Here's chapter 10. Enjoy!!

Let Me Fly, Let Me Love

Ch. 10

The place Sesshomaru had taken Kagome to was amazing to put it simply. It was a large, magnificent meadow full of all sorts of wild flowers. At the far end of the meadow was a waterfall that created great cascading falls of white-capped water. The sound of water hitting the smooth rocks beneath the surface of the lake created a tranquil feeling throughout the place. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

Kagome just couldn't contain her awe for the meadow. It was by far one of the most beautiful places she'd ever seen in her seventeen years of existence. For Sesshomaru to bring her to such a place, deeply touched her heart. However, that didn't mean she fully trusted the mighty Taiyoukai. He was still dangerous no matter how convinced she was that he wouldn't hurt her. There was still that chance where he would change his mind and behead her where she stood.

Kagome knew the great lord for his killing perfection. She knew him as the merciless killer who slaughtered all who saw fit to stand in his way. That is what stopped her from feeling completely at peace while in his presence. It wasn't so much as she couldn't defend herself against him, but more so that she was unable to know what he was thinking or what he was going to do next; he was unpredictable. Already, he had confused her beyond what she could decipher herself.

Putting her worries aside for the moment, Kagome slowly approached the clear-blue waters edge and sat down to watch the small fish dart about beneath the surface. She allowed herself to relax slightly and enjoy this beautiful scenery. Sesshomaru watched, entranced, as the woman seemed to forget about him being there. Her beauty more radiant than any being to ever walk this planet. Her midnight-blue hair shone in the sun and swayed elegantly with ever swish of her full, sensual hips that couldn't help but draw Sesshomaru's attention to her perfectly rounded backside.

Just look at her. She's so beautiful, his beast said.

That she is. I have not seen a beauty like her in a long time, Sesshomaru agreed.

It appears that she is not fully content though, his beast pointed out with an usher towards her only slightly relaxed posture.

Sesshomaru's silent footfalls danced across the green blades of grass, crushing them beneath his demon grace. As he approached her, the scent of her nervousness and confusion reached his nostrils. It was very unpleasant to his senses. He preferred the scent of joy upon her.

Resisting the temptation to sit down and wrap her up in his arm, Sesshomaru sat down idly beside her, looking lazily at the waterfall as it continued to bear its contents to the lake. Kagome shifted her gaze to glance at the deadly demon who sat, emanating the look of peace, and evaluated him carefully.

He sat with one knee propped up and a maroon stripped wrist resting upon it. His gaze was upon the waterfall giving Kagome plenty of view to see his gorgeous golden eyes. They seemed to sparkle in the sunshine. His pale skin that should seem calloused and rough appeared smooth and flawless. Her gaze continued on towards his broad shoulders that supported that…fluffy boa thingy and his plate of armor. She could just imagine the rippling muscle beneath his kimono.

All the sudden, the image of her running her hands over the planes of his chest flashed through her mind. Kagome felt the heat of a blush grace her pretty features. Sesshomaru, taking notice in the change in her aura, averted his gaze from the waterfall, to arch an elegant eyebrow at the now blushing miko. He had been waiting for the miko to calm herself more, but apparently all it did was make her embarrassed somehow. It made him wonder just what she was thinking.

Kagome quickly shifted her gaze to her lap and tried to clear her mind of the far from lady-like thoughts running through her head. Sesshomaru, with a grunt of annoyance, turned back to watching the falling water. Irritation flowed through Kagome at his sound of frustration. But when she returned her gaze to him, she was stopped short. He looked so…beautiful in the sun. His long pristine white mane of hair blew gently with the rustling wind. The two maroon stripes that adorned his cheeks seemed to compliment his strong cheek bones and nose. His lips were relaxed into a slight smile of content; not a look she expected to see on the ruthless demon lord. The blue crescent moon upon his forehead seemed more prominent than she last remembered. It stood out amongst his other features, and she admired its status, knowing it classified Sesshomaru as the Lord of the West.

However, his stunning perfection caused Kagome a world of nervousness. There was a sense of self-consciousness that swam through her, making her wish she had worn something a little less…provocative. After studying dog demon history, culture, and nature she knew that they were affectionate, protective, and very sexual demons. If Sesshomaru had and interest in her, there was no doubt in her mind that his demon was probably panting with want right about now in seeing her in something such as this.

What she didn't know, was that she was exactly right. Sesshomaru was desperately trying to get his beast to quiet so that he could have a meaningful conversation with the onna. Apparently, his beast wanted to be more stubborn than usual.

All I'm saying we do is just push her down on the ground and kiss those full, pouty lips of hers. That's all. Then maybe we can slowly rip her clothes from her body with our claws. Wouldn't that be delicious? Then we can have our way with her right here and now.

Absolutely not!

Aww. Why not?

Isn't it you who said that we should earn her trust? Her respect for us? What will she think if we were to force ourselves upon her when she is not ready? And I will never sink so low as to take advantage of an unwilling woman. I am here to win her heart, only then will I proceed to winning her body.

Sesshomaru seemed to have made his point because his demon went silent then. Apparently, his demon had forgotten the simple fact of hurting her by doing such a thing. Kagome, finally sick of the quiet, spoke for the first time in about fifteen minutes.

"Why is it that you brought me here exactly Sesshomaru?"

Sesshomaru turned to pin his golden gaze upon her ocean-blue ones. Every since the awakening of her powers, her eyes had changed to blue instead of brown. "Because, I merely wished to show you that is all. It is close to your human village is it not? I know that my half-brother implants many wounds in you. This could be your…sanctuary if you will."

Kagome was touched by such generosity, but it also peeked her suspicions. "But why? Why go to such trouble for me, a human? Why do something for the girl you've tried to kill countless times in the past?"

Sesshomaru flinched inwardly at the painful reminder of his past attempts on her life. Sesshomaru gave a sigh and looked the confused miko in the eye. "This Sesshomaru wishes to apologize for his attempts at your life. I have no desire any longer to cause you any harm. You have my word on that mi…Kagome," Sesshomaru confessed.

If anything that just confused her more. Why did Sesshomaru wish to not harm her? It was all so flabbergasting. Kagome brought a hand up and gently rubbed her temples. She would definitely need some relaxation time in a hot spring later. Sesshomaru, not sure if he had upset her, asked, "Daijobu Kagome?"

Shocked at his concern, Kagome quickly answered, "Ah, gomen, gomen. You simply surprised me is all. Why is it that you wish not to cause me harm? I do travel with Inuyasha."

Sesshomaru gave her a speculating look, "Precisely. It is my brother whom I have trysts with, not you. The only thing that you have done is try to defend my half-brother. You have loyalty unknown Kagome. When you shot my armor off when Inuyasha and I were battling for the Tetsusaiga, I was enraged because it was a human that had broken through my armor. And yet, you still fought, no matter how many times I attacked you. Your courage and loyalty earned my respect for you."

Sesshomaru knew that he wasn't telling the complete truth as to why he didn't want her harmed, but he just couldn't find it in himself to tell her yet. Kagome, once again stunned by his words, just flashed a lovely smile towards him.

"You are very confusing Sesshomaru," she stated, simply.

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed into slits, "Why do you say that?"

"Because," her gaze turned back to him, "after all the times I've seen you before, this other side of you I never expected you to have, no offense. It's just…annoying thinking you have someone figured out and then they turn out to be someone completely different. One minute you're cold and calculating and then another you seem warm and gentle. I don't know. Maybe I'm reading too much into things."

Sesshomaru found his eyes going wide at her explanation. With a small smile that caught the miko off guard, he answered, "You are not reading too much Kagome. There are times when I must be cold and ruthless, thus so I can keep my lands under control. However, there is much about me that you have yet to learn. I have a life beyond the times you have seen me in battle."

Kagome contemplated this briefly, "Hm, I suppose so. I guess that supports the saying 'don't judge a book by its cover'."

"That is a very wise saying," Sesshomaru agreed.

Feeling a bit more at ease, Kagome leant back on her elbows and took a deep breath of the Feudal Era's fresh, clean air. "Totemo kirei na," she muttered.

Confused by her words, Sesshomaru asked, "What do you mean?"

Her eyes opened wide for a moment before drooping again, "The air is just so fresh here. In my home, the air is polluted with many different smells."

"Where do you come from?" he pondered out loud.

Kagome sat up and with a teasing tone said, "It's a secret."

She giggled and stripped off her boots to stick them into the refreshing lake. "You know, I never thought I'd be here like this."

"Kagome?" he questioned, confused again.

"I meant here, talking with the Lord of the Western Lands, no weapons flying and no blood spilling. It's…nice having an intelligent conversation for once. Inuyasha is always so brash about everything. You have to dumb everything down before he gets it."

Sesshomaru gave a short chuckle at the insult to his brother's intelligence, not that he didn't disagree. Apparently, Kagome wasn't as blinded by love for his half-brother than he thought. "I must agree Kagome. You are pleasant to converse with. Tell me more about you?" he suggested.

He wanted to learn as much about her as possible. Before she could answer, the moment was ruined by the high keening call of a bat demon. Kagome quickly put her shoes back on and leapt to her feet. Sesshomaru was tensed and ready for anything. Kagome took in a deep breath and her brows knitted together. How did she not detect them before? There were at least ten bat demons surrounding the meadow her and Sesshomaru were currently in. She had let her guard down way too far.

Kagome went into a fighting stance, a determined look on her face. Completely tuning out Sesshomaru, realizing now was the time to test her miko chikara on some real youkai. "Let's do this," she growled, "Come on out demons! We know you're there!"

Several laughs rebounded off the rocks and trees surrounding the area. Sesshomaru stood a bit distracted by his want to watch the miko perform and see if she really had improve on her abilities. It didn't take long for her call to be answered. The ten bat youkai emerged from the forest; grotesqueness and all. The leader, a tall male with dark green hair, approached with a sneer.

"You are a mighty fine onna. You shall make a great play toy for my men," he grinned sadistically.

A growl permeated the air. Kagome turned to see Sesshomaru's eyes rimmed with red. It took her a moment to register what it meant. A small lesson with Nyata flashed before her eyes.

Flashback

"Kagome, I think it I need to inform you a bit on the workings of a demon," Nyata stated one night.

"Sure ok," Kagome agreed. Might as well learn something about demons since she fights them nearly every day since her fifteenth birthday.

Nyata ushered for them to sit before beginning her explanation, "I'm going to use dog demons as my example since you are mostly around dog demons. Now, when a dog demon selects a mate, it's normally the beast that chooses. Once the potential female has been chosen, the male will do anything in his power to prove that he is a capable mate. He will protect her and provide for her. Dog demons are naturally sexual and affectionate demons. Therefore, when a dog demon selects a mate, his beast is a bit more unruly than other demons.

There is a bigger need for physical contact with dog demon mates. Grooming, feeding, sleeping is all done together in a pack, except for the alphas which tend to bathe together since they are mates. There is the alpha male and the alpha female. Pack runnings are a bit more complicated, so I'll explain that at another time. Now, when the mate is selected, the male with scent mark the female, telling others that she is being pursued by another. This is accomplished by the physical contact; nuzzling of the neck, nipping, rubbing, stuff like that.

If the mate, at any time is threatened, the beast will undoubtingly become enraged and break through the barriers holding it captive to protect the female. The male, once he has defeated the threat, will demand submission from his bitch to let all others know that she is his.

I tell you this because you are a naturally stubborn woman Kagome. Should you become involved with Sesshomaru, and I'm not saying you will, there will be times when he will have to demand submission of you. It is only because of his nature. Do not deny him or it will cause confusion and a sense of rejection as a potential mate. He will let his interest be known to you before he does anything towards your person though. You will know if he is battling with his beast if his eyes begin to tint red. Understand?"

Kagome smiled, "I think I understand. I did read the books Nyata. What you just told me, I pretty much already knew, but you explaining it helped clear up some confusion."

"Glad I could help," she laughed. What Kagome didn't know was that Nyata had planned to tell her about dog demons from the start.

Flashback

All that information flashed through Kagome's head as she watched Sesshomaru's eyes flicker between gold rimmed with white and blood red. Kagome knew she needed to act fast before things got out of hand.

She turned back to the rude-ass demon that had made such demeaning comment towards her person. "I wouldn't be a toy for your men even if you paid me you disgusting excuse for a demon," she hissed.

Sesshomaru's beast, hearing her comment, howled in approval. However, it still tried to break loose to defend its mate.

Let me out! I'll rip those bastards to shreds! How dare they make such a comment towards our mate!?

Calm yourself beast. I am just as angry as you, but it seems as though our miko can defend herself. Let us watch. It will show us if she is as powerful as her aura states.

All he got in response was a threatening growl. For now, he still had control of his demon. The bat demon leader looked taken aback by Kagome's comment. His eyes narrowed and another keening sound echoed through the meadow. Kagome immediately felt sorry for Sesshomaru's ears. That had to have been hell.

She looked back briefly and was relieved to see his golden eyes shining with anger. At least they weren't red. But, that moment at which she'd seen his battle, it had confirmed her suspicions. The Great Lord Sesshomaru was interested in her. She wouldn't give away that she knew. She would let him tell her on his own time.

"Insolent wench! How dare you speak to I, Lord Sano, that way?!"

"Oh, piss off," Kagome lipped.

Inside, Sesshomaru's beast gave a small chuckle. Even Sesshomaru was amused at her lack of interest. It was so like her to be nonchalant about a battle such as this. She obviously was confident in her abilities. It seemed about that time that Sesshomaru took notice of the weapon hanging from her hip.

A sword? Kagome wields a sword? Hn, let us see if she can actually use it.

Kagome smirked at the livid faces of the bat demons. "Oh did I make the big bad demons angry? Oops." Her tone was mockingly afraid.

"You will pay for mocking me wench," Sano, the leader, shouted. He gave a snap of his finger before his lackeys charged her with the full intent to kill.

The smirk on Kagome's face widened as the demons approached. She crouched down, muscles tensing and flipped high in the air. She landed on her feet a few feet back and began to glow a bright pink. The demons, stunned by the light, slowed. That was their undoing.

Kagome grinned and lifted her hands. "Die." Tendrils of purification power seeped out of her hands. The long whip-like streams of power charged at the demons with amazing speed. As they approached the offending demons, Kagome brought her hands together in prayer position. The power condensed and became one gigantic stream of purification energy. She took a position where her front leg was stretched far out in front of her, the matching arm doing the same. With one large sweeping motion of the arm that was extended just like the leg, the light bent and took on an outward crescent shape. Her weight shifted and her stance changed. The entire motion created the motion that destroyed every single demon attacking her. The purification power swung like a whip and hit every demon. As it hit, the demon was instantly purified.

When it was done, Kagome took a deep breath and returned to a neutral starting position before relaxing and reining in her miko powers. Sesshomaru was in awe. Never had he seen such a tremendous display of power. His skin tingled with the hot sensation of the purification energy. The energy seemed to know that he meant know harm. That incredible display of power left Sesshomaru hot and bothered and wanting. Thankfully, his hakamas were just baggy enough to hide his desire for the powerful onna.

Sesshomaru, once quelling his wanting for the miko, approached her with a bit of caution. "Kagome?" he called to her.

"Hai?" she answered softly, looking up at him with those crystal blue eyes.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

Kagome smiled, "Hai, daijobu. Arigato Sesshomaru."

"Why do you thank me Kagome. I did nothing. That was an amazing display of power. You truly have been training hard to achieve that level of power," Sesshomaru complimented.

Kagome couldn't help the heating of her face at the compliment from the 'said to be cold-hearted' demon lord. From what she had seen of him today, her impression of him was really changing. But, she still didn't trust him. Not fully. It would take a while to earn her trust. After Inuyasha and his mistreatment and Sesshomaru's countless attempts at taking her life, it would take a lot to fully trust Sesshomaru.

Kagome returned to her spot at the lake, Sesshomaru following suit. "I take it you are skilled with a sword?" he stated when they were both seated again.

She looked at him then down to Shensai na Hogosha at her side, "Hai I am. Only recently did I finish my swords training. I still have a ways to go though with others."

"Such as?"

"Hm, the spear I need to work on a little bit more, scythes, twin blades, and some others.

"Impressive. I'm bit disappointed that I didn't get to witness it in that previous battle," Sesshomaru nodded.

"He-he. Maybe some day we will spar huh? Arigato, though for the compliment though," smiled Kagome.

Noticing it reaching mid-afternoon, Kagome stood up and dusted herself off, making sure to get all the grass and leaves from her behind. Sesshomaru watched with envy, wishing it was his hands doing the brushing. He couldn't help remembering that while watching her fight, the muscles of her abdomen had drawn his attention. Her stomach was perfectly sculpted and toned. He just wanted to feel that bare flesh beneath his fingers.

"Why do you stand Kagome?" he asked.

Kagome sighed, "I must return to my friends now. Gomennasai."

Sesshomaru's beast began to panic. He didn't want their time to end just yet. He had yet to tell her of his interest. Sesshomaru stood with urgency and begged, "Do you have to go so soon?"

Kagome couldn't help but smile at the pleading in his voice, "Hai I must go Sesshomaru. I thank you though for what you've shown me here. You really are a different man beneath that mask of yours."

Think of something you baka before she leaves!!

I'm trying! Your shouting isn't helping!

Thinking fast, Sesshomaru came up with a chance to see her again, "Kagome meet me here tonight at this spot at about ten o'clock alright?"

Kagome looked a bit worried, "I don't know Sesshomaru."

He stepped closer to her, "Please. There is something this Sesshomaru needs to tell you."

"Alright," she finally agreed. "I'll be here tonight."

Kagome stepped up before thinking, a gently kissed the demon lord's soft cheek. She didn't know what possessed her to do so, but it was wonderful to feel his skin beneath her lips. Blushing like a tomato, Kagome sputtered, "I-I…Bye now!" With that, she dashed into the forest back to the village where her friends waited for her.

Sesshomaru, too stunned to follow after her, brought a clawed hand up to where her lips had been previously. He couldn't believe that she had kissed him. A wide, toothy grin spread across the demon's face. It was uncontrollable, the amount of joy that filled the demon lord's once icy heart. His beast howled with victory.

We did it! She's coming tonight and she kissed us!! Maybe we can get to kiss her on the lips next time.

Maybe, Sesshomaru agreed.

With another small smile, Sesshomaru turned and walked back to Ah-Un, a barely visible blush staining his cheeks.

/

/Switch/

/

Inuyasha waltzed through the forest with determination. It hadn't been long before he sensed her presence and caught whiff of her scent. With hurriedness, Inuyasha leapt into the trees and began jumping his way towards his destination.

When he arrived in the clearing, there she lay up in the branch of a tree. "Kikyo," Inuyasha whispered.

Said miko glanced down to see the half-demon standing at the base of the tree. "Inuyasha why have you come?" she said calmly.

"I…I came to see you Kikyo," he admitted with a small blush.

A small chuckle escaped her, "To see me hm?" She allowed her soul collectors to bring her down from the tree to face Inuyasha head on. "And why do you wish to see me?"

Inuyasha's face turned into one of desperation, "Because I needed to tell you something."

Kikyo had a look of slight anger on her face, "And what is that?"

Inuyasha took a deep breath and said what he had come to say, "Kikyo, you're dead. The woman I loved before is never coming back. You aren't the Kikyo I once knew. I will keep my promise to avenge your death, but I won't go to hell with you."

Kikyo looked pissed beyond belief at this declaration. "And why not!? You promised me Inuyasha! How could you betray me!?"

Inuyasha remembered that that was exactly what she'd said fifty-two years ago when this all happened. "Because…I love Kagome," he admitted.

"Kagome! My reincarnation!? She's just a copy!" Kikyo screamed.

This time it was Inuyasha who became angry. "I love Kagome! Don't you ever insult her!"

"You will regret turning your back on me Inuyasha," she said, an evil tent to her tone. With a few quick words, Inuyasha succumbed to one of Kikyo's spells. The only question was: what would happen now?

Woohoo! Chapter 10 done. Hope you liked it!! I tried using a bit of my Japanese knowledge inside this chapter. Go me! Anyhoo, next chappie will be up soon, but only if you review!

REVIEW PLEASE!!

Japanese Dictionary (no particular order):

Daijobu - Are you Ok? I'm ok.

Gomen - sorry (informal)

Gomennasai - Excuse me, Sorry

Totemo kirei na - so clean

Onna - woman

Chikara - power

Miko - Priestess

Arigato - Thank you (informal)