Hey hey everyone! Well, things are working smoothly to my great delight. However, now that I realize I can safely download writings, I'm considering starting another story, because although I'm terribly fond of this one, I just love fresh opportunities. True to my nature, it would be some sort of Sesshomaru/Kagome fic, but with a twist. How does this sound? I can manage two stories at a time I'm sure, I just want someone's approval before I go for it. Personally, it is also a desire driven by the fact that I think that, given the chance, I could produce better work. Of course, I'm always putting myself down, so that doesn't have much credibility. Anyway, somebody has to speak to me, I need to know what to do! Back to the story at hand, I worked hard trying to get this out quickly to PROVE that I can indeed keep up with a story and computers suck to high heaven. Go for it you wonderful readers! I'm waiting for your positive reviews! Oh, and in case anyone is wondering, the bicycle DID NOT come along on this little crusade. I hate that thing. Pink is a wretched color for such a mode of transportation.

My friends seem to like it this story anyway so I guess it can't be that bad.

Disclaimer: Inu-Yasha and all his accessories belong to Rumiko-Takahashi. There, I said it. Now at least no one can sue me for THAT.

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Reflection

Chapter 3-I Still Don't Get It.

As war brewed about the heavens in bursts of light and thunder, below, Inu-Yasha and his companions found themselves staring down another demon, and another enemy. However, this was no ordinary monster chasing after fragments of the Shikon jewel. Nor was it an ordinary enemy in the least. For no ordinary enemy could pierce them like that, with such a merciless stare of pale yellow, so akin to Inu-Yasha's, and yet no where close.

Only truly visible in the brief flashes of lightening, Sesshomaru was still clearly enough of a threat to make them shrink like children before him. Only Inu-Yasha could efficiently conceal his fear as he glared at his brother viciously.

"What do you want Sesshomaru?" He growled. All he receive was a chilling flip of the hand as the demon before him extended his claws for battle. Slowly, he began to approach the group with the same unreadable expression as all previous battles.

Kagome's breathing came in heaves, her shoulders constricting and falling in the wake of the new and unexpected sense of desire and longing that had washed over her at the arrival of Inu-Yasha's sibling. Dizzily, she placed a quivering hand over her heart in an effort to calm herself, to no avail.

Inu-Yasha continued to focus on Sesshomaru with murderous intent flickering in his eyes. He tightened his grasp on his sword momentarily, barely disguising it as the act of a warrior rather than a nervous instinct. "What do you want?"

At first it seemed that his repeated statement had fallen on deaf ears, until Sesshomaru suddenly halted in his stalking movements toward them. In the darkness, one might have guessed that they had seen a wicked smile grace his features, but who could tell with such poor light?

He raised his spiked hand to his face as both a shield and a weapon and uttered a response, though he believed his brother deserved none. "I will need Tetsusaiga when I destroy Naraku Inu-Yasha." His fingers snapped again and his eyes narrowed. "You and I both seem to realize that before us may very lie the final battle. Though only one of us will be there to witness it." With that, he resumed his advance, this time navigating about the trees like a shadowy spirit, tactically confusing and frightening them as he remained just barely in their vision.

"But Sesshomaru, why not join us? We both want Naraku dead, why can't we help each other accomplish it?" Sango, the ever peaceful, had once again tried to understand the situation. It was a decent suggestion, and very logical, and yet, an ongoing rivalry saw no solutions, except for death and defeat.

He returned her comment with the same attitude of nonchalance he was known for, though beneath his words there was the faintest hint of anger. "I need no aid," and he finally reappeared out of the forest like the lightening itself, a blur of speed and masterful combat ability.

His claws reached out like daggers, and dripped with poison; they were aiming to take Inu-Yasha's head off, with deadly accuracy.

The Hanyou spun around, and just barely managed to crush his brother's efforts, though still managing to acquire a deep gash at his throat. Immediately, his free hand moved to grip his neck as he tumbled to the ground messily, eyes still darting about like a panicked animal to locate the demon. "Kagome," he rasped, blood pouring about his clenching fingers, "Run... Away..."



"Inu-Yasha!" She called desperately, followed in turn by Sango, Miroku, and Shippou; her legs instinctively making to run to her wounded friend. Miroku caught her by the arm in mid dash, and threw her as well as the kitsune behind a now towering Kirara, as he joined Sango at the outskirts of the confined fighting grounds.

Kagome fought to crawl over the cat to gain a view of the situation at hand. Before her, Inu-Yasha was propping himself up with Tetsusaiga while struggling to rise. His hand was wrapped around his injury tightly, and his face was contorted in pain. Meanwhile, Sesshomaru was partially hidden among the shade of the woods, preparing for his next attack.

'Dammit,' the half-demon thought. "I can hardly see him in all this!" Trees surrounded him on all sides, and he scowled at them with hatred. He had had to many bad experiences with trees. Arrows and what not. They could all burn in hell.

"Having trouble brother?" Sesshomaru's voice drifted hauntingly out of the darkness.

Inu-Yasha wobbled a bit as he managed somehow to lift himself up with a still gushing cut. He stared out triumphantly into the dense fog and pouring rain. Though he could tell where his brother stood, his attention was not called to him. "Feh, not anymore."

With a mighty swing, the hanyou swept his sword around him brutally, illuminating everything briefly with a fountain of bright light. He roared dangerously, and bits of timber flew in all directions as tree after tree was hacked to pieces before the force of Tetsusaiga. When finished, he crouched on the earth in exhaustion, panting as the poison that now pumped through his veins began to take its toll on his body. He still managed a satisfied smirk, however, as he surveyed his handiwork.

A massive expanse of bare ground opened before him, easily allowing a duel to take place without much hassle, and also, to his delight, several shattered trees fallen upon each other neatly like toppled dominoes. "There!" He said happily, "That should do it!" He began to turn towards where he had last seen Sesshomaru, "Now, back to our fi-"

"What a worthless effort," Sesshomaru muttered as he charged at the half-demon swiftly, giving him no time to recollect himself or even finish his sentence.

The two clashed and fought violently, Sesshomaru obviously having the upper hand as he sliced at Inu-Yasha, who's condition could only grow worse as he struggled about with the poison coursing through his blood.

Kagome watched with tears threatening by the second. Her hands were scrunched about Kirara's soft fur, and she could barely resist springing up to bring an end to the fight, in any way that she could.

Very vaguely, she noticed the faintest ringing in her ears, but pushed it back as much as she could at the moment. Her gaze remained locked on the now exhausted half-demon, he seemed on the very edge of collapsing, and that would certainly mean death. As she scrambled for a solution, Kagome turned her eyes then on his attacker; and for smallest moment, she stared into him.

'It's him...'

The rain pattered down in silence, and the demon dropped his hand slowly, no longer concerned with his brother. All things froze to a halt for the briefest space of time as he met this young woman for what seemed like the first time. He had, of course been aware of her presence, but, had he never looked at her before? Something about her eyes and the way they invaded his very being was incredible. They were so familiar... Like her scent, her entire being, it was suddenly all so familiar... A name came to his mind, almost unconsciously, he had the desire to whisper it to himself, but held his tongue. For the moment, he was content simply to drink in the sight of her.

Kagome in turn, felt the same way, as she explored his soul simply by looking at him. Even more astounding, that he would let her, and seem to enjoy it. Her mouth nearly turned up in a half -smile, and her eyes softened, all else forgotten. Sesshomaru did likewise.

He made to approach her then, thoughts drifting through his mind carelessly, 'This must have been the blinding need I felt... It was for her, not the sword...'

Inu-Yasha then tried to recollect himself, just a touch jealous, and ready to take advantage of his brother's dismissive attitude. His sword raised and ready, he began his charge, when a sudden cry split through the silence. Stopping dead in his tracks, his head spun around to target the source, and found Kagome, hunched over in what looked like incredible pain, hands clasped to her ears tightly.

'Kagome-chan!" Sango shouted as she moved to her friend's side and placed her arms around her protectively. Kagome cried out in pain again, and began to writhe on the spot with eyes screwed shut, her whole being shook. "Kagome-chan..."

"No," she was whispering, "leave me alone!" Miroku had since joined Sango at her side, with Shippou tugging at her uniform; concern written all over their faces.

"What's wrong?" Sango asked soothingly as she rubbed her friend's back like a patient mother. Very quietly, she was answered with a small song.

Kagome turned and embraced the exterminator suddenly, sobbing terribly like a child as she gradually sang louder. "It-it's been in my head for so long..." She wept, "I don't know what it is, where it came from..." She then continued to sing while Sango held her in confusion, unable to understand what the girl was trying to say. Sesshomaru, stood blankly, as if in sudden realization.

Gently, Kagome's tears slowed as she stumbled to her feet, leaving Sango on the ground in a daze. She stalked towards the demon lord who still stood in the clearing, now fuming with anger rather than in a blissful trance. "But you know, don't you?" He stared down at her, still appearing shocked.

"So tell me," she continued. "Why? Why is it here? Why am I the only one? Why do I hear it every hour, every second of the day? And why does it get louder when you show up?!" Silence. Her rage grew. "ANSWER ME!" Her voice was a clear shout amidst the falling rain. The others looked on, Inu-Yasha still crouched on the ground with a bleeding gash.

Sesshomaru's eyes were distant, and as he looked down at Kagome, he seemed to be staring into the eyes of someone different. "I do know that song," he murmured, "and I knew the one who used to sing it."

'Could this be her?' He thought to himself. 'Impossible...'

"WELL?" Her hands shot out to snatch the collar of his shirt. But very lightly, their bare skin touched for an instant in the movement, and a gasp shook both of them. Lightening flashed, and for the second time that evening all movement ceased as both were taken by a sudden vision.

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"Sesshomaru..." Her fingers slid through his hair gently.

The leaves of the tree above sighed and shifted with the light breeze. The whole atmosphere of the scene was so peaceful. Together, they sat beneath a towering tree, lone on a green hill; Sesshomaru's head rested on her lap as she stroked his mane. He appeared to be asleep. The sun was partially masked by lazy clouds that drifted across the sky.

"Yes?"

"Will you promise me something?" His eyes fluttered open.

The wind sailed through the tall grasses and she hesitated in the wake of his penetrating gaze. "Well, I know it will seem unusual, but I need you to..." She faltered and turned away from him, suddenly very quiet. He reached up and brought her to face him again with a touch at her chin.

"Tell me." It was a cold command, but his voice was soft all the same.

Sighing, she forced out her request finally, "I want you to promise me that you will never change." His eyes narrowed in confusion, and she bowed her head with a slight blush, "you are so wonderful, and pure." She mumbled.

He raised himself into a sitting position, hair tumbling behind him, revealing that he wore no weapons at his side, and his claws were held in check. There were no marks on his wrists, and no hint of poison anywhere.

She smiled and looked out into the horizon, "You are the one I fell in love with." With a tiny chuckle she cocked her head to one side and focused on a pair of birds, courting each other and dancing on the clouds.

"To me, you are like the sun itself. You are my life Sesshomaru, you have brought me great joy, and you make this sad, bleak world of war and hatred so much brighter." She reached out and stroked his cheek, watching with delight as he leaned into it like the puppy that he was. "Life cannot exist without the sun," and he paused, waiting for her to continue. "I could not exist without the sun.

Their hair flowed together in the wind, white and gold, intertwined.

Gold hair...

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Kagome snapped back to reality suddenly, her hands shaking in mid-grasp where they had brushed against Sesshomaru's skin. She crumbled to the ground like a wilted flower and sat there, dumbstruck and unable to comprehend what she had just seen. Her mind spoke to her, told her that she had experienced another dream, but now, this time, she truly realized that this couldn't possibly be a mere nightmare.

She hadn't just watched, she had felt. Kagome had gone through that, as that woman. That was her, she was talking, moving, as that woman willed, and yet, it wasn't two separate people animating a single being, it had been her. Kagome. She had said and moved as she had felt the need to. It was her.

Very carefully, she gathered a bit of her hair in her hands and held it up before her. 'Dark.' She thought. "I have dark hair..."

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Sorry! I decided to make this a small chapter. You see, when you have a large and dramatic event take place, no matter how much space it takes up, it seems out of place to cram small details in at the end rather than end it with a haunting and mysterious note. I'll be updating more very soon, so you needn't worry. Besides which, every chapter is intended to be at least six pages long, so that should be good enough. I didn't mention the woman's name on purpose, so don't pester me about it, you'll know eventually, I don't want to rush. You guys still need something to guess at, I'm giving too much information away as it is. Remember to state your opinion on what I should do about writing another story. Yes? No? Hotdog? And another thing, I wanted to put Chapter 3 out A.S.A.P. because I felt I owed it to all of you for making you wait, I mean, it's not fair, you act like you're interested. Chapter 4 I'm going to make a lot longer, AND I'll find a way to write it smoothly enough so that it doesn't seem like I cram too much in. That should be out in the coming three or four days. Keep reading and writing!

Thanx,

Snarfburgalar, the Ever Nimble