DiSclaiMer: I don't own Inu-Yasha

JeniNeji Comments:

Here is the fifth chapter of the story, forgive the delay. Thanks again to my beta reader Chezka for her wonderful job.

Enjoy.

When the Past is the Future...

Chapter 5:

The Hands of Fate…made a mistake?

Sesshomaru walked towards the Bone Eaters' Well, located in Inu-Yasha's forest. The forest acquired its name thanks to the shame that befell his family, brought by the weak half-breed. By falling in love with a human miko that went by the name of Kikyo and letting his emotions rule his life; he just managed to get himself pinned to a tree for fifty shameful years.

There had been many strange events that he hadn't been able to decipher, and that angered him. Few were the times he was left in the dark, the world moving without his knowledge, but this time, it seemed like the world was making him pay for his sin.

His sin? That sounded ridiculous…a demon thinking about the word sin…

He walked through the silent forest enveloped in a thick fog that had been brought by the chilly weather that had fallen some days ago. He had never seen the weather change so quickly before and this nagged his senses making them very alert. The smaller demons didn't dare cross his way, fearing for their lives. His power and status was reflected in his aura.

These last days were clouded with untold mysteries...

Naraku's disappearance was distrusting enough, but also the miko's. He wondered if she had betrayed them and disappeared with him, but that didn't seem right. Even he couldn't imagine her do such a low thing, and he didn't know her for long. Still, there weren't traces of a battle being held between the miko and the disgusting half-breed, though they had encountered. He didn't know the story of the Bone Eaters' Well, but rumors had spread that the miko could manipulate its magic. It seemed ridiculous, seeming that the well was bathed in ancient magic, and she as a young human didn't seem knowledgeable enough to know of such secrets.

As he walked out of the forest and into the clearing where the Bone Eater's Well awaited, the sight that welcomed him surprised him, better put, it was unexpected. His half brother, Inu-Yasha, was reclined to the Tree of the Ages that gave form to the Well. He looked confused and lost, even distracted.

He was such a disgrace, Sesshomaru though coldly. How he wished to have nothing to do with him, he only brought shame. His red rat haori was stained in blood, dried blood from the battle with Naraku days ago. The half-breed needed to be cleaned soon, even his nose, protested as he neared the half-breed.

Inu-Yasha turned slowly to acknowledge his brother's presence with indifferent eyes. After that, his lifeless yellow eyes turned to his feet once again. He didn't want to do anything. It had been his entire fault; he failed her two times now. He failed Kikyo and he failed Kagome. He was useless, he should have died, not them.

Sesshomaru stopped at his brother's side. When he received no acknowledgment, he kicked his brother legs. Inu-Yasha's eyes widened for a moment and engaged in rage towards his brother. Inu Yasha growled menacingly and stood, hands turned into fists, blood poured from them. The frustration inside him wanted to get out of his system; it was like a poison in his veins.

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes annoyed. "Half-breed" he called ruthlessly to stop him from further stupidities "What has happened?" he continued less arrogant, and with honest confusion, but he covered as much as he could with his usual indifference.

Inu Yasha scowled and walked some steps away from his brother, kicking an imaginary rock. The truth was that all of this was affecting him greatly. He was beyond confused. He had passed through the Well, and Kagome never came to her home in the future. Yet, her scent -- the one that made her different from every other being -- ended in the Well. As his eyes stopped at a white flower, his mind dared returning to a certain time in the past.

He could see Kagome's blue eyes take an abnormal color and get shadowed in pain as he ordered her to run away. He then remembered seeing the strength resurfacing in them and her hands clench into fists and her lips parting to defy him, but he stopped her placing a single finger on her lips.

"I don't want you to get hurt" he remembered hearing himself say and how she shrank in sadness.

"I want to help…please let me Inu-Yasha" she pleaded softly and both of her hands were on his wrists, his finger still on her lips. He saw her fidget; she wasn't sure if she wanted to be touched or not so she only rested her hands on his hand.

"I want you alive after this" he had told her softly and his finger left her lips and traveled to her ear as his hand caressed her jaw. He cared not if Sesshomaru could see him –though he did not like that Sesshomaru could see him in such an intimate moment – "I need you to save the Jewel…so I can be human and I can…" he said but couldn't finish….so I can love you, he wanted to say but the words only got stocked on his throat.

He remembered seeing tears on her eyes and the next thing he felt was the quick touch of his lips with hers, and then he pushed her behind him and unsheathed Tetsusaiga. The sword was immediately transformed and his golden eyes locked on Naraku.

The next thing he head was Kagome's fast steps going away and into the forest. He saw Naraku's smirk grow even wider and the red eyes of the half-demon turn to Sesshomaru. Inu-Yasha remembered noticing Sesshomaru's tense stance but dismissed it.

Kohaku died.

Sango became mad, Miroku was hurt.

Sesshomaru didn't fight because the human girl, Rin had been taken hostage.

The next thing he remembered was being on an illusion, then he awoke and Kagome's scent was weaker. But then he picked up on another scent…Naraku's. His scent followed Kagome…

He ran to the forest…and he came upon Kirara's death body. There was no heart-beat, so he didn't stop…but Sango's and Miroku's trail was not there…they were alive…then he made it to the Bone Eater's well…and both scents ended there…

"I don't know" Inu Yasha whispered slowly as his silver bangs hid his eyes, one of the few times where he was being totally honest and open with Sesshomaru. "Sango and Miroku have forgotten her, they don't remember Naraku either, it's like she's… gone" he said the last words with an overwhelming pain. He couldn't believe their betrayal. After all the time they had all spent tracking Naraku, they just forgot everything. They forgot her, and he couldn't forgive that easily.

"You mean to tell me they forgot about the miko's existence?" asked the demon lord stunned to hear such news, which was certainly more suspicious. Inu Yasha just turned his head away, accepting his earlier question, but evading his eyes.

Sudden cries were heard and an exhausted Shippou ran to Inu Yasha. His little hands were waving wildly and his eyes held desperation. The kid had dried tears on his face and newly formed tears were beginning to fall from his eyes.

"Inu Yasha!!" the kid yelled desperately "I don't remember something, but I know it's important, help me!!" The fox demon pressed both his hands to his head and began to swirl his head from one side to the other. Inu-Yasha in his depression, pushed the kid aside mercilessly, and he fell some feet away stunned, more tears falling. Suddenly, his eyes widened and a gasp escaped him "Kagome…Inu Yasha is being mean to… its Kagome. Kagome, where is she?" Shippou said with a giant smile.

Inu Yasha didn't pay attention to the desperate calling of the kid, but Sesshomaru -- being aware of much possible trickery -- did notice. Sesshomaru was not one to overlook such important facts. He looked at the fox, he was not lying, he was certain and there was no spell concealing his thoughts that he could feel. So, the fox had somehow forgotten her at the moment, but still, the memories of someone being with him existed. Perhaps…things had changed.

Sesshomaru felt a strange wave in the air, something very ominous, and he found himself expanding his senses to all directions in search of such a strange thing, but unfortunately, he found nothing to link it to. He turned to Inu Yasha as he began to walk away and he felt a sudden urge to make a hole in the stupid half-demon's chest, he had not finished this conversation.

Sesshomaru jumped in front of said half-demon and blocked his path to the Tree of Ages. Surprise flashed in the half-breed's eyes and he immediately took a defensive stance. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes in confusion.

"Sesshomaru" spit Inu Yasha with hatred "What are you doing so far from the West?" he asked. He began to tense his finger, preparing himself and they did some cracking sounds as the bones fell into the right position.

"This Sesshomaru is here to know about the miko and Naraku's disappearance" said the Demon Lord smoothly, yet annoyed to have to repeat himself, but the blank look that Inu Yasha gave him made him uncomfortable, making his blood boil, and some of his poison gas to flare unconsciously from his irritation.

"What business do you have with Kikyo?" said the half-demon protectively as he charged against his brother. He used his claws as weapons, but Sesshomaru easily dodged them. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes as he kept dodging his half brother's reckless attacks. "I have no business with the likes of her, I am of course referring to the miko Kagome" he said, his patience wearing thin. He didn't need to be explaining himself so many times; the half-breed's skull was undoubtedly broken.

"Never heard of her" said Inu Yasha while unsheathing Tetsusaiga, after realizing his claws were getting him nowhere. "You have gotten the wrong person, now leave!!" Inu Yasha yelled to his half brother. Sesshomaru froze for an instant, not believing what he was hearing. He tried to search in him for lies, but didn't smell any. "I am going to make father proud of me, these lands will be mine, leave them" ordered Inu Yasha, with a tingle of uncertainty in his voice.

Sesshomaru's fist lost its strength, and he growled so slow that only he heard himself. Now it was him who had amnesia. He turned his back away from his half brother and entered the forest. He was soon out of reach, his aura leaving behind a high threat by an unforgiving demon looking for something to make pieces to free some energy.

Shippou looked as Inu Yasha put Tetsusaiga in its rightful sheath and walked away in the opposite direction Sesshomaru had taken. He was confused, but still, there was something occupying his young mind.

"Kagome, where are you?"

With that, the little fox demon began to run after the Demon Lord who knew something about her. After all, Inu-Yasha had gone mad, and he was always hitting him in the head.

The sun was beginning to set and Kagome found that she preferred to be battling outside than silently waiting for them to return. They were still fighting, she could still hear the roars coming from the engaged battle in the outskirts of the town.

The people inside the town were calmer now. Most of them were slayers wives and children; many were trained in the arts of martial arts, though everyone was a little scared to fail to protect what they loved the most. Always.

She was thankful that the barrier had lasted on for so long, and she was proud of herself, she was doing great. She had been talking with the children and playing with them. She felt right at home in so little time. She really thought she truly loved children, and so, they all loved her back.

Midoriko was sleeping in her house right now, after all, Inu no Taisho had said she would help with the battle later on. She was tired, and she was quite saddened. She had not been able to transform souls as she much wanted; it required a lot of time and concentration, which she didn't posses when in battle. In battle, one second could cost one's life.

Kagome needed to be with people, she needed to be distracted, otherwise, she would lose her thoughts and the barrier could collapse. Neither could she fall asleep, she couldn't control her unconscious, and that was something dangerous, seeing that the Jewel in her chest had been shifting uncontrollably around so many demons. She was thankful that the Jewel had somewhat calmed in town, since it was surrounded by humans, mostly children. She was putting all these lives to risk. She knew it, because there were many demons surrounding the place, colliding with the barrier, persisting into trespassing. They wanted the wish the Jewel promised, and it build tension upon the commoners. It was good a thing the demons were weak ones; or else, things would be looking rather bad.

A loud roar resounded and she shielded her ears with her hands. Her black hair fell graciously around her form, hearing the children scream as well. It was a terrible sound, one that reached one's core and stirred the courage that was there. She had heard Tetsusaiga's Wind Scar as it exploded sometimes, and she wondered how they were fairing against the group that arrived.

Sora's aura awoke her from her calculations, and she allowed him to pass and enter the town. He was tired, she knew that much, he was heavy with sweat, and his breathing was ragged and strained. He was bleeding, but it was minimal, he didn't seem to carry deep wounds. His weapon in the other hand was stained with blood, demon blood.

He smiled at her and she felt herself blush. The children ran to him and tangled in his legs and he laughed truly hard and ruffled the hair of many. After they left, she decided it was time to get to business, and she walked slowly towards him, still wearing the clothes of a miko. As she reached him, he smoothly took her hand and kissed it. She blushed, and her blue eyes searched within his brown ones for some type of emotion, and she found relief. She smiled softly and closed her hand, holding his hand tighter.

"What is going on outside?" she asked, no longer holding the question she had since he arrived earlier. She was worried and she felt the need to go help. She had trained, she was not very good yet, she knew that, but she felt a pitch of agony at being left behind again. As always, since she was with Inu-Yasha, she had been left behind, in order to be protected. What was it with Dog Demons and the need to protect her?

"There's a dragon" he said as he looked at the ground somewhat disappointed. Kagome though wondered what was wrong with a dragon, surely they were strong, but Inu no Taisho was legend. "Thing is, the dragon outside is the Master of the Winds and Tetsusaiga is useless because the dragon easily stops the attacks" he continued on as if reading her thoughts. She moved her mouth to make an expression of understanding.

Sora sat under a tree, looking at the last traces of the orange and pink of the horizon and as the first stars began to appear in the infinite sky. He sighed and turned to Kagome once again. "Sesshomaru has been injured, one of Inu no Taisho's Wind Scar was reversed, and Sesshomaru's sword wasn't able to stop it, but he is still standing, nothing to worry about. There are also some more of those white puppets, and their barriers are quite annoying" he said and gave a small grunt, remembering the hard time he had trying to kill the demons while the damned puppets stood in his way every time they could. "There is another demon with them, a demon who wields the element of snow, and he is quite strong, I don't know how he's managed, but he was giving Sesshomaru a hard time" he stood, sighing tiredly. He stretched his sore muscles and walked towards the center of the town.

He stopped and looked at Kagome for the last time. "I think Midoriko should go to Inu no Taisho, I heard him blabbering about how he wished for the presence of a miko that tried in vain to transform souls when her sword could kill so many as she wished" he turned his back to a saddened Kagome and began to walk. "He also said the miko Kagome was to stay in town and provide to it with the needed protection". With that, he disappeared inside a house, after winking to Kagome.

Kagome couldn't help the smile that graced her face. Inu no Taisho didn't think ill of her, he just wanted her to protect the city. She was happy that he at least could see more to her, not like Inu-Yasha, who was so stubborn he always made her feel bad. She had a most important mission at hand, and she would make sure to see that it was carried out perfectly.

She ran to Midoriko's house, and slowly stopped when she saw her peacefully resting. She really looked like she was enjoying herself; of course, she had used a lot of her miko powers after all. She even felt bad for having to wake her up, since Midoriko didn't even notice her presence, which meant she was very tired.

Silently, Kagome walked out of the house once again. It would do no good to wake her if she was just going to return in a few hours, or worst, die in battle. The fate that awaited Midoriko, was paining her more each time; she didn't want her new friend to die. She felt her heart clench and a shift in the barrier over her. She looked at it confused for a moment, until she realized her thoughts were weakening it. She closed her eyes and tried to meditate for some moments, until her thoughts calmed and disappeared. She looked at the stars, remembering how peaceful the night before had been.

Sesshomaru had been injured by a Wind Scar. But he was strong, he was probably fine. His father was there as well, he wouldn't allow his son to die, and besides, she met him in the future, so, it meant that he survived. A loudly roar made her wince in fright, and she decided to let Midoriko be for a little while, so she walked around town to verify that the barrier was flawless. After her little mistake a while ago, she didn't want to take chances.

Inu no Taisho held his ground as he fought the massive Silver Dragon. This beast was amazing, and he regretted that it was against him, for he was sure that it will be of great aid to his cause. Still, never in his life a being had been able to defeat his Wind Scar, but this dragon had managed it, and without even trying.

He turned to see Sesshomaru battling against the other demon, the two puppets finally dead by Sesshomaru's sword. They had been annoying, the most real fact he had found since yesterday night. He was still strong, the demons from yesterday were a laughing matter, but now, his strength was being put to good use. This dragon here was making him have a great time.

The dragon swiftly moved from the hill and charged against him to attack and with its defenses up, a real marvel. Inu no Taisho took Tetsusaiga out of its sheath and transformed it quickly, and hit the dragon as it passed him. It did no good, the scales of the dragon were as hard as iron. He saw as the dragon turned and flew high in the sky.

Sesshomaru was pushed back by the double daggers of the demon with white and black hair. It was a white tiger demon, and it was strong, quick and fierce by nature. It was of the kind that liked challenges and being honored with them. They were charismatic and honorable, at least many of them, born to be rulers. The red eyes of said demon glittered with satisfaction. It was not a secret that the demon was enjoying its fight.

Soon enough, the tiger demon jumped over the dragon, and smirked. Both Dog demons were looking at him, one of them showing boredom, even when his true self despised the demon for having red eyes and not dying yet, while the second one was annoyed, full in his face, when he was left without the adrenaline of battle with the dragon.

"I am Unno, and I'm pleased to meet you Lord Inu no Taisho, as strong as the tales tell. And Sesshomaru, I thought you were stronger." He said and began to laugh when he saw Sesshomaru's face flicker in anger.

The dragon and Unno exchanged a look and after some moments, snow began to fall. It was something foolish, seeing they were in spring and it would cause no mayor trouble. That was until they felt a strong and chilly breeze. After some more seconds, a snow storm began to unfold, the weather turning cold and alarming. Would this snow storm reach the village?

Sesshomaru took his sword and unsheathed its electrical powers, a ball of energy forming around him. He turned to his father, and gave him a determined look. Inu no Taisho took on his son's eyes, and he quite understood what he meant.

Sesshomaru sent the energy he had gathered to the dragon, and Inu no Taisho took on Tetsusaiga and jumped towards them, expecting the dragon to be weakened by the electricity and finally take him down. As he neared, Unno looked at him with a smirk, and crossed his daggers, making an X with his arms. The jewels of both daggers began to glow and some strange symbols appeared in the back of his hands. Then a shield appeared, causing Inu no Taisho to crash against it, and burned by the energy of it in the process.

Inu no Taisho fell to the floor on his feet with his right hand in his chest, trying to stop the burning sensation. Sesshomaru looked at the tiger demon with rage, this was bothersome.

"Whew, seems like you have to go learn math again boy, your calculations are not effective, and that hurt" said Inu no Taisho, rubbing his chest and blowing air on his burns to ease the ache. Sesshomaru just turned his face with an "Hn" and began to once again think of tactics to beat the demon.

"You know, I want one of those daggers, I'll tell Totosai right away, this is going to be great, I will be invincible and with style! Oh and, be calm, your aura is flaring like wild. You will soon see her, she's safe, well I'm more worried about me, with your miserable plans" said Inu no Taisho with a smile in his face as Sesshomaru tensed and began to get irritated. He used once again the Wind Scar, as a distraction and to test if the attack could pass this time. The Wind dragon roared and the attack was reversed. Both dog demons ran for it, and thankfully this time, none were harmed.

"Ha ha ha" laughed Inu no Taisho and Sesshomaru could not help the growl that escaped his mouth.

"I cannot believe the likes of you" said Sesshomaru as he slowly stood up, the snow storm was making his hair fly wildly, and he took his sword once again, and inspected it carefully wondering about something. After he was satisfied with what he found, he turned to his father and shook his head. "This Sesshomaru doesn't care about human mikos" he said almost barking and with a low, angry growl.

Inu no Taisho stood once again, relaxed after the nice time he had some seconds ago, and sheathed his Tetsusaiga. "Yes, yes I know" he said with a tone full of mischief. "As you should 'cause all the mikos are mine, I won't lend you any" he said still feeling very much at ease and with renewed strength to battle the dragon.

Sesshomaru closed his eyes for a second and let go of an exhausted breath; dealing with his father was tiring him more than the actual battle. He was already eager to go away in his own journeys. He collected himself and locked his eyes in his sword. He stood, put his right feet behind him and held his sword with both hands. He squeezed the sword and whispered the word "Come", and the dragon inside awoke. Its spirit began to surround him, and filled him with strength; he knew it was just an illusion, since it was the dragon's strength. The spirit of the dragon was immense; the power that accompanied it was astounding, full of energy and life.

He gritted his teeth as the dragon's strength threatened to overwhelm him, and whispered, "Dragons Hell". The sword screeched and the spirit that had been surrounding him left him at high speed, full of hatred. Sesshomaru felt weaker than before since he knew the attack drained part of his life energy to accomplish his portal, but he did it anyway; he wasn't one that took lightly the waste of his time.

The dragon roared, and flew at high speed towards the Wind Dragon. The dragon flew away from the spirit, realizing the strength it carried. It turned and began to fly downward, making his master Unno fall to the ground. Unno fell on his feet and then managed to stand up as he watched with worry the exchange of his dragon with the vengeful spirit.

Sesshomaru watched as the spirit tried to reach the dragon. He was truly counting on that attack, if it failed, he would lose the fight. The attack had sapped part of his life energy, and that was something a demon's ability to heal couldn't mend, that needed time and rest. But, he calculated wrongly, he never considered his attack to have problems regarding speed with the dragon. Considering the dragon was The Lord of the Winds, it should have been easy to predict.

He saw as his attack grew weaker, but at that exact moment, the spirit flashed brighter, and took on more speed, the speed of thunder. It reached; it finally caught up to the Wind Dragon. A smirk appeared in Sesshomaru's lips, his sword had not failed him, and it finally accomplished its goal.

The Wind Dragon roared in pain as the spirit of Sesshomaru's thunder dragon mercilessly attacked the other: one, two, three times. Each time that dragon attacked, an illusionary chain dug on the dragon's flesh. Blood dipped from the dragon, and it fell to the ground. The blue eyes of the dragon were now red, and it stood on its four legs trying to keep itself alive. More blood poured from its wounds. It was obvious that it was angry. The magnificent golden hair that it carried was now stained with blood, and the silvery scales had finally succumbed to the attack. Though there was a fact that turned out to be a problem, the dragon still seemed strong. The dragon dangled for a moment, and appeared to be confused, but Sesshomaru knew better than that. The chains were holding it firm, the chains that will pull it to Hell.

Unno ran towards the dragon and patted it soothingly. He then began to use his powers on the dragon's wounds. He didn't heal them, just froze them to take away the pain. "I am really sorry my friend, please forgive me" said Unno lowly to the dragon, his hands trembling as he soothed the beast, this dragon was not his servant, it was his friend, the only one.

The dragon growled lowly, but it was a growl that Unno recognized as a good one, often referring to please him or when the dragon tried to cheer him up. Unno let out a forced laugh, and kissed the dragon on its neck. As he did, unaware he touched one of the hot chains, his eyes widened in fright, he couldn't see them, but he could felt the heat that emanated from them. "Dragons Hell", he repeated in his mind. His eyes widened as an image formed in his mind. It couldn't be.

Unno then turned to watch as Sesshomaru and Inu no Taisho were discussing something heatedly. He had been told the Great General Inu no Taisho had always been serene and unstoppable in battle, but right now, this was another one. The way they were fighting was ridiculous, he should know, they were related after all.

Unno decided that he didn't care and charged against Sesshomaru, he will pay for injuring his dragon. He took out his daggers and threw them to where both dog demons were and they jumped away to evade them. The dagger was leaving a path of magic he could easily follow. He ran on at high speed towards Sesshomaru, the latter looking astounded as the tiger demon kept on against him weaponless. The blood must have gotten to his head; that was all he could think of. A smirk appeared in Sesshomaru's face and he raised his sword in order to cut the demon by half, when a sharp pain invaded his back.

Sesshomaru's gritted his teeth in pain, and let go in a growl of displeasure. Blood dripped from his lips as his thoughts escaped him, searching for the origin of such pain. However, his thoughts were stolen from him when a pair of red eyes appeared in front of him and kicked his middle, pushing him away, and increasing the pain in his back. He saw as the tiger dragon smirked and raised his hand, when he did, the pain that rested in his back increased, and two daggers appeared in the tiger demon's hands. Sesshomaru blinked some times, now he realizing the daggers could be manipulated; they had reversed after the demon had thrown them. How foolish of him to not notice.

Inu no Taisho charged against the dragon, and the dragon didn't move, just using a gust of wind to take the threat away. Inu no Taisho gritted his fangs as he tried to maintain his feet, but was sent flying away. He growled in anger, and charged against the dragon once again. It was time to end the battle.

"Dawn is almost over us now." Kagome thought as she saw it was harder to see the stars now. She silently prayed for her friends in the Feudal Era; and for her family in the Future, they must be worried for her. She wished to have jumped in the Well earlier; that way, nothing of this would have happened. She felt her eyes water, but she held the tears at bay, she wouldn't crack down now, not in the middle of war, it was useless. She knew her conscience will not let her back down from a mission.

This era, that she believed, had to be five hundred years or so before the Feudal Era. This time here felt wrong, out of place. Her strong-willed nature didn't seem to fit here, were prejudices were so strong and intolerance was heavy in people's hearts. It was nothing like her time had been, and she was afraid of the events that could develop here. After all, Midoriko had greatly suffered this era.

Yes, she has never been one to give up, but she knew that the path ahead will be tiresome. She felt Kirara's presence nearing and she smiled. The cat demon was really caring; she could almost put it as human. She was faithful, friendly, brought comfort to the broken heart, and even cried when sad along with those hiccupping sounds she made. Kirara licked Kagome's cheek and made a happy sound. Kagome laughed with ease, until she felt the Shikon Jewel shift for an instant. She stopped all her activities, and put her hand on her heart, trying to steady the beats. She looked at Kirara confused.

"Kirara you…" she was asking but was interrupted by Midoriko's approach. Kagome looked up to her fellow miko, she looked much better, and looked ready for battle. Her sword was already hanging to her side; her clothes had been changed, smelling of fresh water.

"Yes, she somehow used the Jewel you protect to come here" said Midoriko looking at Kagome seriously. "Well, I shall be going now, it's very much late" she said as she walked away towards the gates of the city. Kagome locked eyes with the cat demon next to her, commanding it to accompany Midoriko in battle. Kirara bowed her head in understanding and followed after her. Midoriko stopped for an instant and turned to Kagome "Change those clothes, there are some in my house" and after that, she resumed her walking with a transformed Kirara at her side.

Kagome's aura flared to life as she felt someone approaching. It was a demon aura, she knew that. Since yesterday, she had been able to determine auras more efficiently, many hours battling for your life helped with something. She recognized the aura to be Sesshomaru's and she grew worried. It was too soon for him to return to town. It had only been a day and half, surely if it was her, she would have died already, but demons were stronger. She hurried after Midoriko to the gates, to let him pass inside.

The sight that welcomed her when the gates were opened scared her. There was Sesshomaru, standing with all the grace he always showed, but there was much wrong. He was bleeding from his mouth, his white hakama was bloodstained, his eyes held pain, and he didn't carry his sword. Kagome gasped in worry and walked to him stopping when she was near.

Midoriko just exchanged a look with him, and kept on walking outside to Inu no Taisho, Kirara following. She was tense, but she knew she could not leave her Lord alone in this; it seemed the battle had become dangerous.

After Midoriko walked outside, Kagome reinforced the barrier once again. She turned to find herself alone, Sesshomaru walking away. Kagome narrowed her eyes in anger and followed after him. Besides, his wounds needed to be healed. That was made sure, as spots of blood adorned the ground.

She found him entering the house she remembered when she awoke for the first time. She took a deep breath to fill herself with courage and decided to follow him inside the house. She walked slowly towards it, but she realized that it had been much easier to say than actually doing it. Her feet slowed without her permission, and she felt her legs become weaker. It was Sesshomaru he was shivering, and more in this time, where no child had yet to melt with a little of his coldness. He could kill her, and he was wounded. He must be angry, and then, she would just come to annoy him even more. She kept battling her thoughts for some moments, and the last thing she decided was that he needed medical attention, and she just hoped he would not kill her.

She entered the house with her eyes closed and bowing her head. She felt as Sesshomaru's aura took a hint of anger, and she felt herself shrink. She was thankful that her hair covered her face, but she knew that she could never trick his superior senses. He could probably smell her fear.

"I beg your forgiveness, Lord Sesshomaru" she said, her voice breaking a little with fear, but she kept on anyway. "Please allow me to heal your injuries, I am certain your demonic powers could easily take care of them, but it will make me feel useful" she ended up, trying to make him accept her help. She knew he had such an ego, that if she gave a hint of saying he was unable to do it, he would become angry and shun her away.

He looked away, annoyed. "This Sesshomaru does not need your help, miko" he said coldly, and Kagome winced in worry for her safety. "But, there is an itch caused by some magical daggers in my back, break the spell" he said hard and demanding, but with a hint of anger.

Kagome couldn't believe her ears as she opened her eyes, dumb folded. But as she blushed, she wished that she hadn't. Sesshomaru was only wearing his pants; his muscular chest was completely exposed to her eyes, well, covered in blood and with some nasty injuries. She stared at it for some moments before raising her eyes to find a cold stare, and she blushed even harder. She was surprised to see him like that, but somehow; she thought he was getting the wrong idea.

"I... I am sorry, I'll break the spell" she said walking to him.

He just kept looking at her coldly, analyzing her movements. They spoke of nervousness and embarrassment. Such a foolish miko. Another scent invaded him, and he saw her eyes to find them looking at him with irritation. "Miko, don't give me that look, surely you remember our last encounter" he said coldly and menacingly.

She just put her hands in her hips and countered. "You are the one that is staring, and if you don't turn, I cannot heal you" she said annoyed.

He narrowed his eyes at her and locked his cold eyes to her blue ones full of emotions. He turned his back to her, and cursed her tongue. She was so disrespectful to his person. He should kill her, no one will blame him, and he would just rid the world of a little spitfire. The world would probably be thankful.

He felt a strange heat rise from where her hands touched the skin of his back, but he resisted the urge to do anything. He would not make a sound or move, not show her that she affected him in any way. Besides, it wasn't probably her, but the miko energy that flew in her being. He felt as her aura soothed his own, healing not only his wounds, but also refreshing his aura. It felt strange, that a creature that was born as his worst enemy tried to help him. If it wasn't her, he would believe her to be trying to trick him to kill him later on, but he doubted she would do something like that. He was a strong demon, one who despised humans, and yet, she was here helping him, while other weaker demons found their deaths in her merciless hands. She was strange; she just hated some demons, not all like Midoriko, who hated all demons, except his father.

He was taken from his thoughts when he felt her energy stop. He stretched his arms to feel their strength once again, and to find the pain in his back gone. He turned to her to see a tired smile in her face. He took on her form, and noticed she was still wearing the same clothes of yesterday, the dried blood in her right shoulder assuring him of such. The place below her eyes was darker than the first time he had seen her. He was not completely sure, but that was a sign of a human weakness if he was not mistaken. He saw as she blinked her eyes quickly to clear the heaviness.

"Miko, did you sleep at all while here?" he asked her monotonously, but curious of her. This was the moment to find out the truth about her. He saw as her eyes widened, and she laughed softly.

"No, I didn't, if I slept the barrier will disappear, I wouldn't be able to control it in my sleep" she said averting her gaze away from his eyes and to the side.

"I see" was Sesshomaru's answer. His eyebrow twitched as something came to his mind. "Miko, if you could heal this Sesshomaru, why did you not heal yourself when the snake demon bit you?" he asked, confused for she had told Midoriko she couldn't.

She blinked a few times, processing his question and her answer. She sighed, she didn't want to explain all this right now, but she knew he will not let her go until she answered him. "I cannot heal my own wounds" she said tiredly, and she began to walk away, trying to escape the next question that she saw was coming from his eyes. She regretted coming to heal him right now. She managed to exit the house without him stopping her and she was grateful of that. She didn't want to deal with him, he will make her say everything, and she didn't think it was the smartest thing.

Sesshomaru watched her leave the house in a hurry and decided to let her be. After all, it wasn't like she could go anywhere, and they were sealed inside town. He hated the scent of blood, well; he hated the scent of his own blood. He also hated that damned white tiger demon, Unno. He had been a wicked one. He had managed to use demonic magic -- something that only few ancient demons could perform. Those daggers were made with that very same magic, making them stronger and unstoppable, if not fought with the very same power. He was strong himself, but he had to admit that ancient magic wasn't one of his gifts and he had a hard time with them. They even managed to stop his sword, to crash it under the influence of such magic. He couldn't believe it. The sword that Totosai had forged fell to the floor dead; the spirit that resided within it vanished. He had to say, the sword had always been vulnerable after the Dragon's Hell attack, but never like this. His sword. Dead. He never expected that to happen, and it stung his ego. That sword had been his seal, he was known as the master of the Dragon's Sword, and it had disappeared.

It had been a bad day indeed. Full of surprises, and he was up to take the few ones that remained. He would find the miko and question her about everything. But he would take a bath first, because he also hated the scent he was carrying right now.

He had been watching her for quite some time now. She seemed to be human enough, as all the others. It was a good thing that his senses were far superior to hers, because, he wouldn't want her to find out he was looking at her.

He had passed near her in some occasions, but he had not been able to talk to her, and it was starting to get to his nerves. Since when did he, Lord Sesshomaru, had trouble approaching a certain uninteresting topic with a human woman. It was irritating, he was over thinking again.

He turned once again to her form. She was happily playing with some boys in town, while the girls were picking up flowers. The boys began to fight over themselves, and the miko sighed and went to pick up flowers too. It was a very comforting site, the girls were genuinely happy, considering that mikos were often venerated. They were the highest standard in human women and they would always try to be like them. But the miko, she was not proud and annoying as many others, she seemed like herself and her smiles weren't false or forced. She didn't hate demons unreasonably. She was logical, and he respected that. She hated the demons she considered low, as he did, there were many demons he despised.

A woman came to the group, and called for the children to help with some minor task, they all began to whine in protest but the miko ordered them to obey. They left her with a saddened face, but complied with her. She smiled -- finding the moment hilarious -- then sat on the ground, next to the few remaining flowers. They almost picked up all of them, what a waste.

She remained there, staring at the blue sky as he blinked trying to take away the image, but his golden eyes didn't obey him. Her peaceful form brought him visions of her, visions that he was imagining. He admitted, she was beautiful for a plain human, but there was something that was making him uncomfortable. Why did her aura emanate such sadness?

Kagome was looking at the early sun. She hadn't heard of Inu no Taisho nor Midoriko yet, but she hoped they were well. An aura made her sigh in defeat, this was the third time Sesshomaru had come close to her today and she was beginning to tire. "What do you seek Sesshomaru?" she asked monotonously, her head beginning to ache.

"Miko, show the proper respect to this Sesshomaru, and this Sesshomaru seeks the answers that you hide from him" he said seriously.

Kagome stood and walked towards the shadow of a tree, the sun was hot on her skin. Sesshomaru began to follow, making clear that this time, he will get his answers. Her foot stumbled and she felt herself falling to the floor. She gasped, surprised at her dumbness and awaited the pain, but it never came, at least, not as she awaited it. A powerful hand caught her upper right arm and pulled her harshly upwards. A strangled scream left her as the claws of a dog demon pierced her skin and hurt her right shoulder once again in quick motion.

"Arrrgh, my shoulder, again" she said with tears in her eyes "This is the worst wound I have received in my entire life" she said saddened. It was not actually the wound what was the worst, but that she had been injured so many times in the very same place that she was actually thinking of ripping it off.

"Hn" said Sesshomaru ignoring her blabbering and focusing on her scent once again. She did carry his scent, but not in the mated sort of way. She smelled like him because of her blood. "Miko, you will tell this Sesshomaru about the strange events around yourself that concerns this Sesshomaru" he said through gritted teeth. She just sighed, it was time to tell.

To be Continue…

JeniNeji's Note:

Thanks you all for reading this chapter!!

I hope you like it.

Once again, thanks to those who were kind enough to leave a review.