Disclaimer: must I really repeat myself on every chapter. . . I do not own this group of characters, their actions, personalities, or anything else about them. In other words, don't sue me.

Enchanted Orbs

Chapter Four Enter the Nymph

Evening two after Sesshomaru's 'proposition' and Kagome was about to begin practicing once again.

"Proposition, hmph, like I really have any choice if I like my life. Whatever, I'll find a way out of it." Kagome had developed her magic to a startling level in a very short time. The previous evening had passed without incident; she learned how to shape her power into weapons. White orbs of light had shifted into the shapes of arrows only to fly into trees, scorching the bark. She felt a bit upset about practicing on Mother Nature, but she didn't think she could 'heal' trees.

Kagome did not bother to erect a spell to cover her. Sango had already bathed with her and left the spring. Inuyasha was sulking under a tree because it was his 'monthly time,' and Sango wouldn't let Miroku near the stream if she thought Kagome was still bathing despite the fact that Kagome had chosen to bath in her swimsuit this evening.

"Perfect, all alone. Ok, what to do tonight?" She looked around the clearing she now occupied. The clearing was the same one she used to practice last night also. The group had not traveled today because Inuyasha wanted to save his strength for with night of weakness. She felt a pang of guilt as she looked at the scorches on several trees in the clearing.

"I guess I better pick on some one my own size, huh? Well first we need some light." Since the night of the new moon held no natural lighting, the clearing was eerily dark.

Kagome allowed her power to flow through her and held her hand, palm up, in front of her chest. Orbs of light sprang from her fingers and flew towards the tree branches around her. When she had done this, she smiled. The lighting in the trees looked like twinkling Christmas lights used to decorate romantic chateaus. There was enough light cast about her to see clearly, but she didn't want it to be bright enough to attract attention.

"Now, let's try some new techniques." She had been thinking all day about new weapon shapes she could use. "I've already mastered the arrow; my orbs seen to work fine, but then again I've never used them in any way but for light. The basics are the same so the orb form should work. What about, hmm, that could be a bit painful, but we can try it anyways."

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Before him was a female creature. She appeared human in her form, but her scent was surrounded by a strong magic of which no human was capable. Also, she was covered in a strange material which clung to her form and shimmered in the light. Bright colors, and vivid depictions of foreign flowers were emblazoned across the indecent garb. No human had access to such rich materials, not even the wealthiest. (swimsuit) Sesshoumaru concluded that he must be in the presence of a nymph.

He had never seen one before; they were masters in their domain, capable of sinking into the trees or rivers and merging with the source of their power. He knew them only by the tales of their mysterious power and beauty or the rumors of soft songs as one travels in the forest at might.

He watched as the nymph in front of him was circled by ten tiny orbs of light. Their color was white as they twisted around her. Her hair lifted off her shoulders, floating around her. He was entranced by the sight. All of a sudden her eyes shot open, the orbs changed color, from white to a deep purple. The orbs changed shape to a disc form as they circled coming closer and closer to her body. When they got close enough to touch her, Sesshoumaru could smell blood. Alarmed, he looked closer and could see blood trickling down her body from the numerous shallow cuts she was receiving from the orbs.

The sorcerer, it seemed, liked to torture his victims before disposing of them. Enraged that the sorcerer would prey on a creature as benevolent and beautiful as a nymph, and upset that the rare creature was being brutally murdered in his lands, he took a step forward to put an end to the sorcerer and his malice.

As he took that step forward, he noticed that there was no fear in the nymph's eyes. He halted his steps and watched once more. Her eyes closed. The color of the lights changed again, this time from indigo purple to a deep yellow. The lights spun around her so quickly that it appeared she was surrounded by an iridescent gold bubble. The bubble brightened, and the smell of blood disappeared. On closer inspection, Sesshoumaru could no longer see the deep red lines running down her form. All traces of the sight and smell were gone. As the bubble faded the nymph fell to the ground, and she scooted back against a tree to recover from her encounter.

Sesshoumaru stepped fully into the clearing and called out to the sorcerer. Looking into the trees for the source of his irritation, he said, "I am impressed by your skills, sorcerer; however, I do not approve of mindless killing. What is your purpose with torturing the young nymph?"

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Kagome's eyes shot open in fear as soon as he spoke; 'How did I not know he was there? I guess my own power blinded me to his presence. No! Now he has seen my true form. Any advantage I had is now gone! This can't be happening' She was panicking.

Kagome listened; confused that he was not looking at her. 'Who was this nymph he is talking about; I would not torture anyone. . .' It was then that Kagome realized that Sesshoumaru thought the sorcerer was still hidden from him. 'Does he really think I'm a nymph?' Kagome was flattered that he had compared her to a creature that was known for their elusive beauty.

Shaking herself out of her reverie, she realized that she could still fool the demon lord. Concentrating, she created the illusion of the young, kitsune sorcerer she had already shown the lord.

Speaking through her illusion she replied, "The nymph is none of your concern, she is mine no matter whose lands I am in. If I am correct, I still have another day to answer your proposal. I would appreciate it if you would not spy on me until that point in time. Leave me now, the nymph needs to rest before I can practice more." Kagome spoke with an arrogance she knew never she was capable.

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Rage. That is the only word that could describe what he was feeling.

'Did he just dare to dismiss the Lord of the Western Lands? He would pay for his insolence. Not to mention that this beast practiced on such a rare being. It must be a regular occurrence, no wonder there was no fear in her eyes earlier. Do I really want one such as him to be in my service? Still, the offer was made, and if he accepts, then I must keep my word and my honor. But that does not mean I cannot punish him for his lack of respect.' A smirk threatened to overtake his lips, but still his emotionless mask was held firmly in place.

Without a word, he turned to leave plotting the different ways the sorcerer would die should he refuse. And thinking of more adequate punishments should he accept.

'That was too close! He was so angry at 'the sorcerer' that it seemed as though he was about to kill. I wonder what he'll do when he finds out the 'nymph' is the 'sorcerer,' I don't think he'll be happy. He doesn't seem to be the type that likes surprises.' A mischievous smile crossed her face as her thoughts returned to how tired she was.

"That little scene took a lot out of my physically. My magic source is barely touched, which is amazing by the way, but I don't think my body can handle the gift I've been given." Kagome was slightly scared as the realization struck her that she might be in danger not only from Sesshoumaru, but also from herself.

"Ok, its time to tell the gang. I don't think I can handle this on my own anymore."

Yeah, so this chapter was shorter than the last, but hey I posted two chapters within a day of each other. I should be reading for a test, but this is my procrastination technique. Anyways, I hope you like the chapters I posted. Review me! I promise I will respond to your reviews. Ask anyone who has. I try to be a personal with my responses as you guys are with your reviews. So drop me a line and tell me whatcha think! Syrinx