DM: Well it's five in the morning and I've been online since 9pm.

Inuyasha: Well don't disturb other people's sleep!

DM: Sorry…


Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha. Ok? Now release my DVDs you cruel lawyers! #chases lawyers#


Previously: As Night Falls; Revelations.

Sesshoumaru sighed to himself and retraced his steps to his study. He had gone to Rin's room with the intention of trying to find something wrong with the way the miko was caring for her, in order to be able to get rid of her.

But no.

To his surprise and irritation, he found Rin in bed 10 minutes early and not complaining.

'I could have left her to die. Both of them. Damn. Damn Rin. Damn miko.'

He sat down, then stood again and paced.

'What has transpired between her and my brother. It cannot be a trap. Stupid idiot already knows where this castle is located…'

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes. Something told him bringing the miko home could either be the best or the worst thing he had done since Rin's arrival.


As Night Falls: Gone

The next morning, Kagome was awakened by a very energetic Rin who insisted on bouncing around on Kagome's bed until she got up. Rin was already in a small turquoise yukata and practically dragged Kagome out of bed to the wooden closet.

Groaning from the sudden movement and squinting from the sunlight, Kagome hurriedly picked out a black kimono with white petals scattered along the bottom.

"Kagome-chan!" Rin tugged at Kagome's kimono sleeve once she had changed.

"Yes Rin?" Kagome said sleepily.

"Kagome-chan told Rin that Kagome-chan would tell Rin what a miko was!"

'Great…how do I explain to a seven year old girl that I have the power to purify youkai into next week…'

"Do you know what a priestess is Rin?"

"Yeah…there was a lady in Rin's old home and she could do stuff no one else could." Rin's eyes grew wide. "Can Kagome-chan make funny lights?"

Kagome stared at her blankly before she realised Rin was talking about her miko powers. She nodded, remembering how soft pink light gathered around anything she was using her powers on.

"Sort of Rin, yes. Um…a miko is someone who can heal and fight with her powers."

"Could Rin be a miko?"

Kagome studied her, but before she could say anything, Jaken came in. This wasn't the first time Kagome had seen him, and she had decided a long time ago that she really didn't like him.

"My Lord Sesshoumaru wishes that Rin eats breakfast. And he also wishes to see you in his study afterwards." 'Stupid miko. Why must Sesshoumaru-sama insist on bringing human females home?'

Kagome nodded and took Rin down to the dining room. When they were done, Kagome took Rin back up to her room and told her to wait.

"How long will Kagome-chan take?"

"I'll be back as soon as I can Rin. I'm only down the hall." Kagome closed the door behind her and walked up to the double doors of Sesshoumaru's study. Pausing, she steadied herself before knocking softly.

She heard the murmur of voices, and then Jaken opened the door before scurrying down in the direction of the dining room. She entered and Sesshoumaru turned from the window to raise an eyebrow at her.

"You have something you wish to ask me?" he said.

Kagome froze. 'Is he referring to Rin's education or me going home…wait…how does he know…'

Sesshoumaru smirked inwardly, although he didn't let it show. "I asked you a question miko."

"H-hai…I was wondering if you could allow me to go home for a couple of days so that I may collect some things…"

"Things?"

"Um…some books…I was thinking maybe I could tutor Rin…and on the way I'd need to find my backpack…'

"Hmm. Tutoring Rin…that would be acceptable…" Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes. "But where is this…'backpack'?"

"That would probably be with…Inuyasha…"

"No." Sesshoumaru said flatly.

"But without my pack I can't bring the books to Rin! And she needs education. I understand that you are busy, but-"

"Enough." Sesshoumaru interrupted. "I will accompany you."

"Whoa, whoa. You can't come home with me!"

"Why not?"

"Because…look how about you come with me to get the backpack, and I'll go home alone."

"…I will accompany you to retrieve this object and I shall wait on the outskirts of your village." Sesshoumaru said in a tone that said he would not do anything else.

Kagome threw up her hands. "Fine. Whatever. When do we leave?"

"Now."

"But Rin-"

"Jaken will keep Rin busy."

Kagome kept her face impassive, although all she wanted to do was glare at him. She turned and walked out, going to Rin's room.

"Rin."

"Kagome-chan." Rin hugged the older girl around the waist.

"Yes. Hi Rin. Um…Sesshoumaru-sama and I need to go somewhere for a while."

"What? Where?" Rin's face fell.

"I need to go home for a day or two. Don't worry, I promise I'll come back." Seeing doubt cross Rin's face, she added, "I'm bringing you back some things."

Rin gave Kagome a toothy grin and released her.

"Don't be too hard on Jaken." Kagome patted Rin's hair. "Sesshoumaru-sama needs him around."

Rin grinned evilly. "Ok Kagome-chan."

Kagome opened the door only to find Sesshoumaru standing right outside. She jumped.

"…" he quirked an eyebrow at her before turning and walking swiftly down the hall.

'Stupid youkai…' Kagome shook her head before running after him. Rin watched them go before heading down to the gardens. On the way, she'd find Jaken.

Rin giggled. 'And Jaken-sama looks so good with white flowers'

Kagome and Sesshoumaru had been walking for around 3 hours now. Kagome was feeling pretty shit, but decided not to say anything, lest she anger the inuyoukai.

Sesshoumaru was wondering when she was going to start her complaining, but was surprised when she just kept silent, staring at the scenery, deep in thought.

'I wonder what will happen when I see them…they're not going to just let me take the backpack and go…'

"Um…Sesshoumaru-sama?"

'Here we go…' "Yes?" he didn't even look at her.

"When we get near them, I think it will be best if I get my pack at night time. That way there's less chance of a conflict."

Sesshoumaru glanced at her. "Very well…we will most likely find them in the very early morning anyway."

"Huh?"

"They will be looking for you, yes?"

"I don't know…maybe Sango and Shippo…and Miroku…"

Sesshoumaru frowned slightly when she left out Inuyasha's name. For what seemed like the hundredth time, he wondered why she was suddenly vague when it came to Inuyasha.

'Kami only knows, she was always so noisy before.'


"Inuyasha."

"What!?"

"I think we should stop now."

"Again?"

"Inuyasha, we've been walking for more than 4 hours, for Kami's sake, use your brain. What chances do we have against a demon if we're tired?"

"Feh." Inuyasha leapt up a tree and glared at Miroku.

Miroku sighed. "Yes, yes, always the humans' fault."

Sango and Shippo sat down, giving their aching feet a rest [well really only Sango, Shippo had the luxury of switching from Miroku's shoulder to Sango's shoulder to the back of Kirara]. Kirara retransformed and sat at Sango's feet, panting slightly.

"How close are we?" Sango looked up at the hanyou.

"Less than 2 days more and we should be there." he said without looking down. Sango glanced at Miroku, who shrugged and petted Kirara absentmindedly.

Sango stared up at the deep blue sky. Tears started gathering in her eyes; Kagome was like a sister to her and she missed her greatly.

Inuyasha could smell Sango's tears, which were soon joined by Shippo's. He bit his lip, commanding himself not to start crying too.

Miroku looked up at Sango when he heard a sniffle. He hated what he saw.

'Kami, she's crying…I hate it when she cries…'

Hesitantly, Miroku stood up and pulled Sango into a hug. He felt Sango tense up a bit, but when he kept his hands in an appropriate place for more than 2 minutes she sobbed quietly into his shoulder.

"She could be dead." Sango whispered. Shippo sat up and stared at her with wide eyes. Sango looked at him. "I'm sorry Shippo…but this is Sesshoumaru…"

"I know…but…oka is strong…"

It took a minute for Miroku and Sango to register what Shippo had said. They stared at him pointedly, Sango still in Miroku's arms. When Shippo gave them an equally meaningful look, Sango blushed and pushed Miroku away.

"Well…" Shippo began, toeing the ground in a shy way, "She was really nice to me, and saved my life and keeps Inuyasha from hurting me too much and…"

"And she's like your mother…and my sister…heck, even Miroku's sister." Sango gave Shippo a small smile.

Miroku patter Shippo on the shoulder. "And we are going to find her. If Sesshoumaru hasn't been troubled by Kagome, I think he has the wrong girl."


As night fell, Sesshoumaru told Kagome he could smell his brother. Kagome hadn't needed him to tell her that; she could sense the entire group nearby.

She shrugged and kept walking quietly. After about 15 minutes she peered through some bushes and saw Shippo with her pillowcase next to her backpack about 1 metre away. She held her breath. Sango and Miroku were further away, and she couldn't see Inuyasha, although she could sense him a good distance away from where she was.

She turned to look at Sesshoumaru.

"If Shippo wakes up, may we take him?" Kagome whispered.

"…"

"He won't be any trouble. And he's Rin's age." Kagome pointed out.

"Do not bother. Just take him, whether he wakes or not. I have no time for this, you still have to go to your village."

'Village. Yeah. Sure.' In different circumstances Kagome would have been amused. 'Wait till he sees me go down the well…'

"Yeah ok." She tiptoed out, trying not to make noise. She grabbed her pack and hurriedly scribbled down a note for Sango. Then, she scooped up the kitsune.

Shippo's eyes flew open and Kagome clapped a hand to his mouth. Making obvious gestures that he was to keep quiet she snuck back to Sesshoumaru.

Sesshoumaru eyed the fox with a raised eyebrow and simply gestured that she was to lead the way from there.

Kagome rolled her eyes and headed into the direction that Inuyasha and the others had just come from - to Inuyasha's forest.

Sesshoumaru followed behind Kagome, noting that her hand was still over the kitsune's mouth and that he was extremely scared. Shippo huddled closer to Kagome and shivered.

After they were a good distance away [say, about a kilometre] Kagome removed her hand and set the kitsune down, only to be almost knocked over as he gave her a huge hug.

"Oka!" he grinned at her. Kagome stared at him.

"Eh?…Oh!" Kagome realised what he'd meant. Although she'd never really thought about it, it now occurred to her that technically she was his surrogate mother. And for the first time in 3 days, Kagome smiled. It was tiny, it was fleeting, but it was a smile.

Shippo seemed to understand why she wasn't as cheerful as usual. Then he looked over Kagome's shoulder towards Sesshoumaru. Kagome followed his line of vision.

"It's ok Shippo…" 'I think…'

Sesshoumaru was frowning slightly. 'Oka? She's too young to have a child…and he's a kitsune…'

This time, Kagome seemed to read his mind. "He's not really mine. You might say I adopted him - kind of like you and Rin."

"Rin?" Shippo brightened slightly. He had seen the girl a few times with Sesshoumaru and she had waved at him a few times.

"Yes. You know her don't you?"

Shippo nodded. "Do I get to play with her?"

"Sure thing Shippo. After I go home to get some stuff."

"Chocolate?" Shippo looked up at her hopefully.

"Of course…now how long did it take you to get from the well to here?"

"A couple of days I think."

Sesshoumaru sighed. "That will take too long. You will direct me to this village of yours and we will get there my way."

"Um…okay…it's about 20 miles in that direction, right Shippo?"

"Yeah I think so."

"Yeah…now which way's your-yah!" Kagome was taken by surprise when Sesshoumaru pulled her up onto a cloud that had suddenly materialised.

"Whoa…wait, wait, waiiiit!" Kagome shut her eyes and ignored Shippo's slight noises of excitement and awe. She clung to her backpack, which she hoped Sesshoumaru was hanging onto.


When she opened her eyes again - when Shippo tugged at her arm - they were almost directly above the Bone Eater's well.

"Hey, can we land here?" she called out.

Sesshoumaru was mildly confused, but decided he'd better land anyway. After her last scream, he didn't want anymore shouting.

Kagome hoisted her pack onto her back and started moving towards the well. Shippo perched on the side and waved at her. She put her hands on the lip and was about to jump when a hand caught hers.

"What are you doing?" Sesshoumaru asked.

"Get Shippo to explain." she said, and jumped.

Sesshoumaru made a grab at her and a flash of blue light issued from the well. When he looked down, there was no sign of her.

He glared at Shippo, who shrunk back.

"Explain this."

"Um…Kagome lives 500 years in the future and that's how she gets home." Shippo said, moving back a little.

"Excuse me? Five hundred years into the future?"

"Yeah…that's a kind of portal I think."

"Interesting…" 'Miko, you have some explaining to do.'


Kagome sighed with relief as she climbed out of the well. It was about 8:00, and as she walked through the back door, she could smell something nice.

"I'm home!" Kagome called.

"Hi honey!" Kagome's mum came in. "Where's Inuyasha?"

Kagome winced. "We had a fight mum."

"Honestly, you're 16! Can't you solve these things?" Kagome knew she was kidding.

"Yeah well, I'm actually with Sesshoumaru now."

"What? His brother? I thought you said he was a heartless monster?"

"He is. But I take care of his ward, Rin."

"Well just take care of yourself please. Do you need help with anything?"

"Not right now. But I don't think school is an option anymore…"

Kagome's mum sighed. "Kagome…well…you are in year 10 now, so it's ok. Please be careful."

Kagome hugged her. "I will."

Kagome ran up to her room and grabbed all the school things she could fit into her backpack. She also packed some ramen, just in case, chocolate for Shippo, and some nice hairclips for Rin.

She was about to go when her mum called out to her. "Do you want to stay for dinner?"

"I can't mum!" Kagome called back, although she knew she'd regret it later.

"Well just take this then." her mother handed her some rice balls.

"Thanks mum. I love you."

"I love you too. Remember, you can always come back!"

"Do you want some special wards?" Her grandfather appeared out of nowhere.

"Can Inuyasha come next time?" Souta came out too.

Kagome groaned. "You guys…are dysfunctional!"

Kagome hugged her mum and ran back to the shrine. She jumped through and climbed out. Sesshoumaru was nowhere to be seen, but Shippo came to greet her.

"How long did I take?" Kagome said, picking him up.

"About half an hour. Sesshoumaru…sama…is over there." Shippo gestured, and Sesshoumaru strode out of the shadows.

"You know, that's really creepy…" Kagome said. She winced when she saw that she would be riding the cloud [I don't know if it has a name…it's this…cloud…thingy…that he uses to get around…] all the way to Sesshoumaru's castle.

"Isn't there another way?" she said hopefully.

"No." Sesshoumaru said bluntly. Kagome sighed.

'Great…'


Sango stirred as the sun hit her eyes. "Shippo, can you get Kagome's backpack over here?….Shippo?" she sat up. She felt a piece of paper in her hand and opened it up.


Dear Sango,

I'm going to have to go with Sesshoumaru from now on - he's got me taking care of Rin, you know, that little girl we see with him? I'll take Shippo and my backpack. I'll try to visit you, I promise.

Take care, and try not to kill Miroku. You guys are like my family.

Love, Kagome.


Sango stared at the note then grinned. She shook Miroku, and, when that didn't work, she kicked him.

"Ouch!" Miroku sat up. "What was that for?"

"Shhh! Look!" Sango waved the piece of paper in front of his face. Miroku read it and shook his head, grinning too.

"Looks like she's ok then!" Miroku said happily.

"Yeah but did you notice? No reference to Inuyasha!"

"Ooo. Revenge."

"Who cares? His fault." Sango said defensively.

"Yes yes. But what do we tell him about Shippo and the pack. I think even Inuyasha will notice."

"Tell him the truth. See how he takes it. This could be interesting…."


Kagome got off the cloud and silently cursed it. She wanted to jump around for a bit; riding the cloud wasn't the warmest thing you could do.

Shippo jumped into her arms and she walked into the castle without sparing Sesshoumaru a second glance. When she turned around, he was gone.

Kagome shrugged and took Shippo and her backpack up to her room. Rin came bounding in a few minutes later and stopped when she saw Shippo.

"Hi!" Rin said brightly.

"Hi." Shippo replied.

"Rin is Rin!"

"I am Rin," Kagome said gently.

"Huh? Oh…I am Rin." she grinned. Kagome nodded her approval.

"I'm Shippo." he smiled back.

Sesshoumaru suddenly appeared at the door.

"Miko, I need to talk to you."

Kagome nodded, again lowering her head.

"Rin. You and the kitsune may go outside."

"Hai Sesshoumaru-sama!" Rin tugged at Shippo's sleeve. "You're in!" she giggled and ran down the hall.

"Hey! No fair!" Shippo chased after her.

Sesshoumaru swiftly walked down to his study, Kagome following a safe distance behind.

When they got inside, Sesshoumaru moved to the window to keep an eye on Rin, who was now running away from a laughing Shippo.

"I understand you brought back some educational tools for Rin." he said in a calm tone.

"Hai."

"Hmmm…seeing as how Rin will now be occupied by your charge, I think educating her…and him if you wish…will be your main duty as of now."

Kagome nodded slightly. "What do you wish for me to do while I am not teaching or playing with them?"

Sesshoumaru didn't reply, just walked out of the door. Kagome took this as a 'Follow me' and hurried after him.

Sesshoumaru led her past the oval area where Rin and Shippo were playing and stopped in front of a large wooden shed. He rapped sharply on the door and Asumi came out, bowing when she saw Sesshoumaru and smiling at Kagome.

Kagome nodded a greeting then looked up at Sesshoumaru.

"You will be training with me before every meal."

"Um…may I ask why?"

"It will not do for you to be unable to protect both yourself and Rin when something goes wrong. You were lucky enough the other night, but Rin's safety should not depend on luck."

'Gee. For a minute I thought he actually cared about what happened to me.' Kagome shrugged. "Whatever."

Kagome looked past Asumi into the room and gasped. It was like a small dojo training room [if you've seen it, think Rurouni Kenshin - The Kamiya Kasshin dojo. If you haven't, well I don't know…the room would be big enough to do all kinds of fighting things in…]

An assortment of weapons lay around the room - including bows, katanas, axes, maces,

nun-chucks and other implements.

Sesshoumaru nodded at Asumi, who went back inside.

"Pick three weapons. And that does not include the bow you already have. You will be learning other styles." he said in a bored way.

Kagome raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. She decided she'd better choose quickly. She was drawn to the daggers and shurikens [throwing stars…I don't think I spelt that right] and selected a sharp katana with a pale blue hilt and handle.

"Asumi will teach you." Sesshoumaru started to leave, then added, "I doubt you could go up against someone more advanced.

Kagome seethed. 'Who the fuck does he think I am?' Getting pissed, she threw a dagger towards him. He stopped, the hilt of the dagger in the door frame right next to his nose.

"Not bad aim." he commented dryly.

"What are you talking about?" she calmly walked up and yanked the dagger out viciously. "I missed."

Sesshoumaru glared at her. "Watch what you say miko."

"Hey you know? I have a bloody name. Use it." Sesshoumaru had already turned and was walking back to the castle.

"Bloody icicle…So…what do you want me to do?" Kagome turned to Asumi, who stared at her with a slight smile.

"Did you really miss?" she hid the smile with her hand.

"Yeah I did actually. I was aiming for a spot about 2 centimetres above where I hit." Kagome gave a tiny smile back.

Asumi shook her head, grinning. "Ok well since you've chosen two throwing weapons, let's do some target practice…then you get to go through drills with the katana." she smiled evilly.

A few miles away, a shout startled birds into flight.


"WHAT!?" Inuyasha screeched. "SHE'S DONE WHAT!?"

"Honestly Inuyasha, scream a bit louder. Maybe even Kagome will hear you." Sango said.

"WELL MAYBE I WILL!" he yelled at her.

"Sorry. Still didn't hear you I don't think."

Miroku looked on amusedly.

"Calm down Inuyasha."

"I AM CALM!"

"Oh you are not. Sit down and re-read the bloody note." Sango snapped. Inuyasha was taken aback. It WAS most unlike Sango.

Inuyasha glowered at her and sat on a rock, then read the letter again. "So she's gone off with my brother now has she?"

"She hasn't 'gone off' with anyone Inuyasha." Miroku said quietly.

"She has no choice, if Sesshoumaru is making her look after his ward."

"Oh sure." Inuyasha threw up his hands. "And Miroku isn't a pervert."

"WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?" Miroku and Sango yelled at him. Inuyasha fell backwards.

"IT MEANS SHE'S THERE BECAUSE SHE WANTS TO BE!" he said, regaining his breath.

"EXCUSE ME, MR.EGOTISTICAL!" Sango yelled back.

"NOW WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN!"

"JUST BECAUSE YOU'RE SHALLOW ENOUGH TO THINK SHE WANTS TO SPITE YOU DOESN'T MEAN SHE IS! THAT'S WHAT IT MEANS!"

"Actually, I was referring to the comment about my lecherousness earlier." Miroku stated evenly. Sango and Inuyasha did an anime fall. [Hehe, I love anime falls. They're so funny]

"MIROKU!" they yelled.

He backed away. "Sorry!"


DM: Phew! That's the longest chapter I've written so far. I'll probably beat it, but anyway. Hope you liked it. Chapter four coming up as soon as possible. Sorry it took a while. Something weird happened with fanfic. Couldn't sign in, you know?