Alone Together by Sage McMae

Alone Together

Kagome isn’t sure when her feelings began to change. Without the looming threat of Naraku or the constant need to restore the Shikon Jewel, her days in the Feudal Era become boring. She takes to wandering around the forest, often stopping by the well to reminisce about her family.

At first, Inuyasha joins her but, eventually, he thinks she regrets her decision. Her walks become a sore subject. He’s content to live the remainder of his days reaping the benefits of Naraku’s defeat. Kagome isn’t. She continues her strolls unaccompanied. 

When the atmosphere in the village starts to become suffocating, Kagome travels to Jineji’s farm. For a couple of blissful weeks, she keeps busy weeding, harvesting, and learning how to concoct useful salves. The knowledge invigorates her. Acquiring new skills gives her something to be proud of— something of her own.

Inuyasha arrives to find her covered in dirt and sweat. His visit is brief. It starts with Inuyasha yelling and ends with him storming off. The result is Jinenji hiding in his hut and Kagome being alone.

She knows falling for her best friend was foolish. Back then, Kagome was young and naive. She didn’t understand how quickly she was falling until it was too late.

Now….well, she’s still young but she’s definitely not naive. Kagome realizes that she didn’t see his flaws because she chose not to. She’s just as much to blame as Inuyasha. Knowing this doesn’t make the ache in her chest hurt any less.

When she returns to Edo, Sango and Miroku are there to welcome her into their home. They don’t speak about the breakup. There is no need to mention it. Inuyasha has already passed through, grumbling about ungrateful women before heading East.

Kagome is glad for his absence, if only because she can’t decide how to retaliate. Part of her wants to cry and another wants to lodge an arrow through his chest. Maybe another fifty years pinned to a tree would do him some good.

She finds a new rhythm in helping Sango with her three beautiful children and training with Rin under Kaede.

The little girl has made great strides as a healer. Kagome is impressed by her resilience and constant optimism. Rin reminds her a bit of herself with one key difference. The Tashio who guards Rin has never disappointed her.

He deposited her in the village to give her a chance at a normal life. Sesshomaru understands that the safest place for Rin is here, surrounded by the select few he trusts. It also helps that Kohaku visits regularly. 

Even so, Sesshomaru is rarely far away. He frequents the village. Each time, Sesshomaru brings his ward gifts— new shoes, finely spun garments, and a hairpin or two. He does not use his absence as an excuse. Rather, Sesshomaru tends to his business efficiently so he can devote all his free time to his daughter.

Kagome isn’t sure why she didn’t notice his compassion sooner.

On days where the Lord of the Western Lands calls, Kagome studies with Kaede by herself. They focus on more challenging practices, such as leveraging her reiki for healing.

Learning to channel her powers for a specific purpose is challenging. Kaede starts her off with small tasks, such as cleansing the human body of toxins. Kagome fears pushing too much energy upon them or not focusing on the correct spot.

Kaede is patient throughout her training. The village elder often reminds Kagome that what she hopes to achieve takes years of study. It cannot be learned in a single day. Kaede’s encouragement does little to comfort Kagome. Being in this era is meaningless without a purpose. If she can’t become a healer like Kaede, what good is she?

Kagome is plagued by the fear of not being enough. Absently, she wonders if that was why her relationship with Inuyasha failed. Was she not enough like Kikyo to hold his affection? Was he not enough to hold hers?

Shaking her head, Kagome leaves Kaede’s hut and wanders across the bridge into the forest.

Dusk is settling over the valley, painting the sky in brilliant hues of pink, orange, and red. Kagome sits on the hillside. Without the disruptive skyscrapers to block out the view, she can appreciate the changing colors. She hugs her knees to her chest and inhales deeply.

The river sparkles with the last rays of sunlight, appearing as a golden path cut through the grassy field. It reminds Kagome of a storybook Mama used to read to her when she was young. In the tale, a girl was swept up by a tornado and transported to a magical world of witches, wizards, and munchkins.

There are no wizards here, but there are witches like Urasue and there are dozens of munchkins. Sango’s twin girls and Hisui are Kagome’s favorites but she may be a tad biased.

She drops her chin onto her kneecaps, watching families reunite after a day of chores. Fathers return from hunting. Mothers bring in their laundry. Children chase each other around their huts. The village is full of activity. It’s full of life.

And Kagome...

...is full of doubt.

Doubt about whether or not she’ll be able to master her powers. Doubt about what to do if she can’t. Doubt about what to do if she can . Doubt about Inuyasha. Doubt about choosing to come here.

She closes her eyes against the tears threatening to fall. She didn’t cry when Inuyasha stopped coming on walks with her. She didn’t cry when he left her at the farm. She didn’t even cry when Miroku and Sango shared what he said about her. Kagome has kept all her regret and hurt bottled up.

At first, she wanted to contain her pain because she wasn’t ready to confront it. Now, her concern is that she’s stuffed too much away. If Kagome lets herself cry, she worries that she will never stop. 

Her skin bristles with youki. Gingerly, she picks up her head and opens her eyes.

Sesshomaru is standing several paces away, staring at her. His expression is unreadable. “Are you unwell?” 

“I’m fine,” Kagome lies.

“Has my brother returned?” he inquires.

She shrugs. Kagome moved out of their hut as soon as she returned from the farm. She hasn’t gone back since.

“If you desire to know his location, I can track him,” Sesshomaru volunteers.

Her throat constricts. Kagome forces herself to swallow and shakes her head. “No thanks.”

It doesn’t bother Kagome that Inuyasha isn’t here. What upsets her is Sesshomaru’s offer. He has helped her before, though never with something as personal as this. I must really look terrible , she thinks ruefully. 

She puts her head down and waits for him to leave.

He doesn’t.

“Was there something else?” she asks after a minute.

“My brother is a fool.” 

“Huh?”

Kagome lifts her face only to find that she’s alone.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The next week, while Kaede works with Rin on splints, Kagome focuses on her reiki. She sits cross-legged at the base of a tree, staring at her open palm.

Pink light flickers from her fingertips. She concentrates on the energy, willing it to morph into a ball. Kaede says it is the easiest shape to create. The ability to mold her reiki is an exercise in control— one that Kagome is struggling with.

Her arm begins to shake. Her brow glistens with sweat. Her blue eyes glare at the space in between her heart line and her life line.

There is a crackle, followed by a few dancing sparks, and the pink light vanishes.

Kagome groans. Why can’t I do it?

“You cannot heal another if you haven’t first healed yourself.”

She glances up to find Sesshomaru towering over her. “Excuse me?”

“Your powers are first and foremost protective in nature. You cannot channel them for defensive purposes or external healing if they are being utilized elsewhere,” he informs her.

“I’m not injured,” Kagome replies.

“Not all wounds are physical.”

She gazes at her palms, thinking of the ache in her chest and the reservoir of tears behind her eyes.

“If you wish to master your abilities, you must first master your emotions,” Sesshomaru says.

Kagome realizes this is the longest conversation they’ve ever had. It’s strange but not as surprising as the fact that he hasn’t remarked on her status as a human. Normally, he comments on frailty or lack of intelligence— not hers specifically but it’s no secret how Sesshomaru feels about humans.

Except for Rin.

She doesn’t know how to respond to him so she resumes her exercise. Another round of sparks dance from her hands but still no ball of light. 

“I see my brother has finally returned.”

“Yeah, he came back yesterday.”

“Have you spoken with him?” Sesshomaru questions.

Kagome sighs and answers, “We talked last night. He still doesn’t know how to cook for himself.”

“You should not enable him.”

“I’m not going to let him go hungry,” she argues.

He frowns. 

“Look, things didn’t work out but that doesn’t mean we aren’t friends,” Kagome explains. “We’re still friends. We’ll always be friends. Friends want what’s best for you. They make you happy.”

“Are you happy?” Sesshomaru asks.

Kagome doesn’t have it in her to lie to him. Even if she did, he’d know it was a lie. Sesshomaru can scent deceit. 

“Inuyasha is not your friend. He is a leech who will suck you dry if you continue to let him.” 

Anger flares within her. Kagome stands, her arms unfolding as her hands clench into fists. “Don’t talk about Inuyasha like that!”

“I speak the truth. You are too blind to see it,” Sesshomaru responds evenly.

She scoffs. “Blind? Do you want to know who’s blind? You! ” Kagome cries, jabbing a finger into his chest plate. “You claim not to care about humans— that we’re weak and pathetic —but if you really felt that way, you wouldn’t be here all the time. You would have left Rin dead in the woods instead of saving her life. You wouldn’t have taken her in and you certainly wouldn’t continue coming around here. But you do. You know why? Because without us, you’d be alone. And that scares you.”

“Silence.”

Kagome feigns surprise. “Oh, did I hit a nerve?”

Sesshomaru growls. “You’d do well to remember your place, miko.”

“Right back at ya, your lordship.”

His eyes narrow and his hand moves to rest on the hilt of his sword.

Kagome doesn’t budge. Years of arguing with Inuyasha have taught her a valuable lesson. Dog demons don’t back down easily. She won’t either. No one else is going to push her around or make her question herself. Those days are over. Sesshomaru might have not come here to start a fight but he’s got one.

And Kagome doesn’t intend to lose.

Kagome realizes it has been years since they contended like this. Sesshomaru may have started as her enemy but that changed. He’s saved her life numerous times, first against Mukotsu and then against Naraku. Without Sesshomaru, they would have never defeated the spider hanyou.

Despite their history, she refuses to hold back.

They stand facing each other, both poised for attack. For a moment, everything is quiet as if the entire forest is holding its breath.

Sesshomaru makes the first move. He rushes at Kagome who isn’t fast enough to avoid the hit. She lands on her shoulder, wincing as pain blooms from the joint area.

It is by pure luck that she manages to roll away before his next strike comes. Despite her watery eyes, Kagome sees Sesshomaru’s movements. She narrowly avoids a clawed swipe from the left. Twisting around a tree, Kagome avoids the follow-through attack.

If Sesshomaru means to corner her, he succeeds. When Kagome leaps out of dodge, she unknowingly places herself against a cliffside. She is trapped between the rocks and Sesshomaru.

“I believe I have made my point,” he states, turning away.

Kagome glares at him. “Don’t walk away from me, you jerk!”

Sesshomaru pivots around.

A blast of purple light shoots from her hands, hitting Sesshomaru in the chest. The energy strikes his pauldron’s clasp. The metal armor instantly shatters. Chunks fall to his feet.

He scowls.

Kagome can barely contain her surprise. She hasn’t accessed this level of power since her abilities awakened. Even when Kagome is in danger, she can’t call upon her reiki this way.

Sesshomaru doesn’t falter. He seizes the opportunity to pin her against the cliff.

“Do that again,” he demands.

Kagome struggles against his hold. Even one-handed, he is as unmovable as a mountain. And just as intimidating.

“Focus.”

“Let go of me!”

“Make me.”

“Next time, I’ll do more than wreck your armor,” she threatens.

“Do it.”

Kagome juts out her chin, ready to snap at him when she catches the way he’s watching her. She expected his metallic eyes to be tinted red with fury. There is a fire there but it’s not one born of anger.

He smirks. It happens so fast, she swears it must be a trick of the light.

A cry startles Kagome from her thoughts.

“Lord Sesshomaru!”

Rin enters the clearing, followed by Kaede. She appears weathered from her trek uphill.

“What’s going on here?” the village elder demands, leaning on her cane.

Kagome locks eyes with Sesshomaru— cool blue against molten gold —before they both respond, “Nothing.”

Kaede looks unconvinced. “If you two are finished, perhaps I could borrow Kagome? I need help preparing a batch of salve for the fishermen.”

“Coming,” Kagome says.

She pries Sesshomaru’s hand off and ducks around him.

As Kagome assists Kaede down to the village, she glances over her shoulder at Sesshomaru.

The smirk is gone but the fire remains.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Over the next few weeks, Kagome spends her time practicing alone in the forest. She is up before the sun rises and stumbles into her hut after all the oil lamps have gone out.

Kagome tries to recreate the blast that stunned Sesshomaru. The first week is a lesson in overcoming frustration. All she manages to do is cause sparks to fling from her fingertips.

The following week is much the same. Kagome runs through the list of exercises Kaede gave her, pausing only long enough to drink some water. Then, she resumes practicing. Cooking takes too much time. Kagome relies on the leftovers Kaede leaves by her hut. 

Her body begins to ache from the rigorous training. Trudging down the hill and across the river each day feels like a monumental task so Kagome begins camping in the forest. Being outside of the village reminds her of the old days when she traveled across the country in search of jewel fragments. It’s comforting, like reuniting with an old friend.

She dreams of bird demons and wolf tribes, about hidden castles and forgotten tombs. Her memories play out like a movie in the theater of her mind. She drifts in and out of the adventures as a silent voyer.

That morning, Kagome wakes up feeling refreshed. She rises early and takes her things down to the river to wash up.

When Kagome returns to camp, she finds a parcel wrapped in rice paper and tied with twine lying on a rock next to her sleeping bag. Confused, Kagome kneels by the package.

She unfolds the paper to reveal a cut of beef. Based on the smell, it was butchered just this morning. Her brow creases. No one in this village owns cattle. Their primary source of food comes from the earth and the river.  

Kagome glances around, wondering who left this for her. Initially, she thinks it must be Sango and Miroku but realizes how impossible that would be. With three small children, they hardly have time to cook their own meals. They don’t have time to worry about her.

Kouga would have the means to acquire fresh meat but he isn’t the type to act anonymously. He enjoys praise far too much.

Kagome considers Inuyasha then shakes her head. It’s unlikely he did this. She hasn’t spoken to him since her fight with Sesshomaru. As much as Kagome hates to admit it, the Lord of the Western Lands was right. Inuyasha has come a long way but he still doesn’t know how to treat her.  

She roots around her backpack for a knife. Kagome has a few rolled up in a leather case Kaede gave her. Most are used for chopping up herbs but she saves this one for food.

It takes her the better part of the morning to slice up strips and cook them. Kagome eats a few and smokes the rest so she can enjoy them later. The jerky will be a nice treat when she gets sick of eating fish.

For the first time in days, she has a full belly. The sensation makes her feel capable. She settles down to practice.

Initially, her attempts produce the same results— a few fleeting sparks of light. Then, Kagome remembers how she felt when Sesshomaru charged at her. There was a second of fear, swiftly followed by exhilaration.

There was pain too.

She winces, rubbing her shoulder where the bruise has just begun to fade. Regardless, Kagome still faced down one of the strongest demons in the land. Most of Sesshomaru’s opponents end up dead. She considers herself fortunate not to have joined them.

Kagome closes her eyes. She focuses on her excitement— the first real bout of joy she’s experienced in months. She envisions her joy as pure white light, encompassing her body and then stretching out around her like the branches of a tree. Kagome pushes the light outward until she feels her hands start to shake. Slowly, she opens her eyes.

A gasp escapes her.

She is surrounded by a dome of light. The barrier is so pale that it almost appears translucent. Kagome wonders if anyone can see it or just her.

Having this ability would give her a huge advantage over her opponents, especially Sesshomaru. She almost laughs picturing his face when he can’t reach her because of the energy shield.

Kagome is tempted to take a walk down to the village and check if he’s visiting Rin today. Maybe she can taunt him into another fight and finally put the smug jerk in his place.

But before Kagome does that, she needs more practice.

She starts by withdrawing her power. The barrier vanishes. Building it back up takes a while. Kagome has to concentrate on the shape of the dome. If her mind isn’t fully committed to the image, it goes wonky.

As the sun travels in an arch above the tree line, Kagome flows through the cycle. Barrier up, barrier down. Power out, power in. Inhale, exhale. She erects and dismantles the shield dozens of times before the process starts to feel seamless.

By then, Kagome is curious about what else she can do. She starts experimenting. Some attempts are more successful than others. Kaede was correct about spheres being the easiest shapes to control. They are also the most versatile.

Kagome learns how to expand the range of her barrier beyond her personal space. Eventually, she can alter the energy for offensive strikes, shooting small orbs of light across the forest clearing.

When she arrived in the Feudal Era, Kagome relied on her bow and arrow. She was given the weapon because of her connection to Kikyo but the skill never came naturally to her. Kagome spent months practicing to become proficient. If she’d realized how to operate without the weapon, Kagome is convinced she’d have mastered her spiritual abilities by now.

Of course, she would have mastered the bow quicker too if it hadn’t been for Inuyasha yelling at her all the time. His harsh judgment— along with constantly being compared to Kikyo —chipped away at her confidence.

Kagome sighs. That part of her life is behind her. She will always care about Inuyasha,— he was her first love —but she can’t continue to care for him. Kagome needs time to figure out what she wants.

And where she belongs.

Her first thought is returning to Jinenji’s farm. His mother, Hina, is getting older and isn’t able to keep up with the harvest. Kagome could help them tend to the fields during the day and cook at night. She’s sure Jinenji would be happy for the company.

She also considers traveling to the mountains. Since Shiori’s mother passed, the girl founded a place where all half-demons are accepted. Kagome knows Shiori works hard to keep the location hidden. She could help by erecting a protective barrier around the village. Plus, she doubts they have a resident healer.

There’s always the northern wolf tribe. It’s been months since Kagome has seen the pack. She misses Ginta and Hakkaku’s antics. Besides, ever since Kouga and Ayame mated, the red-headed wolf demoness has been less aggressive towards Kagome. Though, arriving without an invitation might be asking for trouble.

A twig snaps behind her. Whirling around, Kagome unleashes a surge of reiki.

The figure dodges the blast, before crossing the clearing in under a second so that he is towering over her.

“Miko.”

“Sesshomaru? What are you doing here?” 

He avoids her question with the same precision he dodged her attack. His gaze flickers over to her campsite before returning to her face. “I trust the meat was to your liking.”

Her eyes go wide. “ You left it?”

He nods.

“Why?”

“Rin mentioned you have not joined them at mealtime for several days. She and the village elder are concerned,” Sesshomaru explains.

“I’m fine,” Kagome insists.

She can’t tell if he believes her or not. Sesshomaru has always been difficult to read. On the rare occurrences where he does display emotion, it is typically rage or disgust. The only time Kagome has seen anything else was when they fought.

A tingle runs down her spine at the memory.

Sesshomaru is intense. Whether he is actively battling someone or is simply resting under a tree, Kagome finds him intimidating. She’s not scared of him. Even if he does tend to act like a jerk, Kagome knows him. He is loyal, dedicated, and reliable— all things she respects.

Her cheeks flush. She’s not sure why she’s suddenly so nervous. Whatever Kagome saw— or thinks she saw —that day was probably her imagination. There’s no reason to get worked up over Sesshomaru’s visit. He’s clearly just passing through.

“How was your visit with Rin?” 

“Adequate.” 

Kagome tries not to roll her eyes at his response. Trying to have a conversation with him is a challenge. She wonders why he bothered to check on her. Rin’s concerns have never bothered him before. Why does he feel the need to seek her out now? 

“What you are searching for cannot be found in these woods. There is nothing left in this place for you. The longer you linger here out of a false sense of duty, the harder it will be for you to move on,” Sesshomaru says. 

She stares at her hands. When Kagome fell through the Bone Eater’s Well at fifteen, she was terrified. Fate brought her to an unfamiliar time, surrounded by legendary demons. No one had been with her— not Mama or Souta, none of her friends. Kagome had been alone.

Just like now.

Regardless, she managed to overcome her fear and restore the Shikon Jewel. Kagome’s choices led her to Kaede, Inuyasha, Shippo, Miroku, Sango, and Kirara. She’d learned valuable lessons from each of her friends. Kaede taught her patience. Shippo reinvigorated her family values. Through his countless sacrifices, Miroku demonstrated how to be selfless. Sango showed Kagome how to be more assertive. 

Even Inuyasha— whose foolish pride had caused more than one fight between them —has taught Kagome an important lesson. Clinging to the past will poison the present and destroy the future. 

Which is why she can’t stay in Edo. 

Sesshomaru is right. Her friends have all moved on. Shippo is training for his ranks. Kaede is raising and mentoring Rin. Miroku and Sango are married with three beautiful children. Inuyasha is still figuring things out but it’s clear that there is no place for Kagome in his plans. 

Her friends have their own paths to follow. At one time, her path converged with each of theirs but now, they are branching away, moving forward in different directions. She needs to do the same. 

Kagome begins packing up her camp. It’s time to say goodbye to this phase of her life. She’s not Kikyo’s reincarnation, Inuyasha’s side-kick, Kouga’s woman, or the bearer of the Shikon Jewel. 

She’s Kagome Higurashi. 

And she will decide which path her life takes. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The choice to travel alone isn’t received well. Unlike Kohaku, Kagome wasn’t raised for battle. Her year crossing the country in search of jewel fragments was a necessity. It doesn’t count as training— at least not where Sango is concerned. While Inuyasha pouts in the corner of the hut, Kagome’s best friend tries to talk her out of leaving. 

Kaede is also concerned. Though Kagome has made great strides with controlling her reiki, the village elder agrees with Sango. She even brings Rin into the conversation. Miroku tries to sway her by bringing up the twins and Hisui. He brings up the fact that Kagome missed their wedding and the birth of the children. It’s a low blow but she refuses to change her mind. 

The only one who doesn’t object to her going is Sesshomaru. He remains seated by the doorway, silently observing the conversation. 

“This isn’t goodbye forever, just for now. I’ll come back,” Kagome promises. 

Her words appear to pacify Rin but the others are less accepting. 

“I don’t like it,” Inuyasha grumbles. It’s the first time he’s spoken. “You’re not a demon or even a half-demon, Kagome. You’re vulnerable. You could be killed.” 

Planting her hands on her hips, she glares at him. “I know what I’m doing.” 

“No, you don’t. You can’t take care of yourself without all your fancy stuff from home,” Inuyasha argues. 

“Oh, really? ‘Cause I seem to manage taking care of you just fine and you’ve lived here your whole life!” 

His ears tilt backward in shame. “I don’t like the idea of you going off alone,” he admits. 

Kagome sighs. She didn’t mean to raise her voice at him. Inuyasha is too proud to tell her when he’s upset. He’s never been good at confronting his feelings, especially when it comes to her. She should have known the real reason behind his resistance. 

“Inuyasha— .”

“The miko will not be alone,” Sesshomaru interrupts as he stands. “I will accompany her.” 

No one is more surprised by his announcement than Kagome. Rin claps her hands together, beaming at him. Miroku and Sango exchange a few whispered words. Inuyasha’s eyes narrow in suspicion.

“Like hell, you will,” he snaps, rising to his feet. 

“Inuyasha.” He freezes at Kaede’s stern tone. “Sit.” 

“That won’t work on me, you old crone. You’re not— .”

“Kagome.”

“Sit, boy.” 

Thud. 

“Will you be gone for a long time?” Rin asks, approaching Sesshomaru. 

He nods. “I will send Jaken and A-Un to check on you.” 

“Kohaku too?” she prompts eagerly. 

Kagome catches a nearly imperceptible twitch of his lips before he responds, “Yes.” 

She throws her arms around his waist, hugging him. “Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru.” 

“Be well, Rin,” he returns, patting her head gently. 

With that, he exits the hut, leaving Kagome to bid farewell to her friends.

It’s a bittersweet process. On one hand, she wants to get it over with,— she hates goodbyes —but on the other hand, Kagome knows she will miss them. She savors each hug, knowing it will be months before they are reunited.

“Stay safe,” Sango says, clinging to her.

“You too,” Kagome replies.

“Don’t let that bastard push you around,” Inuyasha mutters.

“I won’t,” she promises.

When she steps out into the night, Sesshomaru is waiting for her. Kagome gives her friends a final wave goodbye. Then they are walking out of the village.

Neither of them speaks. They are both aware of the curious gazes their stroll invites. More than one villager openly gawks at them as they pass. They ignore it.

Once they reach the main road, Kagome stops and abruptly turns to face him. “I’m heading south.”

“Very well,” he says, moving down the dirt path.

Kagome puts her hand on his chest, stopping him. “I’m heading south,” she repeats. “You can go home. I’ve got this.”

He frowns. “I said I would accompany you.”

“I didn’t ask you to! I don’t need a babysitter. I am doing fine on my own.”

“Agreed.”

Kagome blinks, stunned by his reply. “W-what?”

“You have proven more than capable of defending yourself. Your abilities have vastly improved since our first meeting. I am honored to call you an ally.”

“Ally? Is that why you offered to travel with me?”

“You and I are the same. We feel responsible for those under our care but neither of us truly belongs here. Before, we had a reason to be stay. Now, that reason is gone and we are aimless,” he explains.  

“I’m not aimless. I know what I want to do,” Kagome retorts. 

He raises an eyebrow skeptically. 

“Well, I’ll figure it out,” she revises her statement. 

“You seek to have a purpose. So do I. Naraku may be gone but there are other evils in this world. They need to be eliminated,” Sesshomaru says.

“So you want me to help you conquer lesser demons?” Kagome surmises. 

He shakes his head. “You misunderstand. I no longer seek power. I have acquired all that I need. What I want is to not be alone. I have spent centuries traveling this land. Until I met Rin, I was content to pass my days in solitude.”

“So stay in the village,” she suggests. 

“When I brought Rin to live in Edo, I gave her a choice and promised that I would not interfere with her decision. She wishes to remain amongst the humans. I will honor that,” Sesshomaru says.

“That doesn’t mean she is no longer a part of your life,” Kagome pointed out. 

“She is growing into a woman. I no longer need to provide for her. Soon, Rin will take a mate and begin a family of her own. There will cease to be a place for me in her life. Like you, I will be alone.” 

Kagome understands his perspective because she feels the same. Maybe they are more alike than she thought. Suddenly, the idea of traveling together doesn’t seem so crazy. 

Slowly, she smiles. “Okay, let’s be alone together.” 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Author's Note: Happy SessKag Week! Thanks to my beta, originalone73.