In the morning, after breakfast Kagome went over it once more with Sess.

"So your both Sess Ryusaki the human and Sesshoumaru The Lord of the Wester Lands."

"Right."

"Somehow both human and youkai?"

"Ok, one more time. Watch." Kagome watched as her the person she'd known as Sess Ryusaki, a completely normal human transformed into Sesshoumaru. A crackling of energy surrounded him and the distinctive features of Sesshoumaru came into being. The ears elongated, the canines grew more pronounced, the markings on his face appeared out of nowhere.

Kagome stared in awe. "That is...interesting..."

Sess smiled. He loved that look on her face. "I imagine the novelty of it will wear off soon enough."

"No, I don't think so."

Inspiration struck Sess. "You've watched Dragon Ball Z haven't you?"

Kagome nodded. "My brother was quite a fan until he realized it was the same plot repeating over and over again."

Sess continued "In that show there were characters like Frieza that would transform into more powerful versions of themselves. It is similar to that, my true nature does not disappear, it just is masked. Incidentally, I want to add that your brother was wise to stop watching that show, they reused the same plot line so many times it was thread bare."

"Alright that makes it somewhat clearer as far as that goes." Kagome thought for a moment about how to ask the next question. "You know when we kiss, how we can almost read each other's thoughts?"

Sess grinned like the Cheshire Cat. "Yes."

"Want to explain that one?"

In a moment, Sess was caressing her tongue with his own.

You mean like this?...Yes, don't stop though...I won't, in the exchange of bodily fluids like this I can make a connection of sorts. Some fluids can produce a stronger connection than others. Like right now you are only receiving thoughts I direct at you. Remember when I used my blood to show you my past during the final battle with Naraku? In that instance you were more deeply connected to me because my blood formed a stronger bond and so you could see my memories...Before, I didn't know to use it exactly, but now I do...Understand?...Yes, I need to breathe now...

Sess broke off the kiss Kagome breathed in air greedily. "Wow, that bonding is really something."

For a moment, the look in Sess's hungry eyes made her very grateful that they were alone. "You know blood and saliva aren't the only methods of bonding. There is another much more intimate, much more powerful one that we can make. I am quite certain you will enjoy making that bond also."

Kagome looked at him thoughtfully "You know, Im sure that I would enjoy it also, but now is not the time. There are other things to decide. Like what are you going to resume control of the Western Lands? What about Rin? What about your family in the future? So on and so forth."

"No, I have no intention of staying in the past to take control of the Western Lands. I already died here, and I am not going to live in the past. As for Rin, I hope to take her to the future when arrangements can be made. My family is still my family and I am not going to abandon them. Although I'm not sure exactly how they will take the news. Speaking of my family, I told them all about you and they are very eager to meet you."

Kagome's expression changed as something occurred to her. "Do you still want the Tessaiga? And what about the Toukijin?"

"I can't leave those lying around. Do you know where they are?"

Kagome got up and led him out toward Kaeda's dwelling. "As I recall the Toukijin was buried with you, and Kaede has been holding the Tessaiga in hiding. She circulated the rumor that Kikyou had it to throw its pursuers off."

"Clever woman."

Entering into Kaede's dwelling they saw that she apparently was expecting them, and she was not the only one. Jaken and Rin were there also. On the table two swords rested in their sheathes. "We thought you might ask about these. Jaken excavated the Toukijin early this morning. Though as I recall you are unable to use the Tessaiga."

Sess's expression was neutral, a perfect picture of his prior life. "That was then, this is now."

Sess picked up the Tessaiga, which flashed momentarily but did not exhibit any signs of rejection towards its new master. He then picked up the Toukijin. Originally it had an aura so powerfully evil that it had possessed its maker, but for Sesshoumaru it had been child's play to dispel the aura and claim the sword completely. "I wonder what my family will say when I show up with three new swords. I'll they'll either accuse me of wasting money or believe I've won a lottery and want in."

"Uh master," Jaken began but was immediately cut off.

"Jaken," Sess began in the familiar icy tone. "you have done well in taking care of Rin during my absence. I will return for her once I've made proper arrangements for her. Do not let any harm befall her while I'm gone."

When Jaken heard his master compliment him, he almost passed out from the shock. Sess ignored the gaping mouth Jaken and turned toward an expectant Rin.

"Rin come here." When she had happily skipped over to him, he knelt down and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'm going to be gone a while, but I will return. In the mean time I want you to ask Sango, and Kohaku, to train you. This world is full of danger and you must be prepared." Sess then smiled fractionally at her "I'll let you keep the Game Boy though while I'm gone. If it stops working just put it somewhere safe and I'll deal with it later."

Rin beamed her toothy grin at him. "Yes my Lord."

"There's a good girl."

Standing Sess turned toward, Kagome but then felt something attach to his leg. Rin was hugging him trying to get as much contact as possible before he left again. No matter how short it was, it was the time was too long for Rin.

"I know Rin, but you have plenty of friends here and plenty to do while I'm gone." Rin reluctantly let go and Sess gave his attention to Kaeda. "Please watch over Rin also. She's a handful and will wear Jaken out easily." Jaken looked downcast.

Kaeda smiled "Aye, that she will. But this village is like a family and we all look out for each other."

After saying goodbye again and thanking Kaeda, Sess and Kagome stepped outside. Ah-Un had been packed with their luggage and was waiting. Sess secured the swords against the dragon and then climbed on. Kagome hesitated for a moment by the dragon's side. "Come on Kagome," Sess reached for her hand. "I assure you he's well trained and won't bite."

Getting on and wrapping her hands around Sess's waist, she forced herself to relax as the ground was left behind. Gliding through the air, she wondered why she hadn't seen the Sango and the others in the village. She had her answer as Ah-Un descended near the bone eaters well. As soon as she got off, Shippou latched on to her.

"What are you going to do Kagome? When will you come back?"

"Shippou, you don't need to worry, I'll be back in a few days. I'm not going to disappear for months on end like last time. I promise."

Sango pulled Kagome into a hug next while Miroku restrained himself and simply stood nearby. He didn't want to provoke a jealous reaction from a reborn Sesshoumaru. Kirara was winding about Kagome's legs wanting in on the affection. Kohaku, who didn't really know Kagome very well, just stood behind his sister fidgeting slightly. No one was brave enough to try and hug Sess. Kagome eventually made everyone release her and she and Sess prepared their gear.

As they stood on the lip of the well, Miroku felt the need to know something before they both left. Stepping forward and looking up to Sess he asked,

"Did you get what you wanted?"

Sess looked at Kagome "I got what I needed."

End

(This story is over but the sequel is up)