Despite his teenage body, Kurama had lived a long and eventful life of pleasures and pains, with very few regrets and permanent scars. Unfortunately, the sight of Kuwabara running towards them in an orange and green plaid skirt counted as both regretful and scarring. Kurama blinked several times, desperately hoping fate wasn't so twisted. However, sick fascination, similar to a gory car accident, prevented Kurama from looking away or gouging his eyes.

'If this is your idea of a joke, I swear to Inari and back I WILL kill you…somehow.' Kurama mentally choked out.

'You've got to be kidding…I'm a sadist, not a masochist! He didn't even have the decency to shave his bloody legs! This is reeks of Koenma's meddling.' Youko hissed.

Kurama turned to his fellow spirit detective, whose skin was beginning to match his school uniform.

"Kurama…please tell me I don't see what I think I'm seeing." Yusuke pleaded.

"Er, very well…you certainly do not see Kuwabara running towards us in a skirt."

Kurama noticed a small flash of movement from the trees nearby, as Hiei's youki made itself known.

"Hn, are you really so weak and easy to frighten?" Hiei sneered.

Yusuke whipped around to glare at the small koorime standing behind him.

"Shit Hiei! Why in the hell do you have to do that." Red slowly overcame the green-tinged skin as Yusuke examined Hiei closer.

"Hey! You're one to talk! Only your third eye is open!" Yusuke yelled.

Hiei gave him a disgusted look. Kurama certainly understood his reasoning and fervently wished he could do the same. However, Hiei's appearance managed to snap Yusuke out of it. Kurama mentally applauded his ability to manipulate situations, or rather teammates, to remain on task Youko, on the otherhand, settled for an appreciative smirk.

'The little firecracker isn't a youko, but he holds a certain…finesse.'

Kurama frowned as warmth briefly engulfed his body, accompanied by Youko's slightly feral tone. This was neither the time nor the place, but Kurama would be having a firm discussion with his other half soon.

"Oi Urameshi! Kurama! This better be important. I was in the middle of somethin'."

Yusuke rounded on the orange haired teen with a vengeance.

"Like what? The annual meeting of the *Okama Alliance? Did you borrow that skirt from Keiko?"

Kurama winced as images of Kuwabara in Keiko's uniform appeared unbidden. Where in the hell was mind soap when you needed it?

'Nooo, make the images stop' Youko moaned pitifully. Kurama mentally rolled his eyes, but was glad that Youko appeared to be back to normal.

'Don't look at me! It's your fault.'

'It is not! I only provide sexy mental material. This horror is all your doing…to think I'm forced to reside within the body of a pervert! My innocence is ruined.'

Kurama silently vowed to discover a way to flip off the obnoxious fox. Surely Hiei would help…

"Dammit Kuwabara, you killed Kurama! Now what are we going to do?"

'Kurama, I understand your pain, but now isn't the time.' Hiei chided mentally.

Kurama blinked several times before refocusing on Hiei and inquiring.

"You know the situation?"

"Hn, of course. There's no sign of life around the perimeters, the doors are sealed, and the grounds reek of blood."

"Any possible survivors?"

"At this point, doubtful. What could mere humans do against a demon? All we need to do is kill the demon and let Koenma's fools do the rest." Hiei scoffed.

"Kurama! Hiei! Over here, let's enter through the window."

"Why don't we just go through the doors, Urameshi!"

"Kuwabara… shut the hell up and give me a lift."

"Yeah, yeah…" Kuwabara stood fuming as Yusuke jumped on his shoulders and slipped through a window. He moved to follow but hesitated.

"You two shut your eyes."

"Why on earth would we do that?" Hiei asked in irritation.

Kuwabara flushed deeply and muttered. "I don't have anything on underneath the kilt…"

"What?!" Neither demon could conceal their horror. Ok, screw the mind soap, this was a job for mind bleach and steel wool.

"Shuddup! Real men have to wear kilts like that. It's rule number one in the Scottish code of honor!"

"What's rule number two? Don't ask don't tell?" Hiei snapped.

Kurama stared in amazement. Was the poor koorime really that bored? Hiei simply glared. Luckily, Kuwabara took advantage of the two demons staring contest and scrambled through the window. A dull thud and soft curses accompanied Kuwabara's reaquiantence with the ground. Deeming it safe to turn around, Kurama quietly followed, a soft breeze of displaced air the only sign of movement.

Kurama choked as the overwhelming scent of blood permeated the oppressive darkness.

"Hey I can't see! Oi Urameshi, where are you?"

"Brilliant observation, I'm right here, baka."

Carefully breathing through his mouth, Kurama murmured. "Hiei, can you see anything?"

Hiei remained silent, all three eyes now open and glowing softly. However, a moment later, Kurama felt a cylindrical object gently press into his hand. Thankful for his friend's foresight, Kurama flicked the flashlight on and looked around.

"Oh, thanks Kurama. That's much better." Kuwabara said with a sigh of relief.

Yusuke remained quiet for once, but Kurama could have sworn he saw a flicker of amusement in his eyes. Kurama slowly examined the lobby, but it appeared completely devoid of life. Approaching the welcome desk, Kurama paused. A pointed high heel poked out from behind the desk and an overturned chair. Kuwabara peered over his shoulder.

"What are you looking at?"

Kurama carefully approached the desk, but Kuwabara pushed past and peered at the desk. His eyes bulged and he scrambled back, bumping into Yusuke.

"Geez, Kuwabara, what's your problem? Did you see a spider or something?" Yusuke shoved past, but paused. Blinking, Yusuke turned around.

"Kurama? Hiei? This isn't an illusion right?"

Hiei nudged the dismembered limb lightly, with the air of someone examining a particularly interesting pile of dog crap. "Yes, it's real."

Kurama got a really bad feeling and turned to face the spirit detective. Despite the sickly green tinge in his face, Yusuke was smirking lightly.

"Well then gentleman, I'd say the game is afoot."

Kurama groaned at the sheer absurdity and inappropriate timing. To his disbelief, Hiei actually cracked a slight smirk.

'These are the people I call friends…'

Youko didn't comment, aside from a soft, appreciative chuckle.

xOxOxOxOxOxO

"Dammit!"

Not even stopping to glance at what she slipped on, Kagome sprinted through the darkness. There had to be an emergency staircase; yet, the dark halls seemed endless. A soft tap of footsteps echoed behind her, casual and unhurried. The bastard was playing with her. Kagome knew damn well how stealthy demons could be when they wanted. Past experiences and multiple scars were painful testaments to their sadism as well.

Gritting her teeth in frustration, Kagome halted. This was useless. She needed a plan to throw him off her trail, so she could track down Shippou and Souta, but how? Kagome leaned against the wall, seeking a shred of support in the nightmare. A painful jab to her already sensitive shoulder forced her upright. Fuck! Not even the damn wall would cooperate.

"It's just my luck that I would lean on the only blasted fire alarm on the floor…" Kagome grumbled.

Suddenly, realization struck with the force of a sledgehammer between the eyes. The alarm…A slow, disconcerting grin spread as Kagome gingerly felt the edges of the handle. It was the pure embodiment of temptation for students, coveted but rarely done. And this was an emergency after all… A couple deep breaths later, Kagome was ready to run.

'What the hell, better late than never.'

XoXoXoXoXoXoX

"So, where to?" Yusuke questioned.

Kurama glanced between the two identical hallways before him. Relying on scent was useless at this point. A glint of copper caught his eye. The kitsune's brow furrowed as he examined an empty firearm clip.

"What kind of demon uses a gun?" Kurama muttered softly.

Hiei scoffed. "No self-respecting demon of Maikai would stoop so low, as to actually use human technology to kill."

"But the foot in the lobby was torn by claws. It's either a demon or a gun-wielding bear." Yusuke pointed out.

Kuwabara gulped. "Can bears really do that?"

Yusuke opened his mouth to reply, but was cut off by a high pitch wail reverberating throughout the halls like a banshee.

SCHREEEEEE! SCHREEEEEE!

Kurama and Hiei flinched at the piercing volume.

"It's the fire alarm! Somebody inside must have set it off!" Yusuke hollered.

'Heh, I told you she was alive.' Youko pointed out smugly, but Kurama could feel his relief.

Unfortunately, he wasn't so sure. Anyone could have set off the alarm, and the girl would hardly have time while being hunted by a homicidal demon. Assuming she even escaped the demon in one piece.

"This isn't good. We have to find the demon and the miko quickly, before the authorities arrive!"

Kurama shouted.

"All right, let's split up. Kurama, Hiei, you two go left. Kuwabara and I will go right. We need to find those two dead or alive!"

'Preferably alive.' Youko murmured.

XoXoXoXoXoXo

Kagome shot through the hall at a breakneck pace. There was an emergency stairwell located the end of every hallway. The dark corridor seemed endless and Kagome swore soft laughter chased after her. She slammed into the doors leading to the stairs. A soft gasp and a lupine yelp matched her soft scream as she plowed into two shorter shadows and tumbled down several flights of steps. The impact knocked precious air from her lungs and she struggled to breathe through a face full of fuzz.

"Kagome! Are you all right? What's happening? Where were you?" Souta's voice was a balm upon Kagome's nerves.

"Souta? Shippou?" She swatted at the furry tail in her face.

"Kagome!" The tail was swiftly replaced by a bawling Shippou clinging to her neck like a lifeline.

'Thank god…'

Kagome untangled herself from the two and felt for their hands. Squeezing tightly, she said softly.

"This isn't the time. We have to get out of here as quickly and quietly as we can." Kagome hesitated, before continuing.

"We're being hunted. The hospital exit should be close, so we need to make a break for it. Shippou, can you help us hide?"

Shippou shook his head miserably. "No, I used all my strength earlier sneaking in here."

Kagome ruffled his hair in reassurance.

"It's fine. We'll make it. Shippou I want you climb on my back and Souta hold on to my hand."

Shippou carefully twined his arms around her neck and gently shifted to her back. Kagome sucked in a breath at the fresh lances of fire throughout her shoulder, but held still.

"You guys ready? Let's go!"

XoXoXoXoXo

Kurama's head whipped around as the rapid echo of footfall approached.

Out of the darkness, the miko with a small child on her back and a young boy sprinted towards them. Relief was replaced by alarm in an instant. Hot her heels, a demon with red eyes shining with bloodlust gave chase.

"Hiei!"

Sparks flew in a perverse beauty as Hiei's blade collided with the barrel of the demon's gun. A look of pure fury crossed the demon's face, before it was replaced by a mocking grin.

Kurama paid no attention to the clash. He rushed towards the miko, intent on grabbing her and getting her to safety. A sharp blow to the temple and an elbow to the sternum sent him staggering. The miko rushed past him and out the shattered entrance doors, both children in tow. He moved to go after her, but found himself sprawled upon the tile with the koorime on top of him.

The gun-wielder chuckled lightly. "Come now, it's terribly rude to interfere with another's prey. Where's the sportsmanship?"

Kurama stood slowly and drew his rose.

"I'm afraid we're here for business, not sport. I'm sure you can appreciate the difference."

A sharp flourish of his wrist accompanied by the lash of thorns cut off the demons chance to respond. Kurama pressed forward as the demon leapt backwards, intent on ending this quickly.

'She's suffering from a near fatal wound and dragging two children along in the middle of the city. How far can she get?'

'You mean the near fatally wounded girl with two children who just kicked our ass?"

'….hurry up.'

Kurama winced as a bullet grazed his weapon arm. Scalding pain began eating at his limb, with the intensity of acid. Kurama dropped his whip and clutched at his arm attempting to stop the trembling.

"What the hell is this?"

'Holy bullets! That's impossible. The damn demon's not a monk!' Youko hissed.

Hiei flickered into appearance behind the smiling gunmen and attempted to behead him. The demon ducked and then aimed a shot towards the koorime's third eye. The bullet flew by harmlessly and the two began to exchange blows in earnest.

"SPIRIT GUN!"

The two leapt apart as a shot of pure spirit energy singed the floor where the two previously stood.

"Watch where you're aiming!" Hiei snarled.

Kuwabara and Yuisuke appeared from the opposite hallway behind the gunmen.

"Aw, come on Hiei. Don't you know better than to bring a sword to a gun fight?"

Kurama gritted his teeth and forced the pain in his arm side for the moment.

"Enough banter! The girl's left the hospital. Yusuke, take Kuwabara and go after her!"

"Not if I get there first." The demon said quietly. He crashed through a window and disappeared into the city's shadows.

"Shit! Let's go!"

xOxOxOxOxOxOxOxOxOxO

Cars screeched and horns blared as Kagome raced through traffic with Souta at her heels. After a near scrape with a taxi bumper, the three of them dodged into an alley. Kagome's lungs were burning, but her screaming shoulder pushed all thoughts of asphyxiation out of mind.

Finally, Kagome halted and fell to her knees at the mouth of a busy street. Several passerby glanced at the three, but no one stopped. Kagome struggled to suppress her flinch as Shippou slid off her back. Breathing deeply she braced herself for the two children's outburst.

"You two need to get out of here and call Mom. If she won't answer, go to the police. Either way, you have to get out of here."

'and away from me.'

"No! I won't leave you!" Shippou cried and latched onto her neck again.

Kagome groaned softly, causing Shippou to pull back and stare at his now bloody hands in horror.

"Shippou, that monster is after Kagome. We have to find her some help, not weigh her down." Souta said softly. Inside he was screaming in denial, but the sight of his sister's blood forced him to see reason.

Shippou sobbed, but nodded slowly. Kagome kissed both their cheeks and pulled back in surprise. Shippou placed a tiny leather bag in her hand without her even noticing. At her questioning glance, he sniffled. "It was a gift from my parents. It'll keep you safe. You have to find us and return it ok?"

Kagome smiled softly and gently tucked the soft, leather bag into her pajama pocket.

"I promise."

A sharp clatter further down the alley made them look back in fear.

"Go!" Kagome hissed.

Turning to face the approaching threat, Kagome froze in horror.

'Dear god, that is the ugliest demon I've ever seen…'

A demon with a scrunched up, swollen face and flaming orange hair raced toward her clad in…a skirt?!

"Hey! There you are! Come on we have to…Shit!"

Kagome through her knee up sharply and caught the damn thing straight in the groin. It didn't matter what species, it still hurt like a bitch. As it curled in on itself, she kicked it in the head a few times to make sure it stayed down. However, before she could run, two figures appeared on both sides of the alley.

"Kuwabara! What the hell are you doing?"

Kagome stared in disbelief. Wait, why was a human working with a demon? Her musings were caught short as she turned and caught the sight of the other figure. A delicate figure with long red hair cautiously approached her. A soft voice with a soothing lilt floated through the alley.

"It's all right. We aren't going to hurt you. We need to get you somewhere safe and treat your reopened wounds."

"Stay back!" Kagome growled, before covering her mouth in shock. What the hell? When did she start growling?

The red-head paused before stepping closer. Kagome shot forward with intent to go down swinging, but found she couldn't raise her arm. Horrified, she stared at her unresponsive and bloody arm. She looked up only to have her vision filled with vivid emerald green eyes that sent a shock of some unnamable feeling throughout her body. Kagome felt the last of her adrenaline wane as the world began to tip and spin drunkenly. The scent of roses followed her into the darkness.

xOxOxOxOxOxO

Kurama caught the exhausted Miko as she slumped forward bonelessly. Despite the grave situation and sickly sweet scent of blood permeating her scent, Kurama felt a warm giddy feeling engulf him. He cradled her gently and swept a sweaty lock away from her forehead.

"Kurama, do you have her?"

"I've got her Yusuke." Kurama replied softly, his own voice sounding rather odd and distant.

"Great. I guess I have to drag Kuwabara's heavy ass back myself. Where's Hiei?"

"Tracking the demon. He'll rejoin us at Genkai's temple."

He could practically feel Youko purring at the feeling of her soft body resting against their own. Breathing in the sweet underlying scent of lavender, Kurama turned to follow Yusuke out of the alley.

'Beautiful'

'and ours.' Youko murmured.