Kenzoku — Storming Tao Manor!

"No," Kagome hissed firmly as Pirika clung to her arm and rubbed her cheek against her shoulder.

The younger Usui whined, "Aww, come on, Kagome-neechan! I won't tell anyone!"

The priestess' face became deadpanned as the pair walked side by side through the crowds in the mall. "Aren't you the one who emphasized that telling someone who you drew is cheating?"

"I know, I know!" Pirika cried before slumping, "But I was sure that I'd draw Ban-san's name, so…"

Kagome sweatdropped as her brow raised, "What made you think you'd draw his name anyway?"

Pirika looked miserable as she admitted, "I bought one of your grandpa's good luck charms and prayed over it all night before the drawing today."

"Eh heh…" Kagome's smile twitched as she responded, "Yeeeaaah… I guess no one told you that Jii-chan has little to no spiritual power."

"How could the head priest of your shrine be so weak?!" Pirika halted to cry out while tugging at her hair in frustration.

"Well, our family hasn't made an effort to keep our bloodline strong in many generations," The priestess scratched her cheek that pinkened. She couldn't help but think about the recent discussions of marrying her off to a powerful shaman. Her mother was against arranging her marriage without her consent. But a few days, her grandmother began considering that it would be better for the family as a whole.

Part of her also felt guilty because she was sure that her grandparents would use today's Christmas Eve Party as a way to measure which of her friends would be fit to be wed her in the future. Kagome couldn't help but sneak a peek at her friends who walked behind her and Pirika.

Yoh was grinning merrily, seemingly having a great time withholding the information that HoroHoro was begging him for. Meanwhile, Ren remarked, "It was your little sister who emphasized that revealing who you drew is cheating."

Yoh laughed and nodded in agreement, "That she did. Besides, I wouldn't trade who I drew for anything!"

HoroHoro looked suspicious at the Asakura, "Is it because you're Kagome-chan's Secret Santa?"

The brunette merely smiled and asked, "Who knows~?"

The Usui deflated like his sister and muttered, "I prayed over one of those old man's good luck charms all night and I still didn't draw San-tan's name…"

"Pretty sure you're not allowed to say that either," Yoh pointed out. He then looked at Ren, who was on the other side of HoroHoro, "But I admit, I'm pretty curious about who everyone drew, especially since Anna and Manta went to shop in the same store back there."

"Tsk," Ren huffed through closed teeth. "Makes no difference to me. The only thing that matters is that my gift is received well."

HoroHoro and Yoh wore matching teasing grins as the Usui cooed, "Awww, well aren't you just a sweetie~?"

Ren bristled and blushed when Yoh added, "How do you think he earned the nickname 'Renny'?" Within seconds, Yoh was patting Ren's arm in surrender as the Tao held him in a headlock.

Meanwhile, a small task force was preparing for the approaching party. Sota assisted his grandparents in decorating the house with festive ornaments, wreaths, and tinsel. The boy would blanch as the couple discussed how they'd determined which suitor was right for Kagome. He scrambled to the kitchen when the priest turned his attention to him and ask, "So Sota, let's make a New Year's resolution to begin your priest training."

Sango and Ryu kept themselves busy by assisting Higurashi-san in the kitchen. When Ryu initially volunteered to help Sango with the dishes, the Tao shuttered. She was unnerved by the way his arm shot up and he loudly declared that he'd put his heart and soul in tonight's dinner. But as the pair collaborated on rendering and preparing the fresh chicken, Sango was pleasantly surprised to find that Ryu was well-behaved and mild-mannered. When she shot Kagome a pleading look before she departed to the mall, Sango dreaded the mental image of Ryu breathing down her neck, drooling, and flirting with her left and right.

'Maybe, it's something in the air…' Sango smiled as she observed how at ease Ryu seemed. 'Or maybe, we have something in common.' Ever since she followed Jun to Tokyo, Sango stopped considering cooking to be a chore. Sure, she had been forced to make extravagant and lavish spreads for her cousins back then. But there was something calm about using her hands—getting lost in a manual task. Sango found that she could lose herself while cooking. She could leave her body and forget her troubles.

And the joy and gratitude that her efforts brought were the toppings on the cake.

Cake.

The man next to her even volunteered to bake and decorate tonight's cake.

Ryu's hands were large, rugged, and hairy, Sango noted.

They weren't the type of hands that she imagined handled food with as much precision and care as he did.

And yet, despite his appearance, Ryu wore a gentle smile as he worked. Sango's knife met little resistance as she separated a chicken quarter into a drumstick and thigh. 'I've never fallen in love before…' The Tao thought before pausing to peek at the young man next to her. 'But…I'd like to know what it feels like.' When Kagome used to talk about Yoh all of the time, she was glowing so brightly that she made herself melt. And when the priestess described how confused she felt when she thought about him, Kagome once told her.

[ "Sorry, I guess I talk about him a lot. But just thinking about him makes me feel so light and warm." ]

There was no one who made Sango feel that way.

But she wondered if she and Ryu continued to coexist so peacefully, maybe, she could—.

"Sango-chan, you're pretty good with a knife," Higurashi-san's voice suddenly praised her.

The Tao whipped around, her ponytail smacking Ryu across the face. She gave a slight bow, "Thank you very much, Higurashi-san!"

"Please, you don't need to be so formal," The woman told her as she approached an empty spot at the counter. "Kagome told me that you're like an older sister to her." Sango blushed lightly as her heart fluttered. "She loves you a lot, you know. So you can call me 'mother'."

Ryu paused his preparation to rub his watering eyes with his forearm, "Isn't that great?! S-Sango-chama, I'm so happy for yoooooooouu!"

Sango's smiled bashfully as her blush deepened, "u-um…" Her gaze shifted left and right as she squirmed. "Okay…Okaa-san."

"Sango-chama, that's way too adorable!" Ryu cooed with cupped hands. "Could you try calling me 'Dear'? ACK!" The shaman was sent flying to the floor from Sango's indignant smack.

Meanwhile, HoroHoro's eyes widened as he stiffened.

His hand that was in the middle of handing the cashier his payment froze.

Yoh blinked at him, "What's wrong, HoroHoro…?"

The Usui's eyes narrowed as he whispered, "I sense that San-tan did something ultra-cute."

Ren looked at him incredulously, "You have a sensor for something like that?"

HoroHoro finally placed the money into the cashier's hand. He turned around. One hand went to his hip and the other raised into a thumbs-up, "Of course! When you're truly in love, you can just sense these things!"

"Yeah, whatever," Ren mumbled as he stared down at his phone screen. "Looks like the others are ready to go. They want to meet near the food court."

Yoh sighed happily while rubbing his belly, "Good timing. I'm starving."

"That's just the rendezvous point," Ren replied as he headed towards the store's exit. "There's dinner back at the shrine."

"Heeeeeh?" Yoh's expression fell. "But I'm really hungry now. I don't think I'll make it back."

HoroHoro crossed his arms, his plastic bag swinging with the motion, "I'm pretty hungry too but my heart tells me to wait for San-tan's cooking."

The mall was bustling with holiday shoppers, friends, family, and couples. Between having to drag HoroHoro away from multiple displays, the long hallways, and the crowds, it took longer than expected to arrive at the designated spot. Yoh was in no particular rush. But Ren found himself annoyed with how many times HoroHoro stopped to admire items on display in several shop windows. Glittering jewelry and silky dresses kept catching the Usui's eye. He'd halt mid-step and turn to press his face across the glass. "This would be perfect for San-tan!" He'd claim.

Ren had to grab him by his scarf and remind him, "You barely had the money for whatever you just bought." and "Your sister said no cheating by giving a gift to anyone you didn't draw."

Yoh grinned and folded his arms behind his head after the ninth time that Ren dragged HoroHoro away from a display. "Boy, HoroHoro, you must really like Sango, huh?"

"Of course, I do!" HoroHoro proclaimed with a fist. "I'd do anything to get her attention!"

Ren shook her head and responded, "Then here's a tip, Sango isn't the type who'd be impressed by expensive gifts."

HoroHoro was quick to question, "Help me out then, Brother! What should I do?!"

The scion then shrugged, "I couldn't tell you. I'm not an expert."

HoroHoro deflated and deadpanned, "You're right. Why am I asking you of all people?" He ignored Ren's shout of, 'What's the supposed to mean?!' and looked at Yoh. "You've got three girls falling at your feet! Tell me your secret!"

"Eh?" Yoh shifted uncomfortably as he rubbed the back of his head. "I'm not an expert either. All I can say is show her that you care."

"Yoh… Are you holding out on me…?" HoroHoro gave the Asakura suspicious eyes.

"Eh heh…" Yoh's smile wavered but he was saved by Kagome's call.

The priestess waved her arm to catch their attention, "Hey, you guys! Over here!" She smiled and asked, "Did all of you manage to find a gift?"

Ren merely nodded as Yoh smiled and HoroHoro grinned. "Good~" She chirped before looking over her shoulder at Anna, who was leaning against a table. "We should get going. Anna-chan has been waiting for us for a while."

Pirika nodded twice, her hands balled up, "Yeah, and Ban-san might be at the shrine by now!"

Kagome nodded as she formed a loose fist and gave Pirika a determined look, "Un! You should make your New Year's resolution to win Ban-kun's heart!"

HoroHoro looked displeased to see his sister's eyes sparkle as she asked, "Do you really think that I can make him fall for me, Kagome-neechan?"

The priestess nodded twice and looked pumped, "Of course, you can! You're such a lovely person!"

"Kagome-neechan!" Pirika squealed while rubbing her cheek against the priestess's. "I love you! You're the best~! Won't you tell me who you drew for the Secret Santa~?"

Kagome maintained a fond smile and sweet voice as she answered, "Hahaha, of course not~"

Manta sweatdropped as the blunette girl shook Kagome gently and whined, "Oh, come on! I'll tell you who I got!"

Anna sighed and placed a hand on her hip, "We're all done here, right? Let's get going." With that said, the blonde led the procession towards the exit where their limo was waiting. "I'm starving."

The ride back to the shrine was full of Kagome resisting Pirika's pleas to know the recipient of her gift and Yoh having to play mediator between HoroHoro's and Ren's bickering. Manta merely sweatdropped and laughed at his friends' antics as Anna gazed out of the window.

To everyone's surprise and delight, Bankotsu was the one who answered the door. "'Bout time you guys showed up!" He grinned cheekily and stepped aside as the group began piling inside. He looked at Kagome as she peeled off her coat, "I really hope you're my Secret Santa~"

"Eheh, it doesn't matter too much, does it? I'm sure everyone put their hearts into their gifts," Kagome answered before lightly elbowing Pirika in the ribs.

"R-Right!" Pirika squeaked and stiffened. She bowed at the waist to Bankotsu, "B-Ban-san, long time no see! It's good to see you!"

Ren was amused by HoroHoro's twitching brow as Bankotsu smiled widely, "Likewise. You're a sight for sore eyes, Piririn~" Yoh held the older Usui back and covered his mouth as Pirika openly swooned.

"So Ban-kun," Kagome stated as the group made their way to the living room. "Judging by how quiet it is, I'm guessing Jakotsu-kun didn't make it."

The pair shared a laugh at the jab before Bankotsu wiped his eye, "Don't think I'm not telling him you said that." As the teens began filling every nook and cranny of the room, Bankotsu looked around curiously. His eyes settled on Ren as he inquired, "And where's Midori-san? Don't tell me she's sick?"

"Nee-san couldn't make it. She's away in China on business," Ren answered bluntly.

"At least her gift will still be here for her when she gets back," Kagome added.

Sango peeked in from the kitchen and announced, "Okay, everyone. Find a spot. Dinner is coming out now."

"Here, let me help you," Kagome offered as the others began taking spots on the couch and on tatami mats.

Ren learned that time truly did fly by when you were enjoying yourself. After Kagome, her mother, Sango, and Ryu created a spread on the coffee table, the residents began piling fried chicken and sides on their plates. There was so much chatter as they dined and watched the holiday game shows on the television.

The Tao heir couldn't help but smile when Sango carried out the Christmas cake. It was a traditional strawberry shortcake with a circle of fresh berries on top. Just the sight of the dessert made Kagome's eyes dance. And the flavor was even more delectable—though Ren blamed Kagome for his taste buds' acceptance of sweets.

There was a warmth in the atmosphere that felt foreign for such a large gathering. Ren recalled the celebrations and galas hosted by his family. All of them paled in comparison. They were cold and stale. The people who gathered were either distant relatives looking to climb the ranks or prospective business and political partners. The Tao family gatherings were certainly on a larger scale and hosted more people, but in exchange, they lacked the heart put into this party.

Ren was only six years old when he was forced to learn ballroom dancing. And it was in that year that he began meeting and dancing with girls who were his potential future brides. Even those occasions, which were reprieves from brutal training, didn't rouse any feelings within him.

Higurashi-san smiled as she handed Ren a party popper. "Here you go," She whispered.

Ren blushed lightly and stood from his mat. His bow to the matriarch was low and slow. "It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am. My name is Tao Ren."

"So you're the infamous Ren-kun who I've heard so much about," Higurashi-san responded. "I'm pleased to meet you as well."

HoroHoro then whistled and hooted, "Hear that, Renny? She's heard a lot about you~!"

Ren wanted to tell him to shut up but he was interrupted when Kagome's grandfather suddenly appeared before him. The priest held his chin as he looked Ren up and down and appraised, "Well, he certainly is a tiny one."

Kagome jumped to her feet as Ren became a statue, "Jii-chan! Don't be rude to my friend!"

"I'm not being rude! I'm just sizing him up compared to the Asakura boys!" The priest proclaimed while gesturing at the frozen Ren. "Hell! He's not even half Bankotsu's size!"

Bankotsu smirked and flipped his braid, "So, I'm not the only one who noticed."

Manta looked concerned as he knocked his knuckles against Ren's stone-hard shin. "It looks like Ren just died…"

"Look on the bright side, you're still not a dwarf like Manta," Anna chimed in before sipping her tea.

"Don't bring me into this!" The blond boy retorted.

Yoh laughed then commented, "Come on, everyone. Kagome doesn't care about that stuff, right?"

Kagome concurred with a nod. "Right. Height doesn't really matter to me…" Ren unfroze hearing those words. The priestess tapped her chin and looked to the ceiling thoughtfully, "If there was anything that I have a preference for, it's probably…" She paused and blushed when she noticed the attentive looks she received. The priestess raised her hands and waved them dismissively, "Ignore me. I was just thinking out loud."

"What? Don't hold out on us now!" Bankotsu protested. "No one will judge you, I promise!"

"T-That's not really my concern…" Kagome sweatdropped. She then looked at Sango, who was still enjoying her slice of the cake that Higurashi-san baked, "What about you, Sango-chan?"

"Wha—?" Sango's jaw dropped when HoroHoro and Ryu perked up. She pointed her buttercream-covered fork at Kagome, "Don't bring me into this."

Higurashi-san clapped her hands together, "How about we move on to the Secret Santa~?"

"Good idea!" Pirika piped in. "I can't wait to see what I got!" She then held her cheeks in her hands and whispered dreamily, "I hope Ban-san pulled my name…"

After Ryu and Bankotsu distributed the wrapped gifts to their recipients, the partygoers took their places. The four-seater couch was occupied by Anna, the Higurashi elders, and Sota. Meanwhile, the others were interspersed on tatami mats across the floor.

"I wanna go first!" Sota exclaimed. Without waiting for approval, the child tore into the cartoon print wrapping paper. Within seconds, he was lifting the lid from a plain white box. "Oh, cool! It's Tanaka-kun! " He grinned as he pulled out the robot-friend toy that was all the craze amongst his peers. He waved the toy about, "Whoever got this for me, thank you!"

Kagome raised her finger and suggested, "How about we decide the order by letting the last unwrapper choose who goes next?"

Sota nodded readily before pointing at Yoh, "Nii-chan, your turn!"

The Asakura blushed and chuckled as he sat cross-legged with his gift in his lap. "Aha, I didn't expect to go so quickly. Thanks, Sota," He then got to work on unwrapping the box. He didn't know what to expect with the box being as long as his arm. "Eh—." He froze when he opened the box and discovered a smaller, wrapped box inside.

A chorus of chuckles and snickers resounded as Yoh unwrapped the smaller box—only to discover an even smaller, wrapped box inside of it. He glared down at the box that was the size of his hand. "I'm not sure if I even want to know what's inside of this one," He commented while continuing to work on his unboxing. Finally, he lifted the lid and his eyes went from creased to sparkling. He beheld a miniature MP3 player and declared, "This is awesome! Whoever got this for me—I appreciate it!"

"Eh…" Manta sweatdropped as Yoh began worshipping and coddling the object like a puppy. "Yoh-kun, you're supposed to choose the next person."

"Ah ha," The brunette gave an embarrassed chuckle before speaking, "I choose Bankotsu."

"Me?" Bankotsu looked surprised for a moment. But he recovered and grinned, "'ppreciate it, man." He made quick work of the delicately wrapped paper and easily pulled the taped box flaps apart. "Oh, I got a two for one," he noted excitedly as one hand held up a pair of wireless earbuds and the other a pair of dark-blue tinted sunglasses. "I bet I got both because my Santa didn't know what to get me," he surmised before his grin widened. "But whoever you are, don't worry. They're both awesome gifts!" He then shot finger guns at Sango, "Your turn, Sanny."

"Sanny…?" Sango questioned. "Is that supposed to be my new nickname?"

"Sure is," Bankotsu replied proudly.

Sango shook her head while smiling. "Okay then…" She was more meticulous about opening her gift. She gently pulled the bow at the top and lifted the ends of the tape gingerly. In her state of concentration, she didn't notice the twitching brows and crooked smiles. After fiddling with the decorative paper for two minutes, Sango finally opened the flaps of her box. "Oh…" She gasped upon peering inside. Buried within her small box was an even tinier box, but this one was a plain rectangle that was half the size of her hand.

The Tao lifted the tiny box and smiled sheepishly, "Looks like I'm getting the Yoh-kun treatment."

"Heeeeh? Not even close!" Yoh retorted as Sango lifted the lid on the tiny box.

Her violet eyes lit up. Sango was speechless as she lifted a bracelet from its cushion bed. Shards of pink coral and teeny white shells alternated along the chain. "I-It's wonderful…" The Tao whispered as she held her gift to her chest and smiled fondly. "Thank you…"

'S-So cute!' HoroHoro, Ryu, Manta, Yoh, and Kagome thought in unison.

"Alright, and uh…" Sango's eyes looked across the faces in the room. "I choose Kagome-chan."

The priestess smiled before looking down at the long rectangular gift in her lap. Her method of removing the colorful paper fell somewhere between Bankotsu's hastiness and Sango's steadiness. In under twenty seconds, she was pulling something soft from the plain white box's side. She lifted the object and found that it was a navy blue sweater dress accented with shimmering silver stars. "Aww, this is so pretty," Kagome cooed before hugging the dress to her chest and beaming. "I can't wait to put it on! Thank you!" She looked around at the faces in the room, "Pirika-chan, you should go."

"Yes…!" Pirika cheered softly before making work of the wrapping. Her eyes sparkled upon opening her box. She held up a heart-shaped, golden locket. "I've never had something so cute before! Thank you!" The blush on her cheeks screamed that she fantasized about who gave her such a gift. "Ren-san, it's your turn~"

Ren nodded but didn't make a scene out of his turn. He didn't visibly appear thrilled to open his gift but many could still tell that he was grateful for being included. He blinked. A hard-cover book that was five centimeters thick sat inside. It was accompanied by a set of assorted Japanese teas.

Kagome peered down into the box and commented, "Huh… I actually think those suit you. You do seem pretty bookish."

"Translation: You look like a nerd!" Bankotsu added before sharing a laugh with HoroHoro, Sota, and Yoh.

Ren looked mildly annoyed as he held up the book, "Leave it to a bunch of buffoons to feel inferior because they're illiterate."

"Eh?" Bankotsu cracked his knuckles. "Wanna say that again?! I've been itching to settle the score with you."

Before Ren could rise to the challenge, Kagome placed a hand over his, eliciting a soft blush. She sent Bankotsu a disapproving look, "Ban-kun, it's Christmas Eve. We're supposed to be spreading love and positivity!"

The ebony-haired boy merely wagged his finger and clicked his teeth, "You just don't understand. This is just how he and I communicate."

"Riiiiiight…" Kagome sweatdropped as she removed her hand and waved with it. "Anyway, pick someone, Ren."

"..." The Tao turned his head, "Manta, you're up."

The blond blushed slightly when all eyes turned to him. He smiled and immediately began peeling the edges of the paper. He stifled a laugh when he discovered that his gift wasn't placed in a box, but simply wrapped in paper. He held it to his chest and smiled appreciatively, "I've actually been meaning to get this for a while. Thank you."

"Eh…" Bankotsu's face was deadpanned as he pointed out, "It's literally an encyclopedia…"

Manta blushed as he beamed at the book, "Yeah, it's the latest version of the world's encyclopedia of—MRPH URHMPH!" He squirmed as Bankotsu and HoroHoro slapped their hands over his mouth and called out in unison,

"NEEEEXT!"

"Hmph, I'll go," Anna volunteered. Despite her neutral expression, her hands made quick work of the paper shield in her way. She pulled out an ombre purple sweater. "I'll allow it," she declared, her nose tilted up but her cheeks were dusted with pink.

'Anna-chan…' Kagome sweatdropped at the tsundere display. 'You can just say you like it.'

"I guess you can go next, Ryu," Anna stated as she folded her gift.

Ryu looked surprised, "Thank you, Anna-sama!" Like Bankotsu, he effortlessly shredded through the paper and box. "Ah," he blinked before smiling. "Whoever gave me this is so thoughtful!" He said while showing off his new set of hair styling tools. He then looked at HoroHoro, who was splayed across the floor after Sango bashed him and Bankotsu for picking on Manta, "Looks like you're the last of us young folks."

The Usui was suddenly sitting in an upright position as he unwrapped his present, "What can I say? Gotta save the best for last! Oh, sweet!" He grinned and snapped his new pair of ski goggles on his forehead. "Can't wait to use this baby!"

After basking in the atmosphere of watching the teens open their presents, Higurashi-san and Kagome's grandparents began exchanging their gifts for each other. Ren noted how, unlike the members of his clan, the Higurashi family were grateful to receive small but meaningful gifts. A bottle of perfume. A new coin for Kaede's collection. A home spa kit. Nothing expensive. But still appreciated.

It was nice.

Truly nothing like the Tao family.

The party continued into the dead of night. They made merriment with a plethora of activities. There was an impromptu talent show that Ryu lost miserably with his terrible impersonations of his friends and that Kagome and Pirika won by dueting a new, popular song. And once the adults and Sota retired for the night, HoroHoro jumped at the chance to suggest playing the pocky game.

When he received numerous confused states, he grinned and explained, "It's a game where two people place opposite ends of a stick of pocky in their mouth. They take turns biting until their lips reach in the middle."

The only faces that didn't blush at the prospect were HoroHoro's and Bankotsu's.

"O-Onii-chan, why would you suggest a game like that?!" Pirika squeaked.

HoroHoro looked smug as he crossed his arms, "It's a great way to bond as Kenzoku." He grinned widened a bit, "Besides, we can also find out who's brave and who's chicken."

"How do you suggest we determine who plays with each other?" Sango questioned pointedly.

"Simple," The Usui stated as he held up a cup of straws. "We draw straws! There are only two straws that don't have a white tip! The people who draw the colored tips play that round!"

"I don't know, HoroHoro-kun…" Kagome squirmed. "That kind of game can get awkward…"

"Ah, come on, Kagome-chan," HoroHoro urged, earning a glare from Ren. "If you don't want to kiss the other person, all you have to do is break the pocky and turn your head away. But it does mean that you lose."

"And I'm guessing the loser gets punished in some way," Manta sweatdropped.

"Correcto mundo!" HoroHoro exclaimed while pulling a plate of mochi from seemingly nowhere. "Anyone who loses a round has to eat one of these ultra spicy mochis! I hand-made themself!"

"When did you even find the time to make those…?" Kagome questioned.

Bankotsu stood up, "Well, I'm not chicken! I'm down for this!" He then looked at Yoh, Ren, Manta, and Ryu. "If you call yourselves men then you should join in too!"

Yoh, Manta, and Ren looked spiritless as Ryu cheered in favor of the game.

"If Ban-san is playing then I have no choice!" Pirika announced before dragging Sango to her feet. "And you're playing too!"

Sango looked sickened, "What? Why me?" She then looked at the priestess, "If I'm getting roped into this, then you have no choice."

Kagome sighed, "Okay, fine… What's the likelihood of drawing a colored straw anyway?" She then looked at the itako who was munching on snacks. "Are you joining, Anna-chan? We're kind of outnumbered by the boys."

"Tch, that's not my problem," Anna replied as her eyes remained glued to the television.

"Alright then, everyone! Gather round and choose your straw!" HoroHoro commanded. His friends followed suit and grasped the top ends of their straws between their fingers. "On three, we pull out and reveal the results. One…two…THREE!"

"Eh…?" Kagome blinked at her blue-tipped straw.

It matched the one that HoroHoro held up.

HoroHoro's brain went into panic mode at the sweltering heat of the glares he received. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead but he still managed a choked laugh, "W-Well… That's the luck of the draw." The blunette looked at the priestess and scratched the back of his head, "I guess it's no big deal since you've already seen my (censored) before."

Ren's and Bankotsu's brains crashed.

HoroHoro froze on the spot.

Kagome's smile froze.

Sango and Pirika stared at HoroHoro like he was something repugnant.

Meanwhile, Yoh laughed and chimed, "Oh yeah! I forgot about that!"

Instantly, Ren and Bankotsu glowered at the Asakura, wiping his grin from his face, "You knew about this…?" they seethed in unison.

"I-If it makes you feel better, it was an accident, I assure you," Kagome offered with an uneasy smile. "It's not what you think at all."

Bankotsu towered above HoroHoro, looking down at him, "I'm sure it isn't…" his sapphire eyes glowed demonically. "But I still want to pound his face into dust."

"Ban-san!" Pirika cried while sending puppy-dog eyes up at him. "Don't bully my stupid brother…" Her eyes glistened as she whispered, "It'll make me sad."

'P-Pirika-chan has—!' Kagome gasped.

'Mastered the Way of Moe…' Sango thought.

Bankotsu froze on the spot as Pirika's aura sparkled and twinkled like diamonds. 'P-Piririn is too powerful!' He was overcome by the blinding aura and forced to his hands and knees. "Very well…" the Bankotsu mumbled. "Your life was spared today, thanks to your lovely sister."

HoroHoro sighed in relief but blinked when Ren suddenly swiped the box of pocky from his hand. "Hey! What are you doing?!" The Usui questioned as the Tao silently opened the top and distributed two sticks to Bankotsu and Yoh, who both shoved them into their mouths.

"Kagome," Ren's voice was cool as he extended the chocolate-dipped biscuit. The priestess was quick to lean in and munch on the snack. As she glowed, Sango reached into the box and grabbed a snack for herself, Pirika, and Manta.

"Woah! Woah! You guys just can't eat them!" HoroHoro exclaimed. "This is mutiny!"

"Indeed, you've been overthrown," Ren responded as he polished off the final one.

"Wait!" HoroHoro grasped at his head. "You didn't even save one for me MMEEEEEEEEEEE!"

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

Kagome had awoken to the call of her bladder a couple of hours after midnight. She groaned a bit as she pushed herself into an upright position. She intended to use her bedroom to host herself and her girl friends overnight but all of them ended up falling asleep in the living room. 'Oh well, no harm, no foul,' She thought as she cautiously stepped around Pirika and Sango to head for the hallway.

It was only after she relieved herself and stepped into the doorway of the living room that she noticed Yoh missing from the spot on the floor that she had last seen him. 'Eh? Where'd he go…?' The priestess followed her instinct and headed for the front of her house. She slipped on her boots and pulled on her coat. After she was moderately bundled up, Kagome stepped outside, noting that the front door wasn't locked. Tracing Yoh during the fresh snowfall was as simple as following the sole set of footprints.

It wasn't long before Kagome tracked her friend to the front of the Goshinboku. Hearing the soft crunch of her footfalls, Yoh turned and smiled at her, "Ah, good morning. I didn't wake you, did I?"

"Mm mm," She shook her head negatively. "I just happened to wake up. What are you doing out here?"

"Honestly," Yoh fanned himself while looking miserable, "I got pretty hot in there so I came out here to cool off."

"Oh," Kagome chuckled and admitted, "Yeah, it got a little warm with all of those bodies."

The two they watched the bare branches become dusted with fluffy frost.

"We're getting a White Christmas this year, huh?" Kagome whispered. "It's so pretty."

The snow descended at their leisure, like whimsical butterflies. The silver moonlight bathed the ground in sparkles.

"You know, something about this tree…makes me feel more confident," Yoh told her as he began fishing around in his coat pocket, "I wasn't sure about giving this to you now because it's supposed to be cheating but…"

Kagome gasped when he pulled a small, cube-shaped present from his pocket. It was wrapped in shiny green paper and topped with a red bow. "Yoh, you…" Her voice almost left her body as her cheeks warmed. She looked between his embarrassed smile and the gift then stifled a laugh. "Really play by your own rules, huh?"

"Eheh, I was actually thinking of holding onto it until your birthday," Yoh explained shyly. "Should I...?"

"No, it's okay…" Kagome smiled fondly, "I won't tell anyone if you don't."

"It'll be our secret then~" Yoh grinned as he placed the box in her waiting hands. He felt his heart warming at the sight of the bliss that the priestess was trying to contain as she unwrapped her present. Despite what she said, her eyes were dancing like stars. To Yoh, Kagome's smile was blessed, and highly infectious. "...Merry Christmas, Kagome," he whispered.

"Yoh… It's beautiful…" Kagome's voice was hushed as she smiled down at the trinket in her hands. The moment that she saw it, she understood. Yoh's gift was a hairpin adorned with a trio of realistic cherry blossoms. Green leaves and snowy baby's breath complemented the blush-colored petals. She cupped the pin and held it to her chest. "Thank you so much…"

"You're welcome," Yoh couldn't fight his blush. He ran his hand through his hair as he continued, "I was thinking that since our birthdays are so close together…we could go out during Hanami season."

Kagome nodded, "Un." Her eyes shimmered as she agreed, "I can't wait to wear it. I'll search for the perfect yukata to match it~"

"Kagome during Hanami in a yukata…?" Yoh sighed fondly as he swooned at the thought before smiling widely. "Now that's a sight that I've got to see. WAH!" He cried when the priestess suddenly shoved his chest and he ended up back-first into the snow. "What was that first?!" He questioned as he pushed himself into a sitting position.

"Hmph," Kagome huffed while crossing her arms. "Just a little warning for you not to become as flirty as Hao."

"Heeeeeeh?" Yoh whined, "You think I was flirting with you…?"

"Wel—PLCK!" Kagome's mouth was suddenly clogged by the snowball Yoh threw directly into the opening. "BLEGH!" She turned her head to spit out the clump of sloshy water. Her cheeks burned red at the sight of Yoh holding his stomach as he laughed and pointed at her. "Asakura Yoh…" she whispered as she placed her hairpin back into its box and pocketed it.

Yoh gulped as Kagome stood above him with a dark aura and two snowballs in her hands, "You're going to pay…"

The shaman put up a resistance…but pay he did.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

Kagome was beyond stunning.

She was absolutely radiant in her gown: a crimson mermaid cheongsam that was embroidered with a golden dragon and lotus flowers.

Ren thought his burning throat would collapse.

He wanted to tell her how perfect she was, but his voice failed and turned into incoherent sputters. Kagome merely giggled sweetly and wrapped her arms around his neck. "What's the matter? You can't even speak to your bride on your wedding day~?" She teased before pressing her lips against his. Just the light pressure made Ren's heart skip a beat as their friends clapped and cheered them on.

He wanted nothing more than to reciprocate the affection.

But suddenly, Kagome was snatched away with a heart-shattering cry.

"Kagome!" Ren called out. He blinked and when he reopened his eyes. Kagome was on the floor. Her dress was tattered and her skin bruised and bloodied. Her wrists were trapped within familiar iron shackles. The shackles were attached to a heavy chain gripped by a giant hand.

"Father!" Ren seethed. Suddenly, Ren found the world around him growing larger and larger until he felt like a speck beneath his Father's shadow. He didn't care though. All that mattered was saving Kagome. "Let her GO!" He dashed into the air, weapon in hand.

"Hmph…" The head Tao smirked and simply backhanded Ren, sending him crashing to the ground. "I'm going to break your priestess until she learns what it means to be a true Tao," the monster of a man told him with a devilish grin. With those words, he turned and began taking gigantic steps, dragging and battering Kagome along the way.

"R-Ren, help me!" She screamed and kicked. "Help me, Ren! Please! Reeeeeeeeenn!" Her cries became more animalistic, as if she knew her life was on the line. "REN!"

Ren shot up, flinging sweat out into the darkness of the Higurashi living room.

'Damn it…' He cursed inwardly as he held his throbbing forehead. 'That dream again…' He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. Ren went straight for his text thread with his sister and scowled to find that she still hadn't contacted him.

It was 4:00 AM on Christmas morning.

Jun was the type who spammed holiday greetings to people as soon as the clock struck midnight. 'Something's up…' Ren's eyes narrowed. He made up his mind. He spared the slumbering priestess a glance before heading for the foyer where his coat and boots awaited him. As he prepared for the wintry weather, Yoh's voice suddenly spoke to him from behind.

"Are you sure it can't wait for Kagome to wake up?" The brunette asked. "She'll worry if you take off without saying anything."

"I've already taken care of it," Ren replied as he placed his hand on the handle. "Kagome and Sango both have texts waiting for them when they get up."

"I see, how considerate of you~" Yoh grinned. "Well then, I'll get out of your hair. Just come back soon."

The Tao gave Yoh a nod from over his shoulder before stepping out into the dark morn.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

The trip back to his home took over half a day. Ren couldn't regret his abrupt departure because he had important agendas. He had to ensure his sister's safety and challenge the source of his pain—his father.

But still, when his plane took to the skies, Japan became smaller and smaller. And Ren found that the more distance he put between himself and his friends, between himself and Kagome, the more lonely he became. Eventually, he boarded the train that would take him across China and closer to his province.

Hundreds of thoughts raced through his head.

There were so many obstacles that he had to confront and overcome—everything from his father, the rest of the family, the Shaman Fights, his sin, and the dread of Kagome never looking his way… All of it weighed on his mind and dragged the corners of his mouth down.

As he was lost in thought, an elderly woman passed by his roommette and peered inside. She smiled and stepped inside of his room, "I don't know what happened but you'll scare happiness away with a sour face like that." She reached into the plastic bag hanging on her arm, "Here, maybe a steamed bun will cheer you up."

"Ah…" Ren stared down at the offering in his hand. Its warmth spread into his finger and made itself into his chest. The woman's gentle smile reminded him of the times he was at Kagome's side as they shared fresh taiyaki. Those memories were comforting, almost nostalgic. "Thank you…" He whispered his gratitude before biting into the treat.

Hours later, Ren and White Phoenix were standing at the apex of the ridge that circumferenced Tao manor. His cloak flapped in the blustering winds. The structure where he grew up was nestled at the bottom of the plateau. The traditional Chinese architecture stood as tall as ever. Amidst this region's wasteland, the perimeter and back entrance was surrounded by the prized garden maze that branch members painstakingly nurtured over generations. It was there that the atrocity against Kohaku was committed.

'Sango…forgive me,' Ren thought as hundreds of tiny figures began spilling from the manor's front entrance. "Hmph," he smirked as he recognized the kyonshi army, "Looks like they sent a welcoming party after all." As he urged his horse to leap and slide down the steep mountain face, he called to his partner, "Bason! Let's show 'em that the Tao heir is no weakling!" Ren didn't bat an eyelash as he tore through the horde of undead soldiers. The corpses dropped like flies as Ren charged through the crowd, blade in hand.

Ren wanted nothing more than to take his Father down, but a deep breath as he dismounted leveled his head. He knew exactly where Jun would be held. The moaning corpses that jumped at him from around every corner stood no chance against his urgency. The heir made haste as he sliced through flesh and talisman alike. His shoes clicked and clacked as he hurried down the stone stairway that led to the bowels of the mansion. With each level of descent, the extravagant decorations deteriorated into an unkempt, dark dungeon.

The pristine white walls bled into cracked, bare stone walls. Flickering lanterns became rusted wall sconces. And the warmth of their central heating frosted into the cold as Ren's breath came out in wisps. "Sister!" Ren called out as he reached the bottom level. His voice echoed but was met with a weak utterance of his name.

"...R-Ren…" She was barely audible but Ren followed the sound to the cell in the far east corner. He wasn't surprised to find Jun hanging there, her body dangling by her wrists that were trapped in iron shackles. She was visibly filthy and weak. "Y-You're here…" Her smile was half-hearted.

"Don't speak," The younger Tao commanded. "I'll get you out of here."

But his blood suddenly ran cold from the voice that spoke behind him.

"I don't think so."

It was the voice of his monstrous father.

Ren cursed.

How could someone of his stature manage to sneak up on him…?

Ren turned just in time to see the lines of Yúan's palm growing closer and closer. His teeth clenched as his father's hand clamped around his body. Yúan's teeth sheened in the golden light. "Welcome home, Ren."

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

Kagome had awoken that morning with a feeling that she wasn't expecting. It was Christmas morning and she was surrounded by so many of her best friends. She received lovely gifts and had the time of her life the night prior. And yet, she felt uneasy.

She sat up from her spot on the living room floor and rubbed her eyes. Anna, Manta, and Sango were already wide awake and watching Christmas special programs on the TV. Pirika and HoroHoro were still slumbering while Bankotsu and Ryu were chatting like old friends. Yoh was lounging around with his headphones on.

Kagome blinked and queried, "Eh? Where's Ren? In the bathroom?"

Sango looked over her shoulder to give her an uneasy expression, "Erm, Ren actually…went back home."

"He what?!" Kagome echoed in disbelief. "But why so suddenly?!"

The remaining Tao shook her, "I'm not sure. He left me a text, but it only said that he was going home and would be back soon."

Everyone froze from their activities when Bason's distressed voice resounded, "M'Lady!" The spirit charged through the ceiling and landed on one knee before Kagome. "M'Lady, I beseech you!" His head hung down as his form trembled beneath his armor. "Please, go to Tao manor and save my M'Lord!"

The TV was muted and Yoh's headphones were removed as silence overtook the room.

Pirika and HoroHoro sat up to find Kagome stunned, her pupils shaking as she remembered how to speak, "...what do you mean… 'save him'...?"

"M-My'Lord Ren went to challenge his father…" Even with his helmet and bowed head, Kagome could see the clenching on his teeth. "But he was captured…"

The more he spoke, the more Kagome felt like the world was closing in on her.

"...and he's being tortured as we speak," Bason choked on a sob. "Tao Yúan intends to break his spirit and return him to the way he used to be."

Kagome knew what that meant.

Tao Yúan didn't approve of Ren's change of heart.

He wanted to reform Ren into a weapon.

He wanted to fill Ren's heart with so much hatred, anger, and pain that his only choice was to lash out and thirst for blood.

"Kagome-chan…" Sango whispered as the priestess wordlessly stood. Her hair whipped as she promptly aimed her feet at the doorway. The Tao rose and asserted, "I'm going with you."

Those words stopped Kagome in her tracks. The priestess turned and aimed an accepting smile at Sango, "Of course, you are. We both need to pay Tao Yúan a visit, don't we?"

Their other friends stepped in. Yoh nodded in agreement, "Don't count us out either."

"There's no way we're letting you two go by yourselves," HoroHoro added.

"I don't know what's up with Ren but his dad sounds like trash," Bankotsu stated. "The only one who gets to push him around is me."

Ryu looked down at Manta, noting how the blond teen, too, rose to his feet. "It'll be dangerous so you should stay here," He suggested.

Manta shook his head negatively, "Ren is my friend too. I'll be restless if I just sit here twiddling my thumbs."

Pirika balled her hands and chimed, "If Manta-san is going then so am I!"

"Denied," HoroHoro and Bankotsu chorused in unison. The older Usui froze and looked surprised at Bankotsu, who merely shrugged as he explained,

"I mean, Manta will be enough of a handful. The only way to guarantee your safety is for you to stay here."

Pirika looked stung as she raised her hand to her chest, "Ban-san, you're not saying that because I'm a girl, are you?!"

Bankotsu looked surprised for a moment before replying straightly, "No, it's because you're Piririn." He chuckled when the girl was reduced to a blush and squirming silence. He looked at Anna, who was peering at the group from her peripheral, "AnAn, keep an eye on this one. Make sure she doesn't become a stowaway."

"Yeah, yeah…" Anna muttered before turning back to the television.

A few hours later and the group of teenagers was aboard a plane to China. It wasn't how anyone expected to spend their first Christmas together, but no one complained or regretted their decision. "Kagome-chan, are you sure Okaa-san will be okay after paying for all of those tickets?" Sango queried from the priestess' right. "I'm sure last-minute tickets on Christmas must have been expensive. First-class no less."

"Hm?" Kagome chuckled and waved her hand dismissively, "Don't worry about it, Mama is fine. I'm the one who paid for all the tickets."

"Ehhhh?!" HoroHoro stood from his spot behind the row shared by Kagome, Sango, Yoh, and Manta. "Kagome-chan, when did you hit the lottery?!"

"Actually, I already had a lot of spare cash," She informed. "After my promotion ceremony, Manami-sama gave me my first stipend for being one of Japan's high priestesses."

"Wah!" Yoh's jaw dropped. "D-Does that mean that my mom receives money like that too?!" He rubbed his chin and squinted, "Maybe that's how she's always funding so many vacations without dipping into family money…"

"Maybe," Kagome tapped her chin. "It was a considerable amount. I didn't really know what to do with it after I got it."

Manta, who had been alternating his focus between the window and the book in his lap, finally settled completely in his seat and turned to his friends, "I think we all should take this chance to get some rest. Who knows how long we'll have to travel and fight once we land?"

"You don't have to tell me twice," Yoh smiled while reclining his seat and resting his arms behind his head. Kagome and Sango sweatdropped at his attitude but nodded at each other.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

"What kind of hell is this place…?" Kagome wondered aloud as Bason led them along an expanse of barren rock. "There's been no civilization or anything green for hours."

"Yes, I know," Sango responded. "This is the wasteland that our ancestors were banished to centuries ago…" Her grip on Hiraikotsu's strap tightened. "Many Tao heads have used it as an excuse for the cruelty that they inflict upon their own clan."

"So your ancestors were forced to live out here…" The priestess whispered as she took in the desolace. Where Tokyo was a bustling, frost-kissed metropolis that seemingly never slept, this place was as silent as a grave. She couldn't imagine thriving in a land where even weeds refused to grow—a place where your shadow was your only friend. The fluttery snowflakes that tickled your nose in Tokyo didn't dare fall over this terrain. "Still, that's no excuse."

Before the pair could further their discussion, Yoh extended his arm to the side, preventing Kagome's march as they arrived at the edge of the cliff. "Careful," He told her as he looked out to the horizon. "We're here." Their eyes were instantly drawn to the break in the monotonous mountainous color. A set of wooden structures and greenery surrounded a towering crimson edifice that dwarfed the rest.

The sight of the dull, wooden building that houses the branch family in servitude hardened Sango's heart. The organ that usually floated weightless within her chest became like a stone, at any moment it would sink into her stomach. She swallowed the lump in her throat and took a deep breath. Below, she spotted countless forms flooding from the main house. "And they know we're here," Sango stated. "Let's do it, everyone. Kirara, into Hiraikotsu!"

The others followed her example.

"Amidamaru, in Harusame!" "Kororo, into—!"

Kagome's glared down at the hundreds of kyonshi, "We don't have time for this! Crescent, come forth!" Her golden bow materialized in her hands and Manta stiffened at the blaring aura that the priestess gave off. "It's a bit tempting to just blow a hole right through the mansion," Kagome admitted darkly as she took aim.

"Uwah!" Yoh flailed his arms, "I know you're angry but don't do anything rash!"

"I'm not," Kagome countered with a huff. "I said…" Her fingers that were pinched together released. "It's tempting."

Caught off guard, Manta was knocked to his knees by the roaring gale that followed Kagome's bursting arrow. The blue energy began as a streak of light, shooting through the air like a falling star. But the head exploded on impact with a sole kyonshi. They had to shield their eyes as the hundreds of corpses were disintegrated by the pure energy.

HoroHoro's and Ryu's mouths were on the ground and their knees trembling when the light cleared. All that remained of the army was a cloud of dust and a malodorous scent. "K-Kagome-chan, when did you get that powerful…?"

"There's no time for that," The priestess told him urgently. "Shippo-chan, let's go!"

"Right!" The child did a backflip, then with a pop, transformed into a bulbous, pink blimp. He lowered himself to the ground. "Climb aboard, everyone!"

Bankotsu gripped his chin as he stared down at the odd transformation, "Hey squirt, what are you supposed to be?"

Shippo sweatdropped in his blimp form, "What's it look like? I'm a pretty balloon!"

As Shippo was lowering the group to the ground below, Bason was floating by his side and explaining, "I believe Lady Jun has been held in a prison on the lowest level of the main manor. As for Bocchama, he's on the same level, but in the secret torture chamber."

"That Ren…" Kagome's hissed beneath her breath.

Sango released her own whisper, "He should have taken me with him."

"Just wait until I get my hands on you," Kagome and Sango chorused darkly before giving each other looks.

"Sango-chan…" The priestess still wore a grave face.

Likewise, the Tao's face stayed terrifying, "Kagome-chan…"

'G-Girls are scary…' Yoh thought when the pair suddenly beamed at each other.

"Just save some for me, okay~?" Kagome asked sweetly.

Sango nodded and smiled, "Of course, I wouldn't leave you out."

"Ladies, ladies," Bankotsu smirked. "There's plenty of Bankotsu to share as well."

HoroHoro was suddenly gripping Bankotsu's shirt and raising his other fist, "I've been meaning to talk to you about that."

"There's no time for bickering, you two!" Manta admonished them as Shippo landed and they began climbing off the materialized spirit. "We need to come up with a plan to—. S-Sango-san!" He called after the Tao who rushed into the mansion with her flaming boomerang.

"I'm going to find Tao Yúan!" She called over her shoulder. "You guys find Jun and Ren!"

"San-tan, wait up!" HoroHoro shouted as he charged after her.

Ryu made a fist, "HoroHoro, I'm not going to let you play hero for Sango-chama! Let's go, Tokageroh!" He quickly formed his OverSoul as he dashed after his friends.

Bason scowled and expressed his concern, "Is it okay to let her go? She can further complicate the situation by attempted assassination."

Kagome shook her head as she began a trot into the manor, "Sango-chan has grown a lot. She won't resort to killing." She then paused to turn and giggle, "Though I can't guarantee that she won't rough some people up~."

"K-Kagome," Yoh shuddered, "It's kinda scary when you say that so cutely," he started after the priestess and Bason.

This time Manta shuddered after Bankotsu smirked and purred, "Well, I like it."

Unbeknownst to the split rescue teams, Tao Yúan was observing them thoroughly. The army of lesser of kyonshi was just an appetizer. Soon, they'd be feasting on course after course of expert killers until they had their fill. He smirked as he spied on the focused face of Higurashi Kagome through the eyes of his guardian. "Yes, come, little priestess," He beckoned to her, his eyes glinting with wicked intentions. "Let Father meet you with open arms."

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

More kyonshi were sent to thwart their efforts but each one met their end by shockwaves from Harusame and swings of Banryuu. After Bason guided them away from the entrance to the grand hallway, the shamans were met with a winding corridor filled to the brim with corpse puppets in fighting stances. "Damn, do they ever quit?" Yoh grunted.

"Tch, I don't know about you but I'm having a great time!" Bankotsu smirked toothily as he gripped Banryuu. "You all might wanna get back." He made sure that his friends were cleared of his blade before spinning the sword like a bottle. Soon a blazing ball of fire ignited above his rotating blade. "Dragon's Breath!" He called as he hurled the inferno down the hallway.

Kagome lifted her arm to cover her nose from the stench of incinerated, aged flesh, "Okay! I'm getting really tired of this smell! Ren owes me big time for this!"

Manta's voice was nasally and muffled from beneath his hands slapped over his face, "How many more of these kyonshi could they possibly have?"

"You'd be surprised," Bason remarked as he proceeded to float down the hallway with the cautious shamans in tow. "Tao Yúan is located on the top floor, that's where Sango is headed. M'Lady and M'Lord are in the dungeon below." They arrived in a spacious lobby alined with various grand doors and a pair of twin staircases that led to the upper levels. "This is the lobby, "Genmei", just beyond these stairs is a central door that'll lead to the dungeon."

Bankotsu huffed as the others gasped from the sudden voice that bellowed from above, "You intruders are not welcome to do as you please!" They looked up and spotted five figures standing on a banister. "We, the Gokufusei, will not tolerate such insolence!"

"More kyonshi…" Kagome noted of the talisman stuck to the squad's faces.

Yoh nodded and added, "But these guys are obviously on another level."

None of the teens noticed the dread on Bason's face as he beheld their opponents. He heard rumors of their prowess but this was the first time that he had ever seen them. Unlike ordinary kyonshi, this specialized unit had their bodies modified with ancient magic and formidable animal limbs. 'This is bad… M'Lady is strong but even she might not be a match for these guys…' He observed the bulky elephant legs of one member, the snake limbs of another, and cheetah haunches.

Bason knew that Ren would never forgive him if Kagome was hurt because of his request.

In fact, he probably wouldn't be able to forgive himself if anything happened to her.

There was only one strategy that would keep her safe: fleeing.

But before the spirit could announce his new plan, Kagome's surprised look became an incredulous look of irritation. "Look, you guys, I get that you have to put on a macho display for the Tao family but let's not waste anyone's time," The priestess' brazen sigh amused Bankotsu and made Yoh's, Manta's, and Bason's jaws drop.

"Stupid little girl!" The kyonshi with cheetah legs roared as he leaped into the air. "I'll teach you some manners."

"Well, she tried to warn them…" Bankotsu muttered while leaning against Banryuu and fishing for earwax with his pinky.

"Sesshomaru!" Kagome called as she unsheathed Tenseiga. The blade swirled with the demon's energy as she flicked her arm upward, "Duality Execution!"

Blue and red energy spiraled around each other as they barreled towards the airborne kyonshi. "Pure and demonic energy combined?!" His eyes widened from behind his talisman as the spirals crashed through him and the ceiling.

Yoh gave Kagome a fearful look after he turned away from sizing up the numerous holes that she left in the upper floors. "K-Kagome, I think you overdid it…!"

"Whoops." The priestess blushed and clapped her hands together, "Don't tell Ren it was me."

Meanwhile, the leader of the unit shivered at what remained of his comrade—absolutely nothing. "What's with these children…? They're abnormally strong…" He muttered to the three others at his sides.

Bankotsu gave Yoh a light shove forward, "Hey, you! Don't get shown up! Now's your chance to look cool!"

The Asakura almost tripped but easily composed himself. "Normally I'd leave the cool guy act to Ren, but…" His brows creased as he smirked and held up Harusame. "You're right! I can't let you and Kagome do all the work!"

Manta deadpanned and mumbled, "Yoh-kun, are you motivated by the rescue or impressing Kagome-chan…?"

Yoh and Amidamaru's signature technique dispatched their foes and left more craters in the Tao lobby within seconds. He earned admonishment from Manta as the blond cried out, "You guys are way too reckless! This is still Ren's home!" But the brunette merely blushed and looked embarrassed when Bankotsu whistled and Kagome squealed and cheered for him.

"N-No…" Manta's eye twitched as the two ebony-haired teens praised Yoh for how cool he was. "Don't encourage vandalism…" His shoulders slumped when the three simply turned and called to him to keep up with them. "Have my friends been delinquents all along…?"

The merry mood instantly dropped when Bankotsu opened the door to the descending stairwell. A gust of tepid, musky air greeted them. Inside of the stairwell, the maintenance that breathed life into the main house drained like the color from a face on the brink of death. The air was eerily still, like a cobra lying in wait to strike.

Manta grimaced as he peered inside, "Y-Yikes! T-There really is a dungeon down there…!"

"Let's go. We've wasted enough time," Kagome directed as she took the lead. Her friends quickly tailed behind her, hands against the walls as the light of flickering wall sconces were sparse.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

"San-tan, how long till we reach the top floor?!" HoroHoro queried as he and Ryu defeated the last wave of kyonshi sent their way. The hall was half-covered in ice pikes and singe marks from their previous battle.

"Three more floors," Sango answered as she caught her flaming boomerang. "If you're tired, you can just wait for me here."

"Yeah, right!" HoroHoro punched the palm of his hand. "I'm itching to give these Taos a piece of my mind."

"Oh, are you now?" A familiar, feminine voice purred with amusement. Not a moment later, three familiar figures revealed themselves from around the corner at the end of the hallway.

"...you…" Sango glowered as her blood began to boil at the mere sight of them: Hiten, Manten, and Yura.

Yura took an extra step forward so that she headed the trio. She smirked when Ryu's and HoroHoro's eyes went straight to her chest. She prided herself in her figure and wore her plunging v-neck tops with no regrets.

"O-Oi, you can't be defeated by her that easily!" HoroHoro scolded Ryu as he fell to his back with a river of blood pouring from his nose.

"Oh my, oh me~" Yura giggled. "It seems this is the first time that man's seen a true beauty."

Sango didn't flinch at the jab but HoroHoro stepped forward, shaking his fist at Yura, "Hey, you! Don't get confused! Your body may be sexy but San-tan is the most gorgeous girl alive!"

"Enough of that dribble," Hiten cut in as he stepped forward to smirk at his cousin. "It's been quite a while, Sango." He looked from Ryu, who was righting himself, and HoroHoro, and back to her. "I hope you haven't been cheating on me."

Ryu felt his heart turn to stone and crumble as HoroHoro bristled and demanded, "What the hell is that supposed to mean?!"

"Hmph, she didn't tell you?" Sango tensed as Hiten casually strolled closer to her until he was able to hold her chin between his finger. "This little vixen belongs to me," his canine poked from his upper lip as his smirk darkened.

Sango growled and swatted at Hiten's cheek, only for her hand to be caught in his vice grip. Their arms trembled as they were caught in a deadlock. "I belong…" she hissed before thrusting her head into the bottom of Hiten's chin. "To NO ONE!" She roared as he reeled back.

"Brother, are you alright?!" Manten scrambled and flailed his arms.

Hiten snarled as he caressed the reddening skin, "I'll punish you dearly for damaging my face." He then flashed HoroHoro and Ryu a smug look, "The head of our clan, Tao Yúan, rewarded me for my contributions years ago. I was allowed to claim any girl I wanted as my future wife. And I chose…" his eyes flashed to Sango, who was silently fuming.

"Enough," Ryu commanded calmly as he positioned his sword offensively. "If Sango-chama says she's not interested then you best give up."

HoroHoro nodded as he revealed his glowing snowboard, "But remember to practice what you preach, Ryu."

"So you three really want to play with us," Yura smiled. "How cute~"

Manten smiled wide, "Uncle told us to do whatever it takes to stop them from reaching him. Shall we split them up between ourselves?"

"I like that idea," Yura agreed as she eyed Sango. "I've been wanting to catch up with you, dear cousin~"

Sango tensed as her body lowered, prepared to throw her Hiraikotsu at a moment's notice. "I don't have time to deal with you three right now. Stand aside."

"Really now~?" There was a challenging glint in Yura's eyes. "And here I thought you'd like to spend some time with your precious Kohaku after all this time."

"Kohaku?!" The brunette echoed desperately. "Don't screw with me! Where is he?!"

Yura impressed her spectators with a backflip that covered a great distance. "If you want to find out, you better keep up with me~" She giggled before disappearing around the corner.

"Wait!" Sango was quick to push past Hiten and Manten and tail Yura, leaving her friends with her cousins.

The brothers seemed more than confident as they sized up the intruders. Manten looked at his older brother, "Hiten, I'd like to play with cotton candy hair."

"Fine by me," the other Tao concurred. "The man has to be put in his place anyway."

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

"Lady Jun is right down this hallway!" Bason called as he zipped through the dungeon, leading Kagome's party down dimly lit passages. They were more than thankful for their guide as they soon discovered that the lowest level was more than a dungeon—it was a seemingly endless labyrinth.

It wasn't long before they stumbled upon the cell where Jun was strung up by her wrists. "Jun-neechan, are you alright?!" Kagome called as she gripped the cold, iron bars.

The Tao's eyelids fluttered before opening weakly, "K-Kagome-chan…" she noticed the other faces, "All of you…you came after all."

"Of course, we did!" The priestess responded before moving to the door and scowling down at the garbled knot of iron chains. "How do we get through these?"

"Just leave that to me," Bankotsu grinned and gestured to himself with his thumb. He peeked at his friends, "Stand back, will ya?" After they complied, a swift but precise swing of Banryuu cut through the chains and lock alike.

"Woah!" Yoh gaped at the display of strength. "Bankotsu, you're incredible!"

"Heh, it was nothing," He chuckled as Kagome filed into the cell. She reached into her hair and pulled out a bobby pin to begin picking at the shackles. "Eh?" Within seconds, Jun was free to fall to her knees. "Where did you learn to do that?" Bankotsu asked the priestess who was squatting to heal Jun's wounds.

"TV," Kagome answered before looking up at Bankotsu and Yoh, "You two hurry and help Ren while I patch her up."

Manta blinked and pointed at himself as the pair departed, "Eh? And what am I supposed to do?"

"Well, I'm the only one who can create protective barriers," Kagome told him without taking her eyes off of Jun's fading bruises. "So just stick with me while we're here."

"Right…" Manta nodded as he looked around the cell and thought, 'I hope they find Ren soon so we can get out of this hellhole.'

Manta's wish came to be realized as Yoh and Bankotsu found the torture chamber with Bason's guidance. The brawny teen effortlessly kicked the door down. Yoh winced at the resounding crash that roused a plume of dust and dead air.

They stepped inside and grimaced at the array of devices that were agonizing to gaze upon.

Ren's eyes opened and he stifled a chuckle from his swollen cheeks, "O-of course, that racket was you guys after all…"

"Ren, you look terrible," Yoh declared before smiling. "But we're here to bust you out!"

"You're sure taking your sweet time," The Tao quipped despite his bloodied, battered body.

"Don't worry, I gotcha ya," Bankotsu told him as he picked up a ring of keys that was hanging from an adjacent wall. "Which one of these opens your shackles?"

Ren scoffed at the question, "You think I know?"

"Dammit, guess we'll have to do this the old-fashioned way…"

After two minutes of trial and error, Ren's wrists were free. Yoh and Bankotsu were quick to steady Ren's weak body as he almost toppled from his torture device. Bankotsu lifted Ren from beneath his armpits and brought him to eye-level, "You good to stand?"

"Tch, I'll be fine," Ren averted his eye, his cheeks pinkening from the treatment.

Bankotsu didn't question his response and placed the Tao on his feet. Ren swayed as his legs tried to recall what standing was.

Meanwhile, Yoh was sickened as he examined the ghastly instrument that Ren was forced to straddle, "What is that thing anyway?"

"It's called the Spanish Donkey," The Tao informed gruffly. "But that's a picnic compared to the way we've always been raised."

Suddenly, their attentions were drawn by Kagome's sharp inhale. They turned towards the door and found Kagome, Jun, and Manta standing at the entrance. Kagome's eyes were wide as she took in the nauseating room of sadist devices and then, Ren's abused body. His was shirtless, bruised, broken, and bloodied.

"Tsk," Bankotsu shrugged and shook his head playfully, not noticing where Kagome's gaze lingered as he began to walk forward to claim a spot by her side. "What would this chibi do without u—?"

"Ren!" Kagome's wail pierced through Bankotsu's humor.

His eyes opened but he couldn't believe what they were seeing.

Before he could process what was happening, the priestess rushed past him.

Kagome's ears were deaf to Bankotsu's gasp.

Her eyes were blind to Bankotsu's disbelief.

Her shoes clacked as she side-stepped him.

It was as fleeting as a snowflake's lifespan.

But for an instant, time dragged to a standstill as Kagome passed him.

His mind processed the look on her face—those dewy eyes weren't for him.

No.

Those glittery sparkles were reserved—exclusive to someone exceptional.

"Ren!" Kagome's throat was a moist, bubbling cauldron as her arms spread out. They closed around Ren's form as she squashed their bodies together. "R-Ren…!" She blubbered like a newborn puppy.

Similar to Bankotsu, Manta and Jun were stunned by the display.

Yoh merely watched as Ren's widened eyes finally lowered until they were soft and half-lidded. "Kagome…" The Tao whispered before a single arm rose to her back. He pressed her closer to him and allowed the girl to hiccup and whimper his name.

Unlike the thunderstruck Bankotsu, Yoh took in the scene with a smile and sigh.

Unlike the others, Yoh had known for quite some time.

And only the unphased Asakura noticed how Bankotsu's eyes mimicked Kagome's.

'I see…' Bankotsu's inner voice spoke as he stifled a sour chuckle. 'So this outcome really was inevitable…'

Hundreds of images of Kagome's face flashed in his mind.

'You never gave me an answer, you know…' Warm, wet beads dripped on Bankotsu' trembling hand as he raised Banryuu.

He positioned the blade near the nape of his own neck. 'But you don't need to. I get it.'

It was an easy maneuver.

'I can't say that I'm happy for you, not yet, but...'

A downpour of loose strands fluttered to the floor

as Bankotsu's braid dropped with a muted thud.

'I'll say goodbye to my first love.'

Authoress' Notes: Thank you, Jane, for cheering me on and bringing the issue to my attention! I neglected AO3 since I'm used to this site and was ignorant of the trouble this site gives readers. Moving forward, anyone who has issues with this site can find the latest updates to this story on AO3 as well. I also want to thank you and Yu-chan for supporting me. Please don't worry or think that I'll discontinue the story because of a lack of feedback. I'm determined to finish, but my inspiration for pressing on is feedback.

Moving along, we have another Ren x Kag song for this chapter. For the final scene beginning with Kagome arriving at the torture room up to the end where Bankotsu's heart breaks, go ahead and listen to "The love that I give you" from the soundtrack! Dang, did I really just assign a Rex x Kag song to a stab at Ban x Kag? Yes. Yes, I did.

Finally, Kenzoku (in a nutshell) is a deep camaraderie between friends that is as deep as family, if not deeper. It's like the truest of true friendships.

P.S: Don't research the Spanish Donkey.