Uh-huh... It's a been awhile... Sorry bout that. I truly hope this hasn't made too many people angry, every time I worked on this chapter... It just came out bleh... so uh I hope this chapter is okay.

Two golden colored eyes watched the sunrise solemnly.

A clawed hand clutched desperately at the bloody side that oozed out green corrosive liquid. He looked down and slightly scrunched his nose. The wound was definitely infected — but he had other things to worry about. He left his haori wide open as not to cause any more trouble for the wound. He looked down from the sturdy tree branch on the Goshinboku that he was perched calmly on.

He was angry that he let Sesshomaru easily overpower him in that recent battle, but he couldn't leave Shippou to even try to fend for himself from that heartless brother of his. Sesshomaru would have easily disposed of Shippou to get to him. Inuyasha had only put up the fight with Sesshomaru to look for an opening so he could escape with Shippou; but Sesshomaru wouldn't let him leave with giving him a 'good-bye present.' Inuyasha looked down again at his injured side.

That cursed half- brother of his took everything from him— but there was one thing he wouldn't allow that callous bastard to keep.

"I have brought you something." A cold voice called out from the bottom of the tree.

Inuyasha looked down and rolled his eyes. "I told you I can get whatever I need for myself, Miko."

It was Kagome's cousin, Kikyo. She stood beneath the branch he was perched on. She held a homemade knapsack made of sturdy cloth around her back.

Kikyo looked up at him. "That may be true, but you are still of use to me. I will not have you die just yet."

Inuyasha didn't argue. He knew that woman would always hate him for what he had done to Kagome; and it wasn't like he could blame her, she was justified. However, he wasn't some kind of slave and he wouldn't allow her to speak to him as such.

He jumped down from the branch and landed perfectly on all fours before rising to his full height. He looked at Kikyo angrily and exhaled a noise that sounded like a verbal exclamation that she had never heard before.

"Keh— Listen, I know what I did back then was unacceptable. But don't think for a second that I'll allow you can speak to me in the rude tone you're speaking to me now."

"I don't believe that you fully understand this agreement. The way I speak to you has nothing to do with our deal; you are to bring Kagome back to us and I will not kill you for your sin that you have committed. That was all we stated as the terms."

Inuyasha placed a hand on his side but winced when he touched the infected area. Kikyo spotted the sudden twitch of his eyes, the shiver of his body and the whipping of the dog- like appendages on his head. She grabbed the hand and pulled it away from the area of suspicion. The skin was purple and red and had five nasty scratch marks. She didn't flinch at the sight of the green liquid that occasionally flowed out of the lacerations.

"Hmm, how intriguing; I never knew demons could get infected injuries." Kikyo didn't bat an eye at the injured area.

It unnerved Inuyasha to see that she wasn't affected by the sight— had it been Kagome, she would have fainted from the seeing such an injury.

"Only if certain enzymes block the healing process; and my brother's poison is full of those enzymes. Also, I'm hanyou; certain things will still affect me as if I were a human."

Kikyo nodded. "Well lay against the Goshinboku, I must tend to those wounds at once."

"No deal woman, I feel no need to be used as a tool for you. I'll heal on my own."

Kikyo exerted her spiritual power and Inuyasha suddenly felt a searing pain surround his flesh. "You yourself said you don't know what your brother wants with Kagome— and I refuse to trust any youkai's words." His ears drooped slightly. "You will be at top health so you can bring back my cousin. I trust the taijiya more than you, believe me, but I will not underestimate the strength your brother possesses."

Inuyasha lay against the tree and closed his eyes. Kikyo knelt in front of him and took off the small knapsack that she had been carrying. The contents inside of the cloth were revealed once she lowered it to the ground. Herbs, small jars and a clay container lay on the cloth in front of him. He opened his eyes and nearly covered his nose at the smell of the herbs and whatever was in those jars.

"Relax; it is only anesthetic herbs and healing balms. The smell maybe strong, but its effects are just as potent as the smell." She explained.

She rubbed the balm across the wound, her hands glowed a faint blue as she did. He closed his eyes again and enjoyed the soothing feeling of the balm and the calming effect of her aura. It was strange; he couldn't place his feelings well but this woman stroked something inside of him.

She refueled his memories of Kagome. Her smile and her girlish giggle as well as her soft skin and feather light touches. Soon he found himself comparing and contrasting the women silently in his mind.

Kikyo's words and her tone were acerbic and full of bite; unlike Kagome who let her sassy behavior speak for her rather than the use of cold, straightforward speech. But Kikyo's hands were gentle and her aura calm just like Kagome. The woman was like Kagome yet so different; he had never come across two souls so alike the other but at the same time so very contrasting.

"In that clay container is dried fish and rice. Higurashi- obasan has prepared it for you." Kikyo spoke with distaste.

Kikyo would never understand how her aunt could still treat that hanyou so welcoming despite what he did to her cousin and her aunt's daughter. Kikyo supposed that it just made her aunt a stronger and better woman than she would ever hope for herself to become.

Inuyasha grabbed the container and the chopsticks and began to eat as Kikyo handled his wound. As he ate he let his mind wander back and recollect all the past events that occurred.

He was perched on a tree far away from the village that he had never returned to since that incident three years ago. His silver hair blew in the wind, much longer than before, his angular face and defined chin was lowered and his golden eyes focused on the steaming water ahead of him.

It was a natural hot spring; a very common sight in the southern part of Edo. He looked at the steam as it rose from the water. It was a dangerous hot spring as the steam that rose from the water held mysterious properties that seemed to mask any type of aura. But it was for that reason that Inuyasha found the spring so very relaxing. He never had to worry about anyone or anything sensing him.

He closed his eyes and let his ears fall flat. He had been coming to that spring for the past three years. He had wanted to visit Kagome, he wanted her to forgive him, he wanted to forgive himself and he wanted her back. He wanted her back in his arms and he wanted to be strong enough to protect her from others— and himself. But he had lost his nerves every time and he never returned to the village. He absorbed himself in more pitiful thoughts before his ears perked up out of alarm. He heard a body enter the water but he couldn't see the body. He peered through the thick steam and his eyes picked up on a curvy body; it was no doubt a woman's body.

He eased himself down from the noise, as not to rouse the woman's attention and he walked a little closer towards the spring. He was able to pick out her long hair and the fact that her skin was milky white, untouched by the sun's rays. He was going to leave but then he felt something strange about that girl. He wasn't sure how he was able to do it, but he picked up spiritual energy rolling off her body in waves. They were clean and gentle— a feeling that he only got from one woman.

"Kagome?" He felt his mouth speak the name.

He walked into the spring water and edged his way closer to the girl. Thoughts ran so fast through his mind and couldn't help but to be terrified and elated at the same time.

What if it was Kagome? What if Kagome still hated me? What if she still loved me as I love her still? Would she trust me again— maybe she'd purify me on the spot?

Thoughts of that manner wrack havoc through his mind the closer he got to the woman. He got so close behind her that he found it amazing she had no idea that he was behind her. Soon he began wondering what to say to her and how to start. Then he figured, she would think it strange that he was behind her in a spring as she cleansed her pure and beautiful body. He took a deep breath; without really thinking anything through he began to speak.

"Kagome, it's me Inuyasha…" He paused in his speech waiting for Kagome to move but she didn't even turn around.

"I'm sorry for what happened those three years ago… I wasn't in my right mind, although that isn't really much of an excuse. As a dog demon, my wish to dominate a mate is rather strong— and I had no control of my beast at that age. But this truly isn't an excuse, but rather an explanation."

The woman still didn't speak or attempt to acknowledge him, regardless of that fact, he continued to speak. "But I never stopped loving you after what happened. I had always wished that I could take it all back, become human for you or at least full- demon… At least in that state, I would have had better control over myself."

The woman turned around and Inuyasha wanted to run far away. It was that woman, from that day; the one who tried to kill him. Her brown eyes were devoid of emotion and her facial expression was as rigid as her body. She didn't speak and she opted to stare at him.

"Kagome is no longer here— now remove yourself from my presence."

Inuyasha glared at the woman. "What do you mean she is no longer here?"

She turned to him. "I mean she is gone— she has been taken from us on the orders of some nobleman in the western lands."

The air became tense and Inuyasha swore that he saw red.

"…How long ago?" His gruff voice asked.

"Some few weeks ago…" Was her curt reply.

Inuyasha turned away from the woman and tensed his muscles to take off, until he felt something sharp against his neck. He assumed it was the tip of an arrow and he didn't bother to turn around or speak.

"Where do you think you're going half- breed." She spat out nastily.

"I'm not just going to stand here and bullshit with you. Kagome is in danger. The Lord of Western Lands is a ruthless man who despises humans… especially human women. If Kagome slips up— he will kill her." Inuyasha explained.

"…And you know this how?"

"The bastard is my brother… and he is much more powerful than me." He said the last part bitterly.

"You will bring back Kagome in one piece… alive or I will end your existence." She turned around. "Even if she refuses to go with you, tell her Kikyo sent you."

"Keh!"

And like that he took off for the Western Lands, leaving Kikyo behind in the spring.

That had been the reason that he had tried to sneak into the Western Lands. But Sesshomaru had caught him and with the help of the Tessaiga, Sesshomaru was forced to release him. It had been like that repeatedly and every time he would have to lay low in some small field or in some cave to avoid the Western troops or detection by his brother.

Inuyasha opened his eyes and looked down. Kikyo had applied bandages and herbs to the infected spot. She glared at him angrily and he met her glare head on. Brown dull eyes; unlike the crystal blue that he could drown in.

"Why is this forest named after you?" Kikyo asked him suddenly.

He looked a little shocked at the question. "Because long ago, a man from this village was being attacked by a boar demon. I only wanted food so I took it down; he was so grateful that he spread some kind of farfetched story about me being a protector of the forest and he asked me my name."

Kikyo looked away from him and began to pack up her stuff. "So the villagers began to put down food as exchange for your protection?"

"Yeah, but I never really came this way much, only when I could smell a demon coming near this area."

"How noble of you to help my village." She spoke in a rather ungrateful voice.

"Listen, I helped for the food. I don't think you were aware but not many places accept half- demon spawn." He spat out angrily.

She said nothing and got up from the spot. "I forbid you to leave this area while injured this badly. You will leave in three days; no less than three and no more than three."

Inuyasha became angrier. "You ain't the boss of me wench!"

She ignored him and continued down the path into the village. He turned against the trunk of the Goshinboku and yelled out to her.

"You better keep an eye on Shippou."

He hated that woman and he had no idea of how someone as amazing as Kagome could have possibly been related to that irritatingly dull woman. He realized that the only thing they shared was a face. To him, Kikyo was no more important than a clay pot.

To say that Sesshomaru was annoyed was an understatement. He retired to his study to get some work done and that stupid little kappa wouldn't stop his incessant chattering. It was a wonder that he hadn't done away with the little imp yet, but he figured that even Jaken had his usefulness.

"Jaken, is there a reason that you feel the need to come into this one's quarters and speak incessantly about things that this one could not care less about?"

Jaken suddenly quieted. "Forgive me my lord; I was not aware of my rambling."

"Go and fetch Suzu for this one." He said as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"But of course my lord."

Jaken scampered out of the room and Sesshomaru was thankful for the peace that he had originally asked for.

He let his mind wander for a bit and he found that one person seemed to circle his thoughts. That insufferable Miko wormed her way into his personal thoughts and embedded herself into his mind. It had pained him to admit it— while fond was too strong of a word— he found himself keen on finding out more about her.

Lost in his thoughts, he hadn't heard the door open and close and then the footsteps that followed.

"My Lord, you have requested me?"

Sesshomaru nearly jumped at the sudden sound of Suzu's voice. He looked at her and she tried to poorly conceal a smile. It was obvious that she had picked up on the fact that she had shocked Sesshomaru with her presence.

"Suzu, what can you tell this one about the Miko?"

Suzu's smiled dropped and she adopted a look of surprise. "You wish to know about Higurashi- sama? Would you prefer me to bring her here instead?"

"No, this Sesshomaru will learn all he wants to know from you." He responded curtly.

Suzu looked slightly troubled. "What is it that you wish to know?"

"The small details about her…"

"My lord I am sure that she would be glad to tell you anything you wish to know. She has not told me anymore about herself that she hasn't told anyone else." Suzu lied right through her fangs.

"This one senses your insincerity. It is obvious that she has told you something that you do not wish to share with this Sesshomaru." He spoke plainly.

"I believe that you should really talk normally with her Sesshomaru. There are some things that should not be spoken unless from the lips of the one directly involved." Suzu spoke quietly. "I believe you would know that feeling."

Sesshomaru didn't speak but he told Suzu to fetch Kagome for him. He originally did not want to send for the Miko as it would only put foolish thoughts in her head that he would seek her companionship. He had wondered what secret the Miko held that Suzu wouldn't tell him about, but he had figured that the Miko would have told him soon enough.

He could already smell her walking towards the door of the study and he felt oddly on edge. Her voice called out to him and he told her to enter. She slid the door and walked through the door and knelt on the cushion by one of the tall bookshelves that reached the top of the room. She said nothing to him besides a respectful greeting and he had trouble believing that the girl was acting so graceful.

This also made it harder for him to start the conversation. For as long as he lived, he had never once sought out a person to make a light conversation with. He was unsure of how to start out small talk with someone.

"This one sees that the lessons with this Sesshomaru's mother seem to be paying off?"

"More so or less." She replied respectfully.

"How is Rin?" He searched for another topic.

"She is doing a little better with the humans in the town… at least the children in town. She still doesn't trust the adults much." Kagome replied.

"Ah, this one is impressed with such news."

The conversation had once again fallen to a standstill and it annoyed him greatly.

"Miko, why aren't you pursuing conversation about trivial topics with this one?" Sesshomaru was never one to beat around the bush for long.

Kagome let out a sly smirk. "Why, I only assumed you wish to tell me something of utter importance before shooing this little Miko away."

Sesshomaru rolled his eyes. "It would have been wiser for this Sesshomaru to do as you just said." He looked at her. "You were fully aware that this one had not called you with a specific purpose at hand."

"Sesshomaru- sama does not partake in useless small talk." She shot his words back at him.

She was speaking out of place again, but oddly enough, he enjoyed the witty banter this time. Somehow, he had grown accustomed to it and slightly accepted it as the Miko's way of speech; but it wasn't like he would let her know that little fact.

She smiled at him before getting up from the cushion and she casually perused through the study.

"Miko, this Sesshomaru wants to know why you walk aimlessly around his study."

"I believe I wish to look at the literature that you have in your study. They all look so very interesting." She smiled and looked at the many scrolls lined in between the nooks.

Sesshomaru didn't turn to follow her movements. He continued to look on at the documents he had been observing before she came in.

"Ah, you have many classics in here that I have only heard of from my grandfather." She clapped her hands together.

Sesshomaru did not need to turn around in order to recognize that the Miko was gleeful. He turned around to face her and he began to speak.

"Are you trying to tell this one that you can read?" He asked her.

"And write— very well if I may add." She admitted.

"Why would a woman need to know how to read and write?" He asked her. "Much less a Miko? Your kind does not need to read and write scriptures as the monks do."

Kagome looked offended. "Why must a woman not be allowed to better herself? The Kami has created women for a reason, is it hard to believe that we should be equal to our male counterparts?"

"It is believed that women are only made to reproduce and to be the object of man." He told her

Kagome became enraged. "And who deemed that so!? All men do is oppress women because they feel insecure that we are just as equal as they are and slap the Kami's name on their terrible reasoning." She looked at him. "Do you believe in that same ideal?"

He was about to speak but she beat him to it. "But of course you do, all men do—"

"First off Miko, it would do you better to calm yourself— you still speak to this one with respect." He spoke calmly. "Second, whenever did this Sesshomaru say that he agrees with the idea of oppressing a woman? This one's mother is fully educated and has met other women who were educated as well. This Sesshomaru does not dislike you for having knowledge; he is not so petty as to ever feel weak to anyone."

Kagome's anger washed away and in its stead, she donned an expression of humiliation. "Oh… you're right, I am sorry. I guess you were only stating what society believed not what you believed. I didn't mean to jump on you. I believe I made unclear assumptions about you Lord Sesshomaru."

Sesshomaru's eyes widened about a fraction of an inch. He hadn't been expecting the Miko to actually admit to being wrong or apologize either.

"It's a defense mechanism that I'd built over the years. My grandfather believed in education for all. He taught both my cousins and I about literature and the basic computational skills that was taught to the boys." She explained. "I'd read the classics and enjoyed learning new things until I had to do the Miko training."

She sat down and pulled out a scroll. "Is it alright if I read some of your collection?"

He nodded and spoke. "You did not wish to take on the Miko name?"

"As I have said before, I had only wished to be a normal woman. I was at first ecstatic about becoming a Miko. I had been told so many times that I had inherited my ancestor's, Midoriko, power and that I would be the next legendary Miko." She spoke sadly. "But then I had realized much too late what that had entailed."

"You were not happy to know that you would have access to great power? This one surely will never understand humans." He rolled his eyes.

"Maybe not— but do not think for a second that what a human craves will differ from what a demon craves." She spoke calmly. "I have met a demon who was lonely and I have met a demon that had wished to just find love and be loved."

"It is foolish wants like those that has killed off many; and believe this one does not wish to follow and suffer at the hands of a pathetic death."

Kagome did not say anything and she ignored what he said and continued to read.

He noticed that the room had fallen into a comfortable silence. He wasn't sure that he had ever felt so comfortable knowing that a human— a Miko no less— was in his personal study and reading quietly. If someone had told his previous self that such a scenario would have happened in the future, he would have killed them for wasting his time.

"Is there any other interesting things about you that this one has not learned?" He said whimsically.

Kagome looked up from the scroll out of surprise. "Well there are probably many things— but there is no need to bore you with mundane things about me."

"Maybe…" Sesshomaru thought about the words that threatened to leave his lips. "Maybe this one wishes to know more about you..."

Kagome nearly dropped the scroll that was in her hands. "If you do not mind my asking, what has brought this on Lord Sesshomaru?"

"This one does mind and he will not answer your question." He said in a rather grumpy tone.

Kagome only smiled gently. "Then that too is fine. I believe that I do not mind sharing anything about myself with you… but I have a condition."

He fought the urge to command her before listening to her request. "And what is it that you expect of this one Miko?"

"Well fine, I request two things."

"Do not become greedy, this one will only allow one request."

"Then I will not share much of anything with you Lord Sesshomaru, as it is my right."

He inhaled deeply and then he exhaled. It possibly could not be that bad, whatever it was that the Miko requested of him. He decided not to be so obstinate and actually listen to her.

"This Sesshomaru sees that his mother has also been teaching you how to irritatingly twist one's arm. What are the two things that you request Miko?"

"Well first thing is first, I request that you call me by my family name." She said.

"That would suggest that this one has established familiarity with you. This Sesshomaru does not agree to those terms." He spoke without much room for negotiation.

"If you will not do it in public, I at least request that you do so whenever we speak casually, such as now."

He nodded to that part. "If that is a simple requirement, this one will acknowledge it." He figured that the next one would be probably harmless.

"I require that you share some information about yourself with me as well."

He nearly snapped the brush in his hand. "Why would you wish to know anything about this Sesshomaru?"

"Because just like how you are curious about me, I too am curious about you."

"You know all you need to know about this Sesshomaru. At least you know what this one will permit you to know about him."

"And how in all of Edo is such a thing fair? If this Miko is to talk to you about something as personal as my life then I at least require something in return." She spoke angrily. "Would you go to a street vendor and purchase his materials while giving him nothing in return? It is essentially the same concept Lord Sesshomaru."

He looked at her angrily. She still felt the need to challenge him whenever she could and he was positive that that was something that no matter how much training his mother gave her, that was one trait that the Miko would never get rid of.

"This Sesshomaru will only share with you what he feels the need to share at his will." He spoke diplomatically. "This one will not be made uncomfortable or will not submit fully to your demands just because you have pointed out something logically."

Kagome smiled. "Ah that is indeed fair enough. I do not wish to make you uncomfortable."

He turned around. "It would seem like all your efforts were indeed to make this Sesshomaru as uncomfortable as possible."

Kagome said nothing and only chose to pick back up the scroll and read it, with a small smile gracing her lips.

Back in the village, the sound of skin slapping skin could once again be heard. Sango's hand was pulsing with blood and the palm tinted a slight red.

"Houshi- sama, do you never learn?" Sango looked up at the man who clutched his stinging cheek. "You go around flirting with the many young girls that reside in this town and then you try your amorous advance on me; which all result in the same end!"

The monk clutched his cheek and smiled. "But Sango, you tempt me with your beauty! How can I help it knowing someone like you is so close by me?"

Sango huffed. "I am not your ornamental toy you lecherous monk, I have feelings just like any other woman."

Miroku looked at her. "Oh I'm sorry Sango- san, do you wish for me to only look at you and no other women?"

Sango faltered. Was this man really suggesting that he court her? As tempting as that offer was…

"As tempting as that offer sounds; I am not in this place to be courted by some man. I am here to look for someone and I refuse to become distracted because you feel like whispering sweet words to me. I am not every other woman."

"But Sango- san, my dearest, you are still a woman." He picked up her hand and kissed her knuckles. "And I feel that you deserve to be treated with some form of gentleness."

Sango blushed and yanked her hand away. "Houshi- sama, please stop."

Miroku smiled and came to embrace her. "But I have not done a simple thing besides tell you what I think."

"We're in public!" Sango hissed remembering what happened all the other times.

"Are you suggesting that you would love me more in private?" Miroku spoke with a lascivious tone.

Sango wanted to deny those accusations, his sultry ways and his soft touches. But she was greedy and she had never been called upon by a man. It called to her body in ways she never felt before and she wished nothing more than to bask in it.

Miroku lifted Sango's chin towards him and he closed in on her lips. She protested against his lips and his hands shamelessly explored her body. Sango almost gave in and was about to throw herself into the kiss passionately until she heard the people around them speak.

"Is that monk fooling around with a common whore?" She heard a voice ask.

"He could at least take her to his quarters if he's going to do something like that." A man spoke with disgust.

"He's going to make this area a wet zone." A man crudely joked.

Sango, upon hearing the ridicule, had enough and swung her hands against Miroku's body until he let her go. He looked at her with a dazed look.

"Sango, what is the matter?"

"I do not want to see you ever again. If I see you, I will kill you. That is a guarantee Houshi- sama. You cannot assume everyone is as wild and as unconventional as you. You're being a nuisance and you are nothing but a worthless lecherous man in monk robes." Sango walked away from Miroku.

Sango ran back to the inn that she had been staying in and entered through the front. She entered her room and there to greet her on the floor was none other than Kirara.

"Kirara, that man… he is very dangerous. I don't know what to do… I barely know him but everything he does seems to get to me." Sango spoke exasperatedly. "He's becoming too attached and I am beginning to enjoy his attentions."

Kirara cocked her head to the side and placed her soft paw on Sango's cheek. Sango smiled at Kirara and started to take off her kimono.

"I have prepared enough. Tonight I shall accomplish the goal and take back the priestess from the Lord of the West."

Kagome had somehow found her way inside Sesshomaru's study, once nightfall hit. She wore nothing but a sleep robe and a pair of boots. She was curled up in a little ball and crouched as close to the lamp as possible. She was reading a classical scroll and realized it was only the first edition and then she wanted to read more.

She had been so engrossed in her reading that she didn't even sense a pair of footsteps approaching the study. Kagome continued her reading until she heard the door slide open. She quickly fixed her position and became very nervous.

"Relax Kagome- san, It is just Rin."

Kagome let out a breath of relief. She didn't really know how Sesshomaru would have taken to seeing her in his personal study without telling him.

"Kagome- san, what are you doing in Sesshomaru- sama's personal study?" Rin questioned.

"I was just reading… what are you doing up at this hour Rin?"

Rin fumbled with her sleeping robe and smiled shyly at Kagome. "I usually wish to talk to someone about various things but I do not wish to pester any of the residents. I usually like to pretend to read the scrolls in here as it is the closest thing I can get to Sesshomaru- sama."

Kagome smiled and opened her arms up to Rin. Rin ran straight into Kagome's arms and made herself comfortable in the little space between Kagome's arms.

"Why don't you just tell Sesshomaru- sama how you feel?"

"Demons and humans crave different things. I have heard Lord Sesshomaru say it to nearly everyone. I do not want to burden the demons and make them less fond of me." Rin spoke. "It isn't hard for me to express myself but it is hard to choose who to do it to."

Kagome nodded. "Rin, do not be fooled, demons and humans wish for the same things. Some demons and even some humans are too proud to say anything for fear that they may be labeled weak."

Rin looked up at Kagome. "Kagome- san, did you have any demon friends?"

"He was a half- demon and we were the best of friends. But we no longer speak." Kagome spoke with a melancholic tone.

Rin sensed that the matter should not have been pressed. She didn't say anything more about the matter and Kagome was secretly grateful.

"Oh, so if I am more open…?" Rin started. "Then Lord Sesshomaru may be open and willing to listen too?"

"Of course Rin, you are his most treasured person. He may never say it to you but he loves you Rin."

Rin smiled and looked pleased with that answer. "I trust you Kagome- san."

Kagome smiled.

Rin began to ask Kagome questions. They were all random questions about her past and her old village.

"Kagome- san, how do feel about here now?"

"Rin, what do you mean?"

"Well in the beginning you looked so sad. You spoke fondly about your old village and you tried so hard to anger Lord Sesshomaru… you didn't like him at all. But now you seem much more calm."

"Well, I admit that I still want to go home. But at the same time, I don't hate here as much as I did initially. I've made new friends, I've been introduced to new things and I've learned to accept this place for what it is."

Rin let out a breath of relief. "I'm glad that you like it here now. It's my home so I'm glad you like it now Kagome- san."

Kagome nodded. "As for Sesshomaru- sama… I cannot say I like him—" Rin's expression faltered but Kagome continued. "But I don't hate him and I respect him more."

Rin beamed. "Our first meeting wasn't exactly welcoming and it forced me out of my element. He was cold, stubborn and quick to violence when he wished to demonstrate his anger… but I've accepted that about him and I wish to learn more about him… maybe even become friends."

Rin looked over at Kagome. "Kagome- san, I believe you can do it. Lord Sesshomaru is so lonely. Even when he doesn't speak, I can see it in his eyes and I believe he just wishes to know more about himself and maybe… someone else to get to know him."

Kagome listened to Rin quietly and nodded.

"Rin, I know that this is sort of out of the blue… but would you like to learn how to read?"

"But of course! I've always wished to express that to Lord Sesshomaru, but…"

Kagome did not need to hear anymore from the young girl and she smiled. Kagome picked up one of the scrolls that she felt was a little more easy to teach Rin from. Rin looked up at Kagome as the elder of the two had unraveled the scroll long enough for both of them to read.

"Rin look, here, this document contains the many sounds of our alphabetical system. I do not want you to focus on the meaning of the reading for I do not expect you to learn that much but rather point out to me what each letter may look like to you." Kagome explained gently.

Rin smiled and nodded in comprehension as she began to point out the symbols and what they looked like to her. Soon many hours passed and the two girls were so engrossed in the learning activity that they had not yet realized that the sun was making its way pass the horizon and peaking through the night sky.

Kagome felt the exhaustion hit her like a punch to the gut— sudden and strong— when she looked down and saw Rin curled up in her arms and snoozing away lightly. Kagome smiled sleepily at the sight and her eyes were becoming heavy and slowly closing, despite the fact that she knew it would not be wise to sleep in Sesshomaru's study; also the fact that he was not aware that they were in there.

Kagome laid down against the surprisingly fluffy floor cushion and decided that within the time span of five minutes, she would be able to wake up and properly put Rin to her bed and prepare herself for the day. It was not in her nature of being a Miko to laze around, regardless of how much sleep that she got. Kagome held Rin close to her body and Rin, despite being asleep, was receptive of the hug; even wrapping her arms around Kagome's torso and snuggling her cheek against her bosom.

Kagome recalled hearing Rin mutter both her name and Sesshomaru's name and Kagome wondered what the little girl could have possibly been dreaming of before dozing off and eventually falling into a deep sleep.

Suzu tended to Sesshomaru early in the morning as she had usually done; a slight expression of worry placed upon her face. Sesshomaru could feel as Suzu dressed him, her mind was elsewhere rather than the task at hand. He grasped her two hands and looked down at her, his eyes narrowing and his mouth upturned into a deep frown.

"Suzu, what is the matter with you? This one notices that you are not as focused as usual." He spoke calmly. "And do not think to lie to this Sesshomaru either."

"Sesshomaru… I just haven't seen Higurashi- sama much at all yesterday and Lady Rin is also missing."

Sesshomaru nodded. "This one is positive that they are still within the estate."

Suzu nodded but then spoke. "But I wonder where they could possibly be?"

Sesshomaru pulled on his outer jacket and left his quarters with Suzu hot on his trail. He could sense that Suzu had become rather fond of the Miko and that she also wished no harm upon Lady Rin either. Sesshomaru sniffed the air lightly and the faintest scent of Kagome caught his interest. It wasn't foul as most humans smelt to him, but he wouldn't say it was the most pleasing scent to his senses.

Followed the trace and it led him to the sliding doors of his study. Normally, he would have been outraged to know that the Miko was in there without his permission, but he was rather relieved that she was in there. But it wasn't as if he would let the foolish woman do whatever she pleased without his admonishment. He slid open the door and found Kagome lying down with Rin. Rin and Kagome was a mess of entangled limbs and mussed up hair. Sesshomaru noticed that there was a scroll tucked under Rin's arm. That scenario struck him as a little funny and he would make sure to question the Miko plenty when he got the chance.

He turned around from the entrance and ordered Suzu to tend to them in his absence. Suzu nodded and walked into the room. Sesshomaru took one last glance at the sleeping duo, before closing the door and getting ready to train his men.

"LORD SESSHOMARU!" An irritatingly grating voice called out.

Sesshomaru growled in frustration. Why must that little kappa always be so loud?

As Jaken ran up to Sesshomaru and hollered the demon's name at the top of his lungs. Sesshomaru swiftly kicked the kappa's chin hard enough to send him up and then repeated the motion on this time kicking his head down on the ground. He growled out of frustration and bared his fangs at the small impish demon.

"Why must you scream this Sesshomaru's name so obnoxiously loud like a filthy, uneducated commoner? Are you not aware of the hour of day?" Sesshomaru hissed.

"Forgive me my lord… But I have the most urgent news for you."

Sesshomaru removed his boot from the back of the kappa's head and comically left a boot print on the back of his large head. He rubbed the back of his head and spoke in a voice more appropriate for the area.

"My Lord, a human has breached the security. She is of the Taijiya clan."

"A Taijiya has been foolish enough to try and break into the Western Lands estate?"

"Yes my Lord. The captain of the first division has apprehended her; although she has taken out a number of your patrol guards."

"That is of no importance to this one; this means that they are weak and need more training."

"But of course my lord." Jaken praised the man in front of him.

"Have the guards or the captain gotten anything out of her?"

"No, my lord; she is adamant in not speaking." Jaken reported.

Sesshomaru didn't make any facial expression nor answer Jaken verbally. Jaken picked up on his master's mood and started to explain more of what happened.

"… She is now being held in the stables."

In the stables, chained to a heavy iron ball, Sango was put in the most ignominious position. A bear demon with brute strength pushed down on her neck and made her upper torso touch the ground. Earlier, two of the demons stood at her side and twisted her arms; effortlessly breaking both and rendering them useless. A nasty boar demon bunched up her hair and pulled it back, so that her body lay on the ground— chained and broken— but her head was forcefully lifted up, for her to look straight ahead.

Her neck was strained and her head felt like it could have popped right off her neck if that boar demon had only exerted more strength and pulled her hair back some more. She knew that they were only keeping her alive for interrogative purposes and that they would likely torture her for a while before killing her— at least the time in which they would kill her all depended on the patience of the Western Lord.

"Bitch, you've got a lot of guts prancing your way through this estate and killing our men as if they were common hogs for slaughter." The boar grunted. "I only hope Lord Sesshomaru will publicly destroy your body and leaves us to feed on your remains."

"Spare me your witty little threats, you piglet. Swine like you should never be given voices; all that comes out are the squeals of someone's dinner." Sango laughed in his face.

The oafish boar demon bristled in anger and yanked her head back some more and Sango was afraid her neck wouldn't last under that pressure. Right when she nearly lost consciousness, she heard a smooth voice.

"Goro, release the Taijiya now."

Her face planted in the dirt and hay; and she was also positive that feces had also been in that mix. She mustered all her strength to pick up her dirty face and look at the Western Lord that commanded such power and authority.

"Taijiya, this one will assure you that you will stay here until you speak." Sesshomaru spoke and lifted his clawed hand. "And you will not find this stay pleasant." His hand began to glow a familiar green color.

Sango looked at him with a determined face. She resigned herself to this mission and expected two outcomes. Either the Miko returns or she dies in the process; she never planned to speak a word about her agreement.

And Sango never liked to make new plans.

So that's the end of this chapter... I hope the next chapter's process isn't so ugh... And yay some progression on Kagome and Sesshomaru's lack of relationship, they are now acquaintances whether Sesshomaru admits it or not.