Egyptian Embodiment

by Serena530

A god and a priestess found love thousands of years ago but were separated by the cruel ignorance of man. Now, in another country in a time where demons and magic abound, they will be brought together for another chance. Will circumstances keep them apart or allow them their chance?

6. Chapter 6

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or his characters, and have no right to it except as a long time fan.

Egyptian Embodiment

Chapter Six: Choices and Decisions

Kagome sighed as she entered her bedroom and closed the door. She dropped her backpack on her bed and plopped down beside it as she looked around.

She had come back home through the well the night before, because she needed to go to school and drop off homework and take tests. Although, even with that she still thought of it as a break from collecting jewel shards.

Still, she had some days before she had to go back so she was going to enjoy the break, and while she was at it she was going to look up the symbol of her necklace and try to find it and its meaning online. This was the first time she had been home since she had been gifted the necklace, and now that she was home from school there was no time like the present to start her search.

She got up and sat at her small desk and booted up her computer, and as she waited she lifted the pendant on her necklace from where it lay against her skin and gazed at it. She placed it back against her skin with a sigh, and opened her browser and began her search for Egyptian symbols.

It wasn't long before she found an image of the symbol on her necklace. It was a crossed flail and crook symbol according to the name of the image on the page. She opened another tab and searched the name, and clicked on the first link and began to read.

The Crook and the Flail are Ancient Egyptian symbols, respectable of the position of kingship. It signified pharaonic dominion over the land of Egypt. Both of farming origin; the crook symbolized that the pharaoh is the shepherd or the carer of the people, and the flail is the scourge of necessary punishment to maintain order in society.

Together, usually held in both hands crossed on the chest, they are the most prominent insignia of the royal regalia of Ancient Egypt that symbolizes divine authority.

Kagome hummed thoughtfully and began to click other links to see if they all said the same thing, and found that they essentially did for the most part.

She could understand why the symbol represented Sesshomaru. It sounded like something he as a demon Lord would feel or think about his position. But she did wonder why this particular Egyptian symbol was his, and how it had become his.

Closing the tabs she went back to her original tab for her search of Egyptian symbols and began to look at all of the symbols. Now that she was no longer searching for one she gave equal attention to all of them.

They were all so beautiful and intriguing, and soon she was clicking around and searching different words, symbols, images, and people.

Just as quickly she found herself immersed and fascinated with everything Ancient Egyptian. It was like she had found something she didn't know she should have been looking for.

I'm glad Sesshomaru's gift set me on this path. She thought with a smile.

"The symbol, the crossed flail and crook, looks familiar to me." The voice in her mind said. "In fact, everything you are searching on Ancient Egypt looks and feels familiar."

Kagome wondered if the voice had been Egyptian in life during that ancient time, but if that was the case, with the voice being in her mind, what did that mean for her? If this was some kind of reincarnation what could that possibly mean? She was Kikyou's reincarnation.

"Are you sure?" The voice asked. "Do you only believe that because Keade said you were, and Inuyasha mistook you for the long dead priestess at your first meeting?"

Kikyou carries a piece of my soul. It's how she's still alive. Kagome reasoned.

"Or the priestess' soul tethered a ride with the jewel and when you called your soul back to you, you called all of it back besides Kikyou's own soul." The voice countered.

Kagome was thoughtful about that; wondering if it could actually be true.

What about my appearance? She said hesitantly. I actually look like her.

"That could be a consequence of having the priestess' soul inside you for so long. You should ask Sesshomaru if you truly do still look like the priestess." The voice said.

"You yourself do not really pay attention to your reflection anymore, and even if you did you believe along with everyone else that you are the priestess' reincarnation. And that is the same reason to not ask Sango, Miroku, and Keade." The voice continued.

"Although I suppose you could ask young Shippo, but though a demon with better senses he is still only a child." The voice added.

Kagome was thoughtful at that. Not being Kikyou's reincarnation would be nice. She would no longer have to deal with feeling inferior to the older dead woman. It would also help her get over the remainder of her feelings for Inuyasha, because a part of her had very quietly thought her liking him was another way for him and Kikyou to be together, like a second chance.

Do you think I'm your reincarnation? She asked.

"I do not know." The voice answered. "I do not know how I ended up within you, and I do not remember myself. I do not know my name, what I look like, or where I was before suddenly finding myself inside you and able to speak to you."

"I do not even know if I have been inside you since your birth and am only recently 'awake' and able to speak to you or if I was…deposited inside you more recently." The voice continued.

Well you said Ancient Egyptian stuff looks and feels familiar. That's a starting place. I find it all fascinating, more actually, like it was something I should have known. Perhaps that in itself is an indication that our situation is reincarnation. Kagome said.

I'll continue to read up and learn about Ancient Egypt, and we can talk and see if there's anything that's the same between us besides that. She continued.

"That sounds reasonable." The voice agreed. "What do you think it has to do with Sesshomaru since he said the symbol represented him?"

I'm not sure, but then as open as he's being with me I still know there's a lot about him that I don't know. Kagome said. And I can't wait to find out.

"You have developed affection for him." The voice said gently.

I don't know about that. He's a good friend. She said.

"I believe it goes further." The voice countered. "Think about it."

Kagome hummed thoughtfully as she blankly looked at the screen and admitted to herself that she was attracted to Sesshomaru. Had been attracted to him from the first time she had seen him; it had only been dimmed when she thought he had tried to kill her. That was obviously no longer a subduing factor.

Of course she thought he was very physically attractive with his golden eyes, and silky silver hair, and his exotic looking markings. She especially liked that he was a dog demon; having liked dogs for as long as she could remember.

Aside from the attraction she liked his quiet yet deep voice, getting to know him since she felt that there were few if any that he allowed to really know him, and that he trusted her and thought of her as a friend.

She also liked that he listened to her and took an interest in learning about her, and that he took her safety seriously and wanted to protect her without any prompting or expectations.

That reminded her of his encouraging her to seek training for herself, and what she had managed to learn since then.

She was getting better and better at using her bow and arrows. She was able to shoot faster and hit what she aimed for at least eighty percent of the time when her target was moving. When it wasn't moving she always hit it.

From Miroku's teachings she had learned to sense different types of spiritual power, make and use sutras, and feel her own spiritual power from within and manipulate it.

That was all she had managed to learn so far. She was still hoping to learn from Sango and Keade.

She still hadn't learned to use a sword, and she couldn't help wondering why after the amount of time that had passed. Sango had a perfectly good sword. She could use that to at least start her training. It was not as if she wanted to keep it or would damage it.

Beyond that she still needed to learn to fight physically from Sango. That was something that didn't need a weapon before she could start; just some time, and they did have time.

Every time they stopped to take a break or for the evening they could do it. It was not like she wanted it to happen at a certain time or when Inuyasha wasn't around. She wasn't trying to hide the fact that she wanted to learn to fight.

She considered asking Sesshomaru if he would be willing to teach her if she couldn't get Sango to start. He was sure to know how to fight physically even if she had never seen him do so.

With her training from Keade, while it hadn't started yet, she had managed to speak to her about it, and she had suggested she continue her meditation and focus on putting her reiki into her arrows, and trying to create different seals as something she could do until she could stay in the village for an extended time.

She could do things such as putting a demon or half demon to sleep, trapping them to an object like Inuyasha had been trapped to the tree, sealing their youki and making them as close to human as possible, and the like.

At the rate things were going, plus past experience, it seemed to her that she would never get the chance to learn from Keade. Not unless she was injured enough not to travel, and if that was the case then it would probably be serious enough that she needed to go to her time, which meant she still wouldn't get the training she needed.

Kagome sighed and closed her eyes as she leaned back in her chair as she stretched.

"You might have to ask Sesshomaru about that as well if the situation does not change." The voice in her mind suggested.

Kagome nodded as she relaxed, and looked back to her computer screen. It was looking like she was going to have a lot of things to ask him.

oOoEEoOo

A week had passed since Kagome had come back through the well from her break in her time, and learning the meaning of the pendant on the necklace she had been gifted.

Everything had been calm with everyone for the most part. Inuyasha seemed to be paying her more attention than he used to, which meant he was staring at her more and walking by her side more instead of rushing ahead.

She didn't like it, especially since she didn't know why he was suddenly doing it, but there was nothing she could do except continue to work on getting over him.

Now that calmness was gone for Kagome as she found herself alone, standing next to a small water hole below a waterfall, dripping wet.

She and her group had stopped for a break in their travels to eat lunch and rest from the hard trek Inuyasha had forced them on. Inuyasha had run off, leaving them alone, and she had been eating on a snack and listening to Sango and Miroku chat when they were approached by two little girls.

"Shikigami?" Kagome questioned, remembering that from the little training she had had.

"Yes." Miroku confirmed.

"Our mistress is in need of the aid of a priestess." One little girl said.

"Can you come with us and help?" The other little girl asked right afterward.

Kagome had finished her snack, grabbed her bow and arrows, and agreed to help without a problem since she was always willing to help where she could.

She had told Sango and Miroku that she would be back, and walked off with the girls before more could be said. She had almost regretted agreeing to help when they had reached a clearing and she had been surrounded by soul collectors and lifted off the ground.

The glowing white serpent demons had brought her above the trees and began to fly with her swiftly through the air. She had been so shocked and disconcerted she had been unable to pay attention to the direction she was going. All she had been able to notice was that the two shikigami girls had been able to fly and keep up.

They had landed at the watering hole and she had seen none other than Kikyou floating in the water seemingly unconscious. The girls had explained that Kikyou had been poisoned by Naraku's miasma, and she was the only one who could save her.

According to them all she had to do was touch her to purify the miasma and heal her wound, but she had to make the choice to save her soul.

Kagome had agreed. She may be unsure if she was really Kikyou's reincarnation, but that didn't mean she wanted her to die from something Naraku did. And if she was wrong and she truly was Kikyou's reincarnation then she would be saving her own soul.

So she had put her bow and arrows down on the ground and stepped into the water and toward Kikyou. She had placed her hands on her wound, seeing the dark purple miasma trailing out of the wound like an oil slick, but found it would take more than a touch.

She had ended up sinking into the water with Kikyou, focusing on purifying her, and seeing things from the undead woman's memories that she didn't want to see.

Still, even though she had been struggling to continue to hold her breath through the process she had succeeded in purifying the miasma, and healing the wound so it looked like it had never been there. Which was basically her just keeping her hands to the wound, and thinking that she wanted to purify and heal.

Kikyou had woke up and they made their way back to the surface. Kikyou had used her soul collectors to lift her from the water, but Kagome had climbed out gasping for air.

The shikigami girls had thanked her and surprisingly Kikyou had thanked her as well before they had all flown away.

Inuyasha had shown up only moments later, and then had run off after Kikyou after she had explained the situation.

Kagome looked off in the direction Inuyasha had run, in the same direction Kikyou had gone, and decided enough was enough. She was done putting up with Inuyasha. She had begun to understand a while before that Inuyasha didn't care for her the way she had for him, but she at least expected him to treat her like a friend.

Apparently not. He hadn't asked her if she was okay or if she was feeling well before he had run off after Kikyou. She had damn near drowned trying to save Kikyou, and didn't even get a thanks.

On top of that he had run off and left her there soaked, and with no idea how to get back to the others.

She was glad the love she felt for him was nearly gone. Her heart no longer fluttered or pounded in her chest when he was close or smiled in her direction. It didn't hurt when he wasn't there to meet her in the well clearing when she came back from her time nor did it when he disappeared to go after Kikyou.

But it did hurt to know that he didn't even see her as a friend; didn't value her enough to care about her health or offer her gratitude for the tremendous deed she had done for him.

"Inuyasha is unworthy of your friendship." The voice in her mind said. "You are making the best decision. It is better to learn at this point that he is not the friend you thought he was than later at a more dangerous time."

Kagome nodded at the voice's words, and decided not to stress about trying to find the others. Instead she reached up for the necklace Sesshomaru and his beast gave her, and focused on the demon Lord and needing him.

A few minutes passed before Sesshomaru showed up, appearing on his youki cloud as he flew toward her, and landed a few feet away before walking the rest of the way.

"Are you well?" He asked, his eyes flickering all over her, taking in her wet look and the bow and arrows at her feet.

"I'm okay," Kagome said with a sigh and shivered. "but I just decided that I'm done putting up with Inuyasha, and I don't want to travel with him anymore."

"What happened for you to make that decision, and presumably to end up in the state you are in?" Sesshomaru asked as he pulled the fur from his shoulder and wrapped it around her.

She explained the situation with the two shikigami coming to her for help and being brought to Kikyou, healing her in the water, Kikyou leaving afterward giving her thanks, and Inuyasha showing up only to run off after Kikyou without a word after she explained to him what had happened.

"He didn't check to see if I was okay, didn't thank me, or even give me directions back to the others. Didn't even see if I needed directions. He just left me here after hearing what happened." Kagome said with a frown as she gently stroked the fur around her.

"This is the last straw. I thought he at least saw me as a friend, but his actions are telling me otherwise and I don't want to deal with him anymore." She said firmly.

"I understand." Sesshomaru said as he nodded once. "You are welcome to travel with me from now on, and have a place in my pack if you want it. Even if you will be the first member."

Kagome's eyes widened, and she blushed a bit at his offer.

"It will help you get over the last remains of your feelings for Inuyasha, and provide you time to get to know the demon Lord better and hopefully explore your feelings for him." The voice in her mind said encouragingly.

Yes. "Yes." Kagome agreed, both to the voice mentally, and out loud to Sesshomaru. "Thank you for coming to me, and letting me travel with you."

"Then it is settled. You will travel with me, and I will aid you in retrieving the shards you are collecting." Sesshomaru said, and then picked up her bow and quiver of arrows and handed them to her.

"I will take you back to your former pack, so you can change your clothes and inform them of your decision." He added.

Kagome nodded as she stepped toward him, and blushed as he wrapped his arm around her waist and formed his youki cloud and took to the air.

The journey was quick and Kagome realized she never would have found her way back on her own since travel by air gave a different sense of direction than by ground.

They landed in sight of her friends but not too close to them, and of course it was obvious to see that Inuyasha wasn't there.

"I'm leaving the group." Kagome announced immediately as they walked up to the small group. "I'm not interested in traveling with Inuyasha anymore, and will be traveling with Sesshomaru from now on."

They all gasped in surprise and stared at her in shock for a few long moments.

"Why? And why Lord Sesshomaru of all beings?" Miroku asked.

"Yes why him?" Sango asked, frowning. "He is dangerous, and hates humans."

"Because I just nearly drowned saving Kikyou's undead life, and Inuyasha didn't even thank me for the effort. Nor did he make sure I was okay. He just run off to go find Kikyou, leaving me where I was soaking wet with no way to get back here or even a direction to go in." Kagome explained as she stepped forward away from Sesshomaru.

"This isn't the first time Inuyasha has shown how selfish and inconsiderate he is, but it's the last time I'll let it affect me in any way." She continued as she grabbed her bag.

She chose to ignore their question of why Sesshomaru, and their opinions of him. It didn't matter. She knew the truth, and that was all that mattered.

Kagome walked off into the trees, and quickly stripped off her clothes and dried off before putting on dry clean clothes and wrapping Sesshomaru's fur back around her.

She put away her wet clothes and pulled her backpack onto her back and grabbed her bow and quiver before she returned to the group. They were all still sitting and standing where she left them; only Sesshomaru looking completely calm and at ease.

"Are you ready to go Shippo?" She asked as she paused near Sesshomaru.

"No!" Shippo said fearfully. "I'm not going! Why would you want to travel with a dangerous demon?!"

He couldn't understand. He remembered what he had overheard about Naraku being afraid of the demon Lord, and he wanted no part of him. He must be outrageously powerful if a being like Naraku was scared of him.

Kagome blinked her eyes wide in surprise at his vehement words.

"Although, it is saddening and painful, this is probably for the best." The voice in her mind said softly. "Sesshomaru is dangerous, there is no doubt, but he has control and is not unpredictable."

"Shippo is willing to stay around Inuyasha even though he is clearly unpredictable and unreliable. Not to mention he is clearly spending his time around a dead woman who wants him dead." The voice continued.

"If Shippo is unwilling to trust your judgement when it comes to a change in traveling companions where he will be safer then he likely will not trust your other decisions. It is best he stay with Sango and Miroku. It is likely to be torture for him to come anyway if he is that afraid." The voice concluded.

True. Kagome agreed. It's sad, but it's also for the best.

"Then that is your choice." She said as she nodded, and then looked to Sango and Miroku. "I wish you all good luck. Goodbye."

With that she turned with Sesshomaru and they began to walk away into the surrounding trees. Sesshomaru silently masking their scent, so Inuyasha could not try and follow them. He was sure the whelp would try as soon as he learned what happened.

~~EE~~

Inuyasha single-mindedly ran in the direction he had been pointed in, searching until he caught Kikyou's scent. He continued onward pushing himself faster in his worry for her to the point that Kagome was the last thing on his mind.

"Kikyou!" He called out as he finally spotted her, and watched her and the two little girls pause in their walk and look back toward him. "Are you okay?" He asked as he caught up to her.

"I am fine." Kikyou assured him coldly. "My reincarnation aided me, and now I fully intend to continue on my journey. You should do the same."

Inuyasha was reluctant to leave her, and as she began to walk again he followed.

"Why don't you travel with me?" He asked. "I can keep you safe that way."

"No." She coldly and firmly refused. "I do not need or want your protection. Traveling with you and your group will only draw unnecessary attention to me, and that is the last thing I need."

"Instead of focusing on trying to get me to travel with you you should instead focus on retrieving jewel shards, so you can be that much closer to encountering Naraku." She said.

Inuyasha sighed in disappointment. How he wished she wouldn't make it so hard for him to protect her.

"Me and the others can help you with whatever you need." He said, trying again.

"You think your group would be fine with me traveling with them?!" Kikyou said in a slightly incredulous tone. "That is foolish beyond belief, and on top of that you actually believe my reincarnation would be fine with it as well."

"Only you want me with you. The rest of your group does not and would not hide that fact, and although my reincarnation helped me that does not mean she wants me there all the time either. It is only her helping nature that allowed her to give me aid in the first place." She continued.

"My reincarnation and I do not need to be traveling with each other. That would simply be too distracting to the both of us." She said.

Inuyasha sighed again as the woman he loved shot him down yet again. He didn't know why he was trying so hard. She was right. Only he wanted her traveling with the group. Sango and Miroku would be upset and would likely ignore her if she did travel with them, and Kagome was sure to be unhappy about that.

Just because she didn't say anything when he went off to see Kikyou didn't mean she would be fine with her suddenly traveling with them.

Kikyou shook her head slightly and stopped walking.

"Return to your group and get back to the tasks you have, and stop playing with my reincarnation." She said as she looked to him. "You knew it was wrong to let her feelings for you grow when you cannot do anything about them."

"I still fully intend to take you to hell; then what will become of my reincarnation's feelings? You need to stop her feelings from growing, so she can return to where she belongs, and not try to interfere with us." She continued.

"Not that I actually care if her feelings are hurt. I simply know the more my reincarnation feels for you the harder she will fight, and try to come between us when it comes time for you to join me in hell." She finished before she turned away.

Inuyasha frowned and watched as Kikyou's soul collectors circled around her and began to lift her into the sky before he could respond. The two little girls lifted off after her, and soon the three of them were out of his sight.

He didn't like that she still wanted to drag him to hell. He didn't want to go to hell, and on top of that it would put his plan to have both her and Kagome in trouble. After all, he couldn't have Kagome if he was in hell, and he definitely wasn't willing to drag her along.

He sighed and turned around, and began to make his way back to his camp.

~~EE~~

Almost a half an hour had passed since Kagome left, and Miroku and Sango were still surprised and shocked.

They still couldn't believe Kagome had left, that she wasn't traveling with them anymore, and that she had gone off with Sesshomaru of all beings. She had seemed perfectly fine with being in his presence as well, which confused them since she had only seen him the times they had seen him.

Not even Shippo's fear had been enough to keep her from leaving with the demon Lord and staying with them if only for the child's sake.

"I cannot understand it." Sango said. "I thought Kagome loved Inuyasha and wanted to be with him. Why would she leave?"

"I am not so sure she still loves our half demon friend. I have noticed a gradual change in her over the passing weeks, and she seemed to have been putting distance between her and Inuyasha." Miroku said thoughtfully.

"Did Kagome not say anything about that?" He asked.

"No. She did not." She said as she shook her head. "I suppose that is also a change in Kagome. She used to always talk about Inuyasha, her feelings about him, and Kikyou's continued presence, but it stopped."

"Can you recall when that started?" He asked.

Sango hummed thoughtfully as she watched Kirara lying next to Shippo trying to comfort him in his sleep.

"It was right after the ordeal with the fake Moon Goddess. She did not say much about her feelings for him after that, and when I tried to bring it up Kagome would change the subject." She said. "It was also then that she started asking about training."

Miroku nodded slowly.

"Something must have happened while we were separated; whether it happened before she was kidnapped or after while she was with Sesshomaru I cannot say." He said.

"However, it appears that she has decided she does not want to rely on Inuyasha for protection after that incident, and after today I am not sure if she even continues to think of him as a friend." He said.

"I want to say I cannot believe Inuyasha's behavior, but it is typical of him to be reckless and inconsiderate; and it always seems to be at Kagome's expense." She said.

"True. Kagome has obviously had enough of it." He said as he nodded. "It is likely for the best that she left Shippo behind instead of forcing him to go with her. He is clearly afraid of Lord Sesshomaru, and it would likely have been distressing for him to be around the demon Lord." He added after a thoughtful pause.

"Did you see Kagome's face when he refused to go?" Sango asked.

"Yes. She was clearly hurt, but accepting of it." Miroku said. "I also have no doubt that now that Kagome is not around he will be left with Keade instead of traveling with us. We are all needed to fight, so there would be no one to watch and protect him."

"Plus Inuyasha will insist on it, and I think it best anyway if only to keep him from beating on the child. I do not know Lord Sesshomaru, but I doubt as dangerous as he is that he would hit a child." He said.

Sango nodded as she sighed. It was ironic. Shippo didn't want to be around Sesshomaru because he was dangerous, but he ignored the danger that Inuyasha was; especially now that Kagome wouldn't be around to subdue him.

Miroku was right. There was no one to stop Inuyasha from hitting Shippo now. They could, but they were usually busy or not close enough to stop it. Then there was the chance that Inuyasha could lose himself to his demon blood. Only Kagome had been able to stop him with the beads he wore.

A demon of Sesshomaru's caliber had control and chose to be dangerous whereas Inuyasha was unpredictable and could be dangerous, or rather more dangerous than he usually was, depending on his emotions and the situation. As it was she and Miroku would be hard pressed, at the least, to deal with Inuyasha if his demon blood took over.

Sango shook her head.

"How do you think Inuyasha will react?" She asked, and listened as he sighed.

"He is sure to be shocked and angry. He might not even understand why she left, and of course he will be angry that she left with Lord Sesshomaru of all beings." Miroku said.

"Do you think Inuyasha will want to go after her?" She asked.

"I would like to hope Inuyasha will respect Kagome's wishes, but I doubt he will, and will definitely want to go after her. He might even think she did not leave willingly, and that Lord Sesshomaru forced or threatened her." He said.

"Kagome will surely see that as him being more inconsiderate toward her, and not respecting her and her decisions." Sango said.

"Undoubtedly." Miroku said as he nodded. He was not looking forward to Inuyasha's return.

~~EE~~

Inuyasha ran into camp late when it was well after dark; only the camp fire illuminating the area and allowing him to see the gloomy faces of Sango and Miroku.

He slowed to a stop and looked around as he wondered why they were so down. He saw that Shippo was asleep and he smelled tears and sorrow surrounding him, and then he noticed that Kagome wasn't there.

"Where's Kagome?" He asked, thinking back to when he had seen her earlier.

He had forgotten about her while he was with Kikyou, and even on his way back he hadn't spared her a thought, but now that he was here he thought she should have returned to them after he left. It had definitely been long enough since it took him so long to get back, and that only because Kikyou had traveled far before he managed to catch up to her.

Miroku and Sango looked at each other before looking back to Inuyasha.

"She left." Miroku answered. "She decided she was going to travel with Lord Sesshomaru from now on."

Inuyasha was shocked. He looked around and finally realized that all of Kagome's belongings were gone. She was actually gone.

"Why did she leave?!" He asked angrily. "Why would she go off with that bastard? She knows how dangerous he is, knows he hates humans. What was she thinking?! How could she be so stupid?!"

Miroku shook his head.

"You have some valid questions, but you need to consider your own behavior as well." He said.

"Yes." Sango agreed. "Kagome explained that she almost drowned saving Kikyou and you did not check and see if she was okay, bring her back to camp or direct her here, or even thank her for what she had done for you in saving Kikyou."

"You simply left her where you found her soaking wet, and with no idea how to get back to camp. It is no wonder she did not want to travel with you anymore." She said.

"Yes." Miroku agreed. "Lord Sesshomaru brought her back here, which means he must have come across her and helped her when he did not have to. And Kagome specifically said she was not willing to travel with you anymore." He pointed out.

"Part of your problem is that you have been taking Kagome's presence for granted, and being careless with her and her feelings. You want both women, Kagome and Kikyou, however your actions in always going to and after Kikyou speak for itself." He continued.

"You assumed Kagome would wait around for you and not have a problem with your continued affection for Kikyou, but clearly that is not the case. She is not willing to share you, and apparently she is not going to wait for you anymore either." He said.

Miroku chose not to mention their suspicion that Kagome might not even see him as a friend anymore. He would likely find out the truth of that the next time they came across Kagome.

Inuyasha looked away and thought about Miroku's words and knew it was true. He thought that Kagome had stayed with him so far through everything so she would always be there, but now that she was gone and apparently didn't want to travel with them, him, anymore he realized he wanted her more than Kikyou.

He couldn't believe that was all it had taken, for him to be told and see for himself that she was gone, for him to realize that he actually wanted her as his mate instead of Kikyou. He guessed he should be glad it hadn't taken her death for him to realize the truth of what he really wanted.

He remembered his plan to try and have them both, and almost groaned out loud at his foolishness. He still had affection for Kikyou, wanted to help her, but he didn't feel anxious when she wasn't around. Never had. He didn't want them both; his current feelings were proof. He just wanted Kagome.

Already he could feel himself getting angry and antsy and wanting to go find Kagome, and bring her back into the safety of his presence where he could see her and sense her presence.

"We need to find Kagome before she gets herself killed!" He said insistently.

Inuyasha immediately moved away without waiting for the others, didn't even see if they were getting up, dashing out of camp and into the trees, trying to find her scent trail, but just as quickly realized what was left of both her scent and Sesshomaru's disappeared not far from the camp.

He growled angrily and stop running before he had even really picked up any speed. What was he going to do now? How was he going to find Kagome? She couldn't have honestly wanted to travel with that bastard!

His anxiousness grew as he thought his bastard half-brother wouldn't protect her, and would likely leave her for dead or watch her die at the first sign of trouble.

Inuyasha growled again and clenched his hands, his claws digging into his palms, and closed his eyes. Kagome was in the situation she had put herself in because of him, and he hated it!

He had to find a way to find her and get her back. He was sure if he swallowed his pride and apologized she would forgive him and come back. Everything would be as it always was, and he could start showing her that she was the one he wanted.

But his mind went back to his previous notice of how she was deliberately putting distance between them and being lost in thought. Could her decision to leave have been a result of all the thinking she had been doing too?

oOoEEoOo

Days had passed since Kagome had begun traveling with Sesshomaru, and both of them were feeling more at peace then they had in a long time.

The same day Kagome left the group they had taken the time to go to the well so she could inform her family of the change and why.

While she was gone Anubis had sealed the well against Inuyasha, so he could no longer go through. Now that the split had been made Inuyasha didn't need access. He didn't need to be around her family, and definitely not to have the chance of coming across her while she was with her family and taking care of her business in that time.

Thankfully Kagome's family had taken it well. While saddened at Inuyasha's behavior they were proud of her for taking the initiative of getting herself out of his company and into a safer situation.

And Kagome found that she was safer. She was used to there being almost constant attacks when she was with Inuyasha, but with Sesshomaru she had yet to experience one attack despite her having jewel shards on her.

In her mind it was just another way of silently showing how powerful he was; that beings didn't want to come into his presence and risk a fight even for a chance at the jewel shards.

Kagome smiled lightly as she walked at Sesshomaru's side. Traveling with him was so different then with the others. It was quieter than she was used to, but also more peaceful and relaxing.

She woke naturally when she was finished sleeping instead of to the disgruntled tone of Inuyasha's voice and rough hands shaking her. She had gotten so used to feeling her heart racing after being startled out of her sleep that she was amazed how much better her mood was when she woke peacefully.

Sesshomaru hunted for her every night so she had fresh meat to eat for dinner and leftover for breakfast, which was doing wonders for her energy level and concentration. She had not realized until a few days of that treatment that she had not been eating properly before.

She had been eating ramen, various other junk food, candy, and the occasional fish that she, Sango, or Miroku caught when Inuyasha didn't want to hunt down some meat for them, which she sadly noted had been often. She had only managed to eat properly when she went back home, which also hadn't been often with how Inuyasha refused to let her.

It had only been recently that she was putting her foot down and insisting she get to go home whether he liked it or not.

Aside from that she was having time to do her homework and study, and since she was being given that time she got her work done and was able to have more time to meditate and manipulate her reiki and work on her archery.

She was pleased about all of that and knew her mother would be as well once she told her. Heck she knew that Sesshomaru was even pleased that she was continuing the training she had managed to start doing before separating from Inuyasha and the others.

However, now she thought she had adjusted enough to the switch from traveling with the others to traveling with Sesshomaru that she could start talking to him more, and asking him the question she had not gotten around to asking him.

"Can I ask you a question?" Kagome asked as she looked over to him.

"Yes." Sesshomaru said, nodding once as he cut his eyes over to her briefly.

"Do you think I look like Kikyou?" She asked.

Sesshomaru blinked, remembering how he and Anubis had noticed her appearance changing. How she slowly began to look less and less like Kikyou, and more like Ikoris.

"You do not." He answered, and then turned his head to look at her. "Why do you wish to know?" He asked.

"I've recently begun to suspect that I'm not Kikyou's reincarnation, but I wasn't sure and couldn't ask anyone else I know because they all think I'm the other priestess' reincarnation and therefore that I look like her." Kagome explained.

"That of course excludes my family since they've never seen Kikyou before, and I thought to ask Shippo, being a demon he had better senses, but he's just a child." She added.

Sesshomaru nodded in understanding while Anubis was intrigued by this piece of information. Perhaps she was remembering something of her long ago past or something she had seen or heard made her question what everyone else around her thought.

"The first time I saw you, you looked very similar to the dead priestess, however, after I learned of that priestess being brought back to life I noted over time that your own appearance began to change." He explained.

"I can say with absolute certainty that you now no longer resemble that dead woman, and I am sure that you likely now resemble your parents." He added.

Kagome smiled at this confirmation of her suspicions. She would definitely have to take a long look at her mother the next time she went back home and analyze pictures of her father.

"Thank you for telling me, and for noticing in the first place so you could know to tell me." She said.

"You are welcome." Sesshomaru said. "What brought on your suspicions of not being the reincarnation of the dead priestess?"

"It was the necklace you gave me." Kagome said as she reached up and touched it. "The next time I went home after you gave it to me I searched out information to try and find the meaning of the symbol."

"As I was looking for it I realized that everything Ancient Egyptian I looked at fascinated me, and made me think it was something I should have been looking for all along." She said, and then hesitated briefly. "Part of me thought the information I had found felt familiar to me." She added.

"And because of how strong that feeling was you began to suspect that you are reincarnated from that Ancient Egyptian society, and therefore cannot be the reincarnation of the priestess connected to the whelp." Sesshomaru said.

"Exactly." Kagome said as she nodded. "I've never felt anything about this time was familiar and that includes Keade, with her being Kikyou's sister and all. You confirmed my suspicions with telling me of my changed appearance, and I can't help thanking you again."

"I've felt so stifled and trapped by everyone thinking and telling me I'm Kikyou's reincarnation; even Kikyou thinks I'm her reincarnation. It's hard with everyone expecting me to live up to what that woman was or to be just like her. Especially since I'm not anything like her." She explained.

"And when it comes to Inuyasha part of me had thought my feelings for him were a result of being told from the beginning that I was Kikyou's reincarnation, and hearing the tale of what happened to the two of them. I felt like I didn't have a choice in my feelings for him, and that my liking him was like giving him and Kikyou a second chance to be together." She continued.

Sesshomaru nodded calmly although inside he was surprised. He knew her feelings for the whelp were real, but it had never occurred to him to think her feelings might have been influenced.

It is likely as simple as everyone telling her that she was that woman's reincarnation, the boy's constant comparisons to the woman, and developing slight feelings for him. Anubis said.

Feelings that grew deeper as time passed and constantly being in his presence. Sesshomaru added.

Yes, and now that she is away from him those feelings are sure to fade all the faster. Anubis said.

"I am pleased to give you clarity in the situation and peace of mind." Sesshomaru said.

"Thank you." Kagome said again.

She was quiet after that and wanted to ask him how that Egyptian symbol was connected to him, being a Japanese feudal lord, but decided to hold off on that. It was enough that it was connected to him.

Instead she decided to ask him something else; something that was especially relevant now that she was no longer traveling with her previous group.

"Would you be willing to teach me how to fight physically and how to use a sword?" She asked.

Sesshomaru blinked in surprise, which was quickly followed by pleasure.

"I do not have to consider. I am willing to do it." He answered. "Were you unable to get training from the monk and slayer?"

"I learned to sense different types of spiritual power, to make and use sutras, and how to feel my own spiritual power and use it from Miroku, which is all he knew. And I had hoped to learn more from Keade, but we never stayed in the village long enough for me to get any significant training from her." Kagome explained.

"And Sango never even taught me the basics of using a sword nor had she started to teach me how to fight physically." She continued. "I still haven't gotten ahold of a sword, and it was like Sango didn't want me using her sword even to just practice. We had time and I didn't care who saw us, so I didn't understand why we never started."

"Did you manage to learn anything from the priestess Keade?" Sesshomaru asked.

"I had managed to speak to Keade about my training and she suggested I continue my meditation, and focus on putting my reiki into my arrows and trying to create different seals as something I can do until I could stay in the village for an extended time." She answered.

"So far I can do things like putting a demon or half demon to sleep, trapping them to an object like how Inuyasha had been trapped to the tree and put to sleep, and sealing their youki and making them as close to human as possible." She explained.

"That is a good start." Sesshomaru said. "We will start this evening with how to use a sword, and I will also work with you with your spiritual power. I have a different perspective on how to go about it then I believe the monk did and the elder priestess does."

Kagome nodded and couldn't deny she was curious about his thoughts about how to use her spiritual power. Not to mention she was happy about finally starting on the more physical side of her training.

"Thank you. I can't wait to get started." She said.

"I am looking forward to it as well." He said.

~~EE~~

The morning after Sesshomaru agreed to help with Kagome's training found the pair awake in their little camp and stretching out their limbs. Sesshomaru didn't have to, but he wanted to since he felt that would be good toward connecting on a deeper emotional level with Kagome; doing the things she did and showing comradeship.

Kagome had decided to start exercising so she could be in better shape, and he had agreed that it could only help her. Her legs and arms would be stronger for physical fighting; not to mention help her run longer distances, and handle the weight of a sword better. It would even help her in using her bow.

After they finished stretching they began to do sit-ups, then push-ups, and then run wide laps around their camp until Kagome couldn't do more.

When they finished they stretched again until she was rested enough, and he began to teach her stances to get her started with learning physical fighting. He showed her how to swing her legs and arms in different ways depending on how she intended to strike someone or block an incoming blow.

He showed her how to fall and roll properly, so she didn't get hurt and could easily and quickly get back to her feet to avoid being attacked while she was down.

Once she had all that down she began to put it all to use against him. Thankfully he started gently with her, so she didn't have to worry about getting hurt if she did something the wrong way.

When it came to hitting he was able to block every kick and punch she aimed at him even with only one arm, which wasn't much of a surprise considering he was a demon and was stronger and faster than her.

Still, she didn't let it discourage her. Instead she kept at it, telling herself that she could hit as hard as she wanted because he could handle it and wouldn't be hurt.

"Stop." Sesshomaru called when he noticed her hits were become sloppy. "That is enough physical training for the day. You should rest and eat before we move on to weapon training."

Kagome nodded and began to shake out her numb legs and arms and stretch, because the last thing she wanted was cramps. She watched Sesshomaru go sit down and lean against a tree as she stretched, and once she finished she went about making herself a snack.

Once she was finished eating and everything was cleaned up she stood, and watched Sesshomaru join her before he grasped the hilt of Tenseiga and drew it from its sheath and held it out to her.

Kagome took the sword and took a deep breath as she held it in her hands and readied herself to learn.

The evening before Sesshomaru had gotten her started on how to draw the sword without cutting herself, showed her how to hold it properly, and helped her get used to the weight of a sword.

Now she paid close attention as he began to teach her how to swing it without hurting herself, from left to right and up and down, and different stances he knew to see which ones fit her and she felt comfortable with. She understood that once they found a set then that would become the foundation to the style she eventually developed.

She repeated these motions again and again and again, gradually becoming used to the motions and steadily memorizing the stances.

She wasn't sure how long this went on but it was long enough that her arms began to tremble, but still she went on until a few minutes after that when he told her to stop.

"Relax." Sesshomaru said as he took the Tenseiga from her grasp. He watched her sit on the ground and sigh as she began to wiggle her arms as if she was trying to loosen them up.

It is your turn to teach her. He told Anubis.

Are you positive? Anubis asked. He had caught the thought in his mind during the night, but he hadn't said anything. Then again he had been slightly surprised when he heard it.

I am. Sesshomaru said. I have a way of teaching her that is different, just as I told her, but I think you likely do as well, and it will give you a chance to spend time with her and give her a chance to get used to you. After all, she has not seen or spoken to you since you gave her the necklace.

I understand. Anubis said. Thank you for the opportunity to spend time with her.

Sesshomaru simply hummed internally before mentally stepping aside so that Anubis could assume control of their body.

Kagome looked up as she finally let her arms rest at her sides and watched as Sesshomaru's eyes changed. They turned a solid black, the white and gold being concealed so fast if she had blinked she would have missed it.

"We have only seen it happen twice now, but I do not think I will ever tire of seeing it." The voice in her mind said.

Me too. Kagome agreed as she stared up in awe into the black eyes of Sesshomaru's other half.

"Greetings little priestess." Anubis said.

Kagome shivered at the deeper sound. "Hi." She said as she blinked wide eyed at him.

"I will be instructing you in the use of your powers from now on. I believe you should still seek instruction from the priestess Keade, however, I want my teachings firmly in your mind before you are told anything that will hinder your progress." He said clearly.

Kagome wanted to know why it was him that would be teaching her instead of Sesshomaru, but she didn't really care enough to ask. He was still Sesshomaru after all.

"What do you mean? What can Keade say that would hinder me?" She asked.

"She can tell you that priestess' normally cannot do a certain task or have a particular ability." He explained patiently. "Even if she believes you have the power to do it simply voicing her opinion could be enough to hinder you, because it would then be in your mind to wonder if you could do it when others, others that you believe to be more powerful or knowledgeable, cannot."

"I understand." Kagome said as she nodded.

She knew she would highly likely be susceptible to such a thing considering how she had been acting after being told repeatedly that she was Kikyou's reincarnation.

Everyone said she was almost as powerful as Kikyou, sometimes nowhere near, and was surprised when she did something massive with her powers, that she had begun to believe it and be surprised as well.

People, or rather Inuyasha and Keade, believed she should be good with a bow and arrows just because Kikyou was, and she had begun to believe it as well.

"It is a good thing you are not her reincarnation. You can now fully be yourself without trying to live up to the prowess of a woman that has nothing to do with you. Or a certain half demon's expectations of you being like your supposed incarnation." The voice in her mind said.

True. Kagome agreed.

"We will first start with accessing your reiki without the conduit of a bow and arrows." Anubis said. "You said previously that you learned how to feel your power from within and manipulate it, however, I wish to see for myself how far you have progressed before we move on. Whether that it is to further your progress or move on to the next step in your training."

"Okay." Kagome said, and shifted her legs until she was comfortable before she began to meditate. She breathed in slowly and let it out just as slowly, and repeated the process until she felt calm. Then she focused on her reiki, feeling it, and bringing it forward.

We will need to work on her accessing her power without having to meditate first. Anubis thought immediately. He knew that it was only a matter of practicing and becoming familiar with the feel, which was something she obviously hadn't been able to do.

That is not surprising given how the half-breed behaved with her and treated her. Sesshomaru replied.

Anubis watched as Kagome suddenly began to glow pink with the aura of her power. It moved and whipped around her like the flames of a fire, and made her look more beautiful than she already was.

"Good, good." He said. "Concentrate on the feel of your power; become familiar with it. So familiar that you can recognize it as your personal signature. Focus on how it feels, and how it makes you feel."

Kagome heard Sesshomaru's beast's words and began to concentrate on her reiki without a word. It was warm, very warm, soothing, and strong. In the time she had learned to consciously call on her power and manipulate it she had not noticed its strength.

The only things she had noticed was the bright pink color of it and its warmth. Her reiki made her feel warm and comfortable and strong; like she could protect herself and fight.

"Good." Anubis said firmly when she related her thoughts to him. "Release your power and open your eyes. Now call on your power again, this time without meditating." He instructed once her eyes were open.

Kagome nodded and took a deep breath and let it out slowly before she focused on the way her reiki had felt. That warm, soothing, strong sensation.

She searched inside herself, going deeper and deeper, unknowing how much time was passing, until she found it. It seemed to be at her chest and yet deep inside her at the same time. She was about to pull on it but paused thoughtfully.

Can you come forward? She asked it calmly.

The next thing she knew the warmth was spreading throughout her body, and soon she was engulfed in pink light.

Anubis watched, pleased at the little priestess' quick progress. Clearly her previous practice was helping her along. Still, he knew she could be better, and he intended to help her get there.

"Very good." He said encouragingly. "Now do it again. I want you to continue to do so until you do not have to think about it. I want the process to be instant and instinctive."

She nodded and he watched as the pink light of her reiki faded until it disappeared. She took a few deep breaths and let them out slowly, and after a few long moments she was once again engulfed in the pink light.

This went on for a few long minutes. Her pink power appeared and disappeared and reappeared only to disappear and then appear and then disappear again.

The process repeated over and over and over as Anubis slowly walked a circle around her giving her quiet encouragement and advice.

When Anubis was satisfied with her ability to call on her reiki quickly he began to instruct her on masking her power, scent, and aura.

"In order to mask your power or anything else about yourself that you wish to conceal you need to be able to properly use your reiki; to have control. If one does not have sufficient control then anything you try will be harder and possibly not work." He explained patiently.

"You must bring all of your power to one point inside yourself, assuming it is not already in one location, and want to conceal your power from outside forces, from any being that is not yourself." He instructed, and watched her nod.

"Should I try to conceal my reiki, scent, and aura one at a time or all of them at once?" She asked.

"If your control and will are sound you should be able to do them all at once." He answered. "I am confident you will able to if that is what you wish."

Kagome nodded again and took a steady breath before she began to focus on her reiki. It was exactly where it had been all this time at the level of her chest and deep inside. She could feel it warm and soothing there, and imagined it to look like a slowly wreathing mass of power.

She focused on pulling it in tighter and smoothing it, so it would be a smooth round ball sitting warmly deep in her chest.

Can you make yourself impossible to be sensed outside my body, and do the same with hiding my scent and aura so I cannot be sensed or smelled by those able to track such things and find me? She asked her reiki just like she had before when she asked it to come forward.

The smooth ball of power pulsed warmly as if it understood before it settled back down.

"It probably does understand in a sense, which is why simply asking it to do what you want it to do worked." The voice in her mind said.

That makes sense. Kagome said as she sensed what she thought was like a barrier, but instead of it being around her it was inside her. She wondered how that worked when it came to her scent. Where did her scent originate? She guessed it ultimately didn't matter as long as it worked.

Anubis nodded as all sense of the little priestess vanished suddenly; at least to his mortal senses. Being the god he was he could still sense her, and therefore find her if such a situation ever called for it.

"Excellent. I can no longer smell you or sense you, and I cannot feel your power either." He stated. "I advise you to keep these protections in place, and make sure you stay as such at all times. As long as you conceal those aspects of yourself you will not be found by Naraku, Inuyasha, Kikyou, or anyone else you do not wish to see or find dangerous and undesirable to be around."

"I will." Kagome said seriously as she nodded. Can you please keep these protections in place always unless I ask otherwise? She asked her reiki since protections were what it basically was.

Her power once again pulsed warmly with its understanding.

"Now that that has been taken care of we will move on, however we will continue to deal with your being. Meaning I will instruct you on how to use your power to augment your senses and strengthen your body." Anubis explained.

"Wow." Kagome said as her eyes widened in surprise. "I didn't know that was possible. At least not for people with spiritual powers."

"It is possible for any being of power." He replied. I wish I had taught Ikoris to strengthen her senses and body. Maybe if I had she would have known what was coming and been able to get away and live.

That is why you are teaching Kagome now. You learned from that terrible experience, and Kagome will benefit and be safer for it. Sesshomaru said calmly.

Kagome nodded. "I'm ready for my next lesson." She said.

"In that case I want you to channel your reiki through your body, without interfering with your self protections, and slowly move it to the areas that control your senses first; your nose, your ears, and your eyes." Anubis instructed.

"Should you succeed I want you to inform me immediately if the input is too much for your senses." He added seriously, and she nodded.

Can you slowly enhance my hearing, my vision, and my sense of smell? She calmly asked her reiki, and gradually she began to hear more, smell more, and see more.

"I'm not being overwhelmed, but my senses are..um.." She began, but trailed off in hesitation.

"Being enhanced." Anubis said, finishing her sentence.

"Yes." Kagome said.

"Which sense is it?" He asked.

"I chose to do all three; smell, hearing, and vision." She answered.

"Very well. We will take it one sense at a time." He said. "Tell me what you can see that is different than usual for you."

Kagome looked around along the grass and up toward the branches of trees.

"Everything, colors, are brighter. No; more vibrant, and I think I can see more detail." She said.

"Good, very good." Anubis said. "And your hearing?" He asked.

"I can definitely hear more." She said. "I can hear my own heartbeat in a way I haven't before, I can hear my breathing, the air moving in and out through my body, and I think I can even hear the rush of my blood moving."

"Beyond that I can hear nearby animals and the rustle of leaves, and I can hear your steady heartbeat and breathing." She added.

"Excellent. Very good." Anubis said as he nodded. "What can you smell?" He asked, both he and Sesshomaru were very curious about that.

Kagome closed her eyes as she breathed through her nose.

"I can smell the grass, the dirt, the soap I used during my last bath, the shampoo I used to wash my hair, and I think I can smell you, but I'm not sure how to describe your scent." She said.

Anubis remained silent, giving her time to try to put it into words.

"It's like lightning, heat, acid, power, and pure. Those are the words that come to mind." She finally said.

She appears to be picking up both of our scents. Anubis told Sesshomaru.

"That is fine. As long as you know that particular scent belongs to me. No one else in the world will have that particular scent." He said.

"Okay." Kagome said, and proceeded to try and isolate that scent and memorize it since she knew better than anyone that there was the possibility of them being separated from each other or coming across someone pretending to be him. This way she would know it was a fake, and be able to try and use the scent to track him.

"We will move on now to strengthening your body. This will work from the inside so your protections should not be compromised." Anubis said.

Kagome nodded her understanding.

"I want you to channel your power just as you did before, however this time you need to gradually focus it on flowing into your muscles and bones; then allow it to steadily flow in a cycle through all the bones and muscles in your body." He instructed.

"Doing so will allow you to move faster, whether in a fast walk or running, and make you stronger so that you can hit harder, withstand strong blows, and lift heavier objects." He explained.

Kagome nodded again before she took a deep breath and let it out slowly as she wondered if she should do it exactly as he said or ask her power to strengthen her bones and muscles.

"Perhaps you should ask your power to follow the steps he laid out for you." The voice in her mind suggested.

Alright. Kagome agreed. Can you gradually flow into my muscles and bones and strengthen them, and then cycle through them throughout my body so none are missed? She asked her reiki.

Her power pulsed warmly with its understanding, and she began to feel the steady soothing warmth spread out from the smooth round ball sitting deep in her chest.

She closed her eyes as she followed its path as it flowed down, up, and around in every direction as it sought out every muscle and bone in her body. She felt the steady warmth flowing inside her, feeling like it would keep her warm from the inside out as it did its task.

"I believe I've done it." She said as she opened her eyes, and watched him nod once.

"It should be kept up at all times, just as your enhanced senses and protections are, in order to make sure your body is always used to the added enhancements." Anubis instructed.

"Okay." Kagome said as she nodded.

"Now little priestess," He said as he pulled out the Tenseiga. "I want you to stand up, and begin to go through the stances I taught you." He instructed as he handed her the sword.

Kagome held the sword the way he had instructed her previously, and began to slowly go through the stances, hoping she remembered them all. Thankfully she did.

"How do your arms feel?" He asked when she finished, and watched her blinked in surprise and looked down at the sword before she looked back to him.

"They feel fine." She said in surprise. "The sword is still heavy but my arms aren't straining from the weight yet. I can feel a slight burning, but that's all."

"Good. That means that you have succeeded in strengthening your body." Anubis said. "We will continue as normal for the time being, and not try to add anything seriously strenuous when it comes to your exercises and weapons training, so your body can become used to the change."

Kagome nodded and began to go through her stances again, moving the sword this way and that way according to a particular stance. She went through the stances a third time before she stopped, and handed Tenseiga back to Sesshomaru and shook her arms.

"How are you doing with your protections, body enhancement, and having your major senses enhanced?" Anubis asked.

"I'm feeling fine; everything is still in place and I don't feel any strain." Kagome answered.

"Very well then. We will move on, leaving your remaining senses for another day, and work on applying your powers to abilities outside of your body." He said, and she nodded. "We will start with making barriers. I want you to be able to protect yourself, and anyone else you so choose."

"Beyond that barriers can be used to contain your enemies or any being you feel is a threat. It is about intent, about what you want, when creating a barrier, and in fact when using your powers in general. So I want you to create a barrier around yourself that will protect you from an attacking demon." He said.

Kagome nodded and focused on her reiki, on that warm feeling inside herself.

Can you please put a barrier around me that will protect me from a demon attacking me; as in keep it, its weapons, and attacks from getting to me physically? She asked.

Her reiki pulsed warmly before a transparent pink barrier flickered into place around her making it look like she was encased in a pink bubble.

Anubis hummed, sensing the strength of the barrier, before he placed his hand on it. He nodded when his hand didn't go through even when he pressed heavily down on it.

He focused briefly and soon the tips of his fingers were glowing a sickly green before acid began to drip from his fingers. Still it had no effect, and he smiled in approval. He reigned in his poisonous acid before he drew the Tenseiga and swung it sharply down on the barrier.

"Very, very good little priestess." He said when the sword didn't go through. "I am so very pleased with your first attempt, and with how thorough you obviously were in crafting the protective barrier."

"Thank you." Kagome said as she blushed.

Anubis nodded once and then instructed her to release the barrier and then create another one, but this one with the ability to purify an attacking demon.

Kagome released the barrier, but hesitated to continue and bit her lip.

"I don't want to hurt you if you're going to test it yourself." She said.

"Then what should you do if that is the case?" He asked, not missing a beat. "If you have a demon you care about that is being influenced by outside forces to attack you and is not in their right mind, what would you do?"

Kagome hummed thoughtfully and considered that she obviously wouldn't want them hurt, but she would still need to protect herself or she could be killed. So something that wasn't strong enough to purify, but still keep the influenced demon away from her.

She nodded to herself. Can you create the same barrier as before, but with the ability to purify enough to singe a demon's skin? She asked her reiki.

Again her reiki pulsed warmly before another pink barrier flickered to life around her.

"Good, very good." Anubis said.

He then began to have the little priestess practice putting up barriers of various sizes around herself, their campsite, and around himself. This way she knew she would be able to protect herself, her campsite, and even him if she so willed it. She would also know that she could contain a demon.

"When using your power you should use your imagination." Anubis said after a thorough practice. "It is your power and will do what you want, and because of that combination you will be able to do things other priestesses cannot."

"This means you will be able to create weapons, physical weapons that you can actually use against actual bone and steel, and heal; both demons and humans. You can even purify humans if you put your mind to it, and believe in yourself and have control of your power." He explained.

Kagome blinked in surprise at his words. She hadn't thought it was possible to heal demons with her powers or purify humans, but according to him those were things she could do. As long as she wanted to do them, and had the will and control to do it.

And use my imagination. She thought quietly. What else can I do with only my mind as my limit?

From there Kagome listened closely as Sesshomaru's beast taught her how to create various shapes in different sizes with her power.

oOoEEoOo

Two weeks had passed since Sesshomaru had begun to train Kagome, and she had finally decided to do something about her attraction to him.

She had been thinking about him more and more; thinking about what she liked about him, what traveling with him was like, and how he made her feel.

The first thing that was noticeable was his looks; his long silver hair and golden eyes, and his demonic markings, the navy blue crescent moon on his brow and the magenta stripes on his face and wrist.

He was beautiful in a purely masculine exotic way. She readily admitted that she even liked the way he dressed; even the way he wore his armor fit him and added to his attractiveness.

She liked getting to know him and was happy that everything she learned about him only made her like him even more. Of course she also liked the sound of his voice, and she even liked that his beast spoke to her. His voice was even deeper, and she liked that as well. She was definitely enjoying hearing it more now that he was helping to train her.

She liked that he took such an interest in her and what had shaped her. He listened to her rambling talking so intently that there was no doubt he was interested in what she had to say. That was so refreshing after dealing with Inuyasha, and even her friends back home.

None of them listened closely, didn't remember what she had said the next time she saw them, and because of that she had stopped telling them about anything important to her or about her.

She definitely liked and appreciated how caring he was of her and solicitous he was to her needs. He always made sure she was safe, always made sure she had fresh food and plenty of it, and he seemed to make sure there was nearly always a hot spring in the area for her to bathe in.

Most of all she liked that he respected her. Just as she had thought before he always listened to her, but he also asked her opinion about different things in terms of his role as the Lord of the West.

He always told her where they were traveling to or if they didn't have a destination he simply told her that instead of remaining silent and leaving her to guess and follow along into the unknown.

He also understood that she needed to return home from time to time for school and to let her family know she was still alive. He was treating her as a true friend, an equal, and she barely had the words to describe how that made her feel.

Now she was at home since she had needed to turn in some homework and take a test, and she decided that now was the best time to make a move or at least preparations for her move.

Kagome liked Sesshomaru. She liked him and his beast, and she wanted to know him on a deeper level; she wanted to be with him. Although, she could admit she still felt a bit of affection for Inuyasha, but it wasn't anywhere near strong enough to stop her from acting on her attraction to Sesshomaru.

She was slightly wary considering what happened with her feelings for Inuyasha, but this time would be different. She would not just sit back and assume her feelings were known just because of her actions.

Although, she thought with Sesshomaru and his personality that would be all that was needed.

However, she intended to do more than that. If she wanted him she was going to have to get him to want her in return, so she was going to do something she had learned about from her time with him.

She was going to court him.

With her traveling with him she had the perfect opportunity to do it uninterrupted. There would be no one to try and convince her that he was too dangerous or human hating. That a demon/human relationship would never work or that she was only interested in him because he was related to Inuyasha.

"That would be ridiculous for anyone to say." The voice in her mind said. "If that fact mattered you would have simply stayed with the dog eared boy."

True. Kagome agreed.

Them being brothers didn't matter to her. She had gotten over her feelings and left Inuyasha because he was just what the voice said; nothing but a dog eared boy. He didn't know what he wanted, and was selfish.

Even now she was sure that Inuyasha was upset that she was gone and likely wanted her back. She knew that if she did go back he would be upset but pay her more attention for a while, and yet at some point he would go right back to his previous behavior of taking her for granted and focusing on Kikyou.

She deserved better than that. Better than to be used for her abilities, taken for granted, and strung along.

She wanted a mature male that knew what he wanted and knew her worth and how to treat her. She wanted someone loyal, faithful, respectful, and who enjoyed being with her and talking to her and listening to her.

Kagome didn't know if Sesshomaru was loyal or faithful, but she knew he seemed to like to be around her and talking to her. He listened to what she said and was respectful. He knew her worth and treated her well, and that was all as just a friend.

He had even saved her life at least twice before they had become friends; once when they had just met to his own detriment.

She didn't care about his missing arm. He was still Sesshomaru, a powerful attractive dog demon, and a male who was steady and protective. Courting him would let her find out if he was loyal and faithful, and how he would behave in a relationship.

Kagome quickly grabbed her purse and left the house to get a few things she would need to start her subtle courtship. She hoped she could find what she was looking for before she had to return to the past.

"Do not worry. You will find what you need to court the demon Lord." The voice in her mind said reassuringly.

~~EE~~

Kagome jumped into the well, holding her duffel bags and bow and quiver of arrows close, her backpack secure on her back, and instantly slowed and floated as the blue light of the time slip caught her. Long seconds passed before it lowered her until her feet gently touched the well floor.

She looked up and saw not just the open sky, but the narrow golden eyes and striped face of her dog demon companion.

And crush. She thought as he disappeared and seemingly reappeared in the well next to her.

He wrapped his arm around her, unhindered by her backpack and two bags, and leapt out of the well and lightly touched down on the grass before he released her.

"Thank you." Kagome said.

"You are welcome." Sesshomaru said.

She took a deep breath as she fought not to blush in front of him, knowing that she carried courting gifts for him. She reminded herself that he was still her friend even though she hoped he would be more sometime soon, and she needed to calm down and not be shy or uncomfortable.

"Come. We should leave since your former pack is in the area. They cannot sense us in any way, but I do not wish to chance us being seen." Sesshomaru said.

Kagome nodded and stepped closer to him even though she had only taken a few steps back so she could look up at him and not accidentally hit him with one of her bags.

Sesshomaru wrapped his arm around Kagome again, and called on his youki before he enveloped them in his light orb, and sped off into the sky and away from the area.

A few minutes later they touched down and the light disappeared from around them, and Kagome recognized the area as the one they had been in before she had needed to go through the well.

She hummed softly, liking that they were far from the village and her former pack, and back in the area they had been in since it was an ideal place for her training to continue.

Kagome put her pack and bags down and glanced to Sesshomaru before turning her attention back to her bags. It had only been a day since Kagome had made her decision to court the demon Lord, and though she had the gifts she was going to give him she had no idea how to start.

She knew she wanted and needed to do more than just give him gifts. She had to display her feelings for him, show him that she liked him, and hopefully he would start to feel more for her than just friendship.

"What are we going to do now?" She asked.

"If you have nothing you need to do we can train since it is still early in the day." Sesshomaru said thoughtfully.

"I don't mind that at all. I can use all the training I can get; especially since it's only been two weeks since I started." She replied.

"Good." He said. "I want to start with weapons. You should practice with your bow and arrows. After a sufficient time we will switch to the sword, and from there move on to using your spiritual powers."

Kagome nodded and looked around before moving to the side toward an area where she had used before to practice her archery.

She spent a half hour on her archery before switching to using Sesshomaru's Tenseiga to practice her stances and swinging the sword the correct way. Another half hour passed and she handed the sword back, and watched as he sheathed it and his beast made an appearance.

"Greetings little priestess." Anubis said. "How are you fairing with your enhanced senses?" He asked.

"I'm good. They're still working as they're supposed to." She answered. "I had some trouble with my sense of smell and hearing when I was in my time, but I eventually figured out how to make the right adjustments so they weren't overwhelming but still useful."

"That is very good. I am proud that you made the adjustments on your own." He said, and watched her smile brightly. "Now I want you to put up every barrier you can think of one at a time in the various sizes you want, and identify them as you do so I can test them." He instructed.

Kagome nodded and began to do just that. She spent a few long minutes putting up barriers some large, some small, some skin tight, and watching Sesshomaru test each one. Both of them were pleased when his attempts were failures.

She dropped the last one and hesitated as she looked at him.

"Yes?" Anubis said in an encouraging tone.

"You remember your fight with that fake goddess?" She asked.

"Of course." He answered, and she nodded.

"I wondered if I could do that; make solid weapons from my reiki the way you did." She said.

"Of course you can." He said instantly. "It is as I said before about intent, about what you want to do. You have the power; all you have to do is practice. We will start with arrows since you are more familiar with using those as weapons."

Kagome learned rather quickly that she couldn't just ask her reiki to create the arrow like she could with everything else she had so far, and realized it was likely because only she knew what she wanted the arrow to look like.

I need to use my imagination and the guidance he gave me when I was learning to make different shapes. She reminded herself.

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly as she closed her eyes, and pictured one of the typical arrows she used with her bow. From the arrow tip, to the length of the shaft, to the feathers at the end. Then she raised her hands up in front of her chest and, instead of asking, willed her reiki to form that weapon.

She opened her eyes and was pleased to see a perfect replica of one of the arrows she used with her bow. It was glowing pink, clearly made from her spiritual power, and looked like it was solid.

She touched it and was pleased to find that it was solid. She released the power and watched it fade away into nothing before she produced the arrow again, this time with her eyes open. She watched as the arrow appeared as a thin wisp of pink light before it grew dense and formed into the arrow she had first produced.

She took a hold of the arrow and twirled in her fingers before she stabbed it into the ground. It sank into the grass and dirt just like a real arrow, to the point where she felt the resistance, and once she released it from her hand it disappeared.

Taking a slight breath she produced yet another pink glowing arrow, satisfied that it was just as solid as the last one, and looked to Sesshomaru.

Anubis nodded in approval.

"I want you to throw it, so that we may see how long it will last." He said.

Kagome nodded and looked around before she spotted an opening between the trees behind her and to her left. She twisted in that direction and threw the arrow as hard as she could.

The arrow sailed through the air between the trees where she had wanted it to go before it began to lower and hit the ground. Once it hit the ground it stayed visible for a few seconds before it disappeared.

"Very good." He said. "Those arrows will be of tremendous use if you need to throw them or if you want to use them with your bow. You should practice with that method later." He suggested.

"Do you recall the arrows I made to deal with the fake goddess?" He asked.

"I do." Kagome said.

"I want you to recreate what I did." He instructed.

Kagome nodded and closed her eyes where she stood to better picture what she had seen him do while she was trapped by the fake goddess. She remembered the shape and the size of the group of arrows, and opened her eyes and willed her power to produce what she wanted as she raised her hand.

Short pink arrows sprayed out of the palm of her hand at a tree slightly in the distance that looked just like the attack Sesshomaru had used on the fake goddess.

"Very good." Anubis said. "This attack is something you can use as a surprise once you are confident you can produce it quickly enough."

Kagome nodded, and knew she needed to practice.

"Now then, I want you to show me any other weapon you can think of." He said.

Kagome nodded again, understanding that he meant to create it like she did with the arrows. She decided to start with the ones that easily came to mind. She held out her hand again, picturing the weapon she had in mind, and silently willed her reiki to create it.

She watched moments later as a glowing pink dagger formed until it lay across her hand. She grabbed the handle and swung it slightly and thrust it in the air in a jabbing motion before she let it fade away and focused on another weapon.

She pictured the various swords she had seen during her time in the past, and in TV shows and movies back home, and one by one she created each one.

After that she created a whip, a spear, a long and short staff, and axes. Then she recalled some manga and anime she had seen, and created senbon needles and shuriken stars.

As Anubis watched he noted which weapons the little priestess looked comfortable holding, and which ones she held and handled longer.

"Which weapon or weapons do you prefer the most?" He asked, and listened as she hummed.

"I like the senbon needles, but considering who I'll be using them against they'll likely be better as an attack like the arrow one you used." Kagome said, and he nodded in agreement.

"I liked the dagger and the swords too, but I don't think I can handle such a long weapon." She continued.

"Did you have a particular sword you liked among those you created?" Anubis asked.

"I liked the thinness of the katana." She answered, and he nodded, having noted that the katana she had created had looked similar to Tenseiga.

"Would you prefer long daggers that can be wielded similar to a sword or short daggers for throwing?" Anubis asked.

Kagome hummed thoughtfully. "I like the idea of using short daggers, but I think I wouldn't be fast enough with them considering the speed of some demons." She said.

"You are faster now that you have enhanced your body's strength." He reminded her.

"Do you really think I can do it?" She asked.

"I do." Anubis said firmly. "You need to believe in yourself."

Kagome nodded. "I would prefer the short daggers." She said firmly.

"Then you will practice with the short daggers and continue with the sword as well from now on during training. The other weapons you are interested in you can practice with outside of that training time." He instructed, and she nodded.

"When it comes time to have a sword of your own we will find you something with the appropriate length for your height." He said. She nodded again, liking the sound of that.

"Now, create a short dagger." Anubis said, and she did. "Shorten it." He said immediately. "It is still too long to be considered a short dagger."

"Good." He said once she did. "Remember that length."

Kagome nodded and released her power, allowing the pink energy to fade back inside her, before she recreated the dagger to be sure she got the length right. She did this a few times and when she was sure she looked back to him.

Anubis nodded. "Throw it at the closest tree." He instructed. "I want you to practice getting the blade into the trunk since that will be considered a serious injury depending on where you hit on a living being."

Kagome did as she was instructed and her first attempt was an embarrassment in front of this experienced warrior. The handle of the dagger slammed into the tree, and it tumbled to the ground and lay in the grass before it faded away.

"That is fine." He said before she could do more than blush. "Practicing will make you better."

Kagome nodded and formed another dagger of the correct size and threw it.

She did this again and again and again with him giving her tips on how to move her wrists and the grip she should have on the handle. Most of the time the handle hit the tree, but occasionally the tip of the dagger hit and stuck a little before it fell to the grass below.

"That is enough." Anubis said after a while. "You are doing better with each throw. You should continue to practice when you can, and we will continue together during your next training session."

"Okay. I'll definitely practice when I can." Kagome said, and he nodded.

"Until next time little priestess." Anubis said, and then mentally stepped aside and returned control to Sesshomaru. Solid black eyes switched to white and gold in a blink as Sesshomaru assumed control.

"Our training is done for now." Sesshomaru announced.

"Okay." Kagome said, and watched as he walked over to a tree and sat down and leaned against it as he settled with his knee up and his arm resting on it.

Now's the time to start. She thought.

She moved and knelt in front of her duffel bags and made sure her back was to Sesshomaru so he couldn't see into her bag as she opened it, and pulled out a small wrapped box before she closed the bag.

She took a steadying breath before she picked up the wrapped gift and stood and walked over to Sesshomaru. She knelt at his side and held out the gift to him.

"For you." She said softly, and watched as he took the gift and lowered his leg before placing it on his lap.

Sesshomaru looked at it with curiosity and Anubis with extreme interest. It didn't take any thought to understand that the paper needed to be removed, so he looked at the places where it was sealed and began to slice a claw through the binding.

"You don't have to be careful about it; the paper is meant to be ripped away from the package." Kagome said.

With that statement Sesshomaru indiscriminately tore at the paper until it was no longer hiding the package. Then he used his claw to slice open the box where it was bound, and pushed back the flaps.

He looked inside and blinked as Anubis gasped in surprise at the content that was revealed. He reached in and carefully lifted it out and looked it over carefully.

It was a black inu laying down on its belly yet sitting up alertly. It had gold and black eyes that were lined in gold with a gold line above each acting as eyebrows, and gold lining the interior of its perked ears.

That is my true form. Anubis said in a breathy tone. At least how my true form is depicted as back in my homeland.

"It's the god Anubis from Egypt. I thought you would like it considering the necklace you gave me, and given it's a dog god. It's so far back in history for me that the god might have been a dog demon for all I know." Kagome explained.

"Thank you for such a thoughtful gift." Sesshomaru said sincerely.

Instead of replying with words Kagome kissed his cheek in response before she quickly stood up.

"I'm going for a run." She announced before she grabbed her bow and arrows and dashed away.

Sesshomaru looked after her, having seen her cheeks take on a dusting of red, and both he and Anubis understood instantly exactly what she was doing. They both were intrigued, and while Sesshomaru was surprised Anubis was pleased that she was courting them.

Sesshomaru decided to take the time given to him by her hasty temporary retreat to think about this turn of events and his affection for the priestess.

From the beginning it had been all Anubis' feelings for the priestess' soul, but now he had developed feelings of his own for the priestess herself.

He didn't know when it had happened since it was gradual, but he thought it was sometime before they became friends; likely before he had told Kagura to leave him alone and find her freedom on her own. Probably when he began to feel jealousy; jealous of her affection and displays of affection for the whelp.

She was loyal, powerful, intelligent, unique, modest, and soft spoken. She was determined and not afraid to learn and improve herself. She was not afraid of him, and was interested in him for himself and not his status.

He blinked and looked in the direction he could hear Kagome's footsteps in, and wondered why it mattered how he felt about her since he wouldn't be around anymore after he and Anubis merged.

Of course it matters. Anubis said instantly. I love her soul and while I hold affection for her it is not anywhere close to how you feel about her. I appreciate her physical appearance because she looks so like my Ikoris, but I am still coming to appreciate her for herself and not just for who she was and her soul.

When we merge both of our feelings for her will combine to create a stronger attachment that includes her as an individual and her soul. He continued.

You will be here after we merge. He insisted. This is your body, you are the Lord of the West, you are the one who put in the effort toward securing your lands and protecting all who resides on it. I may have guided you and advised you, but you are the one who did the work.

If I had wanted you to completely disappear I would not have allowed you to grow as an individual. I want us to become one when we merge, so one personality will be more dominant depending on the situation or who we are speaking to. He said.

You will know what it is to be a god, and I will know what it is to be mortal. He concluded seriously.

Very well. Sesshomaru said. He still believed he would not exist after the merging, but he resumed his thinking anyway and considered that Kagome was the most beautiful human he had ever seen.

He liked her thick wavy black hair with its blue undertone, and he liked that it was growing longer now that she was traveling with him. He also liked her bright blue eyes. The color was not one he saw in humans, and they were so expressive; flashing with her emotions. He even liked it when she blushed, and he had definitely liked the feel of her soft lips on his cheek.

And now she was attempting to court him. That in itself was unique since it was usually the male who courted the female, but he figured she was doing it to inspire some feelings in him toward her. Of course she did not know he already had feelings for her.

Still, her attempt let him know that she had feelings for him and wanted more than friendship. Now he simply had to let her know that he wanted that as well.

Sesshomaru gazed at the depiction of the god who lived within him, and decided that he would give her a gift in return, and let her know they could court each other openly.

Now what to give her? He wondered. They had already given her a necklace, and he thought it was too soon for a weapon.

He couldn't see himself making her a pair of earrings, and he didn't think she would appreciate a fan; not to mention it brought to mind Kagura, and that was the last thing he wanted.

Gifting her clothing would be too soon as well. Although, it would be pleasing to see her dressed in demon silk. He thought.

Such a sight would be most pleasing. Anubis agreed.

Maybe an armband or a bracelet. Sesshomaru considered.

Or both. Anubis said. You can give her one at a later time.

True. Sesshomaru agreed. I will go with the bracelet first. It will have to be tight enough around her wrist so as not to interfere when she is using a weapon, but loose enough not to be uncomfortable.

Sesshomaru closed his eyes and began to picture what he wanted the bracelet to look like while listening to Kagome's footsteps and breathing. He would begin to make it since he would be using his youki, but he didn't want her to come back and see him making it.

I will leave it for later when she is sleeping. He thought.

~~EE~~

Sesshomaru gazed at Kagome's relaxed figure that night. She lay in her strange sleeping bag in front of him but closer to the fire for added warmth.

After she had finished her run, and had clearly regained her composure, she had helped cleaned up the packaging from the gift he had opened, telling him that the box and strange paper could be burned.

She had also offered to keep the gift with her things, which he had gratefully accepted since he had nowhere to keep it. He had no traveling pack, and it was too cumbersome to carry on him.

After that was taken care of she settled down and began to work on her educational studies from her time, and he had gone to hunt for her where he found a couple of nice sized rabbits.

The evening proceeded from there with her studying and eating, and he lost in thought while remaining aware of their surroundings. Sometimes they would fall into conversation, but they mostly enjoyed the companionable silence.

Now she was deeply asleep and facing the fire, so he figured now was the time to begin work on her first courting gift.

We should both make it as we did with the necklace. Sesshomaru told Anubis, which the god easily agreed to.

With that Sesshomaru gathered his youki and began to create a strong yet delicate gold chain similar to the one of her necklace. Both he and Anubis watched it come together, and once it was finished he began to make the first charm. A slightly raised golden replica of the crescent moon on his brow quickly took shape, and when he finished he mentally stepped aside so Anubis could continue on in his place.

Anubis wasted no time gathering his power and first reinforced the delicate chain to make it stronger than even Sesshomaru had made it, and to make it so only Kagome could remove it once it was on.

Once he finished that he moved on to create the next charm, the eye of Ra that sat on his right arm in his own body, and make it as detailed as the crescent moon was. When the golden symbol was done he moved on to create the next symbol, a golden crossed flail and crook like the one that sat on his left arm in his own body; this one detailed as well.

He then reinforced all three charms with added strength to make them just as strong as the chain before he returned control to Sesshomaru.

Sesshomaru for his part immediately began to attach the charms to the delicate chain, making sure they were spaced evenly along the length of the chain. He closed the clasp, struggling slightly with it with his one hand and claws, so it lay in a circle on his palm.

He could clearly see the symbols and identify them even though they were a solid gold color, and when he ran the pad of his thumb over the charms he could feel the dips and rises of the details and knew Kagome would as well.

Once you give her the gift and make our intentions to her known you should seek the permission of the elders of her family. Anubis suggested once it was clear they were done. She will be surprised, however it would be the right thing to do; especially after the way the half demon treated her.

Yes. Sesshomaru agreed, not wanting to be like the whelp and wanting to continue to make a better impression on her. Will we be able to pass through the well to her time?

We will. Anubis answered firmly.

Sesshomaru nodded and slipped the bracelet into the folds of his haori, and relaxed to spend the rest of the night watching Kagome sleep. He liked watching her during such times since it gave him an opportunity to observe her without her being embarrassed or self-conscious.

She didn't move much during the night, only shifting or turning over a couple of times, and remained mostly still in her restful slumber. She was thankfully undisturbed by bad dreams, and nothing tried to attack their camp either.

When morning arrived she woke when the sun found its way through the trees and bathed her face. She frowned and turned her face away from the light, and tried to curl in on herself but was stopped by her strange sleeping bag. Instead she sighed and turned on her back and blinked up at the sky and trees before she turned her head toward him.

"Good morning." Kagome said in a soft groggy tone as she smiled lightly.

"Good morning." Sesshomaru said in a quiet tone, and watched as she continued to wake up in a ritual he had become used to since he began to travel with her.

Soon she was heating up the left over rabbit, and he silently left to hunt down some fresh berries to add to her breakfast. He returned not long later and presented the glistening berries, having washed them in a nearby stream before returning, on a freshly picked leaf.

Her sweet grateful smile, blush, and soft thanks were worth the small effort.

Once she had finished eating and cleaned up after her breakfast she dressed for the day, and they began to start their daily routine.

Kagome began to practice with her bow and arrows, and once she had done that for a sufficient amount of time they moved on to continuing her sword training. Sesshomaru handed her his Tenseiga, and she began to practice her stances, and the correct way to swing a sword without harming herself or anyone she didn't intend to harm.

After a half hour straight of that the sword was returned and Anubis was given control, and he began to guide her in using her powers as he had before.

She practiced her barrier making, making solid weapons of reiki, and using her enhanced senses.

One by one she put up every barrier she knew in every size, around herself and around him, and both she and Anubis were pleased at the quickness with which she did it. Both of them knowing that when you needed a barrier during a fight or attack then time was obviously of the essence.

Then she made arrows with her reiki the size to use with her bow, senbon needles, short daggers, and a sword. She found that of all the weapons she had made during previous practices she liked using those three weapons the best even if she was still learning to use them.

Anubis tested her to see exactly how far she could see and how much she could see of the details of objects. He also tested her sense of smell to start helping her match scents to plants and people, and memorize them so she could identify them easily.

Another half an hour passed and Anubis called a halt to her practice, so she could rest from her training.

As had happened yesterday Anubis gave back control of their body and Sesshomaru went and sat down, leaning against the same tree with his knee up and his arm resting on it.

And just as before he watched Kagome kneel in front of her strange bags with her back to him. As she dug in one of them he realized that they were both likely full of courting gifts for him, further proving how serious she was in her intention to inspire some feelings in him for her, and to move their relationship beyond friends and traveling companions.

Kagome closed her bag and took a steadying breath, and let it out slowly before she stood with a wrapped box that was larger than the one that held the previous gift she had given Sesshomaru. She turned and walked over and knelt down at the demon Lord's side before she sat back on her heels and held out the gift.

"For you." She said simply, and watched as he took the box and settled it on his lap after he lowered his leg.

Sesshomaru looked at the box that was bigger than the one that held the little figurine of Anubis' true form, and knowing what to do now he ripped the paper off with his claws then carefully used a single claw to open the box. He pushed the flaps back, and curiously looked at the curve of whatever was in the box.

"Can I take it out of the box for you?" Kagome asked, and watched him nod once.

"I would appreciate that." Sesshomaru said since it was a bit big, and he would have trouble with just one hand.

Kagome got up on her knees and slipped her hands down the sides of it and curled her fingers beneath and pulled it up. Sesshomaru helped by grabbed one of the flaps of the box and held it so the box wouldn't rise with the object.

Once it was free he moved the box off to his side and focused on the object as she placed it on his lap.

It looked to him to be a small wooden chest. It was black with the eye of Ra, one of Anubis' symbols, on the curved top, and along the sides, wrapping all the way around it, were two different symbols. One he recognized as another of Anubis' symbols, the crossed flail and crook, and the other symbol was unfamiliar but looked almost like a key.

It is the Ankh, which means eternal life. It is also referred to as the key of life. Anubis explained.

Sesshomaru hummed internally in understanding as he took in the details of the symbols. They were all painted in vibrant blues, greens, and yellows that stood out among the overall black.

He lifted the top and saw that it was empty inside and lined with some sort of black material.

"It's a keepsake trunk to keep your most precious possessions in; at least the ones that are small enough to fit." Kagome said.

"I wanted to get you a larger one, but I knew I wouldn't have been able to carry it let alone get it back through the well. Nor would I have been able to hide what it was until I was ready to give it to you." She added.

"Thank you for another thoughtful gift." Sesshomaru said sincerely, and watched her smile and blush. "I can place the figurine of Anubis inside it since it is large enough to hold it."

"I'll get it right now." Kagome said, and before he could say anything she popped up and rushed over to one of her strange bags, and pulled out the figurine before she rushed back over to him. She sat back down and gently placed it inside the open trunk.

"It fits perfectly, and with room to spare." She said with a smile.

"Thank you." Sesshomaru said again, and she blushed and kissed his cheek just as she had before, but before she could stand, as he saw her tense muscles getting ready to do, he grabbed her arm.

"I have a gift for you as well." He said as he released her arm. "I am sorry it is not wrapped." He said as he reached into the folds of his haori.

"That's okay." Kagome said, and watched as he pulled out a piece of jewelry that he had, unknown to her, made the previous night.

She took it gently in her hand and looked at the piece of gold jewelry, and saw that it was a charm bracelet. The chain was delicate, and the charms were a crescent moon, and two separate Egyptian symbols that she recognized.

One was the crossed flail and crook, just like on her necklace, and the other was the eye of Ra. She recognized that one from her previous search.

It represented the sun to the Ancient Egyptians, the destructive power of the sun, and was a symbol of royal authority. It was also a symbol capable of repelling negative energy and restoring harmony.

"Is the eye of Ra also your symbol like the other two?" She asked.

"It is." He confirmed.

"Thank you." She said with a gentle smile before she secured the bracelet around her wrist. She held up her wrist slightly, seeing that it fit nicely; not too loose or too snug.

"Thank you." She said again as she lowered her arm, and was about to get up when he placed his hand on her arm. She settled back down as she looked at him, curious about what he wanted to say.

"You no longer need to be subtle with your actions." Sesshomaru said. "I understand perfectly what you are doing with your gifts, and I am already very interested in you."

Kagome's eyes widened as she blushed brightly. He was interested in her? Very interested in her?! Was he serious? But he never told lies. If he didn't want her to know something he just wouldn't tell her.

And he had given her a bracelet. Did he have it just on him for whenever he felt like giving it to her? Was it for someone else originally or did he just make it for her after she had given him his gift yesterday?

"I think he made it last night while you slept." The voice in her mind said. "That shows his seriousness in addition to his words. This is your chance to become more with him, and sooner than you thought."

Yeah. She agreed with the voice.

"Interested in me? You like me? As in more than a friend?" She asked, still wide eyed.

"Yes." Sesshomaru answered firmly. "Both I and my beast like you. We wish to continue to get to know you, to become closer to you. We wish to court you as you court us."

Kagome gasped and looked down as she blushed and nodded.

"I would like that; very much." She said as she looked back to him.

"Then we will court one another." He declared. "I would like to ask your elders for permission to court you." He said, and watched her eyes widen.

"Really?!" Kagome said in surprise, and watched him nod.

"I am serious in my intentions toward you, and I want to be proper and respectful in relating that not only to you but to your family as well." Sesshomaru said.

"I don't have a problem with that." She said as she nodded. "Will you be able to get through the well in order to do that?"

"I will be able to get through. Do not worry." He assured her.

Sesshomaru suspected that since Anubis had sealed the well against the whelp then he would have no problem getting through. In fact, he suspected that he didn't actually need the well to time travel, but would use it since that was the means that the priestess used.

"When will we go?" Kagome asked, and watched him look up to the sky.

"It is only now approaching midday, so we can leave now and have the rest of the day in your time. In fact, we can stay as long as you want since we are not in a rush." He said.

"Okay." She said, and went about putting things away, including his latest gift, and getting rid of the low fire they had going.

Will we both be speaking? Will you reveal yourself to them? Sesshomaru asked Anubis as he watched the priestess moving around.

I will. Anubis answered. If we are going to seek their permission to court Kagome then they need to know exactly who and what they are giving their permission to. We will simply have to make sure Kagome, and her younger brother if he is home, is elsewhere when we speak to her elders.

What will we do if her mother and grandfather refuse their permission? Sesshomaru asked.

I do not believe that will happen, however in the unlikely event that it does then it does not matter. Anubis replied. Ultimately Kagome's permission is the only one we need. As long as it is what she wants then we have nothing to be concerned over.

"How do you wish to travel?" Sesshomaru asked once she had all her bags on as well as her bow and quiver of arrows.

"In the way that will keep us from being followed should my former pack spot us or at least in a way where they can't keep up." Kagome answered, and he nodded.

"They may still be in the area of the village and the well." Sesshomaru said as he wrapped his arm around her. "We will slow once we reach the area, so I can tell if they are still there." He said when she frowned.

"Okay." She said.

Sesshomaru called on his youki before he surrounded them in his light orb and sped off toward the well.

Kagome was still amazed at seeing this ability from the inside. She knew from the outside it was a white sphere of light, but the inside was so different that she couldn't even describe it. She just knew it wasn't white.

There was also no wind to signal the speed of their travel, and she couldn't see outside of it. She guessed it didn't matter, as long as Sesshomaru could then that was all that mattered.

The next thing she knew the light sphere disappeared from around them, and they were standing on his fluffy youki cloud as they traveled high in the sky. Her eyes widened at the seamless shift from one mode of travel to the other. She wondered exactly how much control that took.

Sesshomaru sniffed delicately at the air as they reached the outer edge of the forest named after the whelp he was related to. Scents from the village wafted up his nose, and he repressed the urge to wrinkle his nose at the offensive smells. Sifting through them he could tell immediately that her former pack was in the village.

"We will reach the well soon, and your former pack is in the village." He informed her. "However, they are too far away to spot us, and of course they will not smell or sense either of us."

"Thank you. That's a relief." Kagome said. "I believe Sango and Miroku accepted my decision to leave the group, but Inuyasha I have no doubt didn't accept it and has likely been looking for us."

"True." Sesshomaru agreed. "I have caught his scent a few times since you parted from your former pack, but never close to our location."

A few minutes later they arrived and landed in the well clearing and walked over to the well. They both looked in and then looked at each other as if silently asking who would go first.

"You go first. I will be right behind you." Sesshomaru said.

"And if you aren't?" Kagome asked.

"Then come back and we will figure out another solution, but I believe that I will make it through." He replied.

Kagome nodded and stepped up on the lip of the well, and held her duffel bags close to her before she stepped in and allowed herself to fall. The blue light of the time slip immediately appeared and slowed her fall until she felt like she was floating before she was set down at the bottom and the light disappeared.

She hurried to climb out of the well, worried that Sesshomaru wouldn't make it through and wanting to be out of the way if he did.

Sesshomaru watched the priestess disappear in a flash of blue light and magic before he stepped up on the rim of the well and allowed himself to drop in. Just as with Kagome he was caught by blue light and magic before he reached the bottom, and slowed dramatically until he was almost floating yet could still feel himself traveling.

Soon the light and magic placed him on the ground before it disappeared, and he immediately grimaced and sneezed at the scents flooding his nose. The noise was also an unsettling assault on his ears.

"Sesshomaru." Kagome called softly to him as she looked down into the well, but when he didn't answer beyond glancing up at her she knew he was having issues with his sensitive senses.

She stepped back and went over toward the doors, and cracked them to peek through to see if anyone was out there. Thankfully no one was walking around, so they should be fine walking to the house.

She turned and was just in time to see Sesshomaru leap out of the well and land not far from her.

"Are you okay?" She asked.

"I am well. I simply had to adjust my senses to the scents and sounds of this time." He said, and she nodded.

"I didn't see anyone out there or hear anyone for that matter, so we should be fine heading to the house now." She said.

Sesshomaru nodded and they left the well house, closing the door behind them, and made their way to the Higurashi household. Once there Kagome opened the front door and they stepped inside but saw no one. However, both of them could hear someone in another room of the dwelling.

"That's probably my mother since it sounds like they're in the kitchen." Kagome said.

She led the way in that direction, pausing to place her bags and bow and arrows at the foot of the stairs, and continued to the door. She pushed it open just a little, and peeked in to see her mother standing at the counter.

"Hey mom." She said as they came into the room, and watched her mother turn her head and her eyes widen.

"Kagome!" Her mother said in surprise before she turned and stepped toward her with her arms wide open. Kagome stepped forward as well and they hugged tightly.

Sesshomaru, and Anubis through him, watched the scene of mother and daughter greeting each other. This was the woman that had helped shape Kagome into who she was today, and one of the people he would be speaking to in only a short time.

"Why are you here?" Her mother asked as they pulled apart. "Not that I mind. It's just that you only left a couple of days ago."

"Ah well, I brought someone to meet you and grandpa." Kagome said as she pulled away from her mom, and stepped toward Sesshomaru so she stood between the both of them.

"This is Lord Sesshomaru, Lord of the Western Lands, and the one I'm traveling with now. Sesshomaru, this is my mother Hitomi Higurashi." She introduced.

"It is pleasure to meet you." Hitomi said as she bowed respectfully to the demon Lord.

"You as well." Sesshomaru replied as he bowed respectfully in return.

Normally he wouldn't bow, with his station in life, but he wanted to show himself to be better than Inuyasha. He would be respectful and well-mannered toward Kagome's elders, and anyone else she wanted him to meet. He would not cause her trouble while he was here.

"Is grandpa anywhere on the shrine?" Kagome asked since she knew he wasn't in the house or close to the house since she couldn't hear him.

"Yes. He's out in one of the storage sheds looking for something." Her mother said, and Kagome nodded.

"I'm gonna go look for him and bring him back here since we want to talk to the both of you." She said.

With that she walked out the second door in the kitchen that lead outside the house.

"Please have a seat." Hitomi said as she gestured toward the table.

"Thank you." Sesshomaru said before he moved toward the table.

He chose the side that had a single seat and pulled it out at Anubis' instruction, and carefully sat down, not wanting his armor to damage the seat.

"Thank you for allowing Kagome to travel with you." Hitomi said as she took a seat across the table from him. "I'm glad she's not alone since I know my daughter wouldn't give up on what she sees as her duty and come back home for good."

Sesshomaru nodded once. "I am glad I could help her after what she experienced." He said.

"Do you know if her time with Inuyasha was really as bad as Kagome said it was?" Hitomi asked.

"What have you been told exactly?" He asked.

"Kagome only said Inuyasha wasn't treating her right, and that he had been taking her presence for granted. He had been trying to control her, and tell her what she could and couldn't do." Hitomi said.

"In that case it is actually worse than she said. She likely did not want to alarm you now that she is away from his influence." He said.

"What did he do to my daughter?" She asked as she frowned in concern.

"Inuyasha was reckless with her life." Sesshomaru said, and then paused. "Actually he was simply reckless all around, but that recklessness usually affected Kagome more than anyone else in her former pack."

"He constantly compared her unfavorably to the dead priestess, and her safety was ignored when the dead one was in danger at the same time. I believe all of those incidents and his inconsiderate behavior toward her as well as the last incident are very much what caused her to finally part ways with the whelp." He explained calmly.

"What was the last incident?" Hitomi asked.

"Kagome saved the life of the dead priestess and nearly drowned during the process. When Inuyasha arrived at the location she had been at he had simply left her where she had been after hearing what happened to run off after the dead priestess." He explained patiently.

"He did not thank her for saving the life of the undead woman he cared so much about or make sure she was alright before he left. He simply left her there, wet from head to toe, and unable to get back to her camp." He continued.

"He showed how inconsiderate and selfish he was in that moment. Showed that he did not care about her as he should; did not care about her at all as far as I am concerned." He said.

Hitomi sighed heavily as she shook her head.

"I never would have thought Inuyasha could do that." She said.

As she thought over his words she understood perfectly what he was and wasn't saying. Inuyasha had not protected her daughter the way he was supposed to. If she understood correctly the dead priestess was the priestess Kikyou that everyone believed her daughter was the reincarnation of simply because she had been used to bring her back to life and supposedly looked like her.

And the dog eared boy she had grown so fond of had been tearing down her daughter's self-esteem, ignoring her daughter's health when it was inconvenient to him, and neglecting her safety.

"I don't understand." Hitomi said. "Why would he treat her that way? If he couldn't or wouldn't protect Kagome as he should have why didn't he say anything?"

I knew about Inuyasha's feelings for the resurrected priestess before she died, but if I had known those feelings were still there to the point of neglecting my daughter's safety I would have treated him differently. She thought with a frown.

"Perhaps in his mind he felt he could." Sesshomaru said. "Beyond that is what he may be thinking. I am only surmising from what I have seen and heard, however, it appears Inuyasha was or still is attempting to have both the dead priestess and Kagome."

Hitomi gasped.

"Despite that probability Inuyasha cares more for the dead priestess." He continued. "Once she is in his line of vision or when he hears her safety is at risk he puts blinders on to anything and anyone else."

"Oh my!" She said in dismay. "I am so glad Kagome is away from him. Thank you again for allowing her to travel with you."

"I was glad to provide her with a different option instead of her having to remain in such a situation because of the lack." Sesshomaru said graciously.

Before any more could be said the kitchen door leading to inside the house opened, and Kagome walked through with a much older shorter male just behind her.

Kagome stepped aside, her mouth parted to speak, when she was interrupted.

"Demon begone!" The male said loudly, an ofuda in between his fingers ready to throw at the demon sitting at his family kitchen table.

"No!" Kagome cried out, and in an instant, without a word or movement from her, a transparent pink barrier sprang up around him; containing him and the offending ofuda.

"You are not going to attack him! I warned you before we even came into the house, and I am not going to stand for it! I will not stand for him being attacked as a guest in my own home! He does not deserve that; especially after everything he's done for me, after what he sacrificed for me! I will not stand for it!" She said in a slightly loud tone, wanting to get her point across and yet not hurt Sesshomaru's or her own hearing by shouting.

Her mother and grandfather stared at her in stunned surprise at not only the barrier that had formed around him but at her speech as well.

Sesshomaru stood up and stepped toward Kagome and placed his hand on her shoulder.

"It is alright." He said calmly. "He simply has your wellbeing in mind. Let him go. You know he is no threat to me."

"But I warned him." Kagome narrowed her eyes at her grandfather, not looking away from him. "I didn't bring you here to my time and home to be attacked even if it is a useless non-threatening attack. You deserve better than that; especially with our reason for being here."

"Calm Kagome." He said. "I am sure it will not happen again now that you have made your feelings very clear. Let him go."

Kagome sighed heavily and turned toward Sesshomaru, the barrier disappearing as if it had never been there.

"This is my grandfather Saito Higurashi." She said as she gestured toward her grandpa then shifted to Sesshomaru's side. "This is Lord Sesshomaru, Lord of the Western Lands, and the one I'm traveling with now."

"Come sit down father." Hitomi said to her father-in-law, and he did so in silence, sitting beside her, and Sesshomaru returned to his seat.

"Should I be here for this?" Kagome asked blushingly as she stepped toward Sesshomaru's side.

"No. I have to do this myself." Sesshomaru said as he smiled ever so slightly. "Why do you not go and take a soothing bath? Hopefully by the time you finish the conversation will also be finished."

"Okay." She said as she nodded. "Good luck."

"Thank you." He said, and watched her smile and walk away.

Once she left the room and the door closed behind her he focused on his youki and spread a barrier around the room. Green energy spread from his seated form outward, and lined every inch of the room from top to bottom before pulsing and disappearing from sight.

Kagome's mother and grandfather startled in their seats as the green energy spread out around them, and they looked around a little wide eyed.

"What was that?" Hitomi asked. "It looked like what Kagome just did."

"It is a barrier to keep sound in, but allow us to hear out." Sesshomaru answered. "I recently taught Kagome to enhance her senses, so without the barrier she will easily hear our entire conversation and there are things I have to say that she cannot yet know."

Both Kagome's mother and grandfather nodded their understanding.

"Days ago, when Kagome returned to my time, she gave me a gift. That action, along with her accompanying reaction, and the behavior before and afterward, led me to understand exactly what she was doing. She had begun to court me." He said.

Kagome's mother and grandfather gasped, but he continued on.

"Today she presented me with yet another gift, further confirming her intention, and I informed her that I returned her interest, and she no longer had to be subtle in her intentions. I then informed her of my wish to court her in return, presenting her with a gift of my own, but before proceeding further I wished to ask your permission as her elders to court her." He explained.

Kagome's mother and grandfather shared a surprised look, but before they could say more he continued.

"However, before you make a decision one way or the other there is something about me you need to know; something Kagome does not yet know." He said, and then paused.

Sesshomaru sighed internally. He was unsure how to explain his situation. He had not expected for anyone besides Kagome to know, and with her he had expected for her to simply know once she saw him when her soul was complete. No explanation necessary.

I will explain it to them. Anubis said.

Sesshomaru nodded internally and mentally stepped aside.

The two older Higurashi's watched the demon Lord, waiting with baited breath to hear what this secret about him was, and their eyes widened as his eyes instantly changed from the lovely gold with narrow cat-like irises to a solid black. The gold and the white's around them completely swallowed by the black, so it was all they could see in his eye sockets.

"Greetings Elder Higurashi's." Anubis said, and they blinked in further surprise at the deeper sound of his voice. "I will be explaining from here on since it is me that is being kept secret from Kagome for the time being."

"I am the beast half of Sesshomaru. Most intelligent humanoid demons have a beast, and in those without enough control or are in a great deal of danger or pain the beast half takes over when they assume their natural form. In Sesshomaru's case it would be the form of a dog. Of course that is not to say it cannot happen if they do not take on their natural form; it still can." He explained.

"You speak as if you are a separate person from Lord Sesshomaru instead of just another part of him." Hitomi said.

"In our case that is partly true. I am half of Sesshomaru, however I am also a completely separate being." He said.

"Who are you if you are not just half of the demon Lord?" Saito asked with a frown.

"I am Anubis, god of the Underworld, Ruler of the Dead, Guider of Souls, and Guardian of the Scales. I am a dog demon from my homeland of Africa." Anubis answered seriously.

"I am here with Sesshomaru because of Kagome; just as she was brought to your past because of me." He continued on. "To put it plainly she is the reincarnation of a priestess that lived in the ancient time of Egypt."

"She was a high priestess in a temple the mortals had built in my honor, and during her duties she spoke to me as if I had been there with her keeping her company. Being what I am I could hear her as if she was speaking directly in my ear." He said.

"One day my curiosity grew to the point that I decided to meet her. From there we grew to know each other and ultimately fell in love. Unfortunately before I could mate her she was killed, murdered, by mortals because of her connection to me." He continued.

"Knowledge of our first meeting spread among the population. Surprise at her good fortune in having contact with a god turned to suspicion of her being cursed, which turned to fear of her supposed curse spreading to the general population." He explained.

"In their fear they decided to get rid of her before the curse spread. I did not know what had happened to her until I sensed her soul enter my domain. It was the first time in my existence that I had ever been displeased to do my duty." He said with a barely there frown.

Anubis couldn't help remembering back to that fateful day. The sadness and misery cut through him just as sharply as it had on that day.

He recalled watching her beautiful brilliant bright soul appear before him and take the form he had grown to love, looking into her sad blue eyes and seeing the horror of her death and the disrespect of leaving her out in the desert for the sands to take her.

Most importantly he remembered promising her on his honor as god of the Underworld that they would see each other again.

Sesshomaru grimaced mentally as he saw Anubis' memories, which being the god he was were very vivid and detailed, of the priestess Ikoris' death.

He had seen humans turn on their own before, but Anubis had not only seen but felt everything she had felt. The pain she had endured had been excruciating and for her to die alone like that was painful to watch; and he had not loved her. He could only imagine how Anubis had felt.

He wondered though why she had not called for Anubis. He understood enough of his power to know that he would have heard her. He likely would have been able to save her.

Anubis pulled himself out of his memory and answered Sesshomaru.

She did not want me to see her the way she had appeared before her death. He said.

Beyond that, something she had not thought of but was no doubt true, is that she could not possibly have lived among those people in that society again. She would have been attacked again, especially if it got out that she had been near death and was miraculously healthy again. It is likely why my fellow gods spared her being reincarnated in my home land again. He explained, then focused back on the conversation at hand.

"Despite my feelings I did my duty and sent her on her way with the promise that we would see each other again." Anubis said. "I watched over her soul, seeing her reincarnate again and again, always as a female and with the same unique blue eyes, drawn to dogs in every life, but unable to see a way to approach her as myself without scaring her or lying to her."

"Only a few months into her next reincarnated life, Kagome's life, I was informed of a plan made by the sun god of my land and of yours to reunite us. The plan involved using a powerful object to bring her to the past of this land, a past where gods were still worshipped and demons and magic were still out in the open, where I could approach her more freely, and where the object could be destroyed since it was too dangerous to continue to exist." He explained.

"With the plan set I needed an identity in that past as, although accepted, it would still be unusual for a god to be walking around; especially a foreign god." He said.

"I came to this land's past and searched for the most powerful pair in order to have myself reborn in a mortal body. I found Sesshomaru's sire and dame and learned his dame was early in her pregnancy, so I merged myself with Sesshomaru's developing body and became his beast half." He explained.

"Everything proceeded as planned from there. What was not foreseen was that the object, the jewel, would be removed from Kagome's body and shattered before it could be destroyed or that part of her soul would be sealed away." He said.

"With part of her soul sealed away Kagome would not recognize me, and therefore the decision was made to wait until her soul is free before revealing the truth of us; of myself and Sesshomaru." He finished.

Sesshomaru listened silently, already knowing the tale, although he noted that Anubis left out details. That was not surprising since her mother and grandfather did not need to know those details to understand what they had been told so far.

Hitomi and Saito Higurashi sat in silence, staring at the demon God, as they processed what he had just told them.

This person, this demon, was a god, a god from ancient Egypt if they understood correctly, who came to feudal Japan to have himself born in the body of a mortal demon. They had no idea how old he was, in his mortal body, Lord Sesshomaru's body, but he must have waited years, possibly centuries, for Kagome to appear in the past.

And Kagome, their daughter and granddaughter, if this god was to be believed, was the reincarnation of an ancient human priestess that he had fallen in love with. She hadn't been born with the jewel in her body as they had all believed; it had been deliberately placed there by a god to bring her to the past so she could meet this god.

"And Kagome is courting you, which means she has feelings for you, even without knowing about your god aspect." Saito said.

"She is courting us." Anubis said. "We saw it as confirmation of her feelings for us, and it let us know that she wants more than friendship with us."

"How is it going to work with you and Sesshomaru and Kagome once you reveal the truth?" Hitomi asked.

"Sesshomaru and I will merge and become one being." Anubis answered. "Sesshomaru is convinced that he will cease to exist, but we will truly merge, our personalities mixing. If I had wanted Sesshomaru to not exist I would have done that when I first came to him inside his dame's womb. Instead, as I said before, I became his beast, content to experience mortal life alongside him."

"This won't be a situation like with Inuyasha and that priestess Kikyou and Kagome will it?" She asked in concern.

"Absolutely not." Anubis said, instantly understanding her concern. "As of this moment Sesshomaru has developed feelings for Kagome, and I myself love her soul but have developed affection for her. By the time we merge we will love Kagome as well as her soul."

"Your identity is believable, and yet also hard to believe." Saito said with a frown. "We saw the demon Lord and heard his voice, but all we have seen of you is a change in your eyes and heard the difference in the pitch of your voice. We do not know what you look like or if you truly are who you claim to be."

Anubis nodded once. "You wish for proof that I am actually the god of the Underworld. Very well, I will show you what I look like." He said.

He stood up and moved away from the chair so they would have a complete view of him before he tapped into his power, and took on his true appearance as an illusion, though appearing real. He could actually do so in truth, and would be able to easily once they merged, but right now it would be too risky for their current body.

Hitomi and Saito Higurashi watched wide eyed as the demon Lord's body changed before their eyes. It rippled from his head down to his feet until he looked like a completely different being.

He was just as tall as the demon Lord with hair just as long, had pale alabaster skin, and golden eyes, but that was where the similarities ended.

Those golden eyes were solid gold just as they had been solid black before with black lining them in a dramatic way, and his knee length hair was pitch black and parted down the middle with no bangs.

He had a green stripe under each eye trailing back toward his pointed ears, a single green stripe on each arm trailing from his inner and outer wrist up to stop beneath a black symbol on each of his biceps, one looked like an eye and the other looked like a pair of tools or something crossed over each other, and on each leg was a green stripe going from his ankles up the inside and outside of his legs.

They could see all those green stripes so clearly that they could mark their exact path, because he barely had anything on!

He wore a white silk looking skirt that stopped just above his knees with a golden over wrap that seemed to attach to a green, gold, and black beaded belt around his waist. Matching bands wrapped around his wrists and ankles that seemed to emphasize his green stripes and the sharp looking claws on his hands and bare feet, and wrapped around his neck was a collar that also matched the belt and wrist and ankle bands he wore.

His changed appearance was surprising, but it clearly showed he was who he said he was. They had sensed no youki nor seen any, like before when Sesshomaru created the barrier, and the change had been too instant, too different.

After a few moments Anubis let the illusion fade, his true appearance rippling away to leave the demon Lord's appearance, and returned to his seat at the table.

"Do you have any more questions for me?" He asked.

"Is Kagome aware that part of her soul has been sealed away?" Hitomi asked.

"She is not." He answered. "She is only aware that part of her soul is being used by the dead priestess to keep herself alive."

"You do not have to worry about the dead priestess. She will be taken care of in time; either by myself or Kagome herself. We will impress upon her the very need to have all of her soul and the danger of not having it; especially for an extended period of time." He said, and they nodded their understanding.

"Do you have any more questions for me?" He asked, and they shook their heads. "Then it was a pleasure to meet you Elder Higurashi's. I bid you goodbye." He said before he returned control to Sesshomaru.

Sesshomaru blinked his golden eyes as he felt himself back in control of his body.

"Do you have any questions for me as well?" He asked.

"Do you truly have feelings for Kagome?" Hitomi asked.

"I do." He answered. "They have been growing since we met, and have intensified since we have become friends. It seems now that we are traveling together both of our feelings are growing."

Both of the older Higurashi's nodded and looked at each other.

"We don't have any more questions right now." She said as she looked back to the demon Lord, and he nodded.

"I will leave you to discuss what you have learned." Sesshomaru said. "The barrier will remain, so Kagome cannot hear your talk."

He then got to his feet and pushed the chair back under the table where it originally had been, and left the kitchen only to pause outside the door.

He wondered if he should go find Kagome's room to wait for her since he could hear she was still in her bath, but decided against it and to wait until she invited him into her personal space.

Instead he walked across the room he had been lead through earlier when they first arrived, and stood next to the transparent yet secure opening and gazed out at the view. He tapped a single claw on the glass, as Anubis instructed him was called a window, and considered how efficient it was and wondered if it could be duplicated in his time.

He then turned his thoughts back toward the view and the strange structures in the far distance. This was what had helped shape Kagome into who she was, this strange environment that made up the future.

He doubted all the humans of this time were as forgiving as she was, her grandfather had demonstrated that, so he was sure she was unique among them. She was definitely unique among humans in his time.

He thought she was too forgiving with how much she had accepted from the whelp, but he also understood that it was part of what made her unique. He hoped the decision she made to separate herself from Inuyasha, and her time with him, helped to temper her forgiving nature so it didn't lead her to physical or emotional pain.

I am sure it already has since she is so far unwilling to come into contact with the boy. Anubis said. She is sure to be firmer in her conviction when she finally does see him again. Not to mention stronger in body and power, which will only help her confidence in herself and in her decisions.

True. Sesshomaru agreed. We will make sure she feels confident to stand by her conviction. That whelp will not talk her back into his presence or try to work his way back into her good graces.

It definitely will not happen. She will not stand for that; especially because it will be obvious he is only doing it because he wants her as his mate. Anubis said.

Or a second mate. Sesshomaru added.

Or worse; a wife instead of a mate. Anubis replied darkly. Proving yet again that the dead priestess is the one he truly wants.

Sesshomaru hummed darkly in agreement.

One of his ears twitched as he heard the elder Higurashi's talking, because of course he could not be prevented from hearing by his own barrier.

They spoke of how old he could be, his feelings for Kagome, how he was different from Inuyasha. They didn't know if the whelp had ever felt anything for Kagome, but if he had or did he had never come to them with his intentions like Sesshomaru had.

They spoke of how he was a dog demon just as Anubis apparently was, which they imagined was a plus to Kagome who had always liked dogs. Then they continued on about the god.

Surprise that he was in fact a god, that he was from another country, that he was willingly sharing Sesshomaru's life relegating himself to his beast half, that he wanted Kagome so much that she had been brought to the past just so they could meet.

They also wondered at exactly how long Anubis had been waiting to be reunited with Kagome's soul. They didn't know much about Ancient Egypt but it must have been thousands of years.

They then wondered about Kagome's feelings. Did she truly like the demon Lord? She was courting him so she must, but to Sesshomaru they appeared to want to speak to her about her feelings before making a decision.

It still sounds like the decision will be favorable, and speaking to Kagome will reassure them. Anubis noted.

True. Sesshomaru said.

Before he could say anything more his ears twitched again as he heard splashing and what sounded like light rain. He had heard similar sounds while Kagome bathed but he had ignored it for the most part. Now it sounded more intense, and he believed she was finished with her bath.

~~EE~~

Kagome had dried off after her bath and changed into a different outfit, a flowing blue skirt pass her knees and a cream colored sleeveless top with blue flowers scattered on it that showed off her pendant necklace and bracelet, and put on sandals before venturing out of her bedroom and downstairs.

She had not heard the conversation happening while she bathed and she suspected Sesshomaru had placed a barrier, so she wanted to see if they were still talking or not.

Focusing on her senses as she descended the stairs she heard breathing and a heartbeat, but nothing else from inside the house. As she reached the bottom she looked around, and instantly spotted Sesshomaru standing in front of the living room window, so she walked toward him.

"Hey." Kagome said as she reached him, and watched as he turned his head and then turned completely to look at her.

Sesshomaru took in Kagome's appearance from head to toe, noting her attire and the jewelry she wore.

"You look very nice." He said as he moved his eyes to hers. "I like seeing you wear the jewelry I gifted you; I especially like seeing it displayed for others to see."

"Thank you." She said as she blushed. "How did your conversation go?"

"I believe it went well. I answered their questions, and then left them to discuss it among themselves." He said.

"I don't hear anything." She said as she looked over to the kitchen door. "Did you put up a barrier?"

"I did." He answered. "I did not want you to hear the conversation as that would have made your absence from the room pointless. However, it being my barrier I can still hear them, and it sounds like they wish to speak to you before making a decision." He added, and she nodded.

"Then I'll go check on them, and give them that opportunity." She said.

Sesshomaru nodded, and she turned and began to make her way toward the kitchen.

---

Kagome pushed the door open as she reached it and saw her mother and grandfather still seated at the table.

"How're things going in here?" She asked as she walked in and joined them at the table; taking the seat Sesshomaru had used.

She watched curiously as her mother and grandfather shared a look.

"It's going well." Hitomi said. "We learned a lot from Lord Sesshomaru, but we have some questions for you."

"Okay." Kagome said as she nodded.

"How do you feel about the demon Lord?" Saito asked right off.

"I like him very much." She answered, blushing at knowing he could hear what she was saying. "He's considerate of me and my needs, and he respects me. He listens to me and takes an interest in learning about me, and most importantly he takes my safety seriously. He protects me, actually wants to protect me, and all without any prompting or expectation."

"He even protected me a number of times before we even became friends. Protected me when the one who was already with me, and should have protected me or been able to protect me, hadn't." She said.

"He also encouraged me to get training so I could better protect myself, and when we started traveling together he start training me. He, and his beast. He taught me how to fight physically and use weapons, and his beast taught me how to use my reiki." She continued.

"Beyond that I like getting to know him since I feel like there are few or maybe none at all that he allows to really know him. That shows me that he trusts me and truly considers me a friend." She said.

"And he's cute too." Her mother said with a grin, and Kagome blushed.

"I can't deny he's very attractive. I thought so from the moment I first laid eyes on him. I like the way he looks, the way he dresses, the way he sounds when he speaks, and the fact that he's a dog demon is a major plus." She admitted.

"I'll even admit that I like how powerful he is; both physically and in terms of his youki. He has zero problems protecting himself, and the fact that he's so powerful means there are few willing to even approach him or anyone with him for any kind of fight, which ultimately means I've been more safe with him in the few weeks I've been with him than I have in all the time I've been going to the past." She explained.

"That is certainly a relief." Her grandfather said, and her mother nodded.

"What about your feelings for Inuyasha?" Hitomi asked.

"My feelings for him are nearly gone. I don't even see him as a friend anymore. He's finally proven undeserving of it." Kagome said seriously.

"Just like that? Just because you're now traveling with the demon Lord?" Saito asked with a frown.

"No." She said as she shook her head. "I've been working on getting over my feelings for him for much longer than that. I honestly got tired of feeling like I was begging him to like me. My feelings always on display, and him just taking them and never really giving anything in return."

"Sometimes he wouldn't accept my gestures of affection or he would pretend, and I would find out later that he hadn't really." She added.

She couldn't help remembering back to the locket necklace she had gotten Inuyasha with their pictures inside, and how she had found it after he had lost it; realizing instantly that he hadn't been wearing it properly or at all for that to happen.

"He never took my feelings into consideration and most times ignored them altogether. He just acted like he owned me a majority of the time; like it was okay for him to do whatever he wanted, and tell me what to do, and call me out of my name whenever he felt like it." She continued.

I definitely didn't enjoy being called wench, or bitch, or idiot, or stupid, or brainless, or any of the other things he felt fine calling me. She thought with a frown.

"After so many instances of his carelessness and selfishness I felt he didn't even see me as a friend let alone anything more, and yet I know he felt it was fine to treat me anyway he wanted without apology since he never apologized for any of his behavior." Kagome said.

"Instead, with me at least, he was more quiet and gave solemn sheepish looks like he was incapable of getting the words out, but I know for a fact that he has no problem saying sorry to Kikyou." She explained.

"All of those things are why I finally decided to part ways from him even though it meant leaving the others as well. I needed to finally look out for my own wellbeing before something happened that I didn't want." She said with a shrug.

"I understand." Her grandfather said. "I'm glad you were thinking of your own well-being instead of being willfully blind, and trailing after him for scraps of affection."

"Yes." Her mother agreed.

"I think I was actually doing just that for months now, but I finally began to listen to that voice in my head" Literally. She thought. "that said I deserved better in terms of both romance and friendship." Kagome said, and her mother and grandfather nodded.

"And the priestess Kikyou? What are you going to do about her since she has a piece of your soul?" Hitomi asked with a frown. "I am not at all happy about that. I didn't bring you into this world to have someone steal an essential piece of your being."

"Actually I've started to believe that she doesn't have a piece of my soul." Kagome said.

She informed them about her theory about having called back all of her soul when Kikyou had been brought back to her undead life, and that the undead woman had all of her own soul, and that was what was keeping her body together along with the souls she was stealing during her travels.

"I also now believe that I'm not Kikyou's reincarnation." She said seriously. "Sesshomaru confirmed the possible truth of my theory by telling me that I don't look like the other woman anymore. He believes I now look like you and dad."

"I certainly hope that's true." Hitomi said. "I don't want you to have a connection with that woman; especially with the way Inuyasha apparently acts around her. In fact, with the way the woman herself acts when she's around since she believes you're her reincarnation."

"I'll definitely be pulling out all the pictures I can find, so we can compare your current appearance to them." She added, and Kagome nodded.

"I'd definitely like that since it would be solid proof." She said.

"What did you mean earlier when you said after everything the demon Lord did for you and sacrificed for you?" Saito asked.

"On the day we first met, when he and Inuyasha were fighting, Inuyasha in his single minded focus on trying to hit Sesshomaru with an attack from Tessaiga swung the sword at him, unleashing the attack, but I was at a slight distance behind Sesshomaru in the line of fire." Kagome explained.

"The only reason I was in that spot is because I had been avoiding Inuyasha's previous attacks. But Sesshomaru had obviously realized my position and that I would be hit and highly likely killed instantly if he avoided the attack." She continued.

"So he ran towards me and snatched me up, and took the brunt of the attack, and then tossed me aside to safety, I guess, when the attack began to cut through him. As a result of saving me he lost his arm." She informed them.

Hitomi gasped in shock, having honestly not realized the demon Lord was missing an arm, and Saito frowned grimly at the narrow miss to his granddaughter.

"Beyond that he saved my life another time when I was kidnapped after being injured by a demon masquerading as a goddess. I had lost consciousness before I was kidnapped, but I was injured in the first place saving Inuyasha because he had been trapped." Kagome said.

"I don't know what happened to Inuyasha after that, but it was Sesshomaru that came to my rescue. The next time I saw Inuyasha he was with the others, so he must have gotten free somehow." She said, and then shrugged.

"There are a few other things he's done to help me, and I'm sure he's probably saved me during times that I'm not aware of." She added, and her mother nodded.

"There's also him helping you get away from Inuyasha, so you don't have to travel with him anymore after how he treated you." Hitomi said.

Kagome nodded, figuring from the way her mother spoke Sesshomaru must have given her the details of what had been the last straw for her.

"What? What don't I know?" Saito asked as he looked between the two women in his family.

Kagome listened as her mother explained that she had saved Kikyou's life, nearly drowning in the process, and when Inuyasha arrived he had listened to her explanation before chasing after the dead priestess.

He hadn't thanked her for saving the woman he cared so much about, and he hadn't made sure she was okay. He had just left her there soaking wet with no way to return to their camp; not even directions.

"Is that true Kagome?" He asked.

"Yes it is." She answered. "If it wasn't for Sesshomaru helping me back to camp I don't know when Inuyasha would have thought to come look for me. I likely would have gotten sick from being in wet clothes and in the elements as it got colder out."

"Then there's the fact that I likely would have been too cold to properly defend myself against any attacks from either demons or humans." She added.

Both her mother and grandfather nodded their understanding before they looked at each other thoughtfully, and nodded before they looked back Kagome.

"We've made our decision." Hitomi said. "How about you go ask Lord Sesshomaru to join us."

Kagome nodded and got up and headed toward the kitchen door even though she knew he could hear and had heard everything they had said. She pushed the door open and stepped into the living room and walked toward Sesshomaru.

"Did you hear?" She asked as she watched him turn to her.

"Yes." Sesshomaru confirmed as he stepped toward her. "I am ready to hear their decision."

Kagome nodded and walked with him back toward the kitchen. She pushed the door open and he stepped inside and she joined him. He gestured for her to sit back in the seat she had clearly been sitting in, and she sat down and he stood at her side as he faced her elders.

Hitomi nodded to her father-in-law, and Saito looked to the courting couple in front of them. A human priestess and a demon Lord who also had a demon God sharing his body.

"We have taken in all the information available to us, discussed it as thoroughly as we could, asked all the questions we could think of, and ultimately decided to give you our permission for you to court Kagome." He said clearly.

"You have proven yourself by making the effort to introduce yourself to us, being honest with us, and asking for our permission to enter a relationship with Kagome. You are an honorable suitor, and have also proven yourself to be a good and diligent protector to her, a considerate friend, and from the sounds of it a reliable teacher." He elaborated seriously.

Sesshomaru bowed respectfully to them, both he and Anubis feeling pleased at their words.

"Thank you both for hearing me, and giving me the opportunity to return Kagome's courtship overtures as she deserves." He said.

"You are very welcome." Hitomi said. "I look forward to seeing how your courtship progresses, and hope very much that it ends favorably."

Kagome smiled brightly as she looked from her mother and grandfather to Sesshomaru and back again before once again looking back to Sesshomaru.

She was so happy that they had given him their permission. She had honestly been perfectly ready and willing to go ahead with the courtship without it since she had started the courtship in the first place without it, but she was glad that they knew of her feelings for the demon Lord.

This meant that if all turned out as she very much hoped she would be staying in the past with Sesshomaru, and her family would not be surprised by that fact.

"Thank you." She said as she looked at her mother and grandfather. "I'm glad you approve of Sesshomaru."

"You two should go on and get back to your courtship." Saito said.

"Yes." Hitomi agreed. "I'm sure you both have better things to do than stay with us."

"Okay." Kagome said, nodding as she stood up and looked to Sesshomaru. "Come on; let's go up to my room." She said as she pushed her chair under the table.

Sesshomaru simply nodded once and moved to follow her to the door they had come through, but paused to remove the barrier he had placed around the kitchen before continuing on. They moved toward the stairs and then up them, and were at her bedroom door in moments.

"This is my bedroom; where I've lived and slept all my life." Kagome said as she led him inside.

Sesshomaru looked around silently, taking in Kagome's personal space and the items she had placed around that made it hers.

The floor was light colored tatami mats, the walls were painted a lavender color, the curtains were purple, and a majority of her furniture was made of a light colored wood. Her bed was covered in a pink cover and a matching pillow, and a red rug sat beneath what looked like her desk and the accompanying chair.

"This is an interesting space you have." He commented, taking in the things that were unfamiliar to him. He wanted to ask Anubis since the god was likely to know, but decided it would be better to ask Kagome and learn from her.

Instantly he felt Anubis' approval at the thought.

"What now?" Kagome asked as she sat on her bed. "Now that our courtship is official?"

"Now I would like to give you a courting mark." Sesshomaru said clearly. "Will you allow it so that other demons will know that I am courting you?"

"Of course." She answered instantly. "How will you do it?"

"It is a simple process of transferring a small amount of my youki through skin contact." He answered. "It will not hurt since you are a willing participant, and should take only a few moments."

"Okay." She said as she nodded in understanding. "Go ahead whenever you're ready." She added shyly.

Sesshomaru stepped toward her until he was standing directly in front of her seated form. He gently grasped her chin as he pulled up a sliver of his youki, and leaned over and pressed his lips to her forehead. He willed his youki to travel through his lips to her forehead as he focused on giving his chosen female his courting mark.

Kagome closed her eyes as soon as she saw Sesshomaru's face getting closer to hers, and could not have stopped herself from blushing if her life depended on it. Then she nearly gasped to feel his lips pressed against her forehead.

They were so warm and surprisingly soft, but then she was distracted by the feel of the area getting warmer. And then she sensed his youki and did her best to hold back her reiki so it didn't try to purify it before it could create his mark.

Sesshomaru pulled back a few moments later, his sliver of youki remaining with Kagome, and looked to see an outline of his crescent moon sitting on her forehead beneath her bangs as if it had been tattooed there all her life.

He smiled lightly and hummed in pleasure at the visible mark of his courtship, and that she wore yet another symbol of his along with the necklace and bracelet.

"What does it look like? Kagome asked as he released her chin, assuming it was on her forehead since that was where he was looking.

"It is an outline of my crescent moon; the same color and size." He answered.

"Wow." She said in a soft breathy tone.

Do you think she would accept a mark from me? Anubis asked Sesshomaru thoughtfully.

There is only one way to find out. Sesshomaru replied before he mentally stepped aside to allow him to take control.

Kagome blinked up at Sesshomaru and watched his eyes turn a solid black signaling his beast's presence.

"Little priestess, will you allow me the honor of giving you my courting mark as well?" Anubis asked.

"Yes." Kagome said shyly as she nodded. What will it be? She wondered while anticipating receiving another kiss.

So she was surprised when, instead of grasping her chin and kissing her forehead, he placed his hand on the bed on her left side and leaned to her side and gently and slowly ran his tongue up along the side of her upper arm just beneath her shoulder.

She gasped lightly as she watched. His tongue felt hot and slightly tough and she could not even describe the sensation that went through her as his tongue moved, but she knew she liked the feel of it and his tongue.

Anubis leaned away slightly and shifted to the little priestess' other side, and slowly and gently ran his tongue up along the side of her upper left arm just below her shoulder as he added a tiny sliver of his power to it just as he had to her other arm.

He pulled back and stood straight, and smiled lightly in satisfaction at the sight of his marks on both her arms. The effect was an outlined version of the marks that sat on his arms in his true appearance.

Kagome shook herself out of the pleasant sensations Sesshomaru's beast had caused her to feel and looked up at him.

"What do they look like?" She asked.

"The one on your right arm is the symbol of Ra," Anubis said as he stepped back out of her personal space. "and the one on your left arm is the symbol of a crossed flail and crook. Both are in black outline, and fairly large in size; taking up nearly the entire width of your arms."

"Ooh." Kagome said as her eyes widened. "I want to see!" She exclaimed, and then popped up and moved to the vanity table next to her desk and looked in the mirror.

Immediately she saw the outlined crescent moon on her forehead. She pushed her bangs away to get a better view and took in the navy blue color of it that truly did match the one on Sesshomaru's forehead.

Then she twisted her upper body to look at her arms, and took in the black outlined Egyptian symbols that sat there clear as day. They looked nice, like a professional tattoo or a stamp with exact looking details.

She stood straight and turned back to Sesshomaru, seeing that his beast was still present.

"They look great! Thank you." She said blushingly.

"You are very welcome." Anubis said before he gave back control of their body to Sesshomaru.

"Thank you. Your crescent moon looks great too." Kagome said when she saw his golden eyes return.

"You are welcome." Sesshomaru said as he nodded once.

"I wonder if I can give you a courting mark too." She said as she went and sat back on her bed.

"You can but you will need to have good control of your reiki to do it." Sesshomaru said.

She does not currently have that level of control, but she is on her way and will only need to practice more. Anubis said.

"You are on your way to having the necessary control but you are not quite there yet. You will need to get more practice using your reiki." Sesshomaru said, summarizing what Anubis had relayed to him.

"I understand." Kagome said as she nodded. "I wonder what my mark will look like when I can eventually give you one."

"It is likely to be something unique to you alone." He said, and she nodded.

"What now?" She asked. "I've never dated or courted anyone before, so I've just been making it up as I go. Not that it's been long since I started all of this."

"What you have done is fine." Sesshomaru said. "Usually it is the male who courts the female, however, we will simply continue as we have been. We will essentially court each other. Spending time together, talking, traveling, training, except we will add in some intimacies that will allow us to become comfortable with each other and help us bond closer together."

Kagome nodded and bit her lip.

"What do you mean by 'some intimacies'?" She asked, wanting to know exactly what he meant.

"I would be pleased to enjoy kissing, touching, and grooming each other, and hope you would enjoy such as well." Sesshomaru said.

"I would." She said as she nodded; blushing. "What is grooming exactly?"

"For dog demons that consists of tending to each other's hair to keep it neat, washing each other's hair, bathing with each other, and bathing each other." He answered.

This will be a first. She thought as she nodded.

"But a pleasant first." The voice in her mind said.

True. Kagome agreed. Do you think it will include his true form? She asked the voice.

"If so that will be an all day endeavor." The voice replied.

"Do you want to start now?" She asked. "Maybe with brushing my hair or with me brushing yours?"

"I would be pleased if you would brush my hair, and afterward I can do the same for you." He replied.

"Okay." She said and stood up and grabbed her brush off her vanity table. "Can you sit..uh…somewhere..?" She asked as she looked at the chair to her desk, the floor, and her bed.

Sesshomaru looked around as well and decided to sit on the floor so his armor and sword didn't damage her bed, and so she didn't have to stand while he sat in the chair at her desk. He placed himself on the floor and leaned his back against the side of her bed where she had been sitting at.

Kagome crawled on her bed and shifted and adjusted herself so her legs rested off the bed at his sides and gently pulled his long hair into her lap, and sighed at how silky and soft it was.

"I love how soft your hair feels. It reminds me of your fur pelt." She said even as she glanced at said pelt on his shoulder.

"That is not surprising since my hair becomes part of my fur when I take on my true form. The same when I resume this form. My fur becomes my hair." Sesshomaru said, and she hummed as she began to brush his hair.

"Is there anything you want to know about me now that we're courting?" Kagome asked.

Sesshomaru was silent for a few moments.

"Are there any males who wish for your affections?" He asked. "I wish to know in case they confront me at some point, and became a problem I will have to deal with."

"Ah okay." She said, and decided to be completely honest. "First is Hojo. He's a guy my age that goes to my school. He's always giving me gifts and asking after my health. Actually his gifts were all health related."

"Why the health related items? Are you ill or were so?" He asked with a light frown.

"I'm not sick or anything like that," She assured him. "but because I spend so much time in your time I'm obviously missing a lot of school, and I'm always gone so no one sees me." She explained as she carefully brushed the hair behind his pointed elf-like ears.

"Because of that my family began to make up illnesses to tell my school and friends as a way of explaining why I wasn't at school and couldn't be seen." She added.

"I understand." Sesshomaru said.

He had not considered how things appeared to those around her, her family and friends, when she was in his time. And that was wrong. He should have, but now that he was learning it made complete sense.

Illnesses were a strange excuse to use to explain her absences from her institute of learning and from not being seen by her friends, but the nature of illnesses as he knew them was a perfect excuse. She could in affect be too ill to speak to or see anyone, or she could be contagious and not want to spread her illness.

Beyond that it was clear they wouldn't have to be concerned about this Hojo male. He was human, and a human from her time at that. He was no threat at all.

"Aside from that my friends are always trying to set up dates for me with him when I'm not around, so the next time I see them I'm surprised by it." She said. "It's clear that he's being told I know about it and agreed to it, but that's obviously not the case. And Hojo is so naive to it all that he never catches on and refuses to see that I'm not interested."

That is duplicitous of them, her supposed friends. Anubis said.

Very true. Sesshomaru completely agreed.

"That is presumptuous of them and inconsiderate, not to mention disrespectful. It sounds like they are disregarding your wishes when it comes to that male." He said out loud.

Kagome scooted back on her bed and pulled his hair straight so it rested on her bed and her lap.

"I guess that's what it is, but I hate to think that's what my friends have been doing to me." She said as she began to brush the long length.

"That is exactly what it is." The voice in her mind said. "It is completely fine to think your friends would do such a thing. Just as it is fine to think Inuyasha is capable of being inconsiderate, rude, controlling, and mean. You need to allow the thought and accept it so that you can stop the behavior from happening or separate yourself from them so it no longer affects you."

Like I did with Inuyasha. Kagome said.

"Exactly right." The voice said.

"It is fine to not like the thought that your friends could do such to you, but do not dismiss or ignore it. If you do so your friends will continue to trod all over you and your wishes, which sounds like what has been happening so far." Sesshomaru said.

Kagome nodded as she ran her brush along his silky silver locks.

"I'll keep that in mind and think more on it." She said before she moved the conversation on. "So the next guy or rather the only other guy is a wolf demon named Koga. I was kidnapped by him before Miroku and Sango entered the picture."

"Entered the picture"? Sesshomaru thought in confusion.

Before she met either of those two, and they joined her former pack. Anubis translated.

I understand. Thank you. Sesshomaru said.

"When he realized I could sense jewel shards he decided to try and use me for that purpose, and then began to claim me as his woman. He's done it every time he saw me after that first meeting regardless of how much I deny it." She continued.

Anubis didn't like the sound of this Koga boy at all. He sounded like he was obsessed and would pursue her whether she agreed to it or not. If the boy tried to do so in his presence he would skin that wolf alive, and send what remained of him to his double back in his domain in the underworld of Egypt to do with as he pleased.

"It sounds like the wolf is that way because he is arrogant, selfish, and likes to have his way." Sesshomaru said. "Beyond that he wants to use you for your ability to find the jewel shards, which ultimately means he is after their power and the jewel as a whole to increase his own power. As Naraku is; as Inuyasha was, and perhaps still is."

"In the wolf's mind having you as his woman or as a mate means he has a powerful mate who can make him more powerful through the jewel shards." He continued. "And if his only experience with you, aside from simply seeing you every once in a while, is the instance of his kidnapping you he likely is not even factoring in your actual power."

Yes. If he knew how powerful she truly is he likely would not have left her to travel with Inuyasha all this time. Anubis said.

True. Sesshomaru agreed. It is well that he is unaware. Not only to keep him at a distance, but to keep him from boasting about her, which may bring her to the attention of other males.

An excellent point. Anubis agreed.

"I understand." Kagome said, nodding as she brushed his long hair. "That makes sense. I've always wondered why Koga acts the way he does with me."

Remind her of Inuyasha since the boy is not likely to give her up even with her decision to leave his pack. Anubis told Sesshomaru.

"Do not forget Inuyasha." Sesshomaru cautioned her. "He may actually have feelings for you, so you need to be careful."

"You really think so?" She asked as she remembered him ignoring her feelings for him, and running off after Kikyou every chance he got.

"Yes." He said seriously. "It might be because he believes you to be a part of the dead priestess with his belief that you are her reincarnation, or he simply considers you his because he has gotten used to your presence and your affection for him being so open. He could also possibly have realized by now that he actually has feelings for you instead of the dead priestess."

Kagome hummed thoughtfully as she considered his words.

It would be just like Inuyasha to suddenly develop feelings for me after I've moved on from him. She thought as she shook her head slightly. Or maybe for him to realize he had feelings for me all along. Or even for him to realize he shouldn't have hidden his feelings for me, and try to express them the next time he sees me in a bid to get me back.

"I understand. I'll keep in mind that Inuyasha might have feelings for me, or think he does, and I'll be careful around him." She said seriously.

"That is all I ask." Sesshomaru said.

"Is there anyone that currently has feelings for you or just want you for themselves without having any feelings for you?" Kagome asked as she continued to brush his silky hair.

There must be with him being so attractive, and the Lord of the Western lands. She thought.

"There are probably many, however, the only one I am aware of is Kagura." Sesshomaru said.

"Kagura." Kagome said in surprise as she paused her brush. "Kagura that rides on a feather, as in incarnation of Naraku Kagura?" She asked.

Anubis chuckled quietly in amusement.

"Yes that Kagura." Sesshomaru answered. "She has not said so outright. However, I have seen it in her expressions."

"Wow." She said as she idly put her brush down and began to run her fingers through his hair with a sigh.

"She also came to me wanting me to retrieve her heart and destroy Naraku for her since she had discovered that he fears me." He continued. "I have no doubt where her hopes lay; with me getting rid of her creator for her, and developing affection for her and giving her the life she hopes for."

"I suppose Kagura sees you as some knight in shining armor that can save her, and end up falling in love with her." Kagome said.

"Knight in shining armor"? He thought in confusion.

A male who behaves in a very brave way and/or is the perfect romantic partner for a female. Anubis translated.

Ah, understood. Thank you. Sesshomaru said.

"My own expressions and the tone of my voice should have told that female such would never happen. I would not tie myself to some creation of Naraku; she had best find herself another 'knight in shining armor'." He replied, and listened as she hummed.

"There probably isn't any others for her to choose from, and she likely wants you so much she wouldn't bother looking anyway." She said.

Sesshomaru hummed in agreement.

"Once we return to my time Naraku, and therefore Kagura, may find out about our closeness. I have no worries about Naraku trying anything, but Kagura is a different matter." He said.

"She would be a jealous female. In her mind you will have taken me or the chance of me from her, and she may try to attack you." He cautioned. "I believe that despite her current display of reluctance to do Naraku's bidding that if she feels safe and free she will very well end up a female version of him in a bid to get what she wants."

"So I need to be especially watchful and careful if she makes an appearance along with generally being watchful and careful of my surroundings." Kagome said.

"Indeed; yes." He said firmly.

"What do we do if we're confronted by these people? Well, Koga, Inuyasha, and Kagura?" She asked. "Is there some type of protocol among demons to handle unwanted suitors?"

"There is." Sesshomaru answered as he held back a pleased growl at the feel of her fingers stroking through the hair behind his ears. "We are to handle the suitors of the other. In our case I would deal with the wolf and the whelp, and you would deal with Kagura."

"And I suppose I would also handle the human boy should he show up while I am in your company." He added. "We use whatever means we feel necessary to stop the suitors from pursuing us further."

"I understand." Kagome said. I wonder how I will deal with Kagura, or any other female that's interested in Sesshomaru, if she approaches him while I'm with him. I suppose I won't know until I'm confronted with the situation.

Still, she couldn't help wondering what she would think would be necessary to get any females to go away or if it would be more of a matter of stopping them permanently.

She didn't like the thought of killing a female just because she had feelings for Sesshomaru, but he had already warned her about Kagura. If she could believe the wind demoness could get dangerous at the knowledge of their courtship, then she would need to believe that other females could as well.

She expected any others that could possibly appear to be demoness' as well, so that could actually guarantee they would be dangerous. A human wouldn't search him out or if they wanted to they wouldn't be able to find him.

Then again she wondered if a demoness could find him if he didn't want to be found. She didn't think so.

"Is there anything you would like to know about me that you do not already know?" Sesshomaru asked, and she hummed.

"I can't think of…" Kagome began to say, but paused. "Actually, can I know more about your childhood?" She asked.

"Of course." He answered.

He easily began to tell her of being raised by nannies, as he had informed her of before only adding details, and when he was old enough to move around on his own he did most things on his own. He did a lot of fun frivolous activities that looking back he realized were actually training for his senses.

Kagome hummed in acknowledgment, still running her fingers through his hair, as she understood he had been given critical lessons in the guise of playing. She was also glad he got to actually play and have fun, and suspected that wouldn't have happened if his parents had been more involved.

The day went on and the couple spent the passing hours talking and grooming each other. After Kagome finished brushing Sesshomaru's hair he took his turn, and they moved away from the topic of the people who were romantically interested in them and Sesshomaru's childhood to speak of his years between childhood and when they met.

Sesshomaru explained that when he began his studies and training he had been very focused and diligent, but also made sure to take breaks to let his mind and body relax and adjust to what he had already learned.

He mentioned how once his studies were complete he had been able to focus entirely on his training which had intensified. He then went into more detail than he had before about his sire and dame trying to involve themselves in his life, and the relief he had felt when they had finally stopped and left him alone.

"Many years later when my sire died and Inuyasha was born my life changed; something I will never forget. I became Lord of the Western Lands." Sesshomaru said. And learned the truth about my beast. He added silently.

"I had the responsibility of cleaning up the chaos my sire left behind; rebuilding trust, security, and loyalty. Dealing with attempted assassinations, and attempted coups on my lands." He continued.

Eventually dinner time arrived and they left her room and joined her family in the kitchen/dining room where Sesshomaru was introduced to Kagome's younger brother Souta.

All three members of her family were surprised and curious at the marks she was suddenly sporting, and Kagome proudly showed them off while explaining what they were.

Sesshomaru didn't eat, but he drank tea when it was offered as the family partook of their meal and talked. As Souta was seated nearest to him he exchanged the most conversation with him.

He thought the young man was quiet, shy, and a little immature in his behavior and the few things he said, but he was young so that wasn't unexpected. From what he was seeing of him and what he had learned of him from Kagome he thought the young man was better than the whelp that was his younger half-brother.

After dinner Sesshomaru remained downstairs speaking to Kagome's family, allowing them to get to know him and in turn getting to know them, and Kagome took the opportunity to go upstairs and get his next courting gift ready. She wanted to give it to him before they returned to the past.

She closed her bedroom door behind her and grabbed the duffel bag his gift was in, and placed it on her bed as she opened it and looked at the puffy gift.

Instantly she wished she could wrap it in a way that would hide what it was from sight and touch, but she didn't have a box big enough and she knew there wasn't one in the house either. Not even a slightly smaller box that she could stuff it in and force it to fit.

I'll just have to use this bag as a makeshift gift wrap, so he won't immediately know what it is. She thought as she pressed down here and there on the gift.

"Do not worry. I doubt he will care how you conceal the gift. In fact, he likely will not care if you do not conceal it at all, and simply present it to him as is." The voice in her mind suggested.

That's true. She thought, but she was still nervous about it.

Kagome sighed and closed the bag, and placed it back where she had left it before she grabbed her pajamas, and began to change into them. She quickly took off her clothes and pulled on her pajamas. As she was in the middle of buttoning her top she heard a knock on the door and felt a tiny flare of youki and knew it was Sesshomaru.

She quickly finished buttoning her top as she stepped toward the door, and opened it wide with a smile.

"Come in." She said as she moved over and out of the way.

"Thank you." Sesshomaru said, and stepped inside.

Kagome closed the door and grabbed her clothes from the bed.

"I was just changing into my pajamas." She explained as stepped back from the bed.

"I can see that." He replied as he looked her over, seeing that she was wearing a pale teal top and bottom with dark blue lining. She looked comfortable.

Kagome blushed and moved to put her clothes away in her closet.

"Make yourself comfortable wherever you want." She said.

Sesshomaru took the few steps toward her bed, and sat on it near the end as he watched her putting her clothing away.

"So what do you think of my brother?" Kagome asked as she shifted and maneuvered her clothes.

"I think he is quiet, shy, young, and better than mine." He answered honestly. "Hopefully he has not known mine long enough to have been influence by him."

Kagome sighed. "I hope not too." She said as she finished putting her clothes away.

He'll start noticing girls soon, or boys if that's his preference, and I don't want him treating a partner the way Inuyasha treated me even though we weren't together. She thought. In fact, she especially didn't want her brother trying to string someone along or try to have two partners at the same time.

"Hopefully my brother has learned from seeing at least some of the way Inuyasha has behaved with me and won't do that." She said.

"As I said, he is young. There is time either way." Sesshomaru said. "Time to learn that he will not treat a partner that way or time to alter his behavior if he has picked up those undesirable traits. We can come back here more often, so your brother can see a better example of a romantic relationship."

A good idea. Anubis agreed. The last thing he wanted was for her younger brother to emulate that boy.

Kagome smiled at his words and his consideration. She liked that he was willing to put their travels on hold multiple times just to spend more time around her brother, so he hopefully grew up into a good man.

"I would like that." She agreed. "Although, I'm already worried about the possibility of coming across Inuyasha quicker because of it."

"We will be careful. The whelp will never know we are in the area." Sesshomaru said.

Kagome nodded with yet another smile, happy for the reassurance and the consideration that he was clearly prepared to take to make sure Inuyasha didn't see her before she was ready, and then sighed nervously.

It's now or never. She thought, because she didn't want to wait until the next day to give him his gift; especially since it might come in useful for him that night.

She grabbed the duffel bag and went and placed it on the bed next to him, and sat down on the other side of it.

"For you." Kagome said simply. "I'm sorry it's in this bag. I didn't have a box big enough for it; plus it would've been too big for me to try and carry around when I went through the well." She added.

"I understand. You have nothing to be sorry for." Sesshomaru said.

He considered how she had been carrying the bag when she came through the well, and he could understand how cumbersome that would have been in a proper box as she said; especially since she had been concealing the gifts before giving them to him.

He looked at the bag and the fastening keeping it closed. Remembering seeing the same type on her sleeping bag he grasped the little fastening, careful of his claws, and gently pulled.

Sesshomaru watched it gradually open, and pulled one of the sides further open after it reached the end, and saw something in a familiar color, the same navy blue of his crescent moon, inside some kind of clear wrapping.

Plastic. To help protect the object from dirt, offensive scents, and some damage while allowing it to be seen. Anubis quietly supplied.

Thank you. Sesshomaru replied before he reached in, and began to pull out the objects only to discover they were very soft and yet had a firmness to them.

Kagome helpfully grabbed the bag on the sides and held it with her hands, and he smiled lightly in thanks as he continued to pull until the objects were free.

He straightened them as best he could on top of the bag and saw that there were two, and they were square shaped with gold Egyptian symbols on them.

Anubis carefully looked at the symbols through Sesshomaru's eyes. The first, the ankh, was a cross with a looped top, the second, the djed, was a column with a broad base narrowing as it rose to a capital and crossed by four parallel lines, the third, the was scepter, was a long forked staff topped with the head of a canine, and the last, the feather of Maat, was an ostrich feather.

He thought all of them represented him, and the majority of them represented Sesshomaru as well. His other half was long lived, his mortal body would reach Kagome's birth time still looking nearly as he did now, but he was not immortal. Not yet.

The ankh represents eternal life, Anubis began to translate after he had described each symbol. the djed represents stability, the was scepter represents power, and the feather of Maat represents justice.

Thank you. He said to Anubis, and listened as Kagome began to speak.

"They're pillows to rest your head on while you sleep or just rest. You can even sit on them or use them as a cushion for your back." She said. "Really you can use them any way you can think of that will help you be comfortable."

"I had hoped the plastic covering would mean there wouldn't be any scents from another person on them. I haven't even touched them myself to see what the texture feels like." She added, and he nodded.

"Do you know what the symbols mean?" Sesshomaru asked.

"I do." Kagome answered. "I picked this specific design because of their meanings."

"Thank you for such a thoughtful and comfortable gift." He said, and watched her smile.

"You're welcome." She said, and bit her lip lightly. "Is sleeping together or at least snuggling together part of courtship?" She asked shyly.

"Yes; both are." Sesshomaru answered. "They are part of the intimacies that will allow us to bond closer together, and become comfortable with each other. They will even build trust. Although, I admit I do not need to sleep unless my youki has been severely depleted."

"You spend your nights wide awake?" She asked in surprise.

"Indeed I do." He said as he nodded at her surprise. "I am usually lost in thought and watching over our camp. Before you traveled with me I wandered and patrolled or monitored the area if I chose to remain in one location and not travel."

"However, even though I will not sleep I will enjoy holding you and watching you sleep." He added.

"I'll enjoy it too, and you can put your pillows to use." Kagome said, and then looked at her bed. "Will you even fit?" She wondered.

Sesshomaru's eyes shifted along the length unnecessarily since he already knew the answer.

"I will as long as I do not stretch out." He said.

"Wouldn't that be uncomfortable?" She asked with a light frown.

"No." He answered. "Will you be uncomfortable with my legs in the way?" He asked in return.

"I don't think so. I'll just wind my legs with yours." She said with a shrug.

Sesshomaru nodded, finding that interesting, and wondered if she would start out that way or if it would happen while she slept.

"Okay! I'm going to bid my family a goodnight, and then we're going to get comfortable, and talk about anything we can think of before I fall asleep." She said.

"I look forward to it." Sesshomaru said.

Kagome grinned, and popped up from her bed and left the room. Immediately she saw that her brother was in his room, so she would save him for last. She hurried downstairs and easily spotted her mother and grandfather on the couch.

"I'm headed to bed now," She said as she lean on the back of the couch between them. "so goodnight from me and Sesshomaru."

"Goodnight dear, and tell Lord Sesshomaru goodnight from us too." Hitomi said.

"Yes. You two sleep well." Saito added.

"I will, we will, and you two sleep well when you get around to it." She replied before she turned and headed back upstairs.

"Goodnight Souta." She said as she stopped in the open doorway of her brother's room. "Sesshomaru says goodnight too."

"Night you two." Souta said as he looked up from his computer screen.

Kagome turned and walked the short distance back to her bedroom, and as she was closing the door she saw that Sesshomaru had removed his armor and sword and placed them in front of the nightstand clearly to be close at hand, and was in the middle of taking off his boots.

She went to his side and ripped the plastic open from the pillows and pulled them out, then took the duffle bag and dropped it next to her closet and placed the plastic in her small trash bin. She stepped back to the bed and shifted her pillow, and pulled back her covers before she looked to Sesshomaru.

"I'll leave you to arrange the pillows to your liking since you'll be the one awake, and need to be comfortable with all the positioning." She said as she stepped back.

Sesshomaru hummed as he touched the pillows now that they were free of the plastic then he went about arranging the pillows against the wall at the head of the bed before he place the pillow that had already been there next to them.

He then climbed in under the covers, careful of his claws, and shifted toward the wall since it was clear Kagome would need to be free to get up should she need to relieve herself during the night.

Kagome turned off the light and joined him on the bed shyly yet without hesitation and lay down, her head resting on her pillow, and turned so she was facing Sesshomaru as he pulled the covers over them and blushed a little as he gently slipped his arm beneath her and wrapped it around her.

She was going to seriously enjoy every moment of being snuggled up in bed with Sesshomaru since she very much doubted they would be able to do the exact same thing once they returned to the past.

She knew he would insist on being fully armored, dressed, and upright, which she completely understood. Lying down like this would leave him vulnerable, and would slow his reaction time. And although there was always the opportunity to use a barrier, she didn't think he would join her in lying down even with that protection in place.

That's okay. Kagome thought. I'll be fine sleeping close to him. It will allow us to be close, and still show him that I trust him.

Once they were both sure of the other's comfort they began to talk quietly, settling on her training and how her immediate goal was to gain enough control of her power to give him a courting mark, what that would involve and what it would look like, until she fell asleep.