Review Reply, just one today :P

lunarcat12 : Rin and Jin are safe :) I love them too much to hurt them. Let's just say that Sesshomaru is in for a surprise. :)

Chapter 19 - Just Another Day

Inu Yasha, Miroku, Sango and Kayo trudged along silently on the worn path in the blistering heat of noon. They'd been walking since they'd received the message from Naraku that morning. Already, the mood was sombre and depressing enough to bring anyone down. Nobody bothered trying to start up a conversation, they knew that it would just spiral downwards and make Inu Yasha increase the pace with the rationale that if they had enough energy to expend on useless conversation, they had enough to go faster. Thus everyone in the group was lost in his or her own thoughts.

Sango stroked Kirara and stared gloomily at the path ahead of her. 'At this pace, I doubt we'll make it in time.' Her feet were beginning to hurt from walking since dawn and her stomach was cramping from the lack of water and food.

She glanced at Miroku. He was staring similarly ahead with the same submissive expression.

Sango opened her mouth to say something, but then caught herself. She forced herself to wait at least until after noon. She would wait until her shadow started peeking out from under her. Until then, she resigned herself to trailing quietly behind Inu Yasha and Kayo.

Half an hour later, each step caused tiny spasms of pain in Sango's abdomen but thankfully frequent swigs from her waterskin temporarily quenched her thirst and soothed her cramps. She looked down at the ground and saw Inu Yasha's shadow slinking along close behind him. She nudged Miroku with her elbow and gave him a meaningful look.

Miroku shrugged helplessly at her unspoken demand for rest. What could he do? He yelped when Sango elbowed him again, this time harder.

Inu Yasha turned at the noise, instantly on the defensive. What he found was a sheepish Miroku rubbing his arm and an exaggeratedly clueless Sango gazing off into the distance.

Clearing his throat, Miroku finally said, "Inu Yasha, how far is the next village?"

"Well, the last one was a while ago so the next one shouldn't be too far off. Why?"

"I think that it would—"

"We need a break," Sango cut in bluntly.

Inu Yasha scowled, "Don't you care about Kagome? We aren't even close to—"

Kayo put a hesitant hand on Inu Yasha's shoulder, "Inu Yasha, we're tired and if we don't rest, we're going to slow down and we'll be no closer to finding Kagome. This way, we take a break and then we can continue at a fast pace."

"She's right," Sango pointed out, "and I doubt that you want to be travelling with a bunch of tired, grumpy people."

Inu Yasha glanced at Miroku for assistance, but Miroku avoided his gaze. "Fine," he growled. He whirled around and stalked down the path.

The humans exchanged relieved glances and scurried after Inu Yasha.

A foul smell assaulted Inu Yasha's sensitive nose, he growled and his hand gripped the Tetsusaiga's hilt.

Soon, they reached the outskirts of a village. Their hopes of a relaxing break drowned in their growing horror.

The huts in the village had been torn apart and the dead bodies of men, women and children were strewn everywhere.

Inu Yasha scowled and let out a guttural growl.

"What happened here?" Sango asked, alarmed.

"Naraku was here," Inu Yasha retorted. Below the thick scent of blood was the faint but unmistakeable scent of Naraku.

"Look!" Sango cried, pointing.

Inu Yasha and Miroku followed her finger to a building that was still standing.

"That looks like a stable," Miroku said.

Inu Yasha hurried over to the stable and peered inside. "There's nothing here."

"That's odd, a stable should be full of horses," Sango's brow knit as she wondered about the anomaly. When nobody offered any suggestions, she continued. "If Naraku was here, what reason could he have for letting the horses go?"

"I don't think that's what happened," Kayo's mind was reeling, Kagome was in grave danger if she was right, "I think that Naraku or his men came here to take the horses. When the villagers didn't comply, they must've killed them and stolen the horses. I think Naraku's men plan to use the horses when they attack Sesshomaru."

Inu Yasha froze, he turned to stare wide-eyed at Kayo. "IIE!" he screamed, an edge of hysteria creeping into his voice. "We have to get going, now!"

"Inu Yasha," Sango began, "we can't continue until we get some food and a little rest."

"Ride Kirara!" he argued.

"She can't carry three people!" Sango protested, her voice rising.

"I don't care!" Inu Yasha shouted, "I'll carry one of you."

"Inu Yasha, you're being unreasonable," Miroku said, glancing at an irate Sango. "It makes no difference whether we eat now or not because we're going to have to eat soon and until then, our progress will be slowed. Even you and Kirara have to eat."

Inu Yasha seethed inwardly, "Where are you going to get the food from?" he gestured at the demolished village.

"I'm sure that these people must have kept some stores of food within their homes." Kayo pondered.

Sango scanned the remains of the village for a hut that was still intact. She spotted one on the far edge of the pillaged village. It was small, and there was a hole in the roof, but it was the best she could see. Pointing it out, Sango and the others trekked to it and entered cautiously. It was empty except for a small bundle in a corner, a pile of bowls and spoons beside it and a small cauldron hanging above a fire pit.

Miroku crouched in front of it and opened it. Inside was a mound of vegetables that could be boiled in water to make a stew. He turned and grinned at his companions.

An hour later, stew had been made, shared and devoured. All of them had then settled either inside or outside the hut to rest.

Inu Yasha was perched in a nearby tree, watching the hut and eying the direction of Sesshomaru's castle. It was still too far to be seen. He gazed back in the direction they'd come; the direction of Inu Yasha's Forest. Sighing, he remembered all the good times he and Kagome had shared.

Flashback

The hot sun beat down mercilessly on four cheerful travellers as they walked along a path atop a sloping green hill that was banked by a stream on one side of the path and rolling green hills on the other side.

"I'm tired," Kagome complained, she planted herself in front of Inu Yasha and asked, "Can we take a break?"

Inu Yasha grinned, "Well…" he glanced back at Sango and Miroku who immediately pretended that they were worn out. Chuckling, he agreed.

Kagome beamed. Grabbing Inu Yasha's arm, she dragged him halfway down the slope and plopped down on the grass. Laying back, she spread her limbs and stretched.

Inu Yasha seated himself next to her and looked out over the sparkling water, enjoying her company in silence. He felt eyes settle on him and he turned toward the source; Kagome. She had propped herself up on her elbows and was surveying him intently. He smiled at her and her face coloured, but she didn't look away.

Kagome shook herself out of her stupor and gazed down at the bubbling stream. "This place is so beautiful." she breathed.

"Compared to your time, yea."

Kagome folded her arms behind her head like a pillow, silently agreeing to his comparison.

Inu Yasha yawned and stretched out similarly. His eyes drifted shut and he let the sun warm his limbs.

She stared up at the cloudless sky and her thoughts drifted to Naraku and the jewel shards. "Inu Yasha, do you think we'll be able to find all the jewel shards and defeat Naraku?"

The hanyou's eyes snapped open and he growled at the name of his nemesis. "Of course we will, why?"

"I was just wondering… I mean so far we haven't been able to… and it puts all of us in so much danger."

Inu Yasha rolled onto his side and ran his fingers through her hair; stroking her face, "Kagome…" he looked her in the eyes before continuing, "You should know by now that I would never allow any harm to come to you. Ever."

End Flashback

Inu Yasha sighed and rested his head against the trunk of the tree. He closed his eyes and waited. Soon, the humans would come out of the hut and they would be on their way, then, when they got to the castle, Inu Yasha would finally see Kagome again. An image of a laughing Kagome simmered in his mind and he felt a lump grow in his throat.

Kagome stared into Sesshomaru's golden eyes as the blue light faded away and the well darkened. She felt him jump out of the well and she gazed around the small shrine room in delight. It had been so long since she'd been home. Sesshomaru released her from his grasp and let her drink in the familiar surroundings.

Her brother's shout from outside the small well house snapped Kagome out of her reverie, "Souta!" Kagome strode toward the door and was about to slide open the door when she heard someone clear their throat. Kagome blinked and whirled around. She blushed when she realized that she'd forgotten about Sesshomaru. She grinned sheepishly and hurried back to his side by the well.

Grabbing his hand, she led him toward the door. Pausing, she said, "Get ready," and she slid the door open, revealing her sunbathed world.

Beside her, the demon lord scowled and his arm flew to cover his nose. His stoic mask had disappeared.

Kagome stared at him puzzled. Then, it dawned on her. His nose was more sensitive than Inu Yasha's and the smells of industrialization permeated her era. Her hands flew to her mouth and she gasped, "Oh no! I forgot! My era smells really bad."

The human stared at the silently glowering demon guiltily. Biting her lip, she suddenly brightened, "Inside will be better! Come on!" Seizing his hand again, she guided him quickly into her house.

Sliding the door shut, she turned to look at Sesshomaru. He was staring at something straight ahead. Kagome followed his gaze and saw her mother's head poking out of the kitchen. "Okaa-san!" Kagome ran and embraced her mother, "I missed you so much!"

Sakura Higurashi had tears of happiness running down her face as she returned her daughter's enthusiastic hug, "My baby! You're back at last! Where've you been?"

"I'm so sorry Okaa-san! I-I—" Kagome sniffed, cutting her sentence short.

Sakura held her child at arm's length and surveyed her to make sure that she was okay. She smiled at the tears rolling down her daughter's face.

Sakura felt eyes settle on her and she rested her gaze on a tall man in traditional garbs standing in her doorway. He looked a little like Inu Yasha. "Kagome…"

Kagome turned to look at Sesshomaru who had long since replaced his stoic mask and lowered his arm. She blushed and shook off her mothers hands. Gesturing, she led her mother closer to the demon. Once close enough, Kagome stopped. "Okaa-san, this is Sesshomaru-sama, Sesshomaru this is my mom, Sakura Higurashi."

"Pleased to meet you," Sakura greeted, smiling and holding out her hand.

"Pleasure's all mine," Sesshomaru eyed her hand. His eyes shifted to Kagome and back to the outstretched hand.

Kagome laughed at his confusion, "You're supposed to shake it."

Sesshomaru lifted his hand and grasping the woman's hand, shook it. He let go and stood silently. It was a strange custom but if shaking hands was the norm in this era, then he would have to.

"Pardon me, I have to go and finish cooking," Sakura gazed at Sesshomaru and waited for him to acknowledge her statement.

Sesshomaru nodded in her direction and the woman turned and walked back to the kitchen.

Kagome was amazed at her mother's manners; she didn't think that her mother would know how to deal with a demon lord from the past. Clearly, she had been wrong.

Smiling at Sesshomaru, she beckoned him with her hand and bounced up the stairs.

Sesshomaru eyed the giddy teen as she enthusiastically climbed the stairs; he followed her slowly, surveying his surroundings. He had noticed the vast difference between the foul stench of outside and the pleasant aroma of food that Kagome's mother was preparing. The smells from outside still seeped in and tickled his nose but it was bearable. He stopped when he stepped inside Kagome's room. In this room, there was no trace of any outside smells; there was only the heady scent of sakura blossoms; her scent.

"So?"

Sesshomaru glanced at her, she looked nervous; he raised an eyebrow and said "So what?"

"What do you think?"

Sesshomaru surveyed the room from his position just inside the door. It was the complete opposite of what he was used to. On the left side of the door was a wall with another door which he assumed was the closet. He noticed that the room only extended to his right instead of in both directions as he was accustomed to. Instead of a monstrous bed, there was a tiny bed pushed into the right corner with a small bedside table beside it and a desk in the opposite corner. In between the two was a window and a strange looking device tucked into the desk. A feeling of cosiness filled the small room and he nodded slightly, "Different but… tolerable."

Kagome frowned a little but then smiled; coming from him, that was high phrase. Kagome plopped down on her bed; it felt hard compared to the beds she'd grown used to in Sesshomaru's castle. Closing her eyes, she breathed in deeply and sighed, "It's so good to be home…" This room and its familiar smells reminded her of all the good times she'd had before she'd fallen into the well.

"What is this?"

Kagome sat up and looked at Sesshomaru who had pulled out her chair and was staring at it, trying to figure out what it was. "It's a chair," she said, giggling.

The demon frowned, "It does not appear to be a chair."

Kagome giggled and got up. She whirled around the seat of the chair and settled herself into it. "It's a more modern version of a chair. The spokes and wheels," Kagome indicated the bottom of the chair, "allow the person sitting on the chair to spin and move the chair easier and faster." Kagome stood, "Here, try it out."

Sesshomaru eyed the chair and lifted his chin defiantly, "I refuse to reduce myself to your level by sitting on that thing."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means that I won't sit on your so-called chair," Sesshomaru snapped. He looked down his nose at the chair and then seated himself gracefully on her bed. It was uncomfortably hard compared to his bed.

Kagome opened her mouth to retort when she heard a door downstairs slide open and her brother shout, "I'm home!"

"Souta!" Kagome heard her mother cry, "You'll never guess…" her mother's voice got progressively lower and Kagome could no longer hear what her mother was saying.

After a minute, she heard: "Really? ANEUE!" Footsteps thundered up the stairs and down the hall. The door burst open and Souta tumbled in. "KAGOME! You're back!" He barrelled into his sister and enveloped her in a bear hug.

"Souta! I missed you, too." Kagome pried the boy off of her and kissed the top of his head, "Where's ojii-san?"

"He went out a little while ago, I don't think he'll be back until later," Souta answered. He finally noticed Sesshomaru and after a slight hesitation, he grinned and introduced himself, "I'm Souta," he extended his hand for the demon to shake.

"Sesshomaru," the demon lord muttered, shaking the little boy's hand.

"You look kind of like Inu Yasha, are you two related?"

Kagome stiffened at the comment, but Sesshomaru's expression remained neutral.

Sesshomaru released the boy's hand and answered smoothly, "He's my half-brother."

"Wow! What's this?" Souta reached for the fur on Sesshomaru's shoulder.

Kagome grabbed Souta and pulled him away, laughing nervously, "Souta, I think I hear mom calling you." She pushed him out the door and shut it in the little boy's confused face. Kagome whirled back around to face Sesshomaru and quickly said, "He's—"

"Just a child," Sesshomaru finished, smirking. "You don't think I would hurt a child, do you?"

Kagome flushed, "No! I just…"

"Just…?"

"Never mind," she mumbled, avoiding the clear, mocking, golden eyes that she knew were staring intently at her.

Sesshomaru laughed silently at her flustered behaviour, she was more similar to Rin than he'd realized. Kagome, like Rin, was worming her way onto the short list of things that might actually mean something to him. She was also unbelievably adorable when she was embarrassed—Sesshomaru cut himself off.

Kagome's face burned, but she sat down next to him and asked, "So what do you want to do?"

"What is there to do?"

"Well, I came here to see my family again and relax a little, so we can do anything you want."

Sesshomaru eyed the chair, "What other strange objects do you have here?"

Kagome laughed, "A lot more," she glanced at the clock; noon; "would you like to see some more?"

Sesshomaru shrugged and stood.

For the next while, Kagome led Sesshomaru around showing him everything electrical and other objects he didn't recognize. A few hours later, Sesshomaru knew everything in the house and was still curious as to other oddities Kagome had mentioned. The items that most interested him were the box with moving pictures inside it—the television she had called it—and the telephone. The running commentary from Kagome was animated although not very informative. She spoke more of experiences she'd had related to the items he'd inquire about. Nevertheless, he listened to her speak, interested in her childhood.

The two plonked down on the couch in front of the television and watched random programs.

Kagome gazed at the demon lord out of the corner of her eye; his eyes on the other hand, were glued to the TV screen. Kagome had really wanted to show him a computer, but she didn't own one, so she'd have to go somewhere, perhaps the library, to show him one and he'd refused to step outside the house so soon, stating that his nose wasn't ready yet.

Kagome thought about his reactions to the technology, he'd attempted to maintain his indifference, but he couldn't hide all the little signs of interest that she'd seen; the way his eyes sparkled, his keen listening to her explanations, his determination to get through all the objects in the house and even the way he eyed the object of interest. She could tell that he was engrossed in what she was showing him, eager to see and learn more, and she could also tell that he was unwilling to show his interest. This was a side of him that she'd never seen before and had never expected. He was like a preteen who was too embarrassed to become overexcited in front of his friends. Kagome smiled to herself and turned her attention back to the television.

After a few hours of watching TV, the door slid open and her grandfather stepped into the room.

Kagome glanced up from the television screen and saw her withered old grandfather. "Ojii-san!" she shrieked excitedly. She jumped up and ran over to the old man. Throwing her arms around him, she hugged him tightly. "I missed you so much ojii-san. How are you?"

Her grandfather winced at her tight hug and groaning a little, replied, "Not as young as I used to be."

Kagome blinked and quickly pulled away from her grandfather. "Gomen, I—"

The old man laughed weakly, "Worry not child, I'll be fine."

Kagome gazed at him worriedly for a minute before she noticed that he was looking behind her, "Oops, I forgot," Kagome stepped back and introduced the two. Her grandfather bowed respectively at the demon lord much to her surprise and Sesshomaru inclined his head respectively.

Kagome eyed her grandfather, usually, he'd grab her, shove her behind him and throw "sacred seals" at demons. Her grandfather noticed her stare and smiled serenely at her.

He turned and exited the room, closing the door behind him.

The miko stood and stared at the closed door. She slowly returned to the sofa and seated herself next to Sesshomaru. Deciding it was nothing, she shifted her mind to other, more trivial, things like getting the feudal lord to step outside.

She gazed out the window and saw dark clouds beginning to roll in from the distance, obscuring the previously clear, blue sky. Kagome got an idea and flipped to a weather channel on the television. The channel showed that tomorrow morning it was going to be raining. The rain would place a thick veil on the scents for a while and Sesshomaru's nose would be spared. Also, not many people would be out and about, so his ears would also have some peace.

Kagome grinned, tomorrow morning, they were going out.

A/N) Yay outside! :D