You have Returned to me

'Thought'
"Speaking"
(Actions/sounds)
Italics - flashbacks
Italic & bold - writings
Baka - Stupid/Fool
Jii-chan – Grandpa
Gomennasai - I beg your pardon (id), excuse me
Ningen - human
Youkai - Demon
Koishii – Beloved
Onna - Women
Haori - Shirt
Hanyou - half demon
Hentai – pervert/lecher
0ooo0 - Scene Change or POV Switch


Chapter 5
Birth Mark

Holding her katana Kagome brought it to eye level. 'Rubies?' she thought in confusion 'They weren't there before.' while turning the blade to see all the sides of it. The light from the sun reflected off of the rubies in a small brilliant light show.


Turning to regard the girl, Sesshomaru was gifted with a good view of the sword's new form. He stared at the sight of the rubies where it used to be plain. Then he glanced to the miko holding it, she seemed have in a contemplative confused look on her face. "Miko where did you get that sword?" he asked his baritone voice carried to her ears.

Kagome gasped she was not expecting him to be so close. When she looked up at him she realized he had just asked her a question. "It was a gift from my Jii-chan for my birthday. It was given to our family's shrine by another shrine. It did not have rubies though." she paused thoughtfully as she tapped her index finger to her chin. "Actually it showed up when I used my miko powers with the sword. Strange huh? I wonder why? Another thing, Sango and Miroku when they held it they said it was really heavy, but it is light to me." she said as she cocked her head slightly to the side in confusion then looked up to Sesshomaru's eyes.

"Hn." was his one word reply before he turned and walked away in thought.

'I know that is Mitsukai's sword, the appearance of the rubies proved it. When the emeralds appear then I will be without doubt, but what is the miko doing with Mitsukai's sword? This is the first time I had seen the sword in someone other then Mitsukai's hand… but what could it mean? I am not sure but I intend to find out.' he thought while walking into the cover of the trees the smell of blood and battle hung thick in the air it was uncomfortable for him to linger anymore than necessary.

0ooo0

They left the battlefield shortly after Sesshomaru and continued walking west for the remainder of the day. When the sun started to set the travelers decided to make camp in a small clearing not far from a hot springs. This small fact made the females in the group insanely happy. 'It really has been too long.' was the thought on Sango and Kagome's minds when hearing of the hot springs. 'It gets bothersome when you're always bathing in a cold river, it's never as nice.'

Sitting around the fire Kagome began to cook the group some ramen, hoping that Inuyasha's favorite food would cheer him up, she really was sick of him being so grumpy all the time. 'So what if his brother is in the group now. At least he is not yelling "Inuyasha Die!" at him!' she thought while looked toward the hanyou in her thoughts. She really did love the baka.


Soon the ramen was done and she made a bowl for everyone, handing Inuyasha his first. She walked towards Sesshomaru, "Gomen nasai Sesshomaru-Sama would you like some ramen?" she asked the stoic youkai lord offering a bowl to him.


Sniffing the air discretely he replied, "I do not eat ningen food." he said coolly before turning his head to ignore her. He had a lot to think about and did not want any distractions and that onna was one big distraction.


Kagome rolled her eyes at his comment; 'Really this guy needs a new line. He thinks he is too good to even eat the same food we lowly ningen eat. The nerve of him!' she thought with incredulity, he really was a stick in the mud! Shaking her head to clear her thoughts she shrugged 'Fine more for the rest of us then.' she thought indifferently while turning back to her spot and began eating after she made Shippo a bowl.
As the group began to eat Sesshomaru decided to take his leave for a little while. Standing he turned towards the forest and began walking, soon he seemed to just melt into the scenery. He had a great deal to think about and figure out. The miko was presenting him with quite the puzzle, and he planned on solving it. Especially since she was the miko who protects the purity of his koishii's soul, until such a time when it could be released.

0ooo0

Everyone ate their noodles in relative silence, no one willing to break the first calm mood felt within the group for a good long time. Once they had finished eating Kagome stood and began to gather her bathing materials. "Sango, feel like a soak?" Kagome asked her sister figure before heading to the springs. It was more fun when you have someone to talk to and she knew Sango would want to come because it has been awhile since they camped near hot springs.


Looking up from her seat beside the houshi she smiled at Kagome. "Yeah sure." she chirped she was so happy to learn that there was a springs so nearby. It was exactly what her aching muscles needed, to relax in the hot soothing waters of a natural spring.

Turning to the houshi she spoke. "You had better stay here hentai houshi." she said before turning to Shippo and Inuyasha, "Make sure he does not peep you guys." she said as they nodded in agreement.
Walking beside Kagome, Sango grabbed the towels off of her because she was carrying everything else. "I can get these." she offered.


"Thanks!" Kagome said as they continued walking towards the springs.

They walked in silence but it was broken as soon as the spring came into view and both females sighed in contentment at the relaxation the springs promised. Kagome turned to Sango to take the towels back; she walked over to the rock ledge and put the soaps and towels down on the edge of the rock in easy reach.

While Kagome was setting up the soaps and stuff Sango had undressed from her kimono and was walking into the spring. "This is great!" she purred happily as Kagome giggled at her.


Kagome began to get undressed starting with her shirt then her skirt. She stood in her black lace push-up bra and panties as she folded her uniform and placed it on a rock nearby. She reached behind her back unhooked her bra then slipped off her underwear. She walked to the shore and dipped her toe in experimentally before she began to descend into the water at a quicker pace.

0ooo0

Sesshomaru walked through the surrounding area killing any youkai that came to close to the camp. It was not something done out of worry for anyone, no it was done out of habit. As he was walking he heard a faint giggle and scented the air. 'The ningen females both of them, alone.' this was something he found strange. 'Why would Inuyasha allow the females that far from camp without a guard?' he knew where they were but it did not matter they were in the open and it was too dangerous especially for the miko who carried the shards.


This was all common sense to him but apparently his brother was too dense to realize this, so he decided to guard the girls if only to protect the shards she carried.


When he came upon the scene Kagome had her back to him and he noticed she was in strange garments that cover her most private areas, but this was not what had his eyes widening.

:: Flashback ::

He kissed her neck while his hands grazed her willing body; he loved the way she felt under his hands. Making his way to her shoulders he loosened her haori and exposed her shoulder, starting slowly not to scare her.


He allowed her haori to fall to the ground and then he feasted upon her naked flesh paying special attention to the birth mark on her stomach.

:: Flashback End ::

There right below Kagome's left butt cheek was the same birthmark Mitsukai had on her stomach, it was the same shape, size, and color. It was not something he could easily forget it was something that gave her character, something he enjoyed licking. 'I see it, but what does it mean?' he asked himself unable to take his eyes off the birthmark. This also gave him a great view of her shapely ass. 'How is it she has the same mark as Mitsukai? Could it be that his brother's wench really is… NO!' he thought shaking his head. 'It can't be, but what if. What if Midoriko was not her reincarnation after all, but this miko is? If she is, what will I do? She is my brothers mate.' he thought while still looking at the birth mark. 'No she is not the hanyou's mate, she still has her innocence and there is no mark.' he observed while nodding his head. There was no way in hell he would be willing to part with her if she was truly Mitsukai reincarnation, Inuyasha be damned.


He stood where he was keeping his senses alert to let him know if any came too close. Now that she might be his koishii Mitsukai's reincarnation he would not allow another to see her in such a state. He kept hidden but listened to the females' conversation.

0ooo0

Sitting down beside Sango, Kagome reached for the soap. "So, how are you and Miroku doing?" Kagome asked playfully to start up a conversation with Sango.


Sango looked at Kagome and blushed "We're good, you know he is still his usual hentai self however." she said the last part with a scowl that made Kagome giggle.


"Oh girl you got it bad!" Kagome commented while lathering up the soap.


"Me! What about you? What is going on with you and Inuyasha?" she asked watching Kagome's smile turn into a frown.


"The normal I guess, he will never get over Kikyo. I guess all there is left to do is get over him." she replied with a shrug of her shoulders. Really she knew it was coming but she was too blind to see it before it smacked her in the forehead.


"I guess you're right." Sango said with a frown before continuing, "What about Sesshomaru joining us, strange huh?" she asked generally curious about what her friend thought of the situation. 'After all it was her who said it was best for him to join us.' she thought while she wet her hair to begin washing it.


"I am not sure what to think of him yet, I mean we hardly know him. We only know him in battle and you cannot judge someone you only meet while fighting. After all if I did that I would never have discovered how wonderful you all are. Inuyasha tried to kill me the first time I met him, Shippo tried to steal my shards, Miroku tried to steal my shards and kidnap me, Kouga kidnapped me and threatened to feed Shippo to his wolves. You fought Inuyasha because Naraku set him up. See you cannot judge someone when you only meet them in battle." she said before dunking to wet her hair so she could wash it.


"Yeah, I guess your right we all did meet on bad circumstances so you have a point there." Sango said thoughtfully before changing the subject slightly. "He is good looking though isn't he?" she said in a girlish giggle.


Kagome laughed, "Yes he is one of the best looking males I have ever seen. I mean I am jealous, his hair is perfect; it should be against the law for a male to have such pretty hair! It is kind of like Inuyasha's ears, I just have this urge to touch it. I remember the first time I saw Inuyasha, I didn't know what he was. I have never seen a youkai before. So when I saw his doggy ears I couldn't help myself I was just lucky he was still under the spell and couldn't tell I was there. *insert nervous laugh here*… His hair just makes you wonder if it is as soft as it looks." she exclaimed in exasperation while Sango laughed.


"He does have nice hair." Sango agreed then they both laughed at their antics. Before turning serious again, "Kagome I know you like to see the best in people but do be careful, you cannot allow yourself to feel for him. You don't want anther unrequited love. It will be all too easy to fall for another man when trying to get over one you loved who didn't love you back." she said looking Kagome in the eye to make sure she was listening.


Kagome sighed, "I know Sango, I won't fall for him we are too different. What I like in a man he does not strike me as the type to do any of it. Well actually neither did Inuyasha now that I think about it, but I think I fell for Inuyasha because he was always saving me it was a hero complex. I put him on a pedestal and that was my first mistake, mainly because there is no where to go from there but down. Other then that Inuyasha was different, I liked him for is individuality, I liked him for himself all the quirks included. Actually I am not sure what I want in a man," she said pausing momentarily before continuing with her speech.


"Before I was pulled into this time I would have said a man who would bring me flowers, and write me poetry, a man that is not afraid to show his affection to me, not the type to be jealous or overly possessive. And of course a man I am attracted to. I have someone like that pursuing me in my era and I can't imagine being with him because I find him too boring. But now I don't know…" pausing again to think of what she wanted to say.


"I think that I want a man who is strong and confident, that was always something I admired in a male. He would have to be protective but not overly so, I want to be able to have a few minutes to myself without an over protective man standing over my shoulders. He shouldn't be the jealous type, ok a little jealousy is ok it shows us they care but sometimes it is taken too far. I want to be able to have my male friends without my boyfriend thinking I had slept with them when in reality I would never. I would never dump my friendship with Inuyasha or Miroku for a man, I don't care I just would not. If he wanted to be with me then he would get along with my friends or at the very least tolerate them."


"I don't know… just the basics I guess, they have to love me and not who my soul once belonged to, which leaves out Inuyasha. I would never have been truly happy with him because I would forever wonder if it was me he loved or the soul that belonged to Kikyo." she said sadly looking Sango in the eyes before continuing.


"I guess I want someone who makes me feel special. The only males trying to be with me all want me for something and not for who I am. Like Kouga he wants me for my ability to see jewel shards, Inuyasha for my soul, Hojo because he thinks I am the prettiest girl in the school *insert girly giggle here* and in turn making him more popular, they all want me for something I can do for them not for who I am really." she said the last part in a low whisper.

0ooo0

Sesshomaru sat high in a branch watching over the bathing females he could hear what they were saying and found it quite amusing.


("Me what about you? What is going on with you and Inuyasha?" "The normal I guess, he will never get over Kikyo. I guess all there is left to do is get over him.")


'So the miko wishes to stop loving the whelp? This is something I maybe able to use to my advantage.' he thought while listening to whatever else they were saying.

("What about Sesshomaru joining us, strange huh?" "I am not sure what to think of him yet, I mean we hardly know him. We only know him in battle and you can not judge someone you only meet while fighting. After all if I did I would never have discovered how wonderful you all are. Inuyasha tried to kill me the first time I met him, Shippo tried to steal my shards, Miroku tried to steal my shards and kidnap me, Kouga tried to kidnap me and threatened to feed Shippo to his wolves. You fought Inuyasha because Naraku set him up. See you cannot judge someone when you only meet them in battle.")


'So she does not hate me, I guess that is a start' he thought as he continued to listen.

("he is good looking though isn't he" "yes he is one of the best looking males I have ever seen. I mean I am jealous his hair is perfect; it should be against the law for a male to have such pretty hair! It is kind of like Inuyasha's ears I just have this urge to touch it. I remember the first time I saw Inuyasha, I did not know what he was. I have never seen a youkai before. So when I saw his doggy ears I could not help myself I was just lucky he was still under the spell and could not tell I was there. His hair just makes you wonder if it is as soft as it looks")


'So she find me attractive and likes my hair?' he thought amused by what the girls thought about him.

("Kagome I know you like to see the best in people but do be careful, you cannot allow yourself to feel for him. You do not want another unrequited love. It will be all too easy to fall for another man when trying to get over one you loved who did not love you back." "I know Sango and I won't fall for him, we are too different. What I like in a man he does not strike me as the type to do any of it. Well actually neither did Inuyasha now that I think about it, but I think I fell for Inuyasha because he was always saving me it was a hero complex. I put him on a pedestal and that was my first mistake, mainly because there was no where to go from there but down. Other then that he was different, I liked him for is individuality, I liked him for himself all the quirks included. Actually I am not sure what I want in a man,")


'Hm, that could prove as a slight problem if I am not careful' he thought filing all the info he had learned while listening to more.

(Before I was pulled into this time I would have said a man who would bring me flowers, and write me poetry, a man that is not afraid to show his affection to me, not the type to be jealous or overly possessive. And of course a man I am attracted to. I have someone like that pursuing me in my era that is like that but I can't be with him because I find him too boring. But now I don't know" "I think that I want a man who is strong and confident, that was always something I admired in a male. He would have to be protective but not overly so, I want to be able to have a few minutes to myself without an over protective man standing over my shoulders. He could not be the jealous type, ok a little jealousy is ok it shows us they care but sometimes it is taken too far. I want to be able to have my male friends without my boyfriend thinking I had slept with them when in reality I would never. I would never dump my friendship with Inuyasha or Miroku for a man, I don't care I just would not. If he wanted to be with me then he would get along with my friends or at the very least tolerate them." "I don't know just the basics I guess, they have to love me and not who my soul once belonged to, which leaves out Inuyasha. I would never have been truly happy with him because I would forever wonder if it was me he loved or the soul that belonged to Kikyo." "I guess I want someone who makes me feel special. The only males trying to be with me all want me for something and not for who I am. Like Kouga he wants me for my ability to see jewel shards, Inuyasha for my soul, Hojo because he thinks I am the prettiest girl in the school and in turn making him more popular, they all want me for something I can do for them not for who I really am.")


'What does she mean by pulled into this time? I guess it is always good knowing what type of male the female you're thinking about pursuing is interested in.' he thought as he jumped off of the branch and walked away as the girls were getting out of the springs, he did not want them to think he was spying. 'Not that I care what anyone thinks.' he thought while he walked back the way he had come.