Hey guys! wow thanks everybody who care about my story! you have no idea how much that means to me! you guys rock! i'm a happy camper! seriously thank you so much! oh and i updated just like i said! i was actually going to post it on Sunday, but i got distracted and the internet didn't work. Then it worked on Thrusday but it didn't last...T-T and it took four hours before i finally got internet working on my laptop again. i'm happy to say the least that i updated. this will be the last i update in a few days because i'm still debating whether or not to stop writing this and b/ stupid english class is going to give us another book to read. So enjoy and REVIEW!

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Chapter 9

Akimitsu blinked from the sudden brightness of the room. He would've thought Sesshomaru's study would've been dark and lit only by lamps or candles. Instead he's met with a bright study, soft music playing somewhere in the distance, hundreds of books on dusty bookshelves and a gigantic window right behind the ruler's chair.

Sesshomaru looked up from the papers he was reading and gestured for him to seat. Akimitsu bowed and sat on a cushion in front of the desk. Sesshomaru could tell that the young kitsune was nervous. Seeing as he's never been called into his study in his two years of being guard.

He will admit he was deeply impressed by his strength at such an age. He would've never thought he would make it past Captain Hayato during the screening section the day he went out searching for new recruits. He was so scrawny and meek, nobody thought he would pass. But the boy was determined and he even volunteered to be the first to go against Hayato. Everyone laughed at him and bullied him, in the presence of a lord no less.

And now two years later, here he is, in one of the best armies under the command of a legendary dog demon lord, minor captain of his unit. Yes, he would be perfect for this mission.

"Akimitsu is it?" he asked putting the papers aside.

"Yes milord." Sesshomaru stared down at his form. "The suit fits you well, minor captain. I heard you are now in charge for my brother's well being?"

"Yes, Captain Hayato has assigned me yesterday as Lord Inuyasha's caretaker."

Sesshomaru glared, "Why do you address him as lord?"

Akimitsu flinched at the cold glare and icy voice Sesshomaru was using and looked at the floor, "Well with all due respect milord, he is your blood and to me you are both equal. I mean I know he is a hanyou but he is also youkai and it's the same youkai blood from your father that makes you who you are today, Lord Sesshomaru. So my reason being is he is youkai in my eyes and he always will be as long as that youkai blood of your legendary father runs through his veins."

Sesshomaru was amazed at his answer. Never had he thought someone of Akimitsu's status and age would ever see or speak so deeply. He smiled his rare, dazzling smiles and nodded his approval of his answer. Akimitsu brightened and smiled back.

"How is he?"

Akimitsu's smile grew, "He's fine, I think he might even be able to roam the palace with your permission of course and…"

Sesshomaru's smile dropped and raised a delicate eyebrow. "And?"

Akimitsu fidgeted with his hakama, "You see, milord. Yesterday before another one of his incidents, he said to me that I reminded him of someone he knew. A girl, he said who always wanted to make him happy and who comforted him when everyone else rejected him. I believe that he was talking about Lady Kagome. I mean who else would be so open and kind to someone isolated from the world?"

"Akimitsu, my patience is wearing thin."

"Forgive me, milord, but believe me I have a point."

"Then get to it."

"Right, my apologizes," Akimtsu gulped, "I believe Lord Inuyasha has forgotten his memory."

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed, causing Akimitsu to shiver, "Explain." He said in an unusual icier tone.

Akimitsu gulped harder and loosened the collar of his haori, "Lord Inuyasha not only showed no recognition to Lady Kagome, but also to young Shippo. It was only after his incident did he then remember Shippo, but he still couldn't remember Lady Kagome's name.

"I think Naraku has erased memories of his friends close to him using his memories of them against him to cause all the violent attacks to the other guards on watch and to himself. Not to mention Lady Rin since she is close to you. Naraku knows Lord Inuyasha would do anything for Lady Kagome and so wants to use his memories of her to cause him even more pain."

"How sure are you of this, Akimitsu?"

"Quite sure milord. Lord Inuyasha has proven me right about this theory yesterday. He said he heard this thing screaming out their names but he couldn't hear it. When I told him they were his friend that was the moment the incident occurred! Naraku heard me say it; he could feel Lord Inuyasha have a breakthrough and didn't want him to escape from his hold. Naraku fears losing Lord Inuyasha and the only way to keep him under his control is erasing any memories of Lady Kagome and his friends."

Sesshomaru narrowed eyes glared at the papers from before, "Can you prove his memory loss is causing him pain?"

"Yes, Lord Inuyasha said it hurt him trying to remember the names. He also expressed he wouldn't be able to take the pain if he did remember. And he did remember and you know what happened next, milord."

Sesshomaru nodded, "So his memories of Shippo are back?"

"Yes, along with the others. Lady Kagome is the most important to him and Naraku. She is the only one who is still forgotten."

Sesshomaru nodded again looking out the window. "Why did you refuse to let Jaken give my brother the potion?"

Akimitsu looked down at the floor. He knew that question was coming. "Well for one that wasn't the potion you assigned us to give him." Sesshomaru turned his head slightly to the side, staring at Akimitsu from the corner of his eye.

Akimitsu sighed, "The potion Jaken had in his hand was purple not blue. It also burned the floor when it spilled from the top."

"Purple?" Sesshomaru growled. Amkimtsu nodded and looked up. "Lord Inuyasha didn't notice it; he was pleading for me to stop them. He told me it made him worse and I could easily tell it did not help ease the pain like it was made to do. It's actually making his memory loss worse."

Sesshomaru stood and walked to the balcony outside his huge window. Without turning, he threw a scroll to Akimitsu. "I have an important mission for you. You will have an hour to gather your things and leave this afternoon; Ah-Un will accompany you."

Akimitsu saluted, "I will do my best sir. Um, if you don't mind my asking, what is wrong with the purple vile?"

"It's for enemy uses only, but it's none of your concern. Akimitsu, do not fail me on this assignment."

Akimitsu stood and bowed before walking out the study. Sesshomaru gripped the railing hard; glaring at the small dark green figure in the gardens. "Jaken" he growled. The figure froze in place, his head twitching upward slowly. Sesshomaru smiled; the toad was sweating bullets. Sesshomaru raised his finger and gestured for him to come up.

Jaken yelped softly and looked around for a way to escape. "Jaken" the voice came again and then he knew; he was dead.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Keitaro blocked her punch, punched her in the face hard making her fly and crash into a tree. She stood and dashed towards him, Tetsusaiga overhead. She swung the rusty sword missing his head by an inch. Keitaro cursed under his breath and wiped away the blood on his lower cheek. Kagome smirked; glad that she at least got a hit.

Keitaro then smiled and licked the blood off. Kagome's smirk dropped and rushed over to Sango and Miroku. "Kurama get in front of Hiei now! Block anything with your Rose Whip and don't let anything touch you!"

"Kirara go to them and help Kurama." Sango commanded.

Keitaro's smile grew as he blew the blood off his tongue. Thousands of bloody thorns rushed out his mouth burning anything that got in its way. Kagome knocked them away easily. Miroku helped with his staff and was nearly touched by one.

Sango grabbed her Hiraikotsu and managed to bring it in front of them as a shield. "Kagome, what is going on? I thought you and Inuyasha killed him." she immediately slapped her mouth with her hand, cursing for bringing up the name. Miroku cursed and blocked another bloody thorn before it got Kagome.

Kagome's eye color faded and became unfocused. Her grip on Tetsusaiga loosened, "We did." She said in a monotone voice. Sango got worried and turned away, "Listen Kagome, I'm sorry. I didn't mean"

"He's about to get burned…" Kagome whispered, her eyes narrowing, "Sango go help Kurama. Hurry!" She yelled picking Hiraikotsu up and throwing it in front of Kurama before a thorn got him on the side. Sango's eyes widened, "Sango, go now!" Kagome said gripping Tetsusaiga tighter.

Sango ran to Kirara's side and blocked a few aimed for her with her katana. She fixed her boomerang in front of them protectively. "How's Hiei?" Kurama kneeled to the ground breathing heavy. "He's fine. But he needs rest." He said whipping the thorns away from Hiei's form. Sango stared at his whip. "Is that your rose?"

"Yes, I will explain later along with my companions abilities, but for now we should focus on the problem at hand." She nodded and went back to helping Kirara.

"Miroku, will you be alright alone?" Kagome asked. Miroku chopped another in half, "I can manage." Kagome gave him a curt nod and ran out to Keitaro.

Keitaro chuckled darkly and blew more thorns toward her. Kagome skidded to a halt and brought her arms in front of her. She felt the burning sensation on her arms and one on her stomach. She winced and ran at him again. Keitaro frowned. 'What is she thinking?'

Keitaro blew again and this time Kagome was ready. She stopped and spread her arms apart. Keitaro gasped. 'No, she's going to get killed!' Kagome smirked at his face and closed her eyes. A thorn scraped her arm. Her body began glowing.

"Kagome get out of the way!" Miroku shouted. Keitaro frowned. 'Why isn't she listening?' he raised his hand. 'So much for a surprise attack' he sighed and started waving his hand.

"Don't even think about it Keitaro." Kagome said. Keitaro gasped and stared at her unmoving lips. Thorns flew past him; some hitting him. Kagome stood, her arms still apart, her eyes glowing a liquid red. Keitaro cursed and dodged his own attack.

Kagome dropped her arms and ran him over. He gasped for air and fell to his knees; gripping a small dagger in his left hand. Kagome saw this, striking his wrist with the hilt of Tetsusaiga. Keitaro yelled and dropped the dagger.

"I win this time, Keitaro." She said and brought Tetsusaiga up. Keitaro waited and smiled; his fingers moving rapidly. Kagome froze and choked on the sudden intense weight on her chest. Tetsusaiga dropped; her hands were cold and unmoving along with her body. Keitaro's smile grew; thrusting his fingers in her vital points.

"Kagome!" Sango shouted getting up to help her friend. Kurama stopped her and pushed her back down. "This is her fight. There's nothing we can do to help." He said. Sango turned away helplessly. Miroku's staff shook. 'He's wrong. There has to be something'

Kagome couldn't breathe. She could feel her body swaying but nothing else was felt. She tried attacking with her mind but she wasn't fully trained and feared hurting her friends if she lost control. She watched on as Keitaro pressed more and more pressure on her being.

'What are you thinking Lady Kagome?' she heard him say in her mind.

'How did you get so powerful? I never knew you could do this.'

He didn't reply andshe felt his fingers press deeper in her chest and screamed. Keitaro's smile dropped and closed his eyes in regret.

"Kagome!" Miroku yelled throwing sacred sutras at her body. "Please let this work!" he said throwing a few more. Sango stood with Kurama on her shoulder and watched in wonder. Steam lifted off her body as the sutras burned her body. Keitaro jumped out the way before any reached him.

A small smile appeared on her lips. The warmth came back to her body and glad Keitaro was scared away from her. Miroku smiled, but it dropped when he saw her body swaying. "Kagome!" he yelled running to her.

She could feel herself falling and hard, but she didn't care. She was too tired to care. Her unfocused eyes stared at a smirking Keitaro and frowned. She wasn't finished. Her eyes landed on Hiei and her frown deepened. 'What are you doing lying on a job, Sparky?'

Miroku stopped in his tracks when Hiei caught her in his arms. He looked at Kurama's direction and saw the same confused expression on their faces. "He's incredibly fast." He heard Sango say when he reached them. Kurama nodded, "There are many other things you have yet to know about us. What I do not understand is how he is able to move."

"What do you mean?" Miroku asked.

Kurama pointed at Hiei's leg. "That mark on his leg, it was to keep him permanently frozen until this Keitaro left. He knew Hiei would want to fight him and didn't want him interfering in his battle with Kagome." Sango and Miroku exchanged glances before going back to the battle.

Kagome clutched her chest in pain. She knew Hiei caught her and she knew Keitaro still had a hold on her. She could feel his hand on her heart, squeezing it hard and tight, making her breathing impossible to endure. She cried out in pain and clutched her chest harder.

Kietaro frowned and glared at Hiei. "So you were able to escape my mind freezing hold. What a pity. If Kagome hadn't broken my mind barrier, you'd be dead by now."

Sango gasped along with the Miroku. "Kagome can do that?" she asked facing him.

"This is new to me as it is to you." He responded.

"It seems there is a lot to explain after this." Kurama said. Sango blinked, "You knew about this?" he nodded.

Hiei glared and set Kagome on the ground. She grabbed onto the end of his cloak and pulled him down again. "My fight," she choked out, "He's mine." Hiei frowned and pried her hand off his cloak. Kagome glared at him and stood with some difficulty. She grabbed Hiei's arm and steadied herself.

Keitaro laughed, "Oh what fun this will be. I get to kill two of the most powerful and important beings in the world." He grabbed his forgotten dagger and stood lazily in front of them. "Only it will soon be one." He brought his other hand out and slowly began closing it.

Kagome screamed and fell to her knees, clutching her chest, beating it repeatedly with her fist hoping to make the pain stop.

"Kagome!" she heard her friends cry out in concern. She glared at Keitaro. He laughed again, his hand almost forming a fist. She screamed louder than before, dropping to the ground below her. "Time to die." She heard him say. She closed her eyes and thought of only one person.

"Inuyasha…"

Hiei heard her and growled lowly. He pulled his sword out and before Keitaro could react he flew into a tree. Kagome gasped, sucking in air greedily and sat up. Her eyes still closed and focused on Keitaro's form in the broken tree. She started mumbling and began glowing softly.

Hiei grabbed him by the collar and pressed his sword into his neck. He could feel his dragon's desire to come out and kill. He could feel the heat rising to his head, wanting nothing more than to kill this being in front of him, kill anything that got in his way. 'Kill him. Kill him and be mine' He growled and pressed his sword deeper into Keitaro's neck. What was that?

'The one' there it was again. What is it? He heard it before back home. He stopped and pulled away. Keitaro laughed, "What's the matter Hiei? Are you afraid to get a little blood on you?"

He stopped and stared at Hiei. His hand moved to his stomach, tracing every detail on the hilt of the katana protruding out of his abdomen. He felt the hole as the katana left his body. He smiled and hoped Hiei would finish him off and quick. He couldn't hold this form much longer.

Hiei growled and aimed at his heart. Suddenly he stopped. He turned and stared at Kagome's glowing red eyes. He looked back at Keitaro's smiling face. He stepped back and walked back to the others, taking Kurama off Sango's shoulder and placing him on his own, ignoring their questioning faces. 'Thank you' he heard her say.

Keitaro was beyond confused until he felt a pull in his mind. His smile returned thinking Kagome wanted to ask him a question. His smile fell, though, when he felt an intense pain. He grabbed his head and shook it furiously. He stopped and gasped at Kagome's current form. She did it. She finally mastered it.

Kagome couldn't believe it. She finally did it. After all this time, she was able to cast it, Hell's Gate. She smiled softly and thought about all the training it took for her to learn it. She felt Keitaro staring at her and slowly opened her eyes. Liquid red met white eyes. 'Do it' she nodded and he vanished.

Hiei's eyes widened slightly. He could tell Kurama was intrigued by the way he stared at the broken tree where Keitaro once resided and now replaced by ember and dust. He himself was curious of what happened and how Kagome was able to get in his mind.

Kagome heaved out a breath and fell on her hands. "Kagome" Sango kneeled to her level, Miroku right behind her, "Are you alright?" she asked worry audible in her voice. Kirara roared softly and nuzzled her cheek.

"I'm fine. Just dizzy and…tired. Miroku can you get my bag?" she said pointing behind the boulder. Sango grabbed her hand and gently helped her sit.

The bottle of shards and the ring slipped out from her shirt, making a clinking noise when they collided. She gasped when she saw the ring and panicked. Sango noticed, "What's wrong?" she didn't answer, she stared at Hiei as realization dawned on her. She could tell he wanted answers.

"Nothing." She said putting the items back in her shirt. "I just realized Shippo isn't here."

Sango sighed in relief. "We'll go find them when you're well enough to walk." Kagome smiled and thanked her as Miroku came over with her bag.

Kurama turned to Hiei. He motioned to the ring and Kurama nodded. 'You had better control then you did before'

'I didn't even know it was calling me' Hiei responded setting him on the ground.

'What do you mean?'

'I mean something stopped it from fully taking over'

'Do you think it was Kagome who stopped it?'

'No, the jewel shards keep it in check whenever they're close to each other'Kurama gasped and turned to Kagome. Hiei stared at her unfazed by the interruption. He knew she was listening in on their conversation.

She stood on shaky legs with the help of Sango and walked over to them. 'Hiei's anger helped build a stronger mind barrier and was able to keep control but he didn't realize it' she said sitting down next to Kurama. She opened the first aid kit and started applying some medicine on his minor injuries. 'By the way Kurama, thanks for teaching me on building barriers. It came in handy the day you guys first arrived here' she said staring at Hiei with knowing eyes.

Kurama noticed and chuckled mentally. 'My pleasure Kagome'

Hiei stood beside Miroku. He saw him flinch a little, but remained by his side. Sango came to his other side and smiled at him, "Thank you, Hiei, for helping Kagome."

"Hn" he said looking away from her. Miroku chuckled a little along with Kurama. Sango kept smiling. She looked at Kagome's dark almost black eyes and her smile disappeared. She still felt bad for bringing up his name earlier and blamed herself for bringing this side of Kagome back. She hated seeing her depressed and cursed herself for not thinking.

Miroku saw her sudden sadness and looked at Kagome. He also noticed the change in mood and the heavy darkness her aura radiated. Ever since his death, Kagome's mood easily changed when something reminded her of him or if his name was brought up. Her appearance changed as well, not drastically but noticeably. The freakiest change was the color of her eyes. They showed no joy that they always shine but death and misery. It took days before they got back to normal. He was glad that Shippo never noticed the change in them.

Kagome saw their reactions from the corner of her eye and quickly masked her aura before Hiei or Kurama noticed. She hated causing her friends pain just because of a sudden change. She noticed it when her mother mentioned it again a month ago, the day before she was taken to Spirit World. She hated it and obviously cried but then she felt nothing and that's what scared her the most. She couldn't take the looks her friends were giving her and the uncomfortable atmosphere.

"Sango, Miroku why don't you guys go ahead and look for Shippo and them. I bet they're anxious especially Yusuke."

"Sure Kagome. We'll be back in a few minutes." Miroku said turning towards the forest.

"Let's go, Kirara." Sango said thankful for the distraction her friend offered her. But she knew she'll have to apologize soon and she will tonight when they go to the hot springs.

Kagome waited until they were gone and turned back to Kurama. They remained silent for a while. "How's your leg, Hiei?" Kurama jumped at the sound of her monotone voice. Kagome noticed, but said nothing. She finished putting some sticky substance on him and sat down, staring at Hiei's leg.

Kurama and Hiei watched on curiously when they saw Hiei's leg beginning to glow blue. Kagome looked at their bewildered faces and smiled slightly, "Nothing serious. You were lucky Hiei."

"Kagome who was he?" Kurama asked.

"And how were you able to get through my barrier?" Hiei added angrily.

Kagome sighed and stared at her ankle blankly, "That was Keitaro; a former enemy. He was the one that killed Inuyasha." Her eyes darkened a little more. "He is also my teacher in my mind training."

"Why did he try to kill you?" Kurama asked. He was shocked at the thought of an enemy being close to her.

Kagome dreaded that question, "I'll explain when the others get back. They have the right to know as well." She looked up at the sky, "He being my teacher goes back to your question Hiei. He taught me how to use my healing powers consciously, mind reading, visions of the future and he made sure to perfect my mind barriers. Of course he was going to teach me how to break through even the most powerful barrier to read others minds."

Kurama eyebrows knotted, "What about your mind control? Have you mastered that yet?"

"Unfortunately no I haven't. The same goes for my elemental powers. Keitaro sees the future as well and he could only teach me the powers that involve using my mind. I have to find someone on my own to teach me the elements I wish to learn."

"Which are what?" Hiei asked curiously. This was the only thing that interested him besides the teleportation ability.

Kagome smiled softly, "Fire and Ice." She responded, her voice hinting some of her old happy tone. Hiei's eyes widened slightly and Kurama smirked mentally. He knew those were going to be her choices. He bet she only chose those to get back at Hiei. "And" she continued.

"Earth" she said. Kurama's face fell and Hiei laughed in his mind. Kagome heard Yoko curse Hiei and laughed lowly.

Kurama turned and smiled, glad to hear her voice back to normal. But it soon dropped and she returned to her monotone mask. Kurama didn't like it on her. It didn't fit her. He enjoyed seeing her smile and laugh. He hated seeing her this way.

"Kagome, what about your teleportation?" he said hoping to bring back her smile. It worked for she laughed half-heartedly. Hiei was also glad to hear her laugh. He wouldn't say it out loud but he missed her laugh terribly and it always cheered him up when he heard it.

"Not so good. You want to see?" she asked, laughter shining in her eyes. Kurama smiled and even Hiei offered her a small smile of encouragement. Kagome made sure not to look at Hiei. 'This is the first time I've seen you smile Sparky' she thought making sure to block Kurama out.

Hiei's smile grew a little and nodded. He was glad Kurama wasn't looking his way for he was sure to never live it down if he saw him. Kagome looked at him then, "Hiei, would you mind getting my bag?"

"Why do you need it?" Kurama asked helping her stand. She stopped him and sat back down on the ground. Hiei came back and threw the bag to her. She caught it with ease and took out a towel. She closed her bag and attaching her towel to the top handle, threw it to a tree a few feet in front of them.

Kurama and Hiei watched as the towel came off the bag and drifting to a high branch. Her smile grew when she saw their confused faces. "I can teleport fine but," She closed her eyes and concentrated. Her eyelids began to glow a soft purple and soon she disappeared.

Kurama and Hiei gasped and looked at the spot Kagome once occupied, "I can never manage to teleport wearing clothes." They looked up and found Kagome up in the tree her bag was underneath. They blushed when they saw the towel only reached her mid-thigh.

Kagome's dark eyes glistened with mischievous glee at the sight of them. She glowed purple again and appeared in front of Hiei. She grabbed him by the collar and pulled him towards her.

"Is the macho man actually blushing?" she asked fake fainting and leaning on his shoulder. "Oh I could get lost looking into those deep crimson eyes!" she said her face an inch away. "And those lips of his are to die for!"

"KAGOME!?" they turned and saw Kuwabara's mouth wide open and his eye was twitching. Yusuke was behind him, first in shock then anger. Miroku had his perverted smile before Kagome glared and he hid behind Kirara. Sango only glanced at her, cocking her head to the side.

"Why are you in a towel? And so close to the shrimp?" Kuwabara exclaimed, making Yusuke angrier.

Kagome stared at them before walking to the tree where her bag was and pulled out clean clothes. Sango glared at Miroku not to look and made sure the others did the same. Kagome smirked a little from behind the tree and a small blush crossed her cheeks. She took a quick peek at the hybrid before finishing dressing, the blush and smirk completely gone.

"Momma, you're ok!" Shippo yelled tackling Kagome into a hug once she stepped out into the clearing, "I was so worried!" Kagome smiled, her eyes lighting a little.

"I'm glad you're safe sweetie. Did Yu-Yu and Kazu keep you entertained?" she asked in her oh so familiar motherly tone. Shippo nodded rapidly, "Yea, I saw them fighting again and guess what!"

Kagome giggled, "What?"

"Kazuma-" Yusuke covered his mouth before he could finish. Kagome stared at him disapprovingly, "That was rude."

"Sorry, Kig, but you can't hear what he has to say." Kagome narrowed her eyes suspiciously, "Why?"

Yusuke backed away and bumped into a smirking Hiei. Kagome quickly shined blue and started laughing. Yusuke turned and blushed madly. Hiei's smirk grew at his predicament.

The others looked on in wonder except for Kuwabara who was laughing along with Kagome. Yusuke growled and stomped away embarrassed.

Kagome calmed and walked over to him. "Don't worry, Yu-Yu. I won't say anything about your super ultimate wedgie!" she laughed harder and Kuwabara joined her. Kurama even chuckled a little. "It's no wonder you were walking funny!" she exclaimed rolling on the floor.

Sango and Miroku were still clueless. Shippo seemed to get it since Kuwabara told him what a wedgie was. He told them but they still didn't seem to get it. "It's ok; I don't get what's so funny about it either."

Kagome quieted down and looked up at the horizon, "Let's find a place to camp for the day. There's a lot to explain and I need a bath!"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Keiko huffed frustrated and crunched the map in her hand. "Shizuru," she said.

"No, Keiko."

"But we've been on this street already in the last three days. Can we please pull over and ask directions?"

"No, Keiko. I know where we are. It's near here. I can feel it." Shizuru said throwing the butt of her cigarette out the window. Keiko huffed again and put her cheek on her hand. Yukina looked out the window happily and watched the birds chirping.

"Shizuru, maybe Keiko's right. I think you should pull over and ask someone. I bet that nice looking woman wearing that short shirt and really short skirt at the corner would help."

Keiko blushed, "Uh no Yukina. I don't think she'll help us find the shrine."

"Oh ok." Yukina said waving at the woman as they passed her. Keiko watched from the rear view mirror and sighed, relieved Yukina didn't see the woman flick her off.

Shizuru noticed too and smirked. "Don't worry Keiko. I'll take care of her when we go back home."

"You know her?"

She nodded, "She's my boss's brother's sister-in-law's niece's cousin. She comes by the salon every week to get a new hairdo."

Keiko scratched her head. Who knew following someone's relation could give you a headache? Shizuru laughed. "Now back to the business of finding Sunset Shrine." She said turning the corner to be back at the street where the woman used to be at.

"You're going the wrong way." Yukina said laughing at a pair of birds flying together. Keiko turned around in her seat. "What do you mean Yukina?"

"Sunset Shrine is on the opposite side of this street, down the road, taking a left, head straight and another left and there it is."

"How do you know that?" Shizuru said turning in her seat as well.

Keiko froze and screamed, "Shizuru, keep your eyes on the road!"

"Relax Keiko. I parked." Keiko blinked and looked out her window. She scratched her head sheepishly and sweat-dropped.

"So how do you know, Yukina?" Shizuru asked again.

Yukina held up a map, "Kazuma sent me this map a month ago. He wrote me a letter about how he knew you'll be late coming to the shrine because of work and too stubborn to pull over and ask directions so he made this map for me in case we got lost."

A tick grew on Shizuru's head and ripped the paper out of Yukina's hands. "Why that no good brother! He'll pay dearly for making me seem like a complete and useless fool!"

"Now Shizuru, don't do anything worth dying for." Keiko said. But it was no use. Shizuru slammed her foot on the gas and U-turned sharply, almost hitting a car in the process. Yukina grabbed onto her seatbelt and Keiko had her legs propped onto the dash board pushing herself back as far as possible. "Shizuru slow down!"

"That bastard! How can he make me look like an idiot? He's the jackass not me!" Shizuru mumbled.

"Shizuru!" Keiko screamed pointing to a tan car in front of them. Shizuru blinked and turned. But it was too late. The car hit them straight on, making their car flip over to the side and down the slope on the road.

Yukina screamed; Keiko held onto Shizuru's neck, "We're gonna die, we're gonna die, we're gonna die!" she yelled. Shizuru had her cheek in her hand, pushing the distressed woman off her.

She opened her door and stepped out to the sidewalk they were parked next to. Yukina undid her seatbelt and stepped out as well. Keiko opened her eyes and gasped. "We're alive!" she said getting out of the car.

"Of course we are! You really thought I was going to kill you?" Shizuru said aggravated. "Look, the road wasn't even steep." She said pointing to the road behind them. It was only five feet! Keiko sweat-dropped and Yukina looked at her in concern. Keiko waved her hand dismissively.

"Anyways we're here." Shizuru said turning to the long staircase beside them. They had no problem climbing up the millions of stairs seeing as Genkai had the same type of staircase. They saw an old man sweeping when they reached the top and Shizuru smiled.

"Hey Gramps, still old I see." She said walking up the man.

Said man turned and smiled, "Shizuru, my have you grown up so fast!" he said hugging her tight. Shizuru hugged him back and pulled him towards her friends.

"Gramps, this is Keiko and Yukina. They're staying here with me for a while if you don't mind."

"Of course I don't mind. But beware. There are demons lurking around in this city and they look like ordinary people! Just like that Kurama boy who tried to get with my granddaughter!" he gripped the broom so tight it almost broke.

"Father, Kurama is a nice boy. And he is human." Kun-Loon said walking out the door. "Well partly human." Souta poked his head out the door right behind her.

He smiled and ran out the house, "Shizuru" he said hugging her. Shizuru laughed and patted his head. Kun-Loon came next and hugged her, "It's good to see you, Shizu."

"You too, Mama Higurashi." She said laying her head on her shoulder. Kun-Loon rubbed her back before pulling back. Shizuru went back to her friends and pushed them to her.

"Mama Higurashi, this is Keiko, Yusuke's girlfriend."

Kun-Loon smiled and shook her hand, "Please to meet you Keiko. Yusuke is lucky to have found himself such a beautiful girl as you."

Keiko smiled pleasantly, "Thank you and the pleasure is all mine, Ms. Higurashi."

"Oh, you can call me Mama Higurashi. Ms. is too formal for my liking."

Keiko nodded and Shizuru pushed a blushing Yukina further up, "And this shy one is Yukina, Kazuma's crush."

Kun-Loon laughed softly and shook her hand, "Hello Yukina. My, aren't you a pretty one." Yukina's blush deepened. "N-nice to me-meet you."

Kun-Loon smiled warmly, "Why don't you head on inside while Grandpa and Souta grab your things. I just finished making some tea." She said herding them inside.

Souta walked to the foot of the stairs and laughed, "Wow Shizuru. Even Kagome drives better than you. And Kagome's awful at driving!" he said laughing down the stairs. Grandpa chuckled at the sight of their car and walked behind Souta.

Shizuru ran to the stairs, "Hey I can drive! A stupid car just crashed into us on the way here." She yelled waving her fist in the air.

Kun-Loon gasped, "You crashed?"

Keiko sighed, "She had one of her moments."

Kun-Loon nodded in understanding. "Well let's go inside before the tea gets cold."

"Do you need any help serving it?" Yukina asked walking beside her.

Kun-Loon smiled, "Why yes, thank you for offering Yukina." She blushed again but smiled.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sango sighed in pure bliss as Shippo swam by on his floaties. "This feels wonderful." Kagome nodded, ducking her head underwater. Sango opened her eyes and waited for her to submerge. Shippo stopped peddling and waited with her.

"Wow, I didn't know she could hold her breath that long." Sango nodded and he swam closer to the black blob in the water. He screamed when her head popped out, taking in a deep breath. Sango cringed but relaxed when Kagome laughed.

"Sorry sweetie. I didn't mean to scare you."

"You didn't scare me! You just took me by surprise." He grumbled. She laughed again and pushed him forward a little. He laughed and peddled away. Sango smiled and turned her attention back to Kagome.

"Kagome"

"Hm?"

Sango looked at her relaxed expression and almost dreaded bringing back the subject. She sighed and swam closer to her. Kagome looked at her curiously with those dark eyes of hers. Sango flinched and knew that she had no choice.

"Kagome, I want to apologize for earlier today when I brought up his name. I didn't mean to get you upset and it just slipped. I'm sorry. I hate myself for bringing you back into this state when you were over it already." She turned away and stared at her reflection sadly, "I just wasn't thinking straight. I'm sorry."

Kagome looked away towards the woods and said nothing. She knew Sango really meant what she said, but it still hurt and she thought she was over it, but she was wrong. "It's alright Sango. I mean it happens to everyone right?" she attempted to smile but failed when she saw her friend still down.

"Hey don't be like that. Miroku would feel bad if he saw you that way." that did it. Sango blushed and hid under her bangs. Kagome giggled and touched her head, "So how are you two anyways?"

Sango blushed harder, "What are you talking about? There's nothing going on between us."

Kagome laughed, "Sure there is! I see the way you two stare at each other and how you're always standing next to him."

"That's so he won't go off and asking some stranger to bear his child." Kagome laughed harder at her red faced expression. Sango's blush lessened and smiled at her friend. At least she managed to make her smile; even if it did embarrass her deeply.

"So what was that about?" Sango asked when she calmed down.

Kagome shrugged, "It's something to help Shippo learn how to swim without drowning in the process."

"Not that. I mean what was that about with Hiei and you in that towel. Did something happen while we were gone?" Now it was Kagome's turn to blush causing Sango to giggle.

"Nothing happened! Don't even think that happened. Don't you know me enough not to do that at a young age!? I'm shocked; you really have been around Miroku too much."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Hiei sat on a tree branch watching the idiots play go fish. Kurama sat next to Miroku and talked with him all the while making sure he didn't try to walk off in the direction of the hot springs. How he could be a monk with such a perverted nature was beyond him.

He lay back on the tree trunk and closed his eyes. He couldn't keep the image of Kagome so close to kissing him out of his head. He was disgusted with himself when he found that a part of him really wanted to kiss her. To make matters worse she managed to make herself known somewhere in his barrier. Now he won't be able to keep his thoughts away from her unless she chose to leave.

He scowled. It wouldn't matter. Even if she did leave his mind she'll only come back. He didn't know she left her mark until after they set up camp and she spoke to him before she went to bathe with Sango and Shippo. He was angry he didn't feel her inside him and beyond pissed when she sent him to the ground yet again. He opened his eyes and looked at what was left of the moon.

Tomorrow was a new moon and the day they return to their time after a month. He liked it here. It wasn't noisy and the air was cleaner and had all the demons to kill whenever he's bored. He smirked at the thought of living here with Yukina. Away from humanity and away from anyone who threatens Yukina if she found out he was her brother. His smirk dropped and stood.

Kurama looked up at him before he vanished. A knowing smile caressed his lips and turned back to Miroku. He sighed and stood walking behind a tree. He grabbed Miroku by the back collar and dragged him back to the campsite. Yusuke and Kuwabara laughed while Miroku scratched the back of his head. Kurama sighed

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Kagome got out and grabbed a towel. Sango's blush came back and got out after her. Shippo swam back to them and Kagome pulled him out. He laughed as Kagome dried him. She blew on his stomach making him laugh harder. She giggled and put him down so he could dress.

She grabbed her things and began dressing. "I'll show you and explain everything when we get back to camp. Then your question will be answered."

They turned at the sound of rustling leaves. Sango grabbed her sword and Kagome her bow and arrows. A squirrel ran out the bushes and ran to a tree with its mouth full of nuts. The girls relaxed and put their weapons away to finish dressing.

"Will it answer why you were so close to Hiei like he was your mate?" Sango asked finishing tying her hair. Kagome blushed and looked down at her pajama pants.

"Did it really look like I was his mate?" her blush darkening. Sango noticed the light daze in her voice, as if she really did hope she was his mate. Sango looked at her questioning but kept that to herself. She'll have to tell Kurama about that.

"Yea it did. I mean you were about to kiss him when we arrived and Yusuke was about ready to kill Hiei. He thought he took advantage of you while you were weakened from the fight."

Kagome smiled a little, but it disappeared when she heard the last part. She sighed and grabbed her things, slinging the bag on her shoulder. "Well Yusuke needs to learn that I can take care of myself now. And besides Sesshomaru would kill anyone who took advantage of me before Yusuke or Kazuma even touch him."

She grabbed Shippo and cradled him in her arms as he snuggled deeper in her chest. Sango followed behind her but stopped and looked back at the woods. She felt someone's aura before it quickly hid it and she could've sworn she heard something gasp. She glared at the bush the squirrel jumped out of before jogging up to Kagome's side.

Hiei released his hold on his aura when he knew they were gone from his reach. He didn't plan on stopping by the springs. He was on his way to kill some demons to relieve all the anger from his system when he came upon the scene and heard his name come from the taijiya. To say he was shocked was an understatement. He was completely and utterly astounded.

But it wasn't from what the taijiya asked but by the way Kagome replied. He could hear a smile in her voice and she seemed so dazed by the thought of it. He couldn't help but smile. He didn't want to but some part of him was completely overjoyed that the smile just appeared and he didn't care. He felt a fuzzy feeling in his stomach and an unknowing feeling in his heart. He placed his hand on his chest and felt his heart pounding from excitement.

His smile dropped though. He knew he shouldn't be glad by the thought of Kagome liking him. He knew they would never be together and never even come close to a relationship. She was courted to Sesshomaru and he had to accept the fact she will never be his. His hand clenched as he ran back to camp. All the happiness he felt in him vanishing.

He made it back a few minutes before the girls and sat at the tree he once occupied. Kurama noticed his return and tried talking with him mentally, but Hiei shut him out. Kurama frowned. He felt his sudden disturbance and wanted to know what happened to cause it. He let it go though when Shippo landed on his lap.

"So Kurama, you ready to show and tell?" Kagome asked grabbing her wet towel. Kurama smiled and nodded taking out his rose again.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Let me get this straight. Kagome, little Kagome is a miko?" Shizuru said putting her cup of tea down. Souta nodded proudly taking another one of his mom's mini cakes.

"And she can travel back in time through a well to a place where demons and humans live together?" Kun-Loon nodded. "And she has to collect these shard thingies to complete the Jewel of Four Souls and defeat this crazy, egotistic half demon to save current day Japan?"

"That's correct Shizuru. You're taking this very well for someone who is just learning about demons." Kun-Loon said.

Keiko and Yukina shifted uneasily and Shizuru looked away. "Not exactly Mama Higurashi. You see we deal with demons almost every day back at home."

"Yea, Yukina here is actually a demon herself." Keiko said blushing. Kun-Loon blinked and looked at a shameful Yukina.

Souta grabbed Grandpa's hand before he grabbed his salt and threw at her. "Let me go, Souta. She is an evil demon and no demon will be residing in this holy home."

"Grandpa she's not evil." Shizuru said hitting him on the head. "She's one of the kindest and nicest people you'll ever meet."

"Yea and not to mention she's really pretty." Souta said. He slapped his mouth shut and turned red. Yukina blushed and Kun-Loon and Keiko laughed at his misfortune. He stuffed his mouth with more cakes to keep him from saying anything else.

"I figured as much. Your eyes give it away, Yukina." Kun-Loon said smiling and turned back to Shizuru, "How is it that you are associated with demons? I didn't even know demons still existed."

"Well you see. They have their own…"

"Maybe it'll be easier if I told them Shizuru." They turned to the door and saw a smiling Botan in jeans and a pink sweater. "Sorry to drop in like this but Koenma wanted to visit."

"Koenma? Where is he?" Keiko asked standing. Botan giggled and turned her back on them. There was Koenma with swirly eyes and mouth open, mumbling something about hyper speed and blue haired reapers.

Kun-Loon squealed and picked him off the pouch on Botan's back. "What an adorable little baby! Is he yours?" she asked Botan. Shizuru laughed and Yukina smiled.

Botan blushed and shook her head. "No he's not. He's my boss actually."

Grandpa growled and stood. "If you don't start making sense this instant I'll personally kick you out of my shrine."

"My apologies sir, but it's true." Botan said bowing.

"Yes, she's right old man. I'm her boss." Koenma said earning a cuddle from Kun-Loon.

"Now I know where Kagome gets her clinginess." He said turning red. Botan and the others laughed. Koenma pushed Kun-Loon away and stood on the table.

"Allow me to introduce myself; I am Lord Koenma, prince of the Spirit World."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Kagura stared outside the window and fanned herself. She was bored and Naraku's sudden disappearance made her suspicious. "Kagura" she jumped and turned to the door. Kanna stared at her blankly.

"Kanna, how many times I have told you to not sneak up on me? You may be my older sister but it doesn't mean-"

"Naraku, he's weak tomorrow night." She said simply.

Kagura glared, "Where are you going with this, Kanna?" she said nothing and turned away.

Kagura stared at her retreating form before scoffing and turning back to the window. Her sister never made sense to her. She's always saying mysterious riddles with no answers to them. She knew Naraku was weak tomorrow and he was using that weakness to draw in more demons to absorb. Soon though, all that would end and it will end with her regaining her freedom.

She glared at the sky and threw her feather out, flying off into the night.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Lord Sesshomaru, Akimitsu has returned." A bruised and bandaged Jaken said.

Sesshomaru turned from the window and sat on his chair. "Bring him in." he said.

Jaken opened the door only to have it slammed on his face. Akimitsu rushed in happily and bowed to Sesshomaru, "I bring good news, Lord Sesshomaru." He turned at the sound of a groan and gasped. "Master Jaken! Oh my, I'm so sorry! Here let me help you up."

"Leave him." Sesshomaru said.

Akimitsu stopped and turned to him. He looked back at the helpless Jaken. He was torn at the decision. He bowed, "Lord Sesshomaru will you grant me permission to help Master Jaken stand?"

Sesshomaru glared, "Denied. Now tell me the news before I have you removed." Akimitsu turned away from Jaken's shaky body and sat on the cushion.

"The one you have been seeking has been found. She lives in the mountains of the northern lands, southeast from the waterfall."

Sesshomaru nodded, "Is there anything else?"

"Yes, I found a powerful barrier surrounding the perimeter. It had a strange feel to it and once touched it sends off this burning sensation that lasts all night. Nobody of demonic powers may pass through, not even the strongest."

"Well done. Dismissed." Akimtsu bowed and stood. Sesshomaru watched him go.

"Akimitsu," he stopped and turned, "Show my brother to his mother's garden and make sure to stay by him no matter what."

Akimitsu smiled, "I will sir. Thank you." He bowed again before running out the study to Inuyasha's room.

Sesshomaru sat motionless and read over the report the hawk youkai gave. He growled and pushed away from the desk. A clomp on the floor turned his attention back to the old desk. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at the sight of an old journal and dusty chest and bent down to pick up the fallen items.

The small door was hidden from the view of visitors and the possessor as well. Sesshomaru stared at the hidden compartment mystified. He sat in front of it and yet he hadn't seen the cleverly hidden and obvious hiding place. He stared at the chest and placed it on his desk and stood holding the journal in his hand.

The journal belonged to his mother and father. The first few pages were dated and filled with his mother's writing up until the date of her death and that's when his father's writing took over. He read a few pages and stopped when it reached the part about the chest.

I found this the day Inutaisho gave me the ring. It seemed to be calling me and my curiosity got the best of me. The chest was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. The blue embedded on the gold was truly remarkable. And the complicated designs making it seem like vines trying to keep the chest closed at all costs.

Sesshomaru put the journal down and cleaned the dust off the chest. It truly was remarkable. The colors matched the Western Lands signature colors perfectly and not only that but it seemed to feel at home here in the palace. He stared at the box in his hand in wonder. How is it that an object can radiate emotions like waves just as humans? He put the box down and continued reading.

And then the strangest thing happened. Before I found the chest, I was tensed and uncomfortable with the ring. I felt uneasy wearing it, but when I came upon the chest all the tension around me suddenly vanished and I felt at ease and everything was peaceful. The ring was no longer whispering these things to me. I didn't notice it before but the ring was slipping from my finger and it was weakening. I grabbed the chest and took it back to the palace and showed it to Inutaisho. He was mesmerized by it as I. Later was when we then discovered what the chest truly does.

One day after my struggling to keep the ring in check, I asked my father to bring me the chest so I could take a potion made to ease my pain. I was screaming by the time he returned and then it happened. The voice, the pain, the struggling and the ring's glow resided as soon as he placed the chest next to me. I don't know what happened next for I fainted.

Once I awoke, Inutaisho was smiling down on me and kissed me… Sesshomaru scowled and skipped ahead. Once I agreed to his proposal, he told me about my one day death and the day of my burial. He said the chest is what helped me win my battle for dominance. My mother sent out to find some information on it and reported it was a heavenly gift from a miko long ago, the same miko who was the enemy of the witch who created the ring. She used the chest to trap some of the ring's power and return it full blast to the user, weakening them both before it caused more damage.

To this day I have no idea as to why I was not weakened like the ring since I am its user. The chest is an important asset to whoever is next to rule the ring. I kept it by me when I felt the ring begin to rebel. Only after the birth of my dear Sesshomaru did the ring accept me and therefore the chest was needed no more. Inutaisho kept it hidden in case I ever needed it again. Not only that, but assassins have tried to take both items. The ring has changed many things and...

Sesshomaru closed the journal and put it back in the hidden compartment along with the chest. He had to make sure to take it with him the next time he went to Kagome. She'll be happy to know she won't have to stress too much on keeping it safe on her own.

He walked out to the balcony and saw Akimitsu exiting the door with a reluctant Inuyasha behind him. He watched as they walked around the corner to his other mother's garden. He would admit her garden was one of the most beautiful he's ever walked into.

Her grave was hidden in the deepest part of the bushes surrounded with her favorite flowers, freesia. He sometimes went to the garden late at night to watch the fireflies dance in the moonlight close to a small pool with a waterfall looming above. He even visited her grave and stared at the inscriptions before he scowls and walks back to his chambers.

He saw Akimitsu running away and falling in mud courtesy of Inuyasha. Sesshomaru couldn't help but smile a little. He came to respect Inuyasha as a worthy opponent and ally. But he mostly began respecting him as a brother. At times he regrets for ever degrading him whenever his-their father talked of him. In a way, he took pride of his half brother. He is one of the most well known of demons and feared by some…just like him.

He stared at them a little longer before turning and walked out his study, heading to the training guards. There were some new recruits in today and as lord, he must choose who he sees fit to be under his wing. He heard the laughter coming from the garden once he was outside. He mentally smiled as Inuyasha ran past him. He looked at him before walking into the dojo.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Inuyasha's mouth hanged open at the beauty of the garden. He couldn't believe that all this belonged to his beloved mother.

A stream flowed from a small waterfall filling a small pool full with exotic fishes from around the country. A canopy tree hung lowly nearby for any who wished to rest. The sun in its highest peak of the day hit the pool perfectly, reflecting it shine off it and making it sparkle while making the surrounding trees and glorious flowers form a shadowy terrain. The flowers filled the air and he noticed the scent of freesia. The daisies and tulips and roses and forget-me-nots and others he didn't know made it so colorful.

Akimitsu watched from the entrance with a bright smile on his face. Inuyasha walked tree to tree and they were all Sandalwood except for the canopy tree. Their scent mixed with the flowers made the most exquisite scent in the world. He saw a bench under the canopy tree which looked like it only fit two people.

An evil smirk crept to his lips as he saw a small puddle of mud form near the waterfall. He turned to Akimitsu who was sniffing the Sandalwood and his smirk grew.

"Akimitsu, can you get me some of those flowers on the field? I want to make a crown for Rin mixed with these." Inuyasha said walking over to a small flower bed of daisies. Akimitsu stared at him weirdly before walking out to the field.

Inuyasha ran over to the small waterfall and cupped some mud in his hands, making sure not to get any on his clean white clothes. He ran outside and dropped it at the corner of the palace. He could feel Sesshomaru stare from his study and smiled softly and ran back to the garden and picking up some more mud.

Just then Akimitsu came back and dropped the flowers in horror. "Lo-Lord Inuyasha, wh- what are you doing with mud in your hands?"

Inuyasha smirked innocently, "Oh I tripped and caught myself before I got dirty. And well I thought that you might want SOME MUD PIES!" he yelled mud hurling in the air.

Shivers visibly ran over his body as he dodged the flying wet dirt. Inuyasha pretended to grab some more and Akimitsu ran. Inuyasha dropped the pile of mud and chased him out. 'This is going to be good' he ran ahead and stopped in front of the panicked kitsune earning a screech and him running the other way.

Inuyasha smirk turned into a smile. 'Perfect' he kicked a stick up and kicked it hard, landing a few feet in front of the fox. Said fox tripped and fell into a dark brown pile of mud. Inuyasha laughed and ran up to him.

"Looks like Ah-Un had a little accident today!" he laughed harder when the smell got worse from being in the sun.

Akimitsu groaned with his head still in the pile and grudgingly stood up, wiping the dirt off his eyes. "That wasn't nice Lord Inuyasha." he said wiping off the rest.

Inuyasha's laughter lowered down to chuckles, "Sorry kid, but I couldn't resist." Akimitsu half-heartedly glared at his clean form and looked down at his dirty self.

"Well we should at least make it fair. I mean it's the least you can do for me since I care for you." He said gathering the remaining mess in his hands. Inuyasha glared at him, his humor completely gone. Akimitsu smiled, "You owe me, Lord Inuyasha."

Inuyasha punched him on the face before he threw the mud at him. Akimitsu grunted and stumbled backwards. He saw a smile appear on Inuyasha and a smirk appeared on him. It was on! He ran to him, hand extended out ready to launch.

Inuyasha's smirk grew and ran off, Akimitsu following close behind. He couldn't help but to let out a chuckle. As he ran he observed the palace and memorized where what was in case he got bored in his room again. Now that Sesshomaru lets him out, he can tour the place and sightsee. He heard Akimitsu yelling and he chuckled louder.

He came near what looked like a dojo and ran past. He noticed a figure walking to the entrance and abruptly stopped. He watched the figure stop and turn to him with the same emotionless face he came to know. He stared at Sesshomaru for a while until he heard Akimitsu getting closer. He watched him from the corner of his eye as he set off, feeling the stare of his brother on him as he ran to the other side of the dojo. A smile crept up to him and felt an unknowing feeling deep in the pit of his stomach.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Yusuke stared at the sky above glistening with stars. He was surprised to say the least. Who knew his news friends had such dark pasts and how strong they are for humans. Not only that, but he finds out his grade school friend is a miko and has all these freaky powers that any demon might have, but a human. That was unheard of. And a powerful one was mind blowing. That meant more demons going after her and more life threatening situations.

He was mad. He's mad that it had to be her. Ever since he became a Spirit Detective he wished and hoped that she was ok wherever she was and never have to deal with demons. But now all that wishing and hoping was broken. Everything was gone, lost in the depths of his soul. He hated he couldn't help prevent what happened to her and he wasn't able to protect her whenever she was in danger because he didn't know and he wasn't there with her.

He knew Kuwabara felt the same way and who wouldn't? If anyone ever met someone as Kagome they would want to protect her no matter what. But the thought of her almost dying at the hands of that witch stealing her soul and a second time when that crazy midget with poisons burned the hut while she and his new friends were unconscious crushed his heart. It worsened when he realized no matter what he did, he wouldn't have been able to stop it from happening. It was fate and no one can escape their fate.

He sighed and shook his head clearing his mind and started thinking of Keiko. The more he stared at the stars the clearer an image of her formed. He smiled and thought back to the old days before they started dating. Honestly, if it weren't for Kuwabara he wouldn't be with her to this day. Kagome helped a little when they were kids, but he was surprised when it was Kuwabara that finally convinced him in the end. The lump was pretty good at match making.

He chuckled and stood walking back to the camp that became a battle field. He chuckled more when he remembered Kuwabara's reaction to Kagome's teleportation. The idiot ran to her and tried to cover her up more with the towel and only managed to pull it off her instead. To say Kagome was angry was an understatement. She grabbed the towel quick before it fell to the ground and punched Kuwabara in the face making him fly into a tree. She had a heck of a left hook.

Sango was still applying some of the antibacterial medicine on him when he came back. Kagome was far away from them, glaring at Kuwabara with Shippo shaking a little from fear in her arms. Miroku rested near Sango with still a fresh handprint courtesy of Kagome. Yusuke was angry too, but not as much as Kagome. Kurama was underneath the tree Hiei was in polishing his katana.

Sango seemed to like Kurama's choice of weaponry, especially when the petals flew around him. Yea, that was her favorite part. Miroku was mostly interested in his and Kuwabara's spirit attacks. He said it was the most fascinating and oddest thing he's seen.

Yusuke smirked remembering the face of pure excitement on his face when he blasted a rock with a miniature version of Spirit Gun. And the excitement only grew when Kuwabara showed off his Spirit Sword.

He sat next to Kagome and smiled even though he knew she wouldn't see. He leaned back on the ground and looked at the scattered stars trying to make Keiko's face appear again. He was so entranced and concentrated that he didn't notice Kagome poking his belly button.

"Yu-Yu, something the matter?" she asked. He looked away from the twinkling dots and turned to her. Shippo had fallen asleep on her lap.

"Nah, just thinking."

"Missing Keiko right?"

Yusuke smiled, "How did you even find out we started dating?"

Kagome giggled, "Mind readings remember." Yusuke scowled. "Don't worry, Yu-Yu. I didn't go through anything personal. Besides I didn't need to read your mind to know you were."

"Then how?"

"Keiko called me." She giggled. Yusuke's eyebrow twitched. Kagome giggled some more; her dark eyes shining from the firelight. Yusuke sat up and stared at the stars again.

"You know, momma told me a story when I was a kid about a young princess and one of her servants that lived a few years before today. It had to do with the stars. You wanna hear it?" Kagome asked, petting Shippo's tail.

Yusuke lay on the ground and uttered a yes.

Kagome smiled, "Once there was a powerful emperor who took over all of Japan. One of the best ever in Japan and he was kind to his people not like others before him. He had many wives, ten sons and only one daughter. He loved his daughter dearly and spoiled her seeing as she looked just like the woman he truly ever loved. The princess loved her father, but she was annoyed that he kept trying to make a father/daughter relationship by giving her gifts. She was greatly admired and respected by her people and all the men wanted to court her. But the girls in her kingdom used her for her riches and her title so they would be known in their villages as a friend of their loving princess. And because of that she had only one true friend, the servant boy she grew up with.

"Her father disapproved of their relationship and wished for them to stop seeing each other. But the princess's brothers convinced him into letting her have a friend. Her father reluctantly agreed and later chose a man who he deemed worthy for the princess's coming of age for marriage grew closer and the princess felt in instant connection with him the moment they met. She told the servant boy all about him and how she thought she loved him."

Kagome looked up and saw everyone, even Miroku, watching her as she told the story. She saw Hiei up in a tree staring at her intently and she quickly looked down.

"The servant boy secretly had a crush on the princess and that crush soon turned to love. He wanted to tell her for a long time, but he knew such a thing was forbidden for he was a servant and she a princess. He was happy she found someone she loved but his heart broke piece by piece each time she mentioned him. The princess noticed his sadden expression, but when she asked why he said she reminded him of his mother and about a legend he heard from her."

"Kagome, what does this have to do with the stars?" Yusuke asked.

"I'm getting there! As I was saying, the princess wanted to know the legend and asked him to tell her. So that night, the boy took her outside of the palace and to a beautiful lake where the moon reflected clearly in the blue water. He sat her down under a sakura tree and instructed her to stare up at the stars. He began telling her how his mother would make him look up into the night sky to see the face of his true love, the one he would spend the rest of his life with.

"The princess stared at the stars, but couldn't see the face she thought she loved. The boy chuckled at her childish whining and told her to look above the moon. He said that's where the face will most likely be. She did as instructed and gasped. Tears of confusion flowed down her cheeks. The boy was worried and reached toward her asking what was wrong. The princess pushed him away before he could touch her. She ran back all the way to palace and went into the youngest of the brothers, her almost twin crying on his chest. She told him everything and he smiled."

"What do you mean almost twin?" Miroku asked scooting over next to Sango.

"She and he came from the same mother and they both look like her."

"What happened to her if the king loved her so much?" Kuwabara asked being very cautious. Surprisingly Kagome looked at him with no hostility.

"She passed away when the princess was three. Now back to the story. Her brother told her their mother would say the same thing to him and that most of the time it came true. He hasn't been able to see anything because he hasn't had the time with all the army junk he had to do for their father to find a girl. But he told her how he met a girl once during a perimeter check and was immediately attracted to her. He hurried to the nearest window when nighttime finally arrived and looked up to the stars and there she was. He told his little sister how he planned on marrying her the following summer.

"The princess felt awful for what she did to the servant boy and asked her brother what she should do since they could never be together. He frowned and scolded her saying didn't our mother teach you better than that? He reminded her how their parents love was also forbidden seeing as how their mother was a peasant and encouraged her to follow their parents example.

"That night the princess's betrothed came into her room drunk and attempted to rape her. Her twin heard her cries and rushed in along with the servant boy. The boy managed to knock out the betrothed and her twin tied him up while the boy went to fetch her father. When her twin explained what happened the emperor was enraged and sentenced him to be put to death the next morning. He turned to comfort his daughter only to find her in the arms of the servant boy.

"The princess wouldn't let him go and held him tighter when her twin was explaining. The servant boy soothed her with gentle words and stroked her hair in attempt to calm her. The princes didn't realize the emperor was watching them, but she leaned forward and kissed the boy passionately on the lips. The boy's wide eyes were filled with shock and happiness. He returned the kiss and when they parted she whispered it was him.

"The emperor was astounded and her twin was smiling ear-to-ear. The boy remembered about the emperor's presence and began apologizing when the emperor stopped him. The emperor smiled brilliantly at his daughter and took her hand. You remind me so much of your mother he said. The princess smiled and hugged him. From that day on, the princess's relationship with her father grew stronger and she never left the servant boy's side. She stayed with him every night until he finally proposed and they lived together happily to the day of their death.

"So every time a lover looks up into the stars they'll see the face of the one they love or see nothing because they haven't met that person yet. But if you have met them then you'll have to admit to yourself that you truly do care for them and you feel something for them even subconsciously. The end." Kagome said looking down at a smiling, sleeping Shippo.

"That was a wonderful story, Kagome." Kurama said from beneath the tree. Kagome nodded and looked up at the sky with Yusuke. Everyone went back to what they were doing before, except for Hiei who observed intently.

"Did you see her Yu-Yu?" Kagome asked after a while.

Yusuke smiled, "Yea, I did." He chuckled, "Wow I actually believe a made up story." Kagome opened her mouth to argue, but he stopped her. "I'm kidding Kig."

Kagome stared at his troubled expression, worry emanating from them. Yusuke couldn't take it. He tried not thinking of her because it brought him sadness and it got worse when he didn't think of her at all. He hasn't been apart from her this long, not even during the Demon Tournament. He felt the burning in his eyes from unshed tears and blinked rapidly to stop them from falling.

Kagome looked on with sorrow. She saw his eyes watering and she leaned down, placing his head on her lap away from everyone's view. "It's ok Yu-Yu. You can cry." That did it.

Yusuke's clenched fists pressed on his forehead; anger rushing through him for showing weakness when his friends were only a few feet away. He knew he wouldn't live it down if Kuwabara saw him and Hiei would degrade him after building a bond after so long.

He was right. Hiei watched with disgust at his greatest opponent showing weakness. And in his presence! But all that vanished at the words he spoke next.

"I miss her so much Kagome. I never thought I would feel this way for anyone." Kagome stroked his gelled hair and stared blankly at his tear stained face. "And the guys wouldn't like it if they saw me the way I am right now."

"Don't worry about them. They don't know what we feel." Kagome said quickly, wiping away a tear. "When they find someone then they'll know, but for now don't worry about them."

Yusuke wiped the rest of the tears away with his sleeve, "I know, but still. I never thought I could miss someone so much. I mean I don't know if she's safe or if a guy is hitting on her or-"

"Yu-Yu relax. Trust me, Keiko is fine. The only danger she'll be in is if she's with Shizuru who never showed up."

She smiled at the sound of his chuckle. "Maybe it'll make you feel better if I say we're going home tomorrow."

Yusuke opened his eyes, "Yea, that made me feel better. Thanks, Kig. You're the best."

She smiled; "I know!" they laughed a little and she looked up again.

Yusuke sat up and watched a small cricket hop into the grass. "So who do you see, Kig?"

Kagome shook her head without looking at him, "Sesshomaru." She said hoping he didn't hear her voice waver. He seemed to by it since he nodded in understanding.

"I should've known. I mean you are his future mate."

"Yea, I am." Kagome said staring at the face in the sky. It was so unclear. The only things she could see were the shape of his eyes, eyebrows and she could faintly see the outline of his head, but it was all so unclear. "Come on let's go to sleep. We have a long walk back to Kaede's tomorrow."

A few hours passed and the last embers of the fire burned out, leaving all traces of wood gone. Kagome couldn't sleep. She tried counting sheep, singing a lullaby in her head, and thinking of pointless things in hopes of getting bored and fall asleep. But she couldn't get over the face. She knew she's seen him before and she knows they've met before, but she just couldn't put her finger on it.

She sighed and turned in the sleeping bag, hugging Shippo closer for warmth. All her friends were sound asleep even through Yusuke's and Kuwabara's obnoxious snores. Then she heard him. The same cry of horror, the cry for help. She was glad for the distraction. She got out the sleeping careful in not waking Shippo.

She tip-toed to the tree and stared at Hiei's troubled expression. She was impressed how he managed to stay on the branch of the tree after all that squirming. She scratched her chin in thought. 'What should I sing for him tonight?' she snapped her finger lightly and smiled, sitting beneath the tree where Kurama once occupied.

"I lie awake at night,

See things in black and white.

I've only got you inside my mind,

You know you have made me blind.

I lie awake and pray,

That you will look my way.

I have all this songing in my heart,

I knew it right from the start"

Kagome looked up at the tree and smiled sleepily.

"Oh my pretty, pretty boy I love you,

Like I never ever loved no one before you.

Pretty, pretty boy of mine,

Just tell me you love me too."

She yawned and stared at the moon and stars. They blurred into one glistening sky.

"Oh my pretty, pretty boy I need you,

Oh my pretty, pretty boy I do.

Let me inside make me stay,

Right beside you…"

Her head dropped, her chin touching her chest. She snored peacefully under the warmth Hiei radiated off his body above her. Who knew a lovey, dovey song could make you so sleepy? She heard Hiei's whimpering stop before sleep overcame her, unknowing of the pair of eyes staring a few feet away.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Remember REVIEW and keep telling me if you want this to continue. i'll try to update again next week before we start reading the danky book for english but i won't any promises. i hoped you liked it and REVIEW! til then!

-Moonlight