Chapter 25 – A Past Resurfaced

"Mommy… why are you crying?" Shippo asked, tugging at Kagome's sleeve.

Shaking her head, Kagome mumbled, "Its nothing…"

"Please, mommy," Shippo insisted, "Tell me what's wrong!"

"Not now, please Shippo," Kagome muttered, waiting for Sesshoumaru to return to her side. She was still shaking with fear, though she didn't quite understand why. She should have gotten over this a long time ago. She should be able to force down her surprise and fear. She should have been able to fight against anything, and that included Hojo. But she could not…

It was like all the inner strength she'd built up over the years suddenly turned to mush in her hand. She felt like she was swimming in the ocean of fate, and with a mere glance at a thundercloud everything went wrong. Her strength suddenly sank away from her, and was washed away with the rippling tides.

That confused her by itself. She didn't even believe in fate, or destiny, but she did believe that everything happened for a reason. If you believe in fate, then you believed that someone, or something as controlling what would happen in the future. No, she didn't believe in that, she merely believe that everything happened for a reason, and every decision you make had many paths, that could easily make what you wanted to happen, not. That was different then fate, or believing that someone controlled what you were going to do, your destiny.

What she hated the worst right now, though, was the fact that she was so cold. She was shivering, she knew, but she was also shaking profoundly in her shoes. Seeing a face that was supposed to be in prison, for something they did to you, yeah… that was not something she wished to live again. She didn't like this sudden feeling of unease, and wished it would just go away. She didn't like being cold, shaking, and worst right now she wanted all those good and not so good years with Hojo to disappear.

No, she thought shaking her head, then I might not ever have met Sesshoumaru… That would probably be worse then dealing with Hojo over and over again. Knowing myself, I probably would have ended up with some loony person if those years with Hojo suddenly went bye-bye. That chain reaction would get rid of Sesshoumaru… that warm, fuzzy feeling I get while around him… and everything else in my life right now. I don't think I could handle that…

Shippo still clung to her side, though she paid him little attention at this point. The boy was starting to get annoying; since she'd told him several times that she wished to be alone in her thoughts. However, he seemed to think that she might need some kind of support and kept hanging on her, trying to get the information to just come right out. Well, it wasn't, so he could quite trying. She wasn't just going to yell out that she'd seen someone who'd ruined a piece of her life a few years ago. Especially not in the middle of a damn mall, or even right in front of a store with a bunch of children inside.

There was no way that was going to happen! She refused to say anything, and asked kindly that he stop asking. However on the inside she wanted to break down, run to Sesshoumaru, and ask him to lock her away… with him, forever. She held strong, and forced down the feeling of want. She would not be moved by it! She was Kagome… no, not Ki; she was Kagome Higurashi, daughter to a shrine owner. Even if her last name was changed, she was still Higurashi on the inside. It didn't matter that she hated her mother or even the fact that was feeling was mutual; no, what mattered was the fact: she was Kagome Higurashi, no matter how many times her name was changed. No one could change that, because she didn't want them to. She was Kagome Higurashi, and she would stay strong; stand tall; and continue on with life as if nothing had ever happened!

Still, her mind felt empty now, and something about the situation just make her mind shut down… even when she was standing there thinking, and trying to get a grip on the whole ordeal. Her mind was blank, even when these thoughts were racing through the empty space. It felt like… like she was hallow inside.

"Kagome…" broke her from her thoughts. She gazed around to find Sesshoumaru walking away from her, three bags within his hands. He was looking back at her as he continued forward, probably wondering if he'd have to return for her or not. However, she smiled, and jogged forward.

"Are you sure you're all right, Kagome?" he asked.

She nodded, saying, "I'm fine. I do have a feeling that by morning, though, this is all going to sink in, and then suddenly… well, I'll probably come down with an illness from how much I won't be fine."

Well, at least she was being honest. Shaking his head, Sesshoumaru sighed. His day had been ruined. He'd gotten everything he was going to need, and then that stupid male had to show up. He couldn't confirm that the male had been Hojo Ki, but from Kagome's reaction it probably was. Now, even though he knew what he wanted, he couldn't ask, since Kagome was too out of it that she'd probably not even ask when he…

"Sesshoumaru?" Kagome called. Geeze, first I fall behind, and then he does… What's wrong with him, he never looks so dazed? Maybe there was something bad in his breakfast or something, she thought. Shaking her head free of the thought, she gazed up at him, taking in his strangely beautiful eyes, and stoic face… She never really noticed just how lovely it was to look at him.

Well, her mind wasn't noticing a lot of things since she met him, but that wasn't the point. She should have been able to tell how good he actually looked when she first met him. It was probably because at the time she'd been looking for a job, and hadn't really thought that she should think her boss was hot or not. Now, after he'd lay with her in his bed, and pushed her over the edge of her body and into paradise… she could actually see everything.

Now, she was starting to feel stupid. Come on, girl! Just cause you had sex with a guy doesn't mean you're suddenly going to start seeing things you never saw before. Come on, I'm not that naïve. Ok… maybe a little naïve, but not completely! Still, just cause I slept with Sesshoumaru doesn't mean I should start seeing the beauty that he holds on the outside, as well as in. What the hell is wrong with me, her thoughts twisted and turned, making her head feel like it was going too exploded. Maybe it was that empty feeling pressing against her thoughts, but her head was really starting to hurt.

She still wasn't noticing a lot lately, though. Like now, she was staring up at him that she didn't even notice all the people she nearly ran into. Ok, so there were maybe like five, but they had to move quickly, or be run over by a girl who couldn't seem to stop drooling over the hottest man to ever walk into the 'Tokyo Town Mall'.

Turning his attention back toward her, he smiled a bit, before walking next to her. Sesshoumaru turned his eyes forward, but did notice how she was suddenly staring at him a strange glimmer in her eyes. However, both their attention seemed to be drawn toward the two little ones, who now had their noses pressed up against the glass of another store. Sure, he had lots of money, and could pay for almost anything, but these children were going to make him broke by the time he was old and cripple.

"Hey, guys," Kagome called, "you coming!"

"Mommy!" Shippo waved, "Look at all the books!"

"Books?" Kagome seemed delighted. Her eyes lit up, and she began pulling at Sesshoumaru's arm, saying, "Oh, please! Can we go into one more store? I'll pay!"

"Don't you have enough books already?" he asked.

Kagome glared up at him, taking the comment as an insult, before turning her nose up. A sneer found its way to her face, as she snapped, "You can never have enough books, Sesshoumaru Taisho! They are all different and special in their own little way. Not one is the same – unless someone plagiarizes another's work – and I do not have that many books!"

"Really? Last time I looked you had three shelves that hadn't been unpacked," he replied.

"Yes, well…" Kagome blinked, "um… those actually aren't mine… You see…"

"Kagome, if those books were not yours, then who did they belong to?" Sesshoumaru asked.

"My brother…" she mumbled.

"What was that, Kagome? I'm afraid you'll have to speak a little louder," Sesshoumaru grinned on the inside, loving the way she was beginning to squirm.

"I said," Kagome, growled, "my brother!"

Sesshoumaru nodded, before something clicked into his mind. Looking down at her, his eyes scanned over her, before saying, "I see. Then tell me, dearest Kagome, why haven't you returned the books?"

Something cold formed in Kagome's eyes suddenly. She seemed to see past him, as her gaze turned in his direction. Without much of a push, she snapped, "Because he lives with my mother. The bitch that didn't even know who my father was! Hell, I don't even know who my sire was! I hate her… and if he wishes to see me, then he can get off his lazy ass and come find me!"

That was something he hadn't known. It would seem there were still a lot of things he didn't not know about his girlfriend. However, at this point it didn't matter at the moment, as his hand reached out and began stroking her cheek. He felt her lean into his touch, silently wanting comfort, yet none at all.

Sighing, Sesshoumaru said, "We may go into the book store, Kagome."

"Oh, thank you, Maru!" she cheered.

When she left his side, he asked, "Maru?" in confusion. That was something he'd have to ask her about. When did his name suddenly shorten to 'Maru'? Better yet, why had she just said it in public? It would not be so bad if she were to only say it, but if the public got word of it, then he'd be surrounded with more cameras then he wanted. Questions would be fired at him left and right about it… not to mention Kagome and the kids.

That was not something he wished to live through. Though, he already did. The children had yet to actually have a camera put into their faces like they were some type of meat. Well… Shaking his head, Sesshoumaru glared off toward the side, thinking, no, I'm not getting into that. They have a lot of meat on them, but that's not what I meant. God, I need to stop listening to Kagome talk on and on once in a while. Sure once in a while is ok, but she's getting to my head!

After a while the commotion about it would die down, but before then… He didn't want the children harassed by those damned media. They were too young to know that it would make them nothing but selfish, spoiled, snobs who thought they would constantly have to be in front of a camera. (That's not always true) They would begin to like the cameras, and would embrace it, trying to get onto the television as much as they could. As his child, even adopted, would be able to, a lot.

Unless they started to hate the camera, which wasn't something he wanted either. Unless Kagome gave him a child, or he fucked a woman until she was pregnant, which wouldn't work, since the child could be female. Either way, Rin would be his heir, and if she hated the camera, then she'd be one of those businesspeople who tried to keep their lives a secret. That merely brought in more media then simply having them get a false piece of information.

"Sesshoumaru, are you coming?" Kagome called, her eyes blinking in confusion. Twice, twice he'd went into a daze! Maybe he was thinking about something important… or… maybe he was thinking about… a woman he saw. Maybe he was already getting tired of her, and she'd find herself on the street within a month…

No, please… she silently asked herself, don't think that way. Sesshoumaru… in whatever form, likes me, and wouldn't do that. He's taken care of me for so long, so far, and he wouldn't just toss me out. Maybe out of his bedroom, but… hopefully, not out of his life. I… I don't want him… to ever leave me side.

Running her now shaking hand over her forehead, she felt a headache start to form. Her head began to throb, signaling a migraine instead of a simple headache. Her mind began flashing thoughts, and she had to literally try and block them, or she was sure her head would have exploded. Especially now that she felt the memories of Hojo beginning to push at her mind. Something about thinking that Sesshoumaru might just be using her… it felt the same as it did before.

Clenching her fist, she willed herself not to hit something. She felt like she needed to slam her knuckles against the stomach, or forehead of some roughen. She wanted to feel the power she had over another when she knocked them down. From all the fighting she did away from her friends and family, she was nearly an expert on street fighting. Hell, she could probably knocked seven or eight people down, and not care. She would only feel the sensation that came with being stronger then someone else. It was like riding a bike; you never truly forgot the lessons you'd learned.

Others were probably angered with themselves for roughhousing her, though. True, she had many reasons besides that, as to why she actually became the 'Dragon Queen', but she liked others to think that way. Actually, it was one of the smallest reasons, and it hadn't ever really bothered her. Maybe someone else, but not her.

"Did I do something to make you concerned, Kagome?" Sesshoumaru asked, now standing outside the small shop with her. If she wanted to go in so bad then why was she sitting outside? Looking down her body, he glanced at her hands, and saw them clench together, as if she were trying to stop herself.

Moving the bags he had into one hand, he reached out and grabbed her wrist. However, she turned upon him, probably thinking someone was sneaking up on her. Her other fist came slamming down on his abdomen, and he gritted his teeth for a moment in pain. God, she could put a lot of force behind that small fist!

"Kagome," he snapped, when she reared her hand back to hit him again. She seemed to stop, and then looked up at him, her eyes wide. He watched, bringing the hand he held up to his heart, and waiting for what she was going to say.

"Sesshoumaru! Oh, I'm so sorry!" she cried, "You shouldn't sneak up on me like that, though. I mean if you'd just said something then I probably would have jumped, but not when someone grabs me. I… I'm just not used to it." She reached out, her hand touching the spot where she believed she hit him, and she frowned.

Dropping her wrist, he grabbed hold of the hand touching his body, and moved it. When he got her confused look, he said, "You hit me here, Kagome."

"I see," she whispered.

"Though… I will have to pay you back for that later on," he whispered, his mouth resting against her ear before she knew it. Exhaling hot breath against the small appendage, he smiled a bit when she suddenly inhaled.

Stepping away from her lover, Kagome shook her head, saying, "Not here!" in a deadly low voice. Moving inside of the shop, she instantly noticed… Kikyo? Is that Kikyo, she thought?

"Kagome-chan, look!" Rin said, running up to her.

Looking down, Kagome gazed at the book: Juliet Dove, Queen of Love. Smiling, she looked at the young girl on the cover. Her red hair made her look… well, you couldn't call her ugly, but not exactly good looking, either. There was a locket around her neck, but instead of hanging, it was lifted off to the side. Scanning her eyes, she looked at the different images of 'cupid' and hearts, before reaching out to ruffle Rin's hair. "It looks like a very nice book, Rin. If you promise to keep good care of it, I bet Sesshoumaru or I would buy it," she said.

"I promise to keep very good care of the book, Kagome-chan," Rin said, her voice sweet and promising. She clutched the book to her chest, before closing her eyes as Kagome continued to scratch the top of her head.

Smiling wider, Kagome continued her assault Rin's hair. Kneeling down, she said, "That's good to know, Rin. I'm actually quite fond of this author, and I'm happy to see you are too."

"Kagome?" came a strong voice.

Looking up, Kagome found herself staring at the woman who was said to look a lot like her twin. She couldn't see what others saw, since Kikyo was always a gentle… well, you could call her a woman, but she was more of a whore. True, Kikyo's nature was actually quite gentle, and kind, but when sexual desire set in, she was nothing like that. However, why would people think they looked, or acted so much alike? While Kikyo was gentle, Kagome was rough. Kagome has been a natural tomboy years ago, while Kikyo had loved to show her body. Kagome would cover herself in clothing, and Kikyo would try to wear as little as the school would allow. Kagome was strong, and defiant, while Kikyo was soft, and sometimes weak. The only thing they had in common was the fact that they looked somewhat the same. Then again, they had their differences even there, so it was kind of a false accusation.

"Hello, Kikyo…" Kagome said, rising from her position, her hand still on Rin's head. She faintly heard Sesshoumaru step up behind her, and the sound was confirmed when Kikyo nodded toward him.

Frowning, Kikyo replied, "Its good to see you, cousin."

"It has been a while since I've heard that come from your mouth, Mrs. Taisho," she smiled.

Shaking her head lightly, Kikyo said, "I am Kikyo Higurashi once more, Kagome. Unlike you, once Inuyasha left me, I changed my name back to the former form. I could not handle knowing that I held the last name of something precious to me… yet I let it slip through my fingers."

Blinking in confusion, Kagome laughed, "I've never heard you sound so wise, Kikyo."

"Was that an insult?" Kikyo asked.

Shaking her head, Kagome said, "No, but if you want, you can take it that way."

Kikyo nodded, before looking down at the little girl at Kagome's side. Smiling, she knelt, and asked, "What's your name?"

"Rin, is Rin," Rin replied, smiling.

"Rin?" Kikyo whispered, "That's a very nice name, Rin. Can I ask you what types of books you're interested in?"

Rin nodded, before tapping her finger against her chin. Shifting her brown eyes to the woman who looked strangely like her Kagome-chan, she smiled once more. "Rin likes fantasy! Dragons! Unicorns! Elves! Rin likes mostly books that have magic in them!"

"Would you like me to show you where you can find those types of books?" Kikyo asked. She knew from experience, even the little she had, that though in bigger shops you should ask a person hidden questions so they didn't tell you to go away, that children were different. You could ask them anything, and they'd usually answer.

"Yes, Rin would like that very much," the little girl replied. She reached out and grabbed hold of Kikyo's hand when she offered the soft appendage. Smiling over at Sesshoumaru, before waving at Kagome, she followed behind the now walking woman.

"You should find what you want, Kagome," Sesshoumaru said.

"I should?" she asked, smirking.

"Well, unless you wish to stay here for the rest of the night…" he said, wondering where she was going.

"What is I do?" she asked.

"Kagome, you're going around in circles with your questions," he stated.

Smirking wider, Kagome said, "Am I now?"

"Kagome," he said, becoming annoyed.

"Yes?" she asked.

"Kagome…" he growled.

"Very well," she said, taking a step forward. She began walking through the shop, looking at different things, and different titles. However, she'd already picked up two, as she passed the science fiction books. All of the same trilogy: The Dragon Charmer, and The Witch Queen. She already had the first one… well, technically her brother owned the first book, but since there was a very small chance of him ever getting those fantasy, and science fiction books back, she was going to say she owned them.

Looking around, she found another book that caught her eye, and knelt down to pick it up. The title read: The Mistress of Dragons. The picture was a woman sitting on a throne, a warrior woman on her right, and a man on her left, while a dragon was curled around the mound her throne sat upon. Looking at the title, and price, she smiled, thinking, another book to add to my slowly growing collection, yeah!

Looking down at where the book had been, she found the last two books in the trilogy. Both had dragon in the name, which perked her interest. (The books are apart a trilogy I have read. Just I haven't read the third book in a while, so I forgot what the name was. The second book, however, is called: The Dragon's Son)

"Mommy!" came a high male's voice, "Mommy Kagome!"

Turning, Kagome smiled, and saw Shippo coming toward her. Her experience earlier seemed to disappear while she was inside this shop, or at least it lessened. She actually felt… better in a way.

"Look, Mommy," Shippo said, holding up the book, Wizardology, "Do you think we could get it?"

"I'm pretty sure we can," she mumbled, reaching out to grab another book. It was in the fantasy section, next to another book she was sure she was going to get. One was called, Touched by Venom, while the other was called, The Queen of Pirates: The Story of Grace O'Malley, Irish Pirate. After reading the backs, she noticed that Shippo was still beside her, looking over her shoulder at the books she was holding.

Smiling, she asked, "Shippo, do you think you would take an interest in something like this?"

He frowned, before shaking his head, saying, "No, I can't read big books like those, but I bet Rin could. I was just wondering why you liked dragon books so much."

She blinked before giving off a small laugh, before smiling brighter up at him, since she was kneeled beside the shelves. "Everyone has a type of book they like, and they all have certain things inside books they like, and dragons happen to be one of mine. I have a great love for them, and a lot of other magical creatures made up throughout time," she said.

She searched the shelves until she came upon a book called, InkHeart, the second one called, InkSpell, and another book by the same author called, The Thief Lord. After reaching out and taking them off the shelves, she turned to Shippo, and said, "I believe I should stop now. More in likely I'll buy almost half the books in this story if I don't."

"I don't think all these books would fit in Sesshoumaru's car, mommy," he replied.

"You're probably right," she said, grinning.

Turning from him, she began walking toward the front where she found Rin and Sesshoumaru, five books sitting there waiting to be paid for, while she was carrying quite a lot. However, her attention was turned toward the door when the small bell tinkled. She gasped, looking at what she believed to be an older version of her brother.

"Souta?" she asked.

The boy looked up, blinking in confusion, before taking a good look. His eyes went wide, and he asked, "Kagome?"

"Oh my god, Souta!" she said. She nearly dropped the books she was holding, but managed to keep them within her grasp while staring at her younger brother. He was standing there, scanning over her attire, as she continued to stare at the transformed boy. The last time she'd seen him, he looked nothing like he did now. That was back when she actually… somewhat liked her mother.

Flashback

"Mom, do you know where Souta is?" Kagome called through the house. Frowning when she got no answer, she called out again, until finally her mother appeared at the top of the stairs. Kagome smiled, before asking, "Did you hear me, mom?"

"Yes, the first time, Kagome," she scowled, "You really should be more patient."

"I know, mom, but have you seen Souta?" she asked.

Her mother looked at her strangling, knowing that it was a small chance that Kagome's looking for Souta could be a good thing. Shaking her head, she said, "No, I'm afraid I haven't seen him. Why do you ask?"

Frowning, Kagome said, "Well, he took my CDs, and I wanted to get them back."

"I see, but didn't you take his game last week?" her mother asked.

"Yeah, but I gave it back," Kagome replied.

Smiling, her mother said, "Then maybe your brother decided to pay you back."

"Maybe…" Kagome mumbled. "Anyway, thanks mom, I'm going to go out with Eri, and the others later," she said.

"When do you think you'll be back?" her mother asked, knowing that Kagome was getting older, and starting to go out for longer periods of time. She hated to admit it, but she would actually hate when her daughter was gone forever.

"Around 10ish," Kagome replied, already halfway to the door.

"I'll see you then," her mother called.

Kagome nodded, before running out the door. She shut it behind her, and heard the usual laughing of her brother and his idiot friends. Smiling devilishly, Kagome began walking toward them, knowing that she could easily give them a frightful scare. She really wanted her CDs back, and if her brother had them… well, he was going to get another thing coming to him. No one took something from her, and got away with it…

Walking across the shrine grounds, she found herself close to the Sacred Tree, and wondered why they were so close. Getting a little closer, she saw her little brother sitting there in confusion, watching as his friends began pulling out spray cans. Knowing what they were going to do, Kagome narrowed her eyes, thinking, no one is going to put graffiti on an innocent tree, not while I'm here!

Her short little brother, with his messy black hair, and light brown eyes, was standing there in confusion, holding onto his backpack as it hung loosely in his hand. His nerdy attire, with the stupid stripped shirt, and blue jeans did nothing to help his rep, though he really didn't care. However, he seemed to finally understand what they were going to do, and said, "Guys, you can't do this!"

"Oh, and why can't we?" one of them asked.

"Because this tree has been standing here for hundred of years! It has great history, and has gone throughout time longer then any of you have! We can't just destroy such a place," he said, raising him hands in defense.

Another snorted, before saying, "You know what Souta, we don't like your attitude. Either you do this, or… we'll make sure the entire school turns against you."

Sighing, Kagome began walking forward, her emotionless face put into place. With a slight glare, she kicked a rock, making it tumble across the cobblestone, and watched as they stiffened. They turned toward her, and she asked, "What do you think you're doing?"

She was lucky she wore darker clothing for today, since she was sure they wouldn't believe her to be some bitch if she were to wear a bright colored dress. However, her baggy black pants, and the dark blue shirt made her look like some punk that was ready to kick their asses.

"Who are you?" they asked.

"Kagome Higurashi, 8th grader," she said.

They seemed to rethink what they were doing, before they turned on Souta, saying, "So, you've brought your sister to defend this stupid tree?"

"No," he said.

"Leave my brother alone… or, I'll turn you black and blue," she said.

End Flashback

"What happened to you?" Kagome asked, looking at the attire her brother was now wearing. He looked much like her when she was in highschool, just a man. His black clothing, and glasses made her think of Hojo, but she shook it from her head, trying not to get into that memory. However, she was sure that later on she would begin to understand what happened between the time Hojo was beginning to strip her, to when she knocked him out.

"Well, I noticed that if I started dressing a little like you – with your rep – that people left me alone," he said.

"Souta… you shouldn't… you really… What are you thinking?" she said.

He laughed, the familiar sound filling the small shop, before he said, "I was thinking that… well, just what I said, people leave me alone. They look at me, and go, 'is that the Dragon Queen's brother'? Come on, its better then them beating me up."

"You… you shouldn't be using my rep for your gain," she said.

"That's where you're wrong," he said, "since after you left home… do you remember those boys that tried to spray paint the shrine's tree, and then about three weeks later beat me up?"

"Yes," she said, "are they still giving up trouble?" A glint filled her eyes, and she stared at him, not wanting to get into his business, but still having the desire to protect her little brother fill her.

"A little, well, that was until we started going to highschool. I went into your closet, since you left a lot of stuff, and since I was wearing your size at the time, I took all the boys clothes you had and began wearing them. People who were younger then you recognized me as your family member, and left me alone. Really, I think it was for the best," he said.

"You're wearing my clothes?" she asked.

He shook his head, saying, "Not any more, but at the beginning of highschool I did."

"I see," she said, "Where's mom?"

"Home," was his simple answer.

He began walking toward the back of the shop, before turning toward her and saying, "Oh, and you should drop by sometime, mom seems to really miss you."

"You're kidding me," she said.

"No, when you left she became really miserable, and began crying on my shoulder all the time. Whenever you were gone, like back when you started showing that you didn't exactly like her, she would become really different, instead of mean, and angry when you were in the house. She just mopes around now, and I don't think she ever really did hate you. Especially after she tried her hardest to find out who your real father was…

"Oh, speaking of that, your father's name was… ahhh… James… something, I don't remember. I just know his first name, and I've seen him a few times. Can you believe that he didn't even know you were his daughter? When mom told him, he went into a state of shock, before asking a whole bunch of questions about you. He really wants to meet you, but since mom hasn't seen you in so long, he never found out where you were. Then we found out you changed your last name, so we couldn't go on anything like that. Anyway, he got real mad 'cause mom never had a test done to see if my father was actually yours. However, now he just wants to meet you, so maybe you should stop by or something," he smiled.

However, before he walked deeper into the shop, he turned and said, "See ya sis." Once again, before he got a little to far, he said, "Hey, Kags, you still got those books you took from me?"

Frowning, Kagome said, "Yeah, but you're not getting them back."

"Oh, why not?" he asked.

"Because, you never read them, and I'm sure you never will," she said. She heard him laugh before he walked away from her, further into the shop, and away from her sight.

A little shocked from the encounter, Kagome turned to see Sesshoumaru staring at her. Shaking her head, she asked, "Can we just pay, and then leave? I don't think I can handle another person from my past showing up suddenly."

"Sure," he replied.

"Thank you," she said.

oOo

So, here she sat, thinking about things that happened long ago. Sesshoumaru was helping a few of the others move her things into his room, while she just sat there. Of course, she had been helping at first, but afterward, Sesshoumaru told her that since she had such a scare earlier that day that she should just sit down, and calm herself. However, sitting there was bringing up her past… like it was resurfacing inside her mind.

She had never really actually thought about it, but she could remember a bit about what happened between the time Hojo was pressing her against the wall, to the time when she'd knocked him out. Well, she could barely remember it, but she could remember a little bit. She just didn't want to think about it, though, cause it she did then she was going to start remembering everything, and then… then she'd want to see him again.

She didn't love him, since she had never loved him in the first place, but she would feel guilty. Whatever got him out of prison had brought him back to her, and now she just wanted to say she was sorry. She truly was, for if she had just given herself to him then none of this would have happened. However, now she had Sesshoumaru, and she wasn't giving up true love.

True love, ha, what is true love, she asked herself? I don't think I can ever truly love, but I do love Sesshoumaru with most of my heart. He now holds it, and I won't let Hojo get it into the middle of that. He will not break the piece that Sesshoumaru does not hold, and I will guard until he does. Until I truly love him, since I know we're not completely there, yet.

Still, the past was forming in her mind, and she could clearly see what happened between the short time she remember when Hojo tried to force himself upon her. She could see the action she took to obtain the knife, and slice it across his chest, before high kicking him in the head, thus knocking him toward the other wall, where he laid afterward.

She could also see the sirens as the police came. When they found her she was almost completely naked, and shaking. However, they asked her to dress, and once she did, she came back in one of them that had her sleeves cut open. She'd stepped out onto the porch, and watched as they drug Hojo away. A camera had been snapped in her face, but she barely noticed, since she was holding onto one of the few wounds she'd gained during the struggle.

Inside her head she could make out afterward when her mother had finally come home. That was something that made Souta's words false. Her mother had come home, and actually praised her on not being a slut. She'd said something like, "I'm so proud of you, Kagome. I thought you'd give yourself to any man from the way you were acting, but apparently I was wrong. For that, I'm very proud of you. Also, for being a virgin so long, even though you're always going out with men I don't approve of." What was worse was that stupid grin she had on her face, something that read between pride, and hatred. Something she'd seen many times before…

Sighing, she tried to push down the feeling of guilt, since she had been the one to give Hojo that scar. She had been the one to cut up his chest, and put him into a cell. However, she also felt pride at it, since he was the one who didn't want to respect her decision of waiting for the right person.

Even when Sesshoumaru had… kind of taken that from her, as well; but he probably would have respected her when she told him 'no'. However, she hadn't told him 'no', so he had the right to put the 'moves' on her. Since she'd given into him, he did what he wanted with her body, and she'd liked it.

Sighing, she tried to push down the feelings that came with the memories of what he did to her body. However, it came and she felt her body wish for the deep, hard thrust of her lover. She wanted it; she craved it; and damn it, she was going to find him, and get what she wanted!

Dragging herself from her mind, she turned toward the door, noticing that it was opened. However, when she looked at Sesshoumaru's smirk, she smiled, and asked, "What do you want, Sesshoumaru?"

"Your things have been placed into our room, do you want to come see?" he asked. He stared at her, his lust clearly written deep within his eyes, as he saw her own. She had bitten the inside of his lip, before nodding, and coming toward him. Reaching out, he whispered, "Maybe we can try out the bed while we're there?"

"Where are the children?" she asked.

"Outside, with the dog," he said.

"Since when have the animals been here?" she asked, not remembering picking them up.

"Nazuna brought them over about an hour ago," he said, staring down at her. Before she could say anything, he placed his mouth on her neck, knowing that he was going to keep her for a few hours.

"How long have I been sitting in there?" she asked, feeling the familiar tingling feel her.

"A few hours," he said, "You were so… dazed that I didn't think I should disturb you."

"I see," she said.

Allowing him to lead her, she knew that he was going to lock the door once they got into the room. And, she was right, since she found herself naked and underneath him not long afterward.