The Turns of Time

by Seshaddict

Kagome's living reality in modern day Japan after the final battle in the feudal era and discovering that life in the modern age is not so kind; until an unlikely white knight steps into her life again. The question is, will he want to save her?

1. Chapter 1

The Turns of Time

By: Seshaddict

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you!

I had hoped to pull out an update for TPOD and UNS for the holidays, but unfortunately, hit a snag with the storyline update for TPOD, and just didn't have the energy to type up and edit UNS's next chapter. But I did have this short, not so brilliant basic story done, so I decided to pull it out of my computer as my Christmas gift. It started as a one shot, but grew to engulf 3 chapters. I am loading the first chapter today, and will perhaps pull the second chapter out for New Years, ending the finale with a Valentine's day chapter, much like the story's own timeline.

I do not own InuYasha- that belongs to Rumiko Takahshi, not I, but I have thought up along this story from her fan fiction. I hope you enjoy it.

Snow was falling rapidly, blurring the sharp edges of the Tokyo skyline with soft smudges as the white precipitation built up. Against the twinkling lights that lit the buildings and streets, the city herself softened, and became beautiful.

Sesshoumaru sighed. It was nearing the holiday season, and like so many things in this century, westernization had taken over Japan's own culture. It did not matter if one was Buddhist or Shinto, for Christmas was the season of giving and shopping, of meeting family and friends. It was the time when a demon, like himself- living hidden amongst the throngs of humanity wondered exactly if living like this- year after year, century after century alone, was worth it.

"I am becoming a stupid sentimental fool!" Sesshoumaru thought, forcibly refusing that line of thought any further. Obviously centuries of living with the highly emotional creatures (in other words- humans) was taking a toll on his own sense of self.

His golden eyes, burning still with an intensity undiminished by age or time studied his reflection through the sparkling window he had been observing out of. The once long white hair was now cut, a bit in a shaggy style so that the ends rested upon his shoulders, the ends uneven. But the look it gave him with his ageless face was sharp- modern. His crescent moon and magenta stripes were out of sight- for demons had evolved to be able to hide their distinctive markings from humans. Darwin's law of survival at its best could be seen in examining how well the many demons who still existed today merged in with the now dominant species on Earth. Had he wanted, he could have changed his eyes and hair as well, but there was only so far he would change in the name of survival. Beyond that, there would have been no dignity. As it was, he had given up his preferred clothing for this abominable uniform that humans called a suit, and looked just like what he was supposed to be- a very phenomenally successful businessman hosting one of the many socialite filled Christmas parties of the season.

Surprisingly he had never been questioned to be anything but human, despite the abnormal colors his person was made of. Albino they called him. Scoffing at the absolute ridiculousness of the thought, Sesshoumaru turned from the window. Enough stupid thoughts, it was time he started playing host to the hilt. He started to mingle.

"Souta!" Kagome called out, as she rushed about throwing her brother's cloths into the opened suitcase on the bed.

"Sis," Souta stressed the word as he said it, " I can't leave you – not on Christmas." He was no longer the playful smiling boy she had come home to after her travels through time. Her heart hitched in pain at that thought. No, Souta was mature beyond his years.

Kagome turned, studying her brother with a maternal eye. They had become everything to each other ever since that day. The day she never wanted to ever remember, but the one that haunted her nights and sat upon the edge of her mind, like a haunting nightmare through each day. It had been five years now. Why would the heartache and pain just not go away?

But that was her life, and this is what she had become, and what she had to look forward to. She had failed out of high school, and it had never seemed to matter until the day she could no longer go back through the well. Now all she aspired for was to gain some success as a secretary, and to help her brother pursue his dreams for a higher education. He had the grades, he had the brain, and all he needed was for her to help him let go. Souta did not choose her choices, and since she had it in her power to give him more, she would. By god! - He would not forgo education and success just to hold her hand.

While she quailed at the thought of truly being alone, those were her own fears- ones she had to face, just like all the other monsters she had fought in her life. It was her battle to fight. It was not Souta's battle to fight at her side.

Seeing his grim and serious face, Kagome knew he was going to resist.

"Souta-" she felt her voice hitch. Kagome be strong she admonished herself. "I love you," she simply stated, "and I am doing this because you are not going to waste your life worrying about me."

"Who is going to take care of you Kagome, if I go away to America for the rest of high school and college? I can just stay here and work and help you out, and we can be together sis. That's what mom would have wanted."

"No Souta," Kagome sighed, "that's not what she would have wanted." Walking up to the handsome young man her brother had become, Kagome reached up to brush away a stray lock of hair from his somber face. Looking deep into his eyes, with her heart in her own, she finally said, "Do you think a mother who let me go to the feudal era to fight battles with demons, one who never questioned my place there over here in school, one who never bothered to tell me how scared she was in her own heart for me- A mother who let me do what I needed to do, would tell you to do anything different Souta?"

The tears formed in his eyes then. Kagome knew she was getting across to him finally. "Souta, I can't afford Tokyo University's yearly fee, even if you get a great scholarship. But if you go to high school for the next two years, you can apply to great schools in the United States, and the scholarships with the way they give student loans is something we can do. Uncle Yokomarah is into education there, and he's willing to take you in and help us out with the boarding and your basic needs till you get into college. He's a bachelor, and I got the feeling that he is kind, and would help you even further in the future. Please Souta- don't turn this down. This is your chance- and when you're some famous doctor, you can invite me over for a visit."

Souta looked at his sister. She had gone from slim to slender during the years she had been in the feudal era, but now she was nearly gaunt. Her salary alone was paying for their food and basics, while contributing towards the phenomenal debts their grandfather's and mother's medical care had left them. A daytime secretarial job and nights spent as a bartender, she was also stretching herself thin to act as the miko of the shrine. As it was Souta suspected she was teetering on needing to sell the shrine too, and there would be issues with that. If his suspicions were correct, this land would not be so easy to sell. Higarshi shrine would be considered a historic landmark, and likely any attempts to buy it for development would be a mess. It was unlikely anyone would want to buy a shrine to just keep it- as shrines did not make enough money to pay for the phenomenal prices of real-estate in Tokyo today. That left the government taking over, as they had done to many shrines in the past, and paying their minimum amounts in return- which would leave the Higarashi family with nothing.

Souta also knew that selling the shrine would kill Kagome. Though his sister never spoke of it anymore, this was her last thread connecting her to the feudal era, and the events that had taken place there. Forcibly returned through the well to this time, she had come home unable to return after her final battle with Naraku. She was somewhat certain that InuYasha had died – something that still haunted her heart. The demon slayer Sango and her demon cat had also passed away earlier in the battle, and it was their demise that had given Kagome the power to fire the arrow of death for the Naraku. Beyond that, she did not know what had become of the others. Earlier on she had tried to find out, but then life and reality crept in.

Their grandfather had fallen ill, stretching the finances tight. She had failed high school fully and there had been no money for further schooling at the time. Then the final blow was finding out their mother had terminal cancer. 12 months later there had been no one but her and Souta, and a mountain of medical debts. The Higarashi's had never been wealthy, and it had taken only one unexpected medical issue to topple their lives into uncertainty.

Kagome refused to auction off the powerful artifacts they kept in the shrine- though she had parted with some of the paintings and all of their more ancient furniture. But the manuscripts and demon artifacts were out of the question. Kagome insisted that they be within the shrine walls and that no mention of selling them ever arise. Souta stared at his sister. The two swords, the Tetseiga and the Tensiega, were within Higarashi Shrine's walls, hidden in a special place Kagome had found. His sister had brought them with her when she had been returned through the well unwillingly. Their presence reminded him that though Kagome was now only working as a secretary and part time miko, that she had at one time in history saved this world. Taking in her threadbare socks and worn faded outfit, it was hard to understand. But Souta understood. He understood that heroes who lived, they lived tough lives and their personal sacrifices helped the whole world, but rarely themselves. Those choices - they were Kagome's. Just as sending him away to school was.

She was right about his education, and though he had been fighting it, he knew it was what needed to be done. He did not bring in enough money with his part time job and tips to help much. But leaving his haunted sister alone with all the family responsibilities and her past was something that scared him. She could not come with him right now, however, given their financial circumstances. The fear in his heart for his only family was what kept him from agreeing to all of this, but he was unfortunately smart enough to see it was utter stupidity upon his part to not go. He would hurt both of their futures with such a decision. He wanted to cry, but that was not what his sister needed. She needed a savior for herself for once. She needed a knight in shining armor. Stepping up to engulf her in a tight hug, Souta sent up a prayer, that somehow Kagome would be alright.

Sesshoumaru looked up from his morning coffee as his mistress of the moment sauntered in. Komara's beauty was stunning, and he was certain her future in the acting industry would be phenomenal. He'd have to soon find her replacement, for once her face became famous, he had no plans of finding his own face beside hers in the media. He was elusive and reclusive- and planned to stay that way. One of the benefits of business was that unless one wished to become know, your name and face became something known only to those in the world of business itself. That in itself could be prevented with the use of front men, which made one's import elusive. Everyone knew of you and to kow-to to you, but did not exactly know why. Which in turn allowed one to live life with power and privilege, but also with the benefits of privacy. Something he valued greatly.

"Sesshoumaru," Komara smiled. She knew he would not tolerate any shortening of his name. "Darling, you are coming to my shoot today aren't you?"

She had been trying for days to get him there, to show off her ability to snag him, and to display her prime catch. She would rather be his wife than work as an actress, for Komara was shrewd enough to know a good thing when she saw it. But she had no idea what a monster she consorted with, now did she- Sesshoumaru thought. Sesshoumaru's mouth smirked, part grin, part feral. Had Komara known the Sesshoumaru of old, she would have feared for her life. Sesshoumaru had no plans to give into her whims and wants- ever.

"No Komara, I won't be there." He said it softly, yet it brooked no argument. Komara was never sure why, but she always knew to never push it. Something very frightening lay underneath his beauty. She had told her friends, and it was that danger, when it glimmered occasionally, that excited her more than anything. Moth to a flame. Human to a vampire. Something was there, and Komara had no plans of letting him go, but she was smart enough to understand she may not have any say in the matter.

Pouting prettily she came over and kissed him soundly, and smiled delightedly, as he relaxed, his eyes darkening with lust. His fingers expertly worked the knot that held her silk kimono housecoat in place. Sesshoumaru was insatiable and his lovemaking had spoiled her for almost anyone else. She wanted him- all of him, in no small way. Gasping and looking forward to the wild and wonton fucking he always delivered, as his tongue licked her taunt nipple, Komara promised herself to try harder to get a ring from him. Oh yes, this was what she wanted. Perhaps it was time she took a gamble and stopped taking that damned birth control. Smiling slyly for a second to herself at the thought, before Sesshoumaru proceeded to not let her think at all.

One week before Christmas, Kagome watched Souta board the flight, both of their faces tight, holding back the anguish of separation to come for the next few years. Kagome at least was trying to smile fully- Souta made no such effort.

As the final boarding call for Air Japan was announced, Kagome crumbled. "Oh Souta," she gasped as her arms hugged him tightly. "Take care ok- be good, do well and don't forget to call and write to me!"

"I will sis." Souta's voice cracked, belying his stoic look. "You promise me you are going to be ok, and to let me know if you are not! Please. I worry about you."

Kagome looked up proudly into his eyes. He was such a great boy- some day some very lucky girl was going to make the best choice of her life and marry him. Her eyes watered. "I will," she promised.

Souta boarded, and Kagome watched feeling a sense of loss and disconnect as she watched the airplane take to the air. She was finally truly alone.

Kagome was exhausted. Hard decisions about selling the shrine had been made in her mind over the past few months, and she had hardly slept all week until Souta had finally left. Today was her day to do the miko at Higarashi shrine. It had surprisingly been a busy day. Now just as she was planning to close up, one more had entered. The lady was dressed in a very expensive looking suiting outfit that had the unusual cut and fit that made it racy even as a suit. The long long jet black hair was shiny and provided a wonderful frame for her absolutely gorgeous black Asian eyes and unusually full mouth. Her skin glowed like a pearl, and her nose was small but had a sharpness to it rare amongst the features here Japan. She was beautiful. She went up to pray, lit incense and then made a beeline towards Kagome who was hoping she would leave after praying.

"Miko Samma?," the tinkling voice asked.

Kagome just nodded a yes. Then asked, "May I help you?"

The lady looked embarrassed. Then as if making a decision, her face showed resolve. "I wish to ask if it is possible for you to do a consultation for me. You see, I have ….." looking more embarrassed now she continued, "been hoping to get pregnant for some time now, and yet it has not occurred. I am uncertain why, but would you have a charm or prayer that I may use to hasten a conception?"

Kagome looked at the woman. She was instantly sorry for this beautiful creature's plight. Poor dear woman was having fertility troubles, and even in modern day Japan, the plight of the infertile woman was not one to wish upon anyone.

"Have you and your husband been…..er….intimate?"

The woman seemed to hesitate, then nodded the affirmative.

"Have you been tested at a clinic?" Kagome asked next. She would hate to have someone rely on magic and mantra when the best answers were with modern science in this day and age.

Again the woman hesitated. Then she sadly said, "No, my…..husband will not let for testing."

Kagome was annoyed. What the hell sort of man let his wife suffer the brands of infertility in this society with out trying to test to see if he was the cause? "Well, why will he not!?" Kagome hotly questioned, letting her emotions roll over her. "He does want a child a well doesn't he?"

But it was that one second flash of guilt and something else upon the woman's face that stopped her. Her gaze next bounced to the woman's hand – which was unadorned with either engagement or wedding ring.

Kagome had been naive once, and had had another similar situation where the female had latter come to thank her for her charm and regale her on the not so very funny story of how the pregnancy had got her then man she had wanted. She had not thought of it too often, unless suspicious, and right now she suddenly was.

The lovely woman hesitated, "I think he wants a child" she finally said. But Kagome wasn't buying it. She did not want any part in getting some woman a husband because of a child. But it was bad business to get angry as a miko unless there was full call to do so. Right now, it would be better to be smart about this. If not her, someone else would help this woman, and the poor sod in question would have to choose between leaving a bastard in life or marriage. Something about her times with InuYasha made her angry about children born out of wedlock.

"Are you married to this man?" Kagome calmly asked.

The woman hesitated, and seemed to decide to lie.

Before she could, Kagome said, " I can help you, but I will need to meet this man and have him willingly give me something of his. Money, hair, cloths, anything- but it must come from his hand to mine." Kagome wanted to know the woman's name so she could sort out this mess. "What is your name if I may ask?"

"Ko. My name is Ko. " The lady said, " and I will try to get my husband here to meet you."

"But how will I know it is him and hold onto the object he gives me?" Kagome asked.

"I will have him bring to you my scarf that I wear today. If you can recall its appearance, then you will know him. But Miko Samma, please – please do not discuss this pregnancy matter with him, for he is not fully into it as I.. Will you promise me this as a miko?" Ko asked.

Kagome was furious. She didn't want to, but some warning was better than nothing, and perhaps a weaker charm could be made so the effect would be negligible. She nodded, but did not voice her acceptance.

It seemed to appease Ko's hesitance.

"Then I will have him here hopefully before Christmas holidays. He can be tough to deal with sometimes, and I can't promise he'll come in a week." With that Ko let Kagome study her exquisite scarf, and departed to go do some shopping for Christmas.

"Sesshoumaru!" Komara happily greeted as she came upon the table he had reserved for their lunch. He had been trying to slowly dislodge her from his life, but in such a way that they would be alright if any social meetings occurred. When you lived this long, you could not keep on making enemies for small nothings.

"I had the most amazing consultation with a miko. It really was amazing, and she seemed to have some deep insight, you know….."

Sesshoumaru had stopped drinking his wine and his gaze and concentration had zeroed in onto Komara's long winded story. The word "miko" had not been said to him by a human in ages. That it was now was unusual enough to make him alert. Komara noticed his alertness increase to the word miko. Well Well, it is unusual yet interesting that it seems Sesshoumaru believes in some sort of things………

"I had to ask her about you my dear, and ……" but before Komara could finish, Sesshoumaru had her wrist in a death grip so tight, had jerked her using that hold slightly towards him, as he growled out a low

"Why!??!"

Komara's intuition niggled the interesting question of what was it that bothered him so much. That she had spoke about him, or that it was a miko that she had spoken to. What was he- a vampire after all?

"Why what?"she asked perplexed, "and your hurting my hand Sesshouamru!"

In response, his grip tightened as he bit out, a fury burned in his molten gaze, "Why would you ……" but then he suddenly kept quiet. His eyes blanked and his face also became emotionless.

Very very interesting, Komara thought to herself.

"To see if we would have a future together and if you have a bright future." Komara answered with a false look of vapid innocence. When Sesshoumaru seemed too stunned to respond, Komara continued, "Miko Samma was very interested to meet you – I am not sure why. But if you go, I forgot to give her my scarf, the one I promised to give her for the consultation. Would you mind dropping it to her Sesshoumaru? If you go….." Komara trailed off. She had planned to get him there in another way, but his interest and irritation had changed her track. He would go out of interest to see the miko……and then she would have her charm.

Sesshoumaru studied her silently for a while, letting the silence stretch out. "Which shrine is this miko in, Komara?" he finally asked.

"The Higarashi shrine here in Tokyo." She carefully watched to see his response, but it was as if a mask had settled over his face, hiding everything and every thought.

Komara did not believe in vampires, but she would find out from the miko why her Sesshoumaru seemed to peeved off- and if it was about mikos and magic.

Sesshoumaru found the lunch interminable. He wanted to lift his finger and cut Komara's head from her body. Instead he had listened to her tale of her visit with the Higarashi shrine's miko. The last miko he had known from that shrine had been Kikyou's sister, Kaede. After the battle of the Sikon Jewel, Higarashi shrine had become the one shrine he could not enter- no matter what. While it was never comfortable for a demon to be on holy soil, he could tolerate the pains enough to enter any holy site- except that of Higarashi shrine. And that had only been noted after the fall of Naraku. And now, there was a miko there that was interested in him. Interesting. He had once recently looked into ownership of the shrine, but had found nothing of interest nor import. Since then, he had not given the shrine a second thought unless he was bored. It had been years since he had tried to enter that area- perhaps now that he had an open invite he should try once more. It would be interesting to see who this miko was and if she could explain to him the pull that Higarashi shrine held for him all these years.

He carelessly took the scarf Komara handed to him, and paid the bill for lunch. It was time to give Komara walking orders. It was really too bad, for he needed to find a new bedmate and right before the holidays. However it would be wise to stop seeing Komara from hence forth. Jaken could have the pleasure of returning her stuff and changing the locks- Sesshoumaru did not want to see her again.

It was two days before Christmas and while Komara was long gone, there had been no replacement for her in his bed. And he still had not gone to see the miko. He did not know why he was putting it off.

Then again- he did. He went to his desk and once more opened up the manila folder that held the picture that had stunned and haunted him. That along with several other documents of his most recent purchase- a Christmas gift to himself. The Higarashi Shrine.

He once again had had his investigators look into Higarashi shrine and its miko. What they had found had turned his world upside down. The shrine was found to be put up for sale just recently, and the owner miko…… well her identity was one that had kept him awake and pacing several nights.

Sesshoumaru had acted swiftly once he heard about the planned sale. He had bought the shrine, outdoing any other bids; for some reason realizing that it should remain a shrine at least as long as he was alive. He would not have some sky scraper sit upon that site. That and he had found her when he had looked into who the miko of the shrine was after his last conversation with Komara. He had then spent several days to reassure the preservationists that he would not convert the site – and would let the shrine run itself with the current miko if she was willing. He hoped she was, and had been supremely satisfied to see her stay

It appeared the miko had been heartbroken to have to sell, and more than happy that her family would be allowed to keep working there, though no longer owning the site. Her only stipulation had been that the artifacts belonged to her, and were not with the shrine's sale, and that if the site remained a shrine she would keep them there. He had no choice but to agree, but was curious - what artifacts belonged to this shrine?

. It was only that he had yet to pay the little miko a visit to get his questions answered- and that in itself was unlike him.

Kagome hummed silently to herself as she finished sweeping the shrine's outer verandah. It was great exercise and the quiet of the morning was restorative. It was the day before Christmas, and being a weekend, there was no work, and so was assigned as her "miko" day. She had stitched her self a fully white miko outfit, refusing to wear the traditional red on white one that would make her recall Kikyou in any way or form. Her hair had grown long, as haircuts were costly affairs when you were penny pinching, and after the Shrine sale had gone through, she had become too accustomed to the weight of it to want to cut it. At least the shrine's sale had stopped the financial terror, and paid off all of her debts. It also allowed her to live at the shrine, and work there- and so she had given up the apartment and moved to the house she had grown up in. The ghosts of yesterday were her companions, but Kagome was no longer feeling hopeless. Perhaps one day, after Souta was done, she could go back to school herself. Perhaps someday there would be someone else to love and be happy with. And this bright cold misty dawn morning seemed to hold all that promise for her. She somehow felt happy today. And she wanted to keep feeling that way.

It was then that she felt a presence. An aura so powerful, that it was like the ones of demon lords back in the feudal era. Her whole body stilled – it had been so long since she had felt anything like this. Jerking her head toward the crest of the steps that led to the shrine, Kagome dropped her broom and hurried over to see who or what approached. Her heart beat stalled for a second, and her eyes began to focus upon a man who stood at the bottom of the steps – looking up at the shrine, and on her appearance, at her. He then began to step up to the first step- hesitating, as if unsure he would be allowed- and when nothing stopped him from going forward- he stared back at her seemingly surprised, as he continued to climb. Kagome did not easily recognize him from this distance, though something rang in her memory of his familiarity.

Sesshoumaru had decided at dawn that this was the day to pay both the Higarashi shrine and its priestess a visit. It was unlike him to feel so uncertain or so concerned, but that is what he felt upon planning his visit. There was a sensation in his gut that he couldn't put a finger on, but it was time to face it.

He had parked the car at the base of the shrines steps. Staring up at the Higarashi shrine, he had been deciding whether to take that first step of not, when she had appeared. His vision was undiminished as it had been when he had been the lord of the west, and he took in carefully every one of her features. She was ridiculously petite and slender. Gaunt almost. Her eyes, still that midnight blue, held shadows of sorrow that made them haunting and beautiful. Her hair was not loose nor short as she had worn it in the past, but long- braided back into a slightly sloppy fat plait with loose tendrils flying away. It was so thick and untamed, yet framed the perfect heart shape of her face to show its delicacy. She had changed. Yet she had not. Age had been kind to her, for she had not shown any signs of aging over the past several hundred years- and that was what stumped him. It was the same question that nagged him when he had first been shown her picture by his investigator and had felt that instant recognition. One rarely forgot a creature such as her when she had accomplished things even demons could not. Was it really her? The uncertainty, and for some reason the thought that he would be disappointed if it were not her, his brother's priestess, were what had held him back. He did not comprehend the emotions, nor like what he was willing to discern of them. Though he wanted to zip up the stairs with youkai speed, there were eyes watching, and it would not do. Holding back his impatience, he began to restrain his natural abilities so that he could climb the steps at human speed. The sooner he got to the top, the sooner he and Kagome Higarashi could talk, and he could decide what he wanted to do.

As the man climbed half way up, Kagome's miko senses flared to life, after nearly 5 years of dormancy. She was stunned and frightened. Then she saw them, the golden eyes that coolly looked up to ascertain if she was still there. Her mind stripped the black suit, the civilized veneer upon him and superimposed his true form of demonic might. Her whole being became cold, as her mind caught up finally- her eyes seeing the image superimposed upon him of that being in a white hakama, armor and long silken white hair. "Sesshoumaru……." She had thought it mentally, but obviously had spoken aloud. He heard- for even from so far away, she saw him sharply look up, his mouth tightening with resolve, and something more frightening lighting his eyes, as he started to speed up his ascent.

Run Kagome…… her mind told her. But how? How did one run from Sesshoumaru? A hysterical giggle helplessly burst out. Maybe she really needed to rest. This could not possibly be Sesshoumaru. Why would he not have come earlier if it was so? She turned thinking to get away, but it was just too much. The stress of life, of Souta leaving, of finally selling the one thing she had never wished to let go, and now to come face to face with ….the past. Kagome did what any other sensible girl in her shoes might have done. She fainted.

Sesshouarmu was uncertain, but the miko looked stunned. More so than he. Was it possible she had not known of him? That Komara had not meant anything much when she had mentioned the miko's interest in him? It was too bad, for he was now very very interested to see what the miko had to say. He saw her sway, and realized that perhaps she may faint, and giving up this stupid game, rushed the steps to catch her, just in time to prevent her glancing her head off the wicked old stones of her courtyard. Silently studying the feather weight miko in his hands, he grimly picked her up and carried her into the building that looked to be the home. Setting her softly upon a very thread bare sofa, he went to get some water and scope out the house and shrine site swiftly. He found nothing of notice. Very carefully he closed the gates of the shrine, indicating it was closed. Unusual, but then, it was his shrine to do with as he would.

Then he went back to get the water and see if Kagome had awoken.

She had not, so he used the water as an effective medicine, pouring it onto her.

The miko sputtered and groused loudly as she jolted awake. "What the !" then froze. She saw him, and her eyes grew like saucers. He could smell her fear- like a living thing, before she settled, and banked it.

Tremulously, she asked hesitantly, "Is that you Lord Sesshoumaru?"

His eyes seemed to blaze at her question and Kagome tried to shrink back into the couch. "So it is you- Kagome." He was seated upon the small coffee table opposing the sofa, regally as if upon a throne, as he looked down at her. "How is it priestess, that you exist in this time and age, so very long from when we last met?"

Kagome drew in a sharp breath. He did not know? Sesshoumaru did not know about the well? Well, perhaps he had not fully understood. Only InuYasha had been across the time barrier, and now it did not matter, for the well would never work for her again. But she did not relish trying to explain this to Sesshoumaru.

Wetting the dry lips, her mouth suddenly parched, she stalled for a second. But he was watching her, clearly expecting an answer. "The well." She began, "it was a portal for me from this time to InuYasha and the feudal era."

His eyes did not show surprise, but grew bright with full understanding. Almost to himself, he whispered, "So you are of this time originally……"

"Yes." She nodded. "Somehow the Sikon no Tama was within my body, reincarnated in my form. This got me pulled through the well one day by Mistress Centipede……."

Hours later Sesshouamaru's questions abated. Kagome was sobbing softly. Her recollection had opened wounds that had festered in silence these past few years. He now fully comprehended. He had seen the girl travel through the well, but never having followed, did not know from whence she originally came. He now understood she was not of his own time but from here. That she was the Sikon no Tama's holder in this time- and his keen mind explained to himself, that the likelihood of him stumbling upon her early in this time and altering events would have been disastrous, and likely why the fates had never allowed him entry into the Higarashi Shrine till today. Kagome had not understood why he could not enter when he had put the question to her, clearing any of her own magic as the cause of that restriction.

Kagome would normally never do such a thing, but she could not help it any longer. He was here. He knew her from long ago, and connected her to the fact that what she had done, what she had sacrificed were real. There had been days these last few years when she had wondered. Surging out of the couch, she fell onto him, hugging his form all while tears fell like a rainstorm from her eyes. She felt the rigid shock that froze him with her actions. But Kagome was beyond herself. She had never thought to be so happy to see Sesshoumaru in all her life. It was over in a minute. She fully realized whom she was blathering upon, and just how unwelcome her behavior would be to him, and flushing at such human emotional outpour onto InuYasha's stoic youkai brother, she pushed off him, to sit silently once more on the couch. Head held down, she muttered an "I'm sorry about that…."

She looked up then, at him. Expecting to see distain, she instead saw carefully banked understanding. He merely nodded his assent for her actions. Then looked about the threadbare house. "Do you live alone?" he asked emotionlessly. Kagome tensed. What would be the safe answer to that question. But she knew he could smell a lie miles away, and in reality, toward the end, he had been her ally and aid in their battle against Naraku. She had somehow always felt she could trust him

"Yes." She finally answered.

He looked disbelieving. "You mean to tell me you have no family nor friend? That there is no one else here?"

What could she say? Nothing, so she stayed mum, holding his gaze so he understood.

He was suddenly furious. She had saved this world. She must have forgone much time in her youth to be there with InuYasha all those times, and had anyone here been there for her? A young helpless ningen like her was living alone in this decrepit old shrine? It was inappropriate. She was not some bedroom hussy or feminist warrior. She was an innocent who held immense power. But an innocent is what Kagome had always been. Defenseless in moments that were frightening. Sesshoumaru could not categorize Kagome with other modern girls or women he had come to know and accept in this day and age. He had known her long ago, and in his mind, it was in that time slot she would fit. As a woman who was precious and innocent, though bold and more than capable in her own way, she was one who should be protected by one capable of doing so at all times, just in case she needed it. It looked like she desperately needed it now. He suddenly recalled his investigators stories of how heartbroken the miko was over the shrine's impending sale. He had seen the empty refridgerator, the silent and worn looking house, and faded clothing that adorned her. Life had not been kind to her here. Indeed, she did not look to be very happy in this time in comparison, though no dark demon terrorized her life here.

Kagome shifted uneasily, sensing his acute anger. Though in face and form he was emotionless, the aura of rage tightly reigned filled the room. Then he calmed a bit, once again looking at her.

"I have closed the shrine for today, would you like to come with me for some lunch?"

Kagome started, then stared. It was just too strange how modern and human that invitation sounded. It was not one the Sesshoumaru of old would have issued to her. With that realization came the thought, that he was different, and Kagome finally saw the changes that should have been obvious. His glorious hair was short. Very smart looking, sharp and modern. It suited him, giving him the look of powerful handsome modern men. He wore cloths that screamed of money and privilege, though she had never known Sesshoumaru to not have those. His markings were gone, as was the armor and the swords. Her mind reminding her that she could not let him discover the swords of destiny she had hidden beneath the shrine. She had a hundred questions to ask him, and her stomach gave a rumble, announcing its stand on the invite. She blushed in mortification, and was stunned to see Sesshoumaru grin in amusement. It lit his face with such humor and warmth that she almost swayed into him once more. Enchanted by this approachable and endearing side she had never thought to see of his.

"I'll take that as a yes," he said, "why don't you wear something else and we'll go get something to feed that hungry beast." Then he stood, looking down at her, "I'll be waiting outside."

Scrambling to her feet, her sluggish mind finally working, she said, "Wait!- Sesshoumaru, I …….I am supposed to work today as the miko of this shrine. I can't just close up and go out, I have an agreement with the owner……"

He had turned to look at her, and had an amused look upon his face, and once more just the sheer beauty of him silenced her tongue. Nodding, he answered, "I know- I am the owner and I say you are having lunch with me today. Now no more questions or stalling, hurry up. I dislike waiting."

She scrambled up the stairs, a millions questions upon her tongue.

Ensconced into a luxurious private booth at Japan's most swanky restaurant, Kagome patted her full stomach as she sighed with contentment. Sesshoumaru had become prince charming- well, one with a feral grin and occasionally growl, but her hero none the less. He had insisted she eat before any and all questions, and knowing better than to disagree with the likes of him, particularly when she had sensed earlier that he was still full youkai, she had stuffed herself. She hoped he did not think poorly of her amount of intake.

His golden gaze was still powerful, beckoning waiters and conveying his every thought with out him ever saying a word. In this he was as he had a always been. But his eyes, they seemed hard somehow, though in the past they had never been soft, Kagome felt him to be jaded. The only time his gaze appeared to soften was when it alighted upon her, but that must have been her imagination.

She waited patiently for him to grant her permission to start her questions, but he instead looked at her, and said, "We will go to my home tonight, and you can ask your questions there- I will not have anything possibly overheard here." She nodded mute agreement, though she had never been to any man's home before. Somehow the modern connotations with that statement – to my home tonight- floated about her mind as she followed Sesshoumaru's broad Armani encased back towards the lobby. She was a bit stunned when he held out her worn and tattered coat for her to slip into- and then when he slipped his own hands into her own as he led her towards his car. This modern Sesshoumaru was just a bit much to assimilate for her knowing him as she had last seen him, fighting Naraku in the Feudal era. What several centuries could do to tame a man, huh? She thought to herself.

She soon found herself warm and comfortable in his Porsche, as he smoothly and swiftly drove through Tokyo's traffic. Sessshoumaru drove, Kagome decided, like he had moved in days gone by. So smoothly and fluidly, yet belying what appeared unhurried, his speed was phenominal. And she felt not one pitch or bump as he did it. She stared at his hands, long tapered fingers and beautiful hands- but no sign of his talons. The markings still had not shown upon his face. Did he hide them, or had he changed? Too contented to break the pleasant silence that filled the car she decided to wait as he had advised to ask him her questions. The full belly and the sudden day of rest were making her realize how much she desperately needed to sleep, and slowly, Kagome despite telling herself to not give in, nodded off. Her head drooped to the side, her face relaxed of her worries. She did not realize that her mind knew that by Sesshoumaru, not much could harm her but him- and against that there was not much she could do. It had decided that this was the safest time for her to let go of all her woes and catch up on her much ignored sleep needs.

Sesshoumaru watched her as she fell into peaceful slumber. The dark circles about her eyes, the fatigue of her aura all told him this was much needed rest. Reaching his private parking for his large private home on the outskirts of Tokyo, Sesshoumaru parked his car and turned to stare at the innocent who trusted him enough to sleep so at his side. Though the age of his ability to slaughter at will was long gone, he had developed like the humans to adapt to the new. He was ruthless in his business practice, and as long as he could recall, no woman had been safe around him if she had been beautiful. And the miko, despite her weariness had always been lovely. Though he had been loath to admit it, even in the age of InuYasha, she had drawn his eye- when his distain for all things human had tainted his view. Now, after centuries of living amongst them, and becoming decidedly selfish in the ways he used humans to his own ends, he was suddenly upset that Kagome could trust him so completely. Would she have accepted lunch and a trip home with just anyone? Though his heart knew her decisions were because of her relationship with whom and what he was, the thought would not leave, and the fact that he cared about the answer only made him more angry.

But still, not for all the anger in the world would he disturb her when it was so obvious she was exhausted. And he in turn did not quite want to go through her own question and answer session just yet. No, he'd let her sleep. With that decision, he climbed out of his car, and carefully went over to pick up the little miko, as he carried her into his home, and once more into his life.

Kagome jolted awake from her nightmare. Confusion reigned supreme when she found herself in a world that was unrecognizable. Panic fluttered in her stomach as she looked around and found herself ensconced in a large king size bed covered with white and taupe silk. The room was well furnished, in expensive taste, but with clean lines and an air of roominess. She was still in her white hakama, but her hair was unbound, and the long coil of it tangled about her. She felt rejuvenated, and on trying to recall why, she remembered Sesshoumaru. Was this his home? She blushed. Had she fallen asleep on the Lord of the Western Lands? And he had let her? Getting up, she soon found the door to the massive bath, and began washing up. Her hair needed a good wash, and seeing how luxurious Sesshoumaru's bath was, she could not pass up the chance. She carefully locked the door, undressed and began to bathe.

An hour later, when she stepped out, shriveled like a prune, but ecstatic with her decadent experience. She was surprised to find a beautiful but simple navy blue traditional kimono laid out upon her bed. It was just her size too. Unable to stop wanting to look her best when she did meet Sesshoumaru again, she quickly changed into it, and brushed her hair, quickly braiding it back into a simple fat plait. Then she stepped out of her room, carefully looking about to find her way to the steps and descended down to find the master of the house.

Jaken hummed to himself, letting down his usual guard while he cooked Lord Sesshoumaru's meal. It was Christmas Eve and the usual entourage of servants were off. And while he enjoyed the pleasure of servants, it was a relief to be able to let down his guard and just be himself on days such as these. Though Jaken had to admit that for a lesser demon like himself, the future was much more pleasant, he did so miss the past. And today, it was just him and his lord- just like the good ole days.

So unexpected was the human's entrance into the kitchen that he almost dropped the heated skillet upon his foot.

"Ahhg! What are you doing here?!" he shouted, belatedly realizing that he did not have his spell of disguise on today, having not expected any visitors.

He was in full demon form! Sesshoumaru samma would kill him! Gathering his wits and becoming belligerent by the second, Jaken narrowed his gaze and began to advance on the equally stunned human. Though, the girl seemed oddly familiar.

"Who are you?! And what are you doing with in this house?" he questioned as he advanced. Thought to be honest, the human did not seem fearful in the least, and after her initial surprise, seemed to be accepting the fact that there was a small green toad like creature talking to her very well. Infact, she seemed to be happy to see him….

Kagome was initially taken aback with the falling skillet and Jaken's initial shouts, but once she saw who it was, her heart was suddenly light. It was so good to see those beings from that time, so long ago- even Jaken.

"Jaken…" Kagome whispered to herself. Still reliving the past as she saw him.

"Eh?" Jaken stopped his tirade midstride when he realized the woman knew him.

Gathering his wits, he looked a little harder, and gasped. IT was InuYasha's priestess! That human girl who had been a thorn in his lord's side with the Tetsiega!

"You!" he bit out in fury. "What are you doing here?! Sesshoumaru Samma will not tolerate the likes of you here!"

Kagome couldn't help it. Even after so long, Jaken was the same. It was in some odd way such a relief to her that it was so. It was a comfort that he had remained a constant- despite it not being a likable one. It was then that she fully realized exactly how much her heart and soul had longed for entry through the well, back to the feudal era. Just how much she had missed that time and its beings so. For never would she have ever thought that Sesshoumaru and Jaken could have brought her to tears of poignant memory and happiness.

And the tears did flow, as she stood there watching Jaken harp and shout, a silly grin alighted upon her face, while a river hot tears streamed from her eyes helplessly.

That was how Sesshoumaru found her. Jaken's shouts had alerted him to the possibility of his guest having come upon him, and he had hurriedly finished up the phone conversation with his foreign business counterpart, before swiftly using demon speed to find Kagome. But he felt her poignant air of memory and sadness, with that helpless glow of happiness intermingled before he actually saw her. The look upon her face was enough to arrest him before he reached her- to stare and wonder what gave her such an ethereal look- and that too when she watched Jaken.

Then his mind came up with the explanation, one so sorrowful and poignant, he did not wish to dwell upon it. It was after many years that he had someone he felt safe bringing into his hold to know of him. That it coincided with this holiday season – that for some reason he had loathed to spend alone, and now with her here, he no longer would- made him step up and clear his throat loudly.

Jaken immediately stuttered, saw his lord and sputtered, then shut up. Obviously Lord Sesshoumaru was unsurprised by the human miko's presence here, and that was enough to silence the protests Jaken had planned to spew. It was then that he saw Sesshoumaru redirect his gaze to study the miko, and that Jaken himself saw her catch herself. But the appearance of her face; of one lost for so long whom had finally found their way home, had him gaping.

Kagome caught herself as she saw Sesshoumaru. Quickly wiping her tears, her eyes dried. The over running gamut of emotions shut down, and she suddenly felt silly.

Turning around she was saying a teary "Merry Christmas, Sesshoumaru." Before she began to wonder is an ancient feudal demon warlord would celebrate something so modern. Then she ceased to think, as her mind took in the fact that Sesshoumaru currently had his long silken locks, the expected white hakama and the sash about his waist. But what he lacked was the armor he had always worn. That and the swords upon his person. Somehow, he seemed more relaxed- and the lack of powerful weapons and armor did nothing but enhance exactly how handsome this male demon was. She almost forgot to breath. "InuYasha would kill me for that thought !" she found herself thinking, and it was enough so make her feel silly. A soft grin lit the sorrow of memories away from her face, and she made herself focus upon the demon in front of her.

His crescent moon marked his forehead, and the magenta stripes once more covered his face and arms.

"So, you are still a full demon Lord Sesshoumaru?" she found herself asking. Then she shut up, recalling he may still have much of his former personality and dislikes if so much remained the same still.

Sesshoumaru indeed narrowed his gaze. Instinct told him she was trust worthy, and had already known. He merely nodded watching her carefully. She did not ask anything further, but sniffed the air appreciatively before asking Jaken, "Is there something to eat?"

His faithful retainer gaped at the miko as though she were some ghost. Sesshouamru smiled. The toad was probably having a coronary trying to figure out how she still existed. Taking a hold of Kagome's hand, and turning her toward the small alcove table, he grabbed her some of the food before he indicated to her to take a seat.

He didn't know what had him feeling so strange- not did he understand why he leaned in close to her ear, his breath tickling the loose strands of her drying long hair. He breathed in her scent- and found oddly that he was profoundly pleased to not that it had not changed since the centuries. She still smelled of mountain air, jasmine and spring after winter. Odd, she had no scent of decay that other humans carried. He felt her shiver at his nearness, and then further with the touch of his breath. He softly whispered, "Sit Kagome." As he pulled out the seat for her to sit in….. Watching her hesitate and look uncertainly at him, before she slowly lowered herself to sit, he suddenly felt as if he had found his own underbelly. It was not a pleasant feel- yet somehow he was unwilling to cover it just yet. Placing the plate of food in front of her, while he seated himself and told Jaken to put together more for him later.

She gaped at him as he downed the large traditional Japanese meal, and he had to admit, that human way of eating was an acquired taste- however, one could not go about wildly hunting in this day and age, and it was yet another turn of time to show how he had adapted. He had likely scoffed at any such food in the past when she had last known him.

He watched her initially slowly pick at her food, then as she grew more comfortable, eat with relish. Watching her relax pleased him. Already a nights rest had faded the dark circles of her eyes. However the shadows of sadness remained- those he was less certain if he wanted to change- or even if he could. But one thing he did know was that the little miko was going no where unless it was by his decree. There was no InuYasha here to claim her, and obviously no other family nor friend to stay by her side. There was no one. And oddly that angered him. Banking those emotions, he waited for her to finish up her food, before gently guiding her to the living room.

The day had flown by, and Kagome could hardly believe that the day she had most dreaded since Souta's departure had turned out to be one she finally had felt herself come alive. She shyly looked at Sesshoumaru's back, as he finished returning the weapons they had practiced in his dojo, back to the wall. It had seemed to strange to hold the crossbow and arrow after so long. She had worried she may not know how to any longer, but under his gentle persistent pressure, found that it was not so.

Sesshoumaru. The demon was much the same. Not much had changed, and despite the veneer of sophistication and human like behavior Kagome had found the demon she had once known. While Sesshoumaru seemed more civilized, beneath the surface of it, he was still the feudal lord. He just no longer cut heads to get what he wanted, he pursued it with persistence and with a fierceness that she knew no human could resist.

She had watched him make his business calls and social calls, finagling exactly what he wanted from everybody. Appeared that times may change, but the innate sense of knowing others had to kow to to you did not. And Kowtow they did. Kagome was not surprised; his looks, intelligence, money and power would be hard to resist. And that was what Kagome was starting to worry about.

For she found that even she was having some thoughts that InuYasha would have beat her for. She was only human. And Sesshoumaru's attraction was not one she had ever been blind to – even back in the day. But to see him here, in modern day Japan, and to see him function just so well in this setting, amidst the citadel of his success was enough to turn any girls head…….and more than once, Kagome had felt herself fighting the urge to get lost in his golden eyes or to blush. It was doubly compounded when the demon in question was treating you like a fragile princess, with no other person around- well except for Jaken, as they were today. But knowing him as she did, she knew it would be pure stupidity to think this demon man would ever think of her as something special- and she was not the kind of girl to want to be anything else. Least of all with the half brother of the man she had loved so long long ago.

Yeah!- Chapter one Done. Happy Holidays my FF friends. I shall upload again come the new year, and complete this on Valentine's day. TPOD should also soon be updated in the new year. Just having a time of it getting our dearest Rin back in the game smoothly- and of course working out Kagome's grand entrance into the Western lands... well perhaps that won't be so smooth- but that's why I have the issues... so thanks for bearing with me. I will get to replying to all your great reviews then too. Thank you- they do make me go on.

Seshaddict.