Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Standing In The Shadows ❯ Chapter 12

Standing In The Shadows 12

 

Disclaimer: Once again as much as I may wish otherwise, I do not own any part of Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho. They are owned by their respective authors. I only claim ownership of this twisted plot and the muses that created it.

 

Chapter Twelve

 

Botan giggled, the girl still looked like she was in a mild state of shock. Not that she could blame the miko, Hiei was quite the catch if one could overlook his controlling tendencies. At the girl's blush Botan decided to give Kagome a break for a few moments, more teasing could come later. Amethyst eyes traveled over to rest upon a certain red haired kitsune who was staring at her curiously, though the ferry girl could almost see the look of dread entering his eyes as he wondered what she was thinking. Pushing a lock of blue hair back in place she contemplated the avatar before grinning. “Now all we have to do is get Kurama hooked up with somebody and we can all be like one big happy family.” The look that crossed Kurama's face had her giggling once more as everyone turned to stare at her as if she'd gone insane. `Really now, why wouldn't I want to see him happy with someone as well?'

 

Seeing the uncomfortable look that Kurama was now giving the woman standing next to him, Souta decided to take some of the attention off of him. "We can't forget about Inuyasha." Even more disbelieving looks were tossed his way, which had the young man shaking his head in amusement even although there was still concern etched in his eyes. While Botan's enthusiasm was contagious and he was happy that his sister had found someone she was interested in as well, it still didn't ease his worry over the hanyou that he'd come to think of as a brother. Sooner or later the half demon would want to find someone that he could be happy with as well and it certainly wouldn't be the easiest of things to accomplish. His expression turned somber as he stared at the others. "Don't look at me like that, something tells me that he's going to need our help to adjust to this being his permanent home .A girlfriend might be one of the quickest ways for that to happen though it won't be easy. Especially now that there doesn't seem to be any hope for him and Kagome as a couple.” Reluctantly he turned to face his sister who was staring at him curiously. "Even though you two decided to remain friends there's no denying he still cares about you. Imagine how he's going to feel watching you move on without him. A girlfriend would help distract him from that. Or hell, even just a friend that can sympathize and help him move on would work. Regardless, something is going to need to be done or it will be even harder for him to accept that his home is now in this time."

 

Kurama sighed as both Botan and Kagome shifted uncomfortably hearing Souta's proclamation. While Hiei was no longer around there was no doubt that he was still paying close attention to Kagome's feelings, if not listening in on the conversation as well. Having him show up once more demanding to know if she was regretting her decision wasn't the best of things to have happen. “I don't need any help finding a girlfriend if I should decide I want one. Really Botan, I'm surprised you would think that I actually need assistance. Is it so inconceivable that I would be able to find willing company on my own? Please. What makes you so sure I can't find someone anyway?” Kurama was more than a little tired of most of the females in his life trying to hook him up with the perfect date. Botan had been one of worst about it though and there were times that he wished Hiei could wipe the idea from her mind so he'd never have to worry about the problem again. Perhaps just this once his words had finally gotten through to her though, her gaze now trained upon the ground as she tried to avoid looking at him. A glance over at Kagome had him frowning; she was now staring off towards the shrine, no doubt thinking of the hanyou. Slowly he walked up to her and laid a hand on the miko's shoulder gaining her attention. "Try not to trouble yourself over what has happened Kagome. Everyone knew that eventually you would move on, including Inuyasha. While it is unfortunate that he no longer has an option to return to the past it is not insurmountable." Seeing her calm slightly had a slight smile crossing Kurama's face, at least she wasn't going to be unreasonable over this. "Souta does have a point however, the faster that Inuyasha adjusts to life in our times the less problems we will have trying to contain the damage that could come from his presence here although I'm not sure if a girlfriend is the right idea. Finding someone used to demons would be difficult in the first place which limits our options considerable. Perhaps a friend to help him adjust would be a better solution at this time unless someone else can offer a good alternative." Slowly his eyes scanned the group, waiting to see if anyone would give their own opinion on the matter.

 

Kurama's reassuring words did little to calm the unease that Kagome was feeling though she knew that her input would be required to prevent all hell from breaking loose. Images of Botan playing matchmaker with Inuyasha had her paling in horror, no that would not do at all. Reluctantly she considered just what sort of person would be able to help the hanyou through this trying time. "For the record I think setting him up with someone is a bad idea, if it's going to happen then let it happen on its own. For a friend however, there are some people he gets along with better than others." Memories of Inuyasha interacting with some of the people they ran across in the past played through her head as she considered it. They couldn't be too overwhelming like Kouga but someone as nice as Hojo would be asking for problems as well. Unfortunately the only types of people she'd seen him get along with for the most part just didn't know about demons in this time. "Well, for starters anyone he's going to make friends with has to be confident but not arrogant. Someone overly cheerful is likely to drive him up the wall so this person would have to be calm and serious but have the ability to lighten up as well." The person the hanyou had developed the closest friendship with was Kikyo which had her questioning how Inuyasha had put up with her at times though to be honest they'd definitely had their share of fights. "They'll also have to be smart too, able to keep one step ahead of him if at all possible." Though Kagome didn't want to say it, Inuyasha could easily slip into the mode of walking all over someone without even realizing it. Whoever got the thankless task of trying to accustom him to life in this time period certainly had their work cut out for them. Seeing everyone staring at her intently with the exception of a certain brunette had Kagome sighing heavily. Yusuke certainly wasn't going to like this; so far Keiko was the only one of the group who fit the requirements. Adding to it that the girl had already expressed an interest in befriending the hanyou could only make things more difficult with how the Toushin was being. Regardless, Kagome knew that Keiko was likely to be the only logical choice besides herself to help Inuyasha out. 'Why do I get the feeling that I'm setting up one heck of a fight here?'

 

Kagome wasn't the only one who noticed Keiko's inattention though no one chose that moment to comment on it preferring not to set Yusuke off once again. "Well if nothing else that gives us a starting point." Kuronue shrugged his shoulders in indifference; it really didn't make any difference to him whether or not the hanyou found a new friend. The half demon would adapt or he wouldn't, it was as simple as that. "Either he'll adjust or he won't. I suppose the Reikai would be an option for him depending on Koenma's mood but I wouldn't count on it. Besides, I doubt he'd enjoy the company of ogres much anyway." Mentally he snorted at the image of the blue buffoon that Koenma kept as an assistant trying to help the man out. "Somehow I get the feeling he won't care to be banished to the Makai either so that narrows his choice down to humans. It is unlikely that my lady Amaterasu would be willing to allow even more demons to have access to the Ningenkai, nor would she bring anyone he was familiar with to this time period." Personally Kuronue thought it would be best if the hanyou was returned to the feudal era but that wasn't his decision to make. Slowly his eyes strayed toward the brunette that had yet to leave his side, though as of yet the demon knew that it wasn't because he'd won her over. More likely she was doing it just to get a reaction out of her brother. Seeing her look turn wary he averted his gaze, there was no need to make her feel uncomfortable just yet. A quick glance at Keiko had him chuckling in amusement, if he wasn't mistaken someone had already made a decision and it wasn't likely to go over well. "Choose whoever you want but remember this, I am not going to give him a chance at the young lady I have chosen to escort for the day. I'm sure someone else much more suitable, not to mention available, can be found for him."

 

Keiko didn't miss the look that the bat demon gave her and she leveled a glare at him but it was brushed off without a second thought. The very thought that anyone would be trying to fix Inuyasha up had already left a bad taste in her mouth. "I agree with Kagome and Kurama, who says he wants a girlfriend anyway?" Unless she missed her guess the hanyou wasn't interested in a romantic relationship anyway. Why else would he have allowed Kagome to slip through his fingers so easily when from everything she'd heard about their relationship had been about how close they were. No, now was not the time to be playing matchmaker with someone they had only met this morning. "With the exception of Kagome none of us really know anything about him and I hardly think a two sentence description sums him up enough for anyone to go hand picking a date for him. What he needs right now is someone to help him, think of it as a mentor of sorts." Keiko saw the skeptical look she was now receiving from Yusuke and stared at him as if daring him to say anything. "Although I think some of us would be better choices than others. If anyone even breathes the idea that they're trying to set him up in a relationship I can only imagine what kind of reaction that is going to get us." Fervently she was praying that Botan would drop the idea of finding him a date completely and as she looked over to Kagome she just knew that the priestess was doing the same.

 

The look that his girlfriend had given him had set Yusuke's nerves on edge and he had the sinking suspicion that he was treading on thin ice with her but that didn't stop him from pushing onwards. "What's going on in that head of yours Keiko?" His expression turned to one of suspicion, as the girl's look darkened considerably. It had been easy to push off her increasingly bad mood as one of being jealous because he'd helped Kagome earlier but now he wasn't so sure that was all there was to it. No, Yusuke definitely didn't like the direction this was taking. Crossing his arms he stared down at the girl, ignoring the looks being directed at him that clearly warned of impending danger. "Don't tell me that you're feeling sorry for him!" When Keiko's look didn't change his eyes widened, she wasn't seriously considering filling in for the position of comforting the hanyou was she? "Oh no! You're with me remember? He can find someone else to hold his hand if he needs it. It's not like he's some stray puppy that you can pick up and coddle!" There was more than one gasp of disbelief and a few snickers thrown in as well, was he the only one taking the situation seriously? That's what it sure as hell felt like to him. For once couldn't Keiko just listen to what he had to say instead of feeling like she had to help? "Shut up you guys that isn't what I meant and you know it!"

 

A stunned silence fell over the group as Keiko marched up to him, determination and no small amount of anger etched over her face. "I'm supposed to remember that I'm with you am I?" Where was this possessive streak when he'd gone running off into the Makai a few years back? So now it chose to make an appearance huh? Too bad for Yusuke she wasn't in the mood to put up with it. "I guess waiting for you for three years isn't enough for you is it? You just have to pull this caveman crap now when someone just might need my help! I can't believe how selfish you are being considering half the time it seems like you can't remember you're supposed to be with me!" Keiko jabbed a finger into his chest punctuating each word as her fury mounted. Every single instance of how Yusuke's eyes tended to wander over every beautiful woman they passed surging to the surface. Each time she'd said nothing, perhaps it was time to let him know just what she thought of his behavior. It was inexcusable that he could blatantly look at other women but at the mere mention of her befriending another male that he would blow up. "Well let me tell you a few things you selfish jerk!" A few snickers came from the direction where Kuwabara and Kuronue were standing but as she whirled to face them each male became deathly quiet. "You two can shut up as well or you're both next!" It would seem that Kurama and Souta were the only two smart males around, both wisely holding their silence in the path of her fury.

 

Just when Yusuke thought that the others might have saved him from her wrath the girl was once again staring at him with barely restrained anger. "Now Keiko, you should calm down." Slowly he backed away from her, trying to put a little space between them until Keiko regained her ability to reason. Inuyasha was an unknown demon, why shouldn't he be protective of her around him? "I didn't mean it like that and you know it. I just don't want you to get involved with someone like him, who knows what might happen. I don't trust him and you're always bitching at me for fighting. What do you think is going to happen if he tries to hurt you or makes a move on you? Believe me I'll enjoy beating his ass but I doubt you'd appreciate it much." It was the truth; if she wasn't nagging over his fighting then they'd get along fine for the most part. Yusuke took the chance to look over at Kagome who was now staring at him with her blue eyes narrowed. Obviously she didn't appreciate the comments he'd made about Inuyasha's character either but that couldn't be helped. Hell, hadn't she even said that when they'd first met Inuyasha had tried to kill her? No, there was no way he was trusting Keiko anywhere around the hanyou until he saw for himself that he could be trusted.

 

Keiko wasn't in the least impressed by his attempts to rationalize his way of thinking. It was nothing more than an excuse to get him out of trouble and she wasn't about to fall for it. God only knew that Yusuke did it any other time that a male approached her, whether they were human or not. Keiko still had flashbacks of what the man had almost done to Hojo when Yusuke had thought the guy was interested in her and not Kagome. Then again, the reaction was along the same level as what had just happened minutes before when Hojo had shown up. The silence stretched out between them as she pondered that thought. Was Yusuke subconsciously interested in Kagome? It would make sense, considering the protectiveness he was showing around the miko. Keiko was willing to bet money that's what it was, but she wasn't about to accuse him of it. If nothing else Kagome wasn't to blame for this one and speaking the thought out loud was sure to get back to Hiei and cause them problems in their new relationship. Bringing herself back to the present, she regarded Yusuke with a calm she didn't feel. "Just admit it Yusuke, what you are saying is that you think you can always keep me on the back burner while you go off fighting demons with Kurama and Hiei. Nevermind the fact that you were supposed to have been fired from the position, you still do it anyway. Well let me tell you something. I for one am tired of it. I'm tired of that and I'm tired of the way you always seem to have your eyes glued to every female we pass when we're supposed to be out together. It's like I might as well not even be there and you know it! I'm not so much of a fool to think that you only do that when we're together either, you pretty much proved that today. So let's try this again, what's your problem if I choose to be his friend?”

 

Yusuke's anger flared up to match hers. Dammit, she might have a point on some things but not this time! Why couldn't she see that? “He's dangerous Keiko! He's dangerous to us and believe it or not he's dangerous to you as well.” The last thing he'd expected was for his girlfriend to call him out like that, especially in front of everyone else. Without looking at them the Toushin could feel the eyes of their audience upon them. Some sympathetic to his plight, others condemning. So what if he looked at other women, it wasn't like he had plans to go bang any of them so why should it matter? And why the hell would she bring it up just now? When a snicker of amusement reached his ears Yusuke didn't have to look to see it was that damned bat demon either. So help him someone was going to get spirit gunned halfway to the Reikai if they weren't careful. 'Let's see the bastard laugh then when he's lit up like a fucking Christmas tree!' Oh yes, there would be hell to pay later once he got out of this but first he had to salvage things with Keiko. "Just listen to me on this one Keiko, stay away from him. We'll work on the rest of this crap later when we don't have so many people watching."

 

So their relationship fell into the category of 'crap' did it? The thought stung but Keiko kept the hurt from showing. Maybe this was for the best then, if they were meant to be together then eventually it would be worked out though Keiko no longer held out much hope. Sighing heavily she stared into his angry brown eyes trying to figure out how to reach him. "There isn't anything left to work out Yusuke. I told you I'm tired of it and once again you just blow me off like my thoughts don't matter. You say he's dangerous. And you aren't? Half the town cowers before the great Urameshi and you're proud of that fact. You're just as dangerous as he is, maybe even more so depending on who's standing across from you. I don't see much of a difference between the two of you and you ordering me around isn't going to change my mind. He needs a friend, someone who understands him. I'm the closest thing we've got so I intend to be the one to help him, whether you like it or not." Determination showed plainly in her eyes as she willed Yusuke to accept what she was saying. "You don't need me right now Yusuke and he does. Just try to understand for once alright?"

 

Yusuke could see that there was no getting through to her in the mood that she was in but that didn't mean that he was willing to concede the war that was brewing. She might have won for now but he was damned sure going to make her realize that they would be talking about this again, her proclamations be damned. "Don't even think this is the end of it Keiko because it isn't, not by a long shot. Yusuke's eyes narrowed dangerously as he stared at the girl, angry that she'd be so willing to cast his worries aside. One of these days her trusting nature was going to get her into trouble. "Trust me Keiko, that guy is going to screw up sooner or later and when he does, I'm going to be waiting for him."

 

The need to defend the hanyou who wasn't there to stand up for himself was strong in Kagome's mind. How many times had he protected her when she couldn't do it herself? While Yusuke's concern was touching, she couldn't say that she completely agreed with him. “You're over reacting Yusuke. InuYasha isn't as dangerous as you're trying to make him out to be. Besides that I think you're forgetting that he is my friend and staying at my house for the time being.” It wasn't as if Inuyasha would go through the town terrorizing innocent people or anything like that and Kagome wasn't going to stand there and let Yusuke or anyone else badmouth him much less threatening him. “He may be loud at times and brash but trust me, he would never knowingly hurt any of us without a darned good reason. You just have to give him a chance and get to know him!” Seeing the look of irritation and disbelief that Yusuke and a few of the others were giving her, Kagome glared at them as if that would prove her point. Turning the miko sought out her brother, knowing that he would support her point of view. The hanyou had been one of his idols for the longest time and would have no problem back her up in this instance. “Isn't that right Souta?”

 

Without hesitation Souta nodded his head, opening his mouth to back up what Kagome had said before he was cut off though it was from an unexpected source. Keiko had once more stepped forward, drawing the groups' attention with her determined look as she walked up to Kagome and smiled. "I have a wonderful idea Kagome, this might solve all of our problems for the time being. Hiei is your boyfriend now and I'm sure you'll be going out and doing things together. Inuyasha is likely to want to go as well but there's that whole jealousy thing to deal with. Since it looks like me and Yusuke are taking a break in our relationship until he figures out he can't have it both ways how about I be the one to keep Inuyasha company. It won't be dating per say but it would get him out of the shrine and give him a chance to get used to life here while giving him one more person to talk to!"

 

The question had stunned her for several long seconds and Yusuke had a look of disbelief on his face. Clearly he hadn't seen this one coming; there was no mistaking the dark anger that was rolling off of his aura making her wince. It was definitely a position Kagome had no desire to be in and it had her shifting uncomfortably. Fixing Keiko with a look that said 'don't get your hopes up' Kagome sighed. "“I'll have to ask him before I can say yes. I won't speak for him, this has to be a decision that he makes.” Of course that caused Yusuke to glare in her direction for even offering such a thing but she ignored it for the moment. " “But I promise I will ask. InuYasha will probably agree a lot faster if you speak to him yourself, it seems like he already likes you at least a little bit.” While it didn't mean the hanyou was attracted to the girl it was indeed helpful that he hadn't started hurling insults at her just yet. That if nothing else was a point in Keiko's favor. A wave of irritation that was not her own passed through her body, making Kagome stop in what she was about to say. For a moment it confused her until she realized that it was coming from the newly form bond that she shared with the others. A quick look over to Kurama had her noticing that he'd grown silent as well, a look of resignation on his face as he listened to something that only he could hear.

 

~*~*~*~

 

It had been the combination of anger, confusion and anxiety that echoed through their newly formed bond that had disturbed Hiei's sleep once again and he was far from pleased about the situation. Obviously something had upset Kagome once again and while if it had been someone else he would have brushed it off as something unimportant, since Kagome was now his anything that centered on her involved him as well. Since he hadn't gotten a mind call from Kurama over the matter the apparition knew that nothing dreadfully wrong had taken place, which could only mean something had happened within the group itself. 'Dammit this had better be important Kurama, I can feel Kagome getting pissed off yet again. If whatever is causing it isn't a matter of life and death then I want you to tell those fuckers that the next one of them that riles her up enough to disturb my sleep is getting a katana up the ass... sideways!'

 

Somehow Kurama had known that Hiei was going to put his opinion in before it was all said and done and true to form the apparition didn't disappoint him but it was Youko who responded before he had a chance. 'Don't be such a priss Hiei, keep your pants on. It's only Yusuke and Keiko having another of their famous arguments, then the conversation turned to InuYasha.' Youko could very easily feel the irritation that was traveling down through the bond but he could also feel another influence coming from somewhere around him and was having a problem pinpointing where it was coming from. The touch was extremely familiar but at the same time not one he could identify at that particular moment. His mind voice became cold and distant as he sought to determine just who it was. 'Quiet... `There's something more going on here then what's meeting the eye.' His cold golden eyes narrowed in concentration as he sought out the source through Kurama's vision looking for any telltale energy signatures that would give him more of an idea of just who was out there. Obviously something was amiss and the kitsune was determined to figure out just what it was. Just as he had almost figured it out a snarl of frustration escaped his lips, the feeling having vanished into thin air leaving no trace of where it had disappeared. It was as if whoever it was had noticed the attention he was directing their way and picked just to perfect moment to disappear. 'Damn it all to hell! I almost had it and then it just disappeared!'

 

The sheer anger the apparition felt surging forward through the bond from Youko had Hiei's eyes opening involuntarily. 'What disappeared? What are you talking about?' Already he was tensed on the branch he'd been laying on, prepared to leave at a moments notice should he receive word that he was needed. The need to go check on Kagome was strong and it would take little effort to return to collect the miko, bringing her back to Genkai's to ensure she was safe. However the one thing that made him hesitate was Yukina, at the moment he wasn't sure if he should leave her alone at the temple after everything had happened. When no immediate response came from Youko the apparition sighed. `Either way it doesn't look like I'm going to get much sleep today.' Silently he waited, knowing that if it were something important his partner would tell him. A light flurry of snow had started drifting its way down off of the branches above his head but Hiei paid them no mind. The small flakes would melt before they ever had a chance to touch him. A movement to the side caught his attention and he realized that Yukina was now looking at him through the window, her expression one of pure curiosity. With her being in the bond as well the Koorime had to be experiencing all the same emotions that he was and was no doubt wondering what had caused it. A wave of comforting energy hit him then, his sister's attempt at reassuring him that everything would be all right. Slowly he tried to relax, knowing that there was no need to concern her just yet. Responding in kind, Hiei sent a calming wave back towards her with a thought through their bond. 'Everything is fine Yukina; go back to what you were doing. There is no need to be alarmed.' When she retreated away from the window returning to her chores, Hiei turned his attention back to the Fox. The next word he sent spoke volumes, telling him that he was finished with waiting. 'Well?'

 

Feeling that Hiei was mere moments from leaving the temple, Youko made an effort at neutralizing his tone so as not to set the apparition off any further. 'Whoever it was is gone now, if it's Kagome you're worried about don't be. If whatever it is returns we will be able to keep her safe until you arrive.' Feeling Yukina's influence on the hybrid had helped to cool his own temper though Youko remained on alert, searching for anything that could be considered out of the ordinary. 'I almost had a lock on whatever it was but they've left the area.' The more he'd thought about it the more certain Youko was that he knew exactly who it was though he hoped he was wrong. Those particular thoughts however were kept carefully shielded; the consequences of their actions if he were correct could be devastating. None knew better than he did just what the woman was capable of, it had been that sheer ruthlessness and power that had drawn him to her in the beginning. 'There's no telling how strong she's gotten over the years or what she's capable of doing. The only one who would know that for certain is Inari but I don't have a good enough reason to go asking about her.'

 

Years of being acquainted with the kitsune had given Hiei an edge around him that very few had and at the moment the apparition just knew there were things that Youko was leaving out. `Just what is it you're hiding from me?' Much was being left out and he could tell that just by the manner in which the kitsune was speaking. It was times like this that Youko frustrated him like no other could. Once more Hiei was ready to take leave of the temple and go investigate in person but he decided that he would give the kitsune one more chance before the choice was made. `If something is happening that I need to be aware of it would be best to tell me now.'

 

Unfortunately Youko wasn't ready to part with his secrets just yet, not until he was certain about what he thought was happening. `It's……. nothing. When I figure it out I'll let you know.' With that the kitsune turned his attention back to the group, effectively closing down the link he had with Hiei even though he could feel the apparition's mounting irritation. It was only a matter of time before Hiei made another appearance but whether the time was now or later really wasn't of concern to him at the moment. For now the argument transpiring between Yusuke and Keiko was far more entertaining and helped dispel the edge of unease that lurked just within reach.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“I've made up my mind, you're not going to tell me who I can or cannot be friends with Yusuke. If I want to get to know him better then I can and I will! It's my decision if I want to ask him out or not and I don't want you to interfere." Keiko was tired of arguing with the man, she'd get it through his head one way or another that she was free to be friends with whoever she wanted to be. A relationship was supposed to be based on trusting your partner but from the way Yusuke was acting, that vital ingredient was conspicuously absent. To be honest she felt sorry for InuYasha, he didn't seem to be such a bad sort of person to be around and he had kept her safe after the battle while Yusuke had been busy taking care of Kagome and her injuries. It wasn't in her to hold that fact against Yusuke or Kagome because it had been needed at the time but it still made an impact whether they wanted it to or not. `Whether Yusuke wants to admit it or not he did help wining that battle this morning. Besides that I know Kagome needed the help and I understand that but darn it, you'd think he could have made a little bit of time for me too.' Resolutely Keiko stood there, waiting to see what Yusuke's next move would be as they stared at each other. Her declaration had been bold, of that there was no doubt and surely he'd have something more to say on the matter.

 

“Has everyone forgotten that this is Omisoka? I know that this is the time to be getting rid of all the negative from the past year and I suppose that includes the battle that happened today but I'd really like to be able to have some fun too.” Souta was tired of listening to the arguing and was more then ready to go sight seeing and visiting the shrines. The look on his face told each one of them that he was more than fed up with their antics and now each one of them stood looking at him in surprise, which made him roll his eyes in irritation. Hearing them arguing about InuYasha wasn't adding to his enjoyment of the day either. Kagome had once told him that getting the entire group together could be more dangerous than running around naked in the feudal era while screaming free jewel shards, come and get them! Unfortunately he was beginning to think she hadn't been kidding, if someone didn't stop Yusuke and Keiko soon someone was going to end up hurt and somehow he doubted it would be Keiko. `Jeez the guy isn't even here and they still can't let up, maybe I should go find Hojo simply so the subject can be changed.' Seeing for the moment that they were going to shut up at least for the time being he looked at Botan, then at the other members of the group who were now milling around as if they didn't know what the hell they were going to do. That was fine with him; it wasn't like their attendance was mandatory to his enjoyment of the evening after all. “Let's go find something fun to do Botan, these others can follow if they want to. There's a restaurant right down the road that's been advertising it's Toshikoshi-soba. So, what do you say?”

 

Botan looked at her friends before looking at the boy holding her arm and nodded slowly. “I think I'd like that.” The normally happy girl was subdued after all the events that had happened today and wasn't happy about the effects that it was having on all of her friends. Adding to her unease was the feeling that somehow there was an outside influence that was affecting everyone's behavior but no one had mentioned it and she wasn't sure that she wasn't imagining it. `Kuwabara has always been extremely sensitive to spirit energy, why hasn't he noticed anything? It just doesn't make sense. Shizuru should have noticed it too, she's got spiritual awareness just like he does and she hasn't said anything either. I know it's not just my imagination, it can't be. As soon as I get back I'm going to have to talk to Koenma and see if maybe he can get some of this straightened out.' Without waiting for the others Souta had started to lead her towards the restaurant, making good on his statement that they could stay or follow as they pleased. Botan really didn't mind one way or another as long as things settled down for the time being, she really didn't like to see everyone upset like they were. Seeing Yusuke and Keiko break up again had her uneasy but it wasn't as if it hadn't happened before. They'd eventually work things out and get back together, right?

 

“Personally I think they've got the right idea. I could go for something to eat.” Kuronue let out an exaggerated sigh, he was tired of listening to the bickering going on and was also ready to do something different. Watching humans could be amusing but after a while they became tiresome and reminded him of just why he preferred the Makai. What he wouldn't give to return there but it was unlikely to happen any time in the near future. “Toshikoshi-soba you say? It's been a long time since I had any of that, let go.” He started walking in the direction that Souta had indicated taking Shizuru along with him and leaving the others to follow as they would. If they decided they weren't hungry and wanted to continue their arguments it wasn't his business. It wasn't more then a couple of steps before they had caught up with Souta and Botan though they remained a few steps behind. Footsteps could be heard trailing after them letting him know that the others had indeed decided to straggle along behind them. As they turned down another street the crowd became thicker, forcing them to slow their pace and giving him even more time to think. The question started burning in his mind as they walked along with the crowd they had now merged with and he turned to ask the girl he was escorting as he indicated the people behind them. “Are they always so argumentative?”

 

“No, they aren't. Normally everyone gets along pretty well together. Which is one reason why I don't understand why everyone's fighting, it just doesn't make sense.” Shizuru reached up and impatiently brushed the hair from her face as she looked up at the bat demon with curiosity in her eyes. A person brushed up against her rather rudely but didn't apologize as they kept walking causing her to turn and glare at the person's departing back. An amused chuckle brought her attention back to the tall male standing beside her forcing her to sigh. Men found the strangest things amusing at times, which brought her back to her previous thoughts. “Do you know something about this that you're not telling us?”

 

“Perhaps it would be better if Kurama was the one that answered that question, it is Youko's past we are talking about after all.” The woman's attitude was both amusing and charming, not many human women had the fire that Shizuru seemed to and he liked that about her. As long as it wasn't directed at him he decided as her neutral expression turned to one of irritation at his answer. Kuronue turned thoughtful, he wasn't about to divulge his friends life history to these strangers but for some reason he was becoming reluctant to allow the possibility that someone in this group should die because Youko didn't want to admit that he had once been seduced by the power she held. To a point he could even understand her irritation at his evasive answer, the thought caused him to sigh heavily. “I'll talk to him about it, in the meantime I would offer the advice to keep your senses alert and take nothing out of the ordinary for granted. I had the pleasure of meeting Tamamo-no-Mae at one point, it's a meeting I won't soon forget.”

 

“Well, what can you tell us about her?” Yusuke had been listening in on the conversation, looking for anything to distract him from the fight with Keiko and this was as good as anything else. Seeing that Kuronue wasn't about to open his mouth at the moment Yusuke looked at Kurama, glaring when the kitsune refused to meet his eyes. This was just the perfect time for the redhead to turn stubborn, refusing to say anything at all that could help him. The whole situation was beginning to piss him off all over again and he was more than ready to beat someone's ass. Picking up his pace he approached the bat demon, focusing all of his attention on him for the moment. He wasn't about to let this go without a fight, it was time that these people realized that he was the leader of the team for a reason. They'd better start remembering that soon or it was going to turn nasty. “Look, you want us to trust you, well this would be a damn good way to start!”

 

Kuronue tilted his head to consider the Toushin for a moment as if considering his what his answer would be and how much to reveal. Then he shook his head; there just wasn't any way around it if he didn't want Amaterasu to suddenly show up demanding to know what exactly he thought he was doing when he knew how much was at stake. Long ago he'd learned not to anger the Goddess and if he could avoid doing so again then it was go the best. Still, he couldn't just betray his former partner either so it meant he had to choose his words wisely. “For starters, she's older then any of us here, not to put too fine of a point on it, she was already old when Raizen was young and reckless. For stealth and cunning I've never met any better but her honor and loyalty is to herself and none other." Now he eyed Yusuke carefully, giving the man a measuring look of his own as they faced each other down. He'd seen the Toushin in battle and knew he'd be a formidable opponent or ally. “I have given you what you asked for, what do you offer me in return?”

 

Yusuke ran his fingers through his hair and glared at the man. What had ever happened to just helping out the team without expecting anything in return? Perhaps he was expecting too much from this new demon or maybe he'd just become used to working with Hiei and Kurama after so long. Clearly Kuronue was unlike either of those two, which was what perhaps bothered him the most. “What is it you think you want?” Asking that question annoyed him although thinking back to the way the demons he'd run across in the Makai he knew that he shouldn't have been particularly surprised. Almost all of them had always wanted something of equal value when they gave something that they felt was important or whenever they believed they could twist the situation so it would benefit themselves. It only made sense that the demon standing before him would be no different. It was just the way things were and he was tempted to tell Kuronue what he thought about the custom but then he thought better of it. While he could get the information other ways, the man before him was the most easily accessible and likely to answer.

 

“Until I decide differently I want to align myself as a part of this group. I have information you need not to mention talents and skills that are not currently at your disposal. Are you willing to give me what I ask for to gain access to these things that you need?” Violet eyes narrowed as he looked over to consider Kuwabara. That was one human that Kuronue knew he would continue to have problems with. Somehow he'd managed to get along fairly well with everyone else on the team but Kuronue didn't know how they had put up with him. Was he worthy enough in battle to make it worth their while to do so? At the moment it was something that remained to be seen. “I also demand that the human stops with the name calling and shows me proper respect. If he refuses I will be hard pressed to help him as well.”

 

“Who said I need your help?” Kuwabara stiffened when he realized that Kuronue was talking about him yet again, talking like he was beneath the bat demon. He'd had more than enough of being treated like shit by the so-called superior race; he'd kicked enough of their asses that they should be the ones affording him the proper respect for a change. His eyes narrowed at the tall demon and yelled ahead from his position of bringing up the rear of the group, he'd tried to stay quiet for at least a little while but the man's attitude was just too much. “Who said any of us do you overgrown rodent? I haven't heard you say anything that we couldn't have found out another way. And get your hands off my sister!”

 

“You have just made my point.” A lip curled slightly exposing the tip of a sharpened fang as Kuronue stared at him in disgust. The human just couldn't keep his mouth shut it would seem and somehow he knew that cutting Kuwabara's tongue out, while satisfying for the moment wouldn't solve their problems in the long run. “It is apparent that the human does not wish my help. I have unselfishly offered it and he has refused. Fine, he is on his own and can depend on Itsuki for the transportation he will need in the future or he just won't show up at all. Either way, it's not my problem.” Dismissing the tall man from any further consideration he once again stared at Yusuke who was staring at him with an unreadable expression. Would the Toushin back up his friend or choose wisely and not spurn his offer? At the moment he couldn't venture a guess, this man seemed to be quite unpredictable and would bear further watching in the future. “You seem to be the team leader, what do you say?”

 

It was entirely tempting to tell the bat demon to shove his offer up his ass but Yusuke wasn't certain that was a good idea either. Itsuki might or might not return to help them, assuming he was needed in the first place. Knowing his luck though it would be and Yusuke knew just how well they all loved that particular dimensional demon. Hell, he wouldn't put it past the man to trap them between worlds and then leave them there to rot. It would seem like the only viable alternative was standing before him, waiting on an answer. “You really don't give me much choice do you?” Agreeing to the terms that he didn't feel he had any control over was about as much fun as swallowing sour grapes but he didn't see any way around it. His voice took on a deadly tone as he stalked forward to stare at the demon, his entire demeanor of one that it would be a mistake to cross. There was no illusion of trust between them, not just yet and everyone knew it. “Don't make me regret the decision to agree with this. So help me, if you do there won't be anyone to save you.”

 

“Now you've hurt my feelings.” Kuronue winked at Shizuru to let her know that he wasn't offended by Yusuke's words and was just having some small bit of fun. But the fury that was mounting in the other man's eyes was evidence of just how much strain he was under at the moment and proof that things could rapidly reach a breaking point. Oh yes, this man would make an interesting ally though he needed to learn to rein in that temper if they were to face Tamamo-no-Mae anytime soon. “Calm down, I was only kidding. It's nice to know that we can now trust each other.” His face sobered as he suddenly thought of something, since the main group of fighters were men this could potentially turn into a large problem, especially when dealing with a kitsune foe of the female persuasion. “I hope none of you guys are swayed by a pretty female face.”

 

"Don't tell me she's pretty too." Kuwabara forgot about his animosity towards Kuronue for the moment and stepped closer to the demon, wishing to learn more about the woman who was supposed to be such trouble. Just the fact that she was a female to begin with spelled trouble with him, his honor code wouldn't allow him to strike her and truthfully it bothered him that the other guys would end up doing so. How else were they supposed to fight her anyway? So far he hadn't heard much about her that could give them any real help in planning. "Just how pretty are we talking about here? She's not going to try pulling any of that spell crap on us is she?"

 

“Actually yes she will and the chances are good that she will succeed.” There was stillness in the air along with a growing sense of dread and anticipation at what further knowledge would be revealed. The best defense against the charms and spells Tamamo-no-Mae could use would be if a strong emotional bond was already in place between the males and their chosen females yet from what he'd seen so far, there were flaws in each and every one of the relationships present. If that was indeed the case, it looked as if their chances didn't bode well. It looked like Kagome was just about to ask him for more information when Kuronue turned to her. “I know you've spent a lot of time in the past. Tell me, do you remember your history concerning the reign of Emperor Konoe and his consort?”

 

~*~*~*~

 

Authors Note: Here is the next installment for your enjoyment Next, I plan to do a one shot that will hopefully satisfy some peoples cravings for a lemon LOL. With any luck it will be out in the next week or so.

Anyway, as always, thank you to Ryu for being such a wonderful beta for me. Thank you also to all my past and future reviewers. It's all appreciated and it's all good.

Until next time enjoy the chapter and please leave a review.