Author's Note: Ahh, the second chapter. What will happen? Who knows! (but me) *evil laughter* I love tormenting people. It's so much fun.

Again with the disclaimer. I do not own Inuyasha. * thinks about what it would be like to -own- Inuyasha.... or even Sesshoumaru and shivers * ^^

Speaking: " - "

Thoughts: ' - '

Author's Comments: ( - )

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Chapter Two: The Lonely Journey

By: Andrea Burkeen aka Yuki-hime

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The woman stirred in restlessness. Her dreams had been tormenting her with hopeful fantasies of things that could never be. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open, trying to focus on the nearest object. As her eyes cleared, she saw the room for the first time. The sunlight added a glow to everything. The floor and furniture were lined with pelts of varying colors, deep violet drapes with silver fabric and splashes of red. She took note that the silky sheets were silver with pelt covering. Reaching out she touched the fur softly, realizing then that she was nude, jerked the sheet up to her chin. Her mind franticly searching for a valid explanation. But, things were a little fuzzy. She could not quite remember what had happened to her before she woke in the strange room. Was she still in the Feudal era? The looks of the room gave her doubt.

The door opened, startling her as she pulled a pelt up to her as well. Her mind ran wild with fear before she saw the figure. "I'm glad you are finally awake, Kagome." Sesshoumaru glided over ( he never REALLY seems to walk - too human for him ^^) to her side, sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at her.

She blushed deeply. "Um, how long have I been asleep?" She tried to not look a little embarrassed. 'It's not like he hasn't seen a female before,' she scolded herself.

"Nine days. The Land of Hell is not an easy thing to come back from. I'm surprised you are not still sleeping." He sat there, staring at her pale face. "The color is slowly returning to your skin. I'm sure you will be able to move on your own with ease in a few days. Your miko powers seem to have quickened your recovery." Sesshoumaru sat recalling her still form after the bath, still so cold to the touch. Reviving the dead was a slow and tricky process. Few could do it, and he had only to thank Tenseiga and his father's fang for that power. After he had laid her in his bed, he sat watching and waiting, taking short breaks to check in on Rin and Jaken's care of her. Her nightmarish screams in the dark and light had frightened the little girl, and in truth, startled the demon ( but only slightly people! ) for he did not know the woman's true feelings, which had been revealed to him during her unconscious state. He could feel the small tugs begin to tear at his heart.

Kagome nodded at his answer. It was coming back to her slowly, the events that took place before her death. Kikyou standing in front of her. The feeling of life being ripped from her body shook her to the core. She shuddered in remembering. Gathering her courage, she asked; "May I ask why I am unclothed?" the hesitancy sounded in her voice.

He saw her blush deepen. "The smell of death was suffocating with the stench of that half-brother of mine. I had to bathe you. We do not want the demons of Hell to come back. I did nothing that was inappropriate for the situation at hand." He stood. His answer made Kagome feel a little embarrassed by her train of thoughts. "There is clothing in the wardrobe you may help yourself to. After you are dressed I will come back for you. The castle is a maze to those unfamiliar with it. You may get lost." He stopped at the door, "I also have a gift for you," and with that the door closed with a resounding thud, leaving the miko to herself and the chore of dressing.

Kagome slipped from the bed, clutching the silver sheet around her form. Standing on shaky legs, she slowly moved over to the wooden wardrobe. The intricately carved designs of dog demons adorned the handles, causing her slight hesitation, before opening the heavy doors to reveal dozens of colorful kimonos hanging from the depths.

She reached for a deep green embroidered with white inu-youkai on the hem of the dress. Cloud-like wisps of fabric were scattered across the abdomen, reaching upward. Kagome's breath caught in her throat. The scene on the fabric affected her with great wonder. A small knock sounded on the door, bringing her out of her awe. Turning she saw the small human girl that kept Sesshoumaru's company. She smiled and motioned the girl to enter. She did not want Sesshoumaru to appear and see her in her current state. She wanted to compose herself first, gather her thoughts. "Hello, Rin."

The girl looked with excitement in her eyes. "Lord Sesshoumaru has asked Rin to help you dress. He says that Rin can help you since you are still weak from death." She smiled at the young girl's words, knowing that she was repeating her care-giver's speech.

She held up the dress for Rin to see. "What do you think? Too much?" she asked as the little girl stared at the fine fabric.

Rin bounced onto the nearest piece of furniture. "No." Her simple statement made up Kagome's mind and she closed the doors. "Lord Sesshoumaru asked Rin to take you to the hot springs so you may bathe. Rin gets to bathe too! And she will help you. Come this way," the little girl grabbed Kagome's hand, pulling her gently toward the door and down the hall to the springs, which resided outside on the eastern edge of the castle grounds. Kagome had a brief glance at some of the tapestries on the walls, and mentally noted to stop and look next time she was able.

The hot springs were wonderful and refreshing to Kagome's soul, mind, body and even heart. The hot water soothed her sore muscles from lack of use and ebbed away her dark thoughts, letting them float away from her conscious mind. She drifted in a light slumber before letting Rin wash away the sleep of her body.

She watched as the child played in the water before finally resolving herself to drying off and dressing. The small hut that sat outside of the hot springs waited for the two to enter. Inside, Kagome saw the dress she had chosen along with a pair of slippers to match. Next to her folded garments were Rin's. She noticed the green colored kimono and as Rin picked it up to dress herself, she caught sight of a similar scene on the smaller fabric. It was different but still similar in design and placement. She wondered if the little girl had chosen the gown or some other.

Rin dressed quickly, turning to help Kagome before she had finished tying the white obi, which hung partly dangling from her back. Kagome smiled at the sight of this, melting her heart. She laughed lightly and turned the girl around to finish the task before she lost her dress in the fervor. Once loose, Rin helped the older miko dress, tying the same color obi around her as she had. With the current task complete, the duo grabbed their tatami sandals and walked out to the sun lowering the western sky.

The little girl talked about her time spent here, picking flowers and playing tag with Jaken. She rambled on about how she now had a companion, besides the mean toad, to play with. Kagome let the girl chatter as she followed her lead, lost in her thoughts. She found herself worried over her friends and their concern for her safety. And, despite her fear, wondering how Inuyasha was. If he was angry at her or Kikyou. 'Would he still pick her?' she asked herself as she was disturbed from her train of thought. Rin had stopped and she found herself standing in front a double set of doors that rose as high as the cathedral-like ceiling. The doors were wooden and carved more elegantly than the wardrobe in the room where she woke. They too were adorned with what looked to be duels between lord youkais. Some she thought she recognized and, as she bent over to get a closer look, the door opened and she found them replaced by Sesshoumaru's form standing over her. She blushed lightly, embarrassed that the lord had 'caught' her.

His eyes scanned her contour. The green kimono hugged her slender form and played against her milky skin and ebony hair. He met her eyes and nodded. His gaze moved to the smaller figure dressed in similar clothing. "Thank you Rin. You may go and play now." She squealed her delight and ran off in the direction that they had come. He motioned for her to follow him inside the room, the doors closing on their own behind her. "Please take a seat," he spoke, his hand signaling her to the chair on right. She sat and watched him round the corner of his desk, pausing to pull out a small box on top of a slightly ampler one. With the packages in hand, he sat opposite her and placed them in her possession.

Kagome looked up at him, unsure of what she should do. "Please open them. I'm sure you will be satisfied, " he stated as she sat there and stared into his golden eyes. Unable to speak, she slowly opened the top box. Her hands shaking slightly. Once the object came into view, she gasped and plucked it up to hold in front of her.

The Shikon no Tama shone as brightly as it had when she last saw it. Relief washed over her features, along with amazement and gratefulness. Kagome couldn't believe what was in front of her. Before she knew it, she was voicing her thoughts, "How did you get this Sesshoumaru?" He took the jewel from her hands and placed it around her neck. Thoughts of him taking the jewel immediately flew threw her mind, but she rejected them, knowing that if he wanted it, all he would have had to do was not give it back. He nodded toward the other container in her lap. She sat the smaller one on the desk and began taking the top off. She was met with an outfit similar to Sango's.

The suit was a deep green. The shoulder, elbow and shin/knee pads were white bone carved armor. The half-mask was done in this fashion too. The chest-plate was also carved bone with white fabric emerging from the bottom reaching to her knees. Kagome was filled with excitement and confusion. She couldn't wait to try it on ( hey she's a girl and girl's LOVE clothes ) but she couldn't help but be a little suspicious. Although Sesshoumaru has never made any threatening moves toward her, she still felt.... odd and a little weary of his motives. When she looked up, Sesshoumaru had her two swords, a taitou and a tantou ( long and short sword ), unwrapped in front of her.

Her eyes went from the swords to his, filled with indescribable emotion. It moved the kanzen youkai to smirking at her ( he makes more progress! ) in delight. "I anticipate that you will be healthy enough in a week to travel on your own. Until then, I thought that some training was in order to gain your strength back. We can begin tomorrow at sunrise." Kagome nodded in agreement.

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It had been a little over a week since Kagome had left in the arms of his older half-brother. Whenever that image manifested in Inuyasha's mind, he became infuriated with a violent burning desire to rip the taiyoukai's cold beating heart out of his chest. Inuyasha took his fury out on the nearest object. Leveling half an acre of forest in the process. The villagers had received ample firewood in the days since the incident occurred. Everyone knew to steer clear of the hanyou by receiving word from Kaede about Kagome's disappearance. Inuyasha retreated into the seclusion of the forest only visiting his companions to check in on them. After his second visit, he learned that Sesshoumaru had visited Kaede the day before, requesting Kagome's things and the Shikon no Tama, claiming that he was returning it to her.

What pissed Inuyasha off even more was the fact that the old miko gave it over willingly. Now Sesshoumaru had Kagome and the Shikon no Tama. He growled and struck out again as the thought crossed his mind. It had been four days since he had checked in, half afraid to hear any other news. The sun had begun it's descent into the western skies. Inuyasha paused to look in that direction. 'Kagome, are you okay?' he thought as he made his way into the outskirts of the village, near Kaede's hut.

As he approached, he heard the voices of his fellow travelers discussing their current crisis. The whereabouts of their precious Kagome. He stood outside a moment listening to what they spoke of.

"I do not think that Sesshoumaru intends to do any harm to Kagome." Sango's voice floated through the air.

"But you must admit that Sesshoumaru's actions were out of character, even for him." ( Yes I am voicing your opinions too! ) Miroku stated.

"Yes, but if he wanted to do any harm, he would have let her die."

 
"You do have a point there," Miroku agreed.

"Do ye think that Sesshoumaru intends to do harm to Inuyasha then?" Kaede spoke with wisdom in her words.

"There is that possibility, but I do not see Sesshoumaru being that tricky. It's more of Naraku's style than his," Miroku replied. "I don't see any other reason he would want Kagome than for the Shikon no Tama though."

Inuyasha chose this moment to enter the hut, pulling the straw door aside. "I agree with Miroku. Sesshoumaru just wanted his hands on the jewel. Who knows if Kagome is still alive or was even resurrected." His words dripped with anger that had built up over the past nine days.

"Inuyasha, I was just thinking out loud," Miroku replied. "Don't take it seriously." The houshi tried to quell the anger seething from the hanyou.

"Is there any new news from that bastard?" he asked Kaede.

She shook her head. "I have not heard anything since his last visit. He spoke of her taking time to recover once she was awake." She paused before asking her next question. "Inuyasha, have you seen Kikyou?" The mention of her name sent Inuyasha out the door and back into the thicket of the surrounding woods. "I was afraid he would retreat back into the forest."

Blinded by fury, he tore deep into the heart of the forest. He did not wish to see Kikyou any time soon. He was too worried with Kagome and the Shikon no Tama to worry over her, yet he could not turn the dead miko away. He cursed himself and his fate.

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The past few days had been extremely vexing on Kagome. Sesshoumaru drove her hard. Sometimes she wondered if he remembered she was human. Every morning, she woke at dawn, dressed in her taijiya-like clothes and met the taiyoukai in the dojo. No matter how early she rose, he always ended up there before her. Kagome was beginning to think that he didn't sleep at all. As she slid the door open, Sesshoumaru sat mediating on the opposite end. His eyes opened at as she stepped inside and shut the entrance. "Come and mediate before we train, " he spoke solemnly and returned to his trance state.

Kagome sat cross-legged in front of him and closed her eyes. Clearing her mind proved to be a challenge for her at first, and the first day and a half was spent on teaching her how to. She was more angry at herself than anything else because it had been hard for her to clear her mind of Inuyasha. Sesshoumaru had been patient with her and she was grateful, helping her find a mental place that would soothe her soul.

Sesshoumaru opened his eyes when he sensed her in deep mediation. He took the moment to examine her. Her expression was one of serenity. Since she woke, he kept his distance from her until she slept in his bed chambers. Sesshoumaru did not completely understand why he felt this urge in him, the urge to watch over her. Since he returned the Shikon no Tama in her protection, her strength grew enormously. He had made a good prediction indeed. If she continued her current state of recovery, she would be able to leave in four days. The thought suddenly saddened him. He rose. "Come, let's spar," he spoke, hoping the exercise would clear his mind, he drew his sword.

Startled, Kagome's eyes fluttered open and she stood, shaking her head clear. Taking a deep breathe, she unsheathed her swords and stood in a battle stance that Sesshoumaru had suggested the day before. Legs planted firmly apart, arms out and ready to swing or block any frontal assault. She studied his face, the expressionless mask never slipping as he moved in a blur of silver toward her. She jumped to the left, bringing forward her blades, crossing them to block the swing that the lord took at her. She smirked at her feat and used a small blast of miko power to push him back. It worked but he came rushing forward, barely giving her time to dodge. She took the opportunity to swing the long sword toward him, followed with the short blade. Both of which were easily ducked and the weapons knocked from her grasp, clanking on the floor a few feet away. She acted on instinct and rolled back to avoid his deadly dokkasou.

Seeing an opening, she opted to not hesitant and lunged for them. Predicting her movements, Sesshoumaru was able to catch her off-guard and she fell through the wall to land on the ground. She had enough time to pick herself up before Sesshoumaru was upon her. She rotated avoiding his deadly claws and gathered a small amount of energy in her palm. Concentrating, it shot forward and hit him directly in the chest, stunning him momentarily. Kagome smiled at her success but it lived short as she moved to avoid another blow. She paused too long to catch her breath, her energy still not up to it's full potential, and Sesshoumaru took advantage of it. Two seconds later she was pinned against the tree near the corner edge of the dojo.

Sesshoumaru took the opportunity to let her scent intoxicate him before he spoke. "You waited to long to move. I do not think that you have enough energy to go on. Training is over for today." He lingered over her a moment, his golden eyes locking onto her pools. Unable to stop himself, he brushed a piece of her hair that had fallen onto her face. Realizing that he had let his mask slip ( OR maybe he realized he was out of character! ), Sesshoumaru spoke with haste. "You should take bathe before breakfast. I will meet you in the front hall. Be there in an hour." And with that he disappeared.

Kagome let out the breath she had been holding. Was this a gentle reminder of their previous conversation? She shook her mind free of those memories. First she had to settle a more pressing matter. But that had to wait too. She needed a bath bad and her stomach was reminding her of breakfast.

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The forest was silent with the exception of a northern breeze rustling the branches occasionally. The gentle animal sounds echoed off the trunks and played like a melody box to her ears. The water's edge lapped at the shore lazily and the woman found her thoughts wondering off to what her future might be like now. Her first attempt had failed and she doubted that the bearer of the jewel would be giving her a soul anytime soon. She lowered her head to catch a glimpse of her reflection in the crystal water. Gingerly, her hand reached upward, lightly touching her face.

The cold-hardened clay was smooth under her fingertips. A sudden surge of anger filled her core. Why. Why had she been left to this horrible fate? She felt human emotions, thoughts, everything. Yet, she could not feel the touch of her fingertips nor the caress of another. She yearned desperately for a body with blood and veins. It would mean that she could begin to heal her own unseen wounds.

The sound of stirring brush brought her out of her thoughts. She turned to see who had intruded upon her. The couple gazed into the other's face. Silence stretched on for what seemed like an eternity before a voice broke the still air around them. "Where have you been?" Inuyasha's voice was filled with mixed emotions. He had caught her scent of grave-yard soil and came in search of the source, finding her near the river.

She was silent a moment, trying to read him. "I have been recovering Inuyasha. What is it that you need?" Her tone was melancholy.

Her nonchalant attitude angered him even more. "I want you to tell me what the hell happened between you and Kagome. And I want the truth. Now."

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Kagome entered the front hall about an hour later, finding Sesshoumaru waiting for her. She found it hard to confide what had been in her thoughts for the past three days. She was unsure of what his reaction would be but she had made up her mind, and no one was going to change it. The miko hoped that he would support her decision and she wasted no time in broaching the subject.

"Sesshoumaru, I have something important that I need to speak with you about. It can't wait." He could see the turmoil raging inside her eyes and nodded in reply.

"After breakfast." He turned and walked toward the dining area with the woman in tow. They were met with Rin and Jaken ( yeah yeah, he's a demon and doesn't eat BUT he is in charge of watching Rin when Sesshoumaru is not present ) awaiting them at the long dining table. When Kagome had first seen the wooden slab and legs, they were as exquisite as the doors to Sesshoumaru's study. She marveled at the hand-crafted mini-youkai fighting scenes along the edge of the top. The legs suggested clouds, leading the viewer to imagine glorious demons fighting among the clouds in heaven.

She took her seat beside the little girl, Sesshoumaru sitting opposite with Jaken. The servants, mostly lowly demons and two human women, who the lord took in to keep his ward 'human' company, carried the silver platters, placing them on the table. Kagome heard the girl's 'yums' at the look of the assorted meats and breads uncovered before them. She smiled because that had been her reaction the first time. The second, she managed to hold her tongue. Sighing inwardly, she glanced at Sesshoumaru and their eyes locked for a split second before she looked down, smiling slightly while trying to hide her blush.

"Kagome! Try this. Jaken said it was good and Rin agrees," she exclaimed as a piece of meat landed on her plate. She smiled and reached for a slice of bread, avoiding the staring eyes across her. The breakfast seemed to drag for the woman, anxious to get it over with and move on.

After the plates and food were removed, Sesshoumaru dismissed the young girl and Jaken to the fields so Rin could pick flowers for Kagome. ( Hmmm.... seems to be her favorite thing to do. But hey, she is a little girl. ) He rose after she scampered off with the small demon in track, yelling for her to wait up or he'd hit her with his staff. Kagome smiled at how similar it felt here and followed the taiyoukai to his study.

The walls were lined with tapestries and she recalled when she had stopped to examine them more closely. She believed that the inuyoukai being depicted were Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha's father, or ancestor, and revered in the glory of his power. Kagome never believed that their father was evil. After all, he did fall in love with a human woman and cared for Inuyasha enough to try to make sure he was looked after. She had begun to wonder how Sesshoumaru really felt toward the human race. 'How could he hate us when he cares for Rin so much,' she thought as she stared at the back of the figure in front of her. He had shown her glimpses when his stoic mask would briefly fade.

The doors to his study opened and he waved her inside, following. He watched her sit with her back facing him. His thoughts were running rampant with what she had to speak with him about. He moved around and sat facing her, his eyes locked onto hers and his mask locked in place, he waited for her to speak.

She fumbled under his intense gaze as she tried to voice the right words. "There's something that I have wanted to speak with you about. Uhhh.... I... I'm going to... um... I'm going to wish for everyone's happiness... and Kikyou a soul." She spoke hastily and waited for a reaction in the figure's features.

His heart ( yes he has one too ) sank a little with her words. Not what he had hoped for, but he also knew that she was extremely unsure of herself as a woman in Inuyasha's eyes. And she wanted his support in her decision, so he would give it. "I will help you. What do you wish me to do?"

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Kaede sat outside, enjoying the company and noise of Shippou and the village children. She could see the forms of the houshi and taijiya in the distance. It had been three days since Inuyasha had appeared and Kaede felt a twinge of pain for the hanyou. He was in such a bad predicament and she saw no easy way out for anyone. It almost seemed that every hand the jewel fell in was doomed.

She felt for Kagome and wished that the witch Urasuea had never brought back the hollow shell of the woman that had been her loving sister. Kaede understood why Kikyou would feel the way she does now. After all, it is hard to let go of evil emotions easily. Even with the death of the hanyou, Naraku, her grief and rage would not be dispelled. It resided in her heart and soul.

The children ran to greet the couple that ascended the hill. Screams suddenly echoed through the sky, drawing the attention of the adults. Sango and Miroku sprinted off into the forest in search of the source with Kaede and Shippou staying to protect the village.

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The room was dimly lit from the candle light, flickering shadows wildly across the walls behind the two forms. The female sat mediating, the Shikon no Tama clasped between her prayer-like hands. The lord watched her features with apprehension. He was slightly unsettled by the uncertainty in the current situation, but kept his ground.

Kagome stilled her mind and cleared away everything so she could concentrate on her wish. The jewel glowed, reacting to the miko's soul, mind and heart coming together in unison. Sesshoumaru's eyes slightly widened as the room was engulfed by the bright pink light. He could hear her speaking but her lips did not move. 'Shikon no Tama, please grant my wish. I want Kikyou to have her own soul and my friends to find happiness.'

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Kikyou's screams deafened the half-demon. He saw her collapse onto the ground, withering in pain. She grabbed at her chest and Inuyasha watched the collected souls of dead women float away. Yet, she was still there, the screams died down as the monk and slayer emerged into the clearing.

What they saw caused them to stop in their tracks. Swirling winds surrounded the miko as Inuyasha tried to step forward. Another scream pierced the skies. There was a blinding light that forced the viewers to cover their eyes. The hanyou yelled her name, "Kikyou!" And just as quickly, the winds dwindled, leaving Kikyou in a mess. She was unconscious, her hair wild on the ground and clothing twisted around the delicate form.

Inuyasha dropped by her side. Reaching out to touch her, he recoiled his hand. The warmth of her body shocked him. He saw her chest rise and fall. 'Could she be alive?'

"Inuyasha!" Miroku yelled. "What is happening?" Sango gasped as he turned around with Kikyou in his arms. The woman looked... healthier. There was more color in her skin and face than from before.

"Oh my god," Sango whispered. 'Does this mean Kagome used the Shikon no Tama already?' Her thoughts franticly grasping for answers not there.

Inuyasha walked past them. "I'm going to take her to Kaede."

The two watched his retreating form. "I wonder if Kagome is alright." Sango asked aloud.

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As soon as Kagome spoke the words, a sudden bright light shot into her chest. The pink aura resided quickly as Kagome toppled into Sesshoumaru's waiting arms. His gaze slid over her form. He could feel a slight difference in her spirit. Has the portion of Kagome's soul that Kikyou possessed returned? The golden orbs rested on the Shikon no Tama in her hand. The glowing had not ceased like Kagome had spoken of earlier. He cradled her close to his chest as he swept her to his waiting bed. Laying her gently down, she slept through the day and into the next morning.

Waking to Sesshoumaru over her and a hot plate of food was close enough to a dream come true. She was famished from her stunt the day before and cleaned the entire platter. He spoke when she sat the plate down. "Do you intend to go back now?" His voice was cold of emotion.

She squirmed under his scrutiny. "I need to know what Inuyasha wants. I can never move on until I'm sure." Her cobalt eyes met his golden. "I would like to leave two days from now." She knew that would give her time to fully recover because the journey took three days from Sesshoumaru's castle.

He nodded in compliance, though that was not what he felt. One thing he learned well was to keep his emotions under restraint. The next forty-eight hours were spent as the beginning days since she had woke, in training to hone her skills. He watched her leave on the third morning since she had used the jewel's power.

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Inuyasha never left Kikyou's side, staying with her until she woke the next morning and then following her around. He seemed to think that if he blinked she would disappear. But it had been five days since then and she was still very much alive ( sorry kikyou haters ). He ignored the attempts of Miroku, Sango and Kaede to speak with him. He didn't feel like listening to anyone.

The others had been weary of her at first but as more time was spent with her, she was accepted and Shippou even took a liking to her, often playing with her and the other children. Kikyou had changed though. She still retained her memories, thoughts, emotions, but her hatred and rage faded away, leaving the warm, kind woman that Kaede remembered. After she had been resurrected, Kaede cried. The sister she knew had returned for a second chance at life. But Kaede wondered at what price. They had not seen nor heard anything about Kagome. The old miko began to wonder if she was okay and when they might see her again.

There was no telling what the Shikon no Tama's effects were. Sango and Miroku shared her worry but kept it from Shippou, trying desperately to speak with Inuyasha about the situation but he brushed them off. They were confused and hurt by his neglect of their close friend. Kagome had been there with them and Inuyasha for the better and worse. Kaede said that it must have something to do with Sesshoumaru but he had always been so protective over her that his lack of action bewildered them.

Late the next evening, before the sunset, Shippou and Kaede had been in the garden gathering herbs when the kitsune youkai caught a familiar scent. He called out to the others that Kagome was here. Rushing out, they saw her emerge from Inuyasha's Forest. She cried as they approached her. Shippou jumped into her arms, welcoming her back with enthusiasm. "Kagome! I'm so glad you're back. I missed you," the little demon exclaimed.

"Shippou, I've missed you all so much," she wept as the others embraced her in warm hugs and welcomed her back, glad she was alive and doing well.

 
The conversation centered around what had happened to her after she left the village. Kagome relayed her experience, and explained about the Shikon no Tama and her wish. She pulled the gem from under her taijiya outfit, showing the others that the jewel still glowed as brightly as ever. "Kaede, I thought that the Shikon no Tama would lose it's light and disappear."

"No one was certain about that my child. Since it has not disappeared, ye should keep it with you safely and protect it."

Kagome sighed. She didn't want to be stuck with the damn thing, but it looked like she was never going to rid herself of it. Summoning up her nerve she asked, "Where is Inuyasha and Kikyou?"

As if on cue, the straw flap was pulled back and the hanyou filled the doorway, his eyes on the woman beside Sango. Kagome smiled and he rushed to her, nearly crushing her in his arms. Sesshoumaru's scent filled his nose but he ignored that, concentrating on the feel of her instead. "I was so worried Kagome. I'm sorry I was not able to save you." He whispered through gritted teeth. "Forgive me."

She let him embrace her, his words sinking in. As she opened her eyes, Kikyou stood in the door, staring at them. Kagome stiffened and Inuyasha let go to look in her face, her eyes in a cold shock. He turned to see where they were fixed.

Miroku broke the silence. "I think we should all talk after dinner. It might be easier though, if we moved outside." The small hut seemed increasingly small with seven people. The others nodded but the eye connection between the two young mikos did not break until Inuyasha rose.

"I'll go collect firewood," he said and paused at the door, looking back at the girl on the floor before departing.

Sango broke the tension between the two women. "Kagome, would you like to come with me," she asked as she rose and steeped toward the door. The woman nodded and followed her lead, grateful for the distraction. She had no idea what the youkai taijiya wanted but sighed in relief as she stepped out into the ambient skies. The setting sun colored the sky with deep blues and purples fading into a hellish red mixed with yellows.

She inhaled the fresh air and continued with Sango. They walked across the river to sit on a log. Her friend turned to her. "I'm sorry Kagome. I know that it must be hard being around Kikyou." Her brown eyes expressing concern.

"It's okay Sango. I expected Kikyou to be here. She has no where else to go. Her home was this village with Kaede. I'm the one intruding." Kagome hung her head. At least she felt like she belonged in Sesshoumaru's castle.

"Kagome! Don't say things like that! Kikyou was dead and your wish on the Shikon no Tama brought her back from the gates of hell. You belong here just as much as she does. All of your hard work to gather the shards of the jewel and bring peace back. That can't be ignored, not even by Inuyasha!"

 
Sango's words hit her heart. "Yes, but I was the reason the Shikon no Tama was broken in the first place. Kikyou made the right decision before she died, she just didn't know what trouble it would cause because of my foolishness."

"But you could have given up at any time. That shows the true you Kagome. You are much stronger than she is. You were able to heal Inuyasha's heart." Sango laid her hand on the woman's shoulder and smiled.

"But who can say that Kikyou would have done the same thing if they had been left alone by Naraku. Inuyasha is the one who has suffered the most. Hurt by both Naraku and Kikyou, I just couldn't hurt him." Tears welled up in her blue eyes.

"Kagome, what are you talking about? You would never hurt Inuyasha, not intentionally. What happened between you and Kikyou the day Sesshoumaru took you?"

Her question shook her a little. "You mean you don't know?"

"Inuyasha refused to speak about it. When the subject was brought up, he would leave. Kagome, what happened?"

"I guess the sight of Kikyou taking my soul confused him a little more than I thought. I hoped that Inuyasha would...." She let her words trail off. Not daring to finish her thought, but the taijiya knew what she was thinking.

"Come to his senses." Kagome's eyes shot up to stare at her friend. "We are all thinking the same thing Kagome. You should have left Kikyou alone, but I understand why you did what you did and that's why Inuyasha should realize that too. You care for him so much to bring your rival back from the dead to appease him in some way. But I don't know what's wrong with him. Inuyasha seems different now, like the spark of fighting has left him." She paused. "I think he feels lost after the defeat of Naraku. Unsure of what to do next."

Kagome nodded at her words. "I think he needs time. I don't want to pressure him Sango, so I'm not going to be staying here in the village." Her friend was about to protest but she rushed forward. "I'll go back home to my life and wait." 'Wait for him to never come,' her conscious screamed at her.

"Ummm, about the well Kagome. There's something that you need to know first. Inuyasha tried to go through to your time two days ago." Her words kept the woman on the edge of her seat.

"Let me guess. The well's portal is closed." At her nod, the younger woman's head fell and she sighed heavily. "At least I got to say goodbye to my family." She recalled her last trip home, a month before Naraku's demise. She explained the current situation with her mom and Grandfather, hiding it from Souta. Her mother shed tears, which cause Kagome to cry, and then her grandpa. The last hours she spent with her family were happy ones and those memories would live on in her heart and soul. But still, tears leapt from her closed eyes, cascading down her flush cheeks. 'I have no way home and now Inuyasha will leave me as well.'

It felt that Naraku had won in some twisted way. Laughing from his grave at their pain. Her pain. During the battle, the half-demon targeted her relentlessly, hardly giving Inuyasha a second glance. Of course, this pissed him off but Kagome had wondered why he did so. Now that she thought about it, it was a little strange to ignore the inu-hanyou in such a matter. But Naraku had twisted plans and her thoughts did not dwell on it long.

"It will never end, will it Sango."

Her question crushed the woman's heart. She felt great pain for Kagome. Even though she had lost her village and her ultimately Kohaku, Kagome had given up her time and everything she had ever know to go on an uncertain and deathly path in life. Sango knew that the act took great courage and strength. She admired Kagome for that and surviving through the hardships of the past four years. It seemed wrong to have the one person she loved bring her down after all that had happened.

"What will you do now?" Her question hung in the air. Half afraid of what the answer might be, but she would support her in her decision. 'Maybe she does need a break from the heartache that seemed to follow her,' Sango thought. "Kagome, what ever it is that you decide to do, I will always support you." The relationship she developed with the miko was sisterly and she had become a replacement of sorts for her family. Kagome had soothed her pain and now she wanted to return the effort.

"Thank you Sango. I think that it is best that I not stay here. I want to give Inuyasha space and time to think." She paused. "I know what my decision has done Sango. I want Kikyou to live and be happy. I realize what the repercussions of my actions may be but I want Inuyasha's happiness more than my own."

The woman nodded. "I understand. Let's just hope he will." They sat a while longer, lingering on the edge of the forest and listening to the quiet earthly sounds that emitted from the thicket. The conversation turned to lighter tones and Sango inquired about her time away with the older hanyou's brother.

 
A slight blush crossed the woman's face. "I feel like Sesshoumaru is putting up an act. He hides his true emotions whenever he is around Inuyasha but I don't understand why."

"What do you mean?"

"Sango, he had other humans at his castle, along with Rin. I don't think he hates humans and I don't think he hates Inuyasha either. But I can't say for sure. He was still pretty stoic with me around."

Inuyasha's form appeared on the horizon. Kagome sighed and looked at her friend. "I think I'll tell him after dinner tonight."

"When are you going to leave?"

"Tomorrow," was her short answer as she rose, not giving the companion time to respond. "Hello Inuyasha." She smiled sadly at his approaching figure.

"Kagome, I want to talk to you," he said heavily. Looking at Sango, she stood and turned to leave.

"Inuyasha, don't do anything stupid."

"Hey what the hell does that mean?!" he yelled at her retreating form. Angry, he turned to see the small smile on her face.

"You'll never change Inuyasha."

"Are you going to take her side?"

She laughed, "No, but I'm glad to see you are doing well." He muttered 'yeah' in reply. "What is it you wanted to talk about?" She saw him stiffened.

"I want to know why you gave Kikyou a soul after what she tried to do to you." His golden eyes boar into hers.

She found herself thinking of Sesshoumaru briefly, and how his gaze froze her, but the question brought quenched anger to the surface. "Inuyasha, if you don't know, then I guess you never will." Her hasty remark bit into his heart as he watched her walk off.

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As I was writing this, I noticed that I use both the Japanese terms and English terms interchangeably. I hope you will forgive me as I will probably never grow out of this. ^^ I'll try to provide a small glossary. If there is a word you are unfamiliar with and I have not provided a definition, let me know, k?

Another thing I might address while I'm at it. There will be typos people and misspellings. Sorry. I do re-read what I write but sometimes I get caught up in the action and excitement and will miss things. I get really anxious. ^^ I want it finished now so *I* can read it. Hehehe. If there happens to be someone out there that would like to help me scan for typos and misspellings, email me and we can talk about it.

Don't bitch at me.

God this was a long chapter. I certainly didn't intend it to be but there were a lot of things I wanted to accomplish here. ^^ Are you tired of reading yet? I can't say for sure if there will be longer ones.

tatami - tatami sandals are considered a casual Japanese sandal and are the most popular for daily wear. The sandals are called tatami which means straw. The surface of the sandal is made from woven straw like the tatami mats used on the floors of Japanese homes.

youkai - in short, Japanese folk monsters and ghosts, could also be demons, though they are oftened referred to as youma.

taitou - I looked it up in an online translator for a long sword.

tantou - I looked it up in an online translator for a short sword.

kanzen youkai - perfect demon.

taiyoukai - demon lord.

dokkasou - Sesshoumaru's Toxic Flower Claw.

inuyoukai - dog demon.

kitsune youkai - fox demon.