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Chapter Two

Kagome felt like she was floating on a cloud. She wasn't sure where she was but she felt contentment being in this place. She felt the warmth of the light flowing through her and it soothed her troubled soul. The last thing that she remembered was making the wish. She wasn't sure what really happened after that only that she awoke to this place filled with light. She had kept her eyes closed because she wasn't sure if the light would blind her or not so she wait to see what would happen. She didn't feel any ominous intent or a dark aura. The presence here was soothing offering peace to the torment of her soul.

She wasn't sure how long she had been in this place but she had decided that she needed to figure what was going on and what to do about getting out of here. Slowly opening her eyes, she was expecting at least a little discomfort at the brightness but was surprised that she felt none. She was awed by the beauty of the wavering light. It was much like the Northern Lights that she had heard so much about. The light flowed in blue and white waves. It was so magnificent in its simplicity. She had never seen anything like it and she was sure that she would never see anything more beautiful.

Kagome was so entranced with the flowing light that she didn't notice a figure forming from the light that was behind her. "So you finally decided to join us, little one." Kagome gasped and spun around to face the direction of the voice. Before her stood the embodiment of a dragon with glittering scaled and soft blue eyes. Its body was the same as the lights that she had just been admiring. The light was reflecting off the flowing light give the appearance of a solid form once second while at other place on its body it appeared translucent. It was truly captivating.

Kagome didn't feel any fear at the appearance of such a creature which stunned her. It was more like apprehension but not quite so drastic that she could call it that. It was like she was uneasy but at the same time she felt comfort coming from the presence in front of her. One would think that she would fear the dragon with its immense size but that wasn't to be the gentleness that shown in those eyes was enough to calm her fears. Confused as to what was going on, she took a step toward the creature. Pleased by such a gesture the creature gave Kagome a soft smile which in turn made her smile. Kagome vaguely thought how can a dragon smile. It was really a moot thought but she was a little stunned by these events so it caused her to lose perspective for a moment.

Lowering its great head to look a Kagome closely, "I have waited a long time for one such as you to release me from that awful prison. For that I thank you, Kagome." Kagome was shocked that it knew her name so she couldn't help but ask how. A little tentatively she asks, "How do you know my name?" Raising its head it looked off into the lights that flowed above them. The reply that she received was, "I know of many things, little one." Curiosity was really one of her weak points. Kagome blurted out, "Are you made of this light?" She gestured to the light around her. Looking off into the distance once more, it was several moments before it resumed, "The trapped souls of the Shikon no Tama were tormented by the constant battle that was all around them. The continuous pull on it power and severe taint caused immeasurable pain and suffering. The souls within was calling to you. It was how that you sense the shards. They remember the peace that was felt when they were residing within your body close to your pure soul."

Kagome was confused, "I not sure I completely understand. What…" The creature gave what looked like a slight nod before lower its head to look closely at Kagome. It was as if it could peer into her soul. Shocked she couldn't look away but the creature raised its head away again and then locked eyes with her again. "I will try to be more clear with the explanation." Settling on what appeared to be nothing but the air that they floated on; it gave a motion with its head for her to do the same.

So began the tale of the creature before her. It resemble a dragon and yet Kagome could feel that there was more to this being in front of her that it had shown to her. Releasing that thought until a later date she focused on what was being said. It appeared that the Shikon no Tama found peace in the pureness of her soul. Her soul being as large as it is was the reason that the Shikon was drawn to her, the comfort that it offered to the tormented souls within as well as a peace that they had not felt since its creation. It had been calling to her since it was torn from her body that day so long ago. The souls within were crying out for the peace and comfort that it knew she could provide. The taint had corrupted most of the jewel but there were souls within that still held a small amount of awareness, though as time went by that beginning to dim. From the souls within a collected consciousness was formed. Each one held their on distinct want and desire but they all held the same hope, to be free to find peace. Finishing the tale, the being stated the end result, "I was born of that consciousness."

Kagome began to panic a little. She was consumed with dread. She had thought that she had destroyed the jewel. So if this being in front of her was released what did that mean? What happened to the jewel? Sensing the disquiet upset from Kagome, the being said, "Worry not, little one, the jewel itself was destroyed and the souls within were released to find their peace in the after life." Hearing that, Kagome slumped with relief. She was so afraid that she had failed them. She could not bare it if she had. Knowing the thoughts that were going through Kagome's mind the being spoke quietly, "I could hear the plea from your heart when you were wishing on the Shikon no Tama. It was the reason that I remained behind despite the peace that was offered, to be free of the pain and suffering that I carry within me from taints of the corrupt Shikon no Tama. Your pureness and unselfish desire to protect and shelter those in need, it was the reason for my decision."

Kagome raised troubled eyes to meet the blue ones of the exceptional being in front of her. Tears filled her eyes; she had caused this creature such pain. She was the one that caused the jewel to shatter. Kagome apologized, "I know that I am the cause of your pain and I am truly sorry, if there is anything that I can do the take it away I would." The blue eyes softened and it said, "It was not of your doing. Evil seeks power it has always been this way and it is the way it will always be. There was nothing that you could have done to prevent it from happening." Kagome was still tormenting herself for her lack of skills and her efforts to stop the things that had happened. She shook her head and lowered her head. Tears began to form once again as she said in a choked whisper, "I could have trained more, and I could have gotten stronger, If only I had…"

The gentle voice said, "There was nothing that would have changed the outcome, little one. The more powerful that you become the more powerful your enemies will become as well. They will risk everything for power. Your light draws them to you. There is power within you that you have yet to find. If you seek to find it, it will be there. You have hidden it from yourself in fear of what it would mean. When you find the will to use it, it will be there for you. You have a kind and gentle heart Kagome but when the time comes you will have to decide the path that you will take. You can either take the easy path to let those around you stand before you as they have been or you take the stand for yourself and others. The choice will be yours."

Uncomfortable with the way the conversation was going, Kagome shifted a little. "I' m not sure that I have that power…" The dragon turned its head to the side and looked again to the lights above. Again Kagome thoughts wondered, the creature reminded her of Sesshomaru by its actions. The gentle voice was a little sharp this time. "Deep down you know what I speak to be true. You subconsciously suppressed your power by your fear of being like the other priestess. Do not be afraid Kagome, you must accept who you are not who you think you are. You are not the reincarnation of Kikyo that is all that I can tell you. You are Kagome and you must decide your purpose not those around you. You must be prepared face the path that you chose. You must accept the fate that destiny has set for you."

"You talk as if there is another battle going on. What is happening? Who is fighting and what are they seeking?" Kagome rising from her sitting position with hands clenched, she demanded. She had not just spent all of that time defeating Naraku for nothing. She had giving up what was supposed to have been the best years of her life to defeating that evil. Now there is something else. How was she supposed to help? What could she do? What about her family, her friends? There must be something, some way that she help.

"There is always a new evil to take place of the defeated one. You have to understand that, little one. As long as there is life, there will be those that seek to control it. They will seek power over the over living beings in this world and they will do anything to get it." Watching Kagome intently, the being knew that what she would ask and it hoped that this little one was ready for that sacrifice.

Kagome knew that she couldn't stop the evil from rising but maybe there was some way that she could stop it from gain such power. Leaning forward, she begged, "There must be some way to stop it from gain such power. You say that I have great power inside me but I haven't found it. Tell what I must do in order to stop it. I need to protect my family; they are all that I have."

It appeared like the being in front of her was searching her soul to for her resolve. Looking to see if she had to the will to handle what would be requested of her. Knowing that she was a selfless soul with such purity that it would be difficult for her to overcome her gentle nature to become what she would need to be. "If that is truly what you wish, I can grant you the power to protect those important to you. It will be up to you to develop your skill and strength."

Thinking of all that had happened, all that things that Naraku had put everyone through she wouldn't allow anything like to happen again. If there was some way, she would do it. Sango, Miroku, Inuyasha and even little Shippou had always tried to protect her. Even Koga and his tribe of wolves would always step in to offer her protection. Time and time again she watched as they battled for their lives as well as her. She wouldn't let that happen again. She would take this chance and accept this responsibility if it meant that she could protect others.

Knowing that there was no going back, Kagome asked, "What must I do?" With deep sadness the being front of her said, "You must give up your humanity." Kagome was stunned. With a soft tone the great beast continued, "You will appear human but you will be given the power of those that resided inside the jewel. You will age slowly but you will not be immortal. Their souls were released but I have obtained their knowledge and abilities from the combined consciousness that created me." Studying Kagome to make sure she understood, the being continued, "You will need to separate yourself from those that are human. You will remain unchanged as the years pass while they will not. Also, you would be placing them in extreme danger by just being present in their lives. Those that you seek to stop will try use any and all means to get to you and it would be safer to cut ties now before any connections can be made." With that Kagome looked up into saddened blue eyes. The weight of the decision became almost unbearable. Kagome choked back a sob. She had just lost her friends from the past and she had looked forward to being with her family but now she had to chose, the choice of a normal life or a means to protect the innocent and those important to her. Knowing the burden of such a choice, it said, "Do not worry little one. You have allies in your time wanting to assist you. Seek them out. They are waiting. You will not be alone."

"You were sure of my decision, weren't you? You knew that I couldn't let those important to me get hurt." Looking up expectantly, Kagome knew that the presence knew that she would do anything to protect the innocent and those that she cared for. "Yes, little one. I did like I said before, the pain in your heart called to me. I am here for you, little one. One such as you should not carry such a heavy burden alone." This caused Kagome to gasp, her brown eyes locking with sad blue. It was there. Kagome could see the pain that she tried to hide from the world that she carried deep within her heart. It was there in those sad blue eyes. Tears streaked down her cheeks, she didn't want to share her pain with another but it was there. It was why she had felt such comfort from this being. The understanding and acceptance, it was all there. The burden was not hers alone.

"If you wish little one, I will stay and guide you on your way. You will not have to carry the burden alone. I can reside as a part of your soul and when you have need of me just call and I will come to your aid." Kagome didn't have to think about it really. Her family would understand and this way she would always be there to watch over them, protect them. This was the best way. Her decision made, Kagome looked up and gave a brisk nod.

The apparition began to shift back to the flowing light that it had once been. It began to circle Kagome faster and faster. The light became brighter. Kagome only felt the comfort that she had felt since she had awoken in this light. She closed her eyes and allowed the light to take her. She didn't know where the light would take her or what would happen next but she would be ready. This time she would be the one to protect them. She would not be a burden ever again.

ж ΅ Sometime later in the modern era ΅ ж

Slowly becoming aware of her surroundings, Kagome looked around to see where she was and was welcome with the site of a familiar wooding ceiling. She was back in the well house. She was flooded with relief. Nearly jumping to her feet in the excitement, she wasn't prepared for the wave of dizziness that overcame her. Taking a few moments to collect her equilibrium, Kagome began to wonder what happened to the entity and what happened in those last moments. Surly, she thought, that she didn't dream it all. Did she?

She began to recall what had happened. She turned slowly and looked around the bottom of the well. Deep sadness enveloped her. She began to remember how she met each member of her group. Her mind began to flash the beginning of her journey with Inuyasha and their trails as they became close. The crow demon and the shattering of the jewel, the confrontation with Yura, their beginning was somewhat rocky. Slowly she climbed the latter lost in memories of her friends. Each encounter held a special memory.

With dragging feet she slowly reached the door to the well house. Each step was becoming more painful. Grasping the door, she slowly rested her head against it weathered wood. Tears started fall. She knew there was no going back and yet she felt that she couldn't go forward either. As her tears fell, she remembers the words of the dragon from the jewel. She had no choice really. Slowly she cracked the door and with it, her heart began to break. With every inch her heart began to splinter and shatter. Slowly she drop her chin to her chest, the weight of what was to come lay heavily on her heart.

Finding the strength in herself, she slowly but surely opened the door into the world that she was born to. Just as the Feudal Era held special memories so too did the shrine. She was to lose this home as well. It was heart breaking. She had lost so much in just a short time. Everything that she held dear was taken away by destroying the evil Naraku that had wanted to destroy everything around him in order to control it all. Tear were falling hard. She wasn't even aware of the dept of her sorrow. She was so lost in herself and the pain of the losing her friends and now her family.

Stumbling slowly she made her way to the Goshinboku. Looking up at the ancient tree, she raised her hand and placed it slowly and gently on it battered bark. She thought to herself that this tree knew everything. Everything that had happened to her. It was her connection the past. She had once said that this tree and watched her with her family, had watched her grown. It had even watched the beginning of her journey in the Fuedal Era. Slowly falling to her knees, she placed her arms around the trunk of the massive tree as if to embrace it. She began to sob uncontrolably. The loss of all that she held dear tore at her and she gave in to the pain and sorrow that it had left in it wake.

She slowly woke. Feeling the roughness under her hands, she opened her eyes. She saw tree roots and remember that she was now in her time. She came awake completely at the thought. It was now dark and her body was now stiff and cold. She now had a head ache to go with the pain in her heart. She must have cried herself out and fell as sleep out her against the Goshinboku. Looking around she wondered why her family had not came out to see her and why they didn't notice that she was back. Looking around she notice that the lights in the house were still out. She was getting confused as to where everyone was.

It was then that she felt it. She felt a pulse of a demonic aura. It seemed familiar but that was impossible. She began to think that she had imagined it but it pulsed again. This time there was no mistake. She knew this aura and there was only one person that had that kind of powerful aura. She looked around to where it was coming from. She thought that she had no more tears to cry. She didn't think that she would ever feel this aura again. Turning to look toward the entrance to the shrine and she saw a sight that made her gasp in shock not believe her eyes and joy at the sight that she never expect to see again.

Standing there in the moonlight with the breeze blowing through his hair was Sesshomaru. What was even more surprising was that Inuyasha was with him. They were together and not fighting. That fact was unbelievable. After realizing that they were really there and she was not dreaming, she ran to Inuyasha and threw herself at him in relief. She didn't care that Sesshomaru was there. All that matter at that moment was that he was really there. She thought that she wouldn't get a chance to see him again, any of them for that matter.

Inuyasha did not sense a change in Kagome due to his happiness in seeing her again after having to waiting for five hundred years. However, Sesshomaru was watching their reunion as he tried to figure out what was different about her aura. It had changed drastically and it could cause a potentially dangerous problem. Speaking for the first time, Sesshomaru said, "Miko, you can not stay here. Come…" After just a few words, he just turned to walk away, expecting them to follow.

Kagome shocked at this, looked at Inuyasha to see what was going on. Inuyasha was looking at Sesshomaru to see what had caused this decision. All he got was a brief glance from Sesshomaru from over his shoulder as he stopped to wait. Inuyasha looked back at Kagome was then hit by her new aura. He then took a more serious expression and said, "He is right, Kagome. You would put your family at risk by staying here. The longer that you are here to more dangerous it becomes."

Thinking back to what had happened earlier and what she had spoken about with the dragon. She began to understand the situation. Inuyasha urged, "Get your stuff. Hurry and leave a note stating that you went back to the Feudal Era and don't know when you will be back." Kagome on her way toward the house stopped after a few steps looked back to see what he had meant by that when he said, "It will buy some time until we know what we are up against." That brought everything to the forefront.

Now with determined desperation she grabbed the few things that she could think of and left the note that would ease her family's fears for a while at least. She made her way back to where she had left Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. Inuyasha was waiting alone for her but this was no surprise. Sesshomaru would always be Sesshomaru. He was stoic and formal and his strength and power was incredible and there was no other to compare. She did love Inuyasha but Sesshomaru was in a league all his own.

Her mind began to focus on the situation at hand. It had been real and now she had to be ready to face whatever came her way. She would need to protect everyone. She needed a sensei that would not allow any interference or tolerate any intrusion. It was going to be hard to find just anyone that would be able to stand up to Inuyasha and his tantrums. That was only one way to get strong enough and if asking him didn't kill her first then the training would she was sure. With a deep sigh, Kagome rushed to meet her destiny with determination and the mind set that she would reach her goal. With each step she was getting closer to becoming the person that she needed to be, the one to stand alone, to defy any obstacle to defend and protect without any hesitation or fear.

ж ΅ Six Months Later ΅ ж

Kagome's breath was labored as she waiting silent to see what his next move was. She had taken several hard hits but she was still able to continue. Crotched down after landing several feet away from her attacker she prepared herself for she knew that she would not have to wait long. Using her senses, she could feel the slight increase in his power; he was getting ready to make his move. Without really moving to show her intentions, she braced one foot and readied to block before she had to dodge the second attack.

Leaping to a safe distance, Kagome watched warily to see what his next move would be. She was surprised to see that he had sheathed his sword. She was even more surprised when he spoke, "You have gained some skill, miko. There is more room for improvement. Come…" Turing and expecting her to follow the Demon Lord made his way to his study. There was much that needed to done but first things first, Kagome would need to sent to the thunder brat in America for further training while things unfolded unnoticed until it was necessary to get involved.

Kagome tiredly sheathed her own weapon as she replied, "Yes, Sesshomaru-sensei." What do you think of that Kanshisha? She asked the presence that had greeted her when she made the wish on the jewel. It had said that it would stay with her and guide her but it had become more than that. It had become a close and very dear friend. They could understand each other and how each was affected by the events that they shared. So she decided that it would need a name and they had agreed on Kanshisha, meaning guardian/protector. It was pleased with the name it was given and since then it was so called.

Kanshisha became a much appreciated companion in those difficult first months. Sesshomaru had some how silently accepted the role as her sensei which still confused her as to how that came to be. She hadn't gotten up the nerve to ask and he just started give commands. It was the beginning of a very grueling and painful journey. The first few weeks she had spent meditating which at first was a struggle. She needed to find the power that Kanshisha said that she held. It was an almost impossible task until Kanshisha helped her through the process of achieving and mastering it.

Next, she had to learn how to control her spiritual powers. Which again, Kanshisha was a big help because she had no training or knowledge on how to even begin the process on that. It was very difficult to understand especially since she now had to separately understand each energy and power. She had to learn to control as well as to separate each. It was extremely delicate and intricate. Her spiritual power and energy was not as difficult because she had used them some what before and was a little more familiar with them. The demonic abilities were a whole different story.

The abilities of the demons that were trapped in the jewel were apart of Kanshisha. So when Kagome agreed to take the power that was offered she was given the abilities as well since Kanshisha resided within Kagome's soul. The abilities that were gifted to her were that of an elemental, a dragon and a panther. Each was powerful in the own right so it was understandable difficult to come to understand, separate and learn control. The dragon had strength and wisdom. It also held the power of lightening, the creating of controlling of natures fury. She had to incorporate it into her abilities as well as the panther's cunning, speed and agility. With time and training she learned to balance each as well as to draw on the knowledge and wisdom of the dragon.

The power of the elemental was a little bit more difficult in itself. It was an enormous undertaking to get to know and control. Each element had to separated, learned, understood as well controlled. There was water, which included all types such as rain, standing water, ice, snow, etc. Earth was not much easier because each terrain was different and as such required diverse levels of control and concentration. Air was probably the easiest by far since it was like a free spirit. The worst was fire. After a few small fires and setting her own clothing on fire a few times, Kagome had learned to some what to create and control it. It was not her favorite and tried to avoid it if she could for obvious reasons.

After all that she had spent time training and using these abilities to master them. She had to develop the instinct and reflexive action as well and Touran and Karan help in those areas. After her disappearance once the jewel was destroyed, a lot had happened in the world of the demons. There numbers had diminished a lot due to the influence of Naraku. When the human population started to grow and gain more power and control things became difficult for the remaining demons.

The more powerful demons, such as Sesshomaru, knew that some thing had to be done to protect their existence as well as their way of living. Inuyasha, Koga and the others that knew Kagome knew that time would change their world and change it drastically over the next few hundred years. Wars would tear apart the country and as well as disease and over population. So Sesshomaru and the new lords of the other territories set aside the most ancient lands and put protective barriers around them to help maintain and preserve those areas. It is now called the Demon World which consists of most of the demon population.

New alliances began as well as new relationships. Koga finally settled down and took Ayame for his mate and they are the ruling family of the northern lands. His tribe had almost been destroyed because of Naraku's manipulations but even in small numbers that are powerful enough to maintain control of their lands even though there are no longer any threats to be concerned with. Inuyasha is Lord of the Eastern Lands where he has resided awaiting the time when Kagome would return (he is still single minded). Sparks had been flying for decades between him and Touran but he was a stubborn and blind as ever. Even her little Shippou had grown under the influences of the ruling lords and now was the Lord of the Southern Lands. The demonic society had looked them for guidance and they were able to assure those under their rule a place in the world.

Knowing how deeply Kagura's plight affected Kagome, Kanshisha healed what was left of her heart where Naraku's had tried to pull it from her body before she pulled Kagome from the Feudal Era. Over the centuries that followed, Kagura and Sesshomaru had developed some what of a relationship. It was only a few decades ago that they had become mates. The situation with Kanna profoundly upset Kagome as well. The child had no free will or choice. She didn't even understand that she should have the ability to have a say in her existence. Having no soul, Naraku called her a void demon which greatly saddened Kagome knowing this Kanshisha gave Kanna banished the void that Naraku had created to seal her soul as well when she healed Kagura. Freeing her from the void, her soul slowly started to recover. Her dark empty eyes were now a beautiful blue and showed the world that she joy she found in each experience whether it was a happy moment or sad, to her it was a joy to know that there was a difference. She now could live life, the life that she had been denied.

Shippou had taken to watching out for Kanna because the child was so delicate. Kagura was always there but he felt that he was needed so he took it upon himself look out for them. The beginning was not an easy one for either Kagura or Kanna because of their beginning with Naraku. After Shippou and Inuyasha took them under their wings, the tidings began to shift slowly toward acceptance. There origins should not be held against them because no one has a say in how there life was to begin. They are who they are and it is up to you how you make to most of it. So with wary acceptance, Kagura and Kanna began to change how they were viewed and now lead an important role in demon society, for Kanna was now also Shippou's mate and the Lady of the Southern Lands.

Things were definitely different but some things were still the same. Inuyasha was still a handful and some times he was still 'sat' into deep craters. Knowing that things were serious though he tried to be a little more understanding but he was still the same Inuyasha. When it came to training, he always tried to have a say and most of the time it didn't work out in his favor. Since Kagome worked with the feline demons, it usual ended with Kagome having to cut training to heal Inuyasha. Touran worked with her on her ice and water manipulation. Karan trained with her teaching her to maintain control and conjure fire. Kagome also worked with Shuuran and Shunran learning to distinguish illusions and how to combat them. Shippou helped her with learning his abilities and how to work with and against them as well.

Finally she was given her own sword which had been commissioned from Totosai. Awaiting Kagome's return, Inuyasha as well as the others had requested weapons to be forged for her use upon her return. Sesshomaru had given the specifics while he had anticipated the change in Kagome due the flashing aura that had surround Kagome before her disappearance. Each allowed for spiritual as well as demonic energies to pass through them.

It was during this time that she spent most of the earlier training learning the art of healing. It was after much time spent healing herself from various wounds and broken bones that were given to her by her sensei that she had come to instinctual heal when wounded. She no longer bleed when cut but that was for a different reason altogether. It also help her be able to maintain the endurance needed to continue and eventually speed through her training sessions. She had finally reached the level to where she could hold her own against Inuyasha and Koga. She now trained with Sesshomaru for longer that a couple of hours that in itself was a feat that she was deeply proud of.

Realizing that she was entering Sesshomaru's study, she quickly brought herself back to the present. It was not a good thing if Sesshomaru caught you not paying attention. Kagome grimaced at that. It had happened a lot which also helped her learn not only about healing quickly but about keeping focused. It was another key point that was stressed by her unforgiving sensei. Keep your attention on your opponent at all times and don't get distracted. It was a hard lesson to learn when you have Inuyasha coaching from the sidelines. With a sweat drop, she thought, lessons were learned the hard way and quickly from experience.

He stood behind his massive dark wood desk looking out a side window. He did not give any indication that he noticed her entrance. Waiting and patience was also a point that was accentuated strongly. Kagome sighed to herself dealing with Sesshomaru and Inuyasha or even Koga would try anyone's patience but one must persevere. He stood still a stone as he spoke, "You have acquired an adequate level of skill to where you will now have different type of sensei. Reveal yourself shinigami." Turning to sit behind his desk, Sesshomaru acknowledge the individual to which he had addressed.

Looking behind her, Kagome noticed a man sitting in the corner chair concealed mostly in shadow. He had a fan covering half of his face and was wearing an unusual stripped hat. She had not notice his presence at all. She had been sure that she had only detected Sesshomaru's aura how could she have missed his? Looking at him more closely she could barely make out his at all. What was going on here? She was missing something and she gotten a weird feeling that she was getting ready to take another trip to a different world but unlike last time, she wouldn't know what hit her.

Brought back the present by the sound of his fan snapping shut, Kagome looked at the individual that was now the center of attention. With a goofy grin and overly exaggerated manner he spoke, "Now, Sesshomaru, is that any way to greet an old friend?" Rising from his chair, he made his way toward where Kagome stood near Sesshomaru's desk. Kagome watched this interaction with interest. It appeared that is guy was an idiot but that could not be the case if he was an acquaintance of Sesshomaru's. Looking more closely at the visitor, she realized that he wore a mask much like Sesshomaru. His was just at the other end of the spectrum, the far end. That thought made Kagome cringe. Thinking of those two in any type of spectrum would give anyone a headache.

Watching him closely as he approached she became aware that he was studying her. The intensity of his gaze let you know that there was more to him that he let the world see. She got a chill as he continued to scrutinize every detail; it ran all the way down her spine. Whoever this guy was, he was definitely not someone to underestimate.

There was a feeling of déjà vu. It was almost the same feeling that she got the first time that she had meet Sesshomaru. This did not bode well for her. She just knew that she was going to be lead like a sheep to the slaughter with this guy if she wasn't careful. She was thrown again when he a smiled and laughed that idiotic laugh and quickly reopened his fan to cover his face. A feeling of foreboding came over her. She just knew that she was in for another crash course.

**Any ideas yet who should be the guy that will claim Kagome's heart? Anyone is up except the main characters like Inuyasha and Ichigo. Let me know how you liked it. I tried not to go into detail. One of my daughters said that it would move too slowly so here ya go. As always please read and review. I would truly love to know what you think and if you think that it should go a different direction I won't mind.