Kore wa daisuki wo benkyoushimasu, ne?

A/N: I’ve started college back up, if you didn’t receive my message before this, therefore I’ll be a slight slower updating, but please bear with me, ne? As always, I will keep my chapters long and full of goodness! =)

Disclaimer: Don’t own it. Nope. Nada. Zip. Zitch. :: cry ::

Chapter 6: Gathering Protection

“Dimwit will you quit fidgeting” Genkai yelled, the black haired detective getting on her nerves by all his pacing. “Sit down, Urameshi, before you wear a hole in the floor!” Kuwabara added, not liking the persistent look on his face. He glared at each person in turn, before taking a seat. He couldn’t help it. He was worried about Kagome.

Suddenly, he felt a demon aura outside of the house. He recognized it right away, and let loose a sigh. ‘Koenma isn’t taking any chances with her...’ he nodded to himself. He was happy for the extra protection. “There’s a demon...” Kuwabara started, but was cut off. “It’s Jin.” Yusuke said, heading for the door. “Nice to be seeing ya, Urameshi. How would you be doing taking care of the fair lass?” he said, his never fading smile set in place as usual.

“Fine, Jin. She’s sleeping right now.” he said, his face turning worried again. “What happened, Yusuke?” he asked, his smile fading slightly. “She had her soul ripped from her body earlier today...” at the complete look of shock that came to Jin’s face, Yusuke continued, “Maybe you should come inside. I’ve got to fill you in on what’s happened so far...”

~*~

Kagome’s soft breathing continued for about an hour, giving her body some much needed time to rest and regain her strength. Hiei didn’t move from his spot and Kurama never left her side. Kurama noted the demonic aura outside, but dismissed it. He knew who it was. Hiei was deep in thought, his mind swirling over and over Kagome’s words to him since the day he met her.

‘She said I was her’s...she knows nothing of my past, yet she wishes to be with me...why? This miko should be wanting to destroy me...yet she treats me kindly, and without ulterior motives...’ he sighed. She was instantly working her way into his heart, and he was starting to wonder what it would be like to have her near him everyday. ‘No...not yet, Hiei...’ he referred to himself. ‘Wait...I’m going to wait a little longer and watch her...I’m going to see where this goes...’ he thought, nodding to himself. He jumped down from the tree he was occupying and walked slowly back to the house. Jin was here, and he didn’t want to be any further away from Kagome then absolutely necessary.

~*~

Kagome stirred at the new demon aura poking at her senses. ‘Who is that?’ she thought, keeping her eyes closed to the light. She didn’t detect any malice from the aura, so she dismissed it. ‘Probably a friend of Hiei’s and Kurama’s.’ she thought, finally letting her eyes open. They fell on emerald green ones, and she smiled. Kurama had stayed by her side the entire time she slept.

“Did you sleep well, Kagome chan?” he questioned, returning her smile. She nodded softly before saying, “You know, you don’t have to call me chan. Just Kagome is alright with me.” she nodded, shifting slightly to try and get herself up. Her muscles screamed in protest, the effects of her soul separation finally becoming clear in her body. She winced in pain, and Kurama instantly brought a hand to support her back as she breathed heavily from the soreness.

“Thanks...” she said, closing her eyes in frustration. ‘I have to get up! I can’t afford to be weak!’ she shouted, getting Hiei’s attention as he entered the vicinity. He quirked up an eyebrow at her stubborn ness and strength. He walked in and noted that Jin was in a deep discussion with Yusuke and that Genkai was missing from the area. He looked to Kuwabara and then to Miroku, Sango and Shippou. A small fire cat was also with the group of fighters, and he nodded in acknowledgment of them before heading to the back of the house to Kagome’s room. He walked in and instantly noticed that Kurama’s hand was on her back.

Her breath was ragged, and he could feel the pain off of her. He instantly started conversation with her, using his Jagan. ‘You okay?’ he questioned, a brief glimmer of concern evident in his voice. He heard her hiss in pain through the link before she replied, ‘I’ll be fine...I think. My muscles are really sore...’ she hissed again. Hiei looked to Kurama and relayed the message. Instantly, he gestured Hiei over to help hold her up while he worked. Hiei hesitantly settled his hand on her back, feeling her muscles twitch angrily under the contact.

Kurama pulled out a seed from his hair and quickly planted it in an empty pot with a withered flower in it on her bedside. Instantly, it sprouted, revealing an almost black flower with a golden center. He pulled a stem from the center of the flower and held it up to Kagome’s mouth. She opened her eyes and took the plant gingerly into her lips. She almost spit it out...it was so bitter that it almost made her want to gag. But she took it fully into her mouth and chewed, swallowing it quickly.

The effects were almost instantaneous. Her muscles relaxed, smoothing over her bones and easing her pain. Hiei could feel her relax against his hand, her body finally calm and no longer protesting her movements. She smiled to them before flipping off the cover and putting her feet to the side of the bed and onto the floor. “Thanks.” she said, grasping Hiei’s hand for emphasis, making him shudder slightly.

She sent out her aura, and remembered feeling a new demon in the house she was in. “Who’s the new guy?” she asked, getting to her feet, wobbling slightly, but regaining her balance quickly. “That would be Jin.” Kurama said, getting beside her. “Friend?” she asked, looking back to Kurama. He nodded, and followed her out to the living room. Kagome smiled at her friends, and took a seat beside Sango. “How are you feeling, momma?” Shippou asked softly, placing a gentle hand on her knee. She gave him a smile and nodded. “I’m feeling better. So don’t you worry anymore.” she said, lifting him up into her lap. He snuggled into her chest and smiled.

Sango smiled at the interaction of her sister and Shippou, gently grabbing Miroku’s hand in the process. She definitely wanted kids. He smiled at her and low and behold his other unoccupied hand became occupied stroking Sango’s rear. Her smile went to a growl and a smack could be heard echoing throughout the room. Everyone looked to the now unconscious monk and they saw a lump forming on his head. “He never learns, does he Sango?” Kagome laughed, easing the nervous tension that seemed to linger in the air around them.

She looked over to Yusuke who was deep in conversation with someone she didn’t know. ‘That must be Jin.’ she thought, looking him over slowly. He had a strange aura about him. She couldn’t quite put a finger on it, but she could sense it. ‘Oh well, as long as he’s a friend, I’m okay with him.’ she thought, concentration turned back to Genkai, who was walking in the room. Kagome was instantly reminded of Kaede. The woman just seemed to have the air of a miko about her. A strong will, and even more so, an air of wisdom. She couldn’t help but smile at the gray haired older lady.

Genkai caught her smile and nodded, acknowledging her gesture. ‘She could be the one...she could. She’s a miko...it’s unusual for her to befriend any demons at all, but this room is full of them and she hasn’t once attacked them, nor shown any hostility at all. Interesting.’ she thought, taking a seat near her. “Hello. My name is Kagome. Kagome Higurashi.” Kagome started, offering her hand to Genkai.

She took it and gave the girl a small smile. “Genkai.” she said simply, before interjecting a small amount of energy into the miko’s hand, making her eyes widen. She pushed back with the same force, understanding that the woman was testing her abilities. Genkai nodded and let go, a bigger smile on her face. “Good. You have a good handle on your powers, young miko.” she said, leaning back in her chair.

Kagome smiled at the compliment. She looked to Hiei and Kurama and grinned. Things were finally looking up for her. She had her friends back, and she was feeling stronger. She looked up when she noticed movement. Yusuke stood in front of her along with the orange haired demon he had been talking to.

Kagome gave the demon a smile, and he took a small step back, now realizing that she really was a miko, and uncertain if she would purify him. Kagome noticed his slight fear and frowned. She didn’t want him to fear her. “My name is Kagome. What’s yours?” she asked, quickly trying to break the ice. “Jin.” he answered, still keeping a slight distance.

“Well, Jin. It’s a pleasure to meet you!” she dawned a bright smile and reached out her hand. He looked to her and then her hand a moment before taking it, shaking it softly. He let go and Kagome looked down. ‘He’s still afraid...what can I do to reassure him?’ she thought. But then got an idea. “Jin, this is Shippou. He’s my son.” she said, turning the kitsune to face the wind demon.

‘Son? She has a demon son? Yusuke forgot to mention that...’ he thought quickly, finally giving her a smile. “You’re a pretty lass. How’d you come upon having a demon child?” he questioned, easing up finally and staring conversation.

“I met Shippou just after I had shattered the Shikon Jewel in the past. I saved him, and he helped rescue me. Ever since then, he’s been my son. I’ve taken care of him and protected him from danger. Especially Naraku.” she paused, remembering Seiichi and his attack on her mind.

“Do you know anything else that we don’t about the demon Seiichi?” she questioned, hoping maybe this demon would have more information about the demon than they did. He shook his head, taking a seat next to her. “Sorry, lass. I don’t. Koenma called me up to be helping with the protection of you. Apparently, Koenma thinks this demon a big threat. He called me up and some other demon I didn’t know. That guy...I didn’t even get his name, but he was a cold hearted bastard. Didn’t even give me the time of day!” he laughed it off, slapping his knee.

Kagome looked to him quickly. “Why would that be funny? Did he even want to help?” she questioned, a slight fear in her voice. ‘I don’t want them to be forced to protect me. They’d just as soon leave me to die if they don’t want to willingly help me.’ she thought quickly, turning a worried face to Hiei. He caught her thoughts and nodded internally. ‘You’re right. You’ve got the right thinking. If they’re forced to protect you, they might just as easily leave you to be killed on the battlefield.’ he said, nodding to her.

Kagome’s frown went deeper until Jin broke through again, saying, “Yeah. Man seemed to be a little too keen on protecting ya, if ya ask me. He seemed like he knew ya, little lass.” he said, looking to her again. “I know a lot of demons, Jin. I spent a good deal of time working with them and killing some of them.” she said, feeling Sango’s hand rest on her shoulder.

Kagome nodded to her, before saying, “Jin. This is Sango. And the one knocked out is Miroku. They’re my friends from the past.” she informed him, sitting back into the couch. She sighed. ‘I hope it wasn’t Kouga. I really hope it wasn’t him.’ she thought, catching Hiei’s attention again. ‘She has no desire to be with the wolf cub.’ At that thought, he couldn’t help but be slightly pleased.

~*~

“You are willing to help protect her, aren’t you?” Koenma asked the tall demon in front of him. “This Sesshoumaru will protect her with my very existence.” the inu taiyoukai responded, his face as cold as ever. “That’s good, Lord Sesshoumaru. With you helping, I feel very confident she’ll stay safe from that hanyou.” Koenma sighed, rubbing his forehead. He was having a lot of headaches lately.

“If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask me, Lord Sesshoumaru.” Koenma said, nodding to him quickly, while he shuffled a very large report around on his desk. Sesshoumaru noticed the name on the file and frowned mentally. ‘How did she get herself in this mess this time? I thought that forsaken trinket was destroyed when she wished upon it.’ he thought, picking up stray words on the report.

“Do you need anything else, Lord Koenma?” Sesshoumaru asked, giving him the respect that he had received. “Not at the moment, Lord Sesshoumaru. My offer still stands. If you need anything, just ask me. I’ll try my hardest to get whatever you need.” the toddler said, giving the Lord a small bow before dismissing him.

Sesshoumaru looked quickly to the right and left of him as he exited the spirit world. ‘Miko...you’ve really gotten yourself in trouble this time.’

~*~

Kagome closed her eyes. This day was really tiring. She wished she would have gotten to sleep earlier. Everyone was having small discussions among themselves, and Miroku finally became conscious again, grinning sheepishly. ‘I’ve got to do something, or I’m going to fall asleep.’ she thought, getting to her feet. “Genkai?” she questioned the woman, getting a determined look on her face. “Yes, Kagome?” she replied, getting to her feet at the look on the young woman’s face.

“I want to practice my archery for a bit. Do you have a place here where I can train?” she asked, the spirit of battle surrounding her aura. “Hai, just follow me.” Genkai said, smiling. ‘The girl willingly wants to train. Her spirit is growing from the thought of becoming stronger. Interesting child.’ she thought, leading her to a temple behind the main house, followed by everyone. Training sounded like a good idea to everyone.

Sango smiled at the wall of weaponry at the back of the temple. She was skilled in most of them, but there was an unusual one along the top. ‘It’s just a white lacquered stick...what could it do?’ she thought, before dismissing it. She grabbed up her hakama and quickly undressed to her battle armor. She pulled out her sword and smiled down at the dummy target in the corner.

Miroku noted the demonic aura in one area of the room. He pulled out his staff and sure enough, the auras began to surround him. He could tell that they were very weak, and he quickly disposed of a good number of them, but they kept coming. “You’re battling regenerating demon spirits. Test your technique and strength!” Genkai shouted at him, nodding. He nodded back and began to train with them as they were intended.

Shippou began to focus on a dummy target near Sango, throwing out his fox fire and other random tricks and spells he had learned from his parents before their passing. Kurama took note of his skill, but also note of his lack of knowledge. ‘The kit needs training, but he has great potential.’ Youko said, looking at the kit with fond eyes. Kurama nodded and took that as his cue to go.

Kagome noticed him walking towards Shippou and couldn’t help but follow. “What are you doing, Shippou?” she asked, giving him a smile as she came upon Kurama and her kit talking. “Kurama’s teaching me some new spells!” he said happily, grinning up at her. Kagome couldn’t suppress her happy smile at his obvious enjoyment of the red head’s company. ‘It must be because of Youko.’ she nodded, a misty expression on her face. ‘I can’t teach him all he should know. I haven’t the faintest clue about fox magic or plants, except for medicinal.’ she sighed, but came to a conclusion.

“Kurama...a word, please?” she questioned, gesturing him over to where she stood. He nodded and looked back to Shippou. “Now remember. Concentrate on the plant energies and then focus on what you want them to do. A small plant for healing, or a wall of plants for protection? You decide.” Shippou nodded fiercely to the fox before closing his eyes in focus.

Kurama walked over to Kagome slowly, taking in her expression. ‘What do you think she wants to talk to us about?’ Kurama asked Youko, slightly nervous at her posture and facial expression.
‘Don’t worry. She’s not going to bite you. She just wants to talk. Calm down.’ Youko reassured him, keeping perfectly still.

Kagome looked to him, her eyes becoming quickly lost in his emerald green ones. She shook herself. Now was not the time for getting sidetracked. Now was the time to think about her kits well being. A firm look came upon her face. “Kurama...I know Youko is a fox demon. So is Shippou. Do you know a lot about fox magic and plant manipulation?” she questioned, crossing her fingers for the answer she wanted to hear. “I know quite a lot, Kagome ch–...Kagome. Youko knows more than any other creature about plant manipulation and fox magic. Why do you ask?” he questioned, giving her a puzzled stare. “I want to ask a favor of you.” she stopped, looking to his face again. “What do you need, Kagome? Whatever it is, I’ll do it, if I am able.” he said, giving her a reassuring smile. Kagome took a deep breath.

“I want you to teach Shippou as much as you can. I want you to teach him what he needs to know. His parents died, as you know, and I don’t know anything about fox magic or about the changing of plants. I only know of some medicinal plants, which isn’t much to go on. As long as we’re together, I would like you to teach him as much as you are able.” she said, her gaze going back to her son as he sprouted a flower from the tiny seed he was given.

“Momma!” she heard his happy shout, as he pulled the flower from the ground and ran to her. “Momma! Look what I did! It’s for you!” he shouted, grinning triumphantly up at her. “Wow, Shippou! You did that? It’s so pretty! Thank you!” she said, hugging him and giving him a big smile. She gave a small look to Kurama in thanks, and then said, “Why don’t you go back practicing, alright? I’m going to start my own training soon.” she smiled, gesturing him back towards his training spot. He nodded and went back, his bushy tail wagging slightly in happiness. Kagome looked back to Kurama.

“Sure, Kagome. I would be honored.” he answered, flashing her a smile.

Kagome nodded and went over to the wall of weapons. She picked up a bow and some arrows and instantly felt a power grow within her. It had been too long since she held these two items. She received a determined look on her face, arching the bow quickly and firing, releasing a ‘whooshing’ sound in the air as she hit the arm of a dummy target. ‘At least I hit it...’ she nodded, arching another one. Once the quiver was empty, she walked over and reclaimed her fired arrows, and re shot them again, this time with much better results.

Hiei watched her, as Yusuke and Kuwabara sparred, and Jin played around with his wind, watching everyone from a distance.

Genkai meditated, and Miroku soon joined her, having had enough of fighting with the spirits. Kagome got tired of firing her arrows, and walked over to the wall of weaponry. She recognized some of the weapons from Sango, but one caught her attention. It was a snow colored stick with random sutras burned into the lacquer. She looked closer and her eyes went wide. The kanji ‘miko’ and name ‘Midoriko’ came out to her vision. She instantly reached for it, but was too short. She cursed her height, a growl of frustration escaping her, but just as she released it, a bright pink light shot from the weapon, shocking Kagome. She fell to her butt, and kept looking up at the pulsating staff.

It slowly came closer to her before hovering in front of her. Everyone stopped what they were doing to watch what this strange stick was doing, as well as what Kagome would do. She held her hand back. She didn’t quite trust what it was...hell; she had no idea what it was! Genkai’s deep voice boomed out, “Take it, girl. It belongs to you now. That used to belong the Great Midoriko. Now it belongs to you. No one else has been able to bring it to life except you. Take it!” she said, nodding at Kagome.

She took a deep breath before reaching out a hand towards the hovering staff, noticing it pulsing faster as her hand got closer to it. Her hand wrapped around the smooth lacquer and it pulsed on final time before stilling. The weapon was fit to her hand and body. She stood up and held it out. Then, without warning, she began twirling it around like a baton. She had never had that much agility before with her hands or balance. ‘What is with this weapon?’ she thought, before pushing it away. ‘It doesn’t matter. It was Midoriko’s. Now, it’s mine.’ Kagome nodded before taking it for a test drive on the remaining dummy target. In no time, the dummy was nothing but dust. Kagome’s eyes went wide, before becoming normal again. She couldn’t help but think, ‘Thank you, Midoriko.’ Surprising to her, the miko answered back, ‘You’re quite welcome. Sister. Use it well. It has powers that even I do not know of.’ she said, smiling before retreating back to the confines of the jewel.
Kagome sighed and brought the snow colored staff to her side. She looked to everyone, who hastily went back to their previous activities. Kagome’s eyes met Hiei’s for a split second before she hastily tore them away, a slight blush spreading across her face. She jumped at Yusuke’s voice when he asked, “Want to spar?” Kagome got a hold of her emotions quickly before answering. “Sure.”

Everyone gathered around in a circle as Yusuke and Kagome faced each other down. She knew he was a demon, and even before hand promised not to use any miko energy at all against him. He said he wasn’t worried, and told her to give it everything she had. Jin and Kuwabara took dibs on Yusuke, while Kurama and Hiei (silently) put their money on Kagome.

Suddenly, a flash of black was left as Yusuke made the first move. Kagome centered the staff in front of her, almost subconsciously raising a barrier around her. Everyone watched as the spirit detective was thrown across the room into the wall harshly.

She opened her eyes and looked to him, a tint of the red she had seen earlier returning to her features. She twirled the staff again, and waited for Yusuke to come back to her. A slight anger and pride filled him at her attack. ‘She is strong…much stronger than a normal human…’ he grinned as he got to his feet. ‘This is going to be fun…’

Kagome didn’t feel or think anything as she reacted to his attack. It was if something was calling out to her from her subconscious. She frowned slightly. ‘What is this feeling?’ she questioned to herself, but before anything else could be thought on it, he came again, his hand glowing slightly with a blue tint. ‘What is that?!’ she shouted, jumping back with grace and ease. “What the hell, Yusuke?” she shouted, her eyes wide. “What was that?” she asked, pausing from the battle.

“I’m not a normal human, Kagome.” He said, pausing to answer her questions. Now seemed as good a time as any to tell her more about himself. “I have the ability to use Spirit energy.” He said, looking for any sort of reaction from her face. She got a puzzled look on her face as she blurted out, “But to use spirit energy, you would have had to die! How is that possible?” she asked, thinking back to Kikyou’s powers.

“I have died. Twice, in fact. But here I am. It’s because Koenma likes me, is all, Even if he is a brat.” He said, smirking. Kagome’s mouth hung open. ‘But…I thought he hated Koenma?’ she dismissed it and nodded in understanding. ‘So that’s why he’s working for the leader guy. Because he owes him for bringing him back to life.’ She shrugged and got a look of determination back on her face, ready to continue where they had left off. Yusuke took her expression and stance as a signal to continue.

He charged again, and once again, his fist was clenched with a blue aura around it, ready to pounce. Kagome jumped back again, as the hand sliced a thin line through her uniform. Kagome frowned. He was serious. ‘Well, I can’t say that I didn’t ask for this…’ she thought, bringing the staff back in front of her. Suddenly, a wave of something hit her, flashing an image in her head. She saw herself chanting some strange spell and a set of beads appeared out of no where. She recognized the small beads at once. The rosary beads that still resided around Inuyasha’s neck. The beads swirled, setting down around the hanyou as they had done the day the two had met, but this time, his face was full of fear. ‘Kikyou! Stop this! I won’t let you hurt her! I won’t!’ then she heard the afore mentioned shout out, “Stay!” and the familiar effect of him being pummeled to the ground ensued.

Yusuke stopped his attack as Kagome fell to the ground. Instantly, Hiei and Kurama were at her side, and Hiei was covering up the slash in her clothes with his cape. “Kagome!” Shippou shouted, as he raced towards her. “Momma! Are you alright?!” he shouted, drawing everyone’s full attention. “It’s Kikyou!” she shouted out, her hands at the sides of her head as she shook it furiously, trying to drive the images away, but the scene kept playing over and over, inflicting more pain on her heart. Inuyasha was suffering because she wasn’t there to stop Kikyou from hurting him. She wasn’t there to tell him everything was going to be okay. Hell, even being able to take off that rosary would be easier than just sitting here on the floor as tears fell down her face. The staff pulsed at the raw emotions running through its new owner, making a spirit leader and youkai both take notice.

~*~

“What in the hell?” Koenma shouted, looking to his monitor quickly. He felt the girl’s energy as it swirled around her. “What’s going on now?” he shouted again, not getting the answers as quickly as he wanted. He opened a portal and stepped through, entering a room near Genkai’s shrine. No one noticed his appearance, as all were occupied with trying to calm Kagome down, but they did notice when a huge youkai aura appeared, one belonging to the one Lord Sesshoumaru.

Instantly, multiple growls filled the air, growls that should’ve effected Kagome in some way, but didn’t. Shippou’s tiny voice rang out in slight happiness and slight reserved-ness, “Sesshoumaru!” He nodded in response to the small kit and also noticed that the monk and taijya from the past were there too. ‘They must have used the well’s magic to come here.’ He thought, dismissing it quickly, not really caring how they were there. He saw Kagome on the floor, her hands on her head shaking it furiously. ‘What is affecting her so much?’ he thought, puzzled, a slight growl of confusion and uneasiness coming out in it.

Hiei and Kurama both eased their guard slightly at the stance the taiyoukai took, seeing he wasn’t there to hurt her. Kagome heard the familiar sound and looked up, tears still streaking her face. Her sapphire eyes locked with golden orbs that were so like Inuyasha’s, yet completely unique to the demon before her. ‘Sesshoumaru…is it really him?’ she thought quickly. She didn’t wait for her question to be answered as she couldn’t suppress her emotion as she jumped up and pushed everyone out of the way as she flung herself in the taiyoukai’s arms as tightly as her body would allow her. “Sesshoumaru-sama!” she shouted, making his ears twitch slightly at the sound. A face flashed in his head in remembrance of a time long ago, when another human woman shouted his name like that. His one and only human charge, Rin, had lived a long and happy life. She ended up marrying and having a child of her own, into which Sesshoumaru adopted as his own grandchild. Even though the child had not known of him, all of her family lived a safe and prosperous human life, and he couldn’t have asked for a sweeter child to call his own.

He looked down and opened his eyes as he felt moisture seep through his thin, silk kimono. ‘She’s…attached to me?’ he thought quickly, and even more rapidly asked, ‘Why? So many times I’ve attempted to take her and the hanyou’s life…I know I was asked to help protect her, but I didn’t expect she would trust me…but…she’s treating me with a kind heart, despite everything.’ He frowned, and slowly placed a hand to the back of her head, as he had done so many times with Rin. Kagome’s shoulders shook harder. She didn’t care that he had tried to kill her before. He helped them defeat Naraku in the end, and she would not hold the past against him. Right now, just seeing him reminded her of the painful scene she had just witnessed, and her pain radiated off of her readily.

Miroku and Sango stood completely shocked at the display before them. ‘Sesshoumaru…is being kind? Since when?!’ Sango shouted internally, as Miroku tried to keep his body composed. As Sesshoumaru’s clawed hand came up to the back of Kagome’s head, a pair of growls could be heard coming from Kurama and Hiei. He was touching what was theirs. The demon lord couldn’t help the smirk that came to his face. ‘So…they think that they’ve got a shot with this female?’ he smirked again, as he slowly rubbed a thumb on the back of her head, giving her more contact. Kagome felt his comforting gesture and cried harder, now making Sesshoumaru flinch. He didn’t deal well with crying humans. Especially crying women.

Kagome’s grip on him tightened, and he frowned. She was scared of something. He could smell it on her. But she wasn’t scared of him, so what…? His mind toiled with that thought for a moment before his body reacted and his arms hugged the girl in front of him, earning some more growls from Hiei and Kurama. He shot them a look that said plainly, ‘She came to me, I’m not going to hurt her’ and also, ‘You will not interfere.’

Kagome felt his arms finally come around her and she hiccupped in his chest, her tears running dry for the time being. Sesshoumaru took this as a sign to speak. “Why are you shedding tears?” he asked, looking to her, his face not revealing any emotion, as always, Kagome sniffled again before whispering, “Inuyasha…he’s hurt…” Sesshoumaru’s face shot up at the mention of his half-brothers name. “By what, miko? What has my idiot half brother gotten himself into this time?” he questioned, irritation in his voice.

Kagome’s tear streaked face filled with anger. “Kikyou!!” She shouted, pulling quickly away from Sesshoumaru. “I’m going to kill that bitch! I’ll tear her limb from limb!” she shouted, shocking everyone in the process. Her words were slowly sinking in when they all noticed her head out the door, her bow and arrows on her back and her newly acquired staff in her hand. Koenma got her attention when his voice said, “Chotto matte, Kagome.”

Kagome swung around at the unfamiliar voice, her staff glowing a fierce pink. She came face to face with a child in a blue outfit and a binky in its mouth. “Who are you?” she asked, her voice softening. “Well, Ms. Kagome Higurashi, my name is Koenma. I’m the ruler of the Spirit world. Perhaps you’ve heard of me.” He said, as he glanced her up and down. His teenage form was just itching to come out.


Before anything else could be said, the toddler of the spirit world had a huge lump on his forehead and a screaming Kagome in his face. “You worthless jackass! You’re the one who started this off in the first place! You’re the reason that yet ANOTHER hanyou is coming after me!” she shouted, anger coming off of her in waves. Here Inuyasha was in danger, and she was almost powerless to save him. Seeing the child like ruler was just the icing on the cake, and Yusuke couldn’t help but laugh, while everyone else’s face was covered in shock and hidden laughter.
He looked incredulously at her a moment before his teenage form decided to make itself known. Kagome took a step back as the child before her transformed into a teenager in mere moments. ‘I’m in for it now…’ she thought quickly, hanging her head. She waiting for the belittling comments and the shouting, but they never came. She dared to look back up in his face and caught a stoic expression so similar to Sesshoumaru’s.

She sighed. “I’m…” she started, but was cut off. “I deserved that, Kagome.” He said, rubbing his forehead and letting it trail back to the lump on the back of his head. Kagome hung her head. She still couldn’t help feeling a little guilty. “Kikyou has put a subduing spell on Inuyasha…she’s controlling him to stop him from interfering. She wants to kill me.” Her voice cracked out, her eyes now darting around the faces and corners in the room, fear and desperation in her body. She felt so trapped, and everyone around her was in danger just being near. She looked back to the teenage Koenma and then walked out into the fresh air, hoping to calm her nerves. She was going to go back, even if it killed her. She wouldn’t allow Kikyou to bring harm to Inuyasha anymore. Kagome still loved him, if only like a brother now. And she was messing with family, messing with him.

Sango, Shippou, Miroku and Kirara followed her out, her human companions placing firm hands on her shoulders. They were going back, Sango and Miroku could just tell. They were all going back to the Feudal Era, and come hell or high water, they were going to be the ones to save Inuyasha this time.

Sesshoumaru looked to the demon in front of him. He sensed a deep conflict within the short demon, and recognized the forbidden clashing of ice and fire. Instantaneous respect was granted for the demon. He looked to the human appearing red head next to him. ‘A human and demon aura in one body? Impossible…’ he thought, but his senses didn’t lie, and he reminded himself that later he would find out the human’s story. His eyes traveled to a black haired hanyou next to him, his spirit energy clearly showing as well as demonic aura laced within it. ‘Another interesting creature.’ He thought before taking in the orange haired boy. ‘Weak…the weakest here.’ He scoffed as he finally noticed the short human woman. ‘Power…a lot of power for an old woman…interesting. This Sesshoumaru wishes to know more.’ But before he could pursue his thoughts, he followed the taijya out of the room and stood behind Kagome, who was looking out upon the grounds that surrounded her.

Kagome’s eyes blinked back tears as she felt his aura come to rest behind her. “We’re going back to help Inuyasha. Will you be coming with us?” she asked, not daring to look at the lord of the western lands. “This Sesshoumaru, will help you, granted you come back with him in tow. You will not leave him in that era where that miko bitch can do more damage to him.” Kagome nodded, not questioning his brotherly instincts that seemed non-existent when she was last in the Feudal Era. Everyone else flew out of the training building at her words.

“There’s no way you’re going, lass. Too dangerous.” Jin said, sitting on his wind and getting in front of her. “Jin’s right, Kagome. We’re supposed to protect you, and we’re best prepared here. You’re not going.” Yusuke said, taking a stand next to Jin. Kagome’s eyes flashed in anger at the two in front of her. “YOU WILL NOT TELL ME WHAT I CAN AND CANNOT DO!!” she shouted, her hands emitting small sparks of miko energy. Her entire focus was Inuyasha, and they would not stop her from helping him.

Kurama and Hiei stepped up beside Miroku and Sango, facing down the opposition. Kagome’s eyes met theirs and a smile reached her face. “Kuwabara! What about you? Old Hag?” Yusuke shouted, glaring at Hiei and Kurama before looking over to the older woman and his friend. “I’m going with the miko child. You get out of her way, dimwit.” Genkai said, stepping up next to Sesshoumaru. Kuwabara looked flustered. Never before had he had to make a choice like this. Stay with Yusuke, get left behind and possibly get Kagome killed. Go with Kagome, potentially same fate. ‘Well, I’m not one to leave a pretty girl in danger…’ he grinned and took a stand on the other side of Sesshoumaru, earning himself a growl from the demon lord. Kagome heard it and pushed Kuwabara to the front, taking her stand beside the Lord. He smiled internally, thanking her silently that she got the annoying human out away from his person.

Yusuke was fuming, but much to his surprise, Koenma seemed un-phased by the little uprising. “Hey! Toddler! A little help here?! Tell her she can’t go!” he shouted, annoyance in his voice. “Like I can stop them.” The teen shouted back, irked at being called a toddler yet again. “If they want to go, they’re going to go. There’s nothing I can do to stop them. Besides, maybe this will be for the better. If Seiichi can’t find them, he won’t be able to kill her.” He said, earning growls from each male in the group. He raised his eyebrow a moment before calling Botan to open a portal to the shrine. Now that the demon protection team was all together, there wasn’t much left to do, except to go into the past, and see if they could find and rescue their friend. Kagome prayed Kikyou hadn’t done the unthinkable again…she pushed that fear to the back of her mind. ‘Think positively, Kagome! He’s just going to be a little pissed, that’s all. Nothing new. He’s gonna be okay.’ She thought, knowing that she couldn’t get back to the past fast enough.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++



A/N: Heya! Hope you liked! Uhm, I’ll try and update once a week. A week of writing on a story will be good for me. =) These chapters will continue to be long and as interesting as I can make them. Oh yeah, Sesshoumaru is in the story from now on, He’s not going to be a ‘filler’ character, and I expect Kouga to make another appearance, but as of how, I am unsure. I’m sorry Miroku and Sango aren’t getting a lot of story time. I just don’t know what to do to make them more out there. Sesshoumaru’s intro to this makes things slightly more complex for me, as now Kurama and Hiei are going to be like hawks watching over Kagome with this new male that she has shown affection for. *lol* Good times. Well, lets see how they’ll find Inuyasha. The muses are being mean, giving me so many potential scenarios! =-p Well, jaa! Until next time!
Sayuri-chan

PS: As always, Please Read and Review! =-)

A/N #2: Ryu-chan: You’ll understand all in good time, my dear reader! =) I was really struck by the muses and they are currently having their way with me by way of this story. *nods* Something very lovely happens in chapter 8 that will have your mouth being open in surprise! I promise! *nods again*
Sessykag4ever: Thank you! Here’s an update for all you loyal reviewers! =)
Anon: WOW! :: blush :: I’m going on a favorites list…I feel so honored! :: huggles ::
Sel: OMG, OMG, OMG! I’m so glad you love it! And here’s a update!! =)

Kudos, loves!

A/N #3: The Past and Present Make Up the Future