Disclaimer: I do not own any material or rights to Inuyasha or Naruto.

Chapter Two

Kagome looked up at the blue sky. The white fluffy clouds floating softly across the horizon, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Sighing loudly, she loved it here. It has been nearly five years since her find herself stuck here. Looking around at the peaceful glade, she was content. It was hard to believe but she was.

She found herself stranded after her trip through the well. She thought that the well would take her back to her friends. It was a shock to find yourself in a total different place, an entirely different era.

For the first few days, she hardly left the place. She hid her presence as much as possible. She didn't want anyone to discover her until she found out where she was or when she was. She didn't even know. It was terrifying just like the first time she went through the well. It was "Alice in Wonderland" all over again. She just didn't want to end being the Mad Hatter.

With supplies running low, she trudged into the woods and gathered some nuts, berries and anything that she could find to take back with her. She didn't know how long she was going to be stuck here. She didn't know how to contact Inuyasha or any of the others. She didn't know if they were still alive or if they existed in this place. That thought caused her great pain but it was what caused her to chain herself to that rustic cottage. Well, she called it a cottage but it was a more modern version of Kaede's hut. She just stayed having the faith that they would still come by the well sometime if they were still alive and here.

Shaking her thoughts away, Kagome came back to the present. She laughed to herself. It was then that she met that little boy. Well, she called him a little boy but he was around twelve and took exception to that. She had been there cleaning out the cottage and trying to make it livable when a 'young man' nearly ran her over.

His father was badly hurt and he was trying to make it to his village that was almost a day away. She gathered what medicinal herbs that she could and she went back to where his father was. She treated him the best that she could but she needed to get back to her cottage. She worked half the night to get him back to the cottage. She worked through the remaining night and next day to tend his wounds and fight the fever that he developed.

In the end, he survived his ordeal. It was the first friends that she made here. The boy, Kaito and his father, Taro, requested her assistance in healing a few of their villagers over the next few weeks. The village doctor was out of town for some reason and it being a smaller village had only the one. It worked pretty well. Kagome now had a means to obtain food and water as well as other things that she would need.

It turned out that the village healer, Nikora, was an older woman. She did kind of remind Kagome of Keade but she was very stern at times. She was delighted to have Kagome help out. She was not as young as she just to be, she would say. It was a good arrangement. Kagome could still stay at her cottage though she would assist Nikora when she was needed or if she happened to be in town.

Kagome would go into town every three to four days for supplies and to check on everyone. Kaito was now seventeen and wanting to settle down. Kagome sighed, deep in thought. Things were still different here even though it was more modern than the Feudal Era. In her time, Kaito would be still in school getting ready for college not settling down and looking to marry.

A large tree falling in the distance brought Kagome out of her train of thoughts. There were other loud snaps and more trees toppling over. A large cloud of dust and debris hung over the terrain that was collapsing. There was wide spread devastation. There would only one reason for such destruction. There was a large battle being fought there.

Without second though, Kagome dropped everything and ran to that location. She may not be of help but she just couldn't stand and do nothing. She was well aware of the ninja that travel these lands. She has helped many injured that has passed by her door though they had protested the idea and very distrustful. Most left without thought or word but some would offer their thanks. Things were different but some were still the same. She wouldn't back away from those that she could help.

Kagome rushed through the jumbled up areas of brush and climbed over the falling trees. It had gone quiet all of a sudden. She was just about at the site. It was a just a little further. There was a bunch of fallen trees in the way. Working her way through the massive puzzle, she final came to the last one.

She knew that she needed to be careful and judge the situation fairly quickly. The settling dust showed that there were three figures still moving. There was a young woman being carried by one young man with another man that seemed to be the person in charge. By the look of things they were from Konoha. The insignia on their head band showed the leaf symbol of their village.

As they moved away from the rubble and debris, it was obvious that they were injured. The young man carrying the girl looked pretty beat up. The other man was hiding his injuries quite well but with her dealings with a disgruntled half demon, she knew the signs.

Making sure that she was heard and seen, she approached them fully aware what danger she was in. Knowing that the ninja of Konoha were more honorable than most eased her somewhat but they were still ninja. She knew what they could do to her but she knew that had to help them if they would let her. There was too much death here and she wanted to do all that she could to save them.

Kagome quickly closed the distance when she saw that the girl was unresponsive when the blond boy trying to talk to the girl. He saw the bleeding wound on her side and was about to inspect it. Kagome yelled at him to stop, "Don't touch that. You could give her an infection that would worsen that wound."

The blond looked affronted, "I know that! I need to see how badly she's hurt. I can try to stop the bleeding until we can get her somewhere to get medical attention." He was a blond human form of perturbed Inuyasha. Speaking of which, she could sense an almost diluted form of youki coming from him. It was nothing pure but still it was unusual.

Kakashi noticed the girl early but didn't spare her much thought since she was a civilian. She had no chakra at all was not stealthy in any form of the word. After evaluating her, he dismissed her as no threat. When she ran toward them, it caused him to rethink that somewhat. What kind of person ran toward a battle that didn't involve them and even more so a civilian who wouldn't last a minute.

It was when she yelled at Naruto that he was curious. So the civilian thought that she could help. With Sakura down, it might be necessary to see what skills she possesses in case they needed to use them. The poison that they had encountered was fairly potent. He HeH would stay on guard until they knew that she could be trusted.

Naruto looked around to the young woman that yelled at him. Where did she come from? She was really pretty. The long black hair was flying behind her as she made her way toward them. She was a little older than him maybe. Her dark brown eyes held concern as she looked at Sakura.

Kagome ignored all of them. She took a quick look at Sakura's wounds without touching them since her hands were not sterilized. They were not deep and were not critical. Sakura was barely conscious though. She examined her pupils and knew that they had to be some kind of toxin or poison in her system. The young girl had the most beautiful jade colored eyes.

Placing her hands on the side of Sakura's face, she had to get Sakura to focus. Since she had begun treatment on the others, she must have known about her own. "Hey!" Kagome did not speak softly. She wanted the girl to respond so she had to be forceful enough to make sure that she was understood.

Kagome saw a reaction. It was slow but it would seem that she could understand that someone was there. "Listen, I need you to stay with me here." Seeing the girl fight to focus she continued, "You have a toxin or poison in your system." She tried to move her mouth but it wasn't anything that she could make out. The hazy look was back and the girl seemed to slip back into the delirium. She was weakening.

Grasping her face again, Kagome leaned down closer to her. "Stay with me!" Kagome almost began to swear. The blond kid was watching this with avid interest. It was very apparent that this girl meant a lot to him. Looking over at him briefly, "Does she have a kit?" She resumed examining the girl's wounds.

She had to get her back to her place but she would need to treat these quick or she wouldn't make it. There was pouch held out to her and without look at the person handing to her, she quickly examined the contents. There were the normal medical supplies as well as a few empty syringes.

Kagome continued to pull things from the pouch when she felt a slightly wet substance. Looking careful, she now understood. Her shoulders slumped and look at the girl again. Kagome closed her eyes at the sight. Pulling her closed hand carefully out of the pouch, it was truly heartbreaking. She knew what it was without looking at it, a broken vial.

Tossing it aside, Kagome quickly gathered the few supplies that she had and cleansed and bandaged the girl's wounds after using the supplies to sterilize her hands. She glanced at the other two present. They were injured too but they would be okay for a little bit. "My name is Kagome. Your friend here, Sakura, I think you said needs immediate attention. There isn't much that I can do here. I need to get here to my place. It is closer than anywhere else you could take her and she doesn't have the time to spare."

She waited to see what there reaction would be. The young blond one was frantic and was about to pick up the wounded girl when the other spoke. "Naruto…" He was cut off as soon as he spoke.

The younger man, yelled, "But Kakashi-sensei, Sakura needs help now. There is no way there we can make back to Konoha. She seems to be able to help." He seemed find a solid resolve and was not about to back down.

The other man sighed, and quietly said, "Alright, Naruto." He then looked to the woman who was waiting for the results of the argument. He looked her over again and decided that he would let Naruto have his say. That didn't mean that he wasn't weary about it.

Kagome bent to take Sakura from Naruto. She was pulling her up on her shoulders and preparing to carry her piggy back when Naruto tried to take her. He said, "I will carry her. It will help get there faster." Kagome looked at him then at Kakashi. She knew that fatigue was wearing on them as well as their injuries.

She offered him a small smile, "I think that you need to worry about getting yourselves there first. I will be fine. It's not like I haven't done this before." She stood and slowly and carefully started to make her way through the rubble. It would be easier once they were clear of the battlefield.

Naruto was not going to give up on anything. He scooped Sakura from her shoulders and cradled her in his arms. Sighing in exasperation, she gave in. She couldn't hold back the smile though. He was really something. It was the way he cared about them with such deep devotion. It written clearly on his face, he would do what ever it took to help them.

Giving in, Kagome helped him settle her into a position that was least likely to worsen her wounds. Looking up into his eyes, she said, "We need to hurry. The sooner she is treated the less damage it will cause her system." He nodded showing his determination and understanding.

Naruto knew that it was vital to get Sakura the needed treatment. He listened intently as she gave directions. As she finished, he turned in that direction and took off, careful not to disturb his friend. Clutching her tightly, he promised himself that she would get the needed help and make a full recovering. This girl, Kagome, some how he knew that she could help and that he could trust her with the life of one of his dearest friends.

Looking at the direction that Naruto took, Kagome only took a couple of steps when she heard, Kakashi, she thought, speak. "We will make quicker time, if I carry you." Turning she took in his stance, he really didn't like it but apparently he was serious about it. He was taking off his pack to make it easier. He then turned and crouched down so that she could get on his back. He wanted his hands free in case that he would need them.

Kagome stood there for a moment gaping at him. For a second, there was another person there in his place, another with silver hair. She snapped out of it when he evidently had had enough of waiting. He spoke with stern aggravation, his voice flat but the annoyance was clear, "We need to be going. Naruto will be there by now. You will be too slow and Sakura doesn't have time for this."

Swallowing hard, she clenched her fists. She knew that he wasn't Inuyasha and it felt sort of wrong but he was right. They need to get Sakura treated as soon as possible. With that in mind she placed her hands of his shoulders and lend in close to him. Nerves took over. She froze as soon as she got close enough to actually feel his body heat. Her heart was pounding so loud that she knew that he could hear it.

She heard his sigh before he took matters into his own hands. He reached back and grabbed her knees and stood causing to clutch on to him in surprise as her body slammed down against his. She wasn't prepared for that at all. Her whole system was on overload. It wasn't until they were in the trees that she came out of her shock. By then, they were well on there way.

Kakashi had felt her body fall against his but thought nothing of it. His mind was on Sakura. He might not show it but he was just as anxious as Naruto. He was very worried about her. His team was everything to him. He tried to stay calm for Naruto more than anyone. Getting upset would not help the situation. He acted his normal self and tried to push the anxiety from his mind.

He had used a lot of chakra and was feeling the drain. He was using what was left to push himself to get to Sakura. He would be a big disadvantage if something came up but he was counting on the woman on his back. His whole world was waiting on him. Even after all he has been through, he had gotten attached to those two more than he would admit to anyone.

Feeling the wind on her face reminded her of the times she was with Inuyasha. It was a happy feeling even if it was bittersweet. Focusing on the man before her, she turned her attention to his silver hair. It was rare even here. It was little darker that of Inuyasha's though closer to Sesshomaru's, it still made quite an impression.

The mask and lowered headband was the next thing that she turned her attention to. She wondered why he wore it like that, if he was in an accident or he had some kind of disfigurement or maybe it had something to do with the scar running down his left eye. People usually only wore them to hide something but Naruto acted if it was normal. He must have been wearing this for awhile.

After the first tense moments, Kakashi felt her relax against him. It was easier to carry someone if they weren't as stiff as a board. He wasn't crazy about this either. Even if she was a civilian, he would normal shun this type of proximity. He didn't like these types of situations but Sakura needed to get the poison out of her system before it started failing and the damage becomes irreversible.

It was after she relaxed against him that he felt her scrutiny. It was nothing that he wasn't used to. It made him uncomfortable with her being so close to him while she was doing it though. He resisted the urge to squirm under the intense inspection. It was like he was being compared and coming up short. That was something that he was definitely not used to.

He had always excelled at everything. Not because he wanted to but because he had to. His childhood was not the best and most would rather that he would have just disappeared. He drove himself to the pinnacle of perfect so that they would have to notice that he was someone that they could not ignore. He saw this in Naruto and realized that maybe he and Naruto were more alike than he and Sasuke.

Kagome was snapped out of her study of the man carrying her by his sweet pacifying voice that she was sure he used on children, "That is not polite." He had turned slightly to glance at her quickly with a silly smile to match she was sure, closing his eye as he did so. He was mocking, she just knew it. She was deeply embarrassed to say the least. She ducted down and hid her face behind his shoulder and refused to even look at him.

Kagome couldn't believe that she had been so curious about him in the first place. Normally, yes, she is a curious person. It had actually gotten her in trouble quite a few times. This was one of those times that she wished that she was more like Sango. Nothing ever really ruffled her feathers, well, except Miroku.

He felt her halt her study of him. When she shrank back behind his shoulder, he couldn't help but smirk. He knew that she was curious about his mask. Most people were but like the others she would have to get used to disappointment.

She was so easy to rile. She reacted so differently to his taunts. It was interesting the way that she responded. Embarrassed yes, but she was quite angry about it as well. She tried to hide it of course, but it was there, simmering just under the surface.

She just felt his smugness. It was appalling, the gall of that man. The nerve of that jerk, I mean really, who does he think that he is anyway? She had worked up a good rant in her head when she felt him chuckled quietly. It only increased her embarrassment and made her even angrier than she was at herself. She mumbled, "Jerk" as she hid her face further behind him so that he could not even see her. What is with men anyway?

By the time her face cooled down, they were near her cottage and Naruto was waiting for them with a sly smile on his face. She flushed again but this time in anger. She refused to even think about what he was thinking about. There was no way possible that she would even remotely get even a teensy bit interested in someone, especially that someone. He may have the silver hair but that was it. He was an irritating, smug, provoking jerk.

She walked stiffly past Naruto only turning to quickly check on Sakura before leading the way to her cottage. Naruto was uncomfortable since he had made her upset. He hadn't really meant anything by it. It was that Kakashi-sensei was rarely seen with a girl and he couldn't help but to notice that Kakashi was enjoying whatever he had done to cause her such embarrassment.

Come to think of it, he has never see Kakashi-sensei with a girl. That was something to think about but not right now. There were more important things that he needed to concentrate on. His worried blue eyes remained focused on the pink hair girl in his arms. Even though she acted tough, she was still so very fragile.

Immediately after she entered her temporary home, she prepared a pallet for Sakura. She then went to her store of medicinal herbs and started to gather the ones that she knew that she would need and some that she thought that she might need. Seeing Naruto hover around her, she knew that he needed something to do.

She showed him how to pull the leaves from some of the plants that she needed. While he did this, Kagome began grinding them together. As she mixed and grinded them, she felt the one called Kakashi watching her. She was used to this as all ninja are distrustful of outsiders. She wouldn't let it unsettle her. She set to working on what she hoped would help Sakura.

Kakashi was fighting the drain and fatigue. He shifted his position against the wall to hold more of his weight. His vision was blurring slightly. He was getting aggravated with the drain that using the Sharingan caused. Over the years, he got used to it but times were getting harder as the Akatsuki were making the move toward Naruto again. He has faced this many times before but with Sakura down, he had to hold off until they were somewhere safer.

Naruto was focused on the task before him. His mind was consumed with worry for Sakura. He couldn't lose another friend and teammate. He was still set on gaining Sasuke back but he wouldn't let that interfere with Sakura's safety. She was just as important to him. He continued on with his task until complete, waiting for Kagome to save Sakura. He really didn't like feeling useless.

Kagome was adding the last of the herbs to the mixture and setting it to boil. She then went and retrieved a bowl of water and a small towel. It was time to clean her up some and finish dressing her other wounds. Time was short but the antidote that she prepared had to reach it maximum potency.

It was while she was doing this that both Naruto and Kagome were startled by a loud thud landing close to them. Looking over Kagome saw Kakashi laying face down on the floor. With his injuries, fatigue and chakra loss, his body finally given in and collapsed.

Naruto took no time in getting to his former sensei. He was just as concerned for Kakashi-sensei. Chakra loss like this was fatal among ninja. Using all of their chakra was potentially deadly and caused havoc to their system. He knew that this has happened to Kakashi-sensei before when he uses his Sharingan too much. Now, he had two of the dearest people in the world to him in serious condition and far from Konoha.

Finding the things that Kagome told him about, he went about setting up a pallet for Kakashi-sensei. When Naruto finally had him settled, he removed his shoes, vest and headband. He looked at the wounds, some were more serious than Kakashi let on but others were minor.

After finishing his task, he turned to Kagome. She was gently administering the antidote to Sakura. She was very careful not to cause her to choke since her breathing was getting rough and raspy. Finishing, she begin to wash her feverish skin with the cool water hope to make her comfortable while they wait for the effects of the antidote to take hold. It would have to be soon or the poison will start causing irreparable damage.

Every minute began to stretch in to an eternity as Sakura started to slightly thrash about. Kagome was getting concerned. She was afraid that the poison was too potent and it was too far into her system that the antidote wasn't strong enough to counter act. Her concerned eyes looked over the young kunoichi, such a young girl for the life that she led.

Naruto saw the look on Kagome face as the looked over Sakura. He knew that something was wrong. They were too late. He wasn't going to lose her. He wanted to know what was going on and see if there was anything else that they could do. His determination returned, "Kagome, what else can we do?"

Seeing the desperation and determination in his eyes, she had to drop her gaze. When she did, it landed on the pale, pained filled face of the pink haired young girl. She was afraid to use her power. She was afraid that if she did, the wrong ones would sense her. She has been here for so long waiting for their return. She didn't want to jeopardize that by being found by a rouge demon.

Looking back into his eyes, she knew that even as she doubted herself that she would. She couldn't not use her power, it would be wrong. The fear was there but she knew that it was a risk that she was willing to take to help her. It was something that she was going to have to deal with if the problem arose.

With a halting hushed voice she said, "Naruto, I can help her and probably Kakashi as well." She hadn't got beyond those words when Naruto was bubbling with question and set to do what ever it was. "Naruto, this is something that only I can do. There is a chance that after I do this that…" not sure how to phrase a demon to him, so she settled on, "…someone will notice and it could go badly and if it does, I want you to get Sakura and Kakashi out of here."

This time he did interrupt, "Kagome, I can handle what ever happens, just take of them. There are like family to me. They mean everything to me." As he spoke his eyes never left their faces.

Kagome felt for him. She knew what being alone could do to someone. Inuyasha was bitter and so distrustful. His hurt was so deep that it took a long time to heal. Seeing the same look in his eyes, her heart hurt for him. It also made her angry. The presence of the demonic energy also pulled at her. She felt a kinship with him, though not really sure why but knew that it was a good thing. In those few seconds, Kagome knew that her life was going to change. A change for the better she hoped.

Kneeling carefully by Sakura's side, Kagome placed one of her hands above her chest and the other over her lower stomach. With a quick glance at Naruto, "I need you to hold her shoulders once I start." After a quick nod, she looked down at the girl that she wanted to save. She spoke one last time before beginning, "Don't freak out on me, okay?" She sensed more than saw his nod as she took a deep calming breath.

Kagome closed her eyes briefly as she concentrated on pulled a small amount of energy into her hands. Focusing only on Sakura, she didn't see the widening of Naruto's eyes but she felt the spurt of demonic energy. It was minimal but she still felt it. What it meant coming from Naruto, who was human, she didn't know. She would have to think about that later.

The pale pink, nearly white energy that surrounded her hands surprised him but more importantly caused a reaction to the Kubi. He could feel the ripple of dark chakra that was emanated. That startled him. He would have to be more alert. There was definitely something different about her. He knew it and now he knew that he had to find out what and why. He was indebted to her and he didn't want to see her get hurt because she took the chance on helping them.

He watched as Sakura's color started to return. Her breathing was returning to normal. His shoulders sagged in relief. He continued to watch as Sakura was totally free from the toxin that had nearly taken her life. She was sleeping peacefully when Kagome let her power go and sat back on her heels, resting her hands in her lap.

She hasn't openly used her power in awhile. It was kind of unnerving with him watching her like that. She has learned a lot since she first found out that she held the power of a priestess. She has had a lot of time over the last few years to build her skill and learn its uses. Before, all she knew how to use was the Sacred Arrow. They will be surprised at the depth of her skill and ability now. She smiled as she though of how her little Shippo would react. He was always right there to cheer her on.

Naruto didn't know how to say thank you her for saving Sakura. A simple thank you didn't seem like enough. "I don't know how to thank you, Kagome. I'm not so good with words but I…" He was smiling sheepishly as he scratched the back of his head.

She smiled, "You don't need to thank me, Naruto. I was glad to that I was able to help. Now that that has been taking care of, it's time to take a look at your sensei." Hoping to reassure Naruto that she was really glad that she was there to help, she kept the warm tone and smile. Though she was searching for the demonic energy, she hasn't been able to find it.

Changing positions to Kakashi's side, Kagome was once again drawn to the silver hair, frowning when she noticed what she was doing. Shaking herself, she placed both of her hands over his chest. At first, she drew only a small amount of energy into her hands. She wasn't sure exactly what was going on with him so she gently probed his systems to see how they faired.

Naruto watched again as Kagome drew energy into her hands. This time there was such a small amount that it was barely visible. Looking into her face, he saw the questioning look and guessed that she was looking for injuries. When she relaxed and increase the energy to a soft glow, he knew that he was right. He watched in fascination as the injuries slowly started to heal. It was much quicker than with regular chakra, causing more questions about her.

While she was concentrating on healing injuries, she noticed a lot of older injuries that were irritated and compounded. She worked a little on those but just enough to where they wouldn't be troublesome for a while and not enough to where he would notice. She looked up to the face of such an odd person. She saw the scar that ran down his left eye and wondered how he got it and if it was the same reason that he wore the mask. So many injuries and he never even said a word. He was probably one of those that avoided hospitals or help of any kind for that matter.

Dropping her gaze back to task at hand, she focused on healing them only as far as necessary. After the last one, she dropped her hands and let out a loud sigh. Turning she smiled, "He's in good shape, sort of." She placed a finger on her chin as she looked up in thought, "Well better than he was anyway. He is probably going to notice that his injuries are not so severe now and that he recovered more quickly than before. I couldn't heal them any more than I did or he would definitely notice. He will start ask questions, Naruto. He will most certainly demand answers."

She turned serious suddenly and it surprise Naruto. The look that she gave him made him anxious. He knew that he probably wasn't going to like what she was going to tell him. "Kagome…."

She butted in before he would say anything. "Naruto, listen to me. You have to promise to never tell another soul about what you've seen or what I am about to tell. It would only cause more problems for you and your friends. There are those that would do anything to gain that knowledge. They would hunt you all in order to get to me. I don't want that, please understand."

Naruto could understand being hunted. The Akatsuki has wanted to get their hands on him for a while now. The have hurt nearly everyone around him in order to obtain him. That is one of the reason that he push so hard to get stronger. He would be strong enough to stop them. And he would be strong enough to bring Sasuke back.

The strong light in his eyes told her that he understands more that she knew. He was a fighter and a survivor, she guessed. The strong commitment that he has shown for his teammates told her that she could trust him.

Naruto had dropped his gaze as the memories of what the Akatsuki has done over the years. That organization has brought so much pain and death to the world. Their numbers are dwindling but they are still strong enough to do a lot of damage.

His voice quiet, her heart felt plea rung in his ears, "I can understand. Those kinds of people don't care who they hurt or kill as long as they get what they want. They enjoy the pain of others and seek only to satisfy their personal gain." He went quiet after that.

Her voice just as soft as she said, "Thank you, Naruto; I know that it may difficult for you to not tell them but believe me it is better this way. The less that you know, the safer you will be." She knew that the girl, Sakura wasn't going to be a too much of a problem since she has been out for nearly the entire time. The only problem would be his sensei. He must be highly trained and well versed in most jutsu so he will more certainly question his recovery and demand answers.

Knowing how difficult it could be to, well lie is a strong word so let's just say 'mislead', those that are important to you. Looking at his sensei, she carefully said, "Naruto, what will you do if he questions you? He doesn't seem the sort to just take your word for it." She looked over his face. Again she wondered about the mask and the scar but it was none of her business and she did not want to have to deal with him unless absolutely necessary. The last time was still fresh in her memory.

Naruto noticed the blush in her cheeks but he assumed that she thought that his sensei was good looking. Ayame still blushes and stutters every time she sees him after that time they treated him to lunch trying to see under his mask. He smiled. Yeah, girls were some times hard to figure out. He replied in an amused tone, "Don't worry about it, Kagome. It will be fine. I'll think of something."

Sweat drops formed on his forehead even as the words left his mouth. Kakashi-sensei could be scary if he wanted. He would just have to deal with it. He knew that he promised Kagome so that she wouldn't worry but he didn't want to get on the wrong of his sensei. He was just going to have to suck it up and just take it as it comes. His main thought though, what did I get myself into?

As time progress, Kagome made a simple meal for them as they waited for Naruto's friends to regain consciousness. Every so often, Naruto would catch Kagome giving him a weird look. It made him nervous. He could feel the electrical energy of the Kubi pulse through him. He didn't know what it could mean but it made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end.

Kagome could still feel the slight presence of youki. It was very weak and almost diluted but it was there. There were a few times that she felt it rise but it was so minute that at first she had thought she had imagined it. It has been a long day full of surprises so she was ready to write it off. It wasn't until she had felt it several times before she took a look at Naruto to see if there was anything different about him that was causing it. The only sign of any kind of visible presence was the whisker like markings on his face but that was nothing compared to some of the things that she has seen she has been here.

Hours later, they were sitting there in a peaceful quiet almost nodding off when they heard Sakura quietly moan as she turned her head toward the light of the dying fire. Slowly they made their way to her side causing her head to turn toward the sound. Her eyes were alert and her body slow to respond but she was trying to get herself in a defensive position.

After coming out of Mukotsu's poison, Kagome could definitely sympathize with her. It was like a fog that you could barely see through and hear nothing. Each movement heavy and felt like it took hours to move inches. Kagome shivered involuntarily. Burying those memories once more, Kagome let Naruto took over. He would be the one that could calm her.

Naruto was recounting the night's events, minus Kagome's 'special' abilities, as she began tidying up and replacing unused stores of her medicinal herbs. Kagome could feel the girl's eyes on her. It would seem that the girl was indeed very intelligent and highly capable. She was questioning Naruto's story. Deciding that it was up to Naruto how he wanted to play it, she just went about her chores.

After a brief introduction to Sakura, Kagome wanted to make sure that she ate something and settled down to rest. Enough though she had just regain consciousness, it was still important to recover her strength and getting well rested was important.

Reassuring her of Kakashi wellbeing was another. It was a fight to keep her down when she saw her sensei laying unconscious next to her. Naruto struggled with her and did some fast talking and finally she gave in with the promise that if she was needed he would let her know.

Kagome was quite exhausted as well. She settled down close to Sakura to rest. She wanted to stay close to her in case anything was to happen, leaving Naruto with his sensei. It was that she not a nice person but she wanted as little to do with his sensei as possible. She was just hoping against hope that there weren't any demonic presences close enough to notice the spark of spiritual energy. Normally when meditating or drawing on her power, she would normal use a barrier but it was a quick decision to use it without the barrier. She just hoped that she didn't live to regret it.

Kakashi slowly drifted back to awareness. It was coming slowly at first. He could hear a slight crackling sound as he tried to think back to what happened before he blacked out. He remembered battling Stone ninja's, Sakura's poisoning, ah, now he remembered. The girl named Kagome she was trying to help save Sakura. He assumed that he must have blacked out from over use of his Sharingan and chakra loss.

He had to fight the heaviness of his lids as he tried to open his eyes. He could smell no immediate threat. Using his strong sense of smell, he could detect Naruto close by. Working a little more he found Sakura. He was surprise that she was without the smell of sickness. His surprise remained when the soft sent of the woman, Kagome appeared to remain close by his teammate.

Slowly he won the fight to open his eyes, his sight was a little blurry but he could make out most things. Waiting for it to adjust, he used the time to place their positions. Turning his head to glance around the room, his eyes met brown eyes. He held her gaze waiting to see her reaction. When he didn't get one, he was surprised that he saw no hesitation nor did he see any sign of bad intentions.

Slowly he made to see if he could sit. His injuries pulled against the action but not as bad as he expected. They actual didn't feel as severe as he remember. He looked to see Sakura lying peaceful next to the young woman. Her color was good and her breathing was normal. He felt relief and finally let go of his anxiety.

Seeing that the dark haired young woman wasn't pay attention to him, he took the time to take another look her over. She was pretty, he guessed. With long dark hair and her soft brown eyes highlight her delicate features. As he looked her over, he had to say that she was attractive but held no chakra. Finalizing his critic, he still ranked her as a civilian. Though with both he and Sakura down, he was not going to drop his guard. She may have saved Sakura but there was no way that he was going to trust her just yet.

Kagome could feel his eyes on her but she ignored him. After their last words, she would rather not face him yet. Even if he didn't remember, she did. It was perhaps a little rude but she couldn't bring herself to address him. If he wanted to make conversation, let him but until then she would just as well pretend that he was still unconscious.

The only draw back to that plan was the intrigued blue eyes that surveyed them both. He found it interesting that Kagome was aware of Kakashi's scrutiny and still ignored him. Most girls tried to get his attention. He didn't even think that maybe Kakashi was trying to find her reason for helping them. He could only see that his sensei was looking over a girl, a girl that was not from Konoha and a civilian girl at that.

Kakashi saw that Naruto was actually awake, alert and watching him. He was unsure what to make of that. Usually he was loud, unaware of what was going on, and not paying attention, it made Kakashi at a loss of what to say at first.

Kakashi was quick to jump into action as was Naruto when a young man rushed through the door calling loudly for Kagome. Naruto and Kakashi both took defensive position as was Sakura when they heard his approach. They only relaxed a little when they found out he was a civilian.

Lowering their weapons, they let Kagome doing the talking. Kaito only spared them a glance and then returned to his attention to Kagome. His desperation was apparent by his words and demeanor.

Seeing Kaito, Kagome knew that something was wrong, "Kaito, what wrong? Is it Nikora?" Kagome knew that the woman was getting on in years and some times pushed herself too hard.

Kaito's dark head shook as he rushed, "No, it is Luchia. The baby is coming earlier that planned and it is turned. Nikora wanted your help and sent me to get you. Rihito is getting very anxious and I need to get back in order to be a distraction for him, well that is what Nikora said."

Kagome knew that the more time pasted, the more danger both Luchia and her unborn child were in. She knew what dangers a breech birth could do. Both mother and child were in danger. Gather a few supplies, she asked only a few questions before she was ready to travel. Three sets of eyes watched as Kagome efficiently packed the items in record time. It was obvious that she has so many times.

Naruto, Kakashi and Sakura, who was trying to get up and offer her assistance, watched the interaction. Kakashi and Naruto both had to get Sakura to lie back down. Kakashi ignored his own injuries as he moved about to make sure that she didn't endanger herself after her bout with the poisoning.

Kagome walked quickly to her new friend, "Naruto, I have to go with Kaito. You can stay here as long as you need to. I will be gone for a few days at the very least. There should be plenty of supplies in case you need to stay for another couple of days." Naruto nodding his acceptance and understanding, she turned and addressed his teammate, "Sakura, take it easy for awhile. Even though the poison is no longer in system, you still need to rest to recover your strength." Forcing herself, she turned to his sensei, his one gray eye watching her steadily, "Kakashi, well, I would tell you to take it easy as well but I doubt that you would listen." He didn't even acknowledge her, growling to herself, that man could really piss her off.

Once the door was closed and Kagome was gone, Kakashi turned toward Naruto. This was the moment that Naruto dreaded. He could hear it coming, "Naruto…." He visibly cringed as he heard his name. That tone was not one to take lightly.

**This chapter was a struggle. I know where I wanted it to go but it wasn't cooperating. I have rewritten this multiple times but finally got it going. Hope that it passes.