Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Fire Within ❯ Broken Ice ( Chapter 4 )

[ 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 4: Broken Ice

After a few more days in the hospital, Kagome was finally released to return home. Her wound wasn't completely healed quite yet but enough so that it wouldn't reopen and bleed once more. If she moved to quickly or in a certain way, she could feel a sharp stinging pain throughout her entire midsection. Kagome was beyond frustrated because no matter how much pain she put herself in, she just couldn't seem to summon her healing powers to cure her wound. It just didn't make sense… her powers were tied to her emotions, so why couldn't she get her healing powers working?

Kagome sighed in relief when the shrine steps came into view. She couldn't wait to get back to the feudal era and show Sango that she was perfectly fine. The miko knew her friend was most likely beating herself up over the situation and she needed to return as soon as she could before Sango hurt herself. The slayer was probably in the worst mood too, so Kagome wanted nothing more than to pull her into a tight hug and tell her that everything was alright.

Seeing Sango wasn't the only reason she was so impatient to get back though… she also couldn't wait to see Youko once more. She was also curious to see if Hiei had stuck around or not. And Inuyasha was probably growing irritated with how long it was taking her to recover. She also missed Shippo dearly. Facing Inuyasha and having to listen to his many insults of how weak she was would probably be the only downfall of returning to the feudal era.

Once she cleared the hundreds of stairs that lead to her home, she rushed to say goodbye to her family before making her way to the well house. Taking a deep breath, Kagome swung her legs over the lip of the well and dropped down into it. The comforting purple light of time travel caught her and gently guided her to her feet at the bottom of the well before disappearing. Looking up, she smiled when she saw the beautiful clear sky above her.

Careful of her injury, she slowly pulled herself up the vines that lined the walls of the well. Once she reached the top, she pulled herself up and over the edge. Sitting there for a moment to regain her breath, she looked around at her surroundings. Kagome was slightly surprised that no one was there to greet her. Usually Shippo was sitting there waiting for her or Inuyasha was staring down the well debating if he should go and drag her back.

Shrugging, she began her way down the path that led to Kaede's village. She was only a few feet from exiting the forest and stepping foot into the village when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist from behind. She jumped slightly before relaxing when she caught Youko's scent of fresh roses. She smiled softly as he pulled her back against him and nuzzled her neck affectionately.

“I was worried you wouldn't return…” he murmured after a long silence.

“You can't get rid of me that easily. Besides, if I didn't come back who would make sure you're behaving yourself?” she said sarcastically.

Youko snorted. “If you are referring to my unbelievably great skills of seduction, you need not worry… they are reserved for only you.” he purred.

Kagome blushed slightly, glad that he was behind her and couldn't see her red face. “Really now? Even if I were to never return?” she asked jokingly.

“If you were to disappear, I would spend the remainder of my life searching for you.” the kitsune stated quietly.

Surprised, Kagome turned in his embrace to face him. Staring up into his golden eyes she found no humor, only truth. “Why?”

Youko sighed as his eyes drifted closed for a moment in thought before they reopened and locked with her bright blue ones. “I can barely express the feelings I hold for you Kagome… I've never felt them before.”

Only further confused now, Kagome asked him to elaborate. “What kind of feelings are you referring to?”

“Before you stumbled into my life, I despised humans… especially mikos. I believed they were spineless cowards that did not deserve to share this world with demons. I deemed humans to be selfish, disgusting creatures that only did things to benefit themselves but when you came along… you threw my entire view point into chaos.” He explained.

“You've lost me…” she murmured, trying to see the connection between what he had just said and his emotions toward her.

Youko sighed with a smile and rolled his eyes. The miko was completely clueless of how incredible she truly was. “If any human or miko would have come across an injured demon, they would have either left it to die or killed it without hesitation but you… you reacted different. You wanted to help cure me and at that point, I wasn't sure what to think.

“I was curtain it was some type of trick and that you were going to kill me but you proved me wrong. You cared and protected me in my time of weakness. You traded a comfortable night's sleep just so I could sleep without pain. Even after I was physically cured, you insisted that I remain on your sleeping bag.”

Kagome rolled her eyes. “I don't understand why you're making such a big deal out of that. I was just helping you heal because you were hurt, I wasn't about to leave you to die.”

“And that's exactly why you are different from so many others… Kagome you were even injured the entire time and you still carried me through your travels. You are selfless, caring, strong willed and open minded. You are unique among your kind… especially for a miko.”

“I don't see where you're going here? How does that have anything to do with your feelings toward me?”

“You truly are completely clueless to how perfect you are aren't you? For those reasons and many others… I love you Kagome.” Youko said, gazing down at her.

Kagome stared up at him in shock. Had he really said the L word? But how could he possibly love her? She was a weak and pathetic human… “I don't understand how…”

“I realize that it is quite sudden but for the entire time you were in your time, I realized just how much I care for you.” He interrupted her. “I can't express the strong emotions I feel because I've never felt this way before… but I could perhaps show you.” he smirked.

Kagome blushed once more when the kitsune pulled her flush against him. She didn't stop him as he leaned down and pressed his lips against hers gently. Kagome smiled against his lips as she wrapped her arms around his neck. The miko knew she had fallen for him as well but like him, she just wasn't completely sure of how to express her feelings. She was also afraid of his rejection… though she wasn't sure why seeing as he had already requested for her to be his mate.

His claim mark was still on her neck yet she felt as if she wasn't good enough for him. Youko was a powerful and very attractive demon and she was positive that he could get any woman he desired. She wasn't sure why he had chosen her out of all the bigger fish in the sea but she sure as hell wasn't going to complain. She was currently locking lips with her first true love… and she was happier than a fat kid loves cake.

Youko deepened the kiss and pulled her closer as she returned his kiss. She blushed as she felt her breasts pressed firmly against his perfect chest and his tail slither around her right thigh. Parting to breath, Youko's lips relocated to her neck where he proceeded to nip softly at her skin. Her eyes fluttered shut as he moved to nibble on her ear before making his way back down to her neck and placing small kisses there.

Suddenly Kagome felt a tingling feeling on the edge of her senses and reacted instinctively. Without really thinking of what she was doing, Kagome pushed Youko away from her and swiftly bent backwards into a bridge before kicking her legs up into a back walkover to dodge the poison darts aimed toward them. A sharp pain shot through her entire body from stretching her stomach… therefore also stretching her injury as well.

Wincing from the pain, she didn't have time to ponder over how she possibly did that as she sensed several more darted headed toward her. Kagome ducked and turned to stare with wide eyes as the darts embedded themselves into the tree behind her and burned the bark slowly. She turned to search for Youko only to find him gone. Before she could panic, she heard the sound of tearing flesh and a pained shriek before silence fell upon the forest once more.

Kagome ground her teeth together as she rode out the burning sensation she felt from her stab wound. She wasn't sure how she possibly bent completely backward onto her hands but sure regretted it now. She felt as if when she stretched, her wound was being torn open, even though it wasn't. Once she regained control of her pain, she stood from the ground. Youko appeared in the distance with a slight scowl on his handsome face.

“What was it?” Kagome asked, turning to stare at the poison darts still sizzling in the tree.

“A toad demon that reeked of Naraku. How did I not sense it before you?”

“I'm not sure, I just felt it and reacted instinctively.” She answered.

“Speaking of your reaction, it was incredible… how did you possibly bent that far?” the kitsune asked, a smirk replacing his previous frustration from not being able to protect her.

Kagome shrugged. “I haven't the slightest clue… I didn't even no I could do a back bend, not to mention a back walkover.” She muttered.

“Are those more gymnastic moves?” Youko asked curiously, trying to rid his mind of all the new possibilities they could achieve with Kagome's flexibility… he felt himself getting hard from the mere thought.

“Yea… this is so weird.” Kagome mused, lost in thought.

“Perhaps we should return to the village before there's another attack.” Youko suggested before taking her hand in his and leading her toward Kaede's hut. Before they could even enter, Shippo came speeding out and threw himself at the miko. Hugging her around the neck tightly, he expressed quite loudly just how excited he was to see her back. Kagome smiled and returned his affection.

“I missed you too Shippo, how is Sango?”

Shippo's excitement disappeared when she mention the slayer. “Sango… feels terrible.”

“Where is she?”

“In the hut. She hasn't left since Inuyasha took you to your time and has barely eaten… we're really worried about her.”

Kagome sighed and placed the kit on the ground gently. “I knew I should have ditched the hospital.” She muttered as she rushed into the hut. Her eyes scanned over the occupants of the room until she found Sango, staring blankly at the wall. She looked as if she had gone through hell and back. Shaking her head, Kagome made her way to her friend and kneeled down in front of her. Before Sango even realized who was sitting before her, Kagome pulled her into a tight hug.

“Will you stop beating yourself up already? I'm fine.” Kagome whispered.

“Kagome?” Sango gasped, seeming to finally return to the world of the living. Once she realized it certainly was Kagome, the slayer hugged her fiercely. “Kagome I'm so sorry!”

“Quit that ok? I'm fine! Heck, the only reason I was gone for so long was because I was experimenting.” The miko admitted.

“Experimenting how?” Youko growled, glaring at her accusingly.

Kagome laughed sheepishly as Sango released her. “Well I figured it would be the perfect opportunity to test my healing powers.”

“Wench… you're telling me that you took so long cause you purposely continued to reopen your wound!” Inuyasha yelled as he entered the hut. To Kagome's surprise, Hiei followed behind him.

“Well not quite… I woke up in the hospital and the doctor told me I wasn't allowed to leave my bed unless I had to use the bathroom but I knew that if I felt pain that my healing powers would kick in… so I was kinda walking around the hospital…” she admitted.

“Then I don't understand what took you so long to heal.” The hanyou growled.

“My healing powers never activated for some reason… I kept trying but nothing worked.” She said, slightly frustrated.

“She isn't even completely healed yet.” Hiei snorted.

Kagome turned a glare to him as she stood. “What gave you that idea, I'm perfectly fine.”

Before she could blink, Hiei was across the room and tapped her stomach with the sheath of his sword. He rolled his eyes as the miko hunched over from the pain. “That's what I thought.”

“If you wish to remain among the living Hiei, I suggest you reframe from harming her again.” Youko growled at his companion.

“Hn” he snorted as he leaned back against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. As if the kitsune could kill him that easily. That was highly doubtful.

“Enough you two, I'm fine.” Kagome stated stubbornly. “So when are we leaving to search for more shards?”

Surprised that for once Kagome was the one rushing to get back to traveling, Inuyasha stuttered. “Uh… well we could leave tomorrow morning.”

“Perfect, that was I take a bath tonight.” Kagome smiled before turning to Sango. “Join me?”

Her friend smiled and nodded. Sango was so relieved that Kagome was alright. Sure she was still in pain but at least she was alive. She wasn't quite sure what she would have done if the miko didn't survive… she probably would have gone to search for Naraku by herself. She knew it was a death wish for her to face him on her own… but that would have been the point.

Since Kagome's pack was left behind when Inuyasha rushed her to the future, the miko made her way over to the bag to gather her bathing supplies. Grabbing two thin white towels, Kagome handed one to Sango before motioning for her to lead the way to the hot spring. Before they exited the hut, both women turned threatening glares toward the men.

“Peep and I'll beat you so hard you won't remember your name.” Sango hissed, her threat mainly directed toward Miroku.

“That goes for you as well.” Kagome added, eyeing Youko suspiciously.

“Sango… I would never!” the monk said, acting as if he were insulted.

Both girls snorted before leaving the hut. Just as they exited, they were both attacked. Kagome had sensed it coming but couldn't move fast enough as Kagura's wind slammed both of them into the wall of Kaede's hut. They both fell to the ground as everyone came rushing out. Kagome tried her best to stay conscious but the throbbing pain at the back of her head was so overwhelming.

When Kagura had thrown her wind at them, Kagome's head slammed quite hard against the wall. She wasn't sure of Sango's current condition but she knew they were safe because the last thing she saw before losing consciousness was Hiei and Inuyasha attacking Kagura. She hoped Sango was alright and she could faintly hear someone calling her name desperately but the voice was slowly fading as darkness filled her pain filled mind.

Kagome woke with a gasp several minutes later, springing up into a sitting position and forcing everyone to step back and allow the miko to breath. Panting, Kagome turned her gaze up to see everyone was gathered around her to see if she was alright. Youko was sitting beside her and seemed to be prepared to carry her into the hut until she woke so suddenly.

Kagome's mind raced with what she had seen while she was unconscious. Once the darkness took over her, images flashed before Kagome's eyes… memories… it was as if her mind was uploading information that had been lost for a long time. Images of her as a small child were first. She was shocked when she watched her younger self run into a gymnastic routine and stick the landing perfectly. Hundreds of memories from her forgotten childhood refreshed themselves in her mind.

Kagome wondered how she could have possibly forgotten them until the last memory unfolded. She could clearly recall that day now… she was performing on the beam and only had to score several more points in order to place first in their school competition. Kagome was almost reaching her finish when she landed wrong on one of her front flips and slipped off the beam. Somehow, her head collided with the bean hard enough to give her a concussion as well as temporary amnesia.

Kagome turned her gaze to Youko, who was staring at her with worried eyes. “I remember…” she whispered.

“Remember what?” he asked in confusion.

Kagome's gaze turned up to Hiei and she smiled slightly. “You were right Hiei…”

“The onna hit her head so hard she's delusional.” Hiei snorted.

“No, I'm fine… actually that hit helped me.” She said as she pushed herself to her feet.

“Kagome, you hit your head quite hard, maybe you should sit back down.” Miroku suggested as she wobbled on her feet slightly.

Youko stood and steadied her before agreeing with the monk. “Let's go back in the hut and get you to sleep.”

“Will all of you calm down and listen?” Kagome snapped, finally growing irritated with their lack of attention. “That knock brought back my childhood memories that I didn't remember.”

“Since when could you not remember your childhood?” Inuyasha asked.

“Since forever, I just never thought about it. But I remember now… I hit fell and got a concussion and lost my memory.” She explained.

“The only thing she's lost is her mind.” Hiei stated as he shook his head.

Kagome rolled her eyes. “Do you remember when I did that back flip?” she asked and when Hiei nodded she turned to Youko. “And when I did the back bend and walkover?” he nodded as well and she smiled. “I used to be a gymnast.”

“What's a gymnast?” Sango asked.

“I'll show you.” Kagome smirked as she asked for them to follow her. The miko that everyone was sure had lost her marbles led them to the clearing where the well was. Ordering them to stay where they were, Kagome made her way to the well. Everyone turned to their left and watched her close her eyes and breathe slowly.

Opening her eyes, Kagome pushed off with a strength no one knew she possessed and performed a round off double back handspring before landing perfectly on her feet, her hands in the air with a huge smile on her face. Everyone stood staring at the miko in shock. Did she really just do that?

Kagome grinned to herself happily. Oh how she missed those adrenaline rushes she felt before diving into a routine. The one she just performed started with a move similar to a cartwheel but with a half twist. Her legs snapped down in a pair landing in the direction she started. This move was called a round off. Following her round off, she dove into a fluid back handspring twice in a row, which was a flip of her body onto both hands with her legs following as a pair. She began and ended in a standing position.

Shippo was the first to break away from his shock and ran to her in excitement. “Kagome that was so cool!!” he yelled.

Kagome smiled and laughed, “You think so?”

“Definitely!!” he nodded enthusiastically.

Youko and Hiei were next to snap out of their stupor and made their way over to the miko. “That was incredible…” Youko muttered.

“If she knew how to fight, it could serve quite useful.” Hiei commented.

Catching his comment, Kagome gained a thoughtful expression before turning a smile to Sango. “Sango?”

The slayer pulled herself out of her daze and stared at the miko in question. “Yes?”

“Would you consider training me to fight?” Kagome asked, putting on her best puppy dog pout.

Sango smirked. “Only if you teach me how to do whatever you just did.”

“Deal!” Kagome grinned.

“Hell no!” Inuyasha growled. “There is no way your teaching the wench to fight!”

Youko growled at Inuyasha but remained where he was at the miko's side because she was the one to snap at the hanyou before he could. “And why not?!”

“Because you're so damn clumsy that you'll probably get yourself killed if we let you battle with us! You're better off staying off on the sidelines like you always do and shoot things with your damn arrows.” Inuyasha huffed.

Kagome glared at him angrily. “If I can beat you in a one on one battle with no weapons after I'm done with training, will you let me fight?”

Inuyasha snorted. “You? Beat me? Feh that ain't gunna happen in a million years wench.”

“I take you that you accept my challenge.” Kagome flared, glaring at the gloating hanyou.

“You're really looking for a good beating wench.” Inuyasha chuckled. “I'll take you on. Practice all you want, you won't beat me.”

“We'll see about that.”

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

Over the next month, Kagome was under the most torturous training she could ever remember experiencing. Sango didn't go easy on her and instead pushed her to her limit until she was so exhausted that she nearly collapsed. Sango had her training both day and night and Kagome was sure if Naraku didn't kill her within the next few months, Sango sure as hell would.

Everyone was slightly surprised that Hiei accompanied the group when they left to hunt for shards. They brushed it off though since they felt no threat from him. He was probably bored like Youko and decided there was nothing better to do, so why not follow the odd ball group of entertaining humans and demons? With Kagome going through torturous training, Sango beating the living shit out of Miroku for being a hentai, the miko arguing with Inuyasha, and sitting him to hell… he was sure to stay entertained.

The first week was probably the hardest. Since it had been years since Kagome had performed any type of gymnastic move, she was completely out of shape besides the muscles she built from traveling and fighting demons. Sango made Kagome carry large rocks in her pack when they began traveling the morning following the night Kagome's memories came back to her. Kagome thought her legs would break from the weight and she couldn't believe Sango wanted her to carry them the entire day!

Youko and Shippo found it difficult to watch the miko during her training. They were both so tempted to relieve her of the heavy weight that threatened to crush her. Half way through the day, Kagome's legs were shaking so intensely that everyone doubted she would make it to the end of the day. Kagome surprised everyone though by pushing herself and proving she was much had a far stronger will than they first expected. Youko had smirked the first night as he watched Kagome painfully crawl into her sleeping bag. He shouldn't have been so surprised, she was quite stubborn.

Kagome was forced to carry that heavy bag the entire week. On top of that muscle aching endurance training, Sango was beginning to teach her close combat without weapons. The slayer would go through the steps and have Kagome repeat her. Once Sango realized how quick of a learner Kagome was, the slayer pushed her training to the edge. Sango would show her a new technique once and then immediately attack Kagome, expecting her to defend herself with the exact technique she had performed.

Sango was quite proud to see Kagome doing well in the fast pace training. She wasn't going easy on her, not even on the first day, and the miko was proving to be a worthy opponent. Sango was curious of how deadly her friend would be if she learned to fight with a katana or other type of close combat weapon. She would most definitely be a force to be reckoned with.

To everyone's surprise, Kagome finished Sango's training in that first month. Even during their hard core training, Kagome was still able to alert everyone when a jewel shard was near. Kagome was capable of sparing with Sango and evenly matching her majority of the time. Sango would of course beat her every once and a while but Kagome's improvement was very impressive. Youko was quite proud of his potential mate. Now she was not only beautiful but also deadly.

Now that Kagome's training was over with Sango, she had to hold up her end of the deal and teach Sango her gymnastic moves. Once she was finished teaching Sango, she was determined to carry out her battle against Inuyasha. The night she finished her training, Kagome smirked as she turned a cruel smile to Sango. It was now her turn to torment the slayer…

Once dinner was over, Kagome called for Sango's attention. The slayer looked up to the miko in question. Kagome motioned for her friend to sit beside her on the opposite side of camp from everyone else. When she sat next to Kagome, Sango turned to her. Smiling, the miko stretched her legs out straight in front of her before bending over, touching her forehead to her knees, and touching her toes.

“Before doing any flips, we always have to stretch.” Kagome instructed. Everyone at the other end of the camp was staring at the miko in disbelief. How did she possibly do that?

Sango laughed nervously as she stared at the position Kagome was in. “You want me to do that?!”

Kagome sighed and leaned back before standing. She ordered for Sango to stretch her legs out straight as she had. Sango did as she was told and leaned forward, though couldn't reach as far as Kagome could… and definitely couldn't touch her forehead to her knees! Sango winced in pain as Kagome placed her hands on her back and pushed her farther down. Sango could feel the intense stretch in her thighs as well as her back.

“The more you practice your flexibility, the easier this will be. And soon you'll be able to do the splits.” Kagome grinned as she allowed the slayer to return to her sitting position.

“What's the splits?” Inuyasha asked curiously.

Kagome smirked as if she was waiting for someone to ask her that question. Moving to stand beside Sango, she slowly slid down to the ground, one of her legs stretched in front of her while the other was straight out behind her. She touched the ground and the men in the group winced. Damn that would hurt for a guy…

Kagome laughed. “That's known as the front splits. There is also the side splits, otherwise known as the straddle.” She explained as she maneuvered her legs so that one was stretched straight out to her left and the other to her right.

“Can you do something cool again Kagome?!” Shippo asked in excitement.

Kagome laughed and placed her hands palms down on the ground next to each other directly in front of her. Her muscles flexed as she very slowly pushed herself up and off the ground. Still in the splits position, she rolled her body up so that she was completely upside down before slowly bringing her legs together and ending up in a simple handstand. Dirty thoughts began to plague Youko's mind as he watched her gracefully drop her legs back and finish in a standing position.

“And I'll be able to do all that by the time you're done with me?” Sango asked.

Kagome nodded with a smile and Sango stretched her legs straight once more before reaching forward as far as she could. Kagome laughed and moved to stand behind her once more and assist her by pushing her body down further so she could feel the stretch. Kagome smiled brightly when Shippo moved to sit next to Sango and copied her position. Kirara came trotting up behind Shippo and pressed her paws to the kit's back and copied Kagome's motions.

After spending a few hours going through several different stretches, everyone prepared for bed. Sango was sore from her muscles being stretched much farther then they had every been and was relieved to finally lie in her comfortable sleeping bag. Once everyone was asleep, Kagome glance around camp to make sure everyone was sleeping. Moving quickly but very quietly, she slid from her sleeping bag and followed to where she felt Hiei's aura.

Staring up into the tree, she whispered up to him. “Hiei? Could you come down?”

Said hybrid appeared at her side with his usual scowl and she smiled.

“What do you want miko.”

“I was wondering… if you would spare with me?” She asked quietly.

Hiei stared at her as if she had lost her mind. “Why?”

“Because you're a demon and I know you're quick. If I'm going to beat Inuyasha, I need to push my human limits and become faster than Sango. I can't do that if I'm only sparing with her.” she explained.

Hiei crossed his arms over his chest. “I won't go easy on you onna.”

“I don't expect you to. If I was looking for mercy, I would have asked Youko to spare with me.” She smirked.

“Hn.” Was the only reply she received before Hiei began walking away from camp. Grinning to herself like a happy school girl, she followed behind him. They stopped at a slightly more open area and Kagome's eyes widened when Hiei suddenly disappeared. She was immediately on guard and used her senses to locate where the hybrid was. Unfortunately, he was moving so quickly that she couldn't find him quick enough to block or dodge any of his attacks.

After several hours of merely getting her ass beat around, Hiei announce for her to get some sleep. Kagome grudgingly stomped back to camp and Hiei smirked. She was determined and stubborn, and that might be just enough for her to gain the skill she needed, she just needed to be pushed far enough. Hiei was somewhat glad that she had requested that he spare with her.

For reasons unknown to him, Hiei began feeling the odd urges to protect and help the miko when she was in need. These feeling confused him so he wanted to spend more time with the miko to see if it would help him figure out what was wrong with him. It wasn't only the desire to protect her though that had him excited for their next sparing… he felt a slight attraction toward her as well. He understood that Youko had a claim on her but that didn't mean he couldn't look… and maybe touch a little…

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

Kagome woke bright and early the next morning and shook Sango awake. The slayer groaned and pulled her blanket over her head. Kagome rolled her eyes and yanked the blanket away as she grinned down at her friend.

“Rise and shine! Get up, you have training to start!” Kagome announced and Sango pulled herself out of her sleeping bag grumpily. She expected for Kagome to order her to begin stretch but was surprised when the miko lead her over to a clear section of their camp.

“Alright, this morning you're going to begin working on your platform and arm strength.” She said before bending over and pushing herself up into a handstand. “I want you to get into a handstand just like this.” She instructed as she dropped her legs down so she could stand beside Sango once more. It took a few tries but soon Kagome got Sango into a handstand. She was holding her ankles and Sango was grinning happily, glad that she was able to do a handstand.

Kagome released her ankles and smirked. “Now I want you to stay like that the entire morning until we're ready to leave.”

Sango nearly fell over after hearing that. “What! You have to be joking!”

“Nope, completely serious.”

“But what about breakfast!?” Sango whined.

“Oh don't worry; you'll have your breakfast.” Kagome smiled, though Sango was slightly fearful of the glint in her friend's eyes.

Everyone else slowly woke as the smell of breakfast filled the air. As each member woke, they first followed their noses to Kagome's cooking then turned to stare at Sango in confusion. She would glare at anyone who stared at her as she waited for Kagome to tell her she could get out of this oddly straining position and eat. Once the food was ready, Kagome passed plates around before making one more and walking over toward Sango.

Sitting down next to the slayer, Kagome placed the plate of food beside her left hand and smiled. “Here's your breakfast, but you cannot break that position. You must stay in it if you want to eat.”

Everyone turned stares to the miko as if she were insane. “How is Sango possibly going to eat when she's holding herself up by her hands?” Miroku questioned.

Kagome sighed and pushed herself up into a handstand after positioning her plate next to where her left hand would be. Everyone watched in surprise as the miko effortlessly balanced her entire body weight onto one hand and reached onto her plate and popped an egg into her mouth. Dropping down from her stance, she grinned. “That is why this is arm strength training.”

Kagome wasn't surprised that Sango was able to eat without much difficulty. The slayer already was quite powerful when it came to her body and muscles; she just needed to be sure Sango had the endurance to hold her entire body in the air for quite some time seeing as majority of any gymnastic moves involved using plenty of arm strength. She was sure that Sango wouldn't have too much trouble; she just needed to work on her balance.

For the next two weeks, Kagome taught Sango all the different flips, tucks, and pikes that she knew. Sango was also a quick learner so it was fun to teach her and watch her improve. While Kagome was training Sango during the day, Hiei was sparing with her during the night. She was learning how to locate the hybrid much quicker and soon her speed began to increase. It wasn't long before she was able to block and sometime retaliate every attack Hiei threw at her.

Hiei smirked as he picked up his pace and leapt from tree to tree. The miko was getting better but of course wouldn't survive more than a few minutes if he truly was trying to kill her. He dove in to attack her once more and she skillfully blocked him before throwing a swift punch. He leapt back before her fist could connect with him but it was close. Deciding to take it up a notch, Hiei backed away quickly before rushing in for yet another attack.

Kagome blocked this attempt as well but soon found it slightly overwhelming when Hiei continued to throw attack after attack at her. She was able to block every potential hit until he finally found his opening and tackled her to the ground. Straddling her waist, he smirked down at her triumphantly.

“I win miko.”

Kagome glared up at him half heartedly. She and Hiei had grown closer ever since he joined their group. Kagome liked spending time with him even if majority of that time was spent sparing or him insulting her or mocking her for some reason. Kagome also found that she was attracted to him in a way. She still liked Youko of course… but Hiei had somehow grown on her. He was just so damn sexy. That smirk of his drove her insane and she had even caught him smiling once… just once and it was amazing.

Hiei stared down at the miko pinned beneath him. She was staring up at him blankly as if she were in deep thought. He was about to question if her brain was still functioning until the smell of her arousal reached his nose. His instincts leapt to life and Hiei was tempted to lean down and kiss those faultless lips… and grind against those enticing hips… and grasp her perfect breasts… shaking those thoughts from his head, Hiei leapt off the miko and disappeared into the night.

Kagome remained where she lay for several minutes even after Hiei ran off. She was terrible… how could she lie there wanting desperately for Hiei to kiss her when she was pretty much dating Youko? She was horrible… she didn't deserve Youko… he was far too good for her. She didn't deserve Hiei either though… he at least had the restraint enough to leave before anything happened. Sighing to herself, Kagome pushed herself to her feet and returned to camp.

Kagome woke the next morning in the worst mood she could ever remember being in. She couldn't sleep at all the entire night and she was just so uncomfortable the entire time. Unfortunately for the Inuyasha, he decided to wake her that morning since she had yet to slip out of her sleeping bag. When he yelled for her to get her lazy ass up, she glared up at him fiercely. She slowly stood and pushed past him, muttered several `sits' under her breath before dragging herself to her back.

She quietly gathered the breakfast supplies as Inuyasha pulled himself out of his crater. “What the hell was that for wench!?!” the hanyou snarled as he got in her face.

She merely glared up at him as her aura flared to life. Sensing the immediate danger, Inuyasha took a step back but continued yelling at her. “I don't know what's got you in such a pissy mood this morning but I ain't gunna stand here and do nothin while you take it our on me damn it!”

Suddenly the frying pan she had clenched in her hand was flying toward him at incredible speeds. Luckily he was able to dodge before it collided with his head. Kagome turned back around and continued to make her way to the fire at the center of camp. Everyone shook their heads as they watched Inuyasha follow behind her with a scowl. Youko smirked to himself. He could practically taste her anger from where he was standing. He was sure this morning was going to be quite interesting and Inuyasha was about to get the beating of his life.

“Hey bitch! I'm talking to you!” Inuyasha yelled, only a few feet behind her. He wasn't prepared when she spun around and smacked him with the spatula she was holding. Her chest was heaving with the intensity of her fury and Inuyasha glared down at her.

“You wanna fight do ya? Bring it on bitch, lets see what you got.” He growled.

Kagome ground her teeth together tight and pushed a good amount of purification throughout her entire body as she threw everything in her arms to the ground. Moving much faster than Inuyasha expected, she spun into a round house kick and hit him directly in the stomach. He winced slightly when he felt the burn of her purification make contact with his skin.

Pissed now, Inuyasha moved forward to grab her since he didn't want to actually harm her when she bent backward and brought her feet up to pound him in the face as she dove into a triple back flip and landed on the opposite side of camp. Before Inuyasha could make his way over to her, Miroku grabbed his arm and pulled him back as Sango held Kagome back. Inuyasha pushed Miroku from him before throwing a glare in the miko's direction and stomping off into the forest.

Youko smirked as he watched the hanyou flee. He could feel Kagome's rage emitting from her petite form in waves as Sango hooked her arm through hers and pulled her off toward the hot spring nearby. The only reason it was Sango that stopped Kagome and not him was because he wanted to see Kagome beat Inuyasha around a little bit. Not to mention he knew the hanyou wouldn't actually injure his own best friend so he wasn't too worried about the little miko's safety.

Sango sighed as she pulled Kagome down to sit next to her. They had reached the nearby hot spring and were sitting on a large rock dipping their feet in the warm soothing water while Kagome cooled down. Sango was surprised to say the least. She had never seen Kagome that angry at Inuyasha before. What was so different about this morning? Something had to be bothering the irate miko for her to snap at Inuyasha so intensely.

“Kagome… are you alright?” she asked quietly once Kagome calmed down some.

Kagome sighed and bowed her head in shame, staring blankly down at the steaming water her feet were soaking in. Sango watched the various emotions that played across her friend's troubled eyes and knew her sour mood had something to do with Youko. Did he say something that angered her? Sango's eyes narrowed at the thought… he better not have, for his own sake.

“Kagome, you can talk to me.” Sango murmured.

“Sango… I'm so confused…” the miko whined, refusing to meet the slayer's questioning gaze.

“Confused about what? Maybe I can help.”

“I… I really like Youko and he even asked for me to be his mate… I have the claim mark and everythin…”

“Youko placed a claim mark on you?!” Sango gasped in surprised before slapping her hand over her mouth with an apologetic look. “Sorry… please continue.” She said, apologizing for interrupting her.

“So I really like Youko… but I think I'm starting to like Hiei too…” Kagome muttered so quietly Sango almost didn't hear her.

Once she was sure of what she heard, Sango smiled and laughed slightly. “So… what? You're worried that you're sort of cheating on Youko because you like Hiei?”

“Well yes… it's not fair to Youko… I don't deserve him… or Hiei for that matter. I'm such a terrible person.” Kagome murmured, bowing her head in shame.

Sango sighed and shook her head. “Kagome, there's no reason for you to be so down. I thought you listened to me when I educated you about demons and details on their mating.”

“I did pay attention.” Kagome defended herself.

“Apparently not because if you had then you would recall my explanation of demons taking on more than one mate.” Sango grinned when she saw the look of confusion on her friends face. She wasn't paying attention that was for sure. Well at least not during that lecture. “Most demons only claim one mate and remain with that mate until one of them die then move on to another. But on occasion, if either both females or both males agree, a demon will take more than one mate.”

Kagome thought for a moment. “But I'm not a demon…”

“That doesn't matter; as long as Hiei and Youko agree to share you… you can have both of them without a problem.” Sango smirked.

Kagome stared at her friend for a moment with a blank expression before a smile slowly spread across her face. “So it won't be considered cheating… if Hiei even likes me that is.” She pondered, thinking of how the hybrid had reacted the other night. He had run off after staring down at her for quite some time…

“No, it's not considered cheating.” Sango laughed before pulling her feet from the water and standing. Offering her sister like friend a hand, Kagome smiled and allowed her to help her up. They put their shoes back on before making their way back to camp. Upon entering camp, they noticed everyone was packing up to set out.

Kagome skipped over to Shippo, who was trying to push her sleeping bag in her pack, and helped the kit finish cleaning everything up. Once camp was cleaned up, Youko took her pack from her shoulder and slung it over his own. Turning a thankful smile up to him, she noticed the serious expression on his face.

“What's the matter?”

“Hiei caught Naraku's scent while you were gone. He went ahead to search the area and we're sure Inuyasha is with him seeing as he has yet to return.” The kitsune explained as he led everyone in the direction Naraku's scent was blowing from.

Worried that Naraku was declaring war already, she rushed to walk next to Youko. “This can't be the final battle… all the shards haven't been collected yet!”

“Naraku isn't the only scent he caught… before he darted off he muttered something about the smell of death and clay.” Youko said quietly.

Kagome's eyes widened. “Kikyou… oh no… Naraku is after her! We have to hurry!” Kagome panicked and broke into a sprint after grabbing Shippo to direct her toward Naraku.

Youko shook his head and quickened his pace, knowing that Sango and Miroku wouldn't have too much trouble keeping up since they had the flying neko with them. Speeding toward Kagome, he scooped her up into his arms and dashed off toward their destination. She wrapped her arms around Shippo tightly as Youko carried them off.

The sounds of swords clashing and tearing flesh could soon be heard clearly. Once they cleared the trees, Youko nearly dropped Kagome when Kagura's dance of blades almost hit him. He was quick enough to dodge and placed Kagome down on her feet before revealing his rose whip. Kagome watched in awe as he transformed his beautiful rose into a long whip before leaping forth to attack Kagura.

Youko snarled up at the wind witch glaring at him. This was the demon that attacked Kagome outside Kaede's hut. She was going to pay dearly for harming his vixen… he would be sure of that. Tightening his grip on the rose whip, he watched her carefully. Before he could attack, she threw another dance of blades directly at him, forcing him into the defensive.

Hiei scowled at the hanyou before him. Unsheathing his katana, Hiei rushed at him full speed while he was occupied with defending himself from Inuyasha's powerful fang. Unfortunately, Naraku was also keeping a close eye on him and was able to dodge his attack. Growling his disapproval, he darted at him once more, dodging the hundreds of tentacles aimed to tear him to pieces.

“Kikyou! Wake up damnit!” Inuyasha snarled as he leapt at Naraku once more, only to be thrown back by dozens of tentacles. He had been off sulking when Kikyou's scent, along with Naraku's, invaded his senses. He had immediately followed the scents and came across the two of them battling. It wasn't such a far fight since Kanna was slowly sucking the souls that Kikyou used to survive and Kagura was also attacking her. He had only just reached the battle field when Naraku successfully knocked the miko unconscious and was preparing to absorb her.

Now he was fighting to get Kikyou out of Naraku's grasp but was failing miserably. Even though the attacks that he and Hiei were delivering to Naraku were slowing him down, it wasn't enough to stop him from still pulling the undead miko closer to him. Inuyasha roared in anger when Naraku threw him halfway across the battle field… and far from Kikyou.

Kagome released her last arrow and destroyed three more demons just as she watched Inuyasha fly over her head and land several yards behind her. Her gaze turned to Naraku and her eyes widened in horror. Naraku had Hiei and Kikyou wrapped in his tentacles and was slowly attempting to absorb them. Kagome took brief note of the fact that Youko had Kagura occupied while Sango and Miroku were attacking Kanna and any other stray demons against them. Inuyasha had yet to get up and Kagome's eyes narrowed as her anger rose.

Glaring at Naraku, she broke into a sprint straight at him. Naraku turned his disgusting smirk toward her and sent several tentacles at her, not bothering to even pay attention since he didn't see her as much of a threat with close combat. His eyes widened in shock when Kagome dove over the first tentacle and landed on her hands as she flipped through a front handspring. Quickly following her handspring, she rolled into a cartwheel to dodge several more attacking tentacles.

Once her feet touched the ground again, she sprung up into a front pike somersault, successfully dodging other deadly sharp attacks. She pushed off from the ground once she landed her somersault and grabbed hold of the tentacle squeezing the life from Hiei. Feeling her purification boiling beneath the surface of her skin, she pushed her powers into the tentacle and sighed in relief when it sizzled and disintegrated, dropping Hiei to the ground.

Naraku was quite shocked by her quick maneuvers but not distracted enough to stop from absorbing Kikyou. Kagome had made the dyer mistake of rushing to check if Hiei was alright before turning her attention back to Naraku. Unfortunately, but the time she turned back to save Kikyou, Naraku had already almost finished absorbing the miko. Kagome could do nothing but watch in horror as her incarnation disappeared from sight, completely taken into Naraku's body.

Naraku turned a smirk to Kagome, easily seeing exactly where her jewel shards were. Seeing where he was staring, Kagome reached up and wrapped her fingers around the jar holding her shards. Naraku glanced toward Kagura, who was still fighting off Youko and slowly losing. Kanna was in no better shape and he could see Inuyasha making his way back toward him in the distance.

“I'll be back Kagome, for both you and your shards.” He smirked before retreating into the trees. Once Naraku backed out, Kagura and Kanna withdrew as well, following after their master. Once they were gone, Kagome turned back toward Hiei and kneed at his side. He was still regaining his breath but had managed to prop himself up on his elbows and was now glaring up at Kagome.

“Why did you help me before the miko.” He demanded.

Kagome sputtered for a moment, not sure how to answer. “I wasn't sure if I could make it to Kikyou in time, and you were closer.”

“You are reckless and idiotic.” He growled still glaring at her, though halfheartedly.

“Your welcome.” She rolled her eyes as Inuyasha approached her.

“Where is Kikyou?!” Inuyasha demanded,

Kagome's gaze fell to the ground as she shook her head. “I'm sorry Inuyasha… I couldn't get to her in time…” she murmured.

“Kagome! Are you alright?!” Sango panted as she reached the miko's side. Youko appeared next to her as well and she nodded slightly to relief their worries. She looked up when she heard someone walking away and felt her heart drop out of her chest when she saw it was Inuyasha. His ears were drooped and he was headed for the forest. She watched as he disappeared from sight.

“Kagome, it's not your fault. There was nothing you could do.” Miroku said in an effort to comfort the miko.

“I should have tried to purify him or something…” she muttered before standing and walking off toward the forest, though in a different direction than Inuyasha had gone. Shippo, who had been hiding in the bushes away from danger, was about to run after his adoptive mother when Sango stopped him. He looked to where the slayer nodded her head toward and saw that Youko was already going after her.

Kagome walked until she spotted a tree with branches low enough for her to reach. Standing below it, she leapt up and grasped a branch tightly. Swinging her legs slighting, she pulled herself up until her stomach was pressed against the branch and her hands were repositioned on top of the branch, her elbows locked. Twisting her midsection to the side, she swung a leg over the branch and straddled it for a moment before scooting back so she could rest her back against the trunk of the tree.

Just as she was about to lean back against the tree, she felt a pair of arms wrap around her and the familiar scent of roses wash over her. She smiled slightly as he pulled her back to rest against his chest. Closing her eyes, she sighed heavily and remained silent. Youko leaned down and nuzzled her neck softly as he inhaled her enticing scent.

“It was not your fault. There was nothing you could do.”

“I could have at least tried.” She muttered.

Youko growled softly as he tightened his arms around her slightly. “Stop blaming yourself. You wouldn't have gotten to her in time even if you tried. None of us could have.”

Kagome remained silent as she stared at the ground. Her aura was radiating her guilt and Youko didn't like it. Like he had before when she was carrying him in his fox form, Youko softly sunk his fangs into the skin of her neck. She gasped and her entire body tensed for a moment. He purred softly and she gradually calmed both physically and emotionally. Satisfied with his methods of persuasion, Youko removed his fangs and slowly licked away any blood.

He smirked to himself when the smell of her arousal hit him full force. Once all traces of her blood were gone, he moved on to kissing up to her jaw before nibbling on her ear softly. Her breathing quickened as he pulled her back and lifted his legs onto the branch so she was sitting on his lap. His tail slowly wrapped around her thigh and the tip brushed against her skin softly. She squirmed for a moment until he growled quietly and moved to nip at her neck gently while his hands flattened against her stomach.

Her breath hitched when she felt his tail brush further up her leg and traced the lining of her panties. She barely noticed his hands slip under her shirt. She groaned at the wonderful feeling of his claws trailing across her skin gently. He continued to kiss her neck as his tail made its way further up until it was against her heated core. Kagome felt flames ignite in the pit of her stomach as Youko grasped her breasts and massaged them slowly.

She threw her head back and allowed it to rest against his shoulder when the kitsune's tail brushed forcefully against her panties. Moving up and down slowly against her, his tail was driving Kagome over the edge and his hands were only pushing her further. She felt pressure building in the pit of her stomach and she wasn't sure what was happening but didn't want it to stop anytime soon…

“Kagome! Youko! Where are you?! We have to get going!” Sango's voice reached their ears and Kagome snapped back to reality. Blushing, she unwrapped his tail from under her skirt and removed his hands. She turned to see the cutest pout on his face and laughed slightly. The miko reached up and scratched the base of his ears before leaning in to give him a quick kiss. Youko held her there for a moment longer before releasing her.

“We had better go before I take you right here and now.” Youko purred, smirking as another blush rose to her cheeks.

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A/N:

And that wraps up this chapter! Hope everyone enjoyed, it's pretty long too!! Well, until next time! R&R ^_^

~*Icyfire*~

Next Chapter - Chapter Five: Never Forgotten