3-25-2015 / 3-27-2015

Quick Note: I noticed I keep having problems with this story showing the characters. This is a Kagome x Yamato pairing, though other characters will certainly make their appearances in this story, the pairing will not change. I never really gave Kagome an age but no she isn't 15. She isn't really sure how much time actually passed in the jewel but in all honesty you could say it took her just minutes to defeat it or a few thousand years, time passed differently while inside it. Just think of her as being at least 18. Yamato is a few years younger than Kakashi; in the wikia it says 26 which is not old. Kakashi is only 29 but really I'm not concerned with age, once they are Genin they are basically adults, our views of being 18 do not apply to their world. In real life I know plenty of people that are together with a bit of a gap in age even up to 13 years. So you see; I never set an age for her because there was no telltale way to determine it upon her exiting the jewel and ending up in a forest thousands of years into the future after basically taking Midoriko's spot until she was able to make the correct wish. If it bothers you then go ahead and give her the age you wish, she has a lot of maturity after everything she went through in the Feudal era and that weighs a little more in my opinion when it comes to this story specifically.

Oh and if anyone is curious about the date that I keep putting up top, well I always wish I could look back and see when I did this chapter and that chapter, so I decided to start putting the date on every chapter I type for my FF stories.

Taking Chances

Chapter 17

The following morning they roused from sleep slowly, Yamato was already awake just fiddling with her hair, a habit he formed a while ago. It was always so soft and silky, he loves feeling his fingers running through it. The sun had risen a long time ago, his clock even showed it was almost 10 A.M. but he didn't care and neither did anyone it seems. After what happened yesterday it looked like the Hokage was giving her a break from the morning routine at least.

Normally he would start to get stir crazy after not having one mission after the next but now that he has something more waiting for him back home, he felt stir crazy being away from it for too long. When he finally noticed she was actually awake and just content to lay with him there he felt even happier.

Their stomachs had already growled several times but neither felt ambitious to get up. They were soaking up being lazy, as lazy as can be until some form of motivation would finally come after them. That motivation came in the form Kagome's bladder feeling like it would burst if she didn't get her butt up and take care of it. With a groan she finally got up from the bed in a very sluggish manner.

With her out of bed he finally decided to move, rolling on to his side he could hear her flush the toilet and turn on the faucet. Hearing her brush her teeth he finally swung his legs down to the floor as he sat there and waited for his turn in the bathroom.

That afternoon he focused on teaching her taijutsu, they worked hard and long. Her skills were quite sloppy and she was uncertain in her moves, he could read just how unfamiliar it is to her. He pushed himself to be in her comfort zone, she needed to get used to it because he will not stop. Thankfully for the most part they had the training field alone, she didn't seem to notice the Anbu anymore and he wondered for how long they will continue to be under instructions to watch her.

"Okay, take a break while I demonstrate the tools," he instructed and watched her sink down to the ground thankful for the break he was finally allowing her.

She watched him with rapt attention, focused on his movements and hold. He did his best to show her the basic moves of each one as he hit the targets with each one. Then it was her turn, her time to practice and figure it out and get better at it with that practice. Being handed a couple pouches he instructed her to attach it to her where it would feel normal once she had a primary one to wear. This would be her new routine of always having her weapons handy when out and about.

Straightening her shoulders she fingered a shuriken and threw it the same way he demonstrated and watched it go right past the target and into the woods. Time after time with adjustments along the way she threw them all and collected them all. Yamato just stood back and watched until Kakashi came.

When she emerged from the forest again after collecting it all she could see them nose deep into some book. Curious but knowing it was practice time she kept her focus on at least hitting the target once and then going from there. Her arm was becoming sore but it was working the muscles in a new way so she expected it. The last few times she managed to graze the target and now one of them was stuck in it.

Feeling better at the accomplishments she kept at it, throwing and collecting, throwing and collecting. If it wasn't for having a great imagination in the last hour of picturing faces of different enemies like Naraku and Magatsuhi in place of the target, she wasn't sure if she could have kept it up.

Stretching her arms before she pulled a muscle she gave herself a break since the other two didn't appear to be paying her any attention. It was only half way through the afternoon she could tell from the position of the sun and she was feeling a bit bored with her practice. Spicing things up she began testing the shuriken to see if they would take to her purifying power. It took more effort to fuse it but that was her new thing, getting used to doing it but the next problem was her targets now had gaps in it from where the shuriken hit it and went right through.

'Whoops,' she thought, hoping they can replace it later easily. Taking a glance over shoulder at them she could see them giggle... It made her pause as she watched them continue on with blushing cheeks. 'What are they reading?'

Almost too afraid to ask at this point she did her best to ignore them after she gave them an odd look. Putting more force behind her throws by using the chakra and then also fusing it with her purifying powers she watched them zip right through the targets, through the trees behind it and off into the forest. That would certainly be fun to retrieve in the foliage… not.

Starting the trek into the woods she recalled the trajectory and checked the trees to get a good idea as to where they would have landed. It didn't do a whole lot of good since the foliage was so thick. The jaunt was at least a bit soothing as she took in a few refreshing breaths as she let the smell and sounds of nature surround her. It was so peaceful, seeing the sun streaming through the breaks in the trees and shining on the ground and plants, it was simply beautiful.

A small smile crossed her lips as she stopped and stretched for a few moments. With an easy-going attitude she went deeper into the forest using this as her own personal and private moment.

In the trees though they watched over her. Always a silent protector. Loving her from the shadows. It was at first just another task, another mission but it was that light that Kakashi described that had started to suck them in, him in. It was a pain when she did leave the village and their routine was disrupted, a gap placed in what became normal for them and him. Right now though, it was just him. The others had to check a disturbance and so it left him to watch her more affectionately.

He of course knew that she is dating Yamato, seen the moment they had when he asked her, even had to look away or keep his distance when he knew the other Anbu member was showing her pleasure of the body. It was a hard thing to stomach but she didn't even know he existed, just knew she was watched over by them.

To have to step in and defend her against his friend, his former girlfriend wasn't easy. Kakashi and Yamato were just as dedicated to her safety but it hurt to see them use their kunai so threateningly against her even though she knew it was wrong. After locking her into a holding cell he could barely say a thing to her and she got the message and turned from him. Simmering as she stared off into the corner of her cell.

Watching Kagome below he could see how relaxed she is in nature. Taking a good look around him to check for anyone else around he quickly darted around the forest floor gathering up her shuriken. They were just slightly warm in his hand from the use of her power.

Knowing he might not get a shot like this again or it may be a while he appeared before her, startling her enough that she held a hand over her heart to steady it. She could see his familiar garb and relaxed a little, knowing he had been in the room when she was attacked yesterday. Seeing him extend his hand out with all of her lost shuriken she smiled.

"Thank you," she watched him nod his head. Lightly taking them from him she put them away. Blushing a little, she looked straight into the dark eye holes of the mask and with a sincere voice she said, "Thank you for yesterday as well." Scuffing the dirt a little as felt a little worried she asked, "Will she be okay?"

Not really expecting an answer since she figured that he might not be allowed to actually speak to her she was surprised when she heard the male voice. "She will be, just has a lot of thinking to do," he answered, not mentioning that the Hokage had paid her a visit.

"Is it hard to be in the Anbu?" She asked curiously, not knowing that Kakashi was once Anbu himself and Yamato still is.

"Only certain types of ninja are fit for it emotionally. It has its times of hardship and times of merit like anything else in life," he soaked up her attention while remaining neutral outwardly. His time though was running short since the other two would soon be looking for her.

"Yeah, I can understand how that can be," her eyes dulled a little as past regrets and sorrows shined in her eyes, a deep wisdom taking place as she blinked it away. "Life or death; there is always someone behind the scenes pulling the strings and drawing out everyone's pain and suffering with a sickening glee."

He blinked, letting it sink in that she already knew it by first-hand experience. She may not be cut out for Anbu because of that light, but she certainly already knew the pain of all ninja. "Your past, in the Feudal era I'm guessing?"

With a sad smile she nodded, "Yes, there was always something more to everything that happened. Even if you die an honorable death you might find yourself suddenly interrupted from it and brought back to a false-life. It was all a part of the game, one that had finally ended when I showed up here."

"That power has shown here but their will is taken," remembering the reports of resurrected ninja and grave robbing.

Her eyes shimmered with that knowing sadness, "Even our biggest enemy was just a pawn, and by the time it was done he realized he never actually got what he had wanted in the first place."

"At least you are almost ready to understand what really goes on in the life of a ninja," he commented. "Try to not flick your wrist too far back when aiming for the center of that target, your companions are coming to find you," he mentioned before he departed back into the shadows.

With a small smile she whispered a word gratitude to the trees before turning back. A minute later she came across the other two pausing in their search for her, landing down on the forest floor, she smiled and joined them saying, "Sorry, they went really far that time."

They gave her a look while she carried on forward, neither buying it since it didn't feel like she had actually been searching, more like standing in one spot. She went back to her target practice and followed the advice and giving a small cheer before trying it again and again. Eyes lit up with happiness she drilled that feeling into her very muscles, memorizing the feel of it as she went again and again. Kakashi gathered them up for her as she did it for another few rounds.

Instructing her to switch to her kunai she quickly followed directions as he kept her amused with a few tricks due to his great dexterity. Giving one of them a shot the kunai went shooting towards his head making him duck before plucking it out of the air. Flushing with embarrassment she gave a small laugh.

Yamato went out of sight and sunk into a tree, coming out on the branch the Anbu stood on. Though not visibly showing it, the move had creeped him out, "Did you enjoy chatting with my girlfriend Kage?"

"Jealous," he tested him.

"Cautious more like it," he steadily shot back.

"Worried too I'm sure," not even intimidated in the least. "I have been her shadow for a long time and if not for my assignment I could have been there while you watched from afar not even seeing the suffering that I was forced to watch, not able to comfort her in the way you could have had you not been so blinded," hitting a sore spot but he too was jealous; jealous that he could not be in Yamato's shoes.

"That may be but no one is perfect and you certainly have your days off as well," pointing out his own faults. "She is your assignment and she is my girlfriend, only one is allowed to let their emotions be the judge," his parting words before leaving back through the tree, noticing the slight clenching in the Anbu's fists with a satisfied smile.

Kagome will have no idea he was even gone to begin with after seeing how hooked she was at seeing Kakashi entertain her with his tricks. He was quick to catch another stray kunai when she tried and failed again at mimicking Kakashi's motions.

With a teasing lilt in his voice he suggested, "How about we go eat before one of our heads gets turned into a dart board."

"Hey," she called at him as she flushed once more.

The two men laughed heartily at her and after handing her the kunai back they left to go to Ichiraku's for ramen. She had fun going through the trees again, doing her best to keep up as she chased after them, smiling all the way.

Tsunade finished serving her sentence to the kunoichi for her attack yesterday, not wanting her to go left unchecked she was ordered many mundane duties and low level missions until she is determined to have learned her lesson. She will also have regular visits to Ibiki and a shrink to judge if she is even fit to be a ninja of the leaf anymore.

It was really the best thing to do even though she wished to beat her up, as a Hokage she would not take away from her reputation unless provoked once more, her wrath may not know any bounds the next time. Sitting back down in her desk she looked out at the view, wondering how Kagome was doing today and eager to get a report. With a cup of sake that she sneaked past Shizune she enjoyed the beginnings of another beautiful sunset.

Kagome looked at all the ramen with a bittersweet air; this would be her first time having it in so long. The other two took notice but said nothing, letting her go at her own pace. Slowly she approached the counter, undecided on what to order. When she was asked she just said, "The beef ramen please," not quite able to wrap her head around things while her mind was thousands of years into the past.

"Did you get my ramen yet?" InuYasha waited impatiently on the other side of the well.

"Hey, where is the rest of it," asked a frantic InuYasha as he dug through her yellow book bag searching for more, "Don't tell me you wasted it on the runt!"

Thump, "Kagome!" Cried a teary Shippo sporting a large bump on his head. "InuYasha sit!" She yelled angrily as she watched him finish off Shippo's ramen. Miroku and Sango shook their heads at the stubborn half demon while Kirara mewed.

Shaking her head she noticed a hand being waved in front of her face. "Kagome, great it's nice to see you finally snap out of it!"

She looked to the owner of the hand and could see the handsome, blonde teenager from the hospital. "Oh Naruto, sorry about that, how are you doing?"

"I'm great now that I'm finally having some ramen!" He cheered with a large bowl in front of him and a stack already on the counter.

"I see your appetite is still intact," she observed.

"When it comes to ramen it is rare that I don't," he quipped back with a goofy grin.

She gave a chuckle and couldn't help but wonder if this is InuYasha reincarnated. With a happy smile back on her face she began a conversation with Kakashi and Yamato's teammate. He was happy to have another new friend, one that never hurt his feelings; she was just so nice and good. Seeing her with his captain and substitute captain he asked if they were friends.

"You could say they were my first friends in all honesty," she informed Naruto. She was about to inform him about her relationship with Yamato when a sudden chill creeped up her back and the sound of someone sharpening a blade ensued.

Back straightening she looked around her and could see a few kunoichi give her glares, the animosity towards her had her suddenly paling. Naruto waved a hand in front of her face again and she focused back on him once more.

"Wow, do you space out often?" He looked at her with a mixture of both worry and curiosity.

"No, just right now it seems to be happening a lot," a nervous tone coming out.

"It sounded like you were about to say something earlier, what was it?" He asked and she opened her mouth to answer.

The sharp sound of someone sharpening their blade sent another chill up her spine and beginning to get irritated she threw up an invisible barrier around the four of them and replied a little louder than needed. "I was going to say, I am dating Yamato," then her barrier was hit, repelling several weapons from kunai and shuriken, to hair accessories and needles. Kunoichi she decided could be extremely dangerous with the amount of weapons they could hide on them in plain sight.

As they clattered to the ground the restaurant grew suddenly quiet, Yamato and Kakashi standing to their full height, Naruto was on his own feet looking angry. "If you have a problem just say it!" He demanded of them.

The three Anbu, including the one from earlier, were all there and already knocked out a few of them and ready to take on the others. Kagome stood tense, finally letting her barrier become a shimmery pink to mock them of its continued existence. "They have a problem with me and I'm sick of it, I did nothing to them and yet they have resented me before even getting to know me, much less my name."

Naruto knew that feeling, he had suffered for years with it and now the very same people were being like that to his new friend. "I know the feeling and it hurts. To know they hate you and not know why, then when you finally find out why it is over something you cannot control," his own hurt coming out while a few of them looked at him knowingly.

Kagome stepped out of her barrier, holding the other three back in it as they fought to escape it. "You guys want to do this the hard way then fine, come at me but I guarantee this, I won't go easy on you," she flared her powers up as she readied herself.

Then suddenly two of them charged and she dodged, making them narrowly miss each other. Making a quick 180 spin on the ball of her foot she charged up her fists and punched them both in the stomach. Swinging a leg up and around she kicked the one into the other making them fly a few feet. Another tried to take her by surprise but she jumped up, using her chakra to stay in the air while they looked at her angrily, not aware she could do that.

The balls of power glowed above the point of each finger and laced with her chakra to give an extra punch to them. Coordinating each one the three scrambled to get away but she was more skilled with it, her eyes taking on a purple hue as the pink power mixed with the blue. With her eyesight enhanced she could detect almost every movement they made to determine what they would do next. They all took hard hits and went rolling across the ground. Skating forward towards them she did a quick spin with three whips coming from the fingers on her right hand, delivering harsh slashes to them.

Standing there she gave them the choice to either give up or keep getting their butts kicked by an angry priestess with chakra abilities. When they all chose to scram she turned around and began to stomp away angry, forgetting about her ramen and not thinking to dispel the barrier until she was already out of eyesight. Her power was still ablaze around her, many clearing out of her path before she took to the rooftops and headed straight to the apartments.

Landing on her balcony she sat there and drew her knees up to her chest, refusing to cry but getting sick of this nonsense. Belatedly she realized that the Anbu were already back and keeping watch over her. She could definitely say they are fast. Letting a string of power out and reaching towards her almost wilted potted plants, she rejuvenated them with her power, not really thinking about what she was doing since it wasn't the first time.

Tsunade unfortunately was in for a big surprise when several kunoichi, and some in not the greatest shape, were put into cells on the grounds of attacking Kagome. She was amused that the girl finally snapped and had enough, having taught three of them not to mess with her. It was just unfortunate that this ridiculousness has carried on so far.

Kage kept to the shadows as usual, once again upset about her getting attacked. She didn't deserve it and judging by the admiring looks several men shot her way it wasn't about to get any easier. None of the men seemed to even notice that she had told Naruto that she is in a relationship with Yamato, their brains seemed to have just blocked out anything that would tell them she is no longer single. If it wasn't for this assignment then he would probably be in a similar condition as them too.

Waiting for her to calm down he was sorely tempted to comfort her but he couldn't, even the woods was a daring move but here it was impossible to approach. Yamato and Kakashi were already there, they were just letting her have some time to herself but Naruto… he jumped right up there by her. The boy just started talking, talking about the days he would pull pranks just to get attention and the day's people would just give him that look. As she listened to him she began to feel better, having someone that understood spoke volumes to her and slowly they chatted and swapped stories while eventually moving to better topics.

When the moon was high above she finally went in after bidding him goodnight and soon they could tell she was going to shower. Kakashi left with Naruto and Yamato waited patiently on her balcony staring off into the night sky. He looked troubled and really he could see why. Women hated her no matter what she did and men continued to want her more no matter what she did.

After surfacing from her shower she felt much better and could sense Yamato waiting patiently on her balcony. Gabbing clothes from her room she dressed in the bathroom and finally revealed her refreshed form to him. He happily pulled her to his side and had her join him as gazed up at the night sky.

She spent a week training in the morning and afternoon, she wanted to be better sooner than later and began practicing things while at home, often finding a kunai stuck in the ceiling or wall and trying to patch up the holes before Yamato could notice. He for once was on a much longer vacation; the village didn't have many missions that he would be needed for so she was able to enjoy being with him a lot more.

Tonight they sat drinking tea after both being freshly washed, it was just a tad cooler than most nights but they enjoyed sitting on the couch and feeling the breeze flow by them. Kagome was sore from another full day of training, packing bentos each night so they can eat out there in the training fields. She was purposely avoiding other public places.

One thing that did change is that others began showing up to help train her and basically whip her butt into shape. Tomorrow, she almost wanted to groan, would most likely be when Guy and Rock Lee would be there. That would mean she will be so physically exhausted that she will only be able to pull herself into the apartment and drop her sweaty form into the tub. The last times she fell asleep in the tub, thankfully for her, her boyfriend was there to retrieve her.

"Come on Kagome, you can do it!" Rock Lee cheered as they were all walking on their hands around the village border. She felt like glaring daggers but that would mean she could and she definitely couldn't at this moment.

Yamato had disappeared the second they showed up and turned their attention towards him so he would be pushed into joining, she was tempted to sleep elsewhere tonight but that also meant she would have the energy to do so and she definitely wouldn't at that moment.

If she thought using a bow was hard or her practice with the ninja tools, she is always sorely mistaken when these two get a hold of her. She could always feel how much this amused the Anbu watching her too and that made her want to glare at them too. Watching her hold she carefully went over some gnarly roots, thankfully the ground was still a little soft from the rain they had a couple days ago. That was when Naruto had grabbed her and pulled her to go into the basement of the academy to practice and watch him do stuff.

That day she had enjoyed. Not needing to get all wet and stuff, be able to kick back and take it with ease as he showed her a lot of the things he could do which was certainly impressive by her standards. Seeing a flash of orange she looked around hopefully, wondering if maybe he was coming to save her.

"Hi Guy-sensei!" He landed before him looking eager, "Can I join you guys?"

'What! Is he nuts?!' She looked at him, entirely ready to think she heard him wrong when he did a hand stand and began walking too. Then her saving grace did come and that was in the form of Naruto getting into a race with the other two after a few minutes.

"Hurry up Kagome; you don't want to be left in the dust!" Naruto yelled back at her.

"You can do it Kagome, just keep at it and your hard work will pay off!" Rock Lee was quick to show his enthusiasm.

"I bet we can do it double time!" Guy started out saying.

"Why stop at double? We could go 4x faster!" Rock Lee burst out.

"Aww you guys, why so slow, let's go 10x faster!" Naruto joined in.

"The show of youth, you two make me so proud!" Guy bellowed out as tears of joy went pouring down his face.

Kagome by then was convinced that each and every one of them was crazy. Then they were off and she was soon left in the dust. Letting her body fall back down to the Earth she stretched her shoulders really good as she let them cool down. Not wanting to be found so soon by the others she stretched out her other muscles and fled into the forest.

As she sunk down against the tree she mournfully remembered her bento was still in the refrigerator. Her muscles were so hot and fired up she had to soothe the slow ache that was forming in them. With a light massage she worked the muscles on her arms and shoulders until she began to feel a bit drowsy. Resting her head back she was quick to close her eyes for a quick snooze.

When she woke up she instantly noticed only one Anbu was there and he was sitting against another tree. Rolling her shoulders she looked at the position of the sun and found it just a little past high noon. She sat there collecting her thoughts quietly before she stood with a stretch trying to remember where she had run off to.

The Anbu member got up as well and with a signal for her to follow him she walked quietly behind, curious as to where they were going. It wasn't until he showed her a training area for target practice that she understood. He signaled for her to halt just outside it while he demonstrated his own skills at it.

She watched him go through it a few times until he was finished and she recognized the skill it took to do the moves he displayed. It wouldn't be long and she was giving it a shot with a little help from him, going as far as to setup her training regimen to complete before moving on to something else. He had gone back to the shadows to keep a look out on the area while watching her practice. He took the little moments he could have with her and today her boyfriend wasn't around to even know the difference.

With something more fun to practice than the targets in that field she was happy to keep at it and work hard to at least land a blow on each target. Walking to the center she began again, and continued on for the next few hours, her aim slowly getting a little better but she knew what she is doing would be a piece of cake for the ninja around her, still it was progress.

Noting that the sun still wouldn't be down for a while she looked to where she could see her silent Anbu companion. "Feel up to running?"

He showed from the shadows with a nod and she grinned. Charging up her legs she took off, set to tire herself out until she can hardly walk few steps, she never felt a particular need to be able to drop down into a bed, happy to sleep on the ground if that is where she drops. Feeding her legs more power she sent her body a wave of her healing energy to give her a boost and slowly drain herself of both powers.

Making a wide outer lap of the village she pushed herself on, she now knows the ninja can run a whole day or more, she will have to find a way to replicate that and strengthen her stamina. Coming to a screeching halt she stopped, the Anbu stopped with her and dropped down wondering what she was doing.

"I got it! I should try to make clones, I heard that is how you can speed up your training," she rejoiced. Not letting the fact that she struggles to make clones stop her she stood at the ready, focused on making one clone.

Steadying herself she halted her priestess power and focused on the chakra, pushing to use the right amount as she did the hand signal, with a burst of her energy she looked in front of her and could see a good replica of herself. "Yes!"

Thinking about how much time she has until sundown, the energy level she has, and how much it will take to wear her out she determined that she would need to make at least one more clone but if she can manage, then two. This whole making a clone business was certainly different; if she ever made it back to Shippo she would be certain to show him how she did it. Leveling herself out she attempted to balance her chakra while forcing her priestess power into submission, with another two seconds she created two more clones.

Eyes wide as she looked her clones over she was happy and could see them grinning. "Awesome, let's get to it!"

The Anbu followed after, a bit amused at the technique she learned. Keeping up with them easily they proceeded to run around the village at her max speed. The process really had been tiring but after she had already done ten laps she was feeling the effects. Her strategy was working, she couldn't believe all this studying and training was already paying off in such ways.

As the last rays of the sun cast over the horizon she stood panting as her clones diminished. Dropping to her knees she fought to regain her breath as sweat dripped off her forehead and on to the ground being soaked up by the Earth. The run had been much more intense just like she planned but now she realized her error.

She is starving!

Now her stomach and her abdomen hurt, she was a fool to miss something as crucial as eating, and twice today. After chewing herself out for a while she sat back with a sigh, sitting on her rump and stretching her legs out in front of her. So far today it was just her and that Anbu after the others left and of course the training she had ditched earlier.

It was a nice day, still a nice warm temperature at night time; she wished it was like this in the Feudal Era, it would have made things so much easier at times. Looking into the forest at her silent companion she addressed him, "As ninja, do you get to appreciate moments like this, when it's just you and nature on such a beautiful night?"

"We have our times, after all we do take breaks to enjoy our own hobbies and interests," he reminded her.

"You never seem to take one, how do you do it?" She pointed out, curious to what keeps him alert for days on end.

"We have our ways, from something you can eat when you are on a tough mission, or even just learning how to rest lightly," he easily answered, it was no secret so there would be no harm. "Don't you think you should be heading back?"

She gazed up at the stars that were beginning to appear and for a moment as a soft breeze caressed her, she could have almost believed she felt her companions around her. The memories of the times they shared watching meteor showers or letting Shippo run around catching fireflies.

"I used to sleep outside all of the time on our hunt for Naraku so I am actually quite at home here, I just want to stay and feel close to my companions. It feels like they are almost here around me," she breathed out, her eyes distant with a tinge of sadness.

He said nothing but he understood all too well. He wouldn't be able to do anything anyways; he wasn't supposed to have much contact with his charge. Just watch and protect her from all dangers. If he can be this close to her alone just because she wished to stay out here then he wouldn't be against it either.

Eventually that boyfriend of hers, if not someone else, will come after her and that will be the end of it but she was already passed out so by then it would make no difference to her. The moon was slowly rising into the sky to join the twinkling stars and he watched as it bathed her in its moonlight, making her skin glow as she slept soundly.

'Today was supposed to be my day off but now I can only be close to you like this. Someday though, when the Anbu are no longer assigned to watch over you, I will let you finally meet me,' he thought quietly, the promise in his eyes as he continued his post.

He was soon lifted from being her only protector as Yamato came out of the darkness on the other side of the clearing. He could feel his eyes watching him, most likely seeing if he would keep to his duty, of which he did, but the fact he was alone with Kagome must have bothered him.

"I see you have finally returned," He paused, "Tenzo."

Casting a glance at his Anbu comrade he wondered what his angle is. "What's your angle Kage?"

"I wonder if she knows just who she is dating, a man that goes by several names, isn't that right Kinoe?" He poked, trying to hit a soft spot.

Yamato just huffed, "I highly doubt given my past that she would find it hard to accept that I don't know my own given name. She is quite understanding on matters among ninja," his confidence high, he has given her little reason to distrust him so what reason would she have to be upset with him on the grounds of him having three names.

"Go ahead and be jealous but your nose is not appreciated when it comes to my relationship with her," he stated before bending over and picking her up, letting her curl up in his arms before he took off to the apartment.

Once inside he drew the curtains mostly shut, not appreciating the watchful eyes on his girlfriend for once. Walking over to the bed he pulled off her damp and sweaty clothes before getting her into one of his own shirts. Making himself some tea he sat at the table to think for a while since this break in missions would at no doubt come to an end. It was rough to think that Kagome would become involved in the war.

If it wasn't for the fact she could still be a sitting duck against the Akatsuki, should they make her a target as well, he would have already requested that the Anbu surveillance be stopped but the fact Itachi had shown an interest in her, it was disturbing since he is a prodigy child. Kisame would have by no doubt also brought up the priestess with the strong barriers. He wasn't entirely sure what all they could or would do if they got their hands on her but he wouldn't like it either way.

He felt weary today, spending his time in the library looking up information on priestesses, trying to find a way he could put some kind of protection jutsu on her should everything else fail. He wracked his brain but nothing came up that he would have the power to do so far.

Somehow he will find a way to keep her safe from harm; he will just have to keep digging. Hearing her stir he began to finish the rest of his tea as he heard her softly call for him. Setting his cup down in the sink he turned the light off and appeared in the bedroom, still in his uniform garb. Seeing her stare at him tiredly he slowly took his things off and slipped into bed, pulling her close.

"Goodnight Kagome," he called down to her softly.

"G'night Yama- to," she yawned out, mumbling sleepily.

He cracked a smile, she was just so cute at times, he is certain any kid from her would have that same quality and be heartbreakers just like their mother. Resting his eyes he did his best to just let things be for tonight, tomorrow will be another day for him to search and come to some solution or answer to the dilemmas.

Rubbing his hand across her back while the other fiddled with her hair as usual, he finally let his sleep claim him. In slumber his hands stilled as their breathing evened out for the both of them. The eyes that watch all of them never crossed their senses as they studied their target. They will be the judge on if she is worth going after.

Kagome woke with a shiver, her hair was standing on end and her skin was prickled with goosebumps. She could practically taste it in the air, something was there and she could feel them watching her. Her fingers gripped her boyfriend harder; he is what was keeping her anchored as she felt his arm tighten in response. A shiver spread over her body, the feelings of that thing were so heavy, so sinister.

Yamato stirred, he could feel his girlfriend is restless, "Kagome," he questioned, wondering if she was awake or having a nightmare.

"Yamato," she whimpered, her voice small and portraying her fright. "Something is here, I can feel them, it is so ominous I feel like I could choke," her whispers crossing his ears only.

He sat up with narrowed eyes; he can feel how tense she is, tenser than the first day she woke up. She attempted to cling to him as he made his way out of bed and pulled his pants on. Opening the window he called out quietly, "Hey, you there?"

An Anbu appeared, "What is it?"

They could both feel it now, the night had a deadly edge to it, he informed them of the dilemma "Kagome can sense something ominous in the village," he could hear her squirm behind him.

"We can feel it too, we will be on guard," then he disappeared.

Yamato finished getting ready; he will have a long night ahead of him. Kagome was silently looking at her hands; he could tell she was thinking about something. Then she suddenly spoke up, "I want to patrol the village, I might be able to pinpoint where they are."

Back straightening at what he wasn't sure to be a request or demand, "Kagome, that wouldn't be wise. If this is the Akatsuki then they may be after you or even Naruto, I want you to lay low you did enough just by alerting me."

"But Yam-"

"Don't fight me on this, just stay here where it will be harder for them to find you, the Anbu are still stationed outside," he reminded her.

"- they already know where I am," but he was gone, her hand outstretched to stop him. A shiver raced up her spine and she could feel they are delighted, delighted that she is now alone. With careful steps she left his apartment, a light barrier shining over her skin as she exposed herself to a new setting. She needed to get dressed, whatever this thing is, it is here for her and Anbu or no, it will be coming for her.

Quickly she got dressed toeing on her sandals before pulling her hair up into a top knot. She may listen and wait at the apartment for now but she knew it wouldn't last. When she crossed back over she could see an Anbu member stationed outside her balcony, it wasn't the one she speaks to but figured he was around somewhere.

Opening the door she joined him out there, "We have a safe house to transport you to," they said.

"A safe house," she questioned.

"To better guard you and protect the population, come with me," he placed a hand on her shoulder and they sunk into the ground making her eyes widen.

When they resurfaced they were out past the training fields, crossing a meadow in a brisk walk. She could still feel the heavy ominous aura even way out here and that put her on edge, this far away she should have been able to breathe easier without it suffocating her but it was still there. Eyeing the Anbu she wondered where the others were and why a new one is with her.

Stopping in her tracks as an alarm was sounded she turned back to the village, she could feel the frantic energy from way out here. "They need me," she whispered, not believing for an instance that she should just take the easy route.

"I think it is you that needs them," the Anbu said.

She jumped back; her instincts had been screaming at her, "It's you!" She stood at the ready to deflect any attack, forcing a stronger barrier around her in a sphere to ensure no sneak attacks. "Reveal yourself," she demanded.

The person before her had a two tone laugh and then shed the disguise, half white and half black. She blinked a little in surprise but it appeared they each had a separate personality. The jaws of a vicious plant was engulfing their head as they stood there watching her while the cape of the Akatsuki surrounded the body. She knew then that she had just played into the hands of the fearful group, like a little mouse she walked right into their trap.

"So now you see, it is too late to turn back now," then the hand swept into the shadows of the forest as an attractive man with piercings and orange hair came out.

His hand came out, palm facing her and suddenly she found her body being pulled, even with the barrier there she was having trouble, and then it magnified. Her focus dropped as she was heading straight towards this other Akatsuki member, and then she hit his chest hard. Arms wrapped around her and pulled her head back to look at her face.

"Well, what do you think Lord Pain," the plant looking guy said in his strange voice.

He just stared down at her for a few moments before pulling himself out of it. "She will do just fine, the village will crumble the next time I visit," getting a gasp from her.

"Let me go," she fired up her fists and knocked herself out of his arms. Jumping further back she studied them and dashed off, seeking to get back to the village as she pushed her power to make her skate on air.

Before she could reach the tree line she heard the words, "Universal Pull," and she was suddenly flying backwards at a rapid pace, nothing she tried would work and suddenly she was slamming back into his body, his arms securing hers.

"You're different," he murmured, catching her attention.

"There is no hate in your body even though you have experienced pain," the confusion in his voice strong enough to make her pause any planning she was doing. "You are what I had foolishly set out to accomplish in others and after much failure and a new plan, now I find someone in existence that is exactly how I envisioned things back when I was foolish."

"What are you after?" She asked, it almost seemed like he once pursued peace but had a new take on things after failure.

"I will save the world from itself," he said clearly.

When it was clear she was confused he carried on, "With you being one that is so pure it will be hard for you to see and accept what is truly going on around you. I am a God looking to end mankind's suffering. A new world will be created and you will help me clear the way to this better world since this one will only cling to the cycle of death and hatred."

The plant guy was suddenly there and just as they were about to leave through the ground they were tracked down by the Anbu and one of Kakashi's ninken. Pain was forced to pull a hand away from her to repel them away, "Almighty Push," his voice rang out.

While he was busy with that, wood shot out of the ground and wrapped around her legs, pulling her under as she was unable to fight it once it fully surrounded her and pulled her down. Pain searched for where she went until he could feel she was several yards away resurfacing alongside a wood-style user. When the Anbu were upon them once more he realized it was time to retreat, he wouldn't be able to get her this time.

Yamato immediately had her surrounded by his arms, feeling relieved that the Akatsuki were unable to achieve their goal in having her. It was already almost sunrise, they were all frantic when it was reported that an unknown Anbu had disappeared with Kagome from his balcony.

It didn't take much to figure out that it was the enemy in disguise. When nothing happened and the alarm went off he could feel his adrenaline pumping as he tried to figure out where she was taken. Not until a disturbance happened past the training fields did they finally have a lead. When he arrived he witnessed her being pulled backwards and into his arms, he felt angry seeing another man be so familiar with her.

Hearing the short conversation he waited for the Anbu to get into position so he can use the diversion to his advantage. Once that arm was off her he pushed into the ground, reaching to make it in time. Neither member noticed right off that his wood was surrounding her, not until it was around the lower half of her body and she was being pulled into the ground did they realize she was taken back right out from under their noses.

He will just have to get used to her being watched for the time being, there was no way he wanted her to go missing and no one know about it for any length of time. He was quick to appear back in the village with her, he went straight to the roof of the Hokage Tower where Tsunade waited with more Anbu.

Everyone noticed how quiet Kagome was, she didn't let on to what her thoughts were but they did keep her occupied, even as she stood before everyone, not paying a lick of attention to her surroundings. 'That guy, Pain, he wasn't evil per say, just hurting deeply,' and she wondered what his backstory is. She didn't feel like he would want to harm or kill her either, something about him was just nagging at her and that bugged her.

The other man though, he didn't feel right at all, he did feel evil. He was the one that had her so worried and feeling suffocated. The two didn't add up in her mind and she wanted to get down to the bottom of it but she couldn't without putting others in jeopardy. 'Would he really destroy the Leaf?'

She hoped not but somehow she knew the answer is yes. He did hold a certain amount of disdain for the village that was so willing to take her in, at least the majority of its residents. 'What more is there to this life of ninja? I really don't know much about what occurs and I'm sure politics play a role in it too…'

Tsunade could tell Kagome was looking for answers but really, she wasn't sure to what but she did know the girl will ask when she is ready. Right now though, the Akatsuki has stated once again that they will be back and it will be to destroy the village.

It bothered her though; Pain did seem set on taking Kagome, would they use the attack on the village and Naruto to take her from them again as well. If they did then there isn't much more they could do and time was running out. They already attacked the other villages and Naruto is the last one left besides Killer B.

Looking over her Anbu members and Yamato while they spoke of any and all details she centered her attention back on Kagome to get a feel for what she was thinking hopefully. It wasn't good that she has to be monitored so heavily but if they got their hands on her and turned her into a weapon against them, it would be even worse.

Clearing the roof area she allowed everyone to go back to their schedules. She headed home, reclining back with a drink as she thought about everything. No one was dead, they just snuck in, got Kagome, and tried to leave without any hindrances. It was odd but the Akatsuki didn't seem to be prepared for a full scale attack. She will have to run this all by Shikaku, it would be good to get his advice and thoughts on this matter later today.

Maybe now that Naruto will be going off to train with the toads he will be able to be better prepared to defeat pain or keep the nine tails from him. It was sad, having just received the news yesterday; it was why Kagome found herself with only one Anbu member around the majority of yesterday.