a/n: Hey yall! As promised I updated WAAAYYYY faster than I have in the last few updates. I really appreciate all the reviews I got from all of you since it's been so long since I'd updated. I know this chapter is shorter than the last one but still 8 pgs in one day isn't too bad is it? It's up to yall. On to the chappy!

"Speech"

'Thoughts'

DISCLAIMER: OWN INUYASHA? NOPE NOT ME!

Chapter 9- The Discovery

They arrived back at the cave to find a shirtless Inuyasha being tended to by a rather distraught Kagome. The hanyou winced occasionally as Kagome started to heal him using her spiritual power; something she'd learned from Kaede recently. There were tears running down her face despite the look of concentration and both of their sharp ears were able to pick up the priestess' mumbled comments of disbelief.

"Miroku…He attacked us…He tried to kill Sango…and Inuyasha….he..."

"Kagome how's Inuyasha doing," Sango said to distract her from her ramblings as Sesshomaru walked forwards and sat her now carefully.

The priestess didn't look up from her work as they entered but did cease her muttering and narrowed her brows in further concentration. She looked from Kagome to Inuyasha to see that his brows were drawn together in worry as he watched his mate frantically try to heal him despite the turmoil brewing inside her at Miroku's betrayal.

"Kagome-," she began again but this time the girl responded.

"He's ok Sango. As soon as I get done healing him I'll come check on your wounds. Ok?"

She nodded at the girl who immediately went back to concentrating on her work. While Miroku's betrayal had affected her, she knew that Kagome was taking it far harder. The girl was still far too innocent for her own good and being betrayed by someone she'd thought of as a close friend hurt her deeply.

A large hand on the small of her back drew her attention to Sesshomaru who had sat down beside her after sitting her down on the futon. She tried to give him a smile but the sadness and anger she felt was still very much there despite her not being as verbal about it as Kagome. After their failed relationship she'd come to think of Miroku as another brother, as she had Inuyasha. Slowly, as the adrenaline faded taking her anger with it, the sadness at once again being betrayed by a brother sank in.

Sesshomaru must have read the expression in her eyes because he gently pulled her to him and let her exhausted form lean against his left side. Her mind noted that Kagome had stopped to look at them but her body was too tired to care. She was relieved though as Kagome merely put on a small knowing smile and turned back to Inuyasha's wound that was now almost completely healed, tears now gone from her eyes.

Just knowing that he was there for her, feeling his strong body against hers, seemed to ease the pain for the moment. She knew that when she was alone she would likely cry for what she'd lost and the betrayal she'd faced yet again. For now though, she was content to lean against Sesshomaru and rest her weary and battle worn body.

"Ok Sango I'm finished with Inuyasha. Let's take a look at that stomach wound," said Kagome as she stood and walked over to them.

Sesshomaru immediately lifted his arm and allowed her to move away. She wasn't worried about it though, she'd felt the bleeding stop a little while ago. She knew he'd smelt it too but he'd always been overprotective of her when she was wounded and apparently the fact that she was now a demon didn't change that.

"Well Sango it looks like your demonic healing did what it was supposed to. You're one hundred percent again except you may want to get a new kimono because this one's just about had it," Kagome said as she stepped away and examined the bloody mess that had once been her traveling kimono.

The kimono she'd been in while talking to Sonya immediately came to mind and she guessed she'd have to buy the fabric and make it herself since Kagome was right about her old kimono. Looking down she realized the extent of the damage to her old wardrobe and sighed audibly. Sesshomaru looked at her inquiringly but she merely gestured to herself as an explanation.

There were large wholes where Miroku had cut both her leg and stomach, the seam she'd sewn only a few days ago was now ripped and only held together in a few places, and the demonic energy exploding from her hands had burnt off the sleeves up to nearly her elbows. A new kimono was definitely a necessity. She wished she at least had her slayer's suit to change in to so she wasn't half exposed but it was still at her village.

Thoughts of her village led her back to the demon's blade and how Miroku had wielded a near identical one but did not use its most deadly power. Why? She was about to voice that question when Sesshomaru stood and grabbed his father's hoari top that she'd used before and placed it gently over her shoulders. She appreciated the gesture but as she wrapped it around herself she could not get the question out of her mind.

"Sesshomaru do you remember the soul sucking power that the demon's blade had at my village?"

The flash of rage through his eyes confirmed that he did before he even answered but her question drew the attention of Kagome and Inuyasha as well so he answered with a sharp nod.

"Well Miroku's blade was exactly like that demon's so why didn't he use that power on me when we were first fighting or even you or Inuyasha when you both joined in?"

He had to take a deep breath to calm himself before answering but when he did the anger in his voice didn't seemed to have diminished any despite his attempt.

"The bastard monk has a very big mouth. He spoke of a ritual that would have to be performed now that you are a demon if his master were to extract your soul. It seems that the swords could only achieve that while you were still human."

Heaving a sigh of relief she allowed her body to relax slightly at the news. It still worried her that some crazy demon was after her ancestor's power but at least now they wouldn't be able to get it so easily. Now to get started on the next step towards fighting the psycho, turning towards Kagome she caught the young girl's eye to make sure she was paying attention.

"If you wouldn't mind Kagome, after I get back from my village tomorrow could we work on some spiritual power control exercises that Kaede taught you. I'd like to get some kind of grasp on what kind of power I have."

"Sure Sango but are you sure it's a good idea to go back to your village tomorrow? I mean-"

Inuyasha, after listening in on their conversation, cut Kagome off before she could even finish talking. She knew this was coming from both him and Sesshomaru but at least he could have waited until they were done talking like his brother had.

"No it's not a good idea! What makes you think I'm going to let you go back there just so you can get attacked again? They know that's where you'll go so they'll be waiting!"

"Because I have to go back and get my slayer's suit and Hiraikotsu you moron! Sesshomaru didn't bring them when he rushed me here to Totosai and I need them!"

By now both were standing up and glaring each other down like children. This was a usual occurrence when she and Inuyasha got into a fight and she was happy to say that most of the times she won their very loud screaming matches.

"Plus, there may be some scrolls talking about this power in the old slayer library. I was never in there much so I can't say exactly what we may find."

From the look on his face she'd won yet again. He knew that she needed her battle suit and primary weapon and the fact that they could find useful information about her powers was just an added bonus. Noticing that Sesshomaru had been quiet for quite some time she looked back to make sure it was ok with him that they go tomorrow.

"Very well. We will leave before the sun rises. You and the priestess will ride Kirara and if anything goes wrong you leave and come back here immediately. Understood?"

As much as she hated to agree she knew that he wouldn't let her go if she didn't accept his terms. So she nodded and moved to sit back down beside him. However, even as she did the gears in her mind were turning to form a plan to stay behind and help them if they needed it.

She couldn't help the yawn that escaped her mouth but was quick to clamp her hand over it as her manners kicked in. Belatedly she realized that she hadn't slept for two days in a row and was only now becoming tired. Yet another perk of being a demon she decided as she leaned against Sesshomaru and rested her head on his shoulder.

"It seems it is time for everyone to bed down for the night. There is a room just past Totosai's forge and to the right for the girl's to sleep in and Inuyasha and I will remain here to stand guard," Sesshomaru said before she had a chance to fall asleep on him as Kagome had on Inuyasha.

She smiled at her best friend who had been very weary after the events that had unfolded today and the impromptu healing session she'd performed on her mate. She stood with a little assistance from Sesshomaru who steadied her slightly wobbly form before they headed off to the girl's room with Inuyasha following behind her carrying Kagome in his arms.

As soon as they entered the room-like cave area she noted that the entrance had a large dried flap of demon hide covering the opening like a makeshift door. She admired the craftsmanship since her own village had specialized in the use of demon parts for various things. Inuyasha moved past her as she stood admiring the hide to lie Kagome down on the one very large futon in the room before placing a blanket over her shoulders and kissing her forehead.

She smiled but did not say anything as he moved back to her and Sesshomaru who were still standing in the doorway. Before he moved by her he stopped and gave her a quick hug. Her body relaxed and she knew that no matter what happened she still had one brother left that would never betray her. He pulled away and grinned slightly at her before throwing aside the flap and moving back to the main cave to leave her and Sesshomaru to talk.

"Get some rest Sango. Despite your demon blood you need it to help your body recuperate from the shock it's gone through recently," he said as one of his clawed hands gently stroked her cheek.

"Ok, I'll try," she said as she brought both of her small hands up to caress the hand on her cheek.

"Goodnight," he said as he withdrew his hand with noticeable hesitance and turned to walk back down the shaded hall.

"Sesshomaru," she called after him and waited until he turned to finish, "I love you."

Before she knew it he was in front of her again, kissing her with passion and pulling her body to his. She moaned as she allowed his tongue to enter her mouth and the kiss deepened. The feelings he ignited within her blew her mind and she couldn't believe she'd gotten lucky enough to find a man like him to love her. It seemed far too soon when he pulled away and smiled at her gently, something she knew that he only did for her.

"As I do you Sango. I will love you forever no matter what happens."

And with that he was gone and she was left standing wanting more. Shaking her head with a smile on her face she made her way into the room Kagome was peacefully sleeping in and shed her bloody kimono. Wrapping InuTaisho's old robes around her she lay down next to Kagome on the oversized futon and was asleep before she even realized her body was tired.

When they'd arrived at her village the sun was just coming up and both she and Kagome were yawning atop Kirara's back. The boys had told them to stay back while they searched the village for any signs of a threat so they were stuck sitting in a tree a short distance from the village until one or both of them came back to get them.

Kagome was sitting in front of her leaning back against her and had fallen asleep on the ride over. The poor girl was exhausted and she didn't mind supporting the slight weight until she needed to be woken. She heard a slight commotion from the village and her eyes flew up to see a large centipede demon making it's way through the broken grounds. Rolling her eyes she went back to being bored, of course it had to be something stupid that attacked when she really wanted a good fight.

She didn't expect Kagome to awaken so violently though and the poor girl nearly knocked them both off Kirara as she tried to scramble for her bow at feeling the centipede's demonic aura. Her own aura spiking and flaring wildly.

"Kagome it's ok calm down! It's just a centipede demon," she said as she grabbed hold of the girl who had nearly wriggled off of Kirara.

The girl calmed immediately and sighed as her shoulders slumped. She'd been so deeply asleep that when her spiritual power had alerted her that there was a demonic aura nearby, other than Sango's of course, that she had reacted without even stopping to feel how powerful it was.

Both girls jumped as Inuyasha appeared on the branch next to them suddenly. He had Tetsaiga drawn and looked murderous until he saw that they were just sitting there and nothing was wrong.

"What the hell just happened? Your aura goes from calm to frantic in seconds and there's nothing even around!"

It was obvious that he'd been afraid something was attacking them when Kagome's aura spiked and she couldn't blame him; it had jolted her fully awake mid-yawn. Sesshomaru arrived a few seconds later but he did not have Tokijin drawn and was far more calm than Inuyasha. Apparently he'd taken the time to sense the aura around them and her own demonic aura before jumping to conclusions since Kagome oh so often overreacted.

"We're fine Inuyasha. I'm sorry I scared you I just woke up when I felt the centipede demon's aura and I was scared you were both getting attacked while I'd been sleeping," Kagome said as she blushed slightly.

Inuyasha just sighed and allowed Tetsaiga to returned to its smaller form before sheathing it. She smiled at him before turning her head back to Sesshomaru.

"So is it safe to go into the village now? I'm not going to be mauled by any vicious pig demons or horrifying bug demons," the sarcasm in her tone was not appreciated, she could tell, but he nodded nonetheless.

So with the confirmation to go she swiftly leapt off of Kirara's back and took off through the trees. This was her first time traveling through the trees at such speeds on her own legs and it felt completely exhilarating. Of course Sesshomaru caught up fast and was running beside her in a matter of seconds but she didn't care, she wasn't trying to outrun him.

The two of them arrived in the village in a matter of minutes and she quickly made her way towards the weapons shed that her mended slayer's suit still lay in. Sesshomaru stopped outside the hut's door and waited for her to get changed. She'd sewed the major holes in her kimono quickly in the morning before they left but she knew they wouldn't last long or hold up against any kind of strain.

It felt so good to get back in her slayer's garb that she couldn't even describe her happiness were someone to ask her. It felt like coming home, something that she'd been missing since she'd become a demon, and the familiar weight of Hiraikotsu in her hand was like a warm greeting from an old friend.

As she walked out of the hut she couldn't contain the grin on her face and Sesshomaru quirked an elegant brow at what must have been a stupid look on her face. Without skipping a beat she swung Hiraikotsu over her shoulder, the strap now holding it to her back, and took off running towards the village library that lay in the far corner of the fortress's walls. Now she was trying to outrun him, just to see how fast she could go with Hiraikotsu on her back. She was annoyed slightly that he caught up to her before she reached the hut but still she let out a light laugh as they both stopped just short of running into the ramshackle old walls of the library.

Sesshomaru merely rolled his eyes with a slight grin on his face as she entered the dusty old hut in front of him. Inuyasha and Kagome had just landed with Kirara right behind him and she couldn't help but note the fact that they were gone for a short time and it surely didn't take them that long to get to the village. Smiling at the thought of the couple she made her way into the building and began searching through the dust covered books only to find there were probably a thousand volumes lying untouched on the shelves. She sighed; this was going to take a while.

~~~~~~~Three hours later~~~~~~~

After searching for so long she was now covered in dust and sneezing every few minutes. The entire group had searched at first but at the one-hour mark Inuyasha and Sesshomaru had wondered off to go "train." As if she didn't know that they just wanted out of the tedious work of skimming through hundreds of ancient books. After two hours Kagome had told her that she was going to go get some water and had never come back. She sent Kirara with her since the little neko wasn't much help when it came to reading so she wasn't worried; they'd probably just jumped in the river for a swim since it was nearly ninety-five degrees outside.

The sweltering heat hadn't helped her much since the old hut was already stuffy and full of dust. She'd long since pulled her long brown hair up into a high ponytail to get it off of her neck. It didn't help much and she was still sweating heavily in her slayer's suit but she was not willing to give up until she found what she was looking for.

It had surprised her that the old hut was far bigger than she originally imagined. There were at least four separate rooms that each held two or three bookshelves filled with books. She'd gone through two of them and was moving toward the third when she noticed an odd dip in the floorboards at the end of the hall. Making her way over to them she stepped to the side so as not to step on the faulty looking boards when suddenly the wood caved beneath her feet. Tumbling down with a surprised yelp she hit the dirt in a completely dark room and rolled.

Rubbing a sore spot on her ankle from where she landed she looked around the room and waited for it to heal before standing. She didn't have to wait long as it was only a minor sprain and so after only a moment she stood and looked around. It was very dark and even her demonic eye sight could barely pick up the outlines of bookshelves and a table with chairs from the thin stream of light coming from the hole she'd made when she fell through the floor.

She suddenly felt Sesshomaru's aura and a second later he was down in the hole with her. One hand was gripping Tokijin's hilt and the other was glowing with green poison. The light from his youki lit up the previously dark room and she kicked herself for not thinking about that. With a low growl Sesshomaru released his hold on Tokijin and turned back to her with his youki still lit. One look between her and the hole in the ceiling told him exactly why she had cried out.

"Sango! Sesshomaru? What's going on down there?"

Looking up she could see Kagome's confused face staring down at them from the hole she'd created. If she guessed correctly this was the room that they were looking for; this was the room that held the books with the knowledge of her past.

"We're fine Kagome. Could you run and grab a lantern from the weapon's hut though? I think this is what we've been looking for."

"Um ok! We'll be right back!"

With that said her eyes fell back to Sesshomaru who was still looking her over to make sure she wasn't hurt. With a smile she approached him and rocked up onto her toes to kiss him lightly on the lips. At that he seemed to calm down and soon both of their eyes were roaming the dust covered shelves. From the looks of it no one had been down here in the last century. It didn't surprise her though; no one in her village had ever even mentioned that their culture used to hold some kind of immense power.

A few minutes later Kagome and Inuyasha returned with lit lanterns and Inuyasha handed them down to Sesshomaru who easily reached up and grabbed them since the room was not much more than eight feet high. When the lantern lit up the entire room they noticed a small set of stairs in one corner and so they traced them up to a spot where a trapdoor opened in the floor above. Inuyasha and Kagome came down the stairs and they all set out on attacking the room.

After only a few minutes she came upon a book that had exactly what she was looking for; an explanation on how the village's sorcerers were trained and how the ones with demonic powers learned to use them. With a triumphant grin she turned back to the others who were all still digging and clutched the old leather bound book to her chest.

"You can all stop searching now. I've found what we've been looking for."

a/n: Well that's it. I know this chapter was super short but I got it out in only a day so hey it's not THAT short. ^-^ ...Well it is now currently 2am and I'm very tired from writing my fingers off the majority of the day so I'll leave yall with this:

PLZ READ AND REVIEW!