The Power of Seven

Chapter Six

****Day One****

"Can you focus your power into anything other than a bow?" Hiei took the weapon from the miko, she would have to learn to fight without it. There would be times when hand to hand was her only option. He had Sano sitting in the corner trying to recognize his own energy, so far the man was failing horribly. Dying should have made it possible for him to be more accepting of it. Hiei knew he had his work cut out for him, why couldn't he have gotten stuck with only Genkai like Yusuke? That would have been easy for him. The woman had been in her seventies when she'd died, add twenties years and the woman was pushing a century old. Plenty of experience to work with, no need for training only fine tuning.

Kagome didn't want to give up her only weapon. She knew he was still mad about last night. He hadn't mentioned but his movements spoke of unleashed anger, directed at her. "No, I can't. I've accidently erected a barrier before. How else am I suppose to use it?" She knew that Kikyou had been able to focus it into her hands. What other ways were there? Hiei grunted, a look of disbelief on his face, she could swear he'd just rolled his eyes. "Hey, I'm not a youkai you know."

"I am fully aware of that miko, no need to remind me." Hiei pointed her towards the corner in which Sano sat looking at his hands. "Sit there with the big fool, you both need some serious work or we're all going to die." He watched the sway of her hips as she stormed over, shoulders stiff. He'd have to train them both from step one. That's what he got for wanting to laugh at Kurama and his pair.

Kagome wanted to purify the little man, he was getting on her nerves and they'd only been training for ten minutes. Sano looked as confused as she, atleast she wasn't alone in this torture. Hiei sat in front of them, arms crossed in front of his bare chest. Her eyes lingered on the tan flesh, really how was she suppose to concentrate with him flashing her? He had to know how nice it was, the pervert. "So, what exactly are we looking for here?"

"Concentrate, you have both experienced death. You should be able to feel your spiritual energy, you more so. You are a miko, think on what your body feels like when you are focusing your powers into the arrow. That sensation that fills your soul, learn to recognize your energy." Hiei didn't look forward to the day, it was going to be a long one.

"I don't know what this spiritual stuff is because all I'm feeling is some gas from breakfast." Sano looked at his hands in disappointment. Saving the world wouldn't be as easy as he'd first thought. How the hell could he send blasts out of his arms like that other guy? He wasn't some youkai monster, he was just Sanosuke. The girl was focusing really hard, maybe he should try harder.

Kagome stared at her hand and concentrated on finding that feeling. That tingling sensation that she got whenever she shot a purification arrow. It took several moments then she found it. She almost squeeled in delight but didn't want to break her concentration. Her mind tried to bring it to her hand, to feel it there. Sweat broke across her brow, her teeth began to gnaw on her bottom lip. The tips of her fingers began to glow seconds before she felt the tingling. "Hah, I did it. I got something." The hand was held up for Hiei's inspection, who grunted in approval.

"Wait, I feel something too." Sano frowned as his stomach cramped. "VRRRNNNTTTT." The crude noise filled the room causing the other two to turn and look at him. He blushed, "Oops, told you it was gas."

"You pig!" Kagome punched him in the arm, feeling better when her fist impacted with the muscle. "You could have excused yourself." She crinkled her nose as the smell began to rise from the floor. Hiei's growl echoed her own feelings, the man needed some manners. How the hell had she managed to get stuck with these two losers?

"Do that again and you'll find it hard to sit with a katana up your ass." Hiei scowled at him, the man was disgusting. He could have excused himself out of the room before doing it. Bodily functions couldn't be helped, he understood that. Yet there was no need for the man to do something so crude in front of the girl. She shouldn't have to witness such vulgar behaviour. "There is a lady present you fool."

"Yeah, so go shit yourself somewhere else." Kagome smiled at Hiei and went back to focusing on her hand, trying to ignore the pungent smell of egg in the air. She wondered how he'd feel if she cocked her ass towards him and let a wet one rip. Atleast it meant the man felt comfortable enough around them to let loose. That or he was just really really crude and obnoxious. Either way she had to train and become stronger, Hiei was waiting patiently for her.

Hiei snorted at her use of language, trying not to laugh. Lady indeed, he might as well have been refering to himself. Seemed the girl was now able to recognize her energy, now for the man. "Continue to pull it to your hand Kagome, while I work with him." Her dark head bobbed in response, he could sense her excitement. Maybe training her wouldn't be so bad after all, she seemed to be a quick learner.

Shizuru sighed in disappointment, she elbowed Kenji in the ribs. He turned to smile gently at her, knowing that she was trying to goad him. Kurama had stepped out of the room several minutes ago to speak to Yomi. The first lesson was to try and recognize her energy, as far as she was concerned she didn't have energy. Spiritual or bodily, a yawn escaped her mouth. They'd been at it for over three hours now. Kenji was able to make his whole arm glow, while she didn't feel shit. So much for being the aware one.

"This is amazing, I never would have believed this possible. Look I can call it at will." Kenji let his hand go to normal then seconds later he called the energy once more. All his life he'd only known of swords, seeing his father practice with Yahiko. Then he'd trained with Hiko, that had been his means of fighting. Now his mind was being opened to a whole new area, it left him begging to know more. All his life he'd felt like he was meant to do something great. Up until the other day he'd believed it was because he was his father's son. He had learned from this Koenma that he was actually a descendant from his mother's side. The first male from that line to be born in centuries.

"Yeah, brag all you want. I'll get it eventually, we might all be dead before then though." Shizuru decided to take a break, Kurama be damned she needed a smoke. She drew one out and offered one to the red head, who declined. She needed a good night's sleep, not this bullshit. After everyone had settled down she'd managed to climb back into bed. Kenji took up his former spot on the floor while Kurama took up his, which was on the bed next to her. She'd fallen asleep before they'd come in. Having to actually fall asleep with the sexy man lying next to her had been hard.

"Want me to tell you what I feel? I looked deep inside myself and there it was." He turned to her, a look of confusion appeared on her face. "There is an attack I use with the Hiten Mitsurugi style during which energy is unleashed with the attack. When doing so one can actually feel the energy as it leaves the body to head into the blade. I focused on that feeling, maybe we should find your focus point first." The tall woman looked to be thinking hard on it, he reached out and grabbed her hand. "I heard Kurama say that you were aware of certain things? Maybe that's it, search for the feeling that causes that."

Shizuru decided to humor the boy, her brother had been able to unlock his. She closed her eyes, blowing smoke out the corner of her mouth. The feeling when she became aware, were was it? It took several moments before she found it, "Ha, you're right kid." She could move the feeling around in her body, it was kind of freaky.

"Wonderful, try to bring it to your hand and see what happens." Kenji reached out to grab the cigarette before it burnt her fingers. He walked over to the open window and tossed it out. He turned to take in the woman sitting on the floor, she was different from all the women in his time. Very outspoken but friendly, wise but didn't think she knew it all and she was beautiful. It wasn't so much in the classic way but something about her seemed to draw him. He wasn't sure if it was because of the bond, yet he wanted to get to know her better.

Shizuru could feel the tingling in her fingers, "I'm doing it, thanks. Maybe you should be my teacher instead of Kurama, you're much better." She saw the blush creep up his cheeks, he was adorable. She'd gotten stuck with two redheads, just her luck. Kurama was very sexy, his delicate features adding to his charms enough to make any woman drool. While Kenji wasn't as pretty but very attractive. His hair was a toss up between brown and red, not as bright as the fox's. His features were small but not delicate, making him look younger than what he actually was. Both were attractive, while slim she could see the muscle tone that each carried. Neither man was a push over, both fighters at heart.

Kenji took his seat in front of the girl, facing her this time. "Let's practice together, shall we?" He tried to concentrate as she did the same, he was still able to focus more of his power into his arms but she was able to pull it into her hands. "You are doing alot better I think." She thanked him for the compliment when the door opened.

Kurama came inside the door, a frown plastered on his delicate features. He'd went to go ask Yomi how to help Shizuru find a link to her spiritual energy. His old friend hadn't been that much help, was he the only one having problems? Yomi had been on his first lesson of letting the energy loose, seems Rin had been able to call her energy within minutes of being asked. So Kurama had asked Rin how she'd done it, she hadn't been much help either. The damn sword had told her how to unlock it. Yomi had looked like the cat that had just ate the cream.

Shizuru turned to him, "What's up Red? You shouldn't frown, makes you less pretty. Wanna see what I can do?" She called the energy to her hand and smiled, it was getting easier everytime. Kurama's head snapped up sensing the energy, a questioning look on his face. She chuckled, "Thank Kenji for it, cute and smart."

"Yes, I'm sure he is." He almost bristled under the compliment for the other man but knew it wasn't his place to be upset. It made sense that he'd been able to help her do it, he was thankful. Maybe if they were able to work together training would be much easier for them all. So Shizuru thought the other male was cute, was she attracted to him? Or did she prefer himself? He went to sit down behind her, "Very good, I appreciate the help Kenji. Now, lets see how strong you can make it." He leaned forward enough that his head was right next to hers, his mouth only inches away from her ear.

Shizuru almost wet herself when his chest began rubbing against her back. His hand slid down her bare arm, leaving shivers in it's wake. He was telling her to do it again but see how strong she could pick up the energy. How the hell was she suppose to concentrate with him breathing in her ear? She closed her eyes and tried, no need for Kenji to see how Kurama was affecting her. The energy got as high as she could make it for the time being.

"Good, I want you to keep doing this. Try to get it a little higher everytime." He let his breath run over the shell of her ear and felt the shiver pass through her body. He smiled before getting up to instruct Kenji as well. He knew that in time he might have to share the girl with the young man but he would be the dominant male.


Kagome laughed seeing Sano start to groan, his face tightened in a grimace. His hands were finally starting to glow, finally being able to tap into his spiritual energy. Kagome frowned seeing the color, it was black while hers was pink. She was told that she was a descendant of Midoriko, not that she was surprised. So she represented light during the ceremony. Sano was a descendant of someone named Kuromaru, the one to represent darkness. Each one's energy would represent an element of some sort, that much she knew.

"Now that you both can do that I want you both to try and raise your power level as far as you can." Hiei leaned against the wall to watch, atleast they were finally getting somewhere. He was sure the others were farther than him, Yusuke had it easy. Atleast the girl wasn't completely ignorant of her powers, he was sure all Sano knew how to do was swing his fists. "Do it, now."

Sano tried to make it stronger but was failing once more, he turned to look at Kagome. His jaw dropped when her body was being covered by a pink aura. "Holy shit," He heard Hiei's words before the man jumped out the window. His eyes remained on the girl as it became stronger, even he could feel the power coming off of it. He brought his hand up to shield his face, the force of it was pushing him back. The hair on his arms stood at attention, every nerve in his body shouted out a warning. He got up and ran for the door, even if it wouldn't hurt him, he wasn't fool enough to stick around and find out.

Kagome kept her eyes closed, willing it to go even higher. It had always gotten stronger in her anger, so it was possible. She just had to find the will to do it again. She'd show them, she wasn't helpless. She might not be as strong as Kikyou but she could take care of herself. Hiei and Sano would both learn that she didn't need a man to protect her. Never again would she place herself in that position. To be weak and helpless meant being unworthy of love. She didn't need them, she didn't need anyone. Kagome felt her anger rise, images of Inuyasha coming forth. "Go home, I'm tired of protecting you all the time." "Kikyou was an expert archer." "Hmph, humans are so weak."

A tear slid down her cheek, she hadn't thought about it in years. Forcing the memories to be dormant, wanting to forget the pain. Upon seeing Inuyasha beg Kikyou to take him to hell, she'd closed up her heart. Knowing she was about to lose the man she loved. He hadn't even said goodbye so she'd never let herself cry. To cry meant accepting the loss, to finally admit that he was forever lost to her. Why hadn't he stayed? Why did he have to leave her alone? She'd done everything for him, would have continued to do whatever he wanted, just to see him happy. But hadn't she done that in the end? She'd kept silent to let him go peacefully with the woman he chose.

"Inuyasha!" The name was finally spoken outloud, it being kept in the back of everyone's mind. Sango and Rin had never brought up the man knowing what it would do to her. Another tear slid down her cheek as a sob wracked her body. Why hadn't he loved her? She wanted him back, she was meant to spend her life with her hanyou. Was spending eternity in hell better than spending a lifetime with her?

"Kagome!" Sango looked into the open door, her arms shielding her eyes. She had to stop her before she killed someone on accident. She'd been trying to train with her asshole attachment when he'd suddenly taken off out the window. Then she'd felt Kagome, seems so had all the youkai in the building. Genkai was standing next to her, looking in as well. "Think she's lost it, I need to get in there."

"Good idea, all the youkai have ran for their lives. They did if they were smart, she has to be filling the whole building with her aura. I'll help you get in, a barrier should help us get to her." She erected one in front of them, pink light erupted around them. She had to thank the girl later after it was over. She'd never seen Yusuke move his ass that fast. Not to mention Yomi and Shura had ran past him, like hell was on their heels.

Sango went to her knees in front of the miko. Tears were streaming down her cheeks, she was finally crying. Ten years of heartache was being unleashed upon Gandara. Sango knew how she felt having done so herself, she had cried only once and that had been when Miroku was buried. She had said her goodbye then but Kagome never got that chance. It left her with an emptiness nothing could fill. "Kagome, it's me." She reached forward, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder.

Kagome snapped her head up, "Why?" She threw her arms around her bestfriend, finding an outlet finally. She let Sango hold her while she cried, her body consumed by tremors of pain. It wasn't fair, she didn't deserve this. What had she done that was so wrong? "I miss him so much."

"I know, I know, I miss them too." Sango felt her own tears begining to well, wanting to be shed. She had to be strong for Kagome, she'd wait till later to give into her own weakness. Her friend needed someone to be strong so she could indulge in her tears. Genkai's sigh of relief was heard as Kagome's aura began to recede.

Sano felt a shiver go down his spine, he was being consumed by an emotion that didn't belong to him. It had started not long after he'd ran from the room, steadily getting stronger. It was also in the air, the girl's aura reaching far. Kenji and all the others were standing near him, all waiting for it to leave. "What the hell is that feeling?"

"Despair, the girl's soul is consumed by it." Yomi frowned, how could one girl carry so much pain? It was so strong it was laced in with her energy, taking on a life of it's own. What had she gone through in her short life? If he and the others could feel it this strongly, he could only imagine what Hiei and the other man was feeling. The bond would strengthen their awareness a hundred fold, would they choke on it?

Hiei clenched his fists, willing himself not to give in to the feelings. His instincts were demanding that he go and comfort his mate but he couldn't. To do so would mean his death, he'd be purified before getting close enough to do any good. He'd tried to reach her through the jagan but all he got were screams, incoherent thoughts. He could feel her pain as if it were his own, one name kept ringing in his head. Inuyasha!

The name kept entering his mind followed by searing pain. Emotions of abandonment, self-hatred, longing, and then the confusing emotion of unreturned love. Images started to appear, the jagan showing him this Inuyasha. Nothing more than a pathetic inu-hanyou, yet to Kagome he'd meant everything. It was there for him to see, to feel and he suddenly wanted to shut it all out. He had his own past to live with, he didn't need hers as well.

Genkai stepped out of the bathroom to find Yusuke staring out the window. He looked deep in thought, unaware of her scrutiny. She was sure his mind was back in the Ningenkai with Keiko. "Want to talk about it Yusuke? That way you won't sit up half the night tossing and turning disturbing my sleep?" She walked over to stand beside him, his shoulders fell. Everyone had been tense since Kagome's little breakdown, all walking on invisible eggshells. The girl had passed out from emotional exhaustion then put to bed by Hiei. Everyone else had went back to training then the humans had a silent dinner together.

"Just wondering if I should give Keiko a call. Kurama said I could use his phone if I wanted." Yusuke let the words slip out, confiding in his former mentor and friend. Truth be told she was the one person that had never judged him. She'd been a pain in his ass, always on his case at times but it had been to see that he improved himself. Even when he'd turned into a youkai she never turned on him, even stood up for him when Kuwabara had gotten upset about him going to the Makai. She was the one that had told everyone that he deserved to find out who he was. Genkai was the one person he'd always been able to count on.

"You are scared of the confrontation. Why don't you tell me about your relationship Yusuke, I've been gone so long." Her soft voice pleaded with him, she was curious to what his married life had been like. Him and Keiko had always loved one another, she went away assuming they'd live a happy life together. It was what she'd wanted for her favorite dimwit, what he deserved. Unlike her, he'd given purpose for his existence.

"Where do you want me to start? The first few years were great, besides you dying on me. I thought we were both happy, we had each other. Then one day I brought up the mention of children and she said she wasn't ready because she'd gotten a new job. I was okay with that, we were both still in our twenties. Not to bring this up in front of you but after that our sex life decreased dramatically. I was always told that the thirities was a females prime, that sure is a lie. She began working more, bordering on becoming a workaholic and I was hardly able to keep a job. Years went by now we sleep apart, haven't had sex in years. She doesn't even touch me anymore."

Genkai frowned he was leaving out things she knew. "And children, did you two ever decide to have any?" She knew she hit a sore subject when he frowned. So they'd never had any, why? She doubted it was because Yusuke was sterile or lacking the sex drive. After all he was a Mazaku descendant, they were very sexual youkai, not to mention the stamina they possessed.

"Well that's the thing, a couple of years later I wanted to. Hell Kuwabara and Yukina were already working on their third. I talked to Keiko about it and after a while she agreed. So we started trying, a couple months went by and nothing happened. I brought it up and she said not to worry about it, just to give it time, so I did. Two years passed, still no pregnancy. She went to the doctor and said everything was fine, that the doctor said to just keep trying. I couldn't exactly go to the doctor for a check up, not now."

Genkai knew what he meant, youkai hearts didn't beat in the way human's did. Going for a check-up meant risking some physician thinking he was walking around without a heartbeat. Something seemed off to her, why hadn't a child been concieved in all that time if they were both capable? Or was it possible that Yusuke couldn't concieve children? "So tell me what happened the day you left?"

"Well, it started out bad. Keiko was mad because some girls were hitting on me and they called her my mother. I think the whole age difference thing was getting to her. Plus, I'd just lost my job, then Koenma shows up out of the blues and throws this in my lap. I listened to what he had to say, even Keiko came down to listen. He left out the mating stuff of course but told us the rest. She stood up, walked into the bedroom and slammed the door. I tried to go talk to her but she wouldn't let me in. So I left with Koenma." Yusuke knew it soundt bad when he put it that way. He didn't know what to do at the time. There was no way he was going to let the Makai then the Ningenkai be destroyed, he considered both his home. Not to mention all the innocent people, youkai and human. He had friends on both sides, he had to help them.

Genkai wasn't sure what to say to him on that note. The girl had always been hard to accept his life, his way of fighting. She known that they loved each other, she had hoped it would be enough. It hadn't been in her and Toguro's case, might not be in Yusuke's either. Keiko might have been able to accept him before he turned youkai but had that all changed when he'd been brought back to life? Alot of people believed she'd given up on Toguro because of his wish to become a youkai. The wish itself had nothing to do with her feelings, it was the reason behind it. The man she had loved changed, consumed by his guilt and anguish. Youkai or human it was whom they were inside that made them worth loving.

"Maybe you should try calling and speaking to her. No matter what has happened, the fact remains that you love her." Genkai smiled, her face turned to look towards the city. It really was beautiful to be a youkai city, something she never thought to see. Over twenty years ago she'd been ready to die, to pass on all she knew to her apprentice. Now, she stood beside him; alive and almost as young as he. It was strange, the twists and turns life could make only to lead you down a road that you once thought impossible.

Yusuke looked down into her small face, he could still see that it was Genkai. As he peered down something seemed different, it was becoming hard to look at her and see the old woman. He felt a strange stirring as he watched her, her large brown eyes were focused on the view. "You know when you aren't an old hag, you're beautiful."

"Hn, yes and when you don't open your mouth you can be quiet charming, dimwit." Genkai felt her heart stop when his hand came down to stroke her cheek. The large hand cupped her face, causing strange and forgotten emotions to stir. What the hell was wrong with her? This was Yusuke, not someone for her to be attracted to. "I'm going to bed, I suggest you do the same."

"Is that an offer?" Yusuke smirked and dropped his hand. He wasn't sure why he'd felt the need to touch her. Maybe to reassure himself that she was real and not dead after all. The thought of it being an offer caused his body to stir. He knew it wasn't, she'd never be interested in him that way. She stopped in her tracks and turned to face him.

"Don't be silly Yusuke. You couldn't handle it, if it were. I'm way out of your league, call me in fifty years."

Kagome woke up feeling like someone had poked her eyes out. When had she fallen asleep? She sat up and looked around, Sano was snoring softly on the floor. Her senses told her that Hiei was back in the window and awake. "How long have I been asleep?" The air was cold, the blanket was twisted around her feet.

"Thirteen hours or so, how do you feel?" Hiei watched her grab the blanket and stand up. He'd been watching over her since returning to the room. Sano had sat up for awhile then retired for the night. Both had been concerned about her state of mind upon waking. She looked alright to him, no longer on the verge of a breakdown. Maybe what she'd needed was a good cry.

"Got a headache but I'm okay." Kagome wrapped the blanket around herself then walked over to the bay window where he sat. He had his legs drawn at the knees, one hand resting on his knee. She climbed up beside him, the view was really nice. "No wonder you like it here. I think I'll make you take the bed from now on."

"Hn, you can try." He snorted, there was no way he was giving up his bed. Kurama had seen that he recieved this room for a reason. He didn't speak as she planted herself beside him. She was looking out over the city, ignoring him completely. It gave him time to study her face up close. She was very nice to look at, small features and a lush mouth. Her cheeks were still flushed from her crying spell. "Where is this Inuyasha?"

"Hell!" Kagome didn't turn to look at him, uncertainity filled her. How did he know the name? She didn't want to talk about the hanyou, it was too painful for her. He was gone and she'd go on with her life. He'd made his choice that day, she hadn't been it. How could she keep her pride intact if she had to explain to anyone else that she'd been rejected for a woman that was already dead? A woman that had tried to kill him on several occasions and had never truelly loved him for himself but what she'd wanted him to be. She'd given him everything, gotten nothing in return but heartache. What hurt the most was she had died that day, there was no doubt about it. Yet, when it was over he'd ran straight to someone that had been dead for over fifty years. He'd never even turned to make sure she was alright or say goodbye. Koenma said her will had brought her back, her desire to live. She had wanted to live, to come back for him. She'd brought herself back from the dead only to watch the man she'd returned for to go willingly into death with another woman.

Hiei felt his instincts kick in when tears began to fall once more. "Why do you still mourn him?" She couldn't answer due to the tears starting to wrack her body. He felt like kicking himself for bringing it up, he didn't want to watch her cry. The agony and despair was felt through the bond, it made him ache. His hand reached out to touch her shoulder, "Kagome?" She surprised him by throwing herself in his arms, her head buried in his chest. Confusion filled him, not knowing how to go about comforting her. He'd never done anything like it before, he didn't think pushing her away would be wise.

Kagome buried her face into his shirt, needing the contact for some reason. She felt a little better just by being close to him. His hand came up to touch her lightly on the back. The touch was gentle bringing a feeling of peace, calming her raw emotions. She closed her eyes, her head now pounding from all the crying.

Hiei stroked her soft hair as her troubled breathing slowly evened out into steady long ones. He knew she'd fallen back asleep on him. Not wanting to wake her he leaned back pulling the cover she'd brought to surround them. Her arms went around his waist pulling her closer against him. He grunted at the predicament, his eyes closed moments later.

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