Changes: Battle for love by DawnFire_ice

Chapter 1

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Changes:

Battle for Love

Part 1

Chapter 1

Kagome ran through the trees tears blurring her vision. They had fought countless times before but it had never been like this. The harshly spoken words that Inuyasha had said ran over and over in her head. One thought pushed her driving her on. “I have to get away, far away from Inuyasha. I can’t see him right now or ever.”

*Kagome smiled hopefully. Once three years ago Inuyasha had confided in her his day of birth. Since then Kagome had made a point to remember and get him a gift. This year she had decided to try her hand at knitting and she had made him a sweater. It wasn’t much to look at but she had poured as much love and care in to making it as she could. Lovingly she wrapped her gift and put it in her yellow bag stuffing it with as much Raman as she could fit inside. Pulling on an oversized crimson sweater Kagome grabbed her bag. “See you all later!” Kagome called dashing out the door in to the brisk autumn air. Brightly colored leaves covered the pathway. “I hope Inuyasha will like what I made for him.” She laughed as she jumped into the well. Smiling brightly Kagome climbed out of the well. Looking around she sighed, ‘I guess he isn’t waiting for me today.’ Kagome shrugged “Oh well.” Walking through the trees Kagome took a deep breath “I love fall, it’s so pretty.”

Sudden movement caught her eye. It was a soul collector. “Kikyo.” Kagome frowned. Kikyo had been around the village a lot and it seemed to her Kikyo’s goal wasn’t to kill Inuyasha anymore now she just wanted him to herself again. “Uh oh. I have a bad feeling about this.” Kagome thought making her way through the trees to where she knew she would find Inuyasha. Kagome’s eyes opened widely. Inuyasha had Kikyo pinned to a tree holding her by both wrists; in her one hand she held a dagger. But despite the obvious danger Inuyasha was kissing Kikyo softly on the lips. Kagome bit her bottom lip. Kikyo pulled her empty hand away from his grip and slapped him. “I’m dead you fool!” Kikyo said throwing him back from her with a surge of her spiritual power. “I will never be yours again. Don’t you understand that?” Inuyasha looked up at Kikyo. Spotting Kagome standing in the shadows Kikyo smiled wickedly “Beside what would Kagome think if she saw this. She’s in love with you but you don’t care about that do you?” Inuyasha blinked he hadn’t expected that. “What are you talking about Kikyo? You know I care for you. No one could ever take your place.” Kagome gasped. Inuyasha spun around to see Kagome standing behind him. ‘Damn. Kagome heard all of it; I can see it in her eyes.’ Guilt poured over him in waves. “Kagome.” He took a step towards her. He could clearly see the hurt in her eyes.

Kikyo laughed “Chose Inuyasha, will it be me or the inferior reincarnation.” Kagome threw down her bag pulling an arrow from her quiver she drew the bowstring back. Now a master archer Kagome was formidable with her bow. “That’s enough Kikyo! Stop it! For three years I have been second to you. I’ve had enough! Get away from Inuyasha!” Kikyo smiled “Very well Kagome, shall we see which of us is the best.” Kikyo drew an arrow and aimed it at Kagome. Inuyasha stood frozen in shock. Kagome and Kikyo loosed their arrows at the same time Kagome’s arrow grazed Kikyo’s cheek. Kikyo’s arrow was aimed to kill. Kagome braced herself for the pain. Inuyasha caught the arrow an inch from her chest. Snapping the shaft in two he turned on Kagome.

“What the hell is the matter with you? You are so stupid! You can’t ever take her place. You… will never be Kikyo!!!” Inuyasha’s eyes bore in to hers like sharp daggers. Kagome’s fists clenched at her sides raw fury building inside her. A pale blue light enveloped her as the air crackled around her. Kagome felt the power surge inside her as she spoke. “How dare you!” Kagome began to tremble in rage. “I…I hate you. I wish I’d never even met you! You are such a jerk!!!” She yelled pulling her hand back she slapped him.

*CRACK! *

Three years of hurt and frustration’s force behind it; his head snapped back at the force. He stared at her in shock; a trickle of blood slipping from his split lip “K-Kagome…you…” a flicker of regret crossed his eyes and then a hurt anger and betrayal. He took a step toward her. “Sit!!!” Kagome yelled. He slammed into the ground with so much force it made the ground shake. Inuyasha groaned in pain as the hard ground hit him with the force of a weapon, knocking the air from his lungs and making his head spin. He spat blood. Kagome turned scooped up her backpack and ran. Kikyo’s fading laughter followed her.*

Angry tears coursed down her cheeks and sobs wrenched from her. ‘I could have killed him!’ She yelled repeatedly in her mind. Tripping over a fallen branch Kagome gasped. Rolling over she tried to rise. “Owww!!” Kagome drew her knees to her chest and wept. “Stupid Inuyasha! How could he say that after everything we’ve gone through? I’m just Kagome. I’m… just me…” Uncertainty tugged at her. So many things had happened in the last three years to convince her that her soul was definitely connected to Kikyo in many ways. “But that couldn’t be all I am…could it? Am I only a poor excuse… for a dead priestess? I was a fool… to believe… Inuyasha would ever see me… as anything special.” She buried her face in her hands. “You’re so stupid Inuyasha!” she sobbed as her confusion clouded her mind and shadowed her heart. Her anger melting away into deep sorrow she began to weep again.

Inuyasha lay on the ground blood trickled from several open wounds where the rocks had cut him. His body ached from the force that he had hit the ground with. Slowly he sat up his head throbbed painfully. “I guess I deserved that. But what possessed Kagome to do something like that to her? Kikyo could have killed her. Well… I guess it doesn’t matter now. She’s gone back to her time and she probably won’t ever come back here again. I guess I chased her away… forever this time.” Regret hit him hard as the reality of what he had done slammed into him full force. ‘Damn it, Kagome…I didn’t mean it. You won’t ever be Kikyo but I still want you with me. Can’t you see you mean everything to me’ Climbing slowly to his feet he caught a scent. “Kagome didn’t go back?” hope rose inside his deep regrets. ‘Maybe she’ll forgive me and stay with me if she’s still here.’ He thought ignoring the protests of his sore body as he made his way towards her scent.

Kagome’s back was to him as he walked out of the trees. He stopped mid step as he heard what she said through her sobs “If only I’d never fallen through the well. If… only I‘d never seen Inuyasha then I wouldn’t hurt like this. You’re so… stupid Kagome.” Inuyasha flinched ‘She’s not going to stay with me. I guess she really does wish she’d never met me. I guess she really does h-hate me.’ He watched Kagome rub her ankle wincing in pain. “Owww!” Inuyasha shook his head. Steeling his resolve to help her forget he walked over to her. “Keh. Serves you right, running away like that.” Inuyasha said softly kneeling on the ground. Kagome refused to look at him. Inuyasha regarded her posture “You can’t walk can you? That’s why you didn’t go home isn’t it? ” Kagome sniffed. “No I can't. But all you care about is Kikyo.” Inuyasha scooped her up off the ground grunting in discomfort. “Shut up.” He growled. Kagome stiffened and looked away, but she bit her tongue. Carrying Kagome so close was pure torture he looked down at her, wanting so badly to say something to ease the hurt he had caused to ask her if she meant it when she said she hated him. But every time he opened his mouth no words would come. Kagome refused to look at him and hung her head. 'I guess he must really hate me now.' was the only thing she could think of. She wanted so badly to tell him that she was sorry and that she didn't hate him. But saying anything would probably just cause another fight. Inuyasha looked miserably straight ahead, mentally all he could do was curse himself for upsetting her again.

“Kagome, you didn’t leave after all.” Shippo said bounding into Kagome’s arms. “No I fell and hurt my ankle, instead.” Kagome said softly mussing the fur on the top of his head. Shippo frowned and glared at Inuyasha.

“Good going Inuyasha.” Shippo chided folding his arms in contempt.

Inuyasha closed his eyes as he struggled to hold back the emotions flooding inside him.

“Shut up, brat” He growled baring his sharp fangs at the young fox.

“Oh, Kagome, we thought that you had left us again.” Miroku said as he came around the corner. “Here take her.” Inuyasha said harshly as he deposited Kagome roughly into Miroku’s arms and promptly jumped to the tree nearest the hut and disappeared in to the forest. Fresh tears surfaced and cascaded, “He really does hate me.” ‘Shut up Kagome, It was never you he saw to begin with...it was always Kikyo.’ A voice inside her head taunted. Miroku shook his head. Silently he had come to his own conclusions when he had come upon Inuyasha unconscious lying face down a broken arrow beside him. Miroku seen Inuyasha being sat by Kagome before, however this time had been very different, even after Kagome had run away the air had been super charged with spiritual energy, she had been very angry. Miroku had noted the open cuts and the bruise on Inuyasha’s right cheek. This had been nothing like any of the other fights they had ever had before. Inuyasha would never have willingly placed Kagome into his arms. Even if it was killing him, He would have carried her himself. “He was hurt pretty badly when you sat him Kagome. Not just his body also his heart. ” Miroku informed her. Kagome hung her head “I was so angry. What he said, it was so mean, but I never meant to hurt him. Oh Miroku, I could have killed him.” Miroku looked at her sharply. “Tell me Kagome what did he say to you?” Kagome swallowed hard. “He said…I… I could never be… Kikyo; he said… I could never… take her place” Miroku gasped. “He said what?!” Kagome trembled. “Perhaps you should stay away from him for awhile, Kagome. Why don’t I carry you back to the well? So you can go back home, Kagome.”

Kagome sighed “No, I think I’ll stay here; Miroku, just for a little while longer,” ‘besides I know I’ll never be able to go home and forget all of my friends here, and live a normal life. How could I? ’ Kagome thought bitterly. ‘Yeah right, if I wanted to live a normal life I should have given the jewel to Inuyasha and gone home years ago. The jewel is not complete yet. I still have to find the rest of it and take out Naraku. Ok I’ll stay until then. I’ll just have to find some way to forget how I feel about Inuyasha.’ Miroku carefully took her inside the hut Kagome wrapped her arms around Miroku’s neck. Silently she wept as her heart broke. Miroku sighed and let her cry. Finally her body stopped shaking her tears spent and her deep breathing told Miroku she was asleep. He moved her arms from around his neck and carefully laid her down. “Inu-yasha.” She murmured. Her brow wrinkled “sorry.” Miroku stepped away from the sleeping girl. “Now to see if this rift can be mended.” He sighed.

Inuyasha watched the hut where Kagome was from a distance. He had lied; He just felt like he owed Kikyo because he was the one who failed to protect her from Naraku, fifty years ago. Kissing Kikyo had been a mistake. There had been nothing in the kiss of the feelings he had once held for Kikyo, He knew that now. More than anything He loved being around Kagome. Kagome gave him life and purpose once again. He loved protecting her; it made him feel needed and wanted. “But she hates me now so everything is pointless anyway.”

Inuyasha’s ears twitched as he heard a footstep behind him, his hopes raised. “Kagome?” He sniffed and frowned “What do you want?” He asked the monk callously.

“I have come to try and mend this mess, you’ve caused with your carelessness.” Miroku said looking up at the hanyou perched in the tree. “I’m sure you know how Kagome feels right now.” Inuyasha spat sarcastically. Miroku ignored his tone and continued. “Inuyasha if you don’t come clean about your feelings for Kagome you will loose her, if you haven’t already.” Inuyasha’s heart ache worsened “I already lost her…didn’t I Miroku?” Inuyasha said his shoulders and ears drooping. Miroku sighed, “Inuyasha why did you tell Kagome she would never be Kikyo? Do you not realize Kagome is unsure of where she belongs? By saying she could never replace Kikyo you have confirmed her worst fears, that the only thing you see is Kikyo when you look at Kagome. You told me yourself, Inuyasha just two days ago, that you were willing to give up everything for Kagome. Did you change you mind or did you lie to me as well?” Miroku sat down on the ground. Inuyasha jumped down and sat beside him. “No it wasn’t a lie, but I made a huge mistake and Kagome saw it. Kikyo and Kagome could have killed each other. At least Kikyo could have killed Kagome. I know Kagome wouldn’t have killed Kikyo. Her arrow wasn’t aimed to kill. If Kagome had wanted to Kikyo would have been destroyed long before I could have stopped her arrow. Then Kagome would have died.”

“What exactly occurred between Kagome and Kikyo in the forest today, Inuyasha?” Miroku asked furrowing his brow. Miroku listened intently as Inuyasha confided the events to him. “So they drew arrows on each other. I can’t say I’m surprised. Perhaps you ought to leave for a while and sort out your feelings as you kissed Kikyo you obviously have not forgotten your feelings for her but you also claim to care about Kagome. You need to choose Inuyasha; Kagome is vulnerable as long as she doubts who she is and what you see her as.” Inuyasha nodded “I guess I should. Don’t tell Kagome about any of this.” He said stuffing his hands in his sleeves.

Kagome opened her eyes slowly adjusting to the dim light. Reaching into the pack she pulled out the carefully wrapped package. Hugging it to her chest she clumsily got to her feet. Sitting on the wooden ledge of the hut she pulled a bandage out and tightly wrapped her ankle. Testing her weight she stood and took a step. It was tender but she could walk. Mustering a smile Kagome went in search of Inuyasha. She found him high in the branches of an old tree at the edge of the village. “Inuyasha may I talk to you?” Kagome asked softly. Inuyasha looked down at her. The look in his eyes was indiscernible. “Yeah, I guess. What’s up Kagome?” he said looking down at her and jumping out of the tree. She offered the package. “Here, happy birthday, Inuyasha. I made it myself.” Inuyasha pulled the ribbon carefully and opened the paper. He cocked his head to the side. “What is it Kagome?” he asked holding the dark green item up for examination. Kagome sighed; the smile still plastered on her face. “It’s a sweater to keep you warm at night.” He lifted the strange object from the paper and unfolded it. “How do you use it?” Kagome looked down. “You wear it.” Inuyasha removed the fire rat fur kimono and pulled the strange sweater over his head. The sleeves were too long, and it drowned his athletic frame. “Like this Kagome?” He asked. Kagome looked up. “Yeah; but you don’t have to wear it if you don’t like it, Inuyasha.” Kagome said trying not to show her apprehension. Inuyasha looked at Kagome. “But I do like it Kagome. Thanks. You are the only one who’s ever given me a gift on my birthday.” He managed a smile and Kagome nodded and stood up. “I better get back to Keide’s hut to help with dinner. I brought your favorite.” Inuyasha took a deep breath. “Kagome…wait.” She didn’t turn. ‘No Inuyasha, I can’t feel this way any more. After tomorrow everything will be different.’ Kagome thought. Forcing a smile she turned “I better hurry back I know everyone will be hungry.” Kagome said walking away.

Inuyasha watched her go and then pulled his kimono back on scooping up the sweater he hugged it close. It was as though every fiber had her scent embedded in it. The yarn was soft to the touch and it was even his favorite color, forest green. Kagome had put a lot of thought into this gift. He had forgotten his own birthday, but Kagome had remembered.

Behind the shrine where Kikyo’s grave had once been Inuyasha had built a hut of sorts in an old tree. It was where he had lived before. He had never showed it to anyone and it was well hidden from view. Inuyasha looked around before ducking inside. A borrowed camping lantern lit the inside of the hut. Inside there was very little furniture. But a low table and a few things he had borrowed from Kagome’s time and pack. On one wall he had tacked a picture of Kagome he had found in her room; her smile was warm and friendly. “The look on her face was nothing like that one. Kagome was hiding her feelings. I could see the sadness in her eyes. It hurts so much to think I caused that look. Why the hell did I kiss Kikyo? I knew Kagome was coming back today.” Inuyasha sighed sitting down on the futon spread out on the wooden floor he held the sweater close, breathing deeply of the sweet scent of Kagome. Tears he’d held so carefully in check clouded his vision. “I’m so sorry Kagome.” Pulling a borrowed knapsack from the corner he packed his belongings and the borrowed items too. Very slowly he had stored up the ninja food he loved from Kagome’s era. Now he had enough to survive for several weeks. Pulling the pack on to his shoulder Inuyasha leapt to the roof of the shrine. Looking down over the village he watched Kagome step out of Keide’s hut. “Inuyasha come for dinner!” She shouted. He shook his head. “Forgive me Kagome. I’ll come back when we’ve both had time to heal. And when I come back I swear I’ll tell you how I feel about you. But right now I can’t be near you Kagome.” Silently he jumped into the trees and was gone.

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

Kagome sat around the cheerful cooking fire with Keide, Miroku and Shippo. Sango had gone back to her village and wasn’t due back for a while yet. Inuyasha’s bowl of Raman sat cooling on the wooden floor. Kagome looked at the bamboo door covering waiting for it to be flung aside and a hungry hanyou to come barging in. Miroku watched her face as different emotions filled her eyes. “I guess he isn’t hungry.” Shippo said slurping the rich broth. Kagome set her bowl down the noodles untouched. “Where is he?” Kagome asked, shadows hiding her eyes. She blinked fiercely. Walking over to the shadowed corner of the hut she unrolled her sleeping bag without a word she lay down and with her back to the fire silently wept. Keide raised her eyebrows and looked at Miroku. “What has transpired between yon Kagome and Inuyasha? I’ve never seen our Kagome so depressed. And Inuyasha has never missed a meal.” Miroku nodded. “Inuyasha confided a little in me but I am not at liberty to disclose what we discussed. I will say that the fight was nothing like anything I’ve ever seen. The air itself was super charged with Kagome’s formidable spirit energy. It was as though she had flung him to the ground with a force one hundred times that of a normal sit command. Truly if she had wished him dead there is no doubt he would have been.” A soft sob silenced any further comments from the group. After a long silence Miroku stood up and held a hand out to Keide. “I will explain further outside, as it seems our conversation is upsetting Kagome.” Shippo sighed sadly “I’ll stay with Kagome.” It upset him to see Kagome un-happy. Walking over to her he sat by her head. “Kagome are you ok?” Shippo asked patting Kagome’s head. Kagome looked up. “Shippo, could you just give me some time alone please?” Her eyes were red and swollen, from the tears she had cried. Shippo stood up and nodded “Sure. Are you going to be ok?” Kagome closed her eyes and lay back down. “I’m not sure.” She whispered. Shippo frowned and left the hut.

Alone in the dimly lit hut, Kagome sat up and wiped her eyes. Her heart ached but no more tears would fall. Her eyes and throat were dry as though she had cried all the moisture from her body. “I need some water.” Kagome reached for the backpack she had brought with her. Reaching inside she drained her bottle and searched for another. “I wonder how long he’ll be gone. He must be so mad at me. I never meant to hurt him. I would never hate him.” Kagome walked out of the hut her mind was so full and her sorrow was smothering any other feelings. She wandered around the village ignoring the greetings of the villagers. She walked wherever her feet wanted to carry her. And found her self in front of the sacred tree. Absently she traced the scarred bark where Inuyasha had been pinned. “Can I really forget Inuyasha?” She fell to her knees. A branch snapping behind her brought her out of her emotional trance. She automatically reached for her bow. Fearfully she realized she had left it behind. Unarmed she stood up “Who’s there?” Amber eyes glowed in the shadows. “Would you truly wish to forget Inuyasha?” Kagome froze “What do you care, Sesshomaru.” The eyes narrowed. “I don’t.” He replied, but he didn’t turn and leave. “Your words just caught me off guard.” Kagome turned and sat down leaning against the tree. Sesshomaru tilted his head slightly. “You do not fear me. Even though you know I could kill you with out any hesitation.” He stated regarding her relaxed position. Kagome shrugged “If you were here to kill me. I would be dead.” Sesshomaru sat down on a large protruding root. “You are correct I did not come here to kill you. I witnessed your argument with that dead priestess. You put yourself in danger to not kill her. Knowing fully well her intention was to kill you. Why did you spare her life; even though her life ended many years ago?” Kagome hung her head. “I couldn’t kill her. Because in a way she is me or at least I am her…her reincarnation anyway.” Kagome took a deep breath. It hurt so much to say out loud. Sesshomaru nodded slightly. “How unfortunate for you; loving the man who once loved her.” He stood up. Kagome frowned thoughtfully “Sesshomaru, why are you talking to me? I am, human after all.” Sesshomaru straightened his shoulders and walked away. Kagome looked up. She couldn’t sense any demonic presences. “I guess he’s gone.” She pulled her self to her feet and turned back towards the village. Unnoticed Sesshomaru watched her go. Frowning he shook his head. “Why did I do such a thing? Why did I speak to that woman? Am I truly so weak?” He turned his back to her departing figure. Frowning deeper he mentally slapped himself. ‘Stop this foolishness.’

Kagome walked slowly back to the village. When she got back the sun had set and the moon had risen. “Kagome where are you? Kagome?!” Miroku and Keide called as they searched for her. Upon returning to the hut they had found Kagome gone. Knowing that she had not been acting like herself they feared for her safety. Looking towards the forest Miroku sensed a powerful demonic aura and rushed towards it. As he ran he mentally cursed Inuyasha’s timing. Suddenly the aura vanished. A figure walked towards him in the dark and he stopped. “Kagome?” The figure did not reply but Miroku could feel the spiritual energy around her. “Are you hurt Kagome?” She stumbled and landed hard on her hands and knees. “No, I’m ok.” Miroku hurried to her side “Kagome we are your friends and we know you are hurting inside. You don’t have to hide it from us.” He put a steady hand on her shoulder. “Come Kagome, you look exhausted. Shall I carry you back to Keide’s?” He crouched down to offer his back, his hands twitching in anticipation. “Do I look like I’m stupid Miroku? I know you are just waiting to grope my legs as soon as I climb on. You know Inuyasha would kill you for doing something like that.” Miroku changed his mind and scooped Kagome up into his arms. “I don’t know why I keep doing that to you Kagome. I apologize.” Held safely in Miroku’s arms Kagome closed her eyes and fell asleep. She did not dream of Inuyasha. She dreamed instead of Sesshomaru…

Kagome opened her eyes slowly as the bright rays fell through the space around the bamboo covering. She felt strangely happy. Her dream had been unexpected but had given her a kind of satisfaction. The Sesshomaru in her dream had been kind and understanding, almost caring. Kagome sighed ‘Yeah right, Kagome. Sesshomaru doesn’t even like humans. Why did he talk to me anyway?’ Kagome deep in thought didn’t hear Miroku enter the hut. “Good morning, Kagome. You must have had wonderful dreams last night. You were smiling from ear to ear.” Miroku paused a moment observing. “Oh Kagome, why I believe you are blushing.” He ducked the hairbrush that flew his direction. “Miroku! Shut up!” Kagome laughed. Shippo ran inside the hut a huge smile on his face. “Kagome you are feeling better! I’m glad.” Kagome smiled and returned the hug from the little fox. “Where’s Keide?” Miroku placed a finger to his lips pondering her question. “I believe she has gone to find you and herbal solution for your ankle.” Kagome sighed happily. “I guess I better start breakfast then. Miroku, could you go fill this pot with water?” Miroku took the pot and nodded. “I shall return shortly.” Kagome stood up after he had gone and changed into a pair of blue jeans and a long sleeve shirt. “There that’s better. Ok Shippo let’s start cooking.” In no time Kagome had a pot of oatmeal simmering over the fire and she added some cinnamon and brown sugar for flavor. The aroma drifted around the room and her stomach growled. “Oatmeal is always nice when the air has a chill in it.” Kagome told her companions as she dished up three steaming bowls. Keide had returned with a large amount of fresh herbs to be crushed into a poultice. “Oh Kagome what is that delicious smell?” She asked as she walked in to the hut. Kagome offered her a bowl. “It’s oatmeal. I brought it with me. It’s good for chilly mornings. Here Keide try some.” They all ate in silence. Kagome lost in thought. Keide and Miroku exchanged glances but it was Shippo who broke the silence. “I’m so glad Kagome is feeling better I thought she was never going to smile again.” Kagome blinked “Huh? Why’s that?” Shippo looked at her; “Because Inuyasha isn’t here right now.” Kagome coughed as a sudden feeling of guilt swept over her. ‘That’s right Inuyasha left last night. And then I dreamt about Sesshomaru.’ Kagome looked at her half eaten bowl of oatmeal her appetite suddenly gone. “I think I’ll go for a walk.” Kagome said standing up and walking over to her things. She picked up her quiver and her bow. “See you later guys.”

Kagome walked into Inuyasha’s forest heading for the sacred tree. “Pull it together Kagome. It was one dream. It’s not as though anything like that would ever happen. Besides I already decided to forget how I feel about Inuyasha.” Sitting down under the sacred tree Kagome pulled out her journal and a pen. As she was writing she glanced up someone was watching her. After a moment she continued. A shadow fell over the book. Kagome looked up. Sesshomaru was standing in front of her looking at the objects in her hand curiously. “Good morning, Sesshomaru.” Kagome greeted. He did not respond but sat down on the same root he had occupied the evening before. He watched her write silently for a moment. “I have never seen such strange objects or clothing before. Where is it that you come from?” Kagome looked up at him. “Far far away from here, but not really a “where” more of a “when,”” she answered simply. Sesshomaru frowned in thought. “You talk in riddles.” He said. Kagome shook her head “No, it’s just complicated.” Sesshomaru frowned deeper “You said yesterday you were the reincarnation of that priestess. She has been dead for fifty and three years has she not? How then does she continue to walk the earth? ” Kagome chewed her lip thoughtfully. “We share the same soul. A demon named Urasue stole her ashes and grave soil and re-created Kikyo. Then she stole my soul and Kikyo revived. Somehow I called most of my soul back from Kikyo but, she still has part of it.” Sesshomaru stood up. “She is the reason you wish to forget Inuyasha then.” Kagome felt the frustration at the situation rise. “He can’t choose between her and me. Even though I live and she is dead.” She said quietly as a single tear spilt down her cheek. Sesshomaru stared at the tiny sparkling droplet as it made a trail to her lips. Turning from her he silently began to walk away.

Kagome looked up as he walked away “You don’t have to leave if you don’t want to.” He paused, his back to her. Kagome sighed. “I don’t mind.” With out a noticeable change to his features he walked back to the root and sat down. Kagome took a deep breath. “Sesshomaru, can I ask you a question?” He looked down at her a slight tilt to his head. “Why did you talk to me yesterday? It’s not that it bothered me, I just didn’t expect it.” Kagome said softly. Sesshomaru faintly smiled “I was curious.” Kagome looked up at his expression in surprise. ‘He’s smiling? That’s different.’ “Curious? About what?” Kagome asked tilting her head to the side. “You said that you wished to forget Inuyasha, I merely wished to find out why.” Kagome shut her journal and looked down at the ground. “I’m tired of always being second to Kikyo. It hurt too much to love him.” Sesshomaru looked at her silently as she wiped the tears from her cheeks. ‘Perhaps it is best he is forgotten and another more loyal found.’ Sesshomaru thought mentally shaking his head at the thought. Kagome stood up “Thanks for talking with me Sesshomaru, I feel a little better.” She smiled at him. He stared at her silently his expression unreadable. ‘I made her feel better?’ he thought in confusion.

Sesshomaru sat there for several minutes after she had gone trying to puzzle out everything she had said. Her mannerisms baffled him. He shook his head “She is a mystifying creature a formidable opponent, as a warrior, yet she is sensitive and loyal. This is against my better judgment. Me talking to a human, preposterous, and yet I find I cannot help myself. How very extraordinary.” He stood and walked back into the trees. He would have gone to his camp site had he not felt a lower class demon presence. Sesshomaru turned and followed silently. A woman’s scream echoed through the trees the direction Kagome had gone. “Let me go!!” Kagome kicked her feet uselessly in the air as the creature held her arms firmly. Her bow lay where it had been dropped. As the creature squeezed her tightly Kagome could feel the darkness creeping into her mind. Sesshomaru took in the scene instantly and a single stroke of his poison whip took off the hand of the creature holding the woman. The severed hand released her as it fell with a thud. Another swipe of his deadly claws and the creature disintegrated. Kagome clutched her throat coughing for air. Looking around she spied her rescuer. “Sesshomaru?” she asked in near disbelief. He turned at the sound of his name and looked down at Kagome. “Very careless to have been captured by such a weak demon, woman.” Kagome took her bow from his out stretched claws. “He took me by surprise I didn’t even get a chance to draw an arrow.” She hung her head. “Be more alert.” He warned softly. “Thank you.” Kagome said looking up at him. His eyes were softer then she’d ever seen them. He glanced up suddenly and vanished from sight. “Kagome, are you injured?” Miroku said running in to the area making his way around the large pieces of the huge demon corpse. ‘How odd this damage was not done by Kagome’s arrows, no these are definitely claw marks.’ Kagome stood up and brushed her self off. “No I’m just fine. Thanks.” Miroku nodded and opened his wind tunnel after cleaning up the huge demon he walked over by Kagome. “Kagome, whose claws did all that?” Kagome hesitated closing her eyes. “I don’t know I was unconscious most of the time.” She lied knowing that Sesshomaru would be furious if anyone found out he had saved a human. “Miroku lets go back to the village I’m feeling really tired.” ‘Don’t worry Sesshomaru I won’t tell anyone.’ Kagome thought feeling his eyes on her from the trees.

Several days passed and Kagome went every day to the sacred tree hoping to speak with Sesshomaru again. After the sixth day Kagome decided to return to her world for a bit. She packed her bags and left early in the morning before any of the others were awake. Kagome left them a note so they wouldn’t worry and ran towards the sacred tree and the bone eaters well. She stood in front of the sacred tree for a moment and sighed in the pre-dawn. Looking around she walked past it and down the worn path to the well. Kagome took off her pack and lowered it in to the well. Then she climbed on to the ledge. Looking down she sighed, ‘time to go back.’ she thought. Leaning forward she began to fall. Out of nowhere a clawed hand shot out and caught her. “How very thoughtless of you woman. Killing yourself won’t make things better.” She glanced back in surprise Sesshomaru held her wrist and pulled her back out of the well. His eyes held the same slight softness they had when he had saved her before. Kagome smiled softly. “I think I should explain.” Sesshomaru let her go as soon as she smiled. “I believe I can understand well enough.” Kagome sighed and shook her head “It’s not that I’m trying to kill myself, I was just going back home.” Sesshomaru frowned at her, “explain yourself what do you mean by going home?” Kagome took a deep breath. “I’m not from this time. I live five hundred years into the future. I cross the times through the well.” She explained. Sesshomaru watched her face for any sign of a lie. “That is how I came to this place. So you see I can go back and forth through the well.” Sesshomaru walked over to the well and looked in ‘seems solid enough. Could she be lying?’ Kagome stood up “Here I’ll show you.” She climbed back up on to the ledge and jumped the blue time slip closed around her and she vanished. Upon reaching her side she climbed up the ladder and went back. As she materialized she found her self face to face with a very bewildered demon lord. He had glided down in to the well to investigate when she had reappeared practically in his arms. “Uh… see, now do you understand?” Sesshomaru blinked “Intriguing. You really are from another time?” Kagome smiled stepping back a step to give them more room. “Yes. I’ve been going back and forth through the well for three years now. But it’s a secret ok.” Kagome winked at him playfully. Sesshomaru cleared his throat forcing his face experssionless. “I would not disclose your secret.” Kagome smiled “I knew I could trust you. I have to be going now but… will you be here when I come back?” Kagome blushed hotly. ‘Why did I just ask him that?’ Sesshomaru studied her silently. “Will you tell me more about your time, and those curious items you carry?” Kagome nodded. Sesshomaru smiled faintly again “Then I will wait. What do they call you?” Kagome smiled. “Kagome Higurashi.” She bowed slightly and climbed a few steps up the rope ladder. “See you later, Sesshomaru.” She said jumping off the ladder the blue light enveloped them both and Kagome vanished. Sesshomaru jumped out of the well and walked a few feet away from it. ‘How very odd, she thinks of me as her friend, could it be possible I too have found a companionship with this woman? I merely wished to know why she wanted to forget Inuyasha, I had no intention of speaking to that woman after that. Why then did I go back? I knew she was there. I watched her closely as she sat under that tree. None of her companions ever came looking for her. She looked very sad. Is that why I spoke to her again?’ He shook his head. “Whatever the reason I said I would wait.”

Kagome climbed out of her side of the well. “That was weird. Why is Sesshomaru being so nice to me? It’s kind of creepy. Ever since that first time, I’ve dreamt of him every night. I’m kind of surprised at myself though. I think of Sesshomaru as more of a friend than anything dangerous.” Kagome slid open the doors to the well house. In the crimson light of the sunset the Higurashi shrine made deep shadows over the grounds. Kagome sighed. “I feel like I’m betraying everyone. But if Inuyasha doesn’t care about me, then what does it matter. I know Miroku, Sango and Shippo would probably have something to say about it if they knew. Sesshomaru can’t be as bad as they all think he is if he was willing to talk to me and even save my life. I think there is a lot to Sesshomaru no one sees. I wonder if it’s possible for someone like him to ever accept me as a friend.” Kagome mumbled to herself as she slid the door of the house open. “I’m back.” She wandered through the house to the kitchen. “Oh Kagome, you look exhausted. Sit down and I’ll get you a plate.” Kagome went to the sink and washed her hands and then sat down at the table. Souta turned and looked at his sister. “I thought you were going to be gone until next Saturday, sis.” Kagome looked up “Where’s Gramps?” A loud crash startled both of them. “Oh my, I’m sorry… I …dropped our dinner. Why don’t we order out tonight?” Kagome’s mom said wiping her eyes to hide her tears. “Mom, where is Grandpa?” Souta jumped up from the table. “I’ll call and order the food. Just relax mom.” Kagome stood up and looked around the room she hadn’t noticed the flowers before. “It happened last Monday. He… passed… away in his sleep. Souta found him… when I sent him to get Grandpa for breakfast.” Kagome blinked “Grandpa is…gone?” Tears welled up inside her. “It’s not true. It can’t be true!” Her mom hung her head. “I’m so sorry Kagome.” Kagome ran outside to the sacred tree and collapsed sobbing. “I should have been here. I should have come back!” Thirteen years ago she had knelt in the same place when her Father had died. It had been shortly after Souta had been born. Her mother had struggled with the loss but Gramps had been there to help. Now what would they do? Her mom and Souta needed her; she couldn’t just run off to the feudal era anymore “I have to take care of everyone now. If I can get in to a good college maybe I can get a good enough job to take care of the family.” Kagome closed her eyes. “I should say good bye, though. I did promise I would come back.” Kagome walked slowly back to the house. Her mom sat in the living room “Kagome sit down.” She said gently. “I know you are worried about us. But you have another responsibility don’t you? You have to go back, Kagome. You know that don’t you dear? Even though Grandpa isn’t here, we will still be ok. I know Grandpa wouldn’t want us to stop living, even though we miss him. Souta and I will manage without you for a while. So rest up and I’ll help you pack tomorrow.” Kagome sighed. “Ok mom.” She walked upstairs and ran a bath. “Hey Kagome the food is here!” Souta called up the stairs. Kagome walked out to the banister “I’m not really hungry right now.” Souta shrugged “I’ll put yours in the fridge and you can eat it later ok?” Kagome nodded. Back in the bathroom Kagome peeled off her clothes and slid under the hot water. “I can’t believe Grandpa’s gone. It seems like a nightmare.” Closing her eyes Sesshomaru’s face floated before her and she fought the urge to run to him. “Get a grip Kagome.” She chided as she dried her self and pulled on her pajamas. As she lay down on her bed his face again floated before her. “Oh Sesshomaru, if I went back to talk to you would you care?” Quietly she got up and got dressed. Sneaking through the quiet house Kagome let her self out and ran to the well house. Climbing out on the other side was challenging in the pitch black of the night. Kagome sat down on the ledge and wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand. “So you have returned.” Kagome jumped up at the sound of his voice and flung herself in to his arms. “Oh Sesshomaru, he’s dead. My Grandpa is dead!” she sobbed. Sesshomaru looked down at the woman in alarm. Unsure of what else to do he led her to the well and sat down. “He was dear to you, this Grandpa?” Kagome sobbed harder “My mother is having a hard time with this I guess I can understand after my Father died he was all Mom, Souta and I had. I don’t know how mom will cope with loosing her dad.” Sesshomaru nodded his head and looked at her “Losing one’s parent is a very trying experience. I am sure it will take a very long time to heal.” Kagome buried her face in his chest. Noticing suddenly that he was not wearing the armor he usually wore. “Kagome, why did you return?” He asked slowly as he pushed her out from his chest. Kagome sniffled and wiped her eyes on her sleeve. “I thought maybe talking to you would help me feel better.” Sesshomaru pushed her away firmly and stood. ‘It is as I thought. She has come to see me as an ally. This should not be allowed to continue. Though I find I want her company, this must not continue.’ “Woman you are a fool. Running to a foe for comfort? Should I kill you for such stupidity?” With his demon speed he snatched her by the throat. Kagome didn’t twitch a muscle. “Sesshomaru, I know you won’t kill me. I trust you.” She whispered. He froze his clawed hand trembled. Looking at her eyes he realized his recklessness. It was too late he had begun to care for her and killing her was not an option. Trembling he let her go. Kagome took several deep breaths “I knew you weren’t evil Sesshomaru.” An unfamiliar feeling of panic rose up inside of him and he shifted in to his energy form and flew away. Kagome watched him disappear and sighed. “A very long time to heal, Yes it will take a long time but with you as my friend maybe it won’t be so bad.” Kagome jumped back in to the well and returned to her world.

Sesshomaru sat high in the branches of the sacred tree. ‘How very irrational and careless of me; how could I have let a human woman so close to me with out even realizing it? I can hear Father laughing at me from his grave; to think that I too would also follow in his footsteps when I thought him weak and pathetic myself. Damn him! And damn me. This woman, Kagome, I cannot clear her face from my mind. How stupid of me. When she began persistently appearing in my dreams a year ago I thought it no more than a passing notion. Now I am preoccupied by her, to the point that even the thought of killing her stirs an unfamiliar feeling inside of me. Her friend, yes it is true she has become my friend. It has been centuries since I had a friend.’ Sesshomaru found he was smiling and blanked his features. Mentally he shook his head “Truly I must be a fool.”

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Inuyasha stood quietly on the roof of the shrine where he had several weeks earlier. ‘I still am not sure of my self but I couldn’t stand to be away any longer.’ He thought as the sun crested the horizon and the new light of dawn fell softly over the village. Silently he watched the hut where Keide lived and Kagome stayed when they were in the village. Soon the bamboo curtain was pushed aside and Miroku stepped out in to the sunshine. “Hey Kagome, are you sure you want me to go fetch the firewood alone? It would be much more pleasant to watch you bend over to gather the wood.” Thwack! Miroku fell over with a thud. Inuyasha stood behind him growling. “Damn you lecher. Haven’t you learned not to hit on Kagome?” he clenched his fist. Kagome held a hand to her throat willing her heart to stop racing. ‘Inuyasha! It’s Inuyasha! Stop it Kagome remember you moved on?’ Kagome swallowed hard and stepped outside. “You’re ba…” Inuyasha pulling her into his arms cut off, Kagome’s words. “Kagome… I missed you.” Kagome frowned at herself. “Yeah it’s good to see you too Inuyasha.” Kagome said casually. Inuyasha pushed her back so he could look at her. “What’s the matter Kagome? You aren’t still mad at me are you?” Kagome shook her head. “No. I’m just fine.” Mentally Kagome sighed ‘I can’t forget can I? You aren’t going to let me forget.’ She asked her confused heart. Reluctantly Kagome hugged him back. “So what have you been doing while I was gone?” Kagome stepped out of his arms. Hiding her eyes she mumbled something softly. Inuyasha’s eyes went wide. “I’m so sorry Kagome. Is your mother ok?” Kagome nodded slowly and scrubbed at her cheeks. “I’m so tired of crying all the time.” Inuyasha blinked something was different about Kagome. Inuyasha tried to pull her into his arms again but Kagome ducked and walked away. Miroku laid his hand on Inuyasha’s shoulder “She is grieving. Don’t take what she does personally. Kagome has acted very differently since about a week ago. Since she went back home, she has been very angry and pushes everyone away. She spends hours off by herself in the forest. Keide and I have tried to speak to her but she won’t talk to anyone. Not even Sango” Inuyasha watched Kagome run towards the forest holding a black book. Her bow was over one shoulder and her quiver over the other. “Inuyasha, if I were ye I would keep my distance.” Keide said walking out of the hut. Inuyasha growled. “Shut up! What do you know? I come back to see Kagome and she’s completely different and you think I should… just leave her alone?” Keide and Miroku exchanged a glance. “Inuyasha, walk with me a moment.” Miroku invited walking in the opposite direction of where Kagome had gone. Inuyasha followed reluctantly. Sango walked out of the hut with Shippo on her shoulder. “I better go check on Kagome.”

Sango made her way quietly through the forest and stopped she could clearly hear voices. One of them was Kagome’s and the other she couldn’t place. “Inuyasha has returned then? And yet you still wish to continue our friendship.” Kagome laughed softly. “Of course I do Sesshomaru.”

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Blanket disclaimer for this and all other chapters of Changes. I do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters * sigh * that right belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. My thanks to her for such wonderful characters.

Authors note: Sesshomaru has two arms and is a little ooc because, this is my fan fic and I say so muhahahahahah! Besides Kagome and Sesshy couldn’t get together otherwise