InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Not the Only One ❯ In a bind... ( Chapter 27 )

{{I don't own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho!}}

 

There was something funky going on with the italics last chappy- gomen about that! My Microsoft Word isn't working, so I'm using OpenOffice, and for some reason the italics are fine on the document, but when I upload them they change on the website! I pasted the chappy into word pad though and it seems ok now!

I've also changed the way the format of my responses to reviews, because the old way never seems to work on ff.net!

Arigato again for you patience and support! I've been working a lot on my advanced English course, and haven't been able to get back in the 'zone' for this fic, as it were! I was planning to do a little Christmas one shot, but alas!

Hope old St Nick was good to you all!!

 

Enjoy the chapter!!

 

Edit: I went for an eye test today- my eyes have been killing me lately and I've had horrible headaches. It turns out I do need reading glasses!

This is the only explanation I can give for the grave errors in this chap- arigato to madmiko for pointing them out!

 

 

Know the lingo!

Miko- priestess

shikon-no-tama- jewel of four souls

hai-yes

onegai- please

arigato- thank you

shimata- shit

koumori- bat

nanai- what?

'kuso- dammit

ookami- wolf

baka- idiot

 

Chapter 27

In a bind

 

The miko walked leisurely through the field, the long grass tickling her bare legs. Her powder blue skirt made a muted sound as the pleats swished against her skin.

Mou...Kagome stretched, her back tense and knotted as she pulled her arms over her head. It seems I'm always running away from my problems...

The young girl's eyes gazed above to the cobalt cloudless sky. Kagome felt so tired, though more mentally than physically. Her head seemed as light as the air around her, and she was on her back before the thought had crossed her mind.

The grass broke like straw beneath her, and the smell of fresh plants clogged Kagome's senses. This is the field were we fought Yura of the Hair....our first fight. The first time I really realised that Inuyasha would die for me...

The miko let her arms flop outwards, her hands picking absently at clumps of foliage. The grass hadn't been this high during the fight with Yura- she had burned most of it away, and now, several years later, it had replenished and thrived.

Kagome's thoughts returned to the occurring fight. She knew she shouldn't have walked away from it. She should have used it to her advantage, made Inuyasha realise there were two potential males in her life that she could love, both stronger or as strong as him. Not that the miko cared about strength- but to the hanyou, it was the most important thing.

Or it used to be...power, the ability to be a full youkai, was the reason Inuyasha stole the shikon no tama. The reason Kikyo pinned him to the tree...and the reason I met him at all...

Kagome frowned, picking out a stray cloud in the sky, a single puff of white candyfloss. Or power used to be the most important thing. Now, Inuyasha just wants the tama complete...and then what?

The miko exhaled slowly, her fringe ruffling against her forehead. It seemed that everything concerned with the shikon-no-tama came full circle. Kagome had fretted away too many nights with these thoughts, as she feigned sleep and awaited Inuyasha to return from a late night jaunt. In the last few months, she had lost her innocence and naivety- she could no longer make herself believe that it would all work out in the end. Because the end was drawing near, and things were far from worked out.

A faint explosion in the distance made Kagome wince. No doubt Inuyasha was launching a Kaze no kizu or three. The miko wasn't concerned- Kouga could more than handle himself, especially equipped once more with shards.

Speaking of which...I'll need to relieve him of those...

Kagome suddenly froze. Her almond eyes widened as she remembered what Inuyasha had relayed from Kikyo a morning not too long ago....

 

 

It was with dread Kagome followed Inuyasha a little bit away from the hut to have `a talk'. The last time they had done this was after Kagome had supported Inuyasha in the oni's belly- the memory of the pair sitting side by side on the tree branch, at utter peace in each other's company, made Kagome's eyes well up slightly.

“It's about Kouga,” Inuyasha said gruffly, when they were far enough away from the others.

“K-kouga-kun?” Kagome echoed, in disbelief. Of the million and one things Kagome had thought, the ookami prince was not on her list.

“Yeah,” Inuyaha folded his arms with narrowed eyebrows, “Apparently his pack found a handful of the shards. Kouga's using most of them, but he's shared the rest out. And he says unless you become his...,” Inuyasha's face was of thunder before he spat out the word, “…mate, then he's not giving them back,”

Kagome could have laughed. She could have sunk down to the ground and wept. Instead, she rubbed her head, and remarked, “Well, that's not going to happen,”

“Damn right it's not,” Inuyasha snapped, “As soon as I catch a whiff of that temee, he's dead wolf meat,”

 

 

“Mou...” Kagome clapped a hand over her mouth, “How could I have forgotten?” It all makes sense now! Kouga had never tried to kiss me before, but now he has 'sorted everything with his pack'...so, could he be serious about wanting me as his mate in exchange for the shards? That must be why Inuyasha seems more agitated than usual!

The miko's hand strayed to the rose pendant laying innocently on her chest. She thumbed the inscription, reading the kanji with a flare of anger.

For Yoko to turn up, when Kouga and Inuyasha were fighting...I can't believe he'd take such a risk! Now Inuyasha knows about the claim, he'll be even more against Yoko than before! And now Kouga will be hounding him, too! Why does he have to make everything so damn complicated! Everything was fine until he...

The miko chuckled bitterly, letting her arm drop to her side once more. There she went again, cloaking herself in false pretences. Of course everything wasn't fine before Yoko. 'Things' hadn't been fine for several years now. The kitsune had simply opened Kagome's eyes to the real mess she had gotten into. And, more to the point, opened his arms for her to run to.

Still, why did he have to show up today? I can handle Inuyasha and Kouga, but tossing Yoko into the mix just overwhelmed me! I can't imagine that fight ending any time soon...

The schoolgirl huffed, “Men! Or, should I say, males! Let them sort it out for once!”

For a moment, Kagome just lay with her eyes shut, letting the sun gently warm her face and arms. Something slid suddenly over Kagome wrist, and thinking it was a worm, the miko opened her eyes and squealed, trying to jerk her right hand away. But her arm remained fixed to the ground, and Kagome turned her head fearfully, a second coil slipped around her wrist.

The miko immediate thought was “Snake!!” and she screamed, and was about to tug the green thing off when she realised her other hand was similarly secured. Swallowing, Kagome tried to raise her body up, attempting to break the bonds and pull free, but with a squeak and a thump she was hauled back to the ground.

What on earth is going on??

A third coil bracleted the miko's wrist, smooth and cool, and though it was moving it didn't seem alive like a snake or worm as she had previously thought. It was almost as if it was being controlled, or manipulated by some...

“My...seems like you are in quite a bind, my dear,”

“Yoko!” Kagome hissed, as the elusive kitsune stalked through the long grasses, naturally at ease as the plants parted to accommodate him. The miko's viewpoint was limited, because she could only raise her back a little, and therefore heard the bandit's voice before she saw him. Now, it was revealed that the kitsune was on his hands and knees, approaching Kagome as though she were a certain prey he couldn't wait to pounce on.

“You should be more cautious, Kagome,” Yoko whispered in velvety tones, his voice accented by the delicate swish of the grass, “Who knows who could be hiding in these parts, just waiting to take...advantage?”

The miko pulled the vines once more, narrowing her eyes at the kitsune sourly, “Well, you clearly are experienced in that area,”

Yoko gave a feminine chuckle, sending a shiver straight up Kagome's spine. He slowly prowled until he reached the miko's feet.

“Come any closer and I'll kick you,” She spoke boldly, her voice sounding more courageous than she felt. The kitsune considered the threat for a moment, before seizing Kagome's ankles.

“Yoko!” the miko shouted, thrashing and flailing, “Let go right now!”

The kitsune obliged, but he moved over Kagome faster than the eye could catch. She gasped and shied back, only to clunk her head against the earth. As a result, Yoko had prisoned her legs between his knees, his hands supporting him just below where the miko's hand were tied.

“Mmm,” Yoko murmured, leaning to trail his tongue down Kagome's cheek, “I'm not sure what I prefer. Kitsune seduction and helpless, or trussed up and feisty,”

The miko immediately turned her face away, her skin burning. “If you don't get off right now, I'll purify you!”

Yoko cocked his head, his fangs bared cheekily, “With what? Your bound hands?”

Kagome gritted her teeth, staring into dancing golden globes. The kitsune's silver hair spilled over his shoulders, shrouding he and the miko from view.

“Fine! You've had your fun! I shouldn't have run away from the fight, yadda yadda! Now will you let me go?”

Yoko chuckled once more, dipping his mouth to nuzzle the miko's cheek. She immediately tensed, but it was hard to maintain coldness when skilful hands were stroking her sides.

“Kagome, Kagome...I don't blame you for leaving. Those two imbeciles are enough to make anyone want to head for the fields, as it were,”

“Then why...” The miko blushed, blinking as Yoko began to nibble her neck, “What's with the bondage? I thought it was some sort of...punishment, or something?”

Kagome felt the giggle vibrate against her skin, as the kitsune emerged once again over her face. “You know....sometimes its dangerous how innocent you are...”

The miko opening her mouth to speak, but the heavy powered gaze of the bandit made her silent. If it had been any other day, Yoko would have probably commenced with simply kissing the speechless miko. If it had been yesterday, or the day before that, Yoko would have taunted and teased Kagome, until she had begged freedom. But today, adrenaline pumped through the kitsune's veins. Today, a new threat had appeared, and the insufferable hanyou had pissed him off. So, Yoko leaned down, until his lips graced the curved shell of the miko's ear, and whispered silkily, “If I were to ravish you in this very field, do you think Inuyasha would have to acknowledge my claim?”

Kagome choked, as the kitsune licked her ear slowly. “Then again...as appealing as this bondage is, I want you to willingly lay down beneath me...and I would rather not be interrupted by the inu and ookami simply because you screamed my name too loudly...”

The miko spluttered, her cheeks now peony as Yoko smirked at her stunned expression.

“You...” Kagome struggled to regain her composure, especially as Yoko's hands constantly wandered, “Words...fail me...”

“Well,” the bandit remarked, “I never really was one for words...” The miko helplessly watched as the kitsune examined her white tank top.

“I hope you aren't too attached to this garment,” Yoko commented, curving a sharp claw.

“Would you stop if I said I was?” Kagome asked, trying to sound annoyed. But in all honesty, she was struggling. All anger she had with the kitsune had diffused, as usual, into a different type of fire. Now she strained less against her bonds, almost willing to accept whatever Yoko was offering. She knew, inside, her conscience was crying out. Where are your morals, in the name of Kami? Are you just going to lie here and let this over cocky kitsune devour you?

Hai, that sounds pretty good. And shut up, morals. Where have you ever got me? I should have kicked Kikyo's ass when I had the chance.

While Kagome had been engaging in an inner debate, Yoko had relinquished her of said tank top by slitting it up the middle. He was now unbuttoning her shirt.

“I'm not going to rip it, even though I am tempted,” the kitsune grinned, “Because I like the colour. It suits you,”

The miko was about to speak, when Yoko raised a finely shaped eyebrow. Her bra, also blue coloured, was all that barred his view of her chest. Though it was a very pretty bra, ruffled and lacy in the same fashion as her blouse. “Hai. Suits you very well. But I'm afraid this one is getting ripped,”

“Seeing how I'm pretty much lying back and not protesting,” The miko retorted, as her blouse slipped down her arms, “Can I at least ask that the bra doesn't get ripped?”

Yoko tilted his head to the side. “Well, that provides a problem, seeing how there's no other way off getting it off....is there?” the kitsune plucked at the straps experimentally.

“Just loosen the binds for a minute, and I can slip it off,” Kagome offered, “Onegai, it's only new! I'll be as still as a mouse, I swear,”

“Hmm...” The bandit considered for a moment, then clicked his fingers.

“Kyaa!” Kagome immediately jumped up, taking advantage while Yoko was raised on his haunches. The kitsune swore, the vines missing as he attempted to capture her arms, but the miko was up and away, sprinting through the tall grass, giggling punch-drunkenly. Her heart hammered with nerves...and the anticipation of being caught.

Yoko waited a few seconds for his blood to race before he sprang up. The little miko had left a strewn path of trodden plants, so it was more than easily to track her. The kitsune loved the chase, and his pangs of desire were further fuelled by this little race.

 

 

Kagome had clung onto her blouse as she had escaped, but she didn't waste time trying to pull it back on. She simply ran, one foot pounding the ground after the other, her shirt billowing around her arms like a banner. She had no intention of escaping, but she wasn't happy with simply lying back and allowing Yoko to do as he pleased.

“Iya!” The miko yelped, as vines leapt up and grabbed her by her ankles. She tumbled over, landing squarely on her behind, only for the kitsune to jump on her moments later. He tugged the blouse from around her arms, as binds fastened to her wrists and ankles without hesitation.

“You have an unfair advantage!”

“I never said I was fair,” Yoko breathed heavily into her ear from behind, ripping her bra clean off without a further word. The miko made to protest, but the bandit seized her lips possessively. His fingers kneaded her breasts without mercy, as he ground heavily against the pleats of Kagome's skirt. The miko moaned into the kitsune's mouth, straining against her binds as Yoko chased her tongue almost viciously, his need pressing against the schoolgirl's stomach.

“Y-Yoko...” She panted as she pulled back for breath, “Onegai...”

“This is what happens when you run away from me...” the kitsune grated out, biting Kagome's shoulder while plucking her hardening nipples. The miko gasped, closing her eyes as if to contain the feelings inside, as Yoko jutted so hard against her pelvis that her skirt was riding up and exposing lacy blue underwear.

“M-maybe I should run m-more often...” the miko managed to groan. Yoko grinned, suckling her breasts before teasing them with his sharp teeth. “Then I'll need to punish you even harder...” The kitsune emphasised this with a particularity arduous grind, this time pulling Kagome's skirt right up so that his silk clad arousal crushed directly against the miko's lacy panties.

The fact she couldn't move aroused Kagome even further- and the more she tried to free her movement, the faster the vines clamped her to the ground.

“You're not going anywhere, my sweet,” Yoko rasped, plundering her mouth once more, sucking slowly on her tongue and making the miko arch her back as much as her binds would allow.

I thought he was kidding before about the ravishing thing!

Kagome realised in the back of her mind she didn't really want to lose her virginity in a field, with some slip of a bandit kitsune, but Yoko had engulfed her- all she breathed was him, all she tasted sparkled of roses and champagne- all she saw was muscle upon shining muscle, the odd ribbon of silver hair...all she could hear was their panting, like a rising symphony, about to come to a dramatic conclusion...

The kitsune was rasping as reached for the thin material that keep him from touching Kagome's most intimate part...she shuddered and cried underneath him, and he had just slipped the lace by her hips...

“YOKO!”

“Shimata!” The bandit flinched, blinking as tarnished bronze irises returned to their golden hue. His breath came in bursts, and the miko lay underneath him, shuddering with wet and red lips.

“Yoko Kurama!”

Said youkai looked up from his bound miko to see a familiar koumori bandit run through the field at an alarming rate.

“Kuronue?” Yoko knelt up, refastening his slipping sash, “What on earth is the matter?”

The bat youkai skidded at to a halt, his attention diverted to the bound miko. Kagome squeaked and tugged her skirt further down with one hand, while she covered her chest with the other. Vines that had fallen loose wrapped around her body quickly, preventing her nakedness from being seen. Yoko had commanded this subconsciously, but now his focus was on Kuronue. His partner never came to him when he knew he was with Kagome.

“So this is she?” enquired the bat, tipping his black hat backwards. “Never mind her!” Yoko rasped, standing in front of the miko with clenched teeth, “Don't come running screaming my name and then not explain why!”

“Oh, right!” Kuronue slapped his thigh, “You have to come quickly! I've just heard word from the others- that fool Yomi has taken some of our best men and headed in another unauthorized attack!”

“Nani?” The kitsune gasped, grabbing Kuronue's shoulders, “Where?”

“I don't know!” the bat admitted, “He obviously didn't want you to find out...I only overheard some of the others muttering about it!”

“'Kuso!” Yoko cursed harshly. That damned Yomi... I warned him about going on raids without my permission!

“Yoko?” the miko was shaking with the sheer amount of surplus adrenaline pumping around her veins- and seeing the bandit so infuriated did nothing to soothe her. Goodness, he's even hotter when he's angry...

“Kagome...” Yoko sighed, running elegant fingers through his waterfall of silver silk hair.

“I'll wait over there for you,” Kuroune gave the miko a quick wink of a violet coloured eye before he nodded beyond the field to the kitsune. Yoko responded with a nod, waiting for the bat youkai to take off before he knelt down to Kagome's level. With a sharp snap of his fingers, her binds fell loose around her, and the miko rather embarrassedly gathered her strewn clothes- or what remained of them. The kitsune caught her hand before she pulled on her blue blouse. He kissed each nipple softly, before helping her get her arms in the sleeves. Yoko buttoned up her shirt with ease, while Kagome sat with hot cheeks.

“I wouldn't go if it wasn't important,” the bandit affirmed, as he fastened the last button, cupping Kagome's face with his two palms, “And, to be honest...if Kuronue hadn't interrupted us...”

“I know...” the miko whispered, her eyes half closed in shame. Since when had she allowed desire to master her body and soul?

Yoko chuckled, kissing Kagome gently on the lips, and then on the forehead.

“Look at me,” the kitsune commanded, and when she refused, Yoko tilted her chin with his finger. Rich chocolate eyes finally rose to meet his golden orbs.

“YOKO!”

The bandit chuckled, closing his eyes, revealing smooth lids and fine lashes. “It would appear I forget myself once again,”

Kagome slowly smoothed the kitsune's eyelids with her thumb. “You better go, neh? It sounds serious,”

“Hai, hai...” Still with his eyes closed, Yoko reached out and held the miko's rose pendant.

“OI!” Kuroune's harsh call made the kitsune drop the necklace quickly, cursing under his breath. He got to his feet, pulling Kagome upwards with him. With one last kiss, Yoko left her standing amid the long grasses, watching a blur of black and silver disappear into the horizon, while holding two delicate, scentless petals.

 

 

“Where the hell have you been?” Inuyasha exploded, jerking Kagome back to conciousness. She had been so deep in thought that she hadn't even heard the bickering youkai she had came upon.

“Did that damn kitsune sneak away with you?” demanded Kouga, sporting several more cuts and bruises than Inuyasha, “I've heard of their tricks! He must have used that silencing plant...a kitsune fooled me with that once too!”

The miko blinked, running her fingers through her fly away hair. She had been picking out blades of grass and straw from her ebony curls every since Yoko had left. “Nani?”

“Where is that kitsune, anyway?” Kouga continued to fume, hands curled on his hips, “Run away, did he? Did you give him a good old slap too, Kagome?”

Inuyasha remained silent after his outburst. He discreetly sniffed- there was that scent again. It was a smell that covered Kagome like a silk shawl, and it was impossible to put a claw on a name for it.

“Yeah...” Kagome agreed, not really paying attention to the two youkai, “I'm really hungry guys, I'm just going to get some of Kaede's soup...”

“Kagome?” Kouga's jaw dropped. The miko was leaving without further explanation? Without telling them what had happened? Usually she wouldn't willingly leave them alone, in case they fought...but now...

“Oi, ookami...” Inuyasha spoke gruffly, as his eyes followed the miko, “Can you smell that?”

“Nani?” Kouga inhaled deeply, his forehead creasing, “I can't smell anything...”

The hanyou cracked his knuckles, his amber eyes dark and unreadable. “Exactly”.

 

 

“Kagome?”

The miko looked up from the fire, startled. That afternoon they had set off to the far West, where there was rumours of a youkai with superior powers ruling over a scorpion clan. Sango and Miroku both agreed a shikon shard was most likely the cause, and so they had made haste with Kouga in tow.

Now Miroku and Inuyasha were taking advantage of the hot spring nearby. Sango had already been with Shippo, but Kagome had refused. She wasn't in the mood to bathe- even though she had used Yoko's two scentless petals, she fancied she could still smell his familiar fox fragrance clinging to her skin. The miko was confused about what had transgressed in the field- she was both scared and thrilled at what had nearly happened.

“Kagome?” the ookami prince sat down with a thump next to the miko, his charming smile fixed on his face. “I know what you're worrying about,”

The schoolgirl from the future gave a small smile, resting her chin in her palm. “Really, Kouga-kun?”

“Hai! You're worried about what Inuyasha was saying- about me blackmailing you for the shards,” the ookami reached over and took Kagome's hand in both of his, his serene blue eyes smiling. “Well, don't fret, my woman. I know you're in love with dog-breath, and you have loyalties to him- I respect that. I like my women to be faithful!”

“Ano...” Kagome didn't bother trying to remove her hand. Besides, he was holding her gently, and by the sounds of it, she could use this situation to her advantage.

“So, I'm going to give you the shards,” Kouga explained, grinning and showing sharp fangs, “On one condition”.

“Oh?” the miko blinked, “What's that?”

“I'll never understand why you love that inukoro,” Kouga sighed, diverting his eyes to the star spangled skies. “He doesn't know how lucky he is to have someone like you caring for him...you know that, right?” the wolf prince squeezed her hands and Kagome could feel her lip wobbling. “Oh, Kouga-kun...”

“Well, he is. Incredibly lucky. So here's what I'll do. I'll give you these shards...” the ookami used his free hand to prize the shards from his skin, not even grimacing when the wounds bled. “But, you have to promise me, that after the shikon is complete...you'll at least consider my offer...” Kouga pressed the shards into Kagome's hands, covering them with his own and holding the miko's gaze. “To be my mate...”

“Kouga-kun...” The miko whispered, and she hugged the ookami prince with all her might.

Oh, Kouga-kun...if only Inuyasha was more like you...

If only it was only Inuyasha I loved...

 

 

“At least we've got three more shards!” Sango shouted at Inuyasha. The exterminator was flushed and her eyes bright and beady. The hanyou was similarly ruffled, his puppy dog ears twitching madly.

Kouga had left them to return to his tribe soon after his talk with Kagome the night before, and the gang had continued on. However, the scorpion clan had ambushed them, and due to their tough exterior shells, Kagome's arrows had been useless. The miko had been wounded seriously by the shard holding scorpion boss, and Inuyasha was releasing all his pent up anger at the fact they had to retreat, as well as Kouga's offer to Kagome, and Yoko's behaviour the day before.

“Keh! We could have five more if she hadn't got herself in trouble again!”

They had made camp in a sheltered cave five miles away from where they had been ambushed. Sango, though not as severally wounded as Kagome, had also not fared well from the surprise attack, but she was in a fit condition to make the cave walls vibrate with her voice.

“Please, arguing is not going to help us now,” Miroku broke in calmly, “Kagome has suffered enough without you shouting at her, Inuyasha,”

“Yeah!” Shippo squealed, his cheeks red, “Kagome's all sore and you're making it worse!”

“Keh!” the hanyou huffed, “I've had enough of this!”

Inuyasha stomped out the cave, while Miroku shook his head, overlooking Shippo as he checked Kagome's bandages. The Scorpion boss had sliced the miko's right arm open with his pincer, and also badly shook up the bones in her body. She was slipping in and out of conciousness, though Sango had provided her with some herbs from Kaede's garden to ease the pain.

“We can't move her yet,” Miroku sighed, as Sango slumped down next to him, “But I think tomorrow, Kirara should take her home. She's no use to us like this, and we need to finish off those scorpions before they do any more damage,”

“Will you go with her, Shippo?” Sango asked the little kit. “Sure!” he replied, smoothing the hair away from the miko's sweating forehead, “She's not going to get better with Inuyasha yelling every second anyway!”

 

 

Two days later found Kagome sitting on a grassy knoll, not too far from Kaede's hut. The miko, though still sore, was able to sit cross legged without too much effort. Her right arm was securely bandaged, and her bruises and cuts were covered in a shiny paste that smelled like tea tree.

Kagome took a deep breath before picking up the small dagger that lay on the grass in front of her. It was silver and slight, with a brown leather bound handle.

The miko, after coming round, had been frustrated at finding she had once again been unable to properly defend herself. Kaede had picked up on the mood, and had suggested that instead of sulking, she could do something positive.

“But what can I do?” Kagome had asked, irritated. “I practise with my bow ever day, and I thought I was getting better! But if I can't use my arrows, I'm completely defenceless!!”

Kaede had pondered this, stroking the fire while Kagome dressed.

“Maybe child, you should try and develop your other miko skills. Perhaps, instead of thinking of how you can help yourself, you should think of how you can help others”.

It was then Kagome recalled certain miko being capable of healing. Kaede was not gifted, and Kikyo had been able to preform a little. Although Kagome could heal wounds that like poison or caused by miko arrows, anything that couldn't be solved by purification was so far unknown to her. The schoolgirl concluded if she was able to heal her friends on the battle field, she would not only be assisting them in battle, but would perhaps even seem stronger in Inuyasha's eyes.

“I cannot help you with healing child, save of the kind that involves herbs...it is something you must draw from your soul”.

“But, Kaede-baachan, how?”

The old woman had paused, before drawing a small dagger from under her sleeping mat, and telling Kagome to meditate.

Is it a special dagger? Or is it just something to concentrate my powers through?

The miko sighed, looking at her reflection in the dull metal. She tested the tip with her finger, gasping when the point pricked her skin, releasing a bubble of blood. Kagome bit her lip, flexing her finger experimentally. “Heal!” she whispered. The blood remained.

Squeezing her eye closed and clasping her finger with her other hand, Kagome hissed, “Heal!”

There was a tingle, and the miko's eyes flashed open in time to see the blood sink back into the wound. The skin sealed with a purple spark.

“Hai!” Kagome laughed delightfully, rubbing her fingers together. She checked the blade of the dagger, were a smudge of blood remained as evidence.

“Okay, so paper cuts are sorted. But what about the bigger picture?” The miko considered her body. Her right arm wasn't an option, and the rest of her skin was peppered in bruises.

I wonder if it works for bruises too?

Kagome concentrated, and ran her fingertips over her arms, stomach and over her legs. Her purple miko powers wiped away the blue bruising like a damp cloth over crayon. Kagome grinned, wielding the dagger in her good hand. She examined her legs- they were now completely free of markings. She was wearing fitted denim shorts today, so most of her skin were accessible. The miko judged the flesh at her thighs, before swallowing and pressing the dagger's tip down. She drew a light crimson line, inhaling quickly at the sharp pain it caused. The wound wasn't deep, but Kagome wasn't used to cutting herself.

“Now for the moment of truth...” Kagome closed her eyes, spread her palm over the blood seeping from the wound, and willed it to heal. It took a lot of concentration, but finally the tingling sensation. The miko opened her eyes slowly. She let out her breath when she saw the wound healing, like there was an invisible zip on her thigh.

“Well...that wasn't too hard! I wish I'd realised I could do this earlier...Inuyasha's face is going to be a picture!”

Kagome studied the rest of her body, lingering on her hurt arm. Hmm...maybe it won't work with wounds that aren't fresh?

But a few minutes later, the miko's bandages were lying in a bloodied heap on the grass.

“Sugoi!” Kagome flexed her newly healed arm, marvelling at the perfect state of her skin, as purple sparks danced around the remaining tears.

I wonder if it's only wounds I can heal? What about broken, or punctured things?

The miko began to bend her fingers. Cutting herself was hard enough, but Kagome didn't think she would be able to break her own fingers.

I wonder if I need to feel the pain to be able to heal? I hope not, otherwise I'll be no use to anyone!

Kagome looked around, wondering how easy it would be to break her pinky. She pulled at it experimentally, before shuddering. I think I'll practise with bigger wounds, first...

 

“What on earth are you doing?”

The miko gasped as the dagger plunged into her stomach. She had planned to make a cut down her naval, but the voice behind her so suddenly made her jump.

“Kagome!” The voice gained a body as the kitsune bandit fell to his knees in front of the miko, as the blood dripped down her skin.

“Yoko!” Kagome pulled the dagger out with a wince, still fascinated by the scarlet staining the dagger's blade. “You made me jump!”

The kitsune's face was priceless. His golden eyes drank in the blood splattered blades of grass, the crimson dagger and the now exposed and punctured skin. “What the hell are you doing?” Yoko asked with a dry mouth.

Kagome giggled, closing her eyes and feeling her aura flare purple. She was so in tune to her healing powers that she could seal any wound without wasting a spark of power.

“Watch!”

The kitsune did as was commanded, awe-struck as the damaged skin pulled together, mended as by magic...which it was, in a sense.

“How...how did you...?” Unable to finish the sentence, the bandit reached out and traced where there had previously been a gaping hole in Kagome's stomach. Now, the newly generated tissue was flawless, no scar or blemish remaining to suggest what had just taken place.

The miko opened her eyes, pulling her pink cotton vest further up her torso so she could see.

“Oh, good...” Kagome expelled a breath in relief, “I was worried I'd hit a vital organ...I don't know what I would have done then!”

Yoko's fine, silver eyebrows knitted together like swollen rain clouds at this statement. His gaze was dark and intrusive, and his voice was low when he spoke- “Kagome...are you telling me you've been curing self-inflicted injuries on pure luck?”

“Ano...” Kagome faltered, smoothing her vest down, “Well, Kaede-baachan told me to mediate, and the dagger didn't seem to have any special powers, but I cut myself by accident so...”

The bandit clapped a large hand over her mouth, shutting off her sentence with a decisive glare. His unnerving authority made Kagome's skin tingle, and not due to healing magic.

“You are not to harm yourself like this again, do I make myself clear?”

“Demo...” the miko's muffled voice protested.

“Kagome...”

“Demo!”

“Do I make myself clear?” Yoko demanded, his face so close his nose touched the miko's own. His eyes had turned to molten gold, and Kagome mumbled, “I need to learn to heal...I don't know how else to do it...”

“Why this sudden need?” the kitsune asked. He looked at her bandaged arm, sniffing discreetly, “Your wound is not fatal, is it? You will recover from it? Or is it perhaps the way in which you got the wound, that has prompted this sudden requirement?”

“Well, yes...” Kagome sighed, rubbing her bound arm, “I got in the way yesterday, because my arrows were useless against the enemy- and as a result everyone suffered...I just feel that I could be doing more to help the group, that's all...”

Yoko was silent, and it made Kagome nervous. She preferred him teasing or berating her rather than saying nothing.

“So, how did things work out? You know, when you left with Kuronue?”

The bandit appeared not to have heard her, or chose not to, as he asked, “How much experience have you gained, from this method of harming and healing?”

Startled and unprepared for the question, Kagome dithered before replying- “W-well, I can treat bruises and cuts, and shallower wounds- I was going to break my pinky, but...”

Yoko's eyes expanded in size, his brows disappearing under his pearly fringe. “Kagome, I don't know if you've realised, but in this practise is leaving you open to attack! I could smell your blood from miles away, even though I wasn't looking for it! And if you are busy breaking your own bones, you are giving predators ample time and coverage to take you by surprise!”

The miko blinked at the outburst, so uncharacteristic of the kitsune. But the truth of it made her cheeks tint scarlet, and she pulled at her hair dejectedly while moaning, “Baka, baka, Kagome-no-baka! I never, ever learn, do I?”

The bandit grabbed her hands, untangling them gently from her locks of midnight hair. “Kagome...” he said silkily, “I wish you wouldn't focus so much on your negatives. Don't you realise, that you are in fact dangering yourself in want of being able to help others?”

The miko looked up from under her hair, unsure of what to say. Yoko smiled warmly, softly running his thumb over her wrists, “You are one of the most selfless people I've ever met, Kagome. Stupidly selfless..” - at this, Kagome's blush deepened- “But an admirable quality none the less, and one I've never possessed,”

“I don't agree with that, Yoko...” the miko whispered, “What about the times you've saved me? Shippo-chan?”

The kitsune chuckled. “But Kagome, that was always for something that I wanted...”

The schoolgirl inhaled deeply, and it was almost as if the pair were transported back to two day's ago, when they lay in the field together...

The bandit sighed, shaking his head as if tormented by an undesirable thought. Before Kagome could think or speak, he had plucked the blood spotted dagger from the ground, and wrenched the handle against his fingers. The crunch was unmistakeable- bones breaking.

“Yoko!” Kagome cried, horrified, though the kitsune had made no sound or gave away any image of pain.

“Now, that was a selfless act, of sorts,” the bandit grinned, observing his newly damaged fingers, “Let us see if you can fix broken bones, miko-sama!”

 

 

“Please, don't go in there! It's private, and last time you went I got one hundred spankings!”

“It won't take a moment, Jorge,” spoke a gentle voice.

“A moment is too long! Botan might be available, I could-”

“That will be unnecessary. Now, step aside. I will hurt you if need be,”

“H-hai! I'm moving!” the oversized blue ogre stumbled from the golden gilt edged double doors, wringing his hands and whimpering, “One hundred spankings! One hundred!”

A slender and lithe figure slipped silently through the doors. The confidential library was silent as a tomb, but the toddler sized ruler of Rekai was visible high up on a ladder, propped against one of the spiralling bookcases.

“Ah, Kurama,” Koenma said, without turning his head. He pulled out a heavy volume, and sticking it under his arm, descended down the ladder. “What brings you here? Did that ogre run away again?”

“A matter which has been preying on my mind since we last met,” replied the avatar calmly, “And yes, Jorge has ran away,”

Konema muttered under his breath, before jumping the last steps of the ladder and spinning around to face Kurama. “What matter? Sounds serious!” Koenma chuckled uneasily, pretending to search for a book on a lower shelf.

The youth crossed his arms, his eyes focusing like neon lasers upon the back of the small ruler's head. “I'm here to ask something, Koenma-sama. It's been pressing on my mind, and though I've drawn many conclusions, I would like you to confirm the answer”.

“Oh?” Koenma looked up, faltering slightly at the cool look on Kurama's face.

“Tell me...what do you know about concerning Kagome's death?”

 

 

Oh, another cliffy! How I love them!

Extra long chappy, hopefully to make up for the lack of update! Next update will most likely be in a month's time, as I have prelims in a fortnight (It's never ending!!)

Please read and review! Oh, and check out my New Year's one shot, Hatsuyume, a good old Kag x Kur!

Arigato as always, reviewers!

 

Oh! I almost forgot! The 500th reviewer on MM and the 400th on FF will be able to request an out take sketch, which I'll post at the end of the next chapter!

I was going to do another scene request, but our 400th reviewer's scene request still hasn't happened (it's coming, I promise!!) so I felt it unfair to promise another one!

Good luck and go wild! (though no lemons, because I have all them planned! Gomen!)

That means together, this story will have 900 reviews, respectively! Aii, I'm soo happy!! Arigato everyone!!

 

MediaMiner.org:

 

Kitsuneangel88: Aww, arigato! I'm glad you enjoyed reading the fight scene, I loved writing it! Ah, well Kagome and Yoko went to have a little 'fight' of their own! Hehe!

I'm glad- because getting emails to tell me I've got reviews gives me the same feeling!! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

NLI-LMKitsune: Hehe, I'm glad! Kouga-kun is one of my favourite! Shippo is a great liar- and Yoko is one little naughty fox!

Purplebabe: I hope it met your expectations lol!

ShipporinKIMS11: Hehe. Wow, that's a lot of thank yous! I would return the favour, but the other readers might get jealous lol! Hehe I'm glad it made you laugh, I found it pretty funny!! Hope you had a great holiday! My cold is all gone, wohoo!

J0kEr: Lol I think every girl has been in Kagome's situation at some time (well not quite, damn I'd love to have Yoko after me, never mind two other cuties!) Hope you had a great holiday!

KuKIChan: Arigato! Hope you liked this chapter too!

ChibiRin: Hey, they are typical men! But yeah, I think I'm on Yoko's side on this one!!

beckyducky: I totally agree!!

Oh yeah, love t.A.t.U...all the things she said was my favourite song! But yeah, their lyrics can be a bit dodgy lol!

Madmiko: Hehe, I have got a certain soft spot for the ookami I must say! Well, we know how headstrong Inu is...he might realise when it's too late! Oh, I'd love to do a little Kouga and Kagome fic...it's definetly on the cards, after I've churned out all my crossover ideas! One of which is a Hiei Kagome...but I'm almost scared to try became my efforts would pale in comparison with your work!!

It's amazing how you always pick out the little parts of my work I'm proud of! Thanks for reading and the great review, as always! And can't wait for the next chap of BWM!

YoukoKurama201: Why, thank you! Great pen name by the way!

Starlet Angel: Seems fair to me! I'm glad you've found the time to catch up! This fic will always be here for you whenever you can grab time! Glad you're enjoying!

Kye: Arigato!

misfit_one85: I'm glad to hear my writing has such an impact! Hope you enjoyed!

 

 

FanFiction.net:

 

S.T. Nickolian: I know I'd be picking the silver kitsune for sure! But love's complicated, unfortunately for Kags, neh? Well hope this chappy was as good!

Wings of Tears: Hehe I know...arigato!

Disneyrulz23: Glad you think so!

OhBrother: Well, they met quickly in this chapter, but there will be a bigger meeting! Ah, well we know how jealous Inu is! Can't blame him, with Kags and all her suitors lol!

XiDOREyoux and CrimsonTears: Ahh, well THAT comes later!!

Kagome093: Yup, Yoko! They left with Miroku, back to Kaede's for their soup lol!

IchikoKitsuneKoumori: Indeed!

Cherry-Blossom-Love: Ah, no worries, the fact you've been reading is great! Arigato! And I love your pen name!

Mika Huntress: No, never! Kitsune promise! Wow, really? I'm glad! Sorry for the wait, hehe...

cowgirlkitten2000: Arigato! I hate fight scenes usually! Hope you enjoyed the spice!

Dark Inu Fan: Lol, yeah, that would have been good! Arigato!

Maethanos: I totally agree! Too much sex is just plain drab and sickening. That's why I always save my lemons for a good while in, and keep the limes different and unexpected! I'm glad you think my work is tasteful, it means a lot!

CloverBabe: Me too! I'd even have a bit of Kouga-kun! Hehe.

KazunaPikachu: And I never, ever will! Kitsune promise! I'm glad you you're enjoying so far!

Twilight Satu: Hehe! Did you like?

AlmostKagomesTwin: Lol love the pen name! Ahhh I can't tell you, it'd spoil it! Arigato!

Kagome-Is-Kool: Hehe she is! Lol!

COAIM: Sneaky is my middle name!

Euterpey: Hehe, it's funny to think people are addicted to my work! Hope you like your latest fix!

Shadow Caster Ravina: Hope it was worth the wait!

Mia1837: Arigato!

Misslover: I'd be in heaven lol!

Xapa: It gives me joy to hear that!

Shippo17: I'll try my best!

YoukoLvr01: Gomen, I do my best!

Kamiyoukai: It's alright, I feel the same about stories I like! I'll always update eventually!

 

Imaginative Love:

Tenchi Girl Beats Barbie: Hey. I don't feel bad, so no worries. I'm glad you've taken such an interest to write such I long review! I'll answer all points as best as I can, but if any thing's not clear let me know!

1. True, at that point of the anime, Kurama has five tails. However, this is a younger Yoko- he is not near dying yet, and still has many things to achieve before he gains his last tail. This will be made clear in further chapters! As for Yukina's ice sculpture, having never seen Yoko in kitsune form, she would have made a guess at his tail number!

2. Woo! Okay, you've read a bit too much into this girl, so you've confused me! But my time chart still stands. Kagome and Kurama are both 15 at the end of the mangas, which is more what I was going on than the animes. To be honest ages in the animes are never clearly stated. But, for this story, just assume that Kagome and Kurama are 17. Yusuke and Keiko are infact engaged at the end of the anime/ manga, which ever one you prefer. Don't get to bogged down in the maths!

3. As Swasdiva pointed out, (also through personal experience) a girl who is a virgin/ hasn't broken her hymen can still orgasm. It's all about correct stimulation, and believe you me, I think a sweaty kitsune bandit would do it for me! But without giving you too much info, I'm not one of these writers who have no experience save reading badly written lemons!

 

I'm glad you took time to review, so thanks for that! Hope you continue to enjoy!

 

Swasdiva: Lol. Thanks for that little review, it made me laugh! As you can see above, I share your views exactly! So hey, now we all know a little something about each other! Lol!

But yes, and opera of angst sums up this plot beautifully! I so hope you've bought popcorn!

That was among my favourite tender moments I have to say- though of course, with Yoko, nothing is innocent for long! Ah, I'm glad you picked up on the seriousness underneath the slapstick! I was trying to aim for a scene outside the norm, but still IC...

Ah, well Kagome had lots of time to consider our scrummy kitsune after, didn't she? Tehee! Aw, I do feel for Kouga-kun...poor dear!

Arigato, once again for a glorious review! And stuck? Gladly!

Brianna: Hehe. Glad you think so!

Elehanna: Well, one month lol! Wow, I want a Yoko scarf now! Kawaii! Hope it was worth the wait!!