Declaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or any of the characters there own by Rumiko Takahashi (bows)

Note: Thank you to those who reviewed the last chapter and those who have placed this story on their alerts! So much love glad it gained so much attention. Anyways a very much deserved thank you to RiaChan for beta reading this chapter for me (bows) and for putting up with over active imagination. Enjoy CloudsLover

Summary: The Higurashi clan was the most feared gang in the region rightly so for their leader was rumored to be able to take down an enemy signal handedly. Not that Sesshomaru Taisho was intimidated for he too was the number one prosecutor of sector 305 and had a reputation of his own but what will happen when their two different worlds collide... read to find out!

'Thoughts'

"Mouths moving"

Flash backs or a dream

Marrying the Mafia

By: CloudsLover

Chapter Six

Openly Hidden

Risks were meant to be taken "Kagome, are you out of you mind" even if once sanity was repetitively questioned "let the consul handle this…" for higher the risk, bigger the fall was sure to be "…Kagome" his voice held uncertainty.

"I must attend…" he couldn't help his reaction as she tried to exit her grandfathers' study "Miroku…" Kagome looked at him somewhat startled as he pulled her away from the door and closer to himself.

"The clan can't involve themselves" his voice was serious which didn't go well with the concern look on his face as he added, "you said so before… it's all in the hands of the authorities. There's nothing you can do" he tried to reason with her but he knew it was useless; she had quickly pulled away from his hold "Kagome…" she interrupted him far more harshly than she need to

"I am very much aware of what I said, Miroku" she glared at him "I don't need you to remind me" she watched Miroku being to pace, he only wanted the best for her. Always looking out for her best interest 'idiot… hopeless idiot' a sigh escaped passed her lips for that was just one of the reasons she couldn't help but have trust in him. "Look… it's risky I'm well aware…" she didn't want to speak the following words out loud 'of the danger of being found out' as if she even whispered them for even the wind to hear it was as if she was marking down her downfall on stone.

"And yet you won't change your mind" he looked defeated which she tried to reassure him with a smile that it was truly the only way "Kagome" his voice held a tint of fear, because she had a lot more to lose than the clan; which she, herself never seemed to understand.

"There is no way around it" she was determined; a strong trait she had shown him from the moment they had met "plus… I'll be attending as Shinto; the clan will not be involving themselves" he wasn't about to point out the fact that she was very much the clan.

"Please think this over" just once he wished for her to be selfish. To put herself first. Above the clan, no matter the consequences no matter the outcome. "You have worked so hard" he paused as he willed his voice not to break "to give it up now… would be such a waste" because she had sacrificed enough. "As your friend I'm asking you to please think this over" her tense pasture showed him that she was very much annoyed with his persistence on the matter at hand and her outburst was conformation enough to state that obvious fact.

"That's enough Miroku" he had to look away for she had finally reached her limit 'dam it' she sighed, she didn't mean to shout; especially not to him of all people "Please… don't question my judgment" she whispered causing him to silently curse at himself.

'Smooth' he was ashamed of himself and noticed her pain expression, even if it was for just an instant it was enough for him to see that she was far more troubled about the situation than she was currently letting on "That was not my intention…" and yet the outcome had been the same. He had insulted her by doing just that 'Why won't you tell me' he was growing frustrated with her unwillingness to depend in him 'what are you hiding' he felt that they were starting to drift away from each other 'what's going on that you have to distance yourself from me…' about to voice his concerns she interrupted him

"Just…" her voice grew serious "do as I ask" he wanted to protest, to deny what she was asking of him "that's an order" and yet he forced himself to remain silent causing her to face him once more. "Miroku… please understand" she wanted his approval; even thou she sometimes didn't show it, she did value his opinion almost as much of that of her grandfathers.

"I understand" his voice caused her to relax. She turned her back towards him once more causing him to stare at the symbol placed in the middle of her back as she made her way towards the door. Her responsibility to the clan was clearly exposed 'protect her' he told himself, for that was all he wanted 'I'll protect you, Kagome' the innocence in her eyes was slowly fading and along with it a part of her was disappearing causing her to become a stranger to even herself; a person he now hardly even recognize "... I"

"Miroku…" she voiced his name as she made her way to open the door to her grandfathers study "please" silently telling him to do as she previously ordered; because the clan was her main concern only second too that of her family.

"I understand…" how was he not to understand when he, himself had taken the easy way out; making his way towards the door he stopped before her and added "forgive me" and left her alone in her grandfathers' study as she silently closed the door behind him.

His apologue echoed in her mind as she let out a deep breath she hadn't been aware she had been holding "So… am I" she whispered back after finally understanding his apologue "So, am I" for all good things must all come to an end.

He stood alone in his office contemplating his decision "Sesshomaru, sir" a decision he had yet to finalize "You have a phone call on line one" he sighed, he had wanted to have time alone. Time that was slowly running out before his dead line.

"Inform them that I am not available" the door to his office didn't close which indicated that the messenger was still very much present "did you not hear" he voiced as he turned to look at his persistent colleague.

"Yes… of course I did, sir" and yet he still stood there "I am very aware you didn't want to be disturbed…" and yet he still remained "the thing is sir" Sesshomaru continued to frown causing his colleague shift where he stood very much intimidated by his stare "he informed me that it involves… an urgent matter, sir"

"Very well, dismissed" he glared at his door as it finally closed, walking straight to his desk he answered his phone "Sesshomaru, speaking" his grip on the phone tightened at the sound of the voice that registered at the other end.

"The hostility" he forced his body to relax as a sigh dared to pass his slightly parted lips "that is not away to answer a phone" a deep chuckle soon followed demonstrating that it was very much amused.

"Forgive me, father" their conversations were never pleasant, which he sometimes wondered why his father even bothered to call "I had assumed this call had involved an urgent matter" he frowned as his father continued to chuckle at his expense "so if you would please stop wasting my time… I have better things to do"

"Now, now that is no way to speak to your father" the line remained silent for a few moments causing Sesshomaru to glance towards his clock and frowned; it seemed he would need to pick up some diner on his way home. "I need to speak with you…" his father got his attention once more "in person" he could clearly hear the stress in his old man's voice.

"When?" no questions asked, no matter how rocky their relationship had been these past few years he was still his father's son. The man had been his only hero while growing up "Where?" because he only was the reason he had gone into this profession in the first place "of course father I'll meet you there" because deep down inside he was still that little boy that idolize his father; deep down he still wanted to make him proud.

"I'll see you then" he held the phone awhile longer contemplating what could possibility could be troubling his father to want to speak in person.

"I'll find out soon enough" he told himself as he reached behind his chair for his jacket as he made his way out of his office 'does this involve Inuyasha…' he wondered as he made his way towards the elevators 'doesn't it always involve Inuyasha'

"Sesshomaru, sir" a very hyper Yuri ran to his side as he exited the elevator, still lost in his thought involving his father's strange behavior. "I was just about to drop this off" glancing at what she held in her hand he sent her a bored expression contemplating if he should continue on his way as if he hadn't heard her speak "This envelope was left a few minutes ago" her smile didn't waver showing that she was slowly overcoming her fear of him.

"Yuri, please get to the point I have other places to be" he stopped and turned to face his still very much hyper colleague "What does that have to do with me," he bluntly stated.

"Well sir, this was addressed to Ginta…" Sesshomaru paid more attention to the envelope "seeing that he was unavailable… I just thought" Yuri was slowly losing her composure wondering if she should have just held onto the envelope until Ginta's arrival.

"Well done Yuri, I'll be sure to let Ginta know" he held out his hand 'I have fallen to the rank of messenger' but it seemed well worth it for Yuri brightened right up "now back to work" he said in a stern voice which didn't dampen the girls mood by any means.

"Yes, sir" Yuri walked away with a smile on her face.

"That was very kind of you, Sesshomaru" he didn't show it but his coworker had caught him off guard. "What has gotten you in such a good mood?" placing the envelope inside his coat pocket he continued on his way towards where his car was sure to be parked "ah, not in the mood to share are you" his new companion asked which he was quick to responded with

"For there is nothing to share Renkotsu" the man was a pain and the morning meeting was sure to be a perfect example "and let this be the last time that I advise you: whatever business I have is none of yours to worry over" his statement cause the man before him to chuckle.

"I'm starting to believe you're afraid of a little competition" Sesshomaru smiled showing that he was very amused causing Renkotsu to freeze where he stood.

"I'll assure you that what I'm feeling isn't fear… but annoyance that you even dare to compare yourself to this Sesshomaru" without another word he walked away leaving an enraged coworker behind.

Her hunger had been forgotten as her nerves had begun to settle in 'no turning back' it wasn't that she was afraid "to the blue raven" it was more in the lines that this was the first time she was going somewhere other than school; for Kagome Shinto didn't really have a life of her own outside of it.

"You have worked so hard… to give it up now would be a waste" she understood why he was so against her decision. he had been the reason why there was a Kagome Shinto in the first place "As your friend I'm asking you to please think this over" she couldn't help but smile it seemed their relationship had been a weird one from the moment they had met; a relationship her grandfather had been concerned from the start.

"Do you know this man Kagome" the man her grandfather spoke off was resting in the next room to the one they were currently occupying to discuss her current behavior.

"No, grandfather… this is the first time I have met him" she looked towards her grandfather slightly worried face "he looked so beaten that I didn't even hesitate so send Souta for help" it was in her nature to help others a trait she had obtained from her mother.

"I see…" she waited for him to continue knowing that he had not yet finished "what concerns me is not your decision but you actions involving this man" she didn't understand what her grandfather was trying to tell her which only caused her to frown.

"What actions have I done to cause you any concern, Grandfather?" she glanced towards the close door then back to her grandfathers worried face "He needed help"

"The man is a stranger… what if he had been the enemy?" the eldest Higurashi sighed seeing as his granddaughter didn't see the dangers of her actions. "What if it had been a trap" she looked away for she had not considered herself in danger at the time "we still don't know who he is…" because all identification had been missing from his person.

"Once he wakes…" she began to say, but was quickly interrupted by her grandfather.

"That is not the point my dear child…" he frowned seeing that he wasn't getting his point across "you need to be more cautions"

"Are you telling me that I should have left him to die" she stood from where she had been sitting "he laid there bleeding… grandfather" now it was her turn to frown "aren't we here to offer protection to those in our community" this statement caused the eldest Higurashi to flinch as if he had been physically slapped.

"The man is a stranger" she couldn't help but laugh at her grandfather's words as he tried to reason with her "I don't see what so amusing about this situation Kagome" her laughter had stopped but her eyes still held some amusement.

"Most of our men start as strangers… why would this man be any different" she smirked at her grandfathers frown "how dangerous can this man be… he can't even protect himself" her grandfather just shook his head at her reasoning.

"You should know better than under staminate your opponent" she couldn't help but blush because she knew her grandfather was right "you are the strongest in the clan but to outsiders your nothing but a weak teenage girl"

"I'm not weak" she stated a little too harshly forgetting her embarrassment "I have proven myself enough" he wasn't going to debate otherwise; as her grandfather he saw firsthand how much she was truly capable of "I keep to my studies and train just as hard" the eldest Higurashi couldn't help himself as he chuckled at his granddaughters antics.

"My dear child, you don't have to remind me" he had always known that his granddaughter always seemed to have something to prove "very well" he finally voiced after a moment of silence "He is to be your responsibility…" to this Kagome smiled feeling relieved that her grandfather was no longer adamant about whatever her decision might be.

"Once he is fully recovered… I will let you know my decision" she bowed her respects and left for she needed to check on their new guest. Too far gone to hear her grandfathers' words.

"Daughter… its feels as if the past is once more repeating itself"

The taxi had finally come to its destination bringing her out of her thoughts "We have arrived miss" she nodded as she handed over the driver his pay "have a nice day"

"Thank you" she said as she step out into the afternoon breeze "here goes nothing" she took her first step towards the main entrance feeling somewhat strange from those many times before 'but those times Miroku had been by my side' she stood up straighter determined to get through this on her own.

"You think she'll give me her number" voiced one of the officers that were exiting the club "Don't you have a girlfriend" asked the other; the first officer chuckled "she doesn't need to know that" Kagome frowned "Whatever man… your funeral" as she watched them leave she made a mental note to remember their faces.

"Excuse me, sir… you left this behind" Akemi ran after the two men. "Thank you so much for your help" she bowed as both men smiled. Akemi had always been clueless to the dangerous of men "drive safe" she voiced one last time before even noticing her. "You must be Miss Shinto… sorry to tell you that our manager is not available to interview you for the position but she had sent a representative to take her place. If you could just come this way," Kagome sighed as she followed Akemi to her own office. As she followed the older girl, she couldn't help but contemplate if she truly did look any different for no one seemed to notice that Kagome Shinto and Kagome Higurashi were one in the same. "Name's Akemi guess if you get the job well be working together" Kagome smiled at Akemi's happy go lucky voice.

"I guess so" as Akemi pointed to the door she was to enter she nodded her understanding as Akemi left to start her own work. 'Now to deal with the consul" taking one deep breath she opened the door to see that one of her grandfathers friends were still speaking with one of the remaining investigators "Forgive me did I come at a bad time?" she shyly added.

"Oh, no my dear girl… this respectable man was just on his way out" she looked to the man they spoke of and smiled causing the investigator to blush at her stare "Weren't you my good man"

"Yes, of course… I will inform you of any finding" they shook hands and then he slightly bowed before Kagome as he exited the room.

"Please, close the door behind you" her smiled widen as she did as he instructed very much playing the part "just call me Toutousai… I hear you want a job"

He hadn't predicted to run into so much traffic. 'This won't do' he told himself as he yet again was stop at another red light "Oh, come on" he was failing to hold back his rage which wasn't helping his current mood; he glared at the light willing it to turn green once he noticed his efforts were useless he decided to turn on the radio instead.

"For those who just tuned in" he was about to change the station when the light finally turned green. "Welcome to our next segment… rumor mill with yours truly, Kasumi" he couldn't help himself and sighed; Inuyasha had once again messed with his radio. "A little birdie had personally informed me…" in the privacy of his own car Sesshomaru rolled his eyes at that statement "that an investigation was initiated on our very own blue raven famous for its upbeat music and excellent serves has been vandalized just a few hours ago…"

"Vandalized?" he glazed at his own cell phone wondering why he hadn't been informed about this somewhat crucial information.

"Chika Hana, you're on the air… what interesting news do you have for our listeners" the caller presumably named Chika took her time in answering the radio host as she tried to control the commotion around her.

"Guys… shut up… sorry about that Kasumi" in the background giggles were heard "my friends and I are big fans of your show" the commotion behind her seemed to grow even louder with "We love you" and "You're the best"

"Ah you guys you're making me blush on air" Kasumi to Sesshomaru's annoyance had the audacity to giggle along with her listeners "enough praise… what juicy news do you have for our licensers Chika?"

"Oh, we… that includes my friends" at the mention of friends there was an echo of cheers cutting of the now famous Chika off. After the volume began to settle down Chika easily continued "as I was saying… we were heading over to the blue raven and were surprised to see that it wasn't opened… but two cute officers stopped us… said they were gathering evidence" Sesshomaru grip on the steering wheel grow stronger.

'Is there no secrecy in our department…' he wondered as he was stopped one more time by a red light 'who was stupid enough to let this information leek out to the public'

"And what time did this occur" Sesshomaru was somewhat surprised that Kasumi was so well prepared "Did you speak to any of the employees" like a veteran reporter rather than a radio DJ.

"What time girls?" it seemed that Chika was not aware of the time because the licensers soon heard random hours "six… no seven… wait wasn't it five" in the background; but it was quickly conformed by the group leader herself "five-thirty" was now the official response. Glancing at his watch he noticed that it was almost past nine "and no we didn't speak" but a name was mentioned; slightly over powered by the noise "Shinto went in… didn't she, Eri said she saw her" the commotion grew too great that Kasumi had no choose but to end the call.

"For those licensers that just tuned in… thanks to one of your loyal licensers we are able to report that the blue raven is closed until further notice… thanks Chika… now that's ends our segment… which starlet wears boxers to bed… juicy gossip coming up next" Sesshomaru quickly turned off the radio.

'What useless information' he thought wondering what was so important about what they wore or didn't wear to bed "what a waste" he concluded as he was finally reached his destination 'Shinto… where had he heard that name before'

"Sesshomaru, welcome back sir" Jinenji was soon by his side as he stepped out of his car "your brother has yet to come home" it wasn't that he was keeping taps on his brothers action it was more in the lines that Jinenji gave that information freely "and a box has arrive about an hour ago…" Jinenji moved quickly to retrieve the so-called box.

"Thanks, Jinenji… here something for you troubles" Sesshomaru took out an envelope without thinking and handed it over to the surprised man as he made his way towards the stairs.

"Sesshomaru, you're home" was soon heard from behind him "Jinenji… did a package arrive today" not even waiting for Jinenji's reply Inuyasha took the box away from Sesshomaru and quickly ran up the stairs "finally" it seemed whatever his brother had ordered had finally arrived in the mail.

"What am I to you… a messenger?" shouted Sesshomaru after his brother. 'Messenger' which then reminded him of the envelope addressed to Ginta. "Jenenji?" he turned to see Jenenji being to open the envelope with a quick reflexes he retrieved it "Sorry… that was not mine to give" without another word he left the startled man alone 'where's my head… giving this out without thinking' a headache began to develop "it's been a long day" he told himself as he entered his apartment.

"Sesshomaru… you have a phone call" came from the kitchen as soon as he entered his apartment it seemed his day had yet to officially end.

"Sesshomaru speaking" he added as he examined the envelope in hand "Ginta, yes I have the envelope" somewhat perplexed he set the phone on speaker as he continued with the conversation at hand "and no I didn't read it… I'm not interested in you love life Ginta"

"It's not a love later, damn it" Ginta voice was soon heard a bit disappointed because it was a well-known fact around the office that Ginta had a thing for Yuri, not that she herself was aware of it; she was surprisingly clueless in that department. "That envelope has crucial information" a sigh soon passed Sesshomaru ear as if Ginta was attempting to release an unwanted emotion "I finally found him" Sesshomaru had a feeling that Ginta was indeed smiling.

"Who" he found himself asking seeing that Ginta wasn't going to give the information and he wasn't about to open the envelope even thou he was far more tempted in doing so.

"Miroku Hoshi… our unknown suspect" a crash was soon heard in the kitchen "What the hell was that"

"Inuyasha is up to something… I'll call you later and talk about the information you have gather so far" not even waiting for a goodbye Sesshomaru quickly hung up the phone and headed towards the kitchen and frowned at the scene before him. There in the middle of what once had been his clean kitchen sat Inuyasha eating heavens knows what "What are you doing" he decided to ask just for the hell of asking.

"What does it look like I'm doing" Inuyasha answered as he continued to eat which Sesshomaru was sure once had fit into the category of food "I been waiting for a week for this care package to arrive" ignoring his foolish brother Sesshomaru headed over to the box and noticed two things right away. One, the so-called care package had been redirected at least once "want some" two, some of the items already seemed to hold mold.

"I rather not… and I would suggest that you stop eating that" Inuyasha frowned "or you'll end up just getting sick" Sesshomaru looked at the box once more "I'll order some pizza" he wisely stated.

It had been a long day; she was tired and far too hungry to care about the noise she was currently making 'why didn't I think of buying something to eat' she asked herself as she searched the kitchen for something to munch on 'ramen' she shuttered at the thought but it seemed to be the only meal at hand.

"How about we eat together" she turned to see a smiling Miroku standing against the doorway holding up a bag of food from one of her favorite fast-food restaurants.

"How did you know" she smiled as she took a seat by the counter thankfully placing the instant ramen aside.

"I tend to know everything" he winked at her as he handed over a hamburger for her to eat "so… how did it go?" he asked as he handed over the rest of her meal.

"I thought you knew everything" she couldn't help but tease him as she accepted her diner.

"So you caught me…" now that she was in a better mood she smiled "Kagome" she should have known better to think that he would let things just be for the time being.

"I meet with Toutousai," she offered seeing that's what he wanted to know 'stupid geezer' she sighed having a feeling what she said next would please Miroku to no ends "and my request had been denied"

"Really?" relief was very much apparent in his voice "I'm sorry" she laughed as she lightly punched his arm knowing to well that he wasn't sorry whatsoever.

"Like hell you are" which was rewarded with one of his dashing smiles "that was the happiest sorry I've ever heard" she shook her head as she continued "but you were right"

"Okay, say that again" she glared at him "I'm hardly right… I just wanted to enjoy the moment" he teased her hoping it would lighten the mood "What happened?" he couldn't help but wonder.

"There can only be one Kagome involve with the blue raven" she glazed at the clock it was already past ten "and Shinto would only get in the way" she sighed for it was far to tiring to duel on that day's events.

"That bad, huh" they had quickly finished their food and were content to remain just as they were "perhaps I should of gone instead" she shook her head knowing to well that's what he had wanted in the first place.

"No… my presence went unnoticed" she smiled "not even Akemi recognized who I was" he couldn't help but frown.

"That's not what I was worried over" she smiled for she was already aware "I just want to…" he stopped because he wasn't so sure how to phrase his next statement and was thankful that he didn't need too for she answered him without asking.

"Help… it doesn't matter which Kagome I am" she kept her gaze on her hands, which she was currently holding together "this clan is now my responsibility…" she looked up "Miroku, we both knew from the very beginning that Shinto… was never meant to be" this time he shook his head in protest.

"No… that's not true" he narrowed his eyes because this wasn't the first time he had voiced his opinion on the matter "if this clan…" she didn't let him finished.

"But it does exist… and there is nothing to change that fact, Miroku" she stood as did he not wanting this conversation to end "I'm tired" she turned her back on him not wanting to see his disappointment written on his handsome face.

"Forgive me I didn't intent to over stay my welcome" he said very much annoyed by her dismissal "Goodnight" she heard his footsteps as he made his way towards the door.

"Miroku" she turned to face him not wanting him to remain angry with her "I won't change my mind… I will lead this clan," she noticed his hand clench at her statement "with or without you" she was very much aware that that wasn't what he wanted to hear.

"Just because I don't agree," he slightly turned his head to face her casting a shadow over his face "doesn't mean I'll stop being loyal" he sight as he looked away "I'll stay by your side as long as you let me"

"Miroku" he left her standing in the middle of the kitchen "thank you" he was too far gone to hear her causing her to smile sadly as she made her way towards her bedroom but ended up headed towards the training room for that's where her double life had begun.

The autumn air was frigid but not that she was aware of it because she was training her body once more "concentrate on your footing Kagome… use every action to your advantage" her breath was uneven as she duplicated her movements once more "No, focus on your movements" she stumbled for her body had finally reached its limit "Enough"

"Grandfather…" she was far too tired to even stand "forgive me" sweat dripped down her face "I'm exhausted"

"Your stamina is lacking" he stated bluntly causing her to lower her head in disappointment "and yet your control is improving" she beamed up at her grandfather praise "Doesn't mean I'm pleased with your overall progress" she sighed "practice your form until diner" with that said, she watched her grandfather leave.

"Yes, Grandfather" she stood after his departure flinching as she did so 'lacking' she thought as her breathing was being too slowly stable itself back to normal.

"Lacking he says" she turned to face a somewhat beaten house guest who they have come to know as Miroku Hoshi "I've never seen a sixteen year old girl last that long" this was the first time they had met outside of what was now currently his bedroom "I was never one for bed rest" he randomly said.

"I can see that… not that our physician would approve?" she said as she wiped the sweat off her face. "Seeing that you are able to walk on your own; perhaps now you are well enough to answer some of my questions" his confusion didn't go unnoticed by her; she would have laughed if she was in the presence of someone she trusted "you have become my responsibly"

"Have I now" it wasn't his place to question; he was well aware of that and yet he couldn't help but wonder "Why?"

"Your arrival… or should I say my decision in bringing you here have brought up unwanted concerns" to this he couldn't help but chuckle "I can hardly see what's so amusing…"

"Am I to understand that…" he smirked before continuing; "they believe we are lovers" she glared at him as he chuckled once more.

"I can reassure you, that is not the case" her energy had surprisingly returned "plus… you are hardly my type"

"Now, now that was uncalled for…" she couldn't help but stare as he continued to pout "without these bruises I'm a hard man to resist" he boosted about himself.

"I think the bruises are more of an improvement" she cover her mouth with both hands for she hadn't meant to voice that aloud, she was about to apologize for her rude behavior when the man before her burst into laughter.

"That's how a normal teenager girl should react" he smiled as he sat before her hinting that she should do the same "aren't you tired… to be held within these walls"

"This isn't a prison Miroku," she offered causing him to smile for it was the first time she had called him by his name "I can come and go as I please"

"Do you now… school… boyfriend" she couldn't help but blush at the mention of boyfriend "ah, another normal reaction" he happily pointed out.

"Ha, ha I see you are having fun in my expense…" she glared at him 'Jerk'

"Say it out loud" he stared at her frowning "don't hold it in" she glared at him for she had never meant someone who seemed to read her so easily.

"Jerk" she shouted which just caused another fit of laughter "I'm starting to regret saving your life" this of course stopped the laughter right away for Miroku sat before her. It was the first time she had seen him with such a serious expression on his face.

"I don't…" he stared at her unable to look away "you saved my life even when I asked you to leave me to die" this time he did avert his eyes "for that I am grateful"

"Then prove it" she stood from where she was seated as he did the same.

"How" he couldn't help but ask as she once more began to train "I have nothing to give" she stopped mid strike as she turned to face him once more.

"Everyone has something to give Miroku…" she grow serious as she stared down at her beaten hands "be it blood, sweat or tears… there is always something" he silently watched her train unable to respond.

'That's not how a normal teenager girl should react' his eyes widen "Kagome" she turned to face him somewhat curious, since his voice had held a hit of amusement, "how to you feel about school" she frowned for that was somewhat out of the blue.

"My tutor is okay… I guess," she voiced not sure, where he was going with this.

"That's not what I meant… How would you feel about going to a normal school?" he smiled seeing that he had indeed gotten her attention "with girls your age… a place to call your own"

"Why would I want that" she frowned "isn't this normal" she couldn't help but ask as she looked around the room "my place is within the clan…"

"Don't you want to think for yourself for once Kagome… don't you want to be free from these responsibilities" he sighed seeing that he wasn't going to get through to her "Don't you want to make memories like any normal teenage girl"

"Of course I do" he had been surprised by her response "but with the name Higurashi… forget it" she began to walk away tired of training, tired of the discussion; knowing if her grandfather found out he would disapprove of her lack of commitment.

"Then don't be…" she stopped surprise clearly written on her face "be someone else" they both remained silent but he didn't remain silent for long "Kagome… just for a little while" he looked away from her stare "be free" as if he himself had wished for some type of freedom.

"Be free," she whispered to herself as she once more made her way towards her room "Shinto… Higurashi… can never be one in the same… how is that freedom" she voiced to no one is particular unaware that someone had heard and watched a lonely tear fall before being immediately brushed away.

"Sis" he watched his sister walk away, unable to call out to her, unable to comfort her "Think of what your sister has scarified… for you and this clan" his grandfather words now made sense "Ah, sis" and he was unable to help her.

To Be Continue!