Kore wa daisuki wo benkyoushimasu, ne?

A/N: Updates will be coming as I finish chapters. My chapters tend to be long, so it might be a couple of days before my next chapter is finished. I already have 7 pages for it and I don’t think I’m anywhere near finished with it. ^^; Hope you enjoy this one! =)

Disclaimer: Roses are red, violets are blue, me no own, you no sue. (In less Team Rocket terms, I don't own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho. Nor Do I own Pokemon and Team Rocket. Dang...I don't own anything :: sob ::

Chapter 4:I will give my life for you

The pizza disappeared rather quickly, and everyone stayed silent a moment before Kagome found her voice. "So I guess you guys are here because of Koenma. Do you all work for him?" she asked, looking around at each of their faces.

Nods came from everyone, and Kagome couldn't help but ask, "How did you all end up working for Koenma?"

Yusuke got a dirty look on his face, recalling how he had ended up in his servitude of the toddler. Kurama and Hiei avoided eye contact with her, and Kuwabara was the only one to burst out, "Well, I just kind of got recruited when me and Urameshi here both went to Genkai's Tournament."

Kagome nodded, noticing the averted eyes of the red head and fire apparition. She felt their aura's withdraw, hiding from her. She frowned, but dismissed it. She didn't want to push them any farther away from her then they currently were.

Putting on a smile, she asked about what kinds of demons they had met, and battles they had been in, and in return, she had to bring up old memories of battle she had experienced. She told them about her friends, starting with Shippou, telling them about the child kitsune she had come to save and become a mother like figure for. This instantly perked up the attention of Kurama and Youko both.

'She accepted an orphaned kitsune kit as her child? That's unusual, even for other kitsunes...' Youko informed Kurama, a frown and surprise filtering through his thoughts. 'Really, Youko?'

'Ne, Red. Kitsunes rarely accept kits from other families. Blood lines are important in most of the races. I wonder what kind of kitsune the child was?' he pondered, nudging at Kurama to question Kagome.

"Kagome chan–do you know anything about the kitsune kits lineage?” he questioned, giving her a deep look. She looked surprised at his question, but thought back to when she first met Shippou.

"I'm sorry, I don't. I first met him when he tried to steal some jewel shards from me. His parents had been killed by a pair of demons that called themselves the Thunder Brothers. He wanted the shards to get revenge..." she couldn't stop the tears that started to fall. She missed the kit terribly. She wondered how he was doing with her gone. Was Inuyasha treating him all right? How about Sango and Miroku? Were they okay?

She shook her head and placed it in her hands. 'Damn it ' she shouted internally. Hiei flinched at her outburst. 'I thought I was past this I have to protect the jewel...this time...without them at my side...' Kagome's shoulders shook, and Yusuke and Kuwabara drew back from her. They had no idea how to deal with a crying girl. If it was Keiko, she was usually crying in anger, not sadness. For Kuwabara, he had no experience with crying girls.

Kurama sighed. 'Red...you've gotta do something. She's really down, and I can't help but feel it's my fault for asking you to question her.' Youko said, regret and worry laced in his voice.

Before anything else could be done, Kagome looked up and wiped her tears away roughly. "Sorry, I'm sorry. Just...give me a second..." she said before she ran out the front door to the Goshinboku. She stood, her tears falling even harder than before. She stepped over the rope running around the bottom of it and pressed a hand to it's base. Kami, what she wouldn't give to see her friends again. Going so long without seeing them was tearing her up from the inside out. She was trying to move on, but it was hard. It was like seeing Inuyasha and Kikyou together kissing. Her heart wrenched again, making more tears escape her.

She couldn't help the cry that escaped her. It wasn't loud, but then she couldn't stop as she screamed. Her anguished cry filled the grounds, rolling off waves of sadness that penetrated the tree, making it flare up with pink energy.

~*~

Kurama looked up suddenly from his team mates. He wasn't the only one, as Hiei made a dash for the door. 'Plant energy and miko energy? What's going on, Red?' he shouted, as Kurama ran after Hiei and made it out to where Kagome was in record time.

The raven haired miko was clutching the tree, crying her heart out, while the tree pulsed wildly with energy.

Inuyasha looked up quickly from his spot on Kaede’s floor. Ever since Kagome had been forced to leave, he had spent his time quietly in Kaede’s village. Kikyou returned to him, her heart healed from all former hatred she had felt for the Hanyou. Kagome’s wish inadvertently brought her back, and they were able to quickly reform the bonds of love they had shared before Naraku decieved them all.

Sango and Miroku, now married and living next door to Kaede, came bursting in her door, fear and wonder etched on their faces. They all shouted simultaneously, “Kagome!!”

With no hesitation, they grabbed up their weapons that they hadn’t touched in a month. It had been a nice break, but they all felt their lives were boring, now that they were no longer traveling and searching for jewel shards. They were glad Naraku was gone, of course, but they missed the adventure–and they all desperately missed Kagome.

Shippou ran into Sango as him and Kirara raced into the hut, tears racing down his face. “Kagome...I felt Kagome!” he shouted, looking happier than he had in a month. She was, for all intensive purposes, his mother, even if he never faced his fear to call her as such. He wanted at least a moment with her again–just so he could be able to call her ‘Momma’. He had spent the last month almost in constant tears, and for once, Inuyasha didn’t hit him or belittle him. Kagome was very special to him, too.

Kikyou came in the hut, her faced etched in worry, and slight fury. She had thought that the miko was gone when she last traveled through the well. She had thought that Inuyasha was now hers forever and that they could strengthen their love without interference, but when she felt a huge aura–one belonging to the miko girl, she couldn’t suppress her fury.

“Where did it come from?” Sango asked with a look of determination.

Only two words reached her ears that came from Inuyasha’s voice. “The Goshinboku.”

~*~

Kurama and Hiei ran forward to try and calm Kagome down, but as each one tried to step forward, the waves of miko energy lashed out, threatening to purify them. Somehow, Kagome had lost control of her power and it was interacting strangely with the old plant magic of the God Tree. Kagome couldn’t hear or see anything around her. Everything was deadly silent, and her vision terribly blurred by all her tears.

She screamed louder, not bothering to try to keep her voice quiet. She was in pain, her heart was beating so hard it was threatening to burst in her chest. Her head began to flame, the blood rushing to her brain, even further cutting off her oxygen supply and making her body seize with even more pain.

‘This is it...’ Kagome said softly to herself, her tears somewhat drying as she fell to her knees in front of the tree. ‘I’m sorry, everyone...’ she thought, the images of her friends flashing in her mind. ‘I tried to survive it...I really did try...but I can’t do this anymore...I can’t be alone anymore...I promised myself when I last saw Inuyasha with Kikyou that I wouldn’t wait for him anymore...I would find a person that would love me for me...not look at me and see another person...apparently I’m not good enough by myself...I’ve tried...to find someone...just to be my friend, and even that...has failed...I’m sorry, Sango. I know I sound foolish, but I can’t help what my heart is making me feel...Miroku...I don’t know what to say or do to make the pain go away...I don’t want to be alone...and here I am, collapsed at the edge of the God Tree, and slowly losing the battle with my body...I’m sorry for this...Kirara...Shippou...I love you both so very much...’ She knew her thoughts wouldn’t be able to reach her friends, but she felt like talking to them mentally would help ease the ache in her heart. The thing she didn’t expect, though, was to have Youko appear and Hiei attempt to reach her, even with all the miko energy surrounding her, earning himself a really nasty burn on his leg.

~*~

Everyone looked out Kaede’s door toward the towering Goshinboku in Inuyasha’s forest. Suddenly, a wave of desperation and depression reached out to them, beaconing them forward. Sango didn’t hesitate for a moment, and neither did Shippou or Kirara as they raced forward towards the ancient tree.

Miroku quickly got behind them, not waiting for Inuyasha as he raced along beside his wife. Kagome was in need of them, and he would be damned if he would deny her his aide after all they had been through.

Inuyasha went for the door, walking past Kikyou in the process. Her soft voice stopped him in his tracks. “So you are going to her rescue again, ne, Inuyasha?”

“Kikyou...Kagome is my friend. When everything got really bad, she’s one of the few people who stuck beside me through thick and thin. She always was by my side, and now that she needs me, I’m not going to leave her out there alone. “Are feelings of friendship the only feelings you have for that girl, Inuyasha?” her next words pieced him to his soul.
“She’s my friend, Kikyou. Nothing more is, or has happened, between us. She knew the day she left that our chances of ever making a romantic relationship were impossible. We both made that decision, and I plan on staying by it.” he said, racing out of the hut, not seeing the livid reaction his words inspired.

Kikyou stared at his racing figure a moment before grabbing her own bows and arrows. There was no way in hell she was going to let him be alone with her reincarnation ever again.

~*~

Hiei’s Jagan and dragon spirit were threatening to separate from him again, the ki connected to them going haywire at the miko girl’s distress. Youko stood, feeling utterly helpless at the scene before him, not knowing what to do to help Kagome get herself under control. Suddenly, the tree shot out an immense amount of power towards the sky, getting everyone’s attention, even Kagome’s. The two forces–miko energy, and magical plant energy, collided in the sky, swirling violently around each other.

Everyone watched in wonder, as the cloud of power arched, and then crashed through the roof over the well.

~*~

Everyone raced on into the woods, felling the pulses growing in power and speed. Once they got to the tree, everyone stopped. There was a swirling vortex of miko energy rotating around the tree, as well as streaks of sky blue energy that confused everyone. No one had seen anything like it before in all their experiences. Suddenly, the massive energy that surrounded the tree shot up into the sky, hovering only moments before it arched, crashing down inside the Bone Eater’s Well, making rays of bright pink light scatter around it.
Everyone stood stunned a moment before Shippou made the first move. He raced for the well and jumped, knowing that somehow, the well would let him go forward in time, to Kagome’s era. Sango and Miroku looked at each other a second before clasping hands and following the kitsune kit into the well. Inuyasha followed them, after confirming that everyone had made it safely to the other side. No one was left to stop Kikyou from following them as she hopped into the well.

~*~

Shippou hit his head sharply on a piece of wood as he exited the well. Someone had crushed the structure around the well, and he wasn’t prepared for the smoke and debris around it. Then, Sango and Miroku, along with Kirara crushed under the kit, also hitting their heads. Include Inuyasha, and it was madness as he quickly pushed all the wood away, freeing everyone.

He looked surprised above him. The well house had been throughly destroyed, making his heartbeat pick up. Kagome wouldn’t let anything happen to the well, so something surely WAS wrong. He instantly felt two extremely powerful demon energies, and he promptly reached for the Tetsuseiga.

~*~

Kagome’s tears stopped at the immense display of power coming from the tree. She was calmed somewhat by the swirling of her energy above her. Then she felt them. The aura’s coming from the well. She at first thought her mind was playing tricks on her, but she felt them moving–stirring, inside the well. She knew right then and there, and her tears began anew, as she jumped shakily to her feet and scrambled towards the well.

Hiei and Youko watched warily as she limped slowly towards the now destroyed well house. They felt the energies coming from inside it. Human energies and demon energies combined urged them to run forward and stop her from going any closer to it. As Hiei went to jump forward, a child kit came forth from the rubble, tear stains on his face. He looked around and his eyes met Kagome’s sapphire ones.
Everyone watched tensely as the seconds passed. They all looked to the kit, and then Kagome, as her voice then cracked out, “Shippou?”

Silence filled the air like electricity before a storm, and then the tornado broke loose and Shippou leaped at her, clinging desperately to her shirt, his own tears refreshed anew. “MOMMA ” he shouted into her chest, making her instinctively pull the child closer to her. Never in a million years did she think that she’d ever see the little kit ever again, but here he was, hugging her for dear life, and she couldn’t help but thank every god and spirit in the universe that allowed her the opportunity to see his smiling face again.

Youko had to suppress tears as the child and mother were reunited. He could instantly see the enormous bond between them, and it was something he had rarely seen. Sure, he had seen children and mothers interacting, but the bonds and closeness was nothing like what he was witnessing now, and he felt even honored to even be a spectator to the touching scene.

Everyone was so focused on the miko girl and kit, that no one really noticed the other humans exiting the well house, but Hiei definitely noticed the entrance of one hanyou, Inuyasha; an Inuyasha brandishing the Tetsuseiga dangerously.

Kagome felt their presences before she even saw them, and she couldn’t keep herself upright anymore. She fell to her knees, no longer having the energy to support herself. Sango rushed forward, concern and tears in her eyes, as she shouted with worry, “Kagome chan ” The younger girl’s sister placed two strong hands around the younger’s quivering shoulders, whispering sweet, calming words into her ears, making the unstable miko calm, easing her energies into acceptable levels. Hiei would have sighed with relief, if he hadn’t been on edge about the hanyou still armed and potentially dangerous.

Youko quickly took a stand beside the girls, earning a growl from Inuyasha, finally alerting Kagome to the dire situation she had inadvertently formed. Her eyes snapped forward from Sango’s shoulder, and she saw the Fire Rat kimono that she had impressed to memory. Kagome didn’t hesitate, seeing his face and his sword, she shouted subconsciously, “SIT BOY ”

The hanyou’s face hit hard into the dirt, making the Tetsuseiga revert back to it’s original form. Hiei’s eyes went slightly wide with shock before he put back on his revered scowl. Kuwabara and Yusuke burst out laughing, getting everyone’s attention, and quickly easing the situation. Kagome got to her feet and smiled as she ran to embrace Miroku, who was waiting very patiently for the girl to get ahold of her emotions. He smiled into her hair and whispered, “It’s good to see you, Kagome chan.” She felt so tired she didn’t know how she was even standing, but it didn’t matter, as he helped support her. Sango smiled at her husband. He hadn’t changed his lecherous ways much, but she trusted him to only touch her appropriately and not let his hands wander.

“Kagome...” Inuyasha’s voice growled out, as he gave a scowl to the girl. “Inuyasha They are not your enemy ” she shouted. Shippou, Kirara, Miroku and Sango all sighed simultaneously. Not two minutes of being together and they were already arguing. They took it for what it was worth though, and let the shouting begin.

“How was I supposed to know? ” he shouted.
“Did you see them attacking me? ” she shouted back.
“No–“
“So why were you waving the Tetsuseiga around like you were intend on killing something or someone? ” she interrupted.
“I wasn’t ‘waving’ the Tetsuseiga around–I was just–“
“Just what Inuyasha?” Kagome’s voice took a dangerous turn. It was sweet as sugar with a minuscule amount of danger included.
He chose to say nothing, but he didn’t have to; someone else took the attention off of him, and that someone was not amused.

Hiei was watching with mild amusement as Kagome held her ground against the hanyou, as he no longer was deemed a threat to her by herself. He glowered at the half demon, to no avail. Images of tears, broken hearts, and sadness repeated over and over in his mind. He never met this demon before, but he knew Kagome had. Her images were spilling over into his consciousness courtesy of the Jagan. At first, the images weren’t that important, a shout match here, a make up there, but suddenly, his mind was overloaded with searing painful images, clenching his heart and angering his demon spirit and Jagan.

He looked quickly to Kagome, as did Youko. Her heart seemed to have stopped in her chest, her face quickly taking on the appearance of flour in seconds.

Hiei’s growl echoed in the clearing as he jumped in front of Kagome with Youko at his side along with Yusuke and Kuwabara. Never before had any of them heard that fierce of sound come from the fire apparition. Sango and Miroku jumped at the sound and stepped to the side. Shippou let out a squeak as he buried his head further into Kagome’s chest. He listened for her heartbeat, and to his fear he heard none.

Kagome looked to Kikyou, and Kikyou looked to Kagome, neither one showing the other any emotion at all. Kagome’s face looked sickly, and she was starting to turn slightly purple now.

Shippou’s extremely fearful shout brought everyone’s quiet attention back to the girl. “MOMMA ” Youko quickly looked at the kit who immediately started to cry in the girls arms. Instantly a link was formed between the kitsunes as the child’s thoughts invaded Youko and Kurama’s mind. ‘Momma’s heartbeat is gone What’s wrong with her? ’

Youko’s eyes snapped to Kagome and he quickly stepped forward and touched her, rapidly shocking her with some of his energy. The moment his hand touched her, her soft voice floated over the clearing. “Don’t say it...don’t call my name...whatever you do, don’t call my name...Inuyasha...” Everyone looked to Inuyasha, who was now concentrating on Kikyou, whom was looking just as pale and sickly as Kagome. His voice soft, he couldn’t stop the name falling from his lips as he looked to her. “Kagome...”

The air stilled and everyone was on edge, suddenly, the air exploded around them, as the two mikos were shot into the air, their bodies arching upward as their souls seperated from their bodies. The air was twisting violently around them, making their souls circle around each other, melding fragments of their afterglow with one another. Kagome’s dull pink soul flared as it came in contact with Kikyou’s baby blue one, making Inuyasha, Miroku, Sango, and Shippou all take notice. “That’s not right ” Miroku shouted, his eyes filled with fear and confusion. “What’s not right? ? ” Hiei snarled at the monk, his emotions coming to light. “Kagome’s supposed to be the reincarnation of Kikyou, but their souls are different ” he yelled back, not taking his eyes off of the hovering girl. As quickly as their souls were disengaged, they came back to their respective owners, each one floating above the still bodies. Suddenly, Kagome’s soul and Kikyou’s soul flew up once more, rotating around one another as a piece of Kikyou’s blue orb broke off in the air and was absorbed by the light pink of Kagome’s soul. Everyone looked shocked as the souls started bouncing off of one another. “It’s as if...they’re fighting...?” Sango’s voice deduced, still looking at the scene with awe and confusion. Youko was looking at the miko girl with a strange fear in his heart. He had to do something about it

Youko went to a knee and placed his hand to the ground, surging energy into it, making a large vine sprout. Everyone else was too occupied watching the clashing souls to notice, but no one could ignore the plant snaking its way quickly to Kagome. Youko had the plant gently wrap around her and touch it’s tip to her forehead.

‘Youko...?’ she questioned instantly. ‘What’s going on? I feel so...empty...’ she asked, her voice sounding as if she was on the edge of tears. The fox’s ear twitched at the sound, as he answered back softly, ‘You’re missing your soul. It’s combating with that other girl’s soul.’

Kagome’s eyes blinked once, twice, as her face met the kitsunes. ‘It’s...Kikyou...’ she whispered, before the souls flew apart and crushed into the chests of each woman. Kagome started falling and Youko jumped forward as she dropped, landing gently into the fox’s arms. Shippou jumped into her arms to listen for her heart. To his great relief, he heard the steady ‘thump, thump’ of her beating heart. The moment he was reassured, anger began to radiate off of the little kit, making everyone take notice. Never before had anyone known the kit to be so angry. He jumped to the ground to stand off with the others already in front of Kagome. His eyes glowed a fierce silver, as he began to transform into a shorter version of Youko. His tail and hair swiftly changed from light brown to cloud white, while claws grew sharper from his hands and toes. Sango and Miroku looked astonished at the kit before looking over to Inuyasha who was holding Kikyou to his chest. He was afraid he was going to lose her, and he couldn’t even risk that.
Everyone watched as he glared toward the unconscious Kagome, anger radiating off of him, but before he could do or say anything, his eyes landed on Shippou. The kit had become extremely angry and without warning, the child had began to transform, surprising the hanyou.

“Shippou?” he asked worriedly, a frown coming to his face. The kit growled in response, anger etched in his features. Youko smirked at the challenge in the kit’s voice. ‘My, my. He is quite possessive of the young miko. This is interesting indeed.’

Everyone snapped at the sound of Kagome’s soft moan. Youko looked down at the girl and gave her a reassuring smile. Kagome couldn’t manage one back, but instead rubbed her head affectionately in his chest, conveying her feelings.

“Thank you.” she mouthed, closing her eyes again. “Kagome...Kagome?” Youko questioned, nudging her softly. ‘Hiei, maybe you should talk to her...tell her she can’t go to sleep–at least, not until her soul has completely settled down in her body.’

Hiei gave a mental nod to the kitsune before using the Jagan to gently probe her mind.
‘Kagome? Listen very carefully because I’m not going to say this again. You cannot go to sleep. Don’t go to sleep. You’re soul hasn’t fully reunited with your body, and to go into an unconscious state right now would be unwise. Stay awake, Kagome.’ he said, quickly leaving her mind. Even just mentally conversing with the miko was making his dragon spirit go berserk.

Kagome opened her eyes and slowly pushed against Youko. She had to stay awake, and she wouldn’t be able to if she stayed in his warm, comforting embrace. Youko understood and gently set her on her feet, supporting her for the moment.

Inuyasha did the same to Kikyou, as she already knew that she couldn’t sleep, no matter how exhausted she felt at the moment. She managed to narrow her eyes at Kagome, though it was wasted. Kagome rested her head in Youko’s chest, and he held her closer. “Sango, wasn’t it?” he asked, looking towards the demon exterminator. She nodded and stepped forward. “Here...make sure she stays awake, okay? She needs time to settle her soul back down.” he said, slowly shifting Kagome to her older sister.
Sango nodded and motioned over Miroku to help her hold the girl upright.

Youko went and stood beside the transformed kit, giving him a small smile. Shippou looked up, first really realizing that he was a kitsune. “Wow...” he said, his eyes going wide. Somewhat hesitantly, he sniffed at him, earning himself a huge grin on his face. “You’re Youko Kurama ”

He smirked. His reputation definately proceeded him. He nodded, and was rewarded with another smile. “I remember you from a long time ago. Everyone said you were a terrible fox, but I knew better. My parents told me that you only did what you did because of the way things were. I know, because I was going to steal Momma’s jewel shards to get revenge for my parents. Kagome has taught me a lot since I met her, and...” he paused, anger reclaiming his voice and face, “...I’ve watched time and time again...as Kagome was hurt by this baka inu and that baka miko.” His eyes found Inuyasha’s and were met with a glare that could rival Sesshoumaru’s, but Shippou didn’t stop, nor did he quiver with fear. If anything, it made him angrier. “That pup and that bitch...” he spat, “...always running to one another, him leading Kagome on that he loved her, and Kikyou trying many times to kill her and scare her away to her time...so many times did I want to kill both of them. Kagome got so sad sometimes that she cried. She cried and she told herself that she was worthless. She ran away sometimes to her time and she stayed there for weeks at a time, only to come back and fix things with Inuyasha. But never...” his next word was like pure venom, “...NEVER, had he stopped his actions. Even when she was being forced to leave our time, he NEVER told her that he loved her. Never. All the time she saved her heart for him, he was constantly fighting off males who loved her with all their hearts and wanted to be with her.” He narrowed his eyes even further at the hanyou, baring his fangs slowly.

Hiei and Youko were livid. Kurama wasn’t objecting to killing the hanyou now, either. ‘That’s where all her sadness came from...all this time...we thought it was because she missed her friends, but...’ Kurama stopped.

‘That’s only one piece of the puzzle, Red.’ Youko said, frowning and sighing.

‘That bastard continually hurt her. He never relented in his actions, and because of him, she kept herself alone. Hoping that one day, he’d tell her that he loved her. She went back to him countless times, even after seeing him with another woman, she wouldn’t leave him to be alone. Even if she was.’ Hiei added, talking the most he had in centuries.

Youko nodded, his face now taking on an angry look, and all of them looked to Shippou at his next words, that were directed strictly at Inuyasha. “It’s your fault, Inuyasha It’s your fault she’s alone ”

“Brat It’s not my fault at all Quit blaming me for how she feels ” he shouted back. Everyone watched as Shippou’s eyes received a red glint to them as he shouted back, “How many times did she tell you how she felt? How many times did she say she would never leave your side? How many times did she say she loved you ? ?” he exploded.

Inuyasha’s angry face faltered for a few seconds, revealing the answers without speaking. “Why didn’t you let Kouga have a chance? Or Houjo? Jinenji? Sesshoumaru? Miroku? ME? ” he shouted, tears of anger rolling down his face. Kagome stood, her weakened state absorbing every word they were all saying.

She walked feebly away from the strength of Sango and Miroku, closing the short gap between herself and the kitsune kit. “Shippou...” she whispered out, reaching for him. He turned to her and caught her as she began to fall, cradling her head in his neck. “Kagome...you need to be still...” he whispered into her ear, trying to sooth her. She nodded into his fur, tears now falling again down her already tear stained face. “I don’t want you to get hurt...I don’t want to loose you again...you’re my child...my son...I love you...so much...” she got out, her breaths coming out in short gasps. Shippou looked shocked at her. She had told him that she loved him. She had done so before, but this time was different. This time, it was said in desperation, like she’d never get the chance to say so ever again.

Yusuke and Kuwabara were abnormally quiet during everything that was happening. The watched everything as if they were watching their own bodies. Strange things were happening one after another, and they had yet to get a sign from Hiei to do anything. Sure, Yusuke was supposed to be the leader of the group, but he was following Kurama and Hiei’s lead for this mission. They apparently knew more about the girl than he did, and he wasn’t opposed to taking orders from them instead of rushing forward.

Many times Kuwabara’s and his eyes caught each others, conveying their surprise and confusion the entire time. They watched carefully as Hiei launched himself in front of the girl, and backed him up. They weren’t going to let this demon in red hurt their girl. They were assigned to protect her; and even thought Yusuke was angry with the way they were forced to be her guardians, he wasn’t going to let something happen to her, not if he could help it.

Kuwabara felt strange. He picked up the many energy changes in the miko women, as well as random fierce emotions that ran from the people in the group. He tried to stop his outbursts of confusion, and he was surprised that Yusuke stayed silent though everything. He heard the girl begin to cry again as she was being held by the little demon who had transformed. The kid looked like a mini version of Youko, with the ears and the silver hair. He kept an eye on the silver haired demon who held the girl who’s spirit was ejected from her body. They felt wrong to him. Both of them.

Kagome gathered her strength and looked up at Inuyasha. He looked livid at her. ‘What did I do? I didn’t ask for Kikyou’s soul to rip from her body I didn’t ask for any of this to happen ’ she cried mentally, making Hiei perk up his ears. ‘Dammit, the girl thinks it’s her fault for all this happening. She still blames herself ’ he shouted, angry growls escaping from his mouth. Kagome pulled herself from Shippou and looked to the fire apparition. That’s when she noticed it; the blood flowing from his leg. She struggled to remember what happened, and then it hit her: he was hurt by her miko energy. She stifled her tears as she walked slowly towards him. He didn’t move, but watched her with interest. She fell to her knees, and scooted closer to him. He looked down at her, and her eyes reached his. Remorse filled hers, while uncertainty filled his. Kagome managed a smile before placing her hands on his leg, concentrating on her healing energies. Slowly, they began to stir inside of her, quickly rooting her soul before allowing her access to them.

Kagome’s hands began to glow a weak pink before becoming stronger. Hiei was about to step back from her in fear, when he heard her voice. ‘I’m going to heal you if it kills me You weren’t supposed to get hurt No one is supposed to get hurt anymore Naraku was my enemy No one else was supposed to be involved ’

The burn slowly healed, regenerating new flesh to his leg. The sensation was unusual and strangely comforting. He felt a slight prickling and then a soft flowing of energy, as if someone was running a silk sheet over his leg.

Finally satisfied, Kagome looked back up into Hiei’s face, a smile finally on her’s. Hiei nodded, which was about as good a thank you as she was going to get. Kagome got on her knees and pressed her hands to the ground in attempts to put herself back on her feet. She went to fall over, her body still weak from her soul seperation, but as it went to hit the ground, Hiei had ahold of her, pulling her up with him.

Kagome began to cry again, shouts going off in her head. ‘Damn it He must think I’m the weakest human in the universe Why can’t I stop crying No more tears, Kagome Stop that right now ’

Hiei felt a slight pang of sadness for the girl that refused to go away. He held her closer to him, and everyone who knew Hiei looked like catfish at him. Never before had they seen any display of affection for anyone ever, in all the time they had known him. Kagome’s arms went around his waist and she buried her head in the area between his neck and shoulder, her tears flowing harder. He couldn’t hold his grip on the dragon spirit anymore, and it slowly released from his sanctuary on Hiei’s arm.

The dragon slowly circled Hiei and Kagome, finally resting on the back of her neck, slowly nuzzling into her hair. The Jagan flashed red before easing itself, coming back to only focus on Kagome.

Youko came up to him, giving him a questioning glance. Then he saw the dragon releasing itself from his arm. Horror filled his face as he quickly questioned, ‘What are you doing, Hiei? You aren’t going to attack her, are you? ’

Hiei gave him a look of pure disgust as he answered back, ‘Of course not, Fox. The dragon is attracted to her for some reason. Him and the Jagan. He won’t hurt her–I have no control over him right now, but I know for certain that he’s not going to harm her.’

Youko’s expression eased, and he motioned for Yusuke and Kuwabara to come closer. They looked curiously at him before he whispered to them, “That demon over there is not to be allowed near Kagome. Nor are they to be left alone together. The miko is named Kikyou, and she has already attempted to take Kagome’s life, she is not to be allowed near Kagome, either.” he informed them quietly. They nodded, serious expressions coming to their faces. “What about the kit and the two humans?” Kuwabara asked, trying to keep his voice soft.

“They are her friends–they don’t need to be watched as closely as the other two.”
“So what are we going to do now?” Yusuke asked, he was itching for some action now that he had been told about the danger of the hanyou and miko.
“That depends on Kagome. Give her a moment to gather her strength, and then we’ll see what we’re going to do from there.” Youko said, nodding.

They nodded to one another and then looked back at Inuyasha, who was now questioning the miko woman he held. Hiei and Youko’s sensitive hearing picked up every word they said.

“What are you doing here, Kikyou? I told you nothing would happen...why didn’t you stay?” he questioned softly, his voice filled with worry and slight anger.

“Inuyasha, how did you feel when you left that girl in the company of another male? Even if it was just a friend?” she wormed out, knowing he’d fall for her trickery.

“I would have never left her with another guy I was the one protecting her, Dammit ” he shouted out, growling.

“You see what I mean?”
“But still...you should have stayed home. I told you I could handle it...”

Their voices stilled before Inuyasha asked, “When you and Kagome went flying into the air, what was happening?”

“My soul was being ripped from my body, that’s what was happening I don’t know why it happened, but it did, and that bitch now has part of my soul in her own ” Kikyou shouted, anger filling her face.

Inuyasha grimmaced at Kikyou’s curse, but looked over to Kagome again, his eyes angry. “So that’s what happened when that piece of your soul broke off? She was stealing your soul? What was happening when your and her soul were crashing into one another?” he questioned, not looking away from Kagome in the arms of the demon with black hair.

“That was our souls fighting for dominance over one another...as you saw, Kagome won. She got a piece of my soul.” she looked like she had swallowed a lemon.

Hiei smirked at that statement. ‘So...Kagome’s soul is more powerful than that miko over there. Hn.’

Kagome finally leaned up, standing on her own two feet. She turned around, and finally met Inuyasha’s eyes and looked away quickly. ‘He’s so angry at me right now...and...he’s holding Kikyou...’ at that though old wounds re-opened, introducing new and painful images to Hiei. He placed a hand on her shoulder and he wasn’t the only one. Youko placed his hand on her other shoulder.

Kagome smiled slightly. They were going to protect her at all costs–Hiei was proof to that. She got a firm look on her face, using her hand to roughly wipe her tears away. She stared down the dog demon, and Kikyou with powerful eyes. She missed him since she’d been gone, but the moment she saw him with Kikyou, her mind rebelled against her previous feelings for him. Sadness rushed to the surface, only to be stamped down by the words of Shippou. ‘It’s his fault...it’s his fault I’m alone...’ she thought, repeating his same words. She looked over to Sango and Miroku. They seemed to catch her meaning without her even speaking a word. They linked hands with one another and came and stood beside their sister, not even hesitating in their desicion. Shippou stood in front of her, issuing another low growl to Inuyasha and Kikyou.

Inuyasha looked as if he’d just been slapped in the face. They were all turning on him? They would rather be with Kagome than him? Kikyou looked at the expressions that played out on his face. She looked to Kagome and gave her the dirtiest look she could muster at the moment, and was met with several growls.

“Why are you all taking HER side...she’s the one who was trying to steal Kikyou’s soul ” Inuyasha shouted, bewilderment in his voice.

Kagome’s mouth opened in shock. “Is that what you think just happened, Inuyasha? You think I was stealing her soul?” she asked in a hurt voice that instincted Hiei and Youko to strengthen their holds on her shoulders.

“Yeah–we all saw that piece of soul flying from Kikyou’s soul to yours ” he shouted back, anger filling his voice now.

Kagome stood perfectly still for a moment before her voice filled with so much anger that everyone flinched. They had never before seen or felt waves like this coming from their Kagome chan. “BAKA INU ” she shouted, waves of energy flowing off of her. “That was MY piece of SOUL SHE’S the one who took it from me when she was REBORN with that piece of crap CLAY BODY ” she heaved loudly, the miko energy flowing off of her focusing in on Kikyou. Inuyasha looked as if he’d just been slapped in the face. He had forgotten all about it. Since Kikyou had been revived, he had forgotten she was able to keep her body intact with dead women’s souls and a small part of Kagome’s soul. That was how she was reborn in the first place.

He looked stricken, and Kikyou stood to her feet, narrowing her eyes at Kagome. “Bitch...that doesn’t mean you had to take it away from me You were doing fine without it ” she shouted.

Kagome’s eyes flared with vivid pink. “You think I WANTED my soul to rip from my body for just a tiny piece of soul ? You think I did that? ” she screamed, pressing a hand to her chest and another one to her side.

“Well, if the shoe fits...” Kikyou spat. Kagome screamed in frustration. “I can’t DEAL with you You’re so narrow minded that you can’t even see when it was YOUR fault for all of this happening in the first place ” Kagome shouted.
“My fault? How so, reincarnation? ” she stressed emphasis on her last word, stinging Kagome. “You’re the one who came to MY time, not the other way around. I left for good exactly one month ago I can’t help it that the Goshinboku decided that the well should be reopened, but I know it didn’t intend for you to cross it My friends were the only ones who should be allowed to cross it And if you haven’t noticed, I only took back the portion of my soul that was MINE That means, I’m NOT your REINCARNATION Otherwise my soul would have engulfed your ENTIRE soul As for the well, I don’t know how you did, but maybe it would be best for all of us if you left, as you obviously still think of me as a threat ” she shouted, smirking slightly at the color that was slowly draining from her face.

“You...a threat? Don’t make me vomit. You never were a threat While you ran all over Japan searching for jewel shards to fix YOUR mistake, Inuyasha was coming back to me time and time again. Do you realize that? Or maybe you were so delusional that you held out hope for a man that would never be yours.” Kikyou spat. Kagome was the one who looked like she’d been struck now. Tears stung at her eyes, as Inuyasha tried to show her sympathy. Kikyou had taken it too far with that last statement. He could see the pain that her words inflicted, and he couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. He couldn’t do anything about it, though, because he’d made his choice, as did she. He’d just have to wait out this storm and see what happened.

Hiei’s dragon was calm until the point when he felt the pain radiate from Kagome. It snuggled closer to her, going from her back to her shoulder. Kagome noticed its shift and felt it nuzzle against her cheek, soothing her somewhat. She nodded and looked back to Kikyou.

She sighed before saying softly, “Maybe I was delusional, but there’s something that I can say that you cannot. At least Inuyasha knew that I would never leave him alone. I would always be by his side. He knew that I trusted him, and he trusted me. Something I believe is the reason you died lonely in the first place, Kikyou. You thought he would do something as murderous as kill you to steal the Shikon no Tama. You pinned him to a tree, and then you died. Then, when you were reborn, you swore to take him to hell with you, no matter the price–even if you had to make deals with the enemy. Have you ever once told him that you love him? Have you ever apologized for the mistakes you made those 50 years ago?” she asked, looking deeply at the priestess. Kikyou shifted nervously. She hadn’t gotten around to it yet, and apparently, Kagome noticed this too.

Kikyou, feeling cornered, lashed out, “At least he made a choice, Kagome And it wasn’t with YOU ”

Kagome looked down, holding her heart in check. “I couldn’t let him choose me.”

“Why not ? Is he now not good enough for you? ” she spat out.

“No...I was being forced to leave the Feudal Era for good. I couldn’t have him wait over 500 years for me. I wouldn’t put him through that. I love him too much to put him through that.” she whispered out, a thin line of tears running down her face.

For once in her life, Kikyou stayed silent, and for once in Kagome’s life, she didn’t regret her tears. Miroku stepped in with Sango, who was extremely angry with Kikyou and the many words she’d said. “Kikyou, you bitch What the hell is the matter with you? Kagome treated Inuyasha a million times better than you ever will When he was caught with you, she would forgive him, time and time again. Many times I called it stupidity, but I knew it was because she was in love with him She would give her life for him, and on many occasions, almost did I know you can’t say that, cause a good number of times, she was protecting him from Naraku–and you were working with the bastard ” Sango shouted, her temper flaring, as Miroku placed his arms on either side of her shoulder.

“Kikyou–I don’t understand why you would follow us. Do you still not trust Inuyasha no more than you did in the past?” he questioned, his sapphire eyes piercing into her own.

Everyone looked to her, waiting for her answer. Inuyasha looked to her before shouting, “Enough Why are you doing this to her You’re all ganging up on her because of what happened in the past It’s over with Done Can’t a person make a couple of mistakes without being condemned for those mistakes for life?”

Kagome looked up, her normally warm eyes icily cold. “You will leave, Kikyou. And take that hanyou with you.”

Everyone looked to her, not recognizing the voice and instantly worrying. Kikyou recognized the voice though, and shuddered. “Midoriko?” she said softly, hoping for it to be true. Everyone snapped back to Kagome quickly, looking at her with guarded faces.

“You do not have permission to call me by my name, miko. You will do as I say or you will be sentenced to death once more. Because of her wish, you were reborn into life, and yet you still wish to damn her existence. If it were not for her, you would still be in a realm of the undead–still feeding off of souls to keep walking among the earth.” Midoriko’s cold voice bore down, making Kikyou look away guiltily.

“Kagome’s role in protecting the Shikon no Tama was a vital part indeed, and she defeated Naraku as well, with a little help from her friends. You did nothing but hinder them In your actions with Naraku, as well as your interfearence with that baka hanyou next to you Many times my sister cried herself to sleep after her heart was broken by you two and your affairs. Many times my sister considered death as an alternative for the pain you both inflicted on her fragile heart. Her spirit saved her more times than I can count, and if it were not for her friends, she would have followed through with those thoughts.”


Hiei looked to her slowly, taking in her expression. It was so cold it rivaled even him, and that was saying something. The dragon still rested on her shoulder, not aware of a change in persona.

“Kagome’s suffered more at the hands of the jewel than you ever will My sister deserved to have happiness, but at her hand she had to give up the person she loved with her entire heart She was devoted to you, hanyou She would have given her life for you And you threw her away as if she were some common mortal who could be easily replaced. Tell me, how many humans accepted you unconditionally? Tell me, how many demons accepted you unconditionally? And tell me one more thing, how many mortals have devoted themselves to you, doing anything in their power to see you happy?”

Inuyasha blushed and looked down at her words. Hiei and Youko perked up at the miko spirits words.
‘Unconditional love and devotion...that’s really something coming from a human...’ Kurama said, having years of dealing with humans. Youko nodded, looking back to Kagome. “My sister deserved to have happiness...” Youko replayed the miko’s words in his mind. ‘She does deserve to be happy...’ he said, gently increasing the pressure on her shoulder.

Kagome’s face turned to Youko and she smiled. “Thank you for helping my sister Youko...Hiei...she will need more of it in the near future. I trust you two and your friends will keep her safe.” she said, turning back to Kikyou and Inuyasha.

“I’m going to be leaving now, but trust me when I say that you two would be wise to leave. My sister has had a difficult enough time adjusting to life with you–it will be harder to live with you near. Leave, and never darken her heart again.”

Everyone looked at Kagome as her face changed from cold to warm again slowly. She blinked once, and then twice, as she put a hand to her cheek. ‘What just happened?’ she thought, confusion in her mind.
That’s when she felt it–a stirring in the Shikon no Tama. A slight increase of power coming from her side where the jewel was embedded. ‘Midoriko...’

Inuyasha looked to Kagome once more before pulling Kikyou tighter. “Kagome?” he questioned, unsure if it was her that was in control or not. “Hai, Inuyasha? What’s the matter?” she questioned, her confusion helping her forget what her heart had felt.
“Kagome...what do you want from us? We can’t change the past.” he asked, looking deeply into her eyes. Kagome sighed. He just didn’t understand. She didn’t want to see Kikyou ever again, and he was quickly joining that category.

“Inuyasha...I’m sick and tired of competing for your affections. I made my choice and I’m sticking to it. You and that woman can have each other for all I care. Leave me alone, Inuyasha. I still consider you a friend, but if you ever come back to my time and you have her with you...” she paused.

The silence was interrupted by a loud roar coming from Kagome’s shoulder. Hiei translated. “He says he won’t hesitate to kill you both.”

Kagome looked to the dragon spirit before slowly drawing it from her shoulder and wrapping her arms around it, holding it close. “Arigatou...” she whispered to it, gently stroking it with her calm ki.

Inuyasha’s eyes filled with anger. The demons who had stayed by Kagome’s side were starting to really bug him, interfearing and all. He growled to Hiei, who growled back. Kagome’s voice rang out clear and loud when she shouted, “Inuyasha BASTARD Leave my friends ALONE ”

Inuyasha looked to her and cringed. She had never cursed him before, and he didn’t like it. “But Kagome...” he tried to defend himself.

“No, INUYASHA I told you once already that they’re my friends and you won’t even attempt to lay one hand on them They’re here to protect me...”

She was cut off by Inuyasha as he shouted, “Protect you from what? ”

Kagome went silent as she cursed herself. ‘Dammit Kagome Now he’ll never leave you alone Dammit, dammit, dammit ’

“Protect you from what, Kagome? ” he shouted, urgency in his voice. “There’s no way they can protect you They look so weak Only I can protect you ”

Kagome’s face went hard as her eyes narrowed. “You can’t protect me anymore, Inuyasha. You are in love with Kikyou, and I will not have your running back and forth between us any longer. You will stay with her, and I will have my friends protect me from him. Not you. No more. I won’t allow it.” she said.

He looked as if someone had just sprung a party on him. A mixture of anger, sadness, confusion and stunned silence appeared.

“Leave, Inuyasha, before I make you leave. And take her with you.” Kagome said coldly, finally having enough. He looked stunned. Never before had he been ordered to leave, and he wouldn’t deal with it now. “I’ll leave when I’m damn good and ready ” he shouted indignantly.

Seven growls were his reply. “You’ll leave now. This is not up for discussion.” Hiei’s voice ground out, his own self getting thoroughly fed up with the hanyou and his bitch.

He looked to the short demon and frowned, then smirked. “So you think you can take me?” he said, getting cocky. He looked quickly to Kagome. She was still slightly friends with this hanyou, and he didn’t want to hurt her inadvertently.

“Inuyasha...I told you to leave, I will not ask you again.” Kagome’s voice said, ice running through it. Shippou stood up straight his eyes glittering red again, “Inuyasha Leave her the fuck alone She doesn’t want you near her Go back Take that bitch with you ” He shouted, growling.

Kikyou looked worriedly to Inuyasha. Kagome had immense power–she could easily purify him if he wasn’t careful.
Silence filled the air and still he didn’t move. Then Yusuke shouted, “God Damn it What did I do to deserve this shit today Fuckin’ great I have to deal with a stupid ass mutt who doesn’t understand fucking english Just terrific Yo’, Mutt face Didn’t ya hear the lady? She said vamoose. As in, LEAVE, as in, get the FUCK outta here and don’t let to door hit ya where the lord split ya Did ya understand me that time, you god forsaken piss poor excuse for a demon ”

Inuyasha looked as if someone had just hit him in the face. Then his eyes narrowed as he drew Tetsuseiga and pointed it at Yusuke, with a slight smirk on his face. “You think you can take me, human scum? Just try it I’d like to see it ” he shouted, pointing his face at the black haired boy.

“HIRAIKOTSU ” Sango’s voice rang out as the bone boomarang hit away Inuyasha’s sword, bringing it almost in front of Kagome. She reached forward and grabbed it, holding it tightly in her hand. Instantly, it recognized her, pulsating with hidden power. “My Tetsuseiga Kagome, give it here Right now ” he shouted, anger and fear in his voice. ‘What if I transform?’ he thought.

She held onto it glaring at him fiercely. “No, Inuyasha. You refused to leave, and you almost fought with one of my friends. I’m taking it to someone who had wanted it forever now. You didn’t leave when I asked, so now you’ll have to feel.” she said, her voice cold.

“But...Kagome? What if I transform? What’s to stop me from killing anyone?” he asked, truly afraid. “Inuyasha, don’t spring that on me. The Tetsuseiga wasn’t the thing keeping your demoncy in check–it was me Don’t you understand? It wasn’t the sword It was love ” she shouted.

“How do you know?” he shouted, still confused, and now scared.

“Hand me the sheath.” she said softly. He didn’t want to, but he had to know if what she said was the truth. She reached a hand into the sheath and removed a piece of paper that had been dormant for quite awhile. Kagome had found it when they were fighting the spider demons, and had felt compelled to keep it secret until now.

“Inuyasha” she read.
“If you’re reading this, I’m dead and probably have been for some time. This is the Tetsuseiga–it was formed from my own fang and is extremely powerful. It’s brother is called the Tenseiga, and it belongs to your brother, Sesshoumaru. As you know, and most likely regret, you are a half demon. Half of you is demon, and half of you is human. Don’t blame your mother, blame me for loving her. Sesshoumaru thinks blood is everything as well as power. Hopefully time will come to change that, but until then, you must protect this sword from him. As it currently stands he is not able to even touch the sword because of the spell infused in it. Only slightly human hands can touch it. I know that it will only be able to be pulled from it’s pedestal by a full human, so when you read this, thank the person who would care for you enough to help you retrieve the sword. If it’s a human female, it’s even more rare, and don’t cause that person any undue pain. It was a rare case indeed that your mother loved me with the same intensity I loved her. Hopefully you haven’t been in a situation that you’ve had to turn full demon. I hope fate has been kind to you, my son. If you wish to never experience the torture of becoming full demon, I have only one piece of advice for you–find love and have that love returned. Love is the only force strong enough to stop anything–never forget that, my son. I wish you luck in your life, and please don’t fight with your brother. He is the only family you have left. Goodbye–
Inu-Taisho”

Kagome stopped reading and handed the paper back to Inuyasha, as she stepped back and retreated to the safety of her group. Inuyasha looked over the paper about 5 times before folding it back up and putting it back in the sheath. “My sword, Kagome.” he whispered out, holding out his hand. Kagome nodded and handed it back to him. “We’re leaving, Kikyou.” he said, not bothering to give a goodbye to the rest of their friends. They entered the well and fell in, disappearing in a burst of light.

“And thats...that...” Kagome whispered before sinking to her knees and crying.

A/N: Good lord What the hell got into me? This is like–15 pages on word–Arial–10 font. @_@
Hope you enjoy I know it gets a little tedious, but trust me–now the fun is going to begin. ^_~
A/N #2: Ryu-chan: Ne...Kagome is trying to hold everything in, but she still doesn’t defend herself against Inuyasha’s belittlements, as you saw in this chapter. Eventually, she’s going to get passed this. Eventually. You’ll enjoy next chapter. Some interesting things happen. :)
Everqueen: I’m not so great keeping charecters in charecter. It’s my weakness. But Yusuke has gotten his potty mouth back, although next chapter things get interesting for the spirit detective.
Sailor Moon1996: An interesting suggestion, but not one that’ll fit into this story. He’s just upset cause something about this girl is going to get under his skin–that, and he’s sore about her beating him. *lol*
Animeluva: Glad to see you still enjoy it. Here’s that update you asked for! ^-^
sessykag4eva: O_O :: blush :: Arigatou gozaimasu! I’m very glad you are getting enjoyment from my story! Hope you continue the love in the future chapters! =)
Jenny: ...you are my new pet. *grin* I’m honored you think it’s one of the best. Here’s to more reviews and love of my concoction! =)

A/N #3: Next Chapter: Seiichi’s Crossover