Chapter 4 –

Sesshoumaru –

He was in his study doing paperwork, when he suddenly felt a strong burst of power appearing somewhere close from the outside. He went out on his balcony and smelt the blood from the same direction. He had jumped off his balcony when he had recognized the blood. Kagome. He hurried in the direction of the blood. It did not take long. He found them on their hill. The sight that had welcomed him, made him freeze to the spot. A tiger youkai stood with one of his hands impaled through the miko's stomach, the miko, standing only inches from Rin, and from the situation he guessed, the miko had saved his ward. He was about to step in a kill the youkai who had dared to hurt his miko, but before he got the chance, the miko had grabbed the youkai's hand and had sent a massive wave of purification energy through it, purify the entire youkai. He was still standing, observing when she fell to her knees, asking for her pup, and when she had seen he was safe she had collapsed to the ground, and in that second he was by her side

"Lord Sesshoumaru!" Rin stated, crying and was kneeling next to the heavily bleeding miko, the kitsune pup next to her

"Please hel…" before the kitsune got the chance to finish his plead, Sesshoumaru had already grabbed all three of them and went full speed back towards the palace. He was panicking. He had been supposed to protect her! And he had failed… twice!

Inside of the palace he hurried to the healer's wing and started yelling orders left and right to help the miko. When his healers went to work on her, he sent the children to their rooms while he himself went to his study… He needed to calm down… But, instead, the moment he entered his study he went on frenzy. Destroying furniture and walls in the process. He was about to split his desk in two when he felt a hand on his shoulder, holding him back. He turned to see his grandmother looking at him with worried eyes

"What happened?" she asked calm, knowing something had to be wrong, for him to throw a tantrum like this. He told her of what he had known of the situation and of what the kitsune pup and Rin had told him

"3 tiger youkais in one place is definitely very… odd… Not to mention the fact that Kagome is only human, and yet… She managed to take all three down, saving the children… She is really impressive… But there is something that is bothering this old woman…" Lady Sakura said, still calm. Sesshoumaru was still pissed, but he still listened to his elder

'It was indeed impressive for a human, but it was something I would have expected of her' Sesshoumaru sat down on his desk chair, trying to keep his beast at bay… It was ready to destroy anything within the palace grounds

"What" he asked through his teeth, growling

"When her kitsune pup got hurt, she went into frenzy? As far as I know, it is only youkai who do that in those kinds of situations…" Sesshoumaru saw the glint in his grandmother's eye

'She knows something that I do not' but before he would ask her, or order her to explain, he was thinking of what she had said… It was true that humans did not go into frenzy's. He had felt the immense power in the air when she had went into the state of frenzy. Once again, a new mystery unfolded itself involving the miko… again… If he would ever look up mystery, he was beginning to expect a picture of the miko.

"What is your point? She is no youkai. It must have been her miko powers that reacted to her emotional distress… A laps of power in a moment of panic" he stated. It was plausible, and the best explanation he could come up with. He looked at his grandmother and was surprised to see disappointment from her. She shook her head

"Ignorant pup" he could have sworn he had heard her say!

"At least Rin and Shippou are safe, and the girl is fighting for her life" Sesshoumaru just nodded his head, eyeing his grandmother suspiciously, she was definitely hiding something, but it was difficult to concentrate with his beast screaming and growling inside of him. It wanted to do something to save and heal hi… the miko. He could feel how it tried to force itself to the surface, trying to take over the control

"You cannot deny your feelings for the miko Sesshoumaru" he heard his grandmother spout out. He just growled in response. He had come to realize he had strong emotions when it came to the miko. He hated that he had to admit, that a small part of him actually cared for her. Why? He had no earthly idea as to why

"Well? Are you going to do something about it?" Sesshoumaru led out an audible sigh. She was very persistent

"This Sesshoumaru will not lower himself with taking a human mate!" he growled out harshly, feeling his beast anger and growls deep within him, disagreeing with him. He sent her a glare that would have his servant running and screaming if sent their way, but as expected, his grandmother just sent one just as 'nice' back at him

"And so what if she is human!? She is stronger than any human I have ever faced… Heck, she is even stronger than an ordinary miko! She loves Rin and Shippou, as they were her own. From what the kitsune pup has told me, she is very well educated, kind and not the least prejudice, like someone else we know…" she sent a glare in his direction

"… She is loyal, has a strong and pure heart. And even though she tries to hide her emotions, much like someone else we know…" she sent another glare in his direction

"… But she is in fact a being, filled up with raw emotions, that many times makes the decisions for her. What peaked my interest was what happened 6 weeks ago…" she then looked at him, waiting for him to say something. But, when he just kept looking at her, silently telling her to get to the point, she sighed defeated but then smiled mischievously

"Shippou told me that she made a drastic change overnight, one day… 6 weeks ago…." Again, she looked at Sesshoumaru, waiting for him to put some pieces of the puzzle together

"What is your point old woman?" he asked, not wanting to participate in her small games

"This Sesshoumaru has very little patience left" he finished, hoping she would just get her point out and down with. He felt a headache creeping in on him. His grandmother frowned at him

"I know your beast has been reacting to something, and I know when it started…" she narrowed her eyes at him and then left. Just leaving her words hanging in the air… Sesshoumaru thought back to when his beast had first reacted for the first time since… His Aya's disappearance… His eyes widen in realization

'The miko changed 6 weeks ago. The same time when my beast reacted… Is she a hanyou? No, impossible… What is the old woman insinuating? I know the miko has not been completely truthful with her abilities and powers… But what could be so secretive and powerful enough to make my beast react?' Sesshoumaru stood, he had to find out! All these mysteries involving the miko must come to an end!


Kagome –

When Kagome woke up, she felt… fine… No pain and completely well rested. Not even those weird dreams; she never seemed to be able to remember. She opened her eyes and saw she was in the healing wing. She suddenly remembered what had happened and she reached for her necklace, and when she felt it she sighed in relief

'Still intact. That was to close' she sat up. She would have to leave. She could not risk her cover being blown anymore. She got out of bed, changed to a, decent enough, kimono and walked out of the healing wing, unseen. She walked quietly towards her pup's room. When she did not see Shippou in his room, she was starting to panic, had she not been able to save him? She hurried towards Rin's room, and sighed in relief when she heard both Rin and Shippou talk inside of the room. She opened the door, again quietly and walked in

"Shippou. Rin" she ran to them and hugged them, not letting go. Her heart finally beginning to slow, now knowing they both was safe.

"Mama! I was so scared…"

"Rin too was scared!" They talked at the same time. Kagome could not help the smile that crept itself out on her lips

"I am so, so sorry. I did not mean for you to worry" she kissed them on their foreheads. Kagome blushed when she heard her stomach make protesting noise. The children started to laugh

"Is it not time for lunch yet? How about we go and get something to eat?" they nodded, smiling in agreement, and together they walked to the dining hall.

When they entered, she noticed that only Lady Sakura was present.

'Great' she snorted mentally, but she knew she had to talk with the old hag. Oh, why did she have to find out! Jeez! Kagome, wearing her emotionless mask bowed

"Lady Sakura" and then they all went to eat something. Kagome sat next to Rin, with Shippou on her other side

"You have recovered fast. I have not even heard you were awake yet" Lady Sakura stated, eyeing Kagome. Kagome suppressed a scowl

'Nosy old hag… Knowing stuff she should not know, and now she talks about something minor she did not know about?...' Kagome put on a small smile

"I am sorry, I needed to see if the children were all right" Kagome explained. Lady Sakura nodded, seemingly accepting her explanation

"Roku" Lady Sakura then said. A male servant then appeared, bowing low

"Yes Milady" the servant answered respectfully

"Make sure to notify Lord Sesshoumaru and the healers that Lady Kagome is awake and is with me" the servant bowed lower, and then left. Kagome straightened up in her seat and cleared her throat

"I was hoping to get an audience with Milady after lunch" Kagome stated, with no emotions portraying in her face or voice. Lady Sakura's eyebrow rose a bit

"Of course Lady Kagome. I am done with my meal. We can go to my study when you are ready" Kagome nodded and started to finish up her lunch


Lady Sakura's study –

"First, I would like to know how long I have been out" Kagome asked calmly from her chair. She was sitting in front of a nice warm fireplace, with Lady Sakura, sitting on a chair next to her. Lady Sakura looked at her suspiciously, but also knowing.

"Only a day" she answered, looking at Kagome intently. Kagome, tried very hard to hide her surprise

'Shit! My youkai power must have interfered with my healing process!' Kagome just nodded, successfully not letting her mask down

"Then, All I wanted to say was; thank you for your hospitality the last couple of weeks. My son and I have had a wonderful experience, but now I have to return to my duties…" Kagome stood and bowed in respect

"I do hope to see you again one day" and with that she turned on her heels, not waiting for a response, but she was stopped by a hand on her shoulder

"And you are not just running away?" she heard Lady Sakura ask, calm and in a wise grandmother-ish way

'Okay, if she wants to play, then I am on!' Kagome looked at her with fake ignorance

"I do not know what you mean by that, but it is my duty as the Shikon priestess to collect the shards and protect them. I have been neglecting that duty long enough" Kagome stated. Lady Sakura starred into Kagome's eyes, both with no emotions showing, even though, Kagome felt really uncomfortable

"It was my impression that Sesshoumaru was joining this quest of yours…" Kagome held down the urge to growl irritated

"It is up to him to decide if he goes with me or not, and since it is not his responsibility, and he have other important stuff to do, then I do not believe he wishes to join until the final battle…"

'And I do not want him with me!'Kagome hissed mentally. Okay, that was a lie, but it would have to wait

"We will see…" Lady Sakura said while smirking. Kagome eyed her carefully… She was not going to meddle right? No… The woman was not that bored was she? Kagome grunted, of course the old woman was bored, and now she had a nice time playing with her of all people!

"Why is it that you do not want him to know?" Kagome sighed, she should have seen that one coming, but she still felt her muscles freeze up. She turned slowly, not knowing what she should say… Lady Sakura was looking at her with a sad expression on her face. Kagome then chose to be honest

"I want to, but are not allowed to" that was all she was going to say on that subject. Her cover was already blown when it came to this Lady.

"I see" Lady Sakura said nodding, as if she understood her dilemma. Kagome offered a small smile, and placed a hand gently on Lady Sakura's shoulder

"It is over when Naraku is dead and the jewel safe…" Lady Sakura seemed to light up at that, placing her hand on Kagome's cheek, and smiled brightly

"Then, until then my granddaughter" (pack title) Kagome smiled one of her (becoming) rare smiles, bowed and then left the room. Now was Sesshoumaru's turn.

She walked up to Sesshoumaru's study door and knocked, waiting for the always same enter

"Enter" Kagome then entered and closed the door behind her. She went up to stand in front of his desk and bowed

"Lord Sesshoumaru. Thank you for saving my life, yet again" she hated that she still needed saving. She felt like her human weak body was not getting stronger at all

"Why were you having an audience with Lady Sakura?" No, how are you feeling? A thank you for protecting his ward? No, the important matter was apparently what she had been speaking with his grandmother about… Inconsiderate cold jerk! She grumbled in anger mentally

"I wanted to thank her for her kindness and hospitality before I leave, which is why I came to you, Lord Sesshoumaru" one of his eyebrows rose elegantly

"And why are you leaving?" he asked, no emotions portraying in his face or voice

'Because of you… and me' she could not help but think sadly

"I have responsibility that I have neglected to long, and the time has come. I have to find the remaining shards before Naraku gets even more powerful" Kagome sighed

"And every day I do nothing, more people gets hurt or used, and I cannot allow anymore of it" she answered truthfully. She thought of the three tiger youkai who had attacked them. Tiger youkai's never attacked in groups (dominance thing), and the only reason she could come up with, was Naraku and the jewel shards

"We need to talk of another matter before we leave to search for the shards" Kagome coughed surprised

"WE?!" Kagome would have hoped he would have just left her be to do what she wanted. She blushed in embarrassment, when she realized she had 'thought' that out loud

"Yes we. Now, you will explain to this Sesshoumaru what happened out on the hill" Kagome paled a bit, trying to fight the color from disappearing

'Shoot!' Okay, she could do this, she forced her heartbeat down, her breath in control and mask on, and then she did like last time. She held the story as close to the truth as possible

"I was sitting on this hill, watching the children play. I must shamefully admit I was a bit preoccupied. Had I not been, then I would have noticed them sooner… I told the children to hurry to safety within the palace walls, but the youkai's were too fast. I fought one, while the two others, I had not noticed either, went after the children. The youkai's wanted my shards. I fought a bit, and then I heard Rin scream… I… Panicked when I saw them in danger… Something inside of me just clicked… snapped… and my miko powers acted out of control and exploded for a second, purifying the youkai I had fought against. I ran as fast as I could to get to the children in time. When I reached Rin, I would have created a barrier for the children and me… But I was to slow" she faked some sadness, pretending to be on the verge of tears for being so weak.

'Yeah, putting in some human weakness and that should be it…'

"Though I got to kill the two other youkais with my powers, some kind of energy blow… I did not know I was able to do that! But, I have only recently gotten the rest of my soul back, so maybe that explains my sudden power burst and inability to control them?" she explained, faking ignorance of her own power

'Please let it be at that… Do not dig any further…' Kagome was practically crossing every toe she could, since he would notice her fingers doing it. Kagome was a nervous wreck at the moment inside, again not portraying it. Trying to keep herself in the role of the ignorant damsel in distress. Kagome could have passed out, when she saw Sesshoumaru nodded, seemingly eating her explanation raw

'Thank Kami!' she sighed mentally

"Prepare your belongings and what else you will need for the journey. We leave tomorrow morning" Kagome was about to protest with the he-coming-with part, but the glare from Sesshoumaru shut her up, and she hurried out of the study.


Sesshoumaru-

He was still sitting on his desk chair after she had left

'Just as I thought. Sakura is just trying to plant ideas in my mind' he was interrupted with a knock on his study door

"Enter" he replied coolly

'Speak of the devil 'he thought sarcastically, watching his grandmother enter his study

"What do you want Lady Sakura?" he asked as coldly as he could

"Where are you manners you ungrateful… It does not matter, was does matter is if you are going with her or not!" Sesshoumaru looked at is grandmother surprised to see this childish side of her. He looked at her puzzled… She was looking mad… but why?

"This Sesshoumaru has plans regarding the filthy hanyou Naraku, and the miko will most likely meet him on her journey or get a lead, so this Sesshoumaru is going with her" Lady Sakura was looking at him suspiciously and with a mischievous smile on her lips

"And that is the only reason you are going?" Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at her

"Yes!"

'No!' He did not want to talk about it! Nosy crow!

"What did she have to say regarding the episode outside?" Sesshoumaru took the scroll he had been reading before the miko had entered, with the intention of reading it

"Panic. Her powers reacted to her emotional panic. As I believed it to be" he stated. Lady Sakura simply nodded and was about to leave his study

"What? No more ridicules theories of the miko's origin?" he asked teasingly. Lady Sakura turned and looked at him for a while

"Just get that Naraku fellow killed all right?" and with that she left

'Why is it she always ends up with the last word!?' And why all of the sudden did she care about Naraku? She had never said anything before on the matter and had always stayed out of it. She had, strangely, just accepted Kagome's explanation, even though she had been persistent in making him believe there was more to the miko. He had even noticed that his grandmother and Kagome were acting abnormal towards each other and now, they had just had a meeting.

'Hmm… Interesting… Seems there could be more to the miko after all…'


Author's note:

I am so, so sorry the late update. I was very sick yesterday, so did not get a chapter out : ( BUT, finally wrote and edited this chapter so hope you enjoy!

Thank you all for the lovely reviews : )

I was asked that now when Kagome had two names, which one I would be calling her in the story, I will get to that in the later chapters, but she will be called Kagome for several reasons. For one, she is no longer the Aya she used to be. Many years have passed, and with her new identity, life and because she has gotten used to it, she prefers to be called Kagome, but of course her true parents will be calling her by her birth name, and not the name given to her in the other time. Hope that was an okay answer : )

Have a nice day people!

Please review

Love

CayaC