You and you alone can save me
Enter Kiba
By: Kuraii-chan
KK: Hahahah… updates so close together, this has got to be the most motivated I've been in quite some time! But, everyone also realizes that with all these updates that the end of the story will be drawing closer? Yeah, makes me sad too.
Inu: About damned time!
KK: :ignores: But fear not! I've decided that when You and you alone can save me ends, it will be Bringing Honor that will take its place. So far, I'm really excited about this futuristic SessKag fic and Raye-chan thinks it'll be a big hit. :D
Seika: Doubt it. :snorts:
Kagome: Sesshomaru again? Sheeeeesh… how many times are you gonna stick me with that Ice box?
KK: As many times as I get good ideas for you and him. Opposites attract right? You two are POLAR opposites, so it's all good. :D
Author Notes: I think I'd like to dedicate this chapter to the following people:
-Raye-chan
-Yukina-chan
and of course,
-InuLorien
The first two have been chosen for being my wonderful beta readers and fixing up my chapters before they are presented to the public. :D (Let me add though, that I just found a mistake you both missed while re-reading my last chapter) And of course InuLorien my faithful reviewer who, despite having taken a break from all Inuyasha fics in favor of Harry Potter (and trust me, I know how that is) has returned to me, said that my writing style was much missed, and all this in a review! For this I thought you deserved special mention. :D (And of course I remember you!)
Enjoy!
"Give me your hand," she called before hoisting Hibiki on as well.
Let the fun begin.
Kagome returned to the room, humming softly to herself. Shippou could always put her in a better mood, and she still wasn't fully sure how he did it.
My-Linh and Sango were grinning evilly, towering over the sprawled form of Inuyasha.
"Anyone else care to make trouble?" asked Sango dangerously, her eyes sparkling with mirth.
"Uhm… you two can stop now, I'm back." Kagome rubbed the back of her head, feeling almost guilty about her previous orders. Almost.
Kira, standing with his arms crossed next to Sesshomaru, looked about ready to laugh.
… A definite first.
"Kagome," Sesshomaru began when he caught sight of the miko. "We have need to discuss your possible leave from the castle."
A raven colored eyebrow rose. "Do we now? I don't suppose you are going to try and order me to stay, because that certainly isn't going to stop me from leaving with my friends. I have a responsibility to uphold, having shattered the Shikon no Tama. We need to collect the last of the shards, like it or not, and defeat Naraku once and for all."
A task that had looked so optimistic when Kagome had first started out, now looking more like a heavy burden and chore. Still, she had no right to complain when the reason she was in such a mess was her own clumsiness. All she wanted was to finish her duty, graduate High School, get a nice job and settle down with that special someone whoever he may be.
Though… it looked more and more like that someone was here in Sengoku Jidai rather than her own time. Still, she had something that needed finishing before she could possibly indulge in her feelings for Sesshomaru.
"Iie, I wanted to discuss your training."
Her thoughts came to a stand still.
Training? But… I'm not in training.
As if reading her thoughts Sesshomaru went on to explain, "Surely you will need training before you even considered fighting against Naraku? As strong as your power may be now, it is still not fully under your control. Without you fully trained as a miko, not only do you loose some of your power because you are unable to tap into it, but you pose a possible threat to any and all near you should you suddenly without meaning to or warning purify everything in the immediate area."
Ouch. And yet… he had a valuable point.
Kaede had already taught her as much as she knew though, so just where was she going to get this much needed training from?
"With this in mind, one of my guards, Kiba, has agreed to train you."
My-Linh looked both confused and delighted.
"Kiba… how could a youkai, no offence, train me in being a miko?"
Sesshomaru gave her a look that shut her up, "As I was saying, Kiba has agreed to train you. To gain complete control over your powers you need to be able to tap into them. The easiest way to get in touch with yourself is by meditation, am I right houshi?"
Miroku nodded vigorously. "Indeed. It helps you gain better self control, and allows you to better understand the power within yourself."
The Taiyoukai turned away from Miroku and returned his attention to Kagome. "Also, he trained under an exceptional miko when he was young, thus allowing him more knowledge about your powers and abilities than the rest of us. A perfect sensei for you, despite his being a youkai, ne?"
Kagome nodded, finally able to grasp just what Sesshomaru was saying. And of course, this worked out well because she would still be under the inu youkai's care, if only for a little while longer.
"But, while I am here training where will my friends be?"
"They will stay as well of course," responded Sesshomaru smoothly. "Though should any of them become too rowdy or cause a disturbance in my castle they shall be asked, and none too kindly either, to leave." He cast a meaningful glance to the ookami Prince and his half-brother who had somewhat dazedly awoken.
"I refuse!" cried Inuyasha instantly. "Kagome, you can get training somewhere else like Kaede or somethin'. But we are not staying here with this sorry excuse for a youkai."
A silver eyebrow rose in response. "I am in no mood for your petty defiance. You may not care if Kagome receives the proper training, but it is a sever matter that needs to be dealt with quickly and before Naraku decides to strike. Should you not care to stay, I would gladly allow you to leave however Kagome is staying here for her training like it or not."
Miroku looked at his friend, "Admittedly, your brother has a point. Kagome really does need to gain control over her powers before they become unmanageable. An untrained miko with Kagome's level of power is a highly dangerous thing."
Inuyasha rose unceremoniously from his position on the floor and glowered. "No, we're not staying. Everyone pack up, its time for us to leave. Kagome, we'll get Kaede to train you."
Everyone looked from Inuyasha, to Sesshomaru, and back again. Even Kouga wasn't taunting the hanyou at this moment.
Sparks flew between the brothers before a timid voice brought everyone's attention to another person.
"Actually Inuyasha, Kaede has already taught me as much as she knows. I think it might be best if I stayed here and received training from Kiba. He's My-Linh's triplet brother, so I can trust him if that's what you are worried—"
Inuyasha snarled. "Fine! Who the hell needs the lot of you? Everyone can stay here for all I care, I'm going to go get the rest of the jewel shards while you all just sit here and train. I'm strong enough on my own to take down Naraku."
He stormed over to the door and before anyone could protest, slammed it shut behind him.
Kouga looked stunned, Sesshomaru looked satisfied, Kira undecipherable, and so on. Mostly everyone appeared slightly shocked the outburst. Sure, they expected him to argue about staying in his loathed half-brother's castle… but no one would have thought he'd just leave.
"Eh…" Kagome began massaging her temples before saying anything. "Well it looks like we're staying. I don't know about any of you but I've got a headache and it's about time I checked up on Shippou."
Sesshomaru nodded, "Kyo will wake you tomorrow and take you to Kiba where you will begin your training. Short notice, but time is of the essence and there is no need to waste such valuable time. Be ready to be exhausted by the end of your lesson as well, it would not be uncommon."
He addressed the rest of her friends. "Tsubasa will take you to your rooms. It is best you get sleep as well, because I will expect all of you to be training yourselves though without the help of a sensei."
Kouga decided to speak up then. "Since Kagome is staying, I'll stay as well." He commented loudly. Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed, but said nothing as he swept out of the room.
My-Linh smiled. "I'll alert Tsubasa, all of you just stay here while you wait for her. She's a neko youkai, not easy to miss. Being friends of Kagome, she'll probably despise all of you as well so if she seems cold you'll know why. You should indeed get a good nights rest so you may begin training of your own tomorrow. You'll need to be in the best shape you can be to face a foe such as Naraku."
With a wave, both artic kitsune left the room as well, leaving the rest of them to wait for Tsubasa.
"I'll be going now as well," called Kagome, "'Night everyone!"
"Good night Kagome," they all chorused… the all consisting of just Sango, Miroku, and Kouga.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Lady Kagome? Lady Kagome, it's time to wake up." Kyo sighed as he opened the door to her room slowly. "Lady Kagome?"
There she was, curled up on the bed with the kitsune tucked safely in her arms.
With an affectionate smile on gives their puppy when they do something cute, Kyo abandoned his scythe at the door and began to slowly shake the young miko awake.
"Nng, five more minutes mom." She groaned and twisted, trying to maneuver her body away from the insistent hands.
"Sorry Lady Kagome, but you've got to wake up now if you wish to bathe before your first lesson with Kiba."
One sleepy eye cracked open to blearily survey Kyo. "Ugh, can't you just let me sleep?" she whined piteously.
He shook his head good naturedly, "Sorry Lady, but no. You wished to bathe before you met the final triplet of the Taijou family, and if you still are inclined to do so you must do it now."
"Fine, fine, I'm coming." Carefully she somehow managed to set Shippou in the bed without awaking the kitsune and stumbled out of bed.
"I don't suppose whoever keeps setting out my clothing has done it already…?" when Kyo shook her head Kagome sighed in defeat. "I'll just have to use my fluffy robe then." She made her way to the huge yellow backpack sitting in a corner and began to rummage though the items, mumbling to herself.
"Soap, shampoo, conditioner, towel…" she looked up, "Kyo-kun, you are going to have to leave so I can change into my robe. It would be too much of a pain for me to go in clothing and have to carry it back."
Silently Kyo grabbed his scythe and exited the room, "I'll be out here when you are ready Lady."
Rapidly, Kagome wiggled out of her nightclothes and folded them neatly next to her backpack before slipping on the fluffy white robe and tying it securely into place. With her arms full the miko tapped the door with her foot. "Could you open the door Kyo-kun? My hands are a little full at the moment…"
The door slid open and Kyo's eyebrow rose.
"Need help Lady?"
"Nah, I'll manage, thanks Kyo-kun." Precariously the two made their way to the guarded hot spring outside.
"'Morning!" she chirped to the guards as she slipped though the doors to bathe. The smiled and bowed.
Carefully she set everything down next to the edge and easing out of her robe slid into the welcomed heat of the soothing water.
She didn't notice the small commotion outside.
"Milord! What are you doing here?"
Sesshomaru blinked, "Is Kagome here?"
He didn't need an answer however because a soft voice floated down and blanketed them, coaxing silence from all who heard.
"Ikutsu namida o nagashitara, every heart sunao ni nareru darou. Dare ni omoi tsutaetara, every heart kokoro mita sareru no darou"
If there were many tears falling down, every heart would become gentle. If everybody expresses what they think, every heart can be satisfied.
Kagome smiled softly as her voice began to grow stronger with confidence. No one outside was objecting and she couldn't hear anything so she assumed them to be listening.
Squeezing the shampoo out onto her palm she began to lather in gel into her hair.
"Meguru meguru toki no naka de, bokutachi wa ai o sagashiteiru, tsuyoku tsuyoku naritai kara. Kyou mo takaisora miageteiru."
In endlessly repeating time, we were searching for love, because we wanted to become stronger. We look up to the faraway sky.
Inhaling the soft sent associated with her shampoo, Kagome rinsed out her hair slowly, taking care to rid of all of the shampoo. After applying the conditioner, she reached over for her body wash and scrubber.
"Donna egao ni deaetara, every heart yume wo fumidasereruyo hitowa. Kanashimi no mukou ni, every heart shiawase ukabete nemuru."
The two of us, smiling, meet here, every heart has a habit of receiving its dreams. Sadness has no effect on us, every heart gains happiness when it flies.
Rubbing the foamy-good smelling soap all over her body Kagome slowly sunk into the water, allowing the warmth to take away the bubbles.
Bubbles… sometime soon she'd just come here to play with the bubbles.
"Itsuka itsuka subete no tamashii ga, yasuraka ni nareru youni."
Someday our souls will unite, we will give peaceful approval.
With a sigh, she leaned back until her hair was submerged completely in the water and began to thread her fingers though her ebony hair, coaxing all the conditioner from the silky strands.
The she rose from the spring, knowing full well if she stayed any longer that she wouldn't get out at all.
"Meguru meguru toki no naka de, boku tachi wa ikite nanika wo shiru. Toki ni warai shugoshi naite, kyou mo mada aruki tsuzukete iku."
In endlessly repeating time, we know why we are living. We go through the nighttime laughing, both of us are mourning, yet we walk on.
Rubbing away the moisture that clung to her skin with her soft towel, Kagome sighed. It was a long day ahead of her, and she'd need to get moving if she wanted to make the most of this training she was receiving. Slipping back on her fluffy robe, Kagome gathered her things once more and headed to the door.
"Osanai kioku no kata sumi ni, atatakai basho ga aru soushi. Hoshi tachi ga hanasu mirai ga, itsumo kagayaite ita, so shine."
Memories of everything has settled, this is a warm place to be. The stars separate us from the future, we are always so brilliant, so shine.
After struggling though the door Kagome smiled to the guards who seemed transfixed. "That's all I'm afraid, I can't recall the rest of the song at the moment."
And that's when she noticed, standing right next to Kyo was, the one and only, Sesshomaru. So… he had heard?
Noooo! Nonono, you can't of heard my horrible singing!
Kyo smiled, "Amazing Lady, I didn't know you could sing so well."
Returning the smile, though rather sheepishly, Kagome responded softly, "I can't… my singing honestly isn't all that good. Sure, I'm decent but I couldn't make a living out of it."
The gentle guard shook his head in disagreement, "I honestly haven't heard such a sweet voice as yours."
Eager to get away from the topic of her singing, Kagome turned to Sesshomaru.
"Is there something you needed?"
The intensity of his gaze was almost unsettling, making Kagome want to run back into the safety of the hot spring and away from such scrutiny… and somehow it brought back to mind the kiss they had shared just the other day, causing a pink tinge to sweep over her cheeks.
"I was merely here to make sure you had awoken and weren't wasting time when you could be training. Hurry back to your room and change. Kiba shall be in the gardens near the dojo." Turning on heel, Sesshomaru strode purposefully off… probably to go over some letters with neighboring lands.
Kagome turned to Kyo, a look of disbelief clear on her face. He was sure she was about to go on about how Lord Sesshomaru had no right to treat her in such a way, but indeed this was not the case.
"You mean there is a garden and a dojo here as well? What else have I yet to discover about this place?"
The guard laughed, "Hai there is a garden and dojo. They are located on the eastern wall of the castle. I do believe you've only seen the northern and western walls where you have arrived though the doors of the main hall and met My-Linh at the stables and the smaller garden that Rin favors. The southern wall is entirely for the training of Sesshomaru's guards and assassins."
Kagome looked floored.
"Wow… so much, and I never knew…" Astounded Kagome began to hobble back to her room, mumbling beneath her breath about the size of this place.
"Lady?" Kagome looked up instantly, pausing her rambling. "Hai?"
"I do believe your room is that way." He pointed in the direction opposite of where was headed.
"Oh." Kami… why couldn't she do anything this morning? Every since Sesshomaru had shown up she'd been distracted by something. "Thank you Kyo-kun."
Turning Kagome began to shuffle in the actual direction of her room.
"Kyo-kun?"
"Hai Lady?"
"Could you tell me more about these training grounds and about this Kiba who will be training me?"
A chuckle escaped the guard as he gave the miko next to him an amused look. "Nervous?"
"A little," she admitted hesitantly.
"Well… Kiba happens to be the best assassin under Sesshomaru. He is the one who trains all of the guards and assassins which is why you've yet to encounter him. He's aloof and distant, and can be rather cold at times, but that's what makes him so good at what he does. He doesn't get attached to any one thing or person, because that would become a weakness for the enemy. However, he is completely loyal to Lord Sesshomaru, seeing as he was saved from death by Lord Sesshomaru when he was just kit, along with Kira and My-Linh. I don't think My-Linh has told you, but her parents were slaughtered by panther youkai, and she and her brothers were next when Lord Sesshomaru intervened. If anyone can be relied upon, it would be those three."
Kyo paused to consider his words carefully. "All though none of them will admit it, they look up to Lord Sesshomaru as one would an older sibling or a cherished father. Each one in his or her own way strives to be more like him. Kiba wants to one day be able to defeat Lord Sesshomaru in battle."
Kagome smiled, "Well maybe one day he'll be able to fulfill his dream." They stopped at her door and she slipped inside with an 'I'll be right out!'
Sure enough, she was soon next to him once more. An eyebrow rose as he took in the navy blue hakama, white haori with the midnight crescent on the back, and magenta makeshift obi.
"Well it looks like I'm this castle's miko now." She turned, trying to get a good look at the crescent on her back.
Chuckling Kyo leaned against his scythe as if in need of support to keep standing, "Lady we'll need to get going. Kiba isn't one to be kept waiting."
Blinking, Kagome straightened and saluted her guard. "Aye, aye, Captain!" She turned smartly and began marching down the corridor; missing the befuddled look Kyo shot her before following the miko.
"Konnichiwa!" cried Kagome as she flung open the final door between her and the lush outside on the eastern wall of the castle.
It would have been the perfect way to startle someone.
…. Had anyone been out there.
Kyo laughed softly. "Lady, Kiba will be awaiting you in the garden, not the expanse of land between the dojo and the garden."
Huffing, the young miko began to make her way to the large archway surrounded with various plants that she had spotted just seconds before. Her guard merely shook his head as he followed patiently.
"Hello?" called Kagome as she entered, "Anyone here?"
Suddenly before her stood the last of the artic kitsune triplets. He bowed deeply, before righting and allowing a small smile. "Lady Kagome I presume? It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person; I've heard many a tale about you milady."
When he straightened, Kagome finally got a good look at the final Taijou member. The identical telltale azure hair looked so soft that the miko almost forgot herself and reached out to touch it. Oh yes, but it reached about mid-back, loosely confined to a black silk ribbon. His eyes seemed to be a blend of the molten that Kira possessed, and the milky brown that came with My-Linh, being that same molten both rimmed by the milky brown and with small complimenting flecks. The same tail possessed by his siblings flicked back and forth lazily.
"It is a pleasure to meet you as well Kiba-san." She smiled happily; it was about time she had gotten to meet him!
If the suffix startled him at all by her boldness, it didn't show. He merely nodded. "Are you ready to begin your training Kagome-sama?"
"Hai!" she chirped before turning to Kyo, "Are you going to stay here?"
He shook his head regretfully, "Iie Lady, I have work to attend to and make sure that your guests are not only behaving themselves but are doing their self-training as requested by Lord Sesshomaru. I assure you though, I will drop by every now and then to check on your progress."
Kagome nodded understandingly, waving, "Byyyyyyyye Kyo-kyo!" Her guard chuckled softly as he waved in return before disappearing back into the castle to fulfill all that needed his assistance.
Returning her full attention to Kiba, she grinned. "All right Sensei, what do I need to do first?"
"I'd like to see the full extent of your powers first Kagome-sama, so I hope you wouldn't mind shooting an arrow for me?"
His imploring look made Kagome blush, "Oh no! Of course I'll shoot an arrow, no problem!" Taking the bow and quiver of arrows from Kiba she followed as he lead her to the southern wall to a target made of wood.
Kiba smiled reassuringly, "The training guards and assassins were asked to leave so you may not be bothered, I hope you don't mind."
"Oh it's fine Kiba-san!" In all truth, she was grateful that they weren't here. It was one thing to show one person how good your archery was, but to show a mass of highly skilled assassins and guards… well that was quite another.
Slipping the quiver over her arm she extracted one arrow and slowly brought it up to the finely made oak bow. Notching it carefully, Kagome pulled the arrow back until the string of the bow was taunt and unwilling to stretch further for her. Carefully she aimed, silently measuring the distance so she could better her chances of a good hit.
Kagome could feel the power pooling into her hand and draining into her arrow, ready to be released. Naturally all surroundings faded as she became immediately comfortable with her weapon, placing her feet firmly on the ground, one well in front of the other. There, she could feel it was ready and released the arrow with her right hand. The gentle hum of the string as it snapped back into place seemed to reassure her of a job well done as the arrow, now engulfed in a soft pink light of purifying energy, soared to its target swiftly.
As it landed, the entire area where the arrow was was bathed in that same gentle pink glow, until the light faded leaving the ashes of the wooden target and some charred grass.
Wide-eyed Kagome turned to Kiba. "I hope you didn't need that target for something else any time soon…" she joked half-heartedly.
Oops… I didn't mean to blow the whole thing up!
Kiba laughed softly. "It is fine Kagome-sama. Excellent work on your archery, please leave the quiver, arrows, and bow here for the others to retrieve later and let us return to the garden."
With a nod Kagome set down the object carefully and trotted behind her new makeshift sensei, trying to imagine just what it was that her training would include. Meditation of course, but… what else that wouldn't involve the chance of her accidentally purifying Kiba?
"Alright Kagome-sama," Kiba said softly as he reached that same small clearing in the garden that he had met her in just earlier, "Have a seat, you may close your eyes or keep them open, which ever is more comfortable for you, just please do not fall asleep. Push all thoughts from your mind, you may focus either on your breathing or your heartbeat, it matters not which. When you have relaxed fully Kagome-sama you should be able to detect the energy within yourself, but seeing as you have not been trained it will be scattered. You need to pull it all together Kagome-sama, and push it into a tight ball. This is how you can better focus your energy and tap into its full potential during battle."
He paused as Kagome nodded from her seat on the lush grass, her face showing rapt attention. It was good to see his student was able to recognize the seriousness of the situation and the need to gain control over her abilities.
"Now Kagome-sama, I want you to do only that and do not attempt anything without my direction. It is fine if you cannot do this on your first try, that is only to be expected. If you become frustrated, pause your trying and calm yourself. You must be fully relaxed and emotionless while doing this; if you allow your emotions to control you during this process the result will very well be disastrous. You could quite easily knock off all youkai within the castle and possibly further, that is how great your potential is.
"Do not fear however now that you know this Kagome-sama, because I have faith you can do this. We all do, otherwise we wouldn't be practicing so near others, nor would it be I who is training you as I am youkai and could easily be killed. Merely keep in mind that you must be careful of what you do before you have reached your full potential, the extent of your power." He smiled softly, "Now Kagome-sama, try it."
Placing her hands loosely on her lap Kagome inhaled, tensing her body as if preparing for battle, and exhaled, allowing all thoughts and all the tension to leave with that spent breath. A serene black look flitted down to fall into place as she concentrated on her breathing, waiting to finally hear the soft beating of her heart.
It took a few minutes before the sound came to her in a steady, reassuring rhythm. Ba-bump, ba-bump, ba-bump. Only then did she begin to look deep within her mind, within her spirit and soul for the scattered power.
Almost as if drawn to her search a small light was suddenly visible, emitting a soft pink light. Other glowing bits began to swim into vision and at once Kagome knew it to be her spiritual power. As if gathering a small child she beckoned the lights together until she could have grasped them in her arms. The floating lighted vaguely reminded her of fireflies on a gentle night, swayed by the breeze but never deterred in their ambition.
With all her strength Kagome began to exert force of the small lights, compressing them together until they began to form one great ball of fierce pink light. But there were just so many of them, some joined the search late, barely swimming into her vision, and others resisted her grasp, quite unwilling to be caught after so many years of freedom. Despite the added effort to try and draw the new light to her, some of the others broke free of her grasp to drift effortlessly away, as if taunting softly that they could not be captured. If you become frustrated, pause your trying and calm yourself. You must be fully relaxed. The words entered her mind un-bidden and Kagome knew she had to stop her perusal so she could regain control.
"Kagome-sama? Kagome-sama are you all right?" The worried expression of Kiba swam into view as she blearily opened her eyes. "Kagome-sama, you were glowing and had become pale. Perhaps this is too much too soon, I should have requested so much on your first session."
She shook her head firmly, "Iie Kiba-san. I will be fine, might I have a few minutes to regain my composure?" The kitsune nodded eagerly, relieved that she knew well enough she needed some time before trying again.
Taking a deep breath, Kagome allowed herself to fall backwards in the grass and gaze up at the sky.
"Kiba-san?" she asked suddenly, startling the kitsune out of his quiet thoughts.
"Hai Kagome-sama?" The miko peered over at him with an oddly interested look, making him wonder just what it was he was about to be asked or informed.
"You wouldn't happen to know what Kira-san feels for Kyo-kun would you? I'm just curious…" in fact, thoughts of the two of them had been nagging her for some time now, as she was fully aware of Kyo's feelings but what about Kira's?
Utterly stupefied Kiba found himself staring at Kagome with a look of complete disbelief. That was her question? He could fully understand questions about the castle, of the garden, or ever on her powers, but instead it was about Kira's feelings. Unexpected to say the least.
And now he found himself questioning this mysterious miko's motives. Was it possible she was just another insane matchmaker like his sister My-Linh? Or did she without a piece of incriminating evidence that he was unaware of? Surely such a small creature couldn't be capable of wide-scale mischief and destruction? But of course, who was he to talk? After all, having My-Linh of all people for a sibling certainly could leave him without any doubts that the little people are often the ones to be feared.
An eyebrow rose in question, "Why do you ask Kagome-sama?" he inquired curiously, "Surely you do not have Kira's best interests at heart."
A soft chuckle escaped Kagome before she could withhold it. "Iie, iie. Kyo-kun's surely, but I hadn't thought of Kira's." She snorted at the confused look replacing his interested one. "I would share with you all the details but I'm afraid I'd have a certain guard at my door with death on his mind if I did. I merely wish to know what Kira-san thinks of Kyo-kun, nothing more. Mind you, I'm not your sister." Because I can be worse than her at times, I'll admit.
Kiba shook his head, eyebrows furrowed with his confusion still quite evident. "I'm not quite sure to be honest Kagome-sama. It's not a question siblings often ask one another… at least not for us. Kira is generally a withdrawn and reserved youkai as well, so he's not one to just open up to anyone. I can say he does trust us, My-Linh and myself, far more than almost anyone but I've never asked him a question so personal before. Why do you ask?"
"Lets just say I know an interesting bit of information and was simply curious on your brother's behalf." Her eyes glittered mysteriously with an open amount of mirth lurking in their blue-gray depths. "But never mind, lets get back to work!" she said abruptly, leaving the artic kitsune hanging.
Sitting back up, she rested her hands in that same place in her lap as before and inhaled, tensing once again, before exhaling and forcing all emotion, all thoughts and tension from her small frame.
That same blank, serene, but relaxed look took hold of her expressions as Kagome focused with all her might to keep thoughts from popping up unbidden into her mind, making her breaths deep and even as possible.
Sooner than last time the beat of her heart made itself known, the firm pattern reassuring.
Easily the lights swam into her view, though some of the lights were bigger, showing some success in her last attempt to draw her power together. Beckoning the lights Kagome made sure that she had all of the scattered raw glowing energy in her sights before drawing them together and compressing them firmly together. Twice, she felt her hold on the energy slip, but Kagome fought to keep reign on this power until she had successfully pushed it all into a ball.
And she at last accomplished this task.
Spent, she released the ball and returned from her almost-detached state to smile weakly at Kiba before falling on her side, unconscious.
"Kagome-sama?" Kiba looked panicked, "Kagome-sama!"
KK: Phew. Sorry took so long to get this out… :D But it's nice an long (14 chapters!) for all of you, and you get Kiba!
Kiba: That is a dreadful place to stop it.
KK: Yes, well, it was also a lovely imitation of a cliffie.
Spellcaster Hikaru: Haha, it's quite all right dearie. :D Thanks, teehee. Nah, I've never seen him cook either, but hey, this is a fanfiction and I can do what I wish with that lovely bishie, da?
Spellcaster Hikaru: Haha, thanks. I'm so happy you like it!
Spellcaster Hikaru: Oh your praise is too much! I'm afraid I don't deserve your kindness, but I welcome it all the same! Lets just hope I don't get a huge ego because of you… :D xD
Inlovewithsesshoumaru: Aw, thanks!
Rhiannon: That's so sweet… but uh… what are you doing with that axe? O.O;;; Here! It's long, just uh… don't hurt me. :D;
Miko Gurl: Oh, but this one is much longer, so you need not fear! Muahah.. Yes, I love them kissing. :D Awww, don't damn my Nara-kun! I'll lock him in my closet and you'll never have to see him again, how about that? Yeah, Miroku… I'm afraid I can't explain about him until the problem actually arises. :D;; And you meet Kiba now of course!
Keyotto: This is because I did update. can be a bit of a pain and for those who don't have an account on and don't receive the email telling them of the update you have to rely on checking back, but for whatever reason it often takes a while before the newest chapter actually is shown on the menu-thing though it is there.
Kirin Kage the Shadow Girl: Yeah… sorry. :D;; Is this a good update? I hope so, I do like Kiba.
Wisebunny: Thank you. :D
Kira the Mizu Ryuu: Here you are. Enjoy!
Ikimono Joufu: Haha, yeah. Eventually my butt as well, but here you are and I hope you like it.
Sarah: Aww, thanks! Here you go… :adds cherries: You can have all the cherries you want because I'm not really fond of the things myself… unless they are Bing Cherries… yum. :D
Kari konoko: Wow… you name almost looks like mine. O.O;; But thank you, and rambling is fine, goodness knows I do enough of it myself. :D
Darkangel329: Aw, thank you! I'm glad you like it so much, and I hope you enjoy this chapter as well.
Kitsune-Tenshi-16: That would work nicely I think, goodness knows I need another one. Aim would certainly make talking easier, but it is also a luxery not everyone has and I understand. :D
Renyun: Aw, I could never get tired of hearing people asking for an update, it assures me that they are still interested in the story! I do hope you liked this chapter!
Ninja-Wizard: Kouga and Sango? I'm sad to say I'm not too fond of that either, I was thinking Sango and Inu since our little hanyou needs love too. Kouga, rest assured, will have me. :D Haha. No, he'll be alone in the story, and Miroku… well I can't say anything other than he'll not be with Sango otherwise I might give it away, which wouldn't be any fun. Kiba is here however. :D Yay! I know people have been asking about him, which makes me happy because it proves that there are people who do actually pay attention to everything, including his absense. Kagura… well I can't say for sure anything about her either, and if I did I would give more away again. And well.. I just can't be doing that, can I? I'm delighted you leave me such a long and questioning review, and I hope you will continue to do so!
INUGIRL: Haha, calm yourself. :D Here is it, and I hope you enjoyed it.
Jo Griffen: I'll certainly try, though it might prove difficult later on… but who knows if there will be anything to even write when my few distractions pop up? This story might well be done by then (sadly) but I will have my Bringing Honor to replace it, and I hope you will like that story as well. :D Thank you for your review.
Hermonine: Haaa, thanks! I suppose it was a bit misleading, but the actual happenings were far more desired than catching My-Linh in the middle of her plotting, ne? I'm glad you liked it and I hope you'll have enjoyed this chapter just as much.
KitsuneMistressoftheYoukai: A beta reader is someone who reads over a new chapter for the author before it is posted to check for mistakes so the author can fix them. :D Its fine that you didn't know, not everyone does.
Mekahanyou: More fluff eh? I suppose I could scrape some together for you in the next chapter… :D I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well.
Mystic Hanyou: Yeah… I'm sure it must, but I'm afraid I wouldn't know, which makes me sad. :sighs: Oh well, that would be why I write fanfics, because I've no life.
Kitty Mew 2005: Oh… um thank you. :D
… Thank you, I'm glad you like it!
Ashley: I don't know if I'd go that far, because I'm certainly not that good yet, nor old enough but thank you that's wonderful of you to say. :D
CultKagome and Sesshomaru: I can't honestly tell you how much I laughed when I first read this review… hahah, thank you, I'm glad you liked it. And though Hibiki and Kagura weren't in this chapter they will be in the next for certain.
Wisebunny: Yeah, and actually I'm pretty sure they've only kissed twice… :D;; I'm glad you liked it, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well.
AnimusPatronus: Not at all! How could I not, you took the time out of your day to review did you not? Surely you must receive credit for that? I only hope you liked this chapter as much. :D
Water Block: Um… my story has never before been compared to Laying Amongst Dokatsu. Thank you for the compliment.
Water Block: Heh… yes I have, but that had nothing to do with the writing or planning of my story. In fact, I honestly can't remember much of the story at the moment except that Sesshomaru went back in time and Kagome nursed him back to health. Something about his blood level being low enough to pass as Inuyasha, or something to that effect. I'm unsure if I should be happy by the comparison or slightly offended. I would never copy another writer's storyline or base anything off their work intentionally… :D;;;
Water Block: Of course, Sesshy must be jealous sometime, ne? I'm glad you like it. :D
Kitty Mew 2005: Author alert is to signal you for when the author updates any of the stories, you will receive a notice and a link by email should you choose to do the author alert for an author. Its something you do if you enjoy reading the person's writing and wish to continue reading it with alerts for when they have something new up.
Crystal jade2: I do hope you like it. :D
Lua Haunted: You are actually the first person who has asked about this, and I do think it should. After all, they need love too. :D But I can't make too big a deal of it, because I promised I wouldn't for all the sadly homophobic readers who don't know better of their unappealing form of racism. (It is only a form however because they aren't basing it off of color, but rather sexual preference.)
Sess&Kag-4ever: Well… you are on chapter one, but I have no complaints. I'm glad you like it, and I understand your laziness. I've been thinking InuSango, SessKag of course, then a little KiraKyo on the side. I can't explain what Miroku's situation will be without giving anything away though. And Kouga? He'll be with me of course! xD No, but in the story I think he, and all the rest of my OCs will be alone. (though maybe there should be some My-LinhHotohori?) I'm glad you like it, and it is summer for me at the moment. I'm sorry about your finals… I understand, it was no fun. I do hope you liked this chapter as well!
Nikki: I'm glad you like it… And there is more, now. As for more Sesshomaru stories, you just need to use the little selector-things in the right-hand top corner of the page while you're looking though the fanfictions to find something to read, select what you want, and press… I think it says go, but I'm not certain.
Chichiri-sama: Hahaha, all right. Sounds cool to me too, Princess Chichiri of the Idiots. :D
KK: All right!IMPORTANT: I will be leaving on this 10 day-long vacation in five days from now (on the 25th), hopefully I will be able to get out another chapter for you guys before I leave, but if I can't I'll do it as soon as I get home. Don't worry, its not like I'm abandoning anyone or anything and when I get back I'll jump right back into updating and such what is left of this story.
ALSO, it has just occurred to me to ask if anyone wants My-Linh to end up with someone. It could be either Kouga or Hotohori I don't care which, or if you don't want her with anyone. Just please, tell me what you want. I'm leaving her love life up to you people, but if no one adds their imput I can't do anything for you and she'll just be all by herself.
AND, I know that Kagura and Hibiki were not in this chapter which is why they will be in the next one. I just found no room for them here, rest assured I haven't forgotten our new trouble makers. Please don't review to complain that they aren't there, because I am well aware of this fact.
And I'm currently rather sick, we visited the doctor this morning and apparently I have early signs of bronchitis which is why I'm coughing like hell. Hopefully I'll be better soon…
But that is all…. So uh… review. :D