InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Not the Only One ❯ Death Threats ( Chapter 30 )

I do not own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho. I do however own the opinion that the best bishounen are all red haired, and have names beginning with K- Kurama, Kenshin (Rurouni Kenshin) and Kaoru (Ouran High Host Club).

Maybe its a Scottish thing?

 

Kon'ichiwa, minna! I've been very busy with birthdays, work and life in general, and am only getting around to writing this chapter now. Japan was amazing!! Words can't even describe how much I loved it. I'm going back as soon as possible!!

I've also got a new addiction- Rurouni Kenshin! Honestly, I need to stop reading all this shounen! Hehe.

 

Okay, so the plan is ten more chapters!! However, with my fickle muse and tendency to wander away from my plot line in favour of some kitsune/avatar limeade, we made never get to the end!!

 

This chapter is dedicated to Kira, the 400th reviewer on MediaMiner! Her requested scene was with Kagome and Kurama confronting the fangirls. I hope you enjoy, Kira!

 

For you chance to get your own scene written, listen up! The 500th reviewer at Media Miner. org and the 500th reviewer at Fan Fiction. net will be able to request an out take of Not the Only One-anything, with any characters- apart from lemons! So, gambate!

 

 

Know the lingo!:

Shikon no tama: Jewel of four souls

Chikushou: shit/ dammit

nani: what

baka: idiot

Aa: ok (mainly masculine)

arigato: thanks

haori: kimono jacket

gomen nasai: forgive me

gomen: sorry

kitsune: fox

Jagan: third eye

hakama: pleated pants

iya: no

hai:yes

onna: woman

 

 

Chapter 30

Death Threats

 

 

“Is this it?” Inuyasha asked breathlessly, as they crowded around the miko, bruised and battered. The hanyou's fringe was slick with blood and stuck uncomfortably to his forehead, but he couldn't care less. His eyes were concentrated on Kagome, as she fused the most recent efforts of their shard hunt together with the shikon no tama. White light bathed the warriors, highlighting the anticipation etched on their faces.

Kagome felt it first, the deep yet narrow ridge that flawed the small sphere cupped in her hand.

“Chikushou!” Inuyasha rasped, punching the ground, causing the earth to shudder under his wake, “I was sure we'd done it this time!”

“There can't be much left,” Sango interjected hopefully, peering at the jewel in the miko's hands, “Two more, at the most!”

The hanyou didn't reply. It had taken them three whole days just to find another piece; though it had been larger than most, and he had been so sure their journey was complete...

We've wasted three days on one shard, and we've got a possible two more to get before the shikon is complete...

Kikyo said we had one week...six days have past since then...

 

 

“Neh, Inuyasha, what's wrong? We're not that far away!” Kagome's teasing tone snapped the hanyou out of his gloomy thoughts, but not for long. Upon seeing her smiling face, with her twinkling, playful eyes, the hanyou felt his heart clench.

“Right,” Inuyasha agreed hollowly. “Wench, why don't you take this chance to go home? We've been shard hunting quite a lot recently...”

The hanyou's voice faded away, and he diverted his eyes, hoping that Kagome would, for once, just agree...

“Nani??”

Then again, maybe not...

Even Sango and Miroku couldn't believe what they were hearing. Shippo burst into hysterics, gnawing on the hanyou's ears as he panted, “Did that youkai hit your head, baka? Since when do you let Kagome go home voluntarily?”

“Shut up, runt!” Inuyasha growled, flinging the kit to the forest floor. He glared at Sango and Miroku, who quickly closed their mouths and applied bemused expressions.

“Well?” Inuyasha turned his piercing eyes to the stunned and also open mouthed miko. “So I'll take it you don't want to go home?”

“O-of course I do!” Kagome blinked rapidly, before clasping her hands together and smiling. “Arigato, Inuyasha!”

The hanyou snorted, offering his back while the lead weight in his shoulders eased a little. As long as Kagome wasn't in his time, Kikyo wouldn't be able to touch her...

 

 

The miko beamed against the warmth of the hanyou's back.

Inuyasha has been acting a little differently since the kiss, but this is completely out of character!

How nice it'll be to get a bath and sleep in my own bed, without worrying about a certain hanyou!

“Neh, Inuyasha...” Kagome said quietly- despite the high winds whipping around them due to Inuyasha's speed, there was no doubt the hanyou would hear her- “Are you sure this is okay?”

“Aa,” Inuyasha grunted, holding on tighter to the miko as they neared the well, “There's no point in tiring yourself out, when there's only a few left, right?”

The hanyou cleared his throat, and Kagome knew he was going to say something important.

“We've been hunting for these shards for years now, and I think we'll all be relieved when it's over...but, in the end, I didn't mind...” Inuyasha voice lowered to a hushed tone, “Because it meant I was with you, Kagome...”

There was no sound but the path Inuyasha cut through the air, and the pound of his feet on the undergrowth. Kagome pressed closer to the hanyou's back, and squeezed his shoulder gently with a smile. “Me too, Inuyasha...”

 

 

“So, how long have I got?” Kagome asked cheerfully as she opened the well doors, allowing bright sunshine to filter into the darkness. Inuyasha didn't move from the lip of the well, choosing his words carefully.

“Kagome...just stay here until I come and get you,”

“Nani?” The miko spun around, to Inuyasha's dismay.

“What do you mean, 'nani'?” the hayou growled, “Usually you bitch about how little time you get! You wanna get some rest or not?”

Kagome frowned, her hands on her hips. “I am not 'bitching'! I just find it strange you aren't setting a limit like usual!”

Limit...time limits...

“Kagome!” Inuyasha stalked over to the miko with fire in his eyes, “You don't return to the past, got it? Wait for me to come and get you! You understand?”

The miko's frown deepened, but disappeared completely when the hanyou pulled her into one of his rare, yet magical hugs. His chest was so huge, and his arms so strong, Kagome felt like she could disappear into them. The long sleeves of his red haori draped around her, and the miko inhaled deeply. Fresh pine and rain. And dirt. That was what Inuyasha smelt of.

Kagome treasured Inuyasha's hugs, because for that small moment, when his arms were around her, there was nothing in the world but the two of them. The rough material of the haori scratched the miko's cheek; his white hair mingled with her dark tresses; she was surrounded by everything him, and he was all that mattered. When Inuyasha let go, Kagome had to let go of the illusion- she was thrust blinking and alone into the real world.

“Remember- wait for me to come”.

And he was gone.

 

 

Kagome sat on her bed, restless. Her family were surprised to see her back, and even more so when the schoolgirl explained what the hanyou had said.

“Well, Kagome-chan, you should rest while you can!” Mama Higarashi had smiled, “I'll make udon tonight!”

“Mou...” the miko sighed, half lying on her bed, her legs extended in front of her, “This just feels weird...”

Maybe I should rest though...

Kagome crawled over to her pillow, burying her nose into the familiar...

“What is that?” The miko sneezed, three times in a row. She lifted her pillow up to inspect it, but her eyes fell to the remaining pillow. Or rather, the little pressed flower that lay on top of it.

“What the...” Kagome picked it up carefully, twirling it around in her fingers.

That smell...from the other night, when I had that dream...

The miko rubbed her temple, staring at the flower. Then, she heard the phone ring.

“Kagome, for you!”

“Who is it?” the miko shouted back, sniffing the flower again and wrinkling her nose. It was a bit off now, sickly sweet.

“Kurama-kun!”

Kagome dropped the flower.

 

 

“I can only offer my most sincere apologies, Kagome,” the red head said as he handed the miko some green tea. The schoolgirl had asked him what the hell was going on, but he had preferred to explain face to face.

“I must admit, as much as it irks me, I have no memory of slipping the aphrodisiac under your pillow...Yoko must have planted it, pardon the pun,”

The miko sipped her tea, cupping the olive green china mug to her chest.

“An aphrodisiac, huh...”

“Hai,” Kurama nodded, a slight blush dusting his cheeks. “Manipulated with his ki, so that not only would you be...sensitive to certain dreams, but your dreams would be of him...of us...”

The miko nodded, looking up into the avatar's bright green eyes, unable to put a finger on the slight distance between them. Had it been so long since they had been together?

“So that's what the dream was...”

The avatar's jaw clenched, and Kagome saw a slight vein at the right side of his forehead pulse, before he smoothed his expression.

The miko bit her lip. Still, I can't be sure who my dream lover was...

“Wait a minute, Kurama-kun! Why didn't you phone me, or let me know about the plant?”

This time, the avatar's mask well and truly slipped. His eyes fell to the cup in his own hands, and he traced the rim carefully. “I did...try...to warn you. But...it was rather too late...”

The miko blinked. Too late?

“You mean I was already asleep? You could have woke me, Kurama-kun...”

The avatar's small chuckle made Kagome freeze. “I believe Inuyasha beat me to that, Kagome...”

 

 

There was silence for a moment.

“Oh!” The miko's face flooded scarlet, and she put her mug on the coffee table quickly. Her hands flew to her face, covering her eyes. “Kurama-kun...you saw-!”

“Quite...” the avatar raised his eyes, his face blank again. “Don't worry Kagome, I hold no ill feelings...you never deluded me where your affections with Inuyasha lay...”

“Gomen nasai,gomen nasai!” Kagome had already began to chant, ducking her head to the coffee table, “That you should have seen that, Kurama-kun...I don't know what happened, one moment I was dreaming, and then Inuyasha was there, and...”

“Kagome, Kagome!” Kurama got up, crossing to sit beside the miko on her couch, “Please don't apologise...”

The avatar held her face with his two hands, and touched her forehead with his.

“I know how you feel about Inuyasha, and I know I should wish the best for you two... but the fact is, jealously had taken such a deep root in my soul...” Kurama sighed, “But Kagome, know this...I only want for you to be happy!”

“Kurama-kun...” Kagome fought back the tears, “Things between Inuyasha and I...haven't really changed. He had been kinder, certainly...I mean, he's letting me stay at home to rest, and he doesn't want me to return until he comes for me...”

“Is that so?” Kurama shut his eyes, wanting the hide his emotions from the miko.

So, Inuyasha, you've finally realised how much danger Kagome is in...

“Well, I think Inuyasha is right for once,” the avatar smiled sweetly, “Take some time to relax, you certainly deserve it,”

“Hmm...” Kagome half-agreed. Now Kurama is acting strange as well!

“Are you hungry?” Kurama asked, suddenly getting up, and retreating to the safety of the kitchen counter. It's been a while since I've been that close to her...

“I'm fine, thanks. Mama's making udon for dinner!”

“I see. Well, I hope you don't mind if I rustle something up. I'm quite hungry, and Hiei's popping in later.”

“Oh, how is he?” Kagome asked, watching idly as the avatar skimmed through his cupboards, hauling out pots and pans.

“Well, today is his full ice day- remember I told you about his hybrid cycles before? So he's pretty good natured at the moment. He just went out to get ice cream,”

Kagome giggled. “Hiei, good natured. This I have to see!”

Kurama smiled in agreement, firing up the hob and emptying a packet of something spicy smelling into a pan.

 

 

The miko was happy enough just to watch Kurama. His apartment was such a soothing place- one would never be able to tell that the owner's body was in conflict with a feisty kitsune...

Speaking of which...

“Neh, Kurama-kun, in the past, what is Yoko doing? He said he had a reputation to rebuild...I can only imagine how he's accomplishing that...”

“I've been busy with college work, to be honest, Kagome, I haven't really been keeping tabs on Yoko...”

The miko blinked. “Oh...then, do you not know? What happened?”

Kurama looked up at Kagome's tone. “Kagome, what do you mean, 'what happened'?”

The avatar left his cooking and knelt down at the couch beside the miko. Immediately, he winced as if in pain, and his eyes grew large.

“Kurama-kun!”

The avatar fell forwards, not before Kagome saw his eyes- jumping between green and gold. He was twisting and twitching, and Kagome quickly sunk onto the carpet beside him. She shook him as though to bring him back to reality, pleading with him, “Kurama-kun, Kurama-kun! Wake up!”

But the avatar continued to shake, and Kagome could only hold him close, running her hands through his hair and murmuring soft words.

 

 

It lasted only ten minutes, but the sweat was lashing from both Kagome and Kurama. The miko had been too terrified to leave the kitsune avatar for help, and besides, she doubted there was anything that could be done.

“Kurama-kun!” Kagome gasped with relief, as the shaking finally stopped and the avatar sat up, though shakily.

“G-gomen...” Kurama whispered, his eyes still closed, his fringe low about his face.

“Watching you in the past was getting too distracting, so I've been blocking Yoko's memories out...I should have realised when he agreed so readily that he'd done something wrong...”

Kagome stroked the avatar's scarlet locks soothingly, and cupped his cheek.

“Kurama-kun, you have nothing to apologise for. Yoko apologised to me enough, and I forgave him! Plus, it's in the past neh?”

Kurama looked up at the miko's smiling face, and shook his head in wonder.

“Kagome, you are too forgiving, do you know that? I'm starting to think we put you in more danger than Inuyasha does!”
Kagome giggled, burrowing under Kurama's chin and snuggling into his chest.

“Neh, life would be boring without facing mortal peril every now and then!”

“Huh,” The redhead replied, pulling Kagome into his lap and nuzzling into her hair, inhaling her scent deeply. “That you can treat this so lightly, Kagome...”

“Shh, now,” the miko murmured, happy to be hugged warmly. She knew Kurama-kun wouldn't let go if she didn't want him to.

“Ahem,” A voice caused the pair to freeze, looking up quickly at the direction of the intruder's voice.

“Hiei-san!” Kagome beamed, while Kurama got to his feet, helping the miko up. The little hybrid youkai looked at the pair questioningly, his eyebrow quirked. He held up a blue, plastic carrier bag. “I got ice cream.”

 

 

Well, this is strange...

Kagome observed Hiei quietly as he set about putting the ice cream in the freezer. He was scowling, but it wasn't his usual I-want-to-kill-something scowl, it was almost...cute.

Kurama swallowed a smile as Hiei banged the freezer door shut. The little youkai had wanted his ice cream first, but Kurama had explained he was making them something to eat before.

“I guess I better go, Kurama-kun,” Kagome spoke up, as the avatar began to set the table for two, “My mama will be making my dinner,”

“Hai, hai,” Kurama put down the cutlery, and looked about for his jacket, “I'll walk you home,”

“Iya!” the miko protested, “There's no need, besides, your food will get cold...”

“It's curry, I can heat it back up,” Kurama smiled. “Hiei, I won't be long!”

“Hn. You know if I'm left alone, there won't be ice cream for dessert,”

Kagome giggled, and she bowed quickly as she said her goodbye. “Gomen I couldn't stay longer, Hiei-san,”

Hiei shrugged, and gave the girl a nod, and the slight hint of a smile.

 

 

“That was good,” Hiei remarked, after he had demolished Kurama's curry. “I almost wish I'd waited to eat this first,”

“Really?” the avatar chuckled, running his fork over his remains, “I couldn't taste it much...”

Hiei accepted Kurama's plate silently, wishing he could use a spark of his fire ki to reheat the meat. Sighing, he dug in, waiting for the avatar to spill whatever was weighing on his mind. Kurama made a steeple with his fingers, pressing the tips together as he tried to collect his thoughts. Hiei continued to eat. He grabbed the pepper, coating the food with a generous amount. He could only enjoy hot and spicy food on his full ice day- every other day it was too unbearable, plus it would spark the fire ki in his system.

 

 

“Kagome was captured by Yoko's bandits.” Kurama was direct to the point with Hiei. There was no buttering things over when it came to the kitsune avatar and jagan master.

Hiei looked up, his ruby eyes showing interest. “Was that Yoko's intention?”

“Iya...he even apologised....” Kurama traced his lip thoughtfully. “He told Kagome he loved her.”

That greatly interested Hiei. “The kitsune was intoxicated?”

Kurama smiled. “Hai, but not with alcohol. You would think I would be happy...but I more torn than ever. Yoko doesn't care about the problems he is causing, concerning the hanyou. Meanwhile, Inuyasha has actually made a move, something Kagome has been waiting on, for years...”

The avatar eased his head into his hands, closing his eyes. “Whereas I...I can't even kiss her goodnight, after seeing what I saw...”

Hiei pushed his plate aside, leaning his elbows on the table. He yanked a lock of the kitsune's scarlet hair. He hated talking to the top of someone's head. Kurama jerked up, his eyes muddled a muddy green.

“Get a grip, kitsune,” Hiei remarked. “This onna, this miko...it can't work out between you. She has her destiny, and you have yours. Our types and hers aren't supposed to mix,”

“But Hiei!” Kurama gasped, deeply hurt by his friend's words, “You know I don't care about things like that! And I can't help how I feel about her! I can't get rid of these feelings...this pain, I've never felt anything like it before...”

Hiei tilted his head, examining the kitsune. The spark that had been in his eyes while the miko had been in the apartment was gone. Kurama's shoulders were slumped, his lips no more than a fine line. Even his hair seemed less vibrant.

“After all the battles...all the near death experiences...everything concerning your human mother..you're telling me you're hurting more?”

“Hiei...” Kurama blinked at the softness of the youkai's tones, despite his words. The red eyes, so usually cold, were warm and concerned.

“Don't be weak, Kurama,” Hiei whispered, as he fastened his cape. He approached the window, and the avatar got to his feet unsteadily, “Wait, Hiei-”

“I can't stand you when you're weak, Kurama...” the jagan master interrupted, before jumping out into the night.

 

 

Having disposed carefully of Yoko's plant, Kagome decided to turn in for an early night.

At least when I'm running around the length and breadth of feudal Japan, I'm too busy to be tired.

Now, lying in her comfortable bed, Kagome felt her exhaustion catch up with her. She closed her eyes, and within moments, was instantly asleep.

 

 

It was cold...so cold. Kagome kept running through the snow, knowing if she stopped, it would all be over.

She could hear something behind her...it was gaining on her, fast.

I have to keep going!

The miko tumbled over a branch, concealed by the powdered snow. Her red hakama had caught, and she tried to pull free, the snow soaking through the material to her skin.

Tears began to fall down her face as she struggled to get back up, but she heard the slow crunch of footsteps and knew it was too late...

 

 

Kagome sprang up in bed with a gasp, the tears still spilling down her face. Red eyes pierced through the darkness, like red traffic lights in dark evening. A silver blade of a katana glimmered orange from the shrine's lamps outside.

The miko clapped her hands over her mouth to stifle her scream. Hiei was positioned on her bed, the hilt of his katana ready to pierce through her chest.

“H-Hiei-san?” the miko choked. I'm still dreaming?

“You woke,” the little youkai remarked, looking disappointed. He lowered the blade, looking the miko straight in the eye with no intention of explanation.

Kagome didn't want to make any sudden movements, so she slowly sat upright, keeping her eyes on the hybrid. Her heart was beating so loud, she knew he could hear it.

“Why?” She asked, trying to mask her utter confusion.

Hiei glanced back at her. Her gaze was unnerving, as was her composed face. Had she really faced death so many times it no longer upset her? The only indication of her fear was her beating heart.

Her miko heart...

“You've bewitched Kurama,” Hiei stated. “You're causing him pain, and as he can't remove you from his life, I take it upon myself to do so,”

“I see...” Kagome swallowed painfully. “How do you know...?”

“He told me, though he didn't have to. The Jagan sees all.”

As if to prove the fact, Hiei removed his bandanna, letting the white ribbon fall to the floor. His third eye gleamed threateningly in the dark.

Again, she is composed. Just like him.

“I believe you. And I'm sorry, Hiei-san. I don't mean to cause Kurama pain...I really don't...”

Hiei frowned. “Do you love him?”

“N-nani?” Kagome gasped, twisting her hands together.

Hiei took once step closer, his eyes narrower. “It's a simple question, miko.”

Kagome wiped the tears from her cheeks with the back of her hand, and felt her body shake a little, though from fear or cold she wasn't sure. “I-I...I honestly don't know, Hiei-san...”

The swordsman sighed. “You ningen...especially you ningen onna- why do you always make things complicated?”

Hiei raised his sword, so that the tip was inches away from Kagome's throat.

“If you do not love him, then you should die. You're causing him pain and confusing him because you do not know yourself who you want,”

Kagome bit her lip, her eyes once more filling with tears.

“In other words, you are being selfish and inconsiderate to others. Kurama will continue to be confused by you, until you disappear from his life completely. It's the only way he'll be able to escape you, in his past and present.”

“H-hai...” Kagome bowed her head, her hands fisted against her chest. “You're right, of course...I didn't realise how much Kurama-kun was suffering because of me...”

Hiei watched the miko carefully, in case she tried anything. His jagan couldn't see much in her mind, but chaos. She didn't raise her head. Her midnight hair fell unevenly over her face and chest as she leaned forwards, her frame shaking with her sobs. Hiei realised with a jolt she was actually waiting for him to kill her. The white flesh of the back of her neck was even exposed freely.

Who is this onna?

Suddenly, Hiei was racked with violent shivering. He raised his katana up, having to steady it with his other hand.

“Tell Kurama...gomen ne...” Kagome whispered.

 

 

“Chikushou!” Hiei gasped, and the katana slipped from his grasp. He was shuddering so hard it was like he was vibrating, and his legs collapsed from under him.

“Hiei-san?” Kagome peeked from under her curtain of hair, before quickly getting up and kneeling next to the writhing youkai.

Oh no, this is just like what happened with Kurama-kun! But how can it be?

“You're freezing, Hiei-san!” Kagome gasped, wincing from how cold the youkai's cheek was. The jagan blinked at her, before slowly closing, until Hiei's forehead was smooth.

“You need to heat up...” Kagome hauled the youkai up onto his feet. His eyes were all closed now, his mouth a tight grimace. “It'll be okay...” the miko whispered, lifting him with struggle into her bed.

What's going on here? Even that time he was poisoned, he wasn't shaking like this!

“Oh!” Kagome realised, as she tucked her blankets around the swordsman, “His full ice day! Is this how it finishes?”

The miko looked down at the youkai warily. He had stopped shaking so much now, and his breathing was coming more easily.

“Looks like you'll have to kill me another time, Hiei-san,” Kagome murmured. She fetched her winter blanket from under her bed, before lying down on the bed beside Hiei. The only light in the room was the tiny crack on Hiei's forehead, the green pulse of the Jagan. The miko watched it sleepily for a while.

What was it Kurama-kun said once?

“If Hiei really wanted to kill you, he wouldn't have warned you. You would be dead before you could even realise what he was doing.”

 

 

Kagome wasn't overly surprised when she woke up in the morning to find her bedroom deserted. She was tucked under her duvet, but there was little body heat in her bed.

Hiei must have made it cold...

Her window was open, too, and it had been raining outside. Kagome shivered, getting up to close the sash. Her joints were stiff, partly from sleeping in an awkward position, but also from lack of heat.

The miko sneezed just as her mama entered the room.

“Ohayo, Kagome-chan!”

“O-ha-yo!” Kagome sneezed several times in a row, and her voice was scratchy when she answered.

“Neh, Kagome, you sound like you have a cold!”

“Great...” the miko muttered, massaging her throat, “Well, I need to stock up my first aid kit anyway, so I guess I'll go to the chemists.”

 

 

It was a horrible day, with no sun in sight. Murky clouds swathed the sky, and Kagome donned her bright pink wellingtons, along with a black coat with a hood.

Looks like the start of the rainy season...

Though it rained constantly, there was a horrible humidity in the air. The miko trudged to the nearest chemist at her local shopping centre, busy with buyers trying to stay dry from the rain.

“Bandages, plasters...painkillers...what else?”

Kagome filled a basket in no time, grumbling a little at the cost of it all. Medicine was so expensive in her time...

The miko was just about to reach for some lip balm, having ran out recently, when her hand brushed another's. The manicured nails slightly scratched her, and Kagome automatically pulled back, apologising, “Ah, gomen ne...”

The girl's face was apologetic, then turned as though a white hot poker had been jabbed up her backside. “You!”

Kagome blinked, not recognising the girl at first because her hair was straight today, but the kohl-lined eyes prompted a memory.

Oh great...

“Watch what you're doing!” the girl snapped, grabbing the tube of lip balm Kagome had intentionally been ready to buy. The miko watched her stalk off to the till, where her trio of friends waited. The girl spoke animately, not trying to hide her voice about whom she was talking about, and Kagome fought down a blush of embarrassment.

Immature bitch...

The miko sulked around the aisle until the girls had left, in no mood for confrontation. She paid quickly and with a carrier bag in each hand, headed back into the rain.

 

 

The group of girls continued their chat among diet sodas and small packets of fries at the café opposite the shop.

“I mean, why? Shu-kun has such fashion sense, but her! First that...jumper! And now, those ridiculous boots!” Mugoi fumed and tore another piece of her burger off with her teeth. Rui knew she must be angry, as she'd never seen her friend eat so many calories in one go.

“They probably aren't even going out any more, Mu-chan!” Tasha, copying Mugoi's entire outfit today but in black, spoke up hopefully. “You know how down Minamino-san has been lately...maybe they broke up?”

“Argh! Why would he be down about losing her!” Mugoi clenched her fists, “I'm glad I scratched her! I hope it scars!”

“There she is!” the remaining girl, Megumi, nodded to the chemist's doorway that Kagome had just exited.

“Let's follow her,” suggested Rui casually.

“Nani?” Tasha and Megumi exclaimed simultaneously. Rui never usually spoke out like that, and it was more unlike her to offer an idea of her own.

 

 

Mugoi looked at Rui with hidden interest. She acted as though she didn't know how much Rui was obsessed with Minamino, but in fact she knew all too well.

Rui stood up, crunching her burger wrapper into a ball. “Let's see what she's got to say about Minamino-san,”

“R-right!” Tasha said uncertainly, glancing at Mugoi's interested gaze and Rui's sudden confidence. She didn't want to be replaced as Mugoi's favourite, and second in command of their group.

“Let's catch her off guard!”

“Okay,” Mugoi wiped the grease from her fingers with a napkin, dabbing at her mouth carefully.

“This could be fun.”

 

 

Kagome cursed all the way home, choosing a short cut to get to the shrine quicker. She was soaked through, despite her choice of clothing, and her cold was getting worse.

As Japanese neighbourhoods are so closely knit together, with little space, the alleyways behind the houses were narrow, perhaps the breadth of two people. Kagome's mama had always forbidden the miko to travel home through these alleyways, but they were more sheltered and cut at least twenty minutes off the miko's journey.

It was darker however, and Kagome had to stop a few times to get a sense of direction.

Mama was right, as usual...

Kagome came to a crossroads, with three possible choices of alleyway to choose from. The apartment blocks were large and obtrusive, giving no help of direction for the miko. The rain found its way through this more open space, and Kagome stomped her feet in a temper, wishing she hadn't chose this way after all.

Right, straight ahead, left? I have no clue!

Everything looked different in the dim light. Kagome was sure if it was a bright day, she would be having no trouble at all.

 

 

Just when the miko thought things couldn't get worse, she heard the heavy tread of footsteps behind her. They echoed off the brick and concrete walls of the apartments, making the number of people hard to judge.

Kagome turned her head, expecting a gang of boys, or perhaps with her luck today, the Yakuza. The miko was relieved to make out four female bodies- but the feeling soon disappeared once she picked out the faces.

After all the fights in the past, Kagome was now used to making quick judgements on appearances alone.

Far left- mousey girl. Most shy of group. Unlikely to fight, or speak.

Second from left- Wants to please everyone. May or may not fight depending to majority.

Second from right- Queen bitch. Big mouth but doesn't get hands dirty.

Far right- the henchwoman. Once with the biggest build. No doubt has a knuckleduster or two.

 

 

“Oh dear, I hope you're not lost,” Mugoi stepped out of line, drawing attention to herself,

“Poor Shuu-kun might get worried,”

“Thanks for the concern,” Kagome simpered sarcastically, “I just stopped because I thought I heard some rats,”

Mugoi's smug look immediately disappeared, as she looked frantically at the ground. Kagome couldn't help but laugh, and she didn't cover it soon enough. Mugoi caught on, clenching her fists and taking another step forward.

“How dare you call us rats, you drowned little dog!”

They obviously haven't seen Inuyasha wet...it's not exactly an insult...

“Look, I know you're terribly jealous and all, but there's no need for bad name calling,”

Kagome sighed, readjusting her hood. “Why don't you all skip off home and play with your Barbies? Or with each other, that might be more realistic...

“Maybe we should give Shu-kun a Barbie doll!” Mugoi spat, her hands on her hips, “You know, to remind him what a real girl's body looks like!”

The group gave a catty giggle, and Kagome wished she hadn't put on her shapeless coat.

“That's okay, he knows what a real girl's body looks like,” Kagome said innocently, “After all, he's seen mine...”

The miko turned around to walk off, but couldn't resist looking over her shoulder and adding one last comment, “He knows what it tastes like, too...”

Giving a little evil chuckle of her own, Kagome walked off, holding her head high. There was silence behind her, and she smiled triumphantly.

“Rui, stop it!”

“What are you doing??”

There were shocked gasps, and Kagome felt something hard hit her back. It was too fast, too unexpected, and it winded her, causing her to fall flat, her shopping spilling around her.

“Rui!!!”

“No, leave her. She deserves it, the big mouthed bitch!”

Struggling to get up, but unable to see for her hood, Kagome felt a sharp kick into her side. She let out shocked gasp.

“Okay, that's enough. Come on,”

The miko tried to get up again, wincing more at the wet ground soaking through her skirt than anything else. The head fan girl was walking away with two others. To Kagome's shock, it was the girl she had pinned as the mousey girl who stood over her.

“Rui! Come on!”

This is the girl who attacked me??

Kagome glared at the girl, but realised immediately this was a bad idea. The girl's small eyes narrowed further, and bled crimson. The miko gasped. “What the hell?”

The girl raised her arm, and Kagome saw with horror her nails had elongated to triple their length.

“How dare you talk about Minamino-san like that!” Rui hissed, launching forward to swipe. Kagome gasped, tumbling to the side, as Rui's new talons sunk into the earth.

 

 

“Mugoi, shouldn't we get Rui...?”

The leader of their group didn't even glance back, smirking. “Unrequited love is a powerful thing. Let Rui have her moment.”

 

 

“What are you?” Kagome yelled, twisting out the way in the nick of time. Rui gave a gargled, unhuman growl, and caught the miko's shoulder, ripping straight through her coat and clothes to the skin.

“Aiii!” Kagome squealed, kicking out, and catching Rui in the gut. The girl didn't flinch, instead caught Kagome's leg and twisted it. The miko heard a crack and she screamed, falling in heap to the ground.

“You die,” Rui said simply, raising her talons high in the air. Kagome looked up blearily through the pain, noticing for the first time a glint at the top of the girl's ear. It was bronzed coloured and scaly, and to the miko's disgust, went into the ear.

That's no earring...it's a insect! A parasite must be controlling her!

Kagome dived to the side, wincing as her leg gave a jolt of pain. I can't use my miko powers on a human...how am I going to win?

 

 

I know, not a long chapter. But essential! A lot of things were covered in this chapter, I'm exhausted by it!

Arigato as always to you reviewers!

 

-MM-

ChibiRin: Hehe. I guess he's a male after all, and we all know they aren't perfect! Aww, I can't promise! Though I can tell you my next fic will be a straight Kagome x Yoko! Hehe!

Crystal-Hearts: Hope you liked this one too!

Hate2LoveU: Thanks! I'm glad you returned to read! As you saw, he does hehe!

Black Wolf Princess: I'm happy to be back. And also happy you came back to read!

Purp1ebabe: Glad you liked, and hope you liked this chapter!

Kitsuneangel88: I'm so glad you think so! And I'm so happy I cheered you up! Thank you...so much!

Rainstorm61879NSI: Thanks for pointing that out, I will amend it soon! Thanks for reviewing!

Princess of dobermans: Hehe, your review made me giggle! Hope you liked Kurama's reaction!

Sam56: Thanks for the reviews! But hey got a little action lol!

SknFS: I like to surprise my readers hehe! Oh I know, and his tail!!

yusukekuramasgirl: Thank you, I enjoyed writing that part! Thanks for reviewing!

WhiteDemoness11: I'm glad you seemed to pick up on all the important points in the chapter! Sometimes I worry I write only the way I think, and no one else will get it! But your review made me realise others can! Thank you!

Beckyducky: Thanks, becky-chan! And I'm glad the emotions were portrayed well! And yay! The I love you scene was hard to write, and I'm so glad I got it right!! And thank you very much! I loved Japan, and I'm so glad about my exams!! Hehe, I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Kyekye: Thank you!

 

-FF-

PowerfulMind: Yes, I think I would have too! I'm glad. Thank you!

Cherry-Blossom-Love: I was going to drag it out a bit, but I have a plan to stick to (hehe) and I really want to go with it. I'm glad you liked the drama! Thank you!

LadyDV011: That was the idea! Glad you liked!

XO-bunniehunnie-XO: No problem, thanks for reviewing!

Gemini's sorrow: Thank you! I liked writing it!

DeathNoteMaker: It's so lovely to be appreciated hehe! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Ah, Twilight Zone is the home of my muse! Hehe!

Wings of tears: That makes me so happy to hear that! I hope you liked this chapter! Wow, 110/100? That's great!!

Dark Inu Fan: I had lots of fun! (Hands Dark Inu a golden temple shrine charm) How many indeed? That scene sparked the inspiration for my next fic, I loved it so much! It was a terrible time indeed! And to think it still happens in the world! Thank you!

LeSinner: Thank you! That makes me so happy! Oh don't worry, he'll be back!

Kaiwren: Oh, I couldn't have let him off for what he did! I know, I nearly deleted it 'cos it was so bad, but I needed a line to make Kagome crack up hehe! Thank you!

Sonyita: Thank you so much! Hehe, are you Spanish per chance? (I had Spanish friends who always said jajajaja!)

lady of lovers: Thank you!

L'Amant de Minuit de Gaara: What a cool pen name! Thank you for the rant, it really touched me! Part of the reason I started this fic was because I was so frustrated at the lack of good stories in the IY/YYH fanbase, so I understand why you would stop reading! But that my story interested you once again, makes my heart swell! Thank you so much!

XxBlEeDiNg BlAcK rOsEsXx: No problem! And thank you so much! Well, when there's a will, there's a way! There's no enough original stories out there for IY/YYH, you should give it a try! Hehe, thank you, I'm sure you'll go one day!

Sakura: Yay! Happy Birthday indeed! Hehe, I do tend to never stick to the one pairing in this fic! Thank you! And yup, flower power rocks!

Aigle: Hehe! Then your review was the cream on the pie, because it was also sweet! Thank you!

Kagome8888: Hehe, thank you, I did. I realise how long it must have been- I'm as impatient as anyone, and can't stand long updates! I can only apologise, and thank you for continuing to read. Hopefully I should be updating more regularly! I'm glad you're enjoying this crossover! And thank you for taking the time to review!

Mia1837: Hehe, aww! Thank you, I'm glad it touched you so much!

Nocturnal Smile: Wow, thanks so much! I hope you liked this chappy!

COAIM -bBMTI-: Thank you! I am such a soppy romantic hehe!

Dashawnna: That's a shame. Maybe you can explain why the next time.

XiDOREyoux and CrimsonTears: It was hard to write, also! Don't we wish there were real Yokos in the world! (Drool!) Hehe thanks!

S.T.Nickolian: Haha, Kurama would make such a good emo! Yay! And hope you enjoyed!

Passionate Crow Rat: Wow, long chappy, thank you! I'm glad to be back, thanks! Oh I know, it's so hard to get a good Kag x Yoko!

Ah that's a thought! Sadly it wouldn't work, because Kurama's body will be affected by the spell, no matter what he changes into! Good thought though!

Hehe, so cute! I promise I never will give up! You can sue me if I do (for the money I don't have at the moment lol!)

Well, you're right I can't give anything away. But don't fear- there will be more drama and sadness, but I always have happy endings!!

Thank you, it's so lovely to have a dedicated fan! Yours has definitely been my most fvourite review this chapter! Don't worry, there will be more lime with Yoko, and even a (shhh!) lemon!!

Haha, everyone thinks Kurama's going emo! Don't worry, he'll pull it together!

Thanks so much!

MoonsDaughterLuv: Hehe, sorry for the wait!

Hermonie: Thank you so much!

Inulover: Hehe , thanks! No of course I wouldn't take that long again! Thank you I did!

Oreoxlove4ever: Cute name! Thanks!

Bloodcherry: Hehe, thanks. I really wasn't sure how that scene would go down, and its one of my favourites! Oh my goodness, you're right! She's Kasumi reincarnated! (falls over) Wow, that's pretty cool lol! Thanks!

Shimmer of Grey: Oh I know! I loved it, and I miss it so much!

Saiaren-nightblossom: Thank you, that is the highest possible compliment I can receive! These manga/anime inspire me, and I'm so glad I have inspired you in turn! I love drawing (though I'm not very good!) I wish you best of luck with your work! Thank you for such a lovely review, I hope you continue to enjoy this fic!

Michelle: Thank you so much! Don't worry, only 9 chapters until conclusion!

LadySorrow1121: Haha, well at least you know this is in progress and not hiatus! Lol, I'm sure you'll get to go one day!

Ebony Cassandra selene Riddle: Thank you!

ShadowSilverMixVixen: Cute name! Thanks so much!

Burnt miko: Just kissed lol! Panic over! I think depressed is a bit strong...but don't be suspicious! Thanks!

Aac: Thank you! And aaah, I can't say!

Cowgirlkitten2000: Thanks!

Futilelives: Thank you! I know I have errors and I apologise, these will be ironed out when I have time! I just can't trust a beta at the moment! No, English is my first language. I know Spanish and I'm working on Japanese! Thank you, I hope you enjoyed! And let me know if you find any more errors!

Magix234: Same, Kikyo isn't that bad, but she makes a good scapegoat! And both i think, hehe! I know, that was rather ironic lol! Thanks for your reviews!

Evilanimeprincess121: Thank you!

IchikoKitsuneKoumori: If only all males were as pleasing!

 

-IL-

Angel Selene: Thank you!

Swasdiva: Hehe! That's handy!

I'm glad you reacted like that! My aim was to kinda get everyone pissed at Yoko, because for quite a while I've been building him up from some bandit who was after the shikon, to a kitsune who hated humans, and finally into someone else in love with Kagome! But I wanted to take a step back, and remind the readers of Yoko's true nature- the leader of bandits, someone who profits from humans. I think that scene was really important, not only in opening Kagome's eyes, but also for Yoko to come to term with his feelings. I'm glad you liked the end result!

You've got it bang on there- I've also been in that position, and I think it's one of the most heart breaking things in the world. After everything that's happened between the miko and hanyou, Kagome got her kiss- but now she's got Kurama and Yoko too, and suddenly things are even more complicated (mwahaha, i love it!).

The fact is, I like to think that if you strip away the magical aspects of this story, the anime-ness of it all, it is a typical teenage situation. A girl in love with a close friend, who has someone on the sidelines. Then she acquires some love interests, and things get confusing!

I'm glad you still feel in touch with the fic! I try to squeeze as much of my own emotion onto the page as possible, and its great when it gets across!

Thanks again for another touching and inspiring review!

 

 

 

Media Miner.org, what's happening? The Fan Fiction fans wrote about triple the reviews you guys did! Hehe, I guess you're out enjoying summer rather than in reading fan fiction! (Grumbles about Scottish weather...)

 

So, I forgot to mention last chapter about how the whole Kagome-captured-by-Yoko's-bandits scene inspired my next fic! Yup, that's really sad, ain't it, when your own fic is inspiring other ideas? Anywhos, it's a straight Yoko x Kagome (“Nani? You're telling us the pairing for once??”) and so far has about twenty chapters! But I'll be writing a few small fics of other anime, just to wind down before gearing up for another long haul fic!

Anyway, look out for it! It will be called Chained To You, and the prologue will appear once this fic is finished. Nine chapters to go, minna! Thanks for sticking with Not the Only One, and please continue to do so! Until next time!