InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Not the Only One ❯ Part 1 ( Chapter 31 )

 

Kon'ichiwa, minna-san! Yes, I'm actually back! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I didn't expect it to be this long to the next update- gomen! But I've been swamped with University stuff, plus the socialising that comes with it! I know I've been away for many months, but this time it actually wasn't planned; I've really just struggled to find any spare time to write! So, gomen gomen gomen gomen gomen gomen!!

Nothing much else to report! My newest addiction is Shugo Chara! (I know, shojou for once! Hehe) Oh, and if your looking for a great Inu/Kag to read, try Fade and Flare by Pinku- I read it for four hours straight, it's fantastic!

Any Twilighters out there?? I've been a fan of the books for ages, and finally got to see the film; OMG, it was amazing! Can't wait til New Moon!

 

NOTE ON LAST CHAPTER: I got a few reviews concerning Kagome and the parasite that's possessing Rui. I guess I should have mentioned, I'm going with the model of the parasite that infected Kurama's step brother. (Episode 8, Season 4, Torn Between Identities). The parasite cannot be killed or forcibly removed, or the host (in this case Rui) will immediately die. I was going to bring this in at the start of the chapter anyway, but I wanted to straighten things out for those who didn't understand the terrible situation Kagome's now in!

 

Okay, on with the show!!

 

Know the lingo:

kami-sama: God

Eto: umm...

Arigato gozimasu: thanks very much

Moshi moshi: is someone there? (when answering phone)

 

Chapter 31 (part 1)

 

 

There was no noise, save the sound of rain reverberating on the concrete walls surrounding them, and the heavy panting of the miko's breath.

Rui's crimson eyes reminded Kagome instantly of Hiei. Why do so many people want to kill me?

The miko dodged another swipe of the possessed girl's talons; luckily, the parasite seemed unused to manipulating a young female body, and was finding it difficult to manoeuvre the girl effectively.

I'm a nice girl, aren't I?

Kagome winced as blood dripped from the wound on her shoulder, onto the brown puddles of mud below. She caught a glimpse of her reflection in the murky waters. Her eyes looked haunted. The miko shook her head, trying to think clearly.

Sango spoke about parasites once; normal ones, not like the ones Naraku controlled. They attach to their host completely, for self preservation. If I purify it, or try to remove it, the girl will die...kami-sama help me...

 

 

The miko readjusted her stance as she thought things through, balancing all her weight on her left leg, as her other was definitely fractured, if not broken.

To think I only left the house with a cold...

Bracing herself, Kagome decided to talk directly to the girl- “Look, I don't know who you are, but please calm down, before you do something you'll regret!”

Rui didn't take kindly to these words- her eyes grew darker, as dark as the miko's blood freely spilling to the ground. “Minamino-san!” she hissed, raising her talons, “Minamino-san!”

This time Kagome couldn't move out of the way. The deadly claws raked across her cheek, causing the time traveller to scream out in pain. The force lifted her off her feet, and the miko flew backwards, colliding against the concrete wall with a sickening crunch.

“You hurt Minamino-san!” The half girl, half parasite howled. Kagome tried to sit up, but her limbs were shuddering uncontrollably. “I...I didn't mean to...” she whispered, her voice cracking. Suddenly the miko slumped, both Rui and Hiei's words pounding in her head.

I've hurt him...Kurama-kun...he's only ever been nice to me...and I've hurt him...

Kagome could smell her blood- even taste the coppery tang on her lips. The possessed girl stood a few feet away, and in front of her a bloody, splattered trail led to the miko's slowly shutting down body. The sight of so much blood didn't help. The miko saw Rui inch closer, as her began to go fuzzy. Kagome was relatively calm for someone who was about to be mercilessly killed. A single tear leaked from her eye, running into the stream of blood from the cuts on her cheek.

At least if I'm dead, Kurama-kun won't hurt any more...

 

 

The parasite within Rui grinned gleefully. This miko had the shikon-no-tama; he could sense it! He was going to become the most powerful and famous youkai there ever had been! No more would he be laughed at or looked down on because of his species! Everyone would tremble at the name of...well, once he thought of a name!

The parasite extended its slimy, brown body; its beady eyes were fixated on the unconscious miko sprawled on the ground. How delicious her pure, untouched body would taste- even better now, marinated in her own blood. It was a shame she had died, because he could have controlled her, with the tama in tow, and all youkai would fear him forever!

“Now...” the parasite unravelled itself from its current host's internal organs- it had no use for the female now a miko had presented herself.

Usually a parasite could transfer itself from one being to the next in a matter of seconds- but it took only a nanosecond for the nameless youkai to disentangled itself from Rui; another nanosecond later, it was dismembered and scattered to the already blood stained ground.

“Vermin,” spat the kitsune avatar, returning his rose whip to his hair. He barely cast a glance at his out cold classmate before he was on the ground, the miko in his arms.

“Kagome! Kagome!” he whispered, gently shaking her. She was freezing, her clothes soaked through with rain water, mud and and blood. Her body was limp, and her face pale, making the two gashes on her cheek stand out raspberry red. Breathing heavily, Kurama reached into his hair, taking out two seeds. One a powerful painkiller, the other an instant reviver. He administered the latter, powdering the seed onto the miko's tongue. He took off his brown leather jacket, draping it around her shoulders, and pulled Kagome onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her to generate some body heat. Her damp hair tickled his nose as he counted away the seconds.

 

 

Finally, the miko took a rasping breath, coughing and gasping back to conciousness. The kitsune sighed in relief, dabbing her cheek again with the bottom of his sweater. Upon removing the blood, the cuts looked even nastier, and Kurama knew he'd have to act quickly, or the miko's beautiful face would be scarred.

“K-Kurama-kun?” Kagome exhaled sharply, as soon as she opened her eyes. She blinked several times, before scrunching her forehead as the pain hit her.

“Here,” Kurama handed her the next seed, which she swallowed instantly. “You have to stay concious Kagome, until I get you home and healed,”

“Got it,” the miko winced, before looking back into the avatar's deep green eyes. “How did you...?”

Her answer was given in the tap of the necklace, the rose pendant which she so often forgot about.

“Ahh,” she replied sheepishly. Kagome's eyes suddenly widened, catching glimpse of Rui over Kurama's shoulder.

“Oh my Kami, is she okay?”

“Eto...” the kitsune in all honesty, having completely forgotten about Rui in attending to Kagome. Now the miko managed to haul herself off Kurama's lap, and drag herself across the concrete to the fallen girl. Needless to say, the miko's tights were ruined, her denim skirt not faring much better.

“Hey, hey, are you alright?” Kagome shook the girl's still frame frantically. I didn't kill her, did I? I can't remember what happened, what I did...

“She's just fainted,” Kurama said, rather coldly.

“Oh, good,” The miko let out a sigh. “Well, do you know where she lives? We need to get her home, she'll have caught a cold lying here. Oh, and you'll need to modify her memory...you can do that, right?”

Kagome caught the avatar's eyes, which were simply stunned.

“This girl...tried to kill you, Kagome...”

The miko frowned. “Hai...but she was possessed! It was a parasite!”

“I know,” the avatar remarked, “I killed it...but Rui had completely given power to it. Her feelings of hatred for you were so strong that she wished you would die, and the parasite obliged,”

“Well...” Kagome looked down at 'Rui'. The girl was so peaceful now, her talons gone, her severe makeup smeared away by the rain. She was the plainest of the four girls she hung around with, and the youngest looking. Why did she hate Kagome so much?

I guess her love for Kurama-kun is the strongest...for her, I must be Kikyo...

That thought caused Kagome's heart to clench in pain. It hurt so much, she let out a gurgled gasp. Immediately concerned, Kurama jumped to his feet, resting his hands on Kagome's back.

“I'll wipe her memory of the fight. Then we'll drop her back at the shopping centre,”

“Wait...” the time traveller leaned over Rui again, pressing her palms to the girl's chest.

“Heal,” she whispered, and felt the miko magic tingle through her fingertips. Kurama watched in further shock, as Kagome healed the black spot on Rui's soul. The miko sighed when she finished, noticing a smile appear on Rui's face. Kagome smiled in turn, before succumbing to darkness.

 

 

Kagome awoke as Kurama was carrying her up to the stairs to his apartment. He had a grim look on his face, and the miko touched his cheek. “You're angry at me?” she asked sadly, as he cradled her in one arm, turning the key in his lock.

“Hai,” Kurama admitted, but kissed her unmarked cheek. “But I'm just relieved you're okay,”

“Thanks to you, again,” Kagome smiled. The avatar set her down wordlessly on white leather couch, but Kagome immediately sprang up. The quickness made her head spin, and Kurama grabbed her elbows, pulling her to his chest.

“I'll dirty the leather,” Kagome explained breathlessly. She was well too aware of her soaked and bloody appearance.

“Baka!” Kurama admonished, “Your health is more important than a couch!”

Kagome blinked- for a moment, the avatar had sounded like Yoko- indeed, a gold edge had appeared to his eyes.

“Ano...was Rui okay?”

Kurama clenched his jaw. “Hai- but Kagome, about today...”

“Can I shower?” Kagome interrupted quickly, looking away from his eyes, “It'll make me feel better, and probably waken me up,”

“What about your leg?” Kurama asked, still holding the miko upright, “I think it's fractured,”

“A bath then?” Kagome pleaded, knowing the kitsune had both in his bathroom.

“I'll go run it for you then,” the avatar said, drawing three more seeds from his hair. He went to the sink and filled a clear glass with water, then pressed two of the seeds and the glass into the miko's hand. She still looked ill at ease on the couch. Suppressing a smile, Kurama ordered her to sit still, and drink the seeds down quickly. He began to create the paste from what Kagome recognised as the tsume seed, from its familiar aroma.

“Perhaps you should make a cream or something out of that for me, so I can just carry it in a tub and have it on me at all times,” Kagome tried to joke lightly. The kitsune remained silent, dabbing the remaining blood from the miko's check carefully with a wet cloth, then applying the paste. He found an large square plaster from the bag of medical supplies Kagome had bought, and held the back of her head gently as he applied it. The miko looked at her grazed knees, pretending to be fascinated with her ripped, muddied and blood stained tights.

 

 

Twenty minutes later, Kagome sat naked in the bath, her cheeks flaming pink, though not because of the heat of the water. She had discovered that due to her leg, she couldn't actually get into the bath. Kurama had came to this conclusion himself while watching the bath run. While they both realised she would need help in, neither had wanted to bring up the subject. They tried strapping up her leg- but the miko still couldn't manage it. Finally, after five awkward minutes of standing with just the bathroom door between them, they spoke at the same time-

“I could close my eyes,” “You could wear a blindfold,”

The avatar had laughed out loud at this. “Don't you trust me, Kagome?”

“Hai, but I don't trust Yoko,”

That was how Kurama had ended up wrapped one of his green sashes around his eyes- three times, on Kagome's insistence. However, it didn't detract from the fact that Kagome was utterly naked. “I should have keep my clothes on, then taken them off when I got into the bath,” she grumbled. Kurama couldn't help but laughed good naturally. In this situation, it was hard to stay mad at the miko.

“Then we'd still be in this position when you were coming out,” he reminded her. Kagome finally opened the door to let him in. She held his hands to lead him in, so he wouldn't bump into the mirrored cabinet, or the walk in shower, or the sink, or the toilet.

“You're sure you can't see me?” Kagome asked warily.

“Kitsune promise,” Kurama said automatically. The miko rolled her eyes, leading him to the side of the bath.

“Okay,” Kagome placed the avatar's hands on her hips, unable to withhold her blush, “Just lift me up, and over the side, then hold onto me so I don't fall over,”

Kurama nodded. He did as the miko asked, successfully aiding her into the bath. “Right, I'm going to sit down slowly, just keep holding on...”

Kagome sighed with relief as she managed to sit down, by kneeling on her good leg then collapsing onto her behind. “Great- but...ano...Kurama-kun, how are you going to get out?”

“Eto...” The avatar frowned. “What if I turn around, and take my blindfold off?”

“The mirror!!” Kagome squeaked.

“Oh...”

“I'll direct you!” The miko giggled suddenly, “It can be like that game kids play in pre-school!”

“Right...” Kurama laughed nervously.

“Come on, it'll be fun!

 

 

Kurama lay on the couch, nursing his bumped knee and stubbed toe. It had in fact been a lot of fun, and he didn't let onto Kagome how many times he hit off something. Plus, it had taken his mind off the fact that the miko had nearly died once again, due to him.

How were you supposed to know there was a parasite slinking around that area? Rui was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, as was Kagome- there's nothing you could have done.

Perhaps, but it's my fault Rui was susceptible to hate Kagome so much and so be invaded by that youkai...

Again, how? You can't stop females falling in love with you- believe me, I know...

Kurama rolled his eyes, listening out for the miko. She was going to shout him when she wanted out, though Kami knows how that one would work out.

Maybe you should tie the blindfold a little loosely this time...

Haven't you had enough bath time fun with Kagome, Yoko?

Never...

 

 

Kagome was glad to get the grime and blood off her skin, plus she had shaken off the horrible numb cold of the outside. Her leg hadn't reacted well to the water, and her knee had swollen to double its size. Kagome knew the reason she wasn't in agonizing pain was because of Kurama's natural painkillers.

The bath had made her sleepy as opposed to the wakening she had wanted from a shower, and though Kagome could have stayed in forever, she realised it was time to face the music with the avatar.

“Kurama-kun? I'm ready!” The miko called. She tried to get up by hoisting herself up with one hand planted on each side of the bath, but without the use of both legs she plopped back down into the water. In her own bath she would have been fine- the sides were lower down and there was a rail fixed to the wall for her ji-chan; but Kurama's marble bath was too high and slippery.

“I'm here,” Kurama replied, opening the door and cautiously entering, the green blindfold back in place. Kagome smiled. The avatar was so genuine and always keen to help- she could never imagine asking Inuyasha to do this, or even Yoko. Especially Yoko!!

“Okay, Kurama-kun...turn left- slowly! Right- no, no stop! I didn't mean right, just okay! Ano... left a little bit more- stop! Turn right...stop! R-Okay, straight forward- and stop! Well, a little step more...okay!”

Kagome let out a breath. She drew her good leg up to her chest, ready to push herself up.

“Ano...okay Kurama-kun, give me your hands...”

The avatar complied, and Kagome placed them under her arms- her waist was under the water, and besides, she was wet now, so she need Kurama to have something to hold onto. That thought jolted on another direction as the avatar gripped under her arms, his fingertips brushing the sides of her breasts.

Oh Kami...

“Ano, I'm ready...” Kagome said, flustered again.

“Here we go then...” Kurama said, quickly and effortlessly lifting Kagome up and out of the water, onto the tiles. The avatar had a large, pink fluffy towel over his arm- his mother's favourite- and he wrapped it quickly around the miko's wet body.

“Arigato,” Kagome said gratefully, pulling the towel securely around her. She looked up at the avatar, who stood awkwardly. “I really mean it, Kurama-kun...for everything...”

“Don't mention it Kagome,” Kurama smiled. He looked so cute, a little helpless even, with the green bandage wrapped around his eyes. The miko reached up impulsively, pulling his head down a little so she could kiss him. It was meant to be a little gentle peck on the lips; but the avatar pulled her closer. Kagome swallowed, pressing against him more forcibly. She couldn't remember the last time they'd kissed...she missed his tenderness, how gentle he was with her. She missed the feeling of being utterly loved.

 

 

Kurama's arms wound around her body, crushing her to his chest, though it still wasn't enough- the miko's own arms tightened around his neck, one hand rising to tug the blindfold off his eyes. He closed them at the sudden light, then smiled, capturing Kagome's lips once again. He thought her leg might be hurting her, so he lifted her into his arms bridal style, carrying her into the living room. Due to the murky day the room was dark- but Kurama didn't stop to put any lights on. He carried Kagome to the couch once again, keeping her on his lap. The kissed passionately yet delicately, Kurama mindful of Kagome's wounds. The one on her shoulder wasn't as bad as the miko had expected, protected as she had been by her thick coat. Her joints were aching a little where she'd been winded and kicked, but her bath and Kurama's herbs had greatly loosened the pain.

 

 

“Are you still mad at me?” The miko asked. She was laying out over Kurama's lap, her arms still entwined around his neck. The avatar supported her back and neck, swirling his tongue deeply around her mouth. The miko was breathless, but still pressed against his chest, wishing she could wrap her legs around him. One of the kitsune's hand's dropped the her collarbone, tracing the skin there. He broke the kiss, looking into Kagome's glassy eyes before pressing his lips softly at the column of her throat, sucking and nipping the skin there.

“Hai,” he murmured against her skin, the vibrations making Kagome's toes curl. She gasped, her fingers winding into the kitsune's silky red hair.

“Why?” The miko asked, letting his glorious locks run through her fingers.

Kurama looked up at her, his eyes much less fiery than they had earlier been. They seemed mellow and quiet, like fresh, ripe apples.

“Firstly,” he breathed against her neck, “You went through the alleyways, and I'm pretty sure you know that was a stupid thing to do...”

Kagome started to interject, but Kurama kissed her lips to silence her.

“Then,” he whispered against her mouth, “You instantly forgave that...girl...for what she tried to do to you! And healed her, when she barely had a scratch, and you were a fingernail away from unconsciousness!”

The avatar was no longer whispering, his voice rising in volume with every word. Kagome felt her eyes water, and the kitsune sighed, lolling his head against her chest.

“Gomen ne. I've no right to shout at you; the whole thing is my fault,”

“Kurama-kun!” Kagome exclaimed, cradling his head protectively to her chest, “How can you say that? You're right; I was in the wrong to go down the back alleys, and I was asking for trouble! But what happened today was in no way your fault!”

The miko kissed the avatar's forehead, and the kitsune inwardly jolted at the unknown gesture she had preformed. “Rui was speaking the truth; I have hurt you, and I have no right to be with you like this; I don't deserve someone like you in my life!”

A cry hitched in Kagome's throat, and she tried to get up, no longer comfortable with snuggling up with the kitsune. But Kurama reacted badly, even wildly, growling loudly from his chest and clutching Kagome close to him, this time pressing the miko's head to his chest.

“Don't you ever say that, Kagome!” Kurama said with a gravely tone, so unlike his usual gentle voice. Turning her face so he could look directly into her eyes, the kitsune kissed her deeply, and the miko had to grab onto his shoulder to stop herself from tipping over at the sheer force of it.

“I know there are other people in your life right now,” The avatar said, after they broke for breath, “But I consider you to be the only one in my life. I know Yoko beat me to this, Kagome, but...I love you, also,”

 

 

This time the miko couldn't stop her tears; just like the time with the kitsune, they spilled over and made Kagome's vision swim. Kurama silently kissed each tear away, waiting patiently for the miko to regain her composure.

“Arigato gozimasu,” was all Kagome could manage- she couldn't return the favour, it wouldn't be fair. Not on Kurama, Yoko, Inuyasha or herself. So Kagome kissed Kurama to show him how she felt. He engaged in this heartily, and was soon kissing his way down her chest, slowly peeling back the towel from her still damp skin. Kagome watched him with shallow breaths, as he rolled the fluffy cotton further and further down. Eventually her breasts were free, and the kitsune growled softly, cupping the soft globes in his hands. The miko sank back into the armrest of the couch, the arch of her back causing her breasts to protrude even more. Kurama pressed against her skin, taking one nipple into his mouth while his other hand teased her breast to attention. Kagome couldn't stop the helpless moan that betrayed her- why was she only wearing a towel?

“Are you okay, darling?” Kurama asked, raising his head to meet Kagome's stormy eyes.

“H-Hai...” the miko replied, her eyes falling on the blood stained jumper the avatar still wore. She didn't need to speak- Kurama sat back a little, and pulled the sweater fluidly off in one motion. Kagome swallowed, eternally glad the avatar wasn't wearing a shirt underneath. His tanned skin- unlike the paleness of Yoko- meant his chest seemed hairless. The miko urgently needed to touch him- she ran her fingers over his arm muscles, resisting the urge to kiss them. Instead they wrapped around her, pressing her breasts against Kurama's chest. He let out a moan of satisfaction at this, and once again began to delve into Kagome's mouth. The miko didn't resist, running her fingers over the plane of the avatar's chest, imprinting each detail in her mind. The towel had now fell around her waist, and Kurama squeezed her hips gently, unknowingly sending a jolt of pleasure through Kagome's veins. Perhaps it was an instinctual or innate thing, but Kagome needed to be closer to the avatar. Taking a deep breath, she focused her miko energy on her injured leg, and pressing her palm on her shin, spoke the word- “Heal.”

The kitsune watched her interestedly, having never seen this act before first hand. He saw the purple sparkle of magic, felt his body want to move away from it- but he stayed still, watching as Kagome's face deepened in concentration.

“Ahh,” the miko smiled happily, “I managed it!”

“It's healed?” Kurama questioned.

“Completely!” Kagome grinned. The avatar smirked, rubbing his nose against the miko's neck.

“I didn't think it possible, but your scent becomes even more appealing after you've healed something,”

“Really?” The miko couldn't help but giggle, “Well, I think I've got energy for one more...”

Placing her hand carefully on her rather tattered shoulder, Kagome repeated the action. She felt the kitsune wriggle, as if uncomfortable, and hoped the miko magic wasn't affecting him at so close a range. Then Kurama bit down on her neck, not too hard but enough to cause Kagome to cry out. It didn't hurt her- if anything, it sent another pleasurable tingle down to her core.

“Kurama-kun...” she murmured, and being mindful of her towel, straddled the avatar's lap, her knees pressed tightly at his sides. It was the avatar's turn to gasp her name, as he pulled her forwards, sucking her breasts hungrily. Unable to control herself, the miko ground against the avatar, burying her face into the crook of his neck. She could smell the sweetness of his hair, roses and white peach blossom.

“K-Kagome!” Kurama gasped, as he felt himself harden at the girl's sudden advance. His navy trousers were already wet, due to the miko's legs being damp from her bath; her thrust against him certainly didn't help matters.

“G-gomen...” the miko flushed, as Kurama's hands grabbed her hips, “Did I hurt you?”

The avatar caught her eyes, his own soft yet attentive, and replied with a thrust of his own. Kagome gave a little gasp, and together they built a rhythm, the miko rotating her hips against the avatar's crotch, while he continued to attend to her breasts.

Kagome's body was crying out for more; the harder she ground against Kurama, the harder he became, and the more aroused she was in turn. Her towel no longer covered her feminine folds- her bare skin rested directly on Kurama's trousers, and the friction between her wet lips and the tough material was almost to much to bare.

 

 

The avatar was aware of the miko's limbs suddenly shaking- he knew she was tiring herself out, and moreover he was gaining little release in this situation, as arousing as it was. Carefully he turned and lay the miko down on the couch, kneeling over her and resting his weight on his forearms, which were at either side of her head, and his shins. The miko raised her legs up slightly, so that Kurama could ease between them. She began to kiss him, aware that so was very much exposed down there now, and though she didn't want the pleasure to stop, she wasn't entirely confident enough yet to bear all the the avatar. The room wasn't as dark as the hotel room had been, that night they had shared a bed. The miko wasn't sure if she could be able to look Kurama in the face if he was to see her that naked in the dimmed light of his flat.

Understanding her subtle motive, with help from the rose pendant, Kurama allowed the miko to kiss him fiercely while he began to thrust into her, the bulge in his pants coming into direct contact with the miko's sensitive flesh. The pair were panting together, and Kagome was aware of how hot and sweaty they had become- Kurama's hair curtained around them, and if anything, this increased the intensity of what she was feeling. With every thrust, Kagome became closer and closer to completion, her mouth open and her eyes closed, her fluttering eyelashes brushing the avatar cheek. He tangled one hand in the miko's wet hair while the other caressed her breast. Kurama wanted no more than to unloosen the belt on his trousers, but he didn't want to startle the miko- especially when she truly seemed to be enjoying herself, her face flush with pleasure.

 

The sudden trill of the telephone in the otherwise quiet flat caused Kagome to jump with fright. Kurama smiled at her, kissing her on the nose. “Just ignore it, love,”

But Kagome felt their little bubble burst- the phone continued to ring, and the miko eventually cupped the kitsune's face and whispered, “Go answer it, or they'll just keep phoning,”

Seeing the sense in what she said, Kurama slowly got up, unhappy to leave the heat of Kagome's body. The miko sat up self-consciously on the couch, as the kitsune caught the next phone call on its third ring.

“Moshi moshi...ah, hello mother. Ah, gomen, I was a bit busy...”

Kurama trailed off, catching Kagome's blush. He grinned good naturedly at her.

“Nani? Hai, I'm listening. Ah, I see! Well, of course, you are always welcome mother, you know you don't need to ask every time! Hai...”

Kagome pressed her thighs together as discreetly as possible. She had been very aroused, and now the cold of the leather was starting to cool her skin.

Kurama eventually hung up the phone. “Gomen ne, Kagome. My mother has been trying to reach me all day...apparently she was getting worried,”

“That's all right,” The miko smiled, “How is she?”

Kurama laughed. “I think she could tell I was...preoccupied, and guessed you were here. She's coming this weekend, and she wants to meet you.”

 

Every muscle in the hanyou's body was tensed, and he cracked his knuckles nervously. Kikyo had told him to meet her in the usual place, but she wasn't here yet.

Inuyasha flinched as a bird took flight nearby, chirping the last song of the day. Night was falling, and it was the seventh day...the hanyou had been frantically searching for the remaining shards while Kagome was safe in the future, but without her, he had failed.

He had only been waiting ten minutes, but it felt like ten hours by the time Kikyo had arrived. She moved so silently, he almost didn't notice her; but the smell always alerted him.

“Where is the shikon no tama, Inuyasha?”

It wasn't a question; the hanyou could tell by the cold anger in her eyes that she knew.

“Kikyo; Kagome had to return to her time for a while; I tried to stop her, but...”

“Lies!” The dead miko's voice was harsh and cutting, so unlike her reincarnation. When Kagome was mad, Inuyasha reflected, her voice became high and she usually cried; Kikyo became colder and more emotionless.

Kikyo clenched her fists, though her face remained impassive. “You've broken another promise to me, Inuyasha! The kitsune is out of the way- you told me the shikon would be complete within a week!”

“I tried, but I can't find the shards when Kagome isn't here! There's only two more, Kikyo! What difference does a few more days make?”

Kikyo blinked, and Inuyasha looked at the ground. This was the first time in a while that the hanyou had lost his temper with the dead priestess.

“Very well. Go fetch that wench from the well, and complete the tama. But I will not wait much longer, Inuyasha; I will give you three more days; if you fail me, I will take back Kagome's soul, and you shall come to hell with me.”

The hanyou felt his heart miss a beat, but he nodded. This was to be his fate; he had known this for a long time. Kikyo took him in a cold embrace, and Inuyaha resisted a growl. You can take me, but you will not harm Kagome. I'll never bring her to this place again.

 

 

Gomen, but I'm stopping there! This is Chapter 31 part 1- I know it's annoying, but wouldn't you all rather have a chapter now thaN waiting even longer? Arigato, as always, to my reviewers! I still haven't had a reply from the 500th reviewer on fanfiction.net (please get in touch, !), but has Beckyducky requested a scene, which is nearly completed and will be posted with ch 31 part 2! Congrats, BD-chan, on being the 500th Mediaminer reviewer!

 

 

-MM-

 

Hate2LoveU: Well, I do love cliff hangers! And sorry for the long wait in update!! Hope you enjoyed!

Kyekye: Arigato! And sorry for the long wait in update!!

Renorfaer: Yup, I do feel really sorry for poor Kurama-kun too! Arigato! And sorry for the long wait in update!!

Kitsuneangel88: I'm glad you enjoyed it! AND of course Kurama comes to save the day!! :) And sorry for the long wait in update!!

Kokoronagomu: If you read the explanation at the top of this chappy, you'll see that wouldn't work unfortunately! Lol, If only she could have them all!

Purplebabe: Arigato! Ah, I always like the damsel in distress to be saved once in a while lol! And sorry for the long wait in update!!

Raeko: Very true!! Ah, well I'm afraid this time I opted for the knight...but Kagome isn't your typical useless damsel, I hope we can agree!! Oh, I know what you mean, I've tried it myself! I think the search isn't very good on the site, I've tried it a few times for different titles!! And sorry for the long wait in update!!

Yusukekuramagirl: Arigato! And sorry for the long wait in update!!

SknFS: Hehe, well I like to keep you guys on your toes! And I'm glad you enjoyed Hiei's PMS-ing lol, i enjoyed thinking it up! Arigato! And sorry for the long wait in update!!

Beckyducky: Wah, such a long review lol! Arigato! And you're the winner, your out take will be posted next chapter!! I'm glad you think so! There's many variations of Yoko because there was so little mentioned on him in the manga, but I have an image of his character and personality that I like to stick to! I'm glad you think my fic is still tasteful and note falling apart lol! That would upset me, because it's very difficult to return to this and carry on from where I left off, but I love this fic FAR too much to every abandon it!!

Ahh well of course I can't give the plot away! I'll just tell you that I'm sticking to certain cannon story lines, whereas others are completely turned on their heads!! The shikon will be completed. I'm so glad you're enjoying this fic still!!

Haha, the parasite idea did come from YuYu, but not the one you're thinking of!! And it's true, Kagome does seem to be involved more with youkai now she's met Kurama! Well, Koenma is known the all Japanese children as a kinda ancient myth (I suppose like we would think of Zesus and other Gods), so Kagome, knowing things like youkai and miko exist, will automatically believe he's the real thing! (Which we know he is lol!) Haha, I'm telling you no more girl! And sorry for the long wait in update!!

Starlet Angel: Gomen! Enjoy this chapter! And sorry for the long wait in update!!

Elehanna: I know, I'm so upset, because I've lost all my beautiful reviews from that site! :( To be honest, Kagome's period isn't something i think is important to the story! It's happened at some stage, but I didn't think of including it lol! I've signed up to the new site, but haven't yet posted Not the Only One, but I will do soon! Haha, that's a good idea! And sorry for the long wait in update!!

 

-FF- (For unregistered members. All fanfiction.net reviews will now be replied to using the new system on the site! If it doesn't work and you don't get your reply, let me know!)

 

Janicce: Arigato! Sorry for the long wait! I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Passionate Crow Rat, you were the 500th reviewer on FF...please contact me with your requested scene! Arigato!

Kat: Hai, believe it or not. Look out for an update in the next few days!

DMCF-Yoshu: Haha! Arigato very much! Iya, unfortunately I am taken, I have my own Yoko :P