Disclaimer: I own nothing. Except a bookmark of Sesshoumaru. But other than that, I own nothing.
Last Time:
The inuyoukai thought for a moment, then nodded. "The name is Kaimaru. And you just got yourself a business partner."
Unmeikeirai watched him leave, waiting until he was out of sight before shivering. Ugh, that guy is disgusting. You better appreciate what I'm doing, Amaterasu-sama. Cause otherwise, I'll be doing diddly squat for you for the next thousand years!
CHAPTER 11: BEGINNING LESSONS
Rin sat in the comfort of Kagome's arms, bawling her eyes out. "It's all Rin's fault!" She screeched, and even Kagome winced at the volume and pitch of the little girl's voice.
"Rin, it'll be okay, I promise." She tried to soothe the little girl, glancing up every once in a while at Sesshoumaru, her eyes pleading. Things were not looking good.
It had started out as simple meditation. Only, Kagome hadn't realized the potential that Rin had unlocked, and the little girl's power had gone a bit out of control. Shippou hadn't been able to get out of the way in time.
Rin's miko power was very new, and Rin could not distinguish between friend and foe. As such, the purifying power had burnt Shippou badly. Luckily for Shippou, because Rin's power was new, it wasn't powerful enough to purify him. Kagome had managed to relieve most of the burns, but he was still unconscious.
Sesshoumaru had watched the whole thing, and was rather surprised. The blast that Rin sent out would possibly have purified a lesser demon, and the fact that Shippou had managed to remain alive was rather impressive.
He knew exactly what the miko wanted him to do. She wanted him to console Rin, or to help the young kitsune in some way. He remained where he was. Why should this Sesshoumaru lower himself to helping a kitsune?
Duh. Because Rin loves him.
WHAT!
Not like she's gonna mate him, dumb ass. Like a brother type thing. . . oh wait. You wouldn't know that, since you hate InuYasha so much!
And you do not?
I never said I didn't. But at least I have a reason to hate him.
Such as?
His demonic half refuses to acknowledge me as his alpha! I mean, come on! How many times have we beaten him? Oh yeah, EVERY GODS DAMNED TIME!
That is not the issue here. The issue is the miko.
Just do it. At least comfort Rin. She's our pup.
For once, Sesshoumaru could not disagree with his inner youkai. "Rin, come here."
Kagome released the little girl, who ran straight up to Sesshoumaru. Kagome went over to Shippou, focusing her powers on waking him. However, she could still hear what was going on around her.
Rin stood in front of Sesshoumaru, her lip trembling. "Sesshoumaru-sama, I-"
"Rin, cease your childish antics." Sesshoumaru cut her off. "Tears are a sign of weakness, and you are not weak."
"But Sesshoumaru-sama, I-"
"Do not interrupt this Sesshoumaru." Sesshoumaru continued. "Furthermore, blaming yourself for something that you had no control over is just selfishness. I cannot believe that you would blame yourself for the miko's foolishness. Had she done her job correctly, the kitsune would not have been hurt. You are in no way to blame, and if you continue to blame yourself in any way shape or form I will be very disappointed in you."
It took Rin a moment to sift through everything Sesshoumaru said. Then she smiled. "Okay, Sesshoumaru-sama. Rin will not blame herself anymore, since it wasn't Rin's fault." She paused, then asked. "Should Rin forgive Lady Kagome for not doing her job?"
Sesshoumaru was half tempted to say that she shouldn't, imagining the reaction Kagome would have to that. But he knew that not only would she be furious with him, but she'd also be hurt. Remembering the sorrowful look that she'd had yesterday after the death of the human, his heart squeezed. No, he wouldn't allow that to happen again. Not until he was sure of why the miko's sorrow upset him as well. "You may forgive the miko, Rin."
Rin smiled again. "Okay! I'm going to go pick some flowers for Shippou. He'll like that when he wakes up!"
Sesshoumaru settled down as he watched Rin leave. He turned attention to the miko, seeing very clearly the power she placed around the kitsune to heal him. After a moment, the power faded. She sat back with a smile. "He'll be alright. He just needs a rest to restore his youkai."
Sesshoumaru nodded, and Kagome stood, rolling her neck quickly. She smiled over at Sesshoumaru as she stood. "I have to say, you're getting better at comforting her."
"This Sesshoumaru needs no commendations from a mere human, Miko."
Kagome rolled her eyes. "Geez. I changed my mind. First lesson is going to be how to take a compliment."
Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow. "Really, miko? And how would you go about teaching this Sesshoumaru?"
Kagome smiled. "By complimenting you all the time, and telling you when you finally get the right response." She thought for a moment. "May be I should use that phrase when you mess it up." Feeling the glare emanating from Sesshoumaru, she shook her head. "Nah. Too much work." She started to walk out. "Oh, and while I'm thinking about it, let me give you some advice. The next time you talk about me, try to make sure that I'm not right there listening to your every word." Sesshoumaru's eyes widened, something Kagome had caught onto quite quickly. It meant he was surprised. "That's right. I could hear you. So watch what you say, puppy dog."
Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at her, and Kagome giggled. "You call me miko, wench, and human. It's only fair that I should have some nicknames too." She walked away, humming to herself.
Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow, unsure whether or not he should be worried about the woman's new attitude.
ß Later à
Kagome glared at the ever silent taiyoukai. Teaching him how to let out his emotions was going to be harder than she originally thought. Especially when she kept getting interrupted by groups of children.
Not that she minded really. Although the village leader's youngest son was really getting on her nerves. But she really lost her temper when the boy's superiority complex started teasing the daughter of one of the farmers.
"That's enough!" She snapped. The children looked at her fearfully. It was very rare for Kagome to get upset, so they knew they were in trouble. "Everyone, sit." They sat quickly.
Kagome took a deep breath to calm herself. I like these kids. Even the headman's son. I don't want them to die, and I certainly don't want to kill them. . . I think.
Kagome spread her hands, which glowed softly. In a moment, a picture of a small village appeared before the children.
"A long time ago, in a place very far away, there was a village called. . ." She paused, then shrugged. "Tokyo. It was called Tokyo."
The image in front of the children changed, showing an elderly man. "In this village, there was a very powerful lord. He took care of his people, and they loved him for it. They never wanted for anything while he was in charge. He treated everyone from the lowest peasant to the greatest lord the same, believing that everyone was important."
Sesshoumaru watched in amazement as Kagome continued, changing the illusion she created to show the children the story.
"After many years, the lord died, and the people mourned his death. They welcomed his eldest son, believing that he would continue the proud traditions of his father.
"What they didn't know was that his son was very different from his father. He believed that he was greater than anyone else in the world, and that those beneath him should be reminded of that. He began spending money on needless luxuries, making his palace beautiful. But he soon found that the income he had could not pay for all these luxuries.
"To get the money, he placed more and more taxes on the lords of the lands. They in turn raised the taxes on the people in their lands. Everyone suffered because of the lord's greed.
"The farmers finally had had enough. They went to a neighboring land and told the lord there that they would work for him if he gave them land to work. The lord accepted, and the farmers left.
"At first, no one cared. But after a while, food became scarce, because there was no one left to grow more. Soon, food became more valuable than gold, and only the rich and powerful could afford to buy it. The people pleaded with the lord to help them, but he refused.
"After a short while, most of the middle class had had enough. They packed up their wares and their tools, and moved into several neighboring lands. The effect was almost immediate. The lords and ladies had no one to serve them, and now they complained with a fervor. But still the lord refused to help anyone.
"The minor lords and ladies realized that without the common people beneath them, there was no way for them to continue as they did. So they went to the other lands. They promised that if the other lords were to attack their land, not only would their forces not stop them, but they would be sure to pay to have their land returned.
"Within a week, the armies of the other lords had conquered the land. The people returned and soon the area was more powerful than it was before. The new lord was imprisoned for the rest of his life, because he could no longer be trusted."
Kagome looked around at the children, and saw comprehension on their faces. The village headman even looked as if he felt guilty. She turned her gaze on him, and he cringed. "Now, don't you have something to say?"
The boy went over to the little girl. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be making fun of your father."
The girl smiled. "You are forgiven. Just don't do it again."
Kagome grinned as the children went off to play again. She shook her head, ridding herself of the last of her anger. It was really too much trouble to hold on to.
"Do you really think that children will understand such a lesson?" Sesshoumaru asked, honestly curious about the miko's thinking.
"I don't really know." Kagome said as she stood. "But I do know that if I can reach just one child, it will be that much more of a difference." She glanced at him from the side of her eyes, and smirked at him. "And who knows who else learned a thing or two from the story."
Sesshoumaru cocked an eyebrow, and Kagome giggled. "Believe what you will. I have some herbs to gather." She grabbed the basket by her side and set off into the woods.
Sesshoumaru glared after her, knowing full well by who she meant by the person who learned from the story. What made him even more annoyed was the fact that her story's point was actually one that made sense. Geez. How bad are we that the 'human miko' has to point out a lesson we learned as a pup.
Just shut up. Or I'll lock you away again.
Meanie butt!
What kind of youkai are you? How can my youkai be so immature as to use insults such as 'meanie butt'?
Deal with it fatso!
#% Unmeikeirai %#
Unmeikeirai smiled as she approached the giant bear demon. He turned from his meal, a deer, and smiled. "Well, well. If it isn't my old friend, Unmeikeirai. What are you doing in the mortal world?"
Unmeikeirai waved her hand dismissively. "A bit of this and that. Although I could ask you the same, Daitaro."
Daitaro laughed. "The same." He glanced at her appreciatively. "Looking good. But of course, I assume that was your goal." Seeing that she was not in a mood for small talk, he set aside his meal. "What exactly did you seek me out for? I'm supposed to be undercover."
Unmeikeirai sat across from him. "I need a favor."
Daitaro groaned. "Really? Do you know how much trouble I got into the last time I did you a favor?"
Unmeikeirai's face became pleading. "Please! I just need you for a half hour, tops. I swear, it's important."
Daitaro sighed. "I'll hear you out. But no promises."
Unmeikeirai smiled. "Great. I need you to attack someone for me." Seeing his look, she hurried to explain. "Not hurt them or anything. Just make it seem like you're after something they have. I need a controlled attack to get the two of them to trust one another. It's the Shikon miko and the Lord of the West."
Daitaro laughed. "Are you kidding me? That's not supposed to get me in trouble? You're dreaming." He shook his head. "No way, no how. Sorry."
Unmeikeirai's face fell. "Please, Daitaro. I need you to do this for me. You're the only one I can trust."
Unmeikeirai stood, turning slowly to leave. Daitaro felt a pang as she went, and sighed. He never could refuse her. "You're lucky I like you, though I don't know why."
Unmeikeirai turned and ran to the giant bear, wrapping him in a hug. "I knew you'd help. Thank you so much!"
Daitaro returned the hug, knowing that the gesture held more meaning for him than it did for her. If only you'd see why I can never turn you down.
!# Kagome ##!
Kagome sighed, packing away the last of her things. She had school in the morning, something she still had to tell Sesshoumaru. She was really regretting his reaction to that.
"I take it you are returning to your own time in the morning?" Kagome jumped as Sango made her presence known.
"You scared the bejeebers out of me Sango!" Kagome cried, secretly glad her best friend had decided to say good-bye before leaving tomorrow. She stood and hugged her before answering. "Yes, I am. I have school, just like always."
"And I take it Sesshoumaru has to come with you?" Sango ventured. Seeing Kagome nod, she continued. "And I take it you haven't told him yet."
"You're taking alot of things, Sango." Kagome teased. "How about giving something instead?"
"How about some advice?" Sango said, sitting down beside her friend. "Try not to forget that he is a demon, not some lost pet that you just happened to pick up. And he's not like InuYasha either. When this curse is removed, he won't hesitate to kill you."
Kagome sighed. "I know. And I know that you worry about me." She hugged the woman who'd become her sister. "But please just trust me. I think I know what I'm doing."
Sango snorted. "Think?"
Kagome laughed. "I'm not 100% sure. After all, I doubt anyone else in history has been given the task of taming a demon lord." Kagome sobered, shaking her head. "No, I shouldn't say that. It's more like. . . character ed."
Sango shook her head. "What?"
"Character ed is an annoying class that they make kids go through to make them learn teamwork." Kagome answered. "No one actually learns anything, but the intent is there."
Sango shurgged. "If you say so."
Kagome chuckled. "I'll be fine, I promise."
Sango hugged her one last time. "I mean it, Kagome. Don't forget who he is."
Kagome smiled. "I won't. I'll be really careful, cross my heart and hope to die."
Sango left a few moments later, and Kagome soon became aware of another presence. "Come on in, Sesshoumaru." She called.
Sesshoumaru entered, pinning her down with a glare. "You are leaving tomorrow."
Kagome nodded. "Yup. I have school again, so we'll have to go back for the week. That's how it normally works for me." For a moment, Sesshoumaru remained silent. Kagome took this as assent. "I'll leave Rin to train with Kaede for the week, and Shippou knows the rules, so they won't get into trouble." She paused in her little rant. "Maybe I should get Shuri-chan to watch the village while I'm gone. With Rin around, the village will be a bit more of a target." She thought, then shook her head. "Nah. I'll just have him check in every once in a while."
"No."
Kagome jumped at the sudden negative. "I know he's a demon, but he's a really good one. I've met him more than once, and he owes me a few favors. He's really powerful too."
"No."
Kagome turned fully, and was surprised to see how stiff Sesshoumaru had become. "Alright, what's the problem?" Kagome asked. "You've got some kind of chip on your shoulder, and I want to know what it is."
Sesshoumaru didn't answer. Instead, he turned away, jumping out of sight before Kagome could leave the hut. Kagome ran out, but he was gone. "That stupid dog!" She grumbled. "I'm going to string him up by that very fluffy tail of his!" She looked around quickly, then returned to the hut with a sigh.
Sesshoumaru watched her go in. Things were swirling in him, things he didn't understand. the best way to deal with the problem was to distance himself from the problem. And he couldn't do that in her world. he settled down on top of the hut. She will no longer touch this Sesshoumaru.
!# The Next Morning #!
Kagome woke up early, hoping to find Sesshoumaru. But she couldn't find him anywhere. She shook her head, heading back to the hut. Looks like she was going to miss school again.
"Stupid Sesshoumaru." Kagome muttered. "I don't think it's asking all that much to go to school for the week."
She sighed, cracking her neck as she headed to Kaede's. Little did she know that the demon lord she sought watched her from atop the roofs. He carefully hid his aura, keeping just out of sight of the miko. Half of him was howling at having to hide from a mere miko, but the other half shoved that half down. He couldn't afford to let the emotions that threatened to break through his control loose. He was the Lord of the West. Emotions and power did not mix.
Even so, he couldn't help the small smirk that came as a reaction to the miko's little rant.
!# Daitaro #!
The things he did for her. He watched the miko, and nodded appreciatively. Kind, powerful, beautiful, and completely insane. Kind of like Unmeikeirai or Amaterasu-sama. He saw that she was alone, and took a deep breath. Then he released a roar and shot forward.
Kagome didn't even have a chance. In the span of a second, she was pinned to the ground. "Shikon no Tama. Now, wench!"
Kagome could barely breath. "No." Kagome managed. She tried to summon her holy power, but couldn't concentrate.
A claw slid around her throat. "Tell me, or I'll kill you."
Kagome struggled, but found her motions were stilled immediately. "I won't tell you. So go fuck off, asshole!"
She squeezed her eyes shut as the claws started digging into her skin. Her eyesight started to dim, and the holy power she'd managed to collect dissipated. Sesshoumaru!
!# Sesshoumaru #!
Sesshoumaru!
The mind call had him racing. Kagome's voice echoed through his head as he ran. Never had he heard a call so desperate, so faint, or so full of trust. She needed him, and for some reason that he didn't bother to understand, his own response was stronger than the curse that would have propelled him anyway.
He made it just in time to see the bear throw her body into a hut. "Useless. Now I have to find the damn jewel on my own."
Sesshoumaru knew that she still lived, though she was unconscious. That was the only thing that stopped him from losing control of himself. As it was, he couldn't stop the snarl that released. Nor could he stop the bleeding of his eyes. This bear had to die.
Daitaro turned, and if he wasn't a god's helper, he would have run as fast as he could in the opposite direction. I'm going to kill Unmeikeirai for this. So help me, she's so dead. "What's with you, bastard? What, was da widdle miko your mate? Did I huwt da widdle demon's pwide?"
Sesshoumaru advanced forward, his poison whip growing from a claw. Daitaro stood his ground, and began to laugh. "Oh, a light show. How wonderful. Let me see it all."
With one swift, and as Sesshoumaru saw it, much too gentle, flick of the wrist, the demon was cut in half.
!# Daitaro #!
Daitaro felt himself floating, and he cursed. "Unmeikeirai, I'm going to kill you."
"Maybe I should come back another time?" Unmeikeirai's mocking voice reached him easily, and he turned to her with a scowl.
"If I get my ass kicked, I'm gonna-" His rant was cut short as Unmeikeirai reached forward to kiss him deeply.
After a few moments (You can use your imaginations to describe what happened) they broke off, breathing heavily. "Still angry?" Unmeikeirai asked, her eyes dancing.
Daitaro grumbled, before finally answering. "No."
Unmeikeirai giggled. "Then I've got to go. There's a rebel leader who expects me to tell him how to take out Sesshoumaru."
Daitaro grabbed her. "You mean I did all that for nothing!"
Unmeikeirai rolled her eyes. "I never said he would succeed."
Daitaro frowned. "You know perfectly well that once things are set in motion, you can't stop them."
Unmeikeirai shook her head. "I am sure that I can find a way-"
"Like you did last time?"
Unmeikeirai froze as if slapped. "I can't believe you just said that."
"You aren't all powerful, Unmeikeirai. So don't act like you are." Daitaro turned, heading back to the spiritual world. "I just hope your plan works this time."
!# Kagome #!
Kagome opened her eyes, and immediately closed them against the headache that filled her. "Ow." She whimpered. she reached to her side, trying to find her yellow bag.
A pair of cool hands, pulled her gently down onto the bedding. She heard someone drop her bag next to her, and after a few more sounds, placed two pills in her hand. Saying a silent prayer, she popped the pills, not even bothering to ensure they were the right ones. In a few minutes, the pain receded enough so that she could open her eyes.
Seeing that whoever had given her her pills had left, she stood slowly. She left the hut, feeling a bit claustrophobic, and found Sesshoumaru sitting outside. It looked as if he was meditating, so she let him be. Instead, she went to the flower garden at around the back of her hut. She carefully weeded away, losing track of time as she went.
Meanwhile, Sesshoumaru was not so lucky. He could no longer deny a very crucial fact: He liked Kagome. He was slowly, very slowly coming to get become accustomed to her strange manners and stubborn personality. And after his reaction with the bear, he couldn't deny the fact that he, at the very least, considered Kagome a worthwhile acquaintance.
That was all Kagome would ever be. He would do what he had to to ensure that it went no farther. His heart would remain sealed away. The tiny crack would soon be patched, and he would return to his old demeanor. Not even Kagome would force open the protections he's placed around himself.
And he could start that by stopping to call her Kagome in his head. If he didn't stop, sooner or later he'd slip and call her Kagome to her face. He'd never hear the end of it, he was certain of that. He banished her name from his mind. Woman and miko. Nothing more. Nothing less.
With that settled, he opened his eyes, intending to head back into the hut where Kagome- the miko was resting. He was surprised to smell her in the back of the hut, instead of in it. With a growl of annoyance at the predictability of the woman, he quietly slipped behind the hut.
Kagome sat in the dirt, placing marks of healing into the dirt every few feet, hummed softly to herself. Sesshoumaru listened, and his eyes widened as he recognized the tune. The song brought back memories he had long hidden, and he wondered how it was possible for the miko to know it.
"2 AM and she calls me 'cause I'm still awake
Can you help me unravel my latest mistake
I don't love him, winter just wasn't my season
Yeah we walk through the doors so accusing their eyes
Like they have any right at all to criticize
Hypocrites. You're all here for the very same reason."
Sesshoumaru stepped forward then, startling the miko from her song. "You scared me, Sesshoumaru!" She smiled at him, standing as she dusted herself off. "I want to thank you for your help yesterday. I'm quite sure I would have died without it."
Sesshoumaru remained silent, though he wondered how she knew it was him. He was quite certain that she had been unconscious by the time he had arrived. Mentally he shrugged. He wouldn't let it bother him.
"Also, thank you for the aspirin this morning." She continued, her smile growing wider. "I get migraines sometimes, especially when I've been hurt badly. It's a reaction from using power to heal myself. The medicine is very much appreciated."
Sesshoumaru cocked an eyebrow. "And what makes you think I gave you anything, human?"
He noticed Kagome's- the woman's eye twitch at being called human, and he smirked. She was so easily annoyed. If he kept this up, it would ensure that she wouldn't try to get closer than she already was. He couldn't afford it.
The woman before him smirked at his arrogance. Really, does he think I'm that stupid? "I wouldn't take pills from just anyone. Who knows who they might be? I recognized the aura of the person that gave me the pills."
Sesshoumaru mentally kicked himself. Stupid Sesshoumaru. You know she's powerful. I can't believe you thought she would fall for that.
I am not done. "Just because you recognized the aura, miko, does not mean that it was this Sesshoumaru." He turned away, officially ending the conversation.
Or so he thought. "Do you enjoy deluding yourself?" He froze. "I mean, how hard is it to admit that you were being nice?"
"Woman, do not direct your insanity at this Sesshoumaru." He said coldly, fixing his gaze on her.
Kagome grit her teeth. "Really, its not that hard to say. 'You're welcome.' Why don't you try it?"
Sesshoumaru was suddenly towering in front of her. "This Sesshoumaru will not be ordered. Nor does this Sesshoumaru desire to repeat what has already been said."
Kagome refused to be cowed. "Listen here, mister. I haven't ordered you around in days, so how about putting the attitude away?" She poked his chest as she spoke. "Secondly, I'm trying to help you, and you're shoving it back in my face. Seriously, learn some manners."
Sesshoumaru grabbed her wrist. "Do not take such liberties with this Sesshoumaru's person, woman." He growled.
Kagome growled right back. "What is wrong with admitting that you did something nice? You did a good thing. You were thanked. And yet you refuse to take credit. It's okay to take the credit when you do a good thing!"
Sesshoumaru pushed her back, watching as she fell to the ground. "Do not place actions on this Sesshoumaru that never took place."
He turned and began to walk away, until a quiet voice stopped him. "I wonder what it was that hurt you so deeply." He froze, and Kagome kept talking. "I've figured out what your problem is. You've locked away every emotion, until you have nothing left but what you believe protects you: hate, disgust, superiority, and pride. And because of that, you've lost the ability to trust anyone. And without that trust, there is no one that you could honestly call a friend."
Seeing that he was still there, she stood and continued. "And if there is ever a person that you begin to trust, that shield that keeps you separate from your emotions starts to crack open. And you're so terrified of feeling again that you push them away before they can do further damage."
Sesshoumaru felt himself constrict. It was as if he were being interrogated, and every dark secret was being revealed. How could he shut her up? "Acting as if you know all is not wisdom, wench." He snarled. "Neither is a pretend understanding. You know nothing of me, and do not attempt to understand." Seeing she was about to speak, he went as low as he could go. "A human whore who is merely a weakened replica of a clay pot has place to speak of someone like this Sesshoumaru."
Kagome could feel her blood go cold. It had been years since she had been compared to Kikyo, even longer since she had been found lacking. The stab, from someone she had just begun to trust, cut her deeper than she could explain. Without a word, without even hesitation, she walked up to him. Before he could speak, she slapped him across the face. Feeling tears well, and being unable to speak, she merely turned and began to run.
Sesshoumaru felt the pull of the curse, and growled as he was forced to follow. Kagome sensed him, and knew exactly why he was coming after her. "Consider this an order! STAY AWAY FROM ME!"
He skidded to a halt, and the string that pulled him forward fell slack. He watched in satisfaction as she ran, knowing exactly where she would go. A part of him wanted to apologize, to tell her the truth. But he restrained himself. I am Sesshoumaru, son of InuTaisho, Lord of the Western Lands. I need no one.
!# Amaterasu #!
"Unmeikeirai!" Amaterasu screeched. "Get over here now!"
Unmeikeirai appeared behind her. "Yes, my lady?"
"What in all that is good is that!" Amaterasu screeched, pointing to the scene below. "You're supposed to be bringing them together! Why are they running around in different directions!" She yelled in frustration. "What the hell did you do?"
Unmeikeirai chuckled nervously. "Well. . .um. . ."
Amaterasu towered over her, her face pure anger. "Fix it, or so help me, I will banish you to Pluto until its fiftieth orbit!"
Unmeikeirai ran, screaming. "Okay, okay! I'll fix it! I swear!"
!# Kagome #!
Kagome didn't even know why she was crying. She burst through the door and ran straight into her room, running passed a scheming Souta and InuYasha. She collapsed on her bed, and let the tears fall. Slowly, her sobs lessened, and she looked at the time. 4:00. . . I can still make it to school. To hell with that. . . bastard! Arg! Why do I even care? It's not like he was a friend. . . stupid nature! I don't want to like him at all! Why is it that everyone else can hate someone but me?
A small knock on her door had her drying her eyes. "Come in!"
Souta entered the room. "Kagome, are you alright?"
Kagome smiled shakily. "Not really. Just give a second or two, okay?"
Souta nodded, and crept out. "InuYasha, I don't think we need to worry about breaking them up." He whispered. "He's done a good enough job on his own."
InuYasha nodded, and the two of them headed downstairs.
!# Sesshoumaru #!
Sesshoumaru growled as yet another pang hit him. Why can't I stop thinking about her?
"Maybe because she's the closest thing you have to a friend?"
Sesshoumaru whirled and saw a demoness behind him. "Who are you?"
"A servant of Amaterasu-sama." The demoness answered, dropping down beside him. "And you are screwing things up. Big time."
Sesshoumaru turned and walked away, only to find a barrier blocking his path. "I'm not done yet!" The demoness yelled. "Let me tell you a story.
"In the far distant future there was a girl named Kagome who was being stalked by a psychotic loser named Hojo." Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes. The demoness was not as good as Kago- the miko at telling stories. "He constantly asked her out, and she accepted sporadically because she felt bad for him. One day, Kagome told Hojo that she wanted to just be friends. He flipped out and tried to kill her. Luckily, a nearby demon named Sesshoumaru stopped Hojo, making him Kagome's protector." Sesshoumaru flinched at that. He'd forgotten the ancient demonic code that made you responsible for any life you saved. "Hojo continued to stalk Kagome, but Sesshoumaru continued to protect her. But one day, Sesshoumaru and Kagome had a fight, and Kagome returned home. Hojo found her, and two hours later, they found her body in a nearby cemetery. She'd been raped, strangled, and horribly mangled by Hojo. He even admitted to it. Sesshoumaru was forced to roam the earth forever until Kagome could be reincarnated, so that he could protect her until the end of time. The end."
The demoness smiled. "Isn't it a great story?" She looked around, but Sesshoumaru was already gone. She smirked as she slowly disappeared. "Way too easy."
