Okay, this is a new chapter I just edited and put into the story.

I didn't like the progression of Kagome and Sessh's time in the future,

And I wanted to make it more meaningful

Sorry for the change but i think you guys will like it ^_^

~Zoo

Chapter 16

Sesshomaru spent the rest of the day in Kagome's kitchen, watching the two women playing with the children. Kagome's grandfather remained upstairs fuming over the abominations occuring in his house. Though Sesshomaru appeared calm and cool, he was disturbed at the fact that their entire time outdoors, he still felt not a single demonic aura.

What the hell is this place? What happened to the great youkai? He didn't like thinking about his own demise, or when it would happen. But he disliked more the fact that there were simply no demons. Not he, nor his future heirs should he sire any. Though thankfully, he also did not feel Naraku's presence. At least there was a small piece of good that would come out of this.

Kagome, noticing his curiously nostalgic expression, decided to put the laughing kitsune down so she could talk with him. Her mother was so entralled by his tail and ears, she didn't mind one bit when he bounced into her arms to nuzzle his grandmother.

"Hey," she said as she casually walked into the small kitchen. She took notice that his cup was empty, and turned the kette on to pour him more tea. Taking his cup from him, she was puzzled as he didn't even seem to take notice in her presense at all. As she was about to place the cup in the sink, Sesshomaru spoke, startling her so much that she dropped it in the sink.

"What do you know of your history?"

"Excuse me?" she asked glancing over her shoulder as she picked up the shattered tea cup.

"Do you know of any wars that occurred between humans and youkai?"

She paused, knowing where this line of questioning was going. Inuyasha didn't want to get into it, and never asked her about it. Turning to him, she sighed. "I don't know what happened. I mean, my grandfather acknowleges that demons exist, he's always preparing some mantra or another. But I've never sensed any. I've never encountered someone from my past either," she said bowing her head.

"The future is unknown and in a completely other world," he said narrowing his eyes. "Just because you see things as they are now, does not mean that you cannot change the outcome. If you go back in the well now, and return 500 years to this exact time and stop yourself from breaking that cup, you would not have broken it. Our desitny is ours to shape and form."

She knew he was having a hard time digesting this, so she nodded her head and let it go. Besides, it is his problem to face. She'd be long dead to see any war or anything like that. "There's a lot of things to do. But YOU made a promise to MY friends that we would go out tonight. So lets get started with that. We should be leaving soon," she said as she placed a new cup of tea for him on the table and headed upstairs. He stared into the cup and ran his hand through his hair. He didn't really want to go to this fair for the fun of it. He needed to understand this era. Going in public and seeing what this world was like was they only way to do it. Drinking down the sugarless tea in one gulp, he placed the cup down and walked into the room where Kagome's mother sat and waited for the girl to ready herself.

Half an hour passed when Sesshomaru finally felt her aura begin to head downstairs. His eyes widened if only a fraction when he caught a glimpse of her rushing down the stairs. She wore a very short silken kimono and the sleeves came a bit short of her wrists. It was black in color, and the hems were accented in a soft pink. The bottom of the kimono had silver threads shaped like stars that faded as they came up to her middle. The obi was a simple knot in the back and the two strings cascaded down longer than the shirt itself, which only extended halfway down her rear. She wore dark blue skinny jeans and black flats. She wore no makeup save for a line of purple glitter over her eyes.

Kagome had been planning on taking Shippou with them, but decided against it when she spotted him passed out on the floor next to her sleeping brother. Smiling warmly, she nodded a goodbye to her mother and grabbed a small black pouch which she tucked away in her pocket. She noticed that Sesshoamru was still staring at her and blushed lightly. "Come on, we have to get going before my friends think we ditched them," she said opening the door. Sesshomaru turned to her mother and gave a small bow then exited and closed the door behing him.

His mother had smiled when he bowed, and still smiled at the closed door. I know it. It's him for sure. I remember his eyes anywhere. That means Kagome found the one. Oh, my baby. What ever comes your way, I know you'll be happy.

Turning to the sleeping boys, she placed a warm blanket over them before turning off the lights and heading to bed herself.

Kagome gripped tightly onto Sesshomaru's shoulders as he sped through the woods. Kagome had bugged him that they were late, and despite the fact that it was she who took so long to get ready, insisted that it was his fault for the delay. Something about him not wanting to carry her down the steps to make it faster. So, since she wanted to go fast, he scooped her up and jolted towards the carnival. Going this fast, Kagome couldn't really tell when to stop, but she had told him the direction to go and to stop when they reached the end of the wooded area. She burried her face in his neck and pushed back the feeling of nausea.

Humans aren't meant to go this fast, you jerk.

Pleased that he had caused her enough discomfort, Sesshomaru slowed as they neared what he suspected was the 'fair'. Sounds and smells attacked his nose, but after a few moments to adjust, he realized they weren't terrible. Setting her down, she led him to what she called the 'ticket booth', and purchesed entrance tickets for them. She handed him a paper strip and asked him to extend his hand.

She tsked as he snorted and looked away towards the archery range. "Don't be like that. It's proof that you paid for a ticket and they wont throw you out." She didn't wait for a reply and wrapped it around his wrist and sealed it. He glanced at his hand and then at her angrily.

"Do not put anything on This Sesshomaru again without-" he was curtly interrupted by a squeal of girls to his left. He very much, at this point, wanted to decapitate the female species in an entirity.

"Ie! Kagome! It's so awesome to see you dress up for once!" Eri exclaimed as her friends moved in for the kill.

Sweatdropping, Kagome smiled and waved at them. "Thank you, yeah it's been a while, hasn't it?"

"We all look great, but Kagome you'll be turning heads left and right! C'mon, there's this new archery cage and I know you're going to love it!" Yuka said as she tugged at Kagome's hand. Her ramblings always seemed to sound the same, but she was right. Sesshomaru noticed the lustful glances of the other human males directed at her. She was dressed far more concervitive than that aweful uniform he used to see her in. But there was something dark and alluring in her clothing that seemed to attract the attention of the males. He ignored the rather possesive growl of his beast and resolved in his head that for the sole purpose of the benefits from their pact, he would have to keep her distanced from them.

Kagome laughed as her friends went slackjaw. She hit every target and won the biggest panda. Sesshomaru wouldn't tell her, but he was impressed with how far her skills had progressed in archery. Deciding that when when they return to feudal Japan, he would instruct her futher so she can master her skill.

He took this moment of peace to study the fair. Lanterns hung from strings around and cascaded red and orange hues on the ground. Laughter came from all around him as children won prizes. He spotted several people, appearing as couplse, as they held hands and walked slowly around enjoying the ambience. Strange bells kept going off as men won games he had never seen and were given an appreciative kiss by their mates.

This place isn't so terrible. Though it is apparent this place isn't for a lone wonderer.

We are not alone.

What is it now, pup.

I am not the pup. You invited the girl to this place. She should not be without an escort, nor you with an empty arm. Or has this puppy forgotten his manners? His beast roared is laughted as Sesshomaru growled. It was right. If he brought her here, he might as well let her enjoy her time.

The girls tugged at Kagome again and they were led to a roller coaster. Kagome could see Sesshomaru eyeing it carefully and laughed at his sour face. Stepping away from her friends from the line, she glanced up at the ride. "It's really fun and completely safe. Give it a try," she asked her eyes sparkling. She wanted him to have fun.

"This Sesshomaru's ears are too sensitive for the noise from its wheels," he said nodding at the screeching halt it made. She nodded her head in understandment and looked at her friends sadly. "Go with them. I will wait here."

"Really? Okay!" she said joyfully. She dashed to her friends before the gate closed and passed a ticket to the conducter. Her friends leaned over and they began a private converstation that only lasted a few moments. Giggling as she was strapped in she waved at him when the ride began to move. He could hear the passangers scream from the drop and wondered what enjoyment they could possible get from such a silly thing. If they wanted to fall, he could think of a few cliffs to throw them from…

Before the ride started, Kagome's friends all turned to each other giggling.

"SO, Kagome, we wanted to catch you alone to ask if it's alright," Eri glanced down and fumbled with her fingers. Spotting her friends distress, she raised her eyebrows looking between their faces. "Well, we noticed that Sesshomaru is missing his left arm," she began.

"It's not like we really care!" chimed Yuka. "We were just wondering what happened to him. He seems so quiet and," she paused giggling, "strong. It seems like he's not even effected that it's not there."

Understanding finally their discomfort, Kagome laughed. She took her friends by surprise and they eyed each other. "No, he's not effected at all. In fact, I think the…accident, makes him work harder in his life. It reminds him that as hot headed and egotistcall he is, he's still vulnerable. Which makes him only strive to be better," she finished looking down at her lap. She never really thought about how honorable he was. It made her feel, proud of him. He's centuries old, and he's probably never had one fun night. Even nights with women in brothels or drinking sake with his friends back in his territory, she just knew he's never had real fun. She set her resolve and decided that she would change that tonight. Glancing at him as the ride started, she laughed and waved. He gave the ride a once over and turned his back. She didn't realize it, but he had heard everything.

Feeling her bounce behind him, he turned and raised an eyebrow at the strange fruit in her hand.

"Candyapple," she said simply extending her hand to him.

"I don't eat fruits…or candy," he said eyeing it with disdain.

"Just try it! Or are you really going to make me throw it out and waste the money I spent on it," she said in a huff. He glared at her dangerously and snatched it from her hand. Shrugging, he bit into the apple and was floored momentarily. Only the miko's thrilled laughter brought him back to reality. "Told you it was good!"

He chewed and swallowed the bite he had taken. She was right, it was incredible. He had never tasted a desert such as this in his day. "Hn," was all he said. She bit into hers and giggled when she realized it had hardened and she couldn't bite it off, instead settled for licking it until it softed again. Sesshomaru extended his elbow to her and she looked down at it confused.

"Show me around this place. There are many things This Sesshomaru knows not of," he offered. She took it with glee, and pulled him to different attractions. They stopped at a water gun race to watch who would win. The alarm on the left sounded and a man jumped up in victory. He allowed the girl behind him to choose the prize and handed it to her. She bounced when she took it and gave him an earnest embrace. The silver unicorn was oversized and she laughed as she had to peek over it to watch where she stepped.

"This game is fun," said Kagome as she set her apple in a bag and took a seat. She passed a bill to the man at the booth and he looked at Sesshomaru expenctantly. "Well come on, I paid for both of us," she said patting the chair beside her. He very much wanted to sigh at this point. "What, are you scared I'll beat you?" she shot playfully.

"You? Best This Sesshomaru? Even in this time someone as clumsy as yourself couldn't best a blindman let alone a daiyoukai," he huffed as he sat beside her. Eyeing the strange machine in front of him and the target he figured he was supposed to hit, he tried assessing how to use it.

Seeing his difficulty, she spoke up. "All you got to do is pull this trigger right here when the bell rings," she said squeezing the lever under the gun. "When it rings, you aim at that little whole inside the targer and keep squeezing until someone wins. The point is to hit as much water pressure dead center until time is up," she said shrugging happily.

Interesting. "What do I win?" he asked eyeing her.

"IF you win, your prize will be one of those," she said laughing as he scoffed at the stuffed autrocities hanging above.

Soon the chairs became filled and one scruffy looking gentleman in particular sat down carelessly next to Sesshomaru. He eyed Sesshomaru and chuckled, turning his face over his shoulder. "Don't worry, babydoll. You'll get your crap. Ain't no compitition here," he said giving Sesshomaru a 'screw you face'. Sesshomaru's claw tightened on the gun as he tried to contain himself. In his home, someone who insulted him that way would be headless in a matter of seconds.

Kagome sent a slight flare of calming miko energy at Sesshomaru, which surprisingly to him, calmed him instantly. He glanced at her and she smiled bright, turning her focus on her target.

"Don't loose, you idiot. I want that big one!" the loudmouthed she-rat yelled from behind.

"Yeah yeah, shut your trap, they're about to start."

Perhaps I should put in effort to this game. I find that humiliating this human would bring me much pleasure.

The conductor grabbed a microphone and music began to play. "Alright folks, we've got a full house and the game is about to start! Ladies and Gentlemen, get your hands at the ready and fire when you hear the bell. Ready, steady," he pulled a lever and a bell sounded. Sesshomaru's finger instantly squeezed the trigger and he hit the target with youkai precision. Glancing up a few moments later, he noticed he was in the lead, and so was Kagome.

Another bell rang and both his and Kagome's stations lit up. A woman shouted from behind and stomped her foot. Kagome giggled and chose a small purple dog. Sesshomaru felt momentarily proud of the miko's performance, and her humble choice in prize. He waved at the conductor when asked what he wanted. "Let her choose," he said nodding to Kagome. She squealed in delight and chose a silver dog to match her other one. Sesshomaru stepped around his chair and peered down his nose at the imbicile who challenged him. One last blow to his ego, Sesshomaru thought sadistically.

Pulling Kagome from her chair, he bent forward and kissed her hand lightly, glancing at the woman. She was red faced and hit the back of her 'mate'. "You never do things like that for me. You no good for nothing rat," she screamed and continued berrating him. He snorted and walked off, leaving her cursing more obsenities from his back.

Kagome was blushing and moved her hand from Sesshomaru. He had never done anything like that before and she felt light as a feather, even if she knew it was in spite of that guy. Sesshomaru stared down at the girl, studying her closely. She had tied with him in a test of accuracy, which Sesshomaru found worthy of note. Perhaps she would prove herself to be a formidable commrade after all.

Ripping her eyes from his stare, Kagome glanced at the watch on her wrist. "Oh! We're going to be late!" She grabbed hold of his elbow and lead him past the games and rides.

"Miko, let this Sesshomaru go. I am more than capable of following without you tugging at me."

Totally ignoring his request, Kagome continued to pull him through the crowd and soon they made it to a quieter location. Once they seperated from the crowd, Kagome pointed to the top of a hill, "That's the best spot! They're going to close the fair now and you're going to love the finale." She ran up the hill laughing and took a spot several yards away from other people. Kneeling down, she watched as Sesshomaru casually walked in her direction and stood a few feet from her. "You should probably sit down, it will be some time before it begins," she said looking at him.

She felt, rather than heard, the sigh as he sat on the dry grass, resting his arm on a propped knee. Content that he listened to her, Kagome toyed with the dogs in her lap. Nearly scoffing, he couldn't wrap his mind around a grown woman playing with dolls. "Are you planning on keeping those?" he asked.

Looking up at him, she smiled and shook her head. "When we get back to your time, I was planning on giving one to Shippou and one to Rin," she said as she hugged them close to her. Sesshomaru was stunned by her confession and remained silent. Perhaps, she would make a decent nanny for Rin. The girl needs a woman to guide her in subjects I am not willing to discuss. He stared up at the dark sky and frowned when he couldn't see any stars.

Kagome followed his gaze and sighed. "It's the city lights. If you want to see the stars you have have to travel into the country side. I guess this is one of the things that makes me miss going back through the well."

They were silent as they looked into the blank sky when Sesshomaru asked something that had been in the back of his mind. "What happened to your father?" His tone was calm, curious. She stared at him for a moment then shifted her eyes downward.

"There's a disease that you haven't discovered yet. This disease kills…a lot of people. It has no cure and in the end, it's a very ugly way to go," she said shifting from her knees to sit on the grass. She hugged her knees close to her chest and looked at the people still in the fair. "I was only 10 when he passed away. Souta was still very young to even remember him. The medicines that my father needed were so expensive, my mother had to work all the time to be able to keep the house. Then one day, while I was at school, my mother said a man came with a suit case, and said it was a gift for our father and left without another word. When she opened it, she nearly had a heart attack. There was enough money in it to buy ten of our houses. It paid for all the medical expenses my father needed until…" her voice trailed off.

Sesshomaru eyed her carefully. He didn't mourn his father's death as he should have because he felt betrayed and fo "That disease, it's called cancer?" She glanced up confused,

"How?"

"Your friends said this fair is for cancer research and the funds are going to an organization called Purple Stripes."

"Oh, yeah. With the money that man left, he also left a card that said Purple Stripes Cancer Research Foundation."

"Hn," was all he said. He found it odd that a stranger from a cancer organization would just show up at her mother's door with a large amount of money. He found it more odd that he wanted to know who it was.

"Oh! Sesshomaru!" she called happily and scooted closer to him. He raised an eyebrow at her proximity and waited. "Look up at the sky! They're about to start!"

The fair suddenly shut off all their lights and everyone became silent. He looked to the sky and suddenly a streak of light zoomed high in the air many yards from them. In a flash, the light exploded and boomed a kalaidescope of colors that waterfalled back down. He was shocked at the first explosion, but was facinated at the same time. Another followed, and exploded in a different pattern. Soon the sky was filled with different colors and lights, and he found that it was actually quite beautiful. Kagome leaned her head on his shoulder and he found that he didn't want to move away.. With each boom, Sesshomaru found himself wanting to pull the miko closer. He adjusted himself so she would lean back against his chest and he casually threw his arm over her shoulder. She was shocked, but didn't move thinking the dream would go away. Silent, they both watched the show of lights and sounds, and found that this show resembled the chaos that brought the two strange individuals together in the first place.

Content. This Sesshomaru is content.