ShadowKurayami: Thank you to everyone who reviewed and thank you for your support with the delays. You guys have no idea how much that means to me.

I would also like to say something… this is something I noticed this with other authors, some having the same issues in stories I have read… one of which had been my favorite author on here. Authors love our readers, we adore them and love the reviews, the favorites, and the follows you all leave. But, please, PLEASE, when you review. Do not demand us to update immediately. As listed in my last chapter, I have been going through a lot. As have other people. So, when we get a demand like that. It is not only frustrating, but it is very upsetting. We want to update in a timely manner, but that won't always happen. Please understand, and please remember, we all have lives outside this and more often than not, that needs to come first

This chapter is dedicated to The Laughing Willow and ApolloAres13 you both have cheered me up or have been an all-around good friend.

So, there will be a small dorky rant at the end of this about the Well Paradox people often use. It will just be me being well… me at noticing stupid shit like that and over analyzing.

Starting: Kagome/Youko

Ending: Kuronue/Kagome/Kurama

The One Who Started It All

Chapter Eleven

The Intertwining of the Miko, Koumori, and Kitsune

Kagome had left in the morning, bringing Shippo with her to do a bit of clothes shopping for their new guest. Shiori wanted to stay with her exhausted uncle, so she allowed it. Though she warned the small girl to not touch the stove, that went for Kuronue as well.

Shippo was happy to have some Mother Son time with Kagome. Since Shiori had entered their lives he felt a bit put out, but he knew it was not on purpose. The crimson haired boy snuggling into his mother's embrace as they stood at a crosswalk, waiting for the light to change.

Kagome had still been saving up for the car her mother and her were going halves on. With Kuronue coming in there was a minor setback in cash, but it wasn't anything they couldn't handle.

The miko had skipped school for the day, deciding that family was much more important than school, because it was. None of the local officers really asked questions when they noticed her with a child. Assuming she was older than she appeared if she had a child Shippo's age.

Kagome smiled, stroking her son's head, "I love you Shippo." She said softly.

Said boy peered up at his mother, a smile hidden by his close embrace of his mother. "Love you too Kaa-san." He moved to nuzzle into her stomach. Being a kitsune he was naturally affectionate and craved that affection back. Kagome gave it in large amounts, for both him and Shiori.

When the light changed he pulled away from his mother so they could finish their walk to the mall that wasn't too far a walk from their home.

The young boy was laughing, tugging his mother along through the store. A car filling up with clothes, a variety of cool and darker tones, she doubted Kuronue was one for vibrant colors like Inuyasha had been. Shippo having gotten himself and Shiori some new clothes too. Kind of a gift to show her that he thought of her while it was just him and their mother.

Kagome had sighed, glad she inherited her mother's eye for sizes. Kun-loon had been able to take a good look over a person to get their size within one or two size margin. Kagome was the same way, but seeing Kuronue in the pair of sweatpants that were a tad too short in the legs, and too loose at his hips.

The male had been… very well developed in every manner. From his cool voice down to his lean, defined body. A very similar build that Youko had.

She looked at the basket full of clothes, she stuck to looser shirts for his wings, and remembering when Shiori described him in his attired from inside the gem, she got some simple vests and muscle shirts. The pants she kept fairly normal and stuck to black for all of them. Shoes… they were difficult.

"We can return anything he doesn't like I guess." Kagome mumbled as she looked through the shoes, Shippo peering at the box in her hands. She had grabbed multiple shoes, ranging from sneakers to boots.

Over all, it was an expensive trip, and on their way back they grabbed some take out. She did not want to cook after everything. Shippo carried the bags with their food, Kagome held the multiple bags of clothes and shoes. "I need a car. I have two children and a revived youkai."

Kuronue had awoken for a short period, hearing Kagome and Shippo leave. Shiori having said she wanted to stay with him. If he hadn't spent so much energy with his ear release and his act of rage the night before he wouldn't be so tired.

Shiori had quietly just sat next to him, dozing off occasionally until he sighed. Heading her wake up every time her head moved too far. He wasn't fatherly as far as he believed. His bastard of a father made sure of that… and yet… he pulled the girl into his arms, cradling her as a father would with a child.

"Thank you…" She mumbled, a low inhuman purr escaping her, one that he responded with. Exhaustion had slowly overtaken the male as he held his niece.

And that is what Kagome and Shippo came home too. The miko scrambling for her cellphone she had taken a picture, making sure the flash was off. Grinning, she showed Shippo the image, the boy chuckling.

The two left them sleeping as Kagome helped set up the food in the kitchen, and moved to carefully fold the clothes in neat stacks for Kuronue to try on. Her eyes occasionally moving to the couch where Kuronue and Shiori were, a soft smile gracing her lips.

Shippo smiled, holding back a laugh when Kagome picked him up, cradling him to her body.

The kit's slight jealousy and anger of Kuronue being here while Youko was not melted away seeing how content Shiori was. Shiori was his best friend and his sister… and Kagome didn't seem to mind Kuronue.

The mother and son moved to carefully put away the rest of the items they bought while shopping before Kagome began placing seals over the edges of the walls in the apartment. Kuronue was keyed in, as was anyone with good intentions with her family.

Soon hearing Kuronue wake up, his long hair frayed here and there from the sleep. He moved to carry Shiori into her room. Greeting Kagome with a mumble and yawn.

"Hey. Glad you're awake." Kagome offered him a glass of water which he happily took. "Clothes are in my room, try them on. If you don't like anything just put it in one of the bags. We'll exchange them for something you do like." Kagome's voice was soft.

Kuronue nodded, he didn't know what to say to her. He'd been angry with the miko for Youko's feelings. Something she had no control over. He felt like a switch with her, some moments he absolutely hated her, mainly when it came to Youko, other moments he enjoyed her presence, finding it soothing.

"Thank you." His voice was quiet. "I believe I need to apologize."

Kagome tilted her head slightly in confusion.

"Youko and I were… more than friends before I sealed myself away to prevent my death. Watching him grow closer to you, I was furious, and it often affected Shiori…" Kagome stopped him.

"I understand."

"But—."

"Kuronue, I actually get it. I mean it. You and I may end up having a hot and cold relationship because of this. I am not upset or angry. I doubt you mean to push your feelings onto Shiori, and as for Youko… you can't always help what you feel. For now, let's finish getting you settled and then we will talk about it without little ears about." Her eyes glanced towards Shippo who ducked behind the doorway.

It was a slight relief. She was honest and kind, that was unusual for her kind. And she didn't deny they'd likely have a tough relationship, but he did not plan on leaving Shiori… and he didn't think Kagome would let him, even if he wanted to.

He did not doubt though, that there would be days they were close and others they'd try to kill each other.

In Reikai everything shook, Enma's anger was felt by everyone. Inside of Koenma's office, the toddler looking demi-god looked to his team. "As you can see… my father is on a rampage." He lightly motioned to the rattling walls. "Apparently Botan did something to infuriate him."

Kazuma's lips moved into a tight line. Kagome briefly told him something happened last night and she had a guest, telling him to also pick up her homework for her.

He had been left with a bad feeling the rest of the day, and with Enma's anger, it was too… perfect for timing.

"What did she do?" Yusuke yawned and leaned against the wall, his brown eyes looking at their boss.

Koemna shrugged, "Something about ruining a mission for one member of his SDF." The male pondered. "She acted rash and it was supposed to be an important thing to him. That is all I know though, I stopped listening in on my father since what happened last time." Koenma glanced to Yusuke.

A lot has changed since the Reikai Tentei first started. Koenma had pulled away from his father, but unfortunately the male still ran that realm.

"Onto actual work. Last night there was a very sudden, very powerful peak in Youki. Find out what it is, who it is, and so on. Send them back to Makai or arrest them to be brought back here." His words were brief. "It is in this general vicinity." Behind the demi-god was a map, inside the radius was Kazuma's neighborhood.

"Now off with you. I have a lot of paperwork." Hitting a button on his desk, a portal opened. For once there were no arguments, the males going into the portal one by one.

"This have anything to do with that chick?" Yusuke grumbled, his fingers lacing together behind his head, his eyes glancing over at Kazuma.

"I don't know… but we'll find out. I'm heading over there right now." His steps were heavy, mind thick with curiosity and worry.

Kurama was watching from the back with Hiei, the hybrid moving through the trees. When arriving at the apartment complex Kagome blinked when she opened the door to see all of them.

"Kazuma what are you doing…." Her words trailed off as narrowed blue eyes looked at the red head. The petite female pushed past her friend, before she was face to face… well… face to chest… with Kurama.

"Run. Red, run." Youko warned.

"What wh-?"

SMACK!

Kurama's head turned from the force of the smack. Eyes wide with shock, cheek burning from the small sparks of her ki. It would only take a moment for the burn to heal. Slowly he looked to her, all his friends in shock, except Hiei who was drawing his blade.

"Hiei, don't you dare!" Youko yelled.

"You son of a bitch." Her voice was low and threatening. "Did you think I was stupid, kitsune? That I wouldn't figure it out?"

"I…"

Yusuke lightly shouldered Kazuma, both men stepping away from the miko and kitsune.

"No, he's just the stupid one." A deep and very male voice came from the door way.

Eyes shot away from the miko and to the doorway where Kuronue stood. Kuronue standing in a pair of tight jeans and a loose black shirt, the neckline was wide, exposing his collarbone. So this was Youko's avatar. Violet eyes skimming the male over. Definitely on the show off side.

Behind Kuronue peeked two small heads, Shiori and Shippo. Shippo was trying to silence his snickers at the redhead.

"He must be!" Kagome snapped and stormed into the apartment. "Are you idiots coming in or what!?" Her yelling was drawing attention to the small crowd.

Kurama was speechless, trailing in after the miko like a puppy. The others getting ready to run in the opposite direction.

"Kazuma! You and your friends get in here before I turn my anger onto you!"

Or not…

Inside the apartment Kagome sat down on a recliner, eyes watching the other men as one by one they sat down.

"This is a nightmare. This has to be an utter nightmare." Youko chanted in Kurama's head. "They are too close!"

"So… Ah, I'm assuming he's the new youki that was sensed." Kazuma mumbled and sighed. "How even...?"

"Someone came into my house and tried to take my daughter." Shiori was curled up against her mother, hiding her face in Kagome's shoulder. Kuronue sat on the arm of the chair, his hand moving through Shiori's silvery locks. "The rest is your story to tell." She shrugged and held Shiori close as Shippo crawled up into her lap with his sister.

"My soul was sealed in my amulet. To regain energy to bring myself back." He didn't want to explain, but he doubted Kagome wanted to clean anymore blood after finally getting the stains out in the children's room.

"Shiori is the only one connected to it, considering she is my brother's daughter. I was able to feed off her energy in small increments, with her permission, as well as Kagome's when it was thick enough in the air. In the emergency circumstances, I attacked the intruder. Leaving the amulet prematurely."

Kurama was silent, watching the two speak. He knew they were explaining to the others so questions on Kuronue's return were answered.

"Kurama, aren't you going to say something?" Yusuke asked, looking at the kitsune. He remembered that Kuronue was his friend after that youkai had once pretended to be him.

"Oh yes, Kurama, please say something." Kuronue's tone was mocking.

"What do you want from me? You were dead!" The red head looked up with golden eyes. "Kuronue you were dead!"

"Yes, he was. But, then again. I wasn't." Kagome's voice was small. "So what am I calling you now. Youko? Kurama? Or is it still Shuichi?" The anger still in her tone.

Kazuma looked to Yusuke and glanced over at Hiei who sat in the window, glaring at the koumori and miko. The hanyou and ningen felt as if they were just dragged into a very private moment.

"I suggest you three leave." Violet eyes didn't leave the currently golden eyed redhead. "Now."

They didn't have to be told twice. It was an awkward situation, and though he growled and snapped in protest, they dragged Hiei with them.

"Shiori, Shippo, go to your room, please." Kagome's voice was soft as she stroked their heads. They wanted to protest, but decided against it.

"Don't kill him, Kaa-san." Shiori mumbled.

"I'm not. Nor will Kuronue, now off to your room." She tapped their backs and the two left the room, the three adults now to themselves.

"You knew who I was, who they were. And didn't have the balls to say who you were." Kagome turned to Youko, as he was surfaced in Kurama's body.

Kuronue was silent, letting the miko speak. They were both angry, but Kagome is the only one who technically had a right to be upset.

"I waited, we mourned. Then suddenly, I put two and fucking two together Youko! The faraway look, the same damn look Shiori has when she talked to him!" Finger briefly pointing at Kuronue. "I felt your aura and then it was gone. It hurt Youko. I'm sick of games, I've been sick of games since Inuyasha!"

"Damn it, Kagome it isn't like that."

"I suggest you explain it quick Youko. While you may not need to explain to me why you ran off to this… miko." The word was bitter, "You need to explain why you hid from her."

"Back at you too Ookoumori." She snapped, hearing his bitterness towards her title.

"Not a fruit bat!" He hissed. The two raven haired duo glaring at each other.

"Stop it! Both of you!" Kurama snapped, eyes a cross between gold and green.

Both went quiet for a moment, looking at him.

"Kuronue, you were dead! We didn't know you were alive until we died!" Eyes turned to Kagome. "I… We… Youko is no longer one person anymore…"

"Obviously. That doesn't change anything." Kagome spoke crossing her arms as she looked at him.

"That is why we said nothing. How could we ask you to share yourself with a man who is really two in one body?"

"Just like that. Because I don't care. You both are different people, but if you had talked to me this could have been sorted out. We could have talked… and I could have gotten to know the other side of you both… You didn't give me that chance. You did not trust me enough to accept you both as you are."

Kagome sighed and glanced at the two men. "But…. We are all wrong. I shouldn't be as angry as I was…. I am still upset. That won't be going away yet. But Kuronue and I both overreacted, but you should have talked to me… talked to Shiori once you saw her so you could get a message to him. You knew I was alive…and when Youko died… you knew Kuronue was inside that amulet. Just as I did."

Kuronue grunted, his head turning. "Stop eavesdropping pups and just get out here." He called back to Shiori and Shippo who sheepishly smiled, peeking around the corner from the hall. "Come on."

The two quickly entered the room, Shiori moving to crawl onto Kagome's lap to lean into Kuronue, her head on his leg. Shippo glanced to Kagome who nodded before the kit threw himself at Kurama.

Kurama was surprised but soon smiled. The male gently holding the kit who buried his face into his stomach.

"He lost his father, and likely his mother before that. After his father died, Kagome took him in… when I was with her… I took him under my wing. I planned on mating Kagome… if you noticed the rose. I would have made him my own." Youko's voice was soft and his gaze focused on Shippo through Kurama's eyes.

Everything was quiet inside, Kagome had gotten up to make some tea for everyone. She was still tense.

"Your friend, with the blue hair, she is the one that attacked Shiori." Kuronue spoke, looking to the red head.

Kurama quickly looked away from Shippo to Kuronue.

"Botan, it explains a lot. Enma was… punishing her in Reikai this morning." Kurama hummed in thought.

"Why are you working for Reikai?" Kagome asked, bringing out some tea. "Sesshomaru and Kouga said Enma was very… hateful of youkai."

Kurama chuckled. "I was caught. After Youko died, he found what believed to be a dying unborn infant. Except with him not joined, my ningen soul flourished. And… he could have destroyed that side, until our mother… her name is also Shiori, saved us. As a child, Youko had me climb onto the counter to get something, and there was broken glass everywhere... she saved us, and her arms are now scarred from that. She showed him what he saw with you, Kagome. Compassion and love without any strings. When she was dying, I stole something from Reikai… and Yusuke saved my life, when I was going to give it up for my mother."

Kagome smiled lightly, "I understand… I know I'd do that for Kaa-san." She spoke quietly. Her mother was such a wonderful, accepting woman. "Does she know about Youko?"

Kurama's eyes darkened. "No, I'd rather not tell her."

"You'll need to tell her eventually Kurama. You may be an adult, you're still her son. I know without Kaa-san I would have gone crazy. And I'd be struggling with these two." She gestured to her son and daughter.

Glancing at the two children, they all seemed like a big family. Shippo and Kurama could easily be mistaken as father and son, while Shiori and Kuronue looked similar as well. Realizing her thoughts, the miko fought off a blush.

"I will…. Keep that in mind." He said softly. Looking to Shippo once more, the boy having fallen asleep in his lap. The kit had felt so weighted down since Youko originally died… and now he had his surrogate father back.

"I am wondering something though." At Kurama's statement Kagome looked from her cup. Kuronue directing his gaze towards he kitsune after looking away from his sleepy niece.

"What are your sleeping arrangements with Kuronue now here?" This time green was replaced with gold, holding a slight threat in the undertone of his voice. He knew how his ex lover could be around both men and women, and Kagome was a beautiful and wonderful woman, temper aside.

"You, foolish girl!" Enma roared at Botan. "You invaded her home. She now is able to keep us out! Pathetic excuse for a reaper!" He slammed his mighty fist down onto his desk. The wood splintering at the force.

Botan flinched at the splintering wood and the remarks. "I… I could have taken her. And the kit. She would have bended to your will!"

"And the kitsune would have fallen into your lap? You know who she is, you knew what the stupid flower represented the moment you saw her and saw it." Enma hissed at her.

People often played stupid in Reikai, but they had vast records. Like the ones from Inuyasha and his mate Kikyo, after they passed on. Remarking about a miko from the future, a miko who would have been the mate of one Youko Kurama. The seed was covered in the silver kitsune's energy, and then leaked it the moment it bloomed. Showing any youkai that she belonged to him.

"You're a foolish and petty woman, as far as I can tell, you're a worthless reaper! If you did not have my son's trust I would throw you into the Styx myself!" He growled out. "Get out of my sight. You have ruined my plans enough for one day."

The SDF were waiting in the background. The large god huffed and looked to them, "Keep track of the miko and Youko Kurama. And should Botan be correct, his partner, Kuronue is back as well. You need an opening to retrieve the miko or her children. If we have they children, we have her. But, you need to get around the youkai first.

"Yes, sir!" They saluted and left quickly.

Enma took a seat at his broken desk, looking over the worn files. Inuyasha, Kikyo, Sango, Miroku, Kohaku, Jineji, Rin, Naraku, and all of his incarnations. They all had souls… and their lives were now on paper. Enma knew much about Kagome…

A chuckle passed the male's lips, making all of the workers around his office tremble. This was not good.

ShadowKurayami: Question, Comment, Concern? Review or PM me.

So time to do my paradox rant.

Often I see people write Inuyasha fanfiction. I love them. Do not get me wrong! But, I see some people destroy the well. Their fanfiction, their choice. Me, being the massive nerd I am. I tend to look at things and overanalyze.

This is one of those times!

So, if the well is destroyed in Inuyasha's time period. It is destroyed in Kagome's. Thus, when Kagome is 15 there is no well, and Kagome never goes back in time.

BUT, if this happens, then Kagome never goes back and the well never gets destroyed, so Kagome does go to the past and this starts all over again!

Gotta love my paradox theories.