Urahara's POV

I couldn't sleep last night, too nervous and too many things to do. I wanted my daughter protected as best as possible as soon as possible. I contacted Hiyori and they agreed to keep an eye out for any weird signatures. Then I woke up Ichigo and told him to gather his little band of merry friends and meet at my house at lunch. Jinta and Ururu went out on an errand for me and Tessai was in the Kitchen making some tea. I had sent a message for Yoruichi telling her everything.

Suddenly Shippo was right in front of me. To be honest I didn't even see him come up "Good Moring Shippo. How are you this fine morning?"

"Morning, I'm fine." Shippo murmured tiredly.

"Where is Kagome?" I asked.

"She's still sleeping. She is always grumpy in the morning. Sometimes she's even really scary. Inuyasha always got a lot of sits in the morning because he would get impatient and wake her up." I raised an eyebrow at him. Sits, what in the world is a sit?

"Ah, well okay then. When does she usually wake up then?"

"She'll wake up in less than an hour. She naturally wakes up shortly after the sun rises. We were kinda trained to by Inuyasha. He was always eager to get going in the morning to find more Shikon shards."

I had been meaning to ask him for a while, but the timing was never right. At first I was too worried about Kagome and last night would not have been a good move. Finally now I decided to just be blunt with it. "Hey Shippo, what exactly are you? I don't know of many being that have a tail."

Shippo looked at me like I was stupid then said "I'm a fox demon."

It immediately caught my interest "A demon, but I though demons died out 300 years ago."

Suddenly understanding dawned in Shipp's eyes and in the next instant he was extremely nervous. "Oh, um. I would really rather not talk about it."

The conversation Kagome and Shippo had last night came back to me. That's right he somehow came here from the feudal era. That was 500 years ago when demons were very much alive. Before either of us could say anything more Kagome came into the room. She still had her pajamas on and was rubbing her one eye. Her hair was frizzy and poking up all over the place. To describe her in a single word… cute. My father persona bubbled to the top, I wanted nothing more than to hug her and never stop, but right now I don't think she would appreciate it. She did look slightly worried though. She was carrying a still sleeping Kirara in her arm.

When her eyes landed on Shippo the worry evaporated from her eyes. My heart melted a bit, she really cares for him. "Oh there you are Shippo, good morning." She looked over to me "Morning Kisuke."

Almost like it was planned as soon as she sat down a plate of food was set in front of her and Shippo by Tessai. Shippo lit up like a Christmas tree. "Oh food!" then he dug into his food with a flourish.

Kagome scolded him "Come on now Shippo. Eat decently, honestly you spent too much time with Inuyasha. He has corrupted you."

Shippo blushed slightly "Sorry Kagome." Then he started eating a bit slower. In the next minute Tessai had food for himself and me.

"So what do you have planned today Kagome?" I asked her as innocently as I could.

She sighed slightly "I need to go shopping to get clothes for Shippo and myself since all of my clothes were burned in the fire." Her eyes saddened for a moment before she forced herself happy again.

I immediately pulled out my credit card and slid it over to her. "Use my card and get anything you need." I said. I hoped she would get the hint and buy herself a bow. That is the only way I could think of getting her a bow without being suspicious.

She looked up at me, her expression guarded. I would be lying if I said her look didn't hurt. "Are you sure you don't have to. My credit card was in my pocket when it happened so I still have it."

I gave her a look that said there would be not arguing "No I insist. Please Kagome just get anything that you need to live here comfortable. For all of you; you, Shippo, and Kirara. I don't particularly get much so I have a lot of money on that card." Yeah and I've been saving up for a few hundred years, not that I was going to tell her that.

It was like a light turned on inside her eyes and I knew she figured it out. She gave me a small neutral smile "Thanks Kisuke I appreciate it."

Then I brought up Ichigo and his friends "If you can I would like you home by lunch. I have a small group of kids coming over that are in your grade and are going to the school I'm enrolling you in. you'll be able to make some friends and know some people at your new school."

She looked like she didn't like the idea much but said "Alright Kisuke I'll be back by noon." Then she finished eating and headed out to go shopping. I then had Yoruichi follow her just in case. The people that hurt her are still out there yet.

Kagome's POV

A tick mark started appearing on my head. It is STILL following me. It has been since I left Kisuke's house. It looks like a normal everyday black cat, but its aura says something very different. I've been to a pet shop to get some toys for Kirara to keep her occupied. I also got her a collar and name tag. I don't want her taken to the pound or anything just because she doesn't have a collar on. I even enchanted it so that it will only be on her smaller self. When I left the pet shop I saw the cat for a second time. I had seen it briefly as I left Kisuke's.

The next stop I made was a kid's store. Shippo had had a field day in there. He was doing so good keeping up his illusion, so people wouldn't see his tail, that I practically let him get whatever he wanted. He got a few outfits to start out with but then he saw the toys. That is when his eyes gained stars. He got a bunch of small trinkets that his fox magic would work on. He got a bunch of crayons, colored pencils, and markers to color with. I also got him a handheld game. Sota used to have one and he loved it and I'm sure Shippo will as well. When we left that store the cat was waiting for us laying on a fence.

I stopped at two stores next. The first was a general store. I got shampoo, conditioner, soap, and other bath things there for both me and Shippo. I got the feminine products that I needed too. I got a bit of make-up but not much, I was never a make-up person to begin with. The next store I stopped at was a home décor shop. I got a few bed sheets and a pillow that was just like I used to have. I also got a few decorations for my and Shippo's room. When I left both stores the cat was somewhere outside of them.

We passed a candy store that stopped Shippo in his tracks. He was practically drooling. I shook my head, laughed, and said "come one." His eyes lit up as we walked in. He stocked up on enough candy to last him a few months. He was so excited to be surrounded by so much 'ninja food.' We got pocky, taffy, and tons of different chocolates. When we left that store the darn cat was there again.

The next store we went to was a clothing store for me. I got me an entirely new wardrobe. It was mostly darker colors; black, purple, blue, green, gray, and maroon. I picked out a few white and other colored shits as well though. I changed into tone of my new outfits right away after I paid for them. I now had on a mid-thigh length black skirt, a long-sleeved turtleneck purple shirt, Kneehigh purple socks, and ankle high black combat boots. I exited that store with Kirara on my shoulder, Shippo holding my hand, and a black cat sitting waiting for me on the opposite side of the street. I sighed as I started walking away, the cat getting up and continuing its stalker tendencies.

I don't know what it is though and that is what bothers me. It is not a demon, but it definitely wasn't a normal cat that is for sure. Normal cats do NOT stalk people and wait for them while they shop. I made my way down the street looking for the store I needed. I've never been to Karakura town before so I'm not sure where it would be. "Hey Kagome? What are we looking for?"

I looked down at Shippo and said "An archery store. I need a new bow since mine is 500 years out of my reach. Plus Kisuke did say anything I needed."

Shippo gave me a devious little smirk "That is really smart Kagome!"

I gave him a small smile "Thanks Shippo." We walked for another twenty minutes and I was about ready to give up for the day. It was getting close to noon and I did say I would be there by then. I decided that I would ask one person and if they didn't know I would just head back and try again tomorrow. I saw a boy about my age walking towards me. He had black hair, glasses, and was dressed mostly in white. I gathered my nerves and then approached him. I stopped right in front of him making him stop also. "Um, excuse me, but I was wondering if this town had an archery store."

He looked at me slightly puzzled and for a moment I thought he might be a tourist, but then he said "Yes it does, why do you ask?" because I want to get a bow, duh, I thought. He was looking me over and I realized that I do not look like a person that did archery.

"I've been trying to find it for a while now, but it just keeps eluding me. I'm new to town and my last bow got… lost." Yeah lost in feudal era Japan on the day everyone I've ever cared about was killed.

He was looking at me like he was deciding if I was worthy of his time, or a bow. Finally he spoke up "You are actually really close to it. Follow me I'll show you."

A smile came to my face "Oh thank you. I'm not going to make you late for anything am I?"

"Nothing of importance. Just an insane man summoning me for some reason he thinks important." He said bluntly then started walking away expecting me to follow him

I rolled my eyes, of course I had to stop the one that thinks he is oh so much better than everyone else around him. To be honest he's nice but also rather rude. I started after him, pulling Shippo along after me. It turns out I was only two blocks away from the shop. Ugh me and my horrible sense of direction. To my surprise the boy came into the store with me. It then hit me that I never got his name. I turned to him "I'm sorry, where are my manners? My name is Kagome Higurashi." I said holding my hand out.

He looked at me while raising an eyebrow, but he did shake my hand "Uryu Ishida."

My eyes went wide "Ishida? Is your dad a doctor by any chance?"

His eyes narrowed, he took his hand back "Yes why?" oh no he looks suspicious of me now.

I held up my hands in defense "Hey, sorry. I just got out of the hospital yesterday and my doctor was Dr. Ishida."

His demeanor changed almost instantly "Why were you in the hospital? You look perfectly healthy."

I pulled my skirt up just a bit to show him the bandages "Thigh and stomach wound." I dropped my skirt and the edge fell just past my bandage. I walked around the store until I found the section I was looking for.

"Long bow?" Uryu asked me curiously.

Not even thinking about how weird it would be for a girl my size to get a long bow I said "Yeah that sounds about right. You can get longer distance and more power behind the shot." Then noticing that Shippo wasn't by me anymore I said in a louder voice "Shippo where did you run off to?"

From the other side of the store I heard "Over here Gome. What kind of bows are these?" I walked over to him and he said "I've never seen a bow like this before."

I looked where he was looking and almost laughed. Of course he's never seen one before, they weren't invented in the feudal era yet "That is a compound bow." I informed him then because I didn't want him wandering around I said "Shippo climb on." I pointed to my back. Shippo broke out into a smile and started clinging to my shoulder, the one Kirara wasn't on, with a small "yay!" Uryu seemed a bit surprised that he could cling on there, but it was where Shippo stays a lot. He says that clinging to my shoulder is his favorite traveling mode.

I made my way back to the long bows. "None of them are as good as your last one." Shippo whined a bit.

I smiled at him "Yeah I know Ship but my last bow was made especially for me." I looked over the ones they had and finally chose the best one they had. It was light but sturdy, it'll work for shooting on the run. "This one will have to do." I said. I really wish I would have grabbed my bow before running away.

I brought the bow to the counter after grabbing a black quiver. I would have to get the arrows from the person at the counter. When I got to the counter the man behind it practically scoffed at me "Don't you think you should get a small bow girl?"

I glared at him, tired of people underestimating me. I put on my best Sesshomaru impression, and I am pretty good at it too. "Sir it is not your job to tell me what an appropriate bow to buy is. I did not ask you for your opinion. Now do your job and let me get the bow I wish to buy. I need twenty four arrows as well." About halfway through the small speech he turned white, at the end he was almost shaking.

Shippo was stifling his laughter into my shoulder and I heard him gasp out "Pfft Sesshomaru, Heehee, scary."

It took everything I had not to start laughing like an idiot at his expression or at the very least not crack a smile. That would ruin it though. I noticed Uryu was looking at me slightly impressed and I sent him a quick smirk and wink when the worker wasn't looking. I got all of my stuff, paid the man, and exited the store. When I got onto the street I clipped my quiver on and slipped my bow over my shoulder with practiced ease.

I turned to Uryu and bowed slightly "Thank you Uryu. I would have never found it myself. Now I don't mean to rude or anything but I have to go. My… guardian, yeah guardian is expecting guests that he wants me to meet." As I turned back towards Kisuke's house I had to stop dead in my tracks. That cat was back. I glared at it willing it to just go away.

I heard Uryu behind me, slightly surprised "Yoruichi?"

I spun to face him almost desperate "You know that cat?" when he nodded his head I continued "It has been following me all day! I go into a store it waits then continues its stalking." Uryu looked at me suspiciously like I had possible done something wrong. That just made my anger crack "Ugh you know what never mind. Don't look at me like that. How can you be so helpful and rude at the same time?" I asked in a huff. Fed up with him and that stupid cat I threw my hands up, picked up all of my bags, and started walking back to Kisuke's house. I would be stomping but my thigh and stomach still hurt a bit.

I had gone about five blocks when Shippo got my attention "Hey Gome?"

"Yeah Ship?"

"That cat is still following us, but that guy is following us now too."

I stopped with a sigh, great now I had two stalkers. I spun around and snapped "What are you joining the strange cat in stalking me now?"

"Of course not, the house I am going to is this way." He told me in a dismissive tone.

About ten minutes later I arrived back as Kisuke's house, I was fifteen minutes late but hey I tried. I was halfway to the door when I felt the two aura's follow me into Kisuke's courtyard. I spun around again "You have got to be kidding me. Your following me all of the way home?"

His eyes widened slightly "You Live here?"

I rolled my eyes and mumbled, but still loud enough for him to hear "Unfortunately."

At that moment the front door burst open and Kisuke barreled out, straight for me. Shippo and Kirara jumped off of my shoulders, traitors, and I dropped my bags trying to get away from the madman. I was too slow though. Kisuke wrapped me in a hug, though he was careful of my wounds. I tick marked immediately wanting him off of me "Ah Kagome you're fifteen minutes late. I was getting worried." He kept babbling nonsense. I rolled my eyes at the man.

General POV

Around the same time Kagome walked into the courtyard Kisuke sensed Uryu's spiritual pressure. He wouldn't realize until later that he never sensed Kagome's, Shippo's, or Kirara's. When he got to the door he flung it open dramatically, he had planned on teasing Uryu for being late. When he saw Kagome though all other thoughts disappeared. To be honest he had been really worried that something had happened to Kagome because she was late. Her attackers are still out there. He knew that she wouldn't exactly like the hug, but he needed to hug away his worries. Kisuke glomped Kagome with all he was worth, being careful of his injuries though. "Ah Kagome your fifteen minutes late. I was getting worried!"

He continued to babble until Kagome finally extracted herself from him. "Kisuke!" she snapped "Get a grip! I was fifteen minutes late, big deal." She took a slow deep breath to calm herself. She didn't want to snap at him more than she already did, she does understand that he was worried. "Look nothing happened during my shopping trip other than being stalked by a cat and meeting a rude person." Kisuke was slightly surprised, she noticed Yoruichi huh? Then she huffed "both who, may I add, followed me home."

As Kagome gestured behind her Kisuke finally remembered Uryu. "Ah Uryu you are late as well. Ichigo was getting all frustrated that the one who is always early was late."

Kagome's eyes went wide and Kisuke had to hide a smirk "Wait a minute. You two know each other?" Kagome narrowed her eyes, what are odds?

Kisuke started laughing as he flipped a fan open to cover face. He was trying to think of a good excuse of how he knew Uryu. But for Kagome she flashbacked to Kagura. Kagome's face grew very pale and started shaking a bit. She unconsciously took a step backwards but she tripped on the bags she had dropped. As she fell backwards Kisuke's eyes widened in slight horror knowing he was the cause of this panic attack. He just didn't' know what he had done to cause it. Before Kagome could hit the ground Uryu rushed forward to catch her, he didn't want her to re-open her wounds.

As Uryu was helping Kagome up she was trying to come to her senses. 'I know I'm being silly, this is Kisuke not Kagura. The moment he did that though my mind went straight back to Kagura killing gramps.' Kisuke took a step forward to try and comfort her but Kirara, trying to protect Kagome, jumped in between them hissing for all she was worth. Kisuke stopped instantly before the hackle raised cat. He looked at Kagome in concern "Are you alright Kagome?"

Shippo clung to Kagome leg, worried for the girl he thinks of as his mother "Gome?"

Hearing Shippo's worry she mentally slapped herself, forcing a smile on her face. Kisuke immediately knew that it was a fake. She started to gather her bags. "Sorry. I'm fine, really. I just… um… didn't feel good for a moment. I'm okay now." Kagome lied, then wanting Kirara to stand down she continued "Come here Kirara. It's alright." Kirara instantly calmed down and jumped on Kagome's shoulder.

A concerned Kisuke was about to say something to Kagome when he was interrupted "Yo hat n' clogs what is taking you so long?"

Kagome's POV

I looked up from gathering my bags to see a boy my age with bright orange hair. He was rather tall and his face was set into a national scowl. He wasn't trying to be intimidating but that is just how he came off. Poor guy probably gets a bunch of crap at school for that. When he saw me he seemed confused but approached me "Here let me help you with that."

I blushed slightly, not used to boys other than Hojo being helpful "Oh thanks."

"Where are you headed?"

He must not believe I live here either. I smirked a bit "Down the hall, last door on the left."

"Oh were you doing some errands for Kisuke or something?" he seemed really confused on why I would be here.

I felt Shippo laughing into my shoulder and Kisuke seemed amused. Kirara was still slightly on guard from my episode earlier. Uryu seemed just as curious as the carrot top. "Nope shopping for myself. Now these bags are getting heavy are you going to help me to my room or not?"

"Wait a minute you live here?" the carrot top yelled.

I raised an eyebrow "Yes." I stated and simply began walking to my room. Kisuke had given Shippo the room next to mine, they were connected by a door for easier access to each other. I heard the boy following me.

"Why do you live here? And since when?"

I sighed "I'm not exactly here by choice I simply don't have anywhere else to go. I got here last night."

I put the stuff in my room and then followed the sound of Kisuke's annoying voice. When I got to where he was I saw a peculiar sight. Kisuke was sitting by the table drinking sake. Shippo was on the shoulder of an extremely tall Mexican boy. I was going to scold him not to climb on strangers no matter how tall they are, but the guy didn't seem to mind. In fact he seemed to be enjoying my little kit. An orange haired girl was cooing over Kirara who was basking in the attention. She's such a spoiled little girl. Uryu was leaning against the wall looking like he wanted to be anywhere except here. There was a worman with dark skin slumped next to Kisuke, already drunk. My eyes narrowed slightly when I noticed her aura was the same as that stalker cat. Tessai was seeing to everyone's comfort while Jinta was picking on Ururu.

The carrot top was about to walk passed me when a short black haired girl jumped and kicked him in the face. My jaw dropped open, who would do that so openly? Well in this era anyway. Koga used to kick Inuyasha in the face all the time. I wonder is Koga is still alive or not.

"What the hell Rukia!" The carrot top yelled.

"What took you so long Ichigo?" Rukia asked him while still standing on his face.

He gestured to me "I was helping Kisuke's new house guest."

Rukia's attitude went a whole 180 "Oh hello there. My name is Rukia Kuchiki, what's yours?"

I looked between her and Ichigo, are they dating or something? "Um Kagome, Kagome Higurashi. Is he alright?"

Rukia's eyes grew large as she looked at Ichigo. A hand went to her mouth "Oh my Ichigo, what happened to you? Are you alright?"

My jaw dropped again and I deadpanned 'Uh you did it. Is she bipolar or something?' I thought to myself 'Or maybe a duel personality.' "Yeah, well anyway. Why did you want me here again Kisuke?"

Kisuke looked up at me drunkenly "Oh Kagome, call me daddy like you used to." He whined at me.

The room instantly grew dead silent. I glared at him "No way in hell." I growled "I thought I made myself very clear last night. My dad died ten years ago. You are no father of mine. Now you wanted me to meet these people correct? Fine I'll meet them, but not with you in the room." I gave a grunt of displeasure "Go sober up. I mean really who starts drinking before lunch?" I walked over to Kisuke and grabbed him by the back of his shirt. Dragging him behind me I practically threw him out of the room. I turned to the cat lady "You too lady. I am here to meet people my age not drunken old ladies." I pointed to the collapsed and sulking Kisuke "Out."

She gave me an odd look but left dragging Kisuke along with her. I slammd the door shut behind her. Both Shippo and Kirara came over to me as I sat down. Shippo jumped on my back and gave me a hug. Kirara plopped on my lap and started purring. I giggled a bit "Thanks you two." I looked up at the rest of the people in the room and blushed slightly "I'm sorry for my outburst but it seems that Kisuke just knows how to push my buttons. Let me start over. Hi my name is Kagome Higurashi and it's nice to meet you. Even if you are all here because Kisuke probably blackmailed you or something."

Rukia spoke up first "Right introductions first. As I said before my name is Rukia Kuchiki."

The orange haired girl excited spoke up next "My name is Orihime Inoue. I hope we can be friends!" I smiled at her, she reminds me of me before my journey began.

"Nice to meet you. Well I already met Uryu. So carrot top what's your name?"

The carrot top tick marked at my name for him but I saw Uryu hide a snicker. Then he sighed and said "The name is Ichigo Kurosaki."

Shippo burst out laughing "You mom named you strawberry?"

I flicked him in the forehead "Shippo! That is not nice. Ichigo has more than one meaning. Now apologize to him."

"But Kagome…"

"Now Shippo."

"Fine." He grumbled "Sorry."

I turned to Ichigo "I'm sorry for his behavior. He was raised without manners." Shippo sat sulking, like Inuyasha used to do.

Ichigo sighed "its fine, I'm used to it. Anyway the big guy in the corner is Yasutora Sado but we all call him Chad."

"Hello everyone. This is Kirara. Shippo introduce yourself." I said.

"Hello my name is Shippo. I'll give you a fair warning… I am a natural trickster so watch out." He gave them a little smirk and I giggled.

"So how do you know Kisuke exactly? That whole daddy thing wasn't true was it?" Ichigo asked me.

I stayed silent for a moment then sighed "Yeah technically he is my father, but he abandoned us when I was five letting us think he was dead. I will never forgive him for breaking my mom's heart like that. That man is not my dad."

"So if you hate him so much why are you here?" Uryu asked me.

I flinched at the question. Shippo buried his face in my hair. Kirara stopped purring. Everyone looked at us in concern. I sighed "Well you'll probably find out eventually anyway. A week ago all of my family and friends were murdered. The one that did it is still on the loose. Kisuke is my only living relative so I'm stuck here until I turn eighteen."

The room was dead silent until Ichigo said "Damn I'm sorry. I lost my mom when I was little so I know how you feel."

Suddenly I was being hugged on each side by Rukia and Orihime. I could feel tears forming in my eyes but I blinked them back. I refuse to cry in front of people I just met. "Thanks." I simply said. We talked for a while and they promised me they would find me on my first day of school. They were nice and I appreciated it. I can't let myself get close to them though, Naraku will use them against me. I won't let another person die because of me.

As I went out of the room Kisuke and that Lady were walking into it. I headed to my room to start unpacking.

Kisuke's POV

When they were done talking I went back into the room. For once I wasn't going to beat around the bush, not when Kagome is involved. "So I called you all here to meet Kagome. No matter what she says she is my daughter. Her entire family; her mom, grandfather, and little brother were killed one week ago. The person or people that killed them are still alive and after Kagome still. I need all of you to help protect her. This person is NOT human, but he is also nothing you have ever fought before. He is a demon."

"Demons do not exist." Uryu stated.

I raised an eyebrow at him "Really? Because you just spent the last hour and a half with two of them."

"What do you mean Kisuke?" Rukia asked me.

"Both Shippo and Kirara are demons. Shippo is a fox demon and Kirara is a nekomata."

"Why are thy after her? I mean she seems like a nice enough girl." Ichigo commented.

"They are after her because she is the Shikon Miko. She is currently protecting part of an extremely powerful jewel. The Shikon jewel." I explained.

"What is the Shikon jewel?" Uryu asked.

Yoruichi jumped in to explain "The Shikon jewel when whole can grant a person's wish. A single shard can increase a person or item's power by tenfold. It is extremely dangerous. Even more so than the Hogyoku was."

"To be honest I was basing the Hogyoku off the legend of the Shikon. The Hogyoku was just a copy, the Shikon is the real thing. These people will stop at nothing to get the jewel. Hollows might even be drawn to its power. I'm not going to lie to you you're going to have your work cut out for you."

"Does the soul society know about this?" Rukia asked.

"Not yet, I haven't had a chance to contact the. I am going to request back-up though. I figured if the group of regulars comes down that should be fine. There is nothing major going on there so your friends are probably bored." I smirked at Ichigo "You got them used to action my dear Ichigo."

"Not like I did it on purpose." Ichigo huffed "I like my peace and quiet just as much as the next person."

I was about to rely when a pulse of raw energy was felt by everybody. "Wha-what was that?" Orihime stuttered out.

"I am not sure." I said slowly.

Then we all heard running through the house, a door slam, and Jinta yelling out "Kagome come back here!"

I was off the floor in an instant and running after my daughter. I felt the rest of them follow after me.

Kagome's POV

I was in the middle of putting my clothes away when I felt a strong pulse of demonic energy. I instantly knew it was Naraku, or one of his followers. I looked at Shippo and Kirara and I knew they felt it as well. A determined look appeared on my face "Alright let's go." I grabbed my new bow and quiver and took off through the house. Shippo was on my shoulder, his illusion down now. Kirara was running next to me, just as determined as I was.

I slammed the front door open sprinting towards the direction of the demonic energy. I ran past Jinta and Ururu. Jinta shouted at me "Kagome come back here!"

Sorry kid but either I go to them or they'll come to me and I am not putting anyone in that house at risk. I am NOT letting another person die! I felt Kisuke's frantic aura chasing after me, strangely the group I just met were also following me. I shook away the thought, no time to wonder about that now. The aura was only a few blocks away and strangely there was nobody around, I should be able to lose them rather quickly. That worked in my favor though "Kirara let's go!" she growled at me then burst into flames. I hopped onto her back almost as she was taking to the skies.

We landed in an abandoned lot. I hopped off of Kirara and looked around. Then suddenly Kagura appeared, floating on her feather. "Kagura!" I growled at her.

She started laughing at me "Oh poor little Kagome. You really are your name's sake. Trapped like a bird in a cage."

"Where is Naraku?" I yelled out.

She seemed amused "I never told you in the past, what makes you think I will tell you now?"

I took a semi-calming breath "Kagura you hate Naraku as much as I do, help me defeat him and you'll finally be free."

Kagura seemed to think about it before she clutched her chest in pain. She glanced to her left and glared. I followed her gaze and saw a few hell bugs. Naraku's little spies and the in-between for Kanna and her mirror. "That never was and never will be an option." She flipped her fan open and chuckled behind it. Not unlike Kisuke had done hours before. "Silly Miko, why would you offer to help me? I helped kill that pathetic little family of yours. Of course that was after killing your group of friends. You are too forgiving girl, it will be your downfall." She glanced behind me and she sent me a smirk before putting her fan up one more time "Did the cute little Miko already make new friends?"

My eyes widened in a panic. There is no way humanly possibly they would have caught up to me so fast, or even found me. I spun around to see an enraged Kisuke gripping his can so tightly his knuckles were white. Next to him was the cat lady. Behind them were the teens I had met today. "No." I whispered in despair. Why did they follow me?

Kagura laughed behind her fan as she floated down a bit "Oh this is perfect. I offer you a choice Miko; the jewel, or the lives of the group behind you. If you give me the jewel I'll let them live. If not, well you chose that option last time and look where it got you. Everyone you ever cared about dead." She glanced at my feet and scowled lightly "Well all except that orphaned little fox kit you've claimed as a son."

Fire flashed through my eyes, I heard that threat clear as day "You leave Shippo alone!"

Her eyes gleamed "Oh did I hit a sore spot?" then without warning she flicked her fan saying "Dance of Blades!" a series of wind blades were sent flying. But not towards me as I thought she would. She sent them straight at Kisuke and his group.

I grabbed onto Kirara and shouted her name. Kirara flew as fast as she could into the path of the blades. I focused my energy as best as I could, visualizing a barrier. I wasn't the best at it yet, I was learning from Miroku when Naraku attacked. A pale pink barrier appeared just as the blades hit. It took the first two, but it shattered on the third. Kirara who was in front of me took the brunt of the attack. She flew to the side and the last few of the blades hit me. I went rolling graining in pain. I heard Kisuke yell my name, but I forced myself to ignore him. Focus on the problem at hand, Kagura.

I quickly got up and had an arrow knocked to my bow. I released it as soon as I stood up, my Miko-ki flaring before the arrow left the bow. To my surprise the bow was almost burnt to a crisp from my powers, which has never happened before. Kagura scoffed at my attempt and destroyed my arrow with one of her blades before it even got near her. "Is that the best you can do Ka-go-me?" then she saw the state of my bow and laughed at me "Now what is your plan Kagome? Are your powers so out of control that you can't even use a normal bow?" she sighed slightly "You are going to make this too easy for me." Then with a flick of her fan there was a series of wind blades coming for me.

I was too weak for another barrier and my bow was useless. I closed my eyes and waited for the blow. I was glad that I hid the jewel pieces in a sealed box back at Kisuke's. Then after a few tense seconds and the blow never came I peeked open my eyes. I saw Kisuke standing in front of me a white barrier shimmering in front of us. My eyes flew open in disbelief. "How?" I breathed.

Kagura's eyes narrowed in anger "Who are you?" she hissed out.

"My name is Kisuke Urahara and I am the father of the girl you just tried to kill."

Kagura lit up "Ah the Miko still has living relatives? Naraku will enjoy that information." She gestured and a hell bug stared flying away.

"No! Kirara!" Kirara knowing what I wanted flew after the bug, content to kill it. Before she could though her injuries caught up with her and she transformed. Ignoring my injuries I ran and caught her before she hit the ground.

"Oh is the Neko hurt?" Kagura tested me.

Then to my surprise a glowing blue arrow flashed passed me and hit the hell bug, killing it instantly. I smiled in relief and turned around to see who fired it. I saw Uryu standing there with a white and blue longbow in his hand, another arrow already on the string. Deciding to ask questions later I just yelled at him "The bugs! Kill the rest of the bugs." Uryu nodded in acknowledgment and, shocking me again, the one arrow split into four arrows. They shot out and each one hit its target killing the rest of the hell bugs.

I guess Kagura decided to get down to business because she growled at me "Give me the jewel shards Miko."

I glared at her "Never! I would rather die than let Naraku gain a wish." Changing tactics I shouted at her "Kagura even if Naraku gets the entire jewel he won't release you. You think Naraku of all people will keep his word? You won't be needed anymore! As soon as he possess the whole jewel he'll crush your heart and kill you. Please Kagura just work with me. We can defeat him together."

She scoffed at me "You think that just because I hate Naraku means I like you? You are very wrong Miko, I despise you and wish very dearly to see you dead."

She was about to send another volley of wind blades when Kisuke stepped in front of me one again. He was pointing his cane at her with a serious look on his face. "I am tired of you threatening my daughter. Awaken Benihime."

I watched in fascination when Kisuke's cane disappeared and he was left holding a word. I felt my eyes go wide in wonder "What in the world?" I whispered out.

Then Kisuke said something that I couldn't' quite make out, but the next thing I knew a white beam of light shot out of the word. Kagura tried to make a barrier of wind around her, but that light cut right through it. The barrier did manage to knock the beam off course though. It hit her in the shoulder instead of the heart where Kisuke was aiming. Not that it would have killed her of course, but he didn't know that.

She clutched her inured shoulder and glared at me "This is not over little Miko. Naraku wants those shards that you hold and what Naraku wants Naraku gets. Watch your back Miko because we will be coming." With those words she took off so she could heal and report back to Naraku.

As soon as she was gone my legs gave out. My thigh wound had re-opened when Kagura hit me. I also had a rather large gash on my arm. Kirara was in a sorrier state than I was though. I held her tight to me not wanting her to get hurt anymore.

Kisuke came over to me. He kneeled down so he was at my level. I didn't want them to but tears gathered in my eyes. Only a few fell before I contained them again though. "Kagome, we all want to help, but you need to let us. We need to know what is going on and just who this enemy is to be able to fight against them."

I looked over to the group I had just met today. Ichigo looked angry, Rukia and Chand seemed concerned. Orihime seemed a bit scared but determined. The cat lady, I never did get her name yet, seemed determined to help. Uryu looked irritated yet ready to help at the same time. Tears almost fell again but I fought them back. They were all ready to help me, a person they met less than an hour ago. The question is should I let them? I'm not sure if I can do this by myself, yet at the same time I don't want anyone else to die.

The thing that made up my mind was Shippo. He came barreling towards me and glomped me in a hug. I hissed in pain a bit but ignored it hugging Shippo tight. He looked up at me "Are you alright Kagome?" there were tears in his eyes.

I gave him a small smile "I'm just fine Shippo don't worry." I looked up at Kisuke and nodded at him "Alright I'll explain back at the house. I need to take care of Kirara's and my wounds first though."

Kisuke gave me a smirk "Don't you worry about that Tessai will take care of that when we get back."

I gave him a skeptical look "Well if you say so." I tried getting up, but my leg gave out. Before I hit the ground though Ichigo caught me. Then without a single word he maneuvered me onto his back. I blushed at getting a piggy back ride by someone other than Inuyasha. "Thanks." I whispered to him. He just grunted in reply.

As we were walking back I took notice that Rukia was wearing different clothes than when she was back at the house. She was now wearing black pants kimono. I think I caught a glimpse of a sword at her side but I brushed off the idea almost immediately. Why would someone carry around a sword in broad daylight? It took slightly longer to get back to Kisuke's house but that was to be expected. We weren't exactly rushing this time. Shippo had made himself comfortable on Chad's shoulder. Orihime was carefully cradling Kirara. Kisuke kept sending me worried looks, but I ignored them for the most part.

When we got back to Kisuke's house Tessai was waiting there for us. He took one look at me and scoped me off my feet. He carried me princess style to what looked like a healing room. Tessai laid me down on a bed and started looking at my injuries his hands started glowing green and I could feel the healing properties coming from the glow. I threw a barrier up though, glaring at Tessai. "Take care of Kirara first. I'm fine just some cuts and bruises. Kirara took the brunt of the attack."

Tessai sighed "very well." Then he turned his glowing hands to Kirara. I'm pretty sure he knew that he could've broken the barrier really easily but he played along. In a few minutes she was good as new and just sleeping off the exhaustion. "Now may I tend to your wounds now?"

I nodded and dropped the barrier. I shivered at the feeling of the unnatural healing, but stayed silent. He healed all of my wounds, he even healed the thigh and stomach one as much as he could. The miasma from Naraku stopped him from healing them fully. As soon as he was done Kisuke kneeled in front of me "Explain." He said.