Disclaimer: You know the drill…they aren't mine…

Chapter Seven: Going

Kagome awoke early the next morning feeling more energetic than normal. She lay back on her bed and glanced at her clock. It was only four in the morning and she realized quickly that Shippo was not with her. She scrambled to her feet when it hit her. She could tell that Shippo was down the hall with her mother. She took a deep breath and released it slowly. That was something new to her. She tried to focus again. This time she found Hiei. He was outside somewhere nearby and in a tree.

"What is it with youkai and trees?" she mumbled to herself. This made her remember Inuyasha, which brought back the events in the Reikai. She had a lot to consider. She knew she couldn't leave Sango and Miroku there any longer, but the thought of confronting Sesshomaru scared her more than anything.

She needed reassurance before making the big decision. That, somehow, led her outside into the chilly, star-filled morning. She sat quietly on one of the swings in the backyard and looked around at the surrounding trees. Once she spotted the location of Hiei, she stared at him. It didn't take long for him to become annoyed and he joined her. He was cautious in his approach, remembering the energy she had emitted earlier, and he stepped before her.

"I'm sorry if I woke you." She said apologetically.

"Hn." He turned his head, "How did you find me?"

She shrugged a bit and frowned.

"I could just…feel that you were there." She replied and looked up at him, "I was surprised you were nearby."

"Don't be. Why are you up so early?"

"I just woke up feeling like I was completely refreshed. I couldn't even try to fall back asleep if I wanted to."

"Then why are you out here? Are you not cold?"

"I'm fine." She sighed, "I came out here to talk to you."

"Me? Why?"

"About this thing with Sess…" she couldn't finish his name, "About him and my friends."

"You do not need to concern yourself with that."

"What?" she stood quickly, "How can you say that? Those are my friends! I just can't leave them there!"

"You are too weak to save them." He said coldly.

"That doesn't matter. It's my fault they're there in the first place!"

"Then you want to go?"

"I…I don't know."

"Hn."

"I need to help save them, I know that. I don't want to be hurt by him again though. How do I know you guys are strong enough to save them?" Kagome looked to Hiei, "You are strong, are you not?"

"Stronger than most."

"Stronger than him?"

"We won't know until we face him."

"Yusuke's coming outside." Kagome smiled a little, "He's probably concerned that I'm out here after everything that happened yesterday."

"He already considers you his little sister."

"That's funny considering I'm older than him." She giggled a bit and watched Yusuke enter the backyard.

"Hey guys." He eyed them suspiciously, "Mind telling me why you're both out here this early?"

"It's nothing, Yusuke. I just needed some advice and Hiei just happened to be out here." Kagome frowned at Yusuke's expression, "Don't look at me like that. You're scaring me."

"I'm scaring you? Kagome, do you even know what happened to you yesterday?" Yusuke leaned back against the house.

"The last thing I remember was I wanted to go home. When I woke up this morning, I was home." She answered, "Other than that, I have no idea."

"Let's just say that the spiritual power you have as a miko became very intense." Hiei stated icily.

"Yeah, it was so intense that you scared off Hiei, Kurama and Shippo." Yusuke chuckled.

"Huh?" Kagome stared at the two of them. Her mouth opened slightly, "Wait a minute! That's what it is!"

"What are you talking about?" Hiei watched her waiting for her answer.

"Kurama…he is not normal." She spoke quietly, "He's human, but he's kitsune. Why didn't I know this before? Damn I can be so slow sometimes!"

"You finally caught on." Yusuke teased her and she shot him an evil death glare.

"That must be why Shippo asked me about youkai in my time. That little brat was giving Kurama hints!"

"I'm gonna tell him you called him a brat." Yusuke continued his teasing.

"Shut up, Yusuke." Kagome glared at him again, "Trust me, I'll tell him how I feel myself."

"What is your decision then?" Hiei asked, "I cannot guarantee your safety."

"What is this about?' Yusuke watched the two.

"I will think about it this morning." Kagome smiled, "My mom will be up soon. I think I'm gonna go make some breakfast."

Kagome dashed into the house leaving Yusuke to give Hiei a very stern, questioning glance. Hiei, in return, glared back.

"What?" Hiei snapped.

"What is going on between you two?" Yusuke stood up straight.

"There is nothing going on between me and that silly girl." Hiei turned and walked away.

"Then why were the two of you out here talking?" Yusuke followed, "Dammit, Hiei! What the hell is wrong with you?"

"The girl wants to save her friends, Yusuke." Hiei stopped and faced him, "But she is afraid of Sesshomaru."

"She has every right to be afraid."

"Then she should be wise and stay here."

With that, Hiei took off into the trees while Yusuke watched him retreat. He gave a short sigh and walked back into the house. Kagome was humming to herself in the kitchen and he followed the sound. He stopped in the doorway and watched.

"Don't stand there like that. It makes me nervous." she scolded him. She looked out the window, "Um...Kurama is coming here."

"Huh?"

"Your friend Kurama is coming through the front gate, Yusuke." Kagome laughed, "Are you not awake yet?"

"How did you know that he was coming? I mean, I didn't know he was coming."

"Shippo's awake! Yusuke, go let Kurama in please." Kagome walked to the bottom of the stairs and was greeted by a flying fur ball. There was a soft knocking at the door.

"It's awful early for us to have visitors." Rei was walking down the stairs. She smiled at her daughter and touched her head, "Are you feeling alright, Kagome? You gave me quite a scare yesterday."

"I did?" Kagome hugged Shippo tightly.

"Oh, good morning, Kurama. You are up very early this morning." Rei smiled warmly.

"Good morning. I hope I am not intruding." Kurama smiled.

"No, it's alright. Kagome and Yusuke are already up."

"Oh, I forgot!" Kagome hurried passed Kurama and her mother. She hurried back into the kitchen and continued cooking.

"I'm going to help, Kagome. Make your self comfortable, Kurama. Breakfast will be done soon."

"Thank you." Kurama smiled and bowed. Yusuke eyed him.

"Why are you here this early?" he asked and gave a very annoyed sigh when Kurama chuckled, "Well?"

"Just came by to see how things were." Kurama replied with an innocent smile.

"Yeah, you and Hiei." Yusuke muttered, "Him and Kagome were having a secret meeting in the backyard earlier."

"It wasn't a secret meeting, dumbass." Kagome retorted, "Breakfast is ready. If you're eating then come in here and do so."

She walked away from them. Kurama gave a laugh as he passed Yusuke and followed Kagome into the kitchen. Yusuke gave a grunt and followed.

"Kurama!" Shippo leapt happily into the air towards the red-head and was promptly caught. This made Kagome remember her revelation from earlier.

"It's funny how close kitsune's are huh?" she said quietly as she turned to open the fridge, "They like to be sneaky too."

"What are you talking about, Kagome?" Shippo looked over at her, his eyes holding a mischievous sparkle.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about." she set the orange juice on the table. Shippo giggled, "You could've said something sooner, brat."

This made Yusuke laugh and Kurama pet the little kit's head. Shippo grinned, proud of the deceptive game he had played on his mother. Kagome just sighed. It wasn't frustrating to her, but it would have been nice to have known sooner. She sat in her seat next to Yusuke and was soon joined by Shippo on her other side. It wasn't long after that, that Souta and Atsuko joined them for breakfast.

"Kagome, you cooked this all by yourself?" Atsuko smiled and happily ate her eggs, "These are great!"

"My mother helped." Kagome smiled.

"Not much though. She was already mostly done when I stepped in." Rei replied, "Kagome is very gifted when it comes to cooking."

"I'll say." Yusuke spoke while chewing. Kagome looked at him with a raised eyebrow, "What?"

"You're talking with food in your mouth. It's disgusting." she answered angrily. Kurama chuckled quietly and Shippo gave out a little snort. Kagome eyed them both. She still wasn't happy with either of them. They quieted quickly and continued to eat their food.

"Yeah, so what?" Yusuke snapped, "I can do what I want."

"It doesn't matter. I'm done anyway." Kagome stood and carried her plate to the sink.

"Just leave that there honey. I'll do the dishes." Rei said and Kagome nodded.

"I'm gonna go out to the garden for a bit then." she smiled, "If it's alright, mom, I'd like to stay home from school today."

"Yeah, me too!" Yusuke chimed in and was met with an angry glare from Kagome and his mother, "What? What is with you people?"

"It'll be fine." Rei nodded in agreement and Kagome left the room.

She walked into the garden. The morning breeze gave a delightful chill and stirred up the aroma of the flowers nearby. She loved this. It was peaceful. But she couldn't feel at peace knowing about the situation Sango and Miroku were in. The thoughts were tearing her apart inside. There was only one way for her to save them. She had to return to Sesshomaru. It sent a shiver up and down her spine, but she cared for their safety more than her own. Perhaps they could even raise Shippo. That way he wouldn't be alone and he'd have them to care for him as if he were their own. They'd do it too.

She sat before the flowers and touched the delicate petals of a pink zinnia that sat closest to her. She sighed at it's soft texture. A breeze passed by, causing the flower to bend to its will. Kagome watched the motions of the flower and smiled. It was fragile, but also strong. She could very well be the same way. Her mind was made up. She was going to rescue them, even if she had to give up her own life to do so. They would do the same if they were in her position.

"Are you alright?" Kurama's voice came from behind her. She wasn't startled this time. She knew he was coming. He was standing next to her and she looked up at him and smiled. He sat next to her. This was the first time they sat together completely alone.

"I'm okay. Thank you for asking." she replied. She went back to watching the flowers sway with the gentle breezes. Kurama, however, was watching the same breeze play with her ebony hair. Kagome was indeed very beautiful to watch. He broke his gaze away.

"You gave us quite a scare yesterday when you fainted." he spoke gently. She looked over at him and frowned. She had no idea that he was concerned about her.

"I'm sorry." she shook her head, "I wasn't expecting to see my friends in that situation or to find out that he was still alive."

"Yes, I'm sure that was a very devastating revelation to you."

"How come you didn't tell me?"

"I'm sorry, tell you what?"

"I've known since I met you that there was something different about you. You have an aura that is human and youkai. Kitsune youkai if I am correct."

"You are." he smiled and explained just how exactly he became the way he was that day. Kagome listened intently to how he was reborn as a human child and how he had a couple times become the fox bandit Yoko Kurama. She smiled as he finished.

"So, your human name is Shuichi?" she asked with innocent eyes.

"Yes, but my friends here call me Kurama." he replied with a grin.

"Kurama, I want to go and save Miroku and Sango. Is that going to be a problem with the rest of you?"

"Do you think that is wise, Kagome? With your current condition, the Makai will be very dangerous. Plus, we will more than likely run into...him." Kurama refrained from saying Sesshomaru.

"I don't care if it's dangerous. I cannot let them suffer like that." Kagome looked away, "I am going with you guys."

"Alright." he answered and chuckled when her features held a shocked expression, "There will be enough of us. I'm sure Yusuke and Kuwabara would protect you, as would I."

"Thank you." she whispered as she watched the flowers again.

"Well, I'm afraid I have to get to school now, Kagome." Kurama stood slowly, "I'll talk to you later."

"Okay then." she struggled to stand and Kurama helped her by grasping her arm, "Thank you again. Have a good day at school, Kurama."

"I will, thank you." he smiled, waved and walked away. Kagome watched him go and then went in to find Shippo.

That Afternoon

Yusuke paced back and forth as Kagome explained the situation to her mother. It was getting harder to deal with the whining kitsune crying and protesting around their feet. Yusuke scooped the kit up and listened to Kagome and her mother's conversation.

"Are you sure?" Rei was concerned. Her expression filled with worry.

"I have to." Kagome answered, "But I want Shippo to stay here with you."

"No, I want to go too, Kagome!" Shippo wailed.

"No, it is too dangerous for you to go." Kagome faced him, "I want to be able to go there knowing that you are safe here, Shippo."

"But..."

"No, buts, squirt." Yusuke replied and gave him a light noogie on his head, "Kagome's right. It's too dangerous for you."

"Please be careful, Kagome." Rei bowed her head as tears filled her eyes, "Just promise you'll come back safe."

"I'll make sure she's safe. Don't worry about it."

"Thank you, Yusuke."

After a few quick goodbyes and a ten minute hug by Shippo, Yusuke and Kagome walked to where they were to meet the others. It was the park as usual, but this time in a more remote area of it. Hiei and Kurama were already there waiting patiently and Kuwabara and Botan had yet to arrive. Kagome sat on the grass and rested her chin on her knees. She could see Hiei scowling at her from the corner of her eye, but she didn't care what he had to say. She was going and there was no stopping her now. Her only regret was that she didn't have a bow and some arrows.

Kuwabara and Botan arrived a few minutes later and the Botan opened a portal to the Reikai. Kagome followed the others through and was brought back to the office of the so-called toddler. He was waiting for them and was surprised to see Kagome with them.

"Miss Kagome, I was not expecting to see you here." he said surprised by her appearance, "Are you going with them?"

"Yes, I am." she held her head high.

"I still think you should reconsider." Hiei said coldly.

"I believe nobody asked what you thought, Hiei." Kagome snapped angrily and again there was a bit of a surge with her energy. It was enough to make Hiei stay quiet, but he continued to be moody.

"Calm down, Kagome." Yusuke put a hand on her shoulder, "There is no reason to get angry. Just save your energy."

"You're right." she gave Yusuke a gently smile and nodded.

"Your spiritual energy shot through the roof yesterday, Kagome. Botan has told me all about it." Koenma replied and held up a small silver box to her.

"What's this?" she took the box from him and opened it, "This is a very pretty bracelet."

"Wear that and I'm sure you'll be able to control the flow of your energy through your hand." Koenma walked back to his desk, "I have already sent Genkai on her way and she'll be waiting for you when you get there."

"You sent grandma to the Makai on her own?" Yusuke was shocked.

"She is capable of handling herself, Yusuke." Koenma answered angrily, "Now you guys should go and be careful. You especially, Kagome."

"Thank you for this bracelet." Kagome bent over and kissed Koenma's cheek, "It was nice of you to give it to me. I promise to put it to good use."

"Um, very...good, Kagome." Koenma blushed and hurried off.

"Shall we?" Botan opened the portal to the Makai. Kagome took a deep breath. She felt Kurama slip and arm around her waist and she walked with him through it.

She opened her eyes slowly and took in the surroundings. The sky was a yellow-green color and all the forests she could see looked like haunting shadows. She pressed a bit closer to Kurama and he chuckled.

"It's about time you got here." a short, old lady stepped from the shadows, "Come on, this way."

She led them off in the direction of a cave she had pointed to. Kagome followed quietly, watching the interaction between the lady and Yusuke. They were quite funny to watch and she laughed at how easily Yusuke would get angry at something the woman would say.

Genkai stopped before the cave and gave them all a stern look. Her eyes lingered a bit longer over Kagome before moving on to Kurama.

"What is it, grandma?" Yusuke spoke up.

"There is someone in this cave that is allowing us to stay here for the night. I expect all of you to be on your best behavior and not pick any fights." she eyed Yusuke and walked into the cave, "I'm sorry we had to make you wait."

Kagome walked in slowly following the others when, to her surprise, her eyes met with a pair of very confused and very surprised ice blue eyes.