InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Not the Only One ❯ Party on... ( Chapter 23 )

 

I've had this chapter in my head for such a long time now! It's good to finally get it out there! I hope you like it as much as I enjoyed writing it!! Sorry it took so long to get out, but I had a lot of celebrating to do with results, last minute homework to do (3000 word advanced English essay!) plus getting ready for school, which I went back to today! Mou!

 

Know the lingo!:

Hai: yes

Iya: no

Eto: umm

Moishi moishi: hello (phone calls)

Un: Yeah/Okay (female)

`Kuso: shortened chikushou- shit/dammit

 

Chapter 23

 

 

 

Kagome excused herself, with intention of finding a bathroom before the plates were cleared away. Yukina followed her, shyly complimenting the miko on her dress.

As soon as the two girls were out of earshot, Yusuke leaned towards Kurama with wide eyes.

“Woah. I mean, woah! I have NEVER felt energy like hers before!”

“It's true!” Kuwabara exclaimed, “I've never felt anything more pure in my life! Even my darling Yukina can't compare!”

Hiei made a shuffling movement, and Kurama coughed to hide his smile.

“Hai, she is very powerful. And I'm grateful to all of you for not making a big deal about it,” The avatar glanced around the table, seeing all his friends eyes fixed on his face intently, “I think she was concerned that, being a miko, she would stick out, but you've all made her very welcome…”

“She seems a force to be reckoned with...” Genkai commented, but Yusuke interrupted her.

“No sweat, fox-boy,” the detective grinned, giving the kitsune the thumbs up, “Any friend of yours is a friend of ours, right?”

“Of course,” Keiko smiled gently, “Especially someone as nice as Kagome-chan,”

“Arigato,” Kurama beamed, “All of you…it means a lot,”

At that moment, Koenma's pager went off. He looked at it, feigned surprise by slapping his cheek, and then stood up. “I too, must be excused for a moment,” the toddler-turned-teenager announced, “Botan, could you come with me for a moment?”

The table began to chatter on once the pair had left, all but for a red headed male, who wore a slight frown.

I know he's dramatic at the best of times, but…

That was very put on…

 

“Koenma-sama?”

“Hmm?”

The blue haired Botan fisted her hands on her hips as she demanded, “Why are we out here, when the party is in there? I wanted to finish my raspberry cheesecake!”

“All in due time, Botan,” the demi-god replied, his gaze fixed on the piece of machinery in his hand. It was similar to the radar used to detect youkai, but it was trained to pick up only four very specific souls, locked in combat in a small purple jewel.

“She has it with her,”

“She does!?” Botan frantically peered over the radar, “How big is it?”

“Not big enough,” Koenma sighed, snapping the compact like radar shut.

Botan bit her lip, staring at the empty reception. There was a vase on the polished wooden desk, and the flowers were wilting. As she watched, a pink petal dropped onto the floor.

“Is there anything we can do?” Botan asked, with traces of desperation in her voice.

“As I said before…don't get too close,”

“But…but…Kurama!” Botan stammered, her baby pink eyes glittering with tears.

“Did you not talk to him, that time?” Koenma asked, sliding his hands in his pockets. He was clearly trying to be matter of fact about the whole thing, but he was slipping.

“Of course I did!” Botan burst out, wringing her hands, “But I don't think he took me seriously! And you know Kurama, he loves mystery! I couldn't give anything away! And at the time, we didn't know as much as we do now…”

Well, it was nice seeing you, Kurama. We'll need to do this again soon!”

“Of course,” Kurama got up from the window seat, and Botan gave him a hug.

“Be careful,” she whispered, “That girl has a lot ahead of her. I don't think you should get involved,”

Koenma sighed again, ruffling his hair. “He can't know. Her entire fate hangs in the balance. Each shard will buy her more time, but…”

“Can't you see how close they are already?” Botan cut across him angrily, “He hangs on her every word! His eyes follow her every movement! It would kill him…”

“Botan…” Koenma shook the girl's shoulders, “You mustn't think these negative thoughts! Things may work out for the better!”

The ferry girl hiccupped miserably, then she whispered, “If he ever finds out you knew all this…you'll be one dead demi-god…”

 

 

“Shouldn't you wait for Koenma and Botan?” Keiko asked, as her fiancé pushed his chair back, jumping to his feet.

“We've waited long enough! Besides, if those two are away kissing in the bushes, they won't be coming back anytime soon…”

“Yusuke!”

Grinning, the spirit detective pulled his glass towards him, tapping the side with his unused soup spoon. His entire table, included the recently returned Kagome and Yukina, turned to look at him, but they many youkai and other humans continued their talking. Yusuke impatiently hit the glass harder- a few other tables quietened, but most of the youkai filled ones continued on.

“Oi!!!”

The noise level finally dropped, and one (youkai filled) table started drumming their table with their fists.

“Ooh, you gonna make a speech Urameshi?”

Yusuke glanced over, catching eyes with a blue eyed, red haired demon.

“Not today,” he laughed, “I think I'll save that for the wedding, yeah?” Turning his head so he could see everyone in the room, he continued, “Well, if you've all finished eating, you can move your asses into the next room, cos I've been led to believe there's going to be some dancing going on,”

Yusuke turned his head back to Jin, giving a cocky wink, “Those of us who can't dance can just sit and clap, right, Jin?”

“Who're you say can't dance, Urameshi?” retorted the wind user playfully, “I bet I could show you a thing or two, so I could!”

“Right,” Yusuke clapped, “Well, in that case, let's all move on in!”

There was a loud din of scraping chair legs, and Kagome asked Kurama, “Who was that youkai who spoke out?”

“Oh, you mean Jin,” Kurama smiled, “He's quite the character. He's a wind user, a very powerful fighter. I trained him at one point, actually,”

“You did?”

“Hai, the same time I trained Chu, and four other fighters, who I believe are here also,”

“Wow,” Kagome murmured, as they followed the crowds into the now opened adjourning room, “What for?”

“Oh,” Kurama waved his hand lightly, “Just to prove something to someone,” he gave a grin, “Which I did, very well,”

Yusuke pulled them over as soon as they stepped into the next room, where he had secured the group two booths, containing comfier chairs with cushioned backs. The room was completely dark, apart from the shining silver disco ball and the coloured strobe lights.

“Heh, Jin wasn't joking!” Yusuke commented as Kurama and Kagome sat down. It was a bit of a squeeze, but Kagome found she didn't mind being squashed against Kurama. It was cosy, and she liked being so close to him.

The avatar was chuckling at the red head on the dance floor who was indeed strutting his stuff. He had pulled Chu up (with little effort) and also another youkai, dressed entirely in winter blue, with a few turquoise strands of hair peeking out of a blue turban. He looked a bit like the female version of Yukina, Kagome thought, except his eyes. They were the coldest eyes Kagome had ever seen- the kind of blue topaz you see on Huskies. This youkai was trying to get back to his seat, but Jin kept a tight grip on him.

“Who's that?” Kagome asked Kurama, feeling a bit dim asking all these questions. Kurama, who was watching the returning Botan and Koenma with a keen eye, turned to her with a gentle smile and explained, “That's Toya. He's an ice apparition. He's also very strong, and like Jin, is a shinobi,”

So he is like Yukina, then…

Kagome was contemplating this when Keiko pulled Yusuke up to `mingle' with their guests, Kuwabara and Yukina following them soon after to dance. Botan sat nervously for a moment, before whooping, “Come on, Koenma-sama, let's show them how it's done!”

The baffled demi-god was therefore dragged onto the dance floor, leaving Shizuru, Hiei, Kagome and Kurama.

“Well, this seems like a good time for a fag break,” The brown haired girl muttered, getting to her feet. Kurama shot her a glare, but she waved it off with a grin, “Hey, I've cut down! I'm only on five a day now,”

“Hmph,” the avatar replied, but he was a little impressed. Shizuru used to be a chain smoker, though the kitsune believed her brother's many clashes with near death had something to do with that.

Kagome was happy just to watch the dancers, with Kurama at her side. She also felt glad Hiei was getting a little peace and quiet, sitting across from them with a bench to himself, as he drained another drink.

“Eto…Hiei? Isn't that your fifth glass?”

The little fire demon's alcohol consumption clearly hadn't escaped Kurama, and he leaned across the table to stop the hybrid finishing Yusuke's vodka and Coke.

“It's ningen drink,” Hiei replied simply, “It's not having any effect on me,”

Kurama studied the little demon anxiously, but he didn't seem to see any drunkenness there.

“It's not like makai alcohol though; it does take a while to take its toll…”

“Why don't you two go and dance,” interrupted Hiei, “And stop worrying about how big a hangover I'm going to have?”

Kurama blinked, before turning to Kagome. “Would you like to?”

“Sure,” Kagome replied, looking at the youkai opposite them, “If Hiei doesn't mind…”

“Go,” ordered the little youkai, waiting until the couple were on the floor before downing Kurama's drink as well.

 

 

In all honesty, Kagome couldn't remember having such fun. Maybe because she couldn't remember the last time she danced, but for the two hours after she and Kurama had left Hiei, the miko never sat down.

Currently she was dancing with Chu, who had lumbered over to her after three songs and asked if she would honour him with his presence.

“You can just say no, mind,” He added quickly with a wink, “No need to purify me,”

He was joking though, she could tell by the gleam of his eyes, and after Kurama urged her on, she was spinning around the room with the intoxicated Chu, trying to avoid his big feet.

Kurama had seen all the males looking at the miko- some with interest, others with disgust (only some youkai, that was) and he was glad Chu had stepped up first. Chu he could trust- others he could not.

The avatar wandered back to their table, taking out his wallet. He was thirsty after being in the heated hubbub of the dancing, and intended to get a round of drinks. But there was only Hiei, sitting by himself, surrounded by empty glasses.

“Hiei,” Kurama said with a warning tone, “I don't think you should drink anymore…”

The fire demon was slumped over the table; his usually alert ruby eyes a light rosy hue.

“Hn,” He managed, before chuckling weakly, “I think perhaps you were right about the strength of this stuff...” Hiei inspected a glass and then asked the amused kitsune with a frown, “Why the hell do they take so long to kick in? W-hat's the point in that?”

“Hiei,” Kurama said gently, “Why don't you go up to our room, lie down for a bit,” the avatar took out their key, and pushed it across the table, “Go on, I'll cover for you…”

Hiei blinked at the key for a moment, before snatching it up like Kurama would change his mind. “R-right. See you later, t-then…”

Hiei got up with a big effort, and Kurama steadied him on his feet. “Do you want me to…?”

“Iya, I'm fine…”

Kurama watched as his friend swayed slightly as he walked, shaking his head. Hiei was going to be in one hell of a mood in the morning.

“Hey,” Kurama felt a light touch on his arm, and turned to see a breathless Kagome.

“Is Hiei alright?” she asked, looking at the spot the hybrid had currently inhabited.

“He's fine…a tad drunk, that's all,”

Hah, you call that a tad?

“Oh,” Kagome laughed, “I see,”

Her hand still rested on his arm, and as if on queue, a slow dance pulsed serenely from the speakers. Many youkai called out and booed, others shuffling off, but Kagome and Kurama stayed still.

“Do you want to…” Kagome asked a little shyly.

“Dance?” finished Kurama, smiling, “Of course,”

There were many couples swaying slowly on the spot- Kagome picked out Yusuke and Keiko in the middle, with Yukina and Kuwabara and Botan and Koenma nearby. Several other partners, ningen and youkai alike, dotted around the floor.

Kurama led Kagome into the near middle, so they were surrounded by other couples. He hesitatingly rested one hand on her waist, while he left his other hand free. Kagome put one hand on his shoulder, and held his other hand at the side. She could feel his emerald eyes trapped on her face, and as Kagome lifted her head to look at him, the kindest smile she had ever seen graced his lips. He pulled her closer, closing the gap between them, by wrapping his arm around her waist.

And when the stars are shining brightly in the velvet sky

I'll make a wish, send it to heaven and make you want to cry…

The tears of joy for all the pleasure and the certainty

That we're surrounded by the comfort and protection of the highest powers

In lonely hours, the tears devour you…

Kagome and Kurama moved slowly on the spot- the miko wouldn't consider it dancing as such, but she was so perfectly happy just to stand close like this, and enjoy the music and the atmosphere with Kurama. As the beautiful voice sang on, the avatar rested his forehead against Kagome's, and breathed, “I've really enjoyed tonight…”

Kagome gave his hand a squeeze, and replied, “Me too,”

Kurama gave a little sigh of content, before moving his hand from Kagome's waist, until he trailed a path up her back and through her mass of curls.

The miko stilled at his touch, and they both leaned forward at the same time. It was like on the train, before they were interrupted- Kagome could faintly hear the music, but it was far away, filtering through their private bubble. “Kagome...” Kurama spoke her name onto her lips before kissing them passionately. Kagome gripped his shoulder, as if trying to anchor herself to earth, while Kurama intended to take them to heaven.

 

 

“What number are you?”

“I don't know....careful!”

It was three in the morning, and the party was finally coming to a close. Kagome was shattered, and Kurama had decided to carry her up to her room.

“I put the key in here...ah, got it!” Kagome clipped her bag shut again, holding the key aloft triumphantly, “252!”

“Just along here then,” Kurama calculated, shifting his precious load. He was carrying Kagome bridal style, because she hadn't wanted her dress to ride up at the back. She hadn't wanted the avatar carrying her full stop, but her heels were making her hobble and the kitsune was having none of it.

“You can put me down now,” Kagome giggled, as they arrived outside her door. The walls and the carpet were cream, but the doors were a strong mahogany. It reminded the miko her favourite kind of chocolates, the ones that came in the cream coloured tray.

“Open the door first,” Kurama laughed, still on a high from the party. He hadn't had much alcohol, but he discovered Kagome's presence was more intoxicating that he had originally believed.

“Hai, hai...” she fiddled with the lock obediently, and it clicked open, revealing the dark room inside. Kurama staggered in, shut the door with his foot, and plunged them into darkness.

“Kurama-kun!” Kagome squealed, “Where are the lights?”

“That's alright,” spoke a husky voice, “I know what you look like,”

“Kurama...” Kagome gasped, as the avatar carried her over to the large bed, laying her down gently. He slipped off her shoes like it was the most natural thing in the world, and touching her small toe, asked, “Do they still hurt?”

“Iya...” Kagome replied, her heart hammering. She could only see outlines and shapes of the objects in the unfamiliar room, but Kurama's figure was as clear to her as day.

“Good,” Kurama whispered, skirting his hand over her ankle and brushing up her leg.

“Kurama...” Kagome repeated, not sure why she was saying his name; perhaps because it was the only thing on her mind, perhaps because she couldn't form any other thought...

The avatar crawled over her, tracing her lips and cheeks with hungry fingers, never settling in one place.

Kurama looked down at the goddess that lay beneath him, and he ached. Oh kami, how he ached. The kitsune reckoned he wouldn't feel as empty even if someone scooped out his insides with an ice cream spoon. He touched Kagome lightly, because he didn't trust himself to touch any other way.

“I'd better go,” Kurama muttered, tracing the silver flowers pattered on Kagome's dress, the silky purple material as shimmering as the night outside. Her hair flowed around her face, trailing over her bare shoulders. Though the dark had painted them in a palette of blacks and violets, he knew her hair would be a beautiful contrast with her bare white shoulder.

“Go?” Kagome echoed, so shocked she sat up. Their faces touched, and she picked at a lock of his hair, but he was on his feet, apologising.

“I'll see you in the morning,” Kurama said, sounding like his mouth was full of cotton wool. “Goodnight, Kagome...” I'm sorry to go like this...but if I stay a moment longer, I won't be able to leave...

“Kurama...”

The third call of his name was like a spell, for the kitsune disappeared without a trace.

 

 

Kagome turned on the light with a snap, looking around the empty room and the wrinkle on the bed as if Kurama had just been a dream.

They might share the same body...Kagome thought, as she let her dress fall to the floor, but Kurama and Yoko couldn't be more different in some ways...

The miko wandered over to her night bag, finding her new nightie and matching undies and shedding her underwear in favour of the latter. She folded her dress carefully on a chair, and then entered the bathroom, setting her toiletry bag down on the marble counter with a dulled thump.

It's like he got scared....Kagome took off her makeup carefully with a cotton pad and some remover...Maybe he thought he would lose control again, like that time with Hojo?

The miko gave a little shiver. Somehow, the idea of Kurama `losing control' gave a little spark up her spine.

“Oh well,” Kagome said to her reflection as she squeezed some paste onto her toothbrush, “Guess I was right about this nightie after all, neh?”

 

 

Kurama hurried up the stairs, attempting to put as much space between himself and Kagome as physically possible.

What on earth are you doing? Do you thrive on passing up opportunities??

Yoko! This isn't a joking matter! I can't be with Kagome, in the dark, in a hotel room! I won't be so irresponsible!

What's a kiss or two going to do? Surely you can't be satisfied by touching her leg??

Of course I'm not! Kami, what I could have done, Yoko! And let's be honest, you wouldn't have stopped me...

Of course I wouldn't have! Honestly, when are you going to start making some memories of your own with Kagome?

Kurama yanked open his room door angrily, Just shu-

What the...

Kurama let the door swing shut behind him, the handle slipping from his hand. He trailed his finger down the wooden pane, shaking his head in disbelief at the glittery frost decorating the door. He turned around, wincing at the cold. The room was freezing- and that wasn't just an expression. The carpet crunched beneath Kurama's feet as he walked over to one of the single beds, were a small figure lay.

“Hiei?” Kurama's voice was a whisper, and his breath hung in the air like a shadow of the sound. Even in the dark, the avatar could pick out the ice slicking the walls, clinging to the wardrobe like a Narnia tale came true.

The small youkai lay on his side, one hand curled under his chin. He was breathing, because small puffs of air buffeted around his mouth and nose. Swallowing, Kurama leaned down and touched the hybrid's cheek. As he predicted, it was cold to the touch.

What is going on here?

I've never seen anything like it...but I'm guessing it's the alcohol consumption. His body must be trying to rid of it in a natural way...

It's not natural to be this cold...his blood will freeze at this rate...

Hiei had fallen asleep, or passed out, on top of his bed with only the thin sheet draped around him. Kurama stood still for a moment before pulling at the stiff duvet, crinkled with ice. He hauled it up to the little youkai's shoulders, and then slipped his hand under Hiei's body to feel the sheets beneath.

He's generating some body heat at least...they're a little warm...

Kurama shivered, looking around the room with wary eyes.

I'll never get to sleep here...

 

 

Kagome slipped into bed, the feel-good after party vibe fast fleeing.

Mou, would it have been too much to ask for him to kiss me goodnight?

The miko felt the cold sheets and the wideness of the empty, empty bed. Sighing dejectedly, Kagome rolled onto her back, closing her eyes though not feeling tired as such.

What a waste....to think I shaved, exfoliated and moisturised within an inch of my life just for Kurama to touch one leg for about a millisecond...

Kagome laughed to herself as she realised what she had just thought.

Not that I expected that to happen...but I at least thought we'd spend a little while alone...

The miko was wondering what Kurama was doing at this moment in time when she felt the pulse of three unfamiliar youki nearby, followed by shouts, heckling and the slamming of a door.

Kagome sat up cautiously, and if she had ears like Yoko they would have been twitching madly.

I never sensed these youkai at the party- kami knows there was enough of them, but these three are unfamiliar...I wonder what they're arguing about?

Kagome tried to ignore the noise, but curiosity overpowered her need for sleep, and so she stealthily leaned against the bed's headrest, pressing her ear against the wallpaper.

“Baka! You were supposed to slip something in a drink and deliver it to her personally! Of course it was stupid to just leave it on the table with the others! You must have got the wrong drink!”

“I told you! I watched the whole night; she was the only one drinking soda water and lime! Someone else must have drunk it!”

Kagome tensed immediately. Who are they talking about? Were they trying to spike someone's drink? It doesn't sound like they were just having a laugh...

“Well, it's too late now. We'll need to move onto plan B,”

“Right boss. Eto...what's plan B again?”

“Numbskull!” There was a sharp slap and a whimper, “That's decided, then. You go and distract Urameshi. Lead him as far away as you can. Even the three of us together couldn't kill him, but one of us will easily be able to overpower the girl...”

Kagome gasped, gripping the cold metal pole of the four poster bed. They're after Keiko! I need to tell Yusuke!

The miko pushed aside her covers, trying to locate the phone. Luckily, Keiko had told Kagome her room number as she left, in case she wanted anything. Pulling the handset towards her with shaking fingers, Kagome prayed that the youkai next door didn't recognise the miko energy she was projecting. She desperately tried to remember the lessons Kaede had taught her about masking energy, but she was so afraid for Keiko that Kagome's mind was completely blank.

Mou...what was her room number again? 110? 111? 100?

Kagome tried the first two, only to be shouted at by the wrong person. Praying for third time lucky with a pounding eardrum, Kagome dialled 100.

“Ah...m-moishi moishi?”

“Keiko!” Kagome whispered frantically, “It's me, Kagome!”

“Kagome-chan?” Keiko repeated, her voice thick with fatigue, “Are you alright? Has something happened?”

The miko swallowed. How do you tell someone there are youkai plotting to kill you?

“Iya...but it's going to! Keiko, you're in danger....tell Yusuke there's a group of youkai next door to me...they're plotting to harm you!”

“Nani?” Kagome could hear Yusuke in the background, and Keiko's frightened tones as she filled him in.

“Kagome?” Yusuke's voice came quick and sharp over the speaker. The miko held the receiver hard against her ear, as if his voice could leak through the wall.

“Hai. Yusuke, you need to move rooms. Or come down here and kick some ass, because there's a conspiracy going on...”

“'Kuso...” Yusuke cursed.

Kagome heard a large bang, and suddenly the bickering went quiet. Oh no, what now?

“Kagome? Are you still there?” Yusuke asked suddenly.

“Hai...but something's going on next door...hold on...”

Kagome put the receiver down on the carpet, and carefully padded over to the wall. Listening intently, she could hear whispering- or at least, youkai attempted whispering, which was really talking in loud overtones.

“Can you feel that? I thought it was all the disinfectant these ningen use, but now...”

“It's a miko, isn't it?”

“And that...isn't that the shikon no tama I feel?”

Kagome clapped her hands over her mouth, so as not to gasp. Tip toeing quickly over to the phone, she heard Keiko arguing with Yusuke as the spirit detective shouted the miko's name urgently.

“I'm here, I'm here!” Kagome spoke hoarsely into the mouthpiece, her nails digging into the skin of her palms, “Yusuke, they know I'm here...”

“Nani? Kagome, you have to get out of there!!”

Kagome crawled over to her handbag, fishing out the shikon-no-tama with one hand, clasping it to her chest. “Kagome? Listen, I'll phone Kurama...I'm taking Keiko up to Genkai's...stay put, don't move from there, we don't want you to attract attention- can you hold on until Kurama comes?”

“Un...” Kagome agreed. Innocent lives are at stake...I don't want them blowing the hotel to pieces...

“Alright...if they come near you, make a run for it, but otherwise, don't draw attention, okay?”

“Hai! Now go get Keiko out of there!”

 

 

“Shizuru...it's important...can you just put Yukina on the phone for one minute?”

“Look, Kurama...my big brother's in love with her, I can't have you sweet talking her down to your bed...”

The avatar ground his teeth. Clearly Shizuru was too drunk to remember Kurama was sharing a room. And even the kitsune wouldn't try it on with Yukina when her fiery tempered brother was sleeping a few feet away.

“Shizuru! Onegai!”

There was a burst of giggling, and finally the soft spoken Yukina came to the phone.

“Kurama-kun?”

“Yukina-chan,” the avatar replied gratefully, “I need to ask you something...this may sound strange, but it's important...”

“Alright...”

Kurama took a deep breath. “If an ice demon became intoxicated...and I mean, due to alcohol...would there be a point when the body would try to dispel the toxins by greatly lowering the temperature?”

The kitsune listened intently as Yukina hummed, and he could hear Botan and Shiruzu laughing at the television in the background.

“I don't think so...I'm afraid I don't have any personal experience, but I have to say even elemental types would simply suffer the same symptoms of a hangover as other youkai do...”

“Really?” Kurama bit his lip, turning to the side to glance over at the almost lifeless half fire, half ice youkai lying on the bed.

“Perhaps if the youkai was hybrid? For example, if his or her elements clashed, like earth and air, could that cause the reaction?”

“Kurama-kun, is everything alright?”

The kitsune swallowed, wishing Yukina knew her long lost brother was actually someone she knew personally.

Damn you Hiei...after this, I swear I'll make you tell her!

It could be a matter of life and death, Suuichi! Just let her know!!

It would be my life or death, you mean, once Hiei found out...

“It's just a discussion I was holding with Toya, for my dissertation in university,” Kurama lied, feeling like a total idiot, “I'm working on it the now because I can't sleep, and this certain situation was pestering me...”

“Oh,” Yukina exclaimed, her tone lighter, “I see. Well, I'm not sure about the clashing of elements, but then again, I've no personal experience. Gomen I couldn't be of more help!”

“No problem,” Kurama replied in monotone, “Good night,”

Hanging up, the kitsune hugged himself, his teeth now chattering with the cold. He was contemplating waking the youkai up and facing the consequences, when the phone rang again.

“Uhh!” the avatar snatched up the receiver, the ring still vibrating through the room, “Moishi moishi?”

“Kurama!” panted Yusuke, “Get down to Kagome's room, now!”

 

 

Kagome checked the door was locked nervously. Not that it would do any good, if the youkai decided they wanted the jewel, but it was something to do. Just as Kagome touched the golden lock, there was a hammering at the other side. The miko's heart leapt, but her hand stilled as she went to unlock the door.

Kurama couldn't have gotten down here that fast...

There was more than one person outside, Kagome could tell by the muttering, and she sank onto her knees, listening at the keyhole...

“She could be asleep...”

“Even better...”

There was another sharp knock, before footsteps scuffled along the carpet and a voice said, “Remember, we can't alert the other ningen of our presence...”

Hearing enough, Kagome crawled over to the middle of the room, her heart bouncing like a ball as she watched the door handle shake up and down. She slipped the shikon no tama over her head, freeing her hands if she needed to attack.

I've got no arrows, but I can still purify...

There was a strange, grating noise, and at first Kagome thought the youkai were trying to break through the wall separating their bedrooms. Clenching her fists, Kagome stood on spindly legs, considering her options.

Yusuke said to run if it seemed too dangerous...

Suddenly there was a bang, and Kagome spun around in time to see a youkai, covered in different shades of green armour, with black beetle like eyes through the window. It melted the lock of the window with the orange, liquid like substance ebbing from its fingers, and gave the miko a fanged grin as it pulled the pane open.

“Hello, pretty pet...” it drawled, before the liquid curved into blades, like elongated talons. Kagome walked backwards slowly, before she heard a large bang as the door burst open and she was cornered...

 

 

I never thought the chapter would be this long!!

Hands up who thought Kurama would go, `Oh well, the room's too cold. Guess I'll just bunk with Kagome then...'

Wrong! Hehe. Come on, you know me by now...and this isn't really a cliffy, cos I bet most of you can guess what's going to happen! I'm too tired to write more!!

Arigato, as always, for the lovely reviews! You make it worthwhile! And arigato for the condolences, Japan wise!

 

Mediaminer:

Purplebabe: Hehe, I'm glad you liked the little Yusuke Kurama part. I know they didn't act like that in the anime/manga, but they are older now, have known each longer, and I'd like to think they'd do that kinda thing! Glad you liked the Kurama Kagome moments too!

Kagome093: Well, Koenma's feelings were revealed (rather confusingly, I know!). Let's face it, Genkai's seen more interesting things- or so she thinks!!

Brightshadow4494: Hope this was awesome also!

Hawaiianhoney2030: Aww! That's so kawaii! Arigato for being so dedicated!! I hope it was worth the wait!

Kagome Lady of the Rain: Woot! I hope this chapter rocked also!

How Am I?: Gotta love the fluff...

I Am Who I Am: No wonder, sexy little thing that he is! Hehe. Hope you enjoyed!

Do Wut It Do: Hehe, well we'll see what progresses next chapter...

Kitsuneangel188: Arigato! That means a lot to me. I like the idea my story can be re-read! I'm glad you enjoyed the moments, and I hope you liked this chapter as much!!

Madmiko: It was a last minute thing really- although I've got nearly every chapter of this fic planned, and have so for about a year, sometimes I just get the urge to put in things, like with Kurama's mother. It's the most kawaii story, neh? I'm glad you picked up the little things- (as you always do! Yay!)- I really wanted to show the contrast between Kurama and Yoko, and also how the kitsune has changed. (After all, you can live for n-hundred so years in a different body, a different world and upbringing and not do so, neh?)

It was an interesting train trip. I'm a great believer in having at least an important thing happen in a scene- or it's not worth writing! And Kurama's trip up was one of these things!

Oh, I had to include Chu and Jin! Love those guys...I hope I did them justice!!

Lol, I'm not sure what `pinched' means- though here we have a saying `nipped', as in, kissing a guy. Sadly, no kissing did occur, but I met lots of lovely people and had a great time! I hope your holidays go/went (?) as well!

Arigato as always for the brill review- and I await your next chapter! Hehe.

Lm KiTsUnE: I'm glad you enjoyed! And arigato! I'm sure your grades are great lol.

ShipporinKIMS11: Aww, arigato! I sometimes feel like I am full of bad luck, but you're right, I'm blessed with lovely reviewers!!

Me Myself & I: Hope you liked this one as much!

Devilangel620: It was sweet, neh? Glad you liked the sculptures! Lol, I cut off all my hair and my dad wouldn't notice, he's a typical man!

Beckyducky: I've heard of Gackt- he rocks!

Glad to hear there's going to be more characters in your next chapter! Can't wait!

Glad you liked my chapter too!

Shinagami Darkness: Arigato! Hope you liked this chapter too!

Dragoonvixenofshadows: Lol hope you enjoyed!

J0kEr: Hehe. Hope you liked this one as much!

Elemental Dea: I love you for loving it!!

Fan Fiction:

Tsuki Kagami: It was sweet of him, neh? Glad you liked!

Gomen, but Kurama won't be going into the past-(in this fic!) clashes with my plot!

S.T.Nickolian: Aww, I'm glad you liked it! Hehe...

Nobunaga: Kagome! It's been a long time! I've just broke up with my wife, who I re-named Kagome!

Kouga: Who the hell is this??

Kagome: Ano....

Yoko: Right, I'll kill him first, then it's your turn, wolf!

IchikoKitsuneKoumori: Toya and Jin are in this chapter. I don't have time to mention everyone, and in depth conversations don't have enough to do with the plot to spend time on either.

Nobodies Perfect-Not Even You: Hopefully you'll know Koenma's feelings now! (And a little of Genkai's, but she'll come later)

Kagome doesn't know Koenma really- in Japanese fairytales, Koenma really is the son of the King of Rekai! So that was why she reacted like that!

Hehe...Kurama's face vis-a-vie the nightie will come next chap! I'm glad you liked Kurama with his guard down! He's so kawaii!!

Cowgirlkitten2000: Arigato! Hope you enjoyed!

Lala: Arigato! I know, as long as I get to go sometime lol!

Crystal Lilith: Happy belated birthday to you too! And of course, being safe is the most important thing!

xiDOREyoux: Inuyasha doesn't have the charm, that's true! Oh, I'm afraid Kurama is going to get hurt...but I promise a happy ending!

Jessica: Arigato and I'll totally check yours out!

Oh Brother: I can confirm Inuyasha and Kurama will meet- but I can't say when, it's a surprise!! I can't wait to introduce Kouga-kun! Such fun hehe! Arigato for the long review! Hope you enjoyed this chappy and it answered your other questions!

VirginiasGirl: Arigato for everything!

Iris Ninja: No worries! I'm glad you like!!

Nightshadow04: It makes me so happy to hear that!! Arigato!

KazunaPikachu: Arigato! I hope you liked this as much!

Misslover: I can't wait to write them!!

Dark Inu Fan: Heh, that would be awkward! There's enough action here without those questions lol!

Imaginative Love:

Update: Arigato!! I hope you stick with me the whole way!