InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ No Such Thing As Fate ❯ Lust is a Sin ( Chapter 5 )

Thank you anime_fairy_13 A.K.A Fluffy from Dokuga for betaing this chapter.  You did an awesome job!

I am so sorry for not putting the chapter up like i promised yesterday, I passed out and the rest is history. I woke up like one this morning then had to go back to sleep to get up at six for important family stuff. So I am extremly sorry. Here is chapter 5 as promised and with this chapter is the start of a new arch, if you hate it, I'm sorry because I personally like this arch and it helps me move the story along. I am introducing a new character so be on the look out. You'll know who he is and if you don't get him this chap, then I will tell you more next chapter.

Disclaimer:...Do I really need to go there?

Chapter 5: Lust is a Sin

XXXXXXXXXXXX

 

Kagome dragged herself from her room half-awake and walked down the hall toward the entrance cavern. She could already sense who was in the cave and she knew what he wanted.

 

As she emerged from the tunnels she spotted Sin in the pitch-black cavern, staring at her in fascination.

 

“The old man wasn't kidding. Your eyes glow like a youkai's,” he murmured. Kagome blinked sleepily as she stumbled a bit. She rubbed her eyes, completely oblivious to the youkai eyeing her state of dress. She wore an overly large white sleeping shirt she had brought from her own home.

 

Sin was particularly focused on her small but powerful legs; he silently admitted to himself he had developed a leg fetish since meeting the girl. He groaned quietly and looked away, feeling a nosebleed coming on. `She would make a stunning demoness. Damn that old demon for even suggesting I get to know her,' Sin silently fumed. He had been thinking about he and Jiji's last conversation that had been a few weeks back when he had remembered the old youkai's suggestion to get to know Kagome. Now every time he thought about Jiji's cave he thought about Kagome.

 

Kagome frowned at him when his mood shifted from pleased to very angry in a little more than a minute.

 

“I'm here to pick up my things,” he growled.

 

She raised an eyebrow but shrugged his behavior off simply as him not liking her and went to fetch his things. He was allowed to have bad days, right? She found a large wooden box with his name on it and with a huff she pulled the rope attached to the box and dragged it across the floor to Sin, silently thanking Jiji for adding the little wheels on the bottom of the box. She pulled it around the counter then smiled happily and wiped her forehead.

 

“It's pretty heavy,” she admitted. Sin grunted not at all concerned as he looked at the box then to her clothes.

 

“What are you wearing?” She looked down at her sleeping clothes and blushed a bit. Quickly regaining her wit, she fixed Sin with a glare.

 

“Sleeping clothes,” she said honestly, crossing her arms over her chest.

 

All that action did was make him focus a bit more on her ample chest, one of the few things she had going for her.

 

“You know us humans have to sleep. We usually do it during this time, obviously so do little fox kits and old demons,” she huffed.

 

Sin turned a scowl on her from the comments.

 

“Why do you care? I'm not trying to seduce you or anything. if that's what you're worried about,” she sneered.

 

“But your clothes are so revealing...” He stuck a finger up her shirt, grabbed the hem, and tugged a few times to show how flimsy and revealing her shirt was. She smacked his hand away and glared up at him.

 

“You're the one who would wear such a thing, so don't get upset when I notice,” he growled.

 

“Sin-`sama,' I will kick your feathery ass, remember that. And if I can't, Jiji will neuter you,” she hissed. Sin paled a bit but quickly regained his wit to turn a glare on her.

 

“And why do you give a damn what I wear? I thought you would do everything in your power not to come closer to me than necessary. You're doing the opposite. I've been wondering about that since last time you came here. I'm a human, remember?” He took a calming breath.

 

`Okay, this is not turning out good and Jiji will murder me if I hurt his little `princess.' Maybe I should…'

 

A thought suddenly occurred to him and he flashed a grin. Kagome blinked, startled. He leaned in close and breathed huskily in the frozen girls ear, “Maybe I did want to touch you, I did it before, your thighs feels rather nice, I'd like them to be wrapped around my waist while I-.” Kagome squeaked and shoved him in the face to make him move away away. She ran round the counter and glared at Sin, a pretty pink blush staining her cheeks.

 

He couldn't help it; he laughed aloud. He'd done that just to piss her off and to get her to back down a little but it had better effect than he thought it would. She gripped the counter as if willing it to protect her from Sin. He smiled and winked at her and he was momentarily dazed as her rage-filled scent hit him. The usual scent was light and sweet like a child's treat of some kind with a hint of lemon. Now filled with rage, he caught the smell of a strong spice with a strong lemon scent. He licked his lips thoughtfully and stuck his tongue out a bit he tasted the air to confirm it was indeed her.

 

“You did that just to piss me off?” she snarled.

 

He licked his lips again and shrugged. Kagome gripped the counter silently fuming and he was tempted to do it again.

 

He shook his head at the thought of pissing her off more. While he liked the lemon spice smell, he liked the light sugary-lemon smell better; it was easier on his nose.

 

He opened the box and rested the top on the ground. Inside the box, there were all types of swords, daggers and the like. He picked up a dagger and unsheathed it. The weapon looked fine from his point of view. Plucking a strand of hair from his own head he let the strand of hair fall on the blade. It split on contact and they both watched the two strands of hair fall to the ground.

 

He glanced at Kagome who was staring at the blade fascinated by her own work. The girl obviously had no self confidence in her own abilities.

 

Well he could fix that really quickly.

 

“You did a fine job, Kagome.” She grinned happily at the praise and he shook his head at how easy it was to please the girl. It was if she completely forgot he had just been harassing her.

 

With an amused grunt, he sheathed the dagger and set it back in the box as he quickly examined his sword to find it in just as good shape as the dagger. Standing correctly, he reached into his top and pulled out a sack of coins as he situated his new sword at his side. He tossed the coins to her and she caught them as the jingle of coins echoed through the cave.

 

Kagome peeked into the bag and gave a squeak quickly closing it as he moved to cover the box of weapons again.

 

She looked at him frantically. “This is too much, don't you need this?”

 

At her comment he snorted, “My family and clan are well off. I have more where that came from.”

 

She could only stare at him in shock. “I have an idea. Why don't you come and work for me?”

 

Kagome folded her hands and leaned forward a bit on the counter. “I'll ask this one last time. You do realize I'm a human?” she asked dryly.

 

“Yeah, well you don't smell bad and you act more like a demoness…” he trailed off. “Especially with the lack of modesty.” she blushed furiously. She glanced down at the clothing then back to a smirking Sin. They were sleeping clothes, she honestly hadn't been awake when she had stumbled into the front room to meet him, and now that she was aware of her state of dress, she was ashamed and horrified, but that didn't mean Sin had to know that.

 

On the other hand, she was from the 21st century, let him look, but he couldn't have, `The womans creed,' she mentally cackled.

 

“Are you flirting with me?” she asked stunned. She was mocking him but Sin had problems telling the difference so the act went completely over his head.

 

Sin shrugged. “I would be lying if I said you had no appeal to me. You're pretty for a human. So yeah, I am flirting with you.”

 

Kagome sent him a baffled stare, `That was, in no way, the response I was expecting,' she mentally hissed, as her thoughts bounced around like mad.

 

“But you hate humans,” she sputtered, unable to force down her blush.

 

“Well, I can't exactly hate you. You're too cute to stay mad at, I don't mind you so much.” She groaned and buried her brightly burning face in her hands.

 

“Besides humans don't live long so-“

 

Kagome's hand shot out to smack Sin for his rude comment. He simply leaned out of her attack range with a smirk. The smile on his face told her he had only made the comment to piss her off yet again. Still, she was blushing and flustered, just like he wanted, and she couldn't help but want to smack the cocky smirk off his face.

 

“So, what do you say? Come to work for me?” She turned her back to him and leaned against the counter.

 

She was silent a moment in thought. Sin wanted to be an ass so she could be a bitch. She fanned herself a bit to calm her rage and much to her morbid delight she had broken a bit of a sweat; the cave was kind of muggy today anyway. She then glanced over her shoulder licking her lips suggestively as she tugged at her shirt to get some air circulating. “I have to refuse your offer. I have other things to do. In the meantime, you should stop flirting with me. I already have an annoying wolf demon chasing after me.”

 

Sin blinked. “Really, who is he?”

 

Kagome ran her fingers through her hair as she turned around and leaned forward on the counter giving him a lovely view down her shirt. She saw him gulp discreetly and he chose look at the box of weapons instead. Kagome could have burst out laughing right then but she held it in. “Kouga. He's kind of dense. He doesn't understand I like him as a friend, maybe even as a brother…why is it so damn hot? The sun's barely up.” she pulled her shirt up a bit and wiped her face. When she looked at Sin again he was quickly wiping away a nose bleed, staring intensely between her legs hoping to catch another glimpse of her underwear.

 

“Kouga, as in prince of the northern wolf tribes Kouga?” he inquired curiously.

 

Kagome nodded as if it wasn't totally amazing to have a wolf prince fighting for her affection. She smiled sweetly and tugged her shirt down past her knees, making Sin glare at her. “Now you really have my interest.” Sin had long since caught onto the game and was willing to play with her. He took a lock of her black hair and rubbed it between his fingers before brushing a hand against her cheek.

 

“You must be a rare gem indeed,” he murmured leaning in a bit closer to breath in her ear. She heard a strange sound and immediately realized he was sniffing her.

 

`Bingo, thank you science class. Humans have pheromones just like animals or youkai in this case. Kinda gross he notices when I'm sweaty though…' She giggled as he got a bit closer. The sound startled him a bit and he glanced up his eyes lined with bits of red.

 

Stepping away he gave a small bow and she eyed him wary and highly disappointed. “Well. I'll be off.” He lifted the box up onto his shoulders and Kagome watched him leave the cave.

 

She shook her head and walked toward the back caves with a triumphant smile on her face. She yelped when she ran into something, or rather someone.

 

Looking up she spotted Jiji grinning down at her “You already have admirers?” She glared her face red as a tomato.

 

“Jiji, how long were you listening?” He only shrugged.

 

“Long enough to hear him offer you a job… and flirt with you. Even better, you responded.” He smirked and she turned a deeper red.

 

“Jiji, you're so mean!” She growled. He kissed her forehead and ruffled her hair playfully as he walked past.

 

Kagome rubbed the kiss away as he chuckled. “Maybe you should take him up on his offer, it'll be good for you. I can let his past transgressions be forgotten. He has denial issues, but he does have a little crush on you.”

 

Rolling her eyes, she crossed her arms over her chest. “Jiji. I don't need some guy drooling over me and remember I need to start collecting jewel shards again soon,” she huffed.

 

“Well, maybe you should find a mate to help you on your journey, and males won't, as you say, `drool all over you' as much,” he retorted sarcastically.

 

She snorted. “Nope, I'm good how I am. I don't need any asshole guys to protect me or anything of the sort.”

 

Jiji turned on her. “But I'm a `guy.' Does that mean I'm an asshole, as you say?”

 

Kagome looked a bit flustered. “No, Jiji. You're like…like a strict grandpa or a dad.” She giggled a bit at her thoughts.

 

“I already have a grandpa, so Jiji is like a daddy.” Jiji froze and Kagome bounced over to look at his face.

 

“Aw, is my daddy Jiji blushing.”

 

She laughed aloud as Jiji turned away, an intense blush staining his cheeks. He growled at her as she retreated into the inner caves to dress in clothes that were more appropriate.

 

Kagome tugged her shirt over her head once she entered her room and tossed her shirt onto her futon. A loud jingle told her she had tossed the sack of coins she had received and almost hit Shippou. The kits head shot up when the cloth fluttered to land on his head as the sac of coins weighed down a corner of the top.

 

“Kagome-chan, what goin' on?” he asked groggily tugging the shirt off his head.

 

She glanced at Shippou absently. Jiji had given Shippou his own room to sleep in but he still insisted on sleeping in her room.

 

She pulled out a pair of shorts from the pile of clothes folded neatly in the corner. Shippou blinked tiredly up at her, she stood only in a breast cloth and a thin pair of underwear she had purchased from the nearby town. Neither of them paid any attention to her lack of modesty that had deteriorated surprisingly quickly over their stay with Jiji.

 

“Sorry Shippou that was a mistake.”

 

He nodded sleepily as Kagome pulled on her white shorts and a blue and white female kimono top. He sighed and crawled over to his pile of clothes. He lifted it to get a look at the Kitsune jewel he had stored there. Satisfied it was safe he looked back to Kagome when she spoke, “How did you sleep?”

 

He gave a grin. “Fine until I almost got hit in the head with a sac of coins.” She pouted tying her haori with a deep blue sash. “I said I was sorry,” she sighed.

Shippou snorted and she pounced on him. “You don't believe me kit?” Shippou blinked stupefied before she started to tickle him mercilessly.

 

He screamed and laughed madly. “Okay, Okay!”

 

Kagome smirked, grabbed the sac of coins, and ran from the room. Shippou quickly followed.

 

“Jiji!” Kagome called running from the cave.

 

He was standing outside an empty bucket beside him, the sun was just coming up which explained why he was bothering with the buckets, it was time to gather water for the day. Kagome squealed and hopped onto his back. With a small chuckle he placed his hands behind her back to support her.

 

She held the sack of coins out in front of him and gave it a light shake. “Look what Sin gave me.” He put a hand out and took the sac.

 

He clutched the bag a look of surprise crossing his face “Little one, did you do something more than make him a few weapons?” Kagome's face went from confusion, to shock and finally settled on horror.

 

“Jiji!” She wailed.

 

“Is that why I smelled male on your night shirt,” Shippou asked with a sly smile. Kagome shot him a dirty look and he only grinned.

 

“You can have it if you want Jiji,” she said turning back to the old demon.

 

He placed the sack back in her hand. “No, you did the work. This is yours, Kagome.”

 

Kagome smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek before hopping off his back. “Thanks Jiji.”

 

“Kagome, what about the scent that was on your night shirt?” Shippou pried. Kagome growled and Shippou smiled innocently up at her.

 

XXXXXXXX

 

The groan that echoed through expansive room sounded strained and irritated. A dark figure squirmed around on the bed laying pushed against the wall surrounded by toys that other children would never have in their wildest dreams. He kicked his sheets off and sat upright on his thick futon raised slightly off the ground by a wooden frame. His grey eyes darted around the room warily before he finally relaxed a bit and ran a hand through his hair to smooth back the stray black strands of hair from his face. The gold bands on his wrist chimed lightly but he ignored it as he focused attention on his wall across from his bed.

 

He tilted his head to the side a bit as visions flashed through his mind:

 

“The time I saw her through my mirror I didn't have enough time to glance around to find where she was exactly. The moment the spell caster realized I was watching her I was violently ejected from my vision, the mirror cracked.” She traced the lines running across the smooth surface of the mirror. It was only a little bit cracked, the broken piece on the side of her mirror would fit in her palm if taken out, but the fact someone had managed to do such damage without even seeing her face to face was still baffling.

 

“The Miko has an amazing ability to attach herself to powerful Youkai.I wouldn't surprised if she convinced a new friend she has met to cast this spell, for the moment she is out of our reach but that is fine, it won't last forever. Inuyasha group is testament to that,” he purred.

 

“Have you been watching our other target, I'm sure he doesn't have such luck with youkai that he can hide himself.”

 

Kanna ignored his comments and turned the mirror a bit to show him the vision he wished. He stared at the mirror a long moment.

 

Naraku seemed pleased by what he was seeing on the mirror but she couldn't be certain because his face was hidden in the darkness. “This human lord reminds me of myself. I believe I can use him, send Kagura out to speak to this human,” he murmured turning away fully. Kanna righted her mirror and the vision ended as she turned and walked from the room.

 

Naraku stared at the wall lost in thought “A youkai cannot fight a miko and hope to get away unscathed, but a miko cannot harm a human, lets see how much longer you hide with a human to fight.” He chuckled to himself.

 

The boy blinked owlishly tilting his head in the opposite direction.

 

`Sansa!' He called.

 

He didn't have to wait for a response before he was already making plans in his head.

 

`It seems I must make plans for this girl the demon wants. Who is this other human he wants though…”

 

He closed his eyes to calm his nerves `No matter, I just found a kindred soul with the nothing demons help, a pink eye ne? I do believe I know who that is, but how to go about getting his attention…ah, I have it.' He grinned into the darkness of his room.

 

There was a knock at his door and it slid open after a moment. He smiled as an old man in white and yellow monks robes shuffled into the room.

 

“Master, you have called for me?”

 

`Sansa, I want to go on an adventure.'

 

XXXXXXXX

 

As the weeks passed, Jiji seemed to get more customers than usual and Sin made a habit of coming to see her under the pretense of `needing to get poison'. He had no shame and flirted outrageously while she got the herbs or weapons she asked of him. Even funnier, he always came in the early hours of the morning when Jiji and Shippou were asleep.

 

This time was no different.

 

Kagome eyed Sin warily as she walked from the back room. He wore a smirk on his face and she rolled her eyes at him. His smirk quickly became a grin when he heard her grumbled under her breath, “Here we go again.” Warily, she snuck a glance down at her own state of dress, another short outfit; she was in for a show today.

 

“Kagome-Chan, I see your well today.”

 

Kagome brushed the comment off with a wave of her hand. “Hello. Sin.”

 

She walked over to the counter. “What do you want?” She asked in a bored manner.

 

He frowned a bit. “That's not the way to greet a customer,” he scolded teasingly.

 

She only yawned. “Ugh huh, right.”

 

Sin chuckled and pulled out a few small leather pouches and shook them over the counter as if to dump something out. “I'm out of the usual.” Kagome peeked into one of the bags to confirm what he said then sent him a glare. She walked around the counter knowing once she crossed over to the other side she couldn't get out of his reach as easily as usual.

 

She moved toward the shelves holding pots of herbs and poisons. “What do you do, go dump the stuff out?”

 

He shook his head following her down the aisle “No, I'm not the only one who uses it.” Kagome reached into a pot pulling out some roots and putting them into its corresponding sack. He continued, “Most of it I mix into special poisons to put on my sword.” Kagome shot a look at the weapon that hung on his hip; it was one of her own works. She was actually stunned he was still using it.

 

“Oh, so my swords not good enough for you?”

 

His hand inched toward his weapon. “That's not it; my job is just easier when I don't have to kill them. I can paralyze with just a bit of medicine or poison on the blade and I don't have to beat enemies into a coma,” he assured, stepping closer to her. Kagome snorted and Sin wrapped his arms around her waist. Kagome bit her lip to stifle a gleeful squeal. She chose to ignore him as she continued to fill the sacs.

 

“Are you jealous?” he teased.

 

“Yeah I am, seeing as my work isn't good enough,” she understood what he was saying, that did not mean she wasn't going to take this chance to make his life hell.

 

He buried his face in the side of her neck inhaling deeply. “I told you why I use the poison's,” came his muffled reply. Kagome bit her lip turning red in her attempt not to laugh, he sounded like a pouting child.

 

Over the short time she had known Sin, his constant flirting had built a bit of sexual tension between them. It had also improved their `relationship' by leaps and bounds. While she had no doubt he would still harass another human, should he meet one, he wasn't throwing her human status in her face at every given chance, which was a great improvement. Even Inuyasha hadn't gotten that far.

 

Besides that, he made her feel special, pretty even, like she was worth something to someone of the opposite sex.

 

That alone was enough to make her keep Jiji from neutering the poor demon.

 

He was also the first male to really come close and touch her. He loved to touch her legs, play in her hair and just bother her, but he never went too far and for that she was grateful and she even found she liked it, not that she would tell Sin. The guy had an ego and she didn't want it to get any bigger. But she had to keep him in line, this wasn't proper behavior and she would die of embarrassment of Jiji decided to waltz in, even worse if Shippou decided to wake up.

 

With a huff she swatted him off. “Yeah, yeah. I get it now get off. Its too hot.” He released her but didn't step away. Kagome tugged at her shirt a few times. It never failed, he always chose the hottest mornings to show up and hang over her. She knew now that he loved her sweaty because it made it easier for him to see through her tops, but she didn't know if she should be excited or worried about this revelation. With a shrug she continued to work as if nothing had happened. She searched around for the last pot she needed.

 

Stepping back, purposely shoving Sin out of her personal space, she spotted the last pot on the top shelf. Kagome groaned and smacked her forehead making Sin chuckle behind her. “Need some help?” Kagome shot him a glare and he blinked innocently.

 

She could practically see the perverted thoughts floating around in his head `I swear he's a demon version of Miroku,' she thought.

 

“No thanks,” she said calmly, despite her thoughts.

 

She walked over to the cave entrance to retrieve a stool and sat it down so she could reach the last pot. With a grunt she hopped up onto the stool and reached for the pot. “I've been meaning to ask you, why do you fight? Isn't your family a noble family?” Sin tore his gaze from her legs and looked up at her. He didn't regret having to look up because he caught a glimpse up her shorts.

 

He licked a clawed finger debating if he could stick said digit up her shorts before she caught him.

 

“No, my parents were mercenaries of sorts. We're paid well and still have a lot of money but we aren't fully recognized by the noble court though we have as much money as any lower lords' family.”

 

Kagome nodded and tugged the heavy pot off the shelf and put it onto a lower shelf. “I get it...” he pouted and decided against reaching up her shorts when he saw she was moving too much and might fall.

 

That didn't stop him from touching her thigh and she kicked him away with a growl. Filling the last sack, she placed the pot back where it belonged, hopped off the stool, and started toward the counter.

 

“Keep your hands to yourself, Hentai,” she grumbled sauntering past.

 

Despite her attitude she swayed her hips a little for his enjoyment. She heard him whistle and she almost laughed, but that would ruin the game. She was untouchable as long as she didn't show she approved and Sin could keep touching as long as he didn't go too far. That was their silent understanding. Just as she was leaving the aisle, he grabbed her wrist and pressed her to the cave wall as he twisted her arm a bit to put behind her back. “I'm not a hentai or a brute Kagome-chan; if I was I would have had my way with you by now. You make it hard to control myself.”

 

Kagome wiggled trying to get free but the way he pressed her to the wall and used his own body as a cage made the act futile. She was silently thanking the Kami the walls were smooth. “Move you bastard, it's too hot for this!” she huffed irritably. He pushed a knee between her legs and she immediately shut up with a small squeak when his knee touched something a little too sensitive at that moment. She pressed her cheek to the wall so she could turn her head, look at Sin and yell at him again but he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her cheek.

 

“Come on, don't go quiet now,” he teased before his tongue flicked out and caught her earlobe. He sucked on the bit of skin and Kagome felt as if she would melt.

 

“Sin, you know better,” she scolded lightly. He grinned and bit lightly on her earlobe.

 

“Yeah, but I can smell how much you like it,” he pressed his hips against her backside and Kagome dared not move afraid she would find him aroused, she knew she couldn't handle that kind of attention yet. He pressed a kiss to her racing pulse and grinned against her neck. He stood a moment enjoying how her pulse raced under his tongue. He wanted to bite her but he knew that would get him killed very painfully. He allowed his hand to wander up her shorts though and smirked when she squirmed and whimpered a bit. Finally he pressed a kiss to her lips, he pinched her butt cheek. She jumped and bucked against him and not in a good way. He bagged up a bit, realizing if she kept wiggling around he wouldn't be able to stop.

 

Reluctantly, he allowed her to turn a bit more and return the kiss. “I will have you before anyone else,” he murmured in between awkward sloppy kisses.

 

Satisfied for the moment, he stepped back completely and released her as he licked his lips in satisfaction.

 

He held up the sacs she had not a moment ago “Thanks,” he said with a wink. Kagome blinked and looked at the sack she now held. It jingled indicating the money it held, obviously payment for the herbs.

 

Kagome looked back up to find sin gone.

 

“Did you like your kiss, Kagome-chan?”

 

Kagome looked to see Jiji standing in the hall entrance smirking and Shippou at his feet grinning. Kagome stared at them numb in horror then banged her head against the wall. “Why do you always do this to me, Kami-sama?” she sighed. Shippou gave a loud snort of laughter and shared a grin with Jiji. “You two are horrible,” she huffed.

 

“So things between you and Sin are going well?” Kagome blushed and looked away from Jiji but he continued, “It smells kind of like you two want to mate…”

 

Kagome's face blazed a deep red “Jiji, don't say stuff like that Shippou's in here, and didn't you say you wanted to hurt him? You didn't step in,” she cried thoroughly embarrassed.

 

Jiji shrugged off her attempt to turn attention away from herself.

 

Shippou blinked at her “Kagome-Chan, I know what mating is,” he said dryly.

 

“Oh?”

 

Shippou nodded eagerly. “It's how mamas and papas get little fox kits.”

 

At this point, Kagome was blushing for a very different reason; Shippou was just too cute.

 

“Do you want to make babies with Sin?” Shippou asked eagerly.

 

Kagome smacked her face in disbelief as Jiji gave his infamous belly laugh.

 

Shippou looked between her and Jiji confused, “Shippou…” Shippou looked at her with wide eager eyes hoping she would answer his question.

 

Kagome stiffened the words dying on her lips she looked back toward the cave entrance. Noticing the silence that fell over them, Jiji walked to stand at her side. “What is it?”

 

Kagome frowned deeply and looked up at Jiji. “I sense a jewel shard.”

 

There was a tense silence among them a moment.

 

“Go and do what you need to,” he said gently.

 

Kagome nodded in thanks for the motivation, “Take the bow and arrows leaned against the wall there.” He pointed to the wall and she quickly went to obey. They were a simple set of bow and arrows and a touch told her that they weren't demonic in nature. She sent him a glare for his lie that it was difficult to make regular weapons.

 

“I'm going with you Kagome-chan!” Shippou cried.

 

She looked at him and shook her head. “No, you stay with Jiji. I don't want you hurt,” she scolded slinging the quiver and bow onto her shoulder.

 

“B-But Kagome…” Shippou whimpered.

 

Kagome shook her head at him and bent down to kiss his forehead. “Kagome, are you sure you don't want me to come with you?” Shippou asked quietly.

 

Kagome shook her head quickly, “I-I can do this. I've built up some muscle while I've been here I just have to hope I'm fast enough and strong enough. I've gotten much better with my bow and arrows, too.”

 

She turned and ran to the cave entrance “I'll be back,” she promised before racing out into the morning light.

 

Jiji and Shippou stood in silence a moment. Shippou whimpered and Jiji put a hand on the kits head to comfort him. “She'll be back, I have a good feeling she'll make it out okay. It just might take her a while to get home. I don't even sense any youkai in the area.” Shippou nodded and Jiji bent down a bit, so he was closer to the kits level but Shippou was a small kit so he could only bend so far. “How about I teach you some tricks you can do with your powers? I have a few Kitsune friends and they love to brag about attacks. Besides you use fire like I do, yes?” Shippou looked up hopefully and nodded.

 

XXXXX

 

“Damn, I forgot how much easier it was with Inuyasha carrying me on his back,” she grumbled and cursed.

 

She had been running for almost a day and a half because she couldn't catch up with the youkai fast enough on her own two feet. The damn thing would not be still.

 

Even stranger, it wouldn't come near her but instead seemed to be chasing something that was in the opposite direction of her. `Remember Kagome, the jewel is hidden when you want it to be, the demon might not sense it.'

 

Besides, she didn't want the youkai to sense the jewel because that meant if the one she was chasing could sense the jewel, it would come after her and so would every other youkai in the immediate vicinity. This in turn meant she was going to die a gory death.

 

Of course, she had no clue about the potions Jiji had given her to keep her hidden.

 

She shook her head and closed her eyes to see which way the youkai had moved. Her eyes snapped open and she smiled brightly. It was so close and it had stopped moving. She sensed more auras, pure auras where the youkai was. Even without concentrating, she could feel the flare of power from the pure energy. Obviously, a fight had started.

 

She wiped her sweaty forehead on her sleeve and jogged in the direction she felt the auras coming from. Not five minutes from the battle site, she heard the crashes and yells. There was a roar and immediately a blast of wind almost knocked her off her feet. She dropped to her knees and dug her blunt fingers into the ground in her attempt to keep from flying off. There were five auras rushing… no flying, toward her. Their frightened screams reached her long before she saw them. They crashed through the bushes, three young monks, obviously still in training. A fourth, who was an older monk, was the only one on his feet and he was racing after the young boys to stop their fall. On the back of one of the younger boys was a small child.

 

He had pitch-black hair pulled into a loose ponytail at the ends of the hair. He wore white and yellow monk's clothes of a different style then the other males with him. His eyes were grey and unseeing and his face was only a bit confused while the others with him were obviously afraid. The older monk only looked grim and determined. Kagome's hand shot out and the boys crashed into her arms toppling her with their weight. She quickly rolled over and got up to shield the children with her body. She pulled them close and leaned over them to keep them from flying away again. The older monk immediately tried to stop. He slid across the ground and passed Kagome and the boys up. Once he had stopped, he struggled against the wind and came back to her side.

 

Kagome glanced at him, he nodded in thanks, and they both sat to wait the wind out. When it stopped the young boys groaned a bit trying to gather their thoughts.

 

“Many thanks, Miko-sama,” the older monk said. Kagome stood slowly and let the boys free.

 

They glanced at her wide eyed then looked to the older man “What happened Sensei? I could not stand on my own,” one of the boys asked.

 

“The youkai has mastery over the winds. I will explain more later; we must protect Kami-sama,” Kagome did a double take when the boys nodded and huddled around the young child with them.

 

There was another howl but no wind followed, instead the youkai was rushing them.

 

“Run!” she cried.

 

She turned and they all ran after her as the youkai leapt out of the forest after them. Kagome glanced back and saw a giant grey wolf but she couldn't see the jewel shard. This demon had it, she could sense it, so where was the shard? The youkai leapt into the air and she gasped in shock. It landed in their running path and snapped at them. Kagome screamed and slid to a stop more than accustomed to running from youkai. She turned and ran back the other way. The other boys followed as the elder monk threw a ward to distract the youkai but it blown away by a simple snort from the wolf.

 

The demon was too close to dodge effectively or even attack.

 

“Move!” the older monk bellowed.

 

The wolf was upon them in seconds, she and the older monk were able to grab two of the boys, one of which held the child and snatch them into the forest. The other boy wasn't paying attention, fear getting the better of him. Kagome couldn't quite reach him before she was yanked out of dangers way along with the child and younger monks. She collapsed through a bush awkwardly and scrambled up quickly as she prepared to fight. Kagome gasped when the wolf youkai stepped on the boy putting one of hits massive claws right through his chest. The boy wasn't dead yet though. He was twitching on the ground as blood poured from his mouth. The wolf leaned down and bit him in two, ending his misery.

 

Kagome's gut twisted in horror and she could feel the tears sting her eyes. She notched an arrow and let it fly with a cry of rage. The youkai hearing her cry jumped into the air again leaving the boys legs on the ground. The monks with the child were already running away again but a new group of monks had followed the wolf. They threw wards at its feet while it was still in the air. The beast howled in pain and landed awkwardly on its side. She caught a glimpse of light from the Shikon shard right in the scruff of the demons neck.

 

She had an arrow ready to fly in seconds but the youkai was already up and moving by the time, she was ready.

 

“Miko-sama!” She looked up to see a warrior monk in the tree above her.

 

“Aim for its legs to slow it down.” Kagome nodded and the monk jumped to another tree with ease. She couldn't sit and awe at this though. Preparing another arrow she fired. The demon was so preoccupied with the monks it was fighting it didn't notice her until she blew one of its hind legs off.

The wolf howled and she gritted her teeth as she was drenched in blood.

 

Stupid mistake not to dodge, she knew a lot of demons had poison or acid like blood but this wolf didn't so she couldn't worry about it. She fired another arrow as the wolf turned on her, it danced awkwardly around the arrow and galloped at her faster than it had before. It crashed into her, shattering her bow and slamming her through a tree and into the next one. She screamed in pain, gagging up blood when she felt and heard her ribs crack quickly followed by the sound of other broken bones. Before the demon could move away to finish her off she let her power flare and she grabbed a hold of the demons fur so it couldn't escape. Everyone paused to awe as the wolf burst into bright blue flames of purification. It howled in agony flinging her into the air with its thrashing.

 

A monk jumped out of his tree and caught her in mid air before landing neatly as the demon collapsed to the ground. All its fur and skin was burned off, and it was dripping blood everywhere.

 

“It didn't turn to dust,” someone gasped.

 

Kagome turned her head to look at the still smoldering youkai that was staring straight at her with angry red eyes.

 

“Disgusting human,” it rasped with a shuddering breath.

 

The other monks gasped, stunned it was still alive.

 

“I can't believe I lost to a stupid ningen Miko,” it spat blood at her as it spoke.

 

The demons body began to turn to dust finally as it took its last breath. Kagome smirked in morbid amusement at the dead demon. It's entire body vanished after a moment and Kagome sighed in relief. The jewel shard fell to the ground without so much as a sound. A few younger monks went forward to see what the jewel was.

 

“Don't touch it!” Kagome cried and immediately regretted it when her wounds made themselves known.

 

“It's the Shikon Jewel,” she explained with a labored breath.

 

The monks looked at her horrified. “Lady Miko please calm down, you're gravely injured,” the monk holding her pleaded.

 

She ignored him, her eyes widened when the shard jumped off the ground and shot toward the forest. All eyes darted after the infamous jewel a bit frightened. The bushes shook and the two boys from earlier stepped out onto the path where the other monks and herself were, one of the boys carried the child on his back. The older monk followed them. The child had a hand held out and the Shikon jewel was floating over his hand as if dangled by some invisible string.

 

The young monk holding the child walked over to her and sat the little boy down.

 

The jewel shard floated over to her and she reached out and took it in her hands completely ignoring the pain. The jewel shined brightly from her closed hands as it was purified. She pulled the Shikon jewel from her shirt and combined the smaller jewel with the one around her neck. They all looked at her fascinated, “The Miko of the Shikon jewel,” the monk holding her whispered. The little boy leaned forward and smiled pleasantly at her.

 

`Thank you, lady Kagome.'

 

Kagome's eyes widened in shock, she heard the boys' voice in her head, he didn't even open his mouth. “How are you talking, and how do you know my name?”

 

“Lady Miko you can hear Kami-sama's voice?” another monk asked as he came closer. Kagome looked confused and she was starting to see black creeping in around the edges of her vision. “W-What Kami-sama?” she murmured a bit startled.

 

“The child before you is a Kami-Sama here in human form.” Her eyes widened in shock.

 

The boy raised his hands and they began to glow a pinkish-purple color. She was startled that it wasn't the same blue as all other pure beings used.

 

`Let me heal you Kagome-sama,' the little boy asked pleasantly.

 

She could only nod as he placed a hand to her side. Kagome relaxed as the pain began to fade and her vision with it as she lost consciousness.

 

XXXX

 

Jiji?” Shippou asked as they both sat out by the fire. Jiji was staring into the fire and Shippou was staring up at the star filled sky. “When do you think Kagome-chan will be back?” Jiji glanced at Shippou.

 

“She loves you very much Shippou and she doesn't like to be without you. I'm sure she'll be back as soon as she can.” The answer seemed to satisfy Shippou so he nodded and his eyes widened a bit when he saw a shooting star fly across the sky.

 

“Wow!” He laughed eagerly.

 

“I wish you could see the stars, they seem really happy tonight.” Shippou grinned at Jiji.

 

“Stars?”

 

Shippou grunted in agreement, “Hai, that's what Kagome-chan calls them.”

 

Jiji smiled a bit. “You say the stars look happy?”

 

Shippou giggled a bit, “Hai, I think they know Kagome-chan is alright.”

 

Jiji chuckled but nodded in agreement.

 

XXXX

 

That was it for chapter 5 and the end of the getting to know Jiji arch. Now a new part of the story will be starting soon and her training with it. We can't have her running around in demon infested forest unable to defend herself now can we?