The Power of Seven

Chapter Twenty-Six

**** Day Twenty-Seven ****

Shizuru knew it was coming the moment Kuzuma said he wanted to speak to her. He'd stopped by again with Yukina, to see how things were progressing. She was begining to wonder if he was more interested in her love life than the safety of the world. Now that he'd found about her and Kenji being a couple she'd known it was only a matter of time before he tried to talk to her alone. It was Kuzuma for you, the one with all the honor codes and high morals. She lit a cigarette and leaned back in her chair. "So what is it?"

"You know what! So what's up with you and Kenji being a couple now? What happened between you and Kurama? Weren't you two seeing each other, he did kiss you that one day." Kuzuma folded his arms across his chest and waited for her to answer. He'd seen his friend and old ally kiss his sister and had assumed they would end up a couple. It was also obvious that Kenji had a thing for her but he figured Shizuru would want Kurama. They'd known each other for a long time.

"There's nothing between me and Kurama at the moment. We did the nasty a few times then moved on. I'm doing Kenji now," She smirked seeing him cringe. That's what he got for sticking his nose in her business. She was old enough to do as she pleased, he could keep his opinion to himself. She had feelings for Kurama but that's where it ended. He had no interest in having a relationship with her. Would she have wanted one, yes. Would she want one now if he were to offer, she didn't know. In that fact she was torn. Good thing she didn't have to worry about it. Kurama made it clear that he didn't have any romantic feelings towards her, so that option and problem were closed.

"Gross Sis, don't tell me that. I don't want to hear about you sleeping with my friend. Still, I'm sure Kurama wouldn't have messed with you if he didn't atleast care. Maybe you should ask him what he wants before jumping into bed with another man." That was his opinion and he'd stick with it. Kurama was a caring person, she'd be better off with him.

"Are you that niave? As far as we all know he's never taken a mate before and he's never been married. Do you honestly think he came to me a virgin? Let me fill you in on a little secret. If there is one think Kurama is; it's experienced in bed. One doesn't get that good without experience, lots of it. Do you think he was in love with all the women he'd slept with as Youko or even as Shuichi? Don't fool yourself or spout your nonsense to me Kuzuma. I live in the real world, maybe you should join us. We got busy, that's it. He doesn't want a relationship with me and he doesn't have feelings for me. I heard it from his own mouth, so don't tell me who I should be with." Shizuru inhaled the smoke, wishing what she said wasn't true. It was, there wasn't a future for her with Kurama. She had feelings for both men but only one of the men returned them. There was nothing she could do about it. There was no way for her to have both men, if it came down to it.

"I don't care what he said, I say there's something there. Look, I'm not too fond of this whole youkai mating thing. I don't even want to understand it but from what Yusuke was telling me is that you have two mates. I don't like the idea of you bedding two men Sis but it's not my place to tell you what to do. Whatever you decide, I guess I just want you to be happy. Hell you deserve it for putting up with me all those years."

"Thanks Bro, I'll try to remember that. I'm not going to do anything stupid." Shizuru stood up to give him a hug. She knew he was just concerned for her and was trying to express it. "Look I need to head back and get some lunch. I'm sure Yukina is in there too, lets go."


Kurama noticed how Kenji kept looking across the table towards the door. The boy was waiting for Shizuru to come back with Kuwabara. He couldn't stop the scowl that reached his face. Nor the anger he felt thinking about what had occured between the two. It had been only a matter of time before it happened, he'd known that. Yet when he'd felt it happen, he hadn't wanted to accept it. The door had permanently closed for any chance of him and Shizuru having any type of future.

Most youkai wouldn't even consider the other mate as an obsticle. He knew that it would take alot of convincing on his part and smooth talking to make Kenji accept another man in Shizuru's life. The way he was raised would protest to sharing the woman. Kurama knew he could always try to win her back but should he even attempt it. Maybe it was best to let her be with the other man, be happy. He wasn't sure how he felt about her, what could he offer her?

There was nothing he could do about the situation now. He had more important things to do, to make sure they all had a future to worry about. In the meantime he'd let Kenji enjoy the time he had with Shizuru. Just incase he decided to try to win the girl back. Part of him felt guilty at the thought, Kenji was innocent. He was also in love with Shizuru, to have someone try to steal the woman would cause him great pain. Truthfully he liked the boy but would he let that stop him if he decided he wanted her back?


Kenji turned to see Kurama looking at him, the vivid green eyes peering at him. That was anger he felt flowing towards him through the bond. Kurama had to be angry about the step his and Shizuru's relationship had taken. He couldn't regret it though, he was sure he loved her. What he felt for her was different from anyone before her. In the short time he'd spent with her, she'd earned a place in his heart. He wouldn't give her up without a fight, even against Kurama. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, that he was sure of.

Would their so called mate try to interfere? Would Kurama ever decide he wants her back? The man proclaimed that he didn't care but then why the anger? One wouldn't have that emotion if he were indifferent to the situation. It meant he'd lied about not having any feelings, there had to be some. But how deep did they run?

~~~~Dinnertime~~~


Hiei watched the girl get up from the table. She briefly glanced in his direction before walking out the door. Atleast she was no longer giving him a deadly glare. It was his own fault, there was nothing he could do about it. There was no way he was going to apologize, even if it was the right thing to do. He didn't apologize to anyone. The miko appeared to be better, he knew Sano was the cause. The man wouldn't leave her side now, the girl might as well buy him a leash.

How was he to get close to her to speak in private, if it meant he'd have to pry the man from her ass. If he tried to tell the man to leave the room the girl would ask him to stay. Something else he'd caused, so she didn't want to be alone with him. When the girl was alone he wasn't far behind, trailing after her like a faithful puppy. He wasn't sure who was worse; Sano or Kenji.

His eyes roamed over those remaining at the table. A smirk grazed his lips seeing Shura sitting beside the taijiya, he was almost on her lap. He was acting almost as bad as the human males, hanging over the females. Why would they act that way? Protecting your mate was one thing but there was no need to pamper them. To do so will only make them soft and lazy.

Kagome turned when Sano came in the door, she gave him a weak smile. She went back to digging through her clothes, preparing to head to bed. It wasn't that late but she was tired. She'd been hoping to talk to Sango but Shura had been with her at dinner. She wanted to know what was going on between the two. All Sango had been able to tell her so far was that Shura had asked her to give him another chance, so she was.

Worrying for her own friend was one thing but what was she going to do about her own problem? Sano refused to leave her side which was fine in most cases, especially when Hiei was around. She wasn't sure of what she wanted anymore. She cared about both of them, the feelings were there. They were just different and just as confusing as the other. Seemed the only feelings she need worry about are the ones she held for Sano. Hiei hadn't apologized for his harsh words. Of course he never would, he'd meant them. He'd said those things because it was what he believed. He thought her unworthy of love, nothing worth spitting on. Most youkai felt that way about humans but she knew that wasn't so in Hiei's case.

She'd seen him talking to Kuwabara, there was animosity there but it was playful. They acted like they couldn't stand each other but there was a friendship there, just a strange one. He also seemed to look at Genkai with great respect and seemed to like Shizuru. It was just her he didn't like, not humans in general.

She didn't understand what she'd done to him. Then again she didn't understand why Inuyasha had left without even considering her feelings. She could remember how it felt to lay by the window, she'd felt so safe in his arms. How was it possible for her to feel that way with him? For a moment she would have been perfectly happy to stay there with Hiei. Giving herself to him had been a mistake, a big one. He'd only used her because she was available, not because he wanted her.

He was still seen with Mukuro most of the time when he wasn't training them now. Whether it was to patrol or for other things, he was with the woman. How could she ever compete with that? Even in training he treated her in a way that left her hurting. His words were clipped, emotionless and distant. There was a chill to them that seemed to cut. It wouldn't bother her so much if he spoke that way to everyone. It was just her, she could tell the difference. He was short with Sano but the tone was warmer.

It rankled her to no end. Hiei had gone out of his way to compliment Sano on something she'd accomplished hours before hand. When she'd done it, all she recieved was a snort then he turned away from her. Where was her pat on the back and 'Keep up the good work Kagome.'? Sano had been so pleased at the compliment he hadn't noticed the slight.

As much as it hurt her, she wasn't going to let it affect her decisions. He wasn't worth doing anything foolish, neither were her memories of Inuyasha. Soon she'd put him behind her like she'd done the hanyou. She somehow doubted she'd get rid of Sano for awhile. Even now he was preparing to go to bed because of her. "You don't have to stay with me, I'll be fine."

"I'm staying," He pulled the shirt over his head and turned to her. His jaw almost dropped seeing her pull the sweatpants down her lean legs, leaving her in nothing but a skimpy black panties. His eyes remained on her, feeling disappointment when she pulled a long shirt over her head. It fell to the knees, hiding most of her from his view. "Mind if I share the bed with you tonight? Hiei said he had something to do and won't be back." Sano quirked an eyebrow when she frowned. She merely shrugged and made a comment about not needing to ask, he wouldn't be taking anyone's spot either way. It was his turn to frown as she climbed in the large bed. Wasn't she aware that Hiei had started to take a spot next to her at night? The little man had left his perch near the window to take the other side of the bed. He was sure Hiei would have taken the bed again tonight if he wasn't busy elsewhere.

He climbed on the other side, slipping underneath the covers. The distance she was putting between them was noticable, he wasn't having it. She'd been distancing herself from him since the incident. What had made her do it was still a mystery to him. Something had caused her to snap suddenly. Bringing himself closer, he let his arm slide around her waist. Last couple of nights he'd given her some distance and time, now he wanted to talk. "Can we talk?"

Kagome rolled her eyes, not caring if he saw the action. She'd gone to bed because she didn't feel like talking to anyone right now. "What is it? Can't it wait till the morning?" It was probably more questions as to her state of mind. Her mind was just fucking peachy, it was her heart that was in turmoil. She didn't need him or anyone treating her like she was going to jump off another building.

"It could but it's not. Listen Kagome, I'd like to know why you are pushing me away. You could talk to me. How am I suppose to help if you won't tell me what's wrong? Did I do something to upset you? You were fine until that night when I left you to come back here alone. So it had to be something that happened between us or between you and Hiei. Is that it? Did he say something to upset you? Was it because of us?" He was throwing the questions at her trying to get a response.

Kagome couldn't help but flinch when he brought it up. She turned to see him staring at her, then his mouth opened wide. She was surprised a little light bulb didn't appear above his head. "Don't worry about it, what he said doesn't matter anymore." She was looking past that now, she wouldn't let Hiei hurt her. Well she couldn't stop him from hurting her but what he did and said would no longer dictate her life or way of thinking.

"That little bastard, what did he say to you? Tell me now or I'll go ask him myself." He leaned up to get a good look at her face. Whatever it was she seemed to be recalling it and if the pain he was feeling was anything, it had been bad. Bad enough to make her loose it and take a dive. "What did he say about us?"

She took a deep breath, "He said a bunch of shit but the only thing he said about you was that you would never love me. Don't worry about it, I don't expect anything from you or him." She rolled back over, not being able to look him in the eye. Several seconds passed in which he didn't comment, what could he say? Deny it?

Sano couldn't help the anger he felt, that little shit had told her that. There had to be more but it left no doubt in his mind who'd caused her fall. What else had the man said? He was going to find out and not from her. She jerked up when he suddenly got off the bed and headed straight for the door.

Hiei felt the man's anger and the girl's panic before he felt them coming. Sano would get here before the girl, he was faster. Which meant he was angry with him no doubt. Mukuro looked up from her chair when the door slid open to let the fuming human inside. Hiei didn't move as he stormed over, there was no way for Sano to hurt him.

Mukuro saw the confrontation coming and leaned back to enjoy the show. It was bound to happen, it had been only a matter of time before someone found out that it had been Hiei to cause the girl to try commiting suicide. He didn't know she knew but there was a lot he wasn't aware of. Yesterday after patrolling he'd found a spot in a tree in which to take a quick nap. She'd come back for him to hear him calling out in his sleep, so tempted to read his mind. So she gave in to that need and hadn't been disappointed.

Hiei was feeling enormous amounts of guilt from what he'd said to the girl. Mukuro couldn't blame him in the least, it had been uncalled for. It even made her feel sorry for the girl in question. She'd heard bits and pieces of what had happened to her in the past. The miko had been through much in her short life span. If one person knew what it felt like to be degraded it was Mukuro, having been born a slave. The miko had been one also, her prison had been built different. Being raised ignorant of one's own selfworth then tossed into a world totally alien was hard on a person. Yet the miko had survived and thrived, growing stronger to help those around her. Mukuro was surprised she'd found the resolve to improve herself with the constant degrading coming from the hanyou. One didn't degrade and talk down to you if they loved you.

The miko had reason to be proud of herself but still thought herself lacking; all thanks to the hanyou. She had to agree with Sano, if she ever saw him she'd be tempted to kick his ass just out of principle. Hiei hadn't known of the girl's past when he'd spoken but he hadn't apologized for it either. He needed to get off his ass and tell the girl the truth. Why continue to let her believe that they were lovers? What good did that do? It would only push her towards the other man more.

"What the hell did you think you were doing telling her that? You selfish, cocky, uptight bastard!" Sano stopped in front of the smaller man, fists clenched at his sides. He longed to strike him but knew he'd never land a punch. If he couldn't hurt him with fists, he'd do it another way. Despite what Hiei showed everyone Sano wasn't a fool. He wanted Kagome as well, he was just too uptight to do anything about it. If Hiei didn't care then he wouldn't get jealous or angry because of them being together.

"Fool, don't come in here calling me names unless you have a valid reason to do so." Hiei scowled, his hand itching to slap that look off his face. This had been coming, he just wasn't prepared for it. Kagome must have let something slip. He knew he was just lucky that the taijaya hadn't heard of it yet. Sano might refrain from trying to fight him, that girl however would try to kill him.

"I have every right to do so. It should be Kagome up here but since she's too kind, I'll do it for her. I'm not sure what all you said to her but I know enough. How dare you tell her that I would never love her. Did you say it because you were jealous? Is that it? Mad because she turned to me when you were no longer wanted? It can't be because you actually thought so. Any fool could have seen that I atleast cared about her. I even admitted to you that I love her."

Mukuro heard the small gasp from the door and smiled. Now this was going to get interesting, neither man had yet to notice the miko now standing in the doorway. She herself couldn't wait to see what else was admitted in this little showdown. All she needed now was a cold drink and someone to massage her feet.

"I couldn't care less about your so called feelings. They are of no concern to me, so stop your whining. I said everything out of anger, I cannot take them back." Hiei frowned up at him, he didn't have to explain his actions to this man. But if he didn't then how would they get past it to do what needed to be done? He hadn't meant to hurt her like that, he hadn't known.

"Right, I'm supposed to by that? Why were you so angry? Was it because you were scared that my feelings would be returned? Maybe it's because you know she'll never love you." Sano grinned when he saw the man's scowl be replaced by a deep frown. So he'd hit a sore spot, so what!

"I will not discuss that with you. What I want her to feel for me is none of your business. I suggest you remove yourself from my presence and quickly. Maybe you should stop and think before you speak. Next time she looks at me, concentrate and see if you can reach her feelings through the bond and tell me what you see. I don't think I'm the one afraid of her not loving me." Hiei smirked seeing that the tables were turned. Even if it wasn't true he'd given the man something to think about.

Sano couldn't deny it, his feelings told him enough. Kagome was behind them, watching everything. He searched her feelings, they were overloading. But there was no doubt, that Kagome did indeed love the small man even if she wasn't aware of it yet. Needing to know everything he searched as he gazed at Hiei, trying to probe what he could from Hiei. There was nothing right now but he'd noticed that for a few seconds after asking Hiei a question his emotions would come through before he had time to hide them. "You're right, she does; I can feel it. Do you love her?"

The question surprised him, he wasn't sure what he felt for her. He scowled feeling Sano probing him, "Don't search me fool. I know my own feelings, don't you dare question how I feel. I'm not interested with your notions of love nor do I have them." Besides if the girl wanted to know how he felt she could always ask. Not that she really wanted to, he didn't dare believe that she actually gave a damn about him.

"And you have the nerve to call me a fool. You may be able to hide your feelings from Kagome because of her emotional state but not me. I know what I just saw before you had a chance to guard yourself. I may be a fool for loving a woman thats in love with another man but you are a bigger one. Simply because you are too much of a coward to accept your own feelings. You'd rather hurt her in the process of hiding them instead of being a man." Sano felt the fist slam into his jaw, he welcomed the pain.

Hiei watched the man finally skid to a halt against the far wall, several chairs were broken marking the trail he'd traveled. His eyes finally went to the door and he stopped in his tracks. She was staring at him with a strange expression, then he felt her. Same as Sano had done she was probing him, to see what she could find. Instead of feeling invaded it was more like a gentle caress, like she was reaching out with an invisible hand stirring his feelings into showing themselves. Taking a deep breath he dropped his walls, giving her the chance to find her answers.

Kagome felt his walls go down as she stared into deep crimson eyes that seemed to be searching her soul. The first thing that assualted her was strong guilt, it was consuming him. Then she knew he hadn't meant the words spoken, he felt bad about hurting her. She dug deeper needing her answers, there was hurt, anger and pain to match her own. A slight smile crossed her face, she could feel confused emotions, all for her. Having experienced them for herself she recognized them for what they were.

Hiei searched her out, to see if Sano had spoken the truth. There it was now that she wasn't trying to tackle all her emotions at once. The girl had feelings for both him and Sano. Both were strong but different, he wasn't sure what the difference entailed though. It still let him know that she did care for him. He was too stunned to speak, unsure of what to do.


Next Chapter: Sano gets up, Rin is confronted with her greatest fear and Shura shows his tender side... Click the review button if you want to see more, thanks for reading...