InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Not the Only One ❯ Crisis, conflict! ( Chapter 26 )

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

Guess who's back!!
Gomen for the long update! As well as being ill, I've just got a weekend job in a large department store, so any spare time I've got is really for my studies! Plus I'm in the school panto, Peter Pan (I'm Tinkerbell tehee) so I've been busy with that too!
Arigato for waiting!!
I just want to let you all know I will NEVER, EVER abandon this fic...please don't worry. No matter how long it takes, there will always be an update. I've got too many ideas for this fic, and to not finish it would destroy my soul!!!

Know the lingo!
Kitsune- fox
Gomen nasai- forgive me
Osuwari- sit command
'Kuso- damn/ shit!
Nande kuso- what the hell?
Inukorro- mutt

Chapter 26
Crisis, conflict!

A sudden cold breeze blew, whipping the miko's damp locks around her shoulders and making her shudder. Her skin was clammy, and she when she reached out a hand, she saw she was shaking.
The kitsune tried to move forward to her outreached hand to nuzzle her, but it winced and yowled. Kagome could tell something was stuck in its side by the way its posture was tensed.
The miko swallowed, nervously closing the remaining space to stroke the pure silver fur which ran along the kitsune's snout. Its golden eyes were half closed in pain, and Kagome drew closer, slowly so as not to startle it. The fur which was usually sleek was matted in clumps of semi-dry blood. There were crude wounds tattooed into the pale skin visible from the mangled fur, in criss cross shapes. The miko started when the kitsune nuzzled into her leg, her previously white yukata now splattered with scarlet spots.
“Yoko?” Kagome asked fearfully, running her fingers lightly through the fox's fur, in an attempt to locate the source of discomfort, “Is it you?”
The kitsune froze, before nudging her knee once more. Its head rose, and Kagome recognised the glimmering golden eyes, the exact hue of the irises that belonged to the legendary bandit.
“What happened?” Kagome murmured anxiously, knowing Yoko couldn't answer but feeling better for speaking her thoughts aloud, “Where are you hurt?”
The kitsune arched its back, making the miko draw back her hands quickly. His long tails lay limp on the ground, and Kagome could see it was shivering.
“Yoko?” Kagome whispered, her eyes welling with tears. It pained her greatly to see the powerful and strong kitsune cower like a helpless kit. “Yoko...please, I need to help you...”
The kitsune shuddered, before turning around, and hesitatingly licking a spot on his right side. Kagome immediately drew the fox into her lap, careful of her nails as she swept the fine fur apart to access the skin.
“Iya!” Tears sprung into the miko's eyes, and the kitsune yowled, backing away from her touch.
The wire...the damn chicken wire I got for the villagers!
It's my fault! I did this to Yoko!
“Yoko, please stay still!” Kagome begged, as her tears trickled down her chin, “I need to get the wire out!”
The fox was clearly agitated at Kagome's state, and pawed her lap, dodging her fingers as she tried to reach his right side again. “Yoko!”
At her hysterical tone, the kitsune ceased his squirming with a snuffed sound. Swallowing, Kagome turned him around in her lap, and drew apart the fur once again.
The miko bit her lip, struggling to swallow a cry. Yoko had obviously been snagged by the chicken wire, and pulled himself free. A large chunk of his skin was missing, the flesh raw and shiny, the fur crimson around the area. Embedded in the surrounding fur were coiled strands of the wire, tangled in the silver hair and almost undistinguishable.
“I-I'll need to pull it out...” Kagome told herself, rather than Yoko, who was watching her with half-lidded eyes. The miko was chalk white and the kitsune could feel her trembling beneath him. He licked her fingers with his warm, coarse tongue, starling the worry lines out from her forehead.
The miko smiled bravely, and took a deep breath. She pulled the fur taunt with one hand, and with the other grasped the wire. She tugged at it experimentally, but it didn't budge. She unhooked the coil that was caught around a clump of fur- the other end was clearly embedded in the skin.
“Gomen nasai,” Kagome spoke softly, before summoning her strength and yanking the wire out.
Yoko barely whimpered, though his claws clamped onto the fabric of the yukata, the tips brushing Kagome's legs. The miko threw the stained wire from her hold and swept the kitsune into her arms, cradling him to her chest and burying her face into his bloodied fur.
“Gomen nasai, gomen nasai!” she chanted, her tears mingling in the silver fur of the fox. He nuzzled her neck in reply, nipping her ear affectionately. They sat quietly for a few moments before Kagome felt a warmth seep through onto her skin, and realised blood was still dripping from the kitsune's wounds. The miko got wearily to her feet, poppy blossoms adorning her white yukata. Once she was standing firmly, she picked her way over to the koi pond, Yoko docile in her arms.
“I'm just going to wash the blood out of your fur,” the schoolgirl murmured in soothing tones, frightened at how weak and small the great kitsune seemed. The male she knew was tall, muscular, overwhelmingly drenched in power and strength. The bundle in her arms could have been a sack of cloth.
Or rather, silver silk, Kagome reflected, marvelling at the kitsune's elegance and grace even in his weakened state. As she knelt by the water's edge, the little fox stalked through the thin green reeds to the edge of the water, waiting for Kagome to follow. The miko crawled closer, the reeds and high grasses brushing her cheek. The moonlight fell on the rippling water like liquid white gold, casting Yoko in her glow. The kitsune waded in carefully to the water, ruby spirals of blood trailing in the clear pond. Kagome gasped as the fox stumbled, and was kneeling in the water before she could have a second thought, the kitsune safe in her arms.
Yoko shook himself, disgruntled at his fall, his sleek ears pricking as Kagome giggled at the expression on his tapered fox face.
“Never mind,” Kagome shivered, as the cold water lapped against her thighs and legs, “My yukata can get a wash now, too...”
The miko knew the blood wouldn't come out with water alone, but she did her best to tease the red stains out. Yoko fared much better, being able to roll around in the pond freely. It was clear his moves were retrained, however, but Kagome knew the wound would be healed by the morning- not that it makes me feel any better...


“Kagome! Kagome!” The miko jumped out of the water instinctively, wincing as the stones scrapped her skin. She had been absorbed, watching Yoko prance around the pond, playing and tormenting the fish, crushing flower heads that littered the water's edge beneath his paws to make some sort of soap and further return his fur to its natural glory.
“Oh, Shippo-chan!” Kagome sighed with relief as the kit approached her with wide eyes, taking in her soaked yukata with faded pink spots. “Did you think I was lost?”
“Yeah!” Shippo agreed, “Or Sango said you might have fell asleep in the hot spring house. But you fell in the pond instead!”
“Not quite!” Kagome blushed, wringing out water logged material clinging indecently to her body. “Shippo, I need you to keep another secret...”


“So, let me get this straight,” The hanyou said, with crossed arms and narrowed golden eyes. “Kagome saw a kitsune drowning in the pond, and jumped in to save him?”
“Yup!” Shippo grinned, “She's a hero! But she's really tired, so she's just going to sleep now,”
“And the kitsune is still with her?” Miroku asked innocently, not even flinching when Sango pinched him on the arm.
“Uh-huh,” the kit smiled, “It was drowning because it was wounded before it fell in the pond, so Kagome wants to keep an eye on it! I'm going to look after it too, seeing how I know kitsune better than anyone here!”
“Keh,” Inuyasha picked at a fang, trying to cover the fact he was inhaling deeply. Kagome and Shippo's room was just along the wooden walkway of the inn...he could smell the miko's pure lily scent, along with a damp animal smell, similar to that of Shippo after bath time.
“Whatever,” the hanyou retorted, “Just don't think she's taking it along with us. She doesn't need to babysit anyone else!”
“You're right!” Shippo said, sticking out his tongue, “She's got enough to cope with, babysitting you!”
“Oi!” Inuyasha made to leap up, but his strenuous exercise meant he was slower than usual.
“Keh, forget it!” spat the hanyou, leaning into the wall for secret sleep.


As Kagome changed out of her sodden yukata into a fresh, clean one, she reflected on the many strange sleeping arrangement she had undergone since meeting Yoko and Kurama.
There was the first time I met Kurama...and I fell asleep in his flat, and woke up in Yoko's arms...
There was when I fell asleep holding hands with Inuyasha...
And then, of course...when Kurama and I shared a bed in the hotel...
Kagome winced as she scraped her elbow off the wall. She was changing behind a paper screen, fully aware that it was all that divided her from the injured kitsune, who was making himself quite at home in her bed for the night.
The miko couldn't deny she had thought of sleeping with the bandit...she was a virgin, but was entitled to fantasise as much as anyone else. She had experienced dreams of skin on skin, the grinding heat and the spark of two bodies as they joined...but she had woken up, feeling needy and having to repress that urge, because not only was this a complicated situation, but she wasn't sure, if push came to shove (so to speak), if she would have the courage to take what her body desired.
Kagome emerged from behind the screen, half expecting to see the bandit lolling in his humanoid form, cockily spread out on her bed roll. Shippo, being able to both understand and speak kitsune, had informed Kagome that Yoko was too weak and drained of blood to revert back to his usual form- instead, he would have to await until the morning, and rest to replenish his ki. The little kit had therefore taken charge of the situation when Kagome asked him to speak to Inuyasha for her. Though Shippo wasn't nearly skilled enough to form a scentless petal plant, he did have the talent to cast a similar scent spell.
“Because so many kitsune are orphaned when they are young,” Shippo had explained, with a great air of importance, “The spell was developed by the kitsune clans who decided to foster the kits who were left. This way, the kits were reborn into a new family, and were entitled to an inheritance, as well as being protected from rival clans,”
Yoko had consented to Shippo's idea, and adopted the kit's scent for the night, after thoroughly guiding the younger fox on how the spell should be cast.
“So Inuyasha definitely won't be able to smell you?” Kagome confirmed in a whisper for the sixth time, slipping under the sleeping bag she had previously taken to her room before bathing.
The fox form Yoko sighed, impatiently nipping the miko on the wrist. Kagome exhaled, laying down and snuggling into the bed roll beneath her. “I really am sorry, Yoko, about your injuries...if I'd known...”
The kitsune clambered onto the miko's chest, firmly placing one paw over her lips. Kagome giggled at the no-nonsense look in the fox's eyes, watching intently as Yoko padded over the sleeping bag so he could rub his warm nose against her own. The miko lay still, fully aware that Yoko's appeal had not in fact lessened despite the fact he was about the size of her cat.
Kirara, I forgive you, The miko thought, as the kitsune burrowed under the covers to lie like a hot water bottle on her chest. Kagome was surprised Yoko didn't try anything naughty, but was content in cuddling his head under her chin. The miko slipped a hand under the sleeping bag to rest on the fox's back- the fur, now clean and sleek once more, was comforting under her fingers. She could feel Yoko's tails stretching out over her stomach, his heart steadily beating against her own.
“It doesn't hurt any more, does it?” Kagome asked nervously, running one finger down the fox back, mindful of his wound.
Yoko butted her chin with his head, and satisfied the miko wasn't going to ask again, nudged her shoulder. At first, Kagome thought this was part of his reprimand, but the coarse, hot tongue on her skin brought her very abruptly to her senses.
“Yoko!” Kagome squirmed, and she felt fangs scrape her collar bone. Luckily, the screen door slide open and Shippo entered, causing Yoko to huff through his nose and settle down again.
“It's alright,” the kit hissed gleefully, “He fell for it!”
Shippo stopped as soon as he saw the lump under the sleeping bag. Kagome sat up, giving Yoko time to scamper off to the floor, though he didn't appreciate having to move at all.
“Arigato, Shippo-chan!” Kagome beamed, “You've saved us a lot of unnecessary trouble!”
“Will I...eto....” the kit stammered, his eyes darting from the silver fox to the hazelnut eyes of the miko.
“Don't be silly!” Kagome exclaimed, “We can all share, right Yoko?”
The fox sighed, but tilted his head in a nod. As Shippo approached the bed, he gave a few low grunts.
Usually I wouldn't permit anyone else sleeping with the same female as myself...but seeing how I am as much Kagome's lover as you are her son, I am powerless to object...
Shippo nodded, and respectably cuddled into the miko's right side, leaving Yoko the choice of sleeping on her left or on her chest, the latter being the place the kit would usually go. But the bandit acknowledged the decision, and so lay quietly at Kagome's right, consoling himself that at least it was he and not the hanyou who took this place.


Kagome tried to moan, but her head was being held firmly in the crook of someone's shoulder. Her lips brushed smooth, sculptured muscles, and she bit down to control crying out. The cruel fingers kneading her breasts amplified their torture, and Kagome lost the heat of body at her mouth as the someone moved. Now their teeth were biting her, or rather fangs, teasing and pulling her nipples taunt.
The miko was suddenly wide awake, slightly short of breath, her sleeping bag twisted around her body and her fringe sticking to her slick forehead.
“Shhh...” A familiar sensual voice murmured in her ear, and Kagome tumbled over on her side in shock. Laying beside her in his full formed glory was Yoko Kurama, a slash in the side of his silver tunic.
“Y-hmph!” The kitsune swiftly crawled over her, pressing his mouth to hers, and swallowing her cry. After chasing her tongue for a moment, he drew back and whispered with glittering eyes, “I can cover ours scents, but not so much his sense of hearing...”
Kagome swallowed, nodding her understanding. As Yoko sat back to let her rise up, she could see the vines of the scentless petal plant winding around the room, their delicate white flowers opening and closing slowly, as though breathing or maintaining a pulse. Shippo was curled up at the end of the sleeping mat, and several flowers adorned his clothing.
“I was unconscious, you know!” Kagome pointed out as she pulled the front of her yukata closed. Yoko didn't look guilty in the slightest, but simply grinned. “I know you were. But I watched you for hours....and I got bored....”
Kagome sighed, but good naturedly. Considering it was her fault Yoko had been injured in the first place, who was she to start a fight? Speaking of which...
“Has your wound healed?” Kagome asked, kneeling closer to the bandit.
“Completely...see for yourself,” Yoko took the miko's hand and slipped it through the slit of his clothing. Kagome touched the smooth joint of his hip, no blemish or mark hindering the skin there.
“Amazing...” The miko gasped, then cringed, “Gomen...I didn't mean...I mean, I'm so sorry you got hurt...”
“I know,” the kitsune smiled softly, “Which was why I really didn't want to come near you...but those farmers were in hot pursuit, and I couldn't run with that thing stuck in my side...” Yoko pulled Kagome close to his chest, resting his chin on top of her forehead, “Plus, it had began to cut off the blood supply, so I knew it was vital to get it removed...”
“What if I hadn't been bathing?” Kagome whispered, her hands winding in the silky fabric of the kitsune's tunic with stinging eyes, “What if you couldn't find me?”
“Shh,” Yoko said gently, “Don't think such useless thoughts,”
“I should have realised the nature of this time would be affected by using something modern like chicken wire!” Kagome exclaimed, “How stupid can you get?”
“Chicken wire, kuh...” the bandit mused, playing with a stray midnight lock of the miko's hair, “Well, I was trying to steal a chicken, so I guess its purpose was served...”


“Ah, it's good to be home,” Sango sighed blissfully, as the inu-tachi descended upon Kaede's hut.
“Hai hai,” Kagome chirped. What with camping out in the village for two nights, and then spending a rather strange night with Yoko and Shippo, the miko was more than happy to get back to normal surroundings.
The bandit had crept off before Shippo had awoken, his blossoms that held no scent disappearing along with him. Kagome had mixed feelings about sharing the night with him: on one hand, he had been (for the most part) in his injured fox form; on the other, he had regained his powers early in the morning and Kagome hadn't resisted one bit to his ministrations.
Well, I was unconscious, right?
But Inuyasha was in the next room...
I didn't actually do anything...and I thought it was in a dream!
Shippo was in the room too!
“Kagome-chan?” The demon exterminator asked, clearly for the second time by the puzzled look in her eyes.
“Oh, gomen, what were you saying?” The miko blushed, having drifted off into thought in the middle of the room. Luckily the boys were busy queuing for some of Kaede's broth, so they didn't notice Kagome spacing out.
“Nothing,” Sango smiled mysteriously, as if she had known exactly what the miko had been thinking about.
“Kagome, Sango, would you like some?” Kaede asked, ladling the remaining soup that crackled low over the fire.
“Yes please!” The girls replied simultaneously, before bursting into the giggles. Kagome brushed by Inuyasha to grab a spare bowl, and noticed a strange expression on the hanyou's face. He inhaled sharply, and her heart skipped a beat.
“Inuyasha?” the miko asked, her words faint, “What is it?”
The hanyou growled, his fangs clear as he gritted his teeth. “That mangy wolf....”
Without further warning, the half dog demon darted out the hut, his empty bowl clattering to the floor.
“Mou...” Kagome handed her bowl carefully back to Kaede, glancing at Sango and Miroku, “We'll have to go after him!”
“Poor Kagome-sama,” observed Miroku, as they hurried out the hut in Inuyasha's wake, “So many suitors, so little time!”


They caught up with the hanyou on the main road that lead out of Edo, dust particles still flying in the air and clawed footprints patterning the dirt track.
“Kagome!” The miko barely had time to blink before she was caught up in a warm embrace, a strong arm around her waist while another hand rested protectively on her head. The familiar smell of the wolf prince made Kagome smile- she hadn't seen Kouga-kun since the last battle, and he hadn't changed at all.
The miko raised her head, hearing Inuyasha growl menacingly and grind out his usual, “Get your hands off her, ookami!” Kouga ignored him, gazing down at Kagome with shinning blue topaz eyes, his carefree grin tugging at his cheeks. “How are you, Kagome? It's been a while!”
“Kouga-kun...” the miko untangled herself from the wolf prince's tight embrace, but his hand still rested on her head, “I'm well...and you?”
“Fantastic, now I've seen you again!” Kouga chuckled, eyeing the miko appreciatively, “I see you've grown since we last met! You're taller and more...” the ookami's eyes dropped to Kagome's chest, which was more prominent due to the ruffled blue silk shirt and white tank top she was was wearing. The miko immediately blushed, and Inuyasha yelped, “Right, you dumb fuck, let's get this over with NOW!”
Kouga grimaced, setting his hands on his hips, his eyes narrowing as he tossed back his ink black ponytail. “Oi, puppy! Shut up, eh? I'm trying to have a talk with MY woman!”
Kagome sighed piteously. We're back to this, neh....
The miko had hoped this would be a quick drop in visit, but clearly the wolf had other plans in mind, as he and Inuyasha faced off, each baring their fangs and generally making a fool of themselves.
“You head back and finish off that soup, guys,” Kagome told Sango, Miroku and Shippo, who looked glum already, “This may take a while,”
“Are you sure, Kagome-chan?” Sango tried her hardest not to sound like she was pining to return to the hut.
“Yup,” the miko directed her gaze to the now fighting pair, Inuyasha swiping at Kouga who leapt into the air and aimed a well placed, but deflected, kick.
“All right then,” Miroku nodded, picking up Shippo in one arm, “Let's allow Kagome-sama to deal with them,”
The miko waved, before folding her arms and taking a deep breath- “Osuwari!”
“GAH!” The hanyou thudded to the earth, cursing and cussing the miko for all he was worth.
“I knew you'd see it my way, Kagome,” Kouga preened, once again enveloping the miko in his arms, tilting her chin with one hand, “Now my tribe has been sorted out, I can focus all my attention on you...”
Kagome's eyes widened and her lips formed the beginnings of a - “What?!” as the wolf leaned closer to her mouth. Her arms, crushed in between her and Kouga's chest, were unable to push the ookami prince away. She was aware of Inuyasha screaming x-rated death threats if the wolf didn't “fucking let her go!!” When Kouga stalled, Kagome blinked incredulously, because Inuyasha's threats had never bothered him before. His pupils had grown large and deadly in his eyes, and his brow knitted. He grabbed at the ruffled opening of Kagome's shirt, and she gasped as his claws brushed her skin.
“Kouga-kun, stop it!” cried the miko in shock, the ookami prince never having tried to fondle her before.
“What...” something caught around Kagome's neck, a silver chain sliding tight against her skin as the wolf gave it a sharp tug, “...the fuck...” The miko watched, uncomprehending, as Kouga turned something over in hands, his fangs glinting and gritted, “...is this?”
Kagome saw the silver rose cupped in Kouga's calloused right palm for only a few seconds, before he yelped and a spark of white electricity crackled around his knuckles. He released the pendant, jumping back in horror, just as Inuyasha stumbled to his feet, his puzzled features darting from the wolf to the miko.
“That,” replied a silky, unseen voice, “Is something that does not belong to you.”


Kagome's heart hiccuped, before plunging further than Inuyasha's newest crater indented in the ground. Do I never get a break??
“Who the fuck are you??” growled Kouga, his hands fisted at his sides. Kagome didn't turn or follow his gaze, knowing all too well who would be standing there, no doubt smirking, dressed all in silver with glittering, golden eyes.
Inuyasha's eyes narrowed, and he discreetly rested his hand on Tessaiga's hilt. Kouga was enough to try his patience- but combined with the kitsune could just push him over the edge.
The bandit slunk forward, his arms casually folded across his chest, his silver tail swishing idly behind him. He held the bright blue eyes of the ookami, his own golden globes glimmering mischievously. “I am Yoko Kurama,” he eventually spoke, his smooth and sultry, “I doubt you need further explanation,”
Kouga's eyes narrowed to slits, and he scanned the kitsune up and down.
“Yoko Kurama, kuh?” he hissed throatily, his tongue rubbing against one jagged fang. The bandit didn't move, giving no inclination of affirmation. Kagome could feel the tension crackling in the air, like soy sauce spitting from a saucepan.
“What the fuck are you doing here, kits-”
“What the fuck are you playing at, inukkoro, letting my woman be claimed??”
Inuyasha's brow had grown dark when Kouga had cut across him, but now his eyebrows were so low over his face it was hard to distinguish his pupils. “Nande kuso?” the hanyou rasped, his eyes darting from a flushed Kagome to a smirking kitsune.
Oh my kami...Kagome watched the three males with her heart thudding in her throat.
“I'M STILL WAITING FOR A FUCKING EXPLANATION!” Kouga exploded, launching himself at the none too ready Inuyasha.
“I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT!” Inuyasha bawled back, leaping over the ookami prince and swiping at him from mid air. Kouga grunted, having dodged the attack, and instead charged at a sprint at Yoko, the shikon shards reinstated in his legs pulsing with power. Yoko, who had been watching the fight with amusement, just managed to leap into the air to avoid Kouga ploughing into him, his white kamishimo trailing through the air after him as he landed on the ground, skidding, dust flailing.
“Guys!” Kagome cried out, finally finding her voice, “Stop, all of you!”
Yoko glanced at the miko, who had her hands pressed against trembling lips. Kouga was panting hard, and he wiped his mouth on his arm slowly. Inuyasha was clenching and unclenching his fists.
“Bitch, wanna explain what the fuck is going on here?”
Kagome faltered at the sheer, uncontrollable anger in his eyes, like a brewing thunderstorm. She hadn't seen him this angry since Naraku killed Kikyo.
A split second later, Inuyasha was once again on the ground, a seething kitsune bandit standing over him with a raised fist. “You should be calling her Kagome-sama, you worthless piece of shit,”
The hanyou clutched his jaw, spitting blood onto the dry earth, scarlet splattering the sandy track. Kagome cried out as Kouga launched himself at the turned kitsune's back, bringing his leg up for a powerful kick, “And you shouldn't be making claims on MY woman!!”
Yoko spun to the side just in time, evading the blow by dipping backwards. He flipped himself upright with one hand, aiming a kick back at the ookami, “She is not your woman!!”
“Please, stop!” Kagome exclaimed, trying to run into the fray. Kouga bounced backwards, the kitsune's kick just missing, and he landed beside Kagome, grabbing onto her wrist.
“He forced you into it, didn't he?” the wolf heaved, gasping for breath, “He made you wear it, didn't he!”
His grasp was tight, and Kagome saw Kouga no longer as a cockier, youkai version of Hojo-kun, but as a love-struck, desperate male who in fact had been serious all along in his wanting her.
Kagome diverted her eyes from his piercing blue glower, and Inuyasha and Yoko simultaneously shouted, “Don't touch her!”
The kitsune bandit glared at the hanyou, who growled back, “What the fuck are you looking at?”
Yoko grinned brazenly, “A corpse lover,”
Kagome covered her face with trembling hands, unable to watch any more. This is totally out of control!
“Hah!” Kouga crowed, nodding at the kitsune, “I'm going to kill you, but I agree with your dying words!”
Yoko raised an elegant eyebrow. “I will not be dying by your hand,”
“No, it'll be MINE!” thundered Inuyasha, his sword transformed and drawn.
“Fan-fucking-tastic,” Kouga laughed darkly, “I haven't had a near decent fight in a while!”
Yoko glanced at the miko, who was crouched over, her face shrouded by her raven hair. He felt the fear radiating from her, the absolute torture at the helplessness she felt.
“I have no cause to kill you, ookami,” Yoko spoke softly, “Relinquish your claim on Kagome, and return to your tribe,”
“Funny,” Kouga cocked his head, “I was just about to say the same to you!” The wolf prince cracked his knuckles, glancing back at Inuyasha, who was clearly deciding who he should aim for first. “You can go home, puppy! Yoko Kurama is a much more suitable opponent for me than you!”
The kitsune bowed with a fierce smile, “Why, thank you. Now there's only us remaining, I'll spare your life if you never set eyes on Kagome again,”
Kouga gave a barking, curt laugh, his eyes glinting like steel. “Shame. Just when I was warming to you, kitsune. You just don't get it,”
“I don't fucking get what either of you are talking about,” Inuyasha hissed, raising his sword above his head, “And if someone doesn't tell me NOW, I'll kill both of you!”
Kouga hesitated from an insult, seeing the sparks of youki surrounding the curved blade. Yoko trailed his fingers through his hair calmly, meeting Inuyasha in the eyes without blinking.
“Kagome wears a rose necklace, correct?” Like sunlight piercing through a foggy morning, re alisation began to dawn in Inuyasha's eyes. The miko dropped her hands away from her face, staring at Yoko in horror. What is he going to say??
“Well, if you were a fully blooded youkai,” Yoko said innocently, but knowing fine well how that comment would rile Inuyasha up, “You would scent that on the back of that pendant I've etched a claim on Kagome,”
Inuyasha was no longer holding Yoko's gaze, but had his eyes fixed on the school girl from the future. In the back of his mind, a memory shifted...
“What's that?”
Kagome stopped, turning to meet the hanyou's gaze.
“Nani?”
His claws caught around the chain that fallen out her top, the white rose winking in the sun.
“Oh…ano…”
Inuyasha growled, “Did that kitsune give you this?”
Kagome's hands tightened on the flowers stems.
“Hai, he did…as thanks for me saving his life- you know, for the time Kikyo tried to kill him?”
Kouga observed each person in turn, his arm folded. He felt somehow an intruder on this little conflict. Yoko stood cool and impassive, Inuyasha brittling and furious, and the miko...
“Kagome...” the hanyou stared at the ground underneath the schoolgirl's feet. He opened his mouth to continue, but Yoko spoke across him, his voice never rising. “Kagome didn't know about it- she is just finding out, as you are.”
The miko tried to keep her face impassive, but she was so relieved she had to bite her lip from smiling.
“That just makes it worse!” Kouga growled, startling the miko beside him, “You think because you have a reputation you can claim any female that takes your fancy??”
“How can you lecture him?” Inuyasha shouted, feeling incredibly better that Kagome didn't know about the claim, “You call Kagome 'your woman' at any chance you get!!”
The miko exhaled, her heart beat finally returning from its previous sky rocketing state. Well, crisis averted I guess....now we're just going around in circles...
Kouga stormed over to Inuyasha, prodding the hanyou on the chest, “At least we don't deny the obvious!”
“What??”
“Quite,” Yoko agreed, “At least we know what we want,”
Inuyasha growled, dropping his sword and grabbing onto the bandit's silky tunic, leaning close enough that their nose touched, “Spit it out, kitsune,”
The bandit was so relaxed that Inuyasha actually shook him, his teeth grinding together, “Well??”
Yoko simply flashed a knowing grin, and the hanyou grunted, about to reel back his arm for a punch when the kitsune got there first, chopping the hanyou swiftly in the stomach and evading another kick from Kouga.
“You're really starting to piss me off, kitsune,” Kouga spat, “I'm used to being the only one who openly declared attraction to Kagome! Now you're trying to take my place!”
“'Your place'” Yoko purred, engaging in rapid fire material arts with the wolf prince, “Was always self assumed!”
“Don't you touch him, Kouga!” screamed Inuyasha, “I'll be the one to kill him!”
“I find it amusing, hanyou,” Yoko remarked, diving and ducking Kouga's hits, “That you think you have any right to touch Kagome yourself,”
“I've more right than the pair of you put together!” the hanyou retorted, his lips drawn back to display his fangs, “I promised I would always protect her! I met her a long time before either of you!”
“You're not the only one who's saved Kagome!” Kouga hissed, still trying to land a hit on the agile kitsune, “You wouldn't be here if it wasn't for me! Naraku would have finished you off!”
“Likewise,” Yoko preened, “I've saved Kagome's life, when you were otherwise engaged,”
“Oh yeah?” Inuyasha growled, watching the two figures dart around him, dust clouds whirring around him, “With what, exactly?”
“Your dead miko, of course,” the kitsune crowed, “And with regards to your argument that you met Kagome first...well, you met Kikyo before her, didn't you?”
Kouga cackled, skidding to halt. “'Kuso, kitsune. I just can't hit you when you say the things I've always wanted to!”
Inuyasha swiped up his sword, and for a second the wolf prince flinched, but the hanyou just transformed it to normal size, sheathing it quickly. “You scum bags brag about your claims...” he spat, his claws catching the purple beads around his neck, “But who out of us can travel back with Kagome? Keh, don't you know with this rosary we have a one of a kind bond?” Inuyasha grinned, stroking one youkai fang with a glint in his golden eyes, “You keep declaring your claims on her, but has she ever gave you the impression she was slightly interested?”
Kouga began to choke, a vein pulsing menacingly at his temple. Yoko, on the other had, clenched his claws into his palms, in order to stop him reaching for a certain rose.
How I would love to re-tell that hanyou that only last night was I curled up with Kagome...tell him how she tastes, how she feels, how much love she has to give and how much of herself is denied because of him!
“You!” Inuyasha pointed at the ookami, sneering, “You come here to blackmail her into being your mate for the shards! You know she wouldn't agree otherwise!”
Kouga growled, his fangs elongating and his eyes beady and deadly.
“And you!” the hanyou turned to the bandit, “I've heard all about these kitsune charms! I bet you couldn't get a female any other way!”
Yoko blinked, but not because of the accusation. In fact, the hanyou's words didn't even make his ears twitch. The kitsune had just realised something rather interesting.
Inuyasha's amber eyes glittered with glee. Not only had he provided a pretty strong argument, but he had even shut up that egotistical prick of a kitsune.
“You know what!” Kouga took the gloating hanyou by surprise, whamming his leg in a sickening kick to his gut, “Shut the fuck up about you and my woman's special bond! You're nothing to her! A collared puppy! A pet!”
Inuyasha caught the wolf by the tail, yanking him to the ground and punching his arm, “Oh yeah? Well, I'm her pet, ain't I? What are you to her? Eh?”
The pair were so caught up in their fighting that they didn't realise the miko and kitsune were long gone...

Ookami means wolf, for all those who didn't know! I didn't want to put it at the top as the surprise would have been spoilt!!
Again, this chappy didn't turn out the way I thought it would, but I quite like it!
I'll be updating monthly now, so please continue to be patient!
ARIGATO, as always, to you amazing reviewers!!
MediaMiner.org:
Madmiko: Actually, Botan isn't in love with Kurama, but you're not far off the mark with the 'someone's going to die' theory. Imminent tragedy? For sure!
Well, what can I say, I hate it when writing gets too predictable, so I need to throw in a curve ball now and then! And I'm totally the same- it was bound to happen sometime, with the way Inu waves that thing around!! ^_^ Oh I soo agree- I totally feel for Sango! Though did you see one of the latest manga chapters? She actually kissed Miroku! (He was sleeping, but still!)
Kagome will not doubt spill to Sango during one of their girl chats! Hope you enjoyed this chappy and the long awaited return of one of my favourite characters of IY!
KNJJ727: Arigato for waiting!
Raeko: Botan's strange-ness will all be revealed in future chaps!
Well, Kagome's used to being second best with Inuyasha, neh? Her little comment was about being completely loved, by one other person (in this case Kurama) without anyone else to worry about (on his side anyway!!) Oh don't worry, Hiei will reappear!
Kitsuneangel88: Aww arigato! It makes me so happy to hear that! Hope this chappy was as enjoyable!
J0kEr: true...but she gets time with Yoko and Kouga to make up for it!!
youkos girl: Hiei will be back...but ahh, can't tell you why or when! Arigato!
Purplebabe: We'll find out what's up with Botan in later chaps! Yup the fox was indeed Yoko! Ain't he cute??
LestatsDarkAngel: Aww, well that's olden day Japanese villagers for ya! Don't worry, my muse will always be here, just time is my enemy! See my note at the start of chap!
Hawaiihoney2030:
Aww, really? That makes me smile! Poor little injured Yoko...but he's ok now!!
alissa: Oh I hate it when that happens! Gomen for the long wait, hope it was worth it!! Arigato!
ShipporinKIMS11: Aww, don't worry! There's going to be much more chances...500th and so on! This is a longggg fic remember! Lol of course you can be my number 1 fan! It would be an honour!
Beckducky: Oh really?? That makes me so happy! It's always tricky to write sexual encounters IC, seeing how we never see them in the manga. Lol, and you were kinda right, in that Kagome does 'take care' of Yoko!!!
Oft, writer's block! Best cure I've found...hot chocolate and spider diagrams! I.e....write down all the ideas you have, stemming from a bubble in the middle. Once you've wrote all your current ideas down, try and find ways to connect the different parts. The middle is your ending! The hot chocolate is essential lol!!
Lol I'm glad I'm not alone! But damn, its a killer when they're attractive...and have lots of girl 'friends'! Grrr! Lets just say we can sympathise with Kagome! Though she can have Inu, and we can share Kurama and Yoko!!!
02395-J.T.: I'm really sorry, i really am! I'm glad your so faithful and i hope you're still with us! Here's the chapter and hopefully it's worth the wait!

Vyncent: Arigato! I hope this was as good...
YoukaiTsukiko: Don't you love it when you just spend a day reading a fic? It's makes me so happy that you choose mine! Hope the wait wasn't too long!!
Fanfiction.Net:
S.T. Nickolian: Damn, i wish i'd thought of that lol! It would have been better....
Silver Night Fox: Arigato! Hope all your questions were answered!
IceDevine: I am rather cruel to my characters...
disneyrulz23: Yeah, she can be a tad annoying!
Oh Brother: I know...ah well, he's all better now! Yup, Kagome will meet Kuronue!
LadyAkina: Hope you liked it!
XiDOREyoux: Hehe glad to hear it!
Cowgirlkitten2000: Oh, Hiei's mad alright...and he will return! Hope you liked it!
Gothcat: Haha you should know i love cliffies by now! Ahh all will be revealed Hiei wise, don't worry!
Twilight Satu: T'was indeedy!
Miss lover: Arigato for waiting!
Dark Inu Fan: Oh good thinking...but off the mark lol! Arigato for reviewing!
KazunaPikachu: And I've had another one lol! Hope it wasn't too long a wait!
LeSinner: Hai, poor Kagome-chan, it's all so complicated!
Hermonie: Arigato!
Angelblaze2006: Love the pen name! Ah I'm glad you're torn lol that means my writing is so far successful!
Shadow Caster Ravina: Arigato! Gomen for the wait!
XxShadowedFateXx: Fab name!! Hope you enjoyed the rest!
Xapa: Aww...gomen about that!
Cowgirl-in-training: Wow, that means a lot to me, knowing how many x-overs there are out there! Arigato gozimasu! And gomen for the long wait!!
Imaginative Love:
Firedemon86: I can't remember if I replied to you before, so here's another one!!
I know, I'm a terrible cliff hanger addict. But it works, because you all come back! Mwahaha!
Elehanna: Wow, I do like them! Kinda remind me of M2M (did I mention them before?) They're my fav girl band! Tehee. Seriously, I love gay guys. They're the best! Well, my immune system is totally mince, because I got another cold! Grr!
I'm actually not going to use any other songs in this fic, other than the only one, but thanks for the suggestions!!
Swasdiva: Hehe. You know my best friend is a libra. Spooky!
But yeah. I caught another cold. What is up with that? Obviously my antibodies or whatever don't like me! Plus I'm veggie, that could be the problem...
But thanks so much! I'm glad you're enjoying the angst. Most people are just like 'wah! We want lemons, lime...etc, etc'...but at least you appreciate the wait!!
Wah! Just because I don't want you to get into a state...it's not that scene! (Yet!)
We do have Prison Break here...it's major, but I don't watch it! No time lol! And yup, I'm from bonnie Scotland of the UK. I sooo know I use idioms that are probably strange to Americans...but sometimes, I think it makes my writing that teeny bit different! Hehe. Goodness, emo? Already? Darlin', you'll be slitting your wrists by the end of this!!
And gomen, I know I'm a cliffy junkie. But hey, if I can get people like you in states like this, it has to be worth it hehe!