Sesshomaru watched as Jaken and the girls finished their meal. He thought about how to approach Kagome about the subject of Naraku. As Kagome produced a bottle of water from her mended backpack, Sesshomaru constructed a strategy suitable to his needs. "Kagome," he called from the edge of the firelight. Her head whipped around to meet his glance. "I wish to speak with you privately," he requested as he arose. Kagome slowly got to her feet and walked to Sesshomaru's side. He turned towards the woods, "Walk with me." Kagome walked beside him as nervousness gnawed at her curiosity. They walked into the cover of the trees in silence. She could not hold back any longer and finally asked, "What did you want to talk about?" Sesshomaru looked ahead gravely and answered with a cryptic question, "What are you going to do?" I have cast the line … Kagome was perplexed by his vague question. "About what?" "About the Sacred Jewel. About Naraku. About your task," Sesshomaru stopped and turned to give her a piercing, somber look. Kagome matched his actions and fully understood what he meant. She also sadly realized that she had no clue how to answer him. "I really don't know." "What are your options?" Kagome chewed on a finger as she thought it over, and was quickly thinking out loud. "Well, I have no weapons; my bow was left at the camp. I am only one girl. What can I do?" "Is that all you can think of?" he asked bluntly. Think about this logically. You have ultimately two options, and both entail a great deal of consequences. What are those two options?" he urged her. "Well," she thought hard aloud, "I could go home, or I could stay." "Precisely. What would happen if you stayed?" "I'd be forever trying to outrun Naraku and his minions. I'd be in constant danger. Perhaps if Kaede would properly train me as a priestess, I could stand a chance against Naraku. However, then I'd also run the risk of crossing paths with InuYasha again, and I don't want that. I don't want to see him again, either." Sesshomaru nodded. "That is a possibility. Other things could happen. Now, what would happen if you choose to go down the Bone Eater's Well and leave our era once and for all?" Sesshomaru pressed. Kagome once again pondered the consequences of that decision. "Well, I could go back to school, lead a normal life, take a bath whenever I wanted, and forget that this awful mess ever happened." "You are forgetting a major factor in that scenario." "Like what?" Kagome asked. Sesshomaru's eyes bored into hers as he answered, "You still possess two shards of the Shikon no Tama. Do you know what that means?" Kagome looked at him pleadingly, not wanting to know what that would include, however he affirmed her fears. "It means, Kagome, that if you go home and take those shards with you, then Naraku would never stop looking for those shards. He would hunt you and those shards forever. He would be relentless; whether it took five years or five hundred years. He will find you, or he will find a way to destroy your family. He will do whatever it takes until you finally submit to his will and surrender the shards." Kagome looked ill for she knew he was telling her the truth. "Either choice means constant danger. The one that you view as 'forgetting about it all' is the most dangerous to you and the countless lives he will end to find you." "I never thought of that," Kagome groaned.
"However, what can you accomplish by staying?" Sesshomaru asked. "Think long before you answer." Now, is she bright enough to take the bait? Kagome rubbed her chin and was silent for some time as she conceived of every possible route of action. I have the ability to sense the shards and demonic auras. With Naraku possessing the Fuyouheki, it makes it all the harder to find his heart. Miroku and Sango can sense a demonic aura as well; however there is no way to sense the lack of one. InuYasha's demonic aura is no help because he's half. Hakudoushi's newest creation, Mouryoumaru, stole the crystals that Gakusanjin gave us … If I had a demonic aura handy that I could track, and then sense when it dissipated, I could have a chance at finding Naraku's heart. Kagome's eyes looked to Sesshomaru. Is this what he's trying to lead me to? I must be nuts … Kagome took a deep breath before expressing her thoughts. "How much do you know of Naraku's weaknesses?" And I have a bite … "Let's just say that I know we've been wasting our time attacking his body." "Then you know about the Fuyouheki?" Kagome asked. Sesshomaru nodded. "What are you thinking, Kagome?" "I – uhm," Kagome felt very awkward as she spoke, "could stay and fight Naraku if I had a, uh, demonic aura nearby. I'd need a bow and arrows, too." "Was that so hard to say?" Kagome sighed, "Drop it, Sesshomaru. What are you getting at? What are you trying to steer me towards?"
Hmmm, she's fighting it. Let's try a direct approach now that she's realized that danger will follow her no matter her decision. I have her in a corner and she has taken the bait hook, line, and sinker. "Kagome, we share a common goal and a common enemy. You have the spiritual powers necessary to find our foe, and I possess the strength to defeat him. Now that you have severed your ties with InuYasha, you are without a strong ally to guard you in these unstable times." He stopped a moment. "There is an old saying that has been taught to warriors for many generations. I'm not sure if it has survived to your time; however it is simple and accurate. The enemy of my enemy …" Kagome cut him off nonchalantly, "Yeah, yeah, is my friend." A split-second later, Kagome realized what Sesshomaru was fully implying. She looked at him in disbelief. "This is crazy!" "Not if you think about it," Sesshomaru stated calmly. "No! I mean it! This is absolutely insane!" she shouted as she turned on her heel. "That's it! I'm …" "Going home?" Sesshomaru interjected coolly. Kagome stopped. She was about to say that, and was not happy that he had called her on it. She still stood with her back to him as he continued. "Kagome, there is nowhere to run from Naraku. You must either stay and fight, or run forever; never wavering, never resting, and not even for a moment! It is obvious that you cannot go back to InuYasha. However, I am willing to provide you with protection from him, as well as a way to fulfill your task, for a price." Kagome turned back to face him slowly. "What price?" she asked with a hint of fear in her voice. "The price is simply that you cooperate and that I am the one to destroy Naraku. After that you are free to go and do as you please. No strings attached. You can return to your home and lead, as you say, a 'normal' life." Kagome studied him intently. She could not sense a lie, but she also knew that this was highly unlike Lord Sesshomaru. "How do I know I can trust you?" "That is a very honest question. I am in a giving vein today, Kagome, and I will grant you two weeks to rest and think over my offer before you give me an answer." "What am I going to do for two weeks? Fend for myself?" "You could. Or, you could accompany Rin, Jaken, and myself to my home and give me a chance to prove that you can trust me." "What?" Kagome gasped, utterly astounded. "I do not like to repeat myself. You can come with us or stay in the village, but if you want to know if you can trust me, I advise you to come along." Kagome started chewing on her finger again as she thought about it. "Well, if I go with you I run less of a chance of encountering InuYasha. If I go home or stay with Kaede, he'll find me for sure." "Then it's settled?" Sesshomaru asked. "Yes." Kagome sighed, "I can't believe I'm doing this. I don't think that this night could get any crazier." "I must agree," Sesshomaru said as they turned to walk back to camp. It didn't take the quartet long to prepare to leave camp. Kagome used her two large water bottles to extinguish the fire and sent Rin to refill them. Her bag was packed, Rin returne quickly, and the only thing left to do was leave. Kagome looked around as she shouldered her pack. "Uhm, Sesshomaru, I've just realized that I have no clue where we're going," she said. Sesshomaru reached into his haori and pulled out a small, ocarina style flute. "Don't worry," he said while readying the flute, "we won't be walking." He lifted the ocarina to his lips and played a short yet resounding melody. Sesshomaru returned the instrument to his haori and began to watch the skies.
Kagome turned to Rin. "What was that?" The girl answered, "He uses that to summon Ah-Un. Lord Sesshomaru's home is well hidden, and it is easier to call Ah-Un to take Master Jaken and me home." She refers to his manor as her home. Perhaps these two weeks with them will help me unravel the mystery behind Rin and Sesshomaru. I can understand his business proposal to me. He may not have liked it, but despite the fact that I am a mortal I will give him an upper hand in the fight against Naraku. However, his bond with Rin is purely frivolous from a "logical" standpoint. Kagome sighed. I still can't believe that I'm agreeing to this. Ah-Un must not have been far off. The group hadn't been waiting for more than ten minutes before the two-headed dragon appeared in the distance. Four sets of eyes tracked the dragon's progress across the skies until Ah-Un circled to make his landing. Kagome's heart rate began to accelerate. Am I doing the right thing? Can I trust him? Sesshomaru sensed her rapid pulse and he approached her. Kagome met his eyes nervously. He smelled the fear thick upon her. Sesshomaru thought, Fear will quickly become suspicion if it is not extinguished. She continued to gaze at him in trepidation. "Would you rather stay?" he asked, subtly reminding her of the myriad of dangers that constantly lay in wait. "There are much worse things than me awaiting you." Kagome's fear faded to determination. "No. I will go. As usual, Sesshomaru, you are honest; brutal, but honest." She stepped forward and was followed by Rin. Kagome helped the girl atop the dragon's back, and Sesshomaru looked to Jaken. "Help them, Jaken," he said blandly. "I wish to get home around daybreak." Jaken waddled to Ah-Un and took Kagome's backpack while she climbed on board. After Jaken and the bag were lifted aboard, Sesshomaru once again produced the ocarina. Despite having only hand, he artfully played an aria that completely dissolved Kagome's inhibitions. The tune made Kagome shut her eyes, and she thought of hearth and home, of comfort and care, of safety and security. The breeze carried the scent of cherry blossoms as it caressed her face and lifted her hair. A gentle smile spread across her lips for the first time since these unexpected events began. Her eyes slowly drifted open to the breathtaking sight of the night sky adorned with glittering stars and the river flowing far beneath them. Returning to her senses Kagome looked around. Ah-Un had returned to the skies so gently that she didn't notice until she opened her eyes. The dragon glided smoothly on the air currents; it almost felt like riding Kilala. Kagome looked right and observed Sesshomaru floating along beside the dragon. He gazed straight ahead as his garments were caught by the airflow. Her eyes were drawn to the empty flapping sleeve on Sesshomaru's left. Guilt twanged in Kagome's stomach. I don't know why I'm feeling guilty about his arm. It's not like I cut it off. But still, it is amazing that he is still able to fight so phenomenally with one arm … Maybe I didn't consider this for nothing. Kagome turned her eyes and thoughts away from Sesshomaru and into their westbound path.

Meanwhile, the sounds of a heated argument made InuYasha's ears twitch as he rolled over, opened his eyes, groaned a bit and sat up a bit. What a perfect thing to wake up to other people's bitching …. The daze of waking up begun to fade and the conversation became coherent. "I say we go looking for her, Miroku," Sango suggested firmly. "I know you are concerned, Sango, but I promised her that we would keep InuYasha off her trail. I don't want to go back on my word. Besides, if we go after her, we'll lead him straight to her," Miroku reasoned. "But I want to make sure she's okay," Sango pleaded with the monk. InuYasha approached them and stood, but Miroku and Sango slowly turned to their former comrade. They looked at one another with anxiety and resolve; yet neither of them graced InuYasha with a single word. Wrath marred Shippo's face as he rode forward upon Kirara to stand beside Miroku. "Thanks to you, Kagome's gone after you attacked her, you louse!" "You see nothing wrong with your actions last night?" Miroku eyed InuYasha angrily. "No," InuYasha answered in a blasé tone, "she wouldn't stop yelling at me!" Sango advanced on InuYasha filled with fury in her eyes. "So you hit her! That's real brilliant!" Miroku still eyed InuYasha angrily as he spoke sternly, "What you did to Kagome last night was unforgivable! We are parting company with you; just as Kagome chose to last night. This is where our friendship ends. But I warn you, do not seek her. I will do everything I can to keep you away from Kagome." "Like you can stop me! I can smell her out even now!" InuYasha took a step in the direction of Kagome's bike tracks. Before he lifted his other foot, Sango's hiraikotsu shot dangerously past his nose. The weapon arched around and back to its owner's grasp. "I will not let you go after her," Sango growled venomously. Miroku made his stand as well. He pulled a single, freshly inked sutra from his robes. "So, it has come to this." With a flick of the monk's wrist the sutra soared like lightning to InuYasha's chest. The holy charm hit its target which stunned InuYasha. Miroku anchored his staff into the earth and clapped his hands together in prayer. A dome of electric blue spiritual energy cocooned around InuYasha and the monk begun chanting. His chant was rhythmic and spellbinding. Each time the chant begun anew, Miroku increased the speed of his incantation. Each time the pace quickened, the cocoon grew smaller. After a number of repetitions the spiritual power have formed itself tightly around InuYasha's body. A final chant was recited and Miroku made a motion with his hand. The shell of spiritual power was dissolved and InuYasha was free to move. InuYasha bared his fangs and gripped the hilt of the Tetsusaiga. "You bastard!" he swore at Miroku. He sprang at the monk while drawing forth his sword. InuYasha raised his sword to strike, however he stopped his attack short. All present were no longer focused on InuYasha, including rather his blade. Tetsusaiga, the phantom sword, once a deadly and intimidating weapon now appeared in its decayed form. InuYasha swung his sword in the air as if hoping that the transformation would merely be delayed, but the sword wouldn't take its majestic, lethal form; merely a rusty, blunt blade. "Wh–what?" InuYasha stammered as he gaped at the decrepit Tetsusaiga. Miroku, satisfied with the sight, turned to Sango, "Let's go. Kaede will need an explanation I imagine." Miroku and Sango turned towards the river and Shippo directed Kilala after them. InuYasha sheathed Tetsusaiga and hung his head. He slowly walked to Kagome's bike tracks and sniffed for her scent. He scowled and sniffed again. InuYasha rubbed his nose and tried yet again, but he could detect neither the slight hints of text books, shampoo, ramen that accented Kagome's unique smell nor even pick up the faintest traces of her gentle feminine scent despite being able to trace Miroku, Sango, and Shippo. InuYasha clenched his fist as he realized what Miroku did. He has sealed her scent from me! She could be standing right behind me and I wouldn't be able to smell her! Damn you, Miroku! What am I going to do now? I'll never be able to find Naraku! InuYasha kicked the ground as his shoulders slumped. He turned away from the camp as he walked towards Kikyo's last known whereabouts.

InuYasha stood on a boulder beside a river and unsheathed the Tetsusaiga. He held it before him and observed the rusty, nicked blade. He swung it once, twice, and a third time hoping that he could coax the sword into its majestic form. However, his efforts were in vain. "Damn it! What's wrong with this thing? It hasn't worked in a week!" InuYasha returned Tetsusaiga to its sheath and in a huff he sat on the boulder. He crossed his arms and glared across the river. Sunset came and went as InuYasha contemplated his options. He looked to the sky at moonrise. "It's almost the new moon. I have to hurry …" InuYasha heard a cow mooing in the distance. Of course! Why didn't I think of it before? Who else would know why the sword would be acting up than the man who made it! I'll find Totosai. He can tell me what is wrong with the Tetsusaiga. InuYasha arose slowly and stretched. He sprang across the river and sprinted in the direction of Totosai's forge. If I run all night and all day, I should reach him tomorrow around moonrise. The sun was setting behind a cluster of barren hills as InuYasha entered the valley housing Totosai's forge. Lights flickered in the enormous demon bones of Totosai's home. Ah, so the old fart is home. InuYasha dashed across the smoldering, steaming ground until he stood before the gaping skull. "Totosai!" he called. "Totosai! I need to talk to you!" The figure of an old demon with bulging eyes bearing a long blacksmith's hammer soon appeared in the entryway. "Ah, InuYasha … Myoga warned me that you might come to see me," Totosai croaked. "It doesn't matter right now. The Tetsusaiga is broken," InuYasha growled. "My God … You haven't snapped it in half again, have you?" Totosai demanded. "No, nothing like that. It won't transform anymore. Something's worn off or something," InuYasha defended. Totosai shook his head. "It isn't broken."
"Is is broken, Totosai! It won't transform!" InuYasha shouted as he drew the sword and shook it around like before. Totosai groaned. "InuYasha, stop making a complete fool of yourself. I know you're good at it, but please, spare me this waste of time," "The sword is not broken. I cannot fix what is not broken," Totosai stated calmly until he affixed Inuyasha with a disgusted glare. "The sword has rejected you. Myoga came to me five days ago. He told me about your schism with Kagome and the others. He told me that you slapped her. You've broken the cardinal rule of Tetsusaiga's enchantment. You have burned all your bridges. The sword was made to protect the weak. As soon as you hit that girl, the sword no longer recognized you as its owner. Which will remain in its rusty, decrepit form in your hands forever. Your father would be ashamed of you." Totosai explained and then he abruptly turned on his heel. "Now, if you will excuse me, I am a busy man." InuYasha only stared at him dumbly until he begged. "Wait! Totosai, please!" "Spare me the excuses, InuYasha!" Totosai spoke without even turning around as he went back into his forge, leaving him (InuYasha) with his head hanging low.

Sesshomaru watched as Jaken and the girls finished their meal. He thought about how to approach Kagome about the subject of Naraku. As Kagome produced a bottle of water from her mended backpack, Sesshomaru constructed a strategy suitable to his needs. "Kagome," he called from the edge of the firelight. Her head whipped around to meet his glance. "I wish to speak with you privately," he requested as he arose. Kagome slowly got to her feet and walked to Sesshomaru's side. He turned towards the woods, "Walk with me." Kagome walked beside him as nervousness gnawed at her curiosity. They walked into the cover of the trees in silence. She could not hold back any longer and finally asked, "What did you want to talk about?" Sesshomaru looked ahead gravely and answered with a cryptic question, "What are you going to do?" I have cast the line … Kagome was perplexed by his vague question. "About what?" "About the Sacred Jewel. About Naraku. About your task," Sesshomaru stopped and turned to give her a piercing, somber look. Kagome matched his actions and fully understood what he meant. She also sadly realized that she had no clue how to answer him. "I really don't know." "What are your options?" Kagome chewed on a finger as she thought it over, and was quickly thinking out loud. "Well, I have no weapons; my bow was left at the camp. I am only one girl. What can I do?" "Is that all you can think of?" he asked bluntly. Think about this logically. You have ultimately two options, and both entail a great deal of consequences. What are those two options?" he urged her. "Well," she thought hard aloud, "I could go home, or I could stay." "Precisely. What would happen if you stayed?" "I'd be forever trying to outrun Naraku and his minions. I'd be in constant danger. Perhaps if Kaede would properly train me as a priestess, I could stand a chance against Naraku. However, then I'd also run the risk of crossing paths with InuYasha again, and I don't want that. I don't want to see him again, either." Sesshomaru nodded. "That is a possibility. Other things could happen. Now, what would happen if you choose to go down the Bone Eater's Well and leave our era once and for all?" Sesshomaru pressed. Kagome once again pondered the consequences of that decision. "Well, I could go back to school, lead a normal life, take a bath whenever I wanted, and forget that this awful mess ever happened." "You are forgetting a major factor in that scenario." "Like what?" Kagome asked. Sesshomaru's eyes bored into hers as he answered, "You still possess two shards of the Shikon no Tama. Do you know what that means?" Kagome looked at him pleadingly, not wanting to know what that would include, however he affirmed her fears. "It means, Kagome, that if you go home and take those shards with you, then Naraku would never stop looking for those shards. He would hunt you and those shards forever. He would be relentless; whether it took five years or five hundred years. He will find you, or he will find a way to destroy your family. He will do whatever it takes until you finally submit to his will and surrender the shards." Kagome looked ill for she knew he was telling her the truth. "Either choice means constant danger. The one that you view as 'forgetting about it all' is the most dangerous to you and the countless lives he will end to find you." "I never thought of that," Kagome groaned.
"However, what can you accomplish by staying?" Sesshomaru asked. "Think long before you answer." Now, is she bright enough to take the bait? Kagome rubbed her chin and was silent for some time as she conceived of every possible route of action. I have the ability to sense the shards and demonic auras. With Naraku possessing the Fuyouheki, it makes it all the harder to find his heart. Miroku and Sango can sense a demonic aura as well; however there is no way to sense the lack of one. InuYasha's demonic aura is no help because he's half. Hakudoushi's newest creation, Mouryoumaru, stole the crystals that Gakusanjin gave us … If I had a demonic aura handy that I could track, and then sense when it dissipated, I could have a chance at finding Naraku's heart. Kagome's eyes looked to Sesshomaru. Is this what he's trying to lead me to? I must be nuts … Kagome took a deep breath before expressing her thoughts. "How much do you know of Naraku's weaknesses?" And I have a bite … "Let's just say that I know we've been wasting our time attacking his body." "Then you know about the Fuyouheki?" Kagome asked. Sesshomaru nodded. "What are you thinking, Kagome?" "I – uhm," Kagome felt very awkward as she spoke, "could stay and fight Naraku if I had a, uh, demonic aura nearby. I'd need a bow and arrows, too." "Was that so hard to say?" Kagome sighed, "Drop it, Sesshomaru. What are you getting at? What are you trying to steer me towards?"
Hmmm, she's fighting it. Let's try a direct approach now that she's realized that danger will follow her no matter her decision. I have her in a corner and she has taken the bait hook, line, and sinker. "Kagome, we share a common goal and a common enemy. You have the spiritual powers necessary to find our foe, and I possess the strength to defeat him. Now that you have severed your ties with InuYasha, you are without a strong ally to guard you in these unstable times." He stopped a moment. "There is an old saying that has been taught to warriors for many generations. I'm not sure if it has survived to your time; however it is simple and accurate. The enemy of my enemy …" Kagome cut him off nonchalantly, "Yeah, yeah, is my friend." A split-second later, Kagome realized what Sesshomaru was fully implying. She looked at him in disbelief. "This is crazy!" "Not if you think about it," Sesshomaru stated calmly. "No! I mean it! This is absolutely insane!" she shouted as she turned on her heel. "That's it! I'm …" "Going home?" Sesshomaru interjected coolly. Kagome stopped. She was about to say that, and was not happy that he had called her on it. She still stood with her back to him as he continued. "Kagome, there is nowhere to run from Naraku. You must either stay and fight, or run forever; never wavering, never resting, and not even for a moment! It is obvious that you cannot go back to InuYasha. However, I am willing to provide you with protection from him, as well as a way to fulfill your task, for a price." Kagome turned back to face him slowly. "What price?" she asked with a hint of fear in her voice. "The price is simply that you cooperate and that I am the one to destroy Naraku. After that you are free to go and do as you please. No strings attached. You can return to your home and lead, as you say, a 'normal' life." Kagome studied him intently. She could not sense a lie, but she also knew that this was highly unlike Lord Sesshomaru. "How do I know I can trust you?" "That is a very honest question. I am in a giving vein today, Kagome, and I will grant you two weeks to rest and think over my offer before you give me an answer." "What am I going to do for two weeks? Fend for myself?" "You could. Or, you could accompany Rin, Jaken, and myself to my home and give me a chance to prove that you can trust me." "What?" Kagome gasped, utterly astounded. "I do not like to repeat myself. You can come with us or stay in the village, but if you want to know if you can trust me, I advise you to come along." Kagome started chewing on her finger again as she thought about it. "Well, if I go with you I run less of a chance of encountering InuYasha. If I go home or stay with Kaede, he'll find me for sure." "Then it's settled?" Sesshomaru asked. "Yes." Kagome sighed, "I can't believe I'm doing this. I don't think that this night could get any crazier." "I must agree," Sesshomaru said as they turned to walk back to camp. It didn't take the quartet long to prepare to leave camp. Kagome used her two large water bottles to extinguish the fire and sent Rin to refill them. Her bag was packed, Rin returne quickly, and the only thing left to do was leave. Kagome looked around as she shouldered her pack. "Uhm, Sesshomaru, I've just realized that I have no clue where we're going," she said. Sesshomaru reached into his haori and pulled out a small, ocarina style flute. "Don't worry," he said while readying the flute, "we won't be walking." He lifted the ocarina to his lips and played a short yet resounding melody. Sesshomaru returned the instrument to his haori and began to watch the skies.
Kagome turned to Rin. "What was that?" The girl answered, "He uses that to summon Ah-Un. Lord Sesshomaru's home is well hidden, and it is easier to call Ah-Un to take Master Jaken and me home." She refers to his manor as her home. Perhaps these two weeks with them will help me unravel the mystery behind Rin and Sesshomaru. I can understand his business proposal to me. He may not have liked it, but despite the fact that I am a mortal I will give him an upper hand in the fight against Naraku. However, his bond with Rin is purely frivolous from a "logical" standpoint. Kagome sighed. I still can't believe that I'm agreeing to this. Ah-Un must not have been far off. The group hadn't been waiting for more than ten minutes before the two-headed dragon appeared in the distance. Four sets of eyes tracked the dragon's progress across the skies until Ah-Un circled to make his landing. Kagome's heart rate began to accelerate. Am I doing the right thing? Can I trust him? Sesshomaru sensed her rapid pulse and he approached her. Kagome met his eyes nervously. He smelled the fear thick upon her. Sesshomaru thought, Fear will quickly become suspicion if it is not extinguished. She continued to gaze at him in trepidation. "Would you rather stay?" he asked, subtly reminding her of the myriad of dangers that constantly lay in wait. "There are much worse things than me awaiting you." Kagome's fear faded to determination. "No. I will go. As usual, Sesshomaru, you are honest; brutal, but honest." She stepped forward and was followed by Rin. Kagome helped the girl atop the dragon's back, and Sesshomaru looked to Jaken. "Help them, Jaken," he said blandly. "I wish to get home around daybreak." Jaken waddled to Ah-Un and took Kagome's backpack while she climbed on board. After Jaken and the bag were lifted aboard, Sesshomaru once again produced the ocarina. Despite having only hand, he artfully played an aria that completely dissolved Kagome's inhibitions. The tune made Kagome shut her eyes, and she thought of hearth and home, of comfort and care, of safety and security. The breeze carried the scent of cherry blossoms as it caressed her face and lifted her hair. A gentle smile spread across her lips for the first time since these unexpected events began. Her eyes slowly drifted open to the breathtaking sight of the night sky adorned with glittering stars and the river flowing far beneath them. Returning to her senses Kagome looked around. Ah-Un had returned to the skies so gently that she didn't notice until she opened her eyes. The dragon glided smoothly on the air currents; it almost felt like riding Kilala. Kagome looked right and observed Sesshomaru floating along beside the dragon. He gazed straight ahead as his garments were caught by the airflow. Her eyes were drawn to the empty flapping sleeve on Sesshomaru's left. Guilt twanged in Kagome's stomach. I don't know why I'm feeling guilty about his arm. It's not like I cut it off. But still, it is amazing that he is still able to fight so phenomenally with one arm … Maybe I didn't consider this for nothing. Kagome turned her eyes and thoughts away from Sesshomaru and into their westbound path.

Meanwhile, the sounds of a heated argument made InuYasha's ears twitch as he rolled over, opened his eyes, groaned a bit and sat up a bit. What a perfect thing to wake up to, other people's bitching …. The daze of waking up begun to fade and the conversation became coherent. "I say we go looking for her, Miroku," Sango suggested firmly. "I know that you are concerned, Sango, but I told her that we would keep InuYasha off her trail. I don't want to go back on my word. Besides, if we go after her, we'll lead him straight to her," Miroku reasoned. "But I want to make sure she's okay," Sango pleaded with the monk. InuYasha approached them and stood, but Miroku and Sango slowly turned to their former comrade. They looked at one another with anxiety and resolve; yet neither of them graced InuYasha with a single word. Wrath marred Shippo's face as he rode forward upon Kirara to stand beside Miroku. "Thanks to you, Kagome's gone after you attacked her, you louse!" "You see nothing wrong with your actions last night?" Miroku eyed InuYasha angrily. "No," InuYasha answered with a blasé tone. "she wouldn't stop yelling at me!" Sango advanced on InuYasha filled with fury in her eyes. "So you hit her! That's real brilliant!" Miroku still eyed InuYasha angrily as he spoke sternly, "What you did to Kagome last night was unforgivable! We are parting company with you; just as Kagome chose to last night. This is where our friendship ends. But I warn you, do not seek her. I will do everything I can to keep you away from Kagome." "Like you can stop me! I can smell her out even now!" InuYasha took a step in the direction of Kagome's bike tracks. Before he lifted his other foot Sango's hiraikotsu shot dangerously past his nose. The weapon arched around and back to its owner's grasp. "I will not let you go after her," Sango growled venomously. Miroku made his stand as well. He pulled a single, freshly inked sutra from his robes. "So, it has come to this." With a flick of the monk's wrist the sutra soared like lightning to InuYasha's chest. The holy charm hit its target and InuYasha was stunned. Miroku anchored his staff into the earth and clapped his hands together in prayer. A dome of electric blue spiritual energy cocooned around InuYasha and the monk begun chanting. His chant was rhythmic and spellbinding. Each time the chant began anew, Miroku increased the speed of his incantation. Each time the pace quickened, the cocoon grew smaller. After a number of repetitions the spiritual power have formed itself tightly around InuYasha's body. A final chant was recited and Miroku made a motion with his hand. The shell of spiritual power was dissolved and InuYasha was free to move. InuYasha bared his fangs and gripped the hilt of the Tetsusaiga. "You bastard!" he swore at Miroku. He sprang at the monk while drawing forth his sword. InuYasha raised his sword to strike, however he stopped his attack short. All present were no longer focused on InuYasha, including rather his blade. Tetsusaiga, the phantom sword, once a deadly and intimidating weapon now appeared in its decayed form. InuYasha swung his sword in the air as if hoping that the transformation would merely be delayed, but the sword wouldn't take its majestic, lethal form; merely a rusty, blunt blade. "Wh–what?" InuYasha stammered as he gaped at the decrepit Tetsusaiga. Miroku, satisfied with the sight, turned to Sango and said, "Let's go. Kaede will need an explanation I imagine." Miroku and Sango turned towards the river and Shippo directed Kilala after them. InuYasha sheathed Tetsusaiga and hung his head. He slowly walked to Kagome's bike tracks and sniffed for her scent. He scowled and sniffed again. InuYasha rubbed his nose and tried yet again, but he could detect neither the slight hints of text books, shampoo, ramen that accented Kagome's unique smell nor even pick up the faintest traces of her gentle feminine scent despite being able to trace Miroku, Sango, and Shippo. InuYasha clenched his fist as he realized what Miroku did. He has sealed her scent from me! She could be standing right behind me and I wouldn't be able to smell her! Damn you, Miroku! What am I going to do now? I'll never be able to find Naraku! InuYasha kicked the ground as his shoulders slumped. He turned away from the camp as he walked towards Kikyo's last known whereabouts.

Kagome woke up in a tangled sleeping bag beside a dying campfire. Her nose was icy cold; exposed to the chill due to the weak flames. She furrowed her brow as she sat up to look around. InuYasha was supposed to be on watch and tend the fire … But he was nowhere in sight. Kagome sighed as she stood up. She was a little stiff from sleeping on the ground but she made for the woodpile slowly. The young woman gathered a few logs and thick branches and brought them back to the nearly spent campfire. She slowly fed the fire until it crackled and kept the chill of the night at bay. Kagome looked around the camp again. Sango, Shippo, and Kilala were curled together in a blissful slumber while Miroku slept sitting against a tree. 'So, where is InuYasha?' Kagome thought as she stoked the fire absent-mindedly. 'He was supposed to be on watch and then wake up Miroku. What could have happened?' Kagome reached into her backpack and pulled out her Algebra book. 'I may as well study while I wait …' She opened the text and browsed a few lessons that her class should be studying soon. Kagome studied for close to forty minutes and was calculating the volume of a trapezoid when she felt an odd presence. She once again scanned the camp only to see nothing. However, something luminescent glinted in Kagome's upper peripheral vision. Kagome looked to the sky and sorrowful comprehension stole over her as she saw Kikyo's Soul Collectors. Angry tears gathered in Kagome's eyes as she closed her text book slowly; letting the pages flap together noisily. "So that's where he is," she whispered to herself mournfully. Her tears spilled down her cheeks as she thought rapidly. 'I can't believe this is happening again! I don't deserve this! He's always doing this to me, and why do I continue to put up with it? Why?! What's wrong with me?' Kagome sobbed audibly out of frustration. 'That's it, I'm going home! I need some "mental health" time.' She stood and begun to pack her things quietly, mindful not to wake her sleeping companions. Kagome cried quietly as she rolled up her sleeping bag and put her last remaining personal belongings into the enormous yellow backpack. She carried the bag, bundle to her bicycle and begun to tether them to the rack. 'I'll leave them the ramen and the first-aid kit. Sango and Miroku will need it more than I.' She hooked the last bungee cord into place and begun to write a note for her friends.

"I saw the soul collectors! You went to see Kikyo!" she called him out as more tears streamed down her face. InuYasha looked down awkwardly as he was being confronted. Kagome took advantage of his silence to vent some bottled up anger. "I can't believe you! You left camp when you're supposed to be on watch! If a demon came when we were all asleep, then we could've been hurt and killed!" "But Kikyo …" Kagome threw her notepad in fury, awaking the entire camp as the others watched in shock. "Kikyo! Kikyo! KIKYO! It's always about her when you go see her! If it wasn't for me, the miasma Naraku attacked her with on Mount Hakurei would've destroyed her body! She'd be dead! Kikyo always comes first! I've had it with Kikyo's special treatment! I saved her life and part of my soul was taken to resurrect her into a clay body. What do I get in return? My jewel shards are stolen, she tries to kill me, and I'm still second place to her! You sneak for her all the time! But I'd better not breathe an unkind word about Saint Kikyo! I'm exhausted with this. I'm going home and you won't have to explain a thing when you sneak off to your perfect, saint-like Kikyo!" In a flash, InuYasha swiftly advanced on her as he tightly grabbed her wrist. When he raised his hand, he slapped Kagome hard across the face. Which shocked her as her body was tossed to the side by the force of his hand. 'Oh my God … he hit me!' Before her thoughts progressed much further, Sango and Miroku intervened. Kagome watched silently as Miroku's staff crashed down on InuYasha's head, sending him reeling to the ground. Kagome's wrist was freed and Sango pulled her terrified friend away from her assailant. Kilala positioned herself between the girls and InuYasha as she took on her large, ferocious form. Miroku stood above InuYasha, holding out his right hand in a threat to unleash the Wind Tunnel, and shouted instructions. "Get on your bike and go home, Kagome. We will keep him away from you." Regaining her senses, Miroku's words struck her with a sense of finality. She hugged Sango tightly, however, she saw Shippo menacingly glaring at InuYasha from the fireside. Sango whispered, "Kagome, we'll keep him off your trail as long as possible." "Thank you," Kagome choked out through frightful tears of fear. Sango released her from their embrace and pushed her gently. "Go. Quickly. Be safe." Kagome nodded, ran towards her bike, quickly mounted the contraption and pedaled at full speed, steering herself towards Kaede's village and the Bone Eater's Well. As Kagome pedaled her bike to the crest of a hill, Kaede's village came into view below. Kagome slowed to a stop as she dismounted from her bicycle. The adrenaline that fuelled most of Kagome's flight was dwindling and exhaustion was gaining on her. She lowered the kickstand and sat on the cool grass. Her back slouched. The events of the past few hours were slowly becoming reality to Kagome Higurashi. Soon, she was hugging her knees to her chest as a fresh crop of tears sprouted and cascaded down the girl's face. 'I let this happen. I let him off the hook so many times before finally standing up for myself. For what? At what price? My dignity. My security. My pride. My duty to restore the Sacred Jewel … The jewel! What will happen now? How can I restore the Shikon Jewel alone? I cannot face Naraku on my own! I am too weak …'

Kagome turned a nervous eye to Sesshomaru. He once again sat far from the fire and caught Kagome's eye. Mustering more courage than she believed she possessed, especially considering recent events, Kagome stood and walked to Sesshomaru. He eyed her suspiciously. "What?" he inquired. Kagome clasped her hands in front of her. With a deep breath, she attempted to express her gratitude. "I know we've never remotely gotten along, and you do nothing unless you want. I respect that. However, I want you to know that I'm thankful and I am in your debt." "It's good that you are intelligent enough to understand that much. However, I have a question for you, priestess." Kagome's brow knitted, "Don't call me that! My name is Kagome!" "For someone who displayed such intelligence thirty seconds ago, that was quite a display of stupidity." Angry tears gathered in her eyes. "Kikyo was a priestess, not me. I'm sorry, just don't call me something I'm not." Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. Such impudence! I was going to approach this subject slowly, but my patience has run out. "Why didn't InuYasha run to save you?" Sesshomaru inquired calmly. Kagome's face underwent a great metamorphosis. Rage was washed away and gave way to anguish and loneliness. She begun to slouch, soon knelt on the grass in tears and choked out between sobs. "I left him," Rin and Jaken were transfixed by this scene. Sesshomaru continued questionably, "Why?" Kagome's chest heaved with her sobs and she begun to hold the ground for support as she mumbled in a voice barely audible to even Sesshomaru's ears. "He hit me," "What?" Sesshomaru inquired, trying not to aggravate Kagome. He wanted to be sure of what he heard, but his question only enraged her. "He hit me!" Kagome shouted in a cracking voice as she beat the dirt. "Yeah, the same bruise you were staring at earlier came from your damned half-brother! You happy?" "Why did he strike you?" Sesshomaru inquired in disgust. When Rin slowly approached Kagome, she patted her back. Kagome's fury became sorrow once again as she answered Sesshomaru. "When I woke up, he was supposed to be on watch, but he was gone. I waited to see if something was wrong, however, when I saw Kikyo's soul collectors, I was packing to go home. When he returned, I confronted him. When I wouldn't back down, he slapped me. Sango and Miroku kept him at bay while I made a run for it, and then the lizard demon … well, you know the rest." Kagome bowed her head to cry and Rin rubbed her back as she told her softly. "Let's go back to the fire, Kagome. The fish should almost be done. You can eat and rest. You've had such a horrible night." The young girl helped Kagome up and continued comforting her. Sesshomaru watched the girls retreat to the fireside as he begun to mull over what Kagome told him. So, his true colors have arisen, and she had the strength to leave. Which is surprising because most mortals fool themselves into thinking that striking their mates is acceptable … she would not endure it. This mortal has stood against Naraku with tremendous bravery, and she has even thought she was protecting InuYasha from me when he was in his "demon form." There is no doubt that she is braver than most mortals, even some lowly demons, but she is also staunchly loyal once her trust is gained. He looked at the girls and they were feasting on the roasted fish. Kagome even offered one to the surly Jaken. Sesshomaru looked closely at Kagome as he saw the bruise becoming even more defined on her pale skin which disgusted him heavily. He felt an old rage bubble inside of him, but before his anger reached a boiling point, he spied the glass vial suspended around Kagome's neck. Two shards of the Sacred Jewel twinkled at him in the firelight. How delicious. She has the jewel shards. Kagome can also sense the shards. But now that Naraku has hidden his heart from us with the Fuyouheki, that ability may not be as useful as before. Still, she has the spiritual powers of a priestess, and as such she can sense demonic auras … he smirked … or the lack thereof. Ah yes, she was the ability to sense where there is or is not a demonic aura, and possesses bait tailored to Naraku's tastes. Kagome could sense when the Fuyouheki has masked my demonic aura and then know the rough location of Naraku's heart. This is almost too good to be true. Now that InuYasha has abused her, he has destroyed her loyalty to him. It now rests on getting her on my side. Sesshomaru could no longer hold back a chuckle. Thank you, little brother, for being such an ignorant fool. I shall offer her protection from you and a way to fulfill her duties. In exchange, I will destroy Naraku. As they have always said: The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Kagome climbed up the rope ladder hanging in the Bone Eater's Well during her era. She changed back into her mended school uniform before leaving Sesshomaru's home. As the interior of the well house came into sight, Kagome begun to focus upon one thing: Finding her mother. Her throat was already choking with restrained sobs as she left the well house and ran to her home. 'Maybe no one's awake. I don't want to wake her, but I don't want to wait 'til morning, either!' Kagome entered her house quietly, not wanting to cause a ruckus. She was so determined to find her mother that she never removed the repaired yellow pack from her shoulders. She crossed the living room, and as she stepped into the dining room, Kagome heard running water and the soft clanking of stacking dishes. Her eyes were filled with hope and she bolted into the kitchen. Sure enough, Mrs. Higurashi stood there before the counter carefully organizing dirty dishes and pans while the sink was filled with foamy, soapy water. Kagome was unsure of how to announce her presence, while, Mrs. Higurashi still faced the sink, but she finally turned off the faucet until Kagome's chance presented itself. "Mom," When Mrs. Higurashi heard a soft, familiar, feminine voice correctly, she smiled as she turned to realize it was her daughter. "Kagome, you're home," But when she saw the turmoil aching in her daughter's eyes, she asked her daughter with concern in her eyes. "Kagome? What's the matter?" When Kagome's bottom lip trembled, she stormed forward to cling to her mother, bawled by sobbing on her mother's shoulder. "Mom." "Hush, baby," Mrs. Higurashi cooed as she petted her daughter's hair to comfort Kagome. "Put your things down and then have a seat. We'll talk about this." Mrs. Higurashi ushered Kagome to the kitchen table where the girl dropped her backpack as she flopped onto the chair overcome with exhaustion. Mrs. Higurashi knows her child was crying over neither physical pain, academic stress, nor even imminent danger. Her daughter's sobs were those of a distressed heart. She sat down at the head of the table beside her daughter. "Start at the beginning, Kagome." Through silently flowing tears, Kagome explained the love-triangle between her, InuYasha, and Kikyo, and how all of it came to a head twelve nights ago. When her voice begun to break, she cracked into sobs, "When I wouldn't back down, InuYasha hit me." Mrs. Higurashi clapped her hand over her mouth as her eyes watered, but narrowed dangerously which reminded Kagome of Sesshomaru, but Kagome continued with her story by telling her mother about Miroku and Sango's assistance and support, her escape, and the battle with the lizard demon. "But that's when the strangest thing happened, Mom. InuYasha's older brother, Sesshomaru saved me." "Isn't he the one who hates humans?" Mrs. Higurashi asked Kagome. Kagome sighed, "Yeah, that's what I thought until he took me in, sheltered me, clothed me, fed me, trained me, offered me sanctuary…to form an alliance with me to destroy Naraku, and prove to me that he could be trusted. I've spent last eleven nights at his home," Kagome kicked off the explanation of her dilemma with Lord Sesshomaru. She left no detail out. His generosity, the secret of Sakura, the reunion of her soul, their long conversations, dining together, training together, his act of trust, and the tensions that built up to his admission of love were all provided with glowing descriptions from Kagome. She finished breathlessly and rested her head in her hands. "Sesshomaru loves me. I don't know what to do besides keep my promise to help him defeat Naraku." Mrs. Higurashi had been oddly but patiently silent through her daughters' tale, pursed her lips softly. "Let me begin by saying that I am very proud of you, Kagome. You were so brave to leave InuYasha." Mrs. Higurashi added in a vicious tone, "If he comes here to look for you, he'll be sorry." Kagome's eyebrows shot up at hearing her mother's voice so venomous. But as quickly as it happened, Mrs. Higurashi's tone became pleasant and motherly once again. "But, as to your crisis with Sesshomaru, no one can solve this problem but you, sweetheart. Do you love Sesshomaru?" Kagome breathed deeply and tried to answer her mother's question. "I don't know. I never thought that I'd care about him like I do. I think that I love him, but how can I be sure?" Mrs. Higurashi put her hand over her daughter's and squeezed gently. "Then take time to think about this rather than lie to him." "I'd never lie to him. He doesn't deserve that." "You obviously care about him." "I do, Mom. I really do. Oh – this is going to sound totally wrong – when he kissed me, it was unreal. It was like nothing I have ever felt before. I could not tell up from down, left from right, and I didn't care. He makes me feel so much, and I'm scared that I'm going to be overwhelmed by him. I don't want to get hurt again, Mom. Not this quickly." Mrs. Higurashi nodded. "It's natural to feel on guard when another relationship ended so recently and so badly. But you need to remember one thing." "What's that?" "Sesshomaru is not InuYasha." Mrs. Higurashi waited a moment, allowing her words to sink into Kagome's mind, and then she stood and lifted Kagome's backpack. "I'll take care of this. Go relax. Don't worry about going to school, either. Grandpa thought of a really good illness this time." Kagome groaned, "Oh no! What now?"
Mrs. Higurashi shook her head slightly. "Bless him. He only puts so much effort into these because he loves you." "Out with it! What bogus affliction do I have now? Is it an inferiority complex or my Diabetes?" "Ovarian cysts." Kagome rolled her eyes hopelessly.

Meanwhile, Hachi looked around at the strange collection of visitors seated around Totosai's fire. Miroku appeared calm but business-like. Sango tried to dim the hopeful gleam in her eyes. Shippo sat with his astonishing new mature, melancholy expression fixed upon Totosai's face. Totosai set a kettle of water on the fire and gazed at his visitors. "So, what brings you to my doorstep?" Miroku begun to launch into his account of Kagome's departure, but Totosai raised his hand to respectfully stop the monk. "Forgive me, young man, but I am already familiar with this portion of the story." "But how?" Sango asked. "Myoga was atop Kilala that night. He ran straight to me after InuYasha lashed out at the girl and the monk knocked him unconscious. Now, please, why have you come to see me?" "Fair enough, Totosai," Miroku told the old demon about InuYasha's inability to attack them with the Tetsusaiga and how they found out that Kagome never made it home. "When I inspected the area, the tracks left behind were those of Sesshomaru, Jaken, and the young child, Rin. For some unknown reason, Kagome went with them. What we need from you is a simple answer: Can you tell us how to find Sesshomaru?" Totosai was dumbstruck for a moment. When he regained the use of his voice, he managed to croak, "Kagome went with Sesshomaru?" "Yes, Totosai. Please, do you know how to find him? I have to make sure that Kagome is okay," Sango pleaded. Totosai mournfully admitted, "No, I do not." Sango let her head drop and Miroku sorrowfully closed his eyes. "But I know who does," Totosai added. "In a forest to the northwest from here is a tremendously old demon magnolia tree. His name is Bokusenou, and he can tell you how to find Sesshomaru." Miroku, Sango, and Hachi stood and bowed in thanks to Totosai, however Shippo remained seated with crossed arms. "Totosai," Shippo begun in his new eerily calculating tone, "why weren't you surprised when Miroku said that InuYasha couldn't transform the Tetsusaiga?" Totosai chuckled, "You may be young, but you are a sly little fox."
"Answer my question, Totosai." The demon blacksmith cleared his throat. "I know for two reasons, Shippo. The main reason is the situation itself. However, InuYasha himself came to me just before the new moon demanding that I 'repair' the sword. You see, Tetsusaiga was forged to protect the weak. The moment InuYasha hit Kagome, he violated his obligation to the sword. It has rejected him forever. Tetsusaiga is useless in his hands." Sango and Miroku were torn on how to accept this information. A large portion of them felt satisfied with this side of InuYasha's punishment; but it ensured that InuYasha could do nothing in the fight against Naraku. Shippo, on the other hand appeared, was pleased despite the detrimental effects to their ultimate quest. The young fox coldly humphed. "Good." before standing to take his leave from Totosai. "Thank you for your help." He bluntly faced the others, "Let's go." They strolled toward the entrance and just before reaching the threshold, Sango looked back, "Thank you, Totosai." "I just hope that you find her," Totosai said, "I don't know what possessed Sesshomaru to take the girl, but this does not sound good." The quartet left quietly. Hachi morphed into his yellow, blimp-like form once clear of Totosai's home. Miroku, Sango – accompanied by Kilala – and Shippo climbed aboard, and Hachi steered them northwest.

Kagome had been home for past three days and felt just as confused and torn as when she jumped out of Sesshomaru's arms and into the well. The clock in the kitchen read 10:47 a.m in the morning. She slowly walked upstairs and into her bedroom. Kagome crossed her room mechanically still wearing her candy pink pajama bottoms with a camisole style tank top. Her hair was coiled up into a loose bun. She sat at her desk and slouched over until she cradled her head in her folded arms. Kagome let loose a lovesick sigh as she thought of long white hair and glittering, loving yellow eyes. I can neither get him out of my head nor stop thinking about him. His eyes. His voice. His hand. His smile. But I can't tell if what I feel every time I see him or think of him is love, either. Did InuYasha break more than blood-vessels and my confidence when he hit me? Did he break that part of a person who can identify love? Or did he just make me fear loving someone again? She groaned at herself. I know what Sesshomaru would say to that, and I agree with him. If I fear, I let InuYasha win. She nuzzled her face into her arms and begun to feel quite drowsy. Her breath became soft and measured, and soon she drifted off to sleep. However, she wasn't napping for long when the sound of her window sliding open caused her to bolt upright in panic. "What?" Kagome questionably thought in her mind without a word as her brain tried to catch up with the situation. 'Am I dreaming?' It was InuYasha who crouched on her windowsill. He grunted. "Sleeping, huh? Do you have something in your ears? Well it's time to go! Get packing! Get your stuff! Let's go!" When Kagome knotted her eyebrows as the long missing anger begun to boil inside her stomach, she firmly stood up, slammed her fist on the desk as she asserted, without caring if/realizing that she was shouting at him. "Don't you get it? You hit me! You abused me when I stood up for myself which angered you! Get out!" "Abused? Whatever! You wouldn't shut up! I'm not going anywhere until you pack your stuff…" he stopped as he begun to sniff, inched towards Kagome, but he smelled again. 'It can't be! I can't smell her, but I do smell Sesshomaru …' He growled as he clenched his fists. "Why do I smell Sesshomaru?" "He helped me once he found out that you slapped me," Kagome defensively glared at him. Inuyasha scoffed in denial fiercely. "Yeah right. He'd neither risk his neck for a mortal nor protect you!" "Well he did! I've been with him since I left! He sheltered me, taught me how to protect myself, and has even shown me more compassion in a single night than you've ever shown me! Sesshomaru loves me and he'll never fail me!" InuYasha shot forward as he violently grabbed Kagome's wrist. "Did you throw yourself at him like he was Koga, you whore?!" Fear flashed into Kagome's eyes for a split second as she was reminded of the last time he touched her until fear in Kagome's eyes faded rapidly into calm, calculating confidence tinged with righteous anger. She matched his growl and pulled herself from his grip. Her aura pulsed and her mind cleared as she backed into the doors of her closet. Her voice was disturbingly level and composed as she gave him a final warning. "Say what you want to fool yourself into believing that you're right, however, if you touch me again, I guarantee that your brother won't be as lenient as he was in the past. I love Sesshomaru. I'm going back to him and nothing can change my mind. He and I will destroy Naraku together." InuYasha furiously narrowed his eyes at her last three sentences and raised his hand as he advanced on Kagome. Time shifted into slow motion through Kagome's eyes, and the soothing scent of cherry blossoms filled the room. Kagome watched almost uninterested as InuYasha progressed towards her for she knew that no harm would come to her. Soon, a haze appeared between Kagome and her assailant. The mist soon took the shape of a demon standing with their arms straight out, as if to shield Kagome, and she gasped. She thought she looked upon Sesshomaru until the phantom faced her. The eyes were completely different, and the features more feminine. Sakura! The spirit of Sakura looked at Kagome, smiling benevolently. "Stay strong," Sakura's ghost encouraged softly, "He's coming." Kagome stared into Sakura's eyes. Her eyes watered as she stared into the ethereal eyes of Sesshomaru's long dead twin sister. So that is what you look like … Kagome simply returned the smile gently. Kagome knew without Sakura's warning that Sesshomaru would protect her. After all, he promised that he'd know if she needed him. "Stop, InuYasha," a cold, stoic voice reverberated through Kagome's bedroom. The flow of time returned to its normal state for Kagome. InuYasha halted his attack and Sakura vanished, though the scent of cherry blossoms lingered in the air. Little by little Kagome tilted her neck to face her bedroom door. Sesshomaru stood just inside the doorway with Tokijin drawn and pointed at InuYasha. His eyes were almost glowing with a wrathful fire and he ordered, "Step away from her." InuYasha, too stunned to protest, simply backed away a few feet. Sesshomaru's eyes focused on Kagome, and his rage softened to concern. "Are you hurt?" "No," Kagome answered him. "I'm fine." "Good," Sesshomaru stepped between Kagome and InuYasha, shielding her from any further danger. Sesshomaru put the tip of his blade on InuYasha's chin and issued his final warning. "After you leave here, you are to never come near Kagome again. If I so much as sense that you have been near her from this day forward, I will kill you. I will not let you hurt her anymore," he stopped to slide Tokijin back into his sash, "Now, I believe the lady told you to get out." InuYasha balled his fists angrily until his knuckles were translucent white. With a sudden howl, InuYasha lunged at Sesshomaru in a blind fury. Sesshomaru angled his body so that InuYasha would glance off his chest rather than slam him backwards into Kagome. In a flash, Sesshomaru twisted around and grabbed InuYasha by his ear. Sesshomaru held him up contemptuously and goaded InuYasha with an arrogant chuckle. "Now, little brother, why perform such a futile move? Why not draw the Tetsusaiga?" InuYasha yowled incoherently and Sesshomaru laughed again. "Do not try to fool me that you have enough respect not to destroy the girl's home in a spiteful attempt to hurt us," Sesshomaru paused his goading long enough to give InuYasha a disgusted look, "That is all that is left in you – spite. How pathetic." Sesshomaru walked to the door, ducking his head slightly as he exited, and descended the stairs while holding InuYasha aloft like a particularly rancid piece of garbage. Kagome, not knowing what else to do, followed them down the stairs. InuYasha shouted and flailed the whole way. Sesshomaru left the Higurashi home through the doors he left open and proceeded in the direction of the well house. Kagome stepped onto the courtyard of the shrine when she heard Sota's perplexed, vaguely frightened voice. "Uh, sis, what's going on?" Kagome looked to the left and saw her mother and Sota, both with armloads of grocery bags, utterly transfixed by the sight of Sesshomaru carrying InuYasha, kicking and screaming, towards the well. "No time! Just come on!" Kagome urged as she broke into a jog to catch up with the dog demons. Sota and Mrs. Higurashi sat down their groceries to follow in Kagome's wake. The trio reached the well house to see Sesshomaru standing beside the well dangling InuYasha above the opening. InuYasha saw where Sesshomaru's actions were leading and began to throw insults. "You son of a bitch! How dare you steal her from me!" Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at the accusation. "Steal her?! How ignorant you are, InuYasha. Not only did you tear her heart out time and time again by flaunting your trysts with Kikyo, but you abused her when she refused to bear witness to your infidelity any longer! I refuse to let you hurt her again. Even if she did not love me, I would not stand idly by and watch you make her suffer!" Mrs. Higurashi put her hand on her daughter's shoulder upon hearing Sesshomaru's words. Sesshomaru relinquished his hold of InuYasha's ear and growled, "Begone!" InuYasha howled as he fell down the well shaft. There was a flash of mystical energy, and then ringing silence. Sesshomaru pivoted to gaze upon Kagome. "I said I would know if you needed me." Kagome stepped away from her mother and Sota. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at him. "How?" she stammered. "How did you make it through the well?" Sesshomaru reached his hand out for her and tenderly spoke, "I had to protect you." Kagome rushed to him. Tears of relief spilled over, trailing down her face, as she settled against the warmth of Sesshomaru's body. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling Kagome closer to him. He leaned down and whispered, "I heard what you said to him."
"Which part?" she quietly blubbered through her tears.
"All of it," he admitted as he buried his face in her hair. "I love you, Kagome." Kagome gripped Sesshomaru's haori with one hand and the fur with the other as she answered him from her heart, "And I love you, Sesshomaru." She nuzzled her face into his pelt and cried. She wept from the pain of what InuYasha did to her. She wept from happiness at being freed from the evil of InuYasha's abuse. She wept from the joy of being held by the demon she truly loved. Sesshomaru allowed her tears to flow freely, and once her sobs slowed he tilted her face so that he could wipe away her tears. He was ever so cautious when rubbing his clawed fingers along her tender skin. Mrs. Higurashi smiled at the sight of this demon, so large and intimidating, being so gentle with her daughter. Finally content that Kagome was safe, Sesshomaru turned his attention to Mrs. Higurashi and Sota. He looked back to Kagome and said, "This must be your mother and your little brother." "Yes," Kagome answered with a smile, "Mom and Sota." Sesshomaru excused himself from Kagome's embrace and approached Mrs. Higurashi and Sota. He bowed politely. "Forgive my ill manners. I am Sesshomaru, Lord of the Western Lands, and I am honored to meet you." Kagome's mother and brother returned the bow respectfully. Mrs. Higurashi said, "The honor is ours as well, Sesshomaru. Please, come inside and make yourself at home." Sota and Mrs. Higurashi lead the way back to the house, and Kagome reached out to lace her fingers into Sesshomaru's.

InuYasha stood on a boulder beside a river and unsheathed the Tetsusaiga. He held it before him and observed the rusty, nicked blade. He swung it once, twice, and a third time hoping that he could coax the sword into its majestic form. However, his efforts were in vain. "Damn it! What's wrong with this thing? It hasn't worked in a week!" InuYasha returned Tetsusaiga to its sheath and in a huff he sat on the boulder. He crossed his arms and glared across the river. Sunset came and went as InuYasha contemplated his options. He looked to the sky at moonrise. "It's almost the new moon. I have to hurry …" InuYasha heard a cow mooing in the distance. Of course! Why didn't I think of it before? Who else would know why the sword would be acting up than the man who made it! I'll find Totosai. He can tell me what is wrong with the Tetsusaiga. InuYasha arose slowly and stretched. He sprang across the river and sprinted in the direction of Totosai's forge. If I run all night and all day, I should reach him tomorrow around moonrise. The sun was setting behind a cluster of barren hills as InuYasha entered the valley housing Totosai's forge. Lights flickered in the enormous demon bones of Totosai's home. Ah, so the old fart is home. InuYasha dashed across the smoldering, steaming ground until he stood before the gaping skull. "Totosai!" he called. "Totosai! I need to talk to you!" The figure of an old demon with bulging eyes bearing a long blacksmith's hammer soon appeared in the entryway. "Ah, InuYasha … Myoga warned me that you might come to see me," Totosai croaked. "It doesn't matter right now. The Tetsusaiga is broken," InuYasha growled. "My God … You haven't snapped it in half again, have you?" Totosai demanded. "No, nothing like that. It won't transform anymore. Something's worn off or something," InuYasha defended. Totosai shook his head. "It isn't broken."
"Is is broken, Totosai! It won't transform!" InuYasha shouted as he drew the sword and shook it around like before. "InuYasha, stop making a complete fool of yourself. I know that you're good at it, but please, spare me this waste of time," Totosai groaned. "The sword is not broken. I cannot fix what is not broken," Totosai stated calmly until he affixed Inuyasha with a disgusted glare. "The sword has rejected you. Myoga came to me five days ago. He told me about your schism with Kagome and the others. He told me that you slapped her. You've broken the cardinal rule of Tetsusaiga's enchantment. You have burned all your bridges. The sword was made to protect the weak. As soon as you hit that girl, the sword no longer recognized you as its owner. Which will remain in its rusty, decrepit form in your hands forever. Your father would be ashamed of you." Totosai explained and then he abruptly turned on his heel. "Now, if you will excuse me, I am a busy man." InuYasha just stared at him dumbly until he begged. "Wait! Totosai, please!" "Spare me the excuses, InuYasha!" Totosai spoke without even turning around as he went back into his forge, leaving him (InuYasha) with his head hanging low.

InuYasha leaped from treetop to treetop in the scant light of a waning moon. He chased the dwindling scents of clay, graveyard soil, and spiritual energy; indicating that Kikyo had passed through recently. He followed this path from the moment Sango, Miroku, and Shippo parted ways with him by leaving him unable to track Kagome. Kikyo has to know how to find Naraku's heart. This trail can't be that old. I just left her last night. He sprung along, skimming leaf laden limbs as he replayed the last twenty-four hours in his mind. Having grown up on the outskirts of society after his mother's death, InuYasha's teachings were skewed and his views were wayward when it came to many things. The trauma of Kikyo's supposed betrayal caused them to mutate further; blurring them into an abstraction of garbled, flawed conceptions of what is right and what is unforgivable. His duality between loving Kikyo and mistaking Kagome to be a replacement for Kikyo was only to add to this horrible concoction. And Kikyo's unholy resurrection became a catalyst in this volatile mixture that pushed the limits of InuYasha's psyche to their absolute limits. Unfortunately for a former hero, he was unaware of his flaws, and this entire mess was logical in his brain. InuYasha still held himself blameless. He believed that he reacted as any man would. "Feh!" he snorted, asserting his innocence of any misconduct to an absent audience. "What the hell is everyone's problem? Kikyo would never behave like that. Stupid Kagome … let her go home! I don't need her!" InuYasha put forth an extra burst of energy to leap across a clearing as something else came into view: two Soul Collectors. InuYasha smirked and followed the serpentine demons. He ran along the forest floor as long grass and ferns whipped at his knees. The tails of the Soul Collectors were so close the tips almost grazed his cheeks. He matched their pace as they carried souls to their mistress. The sun rode high and beams of light fought their way through the thick foliage. InuYasha spotted more Soul Collectors weaving themselves about a tree ahead, but he couldn't see much more through the demons he was following. She has to be there! I found her! The Soul Collectors before him broke off to the sides and the tree came into full view. Kikyo sat with her back leaning against the trunk of the tree as her Soul Collectors wove themselves around her and the tree. She greeted the new arrivals by raising her hands and allowing her fingertips to graze over their backs. They deposited the new souls with their mistress and she inhaled deeply as if refreshed by the newly gained sustenance. Then her eyes have fallen upon InuYasha. Their eyes met. "Kikyo, I've been looking for you," InuYasha said breathlessly. "I know. What a surprise seeing you here, InuYasha," Kikyo said lazily. "I decided to leave Kagome and the others behind," he begun to improvise; "I know in my heart that only you and I can destroy Naraku. I know in my heart that I belong by your side, not hers." He walked slowly and came to stand before her. Her eyes remained cold as they examined him. InuYasha continued to fabricate his reasons for finding Kikyo. "Kagome was just a pale shadow of your beauty, of your ability. Kikyo, I never want to be away from you again." Kikyo arose mechanically, maintaining eye contact with InuYasha. "You were outcast from the others because you lashed out at my reincarnation by striking her out of anger when she stood up for herself, as she said things that you never wanted to hear. Kagome would not tolerate your duality any longer and you attacked her for it. Tell me, InuYasha, if my truth were to clash with yours, would you hit me for it?" "No, Kikyo! I love you!" He insisted. Kikyo looked at him with determination in her eyes. "We shall see then." Drawing herself to her full height with her bow firmly in her hand, and she advanced on him. "How dare you use violence against her? Why did you hit her?!" InuYasha was frightened by her outburst and begun to back away. She pointed the tip of the bow at him as she continued to verbally assault him, to push him to the limit. "I can't believe anything you say anymore! They rejected you because you hurt Kagome and now you've come groveling back to me and expect me to welcome you with open arms … well it doesn't work like that, InuYasha! Not after you slapped her." The shock wore off and InuYasha's anger begun to rise. "Once you discovered that I hadn't betrayed you, that you hadn't betrayed me, that Naraku was the one who pitted us against each other?!" "I was confused! I didn't know which one of you I loved more!" InuYasha's voice became raw and filled with fury as he turned the tables and advanced on her. But Kikyo was relentless. "So you admit it? Face it, InuYasha! I will not hear anymore excuses or lies." He roared, pushed her as hard as he could. Kikyo flew backwards and fear finally appeared on her face. Her body slammed into the tree trunk … and shattered. The shards of clay seemed to fall slower than the force of gravity, and Kikyo's mouth moved one last time. "Do you see what your anger and confusion have made of you?" InuYasha watched with horror in her eyes as Kikyo's broken body landed in a heap amidst the tree roots and the souls escaped their clay mausoleum. All the souls departed for the heavens except one large, brilliant blue orb. This soul, the largest and brightest of the lot, sped to the west.

Sesshomaru watched as Jaken and the girls finished their meal. He thought about how to approach Kagome about the subject of Naraku. As Kagome produced a bottle of water from her mended backpack, Sesshomaru constructed a strategy suitable to his needs. "Kagome," he called from the edge of the firelight. Her head whipped around to meet his glance. "I wish to speak with you privately," he requested as he arose. Kagome slowly got to her feet and walked to Sesshomaru's side. He turned towards the woods, "Walk with me." Kagome walked beside him as nervousness gnawed at her curiosity. They walked into the cover of the trees in silence. She could not hold back any longer and finally asked, "What did you want to talk about?" Sesshomaru looked ahead gravely and answered with a cryptic question, "What are you going to do?" I have cast the line … Kagome was perplexed by his vague question. "About what?" "About the Sacred Jewel. About Naraku. About your task," Sesshomaru stopped and turned to give her a piercing, somber look. Kagome matched his actions and fully understood what he meant. She also sadly realized that she had no clue how to answer him. "I really don't know." "What are your options?" Kagome chewed on a finger as she thought it over, and was quickly thinking out loud. "Well, I have no weapons; my bow was left at the camp. I am only one girl. What can I do?" "Is that all you can think of?" he asked bluntly. Think about this logically. You have ultimately two options, and both entail a great deal of consequences. What are those two options?" he urged her. "Well," she thought hard aloud, "I could go home, or I could stay." "Precisely. What would happen if you stayed?" "I'd be forever trying to outrun Naraku and his minions. I'd be in constant danger. Perhaps if Kaede would properly train me as a priestess, I could stand a chance against Naraku. However, then I'd also run the risk of crossing paths with InuYasha again, and I don't want that. I don't want to see him again, either." Sesshomaru nodded. "That is a possibility. Other things could happen. Now, what would happen if you choose to go down the Bone Eater's Well and leave our era once and for all?" Sesshomaru pressed. Kagome once again pondered the consequences of that decision. "Well, I could go back to school, lead a normal life, take a bath whenever I wanted, and forget that this awful mess ever happened." "You are forgetting a major factor in that scenario." "Like what?" Kagome asked. Sesshomaru's eyes bored into hers as he answered, "You still possess two shards of the Shikon no Tama. Do you know what that means?" Kagome looked at him pleadingly, not wanting to know what that would include, however he affirmed her fears. "It means, Kagome, that if you go home and take those shards with you, then Naraku would never stop looking for those shards. He would hunt you and those shards forever. He would be relentless; whether it took five years or five hundred years. He will find you, or he will find a way to destroy your family. He will do whatever it takes until you finally submit to his will and surrender the shards." Kagome looked ill for she knew he was telling her the truth. "Either choice means constant danger. The one that you view as 'forgetting about it all' is the most dangerous to you and the countless lives he will end to find you." "I never thought of that," Kagome groaned.
"However, what can you accomplish by staying?" Sesshomaru asked. "Think long before you answer." Now, is she bright enough to take the bait? Kagome rubbed her chin and was silent for some time as she conceived of every possible route of action. I have the ability to sense the shards and demonic auras. With Naraku possessing the Fuyouheki, it makes it all the harder to find his heart. Miroku and Sango can sense a demonic aura as well; however there is no way to sense the lack of one. InuYasha's demonic aura is no help because he's half. Hakudoushi's newest creation, Mouryoumaru, stole the crystals that Gakusanjin gave us … If I had a demonic aura handy that I could track, and then sense when it dissipated, I could have a chance at finding Naraku's heart. Kagome's eyes looked to Sesshomaru. Is this what he's trying to lead me to? I must be nuts … Kagome took a deep breath before expressing her thoughts. "How much do you know of Naraku's weaknesses?" And I have a bite … "Let's just say that I know we've been wasting our time attacking his body." "Then you know about the Fuyouheki?" Kagome asked. Sesshomaru nodded. "What are you thinking, Kagome?" "I – uhm," Kagome felt very awkward as she spoke, "could stay and fight Naraku if I had a, uh, demonic aura nearby. I'd need a bow and arrows, too." "Was that so hard to say?" Kagome sighed, "Drop it, Sesshomaru. What are you getting at? What are you trying to steer me towards?"
Hmmm, she's fighting it. Let's try a direct approach now that she's realized that danger will follow her no matter her decision. I have her in a corner and she has taken the bait hook, line, and sinker. "Kagome, we share a common goal and a common enemy. You have the spiritual powers necessary to find our foe, and I possess the strength to defeat him. Now that you have severed your ties with InuYasha, you are without a strong ally to guard you in these unstable times." He stopped a moment. "There is an old saying that has been taught to warriors for many generations. I'm not sure if it has survived to your time; however it is simple and accurate. The enemy of my enemy …" Kagome cut him off nonchalantly, "Yeah, yeah, is my friend." A split-second later, Kagome realized what Sesshomaru was fully implying. She looked at him in disbelief. "This is crazy!" "Not if you think about it," Sesshomaru stated calmly. "No! I mean it! This is absolutely insane!" she shouted as she turned on her heel. "That's it! I'm …" "Going home?" Sesshomaru interjected coolly. Kagome stopped. She was about to say that, and was not happy that he had called her on it. She still stood with her back to him as he continued. "Kagome, there is nowhere to run from Naraku. You must either stay and fight, or run forever; never wavering, never resting, and not even for a moment! It is obvious that you cannot go back to InuYasha. However, I am willing to provide you with protection from him, as well as a way to fulfill your task, for a price." Kagome turned back to face him slowly. "What price?" she asked with a hint of fear in her voice. "The price is simply that you cooperate and that I am the one to destroy Naraku. After that you are free to go and do as you please. No strings attached. You can return to your home and lead, as you say, a 'normal' life." Kagome studied him intently. She could not sense a lie, but she also knew that this was highly unlike Lord Sesshomaru. "How do I know I can trust you?" "That is a very honest question. I am in a giving vein today, Kagome, and I will grant you two weeks to rest and think over my offer before you give me an answer." "What am I going to do for two weeks? Fend for myself?" "You could. Or, you could accompany Rin, Jaken, and myself to my home and give me a chance to prove that you can trust me." "What?" Kagome gasped, utterly astounded. "I do not like to repeat myself. You can come with us or stay in the village, but if you want to know if you can trust me, I advise you to come along." Kagome started chewing on her finger again as she thought about it. "Well, if I go with you I run less of a chance of encountering InuYasha. If I go home or stay with Kaede, he'll find me for sure." "Then it's settled?" Sesshomaru asked. "Yes." Kagome sighed, "I can't believe I'm doing this. I don't think that this night could get any crazier." "I must agree," Sesshomaru said as they turned to walk back to camp. It didn't take the quartet long to prepare to leave camp. Kagome used her two large water bottles to extinguish the fire and sent Rin to refill them. Her bag was packed, Rin returne quickly, and the only thing left to do was leave. Kagome looked around as she shouldered her pack. "Uhm, Sesshomaru, I've just realized that I have no clue where we're going," she said. Sesshomaru reached into his haori and pulled out a small, ocarina style flute. "Don't worry," he said while readying the flute, "we won't be walking." He lifted the ocarina to his lips and played a short yet resounding melody. Sesshomaru returned the instrument to his haori and began to watch the skies.
Kagome turned to Rin. "What was that?" The girl answered, "He uses that to summon Ah-Un. Lord Sesshomaru's home is well hidden, and it is easier to call Ah-Un to take Master Jaken and me home." She refers to his manor as her home. Perhaps these two weeks with them will help me unravel the mystery behind Rin and Sesshomaru. I can understand his business proposal to me. He may not have liked it, but despite the fact that I am a mortal I will give him an upper hand in the fight against Naraku. However, his bond with Rin is purely frivolous from a "logical" standpoint. Kagome sighed. I still can't believe that I'm agreeing to this. Ah-Un must not have been far off. The group hadn't been waiting for more than ten minutes before the two-headed dragon appeared in the distance. Four sets of eyes tracked the dragon's progress across the skies until Ah-Un circled to make his landing. Kagome's heart rate began to accelerate. Am I doing the right thing? Can I trust him? Sesshomaru sensed her rapid pulse and he approached her. Kagome met his eyes nervously. He smelled the fear thick upon her. Sesshomaru thought, Fear will quickly become suspicion if it is not extinguished. She continued to gaze at him in trepidation. "Would you rather stay?" he asked, subtly reminding her of the myriad of dangers that constantly lay in wait. "There are much worse things than me awaiting you." Kagome's fear faded to determination. "No. I will go. As usual, Sesshomaru, you are honest; brutal, but honest." She stepped forward and was followed by Rin. Kagome helped the girl atop the dragon's back, and Sesshomaru looked to Jaken. "Help them, Jaken," he said blandly. "I wish to get home around daybreak." Jaken waddled to Ah-Un and took Kagome's backpack while she climbed on board. After Jaken and the bag were lifted aboard, Sesshomaru once again produced the ocarina. Despite having only hand, he artfully played an aria that completely dissolved Kagome's inhibitions. The tune made Kagome shut her eyes, and she thought of hearth and home, of comfort and care, of safety and security. The breeze carried the scent of cherry blossoms as it caressed her face and lifted her hair. A gentle smile spread across her lips for the first time since these unexpected events began. Her eyes slowly drifted open to the breathtaking sight of the night sky adorned with glittering stars and the river flowing far beneath them. Returning to her senses Kagome looked around. Ah-Un had returned to the skies so gently that she didn't notice until she opened her eyes. The dragon glided smoothly on the air currents; it almost felt like riding Kilala. Kagome looked right and observed Sesshomaru floating along beside the dragon. He gazed straight ahead as his garments were caught by the airflow. Her eyes were drawn to the empty flapping sleeve on Sesshomaru's left. Guilt twanged in Kagome's stomach. I don't know why I'm feeling guilty about his arm. It's not like I cut it off. But still, it is amazing that he is still able to fight so phenomenally with one arm … Maybe I didn't consider this for nothing. Kagome turned her eyes and thoughts away from Sesshomaru and into their westbound path.

Meanwhile, the sounds of a heated argument made InuYasha's ears twitch as he rolled over, opened his eyes, groaned a bit and sat up a bit. What a perfect thing to wake up to, other people's bitching …. The daze of waking up begun to fade and the conversation became coherent. "I say we go looking for her, Miroku," Sango suggested firmly. "I know that you are concerned, Sango, but I told her that we would keep InuYasha off her trail. I don't want to go back on my word. Besides, if we go after her, we'll lead him straight to her," Miroku reasoned. "But I want to make sure she's okay," Sango pleaded with the monk. InuYasha stood and approached them, but Miroku and Sango slowly turned to their former comrade. They looked at one another with anxiety and resolve; yet neither of them graced InuYasha with a single word. Wrath marred Shippo's face as he rode forward upon Kirara to stand beside Miroku. "Thanks to you, Kagome's gone after you attacked her, you louse!" "You see nothing wrong with your actions last night?" Miroku eyed InuYasha angrily. "No," InuYasha answered with a blasé tone. "she wouldn't stop yelling at me!" Sango advanced on InuYasha filled with fury in her eyes. "And you hit her?! That's real brilliant!" Miroku still eyed InuYasha angrily as he spoke sternly, "What you did to Kagome last night was unforgivable! We are parting company with you; just as Kagome chose to last night. This is where our friendship ends. But I warn you, do not seek her. I will do everything I can to keep you away from Kagome." "Like you can stop me! I can smell her out even now!" InuYasha took a step in the direction of Kagome's bike tracks. Before he lifted his other foot Sango's hiraikotsu shot dangerously past his nose. The weapon arched around and back to its owner's grasp. "I will not let you go after her," Sango growled venomously. Miroku made his stand as well. He pulled a single, freshly inked sutra from his robes. "So, it has come to this." With a flick of the monk's wrist the sutra soared like lightning to InuYasha's chest. The holy charm hit its target and InuYasha was stunned. Miroku anchored his staff into the earth and clapped his hands together in prayer. A dome of electric blue spiritual energy cocooned around InuYasha and the monk begun chanting. His chant was rhythmic and spellbinding. Each time the chant began anew, Miroku increased the speed of his incantation. Each time the pace quickened, the cocoon grew smaller. After a number of repetitions the spiritual power have formed itself tightly around InuYasha's body. A final chant was recited and Miroku made a motion with his hand. The shell of spiritual power was dissolved and InuYasha was free to move. InuYasha bared his fangs and gripped the hilt of the Tetsusaiga. "You bastard!" he swore at Miroku. He sprang at the monk while drawing forth his sword. InuYasha raised his sword to strike, however he stopped his attack short. All present were no longer focused on InuYasha, including rather his blade. Tetsusaiga, the phantom sword, once a deadly and intimidating weapon now appeared in its decayed form. InuYasha swung his sword in the air as if hoping that the transformation would merely be delayed, but the sword wouldn't take its majestic, lethal form; merely a rusty, blunt blade. "Wh–what?" InuYasha stammered as he gaped at the decrepit Tetsusaiga. Miroku, satisfied with the sight, turned to Sango and said, "Let's go. Kaede will need an explanation I imagine." Miroku and Sango turned towards the river and Shippo directed Kilala after them. InuYasha sheathed Tetsusaiga and hung his head. He slowly walked to Kagome's bike tracks and sniffed for her scent. He scowled and sniffed again. InuYasha rubbed his nose and tried yet again, but he could detect neither the slight hints of text books, shampoo, ramen that accented Kagome's unique smell nor even pick up the faintest traces of her gentle feminine scent despite being able to trace Miroku, Sango, and Shippo. InuYasha clenched his fist as he realized what Miroku did. He has sealed her scent from me! She could be standing right behind me and I wouldn't be able to smell her! Damn you, Miroku! What am I going to do now? I'll never be able to find Naraku! InuYasha kicked at the ground as his shoulders slumped. He turned away from the camp as he walked towards Kikyo's last known whereabouts.

Kagome woke up in a tangled sleeping bag beside a dying campfire. Her nose was icy cold; exposed to the chill due to the weak flames. She furrowed her brow as she sat up to look around. InuYasha was supposed to be on watch and tend the fire … But he was nowhere in sight. Kagome sighed as she stood up. She was a little stiff from sleeping on the ground but she made for the woodpile slowly. The young woman gathered a few logs and thick branches and brought them back to the nearly spent campfire. She slowly fed the fire until it crackled and kept the chill of the night at bay. Kagome looked around the camp again. Sango, Shippo, and Kilala were curled together in a blissful slumber while Miroku slept sitting against a tree. 'So, where is InuYasha?' Kagome thought as she stoked the fire absent-mindedly. 'He was supposed to be on watch and then wake up Miroku. What could have happened?' Kagome reached into her backpack and pulled out her Algebra book. 'I may as well study while I wait …' She opened the text and browsed a few lessons that her class should be studying soon. Kagome studied for close to forty minutes and was calculating the volume of a trapezoid when she felt an odd presence. She once again scanned the camp only to see nothing. However, something luminescent glinted in Kagome's upper peripheral vision. Kagome looked to the sky and sorrowful comprehension stole over her as she saw Kikyo's Soul Collectors. Angry tears gathered in Kagome's eyes as she closed her text book slowly; letting the pages flap together noisily. "So that's where he is," she whispered to herself mournfully. Her tears spilled down her cheeks as she thought rapidly. 'I can't believe this is happening again! I don't deserve this! He's always doing this to me, and why do I continue to put up with it? Why?! What's wrong with me?' Kagome sobbed audibly out of frustration. 'That's it, I'm going home! I need some "mental health" time.' She stood and begun to pack her things quietly, mindful not to wake her sleeping companions. Kagome cried quietly as she rolled up her sleeping bag and put her last remaining personal belongings into the enormous yellow backpack. She carried the bag, bundle to her bicycle and begun to tether them to the rack. 'I'll leave them the ramen and the first-aid kit. Sango and Miroku will need it more than I.' She hooked the last bungee cord into place and begun to write a note for her friends.

"I saw the soul collectors! You went to see Kikyo!" she called him out as more tears streamed down her face. InuYasha looked down awkwardly as he was being confronted. Kagome took advantage of his silence to vent some bottled up anger. "I can't believe you! You left camp when you're supposed to be on watch! If a demon came when we were all asleep, then we could've been hurt and killed!" "But Kikyo …" Kagome threw her notepad in fury, awaking the entire camp as the others watched in shock. "Kikyo! Kikyo! KIKYO! It's always about her when you go see her! If it wasn't for me, the miasma Naraku attacked her with on Mount Hakurei would've destroyed her body! She'd be dead! Kikyo always comes first! I've had it with Kikyo's special treatment! I saved her life and part of my soul was taken to resurrect her into a clay body. What do I get in return? My jewel shards are stolen, she tries to kill me, and I'm still second place to her! You sneak for her all the time! But I'd better not breathe an unkind word about Saint Kikyo! I'm exhausted with this. I'm going home and you won't have to explain a thing when you sneak off to your perfect, saint-like Kikyo!" In a flash, InuYasha swiftly advanced on her as he tightly grabbed her wrist. When he raised his hand, he slapped Kagome hard across the face. Which shocked Kagome as her body was tossed to the side by the force of his hand. 'Oh my God … he hit me!' Before her thoughts progressed much further, Sango and Miroku intervened. Kagome watched silently as Miroku's staff crashed down on InuYasha's head, sending him reeling to the ground. Kagome's wrist was freed and Sango pulled her terrified friend away from her assailant. Kilala positioned herself between the girls and InuYasha as she took on her large, ferocious form. Miroku stood above InuYasha, holding out his right hand in a threat to unleash the Wind Tunnel, and shouted instructions. "Get on your bike and go home, Kagome. We will keep him away from you." Regaining her senses, Miroku's words struck her with a sense of finality. She hugged Sango tightly, however, she saw Shippo glaring menacingly at InuYasha from the fireside. Sango whispered, "Kagome, we'll keep him off your trail as long as possible." "Thank you," Kagome choked out through frightful tears. Sango released her from their embrace and pushed her gently. "Go. Quickly. Be safe." Kagome nodded, ran towards her bike, quickly mounted the contraption and pedaled at full speed, steering herself towards Kaede's village and the Bone Eater's Well. As Kagome pedaled her bike to the crest of a hill, Kaede's village came into view below. The young woman slowed to a stop as she dismounted from her bicycle. The adrenaline that fuelled most of Kagome's flight was dwindling and exhaustion was gaining on her. She lowered the kickstand and sat on the cool grass. Her back slouched. The events of the past few hours were slowly becoming reality to Kagome Higurashi. Soon she was hugging her knees to her chest as a fresh crop of tears sprouted and cascaded down the girl's face. 'I let this happen. I let him off the hook so many times before finally standing up for myself. For what? At what price? My dignity. My security. My pride. My duty to restore the Sacred Jewel … The jewel! What will happen now? How can I restore the Shikon Jewel alone? I cannot face Naraku on my own! I am too weak …'

Kagome turned a nervous eye to Sesshomaru. He once again sat far from the fire and caught Kagome's eye. Mustering more courage than she believed she possessed, especially considering recent events, Kagome stood and walked to Sesshomaru. He eyed her suspiciously. "What?" he inquired. Kagome clasped her hands in front of her. With a deep breath, she attempted to express her gratitude. "I know we've never remotely gotten along, and you do nothing unless you want. I respect that. However, I want you to know that I'm thankful and I am in your debt." "It's good that you are intelligent enough to understand that much. However, I have a question for you, priestess." Kagome's brow knitted, "Don't call me that! My name is Kagome!" "For someone who displayed such intelligence thirty seconds ago, that was quite a display of stupidity." Angry tears gathered in her eyes. "Kikyo was a priestess, not me. I'm sorry, just don't call me something I'm not." Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. Such impudence! I was going to approach this subject slowly, but my patience has run out. "Why didn't InuYasha run to save you?" Sesshomaru inquired calmly. Kagome's face underwent a great metamorphosis. Rage was washed away and gave way to anguish and loneliness. She begun to slouch, soon knelt on the grass in tears and choked out between sobs. "I left him," Rin and Jaken were transfixed by this scene. Sesshomaru continued questionably, "Why?" Kagome's chest heaved with her sobs and she begun to hold the ground for support as she mumbled in a voice barely audible to even Sesshomaru's ears. "He hit me," "What?" Sesshomaru inquired, trying not to aggravate Kagome. He wanted to be sure of what he heard, but his question only enraged her. "He hit me!" Kagome shouted in a cracking voice as she beat the dirt. "Yeah, the same bruise you were staring at earlier came from your damned half-brother! You happy?" "Why did he strike you?" Sesshomaru inquired in disgust. When Rin slowly approached Kagome, she patted her back. Kagome's fury became sorrow once again as she answered Sesshomaru. "When I woke up, he was supposed to be on watch, but he was gone. I waited to see if something was wrong, however, when I saw Kikyo's soul collectors, I was packing to go home. When he returned, I confronted him. When I wouldn't back down, he slapped me. Sango and Miroku kept him at bay while I made a run for it, and then the lizard demon … well, you know the rest." Kagome bowed her head to cry and Rin rubbed her back as she told her softly. "Let's go back to the fire, Kagome. The fish should almost be done. You can eat and rest. You've had such a horrible night." The young girl helped Kagome up and continued comforting her. Sesshomaru watched the girls retreat to the fireside as he begun to mull over what Kagome told him. So, his true colors have arisen, and she had the strength to leave. Which is surprising because most mortals fool themselves into thinking that striking their mates is acceptable … she would not endure it. This mortal has stood against Naraku with tremendous bravery, and she has even thought she was protecting InuYasha from me when he was in his "demon form." There is no doubt that she is braver than most mortals, even some lowly demons, but she is also staunchly loyal once her trust is gained. He looked at the girls and they were feasting on the roasted fish. Kagome even offered one to the surly Jaken. Sesshomaru looked closely at Kagome as he saw the bruise becoming even more defined on her pale skin which disgusted him heavily. He felt an old rage bubble inside of him, but before his anger reached a boiling point, he spied the glass vial suspended around Kagome's neck. Two shards of the Sacred Jewel twinkled at him in the firelight. How delicious. She has the jewel shards. Kagome can also sense the shards. But now that Naraku has hidden his heart from us with the Fuyouheki, that ability may not be as useful as before. Still, she has the spiritual powers of a priestess, and as such she can sense demonic auras … he smirked … or the lack thereof. Ah yes, she was the ability to sense where there is or is not a demonic aura, and possesses bait tailored to Naraku's tastes. Kagome could sense when the Fuyouheki has masked my demonic aura and then know the rough location of Naraku's heart. This is almost too good to be true. Now that InuYasha has abused her, he has destroyed her loyalty to him. It now rests on getting her on my side. Sesshomaru could no longer hold back a chuckle. Thank you, little brother, for being such an ignorant fool. I shall offer her protection from you and a way to fulfill her duties. In exchange, I will destroy Naraku. As they have always said: The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Squeal awe I love this story pls pls continue this cries I wanna know what happens!?

Kagome climbed up the rope ladder hanging in the Bone Eater's Well during her era. She changed back into her mended school uniform before leaving Sesshomaru's home. As the interior of the well house came into sight, Kagome begun to focus upon one thing: Finding her mother. Her throat was already choking with restrained sobs as she left the well house and ran to her home. 'Maybe no one's awake. I don't want to wake her, but I don't want to wait 'til morning, either!' Kagome entered her house quietly, not wanting to cause a ruckus. She was so determined to find her mother that she never removed the repaired yellow pack from her shoulders. She crossed the living room, and as she stepped into the dining room, Kagome heard running water and the soft clanking of stacking dishes. Her eyes were filled with hope and she bolted into the kitchen. Sure enough, Mrs. Higurashi stood there before the counter carefully organizing dirty dishes and pans while the sink was filled with foamy, soapy water. Kagome was unsure of how to announce her presence, while, Mrs. Higurashi still faced the sink, but she finally turned off the faucet until Kagome's chance presented itself. "Mom," When Mrs. Higurashi heard a soft, familiar, feminine voice correctly, she smiled as she turned to realize it was her daughter. "Kagome, you're home," But when she saw the turmoil aching in her daughter's eyes, she asked her daughter with concern in her eyes. "Kagome? What's the matter?" When Kagome's bottom lip trembled, she stormed forward to cling to her mother, bawled by sobbing on her mother's shoulder. "Mom." "Hush, baby," Mrs. Higurashi cooed as she petted her daughter's hair to comfort Kagome. "Put your things down and then have a seat. We'll talk about this." Mrs. Higurashi ushered Kagome to the kitchen table where the girl dropped her backpack as she flopped onto the chair overcome with exhaustion. Mrs. Higurashi knows her child was crying over neither physical pain, academic stress, nor even imminent danger. Her daughter's sobs were those of a distressed heart. She sat down at the head of the table beside her daughter. "Start at the beginning, Kagome." Through silently flowing tears, Kagome explained the love-triangle between her, InuYasha, and Kikyo, and how all of it came to a head twelve nights ago. When her voice begun to break, she cracked into sobs, "When I wouldn't back down, InuYasha hit me." Mrs. Higurashi clapped her hand over her mouth as her eyes watered, but narrowed dangerously which reminded Kagome of Sesshomaru, but Kagome continued with her story by telling her mother about Miroku and Sango's assistance and support, her escape, and the battle with the lizard demon. "But that's when the strangest thing happened, Mom. InuYasha's older brother, Sesshomaru saved me." "Isn't he the one who hates humans?" Mrs. Higurashi asked Kagome. Kagome sighed, "Yeah, that's what I thought until he took me in, sheltered me, clothed me, fed me, trained me, offered me sanctuary…to form an alliance with me to destroy Naraku, and prove to me that he could be trusted. I've spent last eleven nights at his home," Kagome kicked off the explanation of her dilemma with Lord Sesshomaru. She left no detail out. His generosity, the secret of Sakura, the reunion of her soul, their long conversations, dining together, training together, his act of trust, and the tensions that built up to his admission of love were all provided with glowing descriptions from Kagome. She finished breathlessly and rested her head in her hands. "Sesshomaru loves me. I don't know what to do besides keep my promise to help him defeat Naraku." Mrs. Higurashi had been oddly but patiently silent through her daughters' tale, pursed her lips softly. "Let me begin by saying that I am very proud of you, Kagome. You were so brave to leave InuYasha." Mrs. Higurashi added in a vicious tone, "If he comes here to look for you, he'll be sorry." Kagome's eyebrows shot up at hearing her mother's voice so venomous. But as quickly as it happened, Mrs. Higurashi's tone became pleasant and motherly once again. "But, as to your crisis with Sesshomaru, no one can solve this problem but you, sweetheart. Do you love Sesshomaru?" Kagome breathed deeply and tried to answer her mother's question. "I don't know. I never thought that I'd care about him like I do. I think that I love him, but how can I be sure?" Mrs. Higurashi put her hand over her daughter's and squeezed gently. "Then take time to think about this rather than lie to him." "I'd never lie to him. He doesn't deserve that." "You obviously care about him." "I do, Mom. I really do. Oh – this is going to sound totally wrong – when he kissed me, it was unreal. It was like nothing I have ever felt before. I could not tell up from down, left from right, and I didn't care. He makes me feel so much, and I'm scared that I'm going to be overwhelmed by him. I don't want to get hurt again, Mom. Not this quickly." Mrs. Higurashi nodded. "It's natural to feel on guard when another relationship ended so recently and so badly. But you need to remember one thing." "What's that?" "Sesshomaru is not InuYasha." Mrs. Higurashi waited a moment, allowing her words to sink into Kagome's mind, and then she stood and lifted Kagome's backpack. "I'll take care of this. Go relax. Don't worry about going to school, either. Grandpa thought of a really good illness this time." Kagome groaned, "Oh no! What now?"
Mrs. Higurashi shook her head slightly. "Bless him. He only puts so much effort into these because he loves you." "Out with it! What bogus affliction do I have now? Is it an inferiority complex or my Diabetes?" "Ovarian cysts." Kagome rolled her eyes hopelessly.

Meanwhile, Hachi looked around at the strange collection of visitors seated around Totosai's fire. Miroku appeared calm but business-like. Sango tried to dim the hopeful gleam in her eyes. Shippo sat with his astonishing new mature, melancholy expression fixed upon Totosai's face. Totosai set a kettle of water on the fire and gazed at his visitors. "So, what brings you to my doorstep?" Miroku begun to launch into his account of Kagome's departure, but Totosai raised his hand to respectfully stop the monk. "Forgive me, young man, but I am already familiar with this portion of the story." "But how?" Sango asked. "Myoga was atop Kilala that night. He ran straight to me after InuYasha lashed out at the girl and the monk knocked him unconscious. Now, please, why have you come to see me?" "Fair enough, Totosai," Miroku told the old demon about InuYasha's inability to attack them with the Tetsusaiga and how they found out that Kagome never made it home. "When I inspected the area, the tracks left behind were those of Sesshomaru, Jaken, and the young child, Rin. For some unknown reason, Kagome went with them. What we need from you is a simple answer: Can you tell us how to find Sesshomaru?" Totosai was dumbstruck for a moment. When he regained the use of his voice, he managed to croak, "Kagome went with Sesshomaru?" "Yes, Totosai. Please, do you know how to find him? I have to make sure that Kagome is okay," Sango pleaded. Totosai mournfully admitted, "No, I do not." Sango let her head drop and Miroku sorrowfully closed his eyes. "But I know who does," Totosai added. "In a forest to the northwest from here is a tremendously old demon magnolia tree. His name is Bokusenou, and he can tell you how to find Sesshomaru." Miroku, Sango, and Hachi stood and bowed in thanks to Totosai, however Shippo remained seated with crossed arms. "Totosai," Shippo begun in his new eerily calculating tone, "why weren't you surprised when Miroku said that InuYasha couldn't transform the Tetsusaiga?" Totosai chuckled, "You may be young, but you are a sly little fox."
"Answer my question, Totosai." The demon blacksmith cleared his throat. "I know for two reasons, Shippo. The main reason is the situation itself. However, InuYasha himself came to me just before the new moon demanding that I 'repair' the sword. You see, Tetsusaiga was forged to protect the weak. The moment InuYasha hit Kagome, he violated his obligation to the sword. It has rejected him forever. Tetsusaiga is useless in his hands." Sango and Miroku were torn on how to accept this information. A large portion of them felt satisfied with this side of InuYasha's punishment; but it ensured that InuYasha could do nothing in the fight against Naraku. Shippo, on the other hand appeared, was pleased despite the detrimental effects to their ultimate quest. The young fox coldly humphed. "Good." before standing to take his leave from Totosai. "Thank you for your help." He bluntly faced the others, "Let's go." They strolled toward the entrance and just before reaching the threshold, Sango looked back, "Thank you, Totosai." "I just hope that you find her," Totosai said, "I don't know what possessed Sesshomaru to take the girl, but this does not sound good." The quartet left quietly. Hachi morphed into his yellow, blimp-like form once clear of Totosai's home. Miroku, Sango – accompanied by Kilala – and Shippo climbed aboard, and Hachi steered them northwest.

Kagome had been home for past three days and felt just as confused and torn as when she jumped out of Sesshomaru's arms and into the well. The clock in the kitchen read 10:47 a.m in the morning. She slowly walked upstairs and into her bedroom. Kagome crossed her room mechanically still wearing her candy pink pajama bottoms with a camisole style tank top. Her hair was coiled up into a loose bun. She sat at her desk and slouched over until she cradled her head in her folded arms. Kagome let loose a lovesick sigh as she thought of long white hair and glittering, loving yellow eyes. I can neither get him out of my head nor stop thinking about him. His eyes. His voice. His hand. His smile. But I can't tell if what I feel every time I see him or think of him is love, either. Did InuYasha break more than blood-vessels and my confidence when he hit me? Did he break that part of a person who can identify love? Or did he just make me fear loving someone again? She groaned at herself. I know what Sesshomaru would say to that, and I agree with him. If I fear, I let InuYasha win. She nuzzled her face into her arms and begun to feel quite drowsy. Her breath became soft and measured, and soon she drifted off to sleep. However, she wasn't napping for long when the sound of her window sliding open caused her to bolt upright in panic. "What?" Kagome questionably thought in her mind without a word as her brain tried to catch up with the situation. 'Am I dreaming?' It was InuYasha who crouched on her windowsill. He grunted. "Sleeping, huh? Do you have something in your ears? Well it's time to go! Get packing! Get your stuff! Let's go!" When Kagome knotted her eyebrows as the long missing anger begun to boil inside her stomach, she firmly stood up, slammed her fist on the desk as she asserted, without caring if/realizing that she was shouting at him. "Don't you get it? You hit me! You abused me when I stood up for myself which angered you! Get out!" "Abused? Whatever! You wouldn't shut up! I'm not going anywhere until you pack your stuff…" he stopped as he begun to sniff, inched towards Kagome, but he smelled again. 'It can't be! I can't smell her, but I do smell Sesshomaru …' He growled as he clenched his fists. "Why do I smell Sesshomaru?" "He helped me once he found out you slapped me," Kagome defensively glared at him. Inuyasha scoffed as he denied fiercely. "Yeah right. He'd neither risk his neck for a mortal nor protect you!" "Well he did! I've been with him since I left! He sheltered me, taught me how to protect myself, and has even shown me more compassion in a single night than you've ever shown me! Sesshomaru loves me and he'll never fail me!" InuYasha shot forward as he violently grabbed Kagome's wrist. "Did you throw yourself at him like he was Koga, you whore?!" Fear flashed into Kagome's eyes for a split second as she was reminded of the last time he touched her until fear in Kagome's eyes faded rapidly into calm, calculating confidence tinged with righteous anger. She matched his growl and pulled herself from his grip. Her aura pulsed and her mind cleared as she backed into the doors of her closet. Her voice was disturbingly level and composed as she gave him a final warning. "Say what you want to fool yourself into believing that you're right, however, if you touch me again, I guarantee that your brother won't be as lenient as he was in the past. I love Sesshomaru. I'm going back to him and nothing can change my mind. He and I will destroy Naraku together." InuYasha furiously narrowed his eyes at her last three sentences and raised his hand as he advanced on Kagome. Time shifted into slow motion through Kagome's eyes, and the soothing scent of cherry blossoms filled the room. Kagome watched almost uninterested as InuYasha progressed towards her for she knew that no harm would come to her. Soon, a haze appeared between Kagome and her assailant. The mist soon took the shape of a demon standing with their arms straight out, as if to shield Kagome, and she gasped. She thought she looked upon Sesshomaru until the phantom faced her. The eyes were completely different, and the features more feminine. Sakura! The spirit of Sakura looked at Kagome, smiling benevolently. "Stay strong," Sakura's ghost encouraged softly, "He's coming." Kagome stared into Sakura's eyes. Her eyes watered as she stared into the ethereal eyes of Sesshomaru's long dead twin sister. So that is what you look like … Kagome simply returned the smile gently. Kagome knew without Sakura's warning that Sesshomaru would protect her. After all, he promised that he'd know if she needed him. "Stop, InuYasha," a cold, stoic voice reverberated through Kagome's bedroom. The flow of time returned to its normal state for Kagome. InuYasha halted his attack and Sakura vanished, though the scent of cherry blossoms lingered in the air. Little by little Kagome tilted her neck to face her bedroom door. Sesshomaru stood just inside the doorway with Tokijin drawn and pointed at InuYasha. His eyes were almost glowing with a wrathful fire and he ordered, "Step away from her." InuYasha, too stunned to protest, simply backed away a few feet. Sesshomaru's eyes focused on Kagome, and his rage softened to concern. "Are you hurt?" "No," Kagome answered him. "I'm fine." "Good," Sesshomaru stepped between Kagome and InuYasha, shielding her from any further danger. Sesshomaru put the tip of his blade on InuYasha's chin and issued his final warning. "After you leave here, you are to never come near Kagome again. If I so much as sense that you have been near her from this day forward, I will kill you. I will not let you hurt her anymore," he stopped to slide Tokijin back into his sash, "Now, I believe the lady told you to get out." InuYasha balled his fists angrily until his knuckles were translucent white. With a sudden howl, InuYasha lunged at Sesshomaru in a blind fury. Sesshomaru angled his body so that InuYasha would glance off his chest rather than slam him backwards into Kagome. In a flash, Sesshomaru twisted around and grabbed InuYasha by his ear. Sesshomaru held him up contemptuously and goaded InuYasha with an arrogant chuckle. "Now, little brother, why perform such a futile move? Why not draw the Tetsusaiga?" InuYasha yowled incoherently and Sesshomaru laughed again. "Do not try to fool me that you have enough respect not to destroy the girl's home in a spiteful attempt to hurt us," Sesshomaru paused his goading long enough to give InuYasha a disgusted look, "That is all that is left in you – spite. How pathetic." Sesshomaru walked to the door, ducking his head slightly as he exited, and descended the stairs while holding InuYasha aloft like a particularly rancid piece of garbage. Kagome, not knowing what else to do, followed them down the stairs. InuYasha shouted and flailed the whole way. Sesshomaru left the Higurashi home through the doors he left open and proceeded in the direction of the well house. Kagome stepped onto the courtyard of the shrine when she heard Sota's perplexed, vaguely frightened voice. "Uh, sis, what's going on?" Kagome looked to the left and saw her mother and Sota, both with armloads of grocery bags, utterly transfixed by the sight of Sesshomaru carrying InuYasha, kicking and screaming, towards the well. "No time! Just come on!" Kagome urged as she broke into a jog to catch up with the dog demons. Sota and Mrs. Higurashi sat down their groceries to follow in Kagome's wake. The trio reached the well house to see Sesshomaru standing beside the well dangling InuYasha above the opening. InuYasha saw where Sesshomaru's actions were leading and began to throw insults. "You son of a bitch! How dare you steal her from me!" Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at the accusation. "Steal her?! How ignorant you are, InuYasha. Not only did you tear her heart out time and time again by flaunting your trysts with Kikyo, but you abused her when she refused to bear witness to your infidelity any longer! I refuse to let you hurt her again. Even if she did not love me, I would not stand idly by and watch you make her suffer!" Mrs. Higurashi put her hand on her daughter's shoulder upon hearing Sesshomaru's words. Sesshomaru relinquished his hold of InuYasha's ear and growled, "Begone!" InuYasha howled as he fell down the well shaft. There was a flash of mystical energy, and then ringing silence. Sesshomaru pivoted to gaze upon Kagome. "I said I would know if you needed me." Kagome stepped away from her mother and Sota. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at him. "How?" she stammered. "How did you make it through the well?" Sesshomaru reached his hand out for her and tenderly spoke, "I had to protect you." Kagome rushed to him. Tears of relief spilled over, trailing down her face, as she settled against the warmth of Sesshomaru's body. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling Kagome closer to him. He leaned down and whispered, "I heard what you said to him."
"Which part?" she quietly blubbered through her tears.
"All of it," he admitted as he buried his face in her hair. "I love you, Kagome." Kagome gripped Sesshomaru's haori with one hand and the fur with the other as she answered him from her heart, "And I love you, Sesshomaru." She nuzzled her face into his pelt and cried. She wept from the pain of what InuYasha did to her. She wept from happiness at being freed from the evil of InuYasha's abuse. She wept from the joy of being held by the demon she truly loved. Sesshomaru allowed her tears to flow freely, and once her sobs slowed he tilted her face so that he could wipe away her tears. He was ever so cautious when rubbing his clawed fingers along her tender skin. Mrs. Higurashi smiled at the sight of this demon, so large and intimidating, being so gentle with her daughter. Finally content that Kagome was safe, Sesshomaru turned his attention to Mrs. Higurashi and Sota. He looked back to Kagome and said, "This must be your mother and your little brother." "Yes," Kagome answered with a smile, "Mom and Sota." Sesshomaru excused himself from Kagome's embrace and approached Mrs. Higurashi and Sota. He bowed politely. "Forgive my ill manners. I am Sesshomaru, Lord of the Western Lands, and I am honored to meet you." Kagome's mother and brother returned the bow respectfully. Mrs. Higurashi said, "The honor is ours as well, Sesshomaru. Please, come inside and make yourself at home." Sota and Mrs. Higurashi lead the way back to the house, and Kagome reached out to lace her fingers into Sesshomaru's.

Kagome woke up in a tangled sleeping bag beside a dying campfire. Her nose was icy cold; exposed to the chill due to the weak flames. She furrowed her brow as she sat up to look around. InuYasha was supposed to be on watch and tend the fire … But he was nowhere in sight. Kagome sighed as she stood up. She was a little stiff from sleeping on the ground but she made for the woodpile slowly. The young woman gathered a few logs and thick branches and brought them back to the nearly spent campfire. She slowly fed the fire until it crackled and kept the chill of the night at bay. Kagome looked around the camp again. Sango, Shippo, and Kilala were curled together in a blissful slumber while Miroku slept sitting against a tree. 'So, where is InuYasha?' Kagome thought as she stoked the fire absent-mindedly. 'He was supposed to be on watch and then wake up Miroku. What could have happened?' Kagome reached into her backpack and pulled out her Algebra book. 'I may as well study while I wait …' She opened the text and browsed a few lessons that her class should be studying soon. Kagome studied for close to forty minutes and was calculating the volume of a trapezoid when she felt an odd presence. She once again scanned the camp only to see nothing. However, something luminescent glinted in Kagome's upper peripheral vision. Kagome looked to the sky and sorrowful comprehension stole over her as she saw Kikyo's Soul Collectors. Angry tears gathered in Kagome's eyes as she closed her text book slowly; letting the pages flap together noisily. "So that's where he is," she whispered to herself mournfully. Her tears spilled down her cheeks as she thought rapidly. 'I can't believe this is happening again! I don't deserve this! He's always doing this to me, and why do I continue to put up with it? Why?! What's wrong with me?' Kagome sobbed audibly out of frustration. 'That's it, I'm going home! I need some "mental health" time.' She stood and begun to pack her things quietly, mindful not to wake her sleeping companions. Kagome cried quietly as she rolled up her sleeping bag and put her last remaining personal belongings into the enormous yellow backpack. She carried the bag, bundle to her bicycle and begun to tether them to the rack. 'I'll leave them the ramen and the first-aid kit. Sango and Miroku will need it more than I.' She hooked the last bungee cord into place and begun to write a note for her friends.

"I saw the soul collectors! You went to see Kikyo!" she called him out as more tears streamed down her face. InuYasha looked down awkwardly as he was being confronted. Kagome took advantage of his silence to vent some bottled up anger. "I can't believe you! You left camp when you're supposed to be on watch! If a demon came when we were all asleep, then we could've been hurt and killed!" "But Kikyo …" Kagome threw her notepad in fury, awaking the entire camp as the others watched in shock. "Kikyo! Kikyo! KIKYO! It's always about her when you go see her! If it wasn't for me, the miasma Naraku attacked her with on Mount Hakurei would've destroyed her body! She'd be dead! Kikyo always comes first! I've had it with Kikyo's special treatment! I saved her life and part of my soul was taken to resurrect her into a clay body. What do I get in return? My jewel shards are stolen, she tries to kill me, and I'm still second place to her! You sneak for her all the time! But I'd better not breathe an unkind word about Saint Kikyo! I'm exhausted with this. I'm going home and you won't have to explain a thing when you sneak off to your perfect, saint-like Kikyo!" In a flash, InuYasha swiftly advanced on her as he tightly grabbed her wrist. When he raised his hand, he slapped Kagome hard across the face. Which shocked Kagome as her body was tossed to the side by the force of his hand. 'Oh my God … he hit me!' Before her thoughts progressed much further, Sango and Miroku intervened. Kagome watched silently as Miroku's staff crashed down on InuYasha's head, sending him reeling to the ground. Kagome's wrist was freed and Sango pulled her terrified friend away from her assailant. Kilala positioned herself between the girls and InuYasha as she took on her large, ferocious form. Miroku stood above InuYasha, holding out his right hand in a threat to unleash the Wind Tunnel, and shouted instructions. "Get on your bike and go home, Kagome. We will keep him away from you." Regaining her senses, Miroku's words struck her with a sense of finality. She hugged Sango tightly, however, she saw Shippo glaring menacingly at InuYasha from the fireside. Sango whispered, "Kagome, we'll keep him off your trail as long as possible." "Thank you," Kagome choked out through frightful tears. Sango released her from their embrace and pushed her gently. "Go. Quickly. Be safe." Kagome nodded, ran towards her bike, quickly mounted the contraption and pedaled at full speed, steering herself towards Kaede's village and the Bone Eater's Well. As Kagome pedaled her bike to the crest of a hill, Kaede's village came into view below. The young woman slowed to a stop as she dismounted from her bicycle. The adrenaline that fuelled most of Kagome's flight was dwindling and exhaustion was gaining on her. She lowered the kickstand and sat on the cool grass. Her back slouched. The events of the past few hours were slowly becoming reality to Kagome Higurashi. Soon she was hugging her knees to her chest as a fresh crop of tears sprouted and cascaded down the girl's face. 'I let this happen. I let him off the hook so many times before finally standing up for myself. For what? At what price? My dignity. My security. My pride. My duty to restore the Sacred Jewel … The jewel! What will happen now? How can I restore the Shikon Jewel alone? I cannot face Naraku on my own! I am too weak …'

Kagome turned a nervous eye to Sesshomaru. He once again sat far from the fire and caught Kagome's eye. Mustering more courage than she believed she possessed, especially considering recent events, Kagome stood and walked to Sesshomaru. He eyed her suspiciously. "What?" he inquired. Kagome clasped her hands in front of her. With a deep breath, she attempted to express her gratitude. "I know we've never remotely gotten along, and you do nothing unless you want. I respect that. However, I want you to know that I'm thankful and I am in your debt." "It's good that you are intelligent enough to understand that much. However, I have a question for you, priestess." Kagome's brow knitted, "Don't call me that! My name is Kagome!" "For someone who displayed such intelligence thirty seconds ago, that was quite a display of stupidity." Angry tears gathered in her eyes. "Kikyo was a priestess, not me. I'm sorry, just don't call me something I'm not." Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. Such impudence! I was going to approach this subject slowly, but my patience has run out. "Why didn't InuYasha run to save you?" Sesshomaru inquired calmly. Kagome's face underwent a great metamorphosis. Rage was washed away and gave way to anguish and loneliness. She begun to slouch, soon knelt on the grass in tears and choked out between sobs. "I left him," Rin and Jaken were transfixed by this scene. Sesshomaru continued questionably, "Why?" Kagome's chest heaved with her sobs and she begun to hold the ground for support as she mumbled in a voice barely audible to even Sesshomaru's ears. "He hit me," "What?" Sesshomaru inquired, trying not to aggravate Kagome. He wanted to be sure of what he heard, but his question only enraged her. "He hit me!" Kagome shouted in a cracking voice as she beat the dirt. "Yeah, the same bruise you were staring at earlier came from your damned half-brother! You happy?" "Why did he strike you?" Sesshomaru inquired in disgust. When Rin slowly approached Kagome, she patted her back. Kagome's fury became sorrow once again as she answered Sesshomaru. "When I woke up, he was supposed to be on watch, but he was gone. I waited to see if something was wrong, but when I saw Kikyo's soul collectors, I was packing to go home. When he returned, I confronted him. When I wouldn't back down, he slapped me. Sango and Miroku kept him at bay while I made a run for it, and then the lizard demon … well, you know the rest." Kagome bowed her head to cry and Rin rubbed her back as she told her softly. "Let's go back to the fire, Kagome. The fish should almost be done. You can eat and rest. You've had such a horrible night." The young girl helped Kagome up and continued comforting her. Sesshomaru watched the girls retreat to the fireside as he begun to mull over what Kagome told him. So, his true colors arose, and she had the strength to leave. Which is surprising because most mortals fool themselves into thinking that striking their mates is acceptable … she would not endure it. This mortal has stood against Naraku with tremendous bravery, and she has even thought she was protecting InuYasha from me when he was in his "demon form." There is no doubt that she is braver than most mortals, even some lowly demons, but she is also staunchly loyal once her trust is gained. He looked at the girls and they were feasting on the roasted fish. Kagome even offered one to the surly Jaken. Sesshomaru looked closely at Kagome as he saw the bruise becoming even more defined on her pale skin which disgusted him heavily. He felt an old rage bubble inside of him, but before his anger reached a boiling point, he spied the glass vial suspended around Kagome's neck. Two shards of the Sacred Jewel twinkled at him in the firelight. How delicious. She has the jewel shards. Kagome can also sense the shards. But now that Naraku has hidden his heart from us with the Fuyouheki, that ability may not be as useful as before. Still, she has the spiritual powers of a priestess, and as such she can sense demonic auras … he smirked … or the lack thereof. Ah yes, she was the ability to sense where there is or is not a demonic aura, and possesses bait tailored to Naraku's tastes. Kagome could sense when the Fuyouheki has masked my demonic aura and then know the rough location of Naraku's heart. This is almost too good to be true. Now that InuYasha has abused her, he has destroyed her loyalty to him. It now rests on getting her on my side. Sesshomaru could no longer hold back a chuckle. Thank you, little brother, for being such an ignorant fool. I shall offer her protection from you and a way to fulfill her duties. In exchange, I will destroy Naraku. As they have always said: The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Kagome climbed up the rope ladder hanging in the Bone Eater's Well during her era. She changed back into her mended school uniform before leaving Sesshomaru's home. As the interior of the well house came into sight, Kagome begun to focus upon one thing: Finding her mother. Her throat was already choking with restrained sobs as she left the well house and ran to her home. 'Maybe no one's awake. I don't want to wake her, but I don't want to wait 'til morning, either!' Kagome entered her house quietly, not wanting to cause a ruckus. She was so determined to find her mother that she never removed the repaired yellow pack from her shoulders. She crossed the living room, and as she stepped into the dining room, Kagome heard running water and the soft clanking of stacking dishes. Her eyes were filled with hope and she bolted into the kitchen. Sure enough, Mrs. Higurashi stood there before the counter carefully organizing dirty dishes and pans while the sink was filled with foamy, soapy water. Kagome was unsure of how to announce her presence, while, Mrs. Higurashi still faced the sink, but she finally turned off the faucet until Kagome's chance presented itself. "Mom," When Mrs. Higurashi heard a soft, familiar, feminine voice correctly, she smiled as she turned to realize it was her daughter. "Kagome, you're home," But when she saw the turmoil aching in her daughter's eyes, she asked her daughter with concern in her eyes. "Kagome? What's the matter?" When Kagome's bottom lip trembled, she stormed forward to cling to her mother, bawled by sobbing on her mother's shoulder. "Mom." "Hush, baby," Mrs. Higurashi cooed as she petted her daughter's hair to comfort Kagome. "Put your things down and then have a seat. We'll talk about this." Mrs. Higurashi ushered Kagome to the kitchen table where the girl dropped her backpack as she flopped onto the chair overcome with exhaustion. Mrs. Higurashi knows her child was crying over neither physical pain, academic stress, nor even imminent danger. Her daughter's sobs were those of a distressed heart. She sat down at the head of the table beside her daughter. "Start at the beginning, Kagome." Through silently flowing tears, Kagome explained the love-triangle between her, InuYasha, and Kikyo, and how all of it came to a head twelve nights ago. When her voice begun to break, she cracked into sobs, "When I wouldn't back down, InuYasha hit me." Mrs. Higurashi clapped her hand over her mouth as her eyes watered, but narrowed dangerously which reminded Kagome of Sesshomaru, but Kagome continued with her story by telling her mother about Miroku and Sango's assistance and support, her escape, and the battle with the lizard demon. "But that's when the strangest thing happened, Mom. InuYasha's older brother, Sesshomaru saved me." "Isn't he the one who hates humans?" Mrs. Higurashi asked Kagome. Kagome sighed, "Yeah, that's what I thought until he took me in, sheltered me, clothed me, fed me, trained me, offered me sanctuary…to form an alliance with me to destroy Naraku, and prove to me that he could be trusted. I've spent last eleven nights at his home," Kagome kicked off the explanation of her dilemma with Lord Sesshomaru. She left no detail out. His generosity, the secret of Sakura, the reunion of her soul, their long conversations, dining together, training together, his act of trust, and the tensions that built up to his admission of love were all provided with glowing descriptions from Kagome. She finished breathlessly and rested her head in her hands. "Sesshomaru loves me. I don't know what to do besides keep my promise to help him defeat Naraku." Mrs. Higurashi had been oddly but patiently silent through her daughters' tale, pursed her lips softly. "Let me begin by saying that I am very proud of you, Kagome. You were so brave to leave InuYasha." Mrs. Higurashi added in a vicious tone, "If he comes here to look for you, he'll be sorry." Kagome's eyebrows shot up at hearing her mother's voice so venomous. But as quickly as it happened, Mrs. Higurashi's tone became pleasant and motherly once again. "But, as to your crisis with Sesshomaru, no one can solve this problem but you, sweetheart. Do you love Sesshomaru?" Kagome breathed deeply and tried to answer her mother's question. "I don't know. I never thought that I'd care about him like I do. I think that I love him, but how can I be sure?" Mrs. Higurashi put her hand over her daughter's and squeezed gently. "Then take time to think about this rather than lie to him." "I'd never lie to him. He doesn't deserve that." "You obviously care about him." "I do, Mom. I really do. Oh – this is going to sound totally wrong – when he kissed me, it was unreal. It was like nothing I have ever felt before. I could not tell up from down, left from right, and I didn't care. He makes me feel so much, and I'm scared that I'm going to be overwhelmed by him. I don't want to get hurt again, Mom. Not this quickly." Mrs. Higurashi nodded. "It's natural to feel on guard when another relationship ended so recently and so badly. But you need to remember one thing." "What's that?" "Sesshomaru is not InuYasha." Mrs. Higurashi waited a moment, allowing her words to sink into Kagome's mind, and then she stood and lifted Kagome's backpack. "I'll take care of this. Go relax. Don't worry about going to school, either. Grandpa thought of a really good illness this time." Kagome groaned, "Oh no! What now?"
Mrs. Higurashi shook her head slightly. "Bless him. He only puts so much effort into these because he loves you." "Out with it! What bogus affliction do I have now? Is it an inferiority complex or my Diabetes?" "Ovarian cysts." Kagome rolled her eyes hopelessly.

Meanwhile, Hachi looked around at the strange collection of visitors seated around Totosai's fire. Miroku appeared calm but business-like. Sango tried to dim the hopeful gleam in her eyes. Shippo sat with his astonishing new mature, melancholy expression fixed upon Totosai's face. Totosai set a kettle of water on the fire and gazed at his visitors. "So, what brings you to my doorstep?" Miroku begun to launch into his account of Kagome's departure, but Totosai raised his hand to respectfully stop the monk. "Forgive me, young man, but I am already familiar with this portion of the story." "But how?" Sango asked. "Myoga was atop Kilala that night. He ran straight to me after InuYasha lashed out at the girl and the monk knocked him unconscious. Now, please, why have you come to see me?" "Fair enough, Totosai," Miroku told the old demon about InuYasha's inability to attack them with the Tetsusaiga and how they found out that Kagome never made it home. "When I inspected the area, the tracks left behind were those of Sesshomaru, Jaken, and the young child, Rin. For some unknown reason, Kagome went with them. What we need from you is a simple answer: Can you tell us how to find Sesshomaru?" Totosai was dumbstruck for a moment. When he regained the use of his voice, he managed to croak, "Kagome went with Sesshomaru?" "Yes, Totosai. Please, do you know how to find him? I have to make sure that Kagome is okay," Sango pleaded. Totosai mournfully admitted, "No, I do not." Sango let her head drop and Miroku sorrowfully closed his eyes. "But I know who does," Totosai added. "In a forest to the northwest from here is a tremendously old demon magnolia tree. His name is Bokusenou, and he can tell you how to find Sesshomaru." Miroku, Sango, and Hachi stood and bowed in thanks to Totosai, however Shippo remained seated with crossed arms. "Totosai," Shippo begun in his new eerily calculating tone, "why weren't you surprised when Miroku said that InuYasha couldn't transform the Tetsusaiga?" Totosai chuckled, "You may be young, but you are a sly little fox."
"Answer my question, Totosai." The demon blacksmith cleared his throat. "I know for two reasons, Shippo. The main reason is the situation itself. However, InuYasha himself came to me just before the new moon demanding that I 'repair' the sword. You see, Tetsusaiga was forged to protect the weak. The moment InuYasha hit Kagome, he violated his obligation to the sword. It has rejected him forever. Tetsusaiga is useless in his hands." Sango and Miroku were torn on how to accept this information. A large portion of them felt satisfied with this side of InuYasha's punishment; but it ensured that InuYasha could do nothing in the fight against Naraku. Shippo, on the other hand appeared, was pleased despite the detrimental effects to their ultimate quest. The young fox coldly humphed. "Good." before standing to take his leave from Totosai. "Thank you for your help." He bluntly faced the others, "Let's go." They strolled toward the entrance and just before reaching the threshold, Sango looked back, "Thank you, Totosai." "I just hope that you find her," Totosai said, "I don't know what possessed Sesshomaru to take the girl, but this does not sound good." The quartet left quietly. Hachi morphed into his yellow, blimp-like form once clear of Totosai's home. Miroku, Sango – accompanied by Kilala – and Shippo climbed aboard, and Hachi steered them northwest.

Kagome had been home for past three days and felt just as confused and torn as when she jumped out of Sesshomaru's arms and into the well. The clock in the kitchen read 10:47 a.m in the morning. She slowly walked upstairs and into her bedroom. Kagome crossed her room mechanically still wearing her candy pink pajama bottoms with a camisole style tank top. Her hair was coiled up into a loose bun. She sat at her desk and slouched over until she cradled her head in her folded arms. Kagome let loose a lovesick sigh as she thought of long white hair and glittering, loving yellow eyes. I can neither get him out of my head nor stop thinking about him. His eyes. His voice. His hand. His smile. But I can't tell if what I feel every time I see him or think of him is love, either. Did InuYasha break more than blood-vessels and my confidence when he hit me? Did he break that part of a person who can identify love? Or did he just make me fear loving someone again? She groaned at herself. I know what Sesshomaru would say to that, and I agree with him. If I fear, I let InuYasha win. She nuzzled her face into her arms and begun to feel quite drowsy. Her breath became soft and measured, and soon she drifted off to sleep. However, she wasn't napping for long when the sound of her window sliding open caused her to bolt upright in panic. "What?" Kagome questionably thought in her mind without a word as her brain tried to catch up with the situation. 'Am I dreaming?' It was InuYasha who crouched on her windowsill. He grunted. "Sleeping, huh? Do you have something in your ears? Well it's time to go! Get packing! Get your stuff! Let's go!" When Kagome knotted her eyebrows as the long missing anger begun to boil inside her stomach, she firmly stood up, slammed her fist on the desk as she asserted, without caring if/realizing that she was shouting at him. "Don't you get it? You hit me! You abused me when I stood up for myself which angered you! Get out!" "Abused? Whatever! You wouldn't shut up! I'm not going anywhere until you pack your stuff…" he stopped as he begun to sniff, inched towards Kagome, but he smelled again. 'It can't be! I can't smell her, but I do smell Sesshomaru …' He growled as he clenched his fists. "Why do I smell Sesshomaru?" "He helped me once he found out you slapped me," Kagome defensively glared at him. Inuyasha scoffed as he denied fiercely. "Yeah right. He'd neither risk his neck for a mortal nor protect you!" "Well he did! I've been with him since I left! He sheltered me, taught me to protect myself, and has even shown me more compassion in a single night than you've ever shown me! Sesshomaru loves me and he'll never fail me!" InuYasha shot forward as he violently grabbed Kagome's wrist. "Did you throw yourself at him like he was Koga, you whore?!" Fear flashed into Kagome's eyes for a split second as she was reminded of the last time he touched her until fear in Kagome's eyes faded rapidly into calm, calculating confidence tinged with righteous anger. She matched his growl and pulled herself from his grip. Her aura pulsed and her mind cleared as she backed into the doors of her closet. Her voice was disturbingly level and composed as she gave him a final warning. "Say what you want to fool yourself into believing that you're right, however, if you touch me again, I guarantee that your brother won't be as lenient as he was in the past. I love Sesshomaru. I'm going back to him and nothing can change my mind. He and I will destroy Naraku together." InuYasha furiously narrowed his eyes at her last three sentences and raised his hand as he advanced on Kagome. Time shifted into slow motion through Kagome's eyes, and the soothing scent of cherry blossoms filled the room. Kagome watched almost uninterested as InuYasha progressed towards her for she knew that no harm would come to her. Soon, a haze appeared between Kagome and her assailant. The mist soon took the shape of a demon standing with their arms straight out, as if to shield Kagome, and she gasped. She thought she looked upon Sesshomaru until the phantom faced her. The eyes were completely different, and the features more feminine. Sakura! The spirit of Sakura looked at Kagome, smiling benevolently. "Stay strong," Sakura's ghost encouraged softly, "He's coming." Kagome stared into Sakura's eyes. Her eyes watered as she stared into the ethereal eyes of Sesshomaru's long dead twin sister. So that is what you look like … Kagome simply returned the smile gently. Kagome knew without Sakura's warning that Sesshomaru would protect her. After all, he promised that he'd know if she needed him. "Stop, InuYasha," a cold, stoic voice reverberated through Kagome's bedroom. The flow of time returned to its normal state for Kagome. InuYasha halted his attack and Sakura vanished, though the scent of cherry blossoms lingered in the air. Little by little Kagome tilted her neck to face her bedroom door. Sesshomaru stood just inside the doorway with Tokijin drawn and pointed at InuYasha. His eyes were almost glowing with a wrathful fire and he ordered, "Step away from her." InuYasha, too stunned to protest, simply backed away a few feet. Sesshomaru's eyes focused on Kagome, and his rage softened to concern. "Are you hurt?" "No," Kagome answered him. "I'm fine." "Good," Sesshomaru stepped between Kagome and InuYasha, shielding her from any further danger. Sesshomaru put the tip of his blade on InuYasha's chin and issued his final warning. "After you leave here, you are to never come near Kagome again. If I so much as sense that you have been near her from this day forward, I will kill you. I will not let you hurt her anymore," he stopped to slide Tokijin back into his sash, "Now, I believe the lady told you to get out." InuYasha balled his fists angrily until his knuckles were translucent white. With a sudden howl, InuYasha lunged at Sesshomaru in a blind fury. Sesshomaru angled his body so that InuYasha would glance off his chest rather than slam him backwards into Kagome. In a flash, Sesshomaru twisted around and grabbed InuYasha by his ear. Sesshomaru held him up contemptuously and goaded InuYasha with an arrogant chuckle. "Now, little brother, why perform such a futile move? Why not draw the Tetsusaiga?" InuYasha yowled incoherently and Sesshomaru laughed again. "Do not try to fool me that you have enough respect not to destroy the girl's home in a spiteful attempt to hurt us," Sesshomaru paused his goading long enough to give InuYasha a disgusted look, "That is all that is left in you – spite. How pathetic." Sesshomaru walked to the door, ducking his head slightly as he exited, and descended the stairs while holding InuYasha aloft like a particularly rancid piece of garbage. Kagome, not knowing what else to do, followed them down the stairs. InuYasha shouted and flailed the whole way. Sesshomaru left the Higurashi home through the doors he left open and proceeded in the direction of the well house. Kagome stepped onto the courtyard of the shrine when she heard Sota's perplexed, vaguely frightened voice. "Uh, sis, what's going on?" Kagome looked to the left and saw her mother and Sota, both with armloads of grocery bags, utterly transfixed by the sight of Sesshomaru carrying InuYasha, kicking and screaming, towards the well. "No time! Just come on!" Kagome urged as she broke into a jog to catch up with the dog demons. Sota and Mrs. Higurashi sat down their groceries to follow in Kagome's wake. The trio reached the well house to see Sesshomaru standing beside the well dangling InuYasha above the opening. InuYasha saw where Sesshomaru's actions were leading and began to throw insults. "You son of a bitch! How dare you steal her from me!" Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at the accusation. "Steal her?! How ignorant you are, InuYasha. Not only did you tear her heart out time and time again by flaunting your trysts with Kikyo, but you abused her when she refused to bear witness to your infidelity any longer! I refuse to let you hurt her again. Even if she did not love me, I would not stand idly by and watch you make her suffer!" Mrs. Higurashi put her hand on her daughter's shoulder upon hearing Sesshomaru's words. Sesshomaru relinquished his hold of InuYasha's ear and growled, "Begone!" InuYasha howled as he fell down the well shaft. There was a flash of mystical energy, and then ringing silence. Sesshomaru pivoted to gaze upon Kagome. "I said I would know if you needed me." Kagome stepped away from her mother and Sota. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at him. "How?" she stammered. "How did you make it through the well?" Sesshomaru reached his hand out for her and tenderly spoke, "I had to protect you." Kagome rushed to him. Tears of relief spilled over, trailing down her face, as she settled against the warmth of Sesshomaru's body. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling Kagome closer to him. He leaned down and whispered, "I heard what you said to him."
"Which part?" she quietly blubbered through her tears.
"All of it," he admitted as he buried his face in her hair. "I love you, Kagome." Kagome gripped Sesshomaru's haori with one hand and the fur with the other as she answered him from her heart, "And I love you, Sesshomaru." She nuzzled her face into his pelt and cried. She wept from the pain of what InuYasha did to her. She wept from happiness at being freed from the evil of InuYasha's abuse. She wept from the joy of being held by the demon she truly loved. Sesshomaru allowed her tears to flow freely, and once her sobs slowed he tilted her face so that he could wipe away her tears. He was ever so cautious when rubbing his clawed fingers along her tender skin. Mrs. Higurashi smiled at the sight of this demon, so large and intimidating, being so gentle with her daughter. Finally content that Kagome was safe, Sesshomaru turned his attention to Mrs. Higurashi and Sota. He looked back to Kagome and said, "This must be your mother and your little brother." "Yes," Kagome answered with a smile, "Mom and Sota." Sesshomaru excused himself from Kagome's embrace and approached Mrs. Higurashi and Sota. He bowed politely. "Forgive my ill manners. I am Sesshomaru, Lord of the Western Lands, and I am honored to meet you." Kagome's mother and brother returned the bow respectfully. Mrs. Higurashi said, "The honor is ours as well, Sesshomaru. Please, come inside and make yourself at home." Sota and Mrs. Higurashi lead the way back to the house, and Kagome reached out to lace her fingers into Sesshomaru's.

Mizaki gently held Kagome's chin in her fingers. She slowly tilted the girl's head back and forth; examining the symmetry of Kagome's styled hair. Mizaki pulled Kagome's hair into a high pony tail, braided it, and pinned the braid into an elegant knot secured with hair sticks. Mizaki clucked her tongue as her gaze fell upon the purple and blue, hand-shaped bruise upon the girl's cheek. "Rin, dear," Mizaki beckoned to the child, "please get me the make-up box." Rin nodded and arose to fulfill Mizaki's request. The elderly cat demon cast a sympathetic eye on Kagome. The girl blushed slightly from shame. "Don't be ashamed, child," Mizaki said softly. Kagome lowered her head. "I know I shouldn't, but I do." She took a shuddering breath. "I can't help it. I'm even more ashamed to say that some part of me feels like it's my fault." "Why ever do you think that?" Kagome covered her face and mumbled, "If I had just … stopped yelling or something, none of this would've happened." Mizaki softly pulled the girl's hands from her face and Kagome looked up. "My dear child, I will not be the last to tell you this, but it is not your fault that InuYasha hit you. No one, be they mortal or demon, has the right to hit someone they supposedly love; nor should they lash out when someone speaks out for their own dignity. It is InuYasha's fault. Never forget that." Mizaki kissed Kagome's forehead and whispered, "Never." Bless Lord Sesshomaru for showing this tender young woman mercy. She is strong and noble, and I have only known her for this one day … Kagome nodded while she bit back tears. "Thank you, Mizaki." Mizaki smiled gently. "Come now, chin up. We'll get some make-up on that and you can enjoy a nice relaxing dinner. It will heal soon enough, and then you can heal, too."

Miroku and Sango walked behind Shippo and Kilala. They were entering the outskirts of Kaede's village and many waived in welcome to the returning group amidst their mid-morning bustle. To their surprise, the familiar, old priestess, Kaede approached them on the road. "Miroku! Sango! Have you seen Kagome?" Sango and Miroku looked at each other before Sango answered, "Not since last night. That's why we came to see you. What's going on?" "Wait. If you haven't seen her since last night, why are ye coming to see me?" Miroku took the initiative, "She left last night. We were just coming to make sure she crossed through the well alright." "Why did she leave?" Kaede asked. Miroku put his hand on Kaede's shoulder, "This is something best discussed indoors." The company quickly walked through the village and into Kaede's hut. Kilala retook her small form and they soon sat around the fire. "So," Kaede pressed, "Why has Kagome left?" Miroku didn't waste time. "She confronted Inuyasha about his stints with Kikyo and his constant dishonesty. When she would not back down, he became agitated and struck her by slapping her out of anger." Kaede was temporarily stunned to hear that. "Nay!" Miroku continued. "We all saw it, but we held InuYasha at bay, well I actually knocked him unconscious with my staff, while Kagome headed for the well." "I see," Kaede said, "but I do not think Young Kagome reached the well." Sango asked, "What makes you say that?" Kaede stood and gestured to them. "Follow me." The rest arose and followed Kaede out of the dwelling. "I awoke early this morning with a sense of foreboding. Around sunrise I went to the well, but I could not sense Kagome's presence," Kaede was leading them around to the back of her hut. "My instincts lead me to the other side of the river," they reached the back of Kaede's hut and saw a mat lying over a misshapen object. Kaede grasped the edge of the mat as she continued to speak, "Down stream from the bridge, I found this." The old woman pulled the mat back by revealing Kagome's broken bicycle. Sango gasped in horror. "No! Kagome!" Tears filled Sango's eyes as terrible scenarios of what could've happened to her friend played through her mind; none of which involved being saved by Sesshomaru. "Miroku, we have to find her." Miroku put an arm around Sango. "We will. But we also have to keep someone near the well at all times." "Why?" Sango asked. "For one, in case Kagome tries to go home. Secondly, in case InuYasha tries to crossover to find her." Sango squared her jaw with determination and addressed Miroku with a dominating tone, "Then you take the first shift. Shippo, come with me. I will need your nose." Kilala reverted back to her large form. Sango didn't even bother to change into her armor. She simply mounted Kilala and pulled Shippo up in front of her. They've taken to the skies without another word and Miroku obediently stalked off to the Bone Eater's Well.