Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Bandit Kitsune ❯ The Date ( Chapter 4 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

The fallen angel with black wings… How appropriate.

-Satoshi Hiwatari, Vol. 1, Ch. 3 pg. 132

:::::::::::::::::::::::The Date:::::::::::::::::::::::

“Shuichi-kun… Will you come with me to the Summer Shrine Festival?”

Shuichi couldn't believe it. Kikyou had asked him on a date!!! That's the only thing people went to the Summer Shrine Festival for.

(Kinda hard to believe…) Youko said playfully. Shuichi rolled his eyes slightly.

While part of him was relieved Youko's old attitude had returned, a major part of him was annoyed. Especially since Youko wouldn't tell Shuichi what he'd done wrong, other than help Kagome out.

Still, to keep the peace in his head, Shuichi made sure to avoid being caught alone with Kagome, lest he earn Youko's irritation yet again. Youko aside, Shuichi's spirits couldn't have been higher as he made his way to the Higurashi manor.

“Shuichi-kun!!!” Kikyou said warmly as she came down the stairs, lifting the skirt of her yutaka slightly to keep from tripping, “Just in time!!! I just finished getting ready,”

Shuichi's eyes widened at the sight of her. Kikyou was wearing a pink yutaka with a light blue obi, which had designs of white sakura blossoms and red birds on the left sleeve, right collar, left hip and right lower skirt. The tie for the obi was red, and a white ribbon tied her hair out of her face.

“You look wonderful,” Shuichi complemented her. Kikyou smiled.

“This old thing? Gramama bought it to me last summer when she came in from Paris for our birthday. Kagome got one almost identical, only in different colors, but she never wears it. Honestly, the girl avoids skirts like a plague…”

“Well, it suits you well,” Shuichi said with a smile, “Shall we go?” Kikyou smiled.

“Of course, Shuichi-kun.”

:::::::::::::::::::::::

“Tell me again how you dragged me here?” Sango said in irritation, glancing around the shrine. She hated crowds. Especially crowds of couples. Particularly crowds of preppy couples who'd skirt around her nervously.

“Genkai-baba made me come, and I told you I'd owe you one of you come with me.” Yusuke explained, testing the weight of a katana before rejecting it.

“Oh, yeah.” Sango said, glancing around in boredom. She blinked when she saw Kikyou warding off eager admirers. “Hang on a second, is that Kikyou over there? Without a date?!?!” Kikyou was notorious for always having a date to the Annual Summer Shrine Festival. Usually the current `Most handsome boy in school.'

“Yeah, She told Ayumi that after she got out of the house, she'd find Youko and flaunt him as her date,” Yusuke said with a snort and a glance at his classmate. “Stupid of her, I know. Gotta admit, though, she looks good in a yutaka.” Sango rolled her eyes.

“Says you,” Sango muttered, with a dry look at her brother. Still, she couldn't help but admit (Albeit begrudgingly) Kikyou did look very pretty in a yutaka… especially that shade of blue. It almost seemed to make her hair look darker.

“Now are you gonna give me a hand or what?!” Yusuke snapped impatiently, trying to set up for the katana exhibit. “I still need to put on that damn gi and hunt down Jin before the exhibit starts…”

“I'm coming, I'm coming…”

:::::::::::::::::::::::

`What am I doing here?' Kagome moaned in her mind, while at the same time keeping up her `Kikyou' face the best she could. No one seemed to notice that `Kikyou's' hair was shorter, but then again, it WAS back for the first time in forever… (Both sisters preferred to wear their hair down, though Kikyou did wear hers in a very traditional low ponytail.)

She honestly couldn't think of a good excuse for her actions today. Why had she dragged this old yutaka out of the darkest depths of her closet, put it and makeup on, and come down to the Shrine Festival alone when she knew Kikyou would be there?

Then, an image of Shuichi passed through her mind. Blushing, she shook it away, passing through the crowd of boys in the excuse of going to the bathroom.

`No, no, no!!!! THAT'S not my reason at all!!! I mean, why's it any of my business if Kikyou and Minamino-kun go on a date? He's better for her than that hentai Youko, right?'

Still, why was Kagome blushing if that wasn't her reason…?

Idiot that she was, Kagome had hoped she and Shuichi had `bonded' after that horrific incident in the forest and maybe he'd be a little more interested in her. Instead, he seemed to avoid her even more, and concentrate more on his unsuccessful attempts to woo Kikyou.

Their parents had been delighted when Kikyou announced over dinner that `Shuichi-kun,' would be her escort to the Summer Shrine Festival this year. They'd already met the boy several times by then, and were extremely fond of him.

Their mother even teased Kikyou about him being `The One' for her, despite Kikyou's protest that they were only friends, and this was a `friendly date.' Kagome excused herself from the table not long after.

Sighing in depression, Kagome looked at herself in the mirror of the bathroom.

She was wearing the yutaka Gramama got her last year. It was light blue, with a pink obi and a white tie. The designs on hers were the same pattern and placement as her sisters, but the colors were switched, with red sakura blossoms and white birds, and the ribbon for her hair was red instead of white.

She'd only put on a little makeup, not having much experience with it. A little lip gloss, some eye shadow and eyeliner. She had to go out and buy it that afternoon, since she didn't have any of her own and Kikyou would know in a heartbeat if some had been stolen from her.

He hair was pulled back in a simple ponytail with the ribbon, but Kagome had to admit she'd never looked better. Or at least, better if your definition of such was `feminine' or `girly.' In reality, she hated having so much stuff on her face, and felt uncomfortable and out of place in the yutaka.

Still, Kagome had to be here tonight. She knew she did. But it didn't change the fact that looking into the mirror brought on thoughts she didn't want. Thoughts she was nowhere near ready for.

`I look like Kikyou,' She thought sadly, bringing one hand up to her cheek. `I know we're identical twins… but I've never looked so… Kikyou. Is this really what Minamino-kun wants from a girl…?' Shaking her head, Kagome blushed and tried to dispel those traitorous thoughts.

She froze when she heard laugher outside of the bathroom door. Way too familiar laugher. She had, after all, lived with the girl since the day she was born.

“Can you wait out here a minute, Shuichi-kun? I just want to freshen up…”

“Of course, Kikyou-san.” Came Shuichi's polite reply. Eyes widening even more, Kagome dived into a stall, locking it. She groaned mentally at the various giggled that entered when the door opened.

`Ayumi… Eri… and Yuka, by the sounds of it.' She mused.

“Wow, Kikyou!!! You and Minamino-kun look really good together!!!!” Yuka exclaimed.

“Well he is one of the best looking guys in school…” Ayumi sniffed, “Hiei-kun's attitude is way cooler, though. He's such a rebel!!!”

“Still, what happened to your promise to date Youko-kun, Kikyou?” Eri teased, “Lose him to another girl?”

`Can I call `em or what?'

“Who said Shuichi-kun was my date?” Kikyou said, Kagome could almost hear the scolding frown in her voice, “This is just a favor, a thank you for saving Kagome. I will have Youko-kun before the night's over,” Kagome's fists clenched.

She loved her sister, but she was sorely tempted to burst out of the stall and smack her right now. How could she do something like that to Shuichi?!?! What kind of thank you was that?!?!?!?!

“So, you and Minamino-kun aren't going out?” Ayumi asked doubtfully.

“Of course not. I'll admit, I've become fond of Shuichi-kun's company as a friend, but my heart belongs to Youko-kun,” Kagome rolled her eyes.

`What a drama queen…'

“By the way, Kikyou, why did you change?” Eri asked in confusion. Kagome's eyes widened.

`Oh, no…'

“…What?” Kikyou sounded taken aback.

“Your yutaka was blue when I saw you talking to Hiten half an hour ago. Why'd you change into that pink one?”

`CrapcrapcrapcrapcrapcrapcrapcrapCRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!' Kagome chanted in her head, gritting her teeth.

“Blue? But I don't-!” Kikyou made a small gasping sound, and Kagome blushed, wincing. When it got out that she'd actually worn a yutaka, posed as Kikyou and nearly got away with it…

“Kikyou?” Eri said curiously.

“…I don't look very good in blue, so I changed into this one. I like pink better anyways, and I wanted to make a good first impression on Youko-kun.”

`Forget what I said earlier, Kikyou. I could kiss you right now,' Kagome thought gratefully. If there was one thing she could always rely on, it was Kikyou's loyalty as a twin sister.

Whenever it didn't interfere with her plots, anyways…

“Really? I think the blue one looked better on you…” Kagome blushed again. Ooh, Kikyou wasn't gonna like that…

“Really now…” Kikyou said in a falsely calm tone.

“Yeah, it really brought out your eyes… Oh!!! We've gotta go if we wanna find some boys before the Midnight Fireworks Display!!!” Kagome snorted lightly to herself.

It was a Tradition started on the shrine five hundred years ago, by a Miko and her Youkai Lover. In the story told by the shrine, the miko chosen to seal all youkai fell in love with one, and met him out on this shrine on the night of a big festival.

The watchman, who struck a gong to warn the village of approaching youkai, saw the Miko and her Lover, and signaled for the village protectors without seeing who the youkai was with.

The Youkai Lover had to make haste to get away, but before he did, the Miko boldly stole a kiss from him, a kiss he gladly returned. When the village warriors and tajiya came to the scene, all they found was their beloved Miko sitting calmly on a hill, meditating with a silver rose grasped firmly in her hands.

Only the Monk, a trusted companion of hers, knew the truth, and he gladly told it after her death, along with many other star-crossed tales of the two. The rose had been a gift from the youkai, and a symbol that he would love her forever, and always return no matter the danger.

You were supposed to find a guy you liked and go to the Shrine Festival with him, and once the gong struck at midnight, fireworks were sent into the air, one bearing a small silver charm of a rose.

You were expected to kiss the guy you like upon the gong's ring, and if the rose landed near you, it meant your union was one the Miko and Youkai approved of, one meant to last as theirs never had the chance to. All the girls found the tale incredibly romantic, but Kagome just saw it as a silly myth.

“Alright, I'll be out in a minute,” Kikyou said.

“Bye Kikyou,” All three girls chimed at one, leaving. Gathering her courage, Kagome left the stall.

`I don't have to look for anyone. Youko-kun will be my kiss upon the gong's ring,' Kikyou thought in determination as she applied some lip-gloss.

She knew he'd be there tonight. Genkai had gotten a warning letter which she had found while Kagome was talking to Yusuke. Why Genkai didn't report it, she didn't know. But it was for the best. Now the huge crowd that had stopped her from seeing him last time was absent.

The girl glanced up when she heard a stall door creak open, paling when she saw a mirror image of herself, only reversed.

“Kagome?!?!?!” She hissed wheeling around, “What on earth are you- Wow, you really do look good in that yutaka,” Kagome rolled her eyes as Kikyou examined her critically. Leave it to Kikyou…

“I was just curious is all,” Kagome said defensively, crossing her fingers behind her back. Then she smiled warmly at Kikyou. “Thanks for covering for me,”

“What are sisters for?” Kikyou said with an equally bright smile.

“What do you want,” Kagome asked with a resigned sigh.

“Remember that play back in the sixth grade, Romeo and Juliet?” Kagome nodded, not liking the direction of this conversation.

“I got cast as Juliet, but I didn't want to kiss Hojo.” Kagome said in an even tone, “And you had to redo a History Test you failed, the one reason you didn't get Juliet instead. So we switched places without anyone knowing.”

“I need you to be me for Shuichi-kun so I can meet Youko-kun,” Kikyou said in as close to a pleading voice as Kagome had ever heard her use, “I promise you don't have to kiss him or anything, just switch yutakas with me and act like me for a few hours and we'll be even, I swear,” Kagome blushed.

“But I hate pink…” She muttered. Kikyou rolled her eyes.

“Well, I suppose Yusuke would like to hear about your preference to blue yutakas…” Kagome's eyes widened. Loyal though he was, Yusuke couldn't keep a secret if his life depended on it.

“Gah!!! Alright, alright!!! Evil sister…” Kikyou beamed and threw her arms around Kagome.

“Perfect!!! Now while we're at it, let's do something with your makeup…” Kagome groaned as Kikyou dragged her back into the stall.

`What did I agree to…' she thought miserably. Kikyou turned and gave her a serious look.

“Seriously, though, thank you Kagome. Because of you, I now have a chance to have my union with Youko commended by someone who knows of my plight,” Kikyou said softly, thinking of the Great Miko and her own Youkai Lover. Kagome grumbled, but said nothing.

`Honestly, the whole legend is-`

:::::::::::::::::::::::

(-Bullshit,) Youko growled,(There's no way a woman could take so long to put on a little lip gloss!!!) Shuichi rolled his eyes.

(Be patient, Youko, You'll get to steal the ring,) he said in exasperation. (Honestly, I don't see why you're so jumpy…)

(We're on a shrine,) Youko said simply, (It's not Youkai nature to feel comfortable on a shrine,)

(I thought all true shrines were dead since the priestess locked all magic away,) Shuichi frowned.

(They are,) Youko said, (But it doesn't change the bad memories.) Shuichi grew more curious at that, but shook it off to give `Kikyou' a distracted smile as she came out of the bathroom, too busy pondering Youko's words.

“Are you hungry?” Shuichi asked politely, trying to think of a polite way to get away from `Kikyou' for a minute or two. `Kikyou' smiled back.

“No, thank you. It was kind of you to ask, though,” Kagome said in the same tone she'd heard Kikyou use millions of times.

`I can't believe I'm doing this. I cannot BELIEVE she talked me into this!!!' Kagome screamed in her mind watching out of the corner of her eye as Kikyou slipped out of the bathroom and away quickly before anyone could get a good look at her.

“If it's alright with you, Min- Shuichi-kun,” Kagome caught herself with a fake smile. “I'd like to see the stalls I always buy Kagome and myself a gift, you see…”

Kikyou did, in fact, always bring her and Kagome something back from the festival, usually a pretty knife or katana for Kagome and a fancy Kimono or fine jewelry for herself.

Whether or not Kikyou had actually bought the stuff or just allowed her date to get them for her was questionable. One thing Kikyou's ex-boyfriends would always complain about was how high maintenance the girl was, and how she'd always insist on gifts for Kagome.

“Very well then,” Shuichi said diplomatically. Youko groaned. They would NEVER get away now…

Kagome cringed slightly at the mass of girls in yutakas squealing over overpriced gems and clothes.

`Kikyou seriously owes me for this…'

:::::::::::::::::::::::

“Ooh. You baka!!!” Kagome muttered under her breath as Yusuke got nailed in the stomach, “You practically walked into his fist with that move!!!”

`You were supposed to go left!!!'

“Did you say something, Kikyou-san?” Kagome flinched.

“Nothing, Shuichi-kun,” She said in a bored tone.

`Gods, how does Kikyou do this? It's so boring!!!!!!!!!!!!' She grumbled, blinking when she saw Sango arguing with Hiei about something. Hiei was giving her a cruel smirk that sent chills down her back, no small feat.

There had always been something about the small, red eyed classmate that put her off. She couldn't say what, but everything she was around him, her instincts screamed at her to go the other way. He seemed uncaring and disinterested, But Kagome could feel, underneath the surface, something dark pushing against its barriers, trying to escape…

“-you-san? Would you mind if I step away for a few moments?” Shuichi asked politely. Kagome was about to make up some excuse to keep him with her (What if he ran into the real Kikyou? That would bring up a lot of tense questions…) But Hiei gave her a cocky, mocking look, like he thought she was afraid to be without the red head.

“Of course not,” Kagome said, quickly shooting Hiei an answering glare. Her instincts were overruled by her stubborn pride. “I'll stay here until you get back,” Shuichi looked relieved at this, and left quickly.

As soon as he was out of sight, Kagome gritted her teeth and marched over to Hiei, whom Sango had already left.

`Oooooooooh-!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!'

:::::::::::::::::::::::

Hiei frowned at the giggling girl who couldn't seem to understand that he wasn't interested in her. Ayuki, he thought her name was, or Ayuri… something like that. She wasn't a threat, or anyone he needed to know of, so he never took the time to learn her name.

He was trying to access the abilities of the tajiya/taiyoukai youth, but couldn't with the insistent tug on his arm, and the whiny female that came with it. The only reason said female had yet to die was because it was against old, unspoken but still understood rules set by the first of the Minamino and Tsukamaru lines. It was against their laws to kill humans when in the process of reenacting the ancient feud.

“Come on, Hiei-kun!!!” She exclaimed with a pout, “It's not right that we're both all alone at the Summer Shrine Festival!!! Can't you please be my date?”

“No,” Hiei said shortly with a scowl. Ayuri's (?) pout deepened.

“Well, I won't leave until you prove to me that you have a date.” She said in a high-pitched, girly voice. Hiei growled. Maybe no one would notice if he killed this one human…

“He's with me, Ayumi,” Both Ayumi and Hiei's eyes widened at the voice, turning to see a resigned (And blushing, Hiei noticed) Sango.

“You?!?!” Ayumi asked incredulously, “You don't even like him!!!” Sango's blush deepened, and she shot Ayumi a pointed glare, snapping Hiei out of his shock.

Really, did she honestly think he couldn't tell she despised him? Hiei mused, wicked humor dancing in the back of his eyes. Both She and the elder Higurashi sister had incredibly strong senses passed through their lines, though the Higurashi girl's will often overrode her senses. Leave it to Youko to fall for a wild, stubborn little thing like Kagome…

“I lost a bet with Yusuke okay?” Sango said through gritted teeth. Ayumi looked between them. Hiei kept his face blank and emotionless. Finally, Ayumi sighed and started mournfully back to the other two girls she always seemed to be with.

Sango turned and glared at Hiei.

“Don't get any ideas. That was just because you found Kagome and Shuichi in the forest. I still hate you,”

“I'm shattered,” Hiei muttered dryly, turning his attention to `Kikyou' and Shuichi as they approached the other side of the mini arena. Shuichi seemed distracted by something (The thief, most likely) But Hiei's eyes narrowed when he saw `Kikyou' blush while glancing at Shuichi. Had her affections changed? It wouldn't be good if they had…

“That's just your problem!!! You're such an unbelievable jerk!!!!!” Sango yelled. Hiei ignored her, concentrating on how `Kikyou's' affection could change so fast, when he saw `Kikyou' mutter something under her breath as Yusuke took a hard hit. Something Kikyou would never say during a fight.

Hiei's eyes widened. `Itcouldn't be…'

But it was. A few seconds of studying her told him that. Shuichi obviously didn't know, he'd just called her Kikyou, but that was definitely Kagome Higurashi. The current affection of Youko Kurama was infatuated with Shuichi Minamino enough to abandon all her stubborn ideals for a single date with him.

And her sister, whom Shuichi himself loved, was obsessed with Youko to the point of serious concern. Ah, what a tangled and amusing love web THIS was…

He smirked when Kagome noticed him and stiffened, already thinking of a way to work the situation to his advantage. Considering who she was and where they were, it would not be a difficult task.

He chuckled to himself as Kagome stormed towards him, Sango already long gone. How undeniably amusing…

“Tell me, Yudoku-kun, Is there and reason to be staring at me in such a rude manner?” Kagome asked with a stern glare that mimicked Kikyou's to perfection.

`She's good,' Hiei thought, amused.

“Hn,” Hiei said, giving her a pointed look. “I think you know why,” Neither sisters were as great of fools as most ningens, again probably resulting from their bloodline, but Kagome was less likely to miss things that Kikyou, who disregarded anything she couldn't twist to her advantage. She probably already suspected he knew.

“Oh? So you are another admirer, then?” Kagome said, making yet another perfect imitation of Kikyou's cocked eyebrow with a smug smirk tugging at her lips, “Well, I'm afraid all my attention is currently focused on Youko-kun. I'm sure Ayumi would be more than happy to date you, though…” Hiei couldn't contain his laugh this time.

“Convincing, Kagome-san,” He said with a smirk as her eyes widened and a blush spread over her cheeks. He normally wasn't so responsive to conversations, but Kagome was too animated to ignore for long.

“Tell anyone anything, and I swear-!!!”

“You'll what? Scream at me like a banshee like your friend?” Hiei said, motioning towards Sango.

“Sango-chan would be the first to tell you I scream louder,” Kagome sniffed.

“I'll keep your secret,” Hiei said, smirking at her quizzical look, “If you help me with something in return…” Kagome's shoulder's fell.

“…Just one of those nights…” She muttered.

:::::::::::::::::::::::

(See? I told you we could steal it in less than five minutes!!!) Shuichi said in irritation. (We should've just waited a little while longer!!!) Youko smirked.

“You just don't want to leave your precious `Kikyou-san' were any random boy could pick up where you left off.” Youko accused him.

(Kikyou-san isn't like that!!!) Shuichi objected. Youko snorted.

“Please,” He said, rolling his eyes, “Not that I blame you. If it were me and Kagome, no male would be allowed within four feet of her, and even that distance would only be allowed if I was in a lenient mood,”

(Kagome-san is far too headstrong to allow herself to be treated that way,) Shuichi pointed out. (She'd fight you with everything she had,)

“Ah, but the strong ones are always the best,” Youko said, a far away look glazing his eyes momentarily. “They're most loyal, they're least likely to need your protection from every little thing… not to mention they usually last longer in bed,”

(You really are a hentai…)

“Besides.” Youko continued, ignoring his other half, “Only someone as strong as Kagome can have those amazing eyes… eyes that see the world as a place to really live every single day, not just get through this and that until vacation or a weekend like most pathetic humans. And Kagome is the only person with that scent… and that certain light that surround only her…” Shuichi blinked.

He'd never heard Youko sound so… romantic. He was usually a pervert, a playboy and an impish troublemaker. He never seemed to give himself any true deepness in his words and actions, just a youkai that never took the time to grow up. Shuichi had come to consider him shallow and dirty, but in order for him to sound like that, he must really care for Kagome deeply…

He saw every detail about her, and loved every single one of them. Even if she hated him, he still would die to make her happy, to prove he was all she'd ever need. Even if she never knew.

Shuichi had always been confident in his feelings for Kikyou before, but he had to admit, if only to himself, that his own feelings for the younger twin were not at that point. Was what Youko had true love?

If so, what did Shuichi feel for Kikyou…?

“Hm?” Youko said, blinking down at a silhouette that flashed through the forest. His amber eyes narrowed darkly.

(Hiei…) he growled in their head. Shuichi stiffened.

(He's not going to attack, is he?) The red head asked in concern Youko rolled his eyes.

“Of course not, if that was his intentions, he'd be done with it by now,” Youko snapped, still irritated that Shuichi wouldn't let him just kill the youth and be done with it. The potential threat had to be eliminated before He awoke…

(Then what…?)

(He's trying to get us to follow him,) Youko said, frowning, (Shit, he's not going to issue a Security Challenge here,is he?)

(A what?) Shuichi asked.

(it's an old rule, nothing you need to worry about,) Youko said absently as he followed the quick black blur. The thief made note of his speed, so as not to be taken by surprise by it in the future, (I've never lost a Security Challenge, and one hasn't been issued for nearly 300 years. He's a cocky little bastard…)

The silver haired bandit smirked when Hiei stopped in a clearing ahead. Tonight may bring him more than a possessed ring and bad memories after all…

“GNAH!!!” Youko froze at the all too familiar voice, “You can give a girl a little warning, you know!!!” Shuichi blinked, startled to suddenly find himself in Youko's place, the thief sulking in the back of their mind.

(That was a dirty trick!!!) Youko accused. Shuichi frowned. Even just hearing Kagome's voice could trigger the transformation? That was a little unfair…

…But how in the world could Hiei know that if Shuichi didn't?

“Stay here,” Shuichi heard Hiei order.

“Like I have a choice…” Shuichi stiffened as Hiei came back into the clearing, motioning for Shuichi to follow him outside of Kagome's hearing range.

“What do you want, Hiei?” Shuichi asked with a frown. He was anxious around the mysterious dark boy.

“I want to see Youko Kurama die at my hands,” Hiei said in a straightforward tone, “But I'm unable to comprehend his abilities unless I know yours.”

“Why are you so bent on Youko's death?” Shuichi asked.

“…” Hiei glared out at the night sky, but didn't answer Shuichi, “Higurashi, Kagome is bound to a tree in the clearing over there with strong rope. Her arms have been tied behind her back, and he feet bound together as well.

“Higurashi, Kikyou is on her way home as we speak, after being unable to locate you. If you refuse to fight me, turn back into Youko or lose this battle, Kikyou will never see her twin again. Win, and you will be allowed to bring her back to her home.” Shuichi froze.

(He wouldn't really kill her, would he?)

(Of course not, It's against the rules,) Youko said immediately, Confident in Kagome's safety. (He can't kill the ones who are key to our transformation… won't stop him from locking her away where no one can find her, though. We could probably steal her back, but it wouldn't be pretty. Best to win and avoid any messes.) Shuichi rolled his eyes.

(That's reassuring,) He said sarcastically. (What rules are you talking about, anyways? Where are you getting all of this?!?!)

(I'll explain later,) Youko said airily,(For now, concentrate before he--)

`WHAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!'

(--attacks,)

Shuichi winced against the pain in his gut, wishing momentarily that he could strangle his other half.

(It's not like I didn't warn you,)

“I tire of you ignoring me in favor of Him,” Hiei said in irritation, “I'm no minor threat you can pass off so easily,”

(He's got a point.)

(Can't you sit still for ten minutes?) Shuichi asked irritably, dodging another blow, (I can leave Kagome here, you know,) Youko snorted.

They both knew Shuichi was too considerate to do anything of the sort. He was concerned for the girl's safety as well, and would not leave her to be kidnapped by Hiei.

Shuichi jumped over a low swing of Hiei's katana, flipping before kicking off of a tree and nailing the smaller boy in the back.

Hiei somehow managed to maneuver so that Shuichi ended up hitting the ground first, forcing him to roll to avoid being impaled by Hiei's weapon.

(He's fast on his feet,) Shuichi thought with a frown, (Stronger than one would think of someone his size, too…)

(Of course he is,) Youko snorted, (Be grateful he isn't using magic yet. You'd have no defense, since you refuse to embrace your heritage.) Shuichi slipped at that, enabling Hiei to hit him hard in his stomach.

(What's that supposed to mean?!?!?!) Shuichi said angrily. (Hiei can use magic like you can?!?! Why didn't you tell me earlier?!?!?!)

(Because you're not supposed to know most of this information until you're fully blooded,) Youko answered impatiently, (It's dangerous for you to know beforehand. Watch his right arm, I've been getting a creepy feeling from it since I met him,)

Shuichi cursed under his breath and outmaneuvered Hiei's skilled katana swings. He obviously wasn't kidding about training his entire life. Luckily Shuichi had received that kind of training as well…

Hiei gritted his teeth in frustration. Despite his deceivingly gentle exterior, it was clear Shuichi was a dangerous opponent in basic one on one combat. His defense was the best Hiei'd ever seen. What else could one expect from the Minamino family, though?

However, Shuichi still showed no signs of paranormal powers other than Youko's presence. Had the boy not received any training in magic? That would be a heavy disadvantage for him…

With that thought in mind, Hiei fell back, sheathing his katana. Shuichi watched him warily as he did so, never dropping his guard.

“You're physical skills are adequate,” Hiei said shortly as he held his right arm forward, “But what about your spiritual talents?”

Ever since he was eight years old, Hiei had wrapped his right arm in bandages from the elbow down. No one except his stepfather knew what the bandages hid. No one but that bastard knew Hiei's true potential.

(Shit,) Youko said grimly as he watched Hiei's aura grow increasingly violent as he began to unwrap the bandages. (You've got to stop him. He's about to use youki, I can feel it!!!) Shuichi froze.

(Youki?!?! He needs to be Youkai to have youki!!!!!!!!!) Shuichi exclaimed.

Suddenly Shippo, fearing for his master's safety, leapt from the shadows and attacked Hiei's leg. With an enraged snarl, Hiei knock Shippo into a nearby tree so hard, the tree began to shatter at the point of impact, where the kitsune familiar fell to the ground, unconscious.

Hiei himself winced and clutched his wound, cursing Shippo for startling him and himself for allowing the fox to slip by his defenses. His leg was in bad shape now, and he'd just lost his speed advantage. He didn't see Shuichi's eyes widened as the tree Shippo had hit began to groan and fall forward.

Right where Hiei was kneeling.

“LOOK OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Before Shuichi could register what he was doing, he sprang forward and knocked Hiei out of the way, narrowly avoiding being crushed himself.

Hiei stared at Shuichi in stunned silence as what had happened finally settled in for both of them.

`He… saved me?!?!'

(What the Hell's wrong with you?!?!?!?!?!?!) Youko snarled in anger.(This bastard threatened Kagome, nearly killed both Shippo and us, and you risk our neck for his?!?!?!?!)

(I couldn't just sit there, Youko,)

“Are you alright?” Shuichi asked Hiei. Red eyes blinked a few times before narrowing. Then, without a word, Hiei stood and started back towards the shrine.

(I'll take that as a yes,) Shuichi thought dryly before standing himself and checking on Shippo. Other than a slight bump, the fox familiar was fine, and he was already waking up.

“Let's go free Kagome-san,” He said to both Youko and Shippo, heading towards the clearing the girl of Youko's affections was being held captive in.

:::::::::::::::::::::::

`Stupid men…' Kagome grumbled to herself angrily as she finally freed one of her hands. It was raw and red, but at least now maybe she could get free.

Hiei Yudoku had managed to get himself the second slot on Kagome's `To Kill' List, right under Youko Kurama. First he forced her to change into a miko garb, then he led her into this forest and tied her to a freaking tree!!!!!!!!!!

Then he went off, scared the crap out of her when he came back, and left again. And she'd heard a lot of weird noises in the time since then, almost like someone was trying to tear the entire forest down around her.

Finally, Kagome had had enough. Let Hiei tell everyone about the stupid yutaka!!!!!!!!!!!!! She had better things to do then rot in a forest!!!!!!!!!!

“AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!” Kagome growled, freeing her legs.

“Kagome-san?” Kagome froze.

`…Crap.'

“M-Minamino-kun!!!” She exclaimed. “Ah, well…” Shuichi frown and came forward, releasing Kagome from her bindings.

“Are you alright, Kagome-san? Hiei told me you'd need my help…”

`That's it!!!! That pointy hair jerk is really gonna get it!!!!!!!!!!!!' Kagome swore, blushing brightly.

“NO!!!! I can get out myself!!! See, I'm almost free…” Shuichi chuckled.

“You're not very good at accepting help, are you, Kagome?” He asked in amusement. Kagome's blush darkened as she was finally released, blinking in surprise when she noticed something.

`He just called me Kagome… not Kagome-san…'

“Well, I should probably take you home, now. I believe your sister's already left…” Kagome flinched. Then she noticed the still slightly disoriented fox that was sitting on Shuichi's shoulder yet again.

“Is he your pet?” Kagome asked curiously, recognizing the small animal from the forest. Shuichi blinked, before remembering the small familiar.

“Shippo? Yes, he's been with my family for a long time.” Shuichi answered vaguely.

“Oh, he's so cute!!!” Shuichi stood shell-shocked.

(…cute?)

He would've never guessed Kagome knew the meaning of the word. She'd never come across as the type to coo over puppies or babies. Yet there she stood, cuddling with the familiar of the man she despised.

What's more, Shippo, now completely back to reality, was normally shy around strangers, yet he was cuddling right back with Kagome, despite hiding whenever Kikyou came around.

Maybe Shippo was only fond of Youko's girls…

“We should probably head back now, Kagome-san,” Shuichi said in a soft, reasonable tone, “Kikyou-san is probably worried by now,” Kagome tried to hide her disappointment at her sister's name.

“…right…” they walked in silence all the way back to the edge of the forest, Shuichi too deep in thought to notice Kagome's discomfort.

When they reached the shrine, Kagome stopped and took a deep breath.

“…Minamino-kun?” she called out. Shuichi stopped as well, gazing back at her curiously. Blushing, Kagome looked away shyly for a moment before gathering her courage and smiling warmly at him. “…Arigato. For helping me, I mean. Both in the forest, and here.”

Shuichi stared at her in surprise. Not because she had thanked him, though. But…

…When she stood there, smiling at him like that, he couldn't help but notice how warm and gentle her eyes were. He could finally see why Youko had made such a big deal about them earlier. She really did seem to see a life truly worth living. And as he returned her smile, he felt…

`GONNG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!' Both Shuichi and Kagome startled at the sound of the gong and stared wide eyed at the firework display that followed it. Then both blushed when they remembered the tradition.

“It appears Midnight came sooner than usual,” Shuichi said, watching the colorful display of lights.

“Yeah…” Kagome's blush wouldn't recede. It may have just been her imagination, but for a second there, it looked like Shuichi had been leaning forward to kiss her.

But that was impossible, right? Shuichi liked Kikyou…

Kagome glanced at Shuichi as he watched the display above them, smiling at how right it felt to stand here with him, just the two of them.

Even if he never returned her feeling, Kagome knew she was fighting a losing battle ignoring her own heart. Still, Kikyou deserved a chance. She was the one he cared for, after all…

Kagome blinked as something slipped down the front of her haori. Glancing again to see if Shuichi was still distracted, she pulled it out.

And froze.

“Kagome-san? It's best if we leave now,” Shuichi said, motioning for Kagome to follow him.

“H-huh?!?!” Kagome stammered, blushing violently, “Oh!!! Yeah… I'll just walk myself home. I don't want you to go out of your way…”

“It's fine, Kagome-san, I enjoy your company,” Shuichi said with a polite smile. With no good reason for him not to come, Kagome and Shuichi headed off for the Higurashi manor.

:::::::::::::::::::::::

Hiei flinched at the pain shooting up his leg. That damn creature's teeth were deadly sharp. But that was only a minor part of what was bothering him. He still couldn't believe what had happened.

His life had been saved… by a Minamino.

That hadn't happened in his family for nearly 500 years. Shuichi wasn't stupid, he knew what he was doing, so why had he saved Hiei's life?

Harassed by ningen females, Youko getting away, him being saved and beaten by his family's worst enemy in a single moment… Scowling, Hiei wondered how tonight could get any worst…

“What the Hell?!?!?!”

…before promptly cursing himself for such a blatant jinx as Sango came forward, wide eyes fixed on his leg.

“It's nothing,” Hiei snapped. Sango scowled.

“Sure as hell looks more painful than `nothing' usually does!!!” She snapped back. “Were you attacked by something?”

`Yeah, a demonic familiar who's owner I'm fixated on killing,'

“Hn,”

“Don't you `Hn' me!!! Come on, let's get you into the shrine…” Hiei gave her a quizzical look and she scowled back, blushing slightly. “What? If you go home looking like that, your Dad might try to sue Genkai-san for endangerment or something.”

“I don't have a father,” Hiei said simply, wondering why he was allowing her to lead him into the old shrine, and telling her such personal things.

“Well, your mom then,” Sango said, frowning at him slightly.

“I don't have a mother either.” Sango stopped.

`An… orphan?' She never would've guessed she and Hiei had something in common. She'd seen her own parent's and her little brother killed by gang members in her own home. They hadn't known she was there, or they would've probably killed her, too.

Yusuke's mom had been arrested when he was just a kid, and his dad bailed on them before Yusuke was even born. Luckily their surrogate father took pretty good care of them. He was a little strange, but still better than most people you hear about.

“I'm sorry,” Sango said in a sincere tone. Hiei said nothing, “Who takes care of you?”

“I need no adult regulation, but my stepfather is my legal guardian,” Hiei said coldly.

`I'm guessing there's no lost love there,' Sango thought dryly. Then again, how was that a surprise? Hiei didn't seem to like anybody.

“Here, let me take care of your leg,” Sango said, bringing out the various medicines and bandages. Hiei glared again.

“That's a waste. I'm a fast healer,”

“Well it'll make me feel better okay!!!” Sango snapped back, tired of his attitude. Then she froze, her hands covering her mouth as Hiei stared at her in surprise, “L-look, just let me take care of it, okay? I'm not as good with this sort of thing as Kagome, but I know what I'm doing and I can guarantee I won't kill you,” Sango paused thoughtfully for a moment, “Well, at least not with poison or anything. Not my style,” Hiei chuckled slightly to himself as he allowed her to clean and bind his wound.

This onna… She was supposed to be yet another one to be wary of, but he couldn't help but be amused by her actions. She was just as animated as Kagome, with just as strong a spirit, though a less hyper attitude.

Perhaps that was why it was so rare to see one without the other. In many ways, Kagome was the closest thing to a sister Sango had. That would also explain the hostility towards Kikyou. Jealously for how well the sisters got along…

“There!!!” Sango said triumphantly, smirking at Hiei, “See? You're still alive, aren't you?” Hiei said nothing, just watched Sango silently with his intense red eyes.

Sango's smirk fell away as she became ensnared in that gaze. Her own brown eyes softened and the world seemed to melt away.

“Yo!!! Sango!!! We need more ice for the soda!!!” Sango yelped and fell down at Yusuke's yell, and the atmosphere instantly disappeared.

“C-coming!!!” Sango yelled back avoiding looking right at Hiei. She hurried out of the room, desperately trying to hide her blush.

Hiei stared after her in surprise for a moment before he smiled as warm a smile anyone had ever seen on his face, (Not that anyone was there to see it,) and brushed his hand against the bandages on his leg.

`I wonder… If things had been different… If I wasn't the Tsukamaru Heir… How would things be for me…?'

:::::::::::::::::::::::

Shuichi sighed as he finished taking care of Shippo. Luckily, the little guy wasn't hurt badly.

Youko still wasn't talking to him. Shuichi worried it was because, for a second there he'd wondered what it was like to kiss Kagome, but then he reminded himself that Youko had gone still before then, when they found Kagome in those odd old clothes.

Still, his guilt over the matter wouldn't rest. Why was he daydreaming of kissing Kagome when Kikyou was the one he loved? Why had Kagome's eyes captivated him when not half an hour earlier he was on a date with her sister?

Kikyou was supposed to be the one to return his feelings and change him back, but what if that never happened? What if he and Youko were forever caught in this chaotic love circle?

At least he had it a little easier, Shuichi decided. Kikyou at least saw him as a friend, where Kagome hated Youko. It was actually kind of sad, considering how she was the one person Youko actually really seemed to care for.

Life was funny that way. It seemed to Shuichi that thing only ever got more complicated. Take Hiei for example. Shuichi knew he was not as cold as he liked others to believe. He could tell Hiei carried a heavy burden, just like Shuichi himself.

Youko disliked Hiei, but Shuichi couldn't help but feel sorry for him. He didn't really talk to anyone at school, save Shuichi on rare occasions. And were Shuichi had many close friends, no matter how strange they were, Hiei seemed to constantly be alone.

Still, Shuichi enjoyed speaking to Hiei very much. And, while it was difficult to read Hiei's cold demeanor, Shuichi believed Hiei had come to enjoy speaking with him as well.

Perhaps, if neither of them had been caught in this mess with youkai and thieves, they could have even become friends…

:::::::::::::::::::::::

Kagome blushed as she stared up at her ceiling. It was impossible. Or at the least highly improbable, but still, she couldn't help but hope…

Groaning she rolled over, strands of still damp hair sticking to her face. Why was she even thinking so hard about this? What had happened to her promise?

Back in middle school, she'd fallen madly in love with a boy named Inuyasha. He'd been after Kikyou, though, and only started dating her after it became clear that, with Kikyou, no meant no.

There had always been a doubt in the back of her mind, one often voiced by a concerned Sango and even Kikyou, but she'd brushed it off. She'd maintained her innocent hope that maybe Inuyasha like her for her, and not because she looked like Kikyou.

How naïve she was…

It was Christmas when it had happened, and Kagome and Inuyasha had been going out for nearly five months. Kagome, Inuyasha, Kikyou and her latest fling had all gone to a big fancy party at Kikyou's begging. Kagome had even worn a dress, the last time she'd ever worn one.

Kagome would never forget that day…

“Kikyou, please, listen to me!!!” Kagome stopped curiously at her boyfriend's voice. She'd been on her way back to the dance from the bathroom, and accidentally caught part of Kikyou and Inuyasha's conversation.

“Leave me be, Inuyasha. I already said no. You're lucky I don't tell Kagome what you're really like,” Kikyou said in the coldest tone Kagome had ever heard her use. “And even then, that isn't for your sake, but hers.”

“Kikyou!!!” Kagome peered around the corner, and went still when she saw Inuyasha grab Kikyou's arm pulling her closer to him. “I told you before where my feeling lie.”

“And I told you to leave me and my sister be,” Kikyou snapped back, “I don't like you, Inuyasha. Truth be told, I'm quite beyond to hating you for deceiving Kagome just to get closer to me. She deserves better than scum like you, but unfortunately she's incapable of seeing that for herself,” Kagome's eyes widened. No…

“It's not like that!!!” The girl's heart rose again at Inuyasha's protest… “I love you, Kikyou…” …Only to shatter painfully…

She'd stepped out of the shadows then, drawing the attention of both her twin and her soon to be ex-boyfriend. Inuyasha froze wide-eyed at the sight of her, while Kikyou gave her a pained look, a look pleading for forgiveness. Not for Inuyasha, but herself.

“Kagome…” Inuyasha started. But Kagome wouldn't hear it. She turned around and ran away, never to see Inuyasha again.

She did forgive Kikyou. In her own way, the girl did try to warn her. She was just subtle with it, wishing to be gentle with her sister's heart. But Inuyasha…

…He tried calling her, but Kikyou, Souta, and their father always handled the calls. It was always hard to tell who was most cold with handling him. The sister protecting her twin, the little boy who's idol betrayed and hurt one of the most important people in his life, or the man, angry at his daughter's heartbreak.

Kikyou, Sango and Yusuke protected her from him in school, something Yusuke and Sango took extra vigor with. Both were prone to use physical means to get Inuyasha to back down, and while Inuyasha was pretty though himself, he was nowhere near the level of Yusuke on his bad days, (AN; Foxylilraven would probably kill me if I made Inu stronger than Yusuke) or Sango in her Hell bent revenge mode.

Eventually, he gave up, and moved in with some family of his in a different part of Tokyo. Kagome heard rumors of him becoming some big shot entertainment producer, but didn't care. So long as he left her be.

After that, Kagome vowed never to fall in love again. Now, not only was she in love, but she was in the exact situation from all those years ago. As much as she told herself that Shuichi wasn't like Inuyasha, she was still so afraid…

“What am I worried about?” Kagome muttered to herself, “It's not like Minamino-kun likes me, anyways…”

Still, as she grasped the silver rose charm hanging on the chain around her neck, she could help but hope that maybe things could be different for her this time around.

`Minamino-kun…'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::