After breakfast Sesshoumaru walked Kagome to her next class. He would have rather spent the day with her but she said she needed to go to class. So he walked her to her class and went to his room.
"Hey Kagome!" LuLu shouted from her seat.
Kagome walked to her and took the seat next to her. She sat down and proceeded to ready her tools for class.
"I was worried about you. You weren't in Warring Era class and neither was Sesshoumaru. Sango and Miroku were worried too." She added
"I'm fine. I went for a walk because I couldn't sleep last night." She replied softly
"I thought you were with Sesshoumaru. Well, I'm sorry you didn't get much sleep last night." She told Kagome.
"What did I miss?" Kagome asked
"Nothing really. Just read chapter twenty and you'll be fine." She said "Here take these." She handed her notes from the missed class
"Thanks LuLu." She said with a weak smile
"So do you think you and Sesshoumaru might hook up again?" LuLu said with a wink. "It's okay Kagome. I wont tell you were with him this morning."
"How did you know?" she said with shock written all over her face.
"Come on you don't think I'm that dense do you? Besides this is my third class today. My first two are with Sesshoumaru. And my first and this one are with you. He didn't show up for either. Plus I haven't seen either of you in the hall and I normally do." She informed her
"Oh." Kagome whispered as a blush crept to her cheek.
The teacher walked in and grabbed everyone's attention as she started to give her lecture for the day. Class went by swiftly as usual and before Kagome knew it class had ended. Her and LuLu exited the room and walked down the hall together.
"I wont tell anyone Kagome but I think you should meet with Sango, Miroku and Inuyasha. They were really worried about you. Come on let's go find them. I think they said something about meeting at the library." She said dragging Kagome as she picked up speed.
Sango and Miroku were in front of the library waiting on Inuyasha to come along. When Sango heard her name called she looked up to find LuLu and she was dragging somebody with her.
"Kagome!" Sango shouted waving to her friend smiling brightly
"Hello Kagome." Miroku copied
"Hey you guys" she said back with another weak smile. "Sorry about worrying you guys."
"It's okay. We are just glad you're okay Kagome." Miroku responded
"Where were you Kagome? I woke up this morning and you weren't there." Sango said uneasily
"I went for a walk and..." Kagome was interrupted by an angry voice yelling over the crowd of other students.
"Kagome!" Inuyasha yelled as he ran towards everybody.
She just stood there looking at him like he was some sort of maniac.
"Where have you been Kagome?" he yelled
You could see her body begin to shake more and more as her faced started to burn with anger. Everybody watched quietly knowing what was going to happen. As soon as her head snapped up to look at Inuyasha the show began.
"What do you mean where was I? Why do I have to tell you where I go? Do you want me to write a list of the things I do for you? Or I can wear a tracking device so you can track me down whenever. It's none of your business and I would have probably answered if you had asked me nicely." She yelled at him as she poked him in the chest to get her point across. She walked off with LuLu on her heels as she left to calm down. Before she reached ten feet she turned around to Inuyasha and spoke.
"By the way master I'm going to my room. Just so you know." She spat angrily and turned on her heels to continue on her way.
Inuyasha just sat there with horror written on his face. He did not expect her to react like that. He was just worried about her. He had went to her room after Sesshoumaru's and she wasn't there either. LuLu said she wasn't in class and he didn't see her in the hall at all until then so what was he supposed to do. He was jerked from his thoughts by Miroku's voice.
"Maybe if you don't yell next time she will answer your question." He stated with a smile as he and Sango started to walk off.
He needed to tell Kagome of his decision. He needed to apologize and he needed to do it right now. Finally ending his mental debate he took off towards her room to talk to her.
Kagome sat in her room with LuLu as they talked about her and Sesshoumaru. Kagome told her what had happened this morning and the night before. Leaving out what she spoke about with the others of course. Kagome watched as her eyes lit up and almost popped out of her head. They were smiling and giggling as they shared secrets about past boyfriends or loves with each other until they were interrupted by a knock on the door. Kagome got up and sighed heavily as she walked to answer the door.
When she opened it she found Inuyasha standing there not saying anything at all. LuLu took that as her key to leave, knowing they needed to talk about stuff.
"I have to go to class see you later Kagome." She waved with a grin pasted on her face.
She opened her mouth to reply to her but shut it instead.
"Come in Inuyasha." She told him turning around to sit on her bed.
He walked in shutting the door behind him. He took a seat across from her on Sango's bed as they remained silent for a few minutes.
"Kagome, I'm.." he was cut off by her
"I'm sorry Inuyasha. I shouldn't have yelled at you. You were only worried about me. I'm sorry Inuyasha." She said with her hung low in shame.
"Whatever. Anyway, I just came to tell you that I made up my mind. I want my memories back. That's why I was looking for you." He said in a rush
"Not all the memories will be good ones though. You realize that right? I just want to make sure you really want this." She said looking him in the eyes for some sort of uncertainty.
He closed his eyes and folded his arms as he breathed out. Opening his eyes he met her gaze as he answered her.
"I know that and I'm sure I want to do this." He replied
She waited for him to look away or some flicker of emotion across his eye to make sure. Finding nothing she leaned back closing her eyes as she responded.
"Okay. But I'm not ready to do it today. I need time to get ready. I haven't practiced in a while. Besides it would be easier if I did everyone at once. So I will practice while they make up their minds. Okay?" she said now smiling
He just nodded and said good bye as he left her alone in her room again.
In the Hallway
Inuyasha was deep in thought as he walked down the hallway towards the exit. He was about to enter the stair well to leave her floor when he crashed into somebody. Who he saw was not someone he wanted to see.
"What are you doing here?" he growled
"It's not your business but if you must know I'm here to see Kagome." The smooth voice of Sesshoumaru came to his ears.
"She's not there." He lied
"I beg to differ little brother. I can smell her from hear." He replied coolly
"What do you mean you can smell her?" he asked disgusted
"Soon you will know what I mean little brother." With that said he walked off towards Kagome's room leaving a confused Inuyasha to stand there
Sango and Miroku were in the cafeteria eating a quick lunch and were deep in thought.
"I wonder if it will physically hurt us." She asked
"If we are who she says we are then I don't think she would do it if she knew it would hurt. But it wouldn't do any harm to ask her." Miroku told her
"Are you going to do it Miroku?" Sango asked curiously
"I have decided that I am going to do it. If I was a monk with spiritual powers I would like to know for sure. I think it would be an interesting experience." He said wistfully
Sango sat there in thought once again.
"When will you tell her?" she asked
"Later today." He simply said
"I will do it as well. If you can do it so can I." She somewhat shouted aggressively
"Then shall we tell her now? I'm sure she must practice before we do it. Otherwise she could actually harm us." He told her
Sango nodded and shortly after they finished eating they headed for her room to tell their friend of their decision.
Kagome answered the door wondering who she would find behind it this time. She gasped suprised to see Sesshoumaru standing there.
"Hi." She greeted nervously with a blush
He smiled making her gasp again. He took the chance and grabbed her waist pulling her close as his lips descended on hers in a sweet passionate kiss. Of course she couldn't do anything but kiss him back. Without her noticing he backed her up so he was in the room and shut the door behind them. So when Sango and Miroku walked in unannounced they found them lips locked standing in the middle of the room. When they both gasped they broke it off gazing in each others eyes for a moment then turning to look at the intruders.
Sango couldn't help but giggle at the look on Kagome's face. She had such a deep crimson blush that covered nearly her whole face. She had a small innocent smile on her face that cried out 'Oh my gosh. I didn't do it.' She knew she was embarrassed but she had no reason to be. She looked to Sesshoumaru who still gazed at Kagome with 'no way' she thought, 'He's smiling'.
Debating whether or not to give her a hard time or not she took a seat on her bed as Miroku sat next to her. She watched Kagome and Sesshoumaru plop down on her bed and waited for someone to talk.
Sango really didn't know what to say. She didn't really know how to begin or anything. She looked to the man beside her as if begging him to begin. She smiled as he gave her a smile answering her plea.
"We have both decided we want our memories back." He spoke up gaining the girls attention.
"I see. Well, then I will tell you the same thing I told Inuyasha." She said briefly pausing before continuing but was cut off.
"He told you that he was going to do it?" Sango asked suprised
"He did. Just a while ago. And just like I told him if you are not completely a hundred percent sure of this it could hurt you. The other thing you have to understand is not all the memories will be good ones. Actually most wont be pleasant because of the things Naraku has caused. Are you sure about this." She asked receiving a nod from both before she continued. "Okay well I need to practice some before I do it. Give me three days to get ready and we will start. I'm going to do everyone the same day. So I will be very tired afterwards and you will as well. It will take up your energy because of the emotional ride you will go on from it. So this Friday immediately after our classes we will go back to the park we were at the night before. Okay?" she spoke with the utmost seriousness.
Sango and Miroku both nodded to this and in a way began to prep themselves as well. Believing her totally they did not want to harm themselves in anyway and feared that it could also harm her as well. They both left and went to the library to get some work done leaving Sesshoumaru and Kagome alone again.
Kagome sighed in relief or from being nervous she wasn't really sure but she knew she would need to relax.
Sesshoumaru looked at the clock seeing it was a quarter after four remembered their meeting. He turned to Kagome who was presently staring at the ground before and moved his hand to hold hers in a reassuring gesture.
"Let's go. There is somebody you need to meet." He said helping her stand.
Before she left she remembered something she needed to do.
"Hold on a second. I need to do something real quick. Will you meet me outside the building?" she asked
He simply nodded and left the room shutting the door behind her. Picking up the phone to make a call she dialed the number and waited for an answer.
"Thanks for calling The Shack this is Denise how may I help you?" the woman said
"Hey Denise is Mr. Naraku there?" she asked the girl
"Hey Kagome, yeah he is hold on." The girl answered putting down the phone.
Not to long after the phone was put down somebody else picked up as Denise hung up the phone.
"This is Mr. Naraku." He stated
"Hello Mr. Naraku. This is Kagome." She started only to be interrupted by him
"Hello Kagome, how are you? I was meaning to call you earlier but I got busy. Would you like to come in early tonight?" he asked a little to pleased
"Actually that is what I called to talk to you about. I'm not going to be able to work there anymore. School is becoming overwhelming and some family things have come up as well. I'm very sorry to tell you but I thought you should know." She calmly said
You didn't have to see his face to know he was frowning. You could hear it in his voice. "I see, well I'm very sorry to hear that my dear Kagome. I just hope things go better for you and please know if you ever need a job you are more than welcome here." He finished
"I will and thank you for understanding. Good Bye." She said hanging up the phone.
She grabbed her purse and keys and left to meet Sesshoumaru.
In Naraku's Office
He sat there in his office with almost no light. His hand under his chin as his head rested on it. He turned in his chair to look at a figure sitting in complete darkness as he spoke.
"It appears we will have to go to the next step sooner than I thought. You start Monday. Take this and buy any supplies you think you will need. And remember, don't harm her in any way. Just get rid of Inuyasha and her other two friends. Once that is complete I will do the rest." He said and paused looking thoughtfully. "And take Hojo, Rin and Sasha with you. And change your appearance so she doesn't recognize you. If you screw this up I'll kill you." He added in a deadly but serious voice dismissing the person from the room.
After she left a man with brown eyes came in. He stood in the shadows of his office waiting for his orders so he could carry them out.
"I have another task for you. While Kikyo and the others seperate Kagome from her friends I want you to watch her. Keep a steady eye out and make sure you aren't detected. When she is alone take her and bring her to me. You may have your fun but be careful. She may not realize it but she is still a powerful priestess and could kill you just by a mere touch. Just make sure she is not harmed. If you screw this up I'll have your head among other things. Now go." He spat as he spoke striking fear into the man as much as he could.
Sesshoumaru and Kagome stepped into a small cafe not far from the campus. Checking his watch he saw they still had about ten minutes till they got here. They took a booth and sat down ordering while they waited for their guests to arrive. They chatted for a few minutes before two men walked in. One had royal blue as while the other had dark green eyes. The man with the blue eyes had black hair the was pulled into a ponytail and had a well toned body. The green eyed man had fiery red hair that was pulled into a ponytail as well but wasn't as built as the other.
She watched them wondering where they were going until Sesshoumaru stood up and gave the greed eyed one a hug and a look to the other. He sat down next to her as she watched and studied them in silence. They both just smiled brightly back at her hoping she would notice. She recognized them but she couldn't put her finger on it.
"Hi. I'm Kagome. It's nice to meet you." She said smiling warmly at the men offering her hand to each of them.
They took her hand and each shook it gently. But when she shook the green eyed mans hand she was flooded with pictures of Shippou. Her son from the past and unknowingly had tears fall down her face. When she shook the blue eyed mans hand pictures of Kouga flooded through her head and she just smiled at the memory of her friend.
"Shippou, Kouga." She whispered but they both caught and said 'Yes?' when they did.
When she heard them both respond her eyes lit up in confusion and then realization. She stared at each one for a moment and repeated their names as she looked at them. She earned a smile and a nod from each of them and pushed Sesshoumaru out of the booth and ran to hug them.
"Oh Shippou, I thought I'd never see you again. You have grown up so much since I've last seen you. How I've missed you my son." She said the last part hesitantly.
"I've missed you too mom. I ran into Sesshoumaru a few hundred years ago and he's helped me out so I could find you. I'm so glad you remember me. I thought you wouldn't." He said crying as he hugged her close.
She gently let him go so she could greet Kouga as well.
"So Kagome, you still going to be my woman?" he asked jokingly as they all heard a growl come from Sesshoumaru's general area.
"You haven't changed at all. What about Ayame? Where is she? Last I heard you had mated." She questioned giving him a big hug which she heard Sesshoumaru growl again.
"Yeah we are. She is working right now though. She said she wanted to see you when you got a chance. She misses you a whole bunch. She nearly went crazy when I told her we found you and that I was going to meet you." He said with a smile as he took his seat again.
"That would be nice. I haven't seen her in a while. We will need to catch up. I still can't believe you guys are sitting here in front of me. It's almost as unbelievable as Sesshoumaru not trying to kill me." This comment was answered by a whimper like growl from him. She couldn't help but giggle and was followed by Kouga and Shippou too.
"So I've heard from my sources you have become friends with Inuyasha, Sango and Miroku's reincarnation. Have you told them anything?" Shippou asked his curiosity getting the best of him.
"Yeah I have. They are just like the old ones too. I guess it doesn't matter how many times your born. You never change. I have told them about their past and not to long ago they told me they wanted their memories back. So I have to train for a few days and then I will give them back. After that you guys can come see them. It will be nice to have everyone together again. The only thing that worries me though is I sense a very strong evil presence lately and the worst part of it all is my old boss. He is Naraku's reincarnation." She said in a weary voice.
"Don't worry mom. I'm here and soon everyone else will be. And just think, I'm older now and am very powerful and skill full with my powers too. I can change into my true form but it wouldn't be helpful. I'm the size of a normal fox." He said in a down voice while his head hung low.
"That's all right. You probably don't even need it. You'll be stronger without it." She told him with a warm smile
As he did when he was still a child he puffed his chest up as he made a comment. "That's right!" he shouted but not to loud
So they all enjoyed some time to talk about the past and what happened while she was gone. She told them about school and her family and anything else she felt like mentioning. It was about eight o'clock when they left to head to their houses. Shippou and Kouga went in the opposite direction of the campus leaving her and Sesshoumaru alone. She had made notes of how many times they spent time alone. It's not that she didn't mind because she didn't. It was more the fact she didn't know what to say anymore or how to act. She knew she was attracted to the guy but beyond that she didn't know anything else. He usually was so cold to everyone but lately he wasn't that way around her and as time went by he would even show his emotions when others were around too. So what exactly did that mean? She didn't know and was so frustrated she made up her mind a told herself she would ask him tonight. He mentioned something about practicing at his house after they met with Shippou and Kouga so she assumed they were headed there now. So she would ask him when they got to his place. For now she would just try to make small talk.
Sango was at Miroku and Inuyasha's dorm working on some studying. They had decided they would try to help each other. However, Miroku kept groping Sango and she kept knocking him out. While this went on every so often Inuyasha just shook his head and sigh as he tried to continue his work. At one point they had stopped and discussed the whole getting their memories back situation. Which helped them answer their questions. Which for some reason or another Miroku was the one answering all the questions. Despite his perverted and wandering hands they could tell he knew what he talked about. At first they hadn't until he told them his family are very spiritual people. Which surprised them a lot because of the way he normally acts. The conversation had eventually died down and they found themselves in their normal routine while they tried their best to study.
Kagome and Sesshoumaru had been practicing for a while. She decided that before they would continue she would ask him. She really didn't know how to go about asking him though. She was very nervous and felt a little embarrassed about doing it. So she just asked the best she knew how.
"Sesshoumaru, I was wondering about something." She said waiting for him to respond.
After a few minutes of no response while she gawked at the ground she looked up to find him looking at her. She took it as his way of telling her to proceed. So she continued wording it the best she could.
"Well, you see I..um...well..I wondering" She paused before continuing "You always seemed so cold to everyone and then when we started talking and hanging out you were so nice. But when my grandfather died you became cold again. And now you are being nice to me again. You even smiled when Sango and Miroku were around earlier. I just don't understand. Why are you like that with me?" she asked innocently confused.
He sat there thinking not wanting to give a wrong answer or upset her. He knew he liked her, but more then a friend he wasn't really sure. This questioning brought up an interesting point. Why had he let them see him smile? Why did he treat her differently from everybody else? Why did he care for her so much? At first he was afraid to care for somebody. In the past he had cared for Rin a great deal and then when she had grown old and died he had become cold again. He was afraid to care again. Then he had found her, Kagome. She reminded him so much of his Rin. Was it because she was like Rin? Did that mean he saw her as nothing more than another ward to watch out for? Yes, that was it. It was because she was another Rin. So he finally come up with an answer he spoke up.
"You remind me much of Rin." Was all he said.
He didn't explain himself because he couldn't. He didn't know what he meant by it. That was the only thing he could think to say. So he just left it at that.
"I see." She said somewhat sadly
She hadn't expected him to say anything like that. But then again she didn't expect him to say anything. She was suprised when he answered but for some reason she felt sad because of what she said. She didn't really understand what he had meant by it. It was so vague and could mean anything. So she decided to just drop it because she would have more important things to do. Like practice with her powers.
"Let us practice some more. It is getting late. Try making a ball of energy in your hand. Make one as big as you can but make sure you are able to control it." He instructed her.
So after another hour of her learning her abilities they finally called it a night. He offered to walk her home but she refused saying she would be fine on her own. So she left and headed back to her place, which happened to be on the other side of campus.
On her way back she felt like someone was watching her. She could sense a presence but it was faint. So she just picked up the pace and kept walking not looking back. It was following her and she was now officially freaked out. She wasn't far now just a little bit to go. She walked faster and faster until she was running. She ran up the steps of her building and went inside. She didn't stop running until she was standing in front of her door. Placing her hands on her knees she breathed heavily catching her breath and proceeded into her room.
She walked in turning on the lights to see Sango wasn't home. So she picked up the phone and called Inuyasha to see if she was there.
"Hello" came a rough voice
"Hey Inuyasha. Is Sango over there?" she asked
"Yeah her and the pervert are passed out from studying or you could say fighting off his wandering hands." He said as he sighed
"Oh, okay. That figures. Thanks." She said about to hang up the phone.
"You want me to get her?" he asked nicely
"No that's alright. I was just wondering if she was okay, that's all. Thank you." She answered
"Okay then." He said hanging up the phone
She threw herself on her bed and sighed as she lay there for a while thinking about what happened since she started college. Spring break was in two weeks so she was getting a little antsy. She wasn't exactly sure what she was going to do. She wanted to go to the beach so bad but at the same time she knew her family needed her. She sighed again and rolled over setting her alarm clock and quickly fell asleep.
The next two days were normal. Everyone had gone to class and studied. Sesshoumaru and Kagome finished her short training. She had easily been able to control her power and now knew how to use it too. She was confident now that she knew she could control them. They had instead decided to do each of them in the own room so they didn't have to go far. She told them they would need to rest right after she did it. She had told them she would start off with the guys because by the time she was done with Sango she would probably pass out with exhaustion from the amount of her energy she would use. Sesshoumaru was going to tag along to be the safety advisor. Well another words Kagome collapses and he takes care of her. She wasn't sure if it would happen but it was a possibility. She had not used so much energy for along time. Actually she had done it once and that was during the final battle. She used so much she was suprised she had survived.
So here they were in Inuyasha and Miroku's room talking some before actually getting it done with. They asked her a few more questions and then they began.
She decided to start with Miroku seeing as he volunteered to go first. So everybody else just sat and watched. They sat in the middle of the room facing each other. Both closing there eyes as Kagome began to speak.
"Now I need you to relax and open your mind completely. You must give me total access to your mind for me to find the memories. It's going to feel a little weird but just stay relaxed." She explained to him.
Her hands turned blue as she slowly brought them to each side of his head. After she had placed them where she needed she started sifting through the deepest part of his mind. She saw pictures of him and people he assumed to be his family until she finally came across the memories she was looking for. Reaching her hand and grabbing a hold of the memories she forced them forward adding to his present ones. When she was sure they were all there she removed her hands and opened her eyes. She looked to Miroku to see his eyes still closed as his body had become limp and fell to the floor.
Sango seeing this jumped up to help him. Finally acknowledging his current unconsciousness her and Inuyasha lifted him to his bed and covered him up so he could rest.
"I guess you will be doing more work than you thought huh Sesshoumaru?" she said smiling.
She looked to Inuyasha as she started to speak again.
"Are you ready? By the looks of things you are going to pass out which means you will remember everything while you dream. Unfortunately I don't really know how long you will be out for. Hopefully you will be awake by tomorrow night or the next morning. That's why we're doing it on a weekend right?" she said smiling trying to lighten the mood. "This time we will try it a different way. Lay on your bed so that way we wont have to move you. And plus you can be more relaxed." She added
So she finished the process and was successful with him as well. So the three left their room and locked it so they could rest up for what was to come and the things that were to be different when they would wake up.
Sesshoumaru noticed Kagome was a little sluggish so he wrapped an arm around her waist giving her a little support. After a few minutes of walking they got to her and Sango's room.
Sango laid down in her bed and relaxed. When she felt Kagome sit down she relaxed some more and opened her mind so she was able to find what she was hunting for. After a few minutes of searching she finally found the memories and pulled them forward as she did with the guys. As so as she pulled away she descended from the bed towards the ground. She had over exhausted herself. She had been worn out from the Inuyasha because she had to search for at least ten minutes before finding his. Sango and Miroku's only took a few. So she used more energy then she should have. Fortunately for Kagome, Sesshoumaru caught her before she hit the ground.
He scooped her up in both arms and placed her on her bed. He walked to Sango and covered her up before grabbing Kagome's purse and keys. He scooped her in his arms again and carried her to his room. He used his demon speed to get to his place so he didn't get odd looks. But when he had exited her building he had sensed someone for a brief second and then it disappeared.
When he got to his room he placed her in his bed and undressed 'til he was only in boxers and took his spot behind her as his arms instantly wrapped around her. As soon as he had done that he was asleep.
Back At Naraku's Office
A man with cold brown eyes was waiting for Naraku to address him. He needed to tell him. It would pose a problem.
"Yes Jin? Was there something you needed?" he asked the man
The man bowed to his master before he proceeded to tell him of the news he had gathered that night. Afraid of his masters wrath he knew he should tell him. But he also knew he would not be happy about the new comer.
"We have a minor problem. The man who stood in my way before is still with her. He remains by her side and protects her. I can sense he is a powerful demon and holds centuries over me. He also seems to know of her past adventures because I have heard them discuss such things. Only briefly though." He stopped waiting for his masters reaction.
"I see, this is very upsetting. Do you know what demon you speak of Jin?" he asked him.
"No milord." He hated calling him that but it pleased Naraku and had many times saved his life.
"Lord Sesshoumaru, of The Western Lands is who our new player is. This will pose a problem. So you say he is very close to the girl huh. Well we will have to change that wont we. He is a powerful demon but I have a secret and someone that will weaken him. You may go now Jin. Continue your orders and before you return to your post send Rin to me." He said and drifted into his thoughts not paying anymore attention to him.
He left the office and after a few minutes a young woman came in that bared a striking resemblance to the young girl that followed Sesshoumaru around centuries ago.
"You have called for me milord?" she ask bowing low to her master
"Yes Rin. This man" he said showing her a picture of Sesshoumaru in his disguised form. "He is your assignment. I want you to do whatever you have to keep him with you all the time. But make sure you act right. His daughter was easily pleased but extremely wise. She was thoughtful and very sharp. Act somewhat childish at times and when it involves being serious then you should be wise. Understood?" He asked and when she graced him with a nod he dismissed her.