Disclaimer: I still don't own Inuyasha, or any of the original characters and ideas produced by Rumiko. (

A/N: Hey guys, I know this is a day late again, and I'm very sorry, but to make up for it it is longer than most of the other chapters! Lol, I hope you like it, though you may all hate me by the end! lol. Anyway, enjoy...

Luv as always

Inufairiegirl

xxxxxxxxx

"Sango, I do need to go back. But I'm staying till Inuyasha comes and gets me once he's calmed down. I need to talk to him about something, but he needs to listen to me. Tell him I'm sorry. He's in a clearing a little way in that direction. He might still be face down in the dirt."

Sango nodded, understanding the hanyou had been 'sat'.

"I will Kagome. Take care, see you soon."

She turned and gave her friend a hug before she jumped into the well, a blue light engulfing her, showing her passage.

"I will tell him Kagome, and I hope he listens."

Dawn approached, the sun seeping through the curtains of Kagome's room. However the bed was unslept in, no visible signs that the young woman had returned to her time the night previously.

Outside a slim figure in red and white sat with her back against the Goshinboku, blue eyes gazing up into the endless pink flowers of spring as they were lit by the morning light. Her mind was in turmoil. The hanyou she had once loved, but had long ago gotten over now loved her in return, a year or two too late. She was now falling for the hanyou's youkai half-brother, who she had accidentally bound herself to, and yet knew that he could never truly love her for he was a lord and she a mere human and a miko. Her powers were growing, and she had now agreed to spend each night training with the youkai brother, which meant sneaking away from the hanyou brother, who would be keeping an eye on her while he wasn't going off in the night to meet her dead reincarnation, who wanted to take him to hell with her and get her soul back from Kagome, even after she had saved her from Naraku's miasma, and…

: Kami, what am I going to do? I don't want to be with Inuyasha, but I can't be with Sesshomaru. What am I going to do? I need to wait for Inuyasha to come for me. I have to talk to him, find out if he truly does love me, and if so, if so…then what? Can I tell him about the bond? About Sesshomaru and my feelings for him? No. I wouldn't know what to tell him. I need to give myself time to sort out what's going on. But that means that I will have to lie to Inuyasha. Or at least tell him that I don't love him anymore.

She sighed, averting her eyes away from the blossoms to scan the grounds of the shrine. Her gaze landed on the wooden doors of the well house. In some ways she wanted Inuyasha to never come for, wanting to put off the conversation she knew was coming for as long as possible, yet on the other hand she wanted him to step through the sliding doors that very second. It would mean getting it over with, and then she could return to the past. This place wasn't her home anymore, she didn't belong here.

"Inuyasha, this is not my time. My place is in the Sengoku Jidai with you, Sango, Miroku and Shippo . . .and Sesshomaru."

As the sun rose higher in the sky the young miko stayed sitting beneath the God Tree, eyes fixed on the well house doors, waiting for the figure in red that she knew would soon be arriving, humming a tune she had never heard before.

The terrible pain had returned. Drained of energy, resting his back against the tree of ages in Inuyasha's forest Sesshomaru took deep steadying breaths, trying to calm his raging beast. She had obviously returned to her home again as last night the tightness in his chest and the shocks of searing pain emanating from his mark had once again began. However, he had noticed that as he walked towards the village the pain lessened slightly. Wandering around the forest he had come into the clearing where the ancient Goshinboku stood tall and mighty. Here the pain was slightest and so he had settled himself at the base to wait it out.

Of course he would know when she returned and he would find her. Until then he had decided to try out her method of blocking the pain from his mind. However, that was easier said than done when it was coursing through his body with every heartbeat.

: I refuse to believe that a mere human would be able to accomplish something that this Sesshomaru cannot. It must be because she had only the slight pain of the mark to battle against while training herself to ignore it, while this Sesshomaru has the agony of being parted by 500 years to overcome. She cannot best me.

You say that, and yet it was her who taught us how to close our mind, and had to help us when we could not achieve it the first time!

Sesshomaru's rational side had to agree that his beast was right, though the stubbornness and pride in him made sure that the beast didn't know this.

: She said she was taught by a miko, therefore it was miko magic, not something that youkai's are taught. I was not expected to know. And had this Sesshomaru tried again I am sure that I would have accomplished the task on my own.

Whatever. The miko is no ordinary woman, and you know that she is to be ours.

Sesshomaru sighed audibly, realising what he had done and glanced around to check he had not been heard by anyone. Reassuring himself that it was the absence of the miko that made him forget himself he turned back to the conversation with his beast.

: While this Sesshomaru may not understand the reasoning, I am not so blind as to ignore that there is a certain attraction to the miko. Whether she is to be my mate...

OURS!

: Very well... our mate...though is not up to us. She must choose herself.

We must ask her soon. She will not know how we fell unless we tell her. We must make her our mate when she returns.

Sesshomaru grimaced internally. Telling her would mean facing the possibility of rejection, and he did not think that he could stand that. He had never been denied anything in his life, and the few demonesses that he had bedded over his lifetime had thrown themselves at his feet without him ever having to speak to them. Their readiness had sworn him off taking random bed partners for the last 500 years. The prospect of being rejected by a woman, a miko no less, was unnerving. He did not think his pride would be able to handle it.

: This Sesshomaru will not tell her how I feel. It is unbefitting for a Lord to open himself up so readily. However, I will show her a little more of myself when we meet for training upon her return, and will gauge whether she feel the same. I will attempt to court her properly before I talk to her of such things as mating.

He could tell that his beast did not like the compromise, but before it could fight back he pushed it down, locking it once more away in its chains in the deep recesses of his mind.

Pacing the ground of a track running through the forest named after him, Inuyasha tried to sort out his feelings in his head. He was slowly coming to terms that while he loved Kikyo, he wanted to spend his life with Kagome. She was always there for him, didn't ask him to change for her, had always wanted him for him. Though he wasn't sure if he was too late now. The only way was to go to her and talk things through, but he had never been good at that sort of thing. He hid his feelings behind his rough exterior, fearing getting hurt again.

He was ashamed of his behaviour yesterday. He had been worried about her, but instead of telling her that he had shouted at her, yelling to release his feelings, but hadn't meant to do so at her. She had been the one person that he didn't want to yell at, but he couldn't stop himself. He couldn't control himself when he was around her.

He grimaced when he remembered the things he had said to her. He knew that she lived in the future, yet what he said made it sound like he didn't care about her. He was just so terrified that she would return to her time after they defeated Naraku.

He could smell the half-breed approaching. While he was several miles away still, at the pace he was travelling he would be here in ten minutes. He wouldn't . . .no, he couldn't...yes, he couldn't allow Inuyasha to see him on the floor. It was unfitting for a youkai of his stature.

Glad that he had both arms in his weakened state Sesshomaru raised himself to his feet, standing tall under the Goshinboku while all he wanted to do was curl up in a ball until his miko returned.

Readying himself for the yelling that was sure to ensue he placed one hand on the hilt of Tokijin while his left glowed with deadly poison. However, he let it dissipate as he reached up and touched the mark on his forehead when it gave a burst of energy.

Sitting under the Goshinboku, Kagome still watched the doors of the well house for Inuyasha arrival. Suddenly the mark on her hip flared, though not with pain. Reaching her hand down she let one fingertip trace the outline of the blue crescent moon that symbolise Sesshomaru.

Suddenly she was sitting in the roots of the Sacred Tree that stood in the feudal era. Glancing around she could see no one. Stepping out of the trees trusses and roots she took in her surroundings.

The sun was high in the sky, much like it had been back in the future. Looking down at herself she saw she looked real enough, though felt strangely separate from her body. Racking her brains as to how she came to be here a memory of the very same feeling washed over her. A memory of a snowy morning, trapped in her own time realising she loved Inuyasha one second, and standing in front of the very same hanyou in the feudal era the next. Glancing around she searched for the boy that had called her to him before. However, she couldn't see him, or anyone else for the matter, around.

Walking around the tree she froze in her place in surprise. There in front of her stood Sesshomaru, one hand on the hilt of his sword, the other tentatively touching his mark. The stoop in his shoulders and slight grimace on his face told her he was in pain, a lot of it if it was enough to show through his normally emotionless face.

He suddenly noticed her presence, eyes flickering to meet hers. Gold clashed with blue as the two stared at each other in surprise.

Seeing him straighten, the small smile pulling at his lips that replaced the pain that had pulled at her heart she silently ran towards him. Throwing her arms around his shoulders she buried her face in his chest and quietly sobbed, at last letting out the pain caused by Inuyasha's words and the shock that realisation brought which had raged within her all day, unforgiving.

He stood there unmoving as she ran towards him and embraced him. He could smell her tears, feel them warm through his hoari as he lifted his arms and wrapped them round her waist, leaning his head down to inhale the sweet scent of her hair, feeling his strength slowly returning.

At his movement her grip around his shoulders tightened, her sobbing getting louder. He rocked her gently, rubbing circles in her back, trying to sooth the hurt and pain that the hanyou had unwittingly caused. However, her cries continued to get louder. They were beginning to assault his sensitive ears. He had to find a way to stop her crying before he went deaf. Unwrapping one of his arms he gently placed two fingers under her chin, tilting her face back towards his.

Staring into her eyes he pulled her forward as she moved up on to the tips of her toes. Dipping his head he captured her lips in a slow dance, holding her close to him with the hand that remained around her waist. The hand on her chin moved to the back of her neck, his fingers tangling themselves in her dark ebony locks.

He was surprised when she made the next move, tapping her tongue against his lips, demanding entry. Granting her wish he opened his lips, allowing her to taste him. Catching her tongue on one of his sharp fangs the light tingle of her blood filled his mouth, sending jolts of electricity up and down his body. He roughly pulled her closer, deepening the kiss with a savageness that she hadn't expected but thoroughly enjoyed as his eyes tinged pink.

They broke apart only when they both needed the air. Kagome stared at him for a second or two before she giggled. Sesshomaru watched her with confusion evident in his eyes.

: How is it that this girl can go from being in tears one second to laughing and happy the next? How can one woman have so many emotions?

"Duh...I'm human! Hah!"

Laughing she looked into his eyes, hands still wound around his neck, while he moved his down so they both rested on her hips.

"Hn, I must try to remember to block my thoughts when around you. Tell me . . .why were you crying?"

"Oh . . .that. It was just something Inuyasha said."

"I should have guessed the half-breed was behind it."

She slapped him on the arm. Staring at her, he silently nursed the bruise that he could already feel appearing. This miko had a hard punch.

"Don't call him that. It was nothing really; I suppose I just took it to heart too much. He only said that this wasn't my time, and that I didn't belong here, I belonged in the future. Nothing to cry over really."

Sesshomaru resisted the urge to snort. That fool. Inuyasha should know that you never disrespect a woman like that. His grip tightened slightly on he hips, though she didn't notice.

"And how is it that you are now here?"

"Well, I'm not sure really. I was sitting under the Goshinboku at the shrine where my family live and then my mark flared and I was suddenly here. It's happened once before, when i was trapped in the future and Inuyasha was sitting by the tree injured and I appeared here then s well. Both times I've seemed real enough."

Sesshomaru looked thoughtful.

"Hn, and why were in you in your own time?"

"IT'S NOT MY TIME!"

Sighing she looked away from him.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to yell. I was over there because Inuyasha said those things and I needed to get some stuff sorted out in my head. I need to talk to him soon."

"And were you aware when you left the effect your departure would have on this Sesshomaru?

Her eyes flickered back to hold his gaze, widening in realisation.

"Oh Kami, I'm so sorry, I completely forgot! Are you alright? Is that why you looked in pain?"

"This Sesshomaru will be fine, though my strength is not as it usually is. It would appear that while you are here with me in spirit, I am still weakened by the simple fact that you as a whole are not here."

Suddenly looking away into the trees he sniffed the air.

"As for the hanyou, he is almost here."

"Inuyasha's coming here?! Now. Promise me something, you two won't fight. Not in your state. Please?!"

"This Sesshomaru cannot promise you that, though I will say that I myself will not strike the first blow. If the half-br . . . hanyou strikes first, I will protect myself and my honour."

Kagome glanced worriedly at him, pulling herself out of his hold.

"But you won't be able to stop him! He's stronger than you think. Without your strength you could get hurt!"

Before he could reply Inuyasha burst from the trees, skidding to a halt in the dirt. He had caught his brother's scent a few minutes ago and had followed it to here. Glancing around he searched for whomever Sesshomaru had been talking to, though he had only heard his brother's voice. Seeing no one he faced the Taiyoukai who was standing under the Goshinboku.

"Alright Sesshomaru, who were you talking to and why are you here?"

: He can't see me! Can he hear me?"

: This Sesshomaru would advise that you do not test it. The half-breed may not be pleased if he found me to be talking to you.

Kagome nodded, hoping that the two would not fight.

"Inuyasha, I can be wherever I choose to be, and talk to who ever I wish. It is none of your business."

Inuyasha growled, unsheathing Tetsusaiga.

"Don't you dare talk down to me you bastard! I will kill you once and for all!"

Running forward he swept the Tetsusaiga down in an arch, releasing the wind scar. He expected Sesshomaru to easily dodge the attack, but he only just managed to roll out of the way. He stood up, slightly out of breath.

"Huh, hey Sesshomaru, you seem a little weak today! What's up? Are you having an off day? To bad I found you today, it's going to be no fun killing you!"

"Hn, do not underestimate filthy half-breed. While I may not be at my full strength today I can still easily dispatch you into the next life."

"Tell that to me once you're lying in pieces!"

Again he swung the Tetsusaiga, this time letting loose the Kongosouha. While Sesshomaru managed to avoid most of them one ripped through his left leg while another grazed his left arm, blood staining his white kimono.

"NO!! INUYASHA, STOP!! PLEASE!!"

However, Kagome's cries where useless as Inuyasha could obviously not see or hear her. However, Sesshomaru turned towards her, his stare boaring deep into her soul. He didn't notice as a rogue diamond shard ripped through his right shoulder, breaking his armour into two, blood spilling from the wound.

Kagome cried out, tears pouring down her face. Clenching her eyes she desperatley thought of her body, under the Goshinboku in modern Japan and turned, grasping for a hold in reality. She felt the world tighten around her, spinning at a great speed before it settled and she was once again in the shrine grounds.

Without pausing she threw herself up, running as fast as she could to the well house doors. Throwing them open she jumped down the flight of steps and threw herself into the depths of the well.

Her feet barely touched the bottom before she was grasping onto vines, pulling herself up out of the well and setting off at full pace towards the Goshinboku that she could see rising high above all the other trees.

Sesshomaru felt her leave, felt the heavy weight hang itself round his shoulders as he fought to stay standing. Another wave of crystal spears flew towards him. He rolled to the left, managing to avoid all but one as it screamed past his head, catching his cheek and ripping an ugly gash across his face.

Again he managed to barely avoid the wind scar and flicked his whi in the direction of Inuyasha. Catching him around the ankle, Sesshomaru pulled Inuyasha's feet out from under him, buying himself some time to raise himself to his feet as he prepared for the next onslaught of attacks.

Sprinting through the undergrowth she ignored the scratches and cuts she got from the low slung branches. Any serious injury she received in her struggle to get to her Taiyoukai she healed as she ran, barely slowing.

After what seemed like hours of running she burst into the clearing just in time to see Inuyasha swing the Tetsusaiga. In slow motion it coated itself in diamond, spears of adamant forming along the blade, released towards the man who only minutes ago had held her in arms.

She reached out her hand and called his name as she watched his gaze turn to her. He stared into her eyes as she let a burst of power fly from her outstretched hand, using all she had in her to make it move faster than the adamant shards. It exploded in a shower of pink and purple sparks to form a net infront of Sesshomaru, acting as a barrier which dissintergrated the diamond as it touched it, though she couldn't hold it. Her power draining, her barrier faultered before flickering out of existance, leaving the Taiyoukai standing under the Tree of Ages, defenceless and covered in his own blood as the last shard ripped through his chest, embedding itself into the wood of the tree behind it.

Kagome watched as the great Lord Sesshomaru fell to his knees as blood bloomed from his chest,staining his white hoari. Her eyes never left his as she ran towards him calling his name, arm still outstretched, tracks running down her cheeks where her tears had washed away the dirt and sweat from her run.

The last thing he saw after the shard cut through his chest too close to his heart, was Kagome running towards him. All sound was gone, but he could see those perfect lips yelling his name over and over, her face stained with the salty tears that he could smell on the air, even stronger than the unnatural scent of his own blood. Whether she was real or just another illusion that had come to him across the expanse of time he did not know. He held her eyes as he dropped to his knees, only closing them when he hit the floor, releasing himself up to the darkness, though not before he whispered through their link one last thought.

: Kagome, I love you.

A/N: Heehee, another cliffy, haven't done one in a while. I hope you all liked it, though i hope you didn't like the idea of ehat happened to Sesshomaru! If so then ur reading the wrong story sisters! We like Sesshomaru! lol.

Luv as always

Inufairiegirl

xxxxxxxxxxxx