Chapter 21

Kagome groaned as she distinguished some guys from the others, two of them being the most annoying: Kouga and Hojo. Both hung out with her friends a lot recently and she really couldn't understand why they chose to do so, they didn't seem to notice her much before she moved grades. She shrugged that thought off, attributing it to the fact that one of them most likely fancied one of her numerous friends. Eri was quite pretty and so was Uki. In fact all of them were, making Kagome feel like the ugly duckling at times.

Her skill with the glamour was becoming better as she adjusted it, meaning that no one albeit a few youkai that were close to her had any idea what her features were really like anymore, making her wonder if her own visage would be received differently. In either case, she didn't let the spell down much even with the Takahashis anymore, feeling that she must practise as much as possible.

She shook her head, forcing the silly hormone-spawned thoughts away. After all, there were many things which were far more important to her at this point.

'Like staying alive' the prudent part of her mind was quick to remind her. Initially, she was almost amused at some of the attacks, with the ones that wished to wield her powers being hardly powerful at their best. After a few years, however, her amusement was replaced with irritation.

'I mean there is only so many times a girl can stand being possessed, kidnapped, threatened, thrown about or being near killed.'

With such a hectic 'schedule', it was a wonder she did as well in her studies as she did at all!

As Kagome approached, Hojo smiled and waved whilst Kouga grinned cockily, his eyes roaming over her form, making heat rise to her cheeks and tinge them a brilliant scarlet. Sure it was somewhat flattering and many would have welcomed such scrutiny, but there was something about Kouga that put her off. However, no matter how many times she turned the wolf demon down, he did not seem discouraged but in fact seemed to exult in each refusal. His take on it was as follows – if a girl says no, she really wants you to carry on. The joys of twisted male logic.

"Hi Kagome! I heard that you won a Literature award. Is that right?" Hojo said, whilst somehow managing to beam at her simultaneously. Eri and Uki were immediately at her sides in an annoying display of loyalty, prodding Kagome ever so discreetly with their elbows to force her into replying.

Kagome slapped their hands away, a false cheerful smile pulling on the corners of her mouth. "Hai Hojo-kun. It's nothing great."

He nodded and continued to stare at her, obviously waiting for the Kagome to speak more. Sensing a rival, Kouga cut of the blond girl who was fruitlessly trying to get him to continue their conversation, choosing to make his way to Kagome's side. The cornered raven haired girl shifted from foot to foot, averting her eyes from both males. She knew that this, chatting to boys and going out with them, was the normal teenage thing to do but somehow she really could not be bothered with it.

Finally the blessed sound of the bell was heard.

'Saved by the bell. What a cliché' she thought before following the rest to the class, not failing to notice the way the two males hovered closely behind her, arguing in hushed tones.

'I wonder where Kanna is?'

It was unusual for her not to turn up at school, with youkai having immunity against pretty much any disease known and thus not really having an excuse not to attend. Kanna was not required to start school unless she wished to do so, as youaki's lifespan came with the luxury of doing everything at the pace one was comfortable with, meaning that some demons did not even start any form of secondary or higher education until they were several centuries old. In Kanna's case, however, she was both to train and protect Kagome and thus the youkai chose to stay as close to her friend as possible, which made her absence even more of an oddity. As much as Kagome appreciated her other friends, the attachment that she felt with Kanna simply wasn't there. She could never reveal her true self in their presence nor did she wish to do so, making her feel both guilty and estranged.

With a gust of air, the grey eyed girl was at Kagome's side, making her smile warmly and others, especially the males around the brunette, cringe. Kouga couldn't help a low growl as he saw the wispy girl approach his woman. Sure, she was no threat but there was something about the youkai which triggered an innate feeling of foreboding. That, compound with the fact that the girl did not let anyone within an arm's length to Kagome, made her even more annoying than that step brother of hers. At least a good beating up was all that was needed to get rid of the mutt. With Kanna, he was not sure if any trick would work, her reticent and discreet manner not giving away any of her emotions when it came to others and yet it was evident that she did not care for any of them apart from Kagome and thus was willing to protect her no matter what.

Kouga felt his mood elevate as he thought of his Kagome. She seemed to draw everyone towards her effortlessly, her kindness and gentleness setting her apart from others. This, together with her strength and beauty made the stunning brunette girl the perfect woman. It did not matter if she did not return his feelings... yet.

'You are my woman, Kagome. You will accept it soon enough.'

Wow, two chapters in one day! My personal record ^^ Hope these aren't a bit slow development-wise, it will pick up later and for now I am taking my time in introducing the characters and their relationships with one another.

I know that this is up to me in the end but I do wonder, will I be hated if Kags will have a relationship not with Sesshomaru at this point? He and she together will simply not work at the time being as neither reached the condition yet, thought they are moving in the right direction. However, Kagome being a red-blooded female, surely she may wish for a boyfriend.. *sigh* Young teens and their hormones. Giving me headaches and writer's blocks.