HS: -creeps in- alright many of you have noticed that I have been gone and haven't updated this fanfic. Mainly for two reasons. One: I had to raise my grades up in two of my classes by doing extra work. And two: Finals were sooner than I thought and I've been studying for them. I didn't get a chance to post that up on my profile so I apologize for that. However thank you for those who reviewed and enjoyed what I had so far. Now that break is here I will be updating this fanfic again weekly. And since it was such a long wait you can expect another chapter to be posted up soon, maybe two days wait. And now once again I will thank my awesome reviewers and answer questions.

Thanks go out to: Silver Jasmine Diamond, SilverStar118, LuLuCrazeD, Shiori Yume, Serenity digo19, lovelylovemylove, ShadowLover18, iheartanime43, and kakashixangela. You guys rock and to all sorry for the long wait.

VirusYoukaiChild: ha ha no your questions are awesome. It tells me you enjoy the story and it helps me to think on what I should write to answer everything. I can tell you that Yuuki won't discover she's a vampire until the sequel to this story, yes there will be two sequels to this from my plannings. The jewel questions you have will all be answered in the next chapter, hopefully. And as for her dream that was a nightmare/flashback that will also be discussed in the sequel or towards the end of this fic. I hope you like this chapter and thanks for the awesome review.

siennahime-sama: really sorry for the long wait but I hope you will enjoy this chapter.

rin03: ha ha sadly thanks to a few…disturbances in this chapter Kaname's reactions will be altered. And Inuyasha may be appearing later in this story just for plot purposes. And thanks for the review.

Kage Otome: ha ha actually you'll see that there's something odd about the jewel in the next chapter. I think you'll enjoy that twist. And while Kagome did use Ichijou that way I am not planning her to love him except maybe in a friendly/brotherly way. I really appreciate the reviews you leave they keep me active and thinking so I can surprise you and everyone who reads this. Thanks for being just an awesome person ^_^

DeathNoteMaker: The spirits of the jewel will be discussed in the next chapter but I can tell you that no they are still here in their world. Your other questions about Touga should be answered in this chapter and once again thanks for the review and questions.

And I also promised to have two characters from Inuyasha show up in this chapter so here they are. Enjoy and look forward to the next chapter.


Chapter Nine: Point of No Return

"People must sometimes face the wrath of reality and swallow the toxins that life can breed…in order to survive."

~Apothecarius Argentum

Kagome didn't want to believe it; she couldn't believe it! Even though she didn't want to believe it there it was. With another analysis of his aura the fact still remained the same. This man had the same energy traces as Miroku but it was weak and diluted. It could only mean that he was a descendant from the monk and taijiya.

After her friends deaths she had watched their family as closely as she could. The last she had heard about them, some fifty or so years ago, was that they were managing a small shrine somewhere in Kyoto. She would never have thought that one of them would become a Hunter. Oh great I'm an aunt to a man that wants to kill me, wait a go Miroku. She thought with a frown.

Taking a step back forward she met Touga's eye with a much calmer look now. "It's no use pointing that thing at me. None of your weapons would dare to harm me."

He arched an eyebrow at that comment. Without any hesitation he pulled the trigger and yet again her barrier formed deflecting the shot.

Yuki and Zero had by now hoisted themselves out of the pool and were watching the two with wide eyes. Having fought with Kagome himself Zero knew that his master was wasting his time. No Hunter weapon could hurt the girl.

For Yuki this was only the second time witnessing Kagome's speed and strength while fighting and the first time seeing the barrier. She felt another tremor of fear course through her body at the sight and Kagome's crimson eyes. Standing there with her mouth bared in a smirk, one fang hanging over her bottom lip slightly she reminded Yuki of that vampire ten years ago.

Smelling Yuki's fear Kagome turned to glance at her sister before turning back to face Touga. Pursing her lips slightly she held up her hands in defeat and stepped forward. "I told you it wouldn't work. Now are you going to answer my question?"

"Depends on who's asking," he said, lowering his gun, his gaze sliding to the side for a brief moment to lock onto Zero's form.

"Kagome …Cross," she said, after a moment's hesitation.

Touga sneered and a bitter laugh escaped his lips. "Why the hesitation? Could it be that you're lying to me?"

"No she isn't!" Yuki said, her arms still around Zero. "Kagome would never lie-" but even Yuki knew she couldn't say that anymore with a hundred percent conviction. The fact still remained that Kagome had fooled them all and she was hiding even more.

Touga knew it to when he turned to look at Yuki. Laughing he put away his gun. "So you've learned the nature of a vampire then little girl? They're very sweet liars."

Growling Kagome stood in front of Yuki and Zero in a reflexive movement. Both turned their surprised gazes to her when she started talking. "Enough. You have yet to tell me why you are here. Despite what they say I'm still their guardians."

"Why would I ask a vampire to guard me?" Zero spat.

Glancing over her shoulder she pinned him to the spot with a glare. "Because your hatred is clouding your judgment and I'm still older, and I love you like a brother. Now shut up and let me figure out what's going on idiot!"

Despite hating her Zero felt himself cringe like a little boy being scolded by a parent. He loved her as well but that love is what fueled his hate. It was like a twisted thorny vine wrapping itself around his heart and bleeding it dry.

"A vampire that can love? Hmm, I wonder what else you can do," Touga mocked. It was in his nature to play these little games to access a vampire's true nature. In a way his antagonizing tactics reminded Kagome of Miroku who would gently prod everyone in the group, mostly Sango.

Chuckling Kagome good naturedly shook her head. "Yes, you really are like him."

Before Touga could ask what Kagome meant by 'him' another person stepped in to join the party.

"Hn, I see you found him already Kagome."

Spinning around she came face to face with Sesshomaru. He had forgone his modern clothing and was wearing his usual white haori and hakama with the traditional designs. His markings could now be seen marking him for what he was.

Touga whipped out his gun again and pointed it at Sesshomaru. Without thinking Kagome held up a hand and a barrier formed around her and Sesshomaru. Even though the guns were tailored to hurt vampires only it still had enough holy energy in it to burn and harm a demon.

"What do you mean by that Sesshomaru?"

Her question was met with silence as he simply continued to stare into her eyes. A few tense and silent minutes passed before yet another person came in to join the growing party.

"WHY HAS IT TURNED INTO THIS? THAT'S WHY I SAY I HATE VAMPIRE HUNTERS!" Headmaster Cross shouted as he ran to them in a panic. Pushing Touga's gun down he began shouting at the man. Yuki came closer while Zero chose to remain seated on the ground.

"What kind of person…are you?" she asked.

"Yagari Touga…vampire hunter. I was Zero's sensei. Isn't that right Zero?"

"Yes," he said with no hesitation.

Touga continued to smoke as he addressed Yuki again. "You really act like a daughter of that dullwit chairman. You were almost bitten by Zero. I'm doing this for your own good, so stop blaming me."

With a last glance back at Touga Yuki followed Zero back to the dorms leaving the three men and Kagome alone. Cross was gazing at Sesshomaru with a curious look since it was his first time meeting the taiyoukai.

"May I ask who you are?"

"Sesshomaru Taishou, I am Kagome's older brother and guardian."

At this both men's stances stiffened slightly before relaxing, albeit reluctantly. They had heard his name mentioned in the media for being one of Japan's wealthiest business owners. He also had a history of hunting down vampires and killing them, but they could never track him or get close enough to understand his motives. To find out that Kagome was in fact his younger sister, something that had never been mentioned in his files was something of a shock. Then again his files were hard to acquire and there had been more than one hunter to lose a life in the process.

"Great why not tell them more while you're at it," Kagome grumbled as she lowered the barrier around their forms.

Sesshomaru remained silent at her small tantrum but there was a slight quirk to his lips that disappeared at the approach of Touga. The Hunter stared at both of them with an unreadable expression in his eyes.

"That dullwit is going to find his school in trouble if he keeps up his pacifist ideas."

Those would be the last words Kagome heard from Touga. The next time they met things would be different. Cross soon left the two as well saying something about checking up on Yuuki and Zero leaving Sesshomaru and Kagome alone. Kagome could've sworn as he passed her there was a twinkle in his eyes as if he had planned the situation. Then again there always seemed to be something he knew about in this school.

It figures, everyone in this school has some sort of secret. She thought smacking her face with her hand. Hearing Sesshomaru's laugh she turned around to glare at him. "This is all your fault! I swear, sometimes I don't know if you love me or hate me."

As Kagome continued her rant she didn't realize that Kaname had left the party and was hiding just at the edge of the tree line. After the little stunt with Ichijou he couldn't sit there and celebrate for his friend. If he had continued to wait he would have ripped his friend apart from his jealousy. Instead he had followed her scent intent on giving her the harshest scolding of her lifetime. Now though such thought were blown out of his head at the scene before him.

His eyes were glowing crimson as he glared at Sesshomaru. He had only just arrived and heard Kagome's last phrase, completely missing the earlier introduction that she was his brother. So they are lovers are they? He thought, a sweet wave of anger coursing through his veins making his blood boil.

While Kagome didn't notice the angry pureblood Sesshomaru did. Smirking he decided to torment the poor boy since he was the reason Kagome was often stressed out. Reaching out he pulled her tightly to his body in a fierce hug and swooped down to place a kiss on her cheek. From Kaname's spot it looked like he was kissing her on the lips.

The sudden and strange actions from Sesshomaru made Kagome shut her mouth. Eyes wide she struggled against her brother's form.

That was the last straw.

Rushing out of his hiding spot Kaname lashed out with his hand intending to rip the annoying male open from jugular to gut, but the demon lord had not survived three major wars just to be defeated by a mere boy in his eyes, vampire or not. Scooping Kagome up in his arms he jumped and landed gracefully on the top of a high branch in a nearby tree.

"You'll have to do better than that if you want to kill me boy."

With a stern expression on his face Kaname jumped to stand on the same branch. "Then I'll try a little harder."

Kagome was confused and angry. First off what was Sesshomaru doing hugging her like that? Second: why was Kaname here and not at the party? And lastly what in the world was going on! Fuming she pried Sesshomaru's arms off of her body and twisted so she too landed on the branch.

"Enough! What has gotten into you two?" Her furious gaze went from one person to the next demanding an explanation. Of course there was none to be given. Huffing in exasperation she turned to Kaname. "I thought you were going to stay till the end of the party?"

By now the pureblood had reigned in his temper but hate still burned bright in his eyes. "I was, but since you left there was no need for my presence any longer."

She had watched him over the years and knew that was his way of saying he had gotten bored. Shaking her head at this rare show of childish behavior Kagome turned to face Sesshomaru. "And you? What were you thinking? Does it amuse you to see me get riled up?"

"When the occasion calls for it," Sesshomaru said in his usual tone, but there was a smile in his voice, that she could detect. Honestly the two men were more similar than they realized. Either way tonight was not a night where she would be putting up with their attitudes.

"Fine, since both of you are too stubborn to tell me the truth I'm going to leave."

Before Kagome could jump down from the branch Sesshomaru grabbed her arm. Consequently Kaname reached out to grip his arm with a warning in his eyes. Ignoring the other male's grip Sesshomaru turned Kagome around to face him.

"Do you not want to know about the human monk anymore?"

Stiffening Kagome met her brother's eyes with a hint of trepidation. She still remembered what he had said when he saw Touga. "…fine. But this better be good."

Kaname didn't understand what was going on and he felt the effects of that acutely when a dull throbbing started in his veins. Jealousy was an emotion he was finding common when it involved Kagome. "No, Kagome will stay with me." It was not a mere comment but a command and she felt it in the way her body moved from Sesshomaru's side to Kaname's. Curse this man who had such an utter control over her.

Luckily for her Sesshomaru was not the kind of person to take orders. Realizing the situation he knocked Kagome out and caught her before she fell. "This does not concern you Kuran."

And without bothering to explain he took off on his cloud, Kagome fast asleep in his arms. Kaname watched as the two flew off. His anger got the better off him and the ground beneath the tree began to crack as large wounds like those inflicted by the Kaze no Kizu attack began to appear. He still believed Kagome and Sesshomaru were lovers and it was time for him to finally admit that he was starting to feel more for the girl than merely a connection between slave and master. It was not friendship, and it may have been a little bit of lust, but she was the only other woman besides Yuki who he would risk everything he had for. And only as she was taken from him did he realize this.

"You'll always be with me Kagome…I'll make sure of it."

~*~

"Ow! My head, what in the world?"

"You shouldn't move around Kagome."

Recognizing the voice Kagome lay back down on the bed she realized she was in. From the high quality of the silky sheets and the soft, almost cloud like feel of the mattress beneath her she knew she was in his house.

"So what do you know about that Hunter and Miroku?" She wasn't going to bother asking him why she was there or what would happen later. If there was one thing she had learned over the years it was that Sesshomaru never let her down.

"Hn, as you've already noticed that Hunter is one of the monk's descendants. However he also has the monk's soul."

That bit of information made Kagome bolt upright in the bed. Ignoring the pain the motion caused her she pinned him down with a serious expression. "What do you mean"

"As I've said, this Touga Yagari has the monk's soul. He is that idiot's reincarnation, and from what I've learned the soul was placed within his body on purpose."

Closing her eyes Kagome tried to control the panic that was slowly rising within her. Breathe girl, just breathe. Taking deep even breaths she tried to push back her panic, and it worked, but for how long she could remain calm would be determined by his next answer.

"Who told you his soul was placed there on purpose Sesshomaru? And how is that possible? When I checked him earlier his aura was not as strong as Miroku's"

There was a tense, brief moment of silence before the demon lord replied. "…Midoriko."

The room tilted at a dangerous angle at the answer Kagome received and she had to clutch onto the sheets to steady herself. "No, no, no, no." It was like a spell. If she repeated it enough times then maybe she wouldn't have to see the truth.

It was not an unusual thing to see souls re-incarnated. In fact it was common that people's souls would be used several times over the passing of time. The one important factor, though, that everyone had to remember is that souls were always reincarnated for a reason. As much as Kagome wanted to think that Miroku's soul had been reincarnated for a peaceful reason she knew differently. He had not been reincarnated at the family shrine that most of his descendants inhabited. No, he had been placed within the body of a fighter, a Hunter of all people. Not only that, but she had met him right after the disappearance of the jewel. There were too many things that led away from the theory of a peaceful life for her old friend. It looked like the Kami's had once more put him in the role of a fighter.

"How…how did you talk to Midoriko? Does that mean you know where the Jewel is?"

The demon met his younger sister's eyes, with something akin to sadness in those golden orbs. "Kagome, the jewel is gone."

She couldn't take it.

The past month's work and that night's events, along with this shocking news and the pain from her head built up so much pressure within her that Kagome fainted. As she fell back among the covers and sheets of the luxurious bed Sesshomaru stood from his seat and sat on the bed. Gathering her into his arms he walked over to the balcony doors of the room that had been built for her, and gently pushed them open. Once he was sure that she was safe he took to the skies

As much as he'd like to keep her safe her in his home he had a promise to keep. She still had to learn things at Cross Academy, and until she had learned it all he could not bring her back.

~*~

"Kagome-chan, Kagome-chan…."

It wasn't this insistent calling of her name that woke Kagome but the sudden splash of cold water on her face. Bolting upright she coughed as the water entered her nose. She found herself in the familiar surroundings of the Headmaster's office. She had been laid out on a couch near the book case and she saw Cross standing besides the couch with a small bucket in his hands, a sheepish grin on his face.

"Sorry dear but you weren't waking up."

Even though Cross was much more mature and formal in her presence there were times when he too got flustered. This was one of those times, much to her displeasure.

Glancing down at herself Kagome saw that she was still wearing the sleeveless crimson gown from the ball. Her gloves were gone so she had nothing to wipe her face with. Instead she reached forward, grabbing the edge of the dress and tore a large portion of the fine cloth off.

She heard the Headmaster hiss in remorse as the beautiful creation was ruined. Kagome really didn't care. It was just another costume Kaname had bought for her so that she could look the part of the 'Queen Bee' that she would soon be playing. Wiping the water off her face and neck she turned to face the Headmaster once more.

"So what was so urgent that you needed to wake me up with a cold does of reality?" she asked.

"Well…you see…"

"He wants to tell you that you've kept a handsome fellow waiting for much to long and said handsome fellow is getting tired of waiting."

The deep baritone voice that echoed through the room was unfamiliar to Kagome.
Turning to face the owner of said voice she was met with a surprising sight. A young man who looked to be in his mid twenties was leaning against the door frame. He wore casual attire consisting of black jeans and a white collared shirt and a black choker necklace with a fox emblem. His auburn hair was long, a little past his shoulders, but it was held up in a high ponytail. Even with the matured features, human appearance and modern clothes choice Kagome knew who she was meeting.

"S-shippou!" she cried, jumping off the couch. Within a few seconds the kitsune was away from the door and swinging his mother around in his arms.

"Momma," he whispered, burying his nose in her hair. After a few peaceful minutes of the pair just hugging and getting reacquainted the Headmaster coughed drawing their attention to him.

"Momma?" he asked.

Ignoring him Shippou took a step back to look at Kagome with a critical eye. "You know I gave you that ring for a purpose. Why aren't you using it?"

Kagome blushed and stammered out trying to look for an explanation but the kit just laughed. "Don't worry, Sesshomaru explained everything to me, which is another thing I needed to tell you, I started living with old ice cube."

She was surprised that he had let the hyperactive kit to live with him, but then again it could be something Midoriko had asked for. But why would he listen to a human? And one that's not even alive!

As the thoughts churned in her head Shippou continued to ramble on about how life had been and what 'Ice Cube' had been doing to him since his move.

That's when she felt the hunger return, and with a vengeance. Kagome had already been hungry on the night of the party and now it seemed a couple of days had passed by since then. Her throat burned and she felt herself gripping onto Shippou's shoulders.

She would just feed on his spirit since he had such an abundant life force. Reaching out she called on her powers…to have nothing happen. Eyes widening in fright she tried again with the same results.

I can't feed spiritually anymore! She thought with horror. And then she lost control.

The room was blurring before her eyes as she collapsed to the floor. She could feel familiar hands stroking her face trying to calm her but even they weren't enough to hold back her blood lust.

Panting Kagome pushed away from the hands that tried to hold her down. She needed to get far away from them while she still had a bit of her sanity left. Ignoring the raised voices from her loved ones she ran faster than she had ever run before.

'Need…to get away…too late…to go…back,' she thought.

Even the bite of the night air didn't cool her heated skin. Collapsing against a tree she dug her hands into the bark, her eyes closing as she tried to control the situation.

Unfortunately for her someone found her.

"What are you doing here vampire?"

Eyes snapping open in surprise Kagome swung her head up, her eyes meeting his. And just like that the pain began to consume her once more. With a cry of regret and hunger she launched herself at Zero. Pinning his arms to a nearby tree she leaned forward and placed her lips on his throat.

"I'm sorry Zero..." she said just as her mouth widened and…she was pulled back from Zero by a familiar grip.

"Kagome, stop."

Kagome felt relief course through her body making her knees weaken. As she fell to the ground a pair of strong arms caught her and pulled her into a fierce hug.

Zero was staring with wide eyes at the scene of Kagome being handled gently by Kaname. He had only seen this kind of action between the pure blood and Yuki. What in the world was going on?

Pulling out Bloody Rose he pointed the barrel of the gun at the pair. "What in the world is going on?"

A growl echoed across the area as Shippou shot out from the shadows knocking the gun out of Zero's hands. "Don't you dare hurt Kagome." As those two squared off in a battle of glares Kaname looked down at the girl in his arms. She had her eyes closed as she tried to control her hunger. "What's going on Kagome?"

"I can't feed spiritually anymore Kaname. Something's wrong." Usually she wouldn't be this submissive and willing to give up information but he had just stopped her from doing the worst thing she could ever imagine. She knew Zero's blood would never be able to satisfy her like Kaname's. Only the pureblood had enough power in his blood to calm the beast in her, just like Juri and Haruka before him.

"What do you mean?"

"I can explain what's going on."

A glowing form of a woman in battle garb appeared out of thin air. Her ethereal looks were the same as those of the form in the cave.

"Midoriko!" Shippou and Kagome shouted. One in confusion and one in surprise.

The ancient miko looked at the two and smiled.

"Kagome, the time has come for another long journey."

"What do you mean?" she asked, pushing out of Kaname's grasp.

"The jewel child…it is back as it was when I was still alive."


HS: yes a lot of contradictions with the jewel going around here and more twists and surprises. The largest, in my opinion, the awakening of Kaname's true feelings. We also got to meet grown up Shippou, ain't he cute? Hopefully you all enjoyed this and have forgiven me for my absence ^_^; And now I leave you with a preview of the next chapter. See you soon.

Chapter Ten Preview:

"Whether I deserve her or not is not in question here Sesshomaru. I have her now and she will stay with me."

"Hn, your words are nothing more than that of a scared and spoiled brat who doesn't want to let go of his favorite toy."

The air was charged with tension as the two males circled around the edges of a clearing waiting for the other to attack again. The area was already ripped apart, trees broken and the ground cracked under the force of their auras. Still neither of the two were willing to admit defeat.

And while they argued Kagome watched from within the barrier of the cave. This was not the time for them to be fighting and she wanted to tell them that but inside she was frozen.

The jewel was back and in a form she hadn't been expecting. "What can I do Midoriko?" she asked turning back to the statue of the warrior priestess. "You have two choices Kagome. Fight and regain the power of the jewel…or stand to the side and watch, but if you do that child…you will die."