Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Fire Within ❯ Beginning Spark ( Chapter 1 )

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

By: Hawaiianhoney2030

*~The Fire Within~*

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho in any way shape or form… though I wish I did ^_^

Chapter 1: Beginning Spark

Spiders…of all the insects in Feudal Japan…why did they have to be spiders? Kagome whimpered as she slowly backed away from the huge, hissing, eight legged demons that were surrounding her. Inuyasha was busy with a large demon tree that possessed two jewel shards, so he couldn't help her. Miroku and Sango were fighting off the dozens of spiders after them while Kirara was keeping Shippo safe high in the sky. Kagome's eyes darted around searching for some way she could escape. As her eyes traveled over the large demon tree fighting Inuyasha, her eyes narrowed in irritation. That stupid tree was the reason these television sized spiders were chasing her in the first place.

When they had first come across the tree, Inuyasha had immediately unsheathed his sword and attacked. Unfortunately it had sensed the attack and dodged before shaking its large branches. To Kagome's horror, these large overgrown spiders dropped from its branches and began attacking them with their poisonous fangs. Thankfully, no one had been touched by the spiders yet seeing as they were weak and easy to destroy. Kagome's only problem was that they were to close for her to shoot arrows at and they were only crawling closer the more time she took to think over what she was going to do.

Taking one last glance toward Inuyasha, Kagome turned tail and ran. She could hear the spiders chasing close behind her, but it only served to quicken her pace. She sighed in relief once she realized she was slowly loosing them when she suddenly tripped over something lying in her path. Landing painfully on her hip, the miko watching in horror as the spiders quickly caught up to her. Before she knew it, the demons were leaping toward her and on pure instinct; Kagome squeezed her eyes shut and threw her hands in front of her face as she waited for the attack. Waited for those long poisonous fangs to dig into her flesh and tear through her fragile skin.

But it never came. The pain…the tearing of flesh…nothing… Kagome slowly opened her eyes to see large piles of ash settled in front of her. Shocked beyond belief, she stared at her hands only to see a spark of purification glide across her finger tips. Did she just purify those demons with her bare hands? She could only remember this happening once since her travels to the feudal ear began and that was when Mistress Centipede had attacked her. Still staring at her hands in disbelief, Kagome slowly got to her feet. Her gaze traveling over the ash piled on the ground before her, the miko suddenly wondered what had caused her to fall in the first place.

Retracing her steps, she quickly came across a small lump of silver lying in the grass. Slowly stepping closer, she began to make out the features of a small unconscious animal. She couldn't tell if it was dead or alive from where she stood but Kagome could easily spot the blood stained through the animal's silver fur. Hoping it was still alive and that there was someway she could help it, Kagome rushed to its side to look over its injury.

To her relief it was breathing, though barely. Quickly inspecting the small animal's body, she realized that it was a fox and had a long, deep gash from its chest to the right hip. The wound was still pouring blood and she knew that if the bleeding wasn't stopped, the animal would bleed to death. Before Kagome could think of what to do next, the fox's eyes opened slightly before narrowing. Growling in warning, it tried to stand and move away from her only to fall back down with a whimper of pain.

“Please…don't move. Let me help you. I won't hurt you…” Kagome pleaded, staring straight into the golden eyes of the fox. It seemed to snort at her slightly before closing its eyes briefly, as if it didn't care. Sighing in relief, Kagome made quick work of tearing off the bottom half of her shirt. Ignoring the curious gaze the kitsune was sending her, she carefully wrapped his wound before tying it tight to stop the bleeding. Kagome wasn't sure how, but she could tell this was a powerful demon. He must have been injured and forced to revert to his animal form in order to recover or to keep from being seen.

Shaking those thoughts from her head, she turned her worried gaze to the kitsune lying still in the grass. “I'm going to pick you up ok? I need to get your wound cleaned and properly bandaged in order for it to heal.” She explained quietly. She watched closely as the kitsune narrowed his eyes slightly in suspicion but did not object. Taking that as her sign to continue, she slowly lifted the kitsune into her arms. He was heavier than she had first expected; not to mention bigger. She held him as she would a small child; his head lying over her shoulder as she cradled him carefully to her chest. An arm was positioned under his hind legs to keep him up.

Kagome tried her best to keep from shivering at the feel of his silky soft fur brushing against her stomach where she had ripped her shirt. Not to mention his tail just reached the hem of her skirt, so the fur covering his tail was barely touching the skin of her thighs. It tickled slightly, but she pushed down the urge to giggle in fear of hurting or irritating the demon. His front paws were propped comfortably on her right shoulder as his head rested atop his paws. He seemed relaxed and Kagome breathed a sigh of relief. She knew this demon could easily injure, maybe even kill her, if he wanted to so the feel of him relaxed against her brought her relief and slight comfort.

Though the comforting feeling soon dissipated and turned to exhaustion. Even though the demon was in animal form, he was still quite heavy for a mere human to carry. And to top it off, she felt a burning pain in her hip from when she fell. But Kagome was determined to find her way back to the rest of the group and help heal this kitsune. She felt the two shards that the demon tree possessed were near as she began hearing voices.

“What do you mean you don't know where she is?!”

“We were preoccupied with destroying the spider demons and keeping Kirara and Shippo safe. We did not see where Kagome ran off to.” Miroku explained quietly, as if ashamed he had lost track of the priestess.

“Why the hell wasn't she with Shippo!”

“Calm down will you?! Kagome is too stubborn to let herself be killed by mere spiders. I'm sure she just got lost…” Sango suggested.

“And her getting lost is supposed to make me feel better?!”

Kagome rolled her eyes as she stepped into the clearing. Shippo immediately spotted her and began sprinting toward her. He came skidding to a stop though when he noticed the kitsune she was carrying. Kagome was about to explain when Inuyasha finally realized she was there. Glaring at her angrily, he was suddenly right in her face.

“Where the hell were you wench?!”

Kagome glared at the hanyou and was about to yell at him when she felt a rumbling against her chest. Slightly startled, she turned her attention back to the kitsune only to realize he was growling softly. She wasn't sure what he was growling about but she didn't want to find out. Moving around Inuyasha quickly, she reached for her pack and slung it over her shoulder before turning to Shippo.

“Sweetie? Where's the closest spring?” she asked with a warm smile. Tilting his head up slightly, the kit took a sniff of the air before pointing where he smelt the nearest water source.

“Would you like to come with me? I'm just going to clean this kitsune's wound and change.” She asked the kit. He nodded vigorously and scrambled to her side as the miko turned to her companions. She sent Miroku and Sango a look that said `I'll explain later' before turning a glare toward Inuyasha and walking in the direction Shippo had pointed.

Once they reached the shallow river, Kagome carefully set the kitsune down. Opening up her pack, she pulled out fresh bandages and a tube of disinfecting cream before unwrapping her makeshift bandage. Shippo took a small cloth from her bag and soaked it in the water and handed it to Kagome so she could clean the wound. Kagome found she enjoyed watching the blood wash away from his perfect silver fur so much that she eventually cleaned all the blood from his coat until it looked flawlessly clean.

Passing the cloth to Shippo, she took the tube of disinfecting cream and squeezed some onto her finger. “This may sting a bit but it's going to disinfect your wound…” she quietly explained before softly dabbing the cream around the wound. He stiffened slightly but didn't make a sound as he quietly took the pain. Kagome then moved on to bandaging his entire midsection all the way down to his hip. Satisfied with her work, Kagome began putting her things away as Shippo rinsed out the wash cloth.

“Kagome… uhhh….”

“I was running from those spiders and tripped over him. I'm not sure how, but I purified the spiders with my bare hands. After getting over the shock of it, I backtracked to see what I tripped over and found this kitsune.” She explained as she pulled out a clean shirt.

“You do know he's a demon right? He could be dangerous…” Shippo trailed off as he turned his gaze to the injured kitsune that was staring at them with slight confusion and curiosity.

“I know Shippo, but I couldn't just leave him there. And he seemed nice enough to let me help him.” She answered from behind a tree as she changed into her new shirt.

Shippo stared at the kitsune for quite some time before the kitsune met his gaze. He seemed as if he was in slight pain, but was too curious about them to really care about it. From the color of his fur, Shippo could tell this was a Silver Kitsune and the little kit wanted so badly to communicate with him but knew he couldn't. This kitsune was much older and bypassed him in strength by ten folds. It was disrespectful for younger and weaker kitsunes to question their elders without first being acknowledged. Sticking to the kitsune code, he decided instead to turn his questioning back to Kagome.

“So what are you going to do now?”

“What do you mean Shippo?” She asked as she returned with her torn shirt in hand.

“You know Inuyasha isn't going to just let you bring him into the group… he's going to throw a fit.”

“Well he's going to have to deal with it. This kitsune is injured and I refuse to let it out of my sight until it is healed.” Kagome snorted as she gathered her things together and slung her bag over her shoulder. She turned a smile to Shippo and ruffled his hair. “And besides, I probably injured him more from tripping over him and I wouldn't be able to live with myself knowing that I could have done something to help but did nothing.” She explained as she carefully lifted the kitsune off the ground.

Shippo smiled. “You have such a big heart Kagome, too bad Inuyasha doesn't understand.”

Kagome shrugged, “There really isn't anything to understand though Shippo…”

Shippo shook his head. Kagome cared so much about others that she didn't realize how special she really was. How warm and pure of a soul she possessed. Kikyou was nothing compared to Kagome and it was disappointing that the hanyou couldn't seem to see that. Shippo sighed as he slowly followed the miko he saw as a mother. He watched the kitsune's face for any sign of pain while Kagome walked with careful and soft steps, trying to keep the injured demon as comfortable as possible. From what he could see, the demon was quite content with his head resting on Kagome's shoulder.

Kagome faltered slightly and Shippo rushed to her side. Pain was evident in her determined chocolate brown eyes and he began to worry. Kagome was hurt? Was she injured by the spiders or did the kitsune hurt her? Maybe he thought she was a threat and was trying to protect himself the best he could? Watching his adoptive mother carefully, he noticed a very slight limp in her walk. She had to have injured her leg somehow.

“Kagome? Are you ok?” he asked quietly.

Turning to him in question, she merely smiled. “Perfectly fine, just hurt my hip a little from when I tripped. Nothing to worry about.”

But Shippo knew otherwise. Kagome never really revealed how much pain she was in whenever she was hurt. Shippo knew she only did this to make herself seem stronger in front of the others. The kit knew how she felt; he could read her like a book. He knew she felt like a third wheel, only needed when there was a jewel shard to be found. She couldn't really defend herself and it made her feel useless. Shippo understood because he sometimes felt the same. Everyone else in the group contributed something, but he had nothing. Sango was an excellent fighter, as was Miroku. Kirara was a big help when it came to traveling and fighting as well. Inuyasha was far above all of them though. He had the power…the strength. He was the leader of this group for a reason.

Shippo sighed as he shook his head. Kagome was just too stubborn to admit how much pain she was in and with the added weight of the injured kitsune and her pack, he was sure it was wearing her out quickly. Wanting to help in anyway he could, Shippo transformed into his horse illusion.

“Kagome put your pack on my back.”

Smiling her thanks, she slowly and carefully removed the pack from her shoulder and settled it on Shippo's back. Kagome breathed a sigh of relief as she straightened and continued walking. The miko knew that Shippo was the only one in the group that truly understood her. Sango was a great friend but she was stronger than her, so didn't know what it felt like to be useless. Same for Miroku, she loved him like an older brother she never had, but he also didn't understand how she truly felt. There was no point of even beginning to describe Inuyasha. He just didn't care.

“I can smell burning wood…the others must have made camp somewhere nearby.” Shippo stated.

Nodding, Kagome focused completely on making it to camp before she collapsed. In all truth, her hip was killing her. It felt like she had been hit by a bus or beaten with a baseball bat. (A/N: Have any of you felt this way before? I fell down the stairs once and really hurt my hip and tailbone. Omg it hurt like a BITCH! It seriously felt like someone had taken a bat to my hip lol. Anyway! Back to the story ^_^) Sucking it up, she continued walking. Once they were closer to camp, Kagome even did her best to hide her limp so the others wouldn't worry. Entering camp, they noticed Sango cooking fish over the fire. Miroku and Inuyasha were no where in sight.

“Hey Sango, where are the guys?” she asked as Shippo reverted back to his normal form and placed Kagome's bag down gently. Thanking him and ruffling his hair, she carefully placed the kitsune on the ground.

“They went for more fish. Miroku was sure you would come back with the kitsune so suggested they gather a little extra food.” The demon slayer smiled as she continued cooking.

Nodding, Kagome dug through her pack for her sleeping bag. Taking it out along with all the blankets she had, she folded the long sleeping bag in half before lying a blanket down over it. Turning toward the kitsune, she carefully lifted him and placed him on the makeshift bed. Placing another blanket over him, she smiled warmly before following Shippo to sit next to Sango. Once she reached the slayers side, she was given a fish. Thanking her friend, she began to eat once Shippo retrieved his share.

“Hey wench! Who said you could eat without waiting for us!” Kagome groaned in irritation.

“I think it is safe to say Inuyasha is back.” Sango whispered sarcastically.

Said hanyou dropped the fish he was carrying near the girls as he glared at the miko. “First you run off to who the hell knows where, then you come back with kitsune that is only going to slow us down, and now you can't even wait for us to eat? I caught those fish, so its mine!”

Thoroughly frustrated, Kagome was about to sit the arrogant hanyou to hell when they heard growling. Recognizing the growl from before, the miko turned her attention to the kitsune that was resting on her sleeping bag. Everyone followed her gaze and stared at the demon in surprise. He was glaring and snarling at Inuyasha. Feeling insulted, Inuyasha rolled up his sleeves and was about to teach the fox a lesson when he heard his most hated word.

“SIT BOY! SIT! SIT! SIT! And stay there! Go anywhere near him again and I'll sit you so far into the ground, Kikyou won't have to drag you to hell!” Kagome threatened as she grabbed another already cooked fish along with hers and moved to sit next to the kitsune. Shippo followed her and sat in her lap as the miko set the extra fish down in front of the resting demon.

The demon stared at Kagome and Shippo for a moment before slowly tearing the flesh from the well cooked fish. Kagome watched him as she finished her dinner. She could hear Inuyasha pulling himself out of his crater before grabbing a fish and leaping into a tree to sulk. Kagome rolled her eyes. Why did he have to be so frustrating all the time? Deciding to ignore the irate hanyou, Kagome ran her fingers through Shippo's hair. He grinned happily as he continued eating his fish and snuggled closer to Kagome.

Feeling eyes on them, they both looked toward the fox next to them. He was staring at them in curiosity as he finished his fish. Kagome smiled warmly when she suddenly thought of something.

“Shippo? Can't you talk to him?”

The kit nodded his head as he set the fish bones aside. “Yea, but kitsune code states that a younger and/or weaker kitsune cannot communicate with an elder kitsune unless first acknowledged.”

“Oh, well how much do you know about other kitsunes? I know that you're a Red Kitsune, but what kind is he?” she questioned, glancing at his silver fur once more.

“I'm sorry Kagome but it's not my place to tell. Kitsune Code.” He apologized as Kagome pouted slightly.

`You may share what knowledge you hold with the miko.'

At hearing a voice unknown to him, Shippo panicked slightly. Turning up to Kagome, he saw her staring at the kitsune in curiosity. Shippo turned to the elder kitsune to see him roll his eyes. Understanding that he was just given permission to tell Kagome what he knew, he answered back quietly.

`Thank you'

Kagome was sulking over not being able to know more about the kitsune when she heard a growling, yipping sound. She looked toward the kitsune to see him staring at Shippo as if waiting for him to understand something. She then heard a similar sound come from Shippo and she grinned.

“What did he say?”

“He gave me permission to tell you about his breed.” Shippo smiled. Excited to hear more about this mysterious demon, she turned a warm smile to him.

“Thank you.” The fox then just closed his eyes with a snort and rested his head on his paws.

“He's a Silver Kitsune. They are one of the most powerful and rare breeds of kitsune.” Shippo explained.

“What is the other rare breed?”

“A Shadow Kitsune.”

Kagome nodded, taking special note of every detail Shippo shared with her. She listened as he explained that kitsune's were hunted by both humans and demons for their fur. That also straightened out any misunderstandings Kagome had about why the Thunder Brothers had taken Shippo's father's pelt. He also explained that all kitsunes had power over plants, illusion, and trickery, but each breed had their own special power. For example; since Shippo was a Red Kitsune, he had power over fire. Hence his Fox Fire attack. So many more questions began forming in the miko's head, but she kept quiet to let Shippo finish.

He went on to explaining that Silver Kitsunes hold the special power of seduction. Kagome rolled her eyes when she heard what sounded like a growl of agreement. As if the kitsune was so proud of his abilities to seduce women. Shippo then continued to elaborate on how all kitsunes have one soul mate. They may rut with many females, but once they find their soul mate, they stay faithful. He also pointed out that kitsunes mate for life.

Kagome was listening so intently to her kit that she didn't even realize everyone was asleep. Shippo let out a small yawn and Kagome smiled.

“Alright, that's enough for tonight. Lets get some sleep.” She said as she looked for Kirara. Finding the neko curled up near Sango, she quietly called her over. Leaping up from her spot, she trotted over to the miko.

“Kirara, can you keep Shippo warm for the night?”

The neko mewed before changing into her larger form and curling around Shippo. He quickly fell asleep nestled in the demon's warm fur. Thanking the neko, Kagome scratched her ear softly before grabbing her last blanket and draped it over herself before getting comfortable on the hard ground. Being as exhausted as she was, Kagome fell asleep quickly despite her great discomfort.

The kitsune peeped an eye open to take a look around the camp. This surely was an odd group traveling together. A monk, demon slayer, kitsune kit, miko, and hanyou working together was quite rare. His gaze traveling over the beautiful miko, he frowned slightly. He had been showing no respect what so ever toward her, yet she continues to care for him. Weren't miko's supposed to despise all demons? Yet this particular miko had taken in an orphaned kit and befriended a hanyou. When she had first come across him, he felt no malice or disgust, only worry filling her pure aura.

Once he understood the miko's only intention was to heal and care for him, he felt a small amount of possession over her. That was the reason why he growled threateningly toward the hanyou when he insulted or yelled at the woman. She was his caretaker and he would be damned if a pathetic hanyou was the cause of her halting her curing him. He took it as his responsibility to be sure the miko was safe since she was watching over him in his most vulnerable state.

This miko was not like the others. She had ran to his aid without a second thought and even intended to watch over him until he was healed. Most would have just left an injured demon to die or if they were in the least bit caring, would clean the wound and wrap it before sending them off. This miko even gave up a comfortable nights sleep for him. He wasn't quite sure what he was lying on but seeing as the other humans had one, he suspected that this was most likely hers. Not to mention it smelled strongly of her cherry blossom scent.

Staring at the miko that thoroughly confused his view of humans; he noticed she was shivering slightly. She rolled over onto her side and suddenly hissed in pain. She must have injured her hip in some way because she tried her best to completely avoid touching her hip. Once her rush of pain had passed, she rolled onto her other side and pulled the blanket closer to her petite form. The miko was injured yet she still carried him all day? She began shivering again and he sighed.

`Keep the miko warm.' He yipped quietly to the neko. Said demon's ear flicked in his direction before she slowly opened her eyes. Looking toward Kagome, Kirara lifted Shippo by the neck of his shirt and carried him to the miko. Setting him down on the miko's chest, Kirara wrapped her large body around Kagome before draping her tails over her legs and midsection to keep the girl extra warm through the cold night.

Satisfied that the miko would be more comfortable for the night, the kitsune fell into a light slumber. He wasn't worried about his wound too much; it would heal within two days anyway. Tomorrow he would be able to walk on his own and by the day after, he'll have enough energy gathered to revert back to his humanoid form. He wasn't sure if he wanted to leave this group so quickly just yet though. They intrigued him beyond what he could understand. And he wasn't happy to see how the hanyou treated the miko. It was quite infuriating to watch, though entertaining when she disciplined him like the dog he was. Maybe he would stick around for a bit longer than needed. Its not like he had anything better to do.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kagome woke the next morning more comfortable than she thought she would. Opening her eyes slowly and stretching, she realized Kirara was curled around her with her long furry tails blanketing her legs and midsection. Not quite wanting to get up just yet, Kagome snuggled against the neko and reached a hand up to rub Kirara's ears softly. The neko began to purr, effectively relaxing Kagome further with the soft rumbling vibrations.

“Alright, everyone up! We need to get moving so stop wasting daylight!”

Kagome groaned as she slowly sat up, careful of Shippo who was sleeping near her. Shaking the kit awake softly, he accidentally bumped her injured hip and she winced. Biting down on her lip to keep from crying out in pain, she softly caressed her hip. She felt Shippo's sharp intake of breath and turned to see him staring at her in worry.

“I'm so sorry Kagome…” he whispered.

She smiled and shook her head, “It's alright… I'm fine.” She reassured the kit as she stood. Looking over to see the kitsune still sound asleep, she walked over to her pack. Sitting next to it, she tried to think of how she was going to carry the injured fox and her pack for the long day ahead of her. Opening the bag, she began digging through it. Finding another smaller blue bag inside, Kagome began emptying out the yellow one. Putting everything from the yellow bag into the blue one, she grabbed her blanket and lined the yellow bag with it.

“What are you doing?”

Kagome looked up to see Sango staring down at her. “I emptied out this pack so I can carry the kitsune in it.”

“That's a great idea Kagome. I'll carry the blue bag for you.” The slayer smiled and lifted the pack onto her shoulder without waiting for Kagome to object. Thanking her friend, the miko made her way over to the kitsune and slowly took the blanket that was covering him. Lining the bag with that blanket too, Kagome took great care and caution as she lifted the kitsune and placed him comfortably in the pack. His head sticking out of the bag, Kagome made sure he wouldn't fall out before rolling up her sleeping bag and pushing it into the pack Sango was carrying.

“Are you ready yet wench?” Inuyasha complained.

Nodding, she lifted the pack onto her shoulders and moved the kitsune's head so it was resting over her right shoulder comfortably. Taking a deep breath, Kagome began following everyone else. As they were walking, Shippo leapt up onto Kagome's unoccupied shoulder. Glancing at the kitsune, she was surprised he was still asleep. His injury must have really worn him out.

“How are you feeling Kagome?” he asked, worried she might tire herself out.

“I'm fine, why do you ask?” she smiled.

“I know you hurt your hip somehow Kagome and I know it hurts more then you're leading on.” Shippo whispered.

Kagome frowned and avoided looking Shippo in the eyes. “I'm fine Shippo, holding him in the pack is more comfortable and easy.”

“Ok, but if you're getting tired you have to promise you will make Inuyasha let us take a break.”

Kagome smiled, “Ok, I promise. So I've been wondering… do you think you can find out his name?”

“His name? I can maybe try to ask…” the kit hesitated.

“Oh Shippo, you don't have to. I was just curious since we just keep calling him `the kitsune'.” She giggled.

Nodding slowly, Shippo turned his gaze to the kitsune once more. Not only was he surprised that he wasn't awake yet but also by the fact that he seemed slightly…protective of Kagome. Kirara had told him that the kitsune ordered Kirara to keep Kagome warm last night and he almost didn't believe her. Then there were the times that he growled at Inuyasha when he was being mean to Kagome. Deciding to try his luck at asking the kitsune later, Shippo rested his head against Kagome's and closed his eyes.

Feeling Shippo rest against her head, Kagome reached up and brought him into her arms so he could fall asleep comfortably. She smiled down at the kit as he cuddled closer to her. He was always so worried about her. As if she would disappear once he took his eyes off her. Her mood darkened slightly when she thought of disappearing. Isn't that what will happen when the jewel was complete? It would take her back to her own time and seal the well forever. Either that or the well will just seal itself over and she will never be able to return to her time. Either way, Kagome would lose one of her families…either the one in this time or the one in her time.

Shippo shifted and mumbled in his sleep as he fisted her shirt with his small hands. Kagome sighed heavily. What would happen to Shippo if the jewel sent her back? And what about everyone else? Could she rely on Inuyasha to keep Shippo safe in her place? Kagome looked toward her monk and slayer friends. Surely once Naraku was defeated they would get married. Maybe she could ask them to watch over Shippo? But then what if they have children? Would watching Shippo be too much for them to handle?

Kagome felt fangs grazing her neck and she froze. The kitsune that she thought was still asleep in her pack was nipping and licking at her neck softly. In a way, it was slightly relaxing but Kagome wasn't sure what he was doing. Her frozen muscles relaxing, the miko let out the breath she forgot she was holding. Once she was completely relaxed, the kitsune stopped and snuggled his head against her back before falling back to sleep.

He was awoken by the feel of depression and sadness flooding the miko's aura. It was such a disturbing feeling that it even left him uncomfortable. Not enjoying the miko's current mood, he lifted his head to the skin of her neck that wasn't covered by her odd shirt. Nipping and licking softly, he was satisfied to feel her slowly calm down. Once she was completely relaxed and the saddened mood emptied out of her pure and comforting aura, he rested his head against her back so he could rest just a bit longer.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

They had been walking for hours on end and Kagome's legs were beginning to tire. Shippo was walking next to her munching on a box of pocky she had given him recently and the kitsune that was once sleeping in her pack was now awake looking as bored as can be. When he had woken up several hours after comforting the miko, he was confused as to what he was sitting so comfortably in. When he realized it was her pack, he was quiet impressed that the human thought of such an idea so she could carry him easily for hours without tiring. Now he was curious of what the kitsune kit was eating that put him in such a joyous mood.

`Kit, what is that you're eating?' he asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Slightly surprised the kitsune was communicating with him, he grinned. `It's a sugary snack called pocky from Kagome's village. I'll let you try some if you tell us your name.'

Nodding, the kitsune replied, `I am Youko Kurama.'

The kit's eyes widened slightly as he leapt onto Kagome's shoulder. `You're the notorious thief Youko Kurama!? So that's why you seem so powerful…'

`Yes, now I would like you to answer a few questions for me kit.' He said as he tasted the sugary treat that Shippo handed to him. He found it so delicious he was tempted to snatch the entire box from the kit.

`Only if you answer some of our questions.' Shippo answered.

`These are questions from the miko and yourself?'

`Yes, me and Kagome.' He grinned.

`Alright, ask away.'

Thinking of what he should ask first, Shippo decided to get Kagome's questions out of the way first. `How did you get hurt?'

`I was attacked by a demon in a baboon suit and a wind demon. I easily disposed of the baboon but the wind demon escaped. It would seem they were after something I had in my possession.'

`Was it a shard of the Shikon No Tama?'

Surprised, the kitsune nodded. `Yes it was. How did you know that?'

`The demon dressed as a baboon is Naraku and the wind demon is Kagura. They are collecting the pieces of the jewel so Naraku can use it to become a full demon.' Shippo answered.

`I see. I take it you once possessed a shard and they took it from you as well?'

`Actually…Kagome is the guardian of the jewel…she's the reason it's shattered in the first place.'

Surprised beyond belief, Youko turned his gaze to the miko carrying him. She's the one that broke the Shikon Jewel? This miko is the guardian of the Sacred Jewel? She must be more powerful then he had first assumed then.

`Kagome, Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku and I are all traveling together to collect the shards of the jewel so Kagome can fuse them back together and keep it safe. Naraku is also collecting the shards so we are racing against time to collect more then him. Once all the shards are collected, the final battle between us and Naraku's army will determine who gets the completed Shikon Jewel.'

Youko was now confused. `But I killed Naraku.'

`That was only a puppet. Naraku himself almost never leaves his castle. He sends out puppets or his detachments to do all his dirty work.'

`I see…Now if this Naraku is constantly after your lives, why is the miko so trusting of strange demons she does not know?'

`It's just how Kagome is. Almost all the friends she has in this time have either tried to kill her or kidnapped her. They are all now her very close friends and allies.'

Youko narrowed his eyes at the kit when he caught his slip. `What do you mean by `this time'?'

Panic filled Shippo's aura and he scrambled off of Kagome's shoulder to resume walking next to her. `Umm…I can't tell you that…only Kagome can…' he stuttered.

Nodding slowly, Youko averted his gaze toward the front of the traveling group. What did the kit mean when he said that? Smirking to himself, Youko decided to let the kit off the hook. He would ask the miko himself once he gained enough energy to revert to his humanoid form.

Kagome was quietly listening as Shippo and the kitsune talked. Once she saw her kit leap to the ground with a slightly startled look on his face, she knew he had said something he wasn't supposed to. Once the kitsune returned to his resting, Kagome turned to Shippo.

“Shippo…are you allowed to tell me what you guys were talking about?”

The kit glanced toward the kitsune, who nodded discreetly before Shippo smiled. He leapt onto her shoulder and began explaining everything that was said. Kagome was surprised that the kitsune had encountered Naraku and lived to tell about it. He must be quite strong to take on both Kagura and Naraku by himself. Kagome was delighted to finally hear the name of the kitsune that was temporarily traveling with them. Shippo explained how well known Youko was and Kagome wasn't surprised that she had once again befriended yet another demon with a dark past. Once the kit finished explaining everything about what Youko had told him, she moved on to ask what he had spilled out.

“So what did you tell him? I'm sure he had some questions concerning our odd group.”

Shippo hesitated for a moment before answering. “I told him that you are the jewel's guardian and that you're the one that broke it…and that we are trying to collect the shards before Naraku does.”

“Ok, anything else?”

Shippo sighed. How did mothers always know when their kids did something they weren't supposed to? It would remain a mystery to him how they possibly figured it out. “I accidentally said `your time' instead of village. I'm just so used to talking to everyone about it being your time because I barely talk to anyone besides you guys! I'm sorry Kagome…”

Kagome laughed quietly and ruffled the child's fire red hair. “It's alright Shippo. I have a feeling we can trust Youko with our little secret. And I'm sure a great thief like him doesn't take lightly to someone stealing from them. So I'll bet Youko has quite a grudge against Naraku too now.”

Youko growled quietly in agreement and Kagome laughed. “See? Maybe we just gained another powerful ally too…” Kagome's line of thought was immediately cut short when she felt jewel shards speeding toward them.

“Inuyasha, there ar…”

“It's that damn wolf.” Inuyasha growled as he unsheathed his sword. A whirlwind of dust could be seen in the distance and Kagome groaned. Before Inuyasha could even react, the whirlwind sped up and flew right by him only to come to a halt in front of Kagome. No one was surprised to see Kouga holding Kagome's hands once the dust settled. Kagome smiled as the wolf grinned down at the miko.

“Hello Kagome, I trust mutt face has been taking good care of you?”

“Get your filthy paws off her flee bag!” Inuyasha growled as he was about to pull the wolf away from Kagome when something stopped him in his tracks. Everyone stared in surprise at the kitsune that was recently relaxing in Kagome's bag flung his head up to glare at Kouga. Snarling, he removed his front paws from the warmth of the pack and placed them on Kagome's shoulder before pushing himself up so he was half in the bag and half standing on Kagome's shoulder. His long silver ears pinned threateningly against his head, his growling demanded the wolf back away from the miko.

“Who the hell are you?” Kouga growled after he released Kagome's hands.

Youko just continued to growl at Kouga, baring his long sharp teeth at the wolf. Kagome laughed nervously as she slowly and carefully raised her hand up toward Youko's head. She waited for him to notice her hand before placing it softly on his head and scratching the base of his ear. He eventually calmed and rested his paws on the miko's shoulder before lying his head down on his paws. Even though he was much calmer than he was just moments ago, Youko was still glaring at Kouga.

“Sorry Kouga, this is Youko.” Kagome smiled sheepishly.

“You know his name now?” Sango asked.

“Yea, he and Shippo were talking. We found out that Youko was injured by Naraku because he had a shard.” Kagome explained.

“Well I'm surprised that over sized rat even survived an attack from Naraku.” Kouga snorted.

Inuyasha chuckled as Youko bared his teeth in their direction. Kagome sighed as she moved to sit on a rock nearby. Sango set down Kagome's blue pack next to her before asking Shippo and Miroku to gather some wood for a fire. Since it seemed like they weren't going to be leaving for some time and the sun was beginning to fall behind the mountains, they decided to start camp.

Kagome carefully took the bag from her shoulders and pulled it loose. She was about to lift Youko out of the bag when he stood on his own and stretched. She watched in surprise as he slowly made his way over to her and stretched across her lap. Lying comfortably in her lap, Youko rested his head on her leg as he continued to glare at Inuyasha and Kouga.

“You better get off of my woman weasel!” Kouga growled.

“Leave him alone Kouga, he's injured and not fit to fight.” Kagome scolded the wolf only to retrieve a grunt in reply.

“I'll back off for now, but once that whelp is healed I'm not holding back.”

“Was there a particular reason for your visit Kouga?” Sango asked, trying to change the subject.

“In fact, there was. I caught wind of Naraku just a few days ago. Kagura and that troublesome kid with a sickle were heading east.”

“A sickle? Do you mean Kohaku?” Kagome asked quickly.

“It had to be him… was he injured?” Sango asked softly.

“Not from what I saw, he looked perfectly fine. But there was a demon after them. He moved so quick all I could see was his black clothing.” Kouga grudgingly admitted.

At hearing that piece of information, Youko's ears perked up and he stared at the wolf with a knowing smirk. Kagome looked down to Youko and scratched his ear softly.

“Youko, do you know this demon in black?” Kagome asked, knowing he could understand her.

`Yes, it must be Hiei. He is my thieving partner.' Youko answered.

“He says it's probably his comrade Hiei.” Shippo translated.

“So he's on our side if he was chasing down Kagura right?” Sango asked.

“I would hope so Sango, because anyone that can bypass Kouga's speed is well worth having as an ally.” Miroku stated.

“Kouga, will you be traveling with us?” Kagome asked, changing the subject for the time being.

“I guess I could for a few days, but I have to return to my pack soon.” He replied.

Nodding, Kagome carefully lifted Youko out of her lap. He pouted slightly as she moved toward her pack to begin dinner. “Would you like ramen for dinner tonight Inuyasha?”

At hearing his favorite meal, he turned a pleading smile toward the miko. “You know I would never turn down ramen Kagome.”

Rolling her eyes, she began cooking enough for everyone to eat. Once it was ready, she handed out bowls to everyone except Youko. For the kitsune, she placed his meal in a plate with less of the juice but enough to keep the noodles moist. Having never smelt anything like it before, he slowly took a bite. Finding that this food was as delightful as the `pocky' Shippo had shared with him, he quickly finished him meal. Where did this miko find such tasteful foods? Youko usually didn't enjoy human food but this miko's odd snacks and dinners were an exception.

Once everything was cleaned up, Inuyasha leapt up into a tree for the night. Kouga rested against a tree, as did Miroku, while Sango prepared her sleeping bag. Shippo helped Kagome unpack her sleeping bag and blankets as Youko merely sat by and watched. Kagome set up her sleeping bag as she did the night before and looked toward Youko. She smiled and pat the spot, signaling for him to lay there. Curious of where the miko would sleep, he watched her as he slowly made his way toward his makeshift bed. He was confused when she didn't move from her spot and looked him over carefully.

“Youko, I have to change your bandages…is that alright with you?” she asked quietly. He replied with a curt nod and she pulled out her first aid kit. With careful hands, she slowly unwrapped the bandage only to stare at the kitsune in surprise. The wound was completely healed over. Even the fur was beginning to grow back to its original length around where the wound used to be.

Youko wasn't surprised his wound was gone; he healed exceptionally fast because he could gather healing energy from the surrounding trees. Now he just needed to regain his youki energy so he could revert to his humanoid form. He would most likely have enough energy gathered by midday tomorrow.

“Ok, well you're healed physically, so now you just need to regain your energy right?” Kagome asked.

Youko was quite impressed this miko held so much knowledge of demons. Deciding to answer her, he nodded his head before resting his head on his paws. Kagome smiled and moved toward Kirara with a pleading pout. The neko mewed before transforming and licking the miko's cheek. Kagome giggled and tweaked the fire cat's ear as she laid back against the demons warm fur.

“Kirara, you make a great pillow, did you know that?” she giggled when the neko purred and draped her large warm tails over the miko's bare legs. Thanking her demon friend, she scooped Shippo up into her arms and hugged him close to her chest as they fell into a comforting sleep.

Youko continued to stare at the strange miko holding the orphaned kitsune. This miko truly intrigued him. He just couldn't get over how oddly kind she was for a miko, whose sole purpose in life is to despise demons. Yet she cared, loved, and befriended many of the dangerous demons she came in contact with. And even though he was fully healed physically, she still insisted that he sleep on her main source of comfort for the night. She was far to caring and trusting for her own good. It was bound to land her in some serious trouble one day.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Youko woke the next morning feeling far more refreshed and energized than the day before. With the miko's help, he easily healed twice as fast as he would if he had no help at all. Waking before anyone else, the kitsune stretched his sore muscles before trotting off to find some water. Returning minutes later, he found everyone was still sound asleep. Releasing a long, bored sigh, Youko took a look around camp. His eyes landing on the sleeping miko, he slowly made his way over to her.

She was quite breathtaking for a mere human. Most humans weren't exactly appealing to the eye but this woman was different. Clear and smooth creamy skin, soft but firm legs, flat stomach, silky dark hair. He also noted that this particular human bathed quite often. Unlike other humans, who bathed maybe once a week, she tried her best to find a spring or some source of water to clean up in everyday. He had to admit she was attractive. Her legs were thick but pure muscle and her backside was positively perfect. Same for her breasts, they weren't too large or too small.

A sigh escaped him as Youko realized that he was slowly growing to like the miko. His feelings confused him though. Never before had he felt anything more than simple attraction toward a female. But this feeling was different. Yes he was attracted to her but it was something more, something deeper than attraction. How could feelings such as these have developed over such a short period of time? He only knew the miko for a few days and already she haunted his every thought.

Kagome began to stir and he turned his golden gaze to her. Her eyes slowly opened and her chocolate brown eyes slowly focused on him. Staring into the kitsune's amazing golden eyes, she smiled.

“Good morning Youko, did you sleep well?”

Youko gave her a small nod as he watched her stretch before standing up. She quickly grabbed her large bag and headed off toward the spring he had visited earlier that morning. He was tempted to follow the miko but decided to remain where he was when he heard Shippo slowly beginning to wake.

Kagome slowly made her way to the small spring she had found the night before. Finally reaching her destination, she stepped onto a rock that was the first of many in a small path toward the center of the spring. Stepping onto each stone that protruded from the water until she reached the last one, she sat down and set her pack next to her. After removing a small towel from her bag, Kagome washed her face. Wiping her face dry, she decided to sit there in the silence for a little longer.

Closing her eyes, she just listened to the flowing water and the birds singing as she completely relaxed her muscles. Kagome didn't have the slightest clue why but suddenly the miko remembered she had forgotten that she promised Kaede some of the spices they sold in her time. They were rare and priceless in this time and the old miko had requested some so she could experiment without going completely broke. Once she realized this, for some odd reason Kagome happened to snap her fingers.

Disappointed that she had actually forgotten, her gaze fell to her lap. Within moments, what the miko had just recently been fretting over vanished from her mind as she stared in complete shock at her fingers. There, engulfing the tip of her pointer finger, and looking similar to a small flame, was purification. It looked almost exactly like the flame that appeared from a lighter when lit but this flame was blue. It danced in the wind before disappearing as if it were never there.

Still in complete shock and not quite sure what to do, the miko stood and took a step forward. Unfortunately, she forgot the small fact that she was standing on a rock in the middle of the spring and ended up falling into the water. Swimming to the surface, Kagome let out a sigh of annoyance as she pulled herself out of the water. Lifting her bag, the miko was about to pull out a fresh pair of clothes when she heard her name being called. Recognizing Inuyasha's voice, she hurried back to camp, knowing the hanyou was probably having a heart attack since he had no idea where she was.

Finally reaching camp, everyone stared at her in question. Rolling her eyes, she set her pack down before turning her attention to Inuyasha. She stared at him expectantly, waiting for an explanation.

“What?” he asked, irritated with her staring at him.

“What do you mean `what'? Why did you call me?!”

“I didn't know where you were.”

“And you couldn't just use your nose to find out?!” she glared at him.

“What's got you in such a bad mood this morning? And why are you soaking wet?”

“I was washing up when…something happened and I fell into the spring.” She explained.

“What happened Kagome? Are you alright?” Sango asked quickly, beginning to worry.

“I'm fine. I don't know how but I somehow summoned my purification powers.” She explained as she moved to start breakfast.

“Miss Kagome, how exactly did you summon them? Kaede and I have been working so hard with you to control your powers but nothing seemed to work.” Miroku asked.

“I don't know really. I was relaxing and suddenly remembered something I forgot and snapped my fingers and it was there.” Kagome said. Curious, the miko lifted her fingers and snapped. Nothing happened. She frowned and sat in front of the fire Shippo had just made with a slight pout.

“I wonder what triggered her powers…could it have been her concentration?” Sango asked.

“That couldn't be it. We tried many different methods of concentration and nothing seemed to have worked.” Miroku stated.

“Well the wench couldn't do it again so maybe she was seeing things.” Inuyasha snorted.

“I was not seeing things! It was there!” Kagome argued.

“Well why can't you do it again then wench?!” Inuyasha argued back.

“I don't know!”

“Exactly, so you were seein things.” The hanyou snorted.

Glaring at him angrily, Kagome stood and left camp. Youko turned a hard glare toward Inuyasha and growled at him softly.

“What are you growlin at weasel?!” Inuyasha snarled.

Baring his teeth at the hanyou, Youko trotted off in the direction Kagome disappeared.

Kagome wiped away her tears angrily. She was currently sitting at the base of a large tree deep in the forest near camp. She sniffled as she snapped her fingers once again. She glared angrily at her fingers as tears still flooded down her cheeks. Why wouldn't it work again? Why can't she control her powers? Kikyou controls her powers easily, so why can't she? The little miko continued to snap her fingers, just hoping that maybe there will be that beginning spark that flares her purification to life.

Youko easily found Kagome; he simply followed the scent of salt. He knew she was crying by the smell so he decided to keep his distance for the time being. Watching her from afar, he could see she was repeatedly snapping her fingers. He sighed heavily. She must still be trying to summon her powers. He had to admit that the hanyou could be right about her imagining seeing her powers. A trick of the mind because she merely wished so deeply to control her powers. He didn't quite believe that she actually summoned her power but the hanyou had no reason to be so harsh. He most definitely did not need to hurt the miko as he did.

Deciding he had stood there for long enough, Youko stretched and gladly realized he had regained enough energy to revert to his other form. Smirking, he slowly chanced back to his humanoid form before focusing his golden gaze on the crying miko. He gradually made his way toward her until he stood beside her. He was both surprised and disturbed that she had yet to notice his presence and was about to get her attention when suddenly a spark of blue fire ignited around the miko's finger.

Kagome was trying so hard. She really wanted to show everyone that she was telling the truth. She concentrated everything on her fingers and snapping them. She was so concentrated that she didn't even notice the demon that was standing beside her. She was just about to give up hope when suddenly she felt the spark she had been waiting for. She stared as if in a trace as the tip of her finger slowly ignited with the blue flame of purification. She grinned in triumph, but when she heard someone she didn't recognize speak from behind her, her heart dropped out of her stomach and her smile disappeared.

“You really did summon your purification power.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A/N:

So that's the first chapter! Hope you all like the beginning of my brand new fic! I don't know why but for some reason I randomly get these other ideas for new fics and I just have to stop the fic I'm updating and need to just start writing the new one. Then once I have the first few chapters written, I can go back and continue writing for my other fics. It's weird. And sometimes I just get bored of my other fics and just start a new one. All well, as long as I keep updating all of them right?! So don't worry, I'm still working on my other three fics, I just wanted to get this out for you all to see. If you guys like it, I'll continue this one as well as my others ^_^ so let me know how you like this! R&R please, I love your reviews ^_^

*~Icyfire~*

Next Chapter - Chapter 2: Burning Flame