Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of its characters they are the property of Rumiko Takahashi. This story was written for the purposes of entertainment and I by no means will profit from the story other than the satisfaction of exercising my imagination and writing abilities.


Chapter 21: Moonlit Meetings

The waning moon glowed silently above. Its silver light flickered between the trees. The forest was bathed in silence as the taiyoukai moved stealthily towards the place he felt the disruption to his spirit shield. His ears were trained, listening for any sound. He heard nothing but the nocturnal sounds of the forest. He sniffed the air once more, trying to decipher a new scent from all the others that were carried on the evening breeze. Yet he was not disappointed when his efforts turned up nothing. He had known that he would find nothing out of the ordinary. The one he sought was neither human nor demon, but an abomination of nature created from a demon's craft. She was a being forged from earth, clay, and bones not even the scent of death would be hers alone.

He knew he must find her before she reached the village and Kagome. When he found her, he had only one option, he must make her leave, yet she must believe it is of her own volition. There was so much at stake with this meeting tonight. Kagome's very life could very well depend on this. He could not allow Kikyo to get close enough to Kagome. The result would eventually lead to catastrophe.

Another vibration of energy caught his attention, which was followed shortly thereafter by another and another. It was evident that there were several beings trying to get through. He could not tell yet if they were human or demon. But from the feel of the energy vibrations of his shield whatever they were, they were intent on getting through.

On his guard, Sesshomaru concealed his scent and energy. He walked amongst the shadows so he could see what lay on the other side of the barrier. He expected to see Naraku's minions. Instead he found the Shinidamachu, the demons that carried the souls of dead maidens. Instantly he knew why they were there. He smiled then as he realized he had just solved his problem. Once more he let his guard down. He intended to make his presence known before he could be seen.

They would lead him to Kikyo.

He created a small opening to let them pass through. He sealed it again as the last one came through and followed the unholy creatures to their mistress. From the shadows he saw her, Kikyo, the one who held his brother's heart. Bathed in the moonlight and the light from the Shinidamachu she looked a vision. But he knew better than to trust the appearance of such a creature. He had senses other than sight to tell him what she was. His youkai senses could perceive the miko energy that was hers and hers alone.

An evening breeze blew then. One of the scents carried upon its current caught his attention as he looked at the miko from the shadows. She had ceased her walking, but he had seen the direction in which she traveled and it confirmed his earlier suspicions. The miko made her way towards the village, towards Kagome. He would not allow that to happen.

Sesshomaru knew the miko could sense him. He stayed where he was. He didn't move even when Kikyo notched an arrow and aimed at where he stood in the shadows. Proving to him that she had full control over what little powers she had. He smiled to himself. She would need them if she were to keep the part of the soul she possessed. But if she got too close to Kagome they would do her no good. The only thing that would keep the final part of the soul from Kagome would be the Kokoikomi.

"It is no use trying to figure out how to track me demon." Kikyo's voice said as she let fly an arrow in his direction. Sesshomaru caught an arrow in between his fingers disintegrating it before the miko's eyes. Another arrow was loosed from her bow, only to hit his armor and disappear into a flurry of pink lights and sparks, leaving the demon unscathed.

Ebony eyes widened in surprise. It was the only outward show of emotion from the miko as her face remained impassive as she watched the shadows. She knew that hidden from her was a formidable youkai, one that she could barely sense, but was powerful enough to destroy her arrows. Even Naraku with his shards of the Shikon no Tama could not have resisted the purifying aura of her arrows.

"I have no need to figure out how to track you, as I have no wish to see your face again." He replied his voice cold, emotionless. His face was unreadable as he moved closer to the edge of the shadows to closer observe the miko before him.

Cold amber eyes scrutinized her carefully. Indeed she was a vision, a maiden frozen in time, ageless in all her outward splendor. It was true that she did indeed resemble Kagome. To the untrained eye they could be sisters almost identical in their looks. However, to Sesshomaru's discerning prejudiced eye there was a marked difference in the woman before him, one that made her infinitely inferior to the woman he had left but moments before to the company of her friends. Ebony eyes looked at him, empty voids where nothing but bitter hatred and despair dwelt. He knew they reflected what lay within the clay flesh of the maiden before him. He could almost pity her.

Almost….

Amber eyes looked at the Shinidamachu as they hovered nearby, their precious cargo held within their grasp; the souls of dead maidens. The creature before him needed to consume these innocent souls to survive. Sesshomaru almost snorted in disgust, this entity's selfishness knew no bounds. He knew as well as she that to do so would destroy the soul forever. The spirits would never know the peace that was meant for them, as they would be extinguished forever. No one deserved that cruel a fate.

The taiyoukai took another step towards her, but the shadows still cloaked his being. He watched as she notched another arrow in her bow. But she did not release it.

"Your arrows are pitiful, Kikyo. You are reputed to be a miko with some power. But that was when you were alive. Was it not?" Sesshomaru words were meant to taunt an unbalance the miko before him.

"Who are you? How do you know me?" She asked as she narrowed her eyes at him, dropping the bow. She took a step towards him, summoning the power into her hands as she closed the gap between them, trying to see who her opponent was. Sesshomaru stood still as she approached. He knew she still could not see him fully, the darkness of the trees, and the placement of the moon had seen to that. He didn't even flinch when her hands glowed pink. The taiyoukai knew what she intended to do and was not surprised when Kikyo released the blast of healing energy at him. He didn't even flinch as the energy enveloped him. Sesshomaru was pleased to see the surprise that rose in her eyes once more.

"Who I am is of no importance. We have never met but I know of you. I have heard tales of a great miko who once was guardian of the Shikon no Tama, who now walks this land neither living nor dead. You have become nothing more than a foul being, an abomination of nature, who selfishly consumes the souls of dead maidens. Yet, selfish is what you were when you were human. You defiled the title miko even when you still drew life's breath. As guardian of the Shikon no Tama you swore an oath. Do you not remember?" Sesshomaru asked as amber eyes glittered dispassionately as his words sunk into the miko's conscious thoughts. He took another step forward into the moonlit path before her.

Kikyo eyed the demon before her. Silver hair…amber eyes…though she had not laid eyes on him before she could not deny the resemblance he bore to Inuyasha. Unlike Inuyasha he was cultured and refined; aristocratic in bearing, yes there was no doubt that this was Inuyasha's brother. The one he had spoken of only once. She racked her brain searching long closeted memories for a name… Sesshomaru.

"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru, I gave an oath. I swore to lay down my life for protecting the jewel. Which I did, I gave my life protecting it from your brother, and Naraku." She said bitterly. Onyx eyes glittered in defiance daring him to challenge her assertion.

"How soon you forget the part you played in this as well. Or is it death that clouds your memory? You pledged to give up worldly desires, and swore to never use the jewel for any reason. Do you not remember that you had intended to use the jewel to turn my brother human?"

"I swore to protect the jewel until it could be destroyed. It was in my power to do so…" Kikyo countered, and her anger was roused even more when her reply was cut short by the arrogant demon before her.

"You did not have the power to do so." Sesshomaru interrupted then, as he tired of her voice, and the self deception it held. He sought to cure her of her delusions. "It was your obligation and your sworn duty to protect the jewel, what you wanted to do was wrong on so many levels, and you wished to make my brother party to your sins."

"Yes, you would think there was a sin in love. I know all about you. You are the reason your brother came here in the first place to seek out the jewel to become a demon. You cast him out for what he was. You betrayed him as no brother should betray a brother, and yet you lecture me about my duty as a priestess." Kikyo spat at him. Anger coursing through her very being. Her emotions may be beyond her reach, but she knew t what she had once felt for his brother, enough to put it into words, even if she was unable to experience the joy of that emotion again. She knew without a doubt what she had felt for Inuyasha was an unselfish, untainted emotion that had once filled her soul with light.

Kikyo also knew the pain the youkai before her had caused his brother. The bitterness and hatred in her found a way to blame the taiyoukai for what had happened between her and Inuyasha. If he hadn't rejected his brother in such a fashion Inuyasha would never have searched for the jewel. She never would have had the love in her heart stirred. There longing to be a normal woman would never have been born in her soul. There would have been no cause for her to question her destiny. She would never have had to feel the pain and anger his betrayal had caused. She would not be who she was now if not for the demon before her now.

"What lies between Inuyasha and me has no bearing here. What has bearing here is your dereliction of your sworn duty. You pledged to give up all claims on worldly goods and desire nothing for yourself. And yet you were prepared to use the jewel for selfish gain." Sesshomaru stated coldly.

"Using the jewel to make Inuyasha human was not selfish gain. Using the jewel in such a way would have made the jewel obsolete and it would have disappeared forever, there would be no more need for a guardian, no one else would have to sacrifice their life, their happiness their freedom for that despicable thing again. I would be free, as would any who would have come after me."

"You continue to delude yourself with these thoughts. Even now you are blinded by your selfish earthly desires. They are what sealed your fate and that of my brother. You and my brother were stopped for a reason. To have used the jewel would have put an end to all existence. Do you not remember the teachings of old? Is it possible that you do not remember the balances of the universe that are inextricably tied to each of us? Has your recollection of love removed all knowledge of the forces that are at work, to keep everything in that precarious state of equilibrium that perpetuates the existence of all that we know? As guardian you must have known that is what is inside the jewel. The fate of the world, of life, of existence itself was entrusted into your care." The contempt he felt for her became more evident in each chilling syllable he spoke.

"Demon, you speak of things that are myths. Lies that have no basis in truth, I have passed to the other side. I have seen nothing of balance. If there is such, how can I exist with only pain and bitterness within my soul?" Kikyo hissed. Her hatred glistened in her ebony eyes as she regarded the taiyoukai who lectured her so coldly. He spoke with contempt, as if she were a petulant child. Kikyo knew she was more than that, she was a great priestess, and how dare he lecture her. She had done her duty. She had sacrificed her freedom, her happiness, her ability to love freely, and she had paid the ultimate sacrifice in the end. She had given up her life for the sake of that accursed jewel. And her reward for that sacrifice had been a sojourn in the agonizing hell her love for Inuyasha had created especially for her.

"No. I speak of what you do not want to acknowledge. What your selfishness does not allow you to see. The flesh that surrounds what little of a soul you have was created by a demon craft. Your place is in hell." Sesshomaru finished, amber eyes glittering like polished topaz as he regarded the woman before him. If it wasn't for the fact that Kagome's life depended on the fact that this creature remain he would gladly send her back to the hell where she belonged. She sickened him.

She smiled then, a chilling smile of bitter malice. Ebony eyes glittered like obsidian, burning with hatred and animosity for the demon lord before her. "Hai, hell is my place. But I have no intention of returning there without your brother. Since he has no intention of leaving this land anytime soon, I have every intention of remedying my current situation. I killed the demon who created me. I obliterated her with the powers that were briefly mine once more."

"Your brother travels with a girl, another human." Kikyo continued finding satisfaction in telling him something that she knew would unsettle his demon code of ethics. "He has once more fallen for a human. Yet the irony of it all is that she now possesses my soul. I mean to reclaim it and the life that comes with it. Finally I will be free of all the chains that still bind me. Soon nothing will have a claim on me…"

Kikyo stopped there, obsidian eyes going wide in surprise as she felt a great pull within her. Something was wrong. Damn Inuyasha, she was not going to go to him this time. She wouldn't see him again until she was in full possession of her soul. Self preservation kicked in at that moment. She closed her eyes in panicked concentration, it took in and she used her powers to call to the Shinidamachu, who carefully picked up their mistress and carried her safely away.

"Sesshomaru, when next we meet I will destroy you." Those were Kikyo's parting words as she was carried off into the night by her faithful minions.

Sesshomaru watched in silent confusion as he watched the scene before him. The miko's words were nothing to him. Something had happened to startle the beast before him and send her away. He needed to know what it was. Something in his gut knew, and the breeze brought with it confirmation. The smell of milk and honey wafted on the breeze stronger than before. The powers within Kagome were already tugging at the last piece of the soul.

A smile of satisfaction graced his features then. She may not know it, but Kikyo's desire to live once more would forever keep her from her goal. He wondered how long the miko would be able to fight the pull of her soul. Thankfully the Shinidamachu seemed loyal to her, this would buy him some time and they were to key to finding Kikyo, them and the feel of her miko powers. Wherever they were, she would be close by.

He turned to find Kagome. For some reason he just needed to see her again. He told himself he needed to find out if she had felt any strange fluctuations in her energy. He had to quell the fear inside him that she had consciously called the souls to her. Even as the thought crossed his mind, he knew she had not. He had seen her face when she found out what destroying the jewel would mean. But still he had this unreasonable urge within him to hear it from her lips.

Kagome had indeed come closer to where he and Kikyo had been. But the young woman had felt no sudden change in her powers. She had left Sango, Kaede and the children under the guise of searching for Inuyasha. Despite the tiredness she felt, it was nothing to the whirling emotions she had inside. She needed to get away by herself for a moment to think. So much had happened today she needed to put it all into perspective, and the only way to do that was away from the others.

Walking along she noticed Miroku off by himself, sitting on a fallen tree. He had left the group right after Sesshomaru stating that he was going to bathe. Something about his posture as he sat there caught her attention. Kagome closed her eyes and let the emotions come to her. His sadness and utter despair confused her. Those emotions were his, of that she was certain. What confused her is why she hadn't picked up on them sooner.

She moved towards him and was not surprised when he did not look up. Whatever was bothering him consumed him, and he obviously did not want anyone to know. He had hidden it so well. Today he had been his usual self, one minute joking and inappropriate, the next moment his intellect and intuitiveness would kick in. But never had she seen him so withdrawn and sullen…not since that time with the mantis.

'His hand…" she thought her midnight eyes going wide with concern '…something had to be wrong with his hand.' She prayed that the hole had not spread. Imagining what the group without Miroku would be like was impossible. Imagining the group without any of them was impossible, they had been together for so long.

Miroku was lost in his thoughts. Ever since the day of his confrontation with Inuyasha his emotions had been in turmoil. Rin in her innocence had managed to set off an inner battle within him. And Sango, every time he looked at her his heart swelled with a mixture of love, despair, and lately regret.

Tonight he had noticed her anxiousness as her eyes flitted from Inuyasha to Sesshomaru. Initially he thought nothing of it, but as the conversation wore on she had grown more and more tense. Then he had seen the look on her face when Inuyasha left the group. Miroku knew that look only too well. The monk had seen it often enough, it was the look she had on her face, the haunted look in her eyes that she had after an encounter with Kohaku. Every time he saw it a part of his heart twisted in anguish knowing he was powerless to ease her suffering.

As he had sat there with the women and the children the part he had played in this all came upon him full force. He had looked anxiously at Kagome, but she had been busy with Sango telling her about what had occurred between her and Inuyasha all those weeks ago. He thanked the gods she wasn't paying attention because at that moment she was still focusing on Inuyasha's pain. He had to leave before she found him out, so he had excused himself under the premise of needing to bathe.

Here in the solitary silence of the clearing he felt at ease to dwell upon his part in all this. And he cursed himself for overlooking her pain. Miroku knew that he wasn't the one who made her unhappy, but he realized that it was he, and his incessant chatter about the brothers that wouldn't let her forget it. How insensitive he had been to her feelings to have spoken of them so often in her company. Now, after watching her tonight he understood what had held her back from accepting Sesshomaru.

Even now he had to admit she had hid her emotions well. She had spoken of Sesshomaru's dishonor, and talked of youkai codes with impassioned anger directed towards the youkai, but he had never sensed her hurt until tonight. She had hidden her despair behind her strength and convictions. He just wished she would have let him see, or even confided in him. But he knew Sango was proud as well as she was strong. She didn't like to show her weakness to anyone, anyone except Kagome. It was in Kagome's arms that she sobbed into when the heartache had been too much for her to bear. Kagome was the one in whom she confided the secrets of her heart. Part of him understood, but part of him wished more than anything that he was that person.

From the first time he laid eyes upon her, he had known Sango was special. The fierce look in her eyes when she had confronted Inuyasha, the righteous vengeance that burned in their depths. Everything about her, the way she moved with the grace and agility of a doe, albeit a deadly doe. He had been mesmerized from the first, even though at the moment she was an enemy. Every day since then he had discovered something about her to make him the dearest person in his heart.

She was everything he had ever wanted in a woman. To him she was the epitome of what a woman should be; strong, loyal, courageous, beautiful and sensually feminine. With her he knew he would have no trouble producing children. Their sons would be strong, honorable and intelligent. Their daughters would be beautiful creatures that would take second place to no man, but stand by his side. They would be their mother's children.

He wanted so badly to tell Sango how he felt about her, he had wanted to for so long, but instead he could not bring himself to do it. But now more than ever he wanted to. He wanted a wife and a family, all the things he never had. He had wandered alone for so long, and even now surrounded by his friends, he realized that to some extent he was still alone. He was still trapped by those habits which had kept others at bay. He made people laugh, and no one took him seriously, not even the one woman he loved more than anything.

Sango was the one he wanted to bear his children the one woman he had not asked that question to because he could not bear to have the word "No" cross those most precious lips. Instead he tried to treat her like everyone else. He could not declare himself to her, and hear her rejection…or worse yet have her accept him only to see him sucked up by that hole in his hand. He could not bear to give her any additional pain.

"Miroku." Kagome's gentle voice broke into his thoughts as she settled next to him on the fallen log. "Miroku, is your hand bothering you?"

Surprised violet eyes met compassionate curious midnight ones.

"No. I was just thinking, nothing really important." Miroku lied. It was important to him, very.

"Hmm…whatever you were thinking must be pretty sad. You look like you lost your best friend." He opened his mouth to deny it, but she put a hand up to stop him before she lowered her voice in a compassionate whisper. "I can feel your pain, so don't try to tell me nothing's wrong. If you don't want to tell me, then tell Sango, you two have always been close."

"I can't tell Sango."

Kagome knew then that this was about his feelings for the Taijiya. She had watched them struggle with their feelings for one another. She had seen the looks he had thrown her way, not to mention the inappropriate touching that he was so found of. But she had noticed Sango's jealousy when those attentions were directed elsewhere, nor did she miss the gleam of satisfaction that lit Miroku's eyes when the taijiya's jealousy came into play.

"Then tell me. I'm willing to listen."

Miroku smiled at her then a sad sort of smile that broke her heart. Miroku was not one for emotional shows. He had always pretty much been one to act on his impulses for the most part. "It's just I had been thinking a lot since the other day. I want a family Kagome."

Part of Kagome wasn't sure if she should stay as close as she was, she half expected his usual "Will you bear my child?" question to follow such a statement, but instead she was met with a lingering silence as the monk who sat across from lost himself in his thoughts once more. Kagome knew what he meant, even if he didn't have the courage to tell anyone.

"Miroku." Kagome said. All her emotions were in that one word. Miroku knew she would understand what he could not bring himself to say. "Tell her how you feel."

"I can't. I couldn't bear it if she rejected me." Miroku spoke the words although he knew that is not what he feared.

"She won't reject you if you tell her what's in your heart. She loves you too."

"Hai. I know." He replied despondently. Miroku knew that the taijiya cared for him as he cared for her. A man of the world he had seen the signs of love, and he envied all those who found it. He had seen that look in Sango's soft brown eyes from time to time, only to watch her quickly shut her feelings back inside when she realized he was looking at her. On these occasions it had been difficult to keep his feelings to himself.

"If you know then why won't you tell her?" Kagome's question fell in line with his thoughts. He knew all too well why he couldn't tell her. Sango deserved someone she could grow old with. Have the children that he so wanted to share with her, but knew right now couldn't promise her. To declare his feelings to her now would be selfish.

Pain filled brown eyes flashed before his mind. Sango had seen enough death. Her heart mourned for too many that had been close to her, and he could not in his conscience leave her with one more to mourn.

"I can't hurt her more than she does already. She lost her father, her villagers…her brother….all to Naraku, and I can't guarantee that I will live either. If the curse takes me, what then, am I to leave her to mourn someone else she loves? I can't do that to her."

Midnight eyes filled with understanding. Was it really just yesterday that she faced what Miroku now faced? So much had happened today. It seemed like a lifetime ago. But she knew how Miroku felt. She also knew that he was wrong. That his death would hurt Sango no matter what. It would hurt her more if Miroku never told her how he felt about her. If he declared himself Sango would at least know where she stood with him. She would at least have something real to hang onto to help her get through the loss.

"And what if the curse takes you and she doesn't know how you feel about her? Wouldn't that be worse? I think it would be. I think she would rather know how you felt about her. Then she wouldn't always wonder what could have been. Believe me the promise of tomorrow is better than the thoughts about what could have been."

Violet eyes held hope as they searched midnight ones. In Kagome's eyes he saw the same compassionate wisdom that her voice held. The truth of her words reflected in those midnight depths. A slow smile of understanding yet melancholy acceptance formed on his lips.

"I've never thought of it that way. Kami, I've wasted so much time…" Miroku stated his voice full of self reproach.

"Then don't waste anymore. Tell her how you feel." Kagome's voice was gentle but it was a command nonetheless. And yet it held something else in it, a determination, no, something more than that. It was as if she were speaking from experience.

Miroku looked at her, and noticed the light in her eyes. She was in love. He knew not with him, but he had seen that look, coupled with the tone of her voice. She had gone through this with someone. "Whoever he is Kagome, he is a lucky man to have earned your love."

Kagome blushed at that. "No I'm the lucky one to have his. I went back and for a moment I thought I had lost him forever, but now I know how much he loves me. I can't tell you how much that meant to me." Her eyes sparkled brilliantly. Miroku thought Inuyasha a fool at that moment. But whoever it was that held Kagome's heart it was evident that she was certain that she held his as well.

The sound of footsteps on the path caught their attention. Two pairs of eyes looked up to see the very topic of their conversation turn the corner on the path. Surprised brown eyes took in the scene in front of her. She had not expected to find either one of them here, and especially not together.

Kagome rose from her seat. "I better get going." She said as she stood. Then looking at the woman who was like a sister to her, she could still sense her confusion at what she had stumbled upon. "Sango I think Miroku would like to talk to you." And with that said she started back on the path.

Kagome fought the urge to linger and see what happened between the two of them. Yet consideration for them won out. This was something they had to do alone. It couldn't be accomplished under her watchful eye. Her heart knew without a doubt tonight would be a turning point in their relationship, one that both Miroku and Sango would welcome.

Moonlight came through the treetops and lit her way on the path. The moon was almost full and its silver light flickered down, lighting the path ahead. She sighed happily, content with the knowledge that things would be settled between the monk and the taijiya at last. Tonight was the perfect setting for it too. The clearing, the near full moon, no one around just the two of them, it was the perfect setting for a declaration of love. Nothing could be more perfect.

Then she smiled to herself. One thing could be more perfect. A sunny afternoon in the park, sitting on a bench at the edge of the pond…Hojo, her heart pounded out the name and another sigh escaped her lips. It was just yesterday. It had been real. Everything seemed possible now.

"Kagome," Sesshomaru's voice startled her from her thoughts, and a blush stained her cheeks as she turned to the sound of his voice coming from above. She looked up to find him standing on a branch of a nearby tree. She almost giggled at the sight. She had never imagined that he would be in a tree, but yet, standing amongst the branches he still looked regal. He was so different than Inuyasha who would lie on the branch like it was a comfortable couch. It didn't matter where he was, Sesshomaru was always elegant. He gave off that aura of controlled power and refinement.

"Sesshomaru, what are you doing up there?" Her curiosity could not be contained especially since the tree was in rather close range to the clearing. His acute sense of hearing might mean he had heard every word. She didn't want him to know about Hojo, not after been counseled by him only two weeks ago regarding Inuyasha. Sesshomaru's opinion mattered to her, though she was at a loss to know why. She sent up a silent prayer to whatever god might be listening that somehow, he hadn't heard any of that conversation with Miroku.

The gods weren't listening to her this night. Sesshomaru had heard; almost every word that was spoken between them. The taiyoukai had heard all too clearly her admission of loving someone. Nor did he miss her happy sighs as she walked alone along the path. A part of him felt satisfied at hearing her confession to the monk. Yet another part of him ached although he could content himself in the fact that she was happy in her choice. That small voice within his heart, the voice of logic that grew more timid the longer he knew her, once more reminded him of the impossibility of anything between them. She was not of this world. Her future and destiny lay elsewhere and in the end he knew she would have to return to that time if she were to live.

As graceful as a panther, Sesshomaru jumped down from the tree and stood before Kagome on the path. Illuminated in the moon's silver light the taiyoukai stood unmoving, the darkened shadows only emphasizing the ethereal beauty and strength of him. Kagome stared at him, reminded of a picture she had seen once of an unknown warrior, some mythic hero who had saved some kingdom from long ago. She wondered at this moment if the painting was from this time. It could be; she just wished she had paid better attention. There had been a story that accompanied the picture, but then again she didn't pay much attention to her grandfather when he started rambling about the past.

Sesshomaru regarded Kagome with the same intensity that she had regarded him, though his reasons were entirely different than hers. The taiyoukai watched her for any signs of fatigue, or any behavior different than she had previously displayed. He didn't want to question her, because he sincerely doubted she knew what had almost happened to Kikyo earlier this evening. Sesshomaru was certain that it was Kagome's approaching the place where he and Kikyo were had triggered the reaction he witnessed in Kikyo.

Satisfied with his conclusions he spoke.

"I saw you and the monk and talking, and I did not want to intrude. I wanted to wait though, to find a moment alone to answer whatever questions you may have had earlier, as well as to offer my thanks for your discretion in not asking them in front of everyone. You understand the power of opposites that is at work, do you not?"

"Hai. Midoriko died saving Inuyasha, and Kikyo died killing him. One loved him enough to give her life so that he might live, the other died ending his life." Kagome said soberly. All thoughts of Hojo gone from her mind, and any embarrassment she may have felt. Back were the questions that she had wanted to ask him but couldn't. She had inferred from his story that he was still not ready to reveal Inuyasha's true parentage, and she could not have asked any of her questions with Inuyasha present, things were still very fragile between the two brothers.

Sesshomaru was pleased to see that she made the connection. Although he didn't doubt for a moment that she would. He would have been surprised if she hadn't caught on. As he looked at her, he knew there were more questions that she planned to ask. He knew in what direction they lie as the look of guilt and sadness that crept back into her eyes. He knew where her thoughts lay, and he wondered if he had it in him to tell her the truth. Sesshomaru wondered if he had the strength and the courage to look in this woman's eyes and tell her, despite everything she may die.

"Sesshomaru," Kagome's voice was tentative and unsure as she spoke. He looked down into her midnight eyes. He dreaded what he knew she would ask. "Why are you teaching me the Kokoikomi? Does it have something to do with Kikyo's soul?"

In her eyes he could see the anticipation held in their midnight depths. Once more he found himself searching for the words, to both answer her question and shield her from the truth of it all. How could he tell her she might die? How could he tell her when he would not let himself believe it was even a possibility? But he knew he was letting his emotions cloud his judgment once more. He knew why he was teaching her the Kokoikomi. He knew all too well why. Tonight had been another reminder of exactly why it was important that she learn to use it.

"Why don't we sit?" Sesshomaru motioned towards the base of the tree where two large roots protruded from the trunk of the tree, spaced just so, leaving them enough room to sit and face once another. Kagome sat first, and Sesshomaru sat on the opposite root facing her.

After a moment of silence he answered. "Hai. You are right. I taught you to keep the Kokoikomi to keep the portion of the soul Kikyo possesses from merging with the portion you possess…"

"I thought so. I'm relieved. I couldn't take the remainder of the soul from her. It would hurt Inuyasha too much." The relief was evident in her voice. "I couldn't do that to him…to her. They've already lost each other once. I didn't want to be the one to cause her to die a second time. I couldn't live with myself if I did. If she possesses some of my soul, then there is hope that one day they'll be able to love each other like they did before all this happened."

Sesshomaru looked at her in disbelief. This woman was more than generous to the being that walked the earth with nothing but hatred and vengeance in her soul. What happened to that wisdom and understanding she had held but moments before? His ears must surely have deceived him, because she could not truly believe that naïve fairy tale. Yet he could not condemn her for wanting to believe the best. And he could not bring himself to tell her the real reason, not tonight, not when she was so happy. He would tell her, but just not tonight.

Kagome smiled at the taiyoukai. His arched silver brow said what he did not. "You think I'm silly to believe that. Maybe I am. But I can't help thinking, that if I have her soul, and I can find it in me to forgive and have faith in others, somewhere inside her even amongst all the hate and bitterness that she has, that faith and love are still there. She just needs time to find them again."

Sesshomaru smiled at the woman who sat in front of him. Her eyes held that look of wisdom that was beyond her years. A timeless wisdom that many long to possess and few who had lived ten times her age did. "I was a fool to think you were naïve, even if it was for a moment. You are right; again you look at something differently than I. Just like earlier, when you spoke with the monk. I agreed with the monk at first you know."

Kagome looked away from Sesshomaru. A blush slowly crept into her cheeks. Sesshomaru gazed in wonder at her profile as the silver light of the moon illuminated her in its soft light. The high color of her cheeks, the brightness of her eyes all seemed to add to the beauty of her person. Once again he was struck by the difference between her and the priestess he had spoken with not even an hour ago. Every word, every feeling she possessed was superior in every way. The only thing Kikyo had that Kagome lacked were the years of spiritual training. However, that would be remedied in short order. As it was now, Kagome's control was almost at the level Kikyo's was.

"What was the curse you spoke of?" He asked wanting to divert the conversation from the direction his comment had begun to take it. He couldn't go there. Not tonight, later when he was alone and he could collect his thoughts.

"The void in his right hand is his curse." She stated simply regaining her composure, but still unable to look Sesshomaru in the eye. She was grateful that this is what he wanted to talk about. Everything about her and Hojo was too new to share with anyone right now.

"How is such a powerful weapon a curse?" Sesshomaru asked.

Kagome looked at him then. Her eyes full of concern for her friend. "Hai, it is a powerful weapon, but that weapon will one day draw him in as well. Naraku cursed his grandfather almost fifty years ago with the void. The curse was passed down from generation to generation until there would be no more of his family left. His grandfather eventually was drawn into the void he carried. What's worse, is that Miroku saw his own father suffer the fate that will one day be his." Her soft voice was full of sadness. "Miroku isn't worried about dying at the hands of Naraku in a direct battle. His greatest fear is that he won't have that chance. That's why he didn't want to tell Sango how he felt about her. I think that's why he traveled alone for so many years."

"The taijiya has seen much death already." He stated calmly. "Many do not survive to be as old as she. And those that do, and are older than she have seen too many battles for one lifetime. I can understand the monk's reluctance to have her witness yet another death. She may be a taijiya, a skilled one at that. But she is still a woman. Any man who has any sense of honor, if he loved her would do all he could to spare her pain, physical or emotional."

"Despite his lechery Miroku is honorable. Naraku is not. Naraku tricked her father and comrades. He led them to a trap, and he used Sango's little brother to kill them. He practically sent a horde of demons to her village where everyone was killed. She and her brother are the only survivors. Kohaku, is under Naraku's control. A shard of the Shikon no Tama is the only thing that keeps him alive. Naraku wants Sango to fight her brother to the death. Doing so would infuse the shard he carries with more evil energy. She's lost so much to Naraku already. Her, Inuyasha, Miroku and Shippo they all have lost someone they love because of the jewel and Naraku's quest for it."

"And you, what have you lost to Naraku?" Sesshomaru asked. Soft golden eyes searched midnight ones wanting to know what moved her to fight. He wanted to know what inspired the determined look that was in her eyes. So small, yet so fierce and determined her will alone could move mountains, of that he was sure.

"Nothing. I don't intend to lose anyone to him. And I don't want anyone else to either." She said fiercely. "What Naraku does to people, turning their love into hate and turning them against each other, I can't understand it. I can't accept it. If I can in any way help stop him I will."

He looked at her then. His heart swelled with pride, she was a warrior. So small, yet he had been right all along. She had more determination and will than many, and it would serve her well in the battle to come. He was proud to fight by her side.

"Is that why you were so adamant the monk talk to the taijiya about his feelings?"

"No. It's something I learned for myself when I went to my time. You see there's this guy…" She said blushing furiously and trying to keep her composure as she spoke, " He was always giving me presents, if I hadn't have fallen through the well I probably would've been really excited, then with Inuyasha, I couldn't tell anyone outside my family what I'm doing here, and I wanted to protect him. I pushed him away, and I tried to do it again, but he wouldn't let me. I'm not as wise as you think I am, I'm just smart enough to not let others make the mistakes I've already made."

"The monk was right, whoever he is; he is a very lucky man."

"Thank You," she managed to whisper. Kagome looked at him then her blush deepened and an embarrassed smile touched her lips. As she looked into his eyes, a question formed in her mind. She didn't know why, she couldn't explain it. Maybe it was the moonlight, maybe it was the subject of their conversation, but she had to ask it. "What about you, Sesshomaru? Is there someone special to you?"

He regarded her carefully. Knowing that he couldn't lie to her, he decided to answer as honestly as he could. "Hai, there is." The tenderness in his voice and the look in his eyes as they glittered in the moonlight took her breath away. But she could not ignore the wistful sadness underlying his tone. She looked at him in question and he understood the silent plea to continue. Again he had revealed too much. "It can not be. She loves another."

"That's her loss. Have you told her how you felt? Any girl would be lucky to have you care for her." Kagome said sincerely. Right now she couldn't fathom anyone not returning his feelings. So much had changed since she had first met him. In many ways Sesshomaru was still an enigma to her. Yet right now sitting in the moonlight she felt a closeness of spirit with him that she could not define.

"No, I haven't told her how I felt." Sesshomaru answered honestly.

"Then how do you know she loves someone else?" Kagome asked intrigued. His admission had given her a brief moment of hope. For a moment she even thought he was as uncertain about his heart as the rest of them were, though it was hard to imagine him being scared to admit anything to anyone.

"I heard it from her lips." His words held a solemn intensity, and she did not know what to say to that. But she was saved the necessity because Sesshomaru continued as he noticed the strange look that crossed her face. "To declare my intentions now, when the future is uncertain would not be fair to her. I can not confuse her heart when there is no certainty."

"When this is over, are you going to tell her?" Kagome prodded, intrigued by what she was hearing.

"That remains to be seen. If the man she loves is worthy of her affections, then I will be happy for her and keep my affections to myself. If he is a fool and would make her unhappy I will move heaven and hell to win her heart for my own." His voice was firm, tender and intense. For a moment Kagome wondered what kind of woman would inspire such fierce emotions in such a man. She amended it quickly in her mind demoness, Sesshomaru could not feel that way about a human. She felt a pang at that last thought. However she brushed it aside, whoever she was, was lucky to have inspired such feelings in someone like him.

She smiled at the taiyoukai then. Her words were tender and soft, yet full of earnest appeal as she sought to make him believe it would all turn out in the end. "I don't think you need to do that. Just be yourself, be as you are with me and she will fall head over heels in love with you."

Sesshomaru regarded the young woman before him. Part of him wanted to declare his feelings right now, but he knew to do so would be folly. As he had told himself too many times before, too much was at stake. He had already said aloud what he intended to do, and he would do it. He would find the one she loved, and make sure he was worthy of such a mate. If he was not, then he would indeed move heaven and hell to win the heart of the woman who sat across from him now.

"It is late, miko. You must get your rest. Come, I will take you back to the village."


Revised/Edited/Reposted 1/14/05

Author's Note: : I am continuing to revise, edit and repost chapters as errors are brought to my attention. Special thanks to theBigW for all his edits, his help has been immeasurable and very much appreciated. As always thanks for reading. Feel free to leave a review either by pressing the button below or sending an email.