DisclAiMer: I own not Inu-Yasha.

JeniNeji Comments:

THIS IS NOT THE END. THE END WILL BE ON CHAPTER 21. MY BETA READER IS WORKING ON THE REST OF THE CHAPTER. WE DECIDED TO DO THIS BECAUSE THE CHAPTER WOULD HAVE BEEN 68 PAGES LONG, TOO MUCH TO READ AND TOO MUCH TO BETA-READ AS WELL. I AM SORRY FOR THIS, I SWEAR I WANTED IT TO BE A SPECIFIC NUMBER, 20. AT THE END, I THINK THIS IS UNIMPORTANT, AND I DECIDED TO NOT DENY YOU THE READERS AN UPDATE.

AS ALWAYS, THANKS JOLEE FINCH FOR BETA-READING THIS. I KNOW IT WAS VERY LONG. I AM GRATEFUL THAT YOU HAVE PUT UP WITH MY LONG CHAPS FOR SO LONG.

NOTE: MY BETA IS MAKING A STORY FOR FRUITS BASKET, PLEASE, TAKE A LOOK, I KNOW SHE WOULD FEEL HONORED AND I VERY HAPPY IF YOU WOULD CHECK IT OUT. SHE A GREAT WRITTER TOO, SOME SUPPORT WOULD BE APPRECIATED!

xoOox

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Ruby Piedra: Many thanks to your warm reviews. I will post my email on my profile [just press my author's name JeniNeji to go the link] page so you can talk to me there, and I can get yours as well. I didn't quite get the email. I will advice you something, see if you can make your own account here on fanfiction, even if it's only to read, it has great advantages. Like story alerts, which send you an email whenever one of your favorite stories is updated, you can save your favorites stories to read them when you feel like it…Well, why not make one's life easier?

Angelique-06: I am happy then that you finally finished high school. Congratulations. I am in my last year of college…and God, I want to finish it as well. Well, there is a little more on this chapter, let's see if you can guess what's going to happen on the next chapter!

Yuti-chan: Thanks, I'm glad that you are enjoying reading my story. Hope you like this chapter as well.

DemonDeReves: You are right about the thing with Kikyo and Inu-Yasha, it was too quick. The truth was that I do enjoy those characters, but since the main pairing here it's Sesshomaru/Kagome I didn't want to spend much time on them. Even so, they aren't going to mate just yet…or anything. You'll see. And so again, I am also with you when you say that poor Sesshomaru never gets his answers, I know, it's awful. I feel sorry for him as well…but somehow, I know what is going to happen in each chapter…just an idea and then when I am writing to make THOSE things happen, well, sometimes is like…yes, then Sesshomaru must…not know or else, it won't happen and then it's like…Im sorry Sesshomaru…but I have to do it for the sake of the story. I sometimes imagine him telling me like…ahh I would have just kill them all to end all this misery…and then I am like…no, you are a nice boy…you just don't know it…[Yeah, I'm blabbering….I'm sorry]

Pandora-of-the-south: AHH. Like always you make my head spin with all those questions!! Hahaha. Well, most of them are answered here, and I hope you are all right with them. Pretty plz. Ah, and remember, Sesshomaru has lost his demonic powers…there is so much he can do…oh, and remember also that Kagome always remained tickled by the fact that she was kissed by Sesshomaru on the hot baths…is something that was engraved on her memory, on her unconsciousness…you aren't understanding why I am reminding this to you…but you will see J.

FluffyandKagome: Thanx. I like you current avatar also! Hope you like this chapter as well!

Jazzyinuluvsesshyxxoo: I am pleased that you are enjoying the scenes…ehmm…so many questions you have…ehmm yeah, Sesshomaru has become more possessive with the wait, I like Inu-Yasha's personality he is such a stress reliever, Kagome's memories are going to grow greatly…soon. About the future…I'll tell you later…and I am glad that my chapter helped you to deal with school stress. Yeah. Uff, that was so compressed, but I think I answered most of your review. Hahahaha. PD: I wanted to mention something personal to you. Every time I see your nick it reminds me of a character I once created to play on Facebook in a StarWars rp. Her name was Inluv Uit-Shtis…you see, the Inluv thing. Well, enjoy the chapter.

Zenfluence: Well, first of all I feel honored that you like my story. Second, I have three parts…though there is a possibility of a fourth, but that would be more like, and addition…a little peek at Kagome's and Sesshomaru's future, and it would be sort of post-anime. After defeating Naraku, restoring the Jewel, possibly getting rid of it, and living on present Japan. Part three will be more Inu-Yasha feudal era stuff. However, I have a question I wanted to make to someone first and so, since you asked about the parts, I ask to you. Do you think is better to make part three on a separate story…or keep it here??

xoOox

When the Past is the Future…

Chapter 20

Two Souls, One priestess

xoOox

Two young females crossed the clear forest in the morning. Silence engulfed them, neither wanting to speak their emotions since they were hardly understood. And like that, some minutes later, they finally reached a small cave. The older walked in first, followed by the younger one, which carried a few bags.

"Tell me again Kikyo, why are you taking care of this low life thief?" asked the young Kaede in clear disagreement "He deserves what happened to him" she added and turned her face away.

"He's a poor, lost soul" said Kikyo with pity. "It's only right that we care for someone as wounded, his burns don't allow him to move yet" she explained. "You don't sound like the priestess you are, Kaede" finally Kikyo admonished.

"But sister—"

"Enough, Kaede" interrupted Kikyo. "Stay here if you don't want to see Onigumo, I will feed him" she said with no room for argument and took the bags from Kaede and entered the cave. Kaede remained outside, her bow in hand and her quill of arrows on her back. After an intense glare, she sat on a fallen log to wait for her sister.

xoOox

"Congratulations on your birthday, Kagome" said the soft voice of Momo. "It's been so long since I last saw you" Momo continued as she brushed Kagome's long hair slowly.

"It's unbelievable" came in Koga's voice from the garden. "If Kagome was my mate, this would have never happened" he growled "You are an ass, Sesshomaru" he said with a voice filled with resentment and helplessness.

"Why are you here wolf? Are you trespassing?" asked the cold voice of Sesshomaru, who was reclined against a giant tree. His hard golden eyes were fixed on Koga, unforgiving.

"I'm telling Kagome of your lack of respect to her visitors" said Koga with attitude. "She will be pleased that I came by to visit" he added and held the urge to stick out his tongue. He walked forward to Kagome and Momo and smiled as Kagome's eyes landed on him "Greetings, Kagome" he said softly and knelt in front of her.

Sesshomaru watched as Kagome's head turned to the side as she looked at Koga. Her dull, clear eyes inspected him, but there was no sign that she recognized him. Sesshomaru didn't know if he should be glad or dejected. Kagome remained unfocused, her senses had been lost…but why didn't she die? Her soul had been stolen from her…unless she still held a little part of it…

"It's been almost a year now" commented Koga saddened "How can someone survive without one's soul?" he asked what everyone had been wondering for the last year, with no concern and no sense of property as he blurted the words.

Silence filled the place for a few seconds until Momo decided to break it. "It's unimportant, Kagome is alive and that is all" she said, trying to ease the atmosphere.

"Yeah" said Koga, unconvinced. His eyes remained on Kagome as she turned away from him and took the brush from Momo's hand and began to brush her hair, slowly, but steadily. She seemed far away, as if she only lived with herself. Koga blinked and turned to Sesshomaru with a frown. "What happened with the Jewel?" he asked, somewhat concerned "Is it still inside Kagome's body?" he reproached.

"No" said Sesshomaru after some seconds, his hard eyes on Koga. "Someone else is taking care of it" he explained, though he faltered to mention who was taking care of it, he didn't need to put the Jewel in danger.

"Aren't you supposed to be taking care of it?" asked Koga, crossing his arms over his chest. "Inu no Taisho would be jumping in his tomb if he found out about all this" he muttered discontent.

"Don't speak so rudely about my Father" reprimanded Momo. "There is just so much we can do, besides, I don't see you helping wolf?" she said with a scowl.

"Huh" said Koga "As if I could, Sesshomaru here had been ignoring my messages this last year, he wants me as far from here as possible" Koga said, showing little to no fear at all to the mentioned demon. "Like I said, it's futile" he finished and turned to look at the horizon.

Momo glared at Sesshomaru who merely ignored her. His eyes remained on Kagome, as always, watching if she showed any kind of progress to the presence of the visitors, but so far, nothing.

"Inu-Yasha" a soft whisper interrupted them all, earning startled stares in Kagome's direction. She continued to brush her long, black hair, her eyes unfocused as if in deep thought.

Both Koga and Momo turned to Sesshomaru, asking for an explanation. He raised an eyebrow elegantly, keeping his usual silence.

"What is the meaning of this, Sesshomaru?" asked Momo somewhat upset. "Why is she calling Inu-Yasha?"

"Wait" interrupted Koga "Who is Inu-Yasha?" he asked, raising his eyes to the blue sky, searching for the familiar name.

"Inu-Yasha is our younger brother! Idiot" fumed Momo "How could you forget something like that?"

"Right" he exclaimed and chuckled. "Sorry…I've never seen the brat" he excused himself, or tried to.

"So?" Momo asked once again. "Why has she been calling Inu-Yasha? Since when, Sesshomaru?" she asked threatening.

Sesshomaru shrugged his shoulders, as if it was something unimportant "A few weeks ago" he said monotonously.

"And why haven't you taken her to where Inu-Yasha is?" she asked enraged "It must be important!" she cried desperately.

"Why would I?" asked Sesshomaru and for the first time he turned his face to the side. "I have no intention of going to where the half-breed is" he said stubbornly.

"Do you even know where he is?" asked Koga to no one in particular, where could the younger heir be hiding?

Sesshomaru remained silent, but turned to Koga with a glare. He allowed his arms to fall to the side and walked forward a few steps, but Momo approaching him made him stop "So, you do know where he is" she reproached "Where is he? I'm taking Kagome there" she said without hesitation.

"You will do no such thing" Sesshomaru growled. "If someone is going to take Kagome to the half-breed, it will be me" he added sternly, too proud and stubborn to allow any doubtful hint in his word. He was Lord Sesshomaru, and he was to be respected.

"Then you will take her there, in the morning, you hear me, not whenever you like, tomorrow morning. Am I being clear?" Momo demanded with her golden eyes boring into Sesshomaru's similar ones "Or else, you won't find her here because I am going to take her to Inu-Yasha".

"You don't know where he is" Sesshomaru reminded her with a glare. "Stop meddling with our affairs" he growled.

"Our? Your affairs you mean, because I can only see that you are retaining Kagome here against her will" she growled back to him "And I am sure I can find my brother. Brother" she spat challengingly.

"You wouldn't dare defy me, Momo" Sesshomaru stated with cold and calculating golden eyes.

"Try me" were her last words as she walked away from him, the gardens and Kagome.

He took several breaths and growled some more, trying to regain his senses, but it was just so difficult. Why did everything have to do with Inu-Yasha? No one praised him for keeping Kagome safe for all of these years, no, they all argued his bad decisions. He shook his head angrily and his golden eyes found Koga's curious ones staring at him and it earned him a growl.

"Kagome" called Sesshomaru and he extended his right hand.

The brush froze in Kagome's hand and she instantly turned unfocused blue eyes to Sesshomaru. Soon enough, she stood from her chair and walked towards Sesshomaru slowly.

"She recognized you!" blurted Koga with disbelief "she didn't recognize us" he cried with frustration.

"I am her mate, don't compare yourself to me wolf" said Sesshomaru with his mighty attitude. "Or you will realize just how insignificant you are" he finished and took Kagome's offered hand and walked her inside the castle.

"Damned thief…she was to be my mate!!!" yelled Koga furiously before storming out of the castle to cool off.

xoOox

Night had dropped its dark sheet over the village. The village had grown immensely since she arrived almost a year ago. With her protection, no demon had been able to attack and the villagers had been able to extend the reach of its territory. Almost twenty bridges of wood, painted red, had been created and now they finally reached the Tree of Ages and the Bones Eaters' Well. The magic had finally become attainable to the village. With the addition of these two pure infused items, the village will surely be safer. She had made the village safer.

At last, she was someone. She was respected by the villagers, she was loved by the children and she was loved by Inu-Yasha. She was finally someone, she was growing to be a woman, she was growing free. She took her necklace on her hand and stared at the Shikon no Tama. It was glowing its innocent pink, but even so, she disliked the Jewel. It was the only thing between her and happiness. She was thankful, she had met Inu-Yasha because of the Jewel…but she wanted to get rid of it. She wanted the life of an ordinary woman…to marry and have children, that's what she truly wanted.

"Kikyo" the always intrusive yell of Inu-Yasha woke her from her gaze. She looked up to the hill to see Inu-Yasha dashing down at high speed. If his smirk wasn't in place she would have become frightened, but she knew everything was all right.

He stopped just at her side and his golden innocent eyes stared at her with awe, as always. Her face gave him a mixture of feelings that he had yet to name, but the sense of peace and comfort were enough for him now. "I just killed some demons that were just about to try a knack for the Jewel" he said proudly and crossed his arms in front of him "Meh, bunch of weaklings" he said with a smirk, pleased at his strength.

Kikyo smiled truthfully, she just couldn't help herself "Inu-Yasha, you don't have to do that" she admonished "I am it's guardian after all, it's my duty" she reminded him as she came to her feet and brushed dust from her red hakama.

"Huh" he said as he crocked his head "What are you talking about, woman?" he asked with a smirk. "They were lowly demons…I am simply disposing of the trash" he said proudly. "Besides…I just wanted to help" he said with a scowl and turned his face away from her, embarrassed, he didn't want to have to say that.

Kikyo giggled and her dark eyes softened. "Thank you" she said gratefully and began to give the rounds of the town once again.

"You seem tired, Kikyo" he commented while his ears moved slightly, sharply listening to the surroundings for any threat. "Maybe you should take a nap later…I'll watch over you" he offered innocently, his eyebrows furrowing with worry.

"I shouldn't" she said simply as she continued the round, her steps were slow but firm. "Besides, I am all right" she added to make some of his concern disappear.

"Kikyo…" he began, but blushed madly and turned his face away from her and muttered some encouragement to himself. After debating, he once again turned to her "…would you come with me to the river tomorrow?" he asked and his golden eyes locked with her expectantly.

Kikyo smiled "I would like it very much" she said softly "It has been some time since I last traveled by boat across the river" she commented and placed a finger in front of her lips "Too long in fact".

"Then it's settled…I'll take you there tomorrow" Inu-Yasha said proudly, his always cheerful nature taking over him. He walked past her, taking the lead in the rounds that were still to come, his eagerness and excitement clear to Kikyo as the shining stars on the dark night. Tomorrow.

xoOox

Night had fallen on the Western Lands and the reproachful words of Momo still rang into his sensitive ears. She dared to defy him…that's the reason he wasn't any kinder to Inu-Yasha, he didn't need yet another sibling to challenge him and treat him with such disrespect.

He walked the familiar halls out of the hot springs to his chamber, silently aware of the peaceful night. He decided he liked it, he just wanted to think about what he was going to do with Kagome calling for Inu-Yasha, and rest. After all, almost a week had passed since he last slept and he wasn't risking anything if he was up to travel with Kagome on her current condition.

He opened the door to his room to find Kagome sitting on a chair by the rock-made window, staring into the full moon. He shook his head at the familiar image, every single time the sky was granted with such moon, she would sit and gaze at it. He still remembered that she had liked that moon and he was happy to see that she still kept remains of her personality even in this soulless state. However, he hadn't yet gotten over the resemblance the full moon represented to his dead mother, it still upset him.

He walked to the futon and sat, reclining his head to the wall and closing his eyes, relaxing into Kagome's flowery scent. He shook his head as his heart twisted with despair, why was she calling for Inu-Yasha? Last he heard from the half-breed he had been tagging after the priestess that now guarded the Shikon Jewel, whether it was because he wanted the Jewel, which he hoped was the reason or he had fallen in love with the priestess, as the rumors claimed. He shook his head with regret, was it a gene his father had? To develop illogical feelings for human women?

Movement made his golden eyes instantly focus on the room and on Kagome, who was now standing by the window. Bathed in the moonlight, she seemed to regain the image of immortality, but he knew better, she was anything but immortal since the day she had given the Jewel. Instead, her aging had accelerated and she was a fully grown woman by now. Nearing her twenties in human age if he were to guess.

The memories of the day at the Exterminator's Village came to hunt him many times, the feeling of weakness and helplessness never being greater than in that precise moment.

Days had passed before his instincts abandoned him and he stopped his strain on the chains that tied him, and so days had passed before he had been allowed to see Kagome. She was alive, if it could be called so. The Healers had told him that she hadn't moved an inch since she had been brought from the attack on the Temple and he felt his heart sink at this piece of information. It had not been giving up the Jewel that had caused this, it had been Naraku's demoness, she had stolen Kagome's life somehow, her spirit, her soul or whichever thing was the one to provide her with a conscience. He growled inwardly, beyond enraged with what had happen and he watched as the Healers scurried silently past him and out of the room, leaving him alone with his half-mate.

He sat down next to her and watched her with apprehensive eyes, but noticing nothing different from how she usually slept. She seemed as if she were merely sleeping, but he knew better, she wasn't going to wake up anytime soon, not unless he recovered what had been stolen from her. He took her hand and pressed it to his cheek in search of silent and invisible comfort.

"Sesshomaru" the whisper invaded the silence and he almost swore it was his imagination, but Kagome weakly rubbing her thumb against his cheek told him a different story.

"Kagome?" he had called softly but with a hidden desperation, wondering if she was sleeping. He wanted her to talk, to wake up, to tell him she was all right. He will not allow her to fall asleep, he will not allow her to abandon him. Never.

"My soul…" she said almost inaudibly "…is where it…must be…" she told him and as the words were said, her voice took more effort to say them. Sweat began to roll down her forehead and a frown marred her usually peaceful face.

"No" breathed Sesshomaru and held her hand tighter and brushed her bangs from her face "It belongs to you !"

Kagome gasped and her back arched in discomfort. "She's…near!" she gasped and her blue eyes opened wildly, finding Sesshomaru's golden eyes for a moment.

"I'll kill her and bring you back your soul, Kagome" he promised and escaped the room in a hurry, not wanting for Kagome's soul to go any further away. If he didn't manage to find it, she will die…or so he thought.

He failed to notice as a young priestess walked towards Kagome, the complete Shikon Jewel in hand. She gasped at the immense aura the demon carried and her hands came to her heart, trying to calm it from the scare. She then continued inside to look at the woman who they said was her reincarnation, Kagome. As she entered the room, she felt her heart skip a beat as sharp blue eyes settled on her.

"Kikyo" she heard her name being whispered and she stopped in the doorway.

Kikyo once again took the Jewel and pressed it to her heart and then out of nowhere, fell to her knees when a strange wind invaded the room and took part of her restored soul and was eaten by Kagome. She refrained from screaming, not wanting to alert anyone, but dragged herself away from Kagome. "What are you doing?!" she cried.

"Live happy, Kikyo" said Kagome, with a kind smile "and love, please love" she repeated and after another small smile, she fell asleep.

Kikyo looked astonished as her reincarnation fell asleep and escaped the room, fearing that Kagome would take the soul she had stolen and her chance to prove herself would be snatched away.

…and yes, Sesshomaru had come back after a few hours to find Kagome asleep once again. He hadn't been able to find the demoness that had stolen Kagome's soul, but she had said she was nearby, yet he never found a trace of her or Naraku's scent. Defeated, he had returned to care for his half-mate instead.

Kagome, sitting on the futon at his side made him come out of his thoughts and he smiled, though he wasn't sure if her glazed and unfocused eyes could comprehend such a gesture. His hand came to her cheek and began to caress the soft and warm skin there, following a path along her jaw lazily. He had discovered that if they remained close, she retained a part of her, he wasn't sure if it was the half-bond but he was glad of it. On the rare and painful occasion where he had to go away, Kagome would remain asleep and unmoving, and that, somehow gave him a feeling of comfort, he was able to help her with his presence, he was needed. He was allowed to keep her close to him without the recrimination of some of his oldest servants.

"Sesshomaru" her soft voice demanded for his attention, and his hand stilled and his eyes came to her blue ones. She raised her own hand and trailed his face, softly as if he was something easily breakable. What a foolish notion that was, he was like stone compared to her fragility.

"Kagome" he said to gain her attention. "I am listening" he added, hoping that she will also hear him.

"Kiss me" she said, her eyes unfocused and distant, yet her request was clear and even.

Sesshomaru felt his muscles tense at her words, the veiled emotions he always controlled exploding wildly and clenching his chest with untold, unexpected and misunderstood emotions. He watched as she knelt in front of him with a frown on her face. "Do you not like me?" she asked with childish hurt.

He sighed and groaned loudly, the mix making a strange sound and he pulled her closer to him, embracing her with all the warmth he had for her, that he had saved after all these years, all the love and care he could call upon at the moment. "I do" he ragged and dug his face on her neck, inhaling her scent once again, never he indulged on this closeness with her, knowing she was not fully aware of her, but when she invited temptation like she just had, he couldn't help it. "Kagome" he called and felt her stir under his embrace and he knew he had her attention. "Are you aware of what you are asking?" he asked softly on her ear.

She whimpered softly and Sesshomaru let go of her to see her eyes, a bad habit which no longer served since her eyes had been dull for a year now. However, when he separated them Kagome's hand swiftly caught his cheeks and pulled him towards her, earning a gasp from him. She was close, very close to him and Sesshomaru could do nothing but stare at her as she closed the distance between them.

Her lips were soft and alluring. Their movements against his own lips were shy, but determined and he didn't know what to do with any of it. His mind had gone blank and the only thing in the world right now was the feeling of her lips, only that, and he couldn't wish for anything else. He relaxed, and he felt many tickles as his muscles did so, still reclined on the wall with Kagome kneeling in front of him. He slowly embraced her again and played with her black hair, cherishing every second of this moment. Questions surfaced in him, should he kiss her back or should he let her do what she pleased?

With a little growl, he placed his right hand in the back of her head and moved her head slightly to be able to capture her on his own kiss, and so he kissed her, slowly and not holding into her in case she wanted to stop. He just prayed that she didn't want to; he knew he didn't want to stop.

xoOox

A man scurried through the darkness of the forest, panting heavily. He turned to glance back only to note that he was not being followed, however, he couldn't seem to stop. He needed to get away as far away as he could. It was a demon! The gorgeous female was a demon! He had been tricked!

He should have listened to his father's advice…what advice? His father never gave advice about women! It was the fate of his family, he was sure, a despairing woman must have cursed them. It was the only thing that made sense, the reason why they never seem to find a woman to marry. Cursed lecherous hands!

Well, now cursed he was. Another glance backwards, and he was not being followed, then relief filled him. The town was nearby, he needed to reach it. Pitch-black night was not a healthy place for a monk to spend time, less with this new curse. His hateful blue eyes glared at his right hand, were beads covered the purple cloth that now served to retain the powers of the black wind tunnel. He was shitting himself, never before he had felt like this, he was a monk damnit, and a strong one!

And a lecherous one…his mind interrupted him but with a growl, he managed to shut the annoying voice. The fires from the torches of the guards of the town made him release breath, though he had little air in his lungs, he had been running for hours.

He was cursed, cursed, cursed…but how gorgeous that woman had been. Stupid, stupid, he was so stupid, how could such alluring curves blind him to her true nature. Demonic, demonic, and hell, damn evil she was. The worst thing was that later on, he discovered that she was not one, gross! He had kissed a man! He felt like throwing up, later, he didn't have time for that now.

With some more steps, he began to descend the hill just in front of the entrance of the town, but things won't be easy, he realized. Howls of demons invaded the night and the bells of the guards answered immediately at the surging threat. The monk tried to run faster, but his feet tangled and he rolled down the hill only to be stopped by a formation of rocks. He would have screamed, if he had the air, instead he freed the beads of his hand and opened it as if his life depended on it, the truth was, his life did depend on it.

The sucking sound of the Wind Tunnel engulfed the whole area and the anguish-frightened screams of the demons replaced the hungry growls of moments before. The monk watched with sick fascination as his cursed hand drew in the demons, saving him from them. What seemed like an eternity was really half a minute and after he had taken care of the demons, he once again closed his hand and locked the curse with the holy beads. He stood and then fell to his knees as his hand throbbed painfully, the Wind Tunnel was expanding!

The guards ran down to the fallen monk and helped him to his feet. They dragged him inside town and locked the gates after them, they hurriedly took him to the priestess in town who immediately began to search for the source of the pain. "Monk" she called with concern "What ails you?" she asked, her short black hair touched his chin as she tried to open his eyes and see if he had a concussion.

"My hand…is cursed" he managed to whisper painfully and silence engulfed the room.

The sound that interrupted was the strong slap of a hand against a cheek "Pervert!" screamed the priestess before coming to her feet and stepping back from him "A cursed hand?" she yelled frustrated. "Lecherous monk!" she cried before leaving the room with mutters of annoyance.

The monk's hand came to his cheek and caressed it with a pout. "Women these days are so lively" he said to himself "but what a nice rear she had…" his dreamy eyes were interrupted by an awful memory and he stared at his hand. A few hours had passed since the demon, Naraku, pierced his hand and gave him the curse…a curse that will pass to his children. Did he even want to have children? Yeah, he did, how many nights did he want to sleep embraced to a woman's soft and warm skin? Every single night…he was sure. He shook his head and sat, he needed to find the demon which cursed him and kill him, to get rid of this curse. Yes, that is what he was going to do, hunt the demon now.

xoOox

"Where is Kagome?" Koga asked rashly as he walked to the gardens. His eyes were angered and his movements were stiff.

Momo raised an eyebrow elegantly and turned from her book to him. "He went to take Kagome to Inu-Yasha, of course" she said as if it was obvious. "She's with Sesshomaru" she added, just in case he was so stupid as to not understand her previous statement.

"Why didn't you go with them?" he asked, confusion sketched on his face "They should be chaperoned" he added grumpily.

Momo burst laughing "Chaperoned?" she asked as if it was the stupidest thing she has ever heard. "They are mated Koga" she reminded him "Besides, Kagome sleeps with Sesshomaru" she informed him, in case he didn't know.

He didn't know. "What?!" he ragged. "Why?!" he asked as his blue-grey eyes bore into her. "She's not even conscious of her actions! He's taking advantage of her!" he growled protectively. "She doesn't love him, she loves me!"

Momo's laugh died and her face turned serious "Loves you?" she asked with disbelief. "Koga, she's mated to Sesshomaru" she reminded him, setting the book aside and sitting straight. "She's not available for you"

"He forced her" growled Koga "I was here the night he marked her, he forced her" he ragged and began to pace impatiently. "She was mine! I had claimed her!" he cried in frustration.

"Koga" Momo's voice was soft as she spoke. "Kagome has always been his" she told him softly. "Even Father knew it, she smelled like him since the day they first met" she told him. "No one wanted to accept it, not Father, not Sesshomaru…not even I, but it was the truth, as you have seen, she belongs to him and he to her" she tried to smile apologetically "Why do you think my brother never mated no one else? Why did you think he marked her and not Amaru?" she let the question trail for a few moments "Because he has always known she was his mate" she told him saddened. "I'm sorry".

"But I love her!" he cried "I do, and I don't want to let her go, she's unique, she's she's…Kagome" he finished sulkily "I want her to be my mate" he said in despair.

Momo stood and squeezed him, earning a gasp. His body was tense on her embrace, but she didn't mind "Let them be happy, Koga, let my brother, please, he has always been alone, don't take Kagome from him" she begged softly.

Koga growled but embraced her nonetheless and dug his face on her hair. After short minutes, he had calmed somewhat, but didn't let go of her. "If she sleeps with him…" Koga began and his hand tensed for a moment, "Why is she still untouched?"

Momo sighed. "Because he respects her, and her decisions" she said softly. "He wouldn't take advantage of her" she smiled sadly "He loves her" she said enviously.

"Why are you still untouched?" he asked, and now she was the one who tensed "Weren't you being courted by the thunder demon?" he asked curiously, stepping back from her to see her. She was serious, deadly serious.

"I left him" she said bitterly and walked away from him and into her seat. "Don't misunderstand, neither did something to the other" she explained. "It's just that I discovered something, about myself and I left him" she finished, not wanting to add.

"What was that?" he pressed on, earning a heated glare from the young silver haired demoness. Her golden eyes, which had been masked with the obnoxious pink for years, dug into his soul. But he didn't back down either, he wanted to know.

"I can't conceive" she said bitterly "and so, I've decided that I won't mate anyone" she said determined, her eyes looking at the horizon, utterly quiet.

"I think you are stupid" Koga muttered darkly and turned his back to her and began walking away and out of the gardens.

"No" she muttered "You are stupid" she said and flee to the palace and the study, after all, she had to take care of the palace for Sesshomaru now.

xoOox

Inu-Yasha waited by the forest with crossed arms, but no scowl marked his face. He was deadly calm, serious even, as he stared out towards the horizon. He had asked Kikyo to marry him this morning, after the little trip on the river. It had taken all his courage to muster those two stupid yet difficult words. He knew she would accept, she had asked him when they first met to free her from the Shikon Jewel, however, it didn't help with his nervousness, not one bit. She had said yes, and that simple word had made his heart beat harder, made it beat happier. Still, concern washed over him at the thought of the Jewel. Why was Kikyo so desperate to make it disappear? Was this how Kagome felt also? Hell, Kagome cared for the Jewel for centuries! Was the item so despicable? And Kikyo wanted to use it on him?!

He began to pace the little clearing, upset and nervous. What if it killed him? He felt the white ears at the top of his head lower in fright. He had promised, he couldn't turn back now. Did he want to be human?

That was an important question. He wouldn't have his sense of smell, his over sensitive nose or sharp hearing, that would surely put him in disadvantage. What if someone tried to harm them? He would have to trust Kikyo. She was strong, he knew, but still as a half-demon he could have taken care of her way much better than a human. But if the Jewel existed, Kikyo would never be free to live the life of an ordinary woman…how troublesome.

What was taking her so long? He mused with a scowl, she was late! He continued his impatient pacing until he heard someone moving nearby. He turned to the sound and saw Kikyo on her usual priestess clothes. "Took you long enough" he said somewhat annoyed "are we doing it now?" he asked, searching for the necklace with the Jewel but faltering to see it.

He watched as she raised her left arm with her bow ready and her right hand flashed to the quiver of arrows. "Inu-Yasha" she called with fiery eyes as she prepared her arrow "Die!" and the arrow flew towards him.

Inu-Yasha barely dodged the arrow by rolling to the side. "What the hell?!" he yelled and jumped to the side again as a second arrow stuck to the ground. "What's wrong with you?" he asked confused but began to run in circles for she continued to shoot her enchanted arrows. "Kikyo!" he called for her to stop, but she didn't and so, he ran.

He escaped to the dense forest and immediately her steps followed at amazing speed. He cursed his luck, for he had done nothing that deserved this treatment. She didn't love you. He growled the painful thoughts away.

"Inu-Yasha" Kikyo pierced the area again, her steps were closing in.

"Leave me alone!" screamed Inu-Yasha and he jumped over some big rock, only to have an arrow struck the hem of his haori. His eyes flashed red for a moment before he turned to see Kikyo looking at him. "Traitor!" he yelled the painful words "Air reaper, soul stealer!" he screamed, sending the deadly attack of his claws towards her and jumped away to the Temple where he knew Kikyo left the Jewel when she didn't carry it with her. The Jewel was going to be his and he will become a full-fledged demon!

xoOox

Kikyo tried to dodge his attack but she couldn't and it hit her right shoulder, digging into her once flawless skin and pouring a pool of blood at her feet. She fell to the floor and screamed out in pain. Why?! Why was Inu-Yasha injured? Why did he attack her? Weren't they in love? Wasn't he going to become human to marry her? Did he betray her?

She trashed on the floor, the pain was unbearable. Her thoughts returned to Onigumo, the man she had nourished to life, the man she had saved from the burns. She had gone to the cave as usual only to find it empty and with a demonic aura. The demons had eaten him! That's what she had thought, but she was wrong, a sound made her turn to see a naked man walking towards her. She stood straight and her hand clenched her bow tighter.

"Kikyo" he whispered and he chuckled with awe. "It's me, Onigumo" he said and stared at his beautiful skin and clenched and unclenched his hands, measuring the strength of his arms.

"You called upon demons" she ragged disgusted. "You have become a half demon!" she cried with disgust. "Why would you do that?!" she questioned full of disbelief.

His mouth fell open with surprise "I…I wanted to be with you" he said full of remorse "I love you Kikyo!" he explained desperate and tried to get closer.

"No" she screamed and began to walk away from him. "You are a monster! A half-demon!" she cried and ran from him. "You disgust me! Get away or I will kill you!" were her last words before she vanished.

Onigumo was frozen to the spot. He thought she would be happy, he thought he would be with her, help her, love her, but no, she hated him. A chuckled sounded around him and he tensed "Who is it?" he asked fearful.

"I am Naraku" the baboon said with a sardonic smile. "And you are my food!" he ragged and before Onigumo could muster a sound, he was surrounded by dozens of tentacles and absorbed into Naraku's body. After moments were the new energy rearranged on itself, Naraku took of his mask and smirked "Now for the Jewel".

Kikyo remembered feeling Naraku nearby. Had he betrayed her? Had Inu-Yasha betrayed her? Who? What had happened?

She managed to get on her feet and expanded her senses to the village. Inu-Yasha was going for the Jewel. He had betrayed her! She had to stop him before he steals the Shikon Jewel. She dragged her feet as fast as she could, she was the guardian of the Jewel and she was not going to allow the dangerous item to be stolen!

The way to town with her bleeding injuries had been the worst she has had her entire life. What must have been minutes had felt like an eternity. Never she had allowed any demon to injure her like this, and he, Inu-Yasha, her beloved, had killed her! Yes, the wounds were fatal, she knew it and her unconsciousness also did. She will not survive the night.

The screams of her fellow villagers alerted her of an attack, the harsh breaking of wood, and a red ball flying high on the sky. It was Inu-Yasha, he had the Jewel. She pressed her shoes to the hard wood and tensed her legs, they needed to be able to carry her for half a minute, half a minute, that's all she needed.

Gritting her teeth, she raised her bow and with a painful cry raised her injured right arm and took an arrow. Inu-Yasha was near, she could feel him, she could feel him like no other being in the world. The half-demon she loved.

The sound of hard feet on a higher bridge near her alerted him of his nearness. "Inu-Yasha" she yelled, her voice came firmer than she had expected. She pulled the arrow back and then…their eyes met.

Confused gold locked with hateful brown. Time seemed to have stopped. His eyes traveled to the awful wound on her shoulder, her eyes traveled to the pink orb on his hand. His eyes fell on her arrow, her eyes fell on his heart. A second later…

Her arrow had pierced his heart, he was stuck to the tree of Ages. The Jewel fell to the floor, his hand remained on the air as if trying to catch the item or reach out to her. She didn't know.

"Kikyo" he whispered brokenly "Why?" he managed weakly before his eyes fell and his consciousness fell on a deep slumber.

"Sister Kikyo!" screamed a childish voice as a lone girl ran down the many stairs that connected the bridges. Her right eye had been injured some days ago, but the girl seemed oblivious as she ran wildly.

Kikyo fell to her knees with the collected Shikon Jewel. Her eyes stared at the purified item, she could use it to save herself. But it would taint it. Her eyes traveled once again to the sleeping form of Inu-Yasha. She had killed him, she had killed the love of her life, her own hands!

"Sister Kikyo" the girl had finally reached her sister. "You are bleeding" she screeched deadly afraid. "We have to treat your wounds" she said, alarmed at how pale her sister look.

"It's too late, Kaede" she said to her younger sister, but then her eyes became hard and determined. "See that the Jewel is burnt with my body, it must not fall into the hands that would use it" she told Kaede sternly.

Kikyo watched as the younger girl nodded her head, tears flew from her eyes. Kikyo smiled her last smile before she felt the life escape her. Kaede's screams broke the peace of the forest and her sobs broke the villager's souls. Their priestess had died.

Hiding among the shadows, Naraku watched. His heart clenched, even when he knew that this was going to happen, he felt his heart cry out at the scene in front of him. Why did she choose to die? She could have lived, with the Jewel.

His red eyes locked on the unconscious half-demon pinned to the tree. He should kill him, make him pieces. That way, he would not be able to aid Kagome fifty years from now.

However, his thoughts stilled as a familiar aura neared. It was Sesshomaru's.

xoOox

Startled gasps, followed by bows were the immediate response of the villagers when the Lord of the Western Lands arrived to the Tree of Ages. The dragon, Ah-Uh landed dutifully and elegantly, making their introduction more effective. Fear covered every single scent on the area, nothing new, just over reactive. Why?

"Lord Sesshomaru" a young man said, his head still bowed and so Sesshomaru had to pay attention to find who had spoken. "We didn't mean to hurt him" the villager continued and now Sesshomaru could pinpoint which one was.

"What is that you speak off?" asked Sesshomaru coldly. "Why should this Sesshomaru be concerned about something you did?" he asked coldly, his golden eyes raking every single person in front of him, he wasn't about to put Kagome in any danger.

"He killed her!" screeched Kaede, coming to her feet with hateful tears blurring her vision. "Inu-Yasha killed my sister!" she cried and her wails made Sesshomaru's sensitive ears hurt.

"Where is Inu-Yasha?" asked Sesshomaru coldly, his eyes narrowing dangerously. He let go of the reigns of Ah-Uh and slipped down the dragon. A veiled shape remained over the dragon, silently gazing to the floor.

"Kikyo pinned him to the Tree of Ages" Kaede said angrily. "He had stolen the Shikon Jewel" she justified between sobs, she knelt next to her sister, and dug her tear face on the sleeve of her kimono.

Sesshomaru's eyes froze, as did his movements. Inu-Yasha was dead? He narrowed his eyes and looked around him, to find his younger sibling pinned to a tree, yet his aura remained. He turned to Kagome cautiously, they had not reached Inu-Yasha in time, was this why she had been urging him to bring her here?

Sesshomaru turned to the sobbing young girl. "Girl" he called coldly "Bring the Shikon Jewel to me" he demanded, his golden eyes locking into her smaller frame.

"No!" she replied heatedly. "My sister ordered me to burn the Jewel with her body" she explained and hid the Jewel inside the folds of her kimono. Her brown eyes stared at Sesshomaru with defiance and he found himself narrowing his eyes, she reminded him of Kagome. This was just wrong? Were all priestess defiant or had they lost their fear towards him?

Sesshomaru took a menacing step forward. "You will give this Sesshomaru the Shikon no Tama unless you want to die" he threatened and a growl escaped his throat.

Kaede whimpered and crouched over, trying to hide the Jewel from him, determined to protect the item from the demons.

"Give him the Jewel, child" urged a villager, his eyes darting between Sesshomaru and Kaede. "Do not waste your life like this" he tried to reason with her. "Your sister wouldn't have wanted that" he continued but Kaede shook her head in denial.

Sesshomaru snarled and dashed to take the item forcefully from the girl. Horrified gasps escaped the villagers and Kaede let out a frightened shrill, but when he was about to rip the front of her kimono, a strange sensation made him stop.

A white gale began to float around the corpse of the young black haired priestess. Every single person was watching the even with wide eyes, uncomfortable with the sudden reaction. What was happening to their dead priestess?

Light footsteps were heard on the wooden bridge and all eyes turned to the sound, of course, Sesshomaru's eyes were one of those. A small figure covered on a dark robe walked towards them. With incredible force the gusts of winds that were Kikyo's soul began to fly to this silent figure, digging themselves into it.

"A soul eater!?" screamed a villager in panic "I thought there was just the Soul-Pipe" he whispered and stood from his bow and began to walk away. Looking at their companion's strange behavior, many copied him. Panic overwhelming them.

Suddenly the air stopped, and so did the hooded figure. Every one was silent and Sesshomaru stood regally, silently greeting the figure behind him.

"I am sorry for your loss little priestess" said the warm voice of Kagome, smooth and human "However, with your sister's passing, the Jewel must come back to my protection" she explained softly and her hands removed the veil of her hood to reveal her face.

Gasps were heard around her as the people took on her appearance. "Lady Kikyo!" many exclaimed "She has come back, she possessed the body of yet another human to keep protecting us" they gossiped between them, but a loud growl silence them.

"I will kill all those who falter to show the proper respect to my mate" growled Sesshomaru at the group of rejoicing humans "This is not Kikyo" he said sternly "This is Kagome, Lady of the Western Lands" he growled once again, to assure them that he will not forgive more imprudence to his mate's name and position.

xoOox

To be continued…on chapter 21

JeniNeji's Note:

THIS IS NOT THE END. THE END WILL BE ON CHAPTER 21. MY BETA READER IS WORKING ON THE REST OF THE CHAPTER. WE DECIDED TO DO THIS BECAUSE THE CHAPTER WOULD HAVE BEEN 68 PAGES LONG. TOO MUCH TO READ AND TOO MUCH TO BETA-READ AS WELL. I AM SORRY FOR THIS, I SWEAR I WANTED IT TO BE A SPECIFIC NUMBER, 20. AT THE END, I THINK THIS IS UNIMPORTANT, AND I DECIDED TO NOT DENY YOU THE READERS AND UPDATE.

NOTE: MY BETA IS MAKING A STORY FOR FRUITS BASKET, PLEASE, TAKE I KNOW SHE WOULD FEEL HONORED AND I VERY HAPPY IF YOU WOULD CHECK IT OUT. SHE A GREAT WRITTER TOO, SOME SUPPORT WOULD BE APPRECIATED! [ w .net/s/5172477/1/ ]

PREVIEW [Sorry for the possible grammar mistakes…it hasn't been beta-read yet]:

Chosen scene 1:

"Come in Kagome" the same haunting voice instructed.

Kagome stopped a moment to look around her, but she couldn't see nor sense anyone. She continued forward and walked up a set of stairs and stopped under the doorframe of the entrance of the dark castle. Miasma still lingered on the air, it was most difficult to breathe.

"Surprise!" said the voice cruelly "I killed them" the voice added and laughed darkly.

Kagome was frozen in place. Her eyes set on the dangling corpses tied on the roof. Companions she recognized from earlier: the young fox demon, the demon exterminator, the monk and finally Inu-Yasha. The world stopped around her as recognition watched over her, she knew these people! She loved these people!

"You can still revive them" the voice spoke once again, this time on her right ear "You just have to make a wish with the Shikon Jewel" the baboon masked man said with a smirk that she faltered to see "You want to do it, don't you?" he asked with a haunting voice "Then do it" he pressed on.

xoOox

Chosen scene 2:

A moment later Sesshomaru pulled away and Kagome narrowed her eyes at him "Did you find this kiss unpleasant?" asked Sesshomaru as he moved to kiss her cheek, her nose, her forehead.

Kagome shivered warmly as he kissed her "N-No" she said as he continued kissing her in any place his mouth could find.

Sesshomaru's hand came to her neck and moved her head to the side and kissed her neck up to her ear "Did you like it?" he asked once again as he began to exchange between kisses and nibbling.

Kagome's right hand came up to his white hakama and clenched her fist on the silken cloth, pulling herself closer to him, her eyes looking everywhere and anywhere at the same time.

Sesshomaru chuckled softly "I will take that as an affirmative"

PLZ REVIEW.