"King Enma, it would appear that the Shikon has made Lady Kagome immortal. She has more biologically in common with one of us than she does a human. She feels pain, and gets cuts, but they heal before she dies. The healing process seems to be painful. She blacks out and has no memory of the method of healing. There also appears to be a barrier in her mind, keeping her sanity, but also limiting her powers."Ashir explained to the giant blue god. Enma was scowling, though that was not uncommon for him. He waved his hand, signifying for Ashir to continue. "While the barrier is necessary, it seems as if it was placed there before she was born. Possibly at conception, when we believe the Shikon reappeared within her. From the records and what we can ascertain from interviewing Kagome, Kaede, Kikyou, and Midoriko, it would appear that once Midoriko created the jewel, it was bound to her family line. Once she created it, and sealed herself away, a family from the Taiji-ya tribe was given it to protect, though she was unsure of how it reached them. Her soul suffered much trauma, you see, during the creation of the Shikon. The Taiji-ya tried to protect it, and could not. The demons searching for the Jewel were too determined and the Taiji-ya lost many in the time they protected the Jewel. So, the Taiji-ya searched for someone suitable to protect it. The person they found was a descendant of Midoriko, and the most powerful Miko of the time. The fact that she was so powerful was the reason the Slayers decided to entrust her with the Shikon. They were hoping her purity would aid in concealing the aura of the Jewel."
"So, Kagome is related to Midoriko."
"Yes. Midoriko is Kikyou's great, great Aunt."
"So, why did her purity not conceal the Jewel?" Enma asked, leaning forward slightly, thoroughly engrossed in the tale.
"Because, Kikyou's purity was compromised."
"How? Was it because she loved the hanyou?" Enma gasped.
"Love does not taint, even love of one usually considered tainted by others. While I may have studied humanity, I will never understand the prejudices that they hold." Ashir frowned. "Her purity was compromised because of her hate. Kikyou was resentful of her life and her family. She was never allowed a normal life, or family, and she resented the people who kept her from what she wanted."
"Can you remove the barrier from Kagome?"
"Yes, but not without risking her sanity."
"What will happen?"
"The Jewel could self-destruct, killing her, or she could become omnipotent. There is a possibility of her losing herself within her consciousness and the Jewel taking over her body. I would fear for her life if I removed the barrier."
"What about the Hybrid on my son's team? The one with the Jagan? Could he guide her through it?"
"He could become tied to her."
"Tied how?"
"The Jewel could merge their consciousness together to aid Kagome in keeping her sane."
"Would the Miko survive and thrive? And the Hybrid?"
"I cannot see any reason why she wouldn't. As for the Hybrid, I'm not sure he would enjoy being tied to anyone. "
"Yes, yes, I know, but would it harm him?"
"No."
"Do it. Don't tell the Hybrid of the risk. Inform Kagome as soon as possible, the barrier will be removed Friday, after her first week at school. You will continue to monitor her until then, and see if you can find an easier way. I will deal with the Hybrid."
"Yes, Lord Enma." Ashir bowed his head and turned, walking from the room slowly.
-------------------------------
Genkai-sensei and Kagome had chatted lightly over tea during their meeting, and then Genkai had asked Kagome to show her what she could do in hand to hand combat. Kagome balked at the idea and took a deep breath, standing.
"Genkai-sensei, I am fairly proficient with a bow and arrows, but beyond that, I am defenseless. I beg your forgiveness of my inabilities, and beg your aid in correcting them." Kagome bowed deeply with great sincerity.
"Get up. Just show me what you can do. I don't care if you're good or not. I just need to know what level you are on."
"I have no one to spar with."
"Onna, if it's a spar you want, I'll enjoy it." Hiei said as he dropped out of a tree nearby, landing gracefully on his feet.
"I was hoping you would join us Hiei." Genkai smiled. Kagome bit her lip. "Kurama told me how much you liked to play with her." Genkai winked and Kagome blushed. Hiei growled lightly. "Oh hush. Now start, just don't kill her."
Hiei lunged at Kagome with a glare on his face, claws outstretched. Kagome screamed and fell on the ground and rolled. Hiei bent at the last second and swiped her shoulder. He fell as Kagome kicked his ankle. Kagome jumped up as quickly as possible and took off running. Hiei chased her, enjoying it. Kagome ran unusually fast for a human, and smart too. She zigzagged, not making herself any easier of a target than she already was. She would brush up against trees and bushes and then double back and go another way trying not to touch anything that way. Hiei was too fast for her game, though he allowed her to play it. Watching the Miko try to get away was amusing to him, and he indulged in it for a few extra minutes before jumping down in front of her. Kagome yelped and turned the other way and ran. Hiei caught up to her and grabbed her around her waist, pulling her close to his chest. She went limp in his grasp before trying to summon her miko powers futilely. Hiei smirked and laughed lightly in her ear, before he pushed his short claws into her stomach, giving her bleeding skin wounds before releasing her.
"I win, Onna." Hiei released her onto the ground and sped off, calling out, "I'll be at the next practice." Kagome screamed and fell over. The wounds on her stomach stitched themselves together slowly, pulling her skin back together, scarring slightly.
"I think we found you a great partner." Genkai smiled, looking at the girl who had passed out after running over 5 miles in such a short timespan and then healing herself. "Your blackouts may be an inconvenience though."
-------------------
Kagome was sitting on her bed, after her meeting with Genkai. She had just finished dressing after her bath when she heard a knock on her door. She called out that the door was open, and stood up to greet her visitor. Ashir walked in, a concentrated look on his face.
"Hello, Ashir." Kagome smiled, turning towards him. "I haven't seen you outside of the examinations. How can I help you?"
"Kagome. From the tests that we have ran, I have determined that there is a barrier around your mind. King Enma thinks it would be best for us to remove it."
"What does that entail?"
"We would need Hiei to aide us in the removal. He would be holding your consciousness to your body while we removed the barrier. It will not be an easy process, or painless either, but there is no choice."
"When?"
"Friday. You will continue to attend the examinations until then, and we will be working to prepare you for the procedure. If you will excuse me, I will leave and allow you to organize yourself for school in the morning. If you have any questions, please feel free to consult me."
As Ashir walked out and closed her door, Kagome sat on her bed heavily. She sighed and contemplated her situation. I don't have anyone here to talk to. I could talk to Kurama. Would he understand though? He doesn't know the Shikon like I do. Like Inuyasha does. I miss him so much. I wonder if I will ever see him again… Kagome's thoughts slowly slid away as her fears took over and sobs encased her body. She lay down in her sorrow and cried herself to sleep.