'True love is god's immortal gift.'

oxo…oxo

Sesshoumaru looked up sharply as Inuyasha and Kagome walked heavily into the clearing. The rest of their odd gang had arrived a little earlier, deciding to stay in the clearing rather than to impose on the villagers without proper cause.

It was dusk and a fire was blazing brightly in the centre of the group, casting its happy light out onto the not so happy faces of the pair walking towards it.

'How did it go?' Sango asked gently, understanding the sensitivity of the subject and acting as such. Kagome smiled falsely at her and all eyes new that she was upset. Sesshoumaru, for his part, had smelled the pair as they had arrived that morning. They had spent allot of time next to the well and the salty scent of tears had hung heavily in the air for most of the afternoon.

'I think it went well. Kagome just needs to get used to it is all.' Inuyasha told them with a sad smile tugging at his lips as he watched his friend's tail sway. She seemed to do that when she was sad and it obviously helped as her smile became slightly less false. Takashi had noticed this too and was grinning slightly.

Suddenly, Inuyasha turned his head skywards and the grin faltered on Takashi's face as they both smelt who was speeding towards them. Sesshoumaru grunted before looking the same way as Inuyasha.

'What is it?' Miroku asked but before any of them could answer, they didn't need to. Kagura landed quietly at the edge of the clearing with a frown on her face, eyes set on Kagome.

So this is what the Naraku smell smells like. The miko thought as she sniffed Kagura. The wind sorceress was staring at her intensely and it made her feel a little disconcerted. Does she want to fight me or something?

'What do you want Kagura?' Inuyasha yelled, pulling Tetsusiaga from its sheath and pointed it at the demon he was yelling at. Her ruby eyes roamed him before scanning the rest of the group and fixing back onto Kagome. I'm sorry Kagome. You don't need this now. She thought as she raised her fan and let a little bit of her apology show in her eyes. Kagome nodded slightly at her. To anyone else she could have been confirming a suspicion she had but Kagura new it was more than that and was silently grateful for the miko's kind heart.

'Dance of the dragon!' she cried before bringing her fan beck down in front of her and watching as Kagome dodged the large silver blades of wind that flew from her fan. The Inu gritted her teeth as she skilfully dodged the first few blades before drawing her sword and blocking the last. Kagura watched as her wind blade crashed into Kagome's new katana before her wind shattered against the white blade, the wind blowing out in all directions.

Kagome had a determined expression on her face as she stared hard into her opponent's eyes. 'Kagome!' Inuyasha exclaimed, moving as if to aid her before being stopped by Sesshoumaru's warning hand. The hanyou looked up at him in a mixture of disgust and confusion but his brother was watching the fight and didn't turn toward him.

'Let it be; it is her fight. She is stronger than you give her credit for.' He said plainly, not looking at the others but instead watching Kagome as she faced Kagura coolly, waiting for her to strike. He hoped he was right. There was a tiny bit of worry and doubt in his thoughts that he new she would be able to sense. This was likely to affect her fighting skills so, against better judgement, he put out more feelings. Ones of belief, pride, apology and love. He just hoped it would help and that it wouldn't end up making a fool of himself.

Kagome smiled as Sesshoumaru's feelings reached her. She knew that the mixture contained doubt but mixed with the others she felt confident and, somehow, she realised that this was the Inu-youki's aim. Gratefulness for the demon lord filled her being as she watched Kagura raise her tasselled fan again and more of the silver blades shot from it. She dodged again but this time, she decided to experiment a bit. Using the half moon at the end of the chain, she caught one of Kagura's wind blades and swung it around herself so that flew back in the direction of the startled wind sorceress. Kagura's eyes widened considerably as she watched her own attack pelting towards her. Quickly, she jumped, just dodging it in time and watching with wide eyes as it smashed into the tree behind her. It was a rather large oak and Kagome winced as it fell, crashing into the ground with a resounding thud. There goes my pledge not to hurt any more trees. She thought dryly.

Outstanding! Kagura thought in amazement and worry. Not only did she turn my wind blade back on me, she increased its speed by at least 3 times!

The sorceress was dumbstruck. No one had been able to do that before and she was a tad weary. I think it might be time to leave. She reasoned quietly before nodding at Kagome, who grinned, and enlarging one of her feathers. Hopping onto it, she took one last look at the group, eyes lingering on a certain male dog demon, before flying quickly away.

Takashi slowly returned from his panic. If Kagura had wanted, she could have destroyed everything he had going here, but she hadn't even looked at it. It was really rather confusing. Why would Kagura stay silent like that. When he had smelt her coming he had been sure she was coming to rat him out but no. she hadn't said a word. Takashi's eyes narrowed in suspicion as he watched the dot that had been Kagura disappear into the clouds. Just what was Naraku up to?

Kagome let out a breath she hadn't known she was holding as she watched Kagura fly away. Turning slowly, she looked back at her friends, the light of victory shining in her eyes. The sight she saw not only surprised her, but pleased her as well; Sesshoumaru was smiling and it wasn't just a tug of the lips either, it was a full blown smile. Kagome breathed in sharply as her eyes met his and she was locked in limbo before her lips smiled back at him.

'That was brilliant Kagome!' Inuyasha breathed loudly and the moment was gone, the smile all but a memory as Sesshoumaru's features returned to his usual, if not more confused, frown. Kagome blinked as she arrived back on earth. Turning to Inuyasha she grinned.

'Thanks! I was rather pleased myself!' she buzzed. It kinda cheered me up to. She thought thoughtfully. Weird…

Sesshoumaru was busy wondering what had come over him. He had never smiled like that before, well, maybe when he was a child but never since. And yet, it had just happened. No thinking involved. She had just turned and he had smiled. He felt so proud of her but wasn't sure whether it was just because she was his student, or if he really did love her that much.

Sango watched quietly as Sesshoumaru walked away from the others and sat silently in a corner. Jaken was watching too and the watchers shared a look before returning their eyes to the Youki. He looked so sad, even with that bored expression, there was something in his eyes, some sadness that couldn't be described in words and as Sango followed his eyes she realised, without too much surprise, that he was staring at Kagome as she and Inuyasha laughed happily.

xxx…xxx

Later that night, after most where asleep, Sango walked gingerly towards where Sesshoumaru was sitting. His eyes where open and they watched curiously as the slayer came to sit by him. 'May I ask you something Sesshoumaru-sama? Something personal?' she asked after a few minutes of silence. The demons eyes narrowed and his ears probed for anyone who may have been awake before he nodded slightly at Sango. The girl breathed a small sigh before looking straight into his eyes. 'Do you love Kagome?' she asked and watched as the lord's eyes widened comically.

The question was so surprising and unexpected to Sesshoumaru that he didn't answer for several minutes but when he did speak; his voice was clear and unwavering. 'I do not know why that is any of your concern.' He stated sharply and Sango gulped before looking away.

'I'm sorry if I offended you or anything but I do believe it is my concern as I am Kagome's friend and want what's best for her. At the moment that could be you; but she's confused. It seems you are giving out mixed messages.' She told the demon bravely, looking back up at him with sad but determined eyes as she finished. Sesshoumaru sighed.

'I do not wish to speak of this.' He said quietly. He seemed withdrawn and tired and Sango suddenly felt a pang of pity for the creature sitting beside her.

'Ok then.' She started, getting up onto her feet and turning away. 'But know that Kagome doesn't love Inuyasha anymore. She would tell you that herself if you had the guts to ask her.' She stated before walking smoothly into the forest and towards the stream.

Sesshoumaru sat in silent confusion for many minutes, his head reeling. He was up late that night and as he heard Sango gently drift off to sleep, he sighed and closed his eyes. It was going to be a long night and his brain was so confused. What did the slayer mean when she said that Kagome would tell her if he asked? Did she want him to ask? It seemed so. And how dare she accuse him of having no…guts? Confusing thoughts clouded his mind until it was too foggy to think anymore and he fell heavily into a dreamless sleep.

xxx…xxx

The sky in the morning was a deep red and Kagome looked at it worriedly. 'Red sky at night, Sheppard's delight; red sky in the morning, Sheppard's warning.' She murmured quietly under her breath as the old saying came to her. The demons looked at her curiously and she blushed. 'It's an old saying from where I used to live.' She explained as she picked up her yellow backpack and hauled it over her shoulder. She had decided to wear the hairpin today. Her mother was rooting for her, that she new and the thought filled her with confidence as she smiled into the bloodied sky. 'Hey Sesshoumaru?' she asked carefully. He turned to her, a blank look upon his face.

'Yes?' he asked back tonelessly. Inside he was wondering what it was she could possibly want this early in the morning.

'Are we going to have a lesson today?' she asked, voice filled with hope as she watched the demon watch her. He contemplated the idea thoroughly before coming to a decision.

'Yes. I believe it would be an idea to have a few days of training in the mountains.' He stated. Kagome blinked.

'What? All of us?'

Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes before shaking his head. 'No, just us.' He answered slowly. 'It would take too long with all of us.'

Kagome nodded thoughtfully as she considered his idea. 'So you want to leave today?' she asked. He nodded. 'Ok…'she said, her head bobbing up and down slowly as she spoke. 'Sure. It could be fun.'

Sesshoumaru just nodded before moving toward the tree where Rin and Jaken where sitting chatting. Kagome looked at her friends as they argued over which way they where going to head. More goodbyes. At least this isn't for long I suppose…she thought idly before walking over totell them she was leaving.

'What?' Inuyasha yelled angrily at Kagome's words.

'It's only going to be a few days and we can easily catch up with you after. Besides, you need to look after Rin and Jaken. Sango?' she asked and her friend smiled before nodding.

'I will not let any harm to come to either of them.' She promised her friend. 'I hope you learn allot on your trip.' She then said, a knowing glint in her eyes that Kagome was slightly weary of. She gave the slayer an uneasy smile before turning back to the still fuming hanyou.

'Oh come on Inuyasha! I was going to be gone anyway so what the problem with it now?' she asked, annoyance slowly seeping into her voice and being. Inuyasha looked away with a small grunt, his annoyance being covered by embarrassment at being out smarted. Kagome waited patiently for an answer but, when she didn't get one, she stormed off towards the trees where Rin was sitting. Inuyasha watched her go with a slightly abashed look on his face. She just left! With out a fight! He thought in surprise as he young female sat beside the little girl and began to chat with her. They where talking about Sesshoumaru and 'how Kagome should make sure he slept 'cause he sometimes skipped his rest'. Inuyasha grunted slightly before looking away.

'Come on Inuyasha! You don't want this to end up like last time do you?' Takashi asked with a small smile. Inuyasha grunted again before glancing back at the miko. The ice demon smirked and, before the Inu knew it, had pushed Inuyasha towards Kagome. Inuyasha yelped in surprise as he landed on the ground, causing everyone to fall silent and look at him. Kagome rolled her eyes slightly before turning back to Rin. Inuyasha growled as he pushed himself up and scowled at the whistling Takashi. Growling again in annoyance, he got up and walked over to where Kagome was sitting. Rin was the first to look over at him as he approached, a smile playing at her lips. What the hell is she smiling about? He wondered as the girl's eyes sparkled and Kagome looked up, a blank expression on her weary face.

Inuyasha gulped. That look got him every time but he continued forward, determined to make immense. Sesshoumaru watched the scene with mid interest as his brother seemed to battle with the air as he trudged slowly to where Kagome and Rin where sitting. Stay away from those girls inuyasha. His mind thought treacherously there MINE!

He mentally slapped himself before watching the scene again.

Kagome's eyes flicked to Sesshoumaru for a moment before flicking back to the hanyou before her. She had detected a strange feeling of protectiveness for a moment before it had vanished, seemingly into thin air. Concentrating back on Inuyasha, she watched with mild amusement as he seemed to wade through think mud to get to her. It was a strange sight to say the least. Gasping slightly as he made it, he bowed his head low. Kagome's eyes widened slightly.

'I am sorry. I do not wish to part on these bad terms.' He mumbled through his hair. Kagome was shocked. When did Inuyasha learn to speak like that? For a moment he almost sounded like Sesshoumaru! Her head screamed as she tried to grasp what had just happened. And he apologised…! Maybe I should say something back to that… she thought suddenly, putting her brain onto auto drive to try and get the words out.

'Inuyasha? Did…did you just… apologise?' she asked. The hanyou's head came up quickly and he nodded. The group was staring at him. Shippo's eyes where wide and his mouth was open slightly, Sango was watching Inuyasha with a mixture of surprise and confusion on her face, Miroku was looking at him in surprise and Takashi had a huge grin upon his face. It was safe to say most of them where stunned. Kagome didn't even have the mental ability to process the smell at the moment as she tried desperately to comprehend the meaning of his sudden change in attitude.

A smile twitched on Inuyasha's face as he studied the dumbstruck look on his friend's. Did that surprise her or what?! He thought triumphantly before chuckling slightly. Whether it was the chuckles or the smell of triumph, Kagome didn't know, but something brought her out of her stupor and she shook her head quickly to clear it before frowning, a blush growing on her face.

'Sit!' she yelled angrily and the hanyou yelped once again before smacking into the earthen floor loudly. He groaned before looking into the miko's frustrated faced and grinning nervously. Kagome shook her head in annoyance before smiling slightly. She could never stay truly mad at Inuyasha for long.

'Baka.' She said softly as he got to his feet. 'You truly are an idiot.'

Inuyasha grunted in slight embarrassment before turning back to where the others in their gang stood.

'Are you ready to go miko?' Sesshoumaru asked from directly behind her and her heart stuttered as she jumped several feet into the air.

'Would you not do that please!' she cried as she struggled to control her breathing. The demon lord blinked.

'Do…what?' he asked in confusion. Kagome looked at him in mild annoyance.

'Sneaking up behind me like that!' she explained. 'You almost gave me a heart attack!'

Sesshoumaru, for his part, was still trying to work out exactly what the problem was. 'I did not…sneak.' He said, confusion now creeping onto his face as well as in his voice. Kagome considered him for a moment before shaking her head.

'Never mind.' She told him with a wave of her hand. 'Just don't do it again.'

And she walked off, leaving a very confused demon lord in her wake.

xxx…xxx

Naraku watched as Sesshoumaru and Kagome detached themselves from the group. He was pleased. Everything was going according to plan; it was time to unlock his secret weapon.

Takashi had mingled nicely into the group and was fully trusted by everyone but that little green toad; but that wouldn't matter. He wouldn't be hard to kill. Looking up from Kanna's mirror, he studied his first detachment carefully. Her pale eyes where blank, showing no emotion on her face. Kanna gazed back intently, as if daring her master to judge her.

Naraku was the first to look away as he settled his gaze back on the mirror. It was currently watching Inuyasha and his friends as they travelled through the woods towards a small town. The hanyou grinned as he considered the possibilities.

'Dear, dear me Takashi. Look what a mess your about to make.' He said in mock concern before he smiled evilly and clenched his fist around the small, beating object that had appeared in his hand.

oxo…oxo

Wow! Another chapter finished!

Ok, a few things. One, I would like to thank UltraGenius and my friend Leah for giving me an incredible idea for chapters to come, thanks you guys!

Two, I would like to ask everyone again to please, Review!!!! I can't do this without your brilliant support! I know I'm in the 40's and that that's a pretty hefty number but I need MORE!!!! lol!

And three, I would like to thank all of my reviewers from the bottom of my heart! THANK YOU!!!!!