Akai Hana (Red Flower) by Aoi Tsuki

Chapter One

She stood there and watched as all she had worked for with him went down the drain with a single kiss. She held back the tears as long as she could then did the only thing she could think of doing.

She ran.

She ran long and hard. She dodged trees, just barely missing the low branches. She couldn't stop, she wouldn't stop, and she didn't stop until she ran into someone. She looked up to see who was blocking her way. She gasped as her eyes widened in suprise and fear. There standing in front of her was Sesshomaru, Inuyasha's older half brother and he looked pissed.

"What are you doing out here, wench, and where is that baka of a brother of mine?" He asked crossing his arms.

She stood up, brushed herself off, and started walking away, " I dont know and does it look like I care?"

Next thing she knew she was up against a nearby tree in less than three seconds.

"You obviously forgot who you were talking to, wench. I will ask you one more time. Where is my brother?"

"I ... He's with that bitch Kikyo! Ok! God... I dont want to talk about that ass. Thats why I was running. I wanted to get away. Now back off!" She shouted. He let her down.

"If you try to use me for bait to get the Tetsuiga it wont work," She pulled the Shikon no Tama out(AN:all except Naraku's peices) and threw it to him, " This thing is all he cares about right now and that bitch Kikyo. Just kill me. I can't endure the pain any longer."

He caught it and walked slowly torwards her. Stopping just in front of her he slipped the jewel back on her neck and leaned her chin up to where they were facing each other.

"The guardian of the Shikon no Tama should know no pain, hatred, or agony. My worthless half brother has shown you all of these. He is such a baka. You deserve someone better than him." He touched the jewel where it hung, "It glows almost pure in your care. Do not give it to Inuyasha when it is complete." She took a step back, "I wasnt gonna give it to him. I was thinking of going home, sealing the well, and protecting the jewel in my time. It is a lot safer there."

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow, " 'sealing the well'? 'Your time'? What in the seven hells are you babbling about now, wench?"

She took a step forward, "My name is Kagome. Ka.Go.Me. Not wench, not girl. Kaogme. And I'm not going to tell you about my world. You'd probably come and stalk me."

"Tell me." He growled.

She nodded motioning for him to sit down as she did so. She told him everything.

From the first minute she was here to what happened with Naraku. She sighed when she finished. It felt good to let it all out. Little did she know what he would say would shock her.

"I believe you."

"Nani?... Wait a minute. You believe me? Why?"

"Hai...You have no reason to lie to me."

They stood up.

"I better get going. See ya."

She turned to leave but he caught her wrist.

"I want to know more about your world."

"I'm going to be gone for futsuka but I'll be back. Meet me by the well in futsuka."

He nodded. She left and got back to the villiage before sunset. She entered Kaede's hut where a very concerned Sango met her.

"Kagome! Where have you been?"Sango exclaimed Inuyasha barged in just then.

"Kagome where have you been and why do I smell Sesshomaru all over you?!" Inuyasha was seriously pissed off.

"I'll answer both your questions in one sentance. You smell him on me because I was with him talking to him. By the way I'm going home for futsuka.. Dont talk to me when I get back because I'll be in a bad mood."

She grabbed her bag to leave but Inuyasha stepped in front of her.

"Inuyasha...."She said softly.

"Yes...?"

"Sit...See ya."

Inuyasha hit the floor and Kagome left for the well.