Ok, so I'm not quite sure how to do the different fonts in uploaded documents. I tried sorry! I hope its not too confusing without it.

Enchanted Orbs

Chapter 7 Landmines

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She reached out with her senses… 'yes, he is gone.' When that thought finished crossing her mind, she collapsed to the floor of the clearing. "Wow, I feel like a speedbump. Yep, and a semi-truck just ran over me…all eighteen wheels. Uuugh"

"Uuugh" A second groan echoed through the trees.

"Huh? Oh no! I forgot about Inuyasha!" With all the strength she could gather, she crawled over to the awakening hanyou.

"Inuyasha, Inuyasha? Are you ok?" She asked as she approached him. She gathered his head in her lap and waited for him to come into consciousness.

"Mmm…Feh." His voice was soft and forced. He opened his eyes and met Kagome's stare. "What happened? Where did Sesshomaru go? He didn't hurt you, did he? I'll kill him!" He asked gathering strength and speed with each question.

"Calm down, he's gone. No, he didn't hurt me." Her voice was gentle, coaxing him to believe her and calm down.

"What the HELL happened?" Now a bit angry and irritated, he refused to submit to her attempts to calm his anger.

'Well, he'll find out sooner or later,' Kagome took a deep breath. "He offered me a job."

"WHAT?" Floored. That's the only thing that could describe how he felt. "What do you mean, he offered you a job." Her silence disturbed him. "You turned him down, right?" His voice was heavy with pressure.

"eheheh…well kinda. I didn't have a whole lot of choice. I would like to stay…hmm how do you say, ALIVE!" She was beginning to echoed his frustration.

Inuyasha winced at her outburst. "…Wait, you actually ACCEPTED?"

"Not yet. I told him I needed to finish the jewel first. So don't worry your precious Shikon will be made whole, and you'll get your wish." Kagome said a bit too bitterly for her tastes.

Again he winced, he had hoped she wouldn't take it that way, but there wasn't a lot he could do now. He definitely wasn't going to comfort her, especially now that she has made a deal with his evil brother.

She shook herself, put the smile back on her face, and started, "Can you make it to camp, or do you need me to get Miroku to help?"

At this Inuyasha realized his head was still in her lap. He shot up into a sitting position with wide eyes. 'Why wasn't she blushing? She always blushed, even when our arms barely brushed each other?' but before he could think any more on the subject, Kagome cut him off…

"I guess that means you'll be fine. Walk me back?" She asked gently.

"Whatever." He recovered quickly, and returned to his normal charming personality.

With a roll of her eyes, she stood, and they made their way back to the others.

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He looked down to see ten shallow cuts in various places on his otherwise immaculate skin. He lifted his head to gaze into brilliant blue, defiant eyes above a triumphant smirk.

"So tell me Lord Sesshomaru, how useful am I?" …

The scene replayed over and over in his head. He couldn't distinguish whether he was mad that she actually touched him with her attacks or whether he was amused that she was capable of challenging him.

'Taunting me…I actually let someone taunt me. How was I deceived again by her? This is twice that she has succeeded in tricking me. Maybe she does have some kitsune in her after all…' he smirked at his own thoughts.

"My Lord, this humble Jaken is here to serve you. Do you need something, My Lord?" Jaken asked. He was thoroughly scared when he saw Sesshomaru smirk. That sign was usually followed by pain and plenty of it.

Jaken was answered by silence as his lord continued his thoughts.

'What do I use her for? Her power is truly a surprise. She would be an excellent assassin, but no. She refused to kill. Surprise would be the best way to utilize her. She has such fragile look to her, yes. Shock over her hidden power could bring many of my enemies to their death. Damn, no, she won't kill… Maybe I can fix that…hmm.' Again a smirk flitted across his face.

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They had gathered two more shards. This only left two remaining. They had already gotten Kouga's pieces of the jewel. He was not excited about giving them up, but with a few friendly words and flirtatious comments from Kagome they succeeded in their acquisition. It took a few 'sits' for Inuyasha, too.

The possessors of the last two might be trouble. Kagome had tried to avoid one. She got a really bad feeling from it, but sooner or later they'd have to face it. She just wanted to figure out how it used the shard before they attacked it. Until then they set their course for the other possessor.

'Not long, now. How can I not tell how the other one uses the shard? Speaking of which…' "Inuyasha there is a shard coming toward us. Guys, be careful. It is really fast."

Still reeling from Kagome's conversation with the wolf prince, Inuyasha started. "Yeah whatever, just stay out of the way."

Kagome had to stifle the frustrated growl that threatened to leave her throat. 'Stupid, stupid, stupid.'

An orange blur appeared in the trees surrounding them as the tiger youkai circled. Miroku twirled his staff as he stood fast by Sango when she readied her weapon. Inuyasha drew Tessaiga and crouched prepared to strike at a seconds notice. Kirara transformed and stayed by her mistress.

With Shippo on her shoulder and her decision to stay out of the battle, Kagome put a barrier between herself and the outside world.

The tiger was drawn to the jewel. It let out a roar as it lunged at the barrier that separated it between its immediate goal…more power, more jewel shards.

Inuyasha tried to intercept, but he was too slow as the tiger began to strike Kagome's protection. Sango released the great boomerang, but again the tiger's speed was victorious. Kirara growled and crouched ready for any attack.

"Stupid tiger, your fight's with me!" Inuyasha yelled as he lunged again at the youkai. Raising its head from its work on the barrier, the tiger locked eyes with Inuyasha only to disappear seconds later.

An orange blur was seen circling the hanyou until Inuyasha grunted and fell to his knees. Three rips through his haori and three gashes through his skin later, Inuyasha staggered to regain his feet.

Then an orange blur began to circle Miroku and Sango.

'Oh no! I have to do something.' Kagome thought. 'I wanted to save this for Naraku, but if I don't do something soon…'

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" The blur stopped and everyone's head turned to look at a very upset Kagome.

Kagome spread her barrier to protect the kneeling Inuyasha next to her. Another barrier appeared around the other three companions.

The tiger released a frustrated growl and began to pummel the shields. Everyone looked to Kagome who had her eyes partially closed.

Instantly the area surrounding the barriers was filled with pink lights. As if sensing the danger the tiger went completely still, then slowly crept towards one. As it approached one, pink flicked to deep purple then returned to pink. The tiger backed away quickly. It almost ran into another as it backed away which again briefly turned purple when it neared.

"Kagome, what's going on? Let me outta here. That thing's gonna pay for my blood with his." Inuyasha began, his volume raising as she ignored him.

Inuyasha began to pound on the shield to escape.

"Inuyasha stop!" Kagome hissed. "Don't distract me or we could all die."

Inuyasha froze, but he wasn't happy about it. "Feh!"

The tiger was stock still, as Kagome kept up her minefield. Finally the youkai got frustrated waiting. It wanted more blood, it wanted the power of the jewel, so it lunged again at Kagome.

As it brushed by one of the orbs, small explosions of light were seen. Pink purified as purple cut through whatever was in the way.

When the light faded, the shard was laying on the ground. Nothing remained of the possessor except a few scorched spots and some shaved fur on the ground. The remaining orbs faded as the shields disappeared.

"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?" Inuyasha screeched as he turned to face Kagome, but she was on her knees clutching the ground and breathing erratically.

"Kagome! What's wrong are you ok?" Sango rushed forward to help her friend as Inuyasha and Miroku took tentative steps to the kneeling girl.

"Yes, I'm fine. Just a little tired." Sango help her to stand, and walked her to a nearby tree so she could lean against it.

"Lady Kagome, when you catch your breath, perhaps you could explain what just happened." Miroku quietly asked as he took a seat next to the two girls.

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Sesshomaru was walking back to his ancestral home with his ward and retainer when he abruptly stopped. Rin ran into the back of him with an "umph" and a quick apology.

He didn't hear her though. His mind was currently racing. He had felt a huge surge of energy. The distinct pattern and feel was definitely that of his soon-to-be employee. He had to squash the instinct to rush to protect her.

'She is not under my service as of yet; therefore, she is not my burden now.' But secretly he wondered what happened to cause her to exert such a great deal of power. He was about a hundred miles from her, but still easily felt the afterwave shock of energy.

He began his trek again. They had nearly reached their destination. He had preparations to make before the miko was to enter his household.

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"Ok, here goes. What you saw was what I've been practicing lately." Kagome began her explanation. She paused and looked around. Everyone was watching her waiting, even the ever stubborn Inuyasha.

"I have different types of magic that I use. There's the healing, purification, and another type. The other type is kinda hard to explain…its my weapon, I guess. I have been thinking about it, and I realized that my purification energy is very useful for demons. But, well…I'm not really sure if it'll save me from corrupt humans. Plus, if someone attacks me with a sword I'm helpless unless I create a shield, and I can't really do that if I need to move around…well not yet, at least." Kagome rambled on, her thoughts becoming a bit erratic.

"Kagome, you're getting sidetracked." Sango pressed quietly.

"Oh, sorry. Well that is a type of power that is dangerous to everyone and is tangible. I don't know exactly how it works, but basically the energy is so compressed that it is solid. This way I could actually block a sword, or cut someone instead of the burns inflicted by the pure energy. See?" Kagome hurried through her explanation.

As she said this, she created a purple disc of said energy. It hovered in the air above them. She reached out and held it in her hand; then, the handed is to Sango.

"Be careful, the edges are extremely sharp." Kagome warned.

Hesitantly Sango took the weapon in her hands; she marveled at the paper thin disc in her hands. It was handed around the makeshift camp as Kagome continued.

"I practiced a bit with the different types, and found a way to combine them into one attack. What you saw was the purification and the compressed mixed into…well…a landmine."

"What is a …" but Miroku was cut off.

"Yes, I know you don't know what that is…well…it is a trap. The orbs surround the enemy, but if something touches them, anything, they explode. Purifying and compressed energy are thrown everywhere. I cannot control where that energy is sent. It just…scatters. I had to erect those shields because with the compressed energy mixed in, those orbs could've badly injured or killed everyone, including me."

She took the disc from Inuyasha and threw it like a frisbee at the nearest tree. A second later the top half of the tree slid aside then crashed to the ground.

Silence reigned. Everyone was shocked.

"Lady Kagome, why did you collapse afterwards? Did you exhaust yourself?" Miroku questioned a bit nervous and hoping to change the subject.

"Well, that's what scares me. Maybe you can help out. I don't really know what's happening. My power supply is not exhausted. In fact, I don't think I could ever use all that I feel inside. I think my body will give in long before I reach the limit of my magic. When I use that much, my body is put under so much stress from the power being routed through it. I use nothing but concentration to control the magic, so why is my body giving in under the stress? And what can I do to prevent it next time?" Her voice became worried as she pleaded with him to answer her.

Again silence followed her speech, until a hushed, "I do not know," reached her ears.

The tension was great. Kagome felt guilty for worrying her friends, but she wanted them to know what was happening. She dropped her head a bit.

"Well, I'm tired I would like to sleep now. Do you mind?" She asked everyone she wasn't truly exhausted, but she did want to be left alone with her thoughts. With no objections, she unrolled her sleeping bag and settled in for the evening. Sleep quickly came upon her.

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She stood alone in a field. 'What, how did I get here?' She looked around her. The field was beautiful. Flowers of every color surrounded her. The sun was setting in the western sky and a breeze ruffled through her hair.

Then she felt a presence. Turning she saw the woman she had wondered about ever since they met. Platinum hair cascaded down her shoulders, caressing her face as the breeze picked up. Her ocean-blue eyes met and matched Kagome's. Her white kimono was graced with silver threaded embroidery in intricate designs present at the hems of the sleeves, down the neckline, and dancing around the hem above her bare feet.

'That's strange. She's dressed like royalty, yet she walks around barefoot.' Kagome's thoughts swept her away until the woman spoke.

"I love the feel of grass underfoot. Its what I do to relax; it lets me feel free. A release." The woman said with a quiet but firm voice. The sound was nothing short of a sweet melody.

The woman was breath-taking, "Who are you?" Kagome asked as she finally found her voice.

A tiny laugh escaped her lips as she smiled at Kagome. "For now, you may call me Nara."

"Why…" Her words failed her. She had never felt so inarticulate before. 'Great Kagome, the most entrancing person you've ever met is standing in front of you, and you revert to one word phrases!'

"Why call me Nara? Well I guess you could give me another name if that's what you wish." This time a full laugh escaped her.

Kagome relaxed with her gentle spirit, and began to regain control over her tongue as she realized the woman was joking with her.

"What I meant to say was why did you give me this…gift? I don't know if I can handle it. I don't think I am the right person to wield this power."

"It was mine to give. It took only a little time to find how to conjure it all, but it will be needed in time. Your worries are unfounded; the power will not hurt you as long as hold true to yourself."

"But what does that mean?"

"You are pure in spirit and intent. That is a rare quality no matter what time you hail from. That is why you were chosen. You will not misuse the gift granted you, if you do, then your earlier fears will be founded, but I have faith that will not happen."

The woman walked toward Kagome. She reached forward and placed her hand on Kagome's cheek. "Be strong. Your path still stretches before you, your journey is beginning, not ending. Your path is not a smooth one, but you will not be alone. This will help you." As she said the last line, her hand left Kagome's face, as she held out a silver chain. The chain was etched in a rope-like pattern, twisting around itself. Occasionally a small leaf and flower branched off the main chain, eventually the rope-like vines came together at a small stone. The stone was a brilliant color blue; the stone matched the color of their eyes.

Nara walked around behind Kagome and draped the stone against her forehead. She gently reached around, lifted up the ebony bangs, and let the blue jewel rest about the middle of her brow. With one hand Nara kept a grip on the chain to hold the stone in place; the other lifted the top portion of her hair. She slid the chain under the separated section of hair, then, used an intricate braid to hold the chain fast in Kagome's hair. The leaf and flower patterns that emerged from the chain helped to further ensnare the silver rope into the locks of hair.

Nara took a step back and smiled. The silver vines sharply contrasted the midnight hair that captured it.

Kagome turned to face her. They locked eyes, both smiled to each other.

"Follow your heart, Kagome." And with that she faded away.

"Wait! Don't go..." Kagome awoke with a start. 'Man, that was weird. No more chocolate right before bed. Wait!' Kagome tentatively reached her hand to her hair when she noticed the absence of cascading hair in her face. When she reached back, there was a something braided into her hair. Quickly she brought her hand to her forehead; her fingers found the stone. 'What does this mean?'

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Revised 05/05