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A/N: Hello Readers!! I hope you all are having a wonderful summer!! Mine is great, I'm doing allot of writing...so I'm happy!! Anywho, I'm so sorry that I'm delaying updates on this story...its just, I have created like 3 new stories that need my attention too...so yea I'm trying to give equal attention to all of them...but it's hard, especially since I want to post chapters that are at least 4000 words in length. And that's about 15-20 pages on Word, so yea... allot to typing. But enough of my mindless jabber...here is another chapter...chapter 11, I believe...Enjoy! Oh, and don't forget to review...and tell your friends about this story as well as my other ones!!! : ) Love ya!

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Chapter 11

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Sesshomaru paced the long corridors of his palace. He had long since been able to sense the nearness of his brother, Inuyasha. It fathomed his imagination how Inuyasha could have survived the return journey.

His faithful servant, Jakkan, watched the demon lord pace. He knew better than to disturb his master while he was thinking. So he stood in awaiting patience.

Sesshomaru paused suddenly and turned his head to face a dark corner of the large room.

"To what pleasure to I owe this intrusion?" he said in a cold tone. He seemed to speak to no one.

Jakkan turned his ugly head up in question at his lord, "Who are you talking to Lord Sesshomaru?"

Before Sesshomaru could answer his servant, a figure stepped forth from the shadows, directly behind Jakkan.

Jakkan gave an awkward squawk as his eyes fell on the cloaked figure, and ran to hide behind Sesshomaru's pant leg. He then spoke bravely from the safe spot, "What gives you the right to invade Lord Sesshomaru's castle?" he hissed.

The cloaked figure didn't flinch. The baboon mask that concealed his face, bowed in respect to Sesshomaru. "Please forgive the intrusion, Lord Sesshomaru. But, I wish to pose an offer to you...concerning...Inuyasha..." the figure spoke darkly.

"Inuyasha?" Sesshomaru answered. His cold gaze shown no fear over this intruder.

"Yes, I assume that your supreme senses have recognized that he is within the area." The masked man said.

Sesshomaru's eyes flashed, he was not welcome to compliments.

Without waiting for Sesshomaru to answer the man continued, "You see I have reason to believe that Inuyasha has made a pact with a siren."

"A siren!" Jakkan screeched, he emerged from behind Sesshomaru and stood tall in front of the masked man. He pointed his double headed staff at the cloaked individual, "Do you take Lord Sesshomaru for a fool? Everyone knows that sirens are make believe...fairy tale creatures!"

"I beg to differ." The masked man said to the toad.

"A siren you say?" the cold demon lord's voice answered. "It was to my understanding that all sirens were destroyed years ago by an unknown killer."

"Aye, that is true. Yet it seems that Inuyasha has found one still alive. And not only is she a siren but she is of royal blood." The dark man answered.

"Should she be a concern to me?" Sesshomaru asked, with a frozen face.

"It is a possibility...considering she comes to start a war with you." The man answered.

"What war?" Sesshomaru asked.

The masked man laughed slightly, "Why, the war between demons and the merfolk."

He waited for a few moments, "I assume you know the legend, Lord Sesshomaru?"

"I know of it. The murder of the fickle demoness and the merman? Why after all these years had the royal family decided to break our vows of neutrality?" Sesshomaru asked.

"I dare say that Inuyasha and the royal siren have become quite taken with each other." The dark man told the lord.

"The siren and Inuyasha?" Sesshomaru questioned.

"Yes." Was the dark man's only answer.

Sesshomaru gave a small cold smirk, "And why would this matter to me? The female siren posses no threat."

"Ahh, but she does." The man answered. "Have you heard of the sacred jewel, The Shikon No Tama?" He didn't wait for an answer, "It can grant unimaginable power to anyone who posses it...the sacred jewel can give the sirens the ability to walk on land. And it would be such a shame if the merfolk began breeding again...with the demons?"

Sesshomaru snapped his head in the masked man's direction, his eyes flashed coldly. The masked man took a shy step backwards. Jakkan became aware of his masters sudden anger, and spoke up, "You better watch your tongue or Lord Sesshomaru will have you cut down to shreds!" the toad demon hissed.

Sesshomaru drew himself up and glared down at the masked man, "Are you telling me that this siren must be dealt with?"

"I would never tell Lord Sesshomaru what to do..." the masked man replied darkly, "I am merely stating the possibilities of a confrontation with this creature."

Sesshomaru narrow his gaze, "I assume this siren means something to you?"

"Only her death...and the Shikon Jewel she carries with her." The dark man said.

"And how am I to find this siren?" Sesshomaru asked.

"Find Inuyasha...and you find the siren." The dark man answered before retiring into the shadows once again.

Sesshomaru charged forward into the shadow the masked man disappeared into. He swiped his claws into the darkness only to make contact with air. A low laugh echoed around the giant room, as the aura of the masked man disappeared.

Jakkan rushed to his master's side, "What a fool that creature was! How dare he threaten you, Lord Sesshomaru! I dare think he will prove to be of little trouble to you master..."

"Hush Jakkan." Sesshomaru said coldly.

Jakkan cowered away, "Forgive me Master Sesshomaru. I did not mean to question your judgment! I beg for your apology my lord!" Falling instantly to his knees and bowing repeatedly.

Sesshomaru ignored his groveling servant. His face froze in deep thought. He'd love to see Inuyasha dead. Yet it seems that he must first attend to this siren who'd dare oppose him. However, did he dare trust the word of a masked man?

Sesshomaru turned and stared out the glass plated window, overlooking the Great Ocean.

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Kagome and Inuyasha returned to the shore line. Inuyasha walked through the shallows and up onto the beach. Bending down, he shook himself like a dog to dry. He heard a small giggle from behind him, and he turned around to see Kagome lying up on the sand, with her hand over her mouth.

"What's so funny?" He growled.

"You look like drowned rat!" Kagome laughed.

Inuyasha tilted his head, as he stood on the sand still dripping. "Feh." Was his only reply.

Kagome didn't want to hurt his pride anymore, so she turned away. She gazed timidly at her wounded side, which the old woman had made feel totally painless.

Well, this was as good of time as any to heal it, since she had decided to start singing her siren songs again.

She placed both hands on the wound, feeling the contours of her bones and the way her skin had burned over. She slowly shut her eyes, and pressed hard on the wound, forcing what little pain there was to surface.

She squinted her face at the sharp prick of pain; she pressed her lips together tightly, and tried to focus of the pain itself.

Unknown to her, by her shut eyes, Inuyasha stared at her. His eyebrow rose as he watched her cause herself more pain. "Kagome?" he asked in question. She didn't answer. "Kagome...what are you doing?" he questioned again.

"Shh..." she said softly. Then, she moistened her lips with her tongue. Her lips parted gently as she softly began to murmur strange words under her breath.

Even Inuyasha's sensitive ears couldn't pick up the exact words she spoke. They were a mix between a deep hum and the clicking of her tongue. He kneeled down and leaned closer to try and see what she was doing to herself.

His eyes widened in shock as he noticed her hands glowing a soft blue color. He squinted under its growing brightness.

Suddenly, Kagome arched her back and raised her face up to the sky, letting out a blood churning scream.

"Kagome!" Inuyasha roared, grasping onto her shoulders. As soon as his fingers touched her skin, he felt a pulsating warmth in her body spread through his as well. He cried in surprise as his emotion's crashed together in a sudden wave of calmness. He felt passive and serene. He shut his eyes under the feeling, his breathing slowed, and he felt as though he was flying through the clouds.

He only opened his eyes to the sound of Kagome's voice, "Inuyasha? Inuyasha? Inuyasha, silly, wake up!"

His eyes fluttered open and he found himself staring up into her face. He quickly rose up, and glanced wildly from side to side.

"What the hell was that?" he cried, pinching himself to make sure he was still all with it.

Kagome only laughed, "I'm sorry Inuyasha, I should have told you before I started. I was only healing myself." She turned away, still giggling.

Inuyasha watched with wide eyes as she raised a closed fist up to her mouth.

She gently opened her fingers and a small pile of blue, glittering sand lay in the palm of her hand.

Kagome took a small breath in, and then blew over the sand, causing it to blow off her fingers and into the air, swirling in the wind until falling onto the surface of the water and dissipating away.

Her brown eyes turned back to him, as he stared at her in wonder.

"The sand represents the wound I just healed." Kagome explained.

"Neat trick..." was all he could manage to say.

"You got caught up in it. You shouldn't have touched me. I probably could have killed you, if I had been concentrating hard enough." Kagome said.

"What?!?" Inuyasha roared.

Kagome nodded, "The Song of Healing is kind of like dying and being reborn again. Except you concentrate the power onto just the part of the body that is injured or wounded. Didn't you feel like you were floating? Like you had died and gone to heaven?"

Inuyasha nodded slowly, Kagome continued, "I had to pull you back from that feeling when I realized you had touched me. If I had let you, your soul would have climbed into heaven, leaving your body behind."

Inuyasha's eyes widened, "I can see why you didn't like to do the songs."

Kagome bowed her head, "Yes, it's true. The songs do tend to play with one's emotions and inner being. They let us inside doors in people that aren't meant to be opened, at least, not by sirens."

Inuyasha just stared at her, he half wondered if he should be afraid of her. "Just remind me next time you do that, I don't want to be..."

"Kagome!!" a tiny voice called from across the beach.

Kagome turned just in time to see a small ball of fluff jump into her arms, and wriggle with excitement. She laughed joyously, "Shippo! I remember now! It's good to see you!"

The small kitsune pulled away from his hug around Kagome's neck and stared up at her, "Why did you go away Kagome?"

"I just had to deal with a few things and heal a bit." Kagome answered.

"We were all so worried about you Kagome." Shippo said, "We didn't think you would make it..."

"Well I'm fine Shippo. No need for unnecessary worry." Kagome told him. Shippo beamed in reply.

"Good to see you up Kagome." Came a female voice.

Kagome glanced up to see both Sango and Miroku staring down at her. She smiled up at them. "Miroku, Sango, I can't thank you both enough for all you have done. I am truly ideated to both of you."

"Oh think nothing of it." Sango said, waving a hand at her remark.

Miroku bent down and faced Kagome, "My services require a small task in return." He said with a gleaming look in his eye.

"What ever you ask Miroku I will be gladly to do, in return for your kindness." Kagome said sweetly. And she meant every word.

Miroku reached down and took both of her hands in his. "Lady Mermaid, so sweet and full of life. Will you do me honor and bear me a son?"

Kagome drew back at his comment, her face in shock.

"Miroku! You bastard!" Inuyasha roared. He picked Miroku off the ground and gave him a huge shove. Miroku flew a few feet back, but caught himself.

He crossed his arms across his chest, "Really Inuyasha, you need to learn how to control your anger. And not butt in when someone is trying to court a pretty lady."

"I'll COURT YOU!!!" Inuyasha roared, charging towards him. Miroku gave a womanly scream and turned to run away, but Inuyasha was close on his heels. Their shouts and yells could be heard as the both bolted down the beach.

(Sweat drop on Kagome) "What was that all about?" she asked Sango.

Sango rolled her eyes, "Miroku's just a pervert." She said. "He's always trying to grope me when I'm not looking."

"Grope you?!?" Kagome asked in horror.

Sango nodded and balled her right hand into a fist, "One day I'm gonna hit him hard enough to make him act like a normal, decent, human being."

Kagome laughed slightly, but stopped herself, Sango may be serious. But then Sango began to laugh too, and they both laughed together.

Kagome wiped away a tear from her eye, from laughing so hard. She turned and asked Sango, "Sango, now that Inuyasha isn't here to overhear, I want to ask you a question."

"Sure Kagome, what is it?" Sango said.

"Well, it's actually more of a request...you see, I have the power...I think...to turn human...and..." Kagome said.

Shippo bounced in Kagome's lap, "Really Kagome?!? That's so awesome!"

Kagome smiled at the kitsune, "The only problem is...I don't know the first thing about being a... female human..."

Sango smiled, "I'd be more than happy to help you get the feel for it, Kagome, its no problem."

"Oh, thank you Sango," Kagome exclaimed, "I didn't know how to ask Inuyasha or Miroku...."

"Miroku would probably tell you to walk around naked and say that it's ok to do." Sango said, laughing after her comment.

Kagome smiled, and then gazed down at the Jewel around her neck. "I'm just afraid..." Kagome told Sango.

"About what?" Sango questioned.

"Well, my history tells me that I can only remain human for a sun and a moon. So, this isn't like a permanent thing..." Kagome said.

"Do you want it to be permanent, Kagome?" Sango asked.

"I don't know. I mean...things just seem to be so different now, with me and Inuyasha. I just know that, in the long run, one of us is going to have to make the sacrifice and leave their home to be with the other." Kagome told her.

Sango didn't really know how to comfort Kagome; she couldn't really place herself in Kagome's situation. "Kagome, I really don't..." Sango began.

Kagome held her hand up to silence her, "I'm sorry Sango, I didn't mean to unload my problems onto you...you don't have to answer if you don't want too."

Sango smiled, "You don't have to decide now," Sango reminded her. "The heart has a way of making sacrifices for those it loves."

"Yeah...I suppose you're right." Kagome answered, still a little unsure.

"Soo...you wanna try now, Kagome?" Sango asked, a little nervous.

"Yes, if that's ok with you?" Kagome said. Pulling her head out of the other thought.

"Umm, sure Kagome. Do you want me to like turn my back or something?" Sango asked.

"You can watch if you like." Kagome said, not thinking anything of it.

Sango seemed a little unsure, but nodded slowly. Shippo bounded off of Kagome's lap, and stared with wide eyes, "You gonna do it now, Kagome?" he asked.

"I'm going to try, Shippo." Kagome said. Shippo wiggled with excitement. Sango knelt down and waited for Kagome to begin.

Kagome glanced down the beach; the boys were no where in site. Inuyasha must really be mad at Miroku; she wondered how far Miroku got before Inuyasha caught up with him.

She turned her attention back to the matter at hand; she carefully took the small pink jewel in between the fingers of her hands. Then, enclosing it into her palm.

She remembered the first time she had asked the jewel to grant her something. She had asked it to show her what really happened the night the lovers had been murdered. She had stated her wish plainly and clearly, and the jewel obeyed.

Kagome shut her eyes and took a deep breath. She pulled the jewel close to her chest and silently, to herself, made her wish.

'Sacred Jewel of the Four Souls, I ask you to lend me your power again. I wish to be able to split my fin in two and walk amongst the land creatures.'

Kagome unclenched her fingers from around the pink sphere and opened her eyes to gaze upon it.

Ever so gently, the Jewel rocked in her palm, before lifting off the surface of her hand and rising into the air a few inches.

Kagome's eyes glittered as the jewel began to glow and obey her. The jewel spun on its axis, and then began to pulsate.

Kagome watched as a soft ray of pink light came from its shinning surface. The beam of light encircled the tiny jewel and suddenly began to change its form.

The sphere shape of the pink jewel began to waver and change. It flashed and molded itself into a definitive hour-glass capsule.

The hour-glass was filled with light pink sand; the sand lay on the bottom of the hour-glass. Kagome understood as she watched the hour-glass turn itself upside-down.

As it flipped, the flow of the pink sand into the bottom glass started. As the first grains of sand fell, Kagome felt a sudden tickle emit from the top of her stomach to the tip of her fin.

The hour-glass hung from the same black cord as the jewel, so Kagome placed it back around her neck.

Kagome's eyes turned to stare at her lower half. Her eyes dazzled in wonder, at the site.

A circle of mist formed around her body, and then it began to lower itself down her body. As the mist passed over her scales, she watched them disappear and turn into smooth, flesh.

The circle of mist split into two when it reached the spot for her fin to split into two human legs. Her slender thighs appeared, then her delicately pointed knees, followed by the flesh of her calves.

The last of the misty circles closed around her new pair of human feet. Then, the mist clouds dissipated away into the air.

Kagome exhaled the breath she had taken in when the process had started. Her heart beat with the sound of the ocean waves against the shore. Her lips curved into the brightest of smiles.

Kagome shifted her weight and dared to move one of her new appendages. Carefully, she lifted her right leg up into the air, and stared at the five toes at the end of her foot.

Kagome reached out with her hand and caressed her smooth calf. Her sensitive fingers followed the line all the way up until the bones met with her hip.

Kagome cast a glance up at Sango and Shippo. Who stared in awe at the miracle that had just taken place before their eyes. Sango's mouth twisted into a smile of astonishment. Shippo's just hung open in wonder.

"Oh, Kagome!" Sango practically whispered. "That was incredible!"

Shippo nodded franticly in agreement.

Kagome was in shock herself, it was like nothing she had ever experienced. She felt new muscles that she had never before possessed. She gazed excitedly at Sango and Shippo.

"So, what happens now?" Kagome asked, with a sense of shock in her voice.

"Here," Sango told her, removing her long outer robe and draping it over Kagome's body. She now wore only her demon exterminator armor. "You'll need to wear this from now on; your lower body has to stay covered."

Kagome only nodded. She bound herself in Sango's robe and tied it firmly around her waist.

Sango moved to her knees, and held out her hand. "Now stand up!" she said happily.

Kagome took Sango's hand and rolled over onto her new knees. Her other hand fell onto the sand for support. Sango braced her with her other hand.

Both girls now stood on their knees and held onto each other for support. Kagome couldn't stop herself from smiling.

"Ok, lets start with one leg first." Sango said, "Lean on me if you need to."

"Ok." Kagome said breathlessly. She lifted her knee up and placed her foot flat on the sand. The sand was hot and dry under her feet. Kagome marveled at the feeling.

"Now, push your weight onto that foot." Sango said. Kagome did just that, and her knee buckled forward and she fell to the side.

Sango caught her before she hit the sand, laughing slightly.

"What?" Kagome asked, looking upset, "What did I do wrong?"

Sango only giggled, "You're just not used to bracing your knees. Here lets get off the beach and try it up on dry land, the sand makes it harder."

Kagome nodded. Sango turned her head and called, "Kirara, come here girl!"

Kagome looked up at the small tiny cat-demon walked near its master and rubbed against her lovingly. "Transform Kirara, and let's get Kagome up onto some dry land."

In a burst of flame, the tiny sweet cat-demon transformed into its bigger self and gave a roar, showing her large fangs. Kagome drew back slightly; Sango reassured her that is was ok. "She looks ferocious, but she's as sweet as a kitten."

Kagome nodded. Kirara moved closer to Kagome and she reached up and petted the cat-youkai on the head. Her fur was incredibly soft and silky. Kirara purred as Kagome pet her, and Kagome felt better about the beast.

Bracing herself on Kirara and with Sango's help, Kagome was able to climb up onto the cat-demon's back and straddle her, with one leg on each side of her body.

When Kagome was up, she felt incredibly tall. She gazed all around her, and out towards the water, which seemed to have lost some of its blue brilliance now that Kagome had left it. A rush of sadness struck her soul; she was actually leaving her home.

Kagome's eyes caught site of Inuyasha, as he walked towards her, dragging Miroku behind him.

Kagome's heart warmed at the site of him. Carefully, she released one hand from Kirara and waved to him.

...

From down the beach, Inuyasha could see Sango, a transformed Kirara, and a girl on Kirara's back.

He let go of Miroku, when the girl turned and waved to him. He froze on the spot, his eyes as wide as saucers.

The girl...she...she was...Kagome!! And she...she had legs!

With a burst of speed, he left Miroku, and charged forward towards her.

...

Kagome's smile grew brighter as Inuyasha came closer to her. When he reached her, he stopped and stared up at her, his eyes shimmering with love.

"Kagome..." he breathed, his eyes scanning her whole body.

"Surprise!" Kagome teased. Inuyasha's lips curved into a wondrous smile for her. With a gentle, clawed hand he reached out and traced her knee and her calf.

"She can't walk yet." Sango told him, glaring with happiness at the couple.

Inuyasha cocked his head slightly, but then he realized why she wouldn't be able to...she never had to before now.

It amazed him that this was the same Kagome, now, here, with legs...his Kagome, the Kagome he knew as a child, the Kagome who saved his life, the Kagome he loved.

"Inuyasha?!?" Shippo called to him, waving his tiny hands in front of his face, "Inuyasha? You in there? Inuyasha?"

Inuyasha blinked a few times, and caught everyone staring at him. He realized that Kagome had taken his hand in hers; she gave it a small squeeze.

His golden eyes met with her soft brown. He worked his clawed fingers through hers and clasped her hand tightly.

Kagome smiled at him.

"Inuyasha..." she whispered lovingly.

Inuyasha leaned upwards towards Kagome. She could feel her breathing increase as her heart quickened its beat.

Their faces came together; first at the forehead in a soft nuzzle...then, gently, at the lips. A brief, soothing kiss that was nothing short of romantic and sweet.

As they held the embrace, Kagome could hear Shippo giggling.

"Ewww...gross! Their kissing!" the young kit cried.

Kagome felt a vibration come from Inuyasha's lips as a low, deep growl sounded from his throat. She smiled under the kiss, laughing slightly.

"Shippo hush!" Sango hissed to the kit.

Kagome pulled away from Inuyasha, her face in a wondrous smile, her heart light and free.

Inuyasha tore a dark look at Shippo for disrupting him and Kagome. Kagome noticed his mood and quickly placed her hand on his chin and turned his face towards her.

She leaned down and kissed him again, making his growl disappear. She proved to Inuyasha that nothing would distract her from the love that bound them to each other.

...

Miroku and Sango shyly turned glances at each other. They felt like a third wheel standing in the midst of the lovers, but they could only feel happy for the pair.

When Miroku turned to Sango he smiled his goofy, perverted smile upon her.

Sango rolled her eyes, but couldn't help smile in return. Despite Miroku's womanizing attitude, he was king and understand and surprisingly tough...for a monk.

Sango slowly moved her hand towards Miroku's. Her fingers gently touched his.

Surprisingly, Miroku jumped at Sango's move, his eyes widened and he glared at her. Making the first move was usually his job; he never had a woman make a move on him.

Sango's smile widened as she fit her hand in his, timidly glancing away. Miroku returned the emotion and intertwined his fingers with hers.

They remained hand-in-hand for the duration of the moment. While Inuyasha and Kagome softly kissed and whispered words to each other.

...

Sharing small kisses with each other, Inuyasha and Kagome cooed 'I love yous' in their partner's ears.

Still standing, Inuyasha leaned his head and rested it against Kagome's new thigh. Kagome let him while she pet his long silver hair and then leaned over and rested her head on top of his.

Kirara stood patiently as the lovers cuddled with one another.

As Kagome rested on her love, her hour-glass necklace fell from her neck and dangled in the air in front of Inuyasha's gaze.

Inuyasha opened his eyes after a few minutes of cuddling and stared at the hour-glass pendant. He watched as the small grains of pink sand fell from the first chamber into the other.

He lifted his head, causing Kagome to lift her head as well; he reached out and touched the hour-glass with a cautious finger.

Kagome smiled and clasped the hour-glass in one of her hands.

"I can only remain human for a specific period of time." She softly reminded him.

Inuyasha cocked his head in confusion, but his eyes seemed sad.

"When the last grain of sand falls, I'll change back...no matter where I am." Kagome continued.

Inuyasha bowed his head and stared at the ground, "I don't know why I thought this change was permanent. I guessed my heart had wished it was." He told her.

Kagome reached out to touch him, but stopped herself; her hand hovering in the air.

"I am what I am, Inuyasha." Kagome said. She let her hand drop back to her side. "I'm sorry..."

Inuyasha pulled his head up. It was his turn to take Kagome's chin and turn her gaze into his. His eyes held sympathy.

"We will deal with this when the time comes." He repeated.

Kagome's lips curved into a sweet smile.

"For now," Inuyasha continued reaching out and touching her leg, "You need to learn how to walk."

Kagome blushed slightly, and shrugged her shoulders.

Inuyasha smiled back to her and took a step back. He held out his arms to catch her and said, "Slide off...I'll teach you."

Kagome nodded and swung her right leg over Kirara's back. Now both her legs were on one side of Kirara.

She smiled and slipped off of Kirara's back; into Inuyasha's awaiting arms. Inuyasha caught her at the waist and wrapped his arms around her.

Inuyasha smiled as the woman he loved landed in his strong arms. Inuyasha began to spin in small circles, taking Kagome with him. Her feet didn't touch the sandy ground, as they both spun around and around.

Kagome giggled in his arms as they both twirled together. After several spins, Inuyasha placed Kagome on the ground.

Her feet hit the ground, and as her weight fell on them, her knees bucked again. Kagome began to fall towards the ground, luckily Inuyasha didn't drop his grip on her waist and he pulled her back up.

"Keep your knees straight...do not let them bend." He told her.

Kagome didn't answer; she focused her mind on keeping her new appendages and joints stiff. She waited until she felt the sand hit the bottoms of her feet again. When she felt the texture, she locked her knees into position, and awaited Inuyasha to let her go.

Kagome shut her eyes. Slowly she felt her full weight fall onto her legs. Her knees wavered, her left one began to bend, but she snapped it back into place. Her right remained sturdy.

Cautiously, she opened her eyes. She saw the red of Inuyasha's jacket, then, as she lifted her head, she saw his face. His eyes were shinning in excitement.

"Am...am I...?" Kagome asked.

"You're standing Kagome." Inuyasha finished, smiling at her with one of his amazing smiles. He carefully removed his arms from around her waist and let her stand on her own.

Kagome could feel tears coming to her eyes. She wanted to throw her arms around Inuyasha's neck and hug him forever.

"Oh Inuyasha!" Kagome cried out, stepping forward, her arms extended.

She felt herself beginning to lose balance, even though her knees were straight, her body was falling forward. Kagome watched as the ground began to rise up toward her.

But, Inuyasha caught her by the shoulders before she fell on the way. "Whoa! Careful!" he said as he grabbed her.

Kagome couldn't help but laugh as she stopped falling. Inuyasha laughed with her. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pulled her into another deep kiss.

...

By the end of the afternoon, Inuyasha had taught Kagome how to stand, walk, and run.

The pair left the rest of the group and traveled together down the beach and into the woods.

Inuyasha pointed out many different kinds of birds that sung in the tree tops. He helped Kagome climb a tree and quietly look into a birds nest. The white speckled eggs lay innocently on the mound of twigs and feathers.

Kagome was shown all the different plants and vines. As well as the colored berries that grew in the damp soil beneath the tall trees. Kagome found the berries sweet when she ate them, yet a few times she made the mistake of eating a sour one. Inuyasha laughed at the faces she made.

Inuyasha cut down a tree with his claws and showed Kagome how old the trees were by their rings.

A few blossoming trees and bushes were in full bloom. Inuyasha picked the biggest and sweetest of the flowers and gave them to Kagome. Who kissed him sweetly in thanks.

Butterflies flew through the air and landed on the colored flowers, waving their wings and sucking the sweet nectar.

Kagome was amazed at the smells and sounds around her. Noises she would never hear in the deep ocean.

Inuyasha talked and talked about the forest and the animals within it. He told her about all the different demons. And every one of Kagome's many questions was answered.

They reached a clear, flowing stream and they both stopped for a drink. Kagome couldn't imagine actually drinking the water, and not swimming in it. Yet the water she drank was not salty, but cold, sweet, and fresh.

Inuyasha and Kagome traveled, hand in hand. Sometimes Inuyasha carried her threw the tree tops or over an old log.

Finally, they returned to the beach just as the sun began to set. They met up with Miroku and the others, who had made camp.

Kagome was fascinated by fire. Many times Inuyasha had to tell her not to get so close.

They ate strange and unusual foods under the gathering stars.

Kagome asked many questions to Sango, Miroku, and Shippo; who all answered her with great detail.

Sango told her about Kirara and about her life as a demon exterminator. She showed Kagome her boomerang and even demonstrated.

Inuyasha kept Miroku away from Kagome with deep growls and occasional hard slaps.

Yet, in between the perverted comments, Miroku's topics of healing and exorcisms were very interesting.

Kagome wanted to know all about demons and how they lived. She was also curious about normal humans and how they lived, ate, and survived.

The night was wondrous and Kagome didn't want it to ever end.

Shippo had long fallen asleep in Kagome's lap, but the others still continued to talk.

Inuyasha had snuggled close to Kagome, who snuggled back. One by one, they all fell asleep until only Kagome and Inuyasha were awake.

Kagome lay in Inuyasha's lap, her head against his chest, with his arms wrapped around her.

"Are you nervous of what the morning might bring upon us, Inuyasha?" Kagome asked him.

"I'm not sure." Inuyasha answered. "I don't even know where to begin looking for your attacker..."

"What about Sesshomaru?" Kagome asked.

Inuyasha frowned, "Yea, I'm sure he's probably still living up at the castle. But then he might have moved on...it's hard to tell."

"Do you think he knows you're coming?" Kagome asked.

"Probably." Inuyasha stated, "It's a wonder to me why he hasn't attacked yet..."

"Perhaps he doesn't want too...maybe he has changed?" Kagome asked hopefully.

"I doubt it, he's heartless." Inuyasha said.

Kagome ducked her head, and snuggled closer to Inuyasha. "I don't think anyone is heartless." She said sleepily.

Inuyasha pondered Kagome's last words.

...............Flashback...................

Sango remained upset, "That's the problem with you, Inuyasha. You never care! You don't care about anything or anyone!"

Inuyasha faced her with blazing eyes, "Caring has never gotten me anything in life!"

"Then you're heartless!" Sango roared.

.......................End Flashback....................

"Hey Kagome?" Inuyasha asked her softly. "Do you really think that no one is heartless?"

Kagome yawned and sleepily answered, "I do indeed. Even in the darkest of hearts, deep down within there is always a place for emotions and feelings..."

Inuyasha grazed her cheek with his fingers, "Like what?" he asked.

Kagome opened her sleepy eyes and smiled up at him.

"Oh...like love." She answered. "Every heart can love..."

Inuyasha let the words soak in. He couldn't imagine Sesshomaru ever loving someone. But, he never imagined himself ever loving someone. He thought that he, at one time, was heartless himself.

But now he had Kagome. Who he loved more than anything.

Inuyasha gazed down at Kagome who stared dreamily up at him. He pulled her closer to him, and hugged her tightly-like a life line.

He nuzzled his face in her neck and kissed her collar bone with soft butterfly kisses. He could hear Kagome's heart beat pick up and her breathing come in short gasps.

"I love you, Kagome." He told her sleepily.

"I love you too, Inuyasha." Kagome whispered to him.

Inuyasha lifted his head from her neck and they both shared a sweet 'good night' kiss.

Inuyasha lay down on his side and pulled Kagome in front of him. He wrapped his arm around her stomach, his other arm tucked under his head.

They both lay like spoons, nestled together.

A soft breeze from the ocean made the night air pleasant. And the rhythmic breathing that Kagome and Inuyasha shared carried them both into deep sleeps, bound together by body, soul, and heart.

................................................

Aww...fluffy chapter!! I hoped you all enjoyed! Don't forget to review...hopefully I don't have to remind you of that.

Next chapter...Sesshomaru...that's all I'm saying. : )