Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Future Girls ❯ Guilty, Alone, and Confused ( Chapter 5 )

*~Future Girls~*

 

Disclaimer:

I do not own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho!! Even though I wish I did!

 

*Youko*

~Hiei~

-Kurama-

`thoughts'

 

Chapter 5: Guilty, Alone, and Confused

 

Kagome and Sango stood before the large door in silence. They just arrived in Reikai and were going to visit the girl locked in the room they were about to enter. Taking a deep breath, Kagome pushed the heavy door open. Just like before, the room was pitch dark except for the burning flame at the center of the room. Closing the door, Kagome and Sango made their way to the center and stood just a few feet away from the large glass cell that the beautiful girl was confined in. The girl was sitting on what seemed to be a bed made completely of glass.

 

Kagome stepped forward and softly knocked on the glass to get the girl's attention. Startled, the girl turned wide grey eyes toward them. Standing slowly, she turned her attention to them and remained silent. Kagome smiled warmly and waved to her, not surprised when she didn't receive a greeting back.

 

“Hello, I'm Kagome and this is Sango. What's your name?”

 

The girl remained silent as she stared at them blankly. Her beautiful grey eyes examined their unusual outfits as well as their demon attributes. Sango frowned at the lack of response from the girl. Maybe she was a mute? Or perhaps she didn't understand their language? Whatever the reason, she wanted to get the girl to smile at least. She looked sad and lonely and that was probably the reason why Kagome had requested them access to visit this girl whenever they pleased. Sango rolled her eyes, that selfless damn miko was always thinking of everyone else before herself.

 

“So you're a human huh? We are too… but we have a mission that requires us to turn into demons.” Kagome said, ignoring the fact that the girl was still silently staring at them.

 

“This must be fireproof glass since it's not melting from the fire.” Sango said, trying to help the miko start a conversation.

 

“Do you have a name?” Kagome asked with a warm smile.

 

The girl remained silent, not even moving from the spot she stood.

 

“It's ok, you don't have to talk, we're just here to visit you.”

 

“Kagome and I were asked to help the prince of this realm in a battle to save the human realm. He has this team called the spirit detectives that captured us so we thought they were after our lives like everyone else out there.” Sango began to explain.

 

“We escaped the spirit detectives and were searching for an exit from this place and found this room before they caught us again. I was curious as to why Reikai had you locked up here so I asked the prince.” Kagome continued.

 

“Kagome saw how lonely you looked and only agreed to help Reikai if he allowed us to visit you whenever we pleased.” Sango smiled.

 

“Yup, so you'll be seeing us quite often.” Kagome grinned.

 

Their communicators began beeping and Sango pulled hers from her pocket. Flipping it open, Koenma appeared on the screen demanding they return to his office immediately. Slamming it shut without an answer, Sango shoved the compact back into her pocket and turned a bright smile to the girl that was still mutely staring at them.

 

“We're sorry, but we have to go.”

 

“Don't worry; we'll be back tomorrow to visit you again.” Kagome smiled once more before following Sango quickly back to the toddler's office.

 

Upon arriving, they were surprised the SD's weren't there.

 

“There appears to be another tear in the barrier. This one is far larger than any of the previous ones. I've already sent the detectives to the location but I needed to speak with you before sending you off as well.”

 

“Why? What's the matter?” Kagome asked, beginning to worry.

 

“I've worked with the last group of Forbidden Jewels and know their flaws. It is vital that you bring your neko companions with you at all times. They are your guardians and may save you in your greatest time of need.” Koenma said.

 

“It's difficult to cart around a cat with two tails, we're fine on our own. We only bring them when we sense demons while we're at home.” Sango said.

 

“You don't understand… the last four Jewel's died because they failed to use their neko's correctly. Their enemies picked them off one at a time, when they were at their weakest. They didn't keep their guardians close and they paid for it with their lives.” Koenma explained.

 

“Ok… but how are we going to bring them around with us while we're in our human forms?” Kagome asked.

 

“You were able to place a concealment spell on them before were you not?”

 

“Yes but that drains our energy.”

 

“Then you must teach your nekos to conceal themselves.” Koenma ordered. “I don't care what you do; you better have those nekos with you at all times.”

 

“Alright, we'll figure something out…” Kagome sighed.

 

“That's what I like to hear, now help close that rip.”

 

Botan stepped forward with a grin. She opened a portal for them and without hesitation this time; they rushed through and were slightly caught off guard. Once they exited the portal, they were immediately attacked by dozens of demons.

 

“Took you long enough to get here!” Yusuke yelled in irritation as he knocked out a boar demon charging at him.

 

“Stop complaining.” Sango rolled her eyes before glancing toward Kagome. “Be careful and watch your back.” She demanded before dashing off to help Kuwabara. Kagome groaned and sidestepped the strike of a snake demon. Bringing her claws down swiftly before the snake could retract its head; she tore through the skin and removed its head. Kagome smirked as she saw all the demons growling in her directions. She wasn't sure why, but Kagome felt playful.

 

“Come and get me boys!” she grinned, brushing a hand through her hair.

 

Snarling, a large group of demons charged at her. Waiting until they were within a few feet of her, she sprung into the air and landed on her feet behind the group. They turned to her in anger, baring their fangs.

 

“Too slow!” she giggled. Pissed, the demons charged at her once more. A rat demon reached her first, leaping for her throat with its large fangs. Without much effort, the kitsune ducked, watching the rat squirm in anger as he missed her completely. A tiger swiped at her with his claws and Kagome quickly back flipped away from him, effectively landing directly on the rat that had first attacked her and missed.

 

“Oops! Sorry!” she giggled.

 

Kagome sprung off the rat's back and into a cartwheel in order to dodge a lizard demon that spat poison at her. Snarling in anger, it spat its poison repeatedly, trying to hit her. Kagome laughed as she leapt into front handsprings and easily dodged all the poison. The poison attacks the lizard was throwing and that missed the kitsune would hit any demons surrounding her. The lizard grew angrier as he continued to miss and hit his fellow demons, accidentally killing them.

 

“You missed!” Kagome laughed with a huge grin.

 

Youko watched the playful kitsune in amusement as he fought off the demons around him. She was bouncing all across the battle field, performing flips and cartwheels everywhere she went. Along the way, she was also killing random demons that approached her.

 

-She's going to get hurt if she keeps playing around like that.- Kurama sighed.

 

Youko shook his head. *I think she knows what she's doing…*

 

~You're telling me there's a reason she's jumping around the battlefield in such any irritating fashion?~ Hiei suddenly asked, annoyance clear in his voice.

 

Suddenly, Kagome turned a stern glance straight to him and he understood. *Hiei, tell the others to relocate themselves to the outside of the battlefield. Tell them to kill any demons that try to pass them. Hurry!* the kitsune demanded. Moving quickly, Youko began making his way to the center of the field where Kagome was also headed.

 

-What's going on?-

 

*I told you she knew what she was doing. Do you remember when she brushed her hand through her hair before mocking the demons?*

 

-Yes…- Kurama gasped. -She was grabbing seeds!-

 

*Every time her hands touched the ground when she flipped, she was planting a seed.* he smirked as he reached the center along with Kagome and Sango.

 

Grinning to both of them, Kagome grabbed Sango's hand and pulled the slayer up onto her shoulders. “Hey all you dimwitted demons, the Forbidden Jewels are over here! What's taking you so long to kill a pair of women?” Sango smirked at the glares they were now receiving from all the demons. Just as they hoped, all the demons redirected their attention to the center and were determined to tear the two women to shreds.

 

“Now Crystal!” Leaping off Kagome's shoulders, Sango crouched down to press her palms against the ground as Youko and Kagome did as well. Kagome and Youko pushed their demonic ki into the surrounding seeds to force them to grow while Sango used her water powers to provide the seeds with fresh water. It wasn't necessary for Sango to give them water seeing as they only needed kitsune energy to grow but the addition of water made them grow larger. The larger the plant was… the hungrier it would be.

 

The attacking demons froze where they stood as the ground began to shake. Yusuke, Kuwabara and Hiei watched as dozens of large plants emerged from the ground in various places along the battlefield. The plants had large round heads with thick stems to hold their heavy tops. Dozens of sharp teeth filled their mouths as each of them stretched and roared in hunger.

 

Kagome stood from the ground and turned a grin to the demons staring at them in horror. “Bah Bye.” She giggled. The demons went into a panic. They tried to run away from the large killer plants that were now striking down and tearing apart every demon they could reach. Yusuke, Kuwabara and Hiei all worked together to kill any demons that tried to escape. As Youko stood from the ground, Kagome leaned her back against his with her arms crossed over her chest and a huge smile on her face. Youko rolled his eyes and entwined his tail around hers as they watched the last of the demons disappear.

 

“Go close the rip.” Kagome called over to Yusuke once the coast was clear. Yusuke nodded and stared at the large man eating plants as he carefully made his way toward the rip. Kuwabara followed him and they were both making sure they steered clear of the killer plants that were watching them intently.

 

Kagome skipped over to the nearest plant and held her hand out toward it. Sango stared with wide and slightly fearful eyes as the large plant lowered its head down to Kagome. It cooed softly and nuzzled the kitsune's hand as Kagome stroked it in praise.

 

“Did you all have a good meal? Huh? You did such a wonderful job.” She grinned up at the plant before turning to Sango.

 

“You can pet them too. They know you're the one who fed them water.”

 

“How do they know?” Sango asked wearily.

 

“Because they can recognize your aura.” Youko explained as he too pet on of the oversized plants.

 

Sango nodded and slowly approached the plant nearest to her. It seemed to purr quietly before lowing its head toward her obediently. She smiled and patted the demon plant's head softly. Hearing someone screaming, everyone turned their gazes toward Yusuke who was frantically dodging the three plants surrounding him. They were playfully striking at him for their own amusement.

 

“KAGOME!!! Call off your damn plants!” Yusuke cried.

 

Everyone laughed and Kagome smiled up to the plant she was petting. “Thank you for all your help.” She said before placing her hand to the ground and closing her eyes. The demon plants suddenly disappeared and Kagome stood with all her seeds in the palm of her hand. Placing the seeds back in her hair, she grinned over to Yusuke.

 

“They were only playing with you.” she informed.

 

“They were trying to attack me! Besides, I don't like `playing' with huge man eating plants in my spare time!” he snapped.

 

“Keep it up and I'll bring them back to play with you for a while longer.” Kagome smirked.

 

“Crystal? Can we go home now?” Sango asked.

 

Kagome nodded and made her way to the slayer's side. Turning to Youko, she winked at him before they ran off toward home. Youko smirked as he allowed Kurama control over their body.

 

*Her Red, I want her.* he decided.

 

-Well this isn't only for you to decide Youko, and I've decided that I want Kagome.-

 

~Don't be stupid fox; you can't have both. The better choice would be the kitsune~ Hiei stated.

 

*Told you so* Youko grinned.

 

-Why do you say that Hiei?-

 

~The other onna is human. Think about it, the human onna will be in danger and you won't always be there to protect her~

 

*But my vixen can fight for herself*

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~

 

Kagome and Sango made their way to the same room the girl was kept in. This time they brought the nekos seeing as Koenma wouldn't shut up about the importance of them being together at all times. Haru was perched happily on top of Kagome's head and the little purple neko slept in her arms. Kirara and the black neko were sitting comfortably on Sango's shoulders as they all entered the dark room. The girl in her glass prison turned to them and watched as they approached her with smiles.

 

“Hello! How are you today?” Kagome smiled, not expecting a response.

 

“Yesterday was interesting; we had to fight off a bunch of demons and close another rip in the barrier between the human and demon realms.” Sango said.

 

“Yea! My cute plants got to eat all of the demons.” Kagome grinned.

 

“Cute? That's not exactly what I would call those things…” Sango said softly.

 

“What are you talking about? You liked them too.” Kagome pouted.

 

“I didn't say I disliked them, they're just not cute. More like intimidating.” The slayer clarified.

 

“Well I think they're cute.” Kagome said stubbornly, petting the sleeping purple neko in her arms.

 

“It's always so dark in here… the only light is from that fire.” Sango mused quietly before turning her gaze to the girl staring at them. “Is there a light in here?”

 

To both their surprise, the girl slowly lifted her hand and pointed toward their left. Shaking herself out of her shock, Sango put the nekos she was holding down on the ground before running off to search for the switch. Kagome smiled at the girl who was staring at the darkness that Sango had disappeared into.

 

“I knew you understood us. Could you tell me your name?” Kagome asked, hoping that maybe she would begin talking now.

 

The girl said nothing and Kagome sighed. The lights in the large room suddenly flickered on and Sango grinned in triumph before making her way back over to Kagome's side. Both girls were shocked when the flame around the girl disappeared. Did she have control of the fire? Or did it only come to life in the dark? Maybe the girl made the fire because it was so dark all the time.

 

The sleeping neko in Kagome's arms woke and stretched as Haru leapt down in top of its back. The silver neko growled playfully and caught the purple neko's ear between his teeth. Kagome smiled and ruffled her neko's fur before placing them both on the ground so they could play and a full out battle began.

 

Kirara and the black neko leapt into the fun as well, tackling Haru playfully. Kagome and Sango laughed as the four pawed and hissed at each other jokingly. Kirara nipped at Haru's tail, causing the neko to yelp and quickly turn to leap at the cream colored demon. Kagome saw the purple haired girl slowly stand and sit on the ground near the glass. She was watching the nekos play with a small smile on her face.

 

Kagome whistled sharply and all four nekos froze where they were and turned their attention to the kitsune. Kagome smiled and kneeled down to the ground to whisper in Haru's ear. The neko mewed before nuzzling his mistress's cheek and turning to the glass box. Trotting over to the glass with the other three nekos following him, he placed his paw up against the glass. The girl that was directly on the other side stared down at Haru blankly.

 

“They're saying hi.” Kagome said and was overjoyed to see a small smile spread across the girl's face as she stared down at the demons. The four nekos mewed at her happily before returning to their previous play.

 

Taking a look at the time, Kagome sighed as she turned toward Sango. It was getting late and they still needed to work with Koenma to see if they could figure out where the next rip would appear. Both girls turned back toward the grey eyed girl.

 

“We're sorry but we must be going. We have plenty of work to get done but we'll return tomorrow.” Sango smiled.

 

“And we'll bring the nekos with us too since you seem to like them.” Kagome added.

 

Waving to the girl, they made their way to the door, calling the nekos to follow them. The girl watched them leave, thankful they left the lights on so she wouldn't have to be alone in the dark…

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~

 

Kurama sat on the river bank staring at the water in silence.

 

*Red, it's for her own safety. There's no other choice* Youko said softly.

 

-I know that Youko-

 

*Take her out on one more date… and then you have to break it off*

 

-If I have to stay away from her then why should I bother taking her out once more?- Kurama snapped.

 

*Because you want to Red* Youko answered quietly.

 

“Kurama?” The avatar turned quickly to the sound of her voice.

 

Kagome was staring at Kurama in question. What was he doing at her favorite spot in the forest? “Are you alright?” she asked as she moved to sit next to him.

 

“I'm fine, just thinking.” He answered with a small smile.

 

“If there's something you want to talk about, I'm here to listen.” Kagome said softly.

 

“Thank you Kagome, and there is in fact something I would like to ask you.”

 

She turned her attention to him with a smile. “Yes?”

 

“There's a carnival in town this weekend. Would you go with me?”

 

Kagome grinned. “Definitely, I love carnivals.”

 

“Great, so how does Saturday sound?”

 

“Perfect, I'll be ready and at your door at seven.” She smiled.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~

 

“We're baaaaack!” Kagome called cheerfully as she pushed the large door open. She frowned to see that the lights were off once more and asked Sango to turn it on once more since she knew where it was. The slayer ran off into the darkness after placing the nekos on the ground. Kagome made her way over to the glass box and smiled as the girl stood and seated herself on the ground near the glass again so she could watch the nekos.

 

The lights flashed on and the flame around the girl disappeared once more. Kirara began running around the large glass box quickly, the other three chasing after her.

 

“So how was your day today? Ours wasn't very eventful.” Sango sighed.

 

“Well Kurama asked me out on another date this morning.” Kagome said softly.

 

“Really?! You two seem to be getting closer.” Sango smirked.

 

“Shut up Sango. Haru!”

 

Sango and Kagome stared in shock and slight fear as all four nekos slid into the glass box through an opening that seemed to be used to push food in the girl's prison cell. The girl turned her attention to the four nekos that were now staring at her in curiosity. Being the gutsy one of the group, Haru made his way toward her cautiously. The girl shook her head and stood.

 

“No… I don't want to hurt you.” she whispered as she backed away from the demon.

 

Surprised to hear her speak, Kagome shook her head. “Are you talking about your fire? Don't worry, their fire nekos and can't be harmed by flame.” The miko reassured once she regained her composure.

 

The girl turned to look at her fearfully, seeming to make sure Kagome was telling the truth. Both Sango and Kagome smiled and nodded and the girl seemed to calm down. She kneeled down once more and watched in silence as Haru continued to make his way toward her. Once he was close enough, he leaned forward and sniffed her leg quietly before mewing and leaping into her lap and nuzzling her stomach lovingly.

 

Taking this as a sign that everything was safe, the other three nekos trotted over to the girl and joined in nuzzling her. The girl smiled softly as tears filled her eyes. She sobbed quietly as she hugged the nekos gently and a weak flame burned to life around the girl. Kagome and Sango watched as the poor girl broke down into tears and they weren't sure why. They wanted desperately to reach out and hug the girl as she sobbed but couldn't because of the thick glass that separated them.

 

“Aki.”

 

Confused, Kagome turned to Sango to see if she understood.

 

“My name… is Aki.” The girl said softly.

 

Kagome grinned happily. “Well it's nice to meet you Aki.”

 

“Why?” she asked softly, turning her gaze to Kagome.

 

“Why what?” Sango asked.

 

“Why do you two come here everyday to visit me?”

 

“Because no matter what you may have done, no one deserves to be alone. Everyone deserves a second chance at life and we just wanted to keep you company…” Kagome said with a warm smile.

 

“May we ask what it was that happened? That caused you to be imprisoned here?” Sango asked, hoping they could finally get some answers.

 

Aki sat in silence for a moment as she stared down at the nekos in her lap and the fire around her dissipated. Just as Sango and Kagome figured she wasn't going to answer, she spoke.

 

“Two years ago I was a regular teenage girl like everyone else… and one day when I got angry at a coke machine because it ate my money, it suddenly burst into flames. I was scared and didn't understand how it happened but for a few months nothing weird happened so I figured it was my imagination.

 

“I was doing my homework one day and was so frustrated with it that I just wished it would disappear. My homework caught fire and I knew the fire touched my hand but there were no burns. My homework disappeared and all that was left was ashes. After that, I became curious and turned the stove on the next morning. I ran my hand through the fire but nothing happened.” She paused to let the information sink in.

 

“So you somehow obtained fire powers?” Kagome asked.

 

“It would seem so. The next few months, I was able to create a small flame on the tip of my finger whenever I wanted and could make anything catch fire if I wished it. But I couldn't control the fire… whenever I was angry or overcome with emotions, the flames would go out of control and no matter what I did, they wouldn't stop.” She began to cry once more, the flame returning but this time more potent and Kagome felt tears burn in her eyes as well.

 

“What happened?” Sango asked softly.

 

“My father came home drunk one night and began hitting my mother. I yelled at him to stop but he turned and hit me as well. I got so angry and scared that the fire engulfed my entire house… my mother and father were killed and I was left untouched by the flames. After that, all I remember is hearing the police sirens and then waking up in this prison. Koenma appeared before me to explain why I was here and that was almost a year ago. No one comes in here besides the ogres that bring me food.”

 

Kagome wiped her tears away. “I'm so sorry Aki…”

 

“Don't be… it's my fault that I couldn't learn to control my powers.” She said softly, hugging the purple neko and rubbing her cheek against his soft fur.

 

“Well you seem to have control of your powers now.” Sango stated.

 

“It may seem that way but I don't. When I get emotional I still can't control the flames.” She said, bowing her head in shame as the fire once again dispersed.

 

“Well then it looks like we're going to have to help you control your powers better!” Kagome grinned.

 

“But… how?”

 

“Easy, practice makes perfect. You see, I have weird powers too. I learned to control them because if I didn't, they would kill any of my demon friends around me. But I also needed to learn control over them because I needed to protect my friends with my power.” Kagome explained.

 

“So in your human form you're a miko?” Aki asked, surprising both Sango and Kagome.

 

“How did you know?”

 

“I read a lot. Whenever an ogre comes in here, I ask if it's alright for them to give me a book to read, any book. They always give me books they don't need or copies, just in case I burn them.” she said.

 

Kagome laughed. “So how much exactly do you know?”

 

“A lot about demons, legends of the past, the three worlds, fighting techniques, anything new about the human world so I can stay updated. I know a lot.” She smiled softly.

 

“Fighting huh?” Sango asked, curious.

 

Kagome slapped her hand on Sango's arm suddenly, making the girl jump. “Aki, we'll be back tomorrow ok? We're going to do some research on controlling powers.”

 

Aki smiled hopefully and nodded, turning back down to the nekos still playing in her cell. “Ok guys… I think you should go back outside.”

 

The nekos mewed and leapt at her, licking her face playfully before squeezing through the small opening and trotting back over to Kagome and Sango's sides. Sango smiled and lifted the purple neko into her arms as Kirara leapt up onto her should. “We'll see you tomorrow, and we'll leave the lights on too.”

 

They waved to Aki as they left, the black neko stopping at the door and turning to stare at Aki for a moment longer before trotting off to catch up with the others.

 

“Sango… do you think it's weird that she suddenly gained her powers at around the same time that I was dragged into the well and discovered my powers?” Kagome asked quietly as they made their way to the Reikai library.

 

“You think there's a connection? How could there be?”

 

“I don't know… it was just a thought. Let's get to researching; I really want to help her as much as we can.”

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~

 

The black neko ran around Kagome and Sango's legs in excitement as they made their way to Aki's room.

 

“He's really excited to see Aki isn't he?” Kagome laughed.

 

“So are all the other nekos, he's just expressing his excitement more then they are.” Sango laughed.

 

As they reached the door, Kagome kicked in open with a huge grin and watched as all four nekos dashed toward the glass box. The black neko leading, he squeezed through the opening and leapt up onto Aki's head and mewed loudly. For the first time since they met her, they heard Aki laugh. Smiling, they made their way over to the glass and waved to her.

 

“How are you today?” Kagome asked.

 

“Much better now that you're all here.” She smiled softly.

 

“Good, well time to get down to training! I won't be here the entire time but Sango is staying for a few hours after I leave.”

 

“You have plans today?” she asked softly.

 

Kagome blushed. “I have a date.”

 

“With a major hottie that lives right across the hall!” Sango laughed.

 

“Shut up Sango!” Kagome growled.

 

“Oh, that reminds me…. If we're ever around anyone else while we're in our demon forms, could you please call us Crystal and Aqua and not by our names?” Sango said.

 

“Because you don't want anyone else knowing your human identities, no problem.” Aki smiled.

 

“Glad you're so intelligent. So let's get to work!”

 

“What do I have to do?” she asked as she stood from her bed.

 

“Hmmm… well we just need you to get angry and then work on controlling your anger. After our hours of research, we found that some powers react to the person's emotions. It seems to be that way with your powers so we think that if you can control your emotions, then you can control your powers.” Sango explained.

 

Aki thought about it for a moment and nodded. “I think it will work, but how will you make me angry?”

 

“About that… please don't hate me but I'm going to have to insult you… or say things to piss you off.” Kagome said.

 

Aki smiled. “I'll get over it. You guys are helping me… so I'll keep in mind that you don't mean anything your saying.”

 

“Ok good, now let's get to work.”

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~

 

After about an hour of working with Aki, Kagome finally had to pull herself from the room and return to her apartment. She left the nekos with Aki and Sango because it seemed that with the nekos there with her, she was able to calm her anger much faster. Even though she knew she couldn't harm them with her fire, she told herself that she wanted to protect them as well as her new friends and was able to calm herself enough to bring the flame down to a calm ball in the palm of her hand.

 

Sango and Kagome found that when Aki got really pissed, her eyes would change to a bright red color and they almost feared that her powerful flames would burst through the glass. She was slowly improving and Sango was going to work with her for a few more hours before letting her get some rest. Once inside her apartment, Kagome changed into the outfit she had laid out on her bed before leaving. After changing, she pulled a brush through her hair and grabbed her keys before opening the door in time to see Kurama about to knock.

 

Grinning, she closed and locked her door before grabbing his hand and running off toward the elevator in excitement. When they arrived at the festival, Kurama bought their tickets and played several games with Kagome. They went through the haunted house as well as the fun house and Kagome seemed to be having lots of fun.

 

Kagome smiled happily as she dragged Kurama to all the different rides. For some reason, he didn't seem to be enjoying himself so Kagome decided to buy a few ice cream cones and go for a walk with the red head.

 

“Kurama… are you alright?”

 

“Fine, why do you ask?” he asked quietly.

 

“Because you don't seem to be enjoying yourself.” She said softly.

 

“Actually… Kagome…” Kurama started but couldn't find it in himself to continue. Sighing, he began to walk faster until they were far away from the loud sounds coming from the carnival.

 

“What's the matter Kurama?”

 

“Kagome… I can't… I can't see you anymore.” He said quietly.

 

Kagome stared at him in complete confusion and disbelief. “What do you mean?”

 

“We can't see each other anymore Kagome… I'm sorry.”

 

Before Kagome could respond, she caught sight of a demon at the corner of her eye. Staring in shock, she realized that they were completely surrounded. Sango wasn't there to save her identity this time… what was she going to do?

 

Kurama stared in surprise at the demons that stand around them growling. How did he not sense them before? He was too wrapped up in his emotions to pay any attention to his surroundings and now he was paying for it… this was the reason he had to break things off with Kagome… so she wouldn't get hurt.

 

She couldn't transform… Kurama would see and her identity would go down the drain. The poor human would probably have a heart attack if he saw her turn into a mysterious demon. The demons around them growled and Kagome glared at them. She couldn't just stand there, she had to protect Kurama. Even though it didn't seem that he cared for her anymore… even though he just broke up with her… she needed to protect him.

 

Kurama debated what he should do. The others were probably nowhere nearby and he couldn't just attack these demons in front of Kagome. She's only human and probably doesn't even know what these things are. She's probably terrified… he had to protect her… no matter what.

 

“Forbidden Crystal Power!” Kurama turned to Kagome in confusion. A very familiar outfit began to replace Kagome's jeans and tee shirt and a pair of silver ears and a silky tail appeared. His eyes widened in shock as the human girl that he was so fond of slowly transformed into Crystal, the kitsune that Youko liked.

 

*Red!! Kagome is Crystal!* Youko gasped in surprise.

 

-This can't be happening… this has to be a dream- Kurama thought, watching in shock as Kagome… or Crystal leapt at the demon nearest to them and tore it to pieces. Then suddenly his vision went black.

 

Kagome sighed in relief when Sango and the nekos appeared and knocked out Kurama. After finishing off the last of the demons, Kagome slowly made her way to Kurama's side. Kneeling down, she fished in his pockets for his keys before lifting him up into her arms. Sango and the nekos followed Kagome silently as she rushed to their apartment building and opened Kurama's door. Once they were inside, Sango closed and locked the door before following Kagome into the red head's bedroom.

 

“Kagome… what are we going to do? This human saw you transform! I know you like him but…”

 

“Not anymore… he broke up with me…” she said quietly as she brushed a hand through her hair and placed a seed on his bed.

 

“No way! Why?!”

 

“I don't know… but that doesn't matter. I need you to get me some water and an orange.”

 

The slayer rushed to the kitchen and collected what the miko requested. “What are you doing?”

 

“Making a potion so everything that just happened seems like a mere dream. When he wakes up, he's not going to believe anything he saw.” Kagome explained as she got to work. Once she was finished mixing everything, she opened Kurama's mouth and slowly poured the mixture down his throat. After cleaning all evidence of them ever being in his apartment and changing him into a pair of sweat pants, Kagome and Sango quietly left with the nekos and to their own apartments.

 

The purple neko and Kirara followed Sango into her home while Haru trailed behind Kagome. The miko briefly wondered where the other neko was but didn't think much over it as she blankly made her way to bed and collapsed onto her mattress. Tears began to fall as she pulled her knees to her chest and sobbed quietly. Haru mewed softly and moved to lie next to the miko's stomach, nuzzling her arms to comfort her as she cried herself to sleep.

 

Kurama woke with a start the next morning, his heart pounding in his chest and his body coated in sweat. Breathing hard, he tried to calm his racing heart as he thought about the weird dream he had.

 

*Kagome was Crystal? That seriously was crazy…* Youko yawned.

 

-It was weird… it seemed so real-

 

*Red, stop dreaming. We only wish Kagome and Crystal were one in the same remember?*

 

Kurama frowned -Yea… only in my dreams huh…- he sighed sadly.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~

 

A/N:

 

That wraps up chapter 5 ^_^ hope you all enjoyed it. R&R!!

 

~*Icyfire*~

 

Next Chapter - Chapter Six: Play with Fire