(Tuntuntun-Tuuuunnnn)shrugs(So is it what you expected? Cause now that I look at it its kinda what I expected...I don't think it's got any surprise at all...I mean everyone knows Kagome's secret now...and Sesshoumaru's and Sango's and...maybe not...)

Known Strangers

Kagome had fled to the garden where her cat was waiting. She rolled her eyes at the cat.

"What are you doing here?" The cat meowed innocently. "Don't give me that!"

"You shouldn't have done that to him. You did that just to get back at him. How cruel you are!" Kagome sat and called it over to her lap.

"What did you have to tell me?" Kagome asked.

"He lo-" Buyo stood up sniffing the air. "Naraku's here."

"What!"

"And...could it be? No, she's dead!" The cat ran into the forest. Kagome ran in after it. A ruffle of green disappeared behind the black forest.

"Who's dead? What is it? Is it Naraku? Is Naraku dead?" Kagome stopped behind the cat. It stared ahead, somewhere behind the water whole. Kagome strained to see what it was watching so intently. There, she saw it. Someone was there in the shadows. Sniffing the air she knew it wasn't Naraku. She didn't even know Naraku was there. A lone figure moved from behind the tree.

"Hello Kagome." A chill ran down Kagome's spine. She gave Kagome a feeling of relief as well as hatred.

"Who are you?" The woman giggled like a little girl.

"Do you know who you are?" Kagome was taken aback.

"Of course I know! I am Kagome Higurashi!"

"My dear Higurashi is a name of a pitiful family that is too low to be taken under your name."

Kagome watched the girl. The cat stood on end. Be careful Kagome...be very careful...

"I see you still have that stupid cat." Kagome blinked, this seemed vaguely familiar. This very same situation. Something's gonna happen! Sesshoumaru!

"What do you want?"

"Nothing to do with your love I assure you. Nothing to do with him at all." The woman looked Kagome up and down. A blush came to Kagome's cheeks.

"If you have nothing more to say I suggest you leave!"

"You want to kill him, don't you?"

Kagome's face revealed her thoughts. A smile played on her lips.

"Yes, I thought so. All this time you've blamed Naraku. My dear you must know it was all you. It is your own desire that drives those thoughts."

"No, I love him!"

"Hahaha, please! If you could here yourself! Your very soul cries for his blood. You can smell it. You can almost taste it. That's what you want. His blood."

Sudden visions Kagome biting into Sesshoumaru's face flooded Kagome's mind. She fell on her knees holding her head.

"No, I don't want that!" Kagome tried to convince herself more than the strange woman. "Stop it!"

"Do you know why you want his blood, Kagome? Do you still ask why a sudden thirst for him has aroused you so violently?" Kagome was trying to listen, but she couldn't. Her head was feeling as if it were to split in two any minute.

"Shut up!" Kagome stood. "Lavinia Planitia!"

Roots from the ground surfaced attacking the stranger. She evaded them easily. Kagome's attack was useless.

"Yes, Kagome. Attack me! I will give you what you ask for soon enough!" The cat ran back to the palace. "Even your cat is useless. So scared it ran away."

Kagome watched the cat go. Turning back to her enemy she saw her hand outstretched. Kagome jumped out of her way. Damn! That was close! Kagome looked for a way to attack her. She didn't know why but something told her not to get near this woman.

"C'mon is that all you've got? The Kagome I know wouldn't hold back so much. Ran out of steam?"

"Shut up!" Kagome ran at her but her gown caught on a root causing her to trip. The woman's cold hand settled itself on Kagome's forehead. "No."

She was draining Kagome. All her power was disappearing. Kagome couldn't move, couldn't breathe, couldn't think...

"Do you know that when a half-demon is at the point of death they turn to their full demon state until they are killed? You ofcourse are not a half-demon...but you still have the same reaction. When I'm done with you you'll be so thirsty for Sesshoumaru's blood you might as well just kill him today."

"No!" Kagome looked towards the palace and screamed, "Sesshoumaru!"

(srry to interrupt...just trying to think of what else to put...I know what the outcome is just not how to make it so...ugh!)
Loss of Words
Kagome fell limp to the ground. Every part of her body drained. Her eyes half closed searched her surroundings. The woman's mouth still spoke.

"Feeling a little dry aren't you dear? Take a deep breath I think you'll get a whiff of something good on its way." Kagome didn't understand but she did take a deep breath. Something rather piquant aroused her interests. She felt herself pulsating in response to this. Something in her blood churned to be let out. What is this feeling? What did she do to me?

"Hello, my dear. I have something for you. Something you want." Naraku walked over and swirled the red liquid in the glass. "Can you smell it? Do you know what this is?"

Kagome's eyes had been watching the wine glass very carefully. She tried to break away from this hypnotism but found it almost relaxing watching the liquid swirl a bit. Naraku's words fell to the back of her mind the only thing she could hear was the slushing of the wine...

Is it wine? It never looked so good...I'm so thirsty...

For blood...

No not again! No!

You want it...its there its not your fault...its his...he's force feeding you...just reach out for it...

No! I don't drink blood...I don't

want

want

blood

blood

I want blood...

Kagome's eyes opened in realization. Her thoughts still echoed in her head causing a severe headache that grew and grew. Her hands shook as they reached for her head.

"Why do I have these thoughts?" Kagome whispered, Naraku knelt beside her. "Please, stop it! I don't want to-"

"Kill? Please, killing will sound like the glory of god when I show you what you will do." Naraku held her up. The glass at Kagome's lips, her nostrils filled with a sweet aroma, her mouth went dry instantly. "I'll give you the option of drinking it. Would you like me to pour it into your mouth? Or would you rather me throw it away?"

Kagome strained to see if she could find a way to escape. She closed her eyes. Naraku smiled and tilted the glass. The cool liquid poured inside her. A refreshing sense slid down her throat and inside her. Kagome sighed as the torment inside her subsided. She reached up with ease and held the glass, making sure she had swallowed every last drop. Naraku's laugh knocked her to reality. Kagome saw her hand holding the glass, she saw Naraku begin to recite a spell, and she saw the woman cower in fear. A new strength began to fill Kagome. Her senses became stronger, her mind clearer, her thirst for blood became heavier. Sweet sensations of ripping a human limb from fragile limb raced through her mind.

What's happening to me?

Naraku brushed Kagome's hair off her face.

"Your mother repressed your power for all these years. Or at least tried to. The Harvest Moon is coming and you will lead us to victory." Naraku mused over Kagome like a fond pet.

To the Rescue!
Sesshoumaru lay bleeding. The music played on. Voices and sounds of laughter could be heard from the inside. Sesshoumaru couldn't move. How could I be so blind? Why didn't I realize it earlier? I'm so stupid! I need help! I wonder if I can still speak...

He opened his mouth but to no avail. All he did was suck in air. His eyes moved about the room. A red bird flying his way caught his eye. It landed by his side and began to cry. Stupid bird! I don't need your pity! I need help! Go get help!

"Hush! He is helping! Pheonix's have healing tears...or didn't the almighty Demon Dog know?" Sesshoumaru saw a small cat crawl out from behind the bird. He was surprised it could talk. He was surprised that he could understand a talking cat. Nonetheless, the cat was right, Sesshoumaru felt good enough to walk. Kind of queezy but good enough.

"Where's Kagome?" He asked the cat. At which time a young boy with green eyes and a scar on his forehead appeared.

"So it's you he came to save?" Sesshoumaru tried to ignore the accent.

"Who are you?" The boy looked up at the white haired demon and smiled.

"I'm Harry, Harry Potter. My bird...er...Dumbledore's bird escaped." Soon a few others arrived behind him concerned.

Sesshoumaru turned to the cat. "I don't have time for this where is Kagome?"

The others that had just arrived stared at Sesshoumaru.

"Does he know that's a cat?" Harry turned to the girl who had just spoken.

"Hermione, maybe its a demon or something..." The girl rolled her eyes.

"Shut up, Ron!" Hermione watched with great interest as the cat seemed to point towards the forest. "Look! It's showing him where she is!"

"She's over there alright." A orange haired boy stepped in, his sword ready. "I'll help you out, Sesshoumaru."

Sesshoumaru looked at the guy, a small furrow forming.

"I'm Ichigo...you know the guy you got mad at for seeing your girlfriend naked...?" Sesshoumaru jumped on his cloud toward the forest. Ichigo shrugged, and turned to a handsome white haired kid. "See Malfoy this is how you do it."

Ichigo jumped off the balcony and made it to the ground unharmed. Malfoy turned and walked back into the ballroom. The cat jumped down and followed in after Malfoy.

"Do you think we should help?" Harry turned to Ron. Ron dismissed the idea. Hermione grabbed his hand and Harry's.

"C'mon! That was the heir of this kingdom we should show our support by helping!" They grabbed on to the bird and flew towards the forest.

"What do you care? Shouldn't you be in there making out with Malfoy anyways?" Ron yelled holding on to Harry. Hermione rolled her eyes. Harry sighed.

Fools Rush In...
Kagome pulled away from him. She felt light yet was pulled down by great weight. The woman had disappeared. Kagome could sense Sesshoumaru approaching. Yes, he's almost here. He'll help me! Just stall Kagome, just stall!

"What did you do to me?" Kagome backed away slowly.

"I didn't do anything...you did it all. I asked you if you wanted me to throw it away. You drank it on your own." Naraku smiled. "The result, your true form released!"

His head nodded towards the waterhole. "Go ahead, take a look at yourself. See what you've been hiding these many years."

Kagome turned to the still waters cautiously. A figure stood in her stead. The hair was pearl white, the eyes dark orbs of sapphire blue, the body...claws, fangs, it had demon all over it. Her eyes searched for her reflection. It wasn't until she moved that she realized it was her in the water.

"What kind of sick joke is this Naraku?!" Kagome turned to Naraku in full tears.

"No joke. The true form was hidden from you by your mother. There is no time to tell the faint story which has led you here." Naraku stood behind Kagome as she watched herself. "Why so glum? You should be rejoicing, Sesshoumaru will love you now that you are a demon. You will be strong enough to beat those who oppose you. You will be able to change the lives of many."

Kagome was quiet for a long time. Sesshoumaru...will you love me now? But...I can't...I can't stay this way...this isn't me...it isn't what I want...What should I do?

Naraku smiled. "Come now my child. I will show you the way to enlightenment."

Kagome's eyebrows furrowed, her blue eyes burning a hole in Naraku. "No! I don't want to be a demon! I don't want to be your pet! I don't want anything to do with this! Nothing at all!"

Kagome outstretched her arm to hit him. Naraku barely made it out of her way. Kagome kicked and punched as did he, yet she was a little stronger now. After a short while Kagome began to notice her true strength and power. She smiled at the new, refined freedom she had.

"You were a demon all along. How do you think you were so strong? So powerful? No normal priestess not even Inuyasha's mother was that strong. Come with me I can show you the true delight repressed from you all these years!"

"No!" Kagome made a run at him but a sudden melody stopped her. The woman stood behind the tree playing her flute. Kagome cringed in disgust and pain.

"There are others coming! We must go Naraku. The seed is planted." The woman took Naraku and fled away. Kagome's body transformed into its norm little by little. Sesshoumaru found her by the water a torn mess.

"Kagome? Kagome are you alright?" Sesshoumaru strained to listen for Naraku but could not.

"I'm coming. Alright where is he? Or she or it!" Ichigo ran in with his sword. A rustle in leaves to his left was heard. "I got 'em now!"

Dashing in, he struck a hooded figure. "Ow! What the bloody hell was that for!"

It was Ron, followed by Harry who was being choked by Hermione. Harry untangled himself from Hermione who noticed she was finally out of the woods. Sesshoumaru looked at them all quizzically. Ichigo put his sword away.

"What are you doing here?" Sesshoumaru's voice was as cold as ice. Ichigo sat on a rock.

"I said I'd help, my loyalty is to the king or king to be...what ever." Sesshoumaru raised a brow.

"You shouldn't have we had it all taken care of." Ron said proudly.

"You were beating a bush." Malfoy appeared out of no where. Hermione smiled and blushed.

"What are you doing here?" Harry asked rolling his eyes.

"Came to make sure nothing happened to...uh..the king..." His eyes searched Hermione for any hint of damage, Hermione, again, blushed.

"I was not beating a bush, it was a tree...and it was huge!" Ron said, Malfoy laughed.

"Harry, can your bird heal her?" Sesshoumaru asked, ignoring there conversation. Harry looked at the girl, no sign of blood but her gown was torn about the place.

"She's not really hurt...but I guess I can give her a glass of the bird's tears." Harry said, Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Oh move over!" Hermione took out her wand. Sesshoumaru looked alarmed.

"Don't worry, the wand isn't harmful unless its Ron holding it." Malfoy said, Ron blushed and took out his wand pointing it at Malfoy. "See?"

"Hold it right there!" Sango yelled. "Don't you dare shoot a spark or Miroku'll suck you up!"

Sesshoumaru observed the scenario. Ron was pointing his wand at Malfoy but from Sango's angle it looked like he had it pointed at Sesshoumaru. Hermione had her's on Kagome, who was also on the floor. Harry was standing next to Ichigo. Actually that just seemed random to him. Sesshoumaru was about to respond to Sango when ninja stars flew out at her. A boy in an orange suite jumped out of the bushes.

"My name is Naruto Uzamaki! Don't move or you'll regret it!" In one move the boy was duplicated. Millions of himself stood about the room. In a blast of confusion arguments, powers, and limbs were thrown about in every direction. Sesshoumaru was trying to calm everyone down. Kagome stirred a little and opened her eyes. She sat up in confusion, watching as millions of kids that looked the same attacked three other kids. Only to be thwarted by Sango's boomerang and then she watched as they disappeared into smoke. Sesshoumaru was beating Ichigo because he wasn't helping any more when he was picking fights with a boy that was too serious for his age. Then she saw as the brown haired girl picked a fight with the pink haired girl. Kagome stood.

"HEY!" The movement around her froze. Kagome looked around, "Who are you people?"

A sudden burst of names and explainations fused together to make noise. Kagome raised her hand. "You know what never mind. Sesshoumaru, can you take me to my room please? I'd like to be alone."

Everyone stood and watched Sesshoumaru escort her out. Afterwards they stood feeling like idiots and began to leave as well. Kanna waited for all to leave before she went to the water. Kagura looked around to make sure they were alone, she nodded.

"He shouldn't have done that to her." Kanna said, grabbing some water and putting it in a clear glass bowl. "Doesn't he know Sesshoumaru-"

"No, he doesn't but that's why she sent us to him. We mustn't interfere! Destiny has already been set in motion. Only fate can help now. What are you doing?" Kagura was a little disturbed.

"Drinking some water. I was kind of thirsty." Kanna smiled up at Kagura before she was clunked in the head.

"C'mon, quit waisting my time!" Kagura walked towards the castle. Kanna giggled behind her.

"Did you see all the comotion? It was hilarious! What crazy people we'll have in the tournament!" Kanna mused. Kagura looked behind her.

"It'll be interesting to watch now that Kagome's inner demon is released."

"She would've won either way. Her and Sesshoumaru are an unbeatable pair!"

"Nonsense what about you and Kouga?"

"Kouga is to fast for me. We would have lost. I think things through he goes through and then thinks. But I still love him."

"I still don't know there are plenty of good guys in the tournament."

"Yes, we'll have to watch them. Some are going after Kagome."

"They're with that person?"

"Yup. Have you been able to find out who it is?"

"No..."