The next morning, Kioko awoke as the sun began to rise. She could feel her cheek sting for her attention, but she didn't let it show that it bothered her as she sat up and looked around the room. Everyone was still asleep, but when she sat up Inuyasha's ears twitched to her movement, and he opened his eyes to look at her from across the room. She smiled kindly at him and gave him a small bow as a silent morning greeting. He smiled a small smile until he looked at the scratches on her cheek, then he sat there just staring at her. She stood and put her things away as quietly as she could so that she could get ready for her day. She didn't bother putting her hair up, wanting it to help hide the new marks on her face that continued to bite at her cheek. So she decided she would go and find some herbs to help tend to them so they would heal better. Heading for the door, she looked at Inuyasha again and smiled kindly before turning back and walking out the door.

The morning air was very refreshing as she breathed in and out before heading towards the wooded area nearby to look for herbs. That is, until she heard movement behind her and quickly looked to see Inuyasha stepping out of the shack with his eyes focused on her. What could he be up to at this hour? She smiled at him again as he walked up to her.

" Good morning, Inuyasha. Forgive me; I didn't mean to wake you. " He smiled widely at her, and she wondered how often he smiled like that.

" Nah, I'm used to waking up this early anyway. Where you off to? "

" Oh, I was merely going to get some herbs for these wounds. " She answered as she held up her left hand and lightly pressed her fingertips to her left cheek while continuing to look at him as she spoke. " I don't want them to scar, so it's best I help the process. " He looked at her cheek and couldn't help but be a little annoyed at it. He was sure Sesshoumaru put those marks on her, and he didn't like it one bit. He raised his right hand to lightly cover her left while looking at her cheek in concern.

" Do they hurt? " Inuyasha asked softly, with a gentle gaze to match. Kioko was bewildered by both his action and concern but brushed it off before smiling sweetly at him, finding his worries for her endearingly kind.

" Yes, but I'll be alright once I get the ointment I intend to make on them. " She told him. He nodded in understanding, taking his hand back.

" Well, if you want, I can come with you. " Kioko looked at him surprised. She didn't think Inuyasha as one to make such kind gestures. Not wanting to rudely disregard his offer, Kioko nodded.

" Alright then, thank you. " Was all she said before turning around and heading in the same direction as she was before with him behind her. Neither of them noticing the cold golden eyes watching the scene before the two headed towards the forest. Sesshoumaru wondered what they were up to alone together. They were surely sneaking off so early in the morning before anyone else was even awake. It didn't matter, neither the wench nor the half-breed were at all of his concern.

Kioko and Inuyasha found a small area of the herbs she was looking for after a while of searching, so she had sat down on her knees to begin carefully picking the ones she needed. Meanwhile, Inuyasha stood about two feet away from her, looking around making sure there were no dangers nearby. He couldn't help but feel nostalgic, remembering his days with Kikyo when she was alive. The days exactly like this one. He looked over at Kioko, and if it weren't for her wounded cheek and the color of her eyes, he'd have thought he was here with his true love once again. The wind blew by, causing Kioko's hair to flow beautifully with it and her scent to be carried about the area they both frequented. Inuyasha couldn't help but blush at the sight or the smell of cherry blossoms that suddenly engulfed his sense of smell. No, this was undoubtedly not Kikyo, this was Kioko, and he couldn't allow himself to confuse the two. Kioko finished picking what she needed and turned to Inuyasha, once she stood on her feet, smiling warmly.

" What is it? " he asked curiously.

" Nothing, as a matter of fact, I have what I need, and we can head on back now. Thank you for joining me, though you honestly didn't need to. " She said to him kindly as she walked up to him. He looked down at her curiously before smiling back at her.

" It's no big deal. Let's head on back before the others think something is wrong. "

" Of course. " They started walking back together as she held the herbs in her hands. Something had been on her mind regarding Inuyasha for some time now. It hadn't gone unnoticed by her how he would watch her or become wary of her presence. Doing her best to figure out why he was behaving that way with her, she had advised a theory that she wished to conclude. " So tell me Inuyasha, do I seem at all familiar to you? " He looked at her, confused by her question. Did she mean familiar as in like Kikyo or as herself?

" Uh, no. Should you be? " She, somehow, wasn't at all surprised by his answer. She remembered when she had first laid eyes on Inuyasha. She had just come to the feudal era and came across the man bound to the tree. In her years of being under Kaede's teachings, she had grown memories with him bound to that tree and had thought perhaps in his subconscious he was aware of her. So much for her theory then. Ironically, it was a month before Kagome's arrival, that Kioko had left the village to begin her travels. That's when she eventually met Kikyo.

" No, I guess not. Sorry for such a weird question. " She supposed it only made sense he wouldn't remember her. After all, he was entranced in a deep sleep back then. Inuyasha was still confused but brushed it off to ask something he had been curious about.

" So, um how's Kikyo been? I haven't seen her in a while. " Kioko looked at him again with slight sadness. She knew of the two's background together, and it made her feel such anger for the one that caused them this hell of suffering and pain.

" She's been doing well, all things considered. "

" Good, I'm glad to hear that. " She could feel his pain through the sad eyes he tried to hide. She began to think of what would make him feel better to get his mind off the matter when only one thing they had the most in common with unfortunately came to her mind.

" So I see that Kagome is quite the handful these days. " Inuyasha looked at her and smirked as he began telling funny situations that Kagome had caused as they were heading back. Once they passed the tree line, returning from where they came from, they were laughing at the stories he told. The two looked and noticed Rin and Jaken out in the field of bloomed flowers with Ah-Un as Kagome and Sango were talking outside the shack. Miroku and Shippo were resting on a rock nearby, just lounging around enjoying the crisp morning. Kagome was the first to notice them return, and when she saw them together smiling and laughing, she had an empty look for a moment, before smiling in false excitement at their arrival.

" Inuyasha, Kioko! Where have you two been? We all woke up to the both of you gone this morning. " The two in question walked over to Kagome, a smile on both of their faces as the others stared at them. Rin rushed over as did Shippo. Miroku began to walk over also while Sango looked up at Kioko as she sat next to Kagome.

" Ah, I was getting herbs to help heal the wounds on my face, and Inuyasha was kind enough to tag along. I'm sorry if I had worried you. " Kioko explained by the time Rin had made it to Kioko happily. The young woman looked down smiling at the little girl while putting a hand on the girl's head. Rin beamed at the action and stepped closer to Kioko, grasping onto her pants in response, smiling brighter.

" I wasn't worried at all. " Was all Kagome said, causing Kioko's eyes to flash with pain before locking the feeling away and looking at Kagome again. Kioko could see the slight disdain in Kagome's eyes and returned the gaze with an empty one of her own. Her face, however, kept its small smile. Miroku who had already joined his talking companions quietly noted the exchange in interest.

" Of course not, what was I thinking? Anyhow, I'm going to tend to my wounds. I'll try my best not to take long, Inuyasha. Just in case you were looking to head out immediately today. " Kioko looked at Inuyasha as she spoke to him. The half-demon was still flashing a smile at her, which naturally Kagome, with uneasiness taking over her, noticed.

" Nah, take your time. It might be nice to stay here for the day; you could use the rest. " The others looked at Inuyasha in surprise; he never wanted to slow down. Even when they practically begged him to!

" I'm okay to travel, but if that's what you prefer. " Was Kioko's response. Meanwhile, Sesshoumaru had both watched and listened to Kioko since she returned from her little adventure with Inuyasha in the woods. He didn't expect to see her and Inuyasha return in laughter. As he watched Kioko talk to Kagome, he saw the split change in expression at Kagome's words. He also noticed that when Kioko walked into the hut, Kagome watched after her with a look filled with distaste before going to Inuyasha with a smile Sesshoumaru couldn't help but find vile. Kioko walked into the now empty structure and walked over to her corner to sit down. She got out what was necessary from her pouch of cherry blossoms and then got to work making the ointment she needed from the herbs she just picked with Inuyasha. As she sat there for a good fifteen minutes preparing it, Rin appeared and sat next to Kioko, learning the process for herself in bubbly excitement. Kioko had to admit the little girl was very refreshing, a bit too energetic, but she was young, so it was highly acceptable.

Once finished Kioko added the remedy to her wounds allowing Rin to help her and learn how to apply such a solution gently to fresh wounds. Kioko winced at the burning sensation before putting the remaining ointment into a jar and putting it into a white cherry blossom in her pouch. Rin, upon placing a bandage over the now treated injury, had insisted Kioko joined her in the field to play with flowers, and Kioko couldn't deny her. So Rin grabbed Kioko's hand and started pulling her outside where the others were sitting around the door chatting.

" Hey, what's going on? " Sango asked in curiosity at the sight of Rin pulling on Kioko's hand. Kioko smiled sweetly at Sango before explaining Rin's motivation.

" Rin wanted to play with the flowers in the field together. Would you care to join us? Everyone is more than welcomed to come along. "

" I'd love to. " Sango exclaimed before standing to her feet ready to follow them into the clearing. Sure enough, Shippo and everyone tagged along except for Kagome, who sat by the door saying she wasn't feeling too well. Rin pulled Kioko right past Sesshoumaru, and Kioko couldn't help but feel her heart skip a beat as she passed by him. What was that? Fear? Anxiety? Maybe, something else? Who knew. All Kioko knew was she wouldn't allow it to upset Rin. So she had ignored it as she and the others went out into the field of bloomed flowers and sat around beginning to make halos, picking flowers, and simply playing. As Kioko sat there with everyone, making halos with Rin, Sesshoumaru opened his eyes to look at the woman. Such a different scene before him compared to last night.

Her black hair didn't camouflage her now like it did in the night. Her glossy hair reflected rings of sunlight, like a halo, in the silky strands that cascade down her back, pooling into the flowers around her. Unlike last night where her hair appeared to be drowning those same flowers with hair filled with drops of rain that twinkled, the view practically imitating stars in a moonless night sky. Her eyes sparkled and glittered with the sun's rays rather than of luminous intensity they contained in the moonlight. Her pale skin, which glowed alluringly in moonshine, was unblemished and seemed to be as inviting and bright as the sun itself. Simply reflecting the light as her own glow as she sat there amongst many blooming blossoms. Lastly, her smile was now very sweet and kind, as where last nights was an empty gesture towards him. He couldn't seem to look away from this half of her, the warmer side of her. Last night he saw an angel of death sitting in the moonlight with him, and now an angel of life was there in the sunlight before him, but both were the same woman. Why he saw her as something so highly ranked he hadn't known, but he couldn't stop thinking of her. Whether it was her image, her actions or mere curiosity about her, she was there consuming his thoughts.

He was brought back to the present when Kioko began laughing at Jaken, who sneezed and ruined the halo Rin had pressured him to make, while Rin joined her in their giggling affair. The two humans got along quite well it seemed, something Sesshoumaru hadn't expected. Hearing them laugh together appeared to be a soothing sound until he was reminded of her laughing earlier this morning with Inuyasha. He wondered what they spoke of that managed to make her laugh that way. The fact it was with his half-breed brother that made her laugh as such, had a feeling of slight anger simmer in the pit of Sesshoumaru's stomach. He merely concluded that it didn't matter because she didn't matter despite his continuing to stare at the priestess that haunted his thoughts since the day before.

Kioko could sense Sesshoumaru staring at her along with Kagome from a distance. It was starting to get under her skin to be under Sesshoumaru's unrelenting stare. It was best to keep distance between the two of them, yet she thought of him and couldn't stop since they had first met. He was a demon lord who didn't think much of her by any means, yet she sat there thinking of how she'd greet him today, and she couldn't stand it! Was she an idiot or what? Then there was Kagome, who was practically scowling at her. She honestly should have known after all this time, but she didn't think things would be this way since Kagome was the one who invited her along. Oh well, she was here now, and Kagome should take responsibility for her words and actions, it's as simple as that. Rin put a halo of red flowers on Kioko's head, and she smiled warmly at the little girl. She remembered when Kagome was that tiny, but even back then she was nothing like Rin. Kioko finished her blue flowered halo and looked over at Sesshoumaru through the corner of her eye to see him still staring, so she looked over at him curiously.

What was he staring for? Was he expecting her to attack Rin to get back at his antics last night? It didn't matter; he had no interest in being on good terms. She looked back at Rin smiling brightly before placing the blue halo upon her head. The bubbly girl squealed in delight and stood up beginning to dance from her joy. Kagome, once seeing Kioko giggle at Rin's energetic dancing, seemed to have become fed up before standing to walk over to Inuyasha, who was also stealing glances of Kioko every so often as Shippo played beside him with Rin. Miroku and Sango were having their own alone time a few yards away from the others.

" Inuyasha! " Kagome yelled, catching everyone's attention at once from her sudden loud outburst. Kioko turned to look at Kagome curiously before seeing her standing over Inuyasha in anger and him scowling back at her from the ground. So she stood and made her way calmly over to the two of them to find out what was wrong. Sesshoumaru sat there watching every step she took, as the others watched the scene with curious concern.

" What's going on, is something the matter? " Kioko asked gently as not to stir the situation if there was one. Kagome looked at Kioko with a slight cold stare before responding.

" I wanted to ask Inuyasha to let us go back home. " Kioko's face flashed with surprise and slight fear causing a glimpse of interest in Kagome's eyes, much to Kioko's dismay. Kagome then looked back over to Inuyasha with a fake smile, with determination and fake sweetness. " I'm sure my family would want to see her again, you know? " Kioko froze in place. She hadn't been back for so long, and the first thought that crossed her mind was her mother.

" I don't think that would be such a good idea- " Kioko began to say before Inuyasha interrupted her.

" -Fine, but don't take too long. We gotta get back on the road for the jewel shards. " Kioko's face fell as Kagome's brightened in cheer.

" Thank you, Inuyasha! " Kagome's voice sounded genuinely happy, and Kioko couldn't help but think an ulterior motive was involved in Kagome's sudden wish to take her home. Next thing Kioko knew she was heading to the well with everyone in tow. She didn't want to go back; it was best she didn't. She knew her place was here in this era and going back would serve no purpose to anyone other than Kagome it seems. As they spent half the day getting to the well, everyone spoke amongst themselves and Sesshoumaru continued his distance. After a while, they had indeed arrived at the Bone-eater's well, and she was hoping there was no way for her to continue to go through the well. Kagome without a sliver of hesitation jumped into the dark well before disappearing out of sight to the other side. As Kioko looked over the edge, she became a bit anxious ready to try and get out of going, but before she could, she felt a push and looked to see Inuyasha standing impatiently behind her. She began falling into the darkness, and she closed her eyes expecting to hit her face on the cold ground at the bottom.

She found it ironic that a few seconds ago she was surrounded by the most beautiful lights, only to end up in the darkest cold. She must have been at the bottom of the well, and she looked up to see Kagome looking down at her from the top with a roof obviously above her head. No sky. Kioko slowly stood and then climbed the well wall, thinking she might as well get this over with. She was here now. If it gets too bad, she can always go back home. She sat on the edge of the well staring at the door of the well-house. It was fairly nostalgic, but she knew what awaited her on the other side, and by the look in Kagome's eyes, as she smiled at Kioko, Kioko was certain that Kagome knew too. Memories were already flooding through her mind just by being in the rundown well-house, and Kioko wished she could say they were fond ones. After calming her nerves the best she could, Kioko stood up and walked over to the door, and Kagome followed after her until Kioko stopped in the doorframe.

Would they have even missed her? Can she really do this? She closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them before opening the door. She walked out and smiled at the beautiful tree, the Sacred Tree, when she spotted it. It originally came from the past which she felt was her real home before she'd ever considered this time to be home again. So at least she would have the magnificent tree to comfort her here.

" Well, let's go! " Were the only words Kagome said excitedly before walking through the well-house door, and Kioko followed her while looking around at the things that changed and things that hadn't. Kagome opened the door to the house, and they both took off their shoes before walking in. Kagome then yelled for the whole household to hear her. " I'M HOME. " It was then a woman's voice came from where Kioko remembered to be the kitchen as a woman began walking out wiping a cleaned dish dry. She had short almost curly brown hair and the brown eyes that Kagome had inherited. Kioko froze at the mere sight of the older woman, and her eyes widened at the sound of the woman's voice. The woman had such a purely happy smile on her face that Kioko almost winced, knowing that was about to change.

" Ah Kagome, you're finally ba- " The woman began to say before she spotted Kioko and stopped short. A frown immediately claimed the woman's face, her eyes widened and began to water as her hands went limp, causing her to drop the dish in her hands. It hit the floor, shattering at her feet, while the woman and Kioko stared at each other in shocks of different sorts. Kioko knew this woman very well. This woman before her that Kagome ran over to check on, was their mother. " K-Kioko, you're here. " Their mother sounded almost devastated. Kioko's eyes stared at the sight of her own mother, but unlike popular belief, there wasn't a hint of happiness in either of their gazes.

" Mother, it's certainly been a while. " Was the only thing Kioko could think to say before an old man and a young boy both suddenly ran into the room in quite the hurry.

" What happened? I heard something brea- " Those were the only words the man had a chance to say before laying his eyes on Kioko only for them to widen in shock. The young boy quietly looked at everyone else before looking at the young woman in confusion. Kioko looked back at them with surprise of her own and smiled kindly at them. She knew precisely who they both were.

" Gramps, and Souta. It's so good to see you both. " Was all Kioko had to say before Gramps darted over to her and hugged her as tightly as he could. Souta was as confused as ever. She supposed it couldn't be helped; he was only four when she disappeared from this time, of course, he wouldn't remember her. She hugged Gramps back and felt a bit of happiness wash over her. The old man's joy was so overwhelming for him that tears were filling his eyes as he held her. She was standing there; she was real.

" Kioko! Kioko, you finally came back after all this time! Where have you been, you precious child? " Kioko let go of him to stand up straight, continuing to smile at him warmly, while her eyes now filled with emotion towards the old man.

" I've been in the feudal era through the well. " Kioko's mother was the next to speak, catching Kioko's attention again. The older woman's voice was cold and detached while talking to Kioko, something the priestess had expected when coming back here.

" So you can go there too? " Kioko's muscles winced, but her face didn't show it as she looked over at the woman. Kagome stood by their mother's side, a hand on her shoulder and a smile on her face, but not her mother. No, their mother looked at Kioko with a face of contempt and eyes that scorned Kioko's very being. Kioko stood up straighter and looked her mother dead in the eye with an emotionless expression of her own.

" So it seems. Kagome brought me back here to see you. " Her mother glared at her response as if disgusted by the thought of it.

" Well, your room is still there though it needs to be cleaned. I expect you can do that for yourself. " Kioko's heart felt a stabbing pain, but her face never showed it as she nodded at her mother.

" Of course. " The woman then looked at Kagome and smiled happily at the girl as Souta remained confused in the doorway. The two females walking off happily to the kitchen to talk about Kagome's trip, while Kioko continued to stand there by the door. Entirely ignored. " I see she hasn't changed. " Kioko said with an empty voice that was underlined with heartache. Gramps sighed and looked at Kioko to observe her now. She was certainly older and very stunning, but seeing her staring where her mother went with Kagome with such a dejected look; it was apparent to him that nothing had changed from the past. He looked back at Souta and grinned widely, calling the boy over.

" Souta my boy, come and meet your older sister. " The boy suddenly looked floored as confusion deepened on his face.

" Sister? " Souta asked before walking over at Gramps request. Kioko looked at the boy, her face melting to one of warmth at the sight of him. He was definitely older which she supposed only made sense after this extended period of time gone by.

" That's right. I'm your oldest sister, Kioko Higurashi. It's been a very long time Souta. Last I saw you; you were still a baby that mother was carrying around. " The boy smiled and seemed to beam with pride.

" Yeah, well as you can see I'm much older now. " Kioko giggled at him before walking over to stand in front of him and placing her hand on his head in endearment.

" Yes, indeed so. " Souta blushed before Kioko took her hand back and looked back at Gramps, who held a warm smile at the sibling's sweet reunion. " I suppose I better go clean this room of mine. "

" Kioko-dear, let me help you. She hadn't been in that room once since you left. I doubt it's going to be an easy job. We'll shop to get you some proper fitting clothes later as well. " Gramps said insistently.

" Oh no, that's not necessary. " Kioko quickly countered as they began walking up the stairs. The memories were flooding Kioko's head with every step she took. Souta followed behind them as Kagome came into the hallway downstairs with their mother to clean up the glass shards together. Kioko got to her door and opened it. The room was nothing but dirt and dust, items ruined from it and some protected. It really has been untouched while she was away.

" Oh wow, I always wondered what this room was, but mom said never to go in there. It's a total mess; I'll help too. " Souta said in astonishment before going to get the required cleaning supplies as Kioko stood there staring into the room. Gramps stood beside her and from the corner of his eye could see her expression. Her eyes held a deep pain in pure empty despair as tears threatened to run down her blank and empty face. At her room, at her memories, and at the past that still existed in the present as she stood there listening to her mother and Kagome laughing happily together in the background.

- Next Day -

Kioko began walking down the shrine steps with Gramps to go shopping. He's insisted on buying her modern-day clothes for when she visited from now on. She wasn't exactly sure if she even wanted to visit all that often given that her mother came along with the modern-day package. It was already making her skin crawl that she was borrowing one of the woman's outfits just to shop. She actually told Kioko to burn it when she was done because she'd never want it back after it had touched her filthy person. Which hurt, of course, it is her own mother, but she knew this would be how it was before she even went into the well to come here.

Once nearly at the bottom of the stairs, she stopped and looked at the remaining steps before her, as specific memories began to flood her mind. Gramps must have read her mind because he told her to hurry up and to not worry about anything for the moment. So without hesitation, she followed after him, and they spoke of her times away. Where she'd gone, who she was now, and the life she had lived without them. He, of course, asked about the marks on her face, which she smiled and said that it was merely from a demon. Kagome and Souta were at school as she and Gramps spent the day together and as the hours passed she felt she couldn't allow the man to buy her any more things, so they started heading home.

" I know it's hard to be back in this time where there is so much pain for you, but I think it's best to try and make happier memories, Kioko. " Gramps said with a grandfatherly tone.

" I don't see myself coming to stay here for too long or too often. I hate to say this to you, but this era isn't my home anymore. " Gramps seemed to be in thought as the both of them neared the stairs to get home.

" No matter what we are your family. Now that you know that you can come back here, I'd love to be able to see you more often. "

" Yes, I suppose that's understandable. Of course, I'll visit every once in a while, but with mother around and the memories here, try to think of my position in this place. "

" Well, then I guess I have no choice but to sign you up for school so you will visit more often! "

" Gramps, I'm not obligated to go to school. Besides, it's been five years. That would just end up being a bigger punishment. "

" Well, too bad. No granddaughter of mine will be a delinquent! I'll run by the school and talk to the principle to see if we can get you signed up. I'll be back soon; you head on home. " With that said, off he went leaving her there at the foot of the shrine stairs watching after him until he was out of sight. Well, it seemed her debate went in one ear and out the other. Kioko nodded in agreement with herself, before turning to head up the steps, but stopped after going up only a few as the memories of that very spot flooded back into her mind. It was her worst memory. When all things wicked began to happen in her life. All of it starting from the very spot where her feet touched. After a couple of moments, she started up the stairs again, and once she had made it all the way up, she looked at the Sacred Tree. Standing as it does in the past, both feudal and modern. The memories here haunted her, and she couldn't help but wonder if the tree continued to stand to spite her or to comfort her. Kioko eventually walked towards the house and walked in, all her bags in hand, and her mother walked into view as she did.

Kioko took a step inside and stopped, standing straight as her mother appeared about two feet in front of her, glaring hard at her. This was the first time they have been alone together since she got there and Kioko would admit she was a bit scared. Her mother wasn't safe to be around in Kioko's case, and the fact they were entirely alone in the house put Kioko on edge.

" I see you're back from shopping with my hard earned money. " Her mother said with a cold glare and harsh tone.

" Yes, Gramps wanted to buy more, but I told him this was way too much as it was. " Kioko explained with an empty tone and expression to match.

" Well, where is he? Hopefully, the past didn't repeat itself, especially since Kagome isn't here. " Kioko winced at that. That was a dreadfully hurtful and low blow bringing that up in such a manner. She knew her mother hated her, but to slam that in her face was just so wrong.

" No, he left wanting to enroll me in school as a way to make me come by more often. "

" As if you would get a good grade. Just another way to waste my family's money. " Kioko couldn't help but feel another pang in her chest. ' Her family... ' Was all Kioko could think before she spoke again in response to the older woman.

" I'm sorry you feel that way, but it was out of my hands. He wouldn't listen to me, you know he's stubborn. "

" I certainly know him better than you. "

' Because you both might as well be the same damn age, you bitter old wench. ' Kioko said in her head before speaking something entirely different out loud. " Of course. Well, I should get these to my room. "

" There's a man here to see you. Somehow I'm not surprised. " Without another word, her mother turned on her heel and walked back to the kitchen as Kioko stood there watching after her, wondering if her mother just subtly called her a slut. Kioko then made her way up the stairs and to her room. She wondered who was here to see her; she had only been back one day, after all, and she hadn't known any men that would come to see her. She opened the door and looked in to see Sesshoumaru's back to her as he looked out her bedroom window. She was honestly surprised. How did he get here and why was he even here in the first place?

" Lord Sesshoumaru. " He looked over his shoulder at the sound of her surprised voice and seemed to observe her person as she was in different clothing. She walked in and closed the door behind her and set all the bags on her bed before turning to him with a pleasant smile. " How are you here, had something happened? "

" No, Rin wished for me to check on you. " He spoke in his regular bored and empty tone, giving her a strange sort of comfort deep down.

" I see it must be the rosary that allows you to travel here. As you can see I'm doing just fine. Tell Rin I said thank you for worrying about me. " Kioko's smile was polite, but he could sense that her aura was weaker than it usually was.

" I see. " Were the only words he spoke before going back to look out the window, and she had a chance to simply look at him. He stood straight, proud and strong. His eyes seemed to be in thought as he looked outside. He truly was a very beautiful and powerful man.

" I suppose now that you've done as Rin asked, you'll be on your way? " Kioko asked in curiosity as to why he wasn't already leaving.

" I'll do as I please. " Sesshoumaru replied, still unmoved from the window. She looked at him confused but didn't have it in her to try and figure him out right now, so she settles for a simple nod.

" As you wish, Lord Sesshoumaru. " She replied before she began going into her bags to put stuff away in the closet and her dresser while Sesshoumaru continued to just stand at the window sending quick glances her way. She seemed different here, in a way he felt he couldn't place but knew he did not like.

" I don't sense any spiritual aura coming from you. " Kioko hesitated for a moment at Sesshoumaru's statement as she began putting the empty bags together now that her clothes were put away.

" Yes, it seems my powers don't exist as powerfully in this era. If you wanted, you could easily kill me right here. There'd be absolutely nothing I could do about it. " Now that caught his attention. He turned and began to walk towards her as she stood there unmoved, watching him while noticing his walk was an elegant yet powerful stride. He stopped before her to look her in the eyes and she stared back waiting for him to make his move.

Sesshoumaru looked at the healing marks on Kioko's face and thought of the expression on her face when she smiled back at him after she had received them. Even that smile had more life than the smile she was showing him right now. It somehow didn't suit her nor did he for some reason like the sight of this sort of smile on her. Before he even realized what he was doing, he raised his right hand and softly brought it to her marked cheek, his fingers gently grazed the injury he made. Her eyes widened at the action, as her cheeks began to turn red, and she couldn't help but mentally scold herself for blushing like an idiot. He seemed to be in thought, but she couldn't help but wonder what the hell he was doing. " L-Lord Sesshoumaru? " Her timid voice snapped him back to the current moment of her calling his name and looked at her face, realizing what he was doing, but he hadn't pulled away. Instead, he noted the shimmer of life inhabiting her eyes, as well as the enticing blush that dusted her lovely face.

" Do they still hurt? " He asked in a softer tone than she had known him to use. He was still caressing her cheek with such a gentle touch she could hardly believe it was the same man that caused the mark in the first place. Her blush deepened as her wide eyes stared at him for a few seconds longer before looking down and hiding her eyes from view.

" It stings a little bit, but it's fine. " Were the only words that came to mind for her to say before they stood there in silence. She felt so stupid, and that she needed to get her act together. This could easily be a play, and she was acting like a giddy high school girl. Sesshoumaru took his hand back once she lowered her head from his touch. He couldn't help but find her absolutely sweet standing there embarrassed by him. His father had to of been rubbing off on him for him to find a human attractive in any way. " So, um... Lord Sesshoumaru- " Kioko began to say as she took about two steps away from him before he looked at her coldly again, annoyed by her actions.

" Don't call me that. " Sesshoumaru said, his voice holding a small hint of annoyance. Kioko looked up at him, her blush gone and her expression in pure surprise. He could see it now, that life in her he wanted to see, but what confused him was why it even mattered to him. What difference did it make that this wench had anything to her or not, she meant nothing to him, and now he was allowing her to call him informally? She was something obviously unnatural in both this era and his.

" Then what is it you want me to call you? " Kioko asked in a curious voice. He didn't know what answer to give her. He wasn't even able to understand why he was suggesting she call him by something other than his title. After a while of not speaking, and her looking into his eyes that appeared to bed deep in thought. So she smiled at him warmly, and his eyes widened slightly for a mere moment. She truly was a sight with a smile like that. " I'm surprised you're not trying to kill me. I was expecting my blood all over this room by now. You'd be making my mother a happy woman had you done so. " Her remark had confused him as he watched her silently with a void expression. " I'll put thought into what to call you then. I'm truly honored, thank you. " She said next once she started walking around him to retrieve an outfit from her dresser and was about to walk out to head to the bathroom to change. " I'll be right back. I'll understand if you're not here when I return. I'm glad I got to see you today. " With that being her last words, Kioko walked out and closed the door behind her, and all Sesshoumaru could do was stare at it. Inwardly surprised that she said she was glad to see him. She was an interesting and strange human woman.