This chapter has added page breaks! Once again, if you struggle reading without them- PLEASE go to Dokuga and read it there. Honestly, it's a win win for both of us. You read my story, you don't get angry :)

I like this chapter because it has feisty, non-alpha/ independent wanting Kagome. And even though she may be a little bit in the wrong, still fun!

"Mom?"

"Yes, baby?"

"Do you have to work for Sesshomaru?"

"No, but I want to."

"Why—he is scary. He probably doesn't know how to snuggle." Shippo told her, and Kagome giggled.

"Now, you ask Kazuhiko about that, but I am sure he snuggles with his son. He is inu."

"Mom?"

"Yes."

"Can I come and play with Kazuhiko."

"Not this time, but I am sure you can another time." She promised, "You are going to stay with Sango, and I will come and pick you up before dinner."

"Okay, bye Mom!"

"Bye Shippo, be good for Sango!"

And then Kagome threw the pendent into the wall.

"I am going to have to get good spackle." Kagome said as she walked through the portal and into her office. It was covered in notes and paperwork. Mostly on boards spread across the room. It was nice to see it all in front of her.

Kagome took a notebook and began to take notes as she slowly made her way across the boards. This set of boards was about what was harming the yokai. She wished she could see patients, but none of them were alive. The notes seemed to agree on some sort of miko power. It was the only thing powerful enough to kill a yokai. They healed to quickly for pretty much anything else except for their own weapons.

She could see how this could create a serious hole in their research. They were assuming it was something they didn't really understand by process of elimination.

"My lady, how are you this evening?" A man asked as he walked in. He was a neko yokai, his tail swishing behind him casually. His green eyes sparkled at her.

"Aren't black cats a bad omen?" Kagome asked him referencing his black hair and tail. He smiled, revealing his fangs.

"Only if we don't like you." He said. He had a boyish face, and Kagome instantly liked him. He seemed fun and relaxed, "I am the head healer here—my name is Killian."

"Kagome."

"I have heard much about you."

She laughed, "If you heard from Sesshomaru, I hope you don't believe them."

He smiled, "I think he painted an accurate picture." He smiled before licking his hand then rubbing her face, "You have ink all over you." Kagome turned bright red as the extremely handsome male continued to rub his spit on her face, "What are your thoughts so far?"

"It is curious that the bodies remain whole. If they were purified, they would degrade to ash. But in your autopsies you see signs of burning. Clearly enough to kill them." She bit her lip as Killian stepped away, "I wouldn't rule out a miko behind it."

"We came to a similar conclusion, which is why we were reluctant to include you."

"Were?" She asked, skeptical.

"Well, still a bit reluctant. But my Lord trusts you, which is good enough for me."

Kagome laughed, "I think, from what is described, that I might be able to at least slow down the process." She bit her lip, "I don't want to wish for another person to get infected, but to see it up close would be beneficial."

"I feel the same. More people means more opportunity to learn"

She sighed, "I need a break from this stuff, where is the research about Inuyasha?"

"Down the hall." Killian said, "I can lead the way."

Sesshomaru could feel the miko's aura from his office, and he knew it wasn't a good sign. But he could not bring himself to care. The miko was angry about something, but it was not his problem.

"My Lord?" His head healer asked as he walked in. They had known each other since they were young.

"Yes"

"Can you—help? I am not powerful enough to stop her." Killian admitted.

Sesshomaru was on his feet an instant and out the door. He followed the sparks of the miko and found her in the room where all the research was for Inuyasha's condition.

"What the hell?" Inuyasha asked.

The miko was having a fit of some kind. She was yelling incoherent things and throwing things into the fireplace.

"KAGOME!" Inuyasha yelled at her, and Kagome just turned to him. Everything paused for a moment before Kagome walked across the room. Placing her hands on his cheeks, she stared into his eyes.

Something passed between them that Sesshomaru couldn't understand.

"I am so sorry." She whispered.

"What are you sorry for?" Inuyasha asked.

"For what you have been put through—what you have been told." She said.

"It wasn't you."

"And it will never be me. You do not need to change what you are. You are not sick. You do not need to be cured." She had tears leaking down her face as she cupped his face.

"Why are you throwing research into the fire?" Sesshomaru demanded to be told.

"It is trying to cure him. Make him fully demon. And clearly in desperate times make him human" Kagome muttered the last bit so overly laced in sarcasm that it sounded as cold and demeaning as Sesshomaru.

"He could kill someone in this mixed state." Sesshomaru growled.

"I agree he is not stable." She said, pulling over one of the largest books Sesshoamru had in his collection—and one of the eldest. The dust that blew off it when she lugged it over to the table nearest to him.

"What is this."

"It is a poem from long ago."

"Why is it important?"

"There are three prevailing theories when it comes to the evolution of yokai and humans." Kagome said, pulling over the white board and grabbing a marker, "The first is that humans are lower forms of yokai which means we are like this." She drew a line and labeled point A humans and point B yokai.

"The second is the opposite." Inuyasha said, sitting down in a chair, and Kagome nodded before drawing the second.

"The third is that we split." Sesshomaru said, and Kagome smiled. The elder brother was not to be outdone.

"Which means." Kagome said as she drew a line then it branched into two, "We share a common ancestor. Which means that our ancestor most likely had to deal with the same problem you are having now. It actually happened that humans—well, ancestors of humans—branched into two different groups and then they mated together to become a stronger human."

"How is it relevant?" Sesshomaru asked.

"Well this poem speaks of the beast being a difficult thing to control. Especially the more powerful the being."

"Yokai." Sesshomaru corrected.

Kagome shook her head, a smile on her face, "They never say that. We assume that because of our time period and what we grew up knowing. But they never explicitly say yokai."

"How old is the poem?" Inuyasha asked.

"It is rumored to be one of the first written stories—though no one knows for sure." Kagome answered.

"So— fuckin old." Inuyasha said.

"Yes, to put it eloquently" Kagome said, much more relaxed now than what she had been. Sitting down as she looked at the poem, "It speaks of an anchor—then down here, it speaks a lead rope tied down." She looked up at both of them, "I think it means that there is something to 'tie down' the demonic side. Or anchor it—which ever you prefer."

"This poem is what you cling to?" Sesshomaru asked her, his tone full of doubt and condescension.

"Well, all your past healers have been so successful. If you would like to revert to them, be my guest." Kagome looked at him and he was silent, which made her smile, "Ah." She said.

Sesshomaru left with a slam of the door.

"I have never seen anyone put him in his place." Inuyasha said, his arms still crossed.

"Well, you haven't spent time with me before." Kagome said with a smile.

"No."

"Miss Kagome!"

"Kazuhiko!" She yelled back at the young tyke that ran through and she snatched him up as he ran toward her, pulling him tightly to her chest, "How are you?"

"Good, did you bring Shippo?"

"No, but I can next time if your Dad lets me."

"I'll ask him. And can I spend the night again?"

"You can spend the night whenever your Dad lets you." She swore, kissing the moon shaped crescent on his head. Kazuhiko seemed to be content her arms, so she swung him to her hip. He was heavier than Shippo, though he was younger. Kagome supposed it was just the difference between species.

"What are you doing?" He asked.

"I am trying to help your Uncle." Kagome said.

"Uncle Yasha, can she help you?" Kazuhiko asked his uncle.

"We will see." Inuyasha stated, "Come on, runt, you don't want to annoy the wench. Come on—we can go play."

"Can I climb trees Miss Kagome?"

"Of course, but no more falling!" She reprimanded, kissing his cheek sloppily. He giggled as he wiped his cheek clean before wiggling out of his arms and running after his Uncle.

Kagome was exhausted. Working in two places was not the most appealing of things. And she couldn't turn away either. Each was helping someone, and she wanted to do that. And even if she could did quit her nursing job, she didn't trust Sesshomaru not to exploit her for lack of anyone else to turn to.

"Mom" Shippo groaned, rolling out the 'o'.

"What?" She asked, turning toward him.

"You are boring!" He said.

"I am sorry, I am just so tired." She said putting her head down at the table.

"Mom, no sleeping at the breakfast table." Shippo teased her.

"Maybe I will take off work today." Kagome grumbled.

"I thought Justin was being released today."

"I forgot! I have to go see him before he is gone." Kagome said, picking up her head from the table, "I don't know if it is a blessing or curse to be able to wear pajama ish clothes to work."

"Mom, everything is a blessing." He replied to her smartly, and Kagome giggled.

"You are right, Shippo." She smiled at her son, "I love you."

"I love you to Mom!" He smiled at her, his little fangs peaking out, "Does that mean I can go over to the demon realm to see Kazuhiko?"

Kagome laughed, "I will bring you over, but we will have to ask Sesshomaru."

"Okay" He said with a sigh, and Kagome laughed.

"I will pick you up from Sango's at three, then we will head over. Shippo?"

"Yes Mom?"

"Please don't tell Sango any of this."

"I won't."

"Or your Aunt Kikyo."

"I won't" He swore, "I won't tell anybody. Except for Kaede, because she already knows."

She kissed his head as she stood up.

"I can't believe I get to break loose of this place!" Justin said as Kagome helped him into his wheel chair, "Do I really have to take this thing out? It's crampin' my style."

"Oh please, you don't have a girl waiting for you." Kagome teased him.

"I could if I wasn't in this chair." He grumbled and Kagome laughed.

"I am going to miss you." She said as she fixed him up in his chair.

"I will be back for a check up practically a million times next week." He said.

"And you are pouting about leaving! We can just keep you here!" Kagome said, and he laughed.

"No, no I am happy to go home."

"Tell your Dad I said hello."

"I am here! You can say hello!" His dad was the biggest jokester Kagome had ever met.

"Mr. O'Connel!" She said, hugging him tightly, "I was wondering where you were!"

"Oh, I wouldn't miss check out day for anything."

"You better make sure he gets everything he needs." Kagome said as she handed him a list.

"You make copies?" He asked gruffly.

"All in here." She said, giving him a folder with a smile.

"Perfect, thank you."

"Come on, let's roll you out of here."

Kagome pushed him to the front entrance where a car was parked and waiting. At the exit, Justin hopped onto his feet.

"What advice did I tell you?" Kagome asked him,

"No jumping over bonfires. Got it." He said, smiling ruefully. He reached into his pocket and handed her a crumpled piece of paper with her, "Here." He handed it to her shyly, "Thanks—for being awesome."

"Please don't come back with any more injuries."

"No problem." He swore, and Kagome laughed. They were famous last words.

Kagome waved at them as they drove off, the slowly began to unfold the piece of paper. It had wrinkles in it, like he had folded it different ways over and over again.

Kags,

As you saw from my chart, I have been through a few hospitals and seen a few injuries. I just wanted to thank you for how kindly you treated me. Some people see my tattoos and just write me off as another delinquent. You took care of me, and I never for a second believed that I was treated worse than any of your patients.

Sometimes I hope I am treated better.

I really think that you are due some sort of overwhelming happiness. You are one of the kindest people I have ever met, so you deserve it.

But you're the greatest, so I enclosed four tickets to see me skateboard. I know you aren't into it. But it is kind a big deal. And yes, I know I am not supposed to be back on a board yet. But this is important.

You don't have to go if you don't want to, but whatevs. I'd be happy to see you there. If not, I will see you at my next doctor's appointment.

Peace,

Justin.

Kagome smiled, putting the tickets into her pocket. She would definitely be attending that.

Hearing Shippo sigh for the hundredth time drew Kagome to the edge.

"I am sorry I am not more entertaining." She grumbled.

"I wish Kazu was here." He huffed.

"Well, he isn't. I told you he might not be."

"Who is the runt?" Inuyasha asked as he walked into the room.

"Inuyasha, this is my son Shippo."

"You are the kid Kazu won't stop yackin' about." Inuyasha accused, crossing his arms.

"I—I guess so?" Shippo said.

"He is in lessons with his lord icicle ass—

"Inuyasha! Not that kind of language in front of my son or you will find yourself sitting firmly on the ground." She growled

"Keh—fine—butt." He corrected.

"Well, as soon as he gets out I need to speak with him." Kagome said with a sigh of her own.

"Kazu?"

"No, Sesshomaru."

"Why?"

"Just more findings."

"Is this about me?" Inuyasha asked.

"You are curious for someone who thought I couldn't help at all." She said, with a raised eyebrow. She turned to her son who had a mischievous look on his face, "Don't pull your tricks on Inuyasha, Shippo. He might kill you if you scare him enough."

"Don't kid. Trust me, it isn't worth it."

"I hate it when my mom says scary things and she isn't lying." Shippo said with a huff.

"Me too." Kagome said, rolling her eyes despite her serious tone.

"Miko, how is your progress?" Sesshomaru asked as he walked into her office.

"I have two things I would like to discus with you." She told him, moving so her feet weren't up on the desk anymore.

"Hn" It was a 'why haven't you already started explaining' tone.

"The first, I think I might have figured out a way to subdue Inuyasha until I can find a more permanent solution."

"How?"

"It is a simple miko subduing spell. Made long ago by miko to keep yokai in line. It is positively medieval in practice and abhorrent, but I can keep him in line if need be."

"And you would use it appropriately?"

"I would only use it when necessary."

"Don't I get a say in this?" Inuyasha practically screamed, which made Sesshomaru's ears hurt.

"You must stay calm." Sesshomaru reminded him.

A deep breath from Inuyasha hardly made a difference.

"Of course you get a say." Kagome spoke up.

"Miko, this is my kingdom—

"And I am not your subject." Kagome broke him off, staring at him, "If I am unwilling to do it, then you cannot force me."

"I would get another miko."

"But do you trust another miko with that type of subduing capabilities?" Kagome asked him, he narrowed his eyes.

"I want my son safe." He growled before leaving the room, his eyes flashing red as he left.

"You should not anger him either." Inuyasha said, "He is a right bastard, but he is dangerous."

"I know." Kagome replied moving a book on her desk, "But so am I." She looked up at him, "I meant what I said. I won't do it unless you ask me too."

"He is right. I don't want to admit it. But the bastard is right. And it isn't permanent?"

"No." Kagome swore.

"Well, let's get to it then." He growled.

Sesshomaru had to cool off. He had become too angry around a human and his inner beast was demanding he subdue her. She wasn't his subject, and there was sound logic in that. But that didn't mean he couldn't make her one.

He had to blow off steam and he found himself back in the training dojo. He could see faces grimace as he took up arms as soldiers prepared to fight him. They never walked away without a few broken bones. He didn't frown at them for fearing him, they were right to fear him. By the time the third soldier hit the ground, he was feeling much better.

Though he probably should have known better than to go back to his office. It annoyed him within moments of the different processes. His father delegated, but sometimes to the wrong people. He had to rectify that. And he had no problem firing anyone.

Standing up, he went to go find his head healer to check progress when he heard the miko's voice. He walked around the corner to see her kneeling in front of his son. With her on her knees, she was only a little bit taller than Kazuhiko.

"Kazuhiko, you need to give your best in your lessons."

"But I didn't want to." Kazuhiko was having one of his crabby days. Sesshomaru was loath to work with him, but he needed a lesson in combat. Kazuhiko had been terrible all morning, barely trying.

"How are you going to grow into a fearsome warrior like your Daddy if you don't work your best?"

"But I don't want to become a warrior." He knew that tone of his son's. He was just being stubborn.

"Oh, honey. Of course you do. I see it in your face."

"You do?" His son's attention was caught.

"Yes, right here." She gently touched his son's jaw.

"My chin?" His son asked, incredulous.

"Yes, I can see you have a strong chin. Made to rule and fight for what you believe. You will be a great warrior, Kazuhiko."

His son smiled brightly, "I will try better tomorrow, Kagome."

"I know you will." Kagome said before wrapping her arms around him tightly and then kissing him over and over again.

"STOP!" His son said with a giggle, "KAGOME!"

"Go!" She encouraged, finally letting him go, "Shippo is in my office."

"YAY!" Kazuhiko said as he ran away from her.

"You indulge him." Sesshomaru said, finally revealing his presence, but she didn't seem to be surprised.

"Of course I do, he is a good boy and deserves some indulging." She replied, standing up.

"Not today. He has been infuriating all day." Sesshomaru told her flatly.

"We are all entitled to bad days." Kagome replied, "Even Kings." She said, raising her eyebrow at him.

"I am a superior being, miko. I do not have bad days." He told her, and Kagome wasn't sure if he was kidding or not.

"Lord Sesshomaru, I put the subduing necklace on Inuyasha because he asked. I am sorry we argued about it, but you have to understand I am here because I want to help."

"I understand, miko." He looked like he was going to walk away so Kagome moved to follow him.

"Something else—I did say I had two things."

"Proceed, miko."

"I got tickets to a skateboard—show? Game? Tournament? I don't know what you call it. But I was given four. I would like to take Kazuhiko."

"Who will occupy the fourth?"

"If you want—or have the time—to join us, that would be fun. But Inuyasha—

"Cannot leave the demon world. He has ears."

"He is at a skate park—wearing a snapback wouldn't be completely out of the ordinary."

"If anything happens—

"I will take care of it."

"No—you will be taken care of." He corrected.

"Got it. Don't fuck up. Christ, Sesshomaru. You should probably join me just to loosen up."

"Make no mistake, miko." He narrowed his eyes at her, and the same flicker of red was coming back into his eyes. Kagome found herself taking a step back and ran into the wall, "I am still king, regardless of your status as a subject in my kingdom."

"I treat you with every respect. You refuse to give me any." She retorted. In a flash, his hand wrapped around her throat and she felt claws pressed against her skin. It nearly pierced the skin, but not quite.

"That you are breathing in my kingdom is respect enough." He growled.

"If I were yokai would you treat me this way?" She asked him, his claws seemingly having no effect on her, "Or because you think I am powerless?"

"You are human—

"And a miko." She interrupted.

"I have been alive five hundred years and have yet to see a miko that could reasonably threaten me."

"Maybe your odds are up then." She retorted.

"My Lord, there you are!" Killian said as he walked around the corner, "I need you desperately. We have a problem on our healing board, and trying to get a better insight." He started to move past Lord Sesshomaru like nothing was happening. As he slowly drug Sesshomaru away, Killian turned around and winked at Kagome.

"God, you are a stupid creature." Ray said, making Kagome jump as she turned around to face him.

"I am not stupid." Kagome replied automatically, touching her neck lightly.

"To go up against my Lord, yes you are."

"I am not going up against him." Kagome said evenly, "I don't want what he has." Kagome moved past Ray and went to go find her son.

She was going home.