Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha

Scientific Method

Chapter 21

The next day found them at the borders of the Western Lands. By mid-day Kagome's legs hurt like hell. She had been compliant to the taiyoukai before her for a long time now, but exhaustion was starting to cloud her judgment now. Her streaming sweat started to take her good mood away as well.

"Won't we rest?" asked Kagome with an irritated glare at the taiyoukai's back, "I'm tired."

Sesshomaru kept on walking. "We are close to the Western Palace, you will find your rest more appealing once we reach it."

Kagome pondered this for a few moments and deemed it reasonable. So, she tried to amuse her tired mind by looking around her. It only a moment her lips curled up in a smile, "You remember why plants are important to the world?"

The taiyoukai glanced back at her over his shoulders quizzically before facing up ahead again, "You said they help us breathe," he said with some doubts. He never thought it was actually true, "And something about a barrier, the Ozone Layer."

Kagome nodded her head pleased he remembered her words, "Can you think of anything else?"

This time Sesshomaru didn't glance back, "It serves as nourishment for some animals," he said simply.

"It also offers shade," the miko added knowing he wouldn't see the meaning behind it without the proper guidance, "Rumors say a tree shade cools the area at least ten degrees."

Sesshomaru glanced back at her with a bored expression, "What is degree? I do not think it's the word I think you mean."

Kagome nibbled on her lips confusedly and shrugged, "A number."

Sesshomaru nodded without missing any stride, "Many other objects cause shades," he told her flatly.

Kagome nodded with a smile, "But not many carry fragrant flower scents with them."

"Rin always smells like flowers," said the taiyoukai simply, as if indirectly saying he didn't need the scent.

"We are going to meet with Rin tonight?" suddenly asked Kagome without hiding her eager tone.

"Yes," Sesshomaru said simply, "however, our travels together end up soon. You will write about anything concerning the future I should know while we stay at the Palace. The half-breed won't allow it later."

Kagome pouted, "Why? I want to play too."

At this Sesshomaru stopped and turned to her, "Play?" he questioned with wide eyes, "You are a woman by human standards. Ripe for the taking." Albeit his words sounded somewhat…odd his face and tone was emotionless as is he was reading from a social or scientific book.

Kagome couldn't help but shrink a little bit and blush another little at his words. "Um…I am still considered a child in my time, Sesshomaru-sama."

Sesshomaru raised his eyebrow and looked at her, up and down, before snorting and walking once again.

TBC

AN: Thanks for the reviews!