Chapter Five

Kagome couldn't be more relieved to have a bath. There was something about dying and being drenched in her own blood for two days that made it all the more satisfying to clean up.

"Ah. Now this is what I'm talking about!" She muttered to herself pleasantly as she laid back into the water in deep relaxation, the serene smell of her twilight bath bomb that smelled of lavender, ylang ylang and ovaltine pleasantly engulfing her scenses.

She had managed to avoid anyone upon her return so they didn't witness the blood covered remnants of her clothes and her first priority was to partake in a damn long shower. She scrubbed viscously at her ebony locks and she hadn't realized just how filthy her hair had been. The pooling water in the tub was maroon with the mixture of dirt and dried blood. How her hair hadn't been sticking together, she would never know. Once she was thoroughly clean, she had let the tub fill before sinking into its mauve depths. She made it hot in hopes to loosen her muscles that burned. This had become a ritual every time she had returned from the feudal era but over time she had gotten used to the pain to the point she barely noticed anymore, but this last trip had really pushed her to new limits. She figured death had that effect. She looked down at her stomach where Naraku's tentacle had pierced her flesh and stolen her life. She could recall the pain as she bled out in that field. She could remember the sensation of choking on her own blood. Most of all, she remembered how it felt to die alone whilst the person she loved had run after his dead past lover. Leaving her helpless five hundred years from where she belonged.

Belonged… Where did Kagome belong? She was rarely in her own time these days and it had been almost two years since she had first fallen down that well. She didn't feel like she belonged in this time anymore and yet…she didn't belong in the past anymore either. A dark loneliness suddenly threatened to consume her. She let her body shift further into the tub as she pulled her knees to her chin and held her legs to her chest securely. Her dark locks floated aimlessly on the water's surface as it encompassed her and she buried her head atop her knees, letting her tears fall freely as she gently and quietly wept in solitude.

Kagome remained in the bath for a long time. The water had turned cold and her fair skin had shrivelled like a prune from the extensive exposure. She pulled the plug and climbed out reaching for her baby pink towel, drying herself off whilst remaining in deep cogitation. The hurt and anger had scarcely dwindled in the past days and the betrayal was still heavy. Inuyasha deserted her frequently to see Kikyo and she had tried to understand every time despite how much it hurt her. Kagome knew he still loved Kikyo and there was nothing anyone could do. Kikyo would forever hold a half of his heart and she had learned to accept that. It wouldn't be right for Kagome to condemn him over something that was beyond his control. It wasn't like their relationship had ended by choice. If Naraku hadn't turned them against one another, they would have lived a happy life together and Kagome would never have met them. Unfortunately the knowledge of this did naught to ease the pain. Neither could it erase the fact that this time…this time it had been at the expense of her life. While she bared her soul to him, he seldom returned the gesture. He protected her and she knew he cared for her and that had been enough. Up until he had left her for dead.

Kagome slipped into her patterned pink pyjamas and buried herself amongst the sheets of her bed. They had clearly been recently washed and smelled of detergent. Kagome melted herself into the nostalgic smell and allowed sleep to take a firm grasp of her.

The next morning Kagome rose to the sun beaming brightly through her window accentuating the soft dust granules in the air. The familiar city sounds caressed her ears as she could hear the sirens, the busses on the lower streets and the planes flying above and felt oddly comforted. Kagome loved the peace and quiet of feudal Japan but right now, she needed what she knew most and the city sounds were a large part of that.

Kagome collected a clean change of clothes and stuffed them in her bag. She decided to leave her school uniform behind this trip. It might make Sesshomaru just that little bit more bearable if he wasn't insulting her choice of attire so frequently. She grabbed a pack of crayons and a colouring book to give to Rin – just as she would have done for Shippo – oh how she missed him, and headed downstairs for the food and water department. Before she knew it she was dressed in jeans, a pair of runners, a white tank top and red sweater. She left a note on the bench for her family informing them she would return soon and how much she loved them all, thanking them for all their support and hoped they knew how much they meant to her. She had to leave something in case Sesshomaru lost him temper or something of the likes. Dying had taken an emotional toll on her. She guessed she had never really thought of the possibility of death before. She had always had full faith in Inuyasha's ability to protect her. However now that she had experienced death, her trips seemed that much more ominous now. She could honestly admit that her faith in her survival had wavered. Alas, she had to do it. She was the cause of the Jewel shattering, so she would have to fix it. After relaxing for a part of the day, and walking to the nearby pharmacy to stock up on modern medicine, she was ready to head back. Sundown was quickly approaching and she didn't want to provoke Sesshomaru so early on in the so called 'alliance'.

As the sun had begun to lower beyond the horizon, Sesshomaru had returned to the well alone. Leaving Rin in Jaken's hands half a day's walk away. He sat by a tree to wait for the human and watched the well. A scent invaded his nose aggressively as he smelt his half-breed brother not too far away. Far enough away that Inuyasha wouldn't be able to smell him yet but if he came too much closer, he was certain to. This human better hurry up. He had no interest in a dispute with his brother at the moment. He had too many other thoughts that required his attention. Although, a fight could prove to be a gratifying distraction. As if responding to his thoughts, the Miko's scent erupted strong. It was a sweet smell. It was like rain. Rain mixed with early morning dew that gently caressed grass on a winter's morning with just a hint of blooming flowers. Surprisingly, it was calming and therapeutic for a human's scent. Normally they just smelt filthy, like wet and rotting wheat doused in salt. As Kagome got closer to the wells exit, he could tell the Miko had bathed due to other mixed floral scents that were not part of her natural scent. They must have been additives of some form. Within seconds the Miko was popping her head out the top of the well. Sesshomaru stood and waited for her to completely emerge. She hauled herself and a large yellow backpack over the lip. She spotted Sesshomaru and walked towards him, greeting him with a smile to which he merely nodded and began to lead the way. He internally took note that she had discarded her previously immodest attire and now adorned a new set of strange yet less revealing garments. It caused him to idly wonder what the future was like. Curiosity got the better of him so he decided to ask.

"Miko," he started. He heard the girl sigh. He assumed it had something to do with his lack of use of her name. She was still human after all, and therefore he had no obligation to speak to her like she was anything but. Admittedly he addressed Rin by her name, but this Miko was merely a temporary companion so there was no need to get personal. Regardless, she seemed to be looking towards him as they walked, indicating she was listening. "Enlighten me on what the future holds." Of course 'asking' clearly meant 'commanding'.

A man of little words. Kagome thought it might be a nice change to Inuyasha. However, if she was honest, it was her always wanting to talk. She hated silences. They were awkward. However she didn't expect she would be able to make too much of a difference on that front with the likes of Sesshomaru. Neither did it mean she was not going to try.

"Erm...well…" she contemplated for a moment. Where exactly did she start? "What exactly do you want to be enlightened to?"

Sesshomaru didn't miss her mock but chose to ignore it.

"What comes to mind, Miko? How does it differ from now?" he never looked at her when he spoke, merely looked ahead arrogantly.

"Well, there aren't any demons around. Well, at least if there is they are in hiding." She told him.

"Impossible."

"No. Well, before I fell down the well and ended up here, I didn't believe such things existed. Inuyasha was the first demon I ever saw."

"Inuyasha is not a demon."

"Whatever! He was the first half demon or closest thing to a demon I had ever encountered. Not including mistress Centipede of course."

There was a long silence as they walked through the thick forest. Trees were high and the light from the lowering orange sun squeezed tightly through the gaps in the leaves.

"I do not believe humans could overrun demons." Sesshomaru declared out of nowhere after some time.

"Yes, well, honestly, I don't know how they did either now that I think about it. In this time they are everywhere. Either way I can assure you, the awareness of demons is either non-existent or rare. And I grew up at a shrine that is supposed to believe in that nonsense. Not that it's nonsense of course, as I am now very well aware." Kagome was beginning to ramble.

Sesshomaru mulled that thought over in his mind. Would he ever go into hiding from humans? Hn, No! He was not so weak. Does that mean he dies within the next five hundred years? Or does he perhaps adjust? Curious.

Silence fell between them again well into the night. Kagome was only a few steps behind Sesshomaru and she watched his back intently, contemplating the strangeness that had become her life. She had died, he had saved her and now she was travelling with him. She certainly would not have predicted that when she first met him. Not in a million years.

As the time progressed further, Kagome decided she hated the silence. It made her think and thinking after the events of the previous days was not good. Although she was still angry and hurt over the events, those feeling had started to slowly dissipate and she began fretting over how worried her original companions must be. She had initially wanted Inuyasha to stew but in her moments of grief she had neglected to consider how Sango, Mirkoku and Shippo would feel and now she was even concerned with how Inuyasha would be feeling. Despite his conflicted heart between two loves, he deeply cared for Kagome and he would be immensely worried and Kagome now felt irreparable guilt. Not to mention she missed her companions greatly. They had all been through so much together and no matter what happened, that would never change.

Another reason silence was unhealthy for Kagome, was that her mind had now veered onto the path of 'love'. She knew Inuyasha loved Kikyo and she knew to a degree he loved her too and she wondered if she would ever have someone's complete heart. Her gaze focused on Sesshomaru's back and she wondered if he was capable of love. She didn't think it was possible for the demon Lord to love any but himself, but then again there was Rin. Did he love Rin? He was a father figure to Rin like she was to Shippo and she wondered if he feltthat. Her thoughts escalated into dangerous territory as she tried to imagine Sesshomaru in a relationship. This particular thought almost made her laugh out loud. She played a scenario in her head and conjured up a female Inuyokai as best she could without ever having met one. This female just so happened to resemble Sesshomaru except more feminine and with breasts. She pictured them in a forest somewhere and Sesshomaru towering over said female. 'Love me or die.' She scripted him saying. She could no longer contain herself and she heard her laughter break the silence.

"Something funny?" his cold baritone voice inquired, sounding slightly irritated.

Kagome laughed nervously waving a hand at his back. "Sorry! No, no!" she tried to recover. He didn't respond back and they continued on in further uncomfortable silence. Kagome's solemn feelings began to creep back in again so after some more considerable silence she decided to escape the darkness and approach the dog demon in front of her with a potentially dangerous question.

"Er…Sesshomaru?" she inquired nervously. He didn't respond and she perceived this as an ok to continue. "Can demons…love?"

Sesshomaru stopped dead in his track, still as a statue. Kagome followed suit to maintain the distance between them, not that it would prove advantageous if he did choose to kill her. There was a long deafening silence and Kagome didn't think he would answer her. The only sounds that surrounded them were the rustling of the leaves in the wind and she wondered if Sesshomaru was genuinely contemplating the question or simply that disturbed by it.

"You wish to know if it is possible that my half-breed brother could ever truly love you." Kagome wasn't sure if it was a question or a statement as it sounded a bit like both.

"No. I mean…Inuyasha is part human and that allows him to feel human emotions so I don't doubt Inuyasha's ability to love." She had enough experience in that department to know he was capable. "But…a full demon. Do they…love? Like, truly love."

"Love is for the weak." He replied simply and began to trek forward again leaving behind a disappointed Kagome. Had she really expected him to indulge her queries on such a subject?

Sesshomaru's father had fallen in love with Inuyasha's mother so that was proof that it was not a dismissible notion, right? Kagome couldn't help but also wonder about Sesshomaru's mother. Had his father been in love with her too? It was in Kagome's blood to believe any species could love and so she mentally scolded herself for doubting that fact no matter what darkness plagued her. Kagome feared that death had slightly doused her ever optimistic flame and she vowed to protect what remained. She had just begun to follow the demon Lord again when she felt it.

A Sacred Jewel Shard.

"Sesshomaru," she called after him. "I sense a jewel shard!"

Sesshomaru had just re-entered into his silent reverie when the Miko had yet again jerked him out. He mentally sighed.

"Where?" he inquired nonchalantly. He may as well have his hand up to his face inspecting his claws to determine if they required manicuring.

"Over that way." Kagome pointed through the trees. "It's not far." She began to run toward it, failing to notice that Sesshomaru merely walked a steady pace behind her.

Why was this human in so much of a rush? So similar to his brother, jumping in without appropriate evaluation or thought. He inwardly sighed to himself.

Kagome broke through some trees into a small wheat field and towering in the middle was a gargantuan snake demon. Its body was enormous and covered in dark grey scales. The tails tip had orange spikes that flared out like a feather, and as it moved up to the torso, it began to take on a slightly more humanoid appearance. The scaled body expanded out and you could almost see ab definition. It had humanoid arms covered in darker grey scales that were verging on navy and the muscles were well defined. The scaled hands merged into more of a dark green and sported elongated maroon talon like claws. The head resembled that of a cobras and the neck ribs went over its head and down its back like hair. The face was completely demonic, void of any human features and its large jaw appeared dislocated as if it was about to feast.

Kagome's heart tripled in speed and she felt a coldness sliver over her skin from crown to toe. The demonic aura radiating from the creature could have toppled her and she couldn't fathom how she had not sensed its strength sooner. Pupil-less saffron eyes glared down and pierced her own. The demon hissed savagely and a thin long forked tongue flickered out the monstrous mouth. Kagome had to haul herself together quickly. She could either stand here waiting to be snake food, or she could act. She reached for her bow and snatched an arrow from the quiver, imbuing it with her reiki and taking aim. The arrow was released and soared true. Pink energy emanated around it as it whistled through the air.

The snake demon was deceptively fast for its size and dodged the arrow with ease. Kagome quickly reached for another arrow, notched it in place and released. The reiki was brighter this time and expanded over a larger distance. The demon dodged to evade it again, but the edges caught its neck ribs and a portion was purified to dust. A hissing wail of pain escaped from its jaws, echoing throughout the field. Kagome took a few steps back, notching a third arrow as malevolent amber eyes pinned her down ferociously.

The creature hissed again in a threatening manner, proclaiming war. Kagome looked around her failing to locate Sesshomaru. The demon slithered almost elegantly forwards and she took three more steps back, her eyes widened and her heart was threatening to abandon her. Her nerves were beginning to quiver but nevertheless she aimed straight. It was then that her left ankle found a rock protruding from the earth and she toppled to the ground dropping her weapon. Wide cerulean globes watched yellow as they lunged toward her with impressive speed. Kagome scurried hurriedly to her feet so she could dart to the side but it was too late. The demon was much too fast and was almost upon her.

"Shit." She cursed uncharacteristically as she closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable impact.

XX

A/N: So here is Chapter 5. I hope you guys like it. Thanks yet again to all readers and reviewers. Chapter 6 is just about ready. So let me know what you think. If there is anything you guys think the story needs, don't hesistate to tell me. Advice never goes astray. xx