InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Gotta Find You ❯ Enticing Scents and Perfect Voices ( Chapter 2 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Cho woke up at 5:30 the next morning. She smiled, looking at her friend Kagome. She smiled even bigger and called out, "OHAYO GOZAIMASU!!!!" right near Kagome's face. She then fell back giggling and holding plushie Youko.

Kagome's eyes shot open and she sat up, shrieking. "DON'T SCARE ME LIKE THAT!" Her heart was pounding, she clutched at Yashie involuntarily.

Cho giggled harder. "We have to get ready for breakfast, the guys are supposed to be eating with us!" She stood up, dancing happily.

Kagome grinned, hopping out of bed. "Well why didn't you just say that. Ohayo."

Cho smiled, getting dressed in a pair of silver-patterned blue jeans and a t-shirt that said, "Foxes Rule!" She'd made the shirt herself, and it was green with those words and a silver 4-tailed fox with red eyes underneath them. "This is gonna be so awesome, Kag-chan. I'm so glad you're mom's letting me stay while my parents are on that 3-month business trip."

Kagome grinned, tying her hair back into a ponytail, tugging on a red shirt with the character for dog written in hiragana on the lapel. "I'm glad I get to spend so much time with you, Cho!"

Cho grinned back. "Not only that, but we get to be here for the duration of the contest...we get to see Canine Glory every day! Talk about good life, ne?"

Kagome nodded. "I can't wait!" She giggled excitedly, turning to find a pair of flattering jeans in her bureau.

Cho brushed her hair out, tying up ther hair in a half-ponytail, smiling at her friend. "So...how do I look?"

Kagome turned to look back at Cho, pulling a pair of gray skinny jeans on. "Amazing!"

Cho giggled. "Thanks. You look beautiful Kags. Might be enough to get Mr. Brooding Hottie to get interested in you!" Of course, it'd taken them 20 minutes to get ready. Kagome's mom knocked on Kagome's bedroom door. "Kagome? Are you and Cho up?"

Kagome called back, "Hai, Okaa-san!" She opened the door and smiled at her mother.

Mrs. Higurashi smiled. "Good, you two are dressed already. Could you go down to the tour bus and get Inuyasha and Youko for breakfast? It'll be ready soon."

Kagome gave an excited shriek and hugged her friend. "Of course, Okaa-san!" She grabbed Cho's hand and fled the room, speeding down the halls.

Cho giggled, pulling on her shoes at the door and running out to the tour bus. When they got there, they opened the tour bus door easily. Cho whispered to Kagome, "You get Inu up, I'll wake Youko, okay?"

Kagome smiled at the thought of waking the gorgeous Inuyasha. "Sure!" She whispered and climbed onto the bus, looking around.

Cho quickly spotted them. It was clear who was who and she tiptoed over to Youko's side. His tail was hanging over the side of his bed. Without hesitation, she slowly reached out and ran her fingers through the fur. It was silky soft. Across the isle, Inuyasha whimpered in his sleep, his face twisting into a strange expression, almost as if trying to hold back tears while his ears drooped on the side of his head.

Kagome glided over to his side in an instant, running a hand through his hair, trying to soothe the sad inu hanyou.

Inu groaned, waking up. He caught the most wonderful scent and opened his eyes, blinking a few times. He saw the beautiful girl beside him and frowned. "Who're you, and why the fuck are you in the tour bus?" It was clear he was still groggy.

Kagome flinched back, yanking her hand away from his forehead and stuttering, turning bright red. "I-I'm Kagome Higurashi, from the Higurashi Shrine. It's morning, and my mother said to wake you up for breakfast..."

Inu sighed, sitting up. "Alright, thanks, Kagome. I take it the other girl is your friend? She's gonna have to find Youko's head if she hopes to wake him up. Petting his tail like that's only gonna make him have a wet dream." He whispered to her, smirking with one fang peeking out.

Kagome flushed and glanced over at Cho. "He is known for being a sexual fiend..." She whispered back, a smile curving her lips. "But I doubt she'd mind it..."

Inuyasha smirked. "Well, lead me to breakfast, they can catch up once she gets Youko up."

Kagome smiles brightly, holding out a hand to him. "Of course."

Inuyasha chuckled. "Best tell her we're headed off first, don't you think?" He took her hand in his, his claws gently resting on her skin as she helped him up.

Kagome nodded and called to her friend. "Cho, we're heading out! When he wakes up bring him on up to the dining room, we'll be there waiting!" She winked and held onto Inuyasha's hand for a moment too long.

Cho nodded, and Inuyasha chuckled, squeezing her hand gently, cursing under his breath when his claws pricked Kagome's skin. He quickly released her hand, looking away, his ears drooping again.

Kagome yelped, looking down at her hand then back at Inuyasha. "I'm bleeding..."

Inuyasha blushed. "Gomen nasai...I didn't mean to. I guess that's part of Canine Glory's secret out." He cursed himself, his brother and PR manager was gonna have his ass.

Kagome gaped at him. "You have...claws? Real ones...?" She stepped closer, taking his hand to examine it. "I thought it was an act? A stage thing?"

Inuyasha shook his head. "No, it's not just a stage thing. They're real. The whole Inu hanyou thing isn't just publicity...it's real, too. The clothing, though it may look custom made...I've had it for a long time. We're older than our fans, yes...but not by just a few years. How old do I look to you, Kagome?" He asked as he sat down on the bench near the Sacred Tree.

Kagome sat next to him and studied him, eyes wide from the shock. "You look maybe...in your early 20's?"

He chuckled. "You're off by a few centuries. Last winter I had my 700th birthday."

Kagome gasped, shocked. "But you look so young!"

Inu smirked. "Demon blood. Does wonders. Youko's an actual Silver kitsune youkai."

Kagome blinked, her eyes round. "You mean Canine Glory...is a band made up of real demons...?"

Inuyasha nodded. "Hai...does that freak you out? We could move to a different shrine if it does."

Kagome smiled, hugging him tightly. "It doesn't bother me at all, Inuyasha! Actually, I'm really happy!"

Inuyasha's eyes widened. "You...you are? Let me see the hand I accidentally scratched, then...I can help you. Demon saliva has healing powers." He pulled back from the hug to look into her deep, beautiful eyes. 'Her scent...Almond, Sakura blossom, and freesia...it turns me on and soothes my soul at the same time. How is that possible?'

Kagome looked back into the deep pools of amber and held out her hand. "R-Really?" 'He's so intense...and handsome...Oh how I wish I could kiss him right now...'

He took it gently, being careful of his claws, and licked the wounds he'd caused, his saliva healing them without a scab or scar. He was done too soon for his liking. "There, Kagome. All better. Please...don't tell anyone the secret that Canine Glory holds. If anyone were to find out...our PR manager, who happens to be my older brother, would have Youko and my asses. Promise, Kagome?"

Kagome smiled, blushing bright red. She had enjoyed his tongue on her skin much more than she'd ever willingly admit. "O-of course I'll protect your secret, Inuyasha..."

Inuyasha smiled. "Lead the way to breakfast, then. Your mom has been warned about my appetite, right?"

Kagome giggled "Yes, I've told her a million times she would have to have enough to feed a small army."

Inuyasha grinned. "Thanks. Let's go, then." Back in the tour bus, Cho couldn't help but keep stroking Youko's tail. It was so soft and silky. She just hoped her secret didn't reveal itself. She'd never even told Kagome what the feel of fur sometimes did to her.

Youko twitched in his sleep, groaning softly. In a mumble, he sighed, "Maika, you dirty girl...mmm you know what I like..."

Cho was confused, but remembered his rep. She tiptoed up to where she heard his voice come from and pulled the covers from over his head. Her lips brushing his fox ear, she sighed and spoke at a normal volume. "Hey...who's Maika, sexy?"

Youko started awake and looked up into Cho's eyes, surprised to see a girl standing over him...Inuyasha had make him leave the concert empty handed, so why...? Then it clicked. Oh, the girls from the Shrine. He sighed, stretching. "Good morning, pet." He yawned, opening one eye to glance at her. She was stunning, her hair fell down to her back, even in a ponytail, her bright eyes gleamed at him. Her scent was intoxicating...Gods, what was happening to him so early in the morning?

Cho smiled. "Good morning, Youko-san. I'm Cho Maora. I'm probably your biggest fan." A vibrant blush lit up her cheeks. "Are you aware of how soft and silky your tail is?" She looked into his face, it was more gorgeous than he looked on the album covers or on TV...cameras didn't do him justice. "Kagome's mother sent me to get you up for breakfast, it'll be ready soon."

Youko nodded and smiled seductively. If she smelled so good now, in bed she'd be ten times better... "Thank you, Cho. We should get going."

Cho blushed and nodded, standing upright and offering him her hand to help him to his feet. She knew he probably didn't need it, but it was the polite thing to do...and she was a very polite young woman. Her hazel eyes sparkled in joy at finally getting to meet him...the man of her dreams. Her face looked confused. 'Did I see...fangs when he smiled at me?'

Youko noticed her confusion and blinked at her. "You ok?" He asked as he dressed quickly.

"Yeah, just wondering, but...did I see fangs when you smiled at me a moment ago?" She's always thought youkai were cool. Her favorite youkai race? Kitsune. That's why she'd made the shirt she was currently wearing.

Youko's eyes widened. 'Oh no...' "Y-yeah...oh crap, I'll just have to tell you...I'm a youkai. Kitsune youkai, to be precise."

Cho's eyes lit up. "That's so cool...I made this shirt for a reason, you know. I've always found youkai, and kitsune youkai in particular, amazingly cool."

Youko gasped. He never thought anyone would accept it... "Really? You think it's...cool?"

Cho nodded. "Yeah, I do. I always have...I was thought weird for a long time in school and at home for it. I have so many different kitsune plushies at home, all with several tails. I made them all myself...I actually brought my favorite with me. I'll be here at Kagome's for 3 months...my parents are away on a business trip." She blushed, looking up at him. "So, have any of the fans you've had before...known?"

Youko smiled. "None of them. So you have to keep it a secret, ok? Inuyasha and I don't want the world knowing we're not entirely human."

Cho smiled brightly. "I promise, Youko-san...I won't tell anyone." She smiled. "To be honest, I feel honored to know your secret. I would never betray anyone's trust once they've given it to me."

Youko smiled gently and took her hand, kissing it. "Thank you, Cho..." Her scent caught him once more, the lavender, coconut, and ocean breeze...so tantalizing... 'She would look and smell so good under me...' a grin spread across his face. "I am in your service, milady."

Cho blushed. "I'd be glad to help in any way I can, Youko-san. Let's go to breakfast, shall we?" Blushing brighter, she led the way out of the bus and toward the house. She knew from the stories told about him that not long after that kind of grin, he would wrap his tail around the girl and guide her to his bed. As amazing as that sounded, she knew Mrs. Higurashi would blow a gasket if they were late...and if he wrapped his tail around her, she knew he'd discover her secret concerning fur.

Youko took her hand and let her lead them up into the shrine.

Cho smiled, walking beside him. 'This is a dream come true...' Before long, they met up with Kagome and Inuyasha outside the house. Inu grinned. "Kagome, why don't you and Cho go on ahead, I need to talk to Youko a bit before breakfast."

Kagome nodded and stood up. "Sure, just come quickly, ok guys? Food's gonna get cold!" She gave Cho an urgent look. "Let's go."

Cho nodded, smiling quickly at Youko before carefully removing her hand from Youko's. Inuyasha grinned. "Seems you've got a thing with Kagome's friend. What's her name?" Inuyasha's eyes sparkled in excitement. He already wanted to share about his feelings toward Kagome, and he knew Youko was more likely to listen if he showed interest in his friend's girls.

Youko grinned. "That was Cho Maora. My new toy. Tonight's toy, to be exact. Do you think she'd be up for a threesome? I could ask one of the girls from the auditions today..." He trailed off, glancing over at Inuyasha. Why hadn't he stopped him yet?

Inuyasha chuckled. "I don't know...she seems like a one-on-one kinda girl. Anyways, does her scent do...strange things to you? Like...turn you on and soothe your soul at the same time?" He blushed a bit as he looked in through the door, his eyes fixed on Kagome.

Youko sighed and shrugged. "Kind of like that. Why?" A smirk formed on his lips. "You think you're in love with Kagome-chan?"

He blushed. "Maybe. Could be that I'm overdue to finally get laid, though. I dunno. Fluffy's coming by at the end of the week, we could ask him about this then. If anyone'd know, it'd be him. Kagome...she smells like almond, sakura blossom and freesia." He had a far-away look in his eyes, almost as if remembering something. In fact, he was remembering how much he'd liked how her blood and skin tasted when he'd healed the wounds he'd caused.

Youko chuckled and clapped Inuyasha on the shoulder. "You're growing up, man. Either that or head-over-heels." He looked away, staring at nothing, trying to keep from remembering Cho's delicately beautiful scent. It might have ramifications he was completely unprepared for. And didn't want.

"K'eh! You're a lot older than me...by what, 2300 years?" Inuyasha blushed. "Kagome is hot, though. I...had to tell her what we are. I nicked her with my claws."

Youko nodded, relieved. "I told Cho about us too... She noticed a few things were wrong."

"How'd she take it? Kagome said it made her happy...then she hugged me." Inuyasha blushed, working to keep his mind in appropriate places. It wouldn't be any good to walk into the kitchen for breakfast with a boner.

"She was excited. She actually liked the fact that I'm a kitsune youkai." Youko marvelled.

"Huh...I guess that shirt has a deeper meaning than I thought. When Kagome led me out, Cho was petting your tail." Inuyasha shrugged. "What if we found a miracle? They may be able to sing really well."

Youko snorted, grateful for the chance to be pessimistic. "Highly unlikely, Inuyasha."

"Too bad...It's unlikely we'll find other girls as accepting of what we really are. Let's go in and eat, seems the girls saved us seats next to them." With this Inuyasha went in and smiled at Kagome as he sat down next to her.

Youko frowned, muttering to himself, following Inuyasha into the kitchen.

Cho noticed Youko's frown as he sat down. She whispered to him as Kagome's mom brought out the first plates of food, "Is everything okay, Youko-san?" Her voice sounded worried, and the worry even spread into her scent.

Youko blushed and coughed. "No nothing's wrong, Cho. Why? Does anything seem wrong to you?" He grinned, a fang peeking over his lip.

"You were muttering a bit, and your ears drooped a little. Your tail was also less active, and from what I've read of kitsune lore, that usually only happens whe something's bothering them," she whispered to him. She'd meant it when she had said she'd like to help him in any way possible, she'd had the hugest crush on him for ages. She blushed at what he'd think if he stepped into Kagome's room; she'd had a very indecent dream of him last night, and she knew he'd smell that if he went anywhere within 3 feet of the bedroom door.

Youko nodded, "Well Inuyasha and I are just having a minor disagreement. I'm fine, Cho. Don't worry about me." He smiled.

Cho smiled, putting her hand on his thigh in what she thought was a comforting way. "Okay. If anything bothers you too much, don't be afraid to talk to me, alright?" The worry left her scent, to be replaced by hunger as Mrs. Higurashi served the meal. She removed her hand from his thigh as she said thanks for the meal in the traditional Japanese fashion before beginning to eat.

Youko fidgeted, trying to hide the growing bulge in his pants. 'She wants me this early in the morning? Heh, guess it's just that easy when you're this famous...' "I would tell you anything. Cho."

Cho smiled softly at him, her eyes glowing in happiness. 'Gods, I hope he goes outside instead of wanting a tour of the house after breakfast...if he smells around Kagome's bedroom...I'm probably doomed.' She blushed before turning away, embarrassment evident in her scent as she cursed her own sub-concious imaginiation for that dream.

Youko's ear perked up as he caught her scent and looked over at her, curious as to what was causing her rapid mood changes.

Cho noticed his curiosity and shook her head, "Later." She whispered so only he would hear her.

He nodded and turned to chat with Kagome. "So, you're a priestess, eh, Kagome-chan?"

Kagome nodded. "Hai, though I don't have much training. I know I should be fully trained by now...but blame my grandpa, he's powerless." Gramps sputtered indignantly. Inuyasha smirked. "So...you need help with your training, Kagome? I think Youko and I know a person or two who could help you."

Kagome nodded and blushed, looking over at Inuyasha then back down at the ground demurely. "If it wouldn't be too much trouble..."

Inuyasha smiled. "Of course not, I know Kaede would be happy to help you out, she's a priestess, too. Youko, what do you think, would Genkai-san help her as well?"

Youko nodded. "Definitely. She's always helped me."

Inuyasha smiled. "See? We'll give them each a call tonight and talk to them. One or the other will be here in the morning to help." He chuckled. "Now, do you two have any kind of talents besides powers?"

Kagome blushed and shook her head modestly. "Not particularly."

"You must have some skills, Kagome. Instruments, singing, dancing...anything?" Inuyasha was curious to know more about her.

"Well, I do play the flute but not much else..." She caught Youko's suggestive look and scowled at him. "Not funny, Youko."

"Besides the flute and the recorder are very different instruments. I play keyboard, and I like to sing...not sure of how good I am, though." Cho blushed as she finished her breakfast and excused herself. Where did she go? The Sacred Tree, she and Kagome often went there to think, sometimes going there together to talk about how unfair life could be sometimes.

Youko excused himself not long after Cho and snuck outside, following her scent.

Cho was hiding her face in her hands, muttering to herself, "Baka, baka, baka, baka! Why'd you have to say that?"

Youko blinked, standing behind her. "Say what, Cho?"

She jumped at hearing his voice. "About my singing. I like singing, but I've gotten mixed reviews. Some people say I sing beautifully...but others say I should give up singing all together." She knew who it was, though she didn't have actual powers, she could feel auras, and memorized each person's aura within a few minutes in their company. The only reason she'd jumped was because she hadn't expected him to follow her.

Youko beamed. "Would you sing for me?"

Cho blushed and shook her head, her shyness coming out. "I don't usually sing in front of people. It makes me nervous...that's why I decided not to audition, as much as the thought of joining Canine Glory appeals to me...simply because of being around you most of the year..." She hung her head, more nervous than ever.

Youko grinned. 'A regular girl to fuck? Sounds good to me.' "I'm sure you're good, why not try it?" He purred.

Cho stood up, shaking her head. "No, I don't have time to now, anyways. I need to help Kagome out with the shrine chores, that's the only way Kagome's mom and grandpa would let me stay. I'll see you at lunch...okay, Youko?" She looked up at him shyly.

Youko smiled and nodded. "Of course, take care of yourself."

Cho smiled a beaming smile, bouncing in a jump that got her just high enough to give him a quick peck on the cheek before rushing off to see what needed to be done that day. When she arrived, she smiled, seeing Kagome was already there, and her granfather was walking off with his broom. "So, what's on our agenda Kag-chan?"

Kagome giggled. "This!" She held out a broom.

Cho laughed and took it. "The whole shrine, or do we have assigned areas?"

Kagome sighed, elaborating. "Mainly where the competition will be held." She gestured to the Goshinboku.

Cho nodded and headed back there with Kagome, starting to sweep it spotless. She smiled and hummed under her breath.

Kagome moved across the cobblestones, humming in unison.

Inuyasha was chilling out by the wellhouse, and he looked up to see Youko approaching. "So, what was wrong with Cho?"

Youko sat next to him with a sigh. "She was embarassed about saying she can sing...but she didn't want to sing for me."

"Maybe she's nervous...I mean, she's supposed to be your biggest fan, right? She might be afraid of what you'd think." Little did he know he'd hit the nail right on the head. Cho had just shared that fact with Kagome as they came close to finishing the sweeping.

Youko shrugged. "Maybe."

Cho sighed. "Done, and just in time...should we go let them know it's time for them to come over and prepare for the auditions?"

Kagome sighed "Yeah..." She looked over at them, wondering what they were talking about.

Cho smiled, taking her friend's hand. "Let's go, then. Maybe your Gramps would like it if we did extra work...didn't he say last night he wanted the wellhouse dusted and cleaned...and the well polished?" With that, she jogged with Kagome towards the guys. "Youko?" She called out, to get them to notice her and Kagome. Inuyasha heard them approaching and nudged Youko, before smiling at Kagome. "Something up, Kagome-chan?" Inuyasha asked, his golden eyes, while still brooding, seemed to soften slightly.

Kagome blushed and looked into his eyes boldly, smiling gently. "We just wanted to clean the wellhouse. Want to help?"

Inuyasha grinned. "It's opening time for the shrine, isn't it? I think Youko and I need to head to the Goshinboku...Maybe later, right, Youko?" He grinned at his bandmate, who he couldn't help but notice had his eyes glued to Cho's chest. Cho noticed, and though she blushed, she also managed an impressive growl. "My eyes are up here, Youko." As much as she appreciated he found her attractive, she didn't like being treated like just another fling, and refused to be just a toy. She wasn't above asking her friend to seal Youko to the Goshinboku if it was neccisary.

Youko looked up into her eyes and pouted "I'm sorry, Cho..." He crooned. "I couldn't help but to admire you..."

Cho scoffed. "Unlikely. I heard what you were saying about me being your new 'toy' this morning. I like you, Youko...but I refuse to be used. If you want me, you're gonna have to work for the prize. So I suggest you get your ass to the Goshinboku and sit through the auditions like you're supposed to be doing." With this she turned and stormed off towards the supply storage to get the other cleaning supplies she and Kagome would need to clean the wellhouse. Inuyasha laughed. "Seems she's got some fire in her, man."

Kagome gaped, eyes wide. "She never speaks like that about you, Youko-kun..." Youko looked equally as stunned and white as a sheet.

Cho walked back, carrying all the supplies, enough that it would definitely get the wellhouse spotless inside. It seemed she was struggling with them, but she got them to the door of the wellhouse without complaint. She then tried to open it with her elbow. Her eyes and posture showed that his comment about her being his toy for the night hurt her, and left no room for any belief that she was lying about hearing him say that. In fact, there was the distinct scent of salt water about her, a sign to any demon that she was close to tears, if she wasn't crying already. Inuyasha smirked, he knew that this girl had meant what she'd said, that Youko would have to work for her. Even Inuyasha knew that this girl wasn't the type for a one-time fling.

Youko looked down, ashamed, and whispered, "Gomen nasai..."

"I'll think about it. Kagome-chan, we need to get started if we want to finish the wellhouse before lunch. We should have the rest of the day free after that." Her voice hitched and broke in places, as if she was fighting not to cry. Kagome would know she'd been holding back her feelings, and it took a lot to get Cho to the point of nearly breaking down. She rarely, if ever, cried. Inuyasha stood up. "Let's go, Youko. You can work on getting on her good side later." With this he headed off to the Goshinboku to await the swarms of fans auditioning to be in the group.

Youko stood and followed him, looking back at Cho with a mixture of sadness and bewilderment.

"Yen for your thoughts, Youko?" Inuyasha asked as they took the seats that Grandpa Higurashi had finished setting up for them right near the fence around the Goshinboku.

Youko grinned. "How much?" He sat down, surveying the scene. The stage had been set up. It was a small wooden structure, complete with a microphone.

"Don't be an ass. I can smell your emotions, you aren't that skilled at masking scents. You can tell me now, or before lunch, but I will get it out of you, ya gotta know that." Inuyasha rolled his eyes at his friend's subbornness.

"I'm just...a little angry at myself...I shouldn't have let her hear that..." He sighed.

"Admit it, man...you feel more than just lust for her, don't ya?" Inuyasha held back his snicker, knowing it'd only piss the kitsune off. He'd felt that rose whip before, and he had no desire to feel it again. As it was, last time he had to dish out a huge wad of cash to get his silk kosode replaced.

Youko glared at the ground and whispered "Maybe I do..."

"Just like it's high time I get laid, it's also high time for you to decide on getting serious in a relationship. Why don't you try courting her? Just to see what it's like, you know?"

Youko snorted and looked back at Inuyasha. "I'll think about it, alright?"

Inuyasha nodded. "Fair enough." Then he looked at the waiting crowd. "First up?" Thus began the audition process.

Kagome wiped the sweat forming on her forehead and sighed. "This is hard work, Cho..." She looked over at her brooding friend, wary of the intense aura coming off of her in waves.

Cho sighed. "Yeah, but it takes my mind off of that shit that Youko pulled. I'm sorry...I like him a lot, I fell in love with him when I first saw his face on the cover of their first album, as you know, Kaggie. But...I refuse to let him use me for a one-night stand. I just...can't give up my virginity like that. It has to be special, you know?" Tears were rolling down her face when she turned to Kagome, as she was unable to hold them back anymore.

Kagome hugged her, her frown deepening. "Forget about him, Cho...He only hurts you..."

"I can't forget him...I've tried, you know I have. I just...I'm too in love. I just wish he felt the same, you know?" With this said, she moved on to polishing the well, as she knew that would be the hardest part of the job, as well as the most time consuming. "I love him, Kags. I know you'd react the same if someone told you to forget Inuyasha..."

"You're right but....still, I hate seeing you hurt." Kagome knelt beside her and started cleaning the well.

Cho nodded. "Youko wanted to hear me sing...he seemed to really want to, though I don't know why. I wanted to sing for him, too. But, like I told you before...I'm too afraid he'll think I suck." She sighed, working beside her best friend. "Do you think I'm too shy for my own good, Kags?" By a bit before lunchtime, they were done. Cho sat down near the side of the well facing away from the wellhouse doors. "That was a workout."

Kagome stretched. "You got that right, Cho." She sat down next to Cho with a sigh.

"Nobody's around...wanna sing Fukai Mori?" Cho smiled, happy to sing when nobody was around to watch her. She and Kagome often sang together when they were away from other people.

Kagome smiled brightly. "Sure! You start."

Cho smiled and started to sing, "Fukai fukai mori no oku ni ima mo kitto
Okizari ni shita kokoro kakushite'ru yo
Sagasu hodo no chikara mo naku tsukarehateta
Hitobito wa eien no yami ni kieru
Chisai mama nara kitto ima demo mieta ka na
Boku-tachi wa ikiru hodo ni
Nakushite'ku sukoshi zutsu
Itsuwari ya uso wo matoi
Tachisukumu koe mo naku..." She closed her eyes, getting lost in the words she was singing.

Kagome joined, the duet flowed perfectly. The song's volume was higher than the girls thought, because it carried out toward the boys.

Inuyasha's ears twitched at hearing the most beautiful female voices all morning. "Do you hear that, Youko? Who could be singing to make such a beautiful sound?"

Youko closed his eyes and smiled. "Someone with much more talent than any of the women we've seen today."

"A couple someones, by the sound of it. Should we try to find them? That's the best talent we're likely to find, you and I are much better judges than humans. Even some demon women tried out this morning...but they don't even compare to this perfection in vocals." Inuyasha even shocked himself with his wording.

"But what if we don't find them?" Youko was terrified of not reaching the source of such amazing music.

"We'll change a bit of the competition. We'll be blindfolded, and all women in the city will be required to sing in pairs. We'll keep it going as long as we need to...that's just the sound we need. It sounds like it's coming from around the wellhouse, Youko. Let's go." Inuyasha stood up, walking towards the wellhouse. He was obsessed with finding the people making that heavenly music.

Youko followed him, unconsciously salivating. The one thing he loved more than women was music.

As they arrived, the song ended. Inuyasha opened the wellhouse, hoping to see the people who made the most beautiful a capella music he'd ever heard. To his disappointment, the wellhouse seemed empty, and all that could be smelled was the scent of cleaning chemicals. His ears drooped in a show of disappointment.

Youko gasped. "Weren't Kagome and Cho in here?"

"Yeah, but I smell their scents leading away from here. The trail back is too old for them to still be here. Besides, no cleaning supplies are left here. We'll have to alter the competition. If it was them, they'll have no choice but to compete now. We'll find out."

"Okay...so what now?" He looked up at Inuyasha

"We go to lunch and call Fluffy, have him bring a media crew when he comes on Friday. We'll make the announcement then. We'll go out to lunch, you need to give Cho some time to cool off. We can tell them about the alteration in the contest at dinner." Inuyasha sighed and walked off to get his baseball hat.

Youko sighed and chased after him. "But what about Kagome? Do you want to leave her behind?"

"She'll probably help Cho cool off faster. You'll have to apologize to the girl when we get back. Let's go, I'm starvin'." Putting on his baseball hat and changing his clothes, he grabbed his wallet. "We'll see them later, thankfully we only have to sit through auditions in the morning."

Once she was sure Inuyasha and Youko were out of earshot, Cho sighed. "Gods, they heard us...what now, Kags?"

Kagome bit her lip, peering outside. "I guess we have to enter the competition..."

Cho nodded, trembling. "Yeah...I'm nervous, though. I hope I don't choke...that happened last time I tried to sing in front of a group, remember?" She trembled at the memory; she'd opened her mouth to sing, but nothing came out.

Kagome hugged her. "It'll be ok, Cho...besides, if we win...we'll get to be in Canine Glory..."

Cho smiled, nodding. "Yeah...If that happens...I might get a chance to get Youko to fall in love with me...like I have with him. Let's head in, I think I heard your mom say she was making oden for lunch." She grinned, knowing her bff when it came to oden.

Kagome squealed. "Oden!!"

Cho smiled, running with her best friend out of the wellhouse and into the kitchen for their favorite meal.