Previously:

She wondered if he meant convincing her of his love… or convincing her to love him. She desperately hoped it wasn't the latter, because she knew as a fact that that fire could never be rekindled. At least, not while a new fire burned strong and bright.

It was only a matter a time before she had to confess to Inuyasha who had produced such a strong blaze in her heart. She felt a sense of dread at the thought.

How would Inuyasha react when he found out she was in love with Sesshomaru?

Chapter Fourteen

Familiar Stranger

Kagome was aware of the television as it blared and flickered in the wide room. She was aware of the tick tock as the simple wall clock counted each second. She was aware of Inuyasha's breathing, his eyes trained on her downcast face. She knew he was waiting patiently for her reaction to his declaration. She knew that the truth was what she should be saying now. But before she could force her body to obey her thoughts, she sensed and abrupt shift in the hanyou's aura. She squeezed her eyes shut and waited for the inevitable words.

"Hold on," he said thoughtfully. His eyes narrowed at her and then bulged. "You have to go back to him after we kill Naraku."

She didn't have to verify who "him" was.

In her silence, his anger only climbed. "That's why the feudal era is your home now! You're under the control of that fucking shit head! He's practically forcing you to stay around! What the hell, Kagome?"

She winced at the venom in his words.

"This is ridiculous! You can't let him control you like that! I don't care if he helped you become the most powerful being in the world! I won't allow this! If you won't defy him, then I'll certainly do it for you."

She looked up at him and blinked. Infuriation suddenly flared through her body. "Who the hell are you to say anything about controlling me?" She stood from the couch, her eyes beginning to glow white again. "Inuyasha, do you fucking hear yourself? Aren't you trying to control me now? Aren't you already controlling me? Do you know that I've shown more emotion within the last hour than in the last two years combined?" Angry tears sprinted down her angular cheeks. "I'm fucking tired of it Inuyasha. This is why I had to leave. This is why I couldn't tell anyone, why I couldn't visit my family. Because of you! You, your pride and your fucking insane control obsession!"

She took in a deep quivering breath. Her body shook with the desire to fight, to draw her sword, to summon her miko powers. She closed her eyes and locked her arms to her sides. Her breaths came in deep and ragged until they calmed after a few moments. When her eyes opened, the glowing white sheen was gone. Through tear stained vision, she glared at the hanyou.

Her mindset faltered as she saw the agony the flickered across his face. His eyes were full of despair and fear, as if he was trapped in a steal cage. In his stress, his claws dug furiously into the palms of his hands. Fresh blood budded and dripped off his hand and onto the hardwood floor.

Kagome let go of the last strand that held her to her anger. She sighed as her compassionate former self began to break through the surface. "Inuyasha…" she began.

"No," he whispered. "You're right." Had she ever heard him say that before? The hanyou looked away from her surprised face. "I just…" He sighed. "I just don't know how to keep you. The pride I can't control keeps pushing you away, even though that's the exact opposite of what I want. I can't help but try to force you to stay close by where I can protect you…" He glared at the wooden floors in self loathing.

She still wanted to be angry at him. She wanted to hate him. It'd be easier on her that way. But her body didn't listen as she enclosed him within her arms. She could feel that even now, his emotions and feelings were controlling her, influencing her to show sympathy. But what choice did she have? The compassion buried in her soul could never leave.

"Inuyasha…" she began as she struggled for the right words. "I can understand how you felt in the past. I truly was a burden, and you practically had no choice in having to protect me all the time. But now you've seen first hand that I can fend for myself. You don't have to worry about my safety anymore."

Inuyasha let his head rest on her shoulder. His eyes still held pain as he said softly, "That's not the only reason I want you close, Kagome."

She bit her lower lip, recalling the three words he'd finally spoken only too late. There was nothing she could say in response to that. It was the least she could do to allow him to return her hug.

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Souta's eyes were as round as saucers as he stared in awe at his older sister. She juggled three balls of pink light in her palm without moving a muscle. She smiled as the tiny gesture fascinated him beyond belief. Pulling from her source, another orb suddenly appeared to join the three as they all danced suspended in mid air. His eyes bulged more, if that was even possible, and a thrilled smile consumed his face.

Kagome saw Inuyasha's careful gaze out of her peripheral. He'd never seen her so in command of her miko powers before. She could tell he was nearly as fascinated as her brother. With a bit of a smug grin, she flexed her other hand. Suddenly, matching pink orbs danced in sync with the others. With little effort, she let the energy take on a serpent look as it swirled and twisted around the length of her arms. They weaved through her fingers like fine silk. She smiled, distracting even herself for a moment.

It was their second day here, including the day of their arrival. Her mother was due to arrive sometime the next day. She was getting somewhat agitated and bored in the waiting. She'd considered finding all her old friends for only a moment before she decided against it. They were all off to college by now, and those who'd stayed around probably thought she was dead. To show up now would cause rumors.

It almost felt wrong to be dressed in normal everyday clothes of this era. Her armor was tucked safely in her closet along with her weapons.

"You couldn't do that before," Souta said, a gentle inquiry snapping her out of her thoughts.

Kagome smiled. "This is why I was gone for so long. I was learning how to control it. To control everything, really."

Souta didn't say anything after that, just continued to stare. Inuyasha hadn't spoken since their fight the day before. She imagined he was letting himself process all that was said, and to come up with a plan of action. He was always the one with the plan. It was probably odd for him to be following her now, although he did it willingly. He hadn't let her out of his sight since they met up in the forest. She could understand that, seeing how she'd disappeared for nearly three years without a trace or even a goodbye. Still, she couldn't help but feel uneasy at his closeness. It reminded her of his constant protection from the old days.

Clearing her mind of old memories, Kagome began focusing on her miko energy. The pink became more concentrated and took on a more solid look while still flowing freely. She brought it to her palms and then let the energy sink and infuse into her hands. They glowed a blinding hot pink.

Souta leaned back, fear lining his eyes. Kagome laughed softly. "You don't have to be scared. It can't hurt you." She reached for him slowly until she touched his arm. He jumped in anticipation, but settled when he felt only soothing warmth. "See?" she smiled.

Suddenly, her smile vanished. Her hands ceased glowing instantly as her eyes focused on the front door.

"Mom," she breathed.

Inuyasha turned as well in slight surprise. He hadn't noticed any new aura coming close. He thought it might've just been because of the distraction Kagome's pure energy created until the front door remained untouched for several moments. Just when he though she had been mistaking, he felt the mother's aura approaching from nearly a mile away.

The three figures remained still until a voice broke through the silence.

"Watch your step Grandpa," Mrs. Higurashi's anxious tone sounded.

"I'm fine," came the gruff reply.

Souta jumped up and raced to the door. He yanked the front door open and disappeared from Kagome's line of sight. She slowly stood up, her eyes aglow with anticipation. She walked to the door frame and stood there, observing her mother attempt to pay attention to Souta's words and Grandpa's unsteadiness at the same time. Thinking she'd help, she took a step out of the house. Her mother's gaze was instantly drawn to her.

The two stared at each other like two long lost best friends. Mrs. Higurashi's shocked eyes began to glisten as a smile grew across her face.

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The demon's eyes gazed out at the horizon into the setting sun. An autumn breeze tossed his silver hair over the edges of the balcony.

He didn't want to be here. His castle had somehow lost its appeal. Then again, everything seemed to have lost its appeal. Traveling didn't even seem to hold any interest to him. Not that he could leave since preparations had to be made for the arrival of the Lords.

How would the meeting go? How could he explain the happenings within his walls in regard to his soon-to-be officer? Would she even come back to accept the role?

"You seem a bit agitated, Milord," a voice echoed from within room. He turned and looked through the glass window panes to see Tami, her eyes and smile friendly. "Something bothering you?"

He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes, turning back to the sun's rays. "It's nothing," he replied.

Tami chuckled lightly and stepped through the glass door to join him. Her face took on an orange glow as she stared into the distance. "You miss her," she sang teasingly, mischief in her eyes.

"Watch it," he growled.

"No one's around," Tami giggled. "No one will know what a softie you are. You even let me get away with a lot." Having lived here her whole life, Tami was closer to her master than others. They had a bond as strong as that which he had with Rin.

"I can change that," Sesshomaru growled, but his tone held no genuine hostility. She was more like a sister than a servant, although she still showed her intense respect for him by not taking advantage of that. They never held conversations in this manner when others were around.

"It's okay, Milord, your secret is safe with me," Tami said with a wink.

The demon rolled his eyes and stepped away from the balcony's edge. With little effort, he launched himself over its edge into the garden. It was nearly winter, so its beauty had taken on an antique look, full of browns, oranges, burgundies, and yellows.

He attempted to control his thoughts as they continually tried to return to one subject. Her face filled his mind's eye, and he finally gave up. She had only left about four days ago, but he had to admit he did miss her. The castle felt empty. He had nothing to fill his days with since there was no longer training every day from dawn to dusk. He wanted to find her, but he knew it wasn't his place to interrupt what she had to finish.

And he couldn't get rid of the anxiety that came with the thought of her not returning.

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Inuyasha quietly observed the girl hug her family. She gave each one a reassuring smile, promising to return often to visit. They were sad to see her leave so soon, but they understandingly accepted her new lifestyle.

She made her way to the well house where he was waiting. She glanced at him briefly before passing him and continuing on. He waited until he heard her jump into the ancient well's depths before he left his post to join her. She was already walking toward the forest's edge when he passed the well's edge on the other side of time.

In silence they walked towards Kaede's village. He recollected the past few days in his mind as they traveled the short distance.

Kagome had changed so much. Even her aura was different than before. The Kagome he knew was still there, but she only made up a small portion of who she was now. Strangely, he found himself even more attached to her despite the difference. He was sure it was because of the strength she displayed. He'd always had an obsession with power. She seemed to achieve feats of great difficulty with such ease that it captivated him. Before, he'd seen her as an innocent girl who needed protecting. Now he saw her as a mature woman who was the protector. He was used to looking down on her, but now, it was as if he was looking up to her.

Pride would never let him say that. But she could probably sense it. She had to know that he didn't even really know how to talk to her anymore. She was like a familiar stranger now.

He couldn't blame her for the way she felt. After all he'd said and done, he could understand why she couldn't love him now. But she had loved him at some point. Love can't just disappear, can it? She had to have some kind of feeling for him, especially since he just confessed to his love. It took him nearly five years, but at least it was said.

No, he refused to give up on her just yet. He didn't quite know how he'd win her over, but he couldn't just quit already after a unfortunate few words.

The hanyou's eyes followed her as she jogged down a slope towards the crowd of huts. She hadn't looked back at him once since they'd left her family. Still, he wasn't discouraged.

Yes, she was somewhat of a stranger now. But she was still familiar.

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Kagome could feel her heart beat. It was calm and steady. It made her smile, especially since the object of years of turmoil was no more than a few yards behind her.

Her mother didn't hate her. She'd been so scared that she'd let her mother down in such a way that she could never forgive her. But of course her mom was too sweet natured for that. And she'd really had no intention of moving, although she had been stressing terribly over her daughter's disappearance. Kagome couldn't have been happier with the reunion of her family. It was a huge relief to get that off her mind and chest.

She only had Naraku to deal with now. But first she had to find her friends. Inuyasha was no help in finding their location since he'd been separated from them for a while. Kaede's village was a good start though. And it would probably bring the old woman relief to see that she was still alive.

Inuyasha could turn out to be a bigger obstacle than Naraku himself. He didn't approve of her choice to join the ranks as Sesshomaru's officer. She knew she didn't need his approval anyway, but still, she felt herself slightly torn. Some part of her still felt the need to appease him. That was the reason she didn't argue with the fact that he refused to leave her side for even an instant.

That didn't necessarily mean she had to pretend she was happy with it though. Kagome continued forward without exchanging a single word. Which wasn't all that hard since he didn't talk. She wondered what he might be thinking about. Was he upset that she didn't love him? Was he trying to figure out exactly the kind of relationship she and Sesshomaru shared?

Where the great daiyokai was concerned, she had no reason to feel guilty. It wasn't as if he'd made her his mate or anything. Yes, she did feel a strong attraction to him that wasn't only physical but also mental. Maybe it was only a crush. After all, they'd never had much conversation outside of the bounds of training. She had to admit that almost every time her cheeks got hot was because she'd caught a glimpse of the demon's beauty in the sunlight. And crushes could last a long time. Still, there was a difference between what she'd felt with Inuyasha and how she felt with Sesshomaru.

Kagome sighed mentally. Why did all this have to be so complicated?

Momentarily putting aside her concerns, Kagome prepared to face civilization again as the small village surrounded her and the hanyou.

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Unforgivable, I know. I took FOREVER to update this time. Totally didn't mean for that to happen. The breaks from school should have given me time to catch up, but I got caught up in the holidays. Sorry!

And this chapter isn't a fantastic come back either. It was so boring writing it. You see I just kinda skipped right over the whole family reunion thing. It's not that I don't like Mrs. Higurashi and Grandpa. I just wasn't sure how to write all that since I'm not entirely sure what Kagome's mom's like. You only see her a few times through the whole anime... Really, it was all too much drama that I didn't wanna get into. This fanfic is supposed to have story, but mostly action. I want to keep the attention of my readers...

Anyway, I'll try to get started on the next chapter. Writer's block is really taking its toll though. Suggestions would be awesome... Anyway, hope to see you all next time!

Hiko