Wow this was a long time coming. I do apologize for the very long delay on this chapter and I thank each and every one of you who stayed fans to this story.

I will be making some changes to the writing style for the next chapter. It will no longer have any POV's but I feel it will make the story flow a bit better. It will give me a chance to jump from perspective to perspective on the characters.

Again I do not own LOTR or InuYasha.

Enjoy!

~Kagome POV~

There were only so many times you can play "I spy" when all there was to spy were rocks, trees and grass… and if Pip spied grass one more time I was gonna make him eat it.

"Okay this isn't the best game to pass the time" I said when Merry opened his mouth to spy another brown tree.

"What is wrong with silence?" said Sesshomaru who was walking behind me.

Looking back at him I narrowed my eyes…I was not amused. It's been a month and I was getting bored very quickly. Being on this journey was nothing like the one I had while I was 15 years old…young and carefree. There wasn't any Miroku to talk to about spiritual energies and stories of temple monks. No Sango to chat with about growing up in the feudal era a strong woman. No Shippo to play with and cuddle and no InuYasha to fight and bicker with…..No…while my companions were honorable men they all had the conversational skills of a nat.

"We shall rest here for today" said Gandalf looked at me. I thanked him silently.

Immortal I may be but I was starting to get a bit on the cranky side.

"Here my lady" said the soft voice of Legolas as he handed me his personal waterskin for me to drink from. The water was cool, refreshing and tasted so good.

"Thank you" I sighed gratefully looking up to see him flash me one of his charismatic smiles. Geez, he really was prince charming wasn't he?

After a few minutes everyone seemed to relax a bit more in which Boromir resumed his task of training Merry and Pip.

I smiled while I watched Boromir teach Merry and Pippin some basic swordplay. It made me uneasy to know that the little hobbits would need this skill, they were innocent creatures but in times of war, even children must learn to defend themselves or die.

"Move your feet" I head him instruct the two. I had to hand it to Boromir, he made an amazing teacher. He was patient with them and did not scold them if they messed up. Who knew he had a parental side….color me impressed.

I then looked over at Aragon who was smoking while Fordo and Gandalf sat together. My gaze then fell to Legolas. He was looking out towards the mountains with Sesshomaru by his side. I sighed; Sesshomaru was getting a bit annoyed on how much time I was spending with the elf prince. I really didn't know what the big deal was. Legolas was such an easy person to get along with. He offered friendship unconditionally and was such a rare man in general.

He was honorable, strong, and intelligent, totally not backwards in his way of thinking unlike Boromir. In fact, he reminded me a lot of Aragon, I guess that was why they are such good friends. Yes, he was a fearsome warrior when he needed to be but if truth be told when that side of him came out, I found myself a bit more captivated than what was healthy.

I went to sit by Sam who handed me a bit of sausage.

"Thanks Sam" I said taking a small bite.

"Miss Kagome" he said "I feel awfully worried that you are coming on this journey with us. Begging my pardon for saying so, but a woman so fair and kind should be more protected. There's hardly any good left thanks to the sinking ring. I would hate for something to happen to you"

I smiled at him "Thank you for your concern Sam, but trust me, this is not the first journey like this that I have made"

"What other kinds of adventures have you been?" said the gruff voice of Gimli.

I scrunched up my face "Well….let's see. Back in Sesshomaru's world, I had been traveling with a group of friends searching for fragments of a jewel that held immense powers"

"Like the ring?" asked Pippin looking up from his plate of food, it appeared his stomach once again got the better of him and decided to break from his training.

I nodded "Yes, but the jewel was different in some ways. If held by the hands of evil, the jewel would turn black with dark powers but when held by someone with no ill intend, or if held by someone without evil in their hearts it would remain pink. That is why the jewel had to have a guardian"

"Where you the guardian?" asked Frodo suddenly. I looked over and saw that I had the attention of everyone there. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes slightly, I knew better than to reveal that I was now the jewel, if I were to fall in the hands of the enemy, he would use my powers for evil, something that I would rather die than allow.

"No, the guardian died so that left only me to collect the shards after it was shattered and to prevent an evil half demon from getting the full jewel"

"Half demon?" asked Boromir then looked over at Sesshomaru.

"No, no….Sesshomaru is full demon. Naraku on the other was half human, half demon" I said resisting a chuckle.

"I see" said Boromir but I don't think he really got it…..there was still questions in his eyes that I hoped he kept to himself.

"Yeah well, like I said, I have faced dangers before. While trying to find these shards I faced demons who tried to kill me and eat me" I shrugged "Plus don't forget, I have been in your world for one hundred years, I know what orcs are…and how to kill them. They don't particularly like my purifying light" I added with a smirk.

Aragon laughed softly "I am sure they do not"

"Indeed child" said Gandalf

"So what happened to the jewel?" asked Merry.

I looked smiled softy at him "The jewel was purified from the world forever" I said catching the doubt in Boromir's gaze.

"An item of just power cannot simply vanish" he said.

I shrugged at him "Believe what you will, like I said, that item was different than your ring"

"What did it do?" chirped Pippin.

"It had the power to grant you one wish" I said sadly thinking of the terrible power that rested within me. Sesshomaru knew better than to make a wish upon my powers. The power of the jewel didn't always grant you your heart's desire. I did not trust the power within me; I knew that if I fell into the hands of evil I would be broken. Turning into a mindless doll, my soul forever trapped within me.

It was a secret that I hoped never reveal it's self…ever.

They asked a few more questions in which I answered vaguely until the voice of Sesshomaru call me over to him. Night had fallen and everyone was already either resting for sleeping, everyone but Legolas of course.

"I do not like these questions" he said speaking in our native language "The less they know of the Tama and what became of it….the safer you are. They may not realize it, but if the enemy ever discovers what you are, he will seek both you and the ring. I will not have that"

I nodded to him. He wrapped his pelt around my shoulders keeping the chill from the mountains away from me.

My eyes traveled to Legolas, a small smile on my lips. My mind going back to replay how good it felt to have his strong arms around me, giving me warmth. He had smelled so nice, which I thought was odd for a man traveling but he smelled of pine trees, leather and a spicy undertone that was both fresh and exotic. I placed a hand over my heart as it fluttered, remembering the warmth of his embrace and how…..right it had felt.

"Your eyes have not strayed from the elf prince" he said after a while making me look down and blushed "You are becoming too close to him koneko"

I looked up and scowled at him "He is a friend, a good friend" I said defensively.

"And so was InuYasha and you know how that turned out"

I flinched, remembering the heartache of what seemed like eons ago "That was different" I mumbled "He could not let go of the past"

"And what past do you know of the elf prince? He is well over three thousand years of age, long enough for him to have had a love in his life"

I looked away not liking what he was insinuating "Well then you should not worry, I see him as a friend, only a friend. Plus you know that the elves are different from mortals and he is one of those elves that seem to enjoy making new friends. He may be a man, but he is an innocent like me. It's refreshing to be friends with a man who does not harbor lecherous thoughts. I trust him completely Sesshomaru-sama, enough to bathe around him and know that he will not peek or do anything that would compromise his honor or our friendship"

He looked over at the elf in question then nodded to me "You are correct daughter of mine" he said "Forgive me for questioning his intentions"

I laughed and shook my head "You're so paranoid Sesshomaru. Besides, I have long lived as a maiden; I know no other way of life"

"A small miracle" he growled low "You are far too trusting and eager for companionship"

I shrugged "What can I say, I love my friends"

The next day was a bit warmer and I was all too happy to sit and relax for a bit. Boromir continued to train the hobbits. The sound of metal hitting each other in the background was strangely relaxing…hmmmm….maybe I've been around warfare too long…..something to think about.

Breakfast was being passed out and the air around the camp was peaceful. Aragon gave his two cents in helping to train the little halflings.

Off to the distance Gimli was grumbling that we were taking the 'long way' around. I looked back from where I was sitting with Frodo and Sam to see the serious expression on Gandalf's face.

Legolas was playing scout again, his fluid and lithe body climbing on to large boulder with ease.

I laughed when the hobbits knocked Boromir flat on his back and ganged up on him, I was concentrating on their merriment that I did not sense the tension coming from my other companions. I watched on as Aragon moved over to try and help Boromir who was laughing, at ease for once, only to have the Ranger knocked on his ass by the two little ones. I was holding my stomach laughing hard by then.

Sam was who had caught my attention "What's that?"

"Nothing" grumbled Gimli "Just a wisp of cloud"

"It moving fast" said Boromir softly "Against the wind"

I looked over at Legolas who leapt on to a boulder, his face tensed "Crebain from Dunland!" he shouted then leapt off the boulder and ran to me at the same time I heard Aragon's voice yell for us to hide.

Legolas pulled me under a bush close to where Sesshomaru was standing.

"What is he doing?" yelled out Aragon.

I watched as Sesshomaru unsheathed his sword and let out a blast of green energy towards the birds. Hundreds fell dead on the floor while others flew away squawking as fast as their wings could carry them.

I only had a moment to register how close Legolas was holding on to me. His breath was on my bare neck sending shivers down my spine. 'Oh this is dangerous territory' I thought to myself, he smelled so good and felt just as good too. Is it me or did his arms just tighten?

When the few remaining birds disappeared I tried to not jump up and run from the bush but my nerves where standing on end. I was so not going to go down this route again! I refused to fall for another man that I traveled with. Memories of InuYasha drifted past my mind and I couldn't help the feeling of stupidity rise within me.

Gods I was such an idiot back then and if I didn't pull myself together, I was going to make one of myself again with the elf.

"Why did you not hide?" thundered Aragorn at Sesshomaru.

I watched as my demon lord scoffed at the ranger "It would have done us little good. The enemy knew you were here with or without my masking my presence" he said flatly then kicked a bird with his boot "I just sent him a warning to leave this company in peace or face my wrath" he said then looked down at me "Come"

Careful not to step on any birdies I went over to him then looked at Gandalf "So…now what?"

"We now must take an alternate route" he said looking behind us at the snowcapped mountain.

I eyed the mountain then looked at the old wizard "Don't mean to be a downer but…..are you sure that's the best thing to do?" I said hesitantly then walked in closer to him "I don't think the hobbits are built for that kind of weather Gandalf"

The wizard shook his head "Unfortunately we are left with no other option at the moment"

I huffed; I didn't really like the cold and definitely not snow. My mind wondered to a time long ago in my past. Of Kikyo pushing me down the well after I had attacked InuYasha…

I wondered what became of him. Wondered if he ended up marrying that girl or if the ghost of his past hunted him until it drove that girl away too. Shaking myself away from those thoughts I looked to find Sesshomaru eyeing me intently.

"What?" I said wondering why he was giving me that look.

"He still crosses your thoughts even now after so many years" he said softly making me wince.

I wondered what it meant to tell you the truth…..did it mean that I was still hung up on him. Was I that pathetic that I couldn't get over a high school crush that happened so many years ago? I dug up a mental picture of InuYasha and waited for any responses from my heart…..

Nope.

Zero. Zilch. Nada.

So I wasn't still hung up on the guy so the only other logical thing was….

I looked up at Sesshomaru "I still think of him as a friend no matter our somewhat muddled attempt at romance" I said then gave a little giggle "and I'm being generous when I say "romance" by the way. It was more of a train wreck"

I was pleased to see my beloved fierce protectors eyes glisten in humor. I always give myself a mental pat on the back when I can make that look appear on Maru's face.

3

3

LEGOAS POV:

The tension among Aragorn, Boromir and Frodo grew stronger after the strange incident when the ring fell from around Frodo's neck. It unsettled me greatly, Aragorn had the uncanny ability to see and judge a person and if he had reason to doubt Boromir it did not bode well for the fellowship.

I could tell that the demon lord was keeping a close eye on Boromir after that as well and from what Kagome has said….being a demon gave him an extra sense, a sort of filter for an individual. She had also said that he was able to smell a lie. That idea was fascinating to me.

The snow was becoming dense and harder for the rest of the company to keep a steady path. Being elven I was gifted with the ability to walk on the snow so I kept to the side and watched the path.

I had to keep myself from laughing when I passed a snow covered Kagome and she growled at me. I had to say I was impressed by the sound. She could very well make an orc run in fear if she were to snarl at it in that manner.

Once we landed on some flat rock Gandalf suggested a small rest.

"My face is frozen…my feet are frozen….my eyelashes are frozen…even my hair is frozen" came the melodic grumbles of Kagome as she wrapped her lord's white pelt around her. I couldn't help the small chuckle. None of them liked the cold but none dared complain for fear of getting scolded by a cantankerous wizard.

Looking over at Gandalf I could tell he wanted to say something be held it in. I had a feeling it was the demon lord that made him hold his tongue.

"Cease your complaints. You volunteered for this daughter. You will have no sympathy from me" I noticed that his words did not entirely reflect his actions as he pulled her into his embrace to warm her.

For the hundredth time I couldn't help but admire the braveness of the lord. Kagome while small was quiet daunting when angered.

I was worried for the hobbits more than I was for Kagome. I knew her lord wouldn't let her fall ill but the hobbits were small and the further up we went the thicker and higher the snow became.

Turning to Aragon I watched as he fought against the shivers that racked his body "There had to be a better choice. I am worried" I conveyed to him in a low tone. I did not want Gandalf to think I was questioning his judgment.

Aragon shook his head "Saruman is determined to thwart our journey. I do not think we have many choices"

So I stood watch, watching my companions struggle with the deep snow and heavy winds that seem to blow right through them. Seems the only two beings not affected were Lord Sesshomaru and myself.

Kagome looked like she was ready to push me off the ledge so I decided it was best that I walked a bit up towards Gandalf. Squinting against the snow my ears picked up a sound in the wind.

Howling? No….it was a voice…"There is a voice in the air" I shouted at Gandalf.

"It's Saruman!"

The mountain groaned, I looked up and jumped out of the way barely missing giant size rocks falling on myself.

"He's trying to bring down the mountain" shouted Aragon "Gandalf we must turn back!"

"No!" I watched Gandalf raise his staff shouting and chanting to calm to mountain and send it to sleep but Saruman's spell was to strong. I had just pulled Gandalf away from the ledge in time for a large sheet of snow to fall on top of us.

The world was quiet from within the cocoon of the snow, it was unnerving and my mind when to the hobbits and lady Kagome. Digging my way out I helped Gandalf out of the mass of snow and turned to see how everyone was fairing.

"Kagome!"

My attention was captured by the demon lord who had dug out Kagome. I could see a deep laceration on head the red trickled down the side of her face a horrifying contrast against the white of the snow around her. She was unmoving.

My heart slammed in my chest. For a long moment the world when very silent as my eyes never left Kagome's limp form. No….

My mind refused to accept that she was nothing more than injured but my loudly beating heart spoke of the fear that I felt.

My whole focus was on her that I did not hear the decision being made until Gandalf took my arm gently and guided me off the snow covered mountain pass.

I wanted to take Kagome into my arms but I knew that Lord Sesshomaru would not part from his cargo until he made sure she would be alright. The need to be close to her was strong and I had to fight my instincts that were yelling at me to ensure that the small female whom I have come to care for was not severely injured.

The trek down the mountain was silent. I could feel the cloud of concern for the female in our fellowship but not one of us dared to approach the demon holding her. His eyes were twinge with an unnerving red color, his frame looked tense and the swirling emotions around the usually stoic lord made my worry climb.

Night fell and a fire was produced and still no one spoke. I watched as Lord Sesshomaru took his pelt off and placed it on the floor and laid a very still Kagome on top of it. Aragon had a pot of water and what smelled like kingsfoil brewing.

Silently I reached into my personal pack that I hid under my quiver and took out a piece of dry clean cloth that I carried for such emergencies.

"Here" my voice was low as I gave it to Aragon. I knew he had more skills when it came to healing that I did. I was trained in combat not medicine.

I stood to the side as I watched Aragon approach Lord Sesshomaru slowly explaining that he could help heal Kagome. I did not know much about the demon lord but from what I was able to observe his instincts were very much animal dominated which meant that anyone who approached the female while inquired is considered a threat in his state of mind.

He had been licking the blood off her face, a low growl sounding from his chest as his eyes darted at the men around him.

Yes….very much like a predator in the wild. Kagome was his young and he was being protective of his pup like a wolf would be.

It was only after Aragon healed and cleaned her wound did we all sighed a breath of relief when a small moan from the woman broke the silence in the camp.

I watched eagerly as her thick lashes fluttered open slowly and hazily.

"Wha….What happened?" she murmured her voice was thick with sleep and husky causing my heart to pound faster. What were these feelings? I placed a hand on my chest trying to control my body and reactions.

"Rocks in the snow fell on top of us. You took quite a hit my lady" said Aragon who had crouched by her another clean cloth soaked with kingsfoil in hand "here…press this to your wound. It should fade by the morrow"

She blinked owlishly but did she was instructed then turned to her guardian "I'm sorry if I worried you my lord" a small hand caressing a marking on his face.

The lord's face remained stoic as ever but I was able to detect a bit of that warmth that Kagome seemed to see in his eyes.

"See that it does not happen again and I shall forgive you for this incident"

The words appeared cold but as I could feel another emotion from the lord.

I thought of my feelings and the fear that had grown when Kagome was injured. Never in my long years has another woman affected me like she has and I did not know if I could still claim to only feel friendship for her.

Was it possible that my feelings for her were changing? I glanced at her face as she slept and felt yearning in my heart. It seems I had much to think about.