Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or his friends.
Changing Winds
Chapter 4: On This Road We Travel
He could still feel her intensity from battle. It rattled through his very soul and would not release itself. That was why Sesshoumaru found himself flying over the countryside in the middle of the night. Her aura had been so strong, and her will so resolute, he swore that he had absorbed some of her energy. Sesshoumaru was restless, something that rarely happened anyway, let alone woke him from sleep. That was how he happened upon the glen not far from their campsite.
Kagome had seen Sesshoumaru leave. 'So, he's restless too.' She could still feel the power coursing through her. Or perhaps it was the Jewel. Either way she couldn't help but stare at the endless sky and wish she could fly away too. 'Maybe I can now. I wonder if Sesshoumaru will teach me?' Her thoughts stopped for a moment and she frowned.
'What will I do with my time? Do I stay a priestess, or become a healer, or teacher? I wonder if I'll have children, or perhaps it's now impossible. What happens when Sango and Miroku pass? I wonder how long I should stay close to their children before it becomes awkward. Maybe that's why he only associates with other demons.'
She saw him come into view, 'boy my eyesight is getting better!', and land with perfect grace outside the camp. As he slowly walked to where Rin lay Kagome got up to intercept his path. 'I just have to talk to someone!'
"Miko.", he didn't even need to turn around to know she was there.
"Sesshoumaru. Can I talk to you?"
He raised an inquisitive eyebrow and nodded slightly.
"What am I now? I mean... I know I'm an Immortal and all, but, what am I?"
He sighed, 'she has lost her identity even though it has never left her'. He tried to think of how to tell her that her soul was still her own. She may have more control over her powers, but she had not really changed. That was why the Jewel picked her. As long as she never lost the spirit that made her eyes shine, and her face glow with wonderment, she could take this new life and make it her own.
"Kagome, what you will become with time is up to you. Who you are can never change." 'Please don't change.'
Now it was her turn to sigh, "I just feel like I need a title with this. I need a direction. Old Kagome doesn't know how to purify without an arrow, or heal deep wounds. I'm all of a sudden suppose to be this great priestess with these great powers and I have no clue what I should be doing."
She was so troubled that she hadn't even noticed when he called her by name. Sesshoumaru looked at the young miko with caring eyes. He found himself barely able to contain the need to hold her close and comfort her. He had learned a hard lesson from Miore about caring for ones family, and she had somehow become a part of his world. If her life would not be at risk she would have already been his. He cast his eyes towards Rin. It was not uncommon for a high ranking youkai to take a young servant girl to serve as a liaison when things were needed from humans. That was why no demon really took any notice to Rin, they thought she was his servant. Those that knew him well knew that was not the case. Sesshoumaru saw the chance to keep Kagome close through his almost daughter.
"Would you teach Rin?"
"Teach Rin?"
"You feel you need a task to complete. Those in my company need to be well learned. Will you become her teacher?"
'I..am..SHOCKED! He really believes I can teach Rin?! Ohh, but how can I say no to those eyes.' "Of course Sesshoumaru, I would love to teach Rin." She gave a small bow and smiled at him. 'I always did want to become a teacher.'
As he nodded and turned to go he called over his shoulder, "there is a glen suitable as a shelter a short distance from here." With that he continued his walk towards his small party.
Kagome was literally giddy. He had put her in charge of someone important to him, found a safer camp site, and even called her by name. 'Oh, my gosh! He had actually said my name. It had rolled so easily off of his tongue I completely forgot! I wonder what his tongue is like, mmmm, oh stop that girl you'll only get yourself all worked up.' Sighing deeply she went back to her group of friends and finally drifted off to sleep.
Sesshoumaru on the other hand could only think of all the time he would be spending close to Kagome. Training was going to be great. He would even be able to please Rin who had become very attached to her. 'Perhaps I will enjoy this century.'
The new morning broke the horizon in beautiful splendor. The sun chasing away any clouds in the sky with its soft amber rays. The baby blue light moved away the dark and pulled with it a pinkish orange glow of dawn. Kagome was up with Inuyasha. They first took care of Kikyo before making a fire and hunting down some breakfast. Miroku and Shippo woke when they smelled the last of Kagome's food cooking on the fire. Sango went off with Kilala to scope out the glen, and Rin came bouncing over in short order. Sesshoumaru did not join them, he still could not shake her presence from himself, he needed to kill something. By some stroke of luck a lesser demon was in the vicinity and would do quite nicely. Sparing her only a glance he set off.
She could feel him leave, and she missed his aura already. 'Funny', she mused, 'Inuyasha used to have the same effect on me. Do I learn from my mistakes, or do I fall for another Taisho?' Before she could answer her own thought a flying ball of fur ran straight past her.
"Sorry momma!" Shippo cried, not even bothering to break his pace and Rin giggled past.
"Don't run too close to Kikyo! She still needs to rest!" She was too late. The two crashed into each other and went head over heels in Kikyo's direction.
THUMP!! "uuffff." Kagome stepped in front of them just in time to stop the two from crashing over Kikyo. She instead landed right beside Kikyo with two wide eyed children on top of her.
"Oh, no! Momma I'm so sorry, are you hurt?"
"We're sorry Lady Kagome, please don't tell my Lord on us!"
"Children slow down I..."
"Kikyo!", Inuyasha raced to her side, "are you hurt? Do you need anything?" She only smiled sweetly at him and shook her head.
"I'm fine.", Kagome huffed as she lifted the demon and child off of her chest, "thanks for asking. I know my safety may not concern you, or my health for that matter but I am fine." Her sarcasm seemed to be wasted on Inuyasha. He looked at Kagome and absent-mindedly said his thank you.
Suddenly she felt completely rejected. Kagome used to be cared for like that. Seeing Inuyasha do it for Kikyo hurt worst than she thought. What she needed was a distraction from all his puppy eyes. She remembered Sesshoumaru's task.
"Rin, Shippo, please come here."
"Yes Kagome.", they answered in unison.
"Lord Sesshoumaru has requested I teach you Rin. And Shippo, it's time you learned as well."
"So Rin will be traveling with us?"
"Well yes, I suppose so."
The two grinned at each other practically boiling over with excitement.
"I will be training as well, so the two of you must first learn that playtime isn't all the time. Show me you know when the proper time to play is and I will give you the last of my paper and markers."
They bowed to Kagome and grinned from ear to ear, quietly going off to the outskirts of camp to talk about the adventures they would have.
'Even Shippo has Rin, I wonder if I'll ever find my other half.' As if on cue Sesshoumaru came into view from the forest. 'Well', Kagome blushed, 'he certainly has good timing.'
'She's blushing. Whatever it is I did, I want to do it again.'
She turned her face away as Sango and Kilala landed. "The glen is close, it will only take a few moments to get there. We are lucky enough to even have a hot spring close."
"And shelter?", Kagome asked.
"There is a cave behind the waterfall, we will be well concealed should we need to be."
"Great! Kikyo should ride on Kilala, Inuyasha can carry me there."
Inuyasha frowned ever so slightly, he didn't want to hurt Kagome's feelings but.."I want to ride with her.", his actions however were speaking louder than his words as he climbed on behind Kikyo.
Kagome was a little dazed, 'I'm no longer first to him. I guess it's really final.' For some reason she felt so hurt, like she was being left behind. Fortunately Sango saved her from the silence that was ensuing.
"We'll just wait for Kilala to return. We don't want Kikyo falling off anyway."
"I'll take you Kagome.", his soft voice almost a whisper behind her. It gave her goosebumps.
"Really? I mean, thank you Sesshoumaru but I don't want to be a burden, I can wait."
Sango and Miroku seized the chance to be alone for a while, "go on Kilala we'll meet you there. If Lord Sesshoumaru is taking you, Miroku and I will start running there."
"See ya Kagome!", Miroku yelled over his shoulder as they sprinted away.
Shippo and Rin may be young but they saw what the grown-ups were up to and reacted before anyone could say no. After all, Shippo had grown big enough to carry Rin like Inuyasha carried Kagome.
"I'll take Rin and meet you there Kagome!"
"Bye my Lord. Kagome!"
With that Kagome was left to stare slack jawed at what her friends had just purposely done. She closed her mouth and with her hands on her hips turned to look at Sesshoumaru. His animal like eyes could have bore a hole through her. 'Maybe I'll walk.'
"Shall we Miko.", his voice was so seductive as he stepped closer Kagome thought she would melt at his touch.
"I guess." 'The woman of a thousand words has just been rendered speechless by a tall and very handsome youkai. Great.' She mentally kicked herself for her less than graceful answer.
Kagome felt like a little school girl when he took her arm and wrapped it around his neck, then slid his arm around her small waist. She tried not to outwardly sigh in contentment. He took to the air and she gasped slightly at the feel of his muscles beneath her body. She tried not to blush but it was all in vain.
'Maybe getting a little closer to her won't hurt. After all she does feel so good next to me, and maybe she will forget about Inuyasha choosing someone else. He doesn't deserve something so beautiful anyway.' If he could have gone slower he would have, just to enjoy her skin touching his. But going slower would mean he was weaker and that would just not do. Besides, Rin being alone too long with the young kitsune was worrisome. They were both getting older, and growing closer together. He had a hard time seeing the girl as anything but his young ward.
They beat everyone else there with the exception of Kikyo and Inuyasha. Kagome figured Sango and Miroku could use some time alone so she told Kilala to go and catch herself something. The fire cat happily meowed and ran off to the stream for some fresh fish. Shippo and Rin came shortly after and remembered to tend quietly to Kikyo before they went to play some distance downstream. The mood in the camp was more relaxed than it had been it years. Inuyasha even decided to take a bath in the hot springs without anyone mentioning he needed to. Even Sesshoumaru found himself making small conversations with the monk. Well, if you could call them conversations. More like short answers to very long and complicated questions. Jaken had returned and found himself an unwilling participant in many games of tag. Within three days Kikyo began to sit up on her own. Kagome decided that neither of them where now properly dressed. She needed to make a trip to Kaede's village.
"Inuyasha, I must get Kikyo and myself some new clothes. Kaede's village is not far from here, maybe a days walk, I should be back tomorrow."
"I don't think you need to be walking around alone. I'll go with you."
"I'll be just fine, thank you, besides she really needs you here."
He glanced over at Kikyo and then Kagome, "fine, but you have to take someone."
"Coming Miko.", Sesshoumaru stated as he gently breezed by.
"What?", the confused expression on her face seemed to match Inuyasha's furrowed brows. He lifted them up and sighed as if in defeat. 'I knew it.'
Inuyasha turned her to look at him, "Kagome, Sesshoumaru doesn't offer to do anything. His actions show that he cares for you as much as I do. He will look after you."
"All right Inuyasha.", she gave him a fierce hug and jogged off to join the demon Lord. 'I know it had to take a lot to admit his full demon brother might just like me. Inuyasha sure has grown since I first meet him, I guess I have too.'
It was approaching mid morning. The day was fair and bright, perfect for walking through the forest. They kept their thoughts to themselves for the first half of the day. The rest of the day however became very difficult due to the farmers and passersby. Someone apparently had told many local villagers that a band of great warriors had defeated the terrible demon that had plagued their region as of late. Upon seeing Kagome in her battle weary clothes and the very imposing Lord Sesshoumaru they figured they were part of the group. The well meaning locals bowed many thanks and offered food, clothing, and shelter.
Kagome was too sweet to ignore them and reassured everyone that they were perfectly fine. Sesshoumaru was not taking all the attention well. Upon receiving what must have been the fifteenth offer for lodging for the night, he began to growl deep and low. Kagome had sensed his unease at the mortals crowding them all day and knew that his limit had been coming.
She sighed and took his arm below the elbow, setting her other hand on top of her own. He looked down at her hand on his arm, and Kagome clearly announced , "this is Lord Sesshoumaru of the Western Lands. He is the demon lord of the lands you live on, please address him accordingly, or only talk to me."
He was surprised, not only had she touched him, she had taken charge and made sure he was honored appropriately. "We will lodge tonight with the miko Kaede. We thank you for all your kindness, but please pass on that we are on a mission and need not be bothered right now." The crowd that had gathered acknowledged the young miko and let them pass unaccosted. Sesshoumaru hadn't taken his eyes off of her hand. When they were clear of the crowd Kagome looked at Sesshoumaru only to see him staring intently at her hand on his arm. She realized he must be mad for her intrusion on his personal space and giggled nervously as she removed her hands. 'She should never remove her hands.', he purred to himself.
'What was I thinking? I really have to remember he is not his brother.'
The rest of the journey was thankfully uneventful. Kaede had heard of their success and was prepared to receive them. "I have some clothes for you Kagome, and a barrier prepared to keep out the smells of the village for you Lord Sesshoumaru. I will put it up once we are inside."
"That is unnecessary. I do not stay in the villages."
Kagome turned to him and sternly reminded him of the earlier well wishers, "if you don't mind having every farmer for miles come to bow you thanks you can stay outside. I however, do not think your patience can last all night."
His eyes narrowed at her slightly before he silently walked through the door of the hut. She rolled her eyes at him and gave Kaede a proper hug. "I'm so glad to see you Kaede, I have something very important to tell you."
"I know all about it young one. The High Priestess Miore herself came to see me 'bout ya. I have some things you will need to take to help Kikyo heal. You my child have a lot to learn."
"Thank you Kaede. Why would this High Priestess come to you? I thought she never talked to mortals."
"We are to be your guides Kagome. She is much too powerful to help you right now. Come, this is for another day, right now I want to hear all about your victory."
Sesshoumaru didn't talk all night, he simply rested against the far wall, his arm draped over his bent knee. Kagome ignored him and practically talked herself to sleep. In the morning Kagome dressed as a traditional miko. Sesshoumaru thought she looked quite beautiful, Kagome thought the material was a bit coarse. They set out early and managed not to be disturbed during their entire trip. She was lost in thought to the point that she didn't recognize her own reflection in the stream as they approached the camp site. 'I really am a priestess now, this is probably what I'll wear for the next couple hundred years, I guess. sigh I can't wait for my time to come!'
"Kagome!", two young children yelled in unison as she approached. "You look so different momma."
"I like it!", Rin chirped.
"I guess", Shippo's voice showing concern, "but you look like Kikyo." He scrunched his nose at the reference.
"Oh, speaking of Kikyo, she got up and walked a little today Lady Kagome. The demon slayer and Inuyasha helped her."
Kagome looked in her direction, "Good, maybe we can leave first thing tomorrow and make our way to the village." Sesshoumaru looked at her and nodded in approval. The children bowed out and ran to play in their favorite spots until they had to leave.
"Yo Kagome!" Inuyasha was as tactful as ever. "I think Kikyo's ready to travel, you get her clothes?"
"Yes, I'll go help her change now."
He looked at what she carried and frowned, "why the priestess garb?"
"Huh?"
"Your the priestess of these lands now, she doesn't need those anymore. She can just be... ya know... a normal woman."
There had been many times when that was all Kagome had wanted to be. And yet, she wouldn't trade any of her adventures for the world. "We will get her something nice when we get to Kaede's village, for now she needs something that isn't torn." Kagome went off to help Kikyo change, leaving Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha alone.
"WELL!", Inuyasha was impatient. "Why do you like her all of a sudden."
"None of your business."
"All of my business. I don't care what you think of me, or even if you like her. But she's been through a lot. I've put her through a lot in all the years we've been traveling, I know you aren't the kind to fail. However, she's not from this time, don't hurt her." He said all he knew his brother would hear, and left.
'So, he's finally learned never to give up on his friends and family. Looks like Izayoi's lessons finally got through to him.', Sesshoumaru watched his little half-brother leave and knew if he was to have Kagome, he would need to accept his sibling. He decided this was going to take all the strength he had.
The rest of the evening was still. They all knew their journeys together were coming to an end. Goodbye's would be said at the end of the day tomorrow. No one really slept, and in the morning the group assembled silently and began the walk to Kaede's village. Kikyo rode Kilala with Inuyasha by her side, Sango and Miroku followed, Shippo and Rin walked Ah-Un with Jaken close behind. Kagome and Sesshoumaru kept a silent vigil behind them all. As they neared the small village farmers came to greet them laying flowers at the side of the road and saying prayers. Many even bowed to Sesshoumaru and Kagome, making her blush.
They were greeted with a feast and a party. Kikyo was given the most beautiful kimono from one of the ladies in the village. It was a beautiful soft yellow with pink blossoms along the hems. Someone else did her hair up in a very fashionable way, and Sango found some lip color for her to wear. Kagome was sure Inuyasha would faint when he saw Kikyo dressed like all the other young women, she was absolutely gorgeous. His blushed silence was proof enough that he was floored. Everyone danced and sang, and enjoyed stories and games. Miroku and Sango decided to stay until the morning giving Kagome the chance to enjoy the evening with them. When the moon was at it's fullest, and many had fallen asleep, Kagome went in search of Sesshoumaru. He was not hard to find, well at least for her. As she came to the clearing by the well she saw him. Long silvery white hair danced in the breeze, his clothes rustled soundlessly against his skin, and his face was serene against the light of the half moon. Kagome wanted to remember how he looked against the starry sky forever. When he turned and said her name, she knew she would.
"Kagome." His voice so soft, so warm.
"Sesshoumaru."
"Will you ever try the well again?", her answer was more vital than she knew.
"No.", she lowered her eyes as she stepped up next to him.
"Why?"
"If I keep going back now I will never be able to see my family in the future. I would probably have to leave Tokyo. I also don't think my untrained powers belong there."
"You are right."
She gave him a sidelong look and smiled, "Am I?"
"Time teaches you many things, shows you many roads, you must be willing to choose the right one even if it means a rougher travel."
"Why would you care what road I take Sesshoumaru?"
He took her chin gently and raised her face up to look at his. She shivered, not from fear, at his touch. "You are the only other being here that will live as long as I."
She looked in his eyes, 'companions of fate'.
I must have read this a thousand times and could not see a way to make it better or worse. It just seems to be. Oh well! Thanks to all for the great reviews, my Internet is down right now so I'm on borrowed Internet from my family. When mine is up and running I will thank all of you properly! For those that want more action between the two it is right around the corner! Remember they have forever together, so things won't move as fast as normal people do. Be patient I will try to make it worth your wile.
