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Story

Kagome walked out of the carriage with Kenshin and Sesshoumaru close behind. Her Master was waiting for them at the bottom of the mountain, and they all were found by the police. They were quickly placed into a carriage, where they were to meet Saito. Kagome thought it was too much of a coincidence, but didn't push it. They were now standing inside of a small meeting room, where Saito stood beside a map, discussing the plan.

"Kyoto Grand Inferno?" Kenshin said. Kagome was having a hard time believing it as well. They were going to light Kyoto on fire, like they planed during the Meiji Revolution?

Kagome sat there, listening to Kenshin's deduction. He quickly figured out it was only a cover up, and he had another plan. One he kept from his closest crew. He was going to make his attack ironic, and charge Tokyo using boats, firing unto the city. The fire in Kyoto was only the first stage. Kagome held down a growl, the plan was so barbaric. Making the people run and panic everywhere was his goal. Kenshin was one of the only people who understood someone like Shishio, and caught onto his plan quickly. For that she was thankful.

"We cannot stop him once he sets sail! We must hurry!" Kenshin said. He ran pass us and to the door, swinging it open.

"So, you're going to leave me behind again?!" An angry yet familiar voice yelled at Kenshin. Next thing we knew, Kenshin was punched in the face and he stumbled backwards. He stared at Sano, obviously in shock. "I won't let you get away this time."

Kagome raised her hand to stop Sesshoumaru from beheading Sano. To him, this was an unknown threat that happened to hit a man who he deemed 'Acceptable' and that did not go will with the Demon King. He seemed slightly upset, and he looked at her. She knew that look. 'You dare to stop this Sesshoumaru?' She smirked, and mumbled low, so that only he could hear.

"He's a friend. Yet, he is quite hot-headed and charges blindly into things without thinking." He growled slightly.

"Like my half-brother." He stated, already disliking the man even more.

"Why am I here?" Sano repeated Kenshin's question, and caught the red-head as he was falling, his body suddenly losing it's strength. Kagome frowned slightly. It seems he has gained a new power behind his punches. Must be something incredible if he can make even Kenshin's knees give out. "I'm here to help of course." He stated, smirking.

"Don't you mean get in the way?" Saito argued. Sesshoumaru smirked at the comment, and Kagome giggled.

"What?!" Sano growled and raised his fist in a challenge. "Anyway, we have no time! We can catch up on things while we run!"

"Can we run all the way to Osaka, moron?" Saito spoke. Kagome giggled again. "We'll go by carriage." He said.

"I will stay here, you know, to protect the fort and all." Kagome told them. She knew her words were slightly ironic, for those were the words she spoke before Saito charged into the dojo. Some protection she was…

They all looked at her. The different expressions she was getting from each of them made her smile. Saito nodded in acknowledgement, quickly accepting. He knew who she was. The others- They weren't as approving. Sano looked at her like she was crazy, before looking at Sesshoumaru- he's eyes widened, and he backed away, seeing his evil glare focused on him. Kenshin- He had so many emotions flooding out, he was like an open book.

He looked shocked at first, and then it turned to sadness. Then worry quickly over flowed, covering all other emotions and he frowned. She knew what he was thinking. He did not want her to get hurt again. He was about to object, but she stopped him.

"It will be fine. I have Sesshoumaru to back me up. Right Sesshoumaru?" She looked up at him, smiling.

"I did not come down to this world, to protect humans from doing idiotic things, like lighting their own kind on fire…" He growled in frustration. "You expect me to-" He looked down at her, and she started to cry. Large drops flowed out of her baby-like eyes, and she sniffled. He sighed, and turned away from her sad expression. "If I must…" She squealed and hugged him around the neck.

"Thank you My Lord!" She smiled at him. "See, Sesshoumaru will be with me. Don't worry." She told Kenshin. He didn't looked to convinced, but he sighed, not having any real choice, he allowed her to stay. She cheered and hugged his neck as well, in joy. He blushed and Sano whistled.

"So you two have gotten close uh?" Kenshin and Kagome blushed at his words. "Did you do-" A hardened glare from Sesshoumaru, promising death, stopped him from completing that sentence. He gulped, and slowly drifted away from the Demon King to stand beside Kenshin.

Kagome waved goodbye to them, and wished them luck on their mission. They then took off, going to Tokyo, as fast as the carriage could take them.

"Horses are such slow creatures." Sesshoumaru stated his opinion.

"You should see the metal carriage in the future." She told him. He looked at her and raised an eyebrow in question. "Yes, Metal Carriages." She repeated. "One Carriage has the power of over 300 horses." She told him. They both turned around and slowly started to walk away.

"Really?" He asked. "I'm intrigued." He stated. She smiled at him, and continued to tell her of the cars in her time, as they slowly walked into the city.

Kagome sighed as she punched another man in the face, knocking him out cold. It was now night fall, and this is what she was waiting for? Sesshoumaru and her had no problems killing off all the men. Yet she told him they can not kill. He was slightly angered, but after a few minutes of explaining that killing was murder, and that was a bad thing in this world, he finally gave in. She did not want the blood of her enemies filling the streets all over the city. It would be a bitch to clean up… A breeze carried a familiar sent into her nose. It was the strong smell of fire.

"Sesshoumaru!" She called to him.

"I know." He told her, and disappeared. The smell came from the other side of the city, at his speed he would be there in a second, no problem. She had no worries.

She sighed again, as she picked up another smell. Do they ever give up? She swiftly sprinted off, and towards the sent. She quickly jumped unto the man's head, and he fell over in a grunt. She huffed in victory, and put out his torch. A small sound entered her ears, and she looked up. It was a bat demon- No. She growled and looked more closely. It was a human who could fly, using some kind of homemade parasail that looked like wings. She rolled her eyes as he yelled something. He must be communicating to his allies. Can't have any of that, now can she? She smirked and launched herself in to the air. He gasped in disbelief, and stared at her.

"Boo." She smirked, as he screamed while flapped away in terror. Pussy.

She landed softly on the ground. She sighed, closing her eyes. She might as well get this over with, she was getting rather bored. Her feet glowed pink as she placed her powers into the ground. Soon images filled her mind, and she quickly scanned them for something interesting. Finding what she was looking for she smiled, and placed her hand on the dirt road. She gave a small grunt as she pushed unto the floor. The ground all over the city started to sake, before selected areas exploded like mini-volcanoes. Oh how she loved being in tune with the earth. Being a Miko had its advantages.

The men screamed as they were suddenly launched into the air from the sudden ground attack. She smirked as she watched their terrified faces in her mind. Once they landed, their torches snuffed out, they started to shake in their boots. Then they ran away, screaming bloody murder.

Kagome laughed as her own body was trembling in excitement. Ah, it felt good to use her powers again. She felt so live! She shivered as another wave of desire flowed through her veins. The pleasure of battle. So free and incredible. She missed it. Sesshoumaru materialized beside her.

"The enemy has retreated." He informed her. She shivered again and nibbled on her lower lip. Aw, now her play mates were all gone. "You are aroused." He stated. Of course he could smell it. He had one of the best noses in the demon world.

"You know how I get when I do battle." She openly shivered again, and rubbed her bare arms, as if cold. "It's hard for me to fight it off. I've not used my powers or fought anyone in months!" She growled, as if angry by this fact. Feeling strong arms wrapped around her waist she blinked, and looked back at him.

"You should not fight off your desires. I shale help you release your stress." He told her. She wanted to laugh at the meaning to his words.

"Master knows best." She told him.

"Of course." He replied. He let go of her, and backed up. She smirked and turned around, facing him. He put his hand on his side, and tossed her one of her swords. "Shall we dance, My Miko?" He asked, pulling out his energy whip.

"As you wish, My Master." She purred, before charging him head on. Her Master always knows her best.

"Status report." Saito spoke. "Zero-" He paused and he re-read it as if in disbelief. "Zero Casualties." He said. "None of the civilians, No one from the police force, and not even from the enemy!" He told them. He grumbled and scratched his head. "How is that possible?" Sano shrugged and Kenshin just smiled.

"Miss Kagome is rather remarkable; That she is."

"More like the goon who's following her is- Who is that anyway?" Sano asked. Kenshin shrugged.

"He is a close friend of Miss Kagome, from her past; That he is." Kenshin told them.

"Anyway, I have some paper work to do. You should wait at that crazy glass maker's place until tomorrow." Saito told them. They both said their goodbyes, and left the serious man to do his job.

Kenshin sighed as Sano and him were walking down the street, to Totosai's workshop. Kenshin couldn't help but feel happy over the news. Kagome was able to save the city, and not kill anyone. That was simply amazing. When he gets back he was going to treat her and take her to one of the restaurants in town. Just the two of them. Then he could spend some time with her, before he leaves. He looked down and sighed. Before he fights Shishio, and leaves her behind. Kenshin slowly slid the door open to the workshop, and stepped inside.

"Totosai -?" Kenshin blinked as he watched the old man pace back and forth around his workshop.

"Ah, boy, it's you." He greeted. "I'm glad you're here." He said. "It's Kagome I'm afraid…" He spoke to him. Kenshin's eyes widened at his words, and ran passed the old man, quickly up the stairs before he was able to finish his sentence. If she got hurt again… He didn't know what he would do.

"Miss Kagome!" He yelled to her as he slammed the door open.

Kagome was standing, looking at her clean shirt. She was dress in only a towel. Kenshin blushed when he caught himself staring, and looked away.

"M-miss Kagome?" Kenshin called to her, his eyes closed. "Are you alright?"

"Kenshin!" Kagome called to him, and he's blush deepened. "I'm happy to see you! I was just about to take a bath... How did things go in Tokyo?" She asked, as if everything was normal.

"We shouldn't talk about such things right now, Miss Kagome; That we shouldn't. Not until you're fully dressed." He told her.

She huffed, and then paused. There was a long silence and Kenshin was fighting the urge to open his eyes. Why was she being so quiet? It made him uneasy-Feeling someone touch his cheek, he blushed beat red. He felt her sigh against his neck, before she took another deep breath. Kenshin couldn't help but wonder: What she was doing? So, unable to contain his curiosity any longer, he opened his eyes. She was right next to him, on her toes, taking small but deep breaths. Her eyes were closed, as if she was concentrating on something. He blushed and turned his head. Why was she smelling him?

"Miss Kagome, I really think you should go take a bath; That I do." He tried to change the subject, so he wouldn't feel so embarrassed.

"Good idea." She agreed, and he looked at her confused. There was a long pause. "Oh~~ Ken~~shin?" She sung his name, and batted her eyes at him.

"Yes?" He did not like the look she was giving him; That he didn't.

"You will be joining me." She stated. His eyes went wide, and he stuttered.

"O-oro!?" He said his favorite word in shock. She smirked, grabbed his wrist, and starting to drag him through the building. "But Miss Kagome I can't-"

"There's two separate baths, they are close together, so you can join me." She told him.

"That's not the point, I don't want-"

"You smell." He blushed at her words. "And it's making me uncomfortable. So either you take a bath, or I won't go near you!" She stated while dragging him towards the Demon Lord.

He looked at them, and Kenshin whispered 'Help me' pleading for the lord's ascendance. The demon just shook his head, as if in pity, before ignoring him. Kenshin sighed. Sesshoumaru paused in his steps as Kenshin was dragged pass him. He sent a heated glare at the wanderer, and Kenshin blinked, confused.

"Kagome." Sesshoumaru called to her, his voice deadly cold.

"I know. I'm taking care of it." She stated as she dragged him further away. Why do these things always happen to him?

Kenshin sat inside the tub. He couldn't believe he actually went through with it. He was sitting there, naked, in the same room as Kagome, who was also naked. And nothing was blocking him from seeing her, except his own will power to stay turned around. He was tense, and he didn't want to move from his spot. He was embarrassed, and slightly afraid as well. How did she convince him to even do this?! He was a gentleman, and he would never peak on a woman, yet here he was, bathing in the same room as one. He sighed. Maybe that's why she considered it, because she knew he would not try anything. He lowered his head, some of his flowing red locks escaped and fell over his shoulders.

"Stop being so tense." Her soft voice told him from behind. He jumped at the sound. "Or do you want me to turn around and give you another massage." She teased.

He gulped and his eyes widened. He pictured her rubbing his shoulders, and pressing her chest against his bare back and-His face got heated just thinking about it. He quickly shook his mind of any naughty things, and started to scrub his skin. No mater how much he liked her massages he did not want her to turn around. He was having enough trouble holding himself back as it was. He heard Kagome giggle. The sound was nice to his ears, and he sighed, relaxing in the heated water.

"Kenshin?" Kagome called to him.

"Yes, Miss Kagome?"

"You're quite a sexy man, especially with your hair down, you know that?" She told him. His faltered in his scrubbing, and his body turned blood red. "You're kind, and caring. You're good with children. Hell, you never even turned around this whole time." He had no idea what to say. He was slightly surprised. This was a strange moment to be bringing this up. He heard her sigh, before small splashes soon followed. She stopped relaxing and finally started to clean herself, he guessed. "How come you don't have a woman in your life?" She asked. He paused and looked into the water, in thought.

"I am surrounded by women, Miss Kagome; That I am." He tried to play around the question.

"You know what I mean." She told him. He sighed.

"You are in my life, and so is Miss Kaoru; That you are." He heard her shift in the water. "That is all I really need; That it is. I am quite happy the way things are." He told her. He paused, waiting for her answer. All he received was a disappointed sigh. Did he say something wrong? He shrugged, and continued to scrub his body with the bar of soap.

"I was in love once."

"Oro?!" His eyes widened, and squeezed the soap out of reflex. It flew out of his hand and high into the air. He slowly watched it go over his head, before splashing behind him.

"Sorry that was my-" He turned around, to apologize and retrieve his bathing tool. "...soap." He whispered.

His eyes widened yet again at the sight before him. They quickly changed back to normal as he stared at the woman. She had her head down, and she was staring into the water. She was crying silent tears, as they slowly cascaded down her cheek. She looked at him, and he flinched at the hurt in her eyes.

"Oh..." She whispered. She shifted around, feeling around her tub, before she pulled the bar of soap out of the water. She reached over, and handed it to him. "I'm sorry." She spoke to him. He was glad the water level was high, or else he would be seeing- He blushed at his thoughts, and mentally shook his head. "I didn't mean to say such strange things." She told him.

"You did not say anything strange; That you didn't. I was just surprised is all, Miss Kagome."

"That someone like me could love another person?" She asked him.

"Of course not. I didn't mean it that way." She sighed.

"I know you didn't. It's just-" She turned her head away. "It's nothing..." She finally said.

He was about to object, wanting to know what she meant, when she lifted her long, elegant leg out of the water, and started to gently rub it with a rag. He never knew her legs were so creamy and smooth… His blushed blood red, when he caught himself staring, and he quickly turned around. There was a long silence between them. Small splashes were heard on both sides, before she spoke once more.

"You know, if you were anyone else it wouldn't be like this."

"I know. I still don't understand how I'm still here. Taking a bath like this, with you, is -" He blushed, and she giggled.

"Not that, you silly red-head. I talking about the conversation we were just having." She giggled again as she continued to wash herself. Why was she not embarrassed by this predicament? Why did she agree to this? Why did he agree to this!? He was so confused...

"You mean talking about your lover?" He asked. His chest suddenly felt constricted, the thought of her being with another man upset him, yet he didn't know why.

"I wouldn't say, lover. You can only call them that if the other person loves you back, right?" He filched at her words.

"I am truly sorry, Miss Kagome; That I am. I didn't mean-" Soft hands touching his ear stopped him in his tracks. His body tensed up. She was touching him! He didn't know what to do. So he just sat there, blushing tomato red as she moved her fingers down his jaw line, and over his neck in a curious manner.

"Don't be." She whispered to him. She sighed, as if tired, her delicate finger was tracing one of the scars on his shoulder. He nibbled on his lower lip, trying to hold back the feelings she was giving him from such a simple touch. "I have a scar too. It's on my hip." She randomly confessed. He was surprised about this, and almost turned around to question her, but stopped himself just in time. Why was she telling him all of these things? Is it natural for women to relax during a bath, and talk about such things to each other? He was not a woman, yet here she was, telling him all of these personal things to him. "I can't really show it too you. Unless you want me to leave the water-?" He blushed again at her words. "But I know my body is appalling to you. You've never even looked at me. Not once."

"Miss Kagome, you know that's not true-" He turned his head slightly, and she smiled, placing a finger over his lips.

"I know, I was just teasing you." Why was she being this way? He sighed against her hand. Laying her head on her arm, she grinned. She moved her finger down his chin, and across his neck. "You are such a kind man." She told him again. "That's what I like about you, Kenshin. You always see the good in people."

"Miss Kagome..." He whispered her name while glancing down at her. He was touched by her words. It seemed as if she was trying to tell him something…

She looked back at him with her deep blue eyes, and smiled. She stopped her exploring just at below his collar bone, her fingers lightly skimming on the surface of the warm water. In an almost playful manner she started to draw circles on his bare chest. The small act sent tingles through his frame.

He turned his head back around, relaxing against her gentle touch while placing his body further against the stone structure. He knew this was wrong, but he felt calm being here with her. Her touches started to make his body feel hot, and his muscles twitched. Feeling his tension, she changed her movements and started to rub her hand in large circles against his chest in a soothing massage, to relax him. His face got flushed. He tilted his head back, and let out a breath of hot air, trying to cool down. What was she doing to him?

Feeling her hand retreat, and glide across his shoulder, he frowned. He really did not want it to end. It felt so good, yet he knew it was wrong for him to think that way. He couldn't help how his body reacted to her. He was about to persist, and ask her to continue her rubbing, when the sound of water caught his attention, before he felt something hot and wet slide across his neck. He sharply inhaled a lung full of air in surprise, and blushed.

"You are so cute, Kenshin." She whispered in his ear, after she finished licking him. He shivered as her breath brushed across his skin. "So sweet and compassionate." She sighed and started to draw circles against his cheek. "I wish I could have loved you instead." She told him. He blushed at her words and his heart rose to his throat, making it hard to breathe. She sighed. "What am I doing?" She asked herself. "I shouldn't be saying such things, and touching someone like this unless he is someone I truly care about, right?" Those were the words he told her at the restaurant. What was she trying to say?

"Miss Kag-" His words were cut short when she reached under his chin, and turned his head to the side. She placed a soft kiss unto his cheek, and smiled kindly at him. His already flushed face spread, covering his neck and ears. She let go of his chin. Seeing she was leaving the water, he quickly turned his head, not wanting to look upon her body. Even though he really wanted to at that moment…

"If you do find the right woman, she will be very lucky to have you in her life." She spoke softly, in an almost sad voice. He turned just as she walked out the door, a towel wrapped around her.

"Miss Kagome..." He whispered in disbelief. He slowly placed his hand over his cheek. His face once again took on a rosy color. He sighed. Why was his heart beating so fast?

Kagome sat on the roof, staring into the night sky. Seeing Sesshoumaru walk up to her, she smiled.

"His sent was on him." He stated. She nodded.

"I know." She sighed in regret. "He is alive after all these years."

"He is no match for him." She shifted under his stare before she reached into her shirt, and pulled out a letter. She looked at it for a moment, before reaching it out to him.

"Could you take this letter to the Dojo in Tokyo?" She asked him.

"I am no messenger boy." He told her. She smiled at his words.

"I know, My King and Master. But you're the only one I trust." He looked at her for a few seconds, as if contemplating the idea. He finally reached out, and took the letter.

"Very well. I will be back before dawn." He told her, and disappeared in a blink of an eye. She smiled to herself. He really is kind, under that tough exterior. She sighed and looked at the sky once more, relaxing.

"Miss Kagome?" A familiar voice called her. She turned her head.

"Kenshin." She smiled warmly at him. "Please, join me." She patted beside her and he sat down. She smirked, and quickly jumped unto his lap while his guard was down. He blushed and started to stutter in objection. "Aww, let me enjoy myself. At least for tonight." She pleaded with him.

After a moment he sighed in defeat. She giggled in victory and hugged his chest. He was slightly tense, until he shifted and slowly returned the embrace, wrapping his toned arms around her. The sent of honey evaded her senses, and she sighed in delight, into his open chest. She felt him shiver from the act, and she smiled. He truly was a wonderful man. He smelt nice. He was tasty. He was kind. He treated her with respect, and was a true gentleman. She nuzzled her face deeper into his chest and sighed again, earning another shiver. He was so wonderful…

She paused, and started to think. What did she ever see in Inuyasha? She asked herself. Now that she was thinking about the half-demon, nothing came to mind. She tried to stop herself from laughing. Has she really forgotten about her first love so quickly? It has been months since she meet Kenshin, but still- To forget him while he practically broke her heart with his choice- Maybe Kenshin really did mend her scarred heart.

She sighed. She remembered Inuyasha, but she couldn't think of anything wonderful about him, like she did with Kenshin. He was arrogant. Loud. Hot-headed. Short tempered. Wanted everything his way. Spoiled. Selfish. And he only seemed to be nice to her when she was angry with him. He could be sweet, sometimes, but it wasn't who he was. He acted as if he was forcing himself to be that way around her. Probably because of her. She looked so much like her, or so he says. She knew it was true, but wouldn't accept it, even now she couldn't believe he chose her instead…

"What would you do, if your love chose another?" She asked him. He lowered his gaze from the stars, to her. "Would you run away?" He looked at her, thinking it over. She could not take his stare and turned her head away, as if ashamed.

"I do not know." He told her. "But I believe, what ever the reason, I am glad. For it brought you into my life, Miss Kagome; That it did." She blushed at his words. "I'm sorry if that seems selfish of me." He pulled her closer to him, and nuzzled her hair. Kagome was at a lost for words. She couldn't speak, so she just accepted it and relaxed into his arms. "You're so cute, Miss Kagome; That you are." He paused. "So sweet and compassionate. If you find the right man, he will be very lucky to have you in his life; That he would." She blushed. Did he just repeat her own words back to her? He smiled against her hair. "And any man who would choose another over you, is a fool; That he is." To say she was socked was an understatement. It was just like him to say something like that. Yet, his words made her happy. She felt better about herself, and it sent a warm feeling through her veins. Minutes passed before she found herself asking him another question.

"Do you think you can defeat Shishio?" He tensed at her words.

"I'll try my best; That I will." He told her.

"What if your best isn't good enough?"

"I try not to think about those types of things." She sighed, and he looked down at her in question.

"Well, if you start losing I will just have to come in and save you!" She told him. He chuckled at her cheery behavior. "Yeah! I'll drop out of nowhere, and save the day with the Protective Magic you placed on my finger!" She raised her right pointer finger in front of her, and grinned.

"Protected Finger-?" He questioned.

"Don't tell me you forgot-" Seeing him shrug, she sighed. "You know-" She blushed, recalling the events. "You kissed it when I got a boo-boo. That made it magical!" He blinked before he blushed, finally remembering. "So don't worry. I'll save you!" She purred in joy. He laughed.

"Of course, Miss Kagome. I know who to call when things get bad; That I do." He smirked at her, and she blushed.

"You know, I can't always be around when you need me. You have to look out for yourself sometimes." She preached to him. He chuckled. "So-" She looked down, and fidgeted in his hold. "Don't be too rash out there, okay?" She looked at him worriedly, and he smiled kindly at her.

"Do not worry." He spoke softly to her. "I'll be back; That I will." She relaxed at his words, and leaned against his chest. She closed her eyes, sighing.

"You better." She warned him.

She mumbled something, and buried her face into his chest, enjoying his warmth. If only this would last forever. Yet she knew once the sun rose into the sky, he would go to fight Shishio. He would leave, and there was a chance he would not come back. That thought made her chest feel tight.

"Kenshin." She softly spoke his name. "Don't leave me." She begged him.

"I'll never leave you." He whispered into her hair. She sighed into his chest. Slowly, his honey aroma and soft heartbeats lulled her to sleep. If only it were true...

Kagome shot out of bed, and looked around. She cursed as the light hit her eyes. She over slept! He has no doubt left already. She stood up, and quickly put on her training weights. After she was finished, she opened the window and was about to jump out, until a familiar voice stopped her.

"I have delivered the message." She turned around to see her Master. "You should not chase a lost cause." She sighed.

"I know, but he needs me."

"What you need to do, is wait. Trust him. You can do that much." She thought over his words, and nodded in agreement.

"Alright. But I have to talk to someone. Could you watch over Kenshin for me?" She asked.

"This Sesshoumaru is no watch dog." He stated. She giggled at his comment.

"I wouldn't imagine it, My Master." She told him. After a few seconds of silence, he turned around.

"I will contact you if any problems should arise." He informed her.

"Thank you, Sesshoumaru." She smiled and bowed as he strolled calmly out of the room.

Kagome walked up to the hut and sighed. She tapped on the wooden door, and waited. After a few moments she heard grumbling, before the door slid open. She smiled as the handsome man overlooked her small stature. She tugged on the man's white cape, to get his attention.

"Who-" He paused and lowered his gaze. "Kagome." She smiled a goofy smile, and waved to him in greeting. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, I- Umm." She mumbled, and shifted her weight from one foot to the other. "Kenshin is fighting Shishio, and I umm-" He sighed.

"All right." He ruffled her hair, and she squeaked in persist. "I'm sure you have something you wish to talk to me about. I'll listen to whatever you have to say." She smiled brightly at him, before leaping forward and wrapping her arms around his wide waist. He knew her well, just like her Master. That thought made her happy.

"You're the greatest Hiko!" He smirked, and his teeth glistened in the sun.

"Of course I am." He chuckled.

"And you're amazing. You have great hair, and your voice is so sexy!"

"Now, now. You should stop before my ego swells bigger then it already is." She stopped, and he rolled his eyes. "I was just kidding, keep the compliments coming. Not often I hear such great things from a fine female like you." He purred and grabbed her chin, staring into her eyes. He did another one of his handsome smirks, and Kagome squealed in delight. "I am the greatest."

"Of course you are! You're an amazing fighter, and you are so smart and-" Kagome continued to stroke his big ego, and he laughed, enjoying every minute of it.

Hiko and Kagome sat on the log, outside his hut. She sighed and looked at the ground nervously.

"I'm sure you didn't come here to admire my lawn." He stated. "What is it you wanted to tell me?"

"What if I told you, demons existed? What would you say?" She asked.

"Demons are all around us in this world. Many men use their power, and status, to corrupt this land." He told her.

"I know that. But I mean like ogres and powerful creatures whose abilities surpass that of humans."

"They are but fairytales." He stated.

"I knew you would say that." She sighed and looked up at the sky. There was a long pause, before she started to speak. "I have killed many wicked beings." She confessed. He looked at her, eyebrow raised.

"So have I." He stated. She knew he killed many humans, most of them were evil. Because of this, she trusted him.

"That's why I believe you, of all the people on this earth, would understand me for who - or what- I truly am." She told him. Lowering her gaze from the sky, she looked at the man seriously. "There was a war, long ago." She started to tell her story. "A foolish girl broke something of great power, and it was her duty to piece it back together. In the end, after all the blood shed and chaos that she caused, she was still only a fool. A weak, useless, fool. She felt pity, and spared her greatest enemy." She sighed, and looked at her hand. There was a long pause before he spoke.

"What are you saying?" He questioned.

"I am not human." She told him. He frowned at her words. Not human, that probably sounded stupid to him. "I am human, yet my body has powers that can far exceed that of any normal human, even you, Hiko."

"Even me." He snorted. "Hard to believe that. If you haven't noticed, I'm not just a normal man." She laughed at his words.

"You are human Hiko. Every human has limits, even you." He grumbled, and she smiled. "You seem to be taking this well." She noted. He ignored her comment and brushed it aside. Of course he was, like he said, he wasn't any normal man after all.

"So, are you saying other beings are out there, like demons?" She nodded. He placed his hand under his chin, in thought. "Does that mean there are devils and angels too? Cause if you're trying to preach to me, I'm not going to buy it." He stated. His words made her laugh again.

"I'm not getting into that." She told him. "But I am a Miko, a pure blood priestess, and they say our powers are use to purify demons, and the souls of the wicked."

"A Miko." He sighed. "Tell me again, why are you saying all of this to me?" He asked.

"Because I know it was wrong to hide this fact away from Kenshin, but I knew he would probably fear me. But you- you are different. You are the great Hiko after all, you're sexy, and kind, and handsome, and good looking, and funny, and-" Her words made another smirk appear on his handsome face. "I thought you would understand, and hopefully except who I am."

"So… You're a demon."

"Miko." She corrected.

"And you fly around-"

"We don't fly."

"Saving demons."

"Purifying them"

"And you expect me to believe that you- a demon-"

"Miko."

"Suddenly fell from the sky-"

"I walked."

"And got attracted to my stupid apprentice-"

"…"

"And you now decided to confess yourself, to me, because you think I'm strikingly good looking?"

"(-_-) That is not even close to what I said!" She huffed, crossing her arms across her chest. He laughed at her childish behavior.

He stared at the ground, before sighing. Several minutes passed and they stood there in silence. Kagome was slightly nervous, wondering what he would say. What if he thinks she is a monster? Will he accept her? She was starting to have second thoughts about telling him. She didn't want him to fear her, or call her a monster. If he thought of her that way- It would break her heart. It was too late to go back now. Yet her heart was racing, thrashing against her chest. She sighed and lowered her head. A strong pat on her back, made her look up. He grinned at her, and pulled out his Sake bottle.

"Would you like to join me for some sake, Kagome?" He asked her. She started to tear up. She leaped into the air, and wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders. He laughed, and she soon joined in, happy that someone, anyone, accepted her for what she was in this world.

"I would enjoy that, Hiko." She told him. He smiled.

"And so, here he is, flapping around in the river, screaming his lungs out. 'Help me master. Help me.' Saying something about not being able to swim or some nonsense-" Kagome's laughter burst into the air. She was gripping her sides, and started to pound the log, trying to stop the sound. Hiko smirked, and tried not to laugh himself. "And here I was, telling him to shut up, and that it was his own fault for falling into the river in the first place." Kagome started to wheeze, unable to breathe, and she fell off the log. She couldn't take it anymore. These stories about Kenshin's horrible childhood were hysterical! She couldn't stop laughing! "Then after he was done, 'Drowning' I told him to stand up...the water was only waist deep!" His laughter roared into the air, as his deep rumbles mingled into her own fits of laughter.

They both laughed their lungs out, and Hiko continued to tell her stories about Kenshin. That is, until a certain Demon King materialized in front of them.

"Ha-Ha!" Kagome laughed before she coughed, and wiped away her tears. "Hello Sesshoumaru." She greeted. Hiko looked at her, then at Sesshoumaru, before lifting his glass up in greeting. Sesshoumaru inclined his head in acknowledgement, before looking at her. She was trying to hold back her fits of giggles.

"You find my presence amusing?" He asked. She waved her hand in front of her face, in objection.

"Of course not, Master." She told him. Hiko quickly glanced back at him, she could tell he was studying him. It seems calling him 'Master' must have alerted the observant man.

"I have news." He informed her. "Kenshin is now fighting Shishio. Other members of his crew tried to take care of Totosai and his friends, while he was not there." He told her. "They were fools." He stated. She knew what that meant. 'He was not amused' and they probably bored him.

"What did you do with them?" She asked.

"They were pests." He told her.

"So they're dead then." She sighed, before standing up. She quickly took off her weights, but kept her belt on. She handed them to Sesshomaru. He just looked at them.

"This Sesshoumaru is not your luggage boy." He stated, yet again, what he was not.

"Of course not, My Master." She smiled at him, and he threw the hunks of metal to the side. They all crashed into the ground, leaving a crater in their wake.

"Go, now, before that human gets himself into things he does not understand."

"As always, you are correct, My King." She bowed to him. "I should hurry. He does not stand a chance against that wicked man." She looked at Hiko.

"So you are no longer 'watching from the shadows'?" He asked. She shook her head.

"I don't know if I'll ever see you again." She told him.

"I'm not going anywhere." He told her. She smiled at his words, before she bent down, and licked his cheek. A small blush, almost unnoticeable, appeared across his nose. He looked at her questionably.

"You're quite tasty." She confessed. "Like caramel." She winked, before she jumped back and disappeared, yet her laughter still hung in the air. Hiko shook his head from side to side and smiled to himself. He looked at the sliver haired demon, before standing up.

"She calls you by many names. She respects you." He stated. Sesshoumaru looked at him, gaining his attention. Hiko just smirked at his reaction. Just by looking at each other, they knew that they were quite similar and very strong beings. This fact seemed to make them both feel on edge with each other.

"Is that sword of yours just for show?" Sesshoumaru asked.

"Would you like to find out?" Hiko replied.

"Are you challenging me, human?"

"If I said no, would you believe me?" He asked, pulling out is sword. Sesshoumaru smirked at the man's strange humor. Indeed, Sesshoumaru was quite curious about the strangely dressed man.

"You've caught my attention, human" He stated, and pulled out one of Kagome's swords. She won't mind if he just borrowed it for a while. "If it is a fight you want. This Sesshoumaru will make your death as quick as possible." He warned him, before charging. The sound of their swords clashing blasted throughout the mountain, like thunder.

Kenshin was kneeling, using his sword to hold him steady. He was breathing heavily, and his body was aching. He ignored the pain, and stared at the man before him. Shishio. He was truly a strong opponent. He just attacked him with the Kuzu Ryu Sen, yet, it looked as if it didn't even faze him. Kenshin grunted as he lifted himself up into standing position. It seems he has no choice, he must use his final move.

"This is the most amusing battle I've had in some time. I haven't had this much fun since the Revolution. But, I do have to go take over a country after this, so I don't have any more time to play around." Shishio said.

"It wasn't fun, but I am honestly amazed by your level of power." Kenshin confessed. "However, Shishio, since you're so worried about the time, you should remember that the time of manslayers has long since ended; That it has. " He told him.

"It won't end, as long as I wield the Mugenjin."

"It ended when I took up this reverse-blade sword." He placed his hand on the hilt.

"Now-"

"We fight!" They then charged each other, unleashing their most powerful move.

Kenshin braced himself with his left foot, using the final move of the Hiten Mitsurugi Style, the Amakakeru Ryu no Hirameki. But Shishio saw it coming, and parried his attack, then raised his sword up to blast him with his own strength. Kenshin clamped his jaw tight, as he twisted around, showing the true power of the finial move. A mini vortex was created, using the air around them, pulling Shishio into Kenshin as he twisted around, and putting all his weight onto his next swing. He hit the man in the rubs, sending him flying into the air. Shishio landed on the ground with a sickening thud, and Kenshin collapsed, but braced himself with his sword. It was over. He sighed, he did it.

A hysterical laughter boomed into the area, and Kenshin looked up to see the man standing before him, hunched over, sword still in hand. His eyes widened, how was he still standing?!

"Weak. Weak. You are all weak. Only the strong survive, and the weak perish." Shishio rasped out. He tilted his head up into the air, and laughed loudly at his own insanity. Kenshin grunted, and stood up one more time. How many times must I hit him before he gives up?! Kenshin took deep breaths, and tried to calm his body, hoping it will last just a bit longer.

Suddenly Shishio's red eyes started to glow, and he lifted his sword into the air, purple flames surrounded it. Kenshin's eyes widened. He has never seen that attack before. Then, before Kenshin's eyes, the crazed man vanished. He whipped his head around, looking for him. A deep laugh roared into the air, and before Kenshin could react, he was sliced in the back. He hissed in pain, and stumbled forward. What was that?! The grip on his sword tightened. He didn't even sense his presences- He screamed as he was attacked again, from the side. Then from the front, and he continued to get hit until he collapsed on the ground kneeling.

Kenshin was having trouble breathing, as he used his sword for support. He looked up to see Shishio standing above him, smirking. That man, he- How did he change the tide of battle in a blink of an eye?! Why was his movements suddenly so mush faster?! Why was it like this?! Why- His gasped as a sharp pain pierced his body. What-? His started to feel weak, and spots were dotting his vision. He looked at one of the cuts. It wasn't deep, but purple started to slowly seep across his skin. Poison. Hearing Shishio crazy laughter, he looked up.

"Poor Battosai, it looks like I'll have to put you out of your misery." He smirked, and raised his sword into the air.

Kenshin closed his eyes. His body wouldn't move, he was paralyzed. He was going to be killed…

"Kenshin." Kagome's voice echoed into his mind. "Don't leave me."

"I'll never leave you."

He coughed as he heart started to ache, and it was not from the poison.

"They say kisses makes the pain go away."

"Kenshin, be careful."

"Kenshin- Ha! What a goofy name!"

"What do you think about the moon?"

"Your guard is down, Kenshin."

"Don't be so tense sweetheart, relax!"

"I wish I could have loved you instead."

"Don't leave me too… I don't want to be alone."

"I'll be with you always; That I will."

"Miss Kagome…" He whispered her name, and he head hung low in regret. Not able to see her smiling face ever again, hurt him more then anything. "I'm sorry I could not keep my promise…"

A loud shout, rang into the air. He clamped his eyes shut, ready. When he was only met with silence, before several gasped filled the air, he slowly opened his eyes and looked up. His purple orbs widened.

Standing before him, was Kagome. She stopped Shishio's attack with- Her finger! She had a cold and hated look in her eyes, something he as never seen before. Shishio grunted, and swung his blade again, she moved her arm slowly, as if in a bored manner, and blocked it with the same finger. He roared in anger, attacking over and over again. She blocked his strikes until he stood there, out of breath and slightly exhausted from using too much energy. His sword, and Kagome's arm was above her head, and she growled.

What is going on?! Kenshin couldn't believe what happening. His Kagome, his sweet and fragile Kagome, was fending off Shishio's attacks and saved him. Why was she- How was she- When did she-? Was she just playing weak this whole time?!

"You bore me." She stated.

She raised her middle finger, sandwiching the sword between them. With the flick of her wrist she snapped his blade, as if it were nothing. Kenshin, and everyone else gasped in horror. Shishio's eyes widened, and stood there, frozen.

"Fool." She told him.

Slowly raised her left hand, and brought it to her earlobe. In one quick blur she bitch smacked him, and he soared threw the air, and hit the wall on the other side of the area. She reached down, and untied her belt while strolling over to the rubble where Shishio was. She threw the belt away from her. It landed with a harsh crash, and created a huge crater from its weight. Kenshin's eyes widened. She-!

"You are the one who is weak. You were weak then, and you're weak now. And you'll always be weak! Naraku!" She snarled at him. A slight chuckle escaped the rubble, and he slowly stood up, dusting himself off.

"I knew that was you, Kagome." He stated. "I was surprised you didn't recognize me back at the hot springs." He told her.

"Your horrible stink was covered by the medical waters!" She yelled. He laughed at her, and she growled. "It's just like a cowered, to hide in the human world and live off of the weak." She told him.

"I'm only surviving, My Dear Kagome." He told her.

"Well, I am here to finish what I started so long ago." She warned him.

He laughed, and they both disappeared, moving too fast for Kenshin's eyes to keep track. It doesn't matter anyway. He was having a hard time staying awake. He knew his body was going to give up and pass out soon. The poison spread quickly throughout his body, and it was getting more and more difficult to breathe.

Several clashes were heard around them, signaling they were still there. Suddenly Shishio's body crashed into the ground, and slid across the floor, leaving a deep crevasse in his wake. Kagome stood in the air above him. Kenshin looked up, just as she parted her hands, as if she was aiming at him. Then a bow materialized, made out of pink light. She said something, but Kenshin could no longer hear, only a loud ringing was present in his mind. She let go of the arrow, and his vision was blinded by a white light.

It felt so warm and soothing. It made his whole body feel weightless, and his pain instantly went away. He wondered: Why did she hide this from him all this time? Did she not trust him? Was she afraid-? Afraid he would not accept her, and her past. Her life. Her skills. Her heart. She should have known he would have accepted her no mater who, or what she was. She should have known how he truly felt about her… A lone and sad tear rolled down his cheek.

The last thing on his mind, before he got surrounded by darkness, was-

Kagome…

Kenshin shot up and out of the bed. He was covered in cold sweat, and his breathing was ragged. He looked down at himself, seeing his was only in a white robe, covered in bandages. He looked around the small area. He was inside the room Totosai gave him. He was at the workshop.

He looked down at his hands, and sighed. So the battle was over? How long was he sleeping? He did not know- Suddenly an image of a raven haired girl flashed into his mind. Miss Kagome! His eyes widened. What happed to her?! He quickly stood up. After a few minutes of trying to steady himself, he was finally able to stand without fear of falling. He had to go see her, to check and see if she was okay.

As he walked to the door a note on the desk caught his attention. It had Kagome's name on it. He swallowed the lump in his throat, and reached for it. His hand started to tremble as he opened it. His eyes slowly scanned the graceful handwriting, reading the words…

My Love. -His eyes widened, and his heart thumped into his ear. Why did she call him that?

If you are reading this, then it means I have already left-

"No…" He whispered, and dropped the paper unto the floor before soaring out of the room.

I'm am truly sorry for what I am, and that I kept it a secret from you and everyone.

He ran pass Yahiko, Kaoru, Megumi, and Sano. They all yelled at him to slow down, but he was not listening.

What I did was unforgivable, and I understand if you hate me.

Tears weld up in his eyes, blurring his vision. He burst out the door, and ran outside. The night air was calm as he flew off in a random direction, hoping to catch up to her. Yet he knew it was hopeless, she left long ago, but he did not want to give up. He could not give up…

Please, do not try to look for me, for I am not worth the effort.

Kenshin leaned against the wall for support. He was already winded, and his body was aching. He knees gave out, and he landed on his shins in defeat. She was gone… and she was not coming back…

The only thing I wish for is that you will soon forget me, and move on with your life. I hope that you will find that special someone who will love you, and treasure you with all her heart.

He roared into the night sky, and started to pound the ground in desperation. Venting all his sadness and rage into the earth.

I truly am sorry for everything- My Dear, Sweet, Kenshin…

"No!" She can't be gone- She just can't be-"No…" He whispered, placing his forehead to the cold dirt and sighed. "Kagome…"

Two months later…

Kenshin sighed as he scrubbed the clothes clean. The others and him have already returned to Tokyo, and are back at the Dojo. Everyone is living their lives, and they are happy. Except for him.

Miss Kaoru told him: "Welcome home." When they arrived, but it does not feel like home- Without her.

His chest tightened, aching. He has gotten use to it by now. He has never once stopped thinking about her. He could never forget her, no mater how much she wished it. His heart sank and he felt so broken, it took all of his will power to smile again. He did not want to worry the others, but inside he was hurting.

He placed the clothes back into the tub. He reached, into his shirt and pulled out a very familiar gift. He smiled to himself as he looked upon the dolls figure. It was still in top shape. He took very good care of it. He did not want the only thing he could remember her by, get ruined. He rubbed his thumb across its cheek and his eyes glazed over with thought.

He missed the small talks they had. The times they spent together on the roof. The little things that made him smile while he was around her. Her cooking. He even missed her licks… He smiled sadly to himself. He missed her greatly.

The small, wooden gate behind him squeaked, as it slowly opened. His eyes hardened, and he placed his left hand on his sword in reflex. Hearing the intruder slowly stroll up, he tensed. He stopped just out of striking distance. Kenshin clinched his jaw tight, before quickly whipping around, facing the intruder. The small doll slipped from his grip, and hit the ground with a soft thud.

"The word around town is: This place takes in wanderer's who are tired, and looking for a place to rest." His heart thumped so loudly, he could feel it in his ears. "You see, I'm tired." He swallowed the lump in his throat. "I'm tired of running." He licked his dried lips. "I finally figured out what was most important in my life." His body started to tremble, and he felt light headed. "And here I was, running away from him out of fear…" He hesitantly took a step forward. "So? What do you say? Can I stay here or what? But don't worry, I won't stay forever-Just until I find a man who loves me with all his heart…"

"Kagome…" He whispered her name as if she was a ghost. She smiled kindly at him.

"Are you just going to stand there? Or are you going to hug me or what?" She smirked, and spread her arms out, waiting for a warm welcome.

His eyes filled with joyous tears, and he dashed for her. He picked her up, and spun her around the air. She laughed, and he pulled her down to his chest for a tight hug. She wrapped her arms around his shoulder, and buried her face in his neck. He nuzzled her raven hair, sighing as vanilla invaded his senses. It felt so right, her being in his arms. Oh god, how he missed her.

He took a deep breath, taking in her wonderful vanilla aroma once more. He missed her smell. He listened as she breathed deeply, tanking in his own sent. He missed her voice. Feeling her place her hand on his open chest, he growled in delight. He missed her touch. He bent down, and pressed his cheek against hers. He missed her smooth skin touching his. He wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her close to him. He missed her small, yet, beautiful body.

He missed touching her. He reached up, and gently caressed her cheek. He missed her smile. He looked down at her and smiled, she smiled back. He missed her blush.

"Kagome…" He whispered her name. She blushed a pretty pink. He lowered his head till their lips were tingling from each others hot breath. He missed her. He missed everything, and he wasn't about to let her get away, not this time. "I love you." He told her, before gently placing his lips on top of hers.

Her lips were so soft, and felt so good against his own, it made his whole body tingle. She purred as he pulled her closer to him, deepening the kiss. His fingers entangled in her silky raven locks, while her own hands pressed against his chest. Pulling away from the small kiss, not wanting to take to far- He looked down at her lovingly. She looked back, and he saw the same love in her eyes. His heart soared, feeling lighter then air.

"Kenshin." She whispered his name. "I would like to tell you a story: A story about a Jewel, and its Chosen Protector…"

Fin~

.-..-.

Omg my book is finished! AND IT'S PUBLISHED~ WhaaaaT! A real book and everything! I can't believe it either! Its already gotten 4 out of 5 star reviews on both Amazon and Goodreads! YAY~! I've been working really hard on it for a long time, which is why I suddenly vanished from Fanfiction for a while. After I finished I went straight to working on this and got it done for you guys.

It's about a world where there are three realms, each stuck in their own perpetual season (spring, winter, summer) and everyone has control of a single element. (Fire, water, rock, plants) But the world is changing, and there are now people who are born without magic, Voidians.

Arianna (Based off of Kagome from Inuyasha, of course) Is princess of the magicless, and she finds out she is betrothed to Prince Roland (Yoko Kurama from Yu Yu Hakusho) A flirtatious man who tries to woo her from the moment he sets eyes on her, but she isn't having any of it. A tragic war breaks out with the neighboring kingdom, Shani (The fire kingdom from Avatar the last airbender) Her new husband is forced to go to battle to stop the approaching army from destroying her kingdom, and he places the only man he trusts to protect her, Conrad (Levi Ackerman from Attack on Titan)

If that sounds interesting to you, then please check it out!

You can't copy and paste in the story chapters but you can in my author profile~ You can go there and it's the very first link at the top of my bio~

Or just google in ' To Betray My King ' or type it on your URL It should be the very first link.

If you guys enjoyed this story, enjoy my work, then please go to the link. Check out the sample, read it, see if you like it. It would help me out greatly if you guys supported me in anyway you can. It's available on Kindle Unlimited, so you can get it for free if you have the subscription, or if you don't have it, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial on amazon.

I have a full time job, but I love writing. I spent all my extra time on this story for you guys, my readers, and I'm sorry if I wasn't able to update anything because of it. I'm going to be working on the second book, and I'll do my best to try and update all my other works too in-between my full-time job and taking care of my mom.

You guys and FanFiction mean so much to me. I've been on this site since I was 13, and this community has been nothing but wonderful and supportive through all of it.

I'm just so happy…

It's because of you that I found my love of writing. Because of you that I was able to realize my dream. Because of you, I can now hold my book in my hand and proudly call myself an author.

Thank you so much.

And here comes the tears…