Scroll Two

Retrieval

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Kagome sat at her desk, watching the sensei, squirming with guilt. Partially from the fact that she had no idea what he was talking about, but mostly because of…well, she wasn't going to think about that when she had math to concentrate on.

We're so close to completing the jewel…

Well, so much for that little oath. Outside thunder roared and after she jumped, her eyes closed.

But is it worth it? Should we battle for it…or just let him keep the shards he has? We have enough. We have enough for Inu-Yasha…

" Higurashi!"

Kagome's eyes snapped open and she looked up at the teacher. He gave her an exasperated look but then a smile.

" Well done, you've scored the highest on the mock exam!"

I'm dreaming…

" Oh Kagome! Lucky!"

" Congratulations Kagome!"

" You rock!"

" Thank you!" Kagome said through tears. " Thank you very much."

Thunder roared outside again. Sighing, the sensei went back to his desk and stood, preparing to release the students for lunch.

" Normally the study group during lunch would be held outside but, as you can see, current weather forbids it. Thus, we will meet in this classroom. Kagome, if you would come, I'm sure that your influence would be good on the others."

" Hai Sensei." Kagome blushed looking down. She'd never thought…

BUZZ!!!

In time with a streak of lightening, the power to the school went out. The teacher immediately called for order and then asked them to sit in the nearest desk. Only occasional flashes of lightening allowed anyone to see anything.

FLASH!

The silhouette of her class, then tree limbs bare in the winter starkly outlined on the window, then darkness again.

FLASH!

A breeze came from an open window. The silhouette of a tall figure standing on the ledge outlined by several tree branches caused mass panic. Several of her classmates screamed, then the darkness came again. This time there were shrieks and the sounds of desks being hastily vacated as the students, and teacher, broke for the door. Before Kagome could take a step, a hand grabbed her round the waist and pulled her backwards. She only had time to let out a shriek before a hand slapped over her mouth.

" Shhhhh, you fool! It's me!" A hushed whisper came out of the darkness behind her.

" Inu-Yasha!" She hissed back in amazement. " What are you…"

" No time! Naraku's here! I don't know how that bastard got through…"

" HE WHAT!?!"

The lights flickered and Inu-Yasha drew her towards the broom closet in the side of the room. Voices came from the hall.

" Kagome!"

" Kagome!"

" Maybe she went down to the cafeteria."

" I bet that scare made her spine adjustment hurt…"

" Spine adjustment?" Inu-Yasha questioned quietly.

" Grandpa…" Kagome growled under her breath. " Every single time I---"

The lights went back out.

" Eeek!"

" Let's get out of here!"

Inu-Yasha snickered in the dark. That Kagome associated with such cowardly people astonished him sometimes, he could never figure out how she was able to stand them. Suddenly he scowled, though Kagome couldn't see it, but she felt his body tense.

Inu-Yasha?

He quickly changed direction, this time heading for the windows. Jumping up on the ledge, he took a second to cover her head with part of his over-robe. He scowled again as the breeze made him catch the scent again.

I smell that little Hojo bastard on her. He'd better not have touched her or I'll…

" Inu-Yasha!" A little voice hissed from the bushes. " Over here! Hurry!"

" Feh!" Inu-Yasha said, leaping from the window.

" Kagome over here!" The little voice she recognized as being Shippo yelled. " Isogu Inu-Yasha!"

" Ungrateful little brat…" Inu-Yasha muttered as he landed in the bush, letting Kagome go. Shippo immediately popped back up with an umbrella to keep Kagome dry.

" Kagome!" The little Kitsune launched himself into Kagome's arms. " Inu-Yasha was so mean! He didn't even let me get all of my tricks out of the village so I could help! I could only grab some of my leaves an my top and my---"

" Feh! We have to get back to the shrine," Inu-Yasha grumbled, " Sango and Miroku are there to."

Kagome gave him a worried look.

" Inu-Yasha…did he? Did he really?"

" Get through…yheah, he did. Bastard." Inu-Yasha glared off into the rain. " I don't know why he didn't just stick around the shrine though. I mean, if he really wants to get you so bad…"

" That's right," Kagome said, looking down. " This isn't just about the jewel anymore. He wants my…my…" She went silent for a minute.

" Kagome…" Shippo said, looking up at her.

Inu-Yasha looked at her over his shoulder for a second before turning to face them.

" Let's go," he turned around again. " We have to get back to the shrine as soon as possible. Set up defenses and stuff."

" Defenses and stuff!?" Shippo shouted from his back, already settled in. " You're really lousy at this strategy stuff. That's why we're letting Sango handle it." He added to Kagome, for they'd already taken off through the air. " She knows a lot more about how to keep demons out then the rest of us."

" You are a demon you little brat." Inu-Yasha growled, landing on a truck-cab.

" I'm a Kitsune, there's a difference," Shippo said, fluffing himself up. " We're graceful and witty, where as dog demons are smelly and foul mouthed and stupid and stubborn and boy you really do smell when you're wet don't you?"

Inu-Yasha just growled and Kagome tightened her hold around his neck.

Inu-Yasha, you let your pride get in the way of so many things. Don't let Naraku use it in the battle that's coming. I know he'll try, but you have to be stronger then him…you have to prove yourself that way and no other

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Scroll Four

Planning