And it starts....

“Kikyo...”

“Well, hello Kagome-chan...” Kikyo smirked as she flipped her hair. “Are you here to get beaten?” Kagome growled. Sango got worried as Kagome put on her stoic expression.

“Want to test my skills Kikyo?” Kagome asked calmly. Kikyo raised an eyebrow. Keiko was about to tell them to cut it out when the teacher interrupted.

“Why now that’s a good idea,” The teacher said. “Kagome Higurashi and Kikyo Touji (Note: It Means Clay...) set up. Three arrows, who ever gets closer to the center wins.” Kagome nodded as did Kikyo. They stood next to each other as the students backed away. Sango stayed close just in case, she didn’t trust Kikyo. Miroku was right next to her with Keiko, who looked wary.

Kagome and Kikyo stood next to each other as they notched their arrows and took aim. They both concentrated before letting the arrows fly.

~~~

“Damn teacher, trying make me do something I don’t want to.” Yusuke muttered as he got onto the roof of the school.

“Colorful language Yusuke, I must say no wonder the teachers are on your case.” Botan smiled as she walked up behind in her school uniform.

“Oh great, another mission,” Yusuke sighed and slouched slightly as he leaned against the fence.

“Well, you could call it that,” Botan spoke. Hiei suddenly appeared on the roof as Kurama walked out of the shadows. “Glad you boys could make it.”

“What is it? I have more important things to do than stay and listen to you?” Hiei asked.

“Well, Koenma has come around to a hidden mass of spirit energy.” Botan explained as she put a finger to her chin in thought. “Quite a mystery really, it has been flickering through the radars as if trying to hide.”

“Which comes to the conclusion that a person possesses that much power,” Kurama finished.

“Bingo,” Botan smiled.

“Are you sure, for a person to possess that kind of power...” Hiei seemed unconvinced.

“We know that Hiei, but then again it could happen.” Yusuke said. Silence clouded of the four as they thought about this. Suddenly, all their heads lifted up and Kurama and Hiei narrowed their eyes.

“Please tell me you all felt that...” Botan begged as she walked toward the fence. Yusuke turned around and looked down at the gym class as Kurama and Hiei looked down also.

“It’s coming from someone in the class.” Kurama stated.

“My guess is one of the two archers.” Hiei added as they watched the two girls reload their bows.

Kagome and Kikyo loaded their second arrow after their first arrow hit the center. Kagome concentrated on the target. She closed her eyes and let the arrow zip toward the target. Kikyo’s arrow landed next to her first one, but Kagome’s pierced through her previous splitting it in half. The students’ jaws dropped. Kagome smiled and put another arrow. Last one...

Kurama narrowed his eyes. He looked closely at the arrow as it was faintly collecting energy. He looked at the girl, but couldn’t see her face. If she has that much power, why is she trying to hide? Kurama thought to himself. He saw her turn her head slightly and look up at him. He took in a sharp intake of breath at the emotion in her blue eyes.

“Kurama?” Yusuke looked at him. Hiei looked at Kurama also. What is it you sense Kurama? Is she that strong? Hiei thought to himself as he looked back down at the girl.

Kagome felt eyes on her. She turned her head slightly and glanced up at where she felt it. She saw the guys from the soccer field from yesterday. She stared at the red-haired one and she did the impossible. She let her sadness reach her eyes before turning to the target again. She as released the arrow, something hit her arm making her shoot into the sky. As she mumbled a curse she quickly grabbed an arrow as she and Sango aimed. Sango released a second before Kagome did.

In the air Sango’s arrow was right under Kagome’s stray arrow. Kagome’s second arrow knocked into Sango’s making the arrow’s end brush up against the stray arrow. Kagome’s stray arrow pointed down and headed for the target in a slant.

Everyone watched as Kagome’s stray arrow hit the center from the top. Kikyo glared at her as the students started to bicker. Kagome lowered her bow and sent a grateful look to Sango, who smiled back.

“Did you see that?” Botan asked.

“Yes, it was as if she had done it before.” Hiei said nonchalantly.

“More so that the arrow seemed to slow down because of the energy that was gathered around it,” Kurama murmured as he stared at the girl. What is she...no demon I know of has that kind of power.

“We must get close to her.” Botan stated. Yusuke was going to answer but Kurama beat him to it.

“Consider it done,” He said as he turned and walked down the stairs. Hiei turned and watched Kurama. Kurama, what did you see in her eyes? Something is not right. Hiei thought as he disappeared again. Yusuke blinked and scratched his head.

“Is it me, or are those two acting strange?” Yusuke asked Botan. She laughed and shook her head.

~~~

The rest of the day went smoothly without any interruptions. At the end of the day Kagome, Sango, and Miroku walk out of the school and headed to the gate.

“Crap,” Kagome murmured. “Guys, I have to go pick up Shippo. Souta is staying after and can’t protect him.” She remembered as she bowed an apologize to her friends. “I’ll call you guys later?”

“Sure Kagome,” Miroku replied with the wave of his right hand, which was covered by a purple bandana and a thin beaded rosary. “We’ll make it up.”

“Thanks!” Kagome ran off with a wave toward the elementary schools. Sango chuckled.

“I think she thinks of Shippo as a son more than a friend.” She turned to Miroku as they walked away. Miroku smiled and put his arm around Sango’s waist. Sango’s eye twitched as she turned and smacked Miroku. He slipped his hand lower... “DON’T TOUCH ME THERE!” She stomped off leaving behind a dazed Miroku.

~~~

Hopefully Shippo was able to hide long enough, Kagome thought as she reached the gates of the school. “Shippo-chan?” She walked into the school grounds looking for the little boy...well kitsune cub. “Shippo, where are you?” Kagome called. She turned the corner to see the bullies from earlier crowded around Shippo. “Shippo!” Kagome cried. Shippo turned to her and weaved through their legs to get to her. He jumped on her shoulder and hugged her neck.

“Look who came out too play,” The bullies sneered. Kagome glared.

“I warned you once. Leave Shippo alone!” The bullies laughed making Kagome step back in slightly fear.

“But we heard you don’t have Inuyasha watching over you anymore.” Kagome and Shippo gulped. “That he picked his ex over you.” Kagome stepped back again as her arms tightened around Shippo. The teenagers snickered as Kagome pressed herself against the wall. She looked up and then looked at Shippo.

“Shippo-chan...” She whispered.

“Hai Kagome?” He answered her, looking at her face.

“I’m going to throw you up the wall...I want you to run and go to Sango and stay with her.” Kagome looked up at the men who were closing around them.

“But!”

“GO!” Kagome tossed Shippo up the wall. Shippo looked down at Kagome as she knocked a guy away with her brief case. She ran the other way leading the bullies away from Shippo. Be careful Kagome-chan! Shippo thought as he ran to Sango’s place.

~~~

Kagome continued to run down the street, occasionally knocking the bullies away with her brief case. They started to catch up with her after few miles. Kagome ran into the woods, which was a bad idea. From there she was surrounded by other boys, who Kagome assumed were friends. She kept looking around herself as they grew closer.

“We are going to have fun with this one.” One said.

“Yeah...and we can take our anger out on her.” Another said. Kagome raised her arms in front of her face as she saw one guy pull his arm back. She was against a tree with no way out. I guess this is for all the times Inuyasha beat them up for me. At least Shippo isn’t here. Kagome thought as she was punched in the stomach. She gasped and lowered her arms slightly. This gave room for an attack to her face. She went to the ground and closed her eyes as a wanting urge filled her. No! They are too weak to sustain that energy! I can’t! She stayed on the ground as she got kicked. Help....please someone....help!

~~~

Kurama, Yusuke, and Kuwabara, who currently got back from a trip to a relative’s, were heading to Genkai’s. Kuwabara was informed on what their mission was and what to look for and do. Kuwabara didn’t believe someone could possess that much spirit energy either. Kurama laughed lightly as Yusuke and Kuwabara got into an argument about how ugly Kuwabara was. Kurama suddenly stopped mid-step as he heard something cross his mind.

Help....please someone....help!

Kurama turned to his right and stared down the dirt road. Yusuke and Kuwabara stopped bickering and walked back to him.

“Hey Kurama, what’s wrong?” Kuwabara asked. Kurama on the other hand ignored him and sprinted down the street, trying figure out whose voice that was. Yusuke and Kuwabara followed closely as they soon found a group of bullies surrounding one girl.

“What the hell!?” Yusuke yelled. The boys turned around and looked at Yusuke.

“Holy shit its Urameshi!”

“Leave the girl!”

“Run!” The boys ran and disappeared every which way as Kurama, Yusuke, and Kuwabara ran to the girl that was attacked.\

“Yusuke, it’s her.” Kurama said as he scanned the girls injures.

“You mean the girl you think has a tremendous amount of spirit energy?” Kuwabara asked.

“Yea...but what did she do to cause all those guys to go after her?” Yusuke wondered.

Kagome opened her eyes and looked at the three blurs in front of her. She immediately latched herself onto the closest one, which was Kurama. She sobbed into his shirt. Kurama wrapped his arms around her and let her cry. Soon Kagome cried herself to sleep on Kurama. He picked her up and looked at Yusuke.

“Let’s take her to Genkai. Maybe she can tend her.” Kurama suggested.

“Yeah, maybe then we can get some answers.” Yusuke said. Kuwabara smiled all giddy-like.

“Yukina! I am coming!” Kuwabara flocked off toward the shrine. Kurama adjust Kagome in his arms and put her on his back as he followed with Yusuke.

~~~

Genkai looked up suddenly as Yukina silenced herself. Getting up, both women walked outside the temple and looked at the three men heading toward them. Kuwabara smiled at Yukina and waved. Genkai walked past him and looked down at Yusuke and Kurama. She looked at the girl on Kurama’s back. Her eyes widened as she recognized the girl.

“Kagome!” Genkai called. Kurama and Yusuke looked at her. “Yukina, get the first aid kit!” Genkai instructed as she motioned Kurama to the spare room. Yusuke raised an eyebrow at Genkai as she pulled out a futon. Kurama laid Kagome down on it and walked out of the room. Yukina rushed in with the first aid as the boys hung out outside.

When Genkai opened the door, the men filed in and looked at her expectantly.

“I guess you are wonder how I know Kagome. Well she used to come to my shrine all the time when she was a little girl. Her mother and I are good friends. I’ve always been proud to watch her. A young girl who was full of life, she was so happy.” Genkai sighed and shook her head.

“Did you sense anything from the beginning? Like her spirit energy?” Yusuke asked.

“I didn’t need to sense anything. She’s a miko.” Kurama blinked in surprised. He never thought they were still around, let alone one with such awesome power.

“Genkai...may I ask...what happened to her?” Kurama asked. The elderly woman looked down at Kagome and sighed.

“Why not ask her yourself?” Yukina suggested as she pulled her hand away from Kagome’s head. “She is going to wake up soon.” A few moments after Yukina said that Kagome started to stir.

Kagome opened her eyes slowly and stared at the ceiling. She took a slow breath and sat up slowly.

“Ah, Kagome you shouldn’t sit up.” Genkai said as she gently pushed the young girl down.

“Genkai...why am I at your home?” Kagome asked as she closed her eyes. “And who are they?”

“We are the guys who saved you.” Yusuke snorted slightly not liking her tone on the last part.

“Yay, you were getting roughed up by some punks.” Kuwabara said from beside Kagome. She put a hand to her head and closed her eyes. Why does my head hurt so badly? She asked herself.

“Kagome-san is it alright we ask you some questions?” Kurama asked politely. She nodded slightly as she opened her eyes and looked at Kurama. He smiled at her encouragingly. She sighed and looked at the ceiling. “Kagome, why were you getting beat up by those boys?”

“I was saving my friend Shippo-chan from them. They bugged us from my old school too. They found out that Inuyasha wasn’t with me anymore so I guess they wanted revenge.” Kagome turned on her side to face Kurama and Genkai. She stared at them with blank eyes.

A pair of green eyes stared back at her. I’ve never seen hollow eyes like hers and why does she have the scent of Kitsune on her. “Who is Inuyasha?” He asked quietly. He regretted asking as her eyes filled with sadness. “You don’t have-”

“Inuyasha is an ex-boyfriend...he was only with me cause I reminded him of his first girlfriend. Kikyo.” She spat with much hate. “She and I look alike...and I only reminded him of what they had. As soon as she wanted him back he left.”

“Sorry...” Kurama apologized. So that’s why she was sad.

“Yeah, Yeah...now see here Kagome we need to know if you—” Yusuke started but was interrupted by Genkai.

“I think that’s enough questions for now. Kagome why don’t you rest and I will call Sango and tell her you are here.” Kagome nodded and sighed. Genkai looked at Kurama and smiled slightly. “Kurama...why don’t you watch over Kagome?” He blinked at the old woman. She smiled and ushered the two other boys and Yukina out of the room.

Kagome looked at Kurama and raised an eyebrow. “Kitsune...” She whispered in question. He smiled at her and nodded. “You were the one...” She trailed off as she fell asleep. Kurama crawled to her and sat down by Kagome. He smiled down at her and sighed. What are you hiding behind that mask? He thought to himself as he heard a voice.

“So is it her?” Hiei asked from outside the door.

“Most likely, not sure yet,” Kurama answered as Hiei walked into the room and stared coldly at the girl.

“Hn...” Kurama chuckled slightly at Hiei’s actions.

“Scared?”

“Me...Hardly. I just want this over with.” He glared. Kagome snuggled closer to Kurama and gripped his arm tightly. Blinking, Kurama tried to get his arm away from her.

“She has a grip of steel.” Kurama mused.

“Please...” She murmured in her sleep. “Don’t...” Kurama froze as he remembered her voice. She was the one that called for help. Hiei looked at Kurama.

“Fox, what’s wrong?” Kurama shook his head and looked at Kagome. “Nothing...” Why is she scared? Kurama asked himself as she tightened her grip on his arm. Kurama’s eyes softened as tears ran down her face.

~~~

“Hai Kaede, she is here. No I don’t think that is a good idea.” Genkai spoke into the phone. “I will send her to stay with one of the boys don’t you worry about her. I will and tell Sango that to look after Shippo. Alright...goodbye.” Genkai hung up the phone and looked at Yusuke and Kuwabara.

“So old lady, what’s with the girl?” Yusuke asked as he crossed his arms.

“She is a miko to her parent’s shrine. Why do you ask?” Genkai said as Hiei walked in. Yukina smiled as he sat down away from the group. Kuwabara smirked at him and gave Yukina a lovey-dovey face.

“Cut the crap grandma! Koenma sent us to find a person with a mass amount of spirit energy and is trying to hide it.” Yusuke seethed. “Is Kagome that person or not!?” Yusuke yelled as Kurama walked into the room. He looked at Yusuke and sat down by Hiei. Genkai looked at Yusuke with a pissed look.

“I don’t know you dimwit!” Genkai told him. “I don’t know if she is that person and if I did I wouldn’t tell you it’s her decision.” She glared at him. Kurama chuckled lightly, the woman turned to him. He shrugged and looked at Yusuke.

How did escape the girl? Hiei asked telepathically.

I have my ways...Kurama smiled as he watched the old woman and Yusuke yell at each other. Hiei shook his head.

Yukina smiled as she stood up. She walked out of the room and went to check up on Kagome. She opened the door and peered in. She screamed and fell back on her butt. She cowered away from the door.

~~~

“It’s been such a long time since I’ve seen Kagome...I don’t know how much she has grown.” Genkai said as she looked at the floor, remembering. Kurama smiled at the old woman. She sighed.

Suddenly everyone stiffened up as they heard Yukina scream. Yukina! Hiei thought and rushed out of there. Kurama followed him but with other thoughts in his head. The others waited a few moments before comprehending what was going on and rushed out of there.

As Hiei and Kurama got to the scene they saw a man in baboon skin glaring up into the sky. They looked up to see Yukina and Kagome on the creature known as Kirara. The others got on the scene and looked up at Kagome and Yukina. Kurama narrowed his eyes as he noticed Kagome hunching over with her bow and arrow shakily in hand. Yukina was sitting behind her visible scared. Kurama looked at the man in the baboon skin.

“Who the hell is that?” Kuwabara asked as he pointed at the man in the baboon skin.

“Trouble...” Kurama answered as the man turned toward him.