time being. The boys would get themselves involved soon enough.

"Ka-Kagome!" Hojo sputtered and turned his head away, blushing madly. "What are you doing?"

"Going swimming?" She offered and inwardly giggled. Hojo's reaction, while surprising, was wholly entertaining. He was clearly uncomfortable being near her while she was in so little.

"Yes, but..." He lowered his voice and looked around the beach, his eyes finally landing where Yusuke and the others sat, "What you're wearing is indecent. You are attracting unneeded attention."

"Unneeded attention?" She innocently glanced over her shoulder, her eyes meeting with Kurama's first and then Yusuke's before she looked back up at Hojo.

"You really should keep yourself covered, Kagome. All of this should be saved for your husband." He held his shirt out to her, but she didn't take it.

She had always known he was a bit old fashioned, but this...

"Do you really think that?"

"Yes! A real woman would maintain her modesty and wait to show that much flesh only to her husband!" He eyed her for a quick second before looking away just as quick and attempting again to give her his shirt. Kagome didn't let her amusement show, but it was fun to watch him struggle with keeping his attention off of her.

"Are you gay? I mean, it's fine if you are, but, no real guy would complain about seeing the girl he used to like dressed in a bikini." She crossed her arms over her chest, and as she expected, his eyes followed the motion before darting away. 'Definitely not gay.'

"I am not gay!" Hojo shouted out, "I'm surprised to hear you speak that way! You grew up on a shrine! A real priestess would dress modestly!"

'And a real priestess would purify you right now if you were a demon, idiot!' Kagome scowled at the delusional boy. "If you want me to put my clothing back on just say so, Hojo. I am obviously making you uncomfortable."

Before Hojo could reply, Yusuke's voice called out, bringing her attention to him and the others. She hadn't noticed how close they had gotten. Hojo hadn't either and Kagome wondered why the boy grew pale at Yusuke's approach.

"Yeah, you're making me uncomfortable too!" Yusuke remarked with a smirk, "But, I'd like it better if you took the rest off!"

"Ugh! You're such a fucking pervert, Yusuke!"

"Kagome! When on Earth did you start speaking like that?" Caught off guard by her vulgar words, Hojo glanced briefly at Yusuke before shaking his head back and forth, "No. It's obvious where you picked it up. No matter! You can leave tonight! I'll help you pack. I can take better care of you at my house anyways. You know you've always been welcomed there."

"She's not leaving." Yusuke stated, annoyed with the guy's ignorance, yet amused by his sudden bravery. Though, that was short lived.

"What?" Hojo's wide eyes snapped to Yusuke and toushin couldn't help but to incite more fear into the boy.

"You heard me." Yusuke cracked his knuckles while he stepped forward, "Kagome is not leaving with you."

Kagome knew she had to diffuse this situation and fast. Hojo would never be able to stand up against Yusuke, even if he held back. Stepping between Hojo and the still approaching Yusuke, she held her arms out in front of her, fully prepared to stop Yusuke from harming Hojo.

"Yusuke, knock it off." She narrowed her eyes at the glare he gave her.

"No, let him, Kagome. I'm not afraid of him." Hojo pushed her to the side a little harder than he had meant to, and she stumbled before a pair of unfamiliar arms encircled her waist and righted her.

"You must have a death wish." Hiei replied while glaring at Hojo, who didn't look pleased that someone else was touching Kagome. Not that Hiei cared at all what the stupid human felt, but just to piss him off more, he let his hands slowly slide from Kagome's waist, letting his fingers brush over the flesh of her stomach and sides before pulling back completely. Hojo's eyes narrowed at him, Hiei could care less.

"Thank you, Hiei." Kagome replied softly, though she was caught off guard with his closeness. His only reply was a short nod and then his focus, and a devious smirk, was back on Hojo.

"I won't let him corrupt you anymore, Kagome. I know you have an affinity for guys like him, but you can change. I have faith in you." He held his hand out for her to take, and she only stared at it.

'An affinity for guys like...Yusuke?' She glanced up at Yusuke with a speculative gaze.

"You're an idiot." The words slipped from her lips before she realized it and Yusuke stopped his advance to laugh.

"Kagome?" Hojo was confused at her hurtful words and dropped his hand to his side. She had never called him that before.

"Um...what I mean is...You don't know anything about me, Hojo, or what my taste in guys is like." Kagome answered. 'Though...I do tend to fall for loud, stubborn, easily angered, quick to act without thinking...hmm, maybe he has a point?'

There was no denying that she liked Yusuke, and she had caught herself a few times staring at different parts of his body.

'Lips, bare chest, his backside...'

She blushed and turned her head to the side. Now was not the time to be picturing a mostly naked Yusuke.

"Don't be silly, Kagome. Yuka told me all about that two-timing jerk. This thug is no different." Hojo jerked his thumb in Yusuke's direction. Yusuke snarled and drew back his fist to punch him in his mouth, except Hojo was already sprawled out unconscious on the beach before him and Kagome's aura was crackling viciously.

"If you ever speak about Inuyasha like that again I'll disembowel you!" Her fists were clenched at her sides as she yelled down at the boy.

"Stupid idiot shouldn't have said that." Shippo muttered, "Then again, he doesn't know anything about Inuyasha."

Hiei was standing completely still, slightly startled that the little human female could hit hard enough to knock out a male that was not only taller, but heavier than her too. Then again, now that he recalled it, she had shoved her hand into a demon's chest just a few days earlier. She was stronger than most humans he knew.

"Oh! Ow! Ow!" Kagome shook her right hand out and pouted, "Stupid jerk!"

The others laughed at her, but Hiei remained silent and observant, still uncertain with the situation at hand. Who was this girl really?

"Let me see it." Kurama stepped forward and she held her injured hand up for his perusal. He kissed her knuckles, drawing out a blush easily. Then he was leading her away and to the cold lake.

"Ah, fuck!" Yusuke groaned, his dark eyes fixed mostly on Kagome's backside, "I should really learn some first aid! Damn Kurama for knowing everything!"

"I thought it was common knowledge that cold stuff helps with bruised appendages?" Shippo quipped playfully and laughed.

"Shut up, runt." Yusuke tore his gaze off of Kagome's backside reluctantly.

"I think it's safe to say that what ever her plan was, it didn't go as planned." Shippo added as an afterthought, then shrugged. "Oh well."

"We'll make her tell us later."

A soft groan arouse from Hojo before he slowly blinked open the one eye that wasn't swelling shut. Shippo grinned and leaned down over him.

"Word of advice, never, ever, say anything about Inuyasha to Kagome. She loved him. He died protecting her." Shippo offered to help him up and Hojo accepted, clearly confused and upset. "You're lucky she only punched you."

"I should go." Hojo said somberly, "Kagome doesn't want to see me, so I won't make it difficult for her. Just, tell her she can call me...if she wants to."

"You have my word that I will tell her." Shippo replied and then Hojo was walking away in a hurry, obviously eager to leave. Yusuke sneered at his retreating back and growled lowly at the boy's cowardice.

"Idiot."

"It's not broken, Kagome, just bruised." Kurama brushed his thumb over her knuckles and smiled at her, "It was a good right hook though. You have been practicing with Yusuke."

"Daily!" Kagome answered with a grin, "But, I prefer my time with Master Genkai more. Don't tell Yusuke I said that."

"I won't."

"Good." Kagome snatched her hand away, and before Kurama could even blink, she had shoved him backwards into the lake. "Oh my, Kurama! I didn't know you wanted to go for a swim that badly!"

"You should run now." Kurama's voice, the usual, pleasing tenor, had been replaced by something lower and huskier. He raised hi eyes up and smirked when Kagome's eyes widened in recognition. "Run."

"Oh shit!" She darted to hide behind Shippo, "Stay away from me, Youko! Oh hey...where did Hojo go?"

"I'm deeply offended, Kagome. You dare worry over that insignificant human waste while I am after you?" Youko growled playfully, now having full control.

"Eep!" Kagome shoved Shippo forward, though it did nothing to help her since both foxes easily avoided colliding with one another, and Shippo looked deeply hurt that she had used him as a weapon.

"Ka-go-me! That wasn't very nice!" Shippo whined.

"I'll make it up to you with Pocky, just don't let him...ah!" Kagome was startled when both of her wrists were pulled behind her back. She struggled to get free, but it was no use and Yusuke chuckled.

"I think you're in trouble." He whispered against the shell of her ear and smirked when she shivered in his grasp. "It's unfortunate that I have to hand you over. I'd love nothing more than to run my hands over every exposed inch of skin on your body."

"I like that idea of yours, Yusuke. A lot." Youko growled lowly and Kagome's eyes met with his again. She wasn't wholly uncomfortable with the situation, but he could clearly read the anxiety in her eyes. It was still too soon for her.

"Um, we have company. Hojo, a reaper and a brunette girl!" Shippo stated quickly, stepping in front of his fellow fox to shield him from view and Youko cursed before relinquishing his control.

"Fuck. It's Keiko and she doesn't look happy at all...not that she ever looks happy." Yusuke released Kagome's wrists and leaned his forehead against the back of her head. "I really don't want to deal with her."

"I trust that the two of you can deal with them?" Kagome glanced between the two foxes, who both nodded, "Why don't the three of us retreat to those docks over there?"

Kagome was glad for the interruption. It gave her time to calm her nerves. She tugged on Yusuke's hand and gave Hiei a quick nod before the three of them walked away.

"Don't you dare walk away, Yusuke! You owe Hojo an apology!" Keiko yelled out and Yusuke groaned while rolling his eyes.

"I'm afraid there is no reason for Yusuke to apologize." Shippo spoke as Keiko got close enough to hear him.

"Shippo is right." Kurama added.

"Don't give me that crap, Kurama! Hojo's eye is closed shut and turning purple!" Keiko glared at the two foxes before shouting over at Yusuke again, "I knew you'd act like this! I knew you would get jealous, but you didn't have to hurt him!"

"Is she saying..." Yusuke began.

"That Hojo is her boyfriend?" Kagome completed his sentence, then together they burst into laughter; continuing to walk towards the docks and ignoring Keiko. Hiei smirked and followed.

"Yusuke really didn't punch Hojo, Keiko. Kagome did." Kurama replied, moving to stand in Keiko's path. He wouldn't let her pass. Kagome would not tolerate Keiko's harsh words and in the end, Keiko would end up hurt.

"And he deserved it for speaking so poorly about a guy that died protecting her" Shippo added, eyeing Hojo and the reaper off in the distance. "Did he tell you that Yusuke hit him?"

"He didn't have to tell me!" Keiko snapped, her eyes narrowing on Shippo, who raised an eyebrow at her outburst, "I know Yusuke's work when I see it!"

"Ah, that is a valid point." Shippo nodded a few times, "It technically is Yusuke's work. He does train Kagome almost everyday."

"We're not lying to you, Keiko." Kurama stated, and Keiko knew he was telling the truth, because he had used that tone with her; the tone that he used when he was being serious and professional. The voice she knew she couldn't fight with.

"Fine. What ever." Keiko turned on her heel and stalked off, leaving two highly amused foxes behind.

"I don't like her." Shippo said quietly, scrunching his nose in disgust. "Yusuke's better off without her."

"You just want him to hook up with Kagome."

"Better him than you!" Shippo quipped before darting away from Kurama and running towards the docks to join the others.

"We'll see about that." Kurama replied to himself with a devious smirk, then followed after him.

They had sat together on the docks for an hour before temptation became too much, and Kagome pushed Yusuke into the lake. From there, it turned into an all out water war and Hiei took the time to step back and observe before they even tried to shove him into the lake. He was not dressed for such an activity and he really didn't think the girl would be comfortable if he swam naked.

A girlish shout brought his attention directly to Kagome, who was now being tossed into the lake by a very soggy Shippo. He saw it then. The way Shippo touched and held her, it was as if he was hesitant, afraid he might hurt her. But, once he had her, it became playful, perhaps even brotherly.

Well, he wasn't the best brother in the world, so he really couldn't answer that. However, it was clear to him that the younger fox held no real romantic feelings towards her.

He was beginning to wish that he knew what had happened to them all those years ago. What happened to the one called Inuyasha? How did he die?

He doubted the girl would answer his questions. She seemed highly sensitive about the subject. He wasn't sure if Shippo would be willing to answer them either.

"If you keep staring at Shippo like that, Kurama might get jealous." Yusuke called up to him and Hiei sneered. Like he'd ever touch another male! "We're going to head back to the temple. Kagome's going to make lunch. She's got a bit of a headache too, which means staying out here is out of the question."

"Why?"

"You'll see." Yusuke waved his hand in a motion for Hiei to follow, and walked back to meet up with his re-dressed friends. He gave a low, appreciative whistle. "Damn, Kagome! You look good wet!"

"Not now please." Kagome whined softly from her place on Shippo's back. "Save the lewd comments for later when I can fight back."

"I can't make any promises, Kagome. You know that." He grinned in reply, but he did back down. He knew better than to tease her right now.

They made the trip back to Genkai's temple quick for Kagome's sake, though before they even reached their destination, she was already glowing a vibrant pink. Hiei could see why leaving the public beach was important. Normal girls don't glow. For that matter, demons shouldn't be able to touch said glowing girl, yet Shippo had yet to release her. In fact, he looked comfortable and unconcerned.

"She won't hurt any of us." Kurama had caught his friend's curious gaze on Kagome and knew exactly what he was thinking. "She's able to shield her friends and allies from the purifying energy by memorizing our own auras and energies. She works with Genkai very often. Her control has improved a lot."

"Why is she glowing?"

"That is because of what she is guarding. It doesn't always behave and causes Kagome to get headaches. She's forced to expel her power as such to gain control over it." Kurama caught the slight rise of one of Hiei's eyebrows and grimaced. "It is not my place to tell you the details, Hiei. Kagome will tell you when she feels she can trust you."

"Hn."

The ordeal of the glowing priestess passed quickly, Kagome having been able to take a couple aspirin and meditate to get things under control. Lunch duties had been passed onto Yukina while Kagome went with Genkai to an empty dojo that was promptly sealed after the entered. The ice maiden didn't mind the task and even accepted Shippo's offer of help, much to Hiei's chagrin. He gave the younger fox a warning glare before leaving them alone in the kitchen.

He sought out Yusuke and Kurama, finding them sitting outside on the porch in the front. Yusuke was still muttering obscenities about Hojo and his big mouth, blaming him for Kagome's loss in control.

"It's not all his fault, Yusuke. You know better than that. When it comes to Inuyasha, the smallest mention of him in an unkind manner throws Kagome off and she lets her control slip. She was better this time. She held on for far longer than before." Kurama's words did little to calm Yusuke's anger, so the older fox shrugged it off and let him rant.

"I still wish I had gotten the chance to break his nose at least."

"I'm sure you do. Maybe some other time? He is Keiko's new boyfriend, I'm sure we may see them again."

"He'd be stupid to show his face around here." Hiei replied, ignoring the looks from his teammates and missing one set of those eyes narrow on him. It wasn't until Yusuke was too close to him that his gaze flickered back to him.

"Let me tell you something now, Hiei, since I couldn't say it earlier. Keep your hands off of Kagome."

"You would rather I let her fall?" Hiei questioned.

"You know what I'm talking about. Do not take liberties with her body or I'll break every single bone in your face." Yusuke growled, but Hiei remained impassive.

"Your possessiveness is unneeded. I have no desire to touch her. At that moment it was convenient as it provoked that boy's ire."

"Calm down, Yusuke. You know as well as I do that Kagome can make choices for herself." Kurama intervened, trying to keep from smirking as he pointed out the obvious facts. "No one has a claim on Kagome and had she disliked the manner in which Hiei did touch her, she would have dealt with it on her own."

"You don't mind him putting his claws on something you want?" Yusuke challenged and Kurama rolled his eyes.

"Of course I do, but that doesn't change the fact that it's up to her who can and cannot touch her. Besides, I trust Hiei to not over step his bounds. He's not a pervert like you, Yusuke."

"Really? You know that for a fact, Kurama?" Yusuke wiggled his eyebrows at the fox, who chuckled at the insinuation.

"Do not assume that I would ever let another male touch me." Hiei scowled darkly at them, but they waved him off and Kurama deftly switched the subject to something less hostile. He knew Hiei would only take so much of the playful teasing before he had had enough and blood would be spilled.

When lunch was done, Kagome and Genkai rejoined the rest of them for the meal. The priestess looked a little glum, but joined in the conversation whilst defending her plate from Shippo's attacks. The younger fox had only been successful once in his attempts to steal her food, but had paid the price when she cuffed the back of his head solidly.

The mood was lighter after lunch and Genkai ordered Kagome to take it easy for the rest of the day, something the priestess wasn't against in the slightest.

But her relaxation was very short lived. Seconds after she sat down to read a book, both Yusuke and Kurama sat down next to her; one on each side. Kurama carefully extracted the book from her hands, while Yusuke used two fingers to turn her head towards him. The look he gave her made her swallow hard and she knew she was in deep trouble.

"So then...mind telling us what that was all about earlier?" Yusuke questioned and Kagome understood what he was referring to and quickly tried to think up an excuse. She really didn't want to tell them the truth.

"No lies now, Kagome. You know very well we can tell when you are lying." Kurama let his hand fall gently on the top of her head, making her flinch.

"I...don't know what you're talking about."

"Look at that, Kurama. Just seconds after you tell her not to lie, she does it anyway. We should punish her." Yusuke smirked down at her.

"Yes, I do believe a punishment is in order." Kurama dropped her book onto the table and turned to face them, "This is your last chance, Kagome. You can tell us what you were up to earlier, or we will make you regret not telling us."

"I'm not scared." Was her weak protest and Yusuke chuckled.

"Another lie." Yusuke sighed and shook his head. "She'll never learn."

"Very well. I warned you." Kurama poked his finger into her side and Kagome jumped and squeaked, attempting to squirm our of Yusuke's hold. Neither male let her move away and soon their fingers were locating every spot where she was ticklish the most.

"No, no! Please...stop!" She cried out between the giggling, kicking and slapping as much as she was able. The boys laughed at her, but they did not relent. They knew better.

"You could always tell us, Kagome. We'll stop if you do." Yusuke grinned, knowing she'd cave soon enough.

"Okay!" Kagome shouted and the fingers stopped their movements. She slapped their hands away while she fought to regain her breathing. She rose to her feet and faced them. "It's just...I'm still not telling you!"

It was a cheap, underhanded trick, but also a very clever maneuver by their little priestess and once the barrier she had thrown up around them came down, they would give chase. Try as she might, she couldn't hide from them.

Kagome ran to where Shippo was sitting outside with Yukina and Hiei, who sat silently in the tree above them. The three of them looked at her as she approached. She ducked down behind Yukina and pouted.

"Yuki! You have to help me! Yusuke and Kurama are being mean to me!"

'Yuki?' Hiei blinked slowly at the way the girl shortened his sister's name. Yukina didn't seem to mind the nickname and she turned half way to speak to the priestess.

"Did you upset them?" She questioned.

"No! They snuck up on me while I was trying to read!" Kagome answered and gasped when Kurama and Yusuke finally emerged from the temple. "Really! They were...were..."

"Were, what, Kagome?"

"Never mind!" Kagome jumped to her feet and backed away.

"Shippo, if you would?" Kurama motioned towards Kagome and Shippo slowly rose to his feet.

"Don't you dare betray me, Shippo!" Kagome pointed her finger at the younger fox, "I will never forgive you!"

"I've heard that before!" Shippo laughed. He gave her a quick wink and stepped closer. His hand reached for hers and in seconds she was on his back and he was taking off into the thick forest.

Yusuke laughed loudly at the move and Yukina giggled. With a soft sigh, Kurama's form shifted to Youko.

"That little runt." He muttered quietly to himself before following. There was no way that Yusuke could catch Shippo, but Youko knew all of the kit's tricks. He'd catch up to them in no time.

Shippo cursed loudly, making Kagome laugh. It would only be a matter of minutes before Youko would catch them, but, for now, Kagome would enjoy the chase. Shippo's speed was very impressive and she knew he was way faster than Inuyasha had ever been. That thought brought her some comfort because she knew Inuyasha would be proud of Shippo if he could see him today.

Youko cut them off abruptly, forcing Shippo to skid to a halt a few feet away, but he tightened his hold on Kagome and she did the same to him. Shippo wasn't handing her over without a fight, especially not to this fox.

"Give up." Youko said, cracking his knuckles and flexing his claws. "Your actions will be punished, kit. But, I will make it less severe if you hand the girl over now."

"Not going to happen, my friend." Shippo grinned, taking a few steps backwards.

"You can't expect to escape? Tracking you has always been easy."

"But, I have Kagome with me this time. Surely you know she's capable of her own underhanded tricks?"

"Yes, I am familiar with a few." Youko's eyes narrowed on Kagome, who laughed in reply. "Which will make this capture all the more sweeter. There is so much to get back at her for that I'm full of anticipation."

"Don't look at her like that." Shippo's low snarl forced Youko to bring his gaze back to him. The younger fox was scowling angrily at him and Youko raised one eyebrow slightly in question.

"Why? Are you jealous? Should I direct such a gaze on you instead? I wasn't aware that you were that attracted to me."

Kagome sputtered and giggled, covering her mouth in an attempt to keep the sounds from escaping. She couldn't help it though. It wasn't often that she was near Youko when he was being playful enough to crack jokes.

"I changed my mind." Shippo turned his head away and pouted. He turned his body around and Kagome gasped. "You can have her. I have no need to protect her when she laughs so freely at my expense. Do with her what you will."

She clung tightly to Shippo after he released her, but both foxes were easily able to extract her from the younger fox's back. Kagome continued to laugh though, despite what she knew she was in for once she was in Youko's grasp.

"Traitor." She gave Shippo an half-hearted glare, then squeaked as Youko tossed her over his shoulder. "I can walk you know! Put me down!"

"I will when you answer Yusuke's question." Came a calm reply and Kagome blinked as the one holding her reverted back into his red-headed self. His ability to switch between them had always fascinated her. "Now, you just stay quiet until we get back. You're in enough trouble as it is."

Kagome, of course, was far from quiet as they trekked back. She shouted, kicked, pulled Kurama's hair and punched at his back, not that any of that bothered him or even hurt him.

Yusuke laughed loudly as they emerged and Kagome's ranting and protesting fell silent. It was time she resigned herself to the fact they wouldn't leave her alone until she told them the truth.

"That's quite the catch you have there, Kurama." Yusuke circled around his friend until he could face Kagome directly. He crossed his arms over his chest and smirked, "Now then, mind answering my earlier question, Kagome?"

Kagome's reply was to stick her tongue out at him, an action she should have known better than to do to him. Her eyes widened at his closeness and at the feel of his fingertips brushing just across her cheek. The longing look he was giving her pained her and he must've seen a change in her eyes because he stepped back. He cleared his throat and waited for her to answer.

"I was just, " She started off quietly, her gaze averted to the side, "...trying to anyways...to, well, I guess make you jealous. Which was so stupid...because, well, it was Hojo and though he may be cute, he's, quite frankly, boring and clueless and...it really was a pathetic attempt and Hojo got hurt...which isn't what I wanted to happen at all."

"He deserved what he got regardless." Shippo muttered and motioned for Kurama to put her down, which he did, "And, believe me. Your plan did sort of work. Yusuke was jealous."

"Of what? That guy was an idiot!" Yusuke shouted out in protest.

"An idiot that Kagome dressed up for mind you...and, Kagome, that skirt was entirely too tiny! Don't wear it again!" Shippo scolded her, shaking his index finger back and forth like she used to do when she scolded him when he was little.

"I like that skirt!" Kagome's voice was echoed by Kurama's and Yusuke nodded his head vigorously in agreement.

"Besides, I'd love the opportunity to take it off of her." Yusuke added, which had Kagome reacting quickly and covering Yukina's ears.

"Don't you dare start spouting crap like that in front of Yukina!" She hissed.

"I second that." Hiei growled, coming down from the tree he had been relaxing in.

"She's going to learn eventually. Or have you not noticed a certain fox slowly gravitating closer and closer to her?" Yusuke shot a pointed look to Shippo who froze. Hiei's ruby eyes gazed over at him, but Shippo didn't budge.

"At least he doesn't say vulgar things in front of females." Kagome shot back and grinned when Hiei's gaze went back to Yusuke. "I don't want to have to explain things to Yukina again because of your mouth."

"Again, detective?" Hiei asked and Yusuke held his hands up in defense.

"It's not my fault that Kagome provokes me to behave in such a fashion!"

"You act as though you never behaved in such a way before you met me! Perhaps I should call up a certain brunette ex of yours and see what she says on the matter?" Kagome threatened and Yusuke scowled at her for mentioning that girl.

"No need. I'm well aware of the way Yusuke runs his mouth." Hiei's expression gave nothing away and Kagome was impressed with how stoic he was. She really hadn't ever met someone like that since Sesshomaru.

But, clearly Yusuke knew better, probably because he knew Hiei better. He backed away, his steps matched by Hiei and then Yusuke was off, shouting out one last promise of pain to Kagome.

"Oh, look at that!" Kagome laughed as she removed her hands from Yukina's ears, "It's getting late. Shall we see to dinner, Yukina?"

"But..." Yukina pointed at Hiei and Yusuke.

"They'll be along shortly." Kurama smirked over at Shippo, who paled. "You two girls go on inside. We'll make sure they don't kill each other."

Seeing where the smirk was directed, Kagome chuckled, "Have fun, Kurama."

"We will."

Kagome led a confused Yukina back towards the temple. She gave one last look over her shoulder at the boys. Only Hiei and Yusuke were visible. Shippo and Kurama were no where to be seen, and if Kagome had to guess, she'd believe Shippo to be fleeing from the older fox who probably didn't like hearing that Shippo was starting to stray. Kurama couldn't have that.

With a small giggle at the day's events, Kagome wondered how long days like these would go on. Because she knew peace couldn't last forever and there was always something lurking around the corner out to get her and what she protected.