Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Chained To You ❯ Chapter Six ( Chapter 6 )

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

Chapter Roku
Scene: The Palace of the Silver Kitsune, Akaso


It was the second time the miko had slept in his room...though the first she had been unconscious. Yoko was slightly shocked how quickly she fell asleep, despite being only a few feet away from him.

Though she is tired from watching the kit all day...

Yoko had never thought about how challenging it was to raise a child. He admired how easy Kagome made it seem. When Kazuhiko had awoken screaming, Yoko had felt a flash of panic- something that had not happened in a long time.

The Prince slept restlessly, the problem of the clans playing on his mind, as well as the miko's pure scent distracting him. He wondered if her scent had a role to play in the calming affect she had on the kit.

He was awake as dawn broke and light filtered into the room. The King of Thieves rose from his bed, quietly inspecting the two slumbering on the floor. He couldn't help but notice how young the miko looked as she slept. The kit was buried into her chest, their hair clashing in a contrast of ebony and ivory.

She even wears that butterfly clip as she sleeps,  he noticed, and a flash of something bitter crossed his tongue. He bent down slowly, and carefully eased the clip from the miko's hair. He turned it over in his fingers, studying the handicraft. It wasn't by any work-smith he recognised, and it wasn't a new piece- he could tell by the dullness of the sapphires and the rust of the hinge. A smirk crossed the kitsune's face as he pocketed the treasure. How long will it take for her to notice it has gone?

The miko slept later than usual, and was woken by Kaoru bringing them breakfast. Yoko had already left to begin the meetings of the clans.

“Ahh, sorry for troubling you!” Kagome said, struggling out of her futon, trying to not to wake the kit, “I was up late with Kazuhiko-sama...”

“No problem, Kagome-chan,” Kaoru smiled at her friend, “No wonder you're so tired! Yoko commented that the little prince had difficultly sleeping last night. Thank goodness you were able to quieten him!”

“Yes,” Kagome agreed, as she helped Kaoru lay out the breakfast on the table, “I think Yoko's secretly a bit scared of children! He can't order them about like he does everyone else!”

Kaoru giggled, as she looked at the sleeping kit. “He's so adorable! I can't believe the clans would want to hurt such a small, innocent thing!”

“I know!” Kagome said, pouring tea. “It's crazy. I just hope Yoko is able to come up with a solution before he kills them all!”

They passed the hours pleasantly together, feeding Kazuhiko his breakfast, ooh-ing and aah-ing over his cute antics. They even bathed him, playing games with him in the water.

“I have to go and serve Yoko-sama's lunch now,” Kaoru said, and she seemed disappointed she had to leave.

“Come and visit us later!” Kagome waved, and her friend nodded happily.

Taking the child in her arms, the miko went to her room to feed Toto her saved scraps from breakfast. Kazuhiko was fascinated with the puppy, so Kagome took him back with them to Yoko's room. He'll probably be displeased...but as long as Kazuhiko's happy.

Kazuhiko loved playing with the puppy- they rolled around with each other on the floor, trying to catch each other's tails. I wish I had a camera! The miko thought, as she wiped tears of laughter from her eyes. The door opened suddenly and Kagome tensed, but it was only Yoko.

“What a racket,” he complained, as he entered the room.

“Sorry,” Kagome said half heartedly, “But Kazuhiko was upset when I tried to take Toto away. They've kept each other amused for hours...”

“Hmph...” Yoko said, as he took off his elaborate haori and folded it away. “As long as it tires him out so he sleeps tonight...”

“Did the meeting go any better?” Kagome asked hopefully.

“One step forwards, two steps back...” Yoko said as he changed his slippers. “I've got a meeting with the bandits now about the Washi...”

Kagome felt sorry for the kitsune, and she stood up to walk him to the door. “Would you like a bath when you return?” she asked.

She saw Yoko's ears twitch, and he turned away from her. “Yes.”

Yoko listened absent-mindedly as the scouts droned on about their reports- as expected, the Owls had retreated. The bandits hadn't even had a chance to kill anyone- they just messed up the castle and took some treasure as a warning. They will be in our debt now, as no blood was shed.

He made a mental note to tell Kagome- he was sure she would be pleased. He fingered the clip in his pocket, and wondered if she had realised it was gone yet.

Yoko was already anticipating his bath. If he wasn't so worried about Kazuhiko's safety, he would have made plans to visit the pleasure quarters tonight, or send for a geisha. He supposed one of Kagome's head massages would be a acceptable alternative.

Toto and Kazuhiko had finally worn themselves out, and were curled up asleep on Kagome's lap. She had ran the bath, and became bored, so had reached for a nearby book. It was in traditional Japanese, the kanji long and difficult for her to read, but she persevered. It was a collection of poetry- she was taken a back that Yoko owned such a work.


A particular poem stood out to the miko, and it was so beautiful, she read it under her breath.

“The flowers' bloomsare washed away:in vainI spend my length of daysgazing on the endless rain.”

“Ono no Komachi...” Yoko's voice came from behind the paper screen, and Kagome jumped.
Ooh, I forgot about the secret door!

“Y-yes...” Kagome confirmed, looking down at the poem's title.

“It is very beautiful,” Yoko commented as he strode into the room. “Ah, I see our little Prince has run out of energy...”

“Yes,” Kagome laughed, “He's tired himself completely...”

Toto awoke at her voice, jumping off her lap and growling at the kitsune who had appeared in the room.

“Shush, Toto...” Kagome rebuked him, mindful of Yoko's earlier warning.

“Oh, it seems the mutt doesn't like me,” the Prince said, hands on his waist, “Don't worry, Toto-chan, the feeling is mutual...”

The puppy growled at this, and Kagome tucked Kazuhiko into her futon so she could pick up Toto and take him back to her room. But the dog escaped her arms, lunging forwards and barking at Yoko's shin.

“You know, I've been itching to kill something all day,” the kitsune leered, grabbing the puppy and holding it by the scruff, “You are a little small, but you will do...”

“Let him go, Yoko!” Kagome protested, trying to take the dog back, but Yoko held him out of reach. Toto chose this moment to bite the kitsune hard on the hand, and the Silver Prince cursed colourfully.

“Toto!” Kagome gasped, “Yoko, quickly, give him to me!”

“I've had enough of this fur ball...” the kitsune smirked, and Toto yipped as he tightened his grip.

“No!!!” The miko cried out, and without thinking, she slapped Yoko full force across the face.

The noise echoed in the silent room, and both of them froze. The miko's hand flew to her mouth, not quite believing what she had done. It stung from the contact.

Yoko dropped the dog, and Toto yelped, flying across the room to bury under the futon. Kazuhiko still slept soundly, his fist in his mouth.

Kagome felt her heart stop as the bandit's molten eyes fixated on her. His cheek was pink from the slap, and he took a step towards her. The miko gulped inadvertently.

“Y-Yoko...” she trembled, rooted to the spot, “I...I didn't mean to...”

It took him only a second to slam her against the wall, reminding her of the night they had first met.  She squeaked as the hardness winded her, the kitsune seizing her throat, the other fastening her wrists above her head.

“I didn't quite catch that, Kagome,” he murmured, his hot breath tickling her ear, “Would you like to try again?”

He titled her head up, his thumb and fingers pressing into her jaw, so her eyes were unable to escape his penetrating gaze.

She swallowed, choosing her words carefully. “Gomen nasai...I acted without thinking. It was a stupid mistake...”

“You are becoming better at apologising...” Yoko complimented her sarcastically, “Yet how I tire of hearing them...”

Kagome bit her lip at his words, and he immediately felt the fire pool in his stomach, the undeniable surge of want inflame his blood. He moved quickly, pressing his lips to hers, catching the miko completely off guard. She tried to turn her head away, but he tightened the grip on her jaw, claws indenting into her skin, making her moan into his mouth. He swallowed it greedily, using his tongue to lead hers in a twisting tango. Yoko leaned further against the miko's body, feeling her breasts push against his chest. He took her lower lip into his mouth and sucked it before drawing it out with his fangs. He felt her gasp as he bit down, making a puncture, the coppery tang of her blood on his tongue. Yoko was so caught up in lust it wasn't until he tasted the blood that he recoiled from her, letting her slide down the wall to the floor.

“Consider that your punishment,” Yoko remarked, seeing the miko clutch her lip, the blood dripping down her chin.

The miko picked up the still shaking Toto and dragged her futon back along to her own room, the Silver Prince making no move to stop her. She lay down, her mind buzzing with what had occurred.

Yoko had called it punishment- but she had enjoyed it, for the most part. Of course, she was terrified at first that he was going to hurt her, but when his advances had taken a different nature, Kagome had found it difficult to resist. She missed the warmth of another's body against hers. She had been neglected in that sense, thanks to her many years of unrequited love with Inuyasha, acknowledged at the last moment. The hanyou could be affectionate, but he was as innocent and shy as she when it came to such matters. Their kisses had been nothing like the ones she had shared with Yoko.

Why didn't I want it to end? Kagome berated herself. She put it down to years of pent up hormones- miko or not, she was still a human woman. She might have past the awkward, teenage stage of her life, but her body still had wants and needs. She had years of bottled desires and frustration locked in heart. The kitsune seemed skilled in letting them spill out.
Kagome kept playing this kiss over and over in her mind, recalling the heat of his body flushed against hers; how her nipples had tightened at his touch; how his hot tongue invaded her mouth. She hadn't even minded the bite- it had been sore, and still throbbed, but the mixture of pleasure and pain had left her soaring. It was the coldness in his eyes that had woken her up, made her realise how dangerous he was.

I refuse to fall in a one sided love again, she promised herself. My heart can't take it...

Yet when she finally drifted asleep, dreams of Yoko haunted her, and she could feel the weight of his body on hers, his lips on her neck, his fangs scraping her skin.

Yoko sulked in his bath. He could not bring himself to order the girl back, despite how much he wanted her touch.
His cheek was still sore from the slap- she certainly hadn't held back, and he had underestimated her strength. He had been angry that she dared lift her hand against him- but a secret part of him was aroused that she was brave enough to do so. He had only ever been struck by his parents, and they were mere taps when he had been a badly behaved kit. The sting of the slap had jolted his entire body, and he had struggled against the impulse of taking her there and then.

His punishment had not went as planned. He had wanted to frighten her into submission- but when she had apologised so quickly, he had been thrown off track. When she resisted his kiss for the second time, he had lost control. The kitsune was used to females throwing themselves at him- yet he only bedded the geisha because he entrusted them not to fall pregnant. Due to the nature of their trade, they took the necessary precautions. He couldn't allow himself to impregnate a female that wasn't Silver Kitsune- especially now, with his sister's latest actions.

It's only because I cannot have another, with the child here, he mused. My body craves her because she is the only female available...

The kitsune knew when he was lying to himself. He once again was faced with a bothersome erection, and as he leant his head against the bath, he struggled to think of any fantasy to his liking. Instead, the miko crept into his mind, and he imagined undressing her. She was a puzzle, her body unlike the youkai females he had slept with all his life. Not only was she so small (no doubt made more obvious by how tall he was) but she was soft everywhere... when he had felt her breasts crush against him, it had taken all his strength not to tear her yukata apart. Youkai females were like their male equivalents- hard skin and toned bodies, ready for battle at a moment's notice. No matter how many beauty products the geisha lathered themselves with, they couldn't escape the solidness of their skins. He fantasied about the miko's shoulders, her stomach, her thighs, wondering how they would taste on his tongue, how they would feel beneath his fingers.

The next day, the meeting with the clans went better, and they came to an agreement that the child should not be harmed. Yoko passed a law that anyone who dare hurt him would be tried with the death sentence, as he considered Kazuhiko next in line to the throne.

With this, the danger lifted a little, and Kagome was allowed to leave the bedroom. She still had to be with Kazuhiko at all times, but she was relieved that she was able to move from the four walls. Not only had it became claustrophobic, but after what had occurred with Yoko, the kitsune's bedroom was the last place she wanted to be.

Kaoru watched the kit for the miko as she bathed, glad to freshen up after a night of dreams that had made her hot and sticky. The heat of summer had arrived, and Kagome found her hair dried almost instantly, which was a blessing. She was combing it through her fingers when she realised what was missing.

“Ahh!” the miko cried, causing Kaoru and Kazuhiko to look up at her from the grass.

“What's wrong, Kagome-chan?” Kaoru asked.

“My hair pin!” the miko gasped, clutching her head, “It must have fallen into the water!”

“Ehh...” the neko hanyou said, “But you weren't wearing it this morning, Kagome-chan. Actually, you didn't have it on yesterday either...”

“I've been so preoccupied with Kazuhiko-chan!” the miko exclaimed, “I must have lost it, and I didn't even notice! I'm such an idiot!”

“There, there, Kagome-chan!” Kaoru patted her on the shoulder reassuringly, “I'm sure it must have fallen out when you were sleeping. Why don't you go check your futon?”

“Okay...” the miko agreed, taking calming breaths. I can't bare to lose it!!

Kaoru offered to go and take Kazuhiko for lunch, so Kagome flew up the seven flights of stairs. She burst into her room, even startling Toto, as she grabbed her futon and shook it down. When nothing fell out, she turned it inside out, and scoured the floor.

“Ne, Toto, you didn't eat it, did you?” Kagome asked the dog, eyeing him suspiciously. She had heard of puppies swallowing rings before. Toto simply licked her finger.
“I'm sure you're not that silly,” she smiled at him, ruffling his head. “Maybe I dropped it in Yoko's room?”

The miko charged along the corridor, and paused at the door to listen. Hearing no noise, she opened the door a crack. Oh good, he's not here...

Kagome quickly inspected the spot where her futon had been, then checked the floor all around. She had stuck her head under the low table when a voice startled her-

“What on Makai are you doing?”

“Itaiii!” Kagome banged her head as she jumped, and more carefully emerged from the table, to glare at the kitsune who had just entered the room.

“I'm looking for something...” she informed him, “Would you not creep up on people like that?”

“It is not my fault you are inapt at detecting my aura...” Yoko shrugged, as he opened his wardrobe.

“It's not my fault you sealed my spiritual powers...” the miko muttered under her breath, rubbing her head.

“Where is Kazuhiko?” Yoko asked her, as he pulled on a sky blue haori.

“Kaoru is getting his lunch,” Kagome said.

“She is not the one supposed to be watching him...” the kitsune replied, folding his arms. His eyes were drawn to the dark cut on the miko's lower lip, the mark he had left.

Kagome got to her feet, “Well, Kaoru is the only person in this castle I trust, and she's much stronger than me- if there was any threat to Kazuhiko's life, she's more able to handle it than I am.”

The miko gazed around the floor, hoping the clip would magically appear. She felt a huge hole had appeared in her chest because of its loss.

“What has you in such a bad mood?” Yoko enquired, “What exactly are you looking for?”

“None of your business,” Kagome said tartly. She went to leave the room, when the kitsune reached into his pocket.

“I suppose you are right. I guess you do not want this back, then...”

Kagome spun around to see the Silver Prince holding the clip between his claws. Her heart soared that it wasn't lost, but she saw red when she realised what it meant.

“You- you stole it from me?” she spluttered, clenching her fists.

Yoko saw the blue fire was back in the miko's eyes. He was certain after their little encounter the other night she would stay well away from him. But here she was again, challenging him. Let's end the little mystery of this hair pin once and for all...

“Give me that back, right now...” Kagome hissed, and she was even angrier than the time with the dog.

“Hmm, I did not know it meant so much to you,” the kitsune said, twirling the clip round in his long fingers, “It is a pretty unremarkable piece.”

“I'm not interested in your thief's knowledge!” Kagome shouted, and she tried to snatch it from him, “Return it to me!”

“I am surprised, miko-sama, of how easily your affections are secured...” Yoko
remarked, holding the pin high above his head. “It did not take much for you to become so attached...”

“I have no idea what you're blabbering on about,” Kagome shot back, craning her neck as she tried to reach the hair clip, “If you don't give me it now, I'll do more than slap you!”

“I am so very intimidated...” Yoko quipped, giving the miko a gentle push on her chest with two fingers, making her topple backwards to the floor. “Let us make a deal. Tell me who gave you this, and I will return it.”

Kagome's eyes widened, and he saw panic cloud her inky irises. The pause that extended before them told Yoko she was trying to think of a lie.

“I guess you do not want it that much, then,” Yoko reflected. “Perhaps I should just...break it?”

“Don't!” Kagome gasped, jumping to her feet, and Yoko was astonished to see tears trickling down her cheeks. She had never cried before him, not after all the times he had threatened her life or hurt her, never once when she was worked hard and punished by Bancho, or when she was made to fast.

“What are you crying for, you stupid girl?” he asked, not quite sure why he was angry.

“Please!” Kagome begged, and she held out her hands, “That pin means more to me than my life. Please give it back...”

Yoko examined the pin again. “What if I told you, if you sold this pin, you could secure transport to the barrier? You would have a chance to return home?”

Kagome's forehead wrinkled as the tears still dripped from her eyes. “Don't try and trick me. It's not worth anything! That's not why it's so important to me!”

Yoko was stunned for the second time. She doesn't know it's real value? Nor does she care how much it cost?

In his world, as a bandit and a Prince, Yoko found this difficult to comprehend.

“Don't you even know what these stones are?” he asked.

“Um...” Kagome said, wiping her cheeks, “I just thought it was a pretty blue glass...”

Yoko shook his head, holding the clip so it caught the light, “They're sapphires, Kagome. Did your admirer not even take the time to explain that to you?”

“Sapphires?” Kagome's eyes popped, and she sounded genuinely confused. “Are...you sure?”

“Of course I'm sure,” Yoko sneered. “I can identify every gemstone on earth.”

“I had no idea...” the miko said, and her voice sounded dreamy. She swallowed, and another tear dropped from her lashes.

“Oh, just take it!” Yoko said, tossing the clip to her. The miko caught it with both hands, and clasped it to her chest.

“Thank you,” she said gratefully, and pinned the butterfly back into her hair carefully, as though scared it would break.

Yoko fumed as he sat in another meeting regarding Kazuhiko's future. He was sure he would work out the mystery, but the miko was just as stubborn as he. The kitsune had always imagined he would  take some satisfaction from seeing the gutsy little girl crying, but it gave him no sense of pleasure what so ever. I would much rather see her crying out beneath me, he thought, but shook his head to rid that image quickly.

The Silver Prince broached a proposition for the Elders- to form a new Royal Kitsune clan, which Kazuhiko would lead when he was old enough. Of course, the Reds were furious at this idea, but Yoko reminded them- “This would be a clan for offspring of Red and Silver mixed blood. This is the only chance the Red Kitsune clan will have to make their offspring royal.”

This quietened them, and Yoko saw a breakthrough in sight.

Kazuhiko was enjoying his freedom of being outside, so Kagome took him for long walk around the castle grounds. It was something she had not even had a chance to do herself, so it was a great excuse. The air was humid, and Kagome could feel her yukata clinging to her, the added burden of the kit's weight making her even more warm.

“Ahh, Kagome-sama. Long time no see!” The miko saw someone waving ahead of her, and hurried forward to greet Shiro, who was sweeping his shrine.

“Shiro-sama!” Kagome beamed, “Long time no see, ne?”

“I'm glad to see you looking so well, Kagome-sama. Ah, and this must be the little Prince that is causing all the commotion!” Shiro said, smiling down at the kit. He placed a hand on Kazuhiko's head, giving him a blessing. Once finished, he ruffled the kit's silver hair, which had rapidly grown to his chin.

“He's got the beauty of his mother, all right,” Shiro observed.

“He'll be a heart breaker when he grows up!” Kagome laughed.

“Just like his uncle,” Shiro said slyly, and the miko felt a pink blush tint her cheeks.

“Anyway, I hope Yoko is treating you better, Kagome-sama,” the priest said, leading her into his shrine for some iced tea. “You wouldn't believe what a gentle child he was growing up. Unfortunately, his father and uncles' influence shaped him into what he is today.”

The miko sat Kazuhiko on her lap as she accepted the cup. “Really? I'd love to know what Yoko was like when he was younger...” she thought, imagining Kazuhiko with gold eyes.

“Well, let me tell you some stories...” Shiro said, his eyes twinkling.


The miko giggled to herself as she carried Kazuhiko back towards the castle. Yoko had certainly sounded like a riot when he was younger.

“I hope you aren't going to be a little troublemaker, too!” Kagome said to Kazuhiko, tapping him on the nose.

“Trouble,” he repeated. “Trouble!”

The miko laughed, throwing the kit up and catching him, making him squeal, his green eyes glowing.

“Again!” he asked, and the miko obliged, spinning him around and making him scream with delight.

“Oooh!” Kagome said, feeling dizzy. “Let's rest for a bit, Kazuhiko-chan! Kagome is tired now!”

“Kagome, tired,” Kazuhiko nodded wisely, causing the miko to erupt into fresh giggles.

“You are too damn adorable!” The miko laughed, as she lay down. The kit rolled about beside her, sniffing the grass with interest, smiling when he found a yellow and white flower.

“Kagome, this?” he asked, holding out the flower he had plucked.

“That's a daisy, Kazuhiko-chan,” The girl told him, pointing to the flower. “Daisy.”

“Dayyy-zeee,” the little Prince repeated. Suddenly the flower exploded in his grasp, the white petals floating around them. The miko felt her mouth drop- he was only six months old, how did he have this much power? The noise startled the kit and his eyes widened.

“Daisy?” he asked, his lip trembling.

“It's okay, Kazuhiko-chan!” The miko said, quickly giving him another flower, “Look, here's daisy!”

The kit reached out happily for the flower. Just as his little fingers brushed the petals, Kagome sensed a malicious energy from behind them. Acting instinctively, she pulled the kit towards her, wrapping him in her arms. Kagome heard a whizzing noise and she gasped, ducking. She could feel the kit squirming under her tight grasp, but she wouldn't relent.

We're under attack?

Something fell on the ground in front of them, spinning to a stop on the grass. The miko recognised the weapon with a thump of her heart.

Shuriken??

It was larger than the ninja stars she knew of- clearly made for attacking youkai, the shuriken was the size of a plate.

Kagome turned her head slightly, sensing the energy coming from the high wall. They were out in the open, and the nearest shelter was a tree several feet away. As she braced herself to run, the whizzing noise came again. A sharp white pain hit Kagome's lower back, making her double over. She realised the weapon had embedded into her skin. The deepness of the wound almost made her black out, and she could feel the blood soaking her yukata, weighing her down.

“Kagome?” whimpered Kazuhiko, as he scented her blood.

The miko scrambled forwards, intending to hide them behind the tree, but more shuriken flew through the air, this time swiping the back of her legs and arms. She heard the tear of her yukata and she stumbled as the pain assaulted her, clasping Kazuhiko to her chest, acting as his shield.
Kagome heard the enemy drop from the wall to the ground, and begin to approach them, no doubt intending to finish them off. Feeling the kit tremble beneath her, the miko felt a surge of protective power.

I won't let you harm this innocent child!

Keeping Kazuhiko behind her, Kagome spun around, summoning the last of her strength. The enemy was a ninja all right, covered in black with only slits for his dark, uncaring eyes. He drew twin wakizashi, and as he prepared to make the final blow, the miko gave a yell, raising her injured arms, releasing the miko powers from her body.

Shiro sensed the malicious energy, and the purification that followed, but by the time he hurried to the scene, his old age making him limp, it was all over. The miko had fallen forward, clearly unconscious, the grass around her stained crimson. Her body was battered, the remains of her yukata hanging from her frame. Kazuhiko was sobbing by her side, shaking her leg as if he could wake her up.
“Inari help us...” Shiro murmured, as he knelt down to pick the girl up. Luckily she was light, or his back wouldn't have been able to take it. He instantly felt the blood saturate him, and knew he had to move fast.

“Come, Kazuhiko-sama,” Shrio beckoned, and the kit hopped on top of his shoulder, shaking all over.

As the priest was hurrying away, he saw the lump of black clothing on the grass, the only remains of the intruder.

Shiro placed a futon over the table where he conducted his medicine practise and gently placed the miko on top. After pasting scent confusing wards around the room, he ordered his shrine apprentice, a red kitsune called Taro, to hurry and find Yoko.

Shiro laid the girl on her front and did his best to staunch the flow of blood, the worst wound by far being the one on the miko's back. The shuriken was still embedded in the flesh, but the priest was hesitant to move it without assistance, because there would be no stopping the blood flow then. He stripped the yukata to her waist, using the dry parts of material as temporary bandages for her arms and legs. I need to wait until Yoko arrives so I can fetch water to clean the wounds, Shiro thought, as he stroked Kazuhiko's hair. The kit was trembling on his shoulder, whispering the girl's name under his breath. What a terrible thing for him to see so young...

“Yoko-sama!” The red kitsune apprentice burst into the room where the Silver Prince was eating lunch. Kaoru was so startled she dropped the chopsticks she had been placing on the table.

“Who the hell-” Yoko started to say, but he was cut off by the other. The King of Thieves noticed he wore the robes of the shrine, but that wasn't an excuse.

“Come quickly, my Prince! An attack has been made against Kazuhiko-sama's life!”

“Nani?!” Yoko exploded, leaping to his feet, “Where is he? Is he hurt?”

“At the shrine...he is simply shaken Yoko-sama. However, the servant...”

“Kagome!” Kaoru exclaimed, also rising, her hand pressed to her mouth.

“Let us go quickly,” Yoko said, and they rushed out the castle. His heart hammered at the news. Someone has tried to kill Kazuhiko...and now Kagome is injured?

They passed the garden where the attack had taken place, made clear by the large red star shape of blood on the grass. Kaoru whimpered at the sight, and Yoko cursed, directing his fox fire to erase the evidence. He picked up the pace, running to the shrine ahead of the others, his silver hair flowing like a banner behind him.

He stopped still when he saw the lifeless miko on the table. It was worse than he had imagined- despite the scent confusing wards, he knew the true smell underneath. The miko's blood was overpowering. Turning to the shrine apprentice that had followed him, he said,

“Send a message to Kuronue informing him there has been an attack. If they are already on their way to the castle, tell them to make haste and stay alert. Also, find my scribe and cancel all my meeting for today.”

Taro nodded, and darted away.

As Yoko approached Shiro, he saw the priest's hands were stained with red. He took Kazuhiko, shocked to see the little kit covered in blood- across his cheeks, in his hair, and soaking his clothing- but he could tell the little prince didn't even have a bruise. It was all Kagome's blood.

“I thought miko blood was dangerous...” Yoko said, at a loss. Yet as he held the kit close, and petted him, the blood coated his fingers too.

“An old wives tale!” Shiro replied. “Now, I need to go fetch water- ahh good, Kaoru, you are here too. Please fetch me as much water as you carry. I need to go locate some herbs.”

The neko hanyou's face was ashen upon seeing her friend's condition, but she quickly nodded and went to carry out her task.

“Yoko, you need to clean the wounds as soon as possible. This girl's life hangs in the balance...”

“Yes,” the kitsune nodded dumbly. He found it hard to take in all at once- the pale arms and legs, whose bandages were already blood soaked; the gaping wound in the girl's lower back, with the weapon still embedded and the stained yukata plastered to her hips. Kaoru returned quickly with two large buckets of water, sloshing a little on the tatami mats as she moved.

“Take Kazuhiko deeper into the shrine,” Yoko told her, “This is too much for him to watch.”

Kaoru agreed, and she was glad for the excuse to leave the room, feeling she would lose control if she looked on her friend's body any longer.

Yoko found clean cloths and dipped them in the water, unwrapping the material binding the girl's arms. He saw the gashes were oozing green foam. “Shit,” he cursed, “The bastard poisoned the blades too.”
Knowing he couldn't wait for Shiro to return, he took some seeds from his hair. Although his medical experience was limited, he had been in enough battles with the bandits to know how to make a poison anecdote.

Crushing the seeds with his teeth, Yoko cleaned the wounds the best he could, the water immediately tainting pink. He then dribbled the medicine onto the lacerations on Kagome's arms and legs, noticing how particularly deep the latter were. That done, he found fresh bandages under the table, and carefully wrapped her injuries. How did they escape? Yoko thought, so many questions tormenting his mind, Or did she manage to fend off the attacker before she passed out?

Shiro returned, nodding satisfactorily at the Prince's handiwork.

“The weapon was poisoned,”  Yoko informed him.

“I suspected from the smell,” Shiro said sadly. “Kazuhiko would have died instantly, due to how small he is. Now, we need to remove that shuriken. The wound is too large to stitch, so I'm going to need to use a melding potion. I'll need you to hold her down while I apply it.”

“Hold her down?” Yoko repeated dumbly, gazing at the miko's still body.

“Trust me, the pain will wake her.”

The Silver Prince gritted his teeth, but nodded. Shiro quickly prepared the potion in a bowl, and using both hands, gripped the top of the weapon.

“I'll need your help,” Shiro said after a few tries, “It's buried too deep.”

Yoko obliged, taking one spoke of the star, while Shiro took the other. Holding onto the table for support, Shiro nodded. “Now!”

They pulled, and the weapon came free, taking chunks of the miko's flesh with it. The blood flowed like a red river from her back, and she jolted awake, screaming. Green foam seeped from her skin, much more infected than the other injuries had been.

“Hold her shoulders,” Shiro advised, and Yoko put as much weight as he thought was safe onto his palms. The miko's skin was as soft as he had imagined- but in the circumstances, that was far from his thoughts. His ears flapped down to try and escape the tortured sound of the girl's cries. They were awful, high pitched and full of pain.

“She's going into shock,” Shiro muttered, as the miko's body began to shake. Yoko struggled to keep her still, once again surprised by her strength. The priest quickly cleaned the wound, using a similar anecdote that Yoko had made.

“Gahhhh!” Kagome's screams pierced Yoko's ears and he winced. I am an idiot, he thought, why on earth did I let her leave the castle with Kazuhiko? How did I think she would protect him, if  they were attacked? I overestimated the power of my threat to the clans...

“It's going to get worse,” Shiro warned, and he began to dab the binding potion onto the wound. He was correct- the miko rocked on the table, every limb flailing, and her desperate cries of agony were the worst Yoko had heard in all his life.

“Shh, Kagome!” he said desperately, laying his head against hers in an effort to soothe her, stroking the skin under his fingers as he held her firm, “It's nearly over. You're so brave...just bare a little longer...”

“Make it stoppppp!!!” was the miko's response, and her voice hitched with sobs this time. Shiro worked faster, the sweat dripping down his face, and all of a sudden the miko jerked, then went limp.

“Kagome!” Yoko gasped, touching her neck. He felt a heartbeat, though it was sluggish.

“She's passed out from the pain,” Shiro shook his head, “The poor girl. Though it's most likely for the best.”

Yoko ran his hand over his face, feeling it moist with perspiration. He watched the wound on the girl's back seal with a temporary surface that would protect it until she had healed. The priest pasted a square bandage over the top, then wrapped more around her stomach and back to keep it in place.

“What now?” Yoko asked.

Shiro washed his hands. “Now, she needs plenty of rest. If you could carry her, there's a clean futon in the room to the right.”

Nodding, Yoko tried to think of the best way to hold the miko without aggravating her wounds. He decided to lift her up over his shoulder, her face resting on the crook of his neck, as he wrapped his arms around the back of her legs. He didn't even think about her naked chest pressing against him- he was far too concerned about hurting her. The kitsune wondered how many times he would have to carry her while she was unconscious.

Shiro found some spare shrine robes, and Kaoru dressed the miko privately, washing away the rest of the blood from her friend's skin. She couldn't stop the tears as she carefully laid the miko on her side, so as not to put pressure on her wound, and built a wall of pillows to support her.

“Thank you,” Yoko said as entered, holding Kazuhiko. Kaoru nodded, wiping her eyes. Shiro arrived after, and smiled at the scene.

“Well, that's much better,” he sighed. “We rescued her from the brink again, so good work, team.”

The “again” shamed Yoko, and he touched the miko's cheek. It was cold, and her face was as pale as milk. Ningen are not as weak as I first thought...

“How did it happen?” he asked finally, as Shiro checked the girl's temperature.

“I cannot say for sure,” the priest answered. “Obviously we know it was a hired assassin from the weapons. When I arrived, she had already passed out- she must have exerted all her energy to purify him.”

“But how?” Yoko wondered aloud, “The rosary should have prevented her using those powers.”

“Hmm,” Shiro agreed, “I can only theorise. But the rosary only contains her powers, locking them in her body. If she found an outlet, through her wounds, for example, the power could possibly escape. I assume the threat of death and adrenaline rush would have helped that along.”

“Amazing,” Kaoru spoke quietly.

“Purple light,” Kazuhiko interjected, and Yoko blinked down at his nephew.

“Ahh, yes,” Shiro laughed, “Her purification powers would have given off a purple light.”

Yoko sighed, stroking the kit's hair, now clean again thanks the neko hanyou. “I keep replaying the worst scenario in my head.”

“That will do you no good,” Shiro admonished. “Be thankful she is alive and Kazuhiko is unhurt. As much as she is wounded, be glad it was Kagome who was there. Do you know any other servant that would have willingly given up her life for the little Prince, especially when she is not paid?”

“No,” Yoko smiled sadly, as Kazuhiko nuzzled his stomach.

An hour later, his sister arrived, her cheeks tear stained and her eyes wild.

“My baby!” she cried, scooping Kazuhiko into her arms, “I was so terrified!”

“Mother!” the little kit promptly burst into tears, the emotions of the day getting the better of him.

“How is Kagome?” she asked her brother.

“She's alive,” Yoko commented, “Which is a miracle, considering her wounds.”

“I've never been so grateful to anyone in my life.” Yuzuki said, wiping her eyes. “I will see she is dutifully rewarded.”

Kuronue arrived soon after, his hat askew and the bindings on his arms unravelling.

“I came as fast as I could,” he explained, following his fellow bandit into the room where the miko lay. “Oh, shit. Kagome...”

“You can scent her health better than I,” Yoko said as they sat down. “Be honest with me.”

“It's helluva weak, fox, I'm not going to lie,” Kuronue said, aghast. He leant closer to the miko, his nose flaring. “Kami, poison as well? How is she still breathing?”

“You can still scent the poison?” Yoko worried.

“Just a little,” the koumori said. “Don't worry, it's just the last traces in her blood. It can't do her any harm, not when she's survived this much. Dear me, are we sure she's a ningen?”

Yoko shook his head. “She has astounded us all.”

“She's still got a long battle ahead of her,” Kuronue remarked. He touched the butterfly pin in the miko hair, wiping the smear of blood from it.

The kitsune felt a jolt, similar to the pain of the slap he had received from the miko.

“That pin...” he said to his partner, and he saw the bat youkai tense. “Where did it come from?”

“Well, after everything that's happened, there's no point hiding it from you...” Kuronue shrugged with a smirk. “Why, were you jealous, fox?”

“Don't be ridiculous!” Yoko rebuked him, “I was simply concerned she would let her guard down around another youkai and reveal her secret.”

“Uhuh,” Kuronue said, a gleam in his violet eyes, “Well, rest easy, my friend. It's her mother's pin. A family heirloom, if you will.”

Suddenly the miko's actions became clear to the Silver Prince. That's why she was so protective of it...

“But where did she get it?”

“She asked me to give her family a letter, to let them know she was alive,” Kuronue explained. “Her mother left this pin for her, with a reply. I thought it would give her comfort...apparently it's very precious to Kagome- it was the first gift her father gave her mother.”

“I see,” said Yoko, and he regarded the pin guiltily. Just as well I did not break it...

The miko was out cold for two weeks, much longer than the time when she had fallen ill before. It was a testament to her personality, Yoko thought, that despite only being at the palace for a month, she had so many visitors. Many of the hanyou servants came, bringing her little gifts. Some of the bandits too, that she had served and knew her. He was amazed when Kaito visited, not knowing the two had even been in the same room. The crow youkai left the miko a white lily, but something about it irked Yoko, so he disposed of it.

Kaoru stayed by the miko's side when she wasn't cooking Yoko's meals, but even he spent most his time at the shrine. He had held a meeting informing the clan of the assassination attempt, and how he promised that death awaited those who had ordered it. Thankfully both sides of the clan seemed shocked and concerned, though Yoko knew they were good actors. He cancelled all trips regarding royal business, and any bandit trysts he had arranged, including peace keeping talks over the Washi. He did the minimum amount of work so he could visit Kagome. As the days dragged on, he began to wonder if she would ever awake. He also realised how quiet his life was without her in it.


Wow, 80 reviews after only 5 chapters? Thanks, minna-san! ^^ Glad everyone is liking this fic.
I'm afraid I don't give away plots EVER, so if you ask something like that in a review, I can't tell you! You'll just need to wait and see what happens!~

I have a tumblr now, search kawaiikekechan if you want lots of Yoko Kurama on your dash ^^

Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and New Year! 2013 Fighting!

-FF-

Lairenna: Ahh glad you were wondering about the hair pin, it plays an important role in this chapter!

Jessiemaebay: Thanks for the review!

W-l-k: Thanks, glad you like it ^^ I always try and keep my stories realistic even if they are crossovers!

Emeraldmoon14: Thank you!

Chibi moon baby: I just had to include a little kit! They are so cute hehe! Thanks, hope you had a good holiday too!

Eurkin: That makes me very happy!

EgyptianAssassin: Thanks for the review!

Redangel2463: Hehe he's so cute! Thanks, I did have a good time!

xsugabearx: Right? It's something he'll soon realise! Kuronue is just too sweet! Haha not saying anything!

Last Laugh: Thanks for the review!

Valleygoat: Jealously is a powerful thing, ne? Thanks, hope you had a good festive time!

Gizmo369: Thank you, it makes me so happy to hear that!

OMG: Thanks, I do my best to keep my readers guessing ^^

shadow miko: Thanks for the review!

AKARY YAMI: Thanks, hope you enjoyed this update!

Wicken25: Thanks, I hope to make it more interesting! Ahh you will have to wait and see!

Ying-yang kitsune hanyou: Wow, thanks! I hope to be a published author some day lol!

Heartlessinhyrule: Thanks so much, hope you enjoyed!

Charlielou1998: Glad to hear it!

Anonymous Perspective: Glad you liked it! I always find a little bit of jealousy helps a relationship move along (in real life too!) Ahh glad you liked, I loved writing that scene! Hehe I've laughed in public so many times over ff, I know the feeling! Hope you liked the update!

Brizzy13: Thanks for the review!

-MM-

purplebabe: It's amazing how things change! Only a few years ago I would have more reviews on this site than FF! So sad to see it dying out!
I love writing Kazuhiko, he is too cute hehe. Don't worry, you will soon!