Shaman King

by The Amazing Sakumachan

For Higurashi Kagome, moving to Tokyo was supposed to be a fresh start. But little did she know that she was walking a similar path that was walked before. A fateful encounter. A promise that transcends time and space. A gift that keeps giving. What path lends a Happy Ending? [SPOILER-IFIC]

39. Something Shapeless

Authoress' Notes: So yeeeeeah...this chapter is 26.8K words long, minus pre and post chapter notes, of course. Dig in, digest, and feedback! There are major manga spoilers for chapters 78+ in this one! I hope everyone has read it by now!

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Something Shapeless — I Hear A Love Song

Kagome looked apprehensive as the tonic that Hao created stared back up at her. Its opaqueness and ability to slosh and jiggle at the same time was beyond unsettling. Her repulsed groan was low, but still audible enough for Hao to hear. He and a few of their followers sat around her in the middle of their camp. While Hao himself was calm and patient as usual, many faces gazed at her with nervous anticipation. The priestess looked at Opacho and Shippo, who were anxious for her to down the tonic that even they helped in creating. The fox child's hands were clenched as he tried to remain cool.

"Okay…" Kagome whispered to herself, determined and resolved to overcome her body's revulsion. She lifted the wooden cup to her lips, but made the mistake of inhaling. Yoh was grateful that he had no physical body to speak of right now. The way Kagome looked ill from the stench alone was more than enough for him. She lowered the cup away from her face again and balanced it on her lap. "I just...can't…!" She squeaked, she shivered from just the idea of such a revolting substance being in her mouth.

Miroku and Bill sighed simultaneously. Brocken chuckled and commented that he did not blame her. Meanwhile, Opacho and Shippo shared identical looks of disappointment. "Kagome-sama!" The girl chastised as she shook the older girl's shoulder. "You have to drink your medicine to get better!"

Hao nodded in agreement while raising a finger, "That's right. Be a good girl and drink it all up." Despite wholeheartedly agreeing with Opacho's comment, the Asakura seemed endlessly entertained by Kagome's miserable facial expressions. The priestess looked like she loathed the tonic's very existence.

"Easy for you to say!" Kagome protested with a small pout. "It smells like liquid death."

Hao stifled a laugh before scooching closer to the girl. The tiny distance between them closed so that the sides of their thighs met. Kagome did not shy away from the proximity this time. Instead, her eyes curiously followed the motions of Hao's hands as they moved. His hands landed over Kagome's as she double-handed clutched her cup. The shaman raised the cup from her lap and held it suspended, just parallel to her chest.

"How about this?" Hao smiled. "It's potent so you needn't consume it all," he informed her before proposing with a rare straight face, "You drink one half, and I'll drink the other." The shaman was smooth and not the least bit bashful. He boldly leaned his face closer to Kagome's for a moment and whispered just for her ears, "We'll share our pain."

Instead of blushing or protesting Hao's proximity, Kagome seemed to relax. She looked from Hao's face then back at her cup. "Alright…" She conceded, but not without a hint of reluctance.

"Good girl…" Hao purred as he slowly guided the cup to Kagome's lips. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back as she allowed him to empty half of the contents into her mouth. The priestess' closed eyelids tightened as she flinched from the repugnant flavor. Within seconds Kagome's hands relinquished their grip on the cup.

The priestess's upper half lurched forward a bit as she blanched. She visibly cringed as her mouth opened and tongue fell out with a retching sound. She was not comforted by Shippo throwing his arms into the arm and cheering loudly, nor by Opacho's cry of, "You did it, Kagome-sama!" Even Miroku, Brocken, Bill, and Luchist gave her a small round of applause.

After a few seconds of cringing and shivering in displeasure, Kagome finally opened her eyes. She immediately gave Hao an almost pouty expectant look that made the Asakura titter. But without question, he was true to his word. With a smirk, Hao lifted the cup as if making a small toast to Kagome's achievement. Then with collectiveness and grace that put the priestess' cringing to shame, Hao effortlessly brought the cup's rim to his lips. Kagome was both astounded and disturbed at how Hao drank the goopy medicine with three gulps.

It took all of her strength not to spit it out with one chug.

Hao even smiled as he calmly sat the cup down at his side. Kagome scrunched her nose up at the display and commented incredulously, "Unreal… You're something else, you know that?"

While Hao merely smirked, Opacho jumped for joy as she exclaimed, "That's right! That's right! Hao-sama is the greatest! He can do anything!"

The moment of celebration was short-lived, however. "Hao-sama," a young man with sun-kissed skin and short black hair jogged towards his leader. He got down on one knee and bowed his head as one set of knuckles supported his upper-half. "Forgive me for interrupting, Hao-sama, but I must speak to you privately."

The urgency of his voice surprised Kagome and made her curious. "What's up, Mohamed?"

A conflicted expression flashed across Mohamed's face. He avoided Kagome's face and question. He only raised his head to look to Hao for guidance. Hao nodded his approval to his follower and promptly got to his feet, as if they had an unspoken understanding. "You needn't worry about it, my Lady~" Hao smiled down at the puzzled priestess. "I'll be back soon~" He reassured her before walking away with a rather anxious-looking Mohamed.

"Ooooookay…" Kagome muttered. She then smiled down at Opacho and Shippo, "We'll just have fun without him, right you two~?" She beamed at how the two children's eyes sparkled.

Meanwhile, Sesshomaru eyed Hao's back suspiciously from afar. His golden gaze was perceptive and precise; he effortlessly caught onto the subtle messages that Hao and Mohamed exchanged with their eyes alone.

'Kagome probably won't be going anywhere in her current condition…' Yoh noted before quickly shadowing Hao again. He could tell that Mohamed wanted to discuss something that Hao did not want Kagome hearing, which meant it was probably something that Yoh did want to know.

As they walked across the campgrounds, Hao was greeted by some of his disciples, to which he cordially nodded, waved, and returned their warm words. It was not until they left the clearing that their saunter hastened into a small powerwalk and Hao's easy-going smile disappeared. "Hao-sama, it's the Tao's," Mohamed stated. "They're still looking for Kagome-sama and they're covering more and more ground every day," He informed his young leader. "At this rate, Tao Ren or his taskforce are bound to find our camp."

Yoh's eyes widened. 'That's right…' The spirit noted to himself. 'No matter what happens, Ren cares about Kagome so much that he wouldn't give up so easily.'

Instead of panicking and losing his cool, Hao merely huffed and smirked at the intel. "Relax, Mohamed…" He responded without batting an eyelash. "All we have to do is make sure that they don't meet. I can keep Kagome distracted and you'll take care of the rest, won't you?"

Mohamed bowed his head respectfully with an obedient mutter of, "Of course, Hao-sama."

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

Hao returned to the camp alone. When he made it back to where Kagome sat, she and the two children were in the middle of their seventh Jan-Ken-Po showdown. The priestess paused after she lost and tilted her head to the side, "So what's up? Mohamed looked kind of upset and that's not like him at all."

The Asakura smiled at the observation. "He just returned from scouting duty and reported that it would behoove us to find a new location for our base," He explained before squatting down next to the girl. "So~" He beamed. "Let's get ready, yeah?"

"What?! So suddenly?!" Kagome questioned as Hao scooped her into his arms and stood up.

"Well, you're the one who wants us to live without stealing, right?" Hao queried as his eyes moved from her face to take in how the rest of the shamans were already at work packing up their belongings and breaking down their tents. "Well, we've tracked a pack of wild boar that would make for an excellent source of protein but if we don't move out, we'll lose track of them."

Kagome sweatdropped at the explanation, "I see… I am getting tired of fish...but do we really have to do all this just to keep up with them…?" She too looked at how hastily the other shamans were preparing to depart from their camp. "This place seems perfect and moving out entirely just seems kind of inconvenient."

Hao nodded his approval to Bill as the man began breaking down his leader's tent. The Asakura then sweetened the pot, striking a spot that was sure to get Kagome on board. "Also, the reports say that the boars are headed towards a natural hot spring~"

The priestess' eyes instantly sparkled as she cupped her hands together. Her face was dreamy as she squeaked, "R-Really?! I can actually take a hot bath?!"

"You can take as many as you'd like~" as he held her bridal-style, Hao gave Kagome's shoulders a reassuring squeeze. "And if you need help getting in and out, I'll be more than happy to assist you."

"Pass," Kagome said dryly, instantly coming down from her dreamy-state.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

Traveling and moving their camp was not as cumbersome as Kagome and Yoh had imagined. As soon as everything was ready, the small army merely took positions on the Spirit of Fire and rode the giant through the skies. 'This guy is beyond opportunistic…' Yoh commented as Hao took the chance to hold Kagome between his legs. His chin rested on top of her head as he held her close to his chest.

When the priestess first blushed and questioned why it was necessary to sit in such a manner, Hao easily explained that he wanted to sure that she did not lose her balance and fall off since she still could not use her lower-body. As soon as Hao rested his chin on her head, Kagome pouted and blushed, "You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Hao was shameless and confirmed her suspicion with a nonchalant 'uh-huh~'.

Curiously enough, the pack of boar and hot springs that Hao spoke did indeed exist. That night, Kagome settled for sitting next to the spring and scrubbing herself with spring water rather than giving in to Hao's offer of him assisting her in and out of them. Roasted boar was their choice of dinner and it was met almost no complaints, save for a few members who dined on leftover fish as they did not eat pork.

Just as miraculously as in his own timeline, this world's Kagome regained complete use of her legs the very next day. She awoke in Hao's tent after being held and fed Furyoku all night. In the middle of the new clearing, Hao and Miroku were seated on a fallen log, chatting near the freshly snuffed campfire. Yoh watched Kagome close her eyes and breath in the crisp air before stretching.

Her eyes softened as she smiled widely at Hao's back. She then began approaching the two shamans with a chipper greeting, "Good morning, Hao~ Good morning, Miroku-sama~!"

The two half-turned in unison at the sound of her voice.

"I see you're quite the early canary today. Mornin'," the Asakura greeted her back.

Miroku looked mildly surprised at the sight of her walking towards them, "Ah, Kagome-sama. I see the tonic worked wonders for you. Congratulations."

Kagome nodded as she stopped just short of them. With her hands cupped behind her back, she smiled, "Thanks. I wasn't expecting for it to work so quickly, honestly~"

Hao's smiled widened at the confession. "My, my~ Did you doubt me?" He faux-whined before sighing deeply, "When will you learn that you can rely on me, hm?"

Kagome then surprised Yoh and the other two shamans when she suddenly looked nervous. With a pink tinge to her cheeks, the girl looked away while poking her fingers together bashfully. "Actually...about that…" Her volume lowered a bit. "Hao, do you mind if we talk…" her eyes flashed to Miroku for a moment. "...privately?"

The monk blinked.

His face then morphed into one of sly suspicion, as if he just had an epiphany. Miroku was beaming as he waved his hand, "Now, now~ You're still children so don't do anything that I'd do."

Kagome's subtle blush intensified as she exclaimed, "Don't get the wrong idea! I just want to talk!" Hao, who obviously was not flustered by the suggestion, merely chuckled as he got to his feet. "Some monk you are, Miroku-sama," the priestess huffed as she took Hao's hand, an action that both Hao and Miroku took notice of.

Spurred by her embarrassment, the pink-cheeked, pouting Kagome led Hao away from the camp and into the forest, not following any particular marked path. After a few minutes of silence, Kagome's face relaxed into its resting state and hue. She came to an abrupt stop, but Hao was attentive enough to anticipate it and not crash into her.

The priestess turned on her heel and looked up at Hao. "Okay, this should be far enough…" She looked up at the shaman. "This won't take long, Hao. I just…" she bit her lip as she looked up at his face. "Well…" she shuffled nervously. "Uh…" Her gaze moved from his face down to the dirt floor.

For once, Hao was not teasing her as he waited for the girl to speak. Not even his smile was the slightest bit entertained or amused. It was like he was taking her completely seriously for once. "If it's difficult for you, you don't have to rush," He told her soothingly while lifting a hand, prepared to place it on her head. He did not let his surprise show when Kagome's forearm rose to block his hand.

"No, I've got it!" She insisted. Kagome reestablished eye-contact as she hurriedly added, "Uh, sorry about that, it's just…" She began twirling some hair around her finger. "I'm a little embarrassed about how I've been acting for a while now…" She explained. "When I woke up and realized that I could feel my legs again, I...it just occurred to me—that you've done so much for me and I haven't been the most grateful, so…"

Kagome suddenly lurched forward. Her arms wrapped around Hao as she pressed her cheek into his chest. "...thank you…" She whispered into the fabric of his cloak.

Hao looked stunned and thoroughly surprised for once.

But soon, he recovered from the foreign feeling. His arms lifted and returned the embrace, pulling the girl further into him. His eyes closed as a content smile graced his face. The pair stayed like that for longer than Yoh cared for, though he did not know how long it actually was.

Finally, Kagome pulled back a bit, just enough for her to look up at Hao. "Honestly…" She suddenly added. "...I can tell, you're so strong that I don't know what I can really do for you…" She admitted. "And you have so much help already that I don't have anything unique to offer…"

Hao placed a finger to her lips, anticipating that the girl would deem herself useless. "That's enough about that," He told her gently. "My little canary doesn't have to sing any more sad songs." Kagome blinked at the choice of words, but did not shy away when he leaned closer. "All you have to do is stay by my side," he told her before parting her long bangs and placing his lips on her forehead.

She gasped softly as she blushed for the umpteenth time that morning. But Hao did not linger. Just as quickly as he kissed her, he pulled back and straightened himself. Kagome was pursing her lips, the edges twitching as she fought to not let her emotions pour out. Her visible struggle was actually cute. Despite herself, there was a small sparkle in her eyes as she gazed up at Hao and replied timidly, "Well… I'll have some reservations until I learn more about you…" her fingers weakly touched the warm spot where she was just kissed. "But I'll do my best."

Hao nodded slightly and pointed out, "And remember, you're needed here. There are things that only you know and can do." Kagome looked like she was going to melt when she was told, "There's no one in the world who can replace you."

Kagome took those words to heart and set out to find her place amongst Hao's ranks. Despite being in a position where all she had to do was please Hao and oversee tasks when he was gone, Yoh could tell that she kept her word and put all her efforts into being useful and contributing to the group. Just hours later, the priestess announced that she would be teaching any willing members how to identify, forage, and gather edible plants and medicinal herbs.

Initially, Brocken, Bill, Shippo, and Opacho all accompanied the priestess and devotedly learned the tricks of the trade. But sometimes, the group of foragers only consisted of Kagome and the children. And other times, even Hao would accompany Kagome and the children on their small expeditions. "Oh!" The priestess' eyes lit up as she strayed from the dirt path and jogged towards a tree. "Look here, guys~!" She coaxed Hao and the small children over with a wave of her head.

She squatted down next to a peculiar-looking mushroom with multiple earth-color caps. The cluster of caps on its fruiting body almost resembled the petals of carnations. Kagome's eyes were rejoicing as she pointed towards the fungus and explained, "This is a lucky find here! This mushroom is called maitake, the dancing mushroom! Supposedly finding this mushroom is so fortuitous that it makes people dance~"

Hao smiled when Opacho's eyes began to sparkle at the information. Her mouth was ajar in an awed shape as she asked, "Kagome-sama, Kagome-sama! What makes this mushroom so special?!"

Kagome gladly answered, "Well, not only is maitake super delicious with an earthy flavor, but it's also considered a medicinal mushroom! It strengthens the immune system and is rich in vitamins and antioxidants~."

With his arms crossed, Shippo tilted his head to the side, "I wonder if we could have put this mushroom into that potion that we made for Kagome."

The priestess paled at the thought, "Please don't remind me of that, Shippo-chan." She then clapped her hands together, "Let's pick as much as we can~! It's getting colder everyday and these maitake go great in nabe dishes!"

Weeks fly by, and Yoh stayed by her side. Watching the events of this world transpire was like being caught in a whirlwind. Some events happened so quickly and some were so shocking, so unbelievable that he was left stupefied. The most dizzying, and even frustrating, was how many times Kagome and Ren came close to meeting. Just as Mohamed reported before, the Tao's continued looking for her. And it was not just a few hired hands, but Ren himself searched the area. But even Shippo was intimidated by Hao into making sure that Kagome never saw her frantic friends, and vice versa.

Many methods were deployed and many other factors contributed to the mass deception. Kagome, wanting to feel needed, was easily distracted by tasks in oddly specific locations. Opacho asking for trips to the hot springs and other activities also kept the girl's attention. Shippo transforming into a Tao or their hired help and pointing in the opposite direction also led the search party astray. There was an almost applaudable collective effort to keep Kagome from meeting her friends.

Once, Miroku was literally caught with his pants down by Ren. The Tao was immediately suspicious at discovering a lone, unshaved monk in the middle of the forest during the Shaman Fights. The monk was grateful that he was already in the midst of relieving himself because the blade of Ren's kwandao poking into his throat almost made him void his bladder on the spot. "Who are you?!" Golden eyes narrowed and did not flinch at the sweat running down Miroku's face. "What are you doing out here?!"

With his hands up in surrender, Miroku spoke in the calmest voice possible, "Now, now, young man… I'm but a simple, traveling monk. Choosing to live off the grid is no crime, is it not?"

Ren, either fueled by his frustrating desperation, did not relent just yet. He pressed the tip of the blade further into the monk's skin, drawing a thin trail of blood. "If you truly are what you say you are…" the Tao sneered. "Why here, and why now? I'm not buying it, you're here for the Shaman Fights in Tokyo, aren't you?"

Miroku released a nervous chuckle as he smiled crookedly, "You've caught me. But again, that's no crime." His expression suddenly tightened from a nervous young man into something more grave and calculated. "You seem troubled. Tell me, is there something that you're looking for?"

For a moment, the shamans remained in those fixed poses. Ren glared Miroku down with a fierce intensity. "I can smell the lies on you, monk," the Tao hissed. "You must not know who you're dealing with."

Yoh was shocked by the monk's audacity—or foolishness as Miroku smirked and asked, "Tao Ren, correct?" He remained calm even as Ren's posture stiffened like a predator preparing to attack. "The insignia on your weapon is a dead giveaway, and word in the shaman world travels fast, doesn't it?" He reasoned. "The whisper on the grapevine is that you're searching for a young priestess and that you're offering a handsome reward for leads."

"Tch," Ren huffed while slowly lowering his kwandao back to his side and Miroku promptly took the opportunity to pull his pants up. "What of it?" He questioned skeptically. "Did you bring that up because you have information for me?"

Miroku sighed with a defeated slump of his shoulders. "I'm afraid that I know nothing of this girl, Ren-sama," He feigned a regretful tone. "I've become well acquainted with this entire area and haven't spotted any sign of another soul until today."

Ren was no fool, however. "You expect me to believe that?" The Tao questioned, insulted but calmer than before. "Just a few days ago, I found a spot that was obviously used as a campsite for a sizable group," he pressed. "You're telling me that you know this area yet you never saw a group that large moving about?"

The monk then released an embarrassed chuckle. He rubbed the back of his head while bowing it humbly, "My apologies. It would seem that I greatly exaggerated the scope of my knowledge, Ren-sama. My sense of perception must truly be lacking," He then smiled politely and reassured the younger teen, "But if I find any signs of the girl that you're looking for, I'll be sure to find a way to tell you. What does she look like?"

Those were just the words to make Ren drop his guard, just a bit. The intensity in his eyes smoothed over with memories of Kagome. "She—" He paused for a moment, as if trying to collect his thoughts to articulate them. Finally, he raised his free hand so that it was level with his head. "About this tall. Long black hair. Blueish eyes," he explained curtly. "Last seen in a pink yukata."

"Ahhhhh," Miroku nodded attentively as his face feigned interest. "Is she beautiful...?"

The question made Ren stiffened and blush intensely. But still, he immediately grumbled out, "extremely… Kagome is stupidly beautiful…"

Despite the scene in front of him, Yoh could not help but hum thoughtfully. With his arms crossed, he nodded in agreement, 'Not the choice of words I'd use but Kagome is incredibly beautiful…' But Yoh was snapped from his mulling by Miroku's next inquiry. He had no clue how the monk could casually ask,

"And what about her curves, are they feminine and round?" The monk queried nonchalantly.

Ren was cut from an entirely different cloth. His shocked, flabbergasted face was the exact opposite of Miroku's composed one. "T-That's not important, you moron!" The Tao shouted while double-gripping his weapon. With a flustered huff, he glared at the monk who kept his straight face, "Her most distinguishable trait is her eyes, focus on those!"

Once the scion's figure disappeared amongst the earthy tones of the forest, Hao stepped from behind a nearby tree. The brunette's smirk was subtle, but still invisible as he approached his subordinate. "Well done, Miroku. That was endlessly entertaining to watch."

"Why thank you, Hao-sama," Miroku responded. "It's always a pleasure to serve you."

"Hmph," Hao almost chuckled. "I wonder how long he can keep this up. I'll never let them meet."

The monk rubbed his chin for a moment. "Hmm...I've been wondering about that, Hao-sama," He looked down at his leader curiously. "Dodging the Tao's surely is a hassle. Why not allow us to dispose of them permanently?"

"It's simple, really…" Hao's eyes closed as he explained, "That child—Tao Ren, I actually fancy him over many other shamans; he might prove to be useful to me in the future." A more sinister smirk spread across his face as he added, "And I want to see the crushed look on his face when he finds out that despite all his efforts, his precious Higurashi Kagome is mine."

There were still plenty of occasions where Yoh chose to shadow Hao, but most of the time, he devoted himself to watching over Kagome. Despite how happy she was with Opacho and Shippo, how comfortable she was with Miroku, Bill, and Brocken, and how she was becoming less wary of Hao's affection… Despite all of that, she still cried in her sleep. Yoh felt his heart being tugged every time she gripped her pillow or whimpered his name.

Sometimes her subconscious spoke out, mostly watery apologies.

She'd cry out, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Y-Yoh. Ren… I'm so sorry."

And there was nothing that he could do about it. There was one night where he was determined to get his past-self's attention. He teleported back to his place in Tokyo and tried telling himself that Kagome could be saved, that she was not as far as she seemed, that she wanted to make amends. But his past self, of course, did not respond or acknowledge him. The present Yoh did not feel foolish for trying; he had the desire to get through himself, so he had to try it.

Furthermore, his past-self was not in much better shape than Kagome. His eyes were red and even Amidamaru looked down-hearted, unable to console his young master. "It's okay, Amidamaru…" The disembodied Yoh smiled while patting his partner's arm. "I won't ever let Kagome go again."

Yoh made that vow, and he planned to keep it. No matter what happened between them, no matter how painful it became, he would never allow Kagome to feel lonely again. She was a precious friend and he would not allow her to fall to ruin. Even the past Kagome who lost her way and did not have the heart to face him still showed signs of caring for her own friends. The day of his past-self's Shaman Fight against Faust VIII arrived, something that Hao brought up rather cheerfully.

Just the sound of Yoh's name made the past Kagome's eyes widen and almost shimmer, an indication that she still had feelings for him. Hao did not appear bothered by how the girl cupped her hands together and batted her eyelashes, "Hey, Hao… How about we go watch?"

Again, Yoh melted on the spot at how cute Kagome could be when she wanted to be. And again, Hao seemed completely immune to her charms, not even blushing at the display. He merely conceded in his usual calm manner, "Of course. Anything to keep my Lady happy." Kagome's hands fell from begging position while her face appeared surprised, showing that she did not expect him to agree so easily. "But we'll go on one condition," Hao's raised a single finger and smiled.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

The condition was simple enough for Kagome to agree to without any complaints: until they returned to their camp, Kagome was to wear a hooded cloak at all times. On the surface, the request was simple and logical enough: it was both a chilly and rainy day. But after observing Hao for so long, Yoh easily deduced that it was only a coincidence that it was raining that day. The full-bodied cloak's true purpose was to conceal her identity in case she was spotted by any of her friends.

But after watching Kagome pluck the petals from flowers a few times while absently alternating between the phrases "I go back" "I don't go back", Yoh was unsure if Kagome herself wanted to be seen by her friends. Or rather, he was unsure if she had it in her to face them.

So there they were, perched atop the highest and thickest of branches of a nearby as they watched Yoh, Manta, and Faust interact. "Man—Mmm!" Kagome's call of her friend's name was muffed by Hao's hand. "Mmph mm!" She screamed before ripping his hand away from her face. "What's the big idea?! I've got to help them!" She barked. She then stood up as gingerly as she could.

"Mm, if you interfere, they'll know that it's you for sure," Hao pointed out nonchalantly without moving from his seated position. With his bottom on the branch, his legs dangled precariously over the edge. He was not shocked nor disgusted at the sight of Manta's blood pooling around his small body.

Kagome's legs wobbled as she shakily tried to balance herself into a standing position. "Woa—!" She slipped on the damp, round branch and almost tumbled forward if it were not for Hao effortlessly grabbing a handful of the back of her cloak and pulling her back into an upright position.

"T-Thanks…" She said shakily before summoning her Crescent. She aimed at Faust and the legion of skeletons that surrounded him and Manta. "Now to sa— ..." Her words were caught in her throat when Yoh suddenly blasted the crowd away with a single swing of Harusame. Her jaw dropped at the massive display of power. "Yoh…when did he get so strong…?" She wondered aloud.

"I'd expect no less of Asakura Yoh…" Hao commented with an approving smirk. "He is my little brother after all," The small bit of praise was laced with his own well-deserved arrogance.

Once Faust turned his fury to an equally enraged Yoh, Kagome's eyes narrowed as she recognized her window of opportunity. "I'm going." She quickly descended the tree with grace and agility, leaping from one branch to the other until she was low enough to jump to the ground. She landed in a brief crouched position then quickly bounded across the graveyard towards her injured friend.

Kagome paid no mind to Faust's passing glance at her, nor his angry hiss of, "Who's that…?!" Yoh's relentless attacks easily kept the deranged doctor busy. The only obstacles between the priestess and Manta were a new hoard of skeleton warriors who filled the one-hundred meters that separated the girl and the boy.

She soared across the damp grass, displacing countless water droplets as she went. As soon as her hand landed on Tenseiga's hilt, Sesshomaru appeared. No words were needed as the demon lord possessed the blade, bathing it in an ethereal blue light. Pure adrenaline rushed through her veins as she drew her sword and slashed it in a crescent shape in one motion. Blades of blue light tore through the skeletons and incinerated them moments later.

The army of the dead was defeated with one more swing of Tenseiga and Kagome skidded to a muddy stop beside Manta. His eyes were squeezed shut and his skinless chest heaved up and down up heavily. The girl bit her lower lip, trying to resist the urge to scream or cry. Her composure was quickly regained as she carefully scooped Manta into her arms and dashed for cover.

Kagome lowered her head and avoided the past-Yoh's eyes as he called out to her, demanding to know who she was and where she was taking Manta. Upon reaching a thick set of bushes, Kagome hastily unbuttoned and tore off her cloak. She laid it down onto the grass and used it as a blanket for Manta. He had already passed out from the pain alone so she quickly got to work on removing the instruments that kept his skin peeled into the four corners of his torso.

As soon as the light surrounding Kagome's outstretched hands faded away, Hao appeared behind her. "My, my~" He sighed upon looking down at her handiwork. "Look how quick you are to break our deal when it comes to your friends~"

"I know that I promised…" Kagome whispered as she folded and tucked the cloak around Manta's form to keep him warm and dry. She then stood up and turned to Hao with a bitter smile, "But Manta is more important to me than that, far more important."

For a split second, Hao gave the unconscious boy a murderous glare. But the silent anger was quickly masked with a dramatic sigh. "You can still hold up your end of the bargain," he told her while undoing his own cloak.

Kagome flinched and blushed as Hao's bare chest presented itself to her. "W-What are you—?!"

Hao chuckled as he quickly closed the distance between them and wrapped his cloak around the girl. "My, my~" He cooed playfully while fastening the covering to fit Kagome's frame. "Just the sight of me undressing gets you so worked up~" He teased before taking a step back to admire the sight before him. "Kagome, you really are a dirty girl~"

Kagome blushed harder when Hao winked at her. "Oh, shut up, you!" Was her only response, unable to deny that her mind somewhat went to the gutter instead of the innocent act. She then shrunk into the depths of warmth she was surrounded in. The girl looked up at Hao through her eyelashes as her voice became softer, "Thank you...but aren't you cold...?"

This was the first time that Hao truly seemed captivated by Kagome's allure. His eyes lingered on her face. From her flushed cheeks to her concerned eyes, the young priestess was an image of budding beauty. "What's wrong…?" She blinked when he was silent for a moment.

"Heh," Hao almost chuckled. "I think I've found my favorite outfit for you."

"You're such a weirdo," Kagome replied absently before glancing at Manta from over her shoulder. "He'll be fine…" She told herself before turning back to Hao. "Let's get out of here."

More time passed and before Yoh knew it, Tokyo's first snow began to fall. The cold of autumn long came before it. The giant bonfire of the campsite seemed sufficient enough for none of the shamans to complain or even shiver that morning.

Kagome clapped her hands and spoke to the faces that looked to her for information, "Alright, everyone. Now that we've all finished our Shaman Fights, Hao wants to head far north so we're going to spend today packing and stocking up on food." Her hand gestures were subtle and her body language was more composed than when she first spoke to the shamans, "I'd like everyone to work together to make sure everything is in order. We're heading out first thing tomorrow!"

"Yes, Kagome-sama!/Yes, Kagome-sama," Many voices chorused in unison.

Soon after the crowd dispersed into smaller task teams, Hao returned from another overnight errand. Kagome smiled as he approached her, "Oh, hey. Welcome back~"

"Thanks, my Lady," The boy placed a firm but gentle hand on her shoulder and gave it a subtle squeeze. He glanced at the bustling camp and commented, "I'm pleased to see you filling in your role so well."

With a slight blush, Kagome scratched her cheek and admitted, "I'm not doing much in the leader department, just relaying messages that you give me." She then bent over and grabbed a wicker basket that Opacho traded her handmade soap for last week. The priestess then smiled and added, "I'm much better at gathering herbs and stuff."

"You're so modest," Hao noted as the pair was approached by Opacho and Shippo. He squatted down to the young girl's level as he beheld the herbs that she gathered herself while he was away. "Are you all packed and ready to depart tomorrow?"

"I am!" Opacho confirmed. "But I want to take one more hot bath with Kagome-sama and Shi-chan before we go!" She then wrapped her hand around one of Hao's fingers and gave it a small tug. "You should come with us this time, Hao-sama!"

The suggestion made Kagome's face go red as Hao smiled. Instantly Kagome was flailing her hands about, "Opachan, a girl my age can't take baths with a boy!"

"Huh?" Shippo was immediately confused. "But wait—you take baths with me all the time Kagome," he blinked as he looked up at Kagome's increasingly reddening face. "And! You and Hao seem to really like each other too, why don't you save time and bathe together?"

Once again, You felt nothing but pity for Kagome as three sets of eyes looked to her for answers: two pairs were innocent and full of wonder while one pair was full of mirth, both knowing and teasing. "Yes, Kagome~" Hao purred with a sham of childish curiosity. "Why can you take baths with Shippo here and not me?"

Suddenly Kagome cupped a hand near her right ear and blinked rapidly, "Oh wow. I think I hear Bill calling me!" She gave the trio an apologetic smile while waving, "I better go see what he wants!" With that excuse, the priestess fled the scene, unprepared to give the children the talk—especially in front of Hao of all people.

Timeless within this timeline, Yoh lost count of how many sunrises and sunsets elapsed since Kagome left her friends. Living and unliving outside of time was the ultimate contradiction that he could not wrap his mind around. The days were long, but also went by within the blink of an eye.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

Precipitation was rare in the arctic tundra, but it was far from impossible. Still, Kagome was caught off guard when that first frigid droplet plopped on her forehead. She flinched from chilly water then held her hand out, allowing a second and third drop to drip onto her skin. "It's raining…" She whispered as she looked up at the sky. The blue of the sky was fogged over by an opaque white overcast.

"K-K-Kagome-sama, w-what should we d-d-d-o…?!" Bill asked through his clattering teeth. "If the r-r-rainfall picks up, there won't be enough visibility to c-c-catch dinner…!"

The priestess smiled at her hunting party while waving her hand dismissively, "Don't worry about it, guys~ If you don't mind a vegetarian dinner tonight, I'll go find something for us to eat~"

Miroku immediately stepped in. His voice was disapproving with a tinge of apprehension, "I don't think allowing Kagome-sama to find dinner alone is a good idea. Hao-sama might be upset if he finds out." He looked at the faces of the other men in the party for their opinions on the topic. So they promptly began discussing it amongst themselves.

Kagome sweatdropped while raising her hand slightly to regain their attention, "Guys, remember that I'm in charge when he's gone? So if I say that it's fine then it's fine~" She then made shooing motions with her hands and encouraged them lightly, "You're always working hard so enjoy your day off~"

"But Kagome-sama—!" Miroku began to protest but he flinched when the girl aimed a glare at him from over her shoulder.

"I said enjoy your day off…! The girl repeated in a heated whisper, an angry tick on her forehead.

"Eep!" The monk ducked behind Bill for cover. The girl's glare instantly became an overjoyed grin as she nodded her approval at Miroku's compliant, "Yes, Kagome-sama!" She collected her foraging basket with a slight skip in her step. "I almost forgot how scary women could be…"

Unlike their previous temporary homes, the tundra had a distinct lack of trees. So Kagome had far to walk until she was able to truly be alone. She trudged through the snow and endless cluster of stubby vegetation. Without caring for the rain that was seeping through her curtain of hair towards her scalp, the priestess kept walking. From her lack of humming and her gloomy stare off towards the hazy snow-capped peaks in the distance, Yoh knew that foraging was only an excuse for the girl brood in peace. When it came to her comrades, not even her tent was a safe haven of complete privacy.

The only way to truly take a moment for yourself was to physically separate one's self. And that was exactly what Kagome was doing right now. After walking for a half-hour, Kagome finally turned and checked the distance over her shoulder—not another soul was in sight. Satisfied with her pacing, the girl finally settled down on the ground. She curled into a ball and lied there in silence. "Rain…" She spoke to the air itself. "Why do you always remind me of things that I want to forget…?"

With a sigh, Kagome rolled onto her back and closed her eyes, accepting the droplets of rain as they came. She lied there motionlessly for a while, not even talking to herself as she sometimes did when she was pensive. The girl only opened her eyes when a set of peculiar footfalls approached her, flinging droplets of water and displacing snow as they went. She was not surprised to see Hao standing over.

The shaman's smile was gentle as he asked, "I heard that you left to gather dinner…" He stifled a chuckle before teasing, "Slacking off instead~?"

Kagome offered a weak smile as she replied, "Sort of…" The girl stayed in her plopped position as she confessed softly, "The rain just makes me...a little gloomy."

"Rain is no good, huh…?" The shaman asked rhetorically while poking his near his chin. He looked thoughtful for a moment before asking the motionless girl. "What would you have in its replace?"

The priestess tilted her head a bit, she was content to just lie there quietly and study his face. But she did not want her mood to make her rude so she answered, honestly and bluntly, "I have no clue what you're talking about."

"I see…" Hao erupted into a small fit of laughter that further puzzled Kagome. She finally pushed herself off the ground and stood up, regarding the shaman with a raised eyebrow.

"Uh, are you okay?" The priestess inquired while placing a hand on his forehead. "Are you sick?" But her hand quickly retracted, noting that his skin was surprisingly just the right temperature, even for someone in the arctic.

"Observe," Hao suddenly smirked. He raised one arm into the air, revealing his sculpted muscles and usually hidden Oracle Bell. The fingers on his reaching hand flexed and spread away from each other.

Kagome gasped as thousands of water droplets ceased their natural skydiving. They gravitated towards Hao's outstretched hand, moving in an orderly and rhythmic fashion. Each individual droplet spun and swirled around their watery kin, dancing in a spiral shape. To Kagome's eyes, it looked as if the droplets were caught in an invisible whirlwind and were being pulled towards Hao's hand. Just above that hand, the droplets adhered together and slowly formed a growing glob of water.

The previously saturated clouds thinned, making space for the sun to shine down on the earth below. "Oh, wow…" The priestess' eyes widened when a silvery ray of light hit Hao's accumulated water in just the right spot. It felt as if the sun cast a small rainbow, just for her sake. She couldn't help but smile at the arching colors. She then turned her smile and shimmering eyes to the shaman who made it happen.

"And now, the finale~" With a wave of his arms above his hands, the massive ball of water soared into the sky. Once it was many meters in the air, the water glob popped and dispersed. Kagome gasped sharply when the hundreds to thousands of droplets transformed into warm-colored leaves. Maple leaves fluttered from the sky in a myriad of oranges, reds, and golds, delighting and exciting the starry-eyed girl.

Hao took a moment to admire his own handiwork, smiling approvingly at the colorful display that he put on. The surprise of Kagome suddenly ramming herself into his chest quickly wore off. She tucked her head beneath his chin as her arms wrapped around his back. "...thank you...so much…"

Hao smiled and placed a kiss on top of her head after returning the embrace."I'd rearrange the stars and put them on display to keep you smiling, my sweet little canary." The vow that Hao whispered into her forehead made the girl's heart melt.

Yoh would later recognize this as a major turning point in Kagome's and Hao's twisted love story.

Still, Yoh remained a bystander in the timeline where Kagome left her life with him and their other friends behind. He watched as the walls that Kagome erected around her heart slowly came crumbling down. He could not blame her either. How could anyone stay distant from the people who took care of them? While staying by her side all of that time, it almost felt natural to see Kagome delegating tasks to the other shamans, reporting progresses to Hao, leading foraging parties, and more. This Kagome truly became an integral part of Hao's ranks.

But… Yoh spotted Kanna, Matilda, and Marion huddled into their usual triad pose. The trio glared at and shared their choice words about the priestess as she went about her evening task. Kagome and Brocken collaborated on an enormous pot of "survival-nabe", as Kagome affectionately dubbed it; it was a simple but hearty-looking hotpot. It was partially made of ingredient harvested off of the land—which, admittedly, was not much because of scarce edible vegetation available in the tundra that they temporarily moved to. Herbs, mushrooms, and other ingredients that they preserved from previous biomes made up the majority of the nabe's body.

"Ah?" Brocken seemed surprised when Kagome began rummaging through her makeshift bag. "Did I forget an ingredient, Kagome-sama?" He asked of the girl.

"No, no…" She quickly reassured him as her eyes narrowed and she became more focused on her search. "It's just that Hao is finally coming back after being gone for so long, so I wanted to—" Her eyes lit up. "Oh!" Kagome lifted a small container and announced triumphantly, "Found it!"

"That's the last of the maitake," The petite man noted. "I thought you were saving these for a special occasion?" He implored for his curiosity to be satiated as the girl passed him a body of maitake.

Kagome herself began shredding the mushroom with her bare fingers, as its caps and body were soft enough to do so. "I was," She admitted smiling softly. "It's just that Hao's been gone for a while and I know how much he likes maitake, so~" She sang the last word and finished there, knowing that she needed to say no more.

"Kanna...don't…!" Marion softly called out to her sister-figure, but the eldest girl had enough.

Kanna marched across the permafrost and stood above Kagome and Brocken. The older girl placed a hand on her hip and grumbled out a gruff greeting, "Yo, Kagome...sama."

The priestess raised an eyebrow, unaccustomed to any of the girls seeking her out first. "What's up, Kanna-san?" She asked. "Is there something bothering you?"

"Yeah, you are," Kanna shot back sassily as her other hand landed on her empty hip. "It's been months and I still don't see what's so great about you. All you do is pick daisies and cook, and you think you have the right to address Hao-sama so intimately?!"

Matilda looked reluctant to speak to Kagome, but her loyalty to Kanna won over her apprehension. The red-head jogged over to them and added in a more casual tone, "Yeeeeeah. Not to be rude but I agree with Kannie here."

Kagome looked between the two girls then sighed inaudibly. She proceeded to rip the maitake into smaller pieces, but not without catching Kanna's gaze and keeping it. "Look, I don't blame you for being upset," Her calm voice only made the older teen's expression darkened even more. "But the fact is, Hao chose me," Kagome stated nonchalantly, making Yoh's jaw drop at her brazen bluntness. "So you'll just have to deal with it and try to coexist with me, okay?" She asked.

"W-Why...you—!" Kanna was nearly seething as Matilda used a firm grip to hold her back. Kagome did not flinch, but rather scowled and looked agitated when Kanna's voice suddenly rose. "You know nothing about him! You of all people should not get to address him that way! If you truly want peace between us then call him Hao-sama like the rest of us!"

"No deal," The priestess asserted as calmly as she could, but the edge in her voice was more than audible to the onlookers. "If I began addressing Hao that way, I'd feel even more distant from him."

The small altercation ended with Kanna shouting more choice words at Kagome, and the latter girl glaring but relatively keeping cool. But the argument did get under her skin after all. That night Kagome stubbornly sat closer to Hao than she ever did before on her volition. And later, the girl huffed and tried sleeping away from the rest of her camp: an action that backfired as Hao opted to pull her into his lap, wrap her into his cloak, and hold her all night.

["There is no 'maybe'. You will be my wife."]

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

The tension between Kagome and the girls who sought after Hao's affection was coming to a boiling point. The following day, every time that Kagome tried approaching Hao, one of them intercepted. They'd push their bodies between the pair and have a question, request, or report ready for their leader. After the fifth interruption, Kagome's eyebrow twitched. Matilda smirked cattily at the priestess' apparent ire. The redhead shuffled her feet cutely, "Hao-samaaaaaa, will you critique my new technique~? I want it to be perfect so it needs your seal of approval~!"

Hao himself immediately recognized what was going on. But he was too busy enjoying Kagome's facial expression to put an end to it. That, and he likely saw it as an opportunity for Kagome to further refine her leadership skills. He smiled widely and asked innocuously, "What's wrong, Kagome? Did you need me for something too~?"

Kagome huffed before placing her hand on Matilda's shoulder, surprising the other girl, Hao, and Yoh alike. "Hao here is probably busy with his own devices so let's not bother him~" She chirped while glowing a scarily friendly aura. "I'll take a look at your new technique, if you'll have me~!"

Before Matilda had the chance to protest, Hao nodded his approval of Kagome's counter interference, "Kagome is right. There's much to do so I'll leave you to it!"

And so, for about a week, a cycle of Kanna, Marion, and Matilda intercepting Kagome and her counterintercepting them began. Yoh could not help sweatdropping while watching the petty behavior.

Once the first phase of the Shaman Fights ended, Kagome stayed by Hao's side. She traveled the world with him and his ranks, healing the sick and wounded when needed. Additionally, she became the group's peaceful ambassador, using earnestness to talk down hostile encounters or convinced any doubters. There were very few instances where she resorted to her ever-improving "Suggestion" technique as a means to an end, but Kagome was definitely not above using it to prevent violence.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

Frozen precipitation descended from the darkened heavens one night. They fell steadily, but in the slowest of motions. Slowly but surely, they formed a frigid, white blanket across the land. Even Bill, who embraced life to the fullest, retreated to his tent on this particularly snowy night, leaving no one but Hao and Kagome huddled by the flaring bonfire. The shadows waved in silent dances across the burnt-orange backdrop of their campsite.

Kagome rubbed her hands together then held them close to the fire for warmth. "Hey, Hao…" She suddenly spoke, cause her company to transition his attention off the flickering flames and to her. "In the Shaman Kingdom… there will be space for Yoh and all of my friends, right?" She asked slowly, tentatively.

The girl did not turn her head in the slightest to face him as he stared at her face in silence for a brief moment. Her breath came out in white puffs as she blew into her hands a few times, then returned them to their previous spot. It was apparent that Kagome was intentionally forcing herself not to return his gaze, and intentionally keeping a straight face as she awaited his answer. "There will be space for all shamans there," Hao finally told her simply.

"I see…" Her poker face fell into a wistful smile. "I still can't get behind that plan, you know," The girl clarified. "I was just thinking about my friends, is all... I was just hoping that they'll be alright in the worst-case scenario…" She confessed.

"And Shaman Kingdom is the worst-case scenario?" Hao questioned but with no surprise or ire.

"Of course it is!" Kagome rebutted, finally turning to glare at Hao incredulously for a moment. But soon, her expression softened again, returning to an almost melancholic gaze into the fire. "The humans...they're not so bad…" She stated, "...and they're not so different from us either."

Kagome then sighed softly before leaning over and placing her head against Hao's shoulder. One of her hands loosely gripped his cloak as she continued, "I don't know what they did to you, but…" Her grasp tightened subtly. "Can't you…" her lips pursed before moving again, "...forgive them…?"

Hao cracked a smile at the question. He raised an arm and gently stroked Kagome's hair as he replied, "Oh, my sweet little canary…" His smile broadened and soured simultaneously. "Forgiving them is not the issue," he told her. Just the thought of humans filled his mouth with a bitter taste, but Hao was composed enough to not let it show in front of his beloved. "The issue is, whether their intentions are good or bad, the truth is that all humans live for themselves. And their inherent selfish nature is bringing this world to ruin."

Kagome's eyes only seemed to sadden at his words. "You've seen it already—this world is gorgeous and opulent, but it can't thrive so long as the humans continue their plundering." The ghosts of the past flickered in Hao's eyes as he spoke and stroked Kagome's hair. "They'll be their own undoing, but they'll take the rest of the world with it." He then turned his head to place a kiss on the girl's forehead. "So think of it this way, I'm just helping the humans along to the fate that they chose."

Kagome was unsatisfied with the answer. "But isn't one of the Shaman King's duties to teach and guide everyone back to the right path…?" She queried, her voice just above a whisper. "I don't believe the Earth would want to see humans completely disappear...all of us, even the humans, we're all children of this world."

"Perhaps you're right," Hao stifled a chuckle. "But no one knows more than future King Hao," his smirk was amused when Kagome sat up and lightly smacked his chest for his arrogance.

"You're impossible…" The girl sighed before pushing herself off of the ground. She stretched her limbs then raised a hand, "I'm gonna turn in for the night now. Night, Hao~"

Her farewell was met with a curt nod and wave, "Rest well, Kagome."

Once Kagome was settled in her tent, Miroku emerged from his own. The monk took a spot next to Hao and remarked on the conversation that he overheard, "That didn't go as well as you wanted, I'd imagine."

"Hmph," Hao's eyes closed as he tossed a pebble into the blaze. "It went exactly as I expected."

Miroku blinked, looking thoroughly astonished, "It's incredibly ambitious of you to court a girl who openly dissents with your ideals." He then wondered, "Or could it be that Hao-sama fancies a divergent because it's a challenge?"

"Ah?" Hao eyed Miroku from the side, looking rather amused as he asked, "Trying to figure me out, are you?"

The monk responded honestly, "I'd be lying if I said that I can see what you see in Kagome-sama." He raised a finger as he explained, "She's beautiful, yes. She's kind and a bit of a spitfire, but forgive me for being presumptuous, but those traits alone don't seem to be enough to warrant this level of devotion from you."

Hao listened to the explanation with silent gaiety, he obviously got a kick out of listening to the monk's deductions. The fire reflected a blazing dance in his eyes. "Above all else, you're wondering why I want a girl whose ideals contradict my own…" the shaman leader stated. From his peripheral, he could see Miroku's head nod positively. "Well…" He picked up another pebble. His gloved-hand rotated the small stone as he examined its shape, "Kagome is like the goddess of the world…"

Miroku did not gasp, but his face was still nothing short of shocked at the declaration. "...sweet and beautiful, and full of light and goodness…" Hao explained before he tossed the tiny rock into the hungry flames. "She's had her own tribulations, and she has her own strife with the humans," He continued speaking without missing a beat, "But she's nothing like the rest of us, she doesn't become consumed by her pain and seek retribution. She advocates forgiveness and love…"

The brunette trailed off for a moment, as if he was mulling over Kagome's words again. Miroku dared not interrupt his master or break his concentration. Instead, he waited silently and patiently for Hao to return from his thoughts. However, his wait was not long, as Hao concluded, "But humans are beyond forgiveness." His smile was gleeful as he gladly finished, "That's why, if Kagome is to be a merciful goddess with a bleeding heart, then I must become the devil who punishes on her behalf."

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

It was around the spring of the following year that the group arrived in the mountain town of Shinano, located in the Nagano prefecture. The shamans were flown to the area on the Spirit of Fire after Hao sensed something amiss. Upon landing, Kagome, Shippo, and Opacho were seemingly the only ones shocked at the state of terror that the town was in. It was here that Kagome immediately sprung into action and rescued Koga and the other residents of the town. She quickly barked out orders to her subordinates to assist her.

Even Hao fell in line, admiring how level-headed Kagome remained in the face of danger.

After the shamans split into their designated groups to perform a search and rescue, it was Kagome herself who found Koga in his silent distress. Fueled by nothing but his pride, the shaman leader did not openly call for help as others did. Instead, he resigned to grunting that was muted under the screams and cries of his kin. It was either sheer luck or an act of fate that Kagome happened by him and delivered him from impending doom.

As for Koga, much like Bankotsu, he was a young man who knew what he liked. Moreover, he was a young man who chased after what he liked. His eyes followed Kagome's bustling form as she moved around his hut in search of any supplies that would prove useful. It didn't matter that the girl had saved his life out of moral obligation and not romantic interest. She caught his eye, and that was enough for him to take his shot.

Kagome glared at the young man before delivering a swift slap to his face. "As if!" She shouted before standing up straight and away from the hammock that the blue-eyed, dark-haired teen was resting on. "Don't get ahead of yourself! Only Yoh can—!" The priestess stopped herself mid-sentence. She bit her lip and silently swore, berating herself for allowing those feelings to resurface.

She returned to the Hao's side and their work with a pulled smile, trying to hide how miserable she was suddenly feeling.

They still had work to do, lots of work to do.

...and Yoh could only hope that this incident did not play out in his own timeline.

Despite the crisis that was narrowly averted, there was a silver lining to the Shinano distaster. It was during this event that Kagome saved Marion's life, and earned her gratitude. The single act acted as the kindle towards a warmer relationship between the priestess and the three other girls. It took some convincing from Marion that Kagome could have left her to die, but did not out of the goodness of her heart, but eventually, she got through to the other two. And slowly but surely, Kagome became increasingly welcome and invited to the small cliche.

By the time that spring melted into a warm summer, Kagome was calling Kanna "Kanna-nee-san" and the other two were "Mati-chan" and "Mari-chan". And Kagome was collectively dubbed "Kagome-chama" by the trio. It was a sight that did Yoh's heart good, despite everything else that had transpired. Once Kagome and the other girls warmed up to each other, she had more company for baths or campfire chatter. And then, there was the gift. Yoh did not know how long it took for them to make it, but he was rather amazed how their seamstress skills and how they accurately guessed Kagome's measurements from looks alone.

But when Kanna and the girls presented Kagome with their handmade "Shaman Princess" version of Hao's signature getup, Kagome was more than delighted. They even personalized the outfit by replacing the tones of red with hues of blues. She eagerly tried it on for size and was wowed at the perfect fit. And Hao, of course, was openly elated and showered Kagome with more than her usual dose of flirtation.

The Kanna, Matilda, and Marion were not the only ones that Kagome was becoming noticeably closer to either.

Kagome suddenly awoke in the middle of the night after spending hours tossing and turning and muttering incoherent words in her sleep. She shot up, sweating and panting as if she had just completed a marathon. When she crawled out of her tent, Yoh first thought that she needed some fresh air and would perhaps take a short stroll to clear her mind, or maybe even needed to relieve herself.

But the priestess did the exact opposite—and Yoh did not know what possessed her that night. Rather than emptying her bladder or clearing her mind, Kagome made the short trip to Hao's tent. She crawled inside through the flaps, paused at the entrance, and called out softly, "Hao...are you awake…?"

The roaring bonfire cast Hao and Opacho's forms into silhouettes. Opacho was curled into a ball near Hao's left side as he laid flat on his back. "Well, I am now~" Came his calm voice. "Join me~" He offered, as if reading the girl's mind. She immediately obliged and crawled further inside.

Kagome crawled to Hao's unoccupied side and rested her head and a single hand on his bare chest. She closed her eyes and relaxed her body after curling closer into him for warmth.

"So~" Hao smiled in the darkness. "What's on your mind? Or did you just have to desire to lie with me~?"

At first, Kagome stifled a laugh. She was becoming more and more accustomed to Hao's flirtatious nature.

But she, in fact, was not there to sleep with him.

As he suspected, there was something weighing on her mind.

"...when will you tell me about…" Kagome beseeched in a slow, tentative whisper as to not disturb Opacho. "...about Douji Asaha…?" Hao's shallow breathing stilled for a moment. But he easily released the tension in his chest.

The Asakura wrapped his arm around Kagome's form and brought her soft curves into the contours of his body. "Would you feel closer to me if I told you about Douji Asaha…?"

Hao felt Kagome nod against his ribcage. Her hushed voice reminded him, "We'll share our pain...right?"

His sigh was feigned exasperation, "I suppose I have no choice then…"

"Well...only if you're comfortable…!" Kagome raised her voice just above a whisper, reluctant and fearful that she was pushing him out of his comfort zone. "...sharing that with me…"

The curtain of darkness that encased them masked the smile that her consideration elicited from him. "...it's a name that I haven't been called in a very long time…" is how he began his tales of recollection. And so, Kagome listened, only interrupting and slightly raising her head when she felt sympathy or outrage on his behalf. It was probably the longest Yoh heard Hao spoke to the girl without teasing or flirting with her.

Eventually, Kagome too shared pieces of her past—parts that she had not shared with Yoh or Manta before. "Actually...I'm an orphan myself," She admitted with a frail smile. "After my family disappeared, I was sent to live with my aunt and her family, on another shrine. I had my cousins so I wasn't exactly alone...but I still felt lonely. The humans..." She paused for a moment unsure if she should divulge information that would make Hao hate humans any more than he already did. "They gossiped. Word got around about the girl whose entire family vanished. I don't know much about the adults but a lot of kids said that I probably killed them, or that I was so weird that they all abandoned me... And because of that...I was alone. No one wanted to get to know me..."

Her cheeks flushed a bit before she admitted, "That was only for the first two years. I managed to make some friends eventually, but...I kinda lost them after showing off my powers."

Even as the sun began to rise, the couple was still talking, despite how Hao's story had been over a while ago. Hearing about the past lives that he remembered prompted the priestess to pose an endless slew of questions, some more serious and light-hearted than others. She asked everything from "But what if the humans of this era are nothing like yours? I think they're redeemable." to "Doesn't that make you a dirty old man in a child's body?"

The latter question was met with a smirk and playful, "I'd rather prefer to call myself 'seasoned'. Besides…" his hand crawled down the small of her back and rested there. "It means that I have lots of wonderful things to teach you when you're older~" The flirtation earned him an amused smile and slap to his chest.

One sunny afternoon, Kagome was dragged deep in the woods by both Opacho and Shippo, each child had a grip on one of her hands as their mouths moved like motors. All of their hullabaloos lived up to the hype that the children built when they arrived at a vast field of white and purple irises. "Aren't they beautiful, Kagome-sama?!" Opacho asked with sparkling eyes. "Let's smell some together!"

Kagome nodded with a soft smile as she followed behind the girl. Shippo kept his grip on the priestess's hand as they moved towards the center of the field. She then plopped down and sighed contently. "This place….it really is amazing…" She muttered while caressing the petals of an iris next to her. "Hey, you two! How about I teach you how to make flower crowns~?"

Two sets of tiny hands reached for the sky as they cheered at the idea.

Shippo and Opacho gathered around Kagome, observing her hand motions and listening to her demonstration with great interest and determination. After Kagome finished her crown, she inspected its integrity for a moment before carefully pulling it over Opacho's head until it rested on her forehead. "See~? It looks lovely on you, Opachan~"

The compliment made the girl glow. "I want to make one for Shi-chan!" The small girl exclaimed before beaming at her best friend, "You have to wear one so we can match, okay?!"

Shippo grinned while giving the girl a thumbs-up, "Okay! Then I'll make one for Kagome!"

Taken in by the children's vigor, Kagome asked with a giggle, "Should I make one for Hao too~?"

Opacho nodded excitement at the idea as her mind exploded with wonderful mental images, "Mmhm! Then you can be the Flower Shaman King and Queen!"

Kagome blushed and laughed timidly as she began stroking the velvety petals of an iris, "W-Well, I guess that's close enough to Leaf King…" She suddenly blinked and froze. Her eyes looked at the hand that was absently touching a nearby flower...then all of her flesh-tones drained from her face. Her eyes widened in pure terror.

From wherever he had been, Hao nearly came flying into the field moments after the sound of Kagome's bloodcurdling scream. His face was fixed into a terrifying, blood-thirsty expression as he rushed to the girl's rescue. The shaman found her sitting on her butt, shaking like a leaf, with a confused Opacho and Shippo at her sides. "H-Hao…!" Kagome never looked so horrified as she latched onto the shaman's leg and pointed a trembling finger ahead…

...to an iris with a fuzzy caterpillar scooching across its wide petals.

Hao's expression relaxed when he recognized there was no true imminent threat within the vicinity. He simply stooped over and raised his arm. He extended a finger to the caterpillar and allowed it to climb onto the digit. Kagome's bristled when Hao turned around with the tiny creature crawling along the length of his finger. He chuckled at her reaction and asked, "Are you really terrified of such a harmless creature…?"

Kagome's reaction was to scoot herself several meters away, all without taking her eyes off the lively caterpillar. "I-I'm not scared, okay?!" She shot back while still trembling. "It just creeps me out okay?! It's tiny, crawly, and squishy insi—Eek! No! Keep it away from me!" She extended her arms defensively as Hao calmly approached her. Opacho and Shippo exchanged puzzled looks before following after him.

Hao squatted down in front of the priestess, grinning from ear to ear. "Don't be like that~" He lifted his finger closer to the priestess and revealed the caterpillar. It stopped mid-crawl and rose into a wave-like motion. "See? I think it likes you~!"

Kagome was not convinced of the creature's good-will. She lifted a hand and made a shooing motion, "Yeah, that's great and all but could you just get it away from me now?"

Hao, of course, took the opportunity to tease the priestess. He looked at the curious children and said informatively, "Your Kagome-sama knows a lot of interesting things, right?" Shippo and Opacho nodded in unison. "Well, she doesn't know everything~" He smiled as he plucked the caterpillar with his other hand. "For instance, creatures like these are an excellent source of potassium—" he opened his mouth, tilted his head, and hovered the insect over his gaping maw.

Kagome paled further before she completely keeled over.

Hao blinked and righted himself. He placed the creature down onto the petals of a nearby flower. With a satisfied smile, he allowed the frantic Opacho and Shippo to pat the spaced-out Kagome's cheeks. "Kagome?! Get it together, Kagome! He didn't really eat it!"

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

Over time, Kagome cried less and less in her dreams, which was more of a relief to Yoh than anything else. The less she cried, the cheerier and more genuine her waking hour smiles became. On the surface, Kagome's life with the elder Asakura twin didn't look so bad. She was loved and adored by all of her subordinates. She looked fulfilled whenever she directly contributed to the group in some way. To see this world's Kagome slumber silently and sometimes even with a small smile on her face was a blessing. But that didn't entirely quell the nagging feeling that Yoh got whenever Hao disappeared in the middle of the night or left Kagome in charge for days on end.

Years flew by like minutes for Yoh. As nothing but a spirit and outsider, he stayed the same, but he watched Kagome grow a bit taller, her hair longer, and her body filled out in places that he tried not to notice. And all the while, her heart remained the same, even in the face of Hao's coercion. In confidence to his most loyal subordinates, Hao admitted that one thing that he loved about Kagome was that she never gave up on her ideals. And that she was unlike himself, she tolerated those with differing ideas and never resorted to violence to get her way. Even when threatened by the crusading men in white who worshiped their Holy Maiden, Kagome only used violence as her last resort.

Yet despite his claims of loving Kagome as she was, the Asakura continuously tested Kagome's resolve through the years. There were times when the pair's private excursions were darker in theme. Hao would take Kagome to witness contracted humans collaborate on deforestation and increased urbanization. He would point out how busy, unsympathetic city-goers would pass by starving, impoverished people on the streets, ignoring them without batting an eyelash.

"Hao, you have to be the change that you want to see!" Kagome chastised him before smiling and approaching a haggard-looking man with an unkempt beard and dingy, tattered clothing. He sat listlessly in front of a bakery. Like many other homeless people, a series of unfortunate events brought him here.

This trip to the bustling metropolitan area started off with sight-seeing in mind, so it was one of the rare occasions where Kagome and Hao were dressed like ordinary city folk. Hao had his long hair neatly pulled into a high ponytail and wore a powder-green dress shirt and black slacks. Kagome matched him with a mini-skirted black suspender dress and a pastel-green ruffle-collared shirt underneath. Her hair, though not as long, was also pulled into a high ponytail.

Hao looked less than pleased at the man as his grimy hands reached for a styrofoam cup next to him. 'These kids look well-dressed,' the shaman heard the man's inner voice note.

"Any spare change, young lady?" The man extended his cup and offered her a yellow, toothy smile. 'It's about damn time someone paid attention to me! Too bad it's someone's entitled brats!'

Kagome smiled apologetically as she told him, "I'm sorry. I'm afraid that I don't carry any money on me." Instantly, the man's smile faded into a disappointed frown that invisibly made Kagome feel guilty. She then reached into the multi-colored satchel that Opacho wove for her and pulled out three, brilliantly-colored fruit. "But if you're hungry, these mikan were freshly picked just this morning~ You can have these~"

"Ah… No thanks…" The man deflated and focused his attention on newly approaching citizens. 'Tch. Stupid brat. What the hell am I supposed to do with that?!' His inner voice growled resentfully.

The bored, stoic expression that Hao wore when Kagome was speaking to the man instantly flashed into a murderous one. "You miserable insect…" The shaman hissed beneath his breath as his hand rose and hovered over the man's surprised face.

The man glared up at the teen, dangerously ignorant of what Hao was capable of. "Get your damn hand out of my face, stupid kid!" He shouted indignantly.

"I'll exterm—" The flicker of heat gathering in Hao's hand was extinguished when Kagome placed her hand on top of his. He side-eyed the girl, briefly irked that she would interfere. But one look at her pleading eyes and soothing smile, and his temper cooled enough for him to lower his hand and release the tension that built within his core.

"Yeah, that's right!" The man shook his fist up at Hao. "Take your broke girl and get out of here!"

Kagome bristled at the remark but she easily brushed it off. Instead of resorting to a shouting match with the man, the girl gripped Hao's hand tighter and led him away. "It's fine, Hao. Let's just go…" She whispered to him, forcing herself to look ahead and thus making her unaware of how Hao sent the man one last icy glare. He was surely memorizing his face for the future…

When it came to advocating for agendas, Hao was always in favor of revealing the darkest parts of humanity. He and Kagome traveled far and wide, witnessing the atrocities that humans were capable of. But they did not remain bystanders. They rescued the victims of war-torn areas, healing the injured, sharing what food and water they had, teaching them survival skills, and relocating them to safety.

And when it was Kagome's turn to advocate in favor of humanity, she'd drag Hao to various volunteer events and efforts. From hundreds of humans gathering to plant trees on barren earth, to clothes drives for the needy, to soup kitchens for the hungry, they attended them all. One of Kagome's favorite events was a weekly soup kitchen at a Catholic church in New York City. When they first arrived at the church, they received puzzled stares as they were approached by the middle-aged women who organized the event. The women, ecstatic to see young faces at their event, greeted the pair with sparkling eyes and a barrage of questions.

"Why hello there!" A particularly tall and lean woman with long blonde hair greeted them in English. "You two sure are adorable! Are you here for some sort of school function?" She asked.

Kagome wanted to tell them that they were just there to help out, but was unsure how to put that particular string of words together. So she nodded with a sweet smile, "Ah, yes! Our school wants us to help!"

"Oh, wow!" Another woman began glowing as she cooed, "Her accent is just too adorable! I wonder where she's from!"

Kagome's smile stayed plastered on her face as a bead of sweat ran down her forehead. 'A...a..accent… What does that word mean…?! Adorable means cute, I'm sure! But what is cute about me exactly?!' Hao smirked as Kagome sweated bullets and silently wondered if traveling to America was a bad idea without brushing up on her English. He then grabbed her hand and gave it a comforting squeeze as he spoke up.

"My Lady and I are here to promote goodwill between countries by cooperating with American citizens in their everyday humanitarian projects," The brunette explained in a fluent, steady English that made Kagome glow delightedly and silently applaud.

"His Lady?" The women exchanged looks, but quickly brushed off the curiosity in favor of getting to work and setting up the kitchen. After explaining their specialties, Kagome was assigned cooking duty while Hao was in charge of interacting with people and distributing the proper portions. All the while, Kagome laughed and chatted with the other volunteers in the kitchen area. A few times, she tossed Hao worried looks, and of course, he looked disinterested as he served the hungry citizens. He would sometimes look back at her.

Despite his disinterest in humans, Hao did seem to enjoy the moments that he got to spend with Kagome, especially the ones where he got to tease and embarrass her. During one of their trips to the New York soup kitchen, Brit, an amiable African American woman, chatted up the teenage girl while they worked together to make an extra meaty chili. "So Kaggy, are you Japanese nobility or something~?" She inquired.

Kagome blinked at the question, "Am I...what?" She asked back in English.

"Oh, hold on!" The woman reached into her apron pocket and pulled out her smartphone. With swift expertise, her fingers tapped on the screen and opened the translator app that she downloaded just for this occasion. She repeated her question to her phone and then held it up to Kagome's ear, allowing it to speak its best Japanese translation to the girl.

"Ahhhhh," Kagome's eyes lit up in recognition. She then smiled, tapped the screen, and spoke to it in her native tongue, "No, no. I'm nothing like that. Why makes you think that?"

The translator's robotic voice repeated Kagome's response in English and Brit rubbed her chin, "Oh wow… I thought you were a princess or something because Haoy over there always calls you his Lady."

"Errr… Hao…" Kagome smiled sheepishly, unsure of what her partner said because she did not speak to the translator. "Heee... what…?"

Before the air could be cleared between them, Hao stepped away from the station that he was preparing to smirk and wrap his arm around Kagome's shoulder. He squished her small body into his side and declared in English, "I call Kagome my Lady because she's my fiancee. And when we're of age, she'll be wed to Future King Hao."

Cue a chorus of coos and shrill squeals of delight. And as Hao smirked, pleased with the results, Kagome was clueless about why she was receiving so many hugs and head pats from the other volunteers.

And so their cycle of trying to persuade the other to their way of thinking continued endlessly, but to no avail. Just as Kagome was unconvinced of humanity's wretchedness; Hao was equally unmoved by humanity's virtues. But part of their jaunts continued to be trips around the world, trying to show the other evidence that their view of humanity was truer to reality...

But not all of the pair's excursions were planned for the sake of philosophical conversion. There were countless trips that resembled dates more than anything else. Moreover, most of the dates were to the breath-taking, spectacular wonders of the world: from African beaches of ivory sand and turquoise waves to a field of Freesia that filled them with nostalgia to the subarctic wilderness of Finland to see the Northern lights...they did saw it all.

Even for a bystander, the way that Kagome's face lit up and reflected the stellar colors of the world was enchanting. And as time went on, the priestess would eventually become the one to reach for Hao's hand first. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but it was not an unexpected prescription. It was as they gazed upon the swirling, cresting cool lights that Hao whispered the name of the girl beside him, "Kagome…"

"Hm~?" The priestess looked up at Hao, smiling so sweetly and blissfully. "What's up~?"

"As you're already aware, the second phase of the Shaman Fights will commence very soon," The Asakura's voice did not reflect his usual light-hearted or teasing tone. She nodded for him to continue, "We're very likely to run into Yoh and the others there."

Kagome nodded slowly, "Yes, I know…" She squeezed Hao's hand. "Time sure flies quickly… But… I think I'm ready. It won't be easy, they might hate me… but I'm prepared to face those consequences."

"Hmph," Hao closed his eyes for a moment, stifling a chuckle. "You're missing my point entirely." The girl blinked when he turned his entire body to face her, but she followed suit, completely ignoring nature's stellar light display. "Kagome…" Hao's hands held both of hers. "It's been three years now. Do you choose me?"

Kagome looked surprised for a moment, a blush spreading across her cheeks. Soon after, her eyes softened, but she was unable to meet Hao's gaze. So she turned her face to the side, in favor of staring at the glistening piles of snow on the ground. "Well...uh… I don't know…"

Suddenly, a hand cupped Kagome's jaw and guided her to face Hao head-on. "Answer me honestly now. You usually don't have a problem looking me in the eye, so why now I wonder~?" Kagome bit her lip and groaned softly, uncomfortably. Hao's teasing smile fell into an irked scowl when the priestess remained silent, pursing her lips and trying to avoid his gaze. "Is it that difficult for you to admit…?" He questioned.

"...Hao, listen…" The girl finally whispered timidly. "It's not that I don't...care about you..."

Just those words were enough to brighten his mood. Hao was back to smiling. "There~ Was that so hard?" He asked. Finally, Kagome turned an annoyed glare at him, one that made him chuckle as usual. "I know, I know. The truth is...the one who you're in love with now is me…"

Kagome tensed and blushed intensely, but did not deny the claim.

"But, you're afraid that your love for me isn't real," Hao surmised with a smirk. "You doubt yourself, and wonder if you're only using me as a replacement for Yoh."

"That's…" The priestess shifted, guilt written across her face. "That's one way of putting it. I just...before I say "yes" to you, I want to be sure that what I feel is genuine."

"That's fair," was Hao's simple response.

There was a moment of silence between the pair. Kagome glared at the snow at the ground, still unable to hold Hao's everlasting gaze. Her head lifted at the sudden sound of his voice. "You know, there was once a time where you didn't even want to hold my hand, and I even overheard you tell that one shaman that Yoh was the only person who could touch you." The brunette looked thoughtful as he reflected on the past three years. "That was back when Yoh was all you could think about."

Kagome flushed again, forcing a glare and pout to her face, "And? What's your point?"

"To settle this," Hao smiled mischievously as his other hand rose to cup Kagome's cheek. His head lowered as he leaned closer to her. "Let's perform an experiment…" His warm breath puffed against her lips.

"Mmh!" Kagome looked startled when Hao's lips landed on her own. Her hands shakily rose from her sides, landed on his chest, and stayed there. The kiss was full and firm as his mouth lingered on hers. The girl's eyes melted before closing as she leaned into the kiss. Her fingers dug into the fabric of his cloak.

The spectating Yoh's shocked face went beet red when a low moan erupted from Hao's throat. 'P-Pardon me…!' He threw his hands over his eyes then turned around. A few moments later, the sound of Hao's voice told him it was safe to look again, at least he hoped so.

"My, my~" Hao smiled. "You didn't even let me explain the experiment before you took advantage of me," He teased in an awe-struck voice. "Are you sure that you're not in love with me~?" His grin was cheeky as the priestess struggled to keep a straight face.

"Oh, s-shut up, you!" Kagome stammered, embarrassed to have lost control. "It was the heat of the moment, okay?!" She claimed but it was apparent that she nor Hao believed it.

"Well then," Hao raised a finger, grinning like a fool. "When you see Yoh again, I want you to smooch him real good—."

"What?!" The priestess shrieked while waving her hands. "I don't think something that drastic is necessary! I'll just talk to him and see how it makes me fe—"

The young man in front of her placed a finger to her lips, "I'm talking about you and me, forever. One kiss can't seem drastic in comparison, can it?"

"Are you sure that you won't get jealous?" Kagome deadpanned while raising her eyebrow.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

Hao's miniature army was bustling and anxious with the upcoming second phase of the Shaman Fights. It was the night before they would gather at the designated gathering sight, and the band of shamans was alive with chatter. After sharing a hearty meal and toasting to victory in the name of the future Shaman Kingdom, they began turning in for the night, one by one. Kagome, however, requested that they spend their last night at one of her favorite rest spots: a natural hot spring in a mountainous area of Japan.

After gathering her belongings from her tent, the priestess went to check in with Opacho, who was getting her hair stroked while sitting in Hao's lap. "Opachan, I'm going for a dip in the hot spring. Wanna come with me~?" The older girl offered her usual bathing buddy.

Opacho shook her head from side to side, wearing the largest of smiles, "Sorry, Kagome-sama! Tomorrow is important, so I wanna spend tonight with Hao-sama!"

The priestess almost fell over at the rejection, but she righted herself and gave the girl a twitching smile, "T-That's fair, I guess." She then pointed towards the path that led towards the spring and said, "If you change your mind, feel free to join me~"

Shippo then hopped onto Kagome's shoulder. He raised his hand and volunteered, "Don't worry, Kagome! I'll come with you so you don't feel lonely!" He then glared at Hao and Opacho as they cuddled near the bonfire. "Don't mind Opachi. You're my favorite person here~"

Opacho's cheeks filled with air as she crossed her arms defiantly, "I still love Kagome-sama, Shi-chan! I just love Hao-sama more because he's the absolute best, ever!"

Kagome sweatdropped when Shippo pointed at the girl dramatically and retorted in the priestess' defense, "Nuh-uh! Kagome is way better than Hao! Her kindness is actually genuine and not reserved for one person!" With a plastic smile on his face, Hao's brow twitched at the statement.

"Shi-chan!" Opacho rose from her sitting pose in Hao's lap. She pointed back at the fox spirit and exclaimed, thoroughly angry, "Don't you dare talk about Hao-sama like that! Hao-sama is the kindest and strongest person in the whole wide world!"

"Nope! Kagome is!"

"It's obviously Hao-sama!"

"No, even Hao thinks so!"

"Hao-sama is so respectable that everyone calls him Hao-sama!" Opacho reasoned, "You call Kagome-sama by her name intimately!"

"We demons don't have uses for your silly human honorifics!" Shippo shot back. He then looked towards the indifferent demon lord that stood guard by Kagome's nearby tent. "Right, Sesshomaru?"

Kagome sweatdropped and muttered when the uninterested demon did not chime in to the squabble, "Actually, I'm pretty sure that Sesshomaru is used to being called -sama…" She then placed a hand on Shippo's head and suggested, "How about we go take that bath now…?"

"Fine…" Shippo huffed and pouted. As soon as Kagome turned her back, he pulled down an eyelid and stuck his tongue out at Opacho, who began steaming and shaking her fist at the fox.

After a quick stroll past several rock formations, a layer of steam became visible, indicating that Kagome and Shippo were approaching the spring. It was not long until the path of boulders flattened into an opening. At the center of the plateau was a shallow depression filled with steaming water; the rivulets were dumped into the pool through the joint effort of many fragmented boulders and fractured earth.

Yoh was used to this routine, as for the past three years, Kagome got to bathe nearly every time she demanded it. That was to say, she was more compromising than she initially led everyone to believe. When baths were completely out of the question, she never brought them into the equation. But when the prospect of a bath was within the realm of reality, she made sure to take at least one, and always seemed to pamper herself every time. The priestess learned how to make her own soap from Opacho and spoiled herself by making them with her favorite flowers or fruit whenever possible.

Unlike the blissfully innocent Shippo, Yoh did not watch Kagome change; he was a gentleman after all! Instead, he sat with his back turned towards the spring and listened to the ambiance that the area had to offer. There was the rustling of Kagome's clothing as she disrobed. The soothing spill of water into the pool. And Kagome's cheerful humming and her pleasant sigh of content as she slowly sloshed into the spring. "This is perfect~" The priestess whispered as a smile danced on her face.

Shippo cracked a smile for the girl and chimed, "I'm glad that you like it so much, Kagome!"

The girl cooed at the sentiment before responding with, "Yeah, it's too bad that you can't enjoy the spring that way I can, Shippo-chan~ I'm sure you'd love it too."

"That's okay~" The child reassured her. "I'm just glad that you're happy."

"Thanks, you're a sweetheart, Shippo-chan~" Kagome then splashed some water on her face. "Hm?" She blinked at the sound of feet slapping against the damp boulders; even over the sound of the running water, it was clearly the sound of footsteps approaching. "I guess Opachan decided to join us, after all. Oh, wait. It's more than one set of steps—maybe it's Kanna and the girls…?"

'Ah—!' Yoh stiffened and his jaw dropped at the figures that appeared through the wall of steam that surrounded the area. As the figures walked past him, the shaman immediately whipped around, extending an arm after them. But alas, it was a fruitless effort—one that earned him a glimpse of Kagome's cleavage that peered through the surface of the waters. His sun-kissed skin turned bright red as he froze like a deer caught in headlights.

Kagome splashed her face once more as Shippo's perky voice greeted the newcomers before the silhouettes emerged from the shadows, "Oh, great! You guys made it after all~!"

After clearing water away from her eyes, Kagome looked towards her company.

Hot blood rushed through her veins when a nude Hao stepped into her field of view. He casually lowered himself into the water, undaunted by the girl's shrill scream of, "H-Hao! What the hell are you doing here?!" She threw her hands over her eyes and turned around.

"What do you mean?" He asked innocently. With his eyes closed and a relaxed smile, he answered nonchalantly, "I'm enjoying what could be my last peaceful bath in a while."

Kagome frowned as she lowered her hands from her face. "I know what you're doing! I mean, why are you doing it right now, with me here?!" She specified.

"Is there a problem with me being here…?" Hao inquired, enjoying playing the innocent role. But then, Kagome and Yoh could hear the smirk in his voice as he pressed on, "Or could it be that you don't think we can bathe together without it ending in a sensual encounter~?" Kagome 'eep'ed and stiffened at the question.

"Would you just shut up and let me pretend this isn't happening?!" Kagome whipped around and shouted from over her shoulder. But instead of showing her ire, she only ended up with an eyeful of the beauty that was the moonlight reflecting off of Hao's glistening chest and shoulders. The girl froze, silent and speechless.

Hao tenderly touched cupped one of his cheeks with a hand, "After all of that bluster, you're ogling me. Dirty girl, you'll make me blush~"

Kagome quickly came to her senses and turned back around, glaring down at the simmering, green water. "I-I was not ogling you, dummy…!"

The Asakura chuckled at the priestess' antics and smiled when Opacho came diving into the pool. "Now, now, Kagome~ Let's keep this chapter rated PG for the children's sake~"

"I wasn't thinking of any other rating, okay?!"

This hot spring trip was by far the liveliest of them all. Between the continuation of Shippo and Opacho's squabble and Hao's constant teasing, there was noise up until it was time for them to leave. Opacho's innocent request for Kagome's assistance in scrubbing Hao's back was met with a stammered resistance that endlessly embarrassed the priestess and entertained the shaman.

Kagome blew bubbles into the water as she ignored Opacho's coaxing, "You should come help me, Kagome-sama! It's really fun! Hao-sama doesn't bite, I promise! He has really strong shoulders, come touch them! If you don't like shoulders, you can wash his back instead!" Kagome sunk further into the spring, dipping her head below the surface and literally trying to drown out the embarrassing requests given to her.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

It had been a long while since Yoh had seen his past self, and his other friends. But alas, the moment of Kagome's long-overdue reunion with them finally arrived at the Yokocha American Air Base. Hao just couldn't seem to help himself; his very first words to the other shamans were condescending taunts and arrogant introductions.

"Future…" The group's eyes widened at the way Hao referred to Kagome. "Queen?!" They then turned to look at the girl in question. She returned their stares with a calm smile.

"Yes," She nodded in confirmation. Unable to meet Yoh's eyes, Kagome looked up at Hao and glared at him, almost pouting, "Hao, you need to control Spirit of Fire. These guys are still my friends so you both need to behave."

Hao seemed amused at the statement as he shrugged, "But he's a literal force of nature."

The girl shook her head and sighed, "You're hopeless." After briefly chastising Hao, Kagome proceeded to reenact the scene that the present Yoh envisioned before. The girl silenced the shocked Yoh of the past with her lips, an action that made Hao smirk. "Yoh…" Kagome's eyes began to glow a brilliant shade of gold. "You have to forget all about me," she told him, her tone suddenly stern and firm.

"What are you—?!" He could not believe his ears, and it showed on his face. Just like the others who she used her technique on, Yoh's eyes dulled as he went into a trance.

"Forget that we've met. Forget everything that we've had. And when you're finished, I want you to make the others forget as well. You can do that for me," Kagome instructed him. She then patted his chest and added, "Relay this message to the others for me."

Yoh nodded slowly, dumbly before turning around robotically.

"What the hell is wrong with you, Yoh?!" HoroHoro shouted as the brunette began approaching his friends. His brown eyes held a dull tinge of gold behind them as he obeyed Kagome's orders, effectively projecting the priestess' power of Suggestion onto them.

Satisfied and sure of the result of her technique, Kagome grabbed Hao's hand, "Okay, let's go or we'll be late for departure!" She paused when she noticed the rest of her party waiting up ahead. "See?! We held everyone up all because of you!"

"Hmmm?" Hao hummed. "But if I didn't visit them, you wouldn't have gotten that kiss of yours so soon~" He lightly countered. The brunette smirked at the sight of Kagome's red ears. "So, what's the verdict…?" He asked of her as they walked along.

"Hmph," Kagome huffed. "You're in trouble here. Yoh's lips are absolutely divine!" This time it was Kagome's turn to hide a secretive smile when she felt Hao's hand twitch. She allowed a few moments of silence to pass by before she looked over her shoulder and saw Hao genuinely appearing irritated by her answer. "Oh, jeez. So you can dish it out but can't take a little teasing?" She giggled.

"Heh, maybe a little bit of me is rubbing off on you after all," Hao smirked at the idea. "Speaking of which, wasn't a bit cruel to erase your friends' memories of you after finally reuniting with them…? He wondered.

"I don't see it that way," Kagome answered honestly. Her smile was embarrassed as she admitted, "I mean, of course, for me—it's sad in a way. But...I did it for their own sakes. I saw how unsteady Yoh was when he saw me so I realized that having me around might end up distracting them from their fights. I want them to have fair chances like everyone else, so, I won't stand in their way, not like that."

"Hmmm~? You're willing to torture yourself for the sake of silly children who don't have a chance at winning? How noble of you~" Hao mused aloud.

"Don't make fun of me," Kagome said pointedly. "Besides...I'm sure, we'll become friends again, someday."

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

With the near zombified state that Kagome's Suggestion left them in, the spectating Yoh was actually surprised to see his past self and friends clammer into the plane at the very last second. Ryu and HoroHoro rushed in with panicked expressions, while Ren looked reasonably aggravated that they all managed to space out somehow. And of course, Bankotsu and Yoh strolled in casually; they were the only two who kept the cool as they boarded. They took their spots at a row of seats two slots in front of Hao and Kagome's row.

For the first five minutes of the flight, HoroHoro was anxiously tapping his foot while trying to resist the urge to turn around and glare at Hao for the stunt he pulled earlier. "Tch!" The blunette frowned as he crossed his arms, "Why do I have to share a plane with that arrogant bastard?!"

"Ah?" the past Yoh blinked. "You're still upset about that?" He asked coolly. "There's nothing we can do about it now so we might as well just enjoy the ride~" The brunette suggested in a laid-back tone. He then got up from his seat and waved at Hao, which his twin gladly returned with a grin. "Ah—" The younger twin's breath audibly hitched, earning the attention of his comrades.

HoroHoro, Ren, Ryu, and Bankotsu simultaneously turned around in their seats to see what could possibly throw Yoh for a loop. And similarly, they froze on the spot: all of their eyes were stuck on Kagome. The girl did not notice their gazes as she was busy beaming at Hao as she hand-fed him an onigiri.

Hearts-filled Ryu's eyes as he cupped his hands together, "That girl is a goddess!"

HoroHoro growled, his fist shaking as he grumbled, "Damn that guy, first talking shit and then rubbing his hot girlfriend in our faces!"

Bankotsu looked Kagome up and down while rubbing his chin. He whistled lowly before he commented, "Hot girlfriend, indeed. That girl is so stacked that not even that cloak can hide it~"

Without breaking his gaze on Kagome, You blushed slightly while smiling sheepishly. He scratched the back of his head, "She is pretty, but that's not what got me. I kind of feel drawn to her for some reason."

"Tsk," Ren turned back around and crossed his arms over his chest. "You're all morons," he glared out of the window and criticized, "You'd do better to think with your larger heads. That girl is with Hao so that means she's nothing but trouble." Despite the jab at his friends, Ren still ended up turning his head to steal a glance at the girl.

A wide, catty grin spread across HoroHoro's face as he teased the Tao sitting beside him, "You say that but you can't take your eyes off her either~"

"Oh, shut up, dumbass!" Ren whisper-shouted with red cheeks.

Between the teen's inner thoughts and their gawking, Hao was pleased with their reactions to Kagome. He smirked down at the girl and silently gestured for her to bring her face closer, so she complied and loaned him her ear. With a hand cupped around her ear, Hao whispered, "Maybe you should say "Hi". I think those boys still like you~"

Kagome blinked at the statement. She then looked forward and saw the gawking group of teens staring her down. The priestess giggled cutely then winked at them.

The tiny gesture earned her several sets of blushes and slacked jaws; each shaman expressed shock in their way. Yoh was visibly frazzled as he clutched at his throbbing chest. Ren's blush spread from ear to ear as he stiffened like a statue. HoroHoro dramatically offered one arm to the heavens as his other hand landed over his heart. Ryu was once again cupping his hands, but this time, joyful tears streamed down his face. Although still affected, Bankotsu was the most collected of all, his blush was barely visible as he scratched the side of his head.

Hao stifled a laugh at how effective one eye motion was on the teens. "They're still such children…" He remarked beneath his breath. He looked at Kagome's smiling face as she watched her friends' reactions. His mind immediately hatched a plan after the girl took a bite of their shared onigiri and left a single grain of rice at the corner of her mouth.

"Kagome…" Hao smirked while turning the girl's head to face him. "You shouldn't be so wasteful~" he lightly admonished her before dipping his head towards hers. He dragged his tongue along the side of the priestess' mouth, lapping up the lone grain along the way.

Kagome instantly blushed and protested even after Hao sat back into a comfortable position, smirking triumphantly. "Hey now! Don't do embarrassing things like that in public!"

Hao supported his cheek with one hand as he raised an eyebrow, "So I have your permission to do embarrassing things like this in private~?"

"T-That's not what I meant and you know it!" The flustered girl shot back. In her state of embarrassment, she did not notice how Hao's flashed a victorious look towards the irritated shamans.

Yoh and the gang all turned around in their seats to face forward. HoroHoro's fist was shaking angrily once again and he grumbled, "Damn that guy… He's totally rubbing his hot girlfriend in ours faces!"

"Why do you even care?" Ren's eyebrow rose. "Didn't you pledge your loyalty to Sango years ago?" He questioned as he glared the blunette down. He then looked at Ryu, "And same to you. I won't give her away to shallow men taken in by any pretty face."

"It's not that I want to date that girl!" HoroHoro and Ryu protested in unison. The Ainu expounded irritably, "It's just the principle! If you have a hot girlfriend then it's not cool to flaunt them to single men!" The blunette then pointed a shaky finger at Yoh, "Take Yoh for example! He doesn't brag about Anna at all!"

Bankotsu shrugged as Yoh scratched his cheek. The blue-eyed teen added with a cheeky grin, "That's because there's more to women than being hot. AnAn has the looks of a supermodel, but the demeanor of a boar."

Yoh closed his eyes and clapped his hands together, "Rest in peace, Bankotsu. May Anna have mercy on you." Meanwhile, Faust, who had arrived at the airbase and boarded the plane on his own accord and schedule, sat in a corner alone, stroking his beloved skull.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

Just like Hao and their subordinates, Kagome was expecting it: the sudden ejection from Patch's plane and the rapid descent from well over ten-thousand meters in the air. What she was not expecting was the pair of arms that snaked around her form. One supported her back and the other wrapped beneath her legs, holding her bridal style to their unfamiliar chest. The priestess looked up and her jaw dropped, "R-Ren…?!"

The Tao's cheeks burned as his eyes snapped opened upon realizing what he had done. Unable to meet her wide eyes, Ren quickly looked away and grumbled, "Don't ask why. I don't know even know myself."

Kagome gasped when she felt herself being swiped away as Hao snatched her from Ren's arms in one fell swoop. The next thing she knew, she was seated comfortably in Hao's lap, atop of the Spirit of Fire, staring at her friends who were still rapidly descending. The brunette pulled her back against his chest and smiled widely at Ren, "Thanks but my Lady here already has a knight in shining armor~"

HoroHoro then shouted at Ren as the scion scowled and crossed his arms, "We're a minute away from falling to our deaths and the first thing you do is try to steal that guy's girl!? What were you thinking?!"

Only the spectral Yoh heard Ren's gruff mumble of, "I wasn't, okay…?"

Yoh then blushed lightly while wearing an embarrassed smile, "Actually, I was about to do the same thing…"

"Really?!" HoroHoro's arms flailed in outrage. "How can you two think about girls at a time like this?!" He then looked over at Ryu, who had passed out on the spot. "And you! Don't zone out of us now!" The blunette's eyes moved to Bankotsu, whose tanned arms and hands moved in curves to draw in an hourglass shape in the air.

Bankotsu paid him no mind as he tapped his chin. "Mmm… I got a glimpse of what was beneath that girl's cloak and it was something like that… I know for sure that she's in a tube top and smoking hot... Dammit… If only she was falling longer…!"

"You're just as bad as the others!" HoroHoro screamed at the distracted shaman. The Ainu shaman then looked around and noticed the other slew of shamans who were using their OverSouls for a safe descent. "That's right! Kororo, a descent on OverSoul!" He called to his spirit, only to be interrupted by Hao's hearty chuckle.

"It's no use," The elder Asakura smirked, further agitating the blunette with his smug grin. "We're over ten-thousand meters up. Your measly Furyoku won't last as nearly as long you need."

"Oh yeah?!" HoroHoro shot back, glaring at all of the faces aboard the Spirit of Fire. "Well, you're in the same predicament then! You'll all be squashed too!"

"Quite the contrary~" Hao asserted calmly. "Unlike you and Ren's OverSoul," the mention of his name drew the Tao's glare. "My Spirit of Fire has the ability to fly for extended periods of time~"

Kagome raised her hands in a peace-offering position and clarified, "What he means to say is that you're all welcome to get on with us~"

"No, thanks!" HoroHoro barked back, the priestess flinched slightly. "We don't need your help! Right, guys?!" He looked around at the faces of his comrades, only to be discouraged by Ren merely plunging with his arms crossed and eyes closed, Ryu slowly waking up, Faust stroking Eliza affectionately, and Yoh rubbing his chin while trying to figure out a plan.

It was then that Hao raised a hand in an offering motion and stated, "My Lady made you quite the generous offer. It would behoove you to accept it." His grin widened, "So what do you say? Want to get on with us?"

"No means no, asshole!" The Ainu roared back once again.

Hao then shrugged his shoulders before resting his chin on Kagome's shoulder and whispering into her ear, "Well, you heard 'em~ They don't want our help."

Kagome solemnly nodded in understanding. She looked at her friends and gave them a nervous half-smile, "Well, I'm sure that it'll all work out somehow." Yoh's eyes widened at the statement. The priestess's smile brightened, "Do your best, okay~?" She offered one last wink before the Spirit of Fire took flight and sped away.

Again, the tiny gesture flustered the boys, and made Ren grumble, "Tsk. That damn minx." But they quickly brushed it off when they heard Hao's voice.

"I'll be watching your progress from the Patch Village!" He called from over his shoulder as they flew towards their destination.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

Needless to say, Hao and his crew were the first shamans to arrive in Patch Village, where they immediately made themselves cozy while awaiting the arrival of the other participants. Upon being welcomed into the village, the group of shamans was instantly enamored with the amenities and stalls that their hosts had to offer. But without money, they could only get so far without using creative ways to procure what they wanted. Miroku swindled a vendor out of their steaming pastries. The Hana-gumi sweet-talked and flirted their way into receiving treats.

And Kagome—batting her pretty eyelashes, a method encouraged by Kanna and Matilda, usually got her what she wanted. But if that failed, she'd use Suggestion to propose a direct trade that she thought was fair: her hand-made onigiri for a fresh pork bun. As for Hao, he allowed his Lady to do the negotiating for him when she was around. If he wandered off alone, his reputation alone procured him free goods and services. No one even dared to question him when he told Patch staff that Kagome would not need her own room. But it was a scandalous statement in their eyes, and made even the grown men's cheeks flush and jaws drop.

Opacho was still enjoying a bath with the Hana-gumi when Kagome came back to the room she shared with the younger girl and Hao. She was softly patting her damp hair as she stepped into the room in her complimentary yukata.

Hao was already there, his hair pulled into a ponytail and wearing a complimentary yukata as well. They shared a spacious room that sat on the corner of the deck. He sat against the far wall, staring up at the starry sky through a large window. "Wha'cha up to?" Kagome asked while sauntering her way over to him. "Thinking about Yoh and the others?" She inquired.

"Hmph," Hao smirked as the girl sat down beside him. "That's what I should be asking you. You're the one who said Yoh's lips are divine."

"Heeeeh?" Kagome smiled cattily from behind her hand. "Is that jealousy that I'm detecting~?"

"Of course not," he quickly denied, turning slightly to tilt Kagome's chin upward. "Is there anyone who could possibly compare to me?" He questioned, behind his bravado were hidden notes of longing...the desire for affirmation and the need to be wanted. He wanted to know what he was the only one who Kagome had eyes for.

Yoh scratched his head and wondered if it was alright for him to intrude on all of the couple's private moments. In all of their three years of being together, never before had they ventured beyond common forms of affection—but right now… Right now, Hao's half-lidded expression was dangerously close to bedroom eyes. And Kagome seemed entranced by them.

Kagome was feeling particularly playful tonight. With a coy smile, she batted her eyelashes and answered, "Of course not~" Intentionally or not, her voice came out more feminine and sultry than before, "No one could ever compare to my Hao-sama~" Her teasing was cut short by the pressure of Hao's hands suddenly forcing her to the floor.

Her once-playfully slanted eyes were wide in surprise to find herself lying flat on her back, beneath Hao. His hands were placed at either side of her head as he hovered above her in a compromising position that instantly set her cheeks on fire. "H-Hao…?" She squirmed beneath the weight of his needy eyes. Those ambers that usually danced with mirth were clouded, heavy, and carried a predatory glint to them.

"My cute little Kagome…" Hao smirked as he eyed her appreciatively, taking in the wonders that the years did for her body. Her only response to gulp and stare up at him, so innocently but in anticipation of his next move. His fingers did not keep her waiting, they rose from the floor and landed on her cheek. "You have no clue how effective that little stunt of yours was…" he traced the shape of her jaw before running his fingers along her lips. "...do you…?"

"I…" Kagome's face was pink and bashful, but her body was more than receptive. "Have an idea…" She confessed.

Hao then smirked as dipped his head lower. The priestess immediately shut her eyes and prepared to be kissed.

But his mouth moved past Kagome's lips and settled for hovering next to her ear. "You should spend the night with the Flowers, lest I forgot formalities," he whispered huskily. The shaman then pushed himself into an upright position on the floor and Kagome reluctantly followed his example.

"Um…" The priestess blushed prettily as she anxiously finger-combed a waterfall of hair flowing over her shoulder. Her eyes were full of her own longing as her voice lowered, "...are you sure…?" Her inexperience and anxiousness showed as her eyes kept darting between Hao's face and the floor.

Hao smiled widely as usual as he replied bluntly, "Nope. That's why I'm warning you now. If you stay here tonight, I'll end up putting an heir in you."

"Roger that!" Kagome quickly jumped to her feet and scurried towards the door. She paused in the doorway, giving Hao a conflicted expression. She opened her mouth to say something but stopped herself with a hand over her lips. She shook her head before waving at Hao, who was grinning and waving 'goodbye' to her. "Goodnight, Hao."

Meanwhile, the spectral Yoh was staring between Hao's pensive, regret-filled face and the empty spot that Kagome occupied with wide eyes.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

The past Yoh and the gang arrived at Patch Village later than the present Yoh wanted to admit. But it was still reassuring to see them arrive at all. As if he was a moth drawn to a flame, the past Yoh ended up wandering to the same food vendor that Kagome was eying that evening. The brunette smiled as he approached the girl. He grabbed her attention with a casual, "Yo!" accompanied by a small wave. "You're that nice girl who was with Hao, right?"

Kagome was instantly taken in by Yoh's gentle aura and easy-going smile. She nodded and returned his smile, "I am~ I'm so glad that you remembered me~." Her eyes scanned him for injuries and were satisfied to find nothing major. "And it's good to see that you made it here safely."

"Same here…" Yoh smiled sheepishly before looking up at the hand-written menu at the food stall before them. "How's the food here~?" He asked, obviously trying to keep the conversation going.

"Oh!" Kagome blushed a bit before poking her fingers together. "Actually...I'm not too sure. I wanted to try some of their acorn bread but I don't have any money…" She felt embarrassed to admit that she had been caught eying the food like a stray puppy.

Yoh grinned widely while taking out his wallet. "That's no problem~" He assured her. "I'll treat you~!" He then stepped up to the counter and asked, "Hey, Mister! How much for two orders of acorn bread?"

Little did the Asakura know but the sound of his voice caught the attention of Ren as he was passing through, searching for his own meal. His golden eyes instantly recognized the girl who his body reacted so strangely to before. And for some reason, the sight of Yoh handing the girl the treat irritated him more than it should have.

Before the Tao realized what he was going, his hand was gripping a shocked Yoh's forearm. "What do you think you're doing, Yoh?!" His voice was harsh, gruff, as if Yoh and Kagome sharing a treat was a betrayal.

Yoh blinked as his brain registered what was happening. He used his free hand to pat Ren's shoulder in a light, chummy manner. "Don't sweat it, Ren. I was just treating her to—"

"Tch," The Tao released his grasp on Yoh's arm and glared down at Kagome. He was visibly bothered, frustrated, angry, and unnerved by her presence alone, though he had no explanation for how he felt. "No matter what she looks like or what she says. Remember not to fraternize with her, she's the enemy."

Kagome's mildly startled expression intensified. Her eyes nearly doubled in size from the initial shell-shock that left her lips parted. Her fingers lost their grip on her bread and it tumbled to the ground, part of it smashing into crumbs at her feet. "Enemies…" Just repeating it almost made her stumble, as if she was on the verge of collapsing. But Yoh quickly stepped up to steady her with two firms hands on her shoulders.

"Eh?!" The Asakura was puzzled by her theatrical reaction. "Miss, are you okay...?"

Ren's own eyes flickered as he felt a cyclone of emotions that he had not expected. He spoke his mind as he usually did, but ended up felt an inexplicable regret at the stranger's visible despair. Kagome's head dropped for a moment. Her long bangs concealed her eyes behind shadows. "Enemies, huh…?" She whispered as she righted herself, gently pushing off of Yoh's chest for support. "I see… That's fair… I know I deserve it, but…"

Kagome slowly lifted her head, and shocked even herself.

She managed to stretch her lips into a wide smile, imitating Hao with a large, closed-eye grin.

However, her smile was as fragile as it was broad.

Torrents of tears rushed from beneath her squeezed eyelids.

"...y-you hate me that much now, huh…?" She blubbered through her smile.

Unbeknownst to Ren and Yoh, it was the first time that she openly cried in years.

But that shattered sunny expression coupled with raging tears struck a chord within Ren and Yoh. Their hearts caught in their chests, snagged by the stranger who they should have felt nothing for.

Kagome was mentally spiraling. She opened her eyes but her vision was obscured by a thick layer of moisture. Everything around her were nothing but colorful blurs.

She thought that she was doing them a favor—that she could handle her friends not remembering her. But she was not prepared for this level of hostility. She saw the colors of her bread on the ground and apologized, "S-Sorry, I'll make it up to you, Yoh…!" The girl wiped her tears away and smiled more, "I'm a little embarrassed so I'll, uh…"

Before finishing her words, Kagome bolted without warning. The past Yoh called after her, extending his arm, "Hey! Wait—!"

Ren was faster than them both. He caught up to the girl within two bounds. His hand clasped her wrist like a vice. "Kagome!" The Tao called.

The past Yoh did not know if it was Ren's grip or the sound of her own name that stopped Kagome in her tracks. She turned around, gaping up at Ren with wavering eyes and trembling lips. "W...What...did you just say…?"

Yoh sauntered over, grinning widely as Ren dropped her hand and scoffed. He crossed his arms and glared down at her, "Higurashi Kagome, it's your name. I just remembered."

Yoh nodded and praised her with a sheepish smile, "That's some crazy technique you learned while you were away…" He scratched the back of his head, "You really had me going for a while."

Kagome's hands rose to her mouth as her cheeks turned bright pink. Her voice higher and breathless, "But that's…impossible…" Beneath the disbelief and humiliation on the surface, her eyes sung that she was relieved and that her heart was moved.

"Tch, and yet, here we are," Ren said gruffly while lightly bonking the priestess on the forehead. All of the vexation that he felt from his garbled thoughts and conflicted feelings were gone. And his eyes were...surprisingly gentle, albeit somewhat perplexed and annoyed.

Suddenly, a soft round of applause resounded from behind them. "It would seem that they found a weakness in your Suggestion, Kagome~" Hao came strolling towards them. He was not daunted by how Ren visibly bristled as he walked by. He leaned against a wooden lantern post and declared, "Suggestion's strength is its influence of the mind." He smirked at Ren and Yoh. "The heart, however...is another story."

Kagome gave her friends an apologetic smile before moving closer to Hao, prompting Ren to glare the couple down. "Kagome, you could still come back with us, you know," the Tao offered, albeit harshly, indicating that he still had a chip on his shoulder.

The priestess' eyes widened as they became misty again. But she quickly wiped her eyes and smiled brilliantly, "Thank you. I know that now."

Yoh stepped forward, raising his hand as he pointed out upon seeing how Hao and Kagome's fingers interlaced, "It looks like she wants to stay with Hao, Ren." The Tao was instantly brooding, but the younger Asakura smiled and offered, "But that doesn't mean that we can't take some time to catch up. Kagome, would you like to have dinner with me?"

Hao sighed, Kagome stifled a chuckle, and Ren shot Yoh an incredulous look.

The elder twin grinned, "Asking my Lady out right in front of me...how bold of you, Yoh."

Kagome rolled her eyes at his dramatics and released Hao's hand. She smiled and placed her hand inside of Yoh's, "I'd love to catch up with you, Yoh~" The priestess waved to Hao from over her shoulder, "If you're good, I'll bring you leftovers~"

"When did this become a comedy skit…?" Ren deadpanned as an angry tick appeared on Hao's forehead. He then looked back to Yoh and Kagome, only to see them already headed towards a restaurant. "You guys—!" He then whipped around to glare at Hao, only to find the shaman was already gone, leaving him standing there alone. "Dammit…!" He huffed and stomped his foot.

It was a relief to watch the past Kagome and past Yoh chat like old friends. But the present Yoh did feel a bit of pity for his past self when the priestess pointed at a dish on the menu. The Patch waiter and Yoh's jaw dropped when she stated, "I'll have everything from here to here~" She dragged her finger from the top of the menu down to the bottom. "Oh, and triple the portions, please~!" She added, beaming like an angel as Yoh's pulled out his wallet and counted his money.

"K-Kagome…" He sobbed with a lowered head. "How many people are you feeding…?"

The priestess giggled and reached across the table to lightly pat his shoulder. "Wining and dining the future Shaman Queen doesn't come cheap, ya know~!" She teased.

Yoh looked as if he dreaded the thought, "I'm glad Anna can't hear you now…"

The mention of the itako's name made Kagome smile. "Oh yeah, how is she by the way?"

"Anna is Anna…" Yoh chuckled. "But I'm forever in her debt, I wouldn't have gotten this far without her being there for me…" He stated as his eyes became warm.

Kagome nodded and said softly, "I understand. I'm glad that you two are doing well…" Her eyes lit up when their waiter returned to deliver their beverages: both shamans ordered a Patch-specialty tea blend of raspberries, cherries, and other fruit. The girl swirled her tea around with a spoon and added, "Honestly...when I came back a few days later...and saw you and Anna kissing in your bedroom, it broke me."

As her eyes stayed fixed on the mesmerizing tea cyclone in her glass, Kagome did not see how the past Yoh's face twisted into a perplexed expression with furrowed eyebrows. "But if I hadn't seen that, I would have just returned and kept causing trouble for you two. And…" Her cheeks warmed a bit as she added, "I probably wouldn't be as close to Hao as I am now…"

"Kagome…" Yoh's voice snapped the girl from her dreamy gaze. "You said you saw Anna and I kissing back then, but…" He scratched his cheek and told her sheepishly, "I don't know how to say this, err… Back then… you were all that I could think about." This time, it was Kagome's turn to look puzzled. "I had it so bad that I barely spoke to anyone, let alone...kissed someone, even Anna."

The priestess was speechless for a moment. Her nose scrunched up as she focused on searching through her memories. "But..I know what I saw…" She muttered, but her voice was uncertain. "Did...my mind just make that up…?" She wondered. "Maybe I did make it up to justify how I was feeling…?"

This time it was Yoh's turn to reach across the table and pat her shoulder. "Hey, don't worry about it," He gave her a comforting smile. "All that matters to me is that you're alright. We were all so worried about you, you know~"

Kagome sighed deeply and allowed her forehead to bang against the table, "I feel so stupid…"

Amidamaru then appeared and chimed in, "I was sure that we'd find you a lot sooner with how much time and money the Tao's put into searching for you, Kagome-sama."

Without picking her head up, Kagome groaned and added, "And like the world's biggest ass." She only lifted her head when Yoh placed his hand on top of it and stroked her hair. "Speaking of the Tao's, I didn't see Sango-chan anywhere, even back at the airbase. Where is she?" She straightened up in her chair.

Yoh scratched his cheek and paused… "Well...Sango...kind of dropped out of the tournament."

"What?!" Kagome leaned closer as she pressed on, "But why?! She was so strong!"

"It came as a shock to us too at first," Yoh admitted. "But after you disappeared, she dropped out and told us that she wanted to put all of her efforts into finding you." Kagome looked like her heart stopped. She was stunned into silence. "The Tao's deployed a special task force whose sole purpose was to find you and bring you home. And Sango—she was the leader of that task force."

"Sango-chan…" The revelation was a heavy burden. "She gave up on her dream...for me…?" Kagome looked like she was about to ready to scream and kick herself. But Yoh would not allow her the chance to beat herself up.

The Asakura smiled tenderly and placed his hand on top of hers, "It's alright, Kagome. We can't change the past so there's no use dwelling on it." Kagome's own smile was watery and grateful as he told her, "Let's just focus on enjoying the moment. You're here now, right?"

Kagome nodded weakly as she repeated, "Un… I'm here now."

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

And as Kagome began reconciling with her old friends, Hao continues his schemes and betrayals behind the scenes. The day were Kagome happened by Sango and Jun finally arrived. After the initial shock wore off, Kagome tried to run up to Sango and embrace her. Only for the Tao to glare at the priestess and push her away with a single hand. "Kagome, I heard from Ren and Yoh that you were here…but I never expected to actually run into you."

"Sango-chan…" Kagome deflated but understood why she chose to be distant. "I'm sorry…"

"Sorry will never atone for what you did, Kagome-chan," Sango told her, watching as the priestess sunk to her knees. "I gave up everything for you. I was worried sick, I was afraid that something terrible happened to you."

"Sango…" Jun reached for her cousin's arm, only for Sango to deflect it.

"No, Jun…" Sango hissed. "She needs to hear this. She needs to know how much she hurt us…" The Tao lowered herself onto her knees so that she was on Kagome's level. "If I don't tell her how much we were willing to give up for her...If I don't tell her how much pain she caused…"

Sango's arms around Kagome's frame. "Then how will she know…" The Tao pulled the priestess close and whispered, "...that she can never leave us like that again…?" She felt Kagome quaking against her chest. Sango rubbed her back and smiled bitterly, "Sorry doesn't cut it, and sorry won't make it right. But...you can make it up to me by being here with me now…"

Through whimpers and soft sobs, Kagome nodded and whispered, "I'm here now…"

The following day, Kagome encountered Bankotsu and Pirika in front of the many Patch merchandise stalls. The blunette lifted her head from Bankotsu's arm as the pair approached, "Kagome-neechan?" Bankotsu, whose focus had been on Pirika's face, looked ahead. Kagome's heart raced when the puzzled look on Bankotsu's face quickly transformed into recognition.

"Pirika-chan, long time no see~" Kagome smiled, knowing there was no use keeping up her charade. Her eyes shut as she tried to give her old friend a bright smile, "And Ban-k—! Ergh!" The wind was knocked from the girl's lungs from Bankotsu's unbridled strength. Before she could think, Kagome found herself crushed into Bankotsu's chest. "Ban-kun..."

The priestess's arms rose and gently returned Bankotsu's tight embrace.

"I'm sure those Tao's gave you enough hell about what happened..." Bankotsu whispered. Kagome felt like someone was squeezing her heart. The sound of her strong, confident Bankotsu's shaky voice and watery breath made her weak. "So I'll give you a break." The priestess nodded silently, despite feeling like she deserved it.

Anna's voice suddenly sliced through the serenity of the moment. "Ah, I finally found you," she placed a hand on her hip.

Bankotsu and Kagome parted and turned to face the itako, who was standing next to a pouting Pirika. The priestess smiled, "Anna-chan, long time, no—."

"I'm not talking to you, moron," Anna interrupted as her eyes flashed from Kagome to the young man beside her. Without warning, the blonde stepped forward and slapped Bankotsu clear across the face.

Pirika gasped and looked horrified as Kagome threw a hand over her mouth, "I-it's the Legendary Left!"

Bankotsu quickly recovered. His face betrayed no pain or aggravation. He rubbed his reddened cheek with a curious expression, "What was that for, AnAn?"

Anna glowered up at the teen and answered simply, "A while ago, I had the feeling that you were badmouthing me."

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

Watching his past self have drinks with Hao at Patch Cafe felt surreal. The twins occupied a small two-seater table in the relatively empty establishment. The lone Patch member served the pair their drinks: an espresso for Hao and a cappuccino that was supposed sweet but still too bitter for Yoh's palette. The younger twin retched at the rush of bitterness, an action that made Hao smirk, "You're still such a child." He took a sip from his drink.

Yoh smiled good-naturedly while leaning forward a bit and making himself comfortable. "I've been wanting to talk to you for a while now…" he admitted easily. "You are my big brother after all."

"Heh," Hao returned Yoh's smile before taking another sip of his espresso. "Moving to the point… You've been wondering why I didn't let Kagome come along with us." Yoh's eyes widened when he remembered Hao's mind-reading ability. The elder twin stared Yoh down and left his younger brother with no room to speak, "You're right. It's because there are things that I still don't want her to know."

Yoh scowled for a moment, and Hao smirked, "Annoying, isn't it? That's the nature of Reishi."

"...and what you don't want Kagome to know is that you plan to kill me when I've reached my fullest potential, right before the end of the Shaman Fight," Yoh filled in the blanks.

Hao's tone stayed disturbingly casual as he confirmed, "Correct. I'll devour you and become the strongest shaman." The elder twin did not buy his younger brother's forced smile. "No, I don't feel anything about it, but I do have feelings," he clarified. "My feelings keep me going. And besides that," he looked proud to confess, "I like Opacho and Luchist. Opacho has a pure heart and Luchist is strong. I used to like the Flowers, but they've reached their limits. I don't have any use for things that diminish the more I use them~"

The spectating Yoh felt like Hao was reading his own mind and not the mind of his increasingly unnerved past self. "And Kagome…?" the past Yoh asked, his voice growingly colder and more accusatory, knowing that Hao could read his thoughts.

"You needn't worry about her," Hao smiled widely. "Devouring her would indeed skyrocket my powers exponentially," he acknowledged Yoh's fears. But the older Asakura placed his mug down. He propped his elbows onto the table and folded his hands beneath his chin. "But I wouldn't do that to her. Kagome is the one who I want by my side, forever. She's my ideal Shaman Queen."

"Are you saying that you'd never betray her…?" Yoh questioned, almost suspiciously.

"You've got the right idea," Hao confirmed. "I love Kagome more than anyone else~"

The Yoh of the past leaned forward slightly as he responded rather boldly, "I'll admit that it looks like Kagome truly has fallen for you. She genuinely cares about you…" Hao beamed at the thought, but his smile was short-lived at the following question. "But do you really love her the way you claim you do?"

Hao's glare became frigid, but he allowed Yoh to continue speaking, "You keep her in the dark about a lot of your plans and misdeeds. You've deceived and misguided her to get your way…" Yoh's own glare became just as cold. "So can you truly say that you love her as a person? Or is she someone who you covet the way a miser loves money?" His voice became more assertive, "And, are you sure that Kagome loves the real you? She can't really when you deceive her the way you do."

"...you think I'm afraid of telling Kagome the truth…?" Hao's eyes narrowed as he heard the thoughts buzzing around in Yoh's head. "What? Did you intend to tell her the truth?"

Yoh smiled and relaxed back into his seat a bit. "I don't, actually… The truth wouldn't mean anything coming from me." He then eyed Hao, "You're strong enough to defeat any shaman around, but you're afraid of something so simple that it's abstract."

"It's rather impertinent of you to assume that you can read me the way that I read you."

"I don't need Reishi to know what you're feeling," Yoh challenged calmly. "Anyone in your position would be afraid of losing everything."

The tension between the brothers became palpable, alerting both Amidamaru and a few onlookers. Having a crowd displeased Hao so he took his leave after intimidating the Patch worker into giving them free drinks...which Yoh ended up paying for.

["Next time, we'll take a bath."]

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

"Hao, you're way too spoiled, you know that?" Kagome asked as she gently scrubbed Hao's bare back with floral-fragranced suds. She was sitting on her in-step at the edge of the hot spring, where the rocky earth met the water. Hao, who was relaxing in the water directly in front of Kagome, smiled as the girl began humming as she worked. Her right hand dragged a soft, smooth sponge across his skin.

"So you say," He smirked while sinking further into the spring. The motion washed the suds away from his body and allowed them to float along the water's rippling surface. "But I think you enjoy giving me what I want~"

The priestess, whose body was wrapped in a towel, flicked the back of Hao's head as she glanced at Shippo and Opacho, "Quiet, you. There are children here."

Yoh's Shaman Fight was being broadcasted on a radio that they sat beside the spring. They were half-listening to the announcer's animated voice at first. But the sound of Yoh's own voice caught their attention. Kagome and Opacho's jaw dropped in shock at the younger Asakura's observation.

"Because Hao has no friends…"

As Opacho looked to Hao with a flabbergasted expression, Shippo merely shrugged and stated bluntly, "Eh. That's not news. Most people only obey him because they're afraid, after all."

Kagome gave the fox a disapproving look, "Shippo-chan!" She then peered at Hao from over his shoulder, "Don't pay that any mind, okay? No matter what, I'll always be here for you~" She cheesed at him. But when Hao did not return the smile, Kagome blinked and became worried, "Hey, what's wrong?"

Hao was unusually quiet, and his face was oddly ruminative. It was peculiar for him not to act like he had all of the answers or that he was bothered by something, especially someone's words. "Hao…?"

This time, the sound of Kagome's voice brought Hao back to reality. His eyes moved from her face then over to the children. "You two…" Shippo stiffened and Opacho looked curious. "I need to speak Kagome alone. How about you go play with Miroku~?" He suggested with a kind smile.

"Oh!" Opacho saluted obediently. "Right away, Hao-sama!" The girl then grabbed Shippo's hand and began dragging him towards the changing area. "Let's go, Shi-chan! Hao-sama wants privacy!"

"Huh?!" Shippo whined. "But why?! I want to stay with Kagomeeeeeeeeeee!"

Kagome giggled as she watched the children disappear behind a corner. "Opacho definitely takes after you—Hm? Ehhhhh?! D-Don't stand so suddenly!" The splash of Hao standing made the girl turn her head. Her skin flushed from her close and personal view of Hao's bare backside; she was reeling even though his draping locks concealed most of his body. "At least, warn me first, jeez!"

Hao chuckled, "Okay, I'm going to turn around." The girl squeaked and threw her hands over her face as he climbed out of the spring. "You're impossible…!"

"My, my~" Hao smirked. "I didn't expect you to be so bashful~ Where's the girl who was ready and willing a while?" He chuckled when Kagome playfully pounded his back with her fists.

"Oh, shut up! I was just caught in the heat of the moment! My mind is clear now!"

Hao merely kept walking towards the changing room as Kagome spewed her mountain of excuses about her behavior. They only separated to go into their respective changing areas. A few minutes later, they met up at the entrance of Patch bathhouse in the courtesy yukatas provided. "Oh…" Kagome smiled when she noticed that they both tied their hair into a single ponytail swept over their shoulders. "Same braincell~?" She chuckled.

"Or kindred spirits?" Hao countered as they began walking back to their room.

"Yeeeeah, I doubt that," Kagome smiled. "We haven't seen eye to eye about anything since day one," she stated. But that did not stop her cuddling up to Hao's arm, "That's alright though. There's still time."

"That there is," Hao agreed as they walked the halls of Patch Inn. "But not much. That's why I want to talk to you." Kagome nodded with a soft 'Mmhm?' as she kept her head against his shoulder. The spent the remainder of their walk in an uneasy silence. The boy slid open their door and closed it once they were inside.

"So what's on your mind?" Kagome inquired. "Did Yoh get under your skin that badly?"

"Hmph, something like that…" Suddenly Hao's hands were planted on Kagome's shoulders. He was to the point as always, "Kagome, what would you do if it turned out that I've been lying to you? Would you leave me?"

He was smiling as usual, but it was not quite like the others. This one was weak, almost cynical, like he knew the punchline to a joke that she did not know. "Well…" Kagome was unsure how to answer the sudden inquiries. "It depends…" She said tentatively, in a tone that hinted that she thought this was a trick question and she didn't know the right answer to it. "What did you lie about?"

"Let's rephrase the question," Hao backtracked. "Would you still love me…?"

Kagome narrowed her eyes. She brought her hands to Hao's face and squished his cheeks together, "Hao, don't dodge the true issue." Her voice was as soft and stern as it always was when she got serious. "Tell me what you lied about…" She could see the way he was freezing up inside, the warmth that he usually reserved from her was receding before her own eyes. "I'll always be by your side, Hao." She wore a smile for him, "Do you doubt me?"

Yoh could not believe his eyes or ears.

That shaman with the higher-than-thou attitude.

That shaman who looked down upon anyone who opposed him.

That shaman who smiled one-hundred-and-ten percent of times…

That shaman stood before the priestess, confessing his wrong-doings, starting with the ones he trespassed against her from the beginning. He told her everything that he did to keep her at his side. From the fabricated image of Yoh and Anna kissing that day that she was going to return...to how he thwarted the Tao's attempts at locating her...to how many people he had slain in cold blood in the name of her smile.

All the while, Kagome stayed silent. Her hands had long retracted from his face. They were curled into balls near her tightening chest.

"...that's what I lied to you about," Hao smiled at the end of it, though Yoh was not sure if it was because he felt a burden lift, or if smiling was just a barrier that he put up—a defense mechanism to hide his vulnerable side. He looked down at Kagome, searching for her answer.

But for a minute, she was beyond words. The priestess lowered her head slightly as she attempted to digest the load that Hao passed to her. "Well…" Her voice light and wispy, as if she was couldn't catch her breath. "That was...unexpected…" She pulled a smile to her own face. "But it all makes sense now…" She then turned her back to him. "Give me a minute, I need to think—"

Kagome gasped when she was suddenly pulled back and smacked flush into Hao's chest. "I want you to be honest with me, right here and now," He told her. "If my little canary were to fly away, I wouldn't blame you. It's only natural to hate someone like me."

The priestess did not answer at first. She merely closed her eyes and allowed Hao to hold her close.

"You're right, Hao…" Kagome whispered back. "It's only natural to hate someone like you. Who wouldn't feel resentment towards someone who lied to them and manipulated them…?" When his arms began loosening, Kagome raised her own hands and held his in place. "I'm not saying that I'm not angry, and I'm not saying that I don't feel betrayed…" She told him.

Blue-gray eyes opened, and they were filled with nothing but love. "But, when I was humiliated and disgusted with myself… When I felt low and hated myself for how much I hurt my precious friends…" She smiled at the memories of her unions with her friends. "They showed me what true kindness and forgiveness is, even when I didn't think I deserved it."

Kagome turned in Hao's arms and gave him the purest smile, one that reminded him why he fell in love with her in the first place. "So the least I can for you is stay by your side." She then hooked the tips of her thumbs around the edges of his lips and gently forced him to smile. "Besides," her smile grew into a cheesy grin. "You're spoiled, cocky, cheeky, and condescending all in one; quite the obnoxious person all around." She giggled teasingly, "Who else is qualified to deal with someone like you~?"

Hao received his answer, and for once, he was stupefied into a moment of silence.

"Come on now," Kagome's smile wavered for a moment. "You don't know what to say? That's not like you, Hao~ You could at least smile~."

Hao stifled a chuckle. "There's one more thing that I never told you…" He finally found his voice again. Amber eyes softened like warm butter as he spoke from his heart, "Ever since the first time that I heard your voice…and every time afterward…" His lips curved upward into one of his few genuine smiles. "Even when you're angry, or crying… Every time I hear your voice…" Hao leaned down and pressed his lips against Kagome's cheek.

He whispered into her skin.

"...I hear a love song."

Kagome hand rose to her pounding chest. She blushed and looked at the floor, unsure how to respond to such a serenade. She tried stealing a glance at Hao, but he was already smirking down at her. But instead of being irked by his signature smirk, Kagome looked like she would melt where she stood. "Well…" she twiddled her fingers and shuffled her feet. "Now that that's out of the way… Maybe we can talk about how we can do better in the future?" She smiled up at Hao. "There's no changing the past, but we can work together and change, right…?"

The priestess was hopeful as she grabbed one of Hao's hands.

"..." Hao sighed, "I'm sorry, Kagome. I don't want to lie to you anymore, so I can't promise that I'm going to change my plans, not after all of this time."

Kagome gasped, "But—!" She tried to step closer but a single finger to her forehead threw her off.

"For choosing me...even after all I've done," Hao smiled weakly. "...thank you." Suddenly, Kagome's eyes closed and her entire body went limp.

'Kagome!' the present Yoh called out as Kagome collapsed.

Hao caught her mid-air. The shaman smirked when Sesshomaru appeared behind him. "Calm down, Sesshomaru. Surely you can tell that she's alive," he stated while carefully lowering Kagome onto a futon. After tucking her in and patting the blanket affectionately, Hao looked up at the demon, "After all these years, you think that I'm capable of harming a hair on her head?"

"The priestess," Sesshomaru glowered down at the shaman. "What did you do to her?"

"I just put her down for...an extended nap," Hao answered simply while parting the girl's bangs. "Kagome is a goddess, too precious and good for this world, so it's up to me to take care of the rest. She'll sleep while I purge this world of the scum known as humanity."

"The priestess was a fool to believe that you're redeemable," Sesshomaru's eyes hardened. "You're just as rotten as the humans that you loathe so much."

Hao's smile was bitter. "Perhaps… But I'll gladly play this role if it means that I can create a world where Kagome can be happy." He leaned over and kissed her forehead. "Sleep well."

And so...Kagome slept, and slept, and slept, completely unaware of the escalating events that transpired. She responded to no stimuli, not Sesshomaru's demands for her to awaken, not Shippo and Opacho's worried cries, not Hao's whispers about his progress or his soft kisses to her forehead. She slept and slept…

Until...the day of Hao's union with the Great Spirit arrived. With Kagome indefinitely out of commission, Yoh followed his past self and Amidamaru, even into the highest level of society located within the Great Spirit. He watched his past self fail at talking sense into Hao. He watched the Five Elemental Warrior unleash their ultimate attacks at Hao.

...only for Hao to one-up them with the power of the Great Spirit.

The Shaman King himself unleashed the mind-bending forces of the cosmos themselves. Not even the ultimate shamanist battalion could stand in his way. It was time for Hao's ambitions to finally come into fruition.

He smirked, his brown eyes widening like a maniac as he spread his arms and openly laughed at the feeling of victory that overcame him. He had defeated the Elemental Warriors. He had consumed the one that he wanted. He became the most powerful shaman of all time! With the satisfaction of an assured victory, he willed the landscape to shift. It was a suitable scene for the end of humanity.

The landscape around him was decimated; stripped bare of all life, and set ablaze. Finally, he opened the door to this plane of existence to the person who had been screaming inside of his head throughout the battle: Kagome.

A shining figure appeared before him.

The light faded away and transformed into Kagome's spiritual form.

Hao turned to offer his Shaman Queen a smile, a triumphant smile that told her to behold the fruits of his ambitions. He wanted her to witness his moment of victory: the moment that he brought mankind to its knees.

Human lives were like flames, starting small and then burning brighter and brighter as they grew… But with the power of the Great Spirit, Hao would snuff out all of those lives at once.

Golden, hot flames crackled and roared around the lone pair; their long hair flapping in the wind. "Now, my Queen..." Hao offered his hand out to her and smiled as he waited for her to take it, just as she always did.

Kagome looked around at the scene, then back at Hao.

She placed her hand inside of his and allowed him to pull her into his chest. The priestess closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around Hao. "I'm so sorry… I failed you, Hao...again."

"...again…?" He muttered.

"While I was sleeping, I had a dream that I died...and I was suffering for so long, all alone…" She told him in a weak voice. "That dream...it was just like my life now. I got to meet Yoh thanks to Manta. And Yoh and all of my friends healed my heart… And then...I finally met you…" She looked up at Hao with watery eyes. "But now that I'm awake, I realize… that it wasn't a dream. It was the beginning, and this…" She looked around at the scene playing out before her. "This is all my fault."

Kagome placed a hand over Hao's heart. "I'm going to try again...and next time…"

Yoh's eyes widened as he watched a portion of the Great Spirit vacate Hao's body and merge with Kagome. "Next time, I'll save you...for sure," She smiled reassuringly...and everything from Kagome to Hao to the Earth itself…

...was consumed by a purifying white light.

---

Authoress' Notes: So a few things now that the chapter is over:

- I could make an entire fanfiction on Kagome's adventures with Hao in the fourth world but I'm stopping it there for the sake of the overall fanfic, also, a lot of events was skipped and skimmed over so we can see what happens with present-day Kagome when they come up!

- I based Kagome's experience with the beggar off a few of my own. I live in one of the U.S.'s major metropolises where, of course, there are many homeless people and beggars. As someone who doesn't carry cash for safety reasons, I've tried many times to offer beggars food, only for them to literally become angry that I didn't give them money instead. Feels bad.

- I've decided to become self-indulgent and order a few commissions for manga pages made of this fanfic. I'm torn over what scenes I want to see drawn though. Does anyone have a favorite scene that they'd like illustrated? My treat~! I'll post the completed ones in my profile, or something~