The Power of Seven

Chapter Ten


**** Day Seven****


It was official, she hated training. Sano was starting to thrive while she was the one lagging behind. Maybe her heart wasn't into it anymore. Something was missing, she just wasn't sure what. At one time she would have loved to become stronger, to improve herself. Now it all seemed like a waste of time, all for nothing. When this was over and they saved the world, the youkai would go right back to hating them.

Kagome was almost fed up with all the looks she was recieving. The city was packed with youkai, all seeking shelter. News hit the city everyday as youkai arrived telling tales of their loved ones and friends being carted away by the winged humaniods. Some of the youkai had no problem showing their open animosity towards them. It chipped her ass everytime, it was ironic. The seven were there to save their pathetic existence and were being shown how much they were despised. Kagome felt like going up to them and asking them how did it feel to be the food.

Almost none of them were thankful, disregarding them as saviors. If it weren't for the few youkai she had known and loved, she'd tell them all to go straight to hell. They would recieve nothing for their services, not even a thank you more than likely. Youkai in this era was worse than the other, no wonder the border had been placed. It was gone now and all hell had broken loose. While humans were content to live in peace, youkai still lived for carnage and chaos.

Didn't they take in account that the humans were needed? Without them their measly world would be lost. True the Ningenkai would be next but the youkai would be resting in hell long before they saw a day of battle. Kagome knew that Koenma had went back to the first available descendant. In four cases Koenma had to cross his fingers, those four being hard to find. Sango and Rin had been with her but had grown in an era where youkai and humans fought. Sano and Kenji had known nothing of them, luckily both men had been open minded.

She'd asked Koenma the specific details of the spell, seven points were needed. The six elements would form a circle, all representing an element of life. While the seventh, whom represented the key, would stand in the middle. She'd asked about everyone's abilities and gotten the information.

She was the descendant of Midoriko, no surprise there. She represented light, her aura reflecting the element. She was truelly from a line of Houshi and Mikos. She was just surprised that Midoriko had taken a youkai lover. Not so much the youkai but the whole lover part. Some people believed that losing her innocence would cause her power to drindle. It hadn't happened in Midoriko's case, so maybe it wouldn't in hers. After all her purification powers came from her soul, not her body.

Sano was the opposite of her, which made their pairing odd. He was the descendant of Kuromaru, the one to represent darkness. Sano's aura was almost pitch black, almost like she'd seen from Hiei. He seemed up for anything, willing to fight for people that he didn't know. He didn't seem to notice the hated directed at him as he strolled about his day. If he noticed he let it roll right off, being unaffected by it all.

Kenji seemed to notice but tried to smile at those that glared at him. He didn't seem to let it bother him as well. She'd heard his father had been Kenshin Himura, the man from history lessons. A legendary man slayer turned wanderer, trying to repent for the lives he'd taken. Kagome didn't think Kenji had ever killed anyone but seemed bent on helping others. He was the descendant of Matsushita, the human to represent wind, giving the boy a white misty aura.

Genkai was the only one that Kagome felt a connection to in most cases. The woman was hated by almost youkai for a reason, her killing many of their kind. Just like Kagome was hated just for being a miko, their natural enemy. Though all Genkai had to do was turn in their direction and they'd scramble away like frightened children. She was the descendant of Yamamoto, the one to represent water, giving her a blue aura.

Rin was too innocent to realize that she was hated. Kagome believed she was already crushing on the large man she'd been placed with. A smile hardly left her face, doing her best to improve for people that would kill her before returning that sweet smile. She was the descendant of Hashigawa, representive of earth, giving her a fragile yellow aura. It suited the girl's soul, sweet and serine.

Sango was very aware of what was going on. She showed her returned feelings not caring if they knew that she despised them also. Kagome knew that the taijiya didn't hate all youkai, it was just these. Tension was mounting everyday, almost to the breaking point. Sango was like her sister, the closest person to her. The girl came from the line of Satsuki, the woman to represent fire, so she had a red aura.

That only left one person, the most important one. The descendant of Maiyuki, the key to it all. Shizuru's role in their salvation was a large one, without her nothing was possible. The girl had to know what role she held. Kagome had been told that her brother had unlocked the power over twenty years ago. The ability to form a sword to cut through deminsions and barriers. But Koenma said that descendant had to be female leaving the man out. Shizuru had known of youkai and took everything in stride. Not really caring if she was liked or not, Kagome envied her. Her aura was a dark gold, the key to it all.

The miko stopped what she was doing to look at Sano. He was focusing his power into his fists, turning them into deadly weapons. The man was no clean shaving but kept the shoulder length hair, she liked it. He wasn't paying any attention to her, finally taking the training seriously. Finding his new power was what he needed to get his ass in gear. She however didn't feel like training today. Hiei had left already to go do whatever. Probably going to see that woman for all she knew.

The thought irked her, which angered her. The small man hadn't returned to their room last night. She wasn't sure where he'd slept, if he had. She needed some fresh air, maybe kill something. Or a good sitting would be nice but Inuyasha wasn't here. Maybe a ride on Kirara with Sango keeping her company was needed. That in mind she stood up, "Hey, I need a break I'll be back."

Sano watched her leave, then sighed. The girl was becoming depressed for some reason. He could feel the tension and anger still cloaking her due to the strange bond. She was starting to open up to him but there was still many closed doors and he didn't have the keys. He would be there if she needed a friend to talk to. She had more emotional pain than even Kenshin. The man had helped change his life, made him a better person. One reason why he was willing to help these people, its what Kenshin would have done. For now he'd give Kagome her space until she was ready to open up to him.

Kagome found Sango's door, to find just the girl inside training. "Hey, want to go for a ride? Get some fresh air or something?" The taijiya looked just as tense and put out. "I need to get away or I'm going to start purifying some people. So what do you say? I'm sure Kirara would like to get out for a bit."

Sango agreed, more than willing for a break. Shura hadn't shown up all morning, to instruct her. He'd come to bed eventually last night, humming to himself. Instead of giving him the satisfaction of commenting on what she'd seen she closed her eyes and went back to bed. Let him rutt with whomever he wanted as long as he stayed away from her. What bothered her was he was suppose to show her how to project her energy today but hadn't showed. Despite their differences, she needed to learn how. Everyone else was busy, with their human counterparts and had no time to train her as well. It left her in a sore spot, with no trainer. "Alright, lets go."


Shizuru took a bite of her dinner, not really tasting the mess. Kenji spoke to Sano across from them, the topic of Kagome. She was barely listening, her thoughts elsewhere. Yukina and the others were still here, the ice apparition refused to leave the room. Shizuru wanted a chance to talk to Kurama in private, well she had before they walked to dinner. She wanted to ask what had happened would mean for their relationship. They had been friends for a long time, just not close ones. He'd said they would finish but he'd made no attempt to get her alone. Part of her knew he now regretted that it happened.

A small amount of hurt now filled her. It wasn't because she wanted the sex to happen, it was more than that. It was because it had begun and it shouldn't have. It wasn't in her to do casual sex, it wasn't her way. She'd let him touch her because she cared for him, always had. She'd known of his history with women, especially as Youko. Someone that old had to have many lovers, too many to count. She was told by Kuzuma that he knew Kurama dated a few women while in the Ningenkai, he just never got serious about anyone.

If they took this further, he wouldn't be serious about it. In the end she'd still be just his friend/mate, nothing more. She'd seen him on the way to dinner, it had caused her to rethink everything. He'd been standing in the hall, speaking to a youkai female. A very beautiful one at that, alot better looking than herself. The girl had been giggling as Kurama touched her cheek lightly. She couldn't hear what was being said but actions told everything. The look in the girl's eyes spoke volumes, she wanted the kitsune. Shizuru had turned her head when Kurama leaned over to whisper in the girl's ear.

That was something she could have gone the rest of her life without seeing. She knew they weren't a couple or anything close but it still hurt just the same. That he would mess with her then turn around 2 days later and try to get into another woman's pants. It hurt knowing she hadn't been nothing more than a semi-lay for him. To want more would be fooling herself, setting herself up for heartache.

Kenji turned to look at Shizuru and frowned, she was sad. He could feel it and he didn't like it. Something had happened between her and Kurama, he wasn't stupid. Yesterday and all today during practice there was tension in the air, coming from them. Kurama seemed more harsh than usual, definitely towards her. Everyone knew that Shizuru had an important part, that was still no excuse. He liked Kurama and already respected the man greatly but his actions today had angered even him. Shizuru had messed up causing the fox to snap at her. Being Shizuru the woman had snapped back but louder with a few choice curse words. The language shocked him but didn't bother him coming from her mouth.

Kenji couldn't help but smile at the memory, the woman was something else. Even he could easily kill her without trying yet she wasn't afraid. Kurama's tone had lightened some, knowing he was pushing her too much. Kenji hadn't needed to speak up for the girl, she'd made it known herself. No man would run over her, he could see that. It reminded him of his mother in a way, she'd been brave to a point. Yet, she'd been caring, polite to most and always quick to smile. Shizuru on the other hand seemed indifferent to most, kept to herself and quick to speak her mind.


Hiei stopped in his patrol when he spotted the large neko soring across the sky. He frowned sensing Kagome high above his head. What did the woman think she was doing? Were those two looking for trouble? It was becoming more dangerous with every passing day. They weren't youkai but wanted dead just the same, he'd remind her later. Mukuro landed beside him and laughed, seeing where his gaze lingered.

The woman thought his predicament was humorous, he didn't think so. First she saw fit to use him as a pillow, then throw accusations in his face. Who did she think she was? He wouldn't lie and say he'd never lain with other women but he'd yet to take Mukuro to his bed, he never would. She was a close friend, someone that understood him. The idea of rutting with her wasn't one he entertained. Kagome had jumped to her own facts upon seeing him in the room. They'd been scouted the outskirts when they'd been attacked. The youkai had been possessed by someone, crazed in the mind. It just so happened it had been extremely large, over twenty feet in height. Mukuro hadn't stopped to think, she'd blasted the creature ending it's life. The body had exploded on impact, sending remains everywhere. The woman hadn't moved, being covered by the entrails. He'd tried moving but his cloak and boots had taken some damage. So they'd returned to inform Yomi of the occurence then went to go clean up. He'd taken his cloak to get cleaned, leaving him wearing only his pants. He'd stopped back by Mukuro's room to speak with her, she'd just got done removing her soiled clothing. That was what Kagome had happened upon, nothing more. He'd been on his way to take a bath putting him further away from the balcony.

He might not have wanted a mate but would honor it just the same. Even if he never took her to his bed, he wouldn't stray just for pleasure. She was beautiful, he'd have no problem bedding her. True she was human but he wasn't a fool. He respected power above all else. Unlike normal humans that were weak, she was powerful. Rutting was the same no matter how it was with, just a basic need. If he felt the need to do so then he'd get around to mating with her.

First, he'd let her get over her sentimental attachment with the dead hanyou before making a move. After that it would just all depend on when he felt the need to rut. Now wasn't the time to worry about such things. Now he just wanted to know what they were up to. He considered contacting her mentally but decided to let her go. If they were foolish enough to leave then they could see to their own safety. If she got into trouble he'd know, until then let her have her space.



**** Day Eight****


The mood in the room was very tense, both didn't speak. Genkai had been prepared for another day of training alone. With the others still hanging around it meant Yusuke would be spending time with his wife. She wasn't about to object or put her nose into it any further. She already knew enough to cause her great anger. All day yesterday she had to try to forget what she knew. It was a constant nagging at the back of her mind.

She knew Yusuke deserved to know the truth but it would only cause him pain. Maybe it was best to let him believe what he did, let him be ignorant of Keiko's lie. Let him finish his marriage with her without knowing the secret. Ignorance was truelly bliss in Yusuke's case, she'd make sure of it.

Now if she could stop the dimwit from glaring at her, all would be well. He hadn't stopped since he'd come into the room over an hour ago. He said Keiko was taking a nap so he'd come to check up on her. Like she really needed him to watch her. She'd been fighting for over half a century before his daddy had experienced his first orgasm. She knew he was just waiting for the right moment to lay in on her for hitting Keiko. Let him, she'd smack him around too.

"Well, why did you do it?" Yusuke crossed his arms, trying to contain his anger. He wanted to be angry at Genkai but he knew he was missing something. Keiko had barely spoken to him since then, ignoring his questions. She kept saying to forget about it, that it wasn't important. He could see the anxiety and fear in her eyes. Something was going on and these two had his answers. He couldn't force them out of Keiko. He eyed Genkai, he'd have one hell of a time trying to force them out of her also. If he should be scared of anyone it was his former mentor. The most Keiko could do was slug him one, Genkai could damage him.

He also knew the woman, she wouldn't strike Keiko for no reason. The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. She didn't go around hitting those weaker than herself. His wife had to hit her first but why? Keiko wasn't stupid, why would she strike someone that could kill her before she could bat an eyelash? Something had to upset her, make her angry enough to cause her to act foolish.

"That is none of your concern. If Keiko wanted you to know she would have told you." Genkai wanted to drop the subject, not wanting to keep thinking of it. It was bad enough that she had to live with knowing, there was no reason to ruin his life. What Keiko had none was more than wrong but immoral and selfish. It was best also if she wasn't dragged into the middle of the problem. She knew the girl couldn't be happy about them two being mated, she'd throw that up in his face if a fight arose.

"Dammit, Genkai." Yusuke knew she wasn't going to budge, it was her way. He respected her for that reason but right now it was begining to piss himoff to no end. What the hell had they been fighting about? It had to be something serious. "Was the fight about us? Was Keiko still upset about us being mated?"

Genkai wasn't sure if she should lie about it and say yes. She didn't like to fib or skirt the truth but the boy was giving her an out. "Yes, it's to be expected. I'm sure she is just worried, give her time and she will adjust. Do not concern yourself anymore dimwit. Now, I suggest you get back with her. I will be fine on my own."

"She's taking a nap, I got an hour or so if you want to spar a bit. So what do you say Grandpa? Ready to get your ass kicked?" Yusuke smiled at her, feeling somewhat relieved. He knew of nothing else that could provoke an arguement between the two so that had to be it. Genkai was right, Keiko would understand and deal with it. As long as he kept his dick in his pants and didn't touch Genkai.

"Bring it on slacker." Genkai prepared herself for the first attack. She'd teach him a lesson before he took another step out of this room. Remind him who the teacher was and who was the arrogant student.


Rin didn't like being followed but it didn't stop the strange man from trailing behind her. Yomi had brought the man to the training room yesterday morning stating that he was to be her guard from now on. He'd tell her what to work on before leaving in the morning. So, yesterday and today she'd been forced to train alone while some strange youkai stood outside the door. She had no one to talk to all day but herself. Yomi ordered her meals brought to her, ensuring that she ate.

He didn't come for her at the end of the day either. When she got tired she was suppose to go bathe then head to bed. He hadn't returned to their room at night. She was sure he was sleeping with another woman but it wasn't her place to complain. He could do what he wanted and that was that. It still left her lonely, she missed him.

The thought of kicking her own ass came to mind knowing it was all her fault. He'd made his demands clear yet she'd disobeyed. He was still angry because she'd taken certain liberties. She shouldn't have touched him, he didn't belong to her. He was a very powerful youkai, he could have any female youkai he wanted. Why would he ever want someone like her? She was nothing more than a human, a plain and weak one too.

She'd already finished her bath and wanted to take a look in the garden once more. Yomi wasn't with her but she wanted to go just the same. It made her happy to be there, she loved flowers. It would give her some peace, if only for a short while. Besides she accomplished what her Lord had asked.

The door opened up to allow her entrance into the open area. Her breath caught once more at seeing the beautiful scenery. Maybe she should pick Yomi another flower, try apologizing one more time. How long would he stay mad at her? She walked inside, hearing the guard snort several feet away. Seemed he didn't care for the greenery, she didn't care for him so they were even. Everytime he looked at her there was a strange look in his eyes. It made her skin crawl, her nerves would stay on edge for some time after.

Rin walked around for over an hour finding the solace she sought. It was to be interupted later by a woman she'd seen on occasion. Rin didn't like her either, the woman's smile was nasty. The girl decided to walk clear of the youkai but she seemed to have a different opinion.

Rin looked around for the guard, he was nowhere in sight. The woman was coming straight for her, the beautiful face filled with anger. Rin pondered if she'd done something to anger her as well. Maybe she was one of Yomi's ladies and had heard of what happened. Was she about to be yelled at for touching him?

Large brown eyes widened in fear when the woman shot forward at the last second. The gleam of something caught her eye, Rin raised her arm up at the last second. Hot pain shot down the limb causing her to cry out. She stumbled back, tears burned beneath her lids. The sound of soft laughter was heard as she stared down at the bleeding arm. "You attacked Rin."

"That's right, give me a minute and I'll kill Rin." The tiger youkai raised the knife again, she would kill the girl now. She'd been estatic to hear that Yomi had left the girl's protection to a guard. The man had no more interest in guarding her than any other human scum. The girl would die then she'd be free to pursue Yomi. Kichi was tired of putting up with that pathetic Shura already. The boy was nothing compared to his father. All that was standing in her way was this bitch and her mate. She'd eliminate the girl, then use her status as Shura's mate to help console Yomi. It won't take long to make him want her.

Rin couldn't believe this was happening, she was being attacked by Shura's mate. The woman wanted to kill her but why? Knowing this wasn't the time to ponder the reason. The small blade was coming for her once more. Rin dodged to the side as it sliced through the air where her throat had been seconds before. The pain from her arm was filling her entire right side. The woman was going to kill her and there was nothing she could do about it. She was outmatched by speed, agility and experience. Soft laughter was heard from the corner, she turned to see.

The guard was leaning against the building, his head lowered. He was just standing there laughing, why wasn't he helping her? Had Yomi planned this? Was that why the woman was attacking her? Had she angered him that much? The blade came down again, tearing into her side. She screamed out in pain as anger filled her. If he wanted her dead then he should make his feelings known. All she'd done was touch him, that wasn't so bad she had to die for it. "Stop hurting Rin."

Kichi stopped at the shout, then snorted. Did the girl really think to order her around? The little brat then turned to her, what could she do? The human bitch had come out with no weapons, she was helpless. She jumped in the air as the blast shot from the girl's hand. In her arrogance she moved too slow. It managed to knick her side on the way up. "You bitch, you'll pay for that I promise."

"You have no reason to attack Rin." She felt the energy going to her hand. Rin felt the blood running down her side, to match the stream created by her arm. Maybe if she could hold the woman off help would come. Kagome and Sango wouldn't let her die, they'd help but how was she to get their attention? She focused on forcing her energy to raise, enough to make a loud bang. She sent enough straight at the woman knowing she'd jump out of the way. But her aim wasn't to hit the woman, knowing it useless. The sound of stone breaking was heard as it slammed into the wall.

Kichi gawked as the stone broke, the sound loud enough for the whole building to hear. Great they'd come running to investigate. The girl would be dead before they got here. She sprung at the smaller woman knocking her down. The knife raised high in the air, she'd dig out her heart.

Rin brought her hand up, grabbing the wrist. She groaned at the effort, the youkai was definitely stronger by far. There was no way she'd be able to keep ahold for too much longer. The woman was smiling seeing her victory near. Rin screamed as the tip started to dig into her breast.

The pain stopped as the sound of something solid slamming into flesh was heard. Rin felt the woman suddenly move away from her. The other's woman soft cry of pain was heard then nothing. Rin wanted to move but couldn't, she was too tired and someone had saved her. Her head turned to see the half lady kneeling beside her, then the small man was standing next to Kichi.

Hiei sneered at the tiger youkia, wanting to kill the woman. What the hell had she been doing attacking the girl? Didn't she realize that if any of them died then all hopes of saving the Makai would be gone? Was she that stupid? What that idiot son of Yomi's saw in the bitch he would never understand. She was pleasant to the eye but the ugliness of her soul made her vile to look at.

Shura showed up seconds before Yomi came running into the garden. Yomi paused for only a brief second before his angry voice was heard. "Mukuro, tell me what you saw." The smell of Rin's blood was thick in the air but she was still alive. He could feel her pain through the bond.

"We heard a blast, Hiei and I were right down the hall. We came in time to find her on top of Rin, obviously trying to kill the girl. She needs to be seen to, she's losing alot of blood." Mukuro picked the girl up, "I'll take her to the physician so you can deal with everything here. Before you ask there is no doubt in my mind what we saw or who is to blame." She turned to look at the tiger youkai sitting immobile on the ground due to Hiei's foot planted on her chest. The bitch might be stupid enough to attack Yomi's mate but was making no attempt to dislodge the hybrid.

Rin felt herself being picked up as her friends came to see what all the fuss was about. She heard Yomi order everyone to stay as she was seen to by a medic. He sounded extremely angry, his voice was harsh. She closed her eyes feeling the swaying motion as the woman carted her off.

Yomi felt the guard standing some distance away, his body taunt with fear. "There is only way out of the garden, the door I came through. It leaves only one option, you were here the whole time but did nothing." He moved before the man could speak in his own defense. Yomi felt the spine seperate as his hand punched into the man's back. "Now you have a reason not to move. I gave you an order, I don't like to be disobeyed. You stood by and let my mate be attacked. You will recieve the fate you were willing to give her." No one spoke up, watching while the man's head was torn from his neck.

Kagome felt her stomach pitch at the sight. She wasn't going to speak up for him, even if that way to die was cruel. The man had been hired to protect Rin but hadn't lifted a finger while she was about to die. He had sealed his own fate, it was out of her hands. Her eyes fell on the woman pinned to the ground.

"Get your foot off her." Shura let his voice ring out. "We have no idea what went on here. I demand you release her now." He took a few steps before his father intruded. "Get out of my way father." He didn't care what happened here, the girl was only a human. "You have no right to treat my mate in such a way."

"I have every right and you know it. You heard Mukuro and I'm sure Hiei will back up her statement. Your mate attacked mine, without just cause. Don't try to argue or you will feel my anger. Rin would never start a fight with her, the girl isn't stupid. Your bitch was the one who did it, she will pay for the insult. As by youkai law, it is my right to demand her life." Yomi felt his son's anger then the bitterness as he growled. He would kill the bitch and do his son a favor. The woman was nothing but trouble. Now he knew who was trying to harm Rin, he wasn't sure why but had his guesses.

"No father, you may be right on one account. If Kichi did attack Rin then you do have every right to demand the life of my mate. But you forget that I have two. It is within my right to decide which one you can take." Shura smiled, he'd just won. There was no way he'd lose Kichi and his father couldn't stop it. "To appease the insult Kichi has given, I offer up the life of my mate. You can take the life of Sango."


Next chapter: Sango's fate, review and let me know what you think!