Chapter 10

Uncovering Strengths

Kagome slowly woke from her deep sleep. She inhaled deeply; she just loved the smell of pine forest and cinnamon. Wait, how can I smell that so clearly? Kagome thought to herself. She moved slightly in her warmth only to feel a pair of arms across her stomach. She remembered exactly what happened the previous day or you could say week in half. The unbearable pain, Midoriko, the evil she is destined to defeat or the world would pay, Sesshomaru, and her appearance. She sighed heavily as she turned to look at Sesshomaru. She was only slightly surprised to see his molten eyes staring at her.

"Morning sunshine," Kagome yawned as she cuddled into his chest refusing to leave his comforting embrace. Sesshomaru chuckled "Morning Kaggie" Happy with his usage of words.

Kagome's head snapped up to glare up at him. "Don't ever use that name again," she said lightly though he could tell that she was half way serious about it.

"Why not? It's only fair that that I can give you an embarrassing nickname since you have taken the liberty of giving me one." Sesshomaru stated plainly with a smirk spread across his face though he felt more like smiling broadly at her.

But he couldn't fool Kagome all she needed to see was his eyes. Her mother always told her that those were the gateway to a person's soul, and Kagome could always read a person by their eyes. No matter how hard Sesshomaru tried he couldn't hide his feelings from her.

"Jerk," Kagome mumbled under her breathe as she pushed up off the bed. She stretched and almost hit him the face Damn it missed him "Oops sorry," Kagome said obviously not meaning it.

Sesshomaru smirked evilly as he tickled her sides. Kagome squirmed trying to get away from the torture that he was putting her through. It only caused her to be trapped under him, as he continued to tickle her senseless. Kagome laughed so hard her sides started to hurt. With a heave she moved Sesshomaru from on top of her to below. After a few calming breathe and a few giggles she was back to normal.

"Don't tickle me again," She said trying to hide her smile but failing miserably. She sniffed the air when a scent caught her attention. "And I need to take a shower" she said while climbing off of him to go to her wardrobe.

"Do you need any help with a shower Milady?" Sesshomaru asked softly as he was behind her instantly, making her shiver lightly. He smirked triumphantly getting the exact reaction he was looking for. Kagome turned around running her hands up his chest and circling them around his neck. She leaned up on her tiptoes to reach his 6'5" height and nipped his earlobe, sending a shiver of pure bliss coursing through his body. "No thank you, Milord," She breathed into his ear as she pushed him back onto the bed as she turned back to the wardrobe with a smile plastered on her face.

After picking a plane white tank top and some green sweats with a matching sweatshirt Kagome headed to her bathroom. She stopped when she saw the perverted smile on Sesshomaru's face.

"Don't you dare try anything you perv I'm going to lock the door and I'll be keeping my ears peeled." Kagome huffed as his smirk grew. But she decided that she'd worry about him if he tried anything later. I really just want to take a shower. I STINK!

Kagome entered the bathroom and locked the door hoping to god that he didn't try anything because she knew that a simple lock wouldn't keep Sesshomaru out. After a half and hour shower of scrubbing every inch of her body Kagome turned off the water to the huge shower/waterfall. With a sigh she stepped out of the door and grabbed a towel to dry herself with.

She put on her bra and underwear when something caught her eye in the mirror out of the corner of her eye. She gasped when she saw two stripes of blue on her hips. When she looked down at her ankles she saw the same thing. "That's interesting," she mumbled to herself. Looking at the ones on her hips, she heard a chuckle come from were the door was. She quickly put her hands up to cover her light blue lacies. After she saw who was in the doorway she saw red.

"Damn it Maru you scared the shit out of me! Now get the fuck out!" Kagome said pulling the towel she used to dry herself with to wrap around her body.

"So I was right," Sesshomaru mused "well no need to get your panties in a bundle I was just looking to see if your markings were the same as this Sesshomaru's" he began to leave but stuck his head in the door again and said "Not that I don't enjoy the view" with a wink he left with a small smile on his face. God her body is the meaning of perfection! Sesshomaru thought as he walked across her room into his own and into his bathroom.

Kagome got dressed quickly, plotting her own revenge against the Hentia that was just two doorways away and taking his own shower… Kagome smirked evilly as a plan formed in her head.

Stifling a giggle Kagome ran from her room to his at an inhumanly rate and stopped right in front of his bathroom door. She grabbed hold of the doorknob only to find that it was locked. Damn it Kagome thought. She listened to the water still going and wondered how Sesshomaru got into her bathroom. She looked down at her hand. Of course he picked the lock with his claw Kagome mentally pounded herself for not thinking about it before.

Looking at the keyhole Kagome stuck her pinky finger in it and flicked it to the side and it clicked. Taking a deep breathe Kagome turned the knob and did a mental victory dance when the door opened.

Kagome walked in with such grace and sneakiness that she surprised herself. She was glad that the glass shower doors that contained Sesshomaru were fogged. Kagome blushed lightly when her thoughts turned dirty. Remembering that she was on a revenge mission she walked over to the two sinks that were in his bathroom and turned them both on full blast hot and cold. She then walked over to the toilet and flushed it.

"WHAT THE F…" Was all that Kagome heard before she heard Sesshomaru yelp in pain and race out of the shower that burned and then froze Sesshomaru out. Kagome gasped lightly and turned her face away she forgot about him being nude. JESUS KAGOME HOW COULD YOU FORGET THAT FACT? Kagome pounded on herself mentally again. Though she was embarrassed she was holding on to the counter for dear life trying not to fall down from laughing.

When she calmed down slightly she looked up at a now robed Sesshomaru and she burst out laughing again not being able to help herself. It was funny as hell. She calmed herself after several moments and looked up at Sesshomaru holding back all of her laughter that threatened to return.

Sesshomaru stared at Kagome, as she laughed uncontrollably for what seemed like forever before she stood up and finally looked at him again only to burst out laughing again. He waited patiently before she stopped again and stood to look at him again. After a few moments of making sure that she wouldn't burst out laughing again. He commented to her

"Are you proud of yourself?"

"Quite" Was her response as tears from her held back laughter streamed down her face. He smirked evilly and she stood bolt still. She put up her hands in defense.

"Oh no Maru a tooth for a tooth, I was only getting you back for getting to see me undressed," Kagome said looking at the door debating if she could make there with her speed.

"Oh no, don't think your getting away that easily Kaggie" Sesshomaru said stepping in front of the doorway.

Damn it Kagome thought trying to think of a way to get away with out being tickled…or worse. "Come on Maru it was only a joke." She whimpered looking up at him with her best puppy dog look.

His smirk faded as he took a step towards her. She dropped her face and took a step back, doing so every time he took one forward until she came in contact with the wall. She had the urge to punch the wall until it broke down so she could run for it. But she couldn't she was paralyzed in her spot looking into his molten orbs. He was right in front of her only centimeters away from each other. He leaned down and caught her lips in a brief kiss and then whispered "Alls fair in love and war," she didn't realize what he meant until she felt his hands on her sides tickling her till she was begging for forgiveness.

"P-P-PLE-PLEASE M-M-MARU I SWEAR I WONT DO IT AGAIN!" She said squirming under his torturous hands. Satisfied that she meant what she said he stop tickling her and scooped her up into his arms.

Kagome squealed as he ran her to his bed and tossed her on it and then straddled her hips kissing her passionately. Kagome pulled away and looked up at him pouting slightly "Come on Maru I'm really hungry and I want to train some more!"

Sesshomaru sighed he knew she was hungry he could here her stomach growling from his bathroom, when she was still in her room. He nipped her ear and got off her going to his wardrobe to find some sweats and a plain white T-shirt that he would abandon soon after he got in the dojo.

"Wow I didn't know the great Sesshomaru could grunge like the rest of us normal people," Kagome said in completely fake awe.

"Come on breakfast is almost ready and you need a healthy meal," Sesshomaru said offering his hand to her, which she took only to pull him out the door.

"By the way how did you guys feed me through those 9 days it must have been hard," Kagome asked as they descended the staircase.

Sesshomaru chuckled "It was a task, but we mostly just fed you soup that would slide down your throat easily" Kagome made an 'O' shape with her mouth as she sat down in her normal spot next to Sesshomaru. Nobody else was there but after a few minutes they all showed up looking a bit surprised to see a young demoness sitting were Kagome usually sat.

Syria put on her best smile and asked "Sess who is your lady friend" instead of Sesshomaru answering the demoness did

"Syria it's me Kagome!" The demoness said turning to fully face Syria.

"Kagome sweetie I didn't expect for you to be up… you look…GREAT!" Syria said as Rin ran up to her and sniffed her. She looked back at her parents and said "She sure smells like Kagome! Lady Kagome why did you turn into a demon?"

"Umm I think I should let your mom explain that one," Kagome said looking back up at Syria. She only shrugged and patted Rin on the head.

"I'll tell you about it later Rin"

Her curiosity satisfied Rin ran around the big table and sat in her normal spot. That was beside Shippo. Syria and Toga laughed as they took their seats also. Kagome looked at Shippo. "Good morning Shippo how was your past week here been?" She asked as the servants came in with their food.

"It's been fine… why did I hear you whimpering all week?" Shippo asked.

"Umm it was part of the transformation it hurt," Kagome answered hastily changing the subject quickly "Syria it you don't mind I would like to train a little with you today and then train with Sesshomaru… there are some matters I must speak to you about when we are alone," Syria nodded and returned to her food.

The rest of the breakfast went by while they all chatted about nothing in particular. Kagome was anxious to get back to training she wanted to see how much power she gained with her transformation.

After the plates were cleared Syria stood and nodded to Kagome she stood and followed behind her. They went back to Syria's private gardens and sat down were they did the last time.

"Now what do you want to speak to me about?" Syria asked concerned for Kagome was so serious about the matter. Kagome told her everything that happened to her while she went through the transformation. Syria was silent through the whole thing nodding when Kagome explained that Midoriko was truly sorry for having go through all that pain. After hearing everything Syria stood.

"Well let's see how powerful your powers got" she walked a distance away from Kagome. "I want you to focus on making a ball of energy out of your hands and then send it at me."

Kagome eyes widen with fear "Won't it purify you?" She asked a bit scared. Syria shook her head and then a blue bubble surrounded her "I can through up a barrier faster than a blink of an eye."

With a nod Kagome focused her miko powers into the form of a tight pink ball in her hands about the size of a softball. She then looked up to Syria for guidance she didn't know how to make it go at something.

"Depending on how fast you want it to go depends on the movement of your hand and so does the location. Flicking your wrist at me will make it go at a fast rate. Try doing that." Syria explained. Kagome nodded again hoping to all and any kami's that she would get the barrier up before it hit. Kagome flicked her wrist quickly in the direction of Syria.

The pink ball flew at Syria at an amazing rate reaching her in less than a second. She had barely had the barrier up when the little ball hit with such sheer power that the barrier shook and Syria had to fight to keep it up.

After a few moments of blinding light Syria looked at Kagome that seemed unfazed with wide eyes. "Kagome I don't know much about the legend but I intend to read up on it because I no longer think that you are merely a Earth miko and Youka. That little ball of power was too potent." Syria said with all seriousness in her voice.

Kagome cocked her head to the side in confusion "What do you mean Syria?"

"Kagome I had to fight to keep my barrier up and my barriers are almost in possible to break through ask Toga it infuriates him to no end." Syria said with a slight smile as she approached Kagome.

Kagome's eyes widen with fear. She almost purified SYRIA Sesshomaru's mother and lady of the western lands. "Oh kami I'm sorry Syria," Kagome quickly apologized to her fast friend.

Syria held up her hand to Kagome "No it is I that should be apologizing I under-estimated your power. It is well hidden and I did not sense it before."

Kagome let out a breath of air "People tend to do that when they see me" Kagome said as she looked back up at Syria

"Okay let's see what else you can do. What you did right there was called a power ball it may be small but it can cause a lot of damage to be on the receiving end of it means pure unbearable pain and maybe death if it is a lower class Youkai" Syria explained to Kagome all sorts of things that she could do with her powers. One Kagome really liked was Dancing Leaves, this attack is one were Kagome eyes turn fully white and she controls every leaf that was near turning them into weapons of death when she sends them speeding toward her victim. They used a dummy for this because Kagome refused to let Syria put herself in danger by training her. Though one of Syria's best remarks was that she was in danger training Kagome but she does it anyways. Kagome demanded a dummy and Syria gave telling one of the servants that she would need one of the training dummies from the dojo.

One that she was told about but didn't get to try was the Satsugai Wave. It was were she sent a wave of energy at the victim and the energy absorbed into every pore in their body that gave the feeling as if they had complete raw power, but turned into pure agony as the energy killed them from the inside. It was a slow and painful death and Syria told her that it wasn't normally used because it required loads of energy. But Kagome was determined to try and master the technique

What seemed like two minutes to Kagome was actually five hours of training finally stopping when a servant came in and told them that lunch was about to be served. Much to Kagome's protest they went to the dining hall because her stomach betrayed her.

"How was training Kagome" Toga asked as she sat down in her normal spot.

"She did great Toga you should have seen her power ball I had to fight to keep my barrier up!" Syria said excitedly. Toga's eyebrows shot up "It takes me at least a half an hour to break down her barrier. Congratulations Kagome," He said to her.

"Thanks" Kagome mumbled under her breath she never liked being praised for things even though it felt good she thought she never deserved it. "Where are Sesshomaru and Shippo?" Kagome asked quickly to change the subject. Just after she spoke those words a very sweaty Shippo and a ruffled looking Sesshomaru walked into the dinning room. Shippo was smiling brightly as if he had just won a Nobel Prize. "What were you boys up to?" Kagome asked as they both sat down in their seats.

"The boy asked me to help him in self defense after breakfast this morning and we have been in the dojo since. I must say he is quite a fighter," Sesshomaru stated. Making Shippo blush lightly though he still had a smile on his face, he darted a glance at Rin and Kagome knew he had a crush on the sweet girl.

He action was also caught by and over protective big brother and he had to bite back a growl because he knew that it was innocent. Kagome noticed this and giggled loudly. Everyone except Sesshomaru looked at her strangely. "WHAT I can't giggle to myself?" She asked giving them her best 'I'm hurt' look and putting her hand on her chest.

Everyone laughed at that and continued to eat the food set out for them. After the plates were cleared Kagome jumped up and grab Sesshomaru as he stood from his chair and dragged him out of the door waving to everyone as she pulled him on.

"Come on Maru I want to see how much stronger I got!" Kagome pleaded as she pushed Sesshomaru trying to make him walk faster than at the pace he was currently going, but not making him go any faster. The harder she pushed the slower he became.

Kagome huffed "Fine," she pushed on the back of his knee and made his steps waver and she took this chance to flop him over her shoulder and run to the dojo.

To say that Sesshomaru was surprised was an understatement. No one had ever man handled him the way Kagome just did and he didn't like that much. As soon as his feet touched the ground he had her pinned to the wall with her hands above her head.

"My dear Kagome did you already the first rule I taught you?" Sesshomaru whispered in her ear. Kagome shivered but kept her eyes focused. She switched from giddy to calm and collected.

Kagome slid her leg around his inner thigh and then kicking his leg out from under him she took this slight distraction to move gracefully from his grasp and to the other side of the room in a defensive stance.

Sesshomaru was surprised and irked that she had gotten out of his hold so easily, as he turned toward her, she smiled "What you actually thought that I wouldn't be able to get out of that? Come on Maru give me a little credit," She said calmly never letting her eyes wonder from his.

Sesshomaru quirked a brow at this "I see with your transformation not only brought physical but mental change you quickly assessed the situation and moved away with ease." Sesshomaru stated changing from his regal position to one that mirrored hers. "I see they didn't leave you unprepared for training," That's when he attacked.

Kagome was prepared for that and sidestepped it. The counter attack that she came back with she struck and he easily blocked. This went on for an hour before they broke through the dojo wall entering a clear field of grass.

But Kagome didn't seem phased, nor did Sesshomaru they both fought each other until the sunset behind the mountains and the moon began to rise. With a sigh Kagome jumped over one of Sesshomaru attacks grabbed both of his arms and pulled back before he could react. "I win," She whispered in his ear.

"Well done Kagome though your stance has flaws that may be fatal," he said as he moved his leg and wrapped it under hers and flipped her to the ground.

Kagome looked up into his eyes indignantly before braking down in a fit of laughter. Sesshomaru was puzzled as to why she started to laugh. Kagome saw his face and it made her laugh even harder.

"Why is it that you started to laugh Kaggie?" Sesshomaru asked. The use of her new nickname sobered her laughter as she shot a halfhearted glare at him.

"I saw your face just now and it reminded me of earlier today it was the same look you gave me before you tickled me half to death." Kagome said as she rolled him over so that they were side by side in the grass looking up at the stars. They were now more than a mile away from the mansion and well into the country.

Though Kagome was looking up at the stars Sesshomaru's eyes never left her face. Her hair was loose behind her because he never gave her the chance to tie it back although it didn't affect her fighting what so ever. Her azure eyes sparkled in the moonlight. Kagome your making me fall for you was the only thing that went on in his mind as he shifted his gaze to the cloudless sky.

Kagome knew he was watching her but she choose to let him look. She always enjoyed the stars and it was rare for her to see them because of the glare from Tokyo that usually hid them from her. When she knew that he no longer was looking at her she shifted so that her head was on his chest. Sesshomaru your making me fall head over heals in love with you she thought as she let her eyes close as she listen to his heart beat and before she knew it she was asleep.

Sesshomaru knew she fell asleep but stayed were they were for a while. She started to shiver and he sighed and picked her up. He walked back to the mansion knowing that he could have easily ran with out waking her but it felt nice to hold her in his arms.

He laid her down in her bed and removed her shoes from her feet, covering her back up. He looked down at her moving a stray strand from her face he placed a kiss on her forehead as she sighed before going to his room to try and sleep knowing that he wouldn't be able to stop thinking about the woman that was sleeping in the room next to his.

End Chapter