You and you alone can save me
Seen!
By: Kuraii-chan
KK: No, my computer (who I've named Hisoka) is not accepting our internet. Frustrating, which is why it's taken so long to get this chapter out, no access to internet or word. ee
Seika: Hahaha… haaa!
KK: Annnyways.
Shippou: Kuraii-channnnn! Naraku is being mean… :whimpers:
Naraku: Kukukuku…
KK: O.O;; Uhm… Nara-kun?
Naraku: Hai?
KK: We've gone over this before, no stripping and then flaunting that you have an amazing body.
Naraku: :huffs: I don't see why I should hide it under so much clothing!
KK: Neither do I—er. This is a conversation for another time, the reviewers won't be happy about you delaying their chapter. :D;
Author Notes: MUAHAHAHAHA. :places a tiara on head: I wonder what daytoday is…?
That's right, MY BIRTHDAY. :D
… How exactly was she supposed to contact Naraku?
With a frustrated sigh, Kagura turned to eye the recovering miko. Yes, it proved to be an interesting report, however, once more the hanyou had neglected valuable information… off course it was fully possible that this was another of his tests. Ever since she had gone to Sesshomaru he had been constantly testing her, putting her into insanely difficult positions where she had to be smart enough to come out victorious.
Suddenly, a hand pushed a round cloth-covered object before her eyes.
"And what is this?" she hissed, taking the object and eyeing it warily.
"A way to contact Naraku-sama when we are ready to report to him." Hibiki answered flatly. Kagura scowled.
"And just why didn't you mention this sooner?" The boy, however, was finished with his sparse talking and merely offered a blank look before turning back to watch Kagome.
She unwound the cloth carefully and peered down at the mirror… so this mirror was connected with Kanna's and allowed her to speak freely to Naraku? Why had he not thought of this sooner? It was so simple and yet brilliant at the same time… even Kagura had to grudgingly admit she was impressed.
"Just say who you wish to speak to with into the mirror." Assed Hibiki softly, never taking his eyes off his target.
"Naraku." She muttered. Instantly the reflection disappeared and all she could see was black, as if some poisonous gas had filled the mirror. Soon Naraku's upper body was visible.
"I assume this isn't just a call to see if the mirror works?" the hanyou practically snarled, "If you have a report, then report."
Inwardly Kagura gritted her teeth, but merely nodded. "Kagome has formed close relations with many guards, assassins, and maids within the castle. Most seem to adore her and many speak of her and Lord Sesshomaru possibly having a more intimate relationship than the platonic front that is presented to the public. Today Lord Sesshomaru made her visit with a particular assassin who began to train her further as a miko. She, however, overworked herself and is currently resting. Already she has made a quick recovery and it is thought that she will be back to her usual self within the next two days."
"Perfect," purred Naraku, "It will just have to be accomplished before she can recover. After all, I can't have her ruining my plans now can I? Ah yes, Kagura, I want you to finish watching her today and report back to me in person. There is no need for you and Hibiki to stay any longer. That is all." Once more the mirror faded to black before returning her reflection.
"Hibiki," she commanded, "Did you hear all of that?" When the shadow youkai nodded silently she returned her attention to the miko with a slight frown.
Just what is it about you that has Naraku so intrigued? And what is it what he's planning to do while you recover?
She watched the girl throw Sesshomaru out of her room for something he must have said and suppressed a wry smile. Whatever the reason, Kagome would need all the luck Kami-sama could possibly supply if she wished to triumph over Naraku.
Kagome shivered. "Kyo-kun? This isn't the first time I've felt it today, but don't you feel like someone is watching us right now?" When the guard shook his head slowly she sighed, "Never mind then, it must be my over-active imagination at work… and how can you NOT be bored, all locked up in this stuffy room? It's still daylight, I want to go outside and do something…"
Kyo grinned, "You know Lord Sesshomaru would never go for it."
"Yeah," she looked dejected for a moment before laughing aloud, "Why didn't I think of it before? Kyo-kun? Can you please go get Kira-san?"
Curious as she was, Kagome could see Kyo bite his tongue and nod. "I'll be back in a few minutes."
Humming happily, Kagome stared up at the ceiling. She wouldn't begin without Kira out of both respect, and the need of safety for her poor unsuspecting guard. Naturally, she didn't have to wait long for the two youkai.
"Kira-san! I'm so happy you could come!" She beamed and the artic kitsune couldn't help but smile in return.
"You wanted me for something Kagome-sama?'
"Oh hai! I wish to start my training once more, but I didn't think it wise to attempt such a thing while with a clueless youkai guard, or without your supervision." Never would she have guessed that she, Kagome, would ever utter those words. Calling for someone so they could supervise her? Oh how very strange her life had become indeed…
"I'm not quite sure I should let you attempt any such thing so soon after -"
"Come now, honestly. I had expected you to be thrilled because your student was ready and eager to learn despite any trouble she had encountered. True, it is a bit soon, but isn't the whole point of training me so I will be better prepared to take on Naraku and become less of a threat of youkai around me?"
"Here, if you can get Lord Sesshomaru to agree to let you train earlier than expected I'll do it. Those are my terms. Lord Sesshomaru must know about this and approve."
Kagome groaned. This is not going according to plan…
"Fine," she grumbled, "Kyo-kun? Could you please go get Sesshomaru?"
Kyo nodded, failing to hide a smile of intrest. This would prove to be entertaining.
Kiba laughed at the glare sent his way, "Come now Kagome-sama, you know very well that I couldn't risk something so dangerous without the permission of the ruling Taiyoukai now don't you?"
"Yeah, I guess," she grumbled, sitting as up as straight as she could to help the appearance that she was healing perfectly.
Now… to be cheerful.
"Sesshou-kun!" she called happily as he entered. "I have a sort of favor. I would like to continue with my training today since I'm already so much better, but Kiba-san would prefer to have your permission before we begin again."
Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed, "Absolutely not."
"Wha- but why not?" cried a frustrated Kagome.
"You are not in a fit condition to undergo such strenuous activity so soon after being drained of your energy." He answered flatly; ignoring the doe-eyed hurt look she was giving him.
She scowled, "You're treating my like a child Sesshomaru, and I'm sorry to be the one to tell you, but I'm not a child."
Sesshomaru nearly groaned as the memory of the feel of her pressed against him came vividly back to mind. You're right about that Kagome, you are no child.
"Perhaps not, but you are a guest in this castle, and this Sesshomaru will not allow you to become possibly endangered over something so trivial." He hissed, sounding a bit strained.
"You're being unreasonable!" she cried out angrily, "I have a duty to gather the rest of the sacred jewel shards, defeat Naraku, and graduate, and with you not allowing me to train more you're pushing me further away from being able to accomplish all of those things! We're running out of time, I can just feel it, and if I don't get all the training in I can now all will be lost and you know it. I know you can feel it too Sesshomaru, so don't even try to pretend you don't know what I'm talking about!
"I have to do my best, because it's my fault things are the way they are. If I can't protect the things I love and cherish most, then what good am I? Don't try to deny me the ability to do this, because I'll resist you with everything I've got."
Sesshomaru coolly eyed the panting girl, as if evaluating something before turning on heel and waltzing stiffly out the door.
"Do what you wish."
Kagome blinked before a wide grin broke out across her face.
"Ya hear that Kiba-san? Lets get to it right away!"
With minimal trouble she was finally out of the bed and stretching her limbs lightly. "Kyo-kun, you do not have to come if you don't wish. It's only training and I'm sure Kiba-san would be able to guard me should anything happen."
Kyo shook his head firmly, "Not only is it my assigned duty, but as I didn't get to watch last time I would like to sit in and observe this time."
Kagome chuckled lightly, "Have it your way Kyo-kun."
In the back of her mind she was reminded briefly of her whole matchmaking idea for Kyo and Kira, but decided it would be better if she waited until another time to bring it up.
"All right Kagome-sama, please sit."
Almost a bit too eagerly she sat. Why she so greatly looked forward to this, she had no idea, but something about the session seemed to give her a refreshed feeling… one that was quite intoxicating.
"Now, before we start anything new, I would like you to begin your meditation once more. Sometimes after the miko gets their power into that very same ball, the next time they search for it, it has already scattered into the smaller pieces once more. We just need to see if you need to 'train' your energy and yourself to keep it compressed into that ball."
Nodding, Kagome crossed her legs and placed her hands in her lap, favoring it to her knees.
Straight away she tensed up and drew in a large breath, then slowly let the breath out and with it all of her worries, tension, thoughts, and emotions. Kira and Kyo watched as her face relaxed into a blank but somehow peaceful look.
As if she had been doing this for her entire life, Kagome almost immediately tuned into the steady rhythm of her own heart beats, her mind still carefully blank. Ba-bump, ba-bump, ba-bump, ba-bump.
And once again, straight away, the pink light swam into view, but somehow it had managed to keep its new single solid form. The gentle pink light seemed to beckon to her, begging to be touched. So, as one would reach out a carefully lay your hands on something beautiful, Kagome did the same and unknowingly tapped into her won spiritual powers.
Only Kyo and Kiba could see her as she began to glow that same pink once more. And even though being in such close range to the deadly purifying energy sent them on alert and caused the feeling of a need to get away as fast as possible, neither felt any actual danger.
The ball heated up, bringing a warm tingling sensation to her body for a few seconds as the gentle pink turned a darker shade.
Youkai her glowing ball of pink seemingly whispered, Two.
They are no threat to my person she responded without even thinking about it.
Soothed it regained its lighter color of pink and the strange warmth was gone. Gently she released the ball and slowly opened her eyes.
Kiba and Kyo were narrow eyed and tense, they expressions quite wary.
"Is something the matter?"
"Kagome-sama, did you not even realize? You were about to purify us for a few seconds…" Kiba shook his head and rubbed his arms as if he were cold. "Had you stayed that way any longer we would have been forced to flee for our lives."
She frowned, "Oh. Is that what it was? It was the strangest thing… the pink ball, and yes it was still a ball, it called out to me so I kinda touched it… but I didn't… Oh I don't know how to explain it."
Kyo grinned, "We know what you are trying to say Lady Kagome, go on." She could feel her guard and sensei begin to slowly relax in her presence once more. From now on she'd have to be more careful with that…
"All right, but I touched it… and then as if it did some sort of scanning or something, it got warm all of a sudden and turned a magenta color. And… I could hear it; it told me that there were two youkai. I think I told it that neither of you were a threat because it backed off. The warmth went away and it turned back into that lighter pink. I wasn't even sure what had happened until you told me I had almost purified you."
Kiba grinned, "Looks like you're ready to go onto the next thing. You already do this rather unconsciously but it would be better off if you knew exactly how to transfer your energy into objects. First we will start with things like your arrows, but if this goes off without a hitch then I'll try and help you with transferring it to your hands."
Kagome laughed. "Sounds good!"
He handed her an arrow. "We'll start without the bow." he explained briefly, "Now all you do is try and feel that ball of energy in you. Try and bring it to mind without having to do any steps of the meditation."
For a few moments she contemplated this, before suddenly she was aware of the energy residing just above her navel in that familiar ball, the energy begging to be released.
"You look like you've got it. Now, the biggest thing is control. You have to know just how much energy you need and use only that and no more or less. It'll be hard, yes, but once you've got that down you won't even need to consciously think about it."
Just enough… I only need just enough to fill the arrow, but not so much that it'll purify the thing. It's like using the arrow as a container of sorts.
Carefully she fed her power from the ball to the arrow until she felt that it could not snugly fit any more. Despite the soft protests she could hear, she cut off the supply and looked down at the arrow. Just as her other one had before she could see it glow a soft pink and smiled.
"Wonderful!" Kiba nodded approvingly, "You may set it down somewhere as you'll not be needing it. Or you can try you hand at taking back your energy."
Kagome blinked, "I would like to try that sometime, but I really do want to get to transferring it to my hands."
Kiba smiled, "I figured you would. Now all you do is the exact same thing, except it is also possible for you to use less power depending upon the opponent. Like for a lesser demon, you can use less energy with the same effect, and this way you are also preserving your power. Follow?"
"Hai!" chirped Kagome happily. Kiba would make a perfect modern day teacher…
"In this instance you are going to be firing at a wooden target as you did earlier. But now you must be able to mentally measure and gauge how much energy you think it will take to wipe out your 'foe' without going overboard. Sound familiar?"
Kagome grinned sheepishly, "Heh, yeah…"
She took the bow and arrow offered and took a deep breath. All right Kagome-girl, just focus. You can do it and you know it.
Slowly she brought the bow up and notched the arrow deftly, pulling back on the string until it was taunt, refusing to go any further. It was only a wooden target, so it wouldn't require much… instantly she felt the ball of energy, urgent and pressing to be released. Monitoring the intake she cut it off abruptly and let the arrow fly to the target. The power, it was just calling out to her… no wonder she was such a threat to youkai. If she was unable to keep all this under control she could easily purify everything within a fifty mile radius.
She watched with detached excitement as the arrow hit, and purified only the wood.
"That's wonderful Lady Kagome!" cheered Kyo warmly, "Perfect job!"
"Yes I suppose it is." Kagome smiled, "Do we have enough time to learn the hands-thing? It could come in handy some day as I have no real training in hand-to-hand combat."
Kiba nodded, "Of course Kagome-sama."
As soon as all the archery items had been put up and the container-like arrow disposed of they were ready to learn the final lesson of the day.
"This one should actually be really easy for you Kagome-sama," Started Kiba, "All you do it tap into it like you have been, and allow it to pool into your hands. Its mostly what you've already been doing, except keeping the energy there in your hands instead of feeding it to come inanimate object."
Kagome nodded happily.
That very same familiar warmth spread into her arms before settling in her hands. It tried to escape a few times, but mostly Kagome found it easy to keep under control.
"Very good. All you have to do is touch something and let the energy go and whatever will be purified," Kiba grinned, "This has been a wonderful lesson Kagome-sama. You are a very quick learner indeed."
She could feel beads of sweat begin to form on her brow and released the energy back into its ball before wiping the back of her hand against her forehead. "Whew, I'm exhausted. Lets go in now, all right?"
The youkai nodded agreeingly and amiably followed the strong-willed girl back to her room so she might rest.
Kagura and Hibiki watched as Kagome argued with Sesshomaru about another training lesson…
Well, she had to give the girl credit for guts, but take away points for disrespecting the Taiyoukai. Surprisingly he took it rather well considering he didn't kill her on the spot. Imagine if it had been her who had been so careless… he would have killed her on the spot.
So there really must be more to their relationship than is shown…
The girl was victorious, and Kagura was shocked.
He would give in so easily to her? That was weakness right there. Unless he was simply tired of her pleading and wished her to quiet… but no, that could not be it.
As she was pondering the whole thing Kagome, Kiba, and Kyo had gotten ready and already left. Hibiki cast her a look, but she merely shook her head.
We cannot be too close. Even with his power, Naraku can only do so much to mask us from even Sesshomaru. Carelessness is not an option.
Finally, she nodded and they swept carefully out the door… however, luck was not with them this time.
My-Linh blinked at them, as they stared at her.
"You are… Kagura. But… who is this?" she mused aloud, which jolted the pair out of their stupor.
Shit, Naraku won't like this one bit.
"Come!" she hissed, and grabbing Hibiki they bolted down the hallways with My-Linh in close pursuit.
However they were able to reach the entrance first, and straight away Kagura had her feather ready. She and Hibiki were up in the air when My-Linh got there and she growled in frustration at the sight of the spawn of Naraku getting away.
Kagura sighed.
"No, he won't like this at all…" She turned to Hibiki, "Prepare yourself for his wrath."
"Milord!" cried My-Linh breathlessly as she flung his door open. "Milord, I just saw Kagura and some other spawn of Naraku in the castle. I'm sorry to say they got away however…"
The Taiyoukai's head snapped up, golden eyes narrowed dangerously. "Where did you find them?"
My-Linh frowned for a moment before going wide-eyed. "Kagome-chan's room…"
Sesshomaru snarled and was gone in an instant, presumably out looking for Kagome. How… how had they surpassed security and escaped the notice of so many youkai…?
But the most pressing questions of all… have they harmed Kagome-chan and how long have they been here?
With a devastated look My-Linh rushed off to alert Kira and Hotohori.
This was bad.
KK: I have been spoiling the lot of you… :sighs: Either way, the next chapter will probably be far longer, to make up for the mere 9 pages of this one.
Renyun: Aw, actually I didn't. That was after. ;
Gaara's girl: Yes, I am quite aware thank you.
Miko Gurl: Aww, very true. And uh, no. No sequel. Sorry. ; I do have a lovely epilogue planned however that I think you'll enjoy. And of course, it wouldn't be a story without the villains now would it? Conflits just make the outcome sweeter. Most of the time anyways. And I'm very sorry I missed your birthday, LATE HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
CultKagome and Sesshomaru: Yeah, everyone seems to be wondering about that… in fact, I wonder about that myself. :D;;
Ninja-Wizard: Yes, well, Sesshy has a tendency to either start the moment or ruin it doesn't he? And yes, that's how it will go. Can you believe it? And yes, it looks like My-Linh and Hotohori are the winners. :D
Damned Angel of the Dying Light: Why thank you, teehee. :D I'm glad you like it.
Kira the Mizu Ryuu: Thank you, and I'm sorry about the wait.
Keyotto: Why thank you, and actually I'm turning 14 today. I wouldn't sue you, don't worry.
AnimusPatronus: Haha, thanks. I'm sorry about the wait and I hope you liked it.
Princess of Altea-170: Nah, no sequel I'm sorry, but there will be a lovely epilogue that I'm sure you'll enjoy.
Inuyasha4eva: Why yes, how could you tell?
Waxynixo: Aw, you're too kind. I hope you did like this chapter… :D;;
Elise: Wow, that's so sweet… I'm glad you like it. And I agree with you on Sesshy and Kagome being such an awesome pairing. No problem, I like long reviews. :D
Gaara's girl: I don't think he'd interfere… we'll he might try, but he cares too much to do anything but be bitter by himself.
Lady Orchid: Actually that last one bares concidering… it actually makes me think a sequel might actually be worth it… or at least it'd make for an awesome just-for-fun extra story.
Spellcaster Hikaru: I know… I love him too. :D I actually think she'd be better off with Hotohori myself, and Kouga can have meeee. And so far Hotohori is winning as well, which is awesome.
FluffyFan: Why thank you… and as amazing as your idea sounds… I honestly have no experince with horribly long make outs, or any making out for that matter, and it would be terribly hard for me to write… and also I don't know if I could write huge chapters and fifty of them of just kissing. O.o
Hermonine: Why thank you, and I'm quite sorry about the wait… :D;;
Kiki: Um… thank you.
Inugirl: Sorry about the wait… :D;;
Emogirl684: I'm sorry about the wait, and such praise… thank you:D
AngelaStarCat: Thank you. :D
Mekahanyou: Haha, yeah I spoil you. And I like this chapter better than the last one. :D And don't you ever worry about me forgetting about this story. How could I, its my baby.
Sparkleberrie: Yes, sadly. Thank you, and I hope you liked the chapter.
Megan: Aw, thanks. :D I'm sorry about the wait, I hope it was worth it.
Renyun: Yes, it was wonderful. And yes, I thought so too:D
Chichiri-sama: o.o :hides: Noooo! Don't attack me with Idiocy…
Rosie rose: Oh… why thank you. :D
Love Me Princess Kagome: Of course he will… after all, I'm far too attached to him now just to let him go, yanno?
Rosie rose: Oh wow, thank you. :D I'm hoping you liked this chapter just as much.
Miko of purified souls: Does Kagome know? Probably not. In fact, I bet she doesn't. And of course they'll realize their love… just not at the moment. :D;;
Sora Chi Kaminari: Aw, why thank you! I'm glad you like it so much… :D I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
InuheartKag4eva: Wow… thank you:D I love Sesshomaru and Kagome myself… teehee.
KK: Whee. I'm sorry for the wait but I sure hope every one of you thinks it was worth it. :D
Kira: Review.