Between Best Friends

Chapter Four

Kagome entered the house noticing all the lights were off. She made her way to the fridge and fixed a glass of water. Images of the kiss entered her mind as she leaned against the counter. Her fingers found their way to her mouth. Inuyasha had kissed her before but it had never felt like that. She placed her glass in the sink leaving it till the morning to wash. Her senses stood on end suddenly causing panic to fill her. Something was outside, whatever it was it wasn't friendly. She ran to her room and searched under her bed for her bow and arrow. Finding them she ran outside into the night.

Kurama waited patiently for the fire demon's answer. Then he suddenly felt it, a demonic aura coming from up the stairs. "Hiei," they both took up the stairs. As they passed the last step they spotted it. A snake demon was slithering around searching the grounds but for what? He spotted the two and charged them.

Hiei jumped into the air dodging the attack as did Kurama. Kurama pulled a rose from his hair and called on his rose whip. The fox struck out aiming to behead the demon. Right before contact the whip hit a barrier sending the whip back.

"What the fuck kind of barrier is that?" Hiei tried striking the thing but he to was repelled.

"I've never seen a barrier of this kind. What is it doing here at the shrine?" Kurama jumped as it charged him once more. "What do you want?"

"The jewel, give it to me. Which one of you has the sacred jewel. I can sense the power, give it to me." This time it charged Hiei and he merely stepped aside avoiding its sharp claws.

"This could go on all night. What the hell is this jewel?" Hiei jumped to land beside Kurama.

The demon growled and suddenly turned around, there standing ten feet away stood Kagome. He looked the human girl over then sensed it. The girl had the jewel. He raced towards her, "The jewel, give it to me girl."

'The jewel?' Kagome wasn't sure where it was but didn't have time to think. She notched an arrow, it had been over a year since she'd used her bow. She sent a prayer real quick and released the arrow.

Kurama and Hiei spotted the girl at the same time. Seeing her stand there with her hair blowing in the breeze in a fighting stance caused both to pause. Then the demon took off. "Hiei its after Kagome."

Before either could move she released the arrow she was holding sending a streak of pure energy across the few feet between her and the demon. It caught him between the eyes and before their eyes the demon was instantly purified turning to ash. Kagome released the breath she was holding, "Wow, bullseye. Guess I'm not rusty after all." A smile split across her face. Even Kikyo would have to be proud of that shot. She heard her name being whispered and turned to see the two demons she'd failed to notice before. Hiei and Kurama were standing further away both with strange looks. She merely smiled, "Goodnight you two." She turned and walked back into the house making sure to bring the bow to bed with her. Was a sad bed partner but it was the best she had.


"What the hell was that Hiei?"

"How should I know?" Before he could scold the fox for asking him such a stupid question Botan appeared beside both of them.

"I've been looking for you two." The blue haired girl looked around noticing they were at the shrine. "What are you two doing here. I didn't know Koenma had already given you your new assignment yet. He only sent me to find you two an hour ago."

"What new assignment Botan?" Kurama asked.

"Well, if you don't have it yet why are you here? Your new assignment is to protect the guardian of the Shikon-no-tama and if my information is correct the girl lives at this shrine."

Ten minutes later Botan, Hiei, Kurama, Yusuke, and Kurabawa were standing in front of the desk of Koenma. The toddler sat with his arms crossed and sucking rapidly. He was obviously aggitated. He didn't speak for several minutes while the others glared at him.

Finally the toddler threw the tantrum that had been building. He kicked the papers off his desk, "How the hell did this happen? Who the hell knew that she was the one with it? I've kept that infomation safely guarded. She was suppose to stay safe after her journey was completed. I gave strict instructions that her name be erased. Who's in charge of these things cause they're getting spankings."

"Koenma please," Botan tried to calm her employer down. "It can't be that bad."

"You have no idea how bad it is. Wait till that Sesshomaru finds out that the girl has been found. I hate dealing with that arrogant dog demon. I just know he's already found out and is already on his way here."

"Correction I am here." All heads turned towards the new person walking into the room. Hiei and Kurama had heard of the great Sesshomaru but had never seen him. He kept to himself in the demon world, even when the tournament was held years ago to decide who would rule the Makai he hadn't shown himself. He prefered to keep to himself away from others. "My brother and I are most displeased about this turn of events. We had an agreement Koenma."

"Yes, I know and I'm not sure what went wrong. It has been over a year since she returned home. Who knew the jewel would once again be placed within her body. I've done what I can. Hell I don't think she even realised she still had it until tonight." He started sucking on his binky even more rapidly.

"Stop that infernal racket," Sesshomaru glared at the ruler of the spirit world. He had to find out what was going on and get back to Inuyasha and Kikyo before they decided to take matters into their own hands. "If you don't want an all out war you best think of something runt. My brother and his mate are planning on going through the barrier this very night to fetch the girl. But you and I both know it would be unwise to take her into the demon world. If you cannot find out who is after the jewel and Kagome then we will have no choice but to take the girl."

He heard two growls coming from behind him and turned to glare at the two standing behind him. He had to give them credit most demons would have shrunk back in fear. He looked them over and realised they were almost as powerful as him, almost. "The miko will be in danger, due to your slight oversight. If you thought you had a problem with demons entering the human world before wait till they hear that the jewel has once again resurfaced." He saw the toddler about to speak and slammed his hand down on the desk breaking it in two. "I was there shall I remind you of the devestation the jewel can cause?"

"No need for the violence I assure you. We will figure something out, Botan go fetch the girl and bring her here." When she disappeared he turned back to the demon. "We will bring her here and see what she wants to do. I suggest you leave before she arrives though."

"This Sesshomaru isn't going anywhere. I will speak to her myself on the matter. I'm sure you have no objections," Sesshomaru went to stand against the wall.

Yusuke decided it was time to start asking questions. "What the hell is this jewel and why is it so sought after?"

Kurama answered him. He had heard of the jewel as his days as Youko and had even tried to find it once himself. "The jewel of four souls, it is said to have housed the soul of a powerful miko and demon. Even a shard was said to bring the user immense power. Centuries ago demons and humans alike fought after it before the worlds were split. It was said that over five hundred years ago the jewel was shattered and many looked for the pieces. Tales of a powerful priestess journeyed to complete the jewel and to destroy a powerful demon from obtaining the power. It was said that the hanyou was eventually destroyed and the jewel never seen again. That is all I know."

"Well, to fill you in it was Kagome herself that shattered the jewel and the one to complete it once more. She is the guardian after all." Koenma filled in.

"How the hell is that possible she isn't that old. I've seen the girl and she looks to damn good to be that old." Yusuke heard a growl coming from the dog demon leaning against the wall. "What the hell is your problem?"

"You shall not speak of her in that manner or you will find yourself dead boy." Sesshomaru took a step forward.

Hiei and Kurama felt jealousy at the demon's reactions to the girl they both wanted. He obviously knew the girl well which they didn't like.

Kagome was brushing her hair getting ready to disrobe when a girl suddenly appeared in her room. She threw her brush and barely missed the girl by a few inches. "What do you want?" She saw the girl floating on a broom. 'The blue haired girl from yesterday, think her name was Botan.'

"I'm sorry, didn't mean to scare you Lady Kagome. I'm Botan, I believe we met the other day."

"Yeah, you're one of Keiko's friends. That doesn't explain why you are in my bedroom." Kagome sat down on the edge of her bed waiting for an explanation.

"Yes, well maybe its not my place to explain everything. I'll just tell you that it was discovered that the jewel returned to your body without your knowledge. We have been trying to protect your identity since you returned over a year ago but somehow it has been discovered by demons that you are in possession of it. Koenma, ruler of the spirit world has asked that I fetch you to discuss the problem." She patted her broom, "Come they are waiting for you."

Kagome sighed, "Ruler of the Spirit World? What the hell is going on?" The girl just smiled at her. She sat on the broom and grabbed ahold of the girl. "Okay but I want some answers."

"Of course. Hold on dear."

The two girls entered the great hall and began to walk along the corridor. Kagome took in all her eyes could see, they passed an office that was filled with ogres running around doing paperwork. 'How odd.' They stopped when they saw her enter and began to stare. 'They are starting to creep me out.'

"Come its this way." She grabbed the girl's hand and directed her to double doors at the end of the hall. Yelling could be heard from the inside. "Oh dear this can't be good." Botan pushed opened the doors and brought the girl inside and all yelling ceased.

Kagome first noticed Hiei and the Kurama, who was standing not far from the door. She blushed when her eyes landed on Hiei. She scanned the rest of the room and spotted the guy Yusuke with his fists balled at his side. Her eyes went to the person he was glaring at, SESSHOMARU! There was no mistaking the Lord of the Western Lands. She yanked her hand out of Botans and ran to throw her arms around his waist.

"Sesshomaru," She felt his hand reach up to stroke her hair. She felt the tears begin to slid down her cheeks at the sight of him. Sure they hadn't been best friends. During the last few months of her journey he had changed, becoming more human in nature. He had saved her life more times than she could count and held a special place in her heart.

Sesshomaru watched her enter the room and felt his heart twitch. He had never fancied himself in love with the human girl from the future. But she had stood up to him several times showing no fear. She had eventually earned his respect even his gratitude. The girl had won a special place in his heart along with Rin. Rin who had mated with the boy named Kohaku and lived her short human life with the boy. He had protected Rin until she died of old age as he would protect this girl until the day she died. He would see that she too lived a long happy life. He saw her land her eyes on him and run to him. He left himself open for her embrace and smiled when she landed around his middle. He brought his hand up to stroke her hair, happy to see her once again. "This Sesshomaru is glad to see you are well." Atleast now he could return to his home and inform his hot headed brother that the girl was safe. He knew it wasn't the time to inform the girl that Inuyasha had went to find Kikyo and join her in hell. He had came upon them as they were making their descent and stopped them. He had used the Tensiega to bring the dead miko's body to life, making it one of flesh and blood. They had stared at his back without asking why. Now five hundred years later, the miko was Inuyasha's mate and they resided with him. He knew Inuyasha still loved the girl he held in his arms, but his life was with Kikyo.

"You don't know how happy I am to see you. I see you haven't changed at all." She brought her face up to smile at him. "Its good to see an old friend." He hadn't changed at all, besides he now had two arms.

"Kagome, we have much to discuss. You do realise that the jewel has returned to your body." He placed a hand on her face. He felt anger radiating off the two demons across the room. He almost laughed outloud. So she had captured the interest of those two. Not that he could blame them, she was very unique. Then it was definitely best if his brother wasn't brought into the situation. Even with Kikyo there he would still be prone to fits of jealousy.

"Yeah, I know. Don't worry I'll try not to break it this time." She saw him raise his eyebrow in amusement.

Yusuke decided to break up the moment. "Alright now that she's here what are we going to do? Any clue of who it is Koenma."

Kagome turned to see a little baby sitting in the chair. He had a pacifier and all. She ran to him and picked him up. "Oh you are so cute. Wait whats a baby doing here?"

Yusuke burst out laughing and Kurama chuckled softly. He fell to the ground holding his sides as Kagome began to pinch Koenma's cheeks. "Excuse me miss but I am Koenma, ruler of the spirit world."

"You can talk," She was still holding him.

"Of course I can talk. And as much as I like being held against your ample bosom we have matters to discuss." Kagome blushed and preceded to drop him.

"You little pervert!" She glared at him. She turned to see Yusuke pick himself off the floor wiping the tears out his eyes. "It wasn't that funny."

"Like hell it wasn't." Yusuke tried to contain the laughter that threatened once more. "So what are we going to do until we find out who this demon is?"

"This Sesshomaru will find out who the demon is. I will leave Kagome's protection in the meantime to you Koenma." He walked up to put his hand on her waist. She smiled at the comment and the contact. The touch was comforting, like the touch of a father. She knew Sesshomaru would never have any romantic notions towards her or her him. They had formed a bond as opponents and comrades.

"I'll be okay Sesshomaru. Remember I'm not the same girl that you fought in your father's tomb." She thought of the time she'd pulled out their father's fang.

"Hmph, that this Sesshomaru knows well." He too was thinking of the moment he'd turned to see that this small girl had done something he couldn't do. He should have known then that she was special but instead he'd tried to kill her. Even upon standing she had pointed the rusty sword at him without fear. Her voice rang through his head. 'Hey you, you tried to kill me didn't you.' He smiled at the image. Then her standing there as she shot her arrow retransforming the Tetsusaiga.

Hiei was quickly loosing his temper as the dog demon stood there being over friendly with the girl. He could feel Kurama's displeasure also.

"Sesshomaru, I will have my team protect the girl. I don't think I need to express the urgency of finding who sent the demon." Koenma climbed back in his chair.

"Very well, I will send word once I have the information." He brought Kagome into his arms and embraced her one last time. "I shall see you soon. Take care, we do not want to lose you again Kagome." He dropped his arms and walked out of the office.

Kagome watched him go and his words came back to her. "Who's we?" No answer came, he was already gone.

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