Chapter Twenty-Four

Knowing that the final fight was coming up, the ragtag group opted to stop in the next village to tend to any damaged equipment while restocking their supplies. "I think we should stay a couple days." Kagome said as they gathered to eat lunch. "That way we can be sure we're at full strength because once the final fight starts, there is no turning back."

"Agreed." Sesshomaru said.

"Sounds good to me." Sango said while the others nodded in agreement. Thankfully Inuyasha had remained blissfully silent after she'd beat him repeatedly with her boomerang and as a result Kagome seemed more calm.

Another bonus to staying in this particular village was that it was situated at the base of a mountain and there were several hot springs created in step fashion at the back of the village. After lunch Kagome grabbed her bag and headed for the springs with every intent on relaxing for a change, the past couple of days had her aura on edge and she needed to get it flowing smoothly again.

Instead of hopping in right away, she took a seat on a smooth rock and drew her sword, intending to check it over to ensure it was in good condition.

"That is a strange blade you carry."

Her head whipped up to find Sesshomaru of all people standing there with what looked to be a towel in his hand. "What about it?" She asked as she watched him drape the towel over a screen designed for changing.

"Who made it?"

"A very reputable sword-smith in my time." She said as she held it up while looking over it with a critical eye. "I found the prayer in an old book at the library and had him chisel it into the metal, then once he'd given it to me I meditated over it to imbue it with my powers."

"May I see it?" He asked as he approached.

"Sure if you want to get zapped." She said wryly. "I ensured no youkai would be able to touch it, just in case I were to lose it in a fight. After all it would be utterly humiliating to be impaled by your own sword."

"Ah I see." He said as he watched her look it over.

"Yup, so what are you doing here?" She asked as she finally sheathed the sword and blinked up at him.

"I had thought to use the springs." He said smoothly.

"Um... okay." She said slowly.

"Relax Miko these springs are designed to give the maximum amount of privacy and as always I intend to behave myself." He said dryly.

Her gaze turned hard as she studied him, almost as if she were expecting him to be lying to her. But his demeanor remained the same and finally she sighed and looked away. "Alright."

He quickly turned away and headed for the screen to prevent her from seeing his smirk of triumph, she probably wouldn't appreciate it, but she had told him to be himself. In the end he reasoned once he'd pointed that out to her, she wouldn't attempt to purify him.

Kagome studiously avoided looking at him as he emerged from behind the screen, true he'd wrapped the towel around his waist, she wasn't used to seeing him in anything less than his full getup complete with armor. This is to weird, I mean sure I know these hot springs are intended for both sexes, I just didn't think they used them at the same time.

"If you intend to get some relaxation time in I suggest you be quick about it, the villagers tend to use the springs just before dinner, when they can be bothered to bathe at all that is." Sesshomaru called out from the spring he was currently seated in.

"Right." She mumbled as she grabbed her own towel and headed for the screen while telling herself this was not going to be awkward. It's Sesshomaru for crying out loud, maybe he just wants to discuss our plan in privacy and while he's up here no one else would dare to intrude upon his privacy. That thought made her feel a lot better so she wasted no more time in stripping to the skin before tightly wrapping the towel around her midsection.

Once she was properly covered she retreated to her bag to drop her clothes off before grabbing her toiletry bag and headed over to the spring situated next to the one he was currently seated in. A quick glance told her that the natural wall dividing the spring would be high enough to maintain anyone's modesty while allowing them to converse freely. Okay so maybe this won't be so bad.

"Ooh." She hissed as she slipped into the warm water.

"Well it's hot water Miko, what did you expect?" He asked dryly from his lounging position against the opposite wall.

"I know that." She said irritably. "But I've still got bruises from our little sparring session the other night and sure the hot water helps with that, it doesn't mean the first few seconds has to be pleasant."

"I didn't injure you to bad I hope?" He asked as he lifted his head to look at her.

"Nah it's nothing serious." She said with a wave of her hand before slipping further into the water and sighed. "Oh yeah, this is so much better."

"You amuse me Miko."

"And why is that Sesshomaru?" She asked as she turned her head to look at him.

"Most humans wouldn't take the time to ensure their cleanliness."

"Yeah well in my time people are fastidious when it comes to being clean." She said dryly. "Being dirty makes you prone to sickness. Besides I like smelling clean."

"You are aware of your scent?" He arched an eyebrow at that.

"Well probably not as good as youkai are." She quirked her lips. "But I can tell you I prefer smelling clean to smelling like I just bathed in a mud puddle."

"Hn."

"Can I ask you something?" She asked before biting her lip in hesitation.

"What is it?" He asked as he climbed to his feet to move closer to the dividing wall, smirking as she averted her gaze even though the water went up to his waist.

"What... what do I smell like?" She asked finally once he'd reseated himself. "To a youkai?"

"Your youkai friends have never told you?" He asked curiously.

She sighed. "Inuyasha told me I smelled nice once, but he didn't elaborate and I guess I never really thought to ask."

"I see." He said as he cocked his head to the side to study her.

"Yeah, so?" She asked as she looked at him expectantly.

"Moonlight in the spring time." He finally said once she'd begun fidgeting.

"Come again?" She asked in confusion.

"That's the best way I can describe it Miko."

"Well what the hell does moonlight smell like?"

"It smells like... you." He said after a moment. "Inu scent things in an entirely different manner than humans do since our senses are so much more superior. We can scent things that you couldn't even imagine Miko."

"So is that a good scent or a bad one?"

"It is... not unpleasant." He said carefully.

"Moonlight." She mused as she dropped her gaze to the water as she chewed her lip in thought.

"In the spring time Miko." He said. "That is as much a part of your scent as moonlight."

"Well what does spring time smell like to you?" She asked as she blinked and looked back up at him. "I mean I know what it smells like to me and I think that's cool but yeah, I don't have your nose."

"It smells like... life newly formed and vibrant." He said absently as he started at a point over her shoulder. "Wild and un-tamable."

"Okay then." She said slowly. "That's totally off from what I was thinking."

"And what is your interpretation of it?"

"Um flowers?"

He smirked at her. "Vastly understated Miko."

"Okay so Moonlight and spring time combined smells like....?" She trailed off and peered at him.

"As I said, it smells like you."

"I guess I don't get it." She sighed.

"That is because you do not possess my sense of smell."

"Right, well then I guess I'll just stick with the knowledge that I smell pretty decent. I can live with that."

You have no idea Miko. He thought as he studied her. I've never met anyone with a scent as unique as yours and it is more than pleasant to be around.

"So when do you think we should tell the others about our plan?" She asked, effectively stirring him from his thoughts.

"I thought you did not wish to tell them?"

"Yeah well I'm thinking it might be a good idea, that way we won't have any mistakes."

"You should know by now with Inuyasha around there's always something bound to go wrong." He said pointedly.

"I know but maybe if we tell him then he can get his brain to work for once."

"Perhaps." He mused. "There is something I must do tonight, I'll be back by morning."

"Oh great you're going to leave me to deal with them by myself?" She groaned.

"If you do not wish to tell them the plan without having back up then wait until I return." He smirked. "And I'm sure you can find something to keep yourself occupied with in the meantime."

"Oh alright." She sighed then perked up. "Are you going to see your girl?"

"No."

"Well that's no fun." She grumbled as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"But I am going to get her something." He said. "I'd thought now would be a good time since we've chosen to rest here a couple days."

"Ooh what are you going to get her?"

"Perhaps I will let you see it when I return." He said slyly.

"You know, I really don't like surprises- even if they aren't for me."

"Relax Miko, I think you of all people would appreciate it for what it is."

She glowered at him a moment before huffing. "Fine be a sneaky dog about it."

He'd just opened his mouth to retort when a slight rustling coming from her side of the forest yanked him to full attention.

"I heard it to." She murmured as she sat up and warily started scanning the clearing while fanning out her senses, before she even got a chance to curse the oni leapt out of the trees and straight at her.

"You have jewel shards!" It roared.

She didn't even get a chance to react because from one moment to the next Sesshomaru was standing in front of her and with a swing of his arm sent the oni flying backwards. Without even bothering to think she leapt out of the spring and ran straight for her weapons, the moment she had an arrow knocked she whipped around then blinked in surprise. "Where did it go?"

"I don't know." Sesshomaru growled as he climbed out of the spring while scanning the area with his youki. The moment the oni had impacted into a tree it had vanished.

"If we fight back to back we have a better chance of taking it out if it reappears." She said as she darted her gaze around the clearing while snatching up her quiver and tossing it over her shoulder.

"Agreed." He said as he put his back to her while she moved to put her back to his, leaving enough space for freedom of movement.

For several moments the two circled around while scanning the area and the moment Sesshomaru saw a flicker of movement through the branches he sent his poison whip flying. It missed it's target by a long shot because the oni had once again vanished.

"Come on you dipshit." Kagome muttered as she kept the tension on the string.

A couple more times they caught a glimpse of the oni and as before their attacks went wide of the mark. She'd just opened her mouth to comment on what kind of oni it might be when it materialized right in front of her to grab the bottle hanging around her neck along with her towel of all things. "Hey!" She exclaimed as she took a step back to keep her balance.

Quick as lighting Sesshomaru whipped around her and before the oni could vanish he buried his fist in its gut and plucked the bottle out of its convulsing fist; he remained rooted to his spot as he watched the oni struggle a moment before he succumbed to death.

Kagome had every intention of telling him to not turn around but before she got a chance to he yanked his hand free of his kill and spun around to ensure she was alright. Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment as he stared at her with wide eyes; a moment later though the embarrassment was replaced with shame when she realized that his eyes were locked on all the scars that marred her body.

Suddenly shouts of alarm rang out, signalling they were about to have company and Kagome realized there was no way she was going to reach the safety of the screen before they appeared. Sesshomaru seemed to come to the same understanding at the same time so quick as lightning he whipped around to face the intruders while moving to block Kagome from their sight.

"What the hell is going on?" Inuyasha exclaimed as he darted into the clearing and looked around.

"Nothing that concerns you Inuyasha." Sesshomaru bit out harshly.

"Miroku felt an ominous presence." Sango said as she took in the sight of the oni then glanced over to find Kagome's things laying off to the side. "Where's Kagome?"

"The Miko is fine." Sesshomaru said as Kagome scrunched up further behind him.

"Well if she's so fine then where the hell is she?" Inuyasha growled as he narrowed his eyes.

"Do not make me repeat myself half-breed." Sesshomaru all but snarled, the anger at having witnessed the atrocities Kagome suffered in her time boiling just under the surface of his skin. And it's all that half-breed's fault. A small voice said. "Leave, if you know what's good for you."

"Keh whatever asshole I ain't leaving until I know she's alright." Inuyasha snorted as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Kagome sighed before glaring at the hanyou while remaining behind Sesshomaru's back. "Inuyasha I'm fine now go away." She said through clenched teeth.

"Kagome?" He asked as he glanced around the clearing while his ears twitched atop his head. "Where are you?"

"Don't worry about it just go away." She huffed.

"Keh now I know there's something going on, you come out right this minute Kagome!" He yelled.

"Oh for the love of-" She rolled her eyes before leaning over to glare at him from behind Sesshomaru. "I'm right here alright? Now go away!"

"Why are you hiding behind Sesshomaru Kagome?" Koga asked as he looked from one to the other.

"Damnit it's none of your business now will you please get out of here!" She all but yelled then shot Sesshomaru an apologetic look when he winced. "Sorry."

He quirked a smirk at her before turning a cold gaze back on Inuyasha. "As you can see the Miko is fine, now go away."

"Keh I don't get why you get to stick around and we have to leave."

"Fine I'm hiding behind Sesshomaru because that stupid Oni yanked my towel off when he grabbed the jewel shards." She hissed. "Are you happy now?"

For a moment all she received were blank looks of surprise before Inuyasha blinked and shook his head. "You were taking a bath with Sesshomaru?"

"Argh don't be an idiot." She growled. "There's more than one spring you know."

"Here." Sango said as she worked her way over to Kagome's things, after a moment of rummaging around she found a yukata and an obi then made to approach only to stop when Sesshomaru shot her a warning look.

"It's alright she's just trying to help." Kagome murmured to him as she rested a hand on his arm.

He glanced down at her then looked back up at the Slayer and nodded once, Sango smiled slightly as she started moving again and he went back to making sure everyone else stayed where they were.

"Thanks." Kagome said as she took the yukata and quickly pulled it on then belted it with the obi.

"Are you alright?" Sango asked.

"I'm fine." She said as she moved from her position of hiding behind Sesshomaru while checking the string chain that secured the bottle around her neck. "Aw man he destroyed it."

"At least he didn't get away with it Miko." Sesshomaru said.

"Good point." She said before looking over at the other to find Inuyasha glaring at her. "I am so going to hit you once I'm dressed."

"Me what the hell did I do?"

"And once again he refuses to fess up." She muttered as she shook her head. "Will you guys go away already?"

"Of course Lady Kagome, come on Inuyasha." Miroku said as he started tugging on the hanyou's arm only to sigh when he refused to budge. "A little help Koga?"

"Right." The ookami said as he grinned wickedly before darting forward to grab Inuyasha by the back of his haori. He ignored the exclamations of the infuriating hanyou and proceeded to drag him out of the clearing while the others trailed after.

Kagome waved Sango away with a hand before she went back to rummaging through her pack for something to hang the bottle from. Sango nodded to Sesshomaru before turning and leaving as well.

"Are you alright Miko?" Sesshomaru asked as he retreated to the spring to wash the blood away.

"Oh I'm just freaking peachy." She muttered as she grabbed a spare piece of twine and reattached the bottle to her neck.

"Finish your bath, I will ensure you are not interrupted." He said as he climbed out of the spring and headed for the screen to change.

"I thought you had to leave?"

"I will once you are finished, unless you wish to take the chance of having Inuyasha barge in here once more."

"Um yeah no thanks." She said gratefully.

"That's what I thought." He mused as he finished pulling on his armor then tied his obi and sheathed his swords at his side before emerging from behind the screen.

"I'll make it quick." She promised.

"It's of no matter." He said before leaving to stand guard at the entrance to the springs.

Kagome sighed and shook her head as she removed the yukata and slipped into the spring once more. Kami and here I thought he would look at me in disgust for being so weak. She thought as she started washing her hair. But I can't help but think what he was thinking when he saw all those scars, especially if he wasn't thinking about how weak I once was.

Sesshomaru for his part was doing his best not to vent his anger in the form of a vicious snarl. How dare anyone think they can hurt her like that, that whelp is only lucky he's dead or I would not hesitate to go and seek him out. He thought as he clenched his fists at his sides. Inuyasha must pay for being so foolish, after all that never would have happened if the half-breed hadn't betrayed her. He is not worthy of his bloodline and has no honor, once the battle with Naraku is done I will personally see to it he meets his end.

~*~

a/n:whew this chappie was longer than most, but dang there was a lot I wanted to put in there. Plus I figured you guys would get a kick out of the bathing scene, I decided to treat the springs area like a communal bathing area where men and women would bathe in separate springs and that's why the use of the towels. Come on if there hadn't been towels there's no way in hell Kagome would have agreed to such a thing. So let me know what you think! Cheers.