Here's the next chapter. Sorry it's been so long since I updated. Just been extremely busy with school, but it's finally summer, so I have time on my hands.

Ch. 13

"Kaede! Kaede!" Sango called as she rushed into the hut.

The sound of her name being called alerted the elderly priestess. She lifted her head to see Sango and Miroku entering the hut, Kagome limp in Miroku's arms, clearly injured. "Dear kami! What has happened?" she gasped when Miroku laid Kagome down on a mat revealing the deep gash in her abdomen.

Sango, gasping and frantic with worry, began to explain as quickly as her lips could move. "Inuyasha. He…he was under some sort of spell. He attacked Kagome. It happened so fast. We couldn't do anything to help. And then Sesshomaru showed up…"

"Ye say Sesshomaru appeared child?" Kaede interrupted.

"Yes, but why is that important?" Sango answered.

Kaede smiled, "Because child, if Sesshomaru is the one who saved Kagome, then she will be fine."

"Kaede how can you be so sure?" Miroku questioned.

Kaede's smile just widened, "Ye need to learn to have a bit of faith Miroku. It goes a long way. Now enough chatter, lay Kagome down on this mat and let me see to her injuries." Kaede knelt beside the slumbering miko to have a better look. "It appears that her miko powers are already beginning to heal the wounds, and along with her knowledge of healing, she should be fine in a few hours. The bleeding has slowed down, almost completely stopped. She just needs our patience and some rest."

"Are you sure Kaede?" Sango's worry still at its height. "Inuyasha's hand was completely through her abdomen."

"Just trust me Sango. Kagome will be good as knew. Here, take a look for ye selves."

Sango and Miroku shifted to look at Kagome's injury. It was glowing a light blue. The edges of the wound were beginning to close. Sango let out a breath of relief when she finally accepted that her sister would be ok.

Miroku led Sango over to one side of the hut to sit and rest, Shippo nestling into Sango's lap, his eyes never leaving Kagome. "She'll be ok Shippo," Sango assured him.

His big, green eyes looked up at Sango, and he gave a small smile and nodded his head. It was quite for a few minutes before the silence was interrupted by an all too familiar voice. "Why do YOU want to go in there? It's not like you care!" came Inuyasha's voice.

Sesshomaru's cold voice responded, "My business is my own half-breed. You would do well to stay out of it."

"Hey!" Inuyasha yelled, "I ain't done yet!"

His complaints were ignored, and the flap covering the hut entrance flew aside. Sesshomaru strode in, his attention going straight to Kagome. After assessing her with his eyes, he turned to Kaede. "Woman, how does she fair?"

Everyone was on edge having the great Taiyoukai in their presence. Kaede, knowing why the demon was here, simply answered the question. "She is already healing. It is only a matter of patience Lord Sesshomaru."

He nodded in acceptance and sat at the opposite end of the hut. Inuyasha, having watched the interaction, finally spoke up. "Why are you staying?"

"It is none of your concern," Sesshomaru growled.

"Like hell it isn't! Kagome is MY business so anything having to do with her involves me!" Inuyasha yelled.

Sesshomaru let out a menacing growl. "Really half-breed? You're previous trysts with the dead miko proves otherwise."

"Leave Kikyo out of this asshole!" Inuyasha glared.

"Stop acting like an insolent fool and calm yourself you disgrace. This Sesshomaru is not leaving until the miko's health is fully recovered."

Inuyasha growled in frustration about to retaliate when Miroku intervened. "Inuyasha would you just give it a rest already? It is clear Lord Sesshomaru means no harm. You might as well sit down and wait for Kagome to heal."

"But this is Sesshomaru we're talking about here! Have you lost your mind monk?! He could just be waiting for the perfect moment to kill us all!" Inuyasha protested.

"Do not insult my honor half-breed. If this Sesshomaru wanted to kill you, you would be dead already."

Sango, silent up until this point, joined in. "Lord Sesshomaru is right Inuyasha. If he wanted to cause us harm, he would have already. It is painstakingly obvious he is not meant to be a threat at this point. What would Kagome want you to do Inuyasha?"

Looking at the injured miko sleeping across the room, the hanyou's ears drooped in guilt. He gave one last look to Sesshomaru before muttering, "Feh," and sitting at the farthest place away from the Taiyoukai.

Now that the argument was over, the group settled in uncomfortably to await any signs of Kagome awakening. Until then, it was an awkward silence that would fill the hut.

3 hours later

The past three hours had been spent in silence. By now, the shard hunting group was becoming restless. About an hour ago, Kagome's wounds had completely healed, but she had yet to regain consciousness. Inuyasha, having been brooding since Sesshomaru's decision to stay, was glaring at his half brother in frustration.

The group jumped when Sesshomaru broke the silence. "Glaring at me, half-breed, will not solve anything."

"Fuck you," Inuyasha responded.

Sesshomaru growled, his eyes narrowing in distaste. "Watch it disgusting half-blood."

Inuyasha jumped up in outrage. "Damn you Sesshomaru!"

Sesshomaru, not even bothering to stand, allowed his claws to being glowing acidic green. The entire hut became full of tension. Sango looked to Miroku in worry, and Shippo gripped Kirara tightly. Everyone expected a fight to break out. But, just as fate would have it, the tense atmosphere was broken, when Kagome let out a cough and a groan, signaling her awakening. All eyes turned to her waiting to see what would happen. Kaede moved to Kagome's side and brought a damp cloth to her face.

"Kagome child?" she spoke.

The miko's eyes fluttered as she began to regain her senses. Ever so slowly, her eyes opened and regained focus. With a groan, she sat up, a delicate hand rubbing her forehead. It was pounding! She blinked a few more times to clear her head and the roaring in her ears.

Kagome looked to Kaede. "W…water?"

"Of course child." Kaede disappeared deeper into the hut for a moment and retrieved a small cup of water.

Slowly, Kagome sipped on the cool liquid, relishing in its refreshing quality. As the ache in her throat eased up, she took notice of the demon lord sitting in the corner watching her every move.

Setting the cup down, the first thing out of her mouth was, "You stayed?"

Sesshomaru replied, "This Sesshomaru saw it fit to make sure you were in good hands."

"Hey! I am perfectly capable of protecting Kagome!" Inuyasha yelled.

Kagome glared at Inuyasha. "Yeah you made that pretty obvious Inuyasha. Sit!"

The rosary beads remained faithful, and the loud-mouthed hanyou was sent crashing face first into the floor. His mumbling and cursing streaming from the face implant as he fought to get up. When he managed to get back up, he shouted, "What was that for wench?"

Kagome's glare became a stone cold stare. Flashes of her training flashed before her eyes. Faster than anyone thought possible, she was over Inuyasha pinning him to the floor, him on his stomach. She was straddling his back and had his arm bent at the elbow. One wrong move and she could dislocate his elbow.

"I may have let you strike me once Inuyasha, but let this be a warning: never again will you, or anyone else or that matter, have the chance to. I sat you for being a rude ass. Now, are you going to act like a civilized being or the dog that you are?"

The room was stunned into silence. They would have thought that Kagome would just sit him a few more times. She truly had changed. Before them now was a force to be reckoned with. Everyone was further stunned when she leaned down near his ear and whispered something. It obviously scared the hanyou for he stiffened and let out a pitiful whimper. Kagome, smiling, stood back up and turned to Sesshomaru.

"Thanks for your concern Se…Lord Sesshomaru," she spoke. She figured that in the presence of others it would be wise to use his title.

The demon lord, who had been watching the scene unfold, shocked at her reaction, answered with, "Your gratitude is not needed miko. Now that I see you can handle yourself, I wish to speak with you in private…if you don't mind."

Kagome flashed him a smile and nodded, "I don't mind. We'll speak outdoors, in the forest, so no prying ears or eyes may see. Plus I know how uncomfortable you must be in the vicinity of so many humans."

"You are correct. The smell and aura of these humans is quite unappealing."

"Alright then. If you'll please wait for me outside, I'd like to speak with my friends for a moment," Kagome insisted.

"Very well miko, but do not dally. My patience is already thin."

With that, Sesshomaru exited the hut. Now with him gone, all hell broke loose.

"Kagome, what the hell?!" Inuyasha started. "Why did you do that?"

"Do what?" she asked, innocently.

"Don't give me that shit Kagome. You pinned me to the floor! In front of my brother no less! And then you just go and talk to him like it's nothing. What. The. Fucking. Hell?"

Kagome gave a sigh of irritation. "Are you done? Because I have to go speak with Sesshomaru. Just because you don't like him, doesn't mean I can't be civil to him. Besides, he did save me from you, or did you forget the tiny fact that you attacked me while under a spell that Kikyo put you under?"

Inuyasha had nothing to say to that. His puppy ears flattened against his head, and his eyes filled with guilt. "…I really am sorry Kagome. I didn't know what was happening until it was too late. I…I could see what I was doing, but I had no control over my body."

"I know Inuyasha. It was a manipulation spell. Only high priestesses and priests can use them. I don't have the knowledge of performing spells and incantations yet, but I know what the signs are after reading about them. I forgive you Inuyasha…I just wish you would not be so rude all the time."

Inuyasha chuckled and placed a hand behind his head in embarrassment, "Yeah…I know I need to work on that."

Kagome, now that her conversation with the hanyou was over, turned to acknowledge her friends who had been waiting ever so patiently. "Hi guys," she smiled.

Sango laughed, "Hello Kagome. Nice to see you feeling well again." The two sisters embraced and giggled.

Miroku stepped forward. "Your healing abilities are astounding Kagome. I've never seen the likes of it. You should have died; truly an amazing woman."

Kagome couldn't help but blush at the open compliment. "Thanks Miroku. But, I better go see to Sesshomaru now before he gets pissy."

Everyone laughed, and Shippo hugged his mother tight. "Be careful mama."

Kagome hugged him back and smiled. "No need to worry hon. I'll be just fine. Even under that big mean face, he's just a big ball of fluff."

Shippo laughed and nodded. "Don't let him hear you say that Kagome," Inuyasha warned with a laugh.

Kagome gave a bright, amused smile. "Like I would. Anyways, ja ne!"

And Kagome exited the hut.

Once outside, Kagome heightened her senses and sought out the demon lord's powerful aura. Quickly finding it near the God Tree, she rolled her eyes at the irony at the choice of place. Deciding it would be quicker if she just used some of her new abilities; she jumped effortlessly up onto the top of a hut and took a running start. With speed that even Sesshomaru would be jealous of, she hopped from hut top to hut top to reach the edge of the forest before dashing at full running speed into the green depths. The feeling of freedom that came when she ran was exhilarating. This was one part of her training that she fell in love with. With her fitness training came the improvement of her flexibility, grace, and speed. She moved like a jungle cat through an open plain chasing down its prey. She became one with the forest.

In the expanse of about one minute, she reached the God Tree. But before she entered the clearing, her breath caught. There he was, in all his pristine glory, the demon lord of the West. He looked…surreal in the sunlight, beams of light radiating around him, making his hair shine with a golden hue. She could only see his back since he was facing the tree, but the wide expanse of his shoulders, his tail draped over his shoulder, his plated armor covering what she knew to be silk over finely toned steal, and his strong stance, made her mind go blank and her heart beat erratically. The demon lord truly was beautiful; handsome.

Unfortunately, Kagome didn't get much time to gawk. "Are you going to stand there Kagome, or come and speak with me?" Sesshomaru asked a hint of amusement in his voice.

Kagome stepped out of the confinements of the forest and approached the intimidating lord. "What is it you wish to speak with me about?"

Now she was standing parallel to him, but he didn't turn to face her. His eyes were trained on the scar imbedded in the God Tree. "This is where you freed him, is it not?"

Kagome blinked. "Inuyasha? Yes, this is where he was pinned for fifty years, and this is where I broke the seal, releasing him. Why?"

"Do you realize how powerful you have become Kagome?"

Kagome had to smile at the pure irony of this. He didn't even know that where she was now in strength didn't even compare to where she would be in two more months. "Yes Sesshomaru. It is why I have training my mind, body, and soul. I refuse to be weak, in anyone's eyes anymore."

"You were never weak," Sesshomaru countered.

Kagome looked at him curiously. Sesshomaru, noticing her confusion, explained himself. "I do not mean that you were a skilled fighter, but you were…are strong in spirit. That is something that takes a lot of courage. It is one of the first things that earned my respect for you. There are so many demons and humans alike that lose their will so very easily. One mistake and their whole self worth is gone. You, however, fight for what you believe in. That is a trait well worth being acknowledged."

Kagome then turned to look at him. "Why are you being this way Sesshomaru?"

He returned her gaze. "What way?"

"You are so different. I've never seen you reveal so much emotion to anyone, not even Rin. It is so confusing trying to figure you out. I don't understand why you chose me of all people to be this open with."

Sesshomaru sighed, "There is something this Sesshomaru has been wanting to tell you."

Kagome smiled, "What is it? You can tell me."

But instead, he remained silent. His mask of indifference was in place, but his eyes swirled with so many emotions. "You're nervous," Kagome noted, "Why?"

Sesshomaru sighed, "Because this Sesshomaru is a man who has never had to do what he is about to do. I…fear of your reaction."

He locked gazes with her again, and she gasped at the level of turmoil in those sun-kissed eyes. "Sesshomaru are you alright? Is something wrong?"

"Iie Kagome. Nothing is wrong."

"Then please tell me what causes the Great Demon Lord of the West such distress."

"Kagome?"

"Yes?"

"What do you think of me?" he asked.

Kagome was caught off guard with the sudden question. She had never seen Sesshomaru act this way. It was very unnerving. He was always so cool and collected. She felt something pull at her heart to see him like this. To her surprise, she felt the need to…hug him. She wanted to replace that look of pain in his eyes have the man that she had had a pleasant conversation with earlier that day.

"Sesshomaru, I think at times that your cold, ruthless, arrogant, intimidating, and just plain rude…"

She saw the discomfort deepen. Without thinking of the consequences, she reached forward and placed a hand against his cheek. "But then, I look into your eyes and I see a kind, caring, powerful man who has the heart of a little girl that looks to him as a father, who protects his lands with the heart of a true warrior, and who, no matter how hard he tries to hide it, contains a heart full of emotion."

A small, miniscule smile appeared on his face when she finished. The negativity in his eyes lessened but was still present. "Thank you Kagome. Now I wish to tell you what I think of you."

Kagome became slightly nervous, not expecting him to retaliate. Sesshomaru stared down at the mere slip of a girl and for the first time, began to reveal his true heart. "The first time I met you was in my father's tomb. You were careless, clumsy, and loud. I wanted to kill you just simply for the fact that you were in my brother's company. But then, you drew my father's sword, and I knew there was something about you then. My curiosity had been ignited. Over the years, I have watched you grow into a fine young woman with a fiery spirit, a motherly instinct, and a caring nature. I've seen you lend a helping hand with no intention of gaining something for yourself. I saw your heart be broken by that disgusting hanyou time and again, and wanted to pummel him for it, but I didn't know why I felt so protective. The fact that you, a mere miko, could start this annoying curiosity, enraged me. I wanted nothing more than to end your life so I could be rid of it. But now I see that I could never bring myself to harm you ever again…"

Kagome was listening in silent awe of this demon. He was telling her things she had only dreamt of hearing. But she was adamant; she could not give in just yet. She hardly knew him. She had only been back for a day. She wouldn't let herself be bought by words. To open her heart fully to him, she would need time.

"And why do you not want to cause me harm Lord Sesshomaru?" she asked, purposefully using his title.

He rounded on her then, backing her into the God Tree. His clawed hands on either side of her head fully caged her. Kagome knew she could easily get free, but for some reason, she knew she shouldn't, and this action was not out of hostility.

"I want you to answer me honestly when I ask you this Kagome," Sesshomaru practically growled.

All she did was nod her head in agreement. It was silent for a few moments before Sesshomaru finally revealed his true intentions.

"Kagome…would you do this Sesshomaru the honor of allowing him to court you?"

Well there ya have it! Hope you enjoyed it. I know…cliffy. I'm evil heehee. I decided that a cliffy would be good for this chapter. And yes, i know Sesshomaru is a bit OCC but he's SUPPOSED to be that way only to Kagome. He may not know it yet, but he's falling in love with her. So, yeah, just to clarify that. ^_^ So anywayz, review and let me know what you think. I'll update as soon as a can. THANKS!!!