The next day was proven to be a difficult one. They had awoken early and went to get some food. Their breakfast consisted of nasty flavored oatmeal. Not even all of the sugar in the world would make it taste better. (Which in my opinion was saying something?) They only had orange juice to drink to. They were wearing their uniforms and combat boots. They wore their dog tags so it was easier to identify them.

They walked out still tired along with the rest of the recruits. Their sergeant was already waiting for them looking at his watch. Rico looked at his recruits and let out a sigh. He straightened out his posture and glared at his group.

"You're all late."

Everyone stood silent as ever not knowing what he was complaining about. They were on time. It was seven thirty. What time did he expect them to get here? Just then Robinson asked the question that ran through all their heads.

"Sir what are you talking about?"

" QUIET ROBINSON! YOU ALL WERE SUPPOSED TO BE HERE AT SEVEN FIFTEEN!"

" But sir drills don't start until seven thirty. You must've made a mistake." Robinson spoke again.

" WRONG ROBINSON AND FOR THAT GIVE ME THIRTY PUSH UPS !"

The entire group could tell Robinson wanted to say something else but bit back the remark and began doing his pushups. Everyone was just standing there looking at their sergeant like he was insane. Rico glared at them and yelled.

"IT WAS POSTED BEHIND YOUR DOOR TO BE HERE AT SEVEN FIFTEEN! READ THE BULLENTINES NEXT TIME ! NOW GET IN LINE MAGGOTS !"

Everyone was jumped out of their dumbfounded looks and got into line and very quickly might I add. Rico walked passed each of them as if sizing them up. He stopped in front of Sango and turned around and stopped in front of Kagome. Kagome stood there like a statue.

He nodded his head and walked away from Kagome. Kagome was confused by his actions just stood there.

"GET OVER HERE NOW HIGURASHI !"

Kagome's anger flared and she glared at Rico who just smirked at her. She would only admit to herself that she found it rather sexy when he did that. She then walked towards where Rico was standing at and stopped in front of him.

He got into what looked like a boxing stance and so did Kagome. She was glad that she had a father that knew how to fight and to top it off hanging around with the wrong group helped her a little bit more.

With out warning Rico went to strike at Kagome. She dodged his punch and sent one of her own. Rico seeing her send one of her punches dodged hers to. It went on like this for several minutes as the rest of the group watched in amazement. Never had they seen a girl fight the way she did. Kagome caught the eyes of several people. Sesshomaru didn't realize it but this was the wench the he had two run INS with. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. She knew how to fight. He figured that if she did her sisters did as well. Robinson was staring at her with lustful eyes. He wanted her right then and there and whether or not she wanted him he was going to have her.

Rico couldn't help but admire the girl. She knew her stuff. She managed to get a few hits off of him but she didn't get away unfazed either. She was really experienced in fighting because she threw a few kicks in to.

It all ended to soon though because now he had Kagome in front of him with her arms crossed in front of her chest. She couldn't escape because he was holding onto her wrists. Kagome suddenly did a certain twist that got her out of the hold he had on her only to be knocked to the ground again. Rico knew what was coming next and expected such. He knocked her to the ground and put his foot on her chest to hold her down.

Kagome didn't struggle but just laid there glaring at him. He let her up and sent her back to her spot. It went like this for another hour and a half. Rico challenging several random people. The last person that got Kagome's attention was the guy she ran into at the club.

They battled for several minutes. Each throwing punches at each other. Both got really good hits. They all thought that Rico was going to lose when Sesshomaru had him on the ground by his neck. They were all surprised when Rico just grabbed both his wrists with opposite hands and just flipped Sesshomaru over his head twisting him in the air. Sesshomaru landed with a heavy thud on his stomach while Rico sat on his twisting both Sesshomaru's arms forcing him to yield or have them broken.

He let Sesshomaru up and sent him to stand in his place. He glared at Rico who just raised an eyebrow and smirked. Rico walked so he could stand in front of his troops. He looked at his watch and let out sigh.

" I want you all to run two laps for your first drill then meet back here so we can begin the others"

They all started to run off and did the two laps Rico told them to do. About thirty minutes later they were done.

"It took you all about thirty minutes to run that entire field. What I am going to do is cut that in half. Right now I want three sets of push ups in ten minutes time. Failure to incomplete they would because you another three sets. "DO I MAKE MY SELF CLEAR!"?

" SIR YES SIR"

Then everyone got started on their push ups. Kagome, Sango and Kikyou actually had a hard time doing this. They only completed the second set of pushups when the time was done. Not going unnoticed by Rico had caused them to do another three sets.

Everyone waited for them to finish which took another ten minutes but they were done nonetheless.

Rico had them warm up the rest of the day and showed them to their lockers and how they should look. How they should use their id cards and how their clothes should be folded. He even dumped out their belongings and took out what ever he thought were luxuries to them such as necklaces, cell phones, and other personal belongings. He only let the girls keep their personal necessities for that time of the month. The girls were silently thankful though that they had put their necklaces their family got them on though.

During this time Robinson had gotten an earful of yelling from Rico when he had chuckled when Kagome got yelled at for asking why. This little action caused the entire squad to get smoked by Rico. As punishment they were divided into couples and sent to clean all the bathroom quarters by hand. They had only a scrub brush, bucket and mop nothing more.

Once they were done though he had them all line up again.

"Wow you all look exhausted. Was cleaning the bathroom quarters that tiring?" Rico said sarcastically.

"Naw you think." Kagome quickly silenced herself at what had just slipped out of her mouth. Rico walked up to Kagome who just stood their staring ahead of her as if Rico was just part of the scenery.

" Got something to say Higurashi?"

" No sir."

" Really I could've sworn that you said something a moment ago."

" Maybe you were just imagining it then." Kagome again mentally scolded her self. Why did she have to have a smart mouth that got the best of her sometimes? She then made eye contact with Rico who just smirked at her.

"Higurashi you have patrol duty tonight."

" WHAT!"

" Also tomorrow night."

Kagome forced her self to be quiet and bit back the next remark that so badly wanted to erupt from her mouth.

Sesshomaru was standing there watching with amusement as Kagome was getting an earful from Rico with a smirk on his face. This action not going unnoticed by Rico turned to Sesshomaru and walked towards him. He grabbed his dog tag and read the name on it.

"Tashio, hmm?"

Sesshomaru just stood there quiet.

" Not much of a talker I see. Tell me Tashio did you enjoy that little show with Higurashi over there?"

Sesshomaru just nodded his head. Rico just looked at him and walked away. Sesshomaru knowing he didn't get off that easily stared at Rico.

"Tashio you also have patrol duty with Higurashi tonight."

"If I am to do this patrol duty I refuse to do it with him." Kagome said no longer holding back her anger.

"Really?" Rico said in an emotionless voice.

"Yea."

" You can run me a mile now Higurashi."

Kagome stared at him and glared. "Want to make it two?" Kagome shook her head and began her run. Rico stared after her .He turned back to Sesshomaru.

"You will be spoke when spoken to or when given permission by higher officers than you maggot."

Rico again walked away from the group and turned to them. "This is the army boys and girls. Neither I nor my fellow lieutenants and sergeants have time to baby-sit. You are all on your own here. NO mommies or daddies are going to come and help you when you get into trouble. This place will push you to the limits challenging physically and mentally. This is for grown folk people. If you think you can't handle it I suggest you take your things and leave. " When nobody moved he nodded his head.

" You are dismissed."

Everyone walked away and headed towards the showers. They only had five minutes to shower and change into clean clothes. Sango and Kikyou couldn't believe that Kagome lost control like that. They felt bad for her because she had to patrol tonight and to top it off it was with a guy she couldn't stand.

"Kikyou do you think that we should keep an eye on her?"

" Yes I do but how do you suggest we go about that?"

" Oh come on Kikyou how are you going to ask that when we use to do it all the time when we were little."

" Very well and forgive me if I forgot." Kikyou said in a sarcastic tone that made Sango laugh.

Meanwhile, Sesshomaru was fuming. He had to patrol with that stupid human tonight because he refused to talk. How the god's must loathe him.

"You're a lucky guy Sesshomaru." Miroku said walking to his left.

"Why do you say that?" Sesshomaru said with a scowl on his face.

This time Inuyasha answered. "Because she is a cute little thing. But don't tell her that because she just might kick your ass." Then he laughed which caused Sesshomaru to

growl in warning.

"If that is what you think then you can take this Sesshomaru's place. Besides this

Sesshomaru has seen better."

" That may be true but she has a certain something that gives her a air of mystery." Miroku said. "Besides this Miroku is interested in somebody else."

" Yea who?"

" Sango ."

Sesshomaru rolled his eyes and continued his walking.

--

Rico was standing under the shade of a tree and watched Kagome do her run. When he called her back she was exhausted.

" Go take a shower Higurashi"

" Yes sir."

She then walked away and went to her locker to grab a change of clothes and towel. She got to the bathroom and noticed that nobody was in there but yet there was a lot of steam still.

She got out of her dirty clothes and turned on the water. She put her arms against the wall and leaned under the running hot water. Her muscles were sore and she was tired. She didn't even think that she was going to eat tonight. She wanted so badly to go to bed but couldn't because she had to patrol tonight.

Ugh . . . the gods have to hate me. I can't believe that I have to patrol tonight with that arrogant dog. He might be handsome but he's still an ass. Kagome thought bitterly. She couldn't stand the guy. He looked stuck up and was rude and snotty. Tonight is going to be a long night.

Just then somebody grabbed her arms quickly and forced them behind her back with one hand while the other covered her mouth. Kagome tried to scream but couldn't and she tried to struggle out of his grasp but couldn't. Just then somebody whispered in her ear that sent cold shivers down her spine.

"Doesn't move or I'll break your arms right here and now." The mysterious figure added more pressure to her arms forcing them upward little by little to make sure they got their point across.

Kagome stopped her struggle and stood their impassive and stone still like a statue. Her heart was racing and she was getting scared. The mysterious figure liked her ear and down her neck. This action caused Kagome to wince away. It was a creepy feeling that this guy gave her and she didn't like it.

He began to nibble on her ear but immediately stopped when they heard a feminine voice.

"Kagome you in here?"

Kagome recognized whose voice it was. Before she could do anything the person behind her whispered into her ear again.

"This isn't over and don't say anything cause if you do you'll be EXTREMELY sorry."

Then they were gone. Kagome gasped for breath and forced her self to calm down. She shut the water off and wrapped the towel around her body. She walked out of the bathroom and came face to face with Latoya.

"Hey girl I hear you have patrol duty tonight with the tall hottie."

"Yea so."

" So girl he is too cute. You should consider yourself lucky."

" Well I don't. He's such an ass. If you like him so much then you can take my place tonight."

" If only if only." Latoya said with a glazed look in her eyes. Kagome just rolled her eyes at her friend and got dressed.

"So what happened that caused you to get patrol duty tonight anyways?"

Kagome proceeded to tell her what happened while they were walking out. Little did they know that someone was watching them with lustful eyes?

That night Kagome knew it was going to be a long one. After her chat with Latoya she walked out to go meet Sesshomaru in front of the lunch hall. She waited outside for several minutes. The night wasn't that bad. No it was rather cool and calm. The moon was full and lit up the dark areas with its light. If you stared hard enough out into the woods you would see fireflies dancing in the trees.

Kagome looked up and closed her eyes listening to the crickets play a song. The wind blowing gently through her hair feeling cool against her skin. She let a small and rare smile appear on her lips. Nights like this reminded her of home. Where she and her family would sit outside under the god tree and talk about silly things. She softly sighed thinking about how much she missed her family. She did not even realize that Sesshomaru was standing there staring at her.

--

Sesshomaru was in the lunch hall eating what was supposed to be called food. Though to him it looked more like mush. He was actually sitting there fork in hand poking at it while being surrounded by the ever flirtatious Miroku and the bad mouthed half-demon Inuyasha. Both were talking about their ex girlfriends with their fellow recruits. He looked at the clock hanging on the wall and decided that it was about time to meet that Higurashi wench for patrol duty.

He blink Just thinking about it angered him . How was a human wench able to get under his skin? To drive his mere patience to no end and yet still live ? Normally he wouldn't allow such a thing to happen. He Sesshomaru would most of the time just have the person kill the person himself since demon and human laws differed anyways. Allowing this woman to live that was saying a lot. Was the heir to the western throne getting soft ? 'Hmpf this Sesshomaru is NOT getting soft' Was his one and only thought.

He blinked several times while shaking his head, then laid his fork to rest on the plate of food. Inuyasha noticing what was wrong with Sesshomaru stopped talking with his friends and looked at him.

" Hey fluffy what's wrong ?" Inuyasha asked with a bit of concern for his older brother. Yes they did argue but he will not lie he did care for him. They were family after all….right ?

Sesshomaru merely looked at the half-demon and looked away " That is none of your concern Inuyasha and if you wish to keep your tongue you will refrain from using the ridiculous name again."

Inuyasha glared at him and crossed his arms as one of his white ears twitched. " Keh whatever Sesshomaru."

Sesshomaru remained silent and got out of his chair walking away. Tonight was really going to be a rough night. Not only would he be up all night but it would be with that worthless human wench Higurashi. Honestly he didn't know why she was here and not in the nurses station with the rest of the females. After all the army is a male dominated place. He walked outside and noticed that she was already waiting for him.

He saw how the wind blew through her raven colored locks her rosy colored cheeks. Her pink lips ,even her scent was calming. The way she just stood there made Sesshomaru realize that even if she is human she was still beautiful. That was about the only thing he can see have going for her and nothing more. No one would take such a impudent woman to be there's human or demon alike or so he thought.

He looked back up and cleared his throat to get her attention which worked because she slowly opened sapphire hues and narrowed them at him. Again he resisted the urge to simply roll his eyes. Why did he have to be the one stuck with a human that had a attitude problem. The God's must really loathe him.

Kagome sensed that Sesshomaru was near but decided to ignore him so she can enjoy her peace and quiet. Her muscles were sore from today's activities and her butt still hurt. She tried to ignore him and simply make believe that he was not even there. Which of course was a difficult task for her since his aura seemed to demand attention. Yes he was just that strong and she felt like she was suffocating from it. Finally she opened her eyes only to narrow them at him and simply walk away.

Kagome recalled what Rico had told her and that all she had to do was walk around with Sesshomaru and check out areas to make sure people weren't up past curfew and if they were to take down their names and report them. She had to admit that the idea sounded like elementary school, but if Rico wanted it then he would get it. Kagome wasn't one to snitch on people, but she didn't know if Sesshomaru was one. Not wanting to even talk to him at the moment or more like at all she just let that go. She knew of course that it was going to be a rather long night.

Sesshomaru just remained quiet letting her walk past him he stood where he was at for several minutes before following her. He isn't one to talk and would rather have done this patrol on his own just because that was who he was. He liked to be alone and not around so many people at once. Yes he had his father , stepmother , Inuyasha and Rin but truth be told he just liked to be alone. The only people he would tolerate to be around would be his father and Rin. Inuyasha and Izayoi could burn in hell for all he cared. To him they weren't family.

He started to walk and follow Kagome. He didn't know what they were supposed to do so he just let her lead. What seemed like hours was in fact only minutes to him being so caught up into his own thoughts did he not realize that she had stopped. As a result he bumped into her knocking her to the ground. Kagome tried to walk ahead of him so she didn't have to be near him, suddenly she stopped when hearing a noise and pointed her flashlight ahead of her to where the noise was.

All of a sudden she was pushed to the ground and scrapped her knee while dropping the flashlight. She looked up and glared at Sesshomaru who just rose one of his thin black eyebrows while looking down at her. She got up and dusted off her pants, placing her hands on her hips and glared at him.

" You …."

" Me."

" You could have at least helped me back up or at least apologized for pushing me."

" Why should this Sesshomaru help you and a human at that? You were the clumsy one."

Kagome glared coldly at him that gave Sesshomaru a run for his money. He even had to admit that if only to himself. She removed her hands from her hips and balled them into a small fist. Oh how she wish she could just punch him or better yet purify him. No she knew better then that. She wouldn't do that……yet. She let a small smile grace her lips.

Noticing the devious smile lead Sesshomaru to wonder what on earth was she thinking. Possibly something treacherous to get back at his person. He smirked. Sesshomaru knew it would take more then a mere prank to get him and so he didn't worry as much over the small human. He can tell that her smiles wasn't as innocent as it looked though he figured somebody else would think it was but he Sesshomaru heir to the western lands knew better.

Kagome then turned around and walked away leaving Sesshomaru behind to his thoughts.

--

" Ok so we're going to keep an eye on her tonight right ?" Sango had asked Kikyou.

" Yes,. Just for this night. "

" Alright then."

Kikyou and Sango had went to the lunch hall to get their food and left early to get ready for a night that would seem to take a year and a day to end. They couldn't really trust Kagome to be by herself if she was with somebody that she didn't like. No she would most likely end up purifying him to oblivion or anybody else for that matter. This is why they decided to be with her tonight without her knowing of course. They masked their scents because they knew that Sesshomaru could smell them considering the fact that he was indeed a demon.

They put on their sweaters and sweat jeans on so they can keep warm after all tonight was supposed to be a cool night. The next thing they did was sneak out of their cabin. They had to be careful because at this time there were still a few authority figures still roaming about even with Kagome and Sesshomaru keeping watch. To them it felt like old times when they were back in Japan sneaking in and out of their home all hours of the night.

They walked for several minutes with flashlights trying to find Kagome and Sesshomaru. When they did they were not surprised to find her arguing with the demon.

Over what they wouldn't know. What shocked them next was that Kagome walked away without doing a thing to the demon. Both looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. They then began to quietly follow her making sure she wasn't planning a thing to the poor guy. They both knew that he was in for it one way or another if not today then another day. Well the night progressed at a slow rate for all four people. Kagome and Sesshomaru had walked around the entire camp at least four times that night.

Kagome's feet were bothering her because she had yet to take a break and sit down. Finally deciding to take a well deserved break she sat down on a bench and let out a sigh of relief. Her feet were aching and her boots were no help either. Gosh what made her decide to join the freaking' army anyways ? 'Mou..I can't believe this is happening to me ! Why ,why, why ?! Hmpf stupid demon. I would rather be paired up with someone else besides him ! Grr…….' Kagome's thought's raged in her head. One negative thought after the other. All about Sesshomaru. Her facial features would change with each though.

Sesshomaru of course noticed her inward argument and would only wonder what it was about. He wondered about this confusing and yet complex human. He scoffed softly and turned away. Sniffing the air ever so slightly to catch a scent and yet …nothing not a soul was out. Well better for him less things to worry about.

Day approached slowly. The sun's glow slowly would begin to spread above the surrounding trees. It's warmth could be felt easily. Kagome's tired eyes just stared at the beauty of it all. The morning dew dripping off the leaves, the birds already chirping and of course the playful breeze. How she loved the morning. A soft yawn escaped her lips as she stretched her tired and aching body. No rest for her today that much she knew.

Standing up slowly she rubbed her lower back and once again yawned. She rubbed her eye and noticed that Sesshomaru sat by a tree. His arm propped up against his knee as he leaned his head back against the trees bark. She didn't bother to wake him up as she just walked away as proof of that. Slowly she approached her cabin and walked in only to throw herself on her nice and soft bed. Burying her face into a pillow as she closed her eyes.

Ring Ring Ring Ring

"Ugh.."

The sound of everyone getting up at the alarm bell caused her to grumble cursed under her breath. She huffed and got up fixing the small and untidy mess on her bed from the previous day. Kagome was exhausted and her eyes showed that. Another hard day for her. She along with the others could only wonder what their team leader had in store for them. Everyone walked out refreshed and ready for today's activities. Well except for three people.

In the bushes passed out on top of each other were Kikyou and Sango. They both quickly stood up at the sound of the bell and fixed their appearances as best they could. They had managed to somehow make it towards the group unnoticed which of course was good on their part. They didn't need to be repeating a all niter like before. Both Sango and Kikyou noticed how tired Kagome was and could only feel sorry for her. True they were tired but they did manage to get some sleep where as Kagome didn't.

"Alright troops today we're going to be running what I like to call the leadership course." Rico had simply stated.

"The leadership course sir ?" One of the soldiers asked a bit curiously.

"Yes that's right. In this course you will be given certain missions. All of which you must complete in the given amount of time."

"Well what if we don't finish them ?" Sango had asked in a lazy tone.

"Then you FAIL !" Rico exclaimed loudly to make his point crystal clear. " No I have never had any failures so I DO NOT expect any AT ALL. Get me ?! "

Boy was this guy tough. All the soldiers nodded their heads in understanding of what he had expected from them.

"Good now to pair you off into groups of six."

Slowly but surely he ran down the list pairing people off. The point was that all six members had to work together in order to pass their so called 'missions'. Of course the Higurashi sisters were paired off with Inuyasha, Sesshomaru and of course Robinson. All the girls sighed inwardly at how stubborn and cocky these guys were. Poor Miroku was paired off in a all girl group so to him it was heaven. Kagome's group could hear Miroku grab one of the women's hand and smiled handsomely at her. Though the question he asked was not only directed at her but towards all the women in the group.

"Would any of you ladies bear my child ?"

Several loud slaps were the only things heard and Miroku was on the floor. His face covered in hand prints and a bump on the head. Kagome and the others merely had a sweat drop appear behind their heads and sighed heavily. When was he ever going to learn ?

"Well serves him right." Inuyasha said as he crossed his arms against his chest.

Everyone just nodded their heads in agreement while Sesshomaru did nothing….as always. While they waited patiently for their orders everyone just chatted away.

"Well look what we have here. Better take notes girls because this is how we men do it around her." Robinson said in his usual cocky tone.

" What men. I don't see any here." Sango said in a nasty tone never really liking Robinson anyways.

" Why you little…"

"Oi- ! What's that supposed to mean ?" Inuyasha exclaimed with a fist waving in the air angrily.

"Exactly how it's stated " Kikyou had remarked rather coldly.

The argument continued to go on back and forth between this particular group. Over who was doing what when they got the list and who was leader. Sesshomaru was the only one who remained quiet but his patience was wearing very thin.

Rico of course heard the small argument between this group and smirked. Ah yes this was going to be interesting because these so called missions were designed to have a group work together as a team. Of course the group itself had to figure that out on their own. He looked down at the list he had made up and nodded his head. This group was going to be a permanent group. He would have them work together until they got along even if it were just for the mission itself or until the loved it. He handed them their papers and walked off towards a shady tree.

"You have 4 hours to complete all these missions. Any of you fail and well…you will not like what will happen. Now get moving ! "

"SIR YES SIR !" Everyone exclaimed loudly before scurrying off to get the materials they needed so they can start their missions.

Kagome's group looked at the paper handed to them and knew right away they were screwed. The guys were to stubborn to listen to any of the girls ideas and the girls were to stubborn to listen to the men anyways.

'Damn…' Was everyone's only thought.