AN: So I've noticed how about half of the stories on this site have a disclaimer at the top. Is that really necessary? I think it's understood that if you were the owner of Inuyasha then you would be writing an episode, not a fanfiction. Really, the disclaimer is just a waste of time to write as far as I can tell. What do you guys think?

Chapter 2

Kagome walked steadily behind Sesshomaru. After saving her and the group, she could hardly tell him no. She actually felt bad for the demon lord.

Flashback

Kagome starred at Sesshomaru, thankful Inuyasha was still unconscious from his meeting with the tree. She knew the hanyou would never have given Sesshomaru the chance to explain why he was present.

She returned her attention back to Sesshomaru, "But why?"

Sesshomaru merely continued starring at her and delicately raised one sculptured eyebrow.

"Why did you decide to place this trust with me? You hardly even know me!"

Sesshomaru was torn between the urge to sigh and the urge to kill this impudent girl for daring to question him. In the end he decided to answer since he needed her, as much as it made him shudder. "You have held the Shikon Jewel and never been tempted by it's power, so I don't have to worry about you trying to steal my youki. You are loyal to that hanyou and have yet to act against him even when he betrays you for another."

Kagome's eyes widened. 'How does he know about Kikyou?'

Sesshomaru continued, his face remaining impassive, "While your skills in combat are atrocious, you posses enough raw power to destroy most of the Lords that will be present, if anything unexpected arises." Sesshomaru paused, considering whether to admit his last reason, then continued, "Also, the other Lords will not expect it. They will think you are human and therefore little to no threat. Your abilities will be a surprise that could give us the upper hand should it come to that."

Kagome took one last look at Inuyasha before turning to Sesshomaru. Her mind was decided, "Ok. I will come with you and assist you during this ceremony. I know that Inuyasha is not welcome in your home, and I don't believe he would come without a fight even if he was. In his current state, he needs someone to look after him so I realize that I can not bring along my other friends." Here she held up a hand to stop Miroku and Sango's protests and continued speaking, "I do however, request permission to bring Shippo. He is my kit and I am afraid I can not abandon him here."

Sesshomaru starred hard at the girl but upon realizing that she was determined he simply nodded his head, "So be it, the kitsune will travel with us to my castle and serve as a playmate for Rin."

With that said, he immediately turned and began walking away expecting her to follow.

After a quick hug goodbye for both of her friends, and a slap for Miroku, Kagome trotted off to catch up with Shippo in her arms.

End Flashback

Kagome knew what a blow to Sesshomaru's pride it must have been to have to ask for help, especially from a human.

"Sesshomaru? When exactly is all of this supposed to be taking place?" Kagome asked as she sped up to walk next to him.

"Two weeks from today. You will require some training in the use of your power if I am to be able to trust you."

Kagome groaned. Kaede had attempted teaching her on numerous other occasions; it was not something she looked forward to. The chants for even simple spells were long and complex; she simply didn't have the patience to sit still memorizing the foreign words. The few she was able to learn, all two of them, she was unable to perform under pressure. She was useless in a fight and she knew it.

'I hope he has a better way of teaching than Kaede…'

Kagome stood waiting in the middle of a dojo. They had arrived at Sesshomaru's home late the night before and she had been instructed to arrive at the dojo at dawn for her training. She was still tired from the inadequate amount of sleep but she figured it wouldn't make a difference since she would just be sitting chanting all day.

Sesshomaru walked in regally, his appearance the definition of perfection. Kagome looked at his hair wistfully, did it ever get a tangle? Just as she was trying to figure out what he could possibly put on it he spoke. "Miko, have you any training?"

Kagome kept her eyes low in shame as she admitted, "Kaede tried to teach me some chants but all I can really do is a protection barrier and dull my powers and scent down. Even those I can't do very well."

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed, 'Humans used chants to fuel their powers? How much can I teach her without betraying my race?' He pondered it for a full minute before decided that he cared not for what may put other lesser demons in danger.

"Miko, my youki is very similar to your holy powers, both are essentially energy powered by our essence. I am unaware as to why humans would insist upon using some 'chant' to call forth something that is as much as part of them as an arm. All that is needed is for the cage containing the energy to be opened and you should be able to control your power very well with minimum practice. Since I am strong enough to view energy, I can see that yours is still locked away. Demons have their cages unlocked while they are still infants and it is that which gives us our superior demon powers. One of the ladies of my court recently birthed a pup and we sent for someone with the talent of opening those locks. Luckily she is still currently residing here."

At that moment an elderly kitsune demon walked into the room. She looked to be around Kaede's age and knowing how slowly demons age, Kagome figured she must have been born centuries ago. Her hair had long since turned to grey and was pulled back in a pristine bun. Her purple eyes sparkled with warmth and Kagome immediately took a liking to the grandmother figure.

"Ah, Sesshomaru, thou didst not tell me of the great beauty the girl holds! My name is Aya. What, pray tell, may I assist you with dear lass?"

Kagome was slightly started by the lady's speech patterns but quickly shook it off and gave her a smile. "Lord Sesshomaru was telling me that you could unlock my miko abilities?"

"Aye lass, I doth hold the ability to perform said task. Dost thou wish it be done?"

Kagome glanced over to Sesshomaru searching for approval to accept Aya's offer but his face remained neutral, 'I guess the decision is solely my own. If it will help me to use my miko abilities better than it will probably prove to be worth any slight shortcomings that come along with it, right?'

Finally, Kagome nodded, "Yes, if you would help unlock my energy I would be most grateful."

Aya smiled at Kagome before a look of concentration flowed over her face. After a couple of minutes Kagome suddenly felt a great heat spread over her body. At first it felt almost like molten lava was covering her, but just as quickly the feeling faded away to a comforting warmth. Kagome felt like she had received a missing piece of herself that she had never realized was missing, it felt good to be whole.

Aya bowed to Kagome and ushered a warning, "Take care lass that thee uses thou powers for a greater good. All power holds the tendency to corrupt. Remember, even the Shikon no Tama started as an expression of pure holy power."

With that Aya disappeared and Kagome was left with the warning ringing in her ears. She couldn't help the small chill that made its way up her back, 'Would her unleashed power have the ability to do what the Shikon had failed at? Could her own power corrupt her?'

Kagome shook her head to clear her thoughts, they were only destructive. She looked over to Sesshomaru for instruction.

He looked at her and simply said, "Call forth your powers."

Kagome starred at him before making a slight attempt at communication with the warmth she felt surrounding herself. Immediately sparks leapt about her hands. Her eyes widened in astonishment at the ease. She looked at Sesshomaru fighting the sudden tears that rose to her eyes in sheer joy. Finally, she would be useful, she would be able to protect others, she would be able to protect herself!

"Thank you."