Chapter 3: Putting it on the Table

Kagome’s eyes snapped opened as she heard Yukina scream. She immediately rolled to the side as claws landed where her neck was. She dashed around the shadow standing in front of her. She got slashed on her right arm as she ran out toward Yukina, who was scared stiff. Kagome looked at the trees and whistled. Kirara jumped out and flew toward the two. The neko demon put Yukina on her back as she grabbed Kagome in her mouth letting her climb up on her back. She flew up as Kagome grabbed her bow and arrows from the brown bag on her back. The shadow was now in the clear area looking up at Kagome. He was wearing some kind of baboon skin. Kagome hunched over her bow and arrow as pain shot through her body.

“Kagome...! Your wound!” Yukina whispered as her hands went to heal the wound.

“Don’t...” Kagome whispered back. She looks down to see Kurama and Hiei run out and looks at them then at the man.

~~~

I smell blood...Kurama looked up at Yukina trying to see if she was hurt. He then saw it as Kagome raised her bow and arrow aiming at the man. He narrowed his eyes slightly as he observed blood running down her arm and dripping to the ground.

“Give me the jewel!” The man laughed. Kagome remained silent as her face was filled with pain. Kurama released his rose whip as Hiei drew his sword. Yusuke glared at the man as did Kuwabara. “Kukuku...” He laughed. “Seems you have new friends, girl...”

“You’re starting to irate me.” Hiei sneered as he dashed at the man and slice through him. Kagome lowered her bow and arrow. The baboon skin disappeared as a wooden doll fell to the floor. It had a piece of hair around it and the head fell off. “Hn...”

“Kagome! Yukina! Are you guys alright?!” Yusuke called. Kirara lowered down to the ground and started to growl at the guys. “Watch it you over sized excuse for a cat!”

“Kirara...” Kagome patted the cat. As Yukina got off and ran to Hiei.

“Please help Kagome, she’s hurt!” She cried. Hiei nodded and put a hand on Yukina’s head as he passed her and walked to Kagome. Kirara though growled and snapped at Hiei as soon as he got in range. Kagome sighed and laid down on the demon’s back closing her eyes.

“Kirara...” Kurama spoke softly. He walked toward Kirara slowly with his hand in front of him. “It’s alright Kirara...we are friends. We just want to help Kagome.” Kirara’s growling slowly stopped as she sniffed his hand. She breathed into it and then started to lick it in understanding. Kurama smiled as Hiei glared at him. Yusuke and Kuwabara gaped at the spectacle.

“How the hell did you do that?” Yusuke asked.

“Skill?” Kurama chuckled. Yusuke and Kuwabara started to walk toward Kagome but Kirara started to growl. Genkai laughed as she walked right past them to help Kurama.

“Why isn’t the fur ball letting anyone else pass?” Kuwabara glared.

“Because big oafs wouldn’t be of much help, now would they?” Hiei glanced at Kuwabara as he growled at him. He smirked at the ugly boy. “The old woman knows the cat from when it was younger and Kurama probably has the girl’s scent on him.” Yusuke nodded in understanding as he watched Kurama and Genkai take Kagome off Kirara’s back.

“So, the thing is protective of the Kagome?” He asked as he glanced at Hiei.

“Hn...”

Kurama and Genkai gently laid Kagome on the ground and checked her wound. “A cut, but I’ve never seen the poison that’s in it.”

“It’s miasma,” Genkai replied. “That’s all I know.” Hiei’s eyes widened slightly. Kagome groaned in pain as she sat up.

“Kagome-san, don’t sit up....” Kurama replied as he pushed Kagome back down. She sighed and looked sky, thinking to herself. Kurama put his hand by her wound and squeezed it slowly. Kagome hissed and glared up at him.

“What the hell are you doing?” She barked at him. It wasn’t that she was angry; she just didn’t want people hurt because of her. Kirara growled a warning as she watched the others, making sure they were in front of her.

“I’m going to get the poison out,” Kurama looked at her arm and tore the sleeve more. “Genkai, hold her down please.”

“Right,” The senior woman said as she gripped Kagome’s wrist’s tightly. Kurama looked at Kagome as she glared at him. He smiled before leaning down and putting his mouth over the corner of the slash mark. Everything seemed to freeze. Kagome’s eyes were wide and glazed while Kurama started to suck the poison out of her arm. No... Kagome thought as she closed her eyes and pushed Genkai off her wrists. Her hands went up to push Kurama off put he caught her wrists. He lifted his head and spit out the blood at the same time he moved himself so his was straddled across her with her wrists above her head. He lowered his head again and continued to suck out the Miasma poison.

Kagome clenched her eyes shut and growled at Kurama. He picked up his head and spit out the blood. He let go of her wrist as he sat up straight. As soon as Kurama let go of her wrists Kagome slapped him. Kurama’s head snapped to the side on the impact. Using the surprise to her advantage, she thrust her hips up causing Kurama to fall to the side. She whistled as she slowly sat up. Kirara turned and flew to Kagome, who climbed onto her back as they took off. Kagome turned and called back. “Stay away from me!”

Kurama lifted himself off the ground and dusted himself off. He looked at Kirara, who mewed softly for demon hearing only. Hiei raised an eyebrow as Kurama sigh and smiled slightly. Genkai looked at Kurama and walked to him. When she was right next to him she spoke in a low voice for only him to hear.

“Don’t blame her, she’s been through more than you can ever know.” She walked back into her temple leaving the detectives outside.

Hiei snorted and disappeared in his usual black blur. Yusuke and Kuwabara looked at Kurama as he headed down the steps.

“Yo! Kurama! What about Kagome?” Yusuke asked as he raced down the steps to catch up with him.

“We’ll see Kagome tomorrow at school.” Kurama replied back as he continued down the steps. Yusuke stopped and stared at Kurama’s back as Kuwabara walked up to him.

“What’s wrong Urameshi?” Kuwabara asked him.

“You’re an idiot...” Yusuke mumbled. Kuwabara snapped at him and they started arguing again.

~~~ Kurama’s POV (Mind you this is the first time I am doing a POV so don’t flame us for it)

I don’t know how long I’ve been walking around the city, but it’s already night. My mother must be worried. Maybe I should head home. Sighing, I thought back to when Kagome smacked me. For some reason, that hurt more than her words or anything else. Stay away from me. What is she hiding?

She is a puzzle that needs to be solved. Youko spoke in my head.

She is not a toy. I replied.

No...But she is a mystery, and we love to solve mysteries. Youko told me again. When I tried to respond I was interrupted when I heard two familiar voices in the distance. I jumped into a tree and hid amongst the leaves as they got closer.

“Miroku, how long do you think we can stay here without them following?” Sango asked. I kept my passive look as I over heard their conversation.

“Naraku is sure to follow Kagome to the ends of the earth. Inuyasha however will have to deal with him before following Kikyo to attack Kagome.” Miroku sighed and looked into starless sky. “Just be prepared. Your Hiraikotsu will not be easy to hide.” Hiraikotsu...a weapon perhaps, but what would they need weapons for?

“Don’t worry about me Miroku. You worry about your hand alright? You know not to use it too much.” Sango replied. She rubbed her forehead in frustration. No kidding, I guess Kagome can do that to you. Wait...did I just think that? I barely know the girl. I looked at Miroku’s hand which was wrapped in a purple and black bandana-like cloth and a rosary. I wonder why... “I sent Kirara to find Kagome. Hopefully we’ll see her tomorrow at school.”

“I heard that. Let’s get home, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Miroku waved and ran off. Sango smiled slightly then looked at the sky.

“Kagome...is guarding the jewel so important that you’re using your own ki to mask it?” Sango thought aloud. She seemed to smile as I accidentally made the leaves move as I rear back in surprise. She sighed and ran off.

I jumped out of the tree and looked the way where Sango headed off. Can a feat like that be possible? Was it this jewel that held so much power? I kept asking myself questions as I headed home. Another question I asked myself was....why did I care so much?

~~~ Author’s POV

The next day, Sango and Miroku were walking slowly to school hoping Kagome would rush up to them and surprise them. Nothing. They didn’t even get a message. Both tried to concentrate on school as Kikyo smirked from the gate.

“Miroku, Sango....so lovely to see you!” Kikyo grinned as they threw her a look of disgust. “I just came to say I hope you’ll like the new students.” With that she ran into the school grounds.

“New...”

“Students?” Sango blinked as she turned to Miroku.

“This can’t be good...” He dashed off to homeroom, Sango close behind.

On the other hand Kurama watched as he walked into the school ground. Something doesn’t feel right...Kurama thought as he walked into the same homeroom and sat by the window. He looked out the window and sighed. He heard the teacher walk in and quite the class.

“Class settle down, onegai. We have two knew students. Please welcome Sesshomaru...” Kurama saw from the corner of his eyes as Sango and Miroku seemed relieved. “And Inuyasha Akuma...” Or not.

“Fuck it to hell!” Sango cursed loudly enough for demon hearing to hear. Kurama turned his head toward the two white haired people in the front.

Sesshomaru seemed to be the oldest and coldest, Kurama thought. He stood tall and regally, like from royalty. His white hair reaches to about just below his calves. His golden amber eyes seemed to dance around the room. Scanning the students as if looking for someone, yet seemed to be disappointed. Soon his eyes turned to Kurama and narrowed slightly. Kurama was taken back by that gestured and just stared back. Sesshomaru smirked slightly, but it quickly disappeared. Kurama turned his head to the younger one, Inuyasha.

Inuyasha looked pissed as he glared at Sango and Miroku. His white hair was tied back into low ponytail, which was then braided down. His golden eyes seemed to hold emotions from hatred to coldness. Kurama involuntarily shivered when his eyes were placed on him. This time, Kurama thought he heard a growl. He closed his eyes and looked out the window. Where was Kagome? Why wasn’t she here today? He sighed closed his eyes. It was going to be a long day.

~~~

As usual, Kurama headed to the roof for lunch. This time he was going alone. Yusuke was dragged off by Keiko and Kuwabara went to help his friend beat someone up. Kurama put his hands in his pockets and looked at the sky as he leaned his back to the fence. He knew Hiei wasn’t going to be around and Botan had work at the office. He sighed and closed his eyes tilting his head to the side slightly. Silence was good sometimes, one can sort through emotions.

“Am I interrupting anything?” A voice called from the door to the stairwell. Kurama opened his eyes and looked up to see Sesshomaru staring back at him with the same emotionless eyes as this morning.

“Not at all,” He answered as Sesshomaru walked toward him. Once Sesshomaru was near the fence he looked down at the open field. Kurama suppressed another sigh and got off the wall and headed to the stairwell.

“You do know that helping Kagome, that the man that attacked her at the shrine will target you now?” Sesshomaru called back. Kurama stop dead in his tracks. “Don’t get involve anymore than you are.”

“How do you know that I helped Kagome?” Kurama asked.

“She told me once she found out Inuyasha was moving to this school.” Sesshomaru told him. “So I transfer with him to keep an eye out for Kagome.” Kurama found himself getting jealous of Sesshomaru, but instantly push that emotion back.

“You aren’t any normal human are you?” Kurama asked. Sesshomaru chuckled.

“No, I’m actually an inu-youkai. My father was the Lord of the Western Lands, both in the human world and in Makai.” The white-haired boy told Kurama. “And you are a fox...if I’m not mistaken.” Kurama turned back to Sesshomaru with a calm, relaxed look on his face.

“So what if I am?” Kurama inquired evenly. Sesshomaru turned and looked at Kurama. Yes, Yes...he and his friends should due fine to help...Sesshomaru thought as he shrugged and walked past him disappearing down the stairs. Kurama stood there and stared at the spot Sesshomaru was. “Hm....” Kurama blinked as he heard someone scream.

“HENTAI!” Kurama walked to the fence and looked down to see Miroku dazed on the ground with Sango stomping away into the building. Maybe I should visit Kagome after school. Kurama thought as the bell rang. He headed down the stairwell thinking to himself. He decided he will visit Kagome and thanks to Kirara he knew where.

~~~

After school Kurama headed toward the Higurashi Shrine. He stopped and smirked to himself. “Come on out Hiei.” The short fire apparition appeared by Kurama glaring at him. “Worried about the girl?”

“No.” Hiei snorted. “I wanted to see if she was dead yet.” Kurama shrugged and continued to the shrine with Hiei following. Hiei kept glancing behind himself then huffing.

“What is it?” Kurama asked telepathically.

“We are being followed.” Hiei snorted again.

“They are of no harm.” Kurama answered back. Once they got to the shrine they head up the stairs. Kurama chuckled as Hiei grumbled about the steps. As they got to the top, Kurama was surprised to see Kagome in a miko outfit, she was smiling, and talking to....Sesshomaru? Kurama smiled slightly as Hiei glared. As they two walked started to walk to Kagome, Kurama felt a pulse go through his being as he stopped at a tree. He turned and stared at the giant tree. Hiei stopped and turned to his companion. Before he could say anything, someone called out.

“Interested in the Goshinboku tree?” Sesshomaru called. He walked up to the Goshinboku Tree and put a hand against the bark. Kagome stayed back as she watched Sesshomaru talk to them. Her miko outfit was like a normal Miko’s except that the hakama (That’s the pants right?) were green. “Would you like to hear about it?” Sesshomaru smirked. Kurama just nodded.

(HAA: NOTE This is gonna should familiar.)

“The legend starts more than 500 years back, when a priestess by the name of Midoriko. She had created the Shikon-no-Tama.” Hiei’s eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of the jewel. “The Jewel was passed to another priestess before she died.”

“Kikyo right?” Kurama asked. Kagome frowned slightly and shook her head at Kurama as Sesshomaru continued.

“No...She gave it to a rogue miko and warrior by the name Chishio. What Chishio didn’t know was that Midoriko started a chain reaction that would happen to the first four guardians of the jewel.” Sesshomaru told the story. “Midoriko’s soul had gone into the jewel and when Chishio died...so did hers. She was the second soul. Her daughter Ruby...was the third. The fourth was Kikyo’s. Before Kikyo died she pinned her hanyou lover to this tree as he tried to steal the jewel. After than it is unknown to what happens. All I know is that Kikyo dies and takes the jewel with her to the after life.” Kagome smiled at Sesshomaru as he finished. Kurama looked at the Goshinboku Tree with great interest.

‘It was calling us...’ Youko whispered in his head. Kurama nodded absentmindedly. Sesshomaru walked to Kagome and looked down at her.

“Sesshomaru...” She glared at him. He chuckled then turned and looked at Kurama and Hiei. Suddenly a loud yell came from the shrine steps.

“KAGOME!” Kagome’s eyes widened as she saw Inuyasha in his hanyou form and Kikyo. She took a step back as Sesshomaru stepped in front of her.

“What do you want Inuyasha?” He asked coldly.

“Move out of the way Sesshomaru!” Inuyasha cried as he glared at Kagome, who peeked around him. Sesshomaru glared at glanced at the fox demon who was calm and the fire apparition who was glaring at the unwelcome guests.

“Hey Fox...” Kurama looked over at Sesshomaru. “Take Kagome...and get away from this place.” He whispered.

“What of her family?” Kurama asked as he slowly walked toward Kagome.

“Living with a friend in America, now go!” Sesshomaru growled as Inuyasha charged at Sesshomaru. While Inuyasha was taking care of Sesshomaru, Kikyo notched an arrow onto her bow. Kagome stepped back again only to collide into Kurama’s chest. He wrapped his arms around Kagome and started to walk backwards with her.

“Die Kagome!” Kikyo shouted as she released the arrow. Miko energy surrounded the arrow as it headed toward Kagome. A black and silver blur raced in front of Kagome and knocked the arrow away. Hiei stood there glaring at his hand.

“You wench....” He sneered. Kurama looked at Hiei’s hand. She can kill us with one shot. He mused as he continued to pull Kagome away from the fights.

“No...” Kagome struggled against Kurama as Sesshomaru was knocked into the ground. Kurama tightened his hold as he looked for a way out.

“Kagome get out of here!” Sesshomaru yelled as he punched Inuyasha away. “Now damn it or I will kill you!” Kagome shook her head and looked around. “Bitch! Kirara!” Sesshomaru called for the cat. The cat transformed and landed by Kurama. “Take Kirara and get out of here Fox!”

“Right...” Kurama said as put Kagome on Kirara. No! Kagome mind screamed. Kurama got on behind Kagome as she looked at Hiei. “Don’t worry, Hiei will be fine. It would be better if we left now.”

“Kirara...take us away from here.” Kagome murmured as she bowed her head. Kurama took a hold of Kagome’s waist as they quickly took to the sky.

As soon as Kirara disappeared from sight Sesshomaru growled and punched Inuyasha away. He put his two fingers together while they glow a whitish-green color. Flicking his wrist out to Inuyasha a whip-like energy lashed out from his hands. Inuyasha was smacked back into the ground. Sesshomaru glanced at Hiei who was currently dodging the arrows. Deciding to end this now Sesshomaru sent the whip toward Kikyo, also making her slam into the ground.

“I could have handled it.” Hiei growled.

“No time...let’s go.” Sesshomaru disappeared in a blur. Hiei grumbled and followed soon after.

~~~

Kurama had instructed Kirara to go to his home. He was surprised to know that his mother, Shiori, knew Kagome.

“Kag-chan! It’s been a long time!” Kagome just blinked as she cradled Kirara in her arms.

“Shiori-sensei?” Kagome blinked as Shiori hugged her lightly.

“I’m sorry, but I’m in a rush! If you wish you can stay for the night. I know your mother’s away, so feel free to drop by any time.” Shiori said as she grabbed her purse. She kissed Kurama’s cheek. “Suiichi will help you with anything you need. I have to go to work now. Bye! Have a nice night.” Shiori rushed out the door.

Kagome blinked and looked at Kurama who smiled at her. “Suiichi is it? I heard those others call you Kurama.”

“Long story...only those people call me Kurama. Everyone else calls me Suiichi.” He explained. Kagome nodded and fell into silence. Kirara mewed at her mistress. She jumped out of Kagome’s arms and went into Kurama’s then mewed again. “I think she likes me...”

Kagome turned and smiled slightly as nodded. Looking at the house, Kurama followed her with Kirara in his arms. He watched as she let her hands hover of some things as if trying to touch something that wasn’t there. She stopped and walked back to the door and opened it.

Kurama blinked as Sesshomaru stood with his hand poised where the door knob was. Hiei’s eyes were on Kagome as she stared innocently at them. Kagome turns to Sesshomaru, who brushed past Kagome walking inside. Hiei walked in also sparing a glance at Kurama and Kagome.

Sighing, Kagome closed the door and put her arms out to Kirara. The small neko demon jumped into Kagome’s arms. Kurama noticed that Kagome kept her eyes covered as she stroked Kirara’s fur.

“Kagome...” Sesshomaru called. Kurama smiled slightly as he led Kagome to the living room where Hiei and Sesshomaru were glaring at each other.

“Sesshomaru...I think...I have to tell them the truth.” Sesshomaru abruptly turned his head to Kagome.

“Tell us what?” Hiei glared as Kurama asked calmly.

“Kagome...” Sesshomaru growled. Kagome started to scratch behind Kirara’s ears making her purr.

“Sessho...” Kagome murmured. He snorted and turned his back to her. Kagome put Kirara down and reach into her haori (That’s the top right?). She pulled out a necklace that looked like it was worth a lot. On the necklace was a small sphere that could fit in the palm of your hand. It was a lavender color as it glinted in the lamp light.

“The Shikon-no-Tama...” Kurama breathed. Hiei stared at the jewel before walking up to Kagome. Kirara started to growl as he glared at Kagome.

“You...how did you get the Shikon-no-tama?” Hiei asked coldly.

“I was born with it in my body.” Kagome whispered. Hiei snorted and reached for it. “No!” Kagome shrieked as she clutched the jewel in her hand and stumbled away from Hiei. “You mustn’t touch it.”

“Girl, the Shikon-no-tama is not for humans to hold. Give it to me wench. I can make some use of it.” said Hiei. Kagome shrank away from Hiei.

“A fire apparition like you has no use for it.” Kagome whispered. Hiei growled and was about to rip the necklace away from Kagome. Kirara growled more and hissed at Hiei.

“Hiei, calm yourself.” Commanded Kurama as he held Hiei away from Kagome then threw him into the couch.

“Damn it Fox, this jewel could increase our power!” Hiei shouted. Kurama gave Hiei a slightly glare before kneel by Kagome. Kirara jumped onto Kurama’s shoulder as he helped Kagome up.

“Hey Kurama, do you have a place where Kagome can rest. She’s going to need it.” Sesshomaru turned slightly and looked at Kagome. She lowered her head while Kurama showed her to his room.

“I must apologize for Hiei’s rude behavior.” Kurama said as he closed his door. Kagome nodded and put her hand over the Shikon Jewel. She looked around the room then at Kurama. She blushed slightly. Kurama raised an eyebrow and tilted his head slightly.

“Do you have any clothes I can change into? This miko outfit isn’t very comfortable.” Kagome muttered. Kurama smiled and nodded. He went into his closet and pulled out a button up shirt and a pair of his boxers. He blushed slightly.

“This is the smallest I have.” He said as he walked to her and handed them over. Kagome nodded and walked into the adjoining bathroom. She closed the door and got dressed into the clothing.

Kurama sighed and walked into the living where Hiei and Sesshomaru were.

“Fox can you watch Kagome? I have to go visit someone and the pest wants to come along.” Kurama nodded to Sesshomaru and watched them leave the house.

“Where did they go?” Kagome asked as she walked out of his room. His eyes widened slightly as he stared at her. Her right shoulder was exposed to him as the red, silk, button up shirt perfectly formed around her body. His black boxer shorts hung low a bit, but it wasn’t seen.

“They went out...” Kurama gulped. “You should be resting.” Kagome sighed and walked to Kurama. She lifted her hand to his face. “Kagome-san?”

“I don’t understand why...but...” She ran her fingers down his cheek. “I know you...I feel like I know you.” Kurama reached up and grabbed her hand.

She...Youko commented in his head. You feel as if you know her also don’t you? Are you.... His comment trailed off.

“Come on.” Kurama tugged Kagome toward the couch. Kagome followed and sat by Kurama as he opened the T.V. “If you aren’t going to sleep you can watch T.V. with me.” Kagome nodded once more and looked at the movie they were watching.

The movie was about a demon who met a human girl. Instead of killing her, he decided to use her to help him find precious things. As the two fell in love, more people joined their little group. A child, a monk, and a warrior woman, they soon found a sacred jewel which grants any wish. The demon wanted power...the girl...wanted to be loved by the demon. For the demon was in love with a woman that looked almost exactly like the girl.

Kurama turned to Kagome and noticed the expression in her eyes. It held experience, longing, calmness, sorrow, sadness, and loneliness.

“Kagome....?”

“Maybe, it was never meant to be...” Kagome whispered as she stared at the T.V.

“What..?” Kurama asked.