NVP

Chapter 10

Kagome awoke the next morning as the sun poked through the window and into her face. She opened her eyes but immediately closed them and let out a shriek. She backpedaled into a dark corner as everyone jumped up in alarm. Inuyasha sprang across the room and cupped her face in his hands.

"Kagome! What's wrong?"

She cringed and went to cover her ears as the others all seemed to be yelling at once only to discover that she couldn't find them.

She screamed again.

Inuyasha began to realize what was going on and quietly called to the others.

"Everyone be quiet," He said, then spoke softly to Kagome. "Kagome, are you all right?"

"It's too bright," She said,"Too bright and too loud."

Miroku moved a blanket over the window. Inuyasha stared intently at Kagome's still closed eyes.

"Kagome, open your eyes."

Kagome obeyed, and slowly looked around the room at each of its occupants. Each one looked back in surprise. In all the commotion, none of them had even noticed how different she looked.

Her nails had grown longer and whiter. Her eyes now shined in the same golden hue as Inuyasha's. Two of her teeth were now longer and pointed. Most noticeable of all was the fact that her ears were no longer on the sides of her head, but on top and were now pointed, black dog ears like Inuyasha.

Kagome blinked to get used to the dim light in the room and looked at everyone again.

"What's wrong?" She asked, worried.

Sango was the only one who could find her voice,"Kagome, do you still have your mirror?"

"Yes, it should be in my bag."

"You might want to use it," Sango said.

Kagome couldn't figure out what Sango was talking about. She felt fine other than all of her senses seemed to be in overdrive. Then it hit her. She should be in pain! She lifted up her shirt to look at her wound but found nothing. She had completely healed overnight.

Kagome quickly grabbed her bag and rummaged through it. When she found the mirror Sango held it so she could see. Kagome's mouth dropped open and her eyes popped wide. She examined every detail as Inuyasha started to sweat.

'Oh man, she's gonna sit me to death for sure this time.'

"Wow," Kagome said quietly. Inuyasha leaned forward. "I'm hot!" she yelled with a grin. Inuyasha fell over.

Sango hugged Kagome and the two proceeded to fawn over every changed detail. Miroku came up behind Inuyasha with Shippo in tow.

"I think it's time we heard how this happened exactly." Miroku said once Sango and Kagome had settled somewhat. Inuyasha sighed and nodded but couldn't find the words.

"I…um…"

"Kagome is half demon. As much as Inuyasha is." Kaede said, stepping forward.

"Inuyasha has shared his gift with Kagome. His gift and his curse."

"What do you mean curse? I'm alive aren't I?"

"Yes child, but if ye were to be wounded like that again, what would happen?"

No one answered, Kaede sighed.

"Without the Tetsusaiga, what happens when Inuyasha is gravely injured?" A silence fell over the room.

"His demonic blood takes over and he transforms." Miroku said solemnly.

"Ye must take great care child. Ye do not possess an object like the Tetsusaiga to keep your demon nature in check," Kaede said.

No one could speak, there was nothing to say.

"Inuyasha, what did you give her to make this possible?" Sango asked.

Myoga suddenly appeared on Kagome's shoulder.

"Master Inuyasha had to give her some of his blood. It was the only way to save her. As you can see though, it was not without side effects."

Kagome locked eyes with Inuyasha.

"Feh, there's no reason for everyone to get so worked up. This won't happen again, I won't let it. Besides, by the time I'm done she'll be able to take care of herself."

"What do you mean?"

"Someone's got to teach you how to use those abilities now that you're half demon."

Kagome smiled, "Inuyasha, thank you." She said, not sure how to take his uncharacteristic kindness. He nodded.

"In the meantime you should try to get used to your senses." Inuyasha folded his arms and walked out without another word.

"What's with him?" Shippo asked.

Everyone shrugged. After a moment Miroku scratched his chin thoughtfully and bowed to Kagome.

"Congratulations, lady Kagome. You have discovered the true meaning of 'oxy-moron.'

"What do you mean?"

"Think about it. You are now a half demon priestess."

They all shared some much needed laughter at that. When it died down, Sango spoke up.

"Kagome, if you like I could show you some basic techniques when you're ready. That's probably what Inuyasha has in mind but his style if fairly straight forward. I can help if you'd like something with a little more structure as well."

"Yes and I'll help in any way I can." Miroku offered.

"Thanks you guys." Kagome said and swept them both into a tight hug. Both squirmed and tried to get out.

"Kagome…Can't breathe!"

Kagome heard a loud 'CRACK' and released them.

"Oh Miroku, I'm so sorry!" Kagome said, realizing her mistake.

Miroku backed up and flexed his back.

"It's alright Kagome. That's actually better."

It didn't take Kagome long to get used to her heightened senses. In the end she forced herself outside to get used to her eyes. When she did though, she met Tor'mac for the first time, and immediately knew why she'd felt such a familiarity before. Kagome's reaction made it obvious she knew something when she saw him up close and backed away warily.

"Kagome what is it?" Sango asked.

"I know what he is." She answered, not taking her eyes off him.

"Kagome, how could you…"

"You remember the movies I told you about in my era? He is from one of them."

Miroku looked confused, "But Kagome, you said those were make-believe. Tor'mac is obviously real. How is it possible that you saw him in a movie five hundred years from now?"

"I don't know."

Sango cut in, "So where do you think he's from? What is he?"

"Outer space. He's a hunter of sorts. But in the movie he came here to hunt humans."

Shippo came running up, tears in his eyes. "He wouldn't do that! He's one of us now!"

Sango thought about that, "That does seem to be the case Kagome. Regardless of what his plans may have been when he came here, he came to us."

Kagome calmed a bit, "You're right. He hasn't done anything as yet and it was just a movie."

Tor'mac hadn't made a move the entire time they were talking about him. This one seemed much more uneasy about him, but she eventually calmed and gestured to herself.

"Kagome."

Tor'mac repeated as he had with the others and greeted her.

I know, it's an overused idea but I love these stories. What do you think? Should I keep going? Is anyone reading anymore? Hello? Please review! I need to know you're still reading to continue posting!