In a fit of rage and fury Kagome forced her bicycle to go faster. In the middle of a fight Inuyasha had nearly stopped mid swing of Tessaiga.
"What are you doing?! Just kill it already, it has a jewel shard!" Kagome had shouted at him watching from behind him where she stood.
His ears flattened and twitched as if he had caught wind of something before he righted himself again heaving the heavy sword forward.
"I know what I'm doin'! I don't need your nagging telling me what to do!" He bit back.
"Then do it already!" She had quipped. In an instant the demon had been reduced to a puddle of viscera. "It's there!" Pointing it out where she saw the glowing point of light.
Easily digging it out with his claws Inuyasha grasped it holding it up to the dimming sunlight as it pushed below the horizon. Kagome ran to his side as he willingly, for once, handed it over to her.
"Make camp and stay here." Inuyasha said. "I got somethin' to do." Turning from her Kagome felt her face fall.
"It's Kikyo, isn't it?" Kagome said softly feeling her entire body sag despite their victory. "She's nearby."
"Kagome..." Inuyasha offered glancing at her over his shoulder.
"It's fine. Really, just go." She interjected clearing her throat.
"I'll be back before sunrise." In a blur of red he leapt to the trees and was gone. Kagome sighed the dejection rolling around in the pit of her stomach.
Placing the jewel shards in the small bottle she carried around her neck she corked it. Glancing at the setting sun she wondered if Miroku and Sango were too far off from her for her to catch up to the them before it became too dark.
Granted she had the light on the basket of her bike to guide her she still wasn't certain if it would be in her best interest. At night it wasn't so much demons she had to worry about but other humans.
At least with demons she could purify most into oblivion, if she could summon her powers in the moment she needed them.
"Screw it. Better to be a moving target than a sitting duck." She said to herself waking over to her overturned bike and taking off.
It wasn't long before her path was dark even with the small beam of light. "Stupid Inuyasha. If he hadn't taken off to go play whatever sick game with Kikyo then I wouldn't be in this mess."
She stopped incredibly lost. "Which way was that village they were in?" Kagome looked around her searching for any sign of a village but found nothing but darkness around her.
"Well this is just fantastic!" She yelled out in frustration. Continuing on her light began to flicker. "No!"
Stopping her bike again she smacked at the small headlight before it died out. "Shit. I hope I have more batteries."
Finding none in her bag she let out another frustrated cry. Deciding to press on despite the meager moonlight she narrowed her eyes trying to see ahead of her.
Her surroundings began to give her an extremely creepy vibe as she imagined all of the things lurking in the dark around her that could at any moment attack.
Pushing forward more quickly she hit a large rock popping her tire and sending her flying over the handlebars as she crashed. She knew she had screamed out but was soon unconscious when her head collided with the ground.
Sesshomaru stood stoically as he stared at the night sky sprawled out above him. He contemplated many things silently. His thoughts whirred from one to another in, what others may consider, a dizzying pace.
It was this ability of quick assessment and calculation that had proven himself to be such a successful warrior thus far unmatched in battle. Gritting his teeth his mind turned to the half-breed that he loathed sharing a blood line with.
Inuyasha had thwarted him in battle twice, both times causing grievous injury to him the likes of which he had never experienced.
In the past Sesshomaru had never sought him out, preferring to avoid him all together. Regardless they had met up more than once with Sesshomaru asserting his dominance over the younger.
Despite his threats and attacks he never would kill Inuyasha in respect and memory to his father. He would not allow his fathers death to be in vain and while Sesshomaru would never protect Inuyasha he would not die by his hand.
Scenting the air he was hit with a hint of blood downwind. Human blood. It wasn't uncommon but there was something about this that made him turn his gaze towards its direction.
Curiosity took over and soon he found himself heading in the direction that beckoned him. It had been some distance but not too far off from where he had stood.
A tangled pink heap made of metals and other materials he couldn't discern lay clumped together with pieces broken off and scattered.
Moving his gaze forward he saw the strange companion of none other than Inuyasha. Moving closer he knelt down inspecting her body.
It too lay in a mangled heap. Her head turned in an unnatural position with her mouth agape in what must have been a scream. Her face seemed shattered from the impact as blood pooled from a gaping wound in her skull.
"Hm." Immediately feeling the pulse and beckon of Tensaiga. It nearly burned at his side.
Grabbing at her hair roughly he straightened her neck the best he could before standing. Unsheathing his fathers fang he stood over her.
The strange mist fell as he watched the small reapers of the underworld at their task of culling the soul from her body.
With one deft swing he watched as the blade cut through them. Anguished cries were cut short as they dissipated into nothing. Sheathing the sword he watched as she gasped and sat up quickly.
Bringing a hand to her neck and one to her head she groaned. "What happened?" She didn't seem to notice his presence and jumped at the sound of his voice above her.
"You died." Slowly her gaze moved up his frame to lock eyes with him.
"I...died?" She asked incredulously. Turning to leave Sesshomaru decided to make his leave. There was nothing more to say to her or do for her. "Se-Sesshomaru..." Her voice was shaky and uncertain.
Stopping in his tracks she knew he was listening. "Thank you."
"You are welcome." Kagome watched as he disappeared before her very eyes.
She didn't tell her companions what had happened as she was only certain she had died and Sesshomaru had revived her with the Tensaiga. It made her pensive and quiet at the idea that something as stupid as crashing her bicycle had caused her death.
The others worried over her taking her back to Kaedes village certain she must be ill. Kagome sat under a tree someways from the village and closer to the well.
Her eyes scanned the words of her textbook but she wasn't able to absorb any of the information. Placing it down with a sigh she found herself staring at the clouds as they passed by against an impossibly blue sky.
"Human." The voice sounded behind her. Quickly Kagome stood coming face to face with the demon lord.
"Sesshomaru?" She questioned tentatively. Thoughts of being kidnapped came to mind but his stance was unusual. It wasn't the same as when he came looking for a fight.
"Come." He beckoned.
"Why? I'm not going anywhere with you." Standing her ground she took a step back. "Just because you saved my life doesn't mean I'm indebted to you."
"As much as I am loathe to appeal to you this Sesshomaru requires your assistance. My human vassal is ill."
"Rin?" Kagome asked immediately tossing her book into her bag and closing it up. "Well come on, what are you waiting for?"
Walking closer to him he instructed her to grasp onto the fur had kept over his shoulder as he rose into the air.
By the time Kagome arrived Rin was feverish and clammy. Reaching into her bag Kagome took out her thermometer to take her temperature. It was high but not alarmingly so.
Taking out her first aid kit she took out the ice pack in it crushing the beads to activate the cold. Placing a wash cloth on the little girls forehead she put the ice pack on top of it.
"I wish I had some fever reducer meds but this will have to do for now." She said glancing up to see Sesshomaru sitting off to the side watching her impassively. "She'll be okay. It's just a summer fever, I used to get them too when I was little."
Met with silence Kagome sat back on her knees and sighed. "How did you find her anyways? Has she been with you this whole time?"
Met with more silence Kagome brought her gaze back down to Rin. "It just seems so strange with how much you seem to hate us that you have a little girl following you around."
"I mean I know it isn't any of my business but you're a pretty standoffish guy but the little bit that I've talked with Rin she clearly has a lot of admiration for you. She told me that you take care of her."
"This one does no such thing." He finally said. "Rin chooses to follow, the child fends for herself."
"Yet you found her help when she needed it." Kagome countered with a small smirk. "I'm glad that you did. It's my pleasure to help, I guess this makes us even. You saved my life and I sort of saved Rins."
"It was the Tensaiga that brought you from the brink of the underworld. Not I." He replied tersely. Kagome brought her eyes back to him and smiled brightly. "Why are you smiling?"
Kagome shrugged bringing her attention back to the girl laying on the ground.
Sesshomaru found his thoughts lingering on the strange woman perturbing him greatly. It wasn't where he wanted his mind to wander too but the more he lingered on the subject the more questions he had.
From her odd state of dress to the items she carried with her. She became an infuriating enigma to him that he was determined to decipher. Damn his curiosity.
Due to this he found himself engaging Inuyasha more in fights all under the guise of wanting to gain more knowledge and possess the Tessaiga.
As they locked swords in battle his eyes would scan over to where the human female stood with clenched fists and burning determination in her gaze.
"This is getting old! Can't you two just get along? You're brothers! This is ridiculous! We have better things to do ya' know!"
"Shut the hell up Kagome!" Inuyasha shouted back. "I'll finish this bastard up."
"Hm. You are the only bastard here, half-breed." He spat out automatically while his mind held onto her name. He had heard it before but had never had need to hold onto the information casting it aside.
"Shut up!" Inuyasha pushed him away with great force. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes sheathing Tokijin. Inuyasha still remained at full alert even as Sesshomaru turned to walk away. "Where the hell you going?"
"The information that was required has been obtained." Came the obtuse reply.
"Whatever." Inuyasha spat under his breath. "He's been acting weird lately."
Under her favorite tree Kagome sat writing out equations as she went over her most recent arithmetic homework. Completely unaware that she was being watched she mumbled to herself as she erased some of it away to start over.
'Kagome is educated.' Sesshomaru thought. He knew she possessed spiritual powers and that she was considered a human priestess which would explain her education but the books he had observed her reading were unlike any he had seen.
Another mystery of her person to him.
"Sesshomaru!" Kagome called out as he landed heavily to the ground. Rin screamed as Jaken began to panic. Both Kagome and Rin had been taken in an attempt to lure both of the brothers into a fight.
Inuyasha was able to land the final blow on the demon as Kagome rushed to Sesshomarus side. Kneeling beside him she took in his injuries. "Let me help you."
"You are not indebted to me." Was his reply.
"You're hurt, I just want to help." Her words were sincere. It stirred something within him as their eyes locked and examined their depths.
Hers an endless pool of blue and his prisms of honeyed gold. He heard her heart speed up and she watched as his features softened towards her.
"No need." He said sitting upright breaking their gaze. "This Sesshomaru appreciates your offer."
"Sure, anytime." She said smiling. That smile. It caused a great pang in his chest as it filled his heart. As he stood he offered her his hand receiving gasps from Jaken, Rin, and Inuyasha.
"Until we meet again, Kagome."
"Until next time."
Her brain hurt as she laid awake on her sleeping bag. It was impossibly hot and she'd kill for a fan. Kaedes hut retained more heat than outside which was what forced her out into the night.
Clad in her pajama shorts and tank top she ran towards the stream desperate for any type of relief. Placing her feet in the water she swirled the water around her ankles sighing in relief.
Looking up at the full moon she knew it wasn't entirely safe to be away from the safety of the village with Inuyasha in his human form but was enjoying the downtime.
The cicadas chirped loudly as other night sounds reached her ears. Closing her eyes she hummed to herself happily taking into the smell of the earth all around her.
"It is not safe to be alone." Sesshomaru said from behind her. Kagome smirked to herself.
"I know. Some big, scary demon could find me and eat me." She replied glancing over her shoulder at him. Remaining still she turned her attention back to the water.
"What are you?" He asked suddenly much closer to her. She looked up at him as he stood beside her.
"I'm a human."
"No. You must be more than that."
"Nope." She kicked up some of the water taking her foot out and wiggling her toes. "Just a plain, ordinary human."
Sitting beside her cross legged Sesshomaru stared at her intently. "Why do you ask?"
"This one has been watching you for some time in an attempt to figure you out."
"You've been watching me?"
"Yet I am only met with more questions to your person. It is annoying."
"Well you could ask me. I won't bite. What do you want to know?"
The floodgate of questions that followed felt like an interrogation but Kagome answered honestly and openly much to some very bewildered glances from Sesshomaru.
"I know that Inuyasha is in love with Kikyo and I'm just a glorified jewel shard detector but it still hurts...everyone here is constantly comparing me to her and I'm not her."
"Pay no mind to Inuyasha. He is a fool." Sesshomaru offered.
"Thanks." She said softly. "I appreciate it. I like talking with you. You've become a good friend."
"Friend?" The word foreign on his tongue.
"Well yeah, I mean I consider you my friend regardless of how you probably see me."
"What is that?"
"Friends are like allies. You can count on them to be there for you when you need them and you're there for them." Kagome watched at he processed the information as he stared out across the water.
"Then you are my friend as well." His voice was soft nearly inaudible. Kagome smiled widely as he happened a glance at her and he felt that feeling again lay heavy in his chest.
They sat together under her tree reading. It was a nice companionable silence they shared in these moments as all of the worries of the world could be momentarily forgotten.
It wasn't easy for either of them to get away but cherished the short moments they were able too. Kagome leaned into him slightly causing him to glance up from the printed pages.
Taking the book from her lap he closed it as she dozed off into sleep. She was warm against him putting him even more at ease. The warmth spread to his chest as he took in her dainty features.
It was a new feeling as his claws lightly grazed her hand afraid of touching her and breaking this spell they had both seemingly fallen under.
Opening her eyes she looked at him and smiled softly taking his hand in hers squeezing. "You can hold my hand if you want to friend."
Wrapping his fingers around hers he squeezed back.
Naraku wrapped his tentacles around Kagome causing her ribs to crack as the air was pushed from her lungs. She let out a strangled cry before no more sound could be forced from her throat.
Inuyasha had been off chasing after Kikyo when Naraku had attacked. Kagome had wandered off on her own away from the camp to contemplate his most recent excursion to the other.
Her cries had reached Sesshomarus keen hearing and he had sped off to her direction. By the time he arrived he found her in the condition she was in. He bared his fangs swiping at the beast with sharp claws imbued with poison.
It was enough to free Kagome from the grasp of just another puppet that vanished under his attack. Catching her in his arm as she fell he took in her wretched form.
Her breath was shallow and wheezed out. Kneeling down he held her close to him. "Kagome." Her body was crushed, he could feel it under his grasp and she lay motionless.
Placing her on the ground he stood unsheathing Tensaiga. The sword was referred to as a healing tool, perhaps it could heal her injuries before she succumbed.
Bringing it down upon her he wasn't sure if it had any effect until her breathing evened out. Dropping the fang he knelt down beside her taking her back into his arm.
Blue eyes fluttered open and he breathed out not even realizing he had been holding it in. "Are you alright friend?" Concern heavy in his voice.
Reaching up Kagome placed her hand against his cheek and nodded once.
He found her alone in a cave not far from the village. The downpour was what had chased her in. She had started a fire and was sitting slightly wet with her hands to it for warmth.
She smiled at him as he entered the space. "Hello friend." She said sweetly.
"Where are the others? Why are you alone?"
"I was out collecting herbs and I just got caught in the rain." Sitting beside her he allowed her to settle against him. "What are you doing here?"
"Do I need a reason to see you?" Kagome blushed deeply and shook her head.
"No." She said. "Sesshomaru, how do you feel towards me?"
"Your company is greatly appreciated by this one." He said. "I find myself seeking you out when there is no need too. As time has gone on there is a need, a want for more of your time and attention."
Kagome took his hand in hers rubbing her thumb against his. "I like being with you too. I want more."
"More of what?" He watched as she moved away from him kneeling in front of him.
"Of you." Moving closer to him he was shocked as she placed her lips against his and placed her hands to his cheeks. It was quick and light but the after effects lingered.
Sesshomaru found his arms wrapped around her and soon enough they joined together becoming one.
"This is bigger than either one of us." Kagome said holding the completed jewel in her hand. Tears shone in her eyes as Sesshomaru held her to him.
"Whatever happens this Sesshomaru is here for you." He breathed in her scent deeply. Kagome gave an affirmative nod. She moved to place a kiss against his lips hoping that it wouldn't be the last.
Only a breath apart she whispered out the words she knew had to be spoken. "I wish the sacred jewel didn't exist."
"I will find you friend." The words echoed in her ears as she found herself plunged into darkness.
"Sesshomaru?" She sat up finding herself alone in the bottom of the well of her shrines well house. Desperately she made her way up the ladder jumping out.
Running past the sacred tree she stood at the stairs to her shrine taking in the city below her.
"Sesshomaru!" Calling out as loud as she could. "Sesshomaru!" Standing for some time she fell to the ground and cried as sobs wracked her frame with great force. "Where are you friend?"
A year passed, two became three as time marched on. Kagome threw herself into studying and attending university after high school. She took up a job at a flower shop and had a knack for it given her training under Kaede.
The bell above the door rang alerting her to a customer. Walking out from the back room she greeted the man cheerfully.
"Can I help you with anything?" Her breath caught in her throat. She felt her heart beat wildly. His features were the same although he appeared more human.
"Hello friend." He replied with a smile. Kagome ran around the front counter launching herself into his arms.
"I missed you." She whispered burying her face into his shoulder.
"This Sesshomaru apologizes for not answering as soon as you sought me out." He said.
"You're here, that's all that matters." She replied gripping him tightly as he cupped her cheek.
Tilting her head towards him he caught her lips in a kiss with such affirmation and love that she felt tears fall down her cheeks.