The Jewel Of My Heart

A/N: Ok, guys. I have not only caught you up with my other site, but you are actually one chapter ahead. Now we are getting involved with the YYH gang, and you will understand exactly what happened to Kuronue. There are things that Youko didn't know, and an ally is partly responsible for his situation. So, sit back and enjoy. Please review and I will try to have the next chapter out by Saturday, if not then by Monday.

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As he stood, watching the moon take possession of the evening sky, he thought about many things. He could remember the day that he had met Kuronue, and he could see the many long hours of training the bat youkai in the ways of the thief. Soon, Kuronue had matched him in skill and they became a most fearsome pair.

But, they never killed unnecessarily. No, it simply was not their way. But, should a death be necessary, it was always quick and easy, especially if the one dying had proved that they were worthy of such an honorable death.

However, there were those who did not die so easily and he could still hear their screams as he and Kuronue took great joy in ripping them apart. Yes, it had been a wonderful partnership and now, it looked as though Kuronue had come back to him, just in a different body and species.

Kagome was certainly beautiful, but then again, Kuronue had been a handsome youkai in his former life. But Kagome was like nothing he had ever seen before and he could not help but wonder why it was that she was not mated. Could it have something to do with Kuronue's dominant nature? The girl certainly should have a lot of suitors, but now that she was his, there would be no suitors. No, he would be the only one allowed to touch her. In this, he would give Kuronue what he could not give him before. He would give him his life and would do so by staying by Kagome's side.

“Youko....he is here.” Nojiri said, his voice quiet and soothing. Nojiri had come to him right after his family had been murdered by a group of youkai-hating humans. Despite the tragedy he suffered, he never took his pain out on others. He was a good youkai, and had proved his loyalty more than once.

Nodding, Youko turned and said, “I will be there in a moment. Make him comfortable.” When Nojiri hesitated, Youko could see a bit of fear in his eyes. “Well....what is it?”

“He is with the young woman. He caught her scent and went right in. We tried to stop him, but you know how he is.” Nojiri whispered.

Youko snarled and began to run down the slope that would lead him into his den. Of course he would go to the girl. He would know her scent because she had encountered him before. If he harmed her, he would pay....dearly.

He ran past his followers and took note that Maraharu was not with the others, meaning that he must also be with Kagome. As he entered his chamber, he could hear Maraharu whisper, “The girl is thought to be Kuronue's reincarnation.”

The tall youkai stood and shook his head. “The girl is not Kuronue's reincarnation, but rather the reincarnation of my idiot brother's miko.” He stated, and then said, “Hello, Youko.”

Youko allowed his lips to pull back to reveal his fangs. “Hello, Sesshomaru.”

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It was easier than he thought it would be. He managed to lull Kagome back into a peaceful sleep simply by humming a soft tune that his mother used to hum to him when he was frightened as a pup. It had been a foolish mistake to unload all of his memories upon her so quickly. But, now he could repair the damage that had been done and he would start by talking to her. He would coax her from her fears and the only way he could do that was to get her to trust him.

But, first he had to fix what he had done. He would have to be quiet for a short time and let her regain her strength. She would have to heal if he were going to gain her support in his plight. Then, once he was back in his body, he would take her away from that group of hers and dress her in the finest kimonos and gift her with jewels that she had only seen in her dreams. But, most of all, he could offer her something that he knew she was longing for. He would offer her love.

Oh, he could remember love. His parents love him, as did his siblings. But, he never felt that he had a need to find a woman for himself, unless it was to relieve a momentary ache in his loins. But, now he craved this woman's attentions and knew he could give to her what no other man could. He could give himself and his love to her.

But, there was a problem. He was well aware that Youko felt something for Kagome. It was clear in the way he stroked her hair, spoke to her, and protected her. It was also a sure bet that when he laid down for the night, he would slip in beside Kagome and hold her body close to his. That should not have been a problem, since they have shared women in the past, but then again, he never loved any of the other women and he could honestly say that he was falling in love with Kagome.

She was loving, honest, trust-worthy, beautiful, patient, a good mother to the small kit, and most of all, she loved with her whole heart and didn't hold anything back. She was the kind of female that males dreamed of finding. She would be faithful and a great mother to his young. She was perfect and he didn't want Youko to touch her.

But, he would worry about Youko later. Right now, he had to rest. Getting Kagome to calm down and accept the effects of the tonic that the elderly healer made for her took a lot out of him. And so, he sat down and closed his eyes, ready for a nap that he felt that he deserved.

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“What makes you think that this human girl is the reincarnation of your dead partner?” Sesshomaru demanded, his golden eyes trained upon his old friend.

Youko sighed and looked over at Kagome, who was sleeping peacefully. “When I went to strike her down, she began to scream for me to run and mentioned that cursed mirror that Kuronue and I stole right before he died. Sesshomaru, she could not have known what Kuronue had said unless she has his memories.” He explained.

Sesshomaru's head lowered as he pondered the kitsune's words and then asked, “Is it possible that she heard the story about Kuronue's death and just said those words to prevent you from killing her?”

Moving to the bed, Youko replied, “I would agree that would be a possible scenario, but she has this.” He reached over and gently pulled back the furs that covered Kagome to reveal Kuronue's necklace. For a moment, the chamber grew silent. Then, Sesshomaru softly said, “I will go and investigate this matter. From what I have heard, the miko is very honest and sincere. Perhaps something is going on that is causing these memories, but I assure you, Youko, that she is not Kuronue's reincarnation.”

The taiyoukai turned and walked from the chamber but turned back to see Youko leaning forward and place a gentle kiss upon the miko's forehead. It didn't matter what he said to the spirit kitsune about the miko. It was clear that like his own father, Youko had fallen in love with a human woman. When would his kind learn to avoid such things?

He moved towards the exit and paused to sniff the air. A smirk formed on his lips as he recognized the scent that was being carried by the winds. Inu Yasha was coming to pay Youko a visit. Perhaps he would stay and greet his brother.

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Shuuichi stopped and stared at the ground. His companions noticed that he stopped moving and stopped in their tracks. Finally, when he didn't speak, Hiei snapped, “What in the hell are you doing, Kurama?”

The red headed young man shook his head and gave his friends an apologetic look. “Please excuse me. Youko has been very quiet lately, and I am now a little concerned about him.” He explained.

Hiei glared at the young man, but then huffed and turned his eyes towards the sky. He, too, had felt the spirit kitsune settle down, something that was unnatural for Youko, who was constantly trying to gain control so that he could resume this mysterious mission that Kurama once told him about. It was obvious that something was wrong, but the kitsune refused to say what was bothering him, and kept such a close guard on his mind that not even he, Hiei, could pry the information out of him.

Yusuke shook his head. “Look, we don't have time to worry about what the kitsune is upset about. Let's push on and get this over with. Keiko is waiting for me, and I don't want her to bitch at me like she did last week.” He said, his hand brushing back his dark bangs.

“Yes, let's.” Shuuichi agreed. As they continued to walk, he tried to speak to Youko once more, and when he asked what Youko was thinking about, the spirit kitsune sighed and softly said, “Memories.”

To say that he was stunned was an understatement. Never before had the spirit kitsune sound so sad, and yet, to offer the dangerous youkai sympathy would be a horrible mistake. Like all other youkai, Youko was proud and didn't like showing weakness.

So, he let it drop. He didn't want to upset Youko, nor did he want the kitsune to shut him out and not talk to him when he was ready. No, he would bide his time and wait for Youko to come to him.

When the group finally arrived at Genkai's shrine, the old woman let them in and immediately began to argue with Yusuke, berating him about how much his timing sucked and that if he was late one more time, she was going to buy a watch, and shove the damn thing up his ass. When Yusuke paled, she nodded and was satisfied that she had gotten her point across.

Motioning for all of the young men to be seated, she watched as Yukina entered the room with a tray of tea, and then rolled her eyes when Kuwabara began to fawn all over the young female ice youkai. When Hiei began to growl, Kuwabara turned and glared at him, but before he could tell Hiei how he felt, Yukina softly said, “I am going to my room, Genkai. I am going to have an early night, but should you need me, just call for me.”

Genkai nodded and smiled at the young female. It amazed her that Yukina and Hiei were brother and sister. They were total opposites, but that was probably a good thing. Hiei offered his sister a protection that was violent and deadly, where Yukina offered her brother the warmth and compassion that he had never known. It was as if they were two halves of the same coin.

Now, she had another matter to ponder, and that was what Koenma told her. A time-traveler had been identified, and lived at her old friend's shrine.

“I want you boys to listen up.” Genkai said, and turned to glare at Yusuke when he grumbled that he was not a boy, but rather a man. “Koenma has informed me that a time-traveler has been identified.”

Shuuichi didn't know what happened, but when Genkai began to talk and mentioned a time traveler, his mind went blank and an image appeared before him.

A young woman with long, dark hair was lying upon a large bed, her body barely covered by a sheet. She was clearly sick, and he could feel his heart clench. Her sobs and cries tore at him and before he could stop, he opened his mouth and bellowed, “KAGOME!”

The group was silent as they stared at their friend in shock. Kurama was holding his head as images continued to pour forth. He could see the young woman as she lay in his arms, her dark eyes staring into his and full of love. He could hear her moans as he took the girl, who now lay beneath him. Now, Kurama understood. Youko had once spoken of a woman who brought him a happiness he had never known, and now, she had a name.

“Yes, the time-traveler's name is Kagome.” Genkai confirmed, her eyes trained upon Kurama. It was clear that he was having a hard time controling Youko and something had set the youkai off. Could it be that he had met the girl when she traveled back through time?

Kuwabara grinned. “Well, let's go and grab the girl. After all, just how much trouble can she be?” He asked, his tone confident.

Suddenly, Kurama's hand shot out and grabbed Kuwabara by his neck and in front of his companions, Kurama's face began to fade as Youko emerged. “You will not touch her. You will not speak to her. If you go near her, I will rip your heart out and feast upon it. Do you understand me, human?” He growled, his eyes tinting red as he glared at the tall human.

Hiei, too, had seen the images. When Youko lost control, his Jagen immediately invaded Kurama's mind. So, the spirit kitsune had himself a girl, did he? But, to what extent the youkai felt for the girl was a mystery, however, for the spirit kitsune to be so vicious towards the idiot of their group told Hiei that this female meant more to Youko than just some bitch he had used as a lay.

When Youko finally let go of him, Kuwabara grabbed his neck and began to rub the abused area. “What's your problem, man?” He snapped. “Why do you care about her so much, huh?”

“Because, Kagome is my mate.”

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Inu Yasha ran hard, and knew that the others were right behind him. When he came into view of a large cave, he narrowed his eyes and began to growl. He detected a scent that told him that his sword would be needed. When he came to a stop at the entrance of the cave, Sesshomaru stepped from the shadows and smirked.

“What are you doing here, Inu Yasha?” He asked, his tone as cold as ever. He glanced behind his bastard brother and noticed that the dead miko was getting off the fire neko. He moved forward, easily avoiding Inu Yasha's pathetic attempt to attack him and was soon in front of Kikyo.

“Tell me,” He demanded. “Are you not the miko Kagome's incarnation?”

Kikyo nodded. “Yes. Kagome is my reincarnation. Why do you ask, Lord Sesshomaru?” She asked, her tone respectful. Despite the fact that her lover hated his brother, she would show this male respect. He was not a destructive youkai, but rather a highly protective one. And, the young human that followed him needed his protection.

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes, but silently acknowledged the fact that the dead miko was being respectful. “It would appear that my old friend believes that your miko is the reincarnation of his former partner.”

“Yeah, some fuck named Kuronue.” Inu Yasha muttered. In a blink of an eye, the hanyou found himself dangling from his brother's deadly grip.

“I would advise you, half-breed, to not speak of Kuronue in such ways.” Sesshomaru snarled. He, like Youko, thought a lot of Kuronue, not only because he was an honorable youkai, but because Kuronue had helped when there had been a revolt against his lands. It was he, Youko, and Kuronue who stood against the rebels, and they demolished those who dared stand against the lord of the western lands.

Miroku quickly stepped forward and calmly asked, “Lord Sesshomaru, it appears that you know this Kuronue, so would you please tell us what you know so that we may help our friend?”

Sesshomaru turned his head slowly, and set the hanyou down. He moved to sit upon one of the large rocks and calmly said, “It would appear that Kuronue was not content on staying dead, and has decided that the young miko would be a suitable vessel. He was a fighter, and a cunning thief. So cunning that he matched Youko perfectly. There had been rumors that the pair were romantically involved, but those rumors were not true. If Kuronue has taken your friend over, it is going to be a battle to get him out.”

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The soft voice that had been humming to her finally silenced. Kagome could feel the heat slowly ebbing away and she was thankful for that. Her body was so tired and she ached. But, when a cool cloth wiped her forehead, she opened her tired eyes and looking into a pair of soft golden ones. For a moment, she thought that she was staring into Inu Yasha's eyes, but when the male spoke, Kagome knew that it was not her friend who was tending to her.

“Kagome, are you thristy?” Youko asked, his voice tender. When she nodded, he gently lifted her head up and brought a cup to her lips. He allowed her to take sips of cool water, and when she had her fill, he lowered her back to the bed and sat down beside her.

“What do you remember, Kagome?” He asked as he took her smaller hand in his larger one. He could feel how soft her hand was, and had to wonder if she were this soft all over. But, he pushed that thought from his mind and watched as she shook her head.

“I-I don't really remember anything after we left your forest.” She murmured, her words slurred. When the male nodded, she felt him tuck the covers underneath her chin and turned her eyes to look at him. “Why are you being so nice to me?”

What could he say? 'Oh, I'm being nice because you could be my best friend's reincarnation', no, that would not do. So, instead he said, “I'm being nice because I like you, Kagome.”

Without warning, Kagome's eyes filled with tears and she shook her head. “No, you just want me to find shards for you.” She whispered, her voice cracking.

“What makes you think that?” Youko asked, alarmed that his kind words would bring such doubt in her.

“Everyone wants me because I can see the shards. Inu Yasha calls me his shard detector. Kouga wants to mate me because I can find him shards. Naraku wants me dead because I can sense him and his shards. I don't want to see shards anymore.” She sobbed, her tears now rushing forth.

Youko quickly gathered the girl in his arms. Rocking her slowly, he whispered, “I don't give a damn about the shards. I don't want them.”

He knew her tears were due to her exhaustion and that she had probably been carrying around this particular thought for a while now and in her moment of weakness, she could not help but say what was on her mind. Of course, she would question his motives. After all, he was known as the king of thieves. But, he needed her to trust in him.

After several moments of rocking the young miko, Youko became aware that she was breathing deeply and had relaxed in his arms. She had given up the fight to stay awake, and he hoped that she would sleep for a few hours. He looked down and his eyes grew wide. The sheet covering her slipped down to her waist and now, her bare breasts were crushed against his chest.

He could honestly say that this was one of the hardest things he ever did. He gently laid her down and quickly covered her, though his youkai kept howling for him to taste those creamy mounds. He would not force himself upon Kagome. He would not touch her in any manner that she did not welcome. He would sit back and bide his time, at least for now. But, damn. He was falling hard, and he didn't know why this girl touched him as deeply as she did. Was it because she could be Kuronue and he felt a dep loyalty to the bat, or was it because she, a human miko, adopted an orphaned kit and cared for him as her own and he was now feeling the pull of wanting to settle and mate?

But, at this time, he needed to concentrate on helping her, not mating her. He needed to get her through this difficult time and help her heal. As far as he was concerned, she was his. She would no longer have to worry about other creatures' motives. If anyone dare attempt to use her for her special ability, they would die, painfully.

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He awoke to the sounds of her sobbing. He heard her words, which were filled with such pain and he felt as though his heart would rip apart because he couldn't do a damn thing to protect her at this moment. All he could do is talk to her, comfort her, and hopefully, show her that not everyone wanted to use her. It was a shame that her so-called best friend used her so shamelessly. After all that Kagome had done for him, the hanyou continued to take from her all that she had to give. He would have to explain to Kagome that there were times when once could be nice, and other times when one had to protect themselves from being taken advantage of. But, it was her age that contributed to her naivety. As she grew older, she would understand just how badly she had been used, and already, she was beginning to get a glimpse of it. Thankfully, Youko took matters into his own hands and rocked Kagome, soothing her back to sleep, which she badly needed.

Standing up, he stretched and cautiously allowed his essence to flow outward. He wanted to practice on Kagome, while she was asleep, and was immediately shocked. Now that Kagome was too exhaused to fight his control, he now could lift her hand with minimal effort. Testing her other limbs, a smile crossed Kuronue's lips as a realization came rushing to him.

They failed. Those who tried to keep him subdued, failed.

Once he was sure that he had total control, he concentrated on sitting Kagome up, and once he was able to get her to her feet, he slowly wrapped the sheet around her body and began to make his way the door. At first, he feared that she was going to fall, but he managed to keep her upright and headed straight for the loud voices that were coming from the entrance of the den.

As he drew closer, he recognized the hanyou's voice and a cruel smirk formed on his lips. Perhaps it was time for the hanyou to understand just how it felt to be humiliated. Now, all of Kagome's complaints would be revealed and the idiot hanyou would listen to every single one of them.