Disclaimer: What!!! Own something… Who… me? I can assure you I don't own anything… much less a thriving anime series!!!

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A/N: Okay… this will the last update for a while. I start my graduate classes next week, and I assume I will be busy. If not, and the work doesn't kill me, then great!

Anyway about the chapter… potential questions and answers will be at the end of the chapter!

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Thank you all for the wonderful reviews!!!

THANK YOU!!!!!! BluelovesFluffy….

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Chapter Four: Kagome Awakens

"Bokusenou, I have questions that need answers."

The old tree demon opened his eyes and settled them on the young lord of the west. "What can I do for you Sesshomaru?"

"I have acquired a woman, one of the highest caliber, with the power to complete my conquest." Sesshomaru replied.

"And what woman would this be. There are few that meet such standards."

Sesshomaru sighed. He should have figured question would come up. "The current Shikon Miko."

"Ah… so. I know of this one particularly well. She cannot complete your conquest." Bokusenou explained. "That woman's power cannot be transferred and it is said that she doesn't have access to the power herself."

"Untrue, I witnessed her power with my own eyes and I want it."

"Hn… those are the most selfish words I have ever heard you speak." Bokusenou chuckled. "Tell me, why you want Kagome so badly."

Sesshomaru fell silent. He wondered how the old tree knew of Kagome's name.

"If you listen, Sesshomaru, the trees will tell you many things. I know the priestess you speak of quite well, especially having never met her. She attempted to create a second Shikon Jewel, correct?"

"Hai, though I am not sure if she completed the task." Sesshomaru answered.

Bokusenou briefly closed his eyes in order to concentrate. "She completed the task, Sesshomaru. However, it is incomplete. I cannot tell you for certain, what the ramifications would be. In all likelihood, the priestess will gain a need to feed on souls to fill the void; not unlike the second Shikon Miko, who is now among the walking dead."

"That is inconsequential; if she develops that need then I will provide them for her." Sesshomaru easily replied. "I want to know is there a way to harness her power as my own."

"Then your answer is still no. If the miko were to breed, then her children would be the inheritors of such powers. Even then, that power would pale in comparison to the original." Bokusenou explained. "What will you do now, Sesshomaru?"

Sesshomaru did not like the news at all. Though he hadn't thought of taking her as a mate, it looks like he would have no choice. "If I must, I will force her to stay with me; to bare my children."

"Then you will be destroyed and the west will be lord-less once again." Bokusenou closed his eyes again and started to rest once more. "Do what you will."

ssss

The first thing Kagome noticed when she opened her eyes was an old woman. Kagome moaned slightly as she tried to form her thoughts. "Where's Shippo?" The woman didn't appear to hear her so Kagome tired again. "Can you tell me where Shippo, Inuyasha, Sango, and Miroku are?"

Shima smiled down at the young woman. Sesshomaru did not tell her what kind of person the young woman would be, but her first question said it all. Instead of worrying for her own safety, the woman asked about her companions instead. This girl is selfless, she thought. "Your kit will be brought to you momentarily Kagome-sama. I do not know the conditions of your other companions." Shima found her smiling again as Kagome's eye dilated with surprise. "Your kit Shippo, call out your name for hours before retiring for the night. Before he returns, let's get you dressed."

"What is your name?"

"Shima, my lady." When Shima touched Kagome's hand to help her up, she felt a slight pulse in her body. Looking down she saw Kagome's eyes flash a florescent white before they turned back to their usual dusty blue-grey color. "What…."

Kagome smiled. "You have a beautiful soul Shima-sama."

Shima couldn't help but be stunned. Could the girl really see her soul or any souls? If so Sesshomaru won't be able to keep her in the castle forever. "Thank you." She said. Shima didn't quite know what to make of the situation but decided to make the best of it. "Now, sit here and I will bring your kit to you."

Nodding absentmindedly, Kagome was confused as well. How was she able to 'see' that woman's soul? Further more, she could even tell if the woman's soul held any ill intent or not. Though knowing was not unwelcome, it still gave Kagome an uneasy feeling. Maybe all she needed to do was figure out where they were and the feeling would pass?

……

"Kagome!" Shippo made a mad dash for Kagome's awaiting arms. "I thought you would never wake up!

Kagome smiled. "Sorry kiddo. I feel a lot better now."

Shippo nodded. "I'm glad, now we can leave."

"Where are we, anyway? How did we get here?"

Shippo's cheerful face took on a somber expression. "We're in Sesshomaru's castle. I really don't know how we got here. I passed out. I guess he carried us."

"What's wrong Shippo, I'm sure he will let us leave."

"I don't know. He left the castle yesterday, and ever since then a guard has been following me around; and there are two outside your door."

"What!" Now Kagome was alarmed. "You don't think he intends to let us go?"

Shippo shook his head. He was clearly frightened.

Kagome pulled him into a tight hug. "Don't worry."

For the rest of the afternoon, until bed time they talked and played.

……..

"Shippo, when you leave this room can you do something for me?" Kagome didn't know how, but she knew they had to escape this place.

"Sure, but I can't do too much. They have me guarded." Shippo replied.

Kagome nodded her head. "I know, so don't worry about doing anything drastic. I only want you to tell me what kind of weapons the guards in front of my door carry."

"That's easy! They carry staffs." Shippo explained. "I tried to come in here earlier, while you were sleeping, and they guards blocked my path with them."

"I guess that answers my question then." A thoughtful look washed over Kagome's face. "I want you to get some rest tonight Shippo. I don't know how, but I'll get us out of here tomorrow. If the guards carry staffs like you say, then it will be easy for us to, at least, get out of this room."

After Shippo left for the night, Kagome sat down on a plush pillow and closed her eyes. She needed to meditate. It would be difficult but, maybe, it would yield some ideas.

ssss

The morning started off normal for Shima. After fetching the kit for the young priestess and stopping by the kitchens for their breakfast, she and the kit made their way to Kagome's room.

Upon arriving, Shima noticed that Kagome had not slept in her bed, or moved from the very spot in which she sat. Odd, she thought. "Kagome-sama? Are you awake." She turned to look at the kit. "Is your mother well, kit?"

Shippo nodded. "Yeah, I bet she's just…."

Suddenly Kagome's eyes snapped open. They were glowing.

With a speed she knew was unknown to humans, Shima found herself restrained with the miko whispering "sorry" in her ear. In the next moment they were gone.

…….

With her attendant subdued, Kagome grabbed Shippo by the wrist and for her way out of the door. Using the guards shock to her advantage, she let go of Shippo and quickly disarmed them. After picking up one of their dropped weapons, Kagome grabbed Shippo again and, together, they made their way to the kitchen. "Shippo, don't let go of me no matter what, okay."

"Okay Kagome. Where are we going?"

"We need to get to the kitchen." Kagome explained. "In a place as large as this one, there is almost always a side entrance in or around the kitchen."

As they ran, Kagome could hear the distinct sound of boots running behind them. She let that noise serve as a warning. Quickly, Kagome scooped Shippo up into her arms and ran faster. After she tuned the last corner, with Shippo's directions of course, in front was a side entryway. Not bothering to slow down, Kagome ran at the door full speed. Two kicks later, they were faced with the horrible weather outside.

"Kagome, it raining! What now!" Shippo asked, clearly distressed about the situation.

Kagome shook her head. "Don't worry, Shippo, we're not made of sugar. We won't melt." With that they continued running.

They were making good time, until they ran up on their first obstacle; a sentry gate guard. "Halt!"

"Let us pass." Kagome eyed the demon warily as she placed Shippo on his feet.

The guard shook his. "On whose orders are you to be set free, human."

Kagome was about to retort, when she noticed the sentry looking past her to the guards they had fled from in the castle. With no other options in mind, she lunged at the guard. "Shippo, hide quickly!"

"What about you!"

"…."

Shippo nodded and found a safe place to hide.

……

Shiroji, Sesshomaru's 1st in command, watched the fray from afar.

He had been curious as to why his lord and friend would keep another human. He was even more curious when Shima told him that Sesshomaru was, not only, harboring another human but a miko and a fox kit.

However, watching the woman fight her way out of the castle with the kit attached to her leg lay almost all of his questions to rest.

The girl, most defiantly, has a talent.

A smile worked its way on to Shiroji's face. If the girl wants to escape so badly then she would have to go through him.

……..

At the last gate, of a series of three, Kagome cursed loudly. She had hoped, even if she knew better, that the last gate would be simple enough to open, but she was wrong. The gate was fortified, and would take at least six men to open it. No only that, but they were surrounded on three sides now.

Kagome sighed. There was no way she would be able to escape, but Shippo could still have a chance. For the last time, Kagome took Shippo by the wrist. "Sorry Shippo, but I can't go any farther."

"What do you mean?! The gate is right there."

"I'm idealistic, Shippo, not stupid." Kagome smiled and hoped it would make Shippo feel a little better. "I can't go, but you can. You can float out of here and let Inuyasha and the others know where to find me!"

"But you can come two! I can hold your weight!" Shippo cried.

Kagome shook her head. "I know, but we wouldn't be able to escape fast enough that way."

Shippo understood. With Kagome's help, he was up in the air and floating in no time. "I'll be back with Inuyasha! Please be careful Kagome!"

With Shippo safely out of the way, Kagome sighed and then let out a cleansing breath. While meditating the night before, she was unable to find her center but she found something better. Once again, Kagome found a power source that had been hidden. Like with Naraku, if need be, she would surrender her body to this power once again; especially if it meant Shippo would be safe. With out a thought of the consequences, Kagome turned sharply to meet her newest foe.

Shiroji was taken aback by the appearance of the human woman. She was powerful and appeared to be ethereal in appearance. "Woman, cease this! If my lord wants you in his castle then here you will say!" He turned to a blue haired sentry. "You, get some men and fetch that kit! The lord will not be please if we let him escape!"

Instantly Kagome reacted, giving her body over to the power within. She threw Shiroji off feet and thrust her staff through the sentry; purifying him on contact. "Go after my son and I will level this castle!"

The area immediately surrounding them suddenly dropped in temperature. The rain that had been pelting down on them moments before had now turned to rock sized pieces of ice; it appeared as if the nature itself was reacting to Kagome's mood.

Unsure of what to do, Shiroji jumped to his feet. He had no idea that his lord was harboring, from the look of her, a very powerful miko in his castle. Duty bound, Shiroji drew his sword. "Woman, you're no fighter. I will slay you before you have a chance to carry out any of your threats."

Kagome's head was hanging low, but a malicious laughter could be heard coming from her lips. "I may not be a fighter, but I know how to survive! And in the process, I will destroy you!"

…….

When Sesshomaru arrived back at his castle, it was in utter chaos. Immediately, he noticed Shiroji and Kagome fighting by the main gate. The miko, though muddy and scratched up, didn't seem badly hurt. His general, however, seem to have suffered some serious damage. Quickly Sesshomaru flew to Shiroji's aid. After intersecting blows from each party, he forced them apart. "Shiroji! What is the meaning of this?!"

Before Shiroji could even work up the energy to answer, Kagome beat him to it. "Release me!"

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at the sight before him. He had seen Kagome like this before; that day she defeated Naraku. "No! While you defeated Naraku, you did not kill him. Until the threat is over you will stay within my castle walls."

"Lies!" Kagome's glowing eyes seemed to grow in their intensity. "Your soul tells me otherwise!"

After handing Shiroji to some other guards, Sesshomaru turned to fully face the accusation thrown. "What do you know of my soul?"

"I can see all of your pitiful soul, lord of the west. It tells me of your treachery. "

Sesshomaru was slightly confused. Though brave, the miko would never say anything like the words she last uttered. She seemed possessed. "What are you...?" Sesshomaru asked. "Are you a malevolent spirit?"

Kagome, at least Kagome's body, shook her head. "No, by nature I am not a malicious being. I am a soul that is infinite; and like all things, this soul has the capacity to be pure or evil or both at once."

"Be clearer with your answers!" Instead of a vocal answer, Sesshomaru found what he was looking for within Kagome's actions when the pure aura he felt only moments ago give way to something sinister. "Now tell me, who you are? Why have you possessed the miko's body?" Sesshomaru needed these answers in order to figure out how to handle her in the future.

"Possessed her body? No. I am this body's soul." The light in Kagome's eyes intensified a little more. "I have no name in this form."

Frustrated Sesshomaru took a step forward. "What do you mean this form? If you have, indeed, not taken the miko's body, then why would you have a second form?"

"You of all should know the answer to that question. In jewel form, I was known as the Shikon no Tama. Thanks to you, I am now among the living." Sneered Kagome. "To begin with, this body's soul was incomplete. When the girl was about to complete a second Shikon no Tama and fill the missing piece with the dark one's soul, you forced me into her body prematurely. Instead of making another jewel and filling her void, you forced me into the land of the living. Now, take another step forward, lord Sesshomaru, and I will be forced to take the arm I so graciously gave back to you."

He ignored Kagome's barb, but remained still. "I did not ask for such a gift."

Kagome took a step forward; her aura intensifying with each step. "Hmm… you did. Before you passed out, you had only one request. To be whole."

"The others?"

"The monk wished for the safety of his friends, the slayer wished that she and the monk could always be together by Kagome's side, the hanyou Inuyasha wished for strength so he could ensure Kagome's safety, the kit wished he was Kagome true son, the hanyou Naraku wished simply to live, and the little girl wished to be by your side forever."

Sesshomaru was stunned. "How is that possible, none of us held the jewel at the time?!"

"Kagome wanted nothing. When prompted for the wish, she told me to make everyone happy."

"And the miko… what will happen to her when you complete yourself?" Sesshomaru asked cautiously.

"As I told you, this soul is infinite. However it will forever be unstable, unable to complete itself. It will never be able to possess a jewel form again. As a result, the miko has become a true immortal. This body's finite functions are no longer an issue."

"Why do you answer my questions so freely?" The light intensified a bit more, so much so, Sesshomaru felt an uncomfortable tingle run down his spine.

"We have nothing to fear from you. You may hold her captive now, but should Kagome truly wish it, there is no prison that will hold her because she is the Shikon no Tama. Even now she keeps me from killing you all, and escaping. Her enemies are mine, her friends are mine, and her wishes are mine, and her fears are mine as well. For those reasons, I will protect her interest." The light finally left Kagome's eyes and she fainted.

Carefully, Sesshomaru picked Kagome up in his arms and made his way back to the castle.

…….

Shima followed her lord to the front entryway. "Sesshomaru, was that girl telling the truth? Have you brought the very embodiment of the cursed jewel into this castle?"

"Hai…" Sesshomaru sighed. "… and when she is strong enough, she will become my wife."

"What!" Shima tugged on Sesshomaru sleeve. "She could kill us all!"

Sesshomaru kept walking. "I'm well aware of that fact; however, I will risk everything to possess her power. With it, the west will never fall."

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Endnote: Another chapter done!! Please tell me is you spot any horrendous spelling or grammar errors so I can edit this later.

Q. What is Kagome now?

A. Beats the hell out of me??!! Though I can say she's not human or demon. A ultra divine being maybe :D… rest assured I'll figure it out. For now she possesses all of the powers of the previous Shikon no Tama.

Q. What will happen to Kagome now? Will she escape?

A. Hell yeah! You heard the girl. However she's not strong enough yet. Kagome's body is still making adjustments.

Q. What's this seeing souls business?

A. It's just something she able to do as the new Shikon jewel. As it was able to see ones hearts desires and innermost thoughts so can Kagome.

Q. What about Sesshomaru?

A. He will have mixed feeling on the issue for the next couple of chapters. However, there will be no extreme hate or lust issues. He is attracted to power; for the moment that is all he can deduce. He will need to convince Kagome to stay with him.

Q. Who is Shima??

A. She is like Sesshomaru's adoptive mother. After his own mother abandoned him, Shima took up the slack.

As always, feel free to ask me question if they weren't answered here….