Disclaimer: I own naught but trite words, characters and ruminations are of derivation from Rumiko Takahashi's Inuyasha.

Author's Note: Finally the blighted necklace comes into play, but it is only the commencement.


Chapter 8: Society's Abet

"I never did repent for doing good,
Nor shall not now.
"

(William Shakespeare (1564-1616), British dramatist, poet. Portia, in The Merchant of Venice, act 3, sc. 4, l. 10-1. On setting off to help Antonio.)


Back at Camp

"Where is Kagome" asked Shippo timidly, glancing sideways at the hyperventilating hanyou.

"That wench is fucking dumb! Always bitchin' about exams, and Kuh-ledge! As if there were something more important than collecting the Shikon Shards. Kikyo never gave me so much trouble, and even now she helps more than that stupid wench!" growled Inuyasha irately, hoping that Kagome could hear him and feel guilty.

"Inuyasha you know you're being unfair." Sango murmured disinterestedly, and rather concurringly.

"Yes, yes…" Miroku continued blithely, "And attracting the attention of lower and higher demons…"

In reality Miroku was just a tad bit upset because despite Sango's obvious aggression towards him, she always let him grope her before she whacked him, and would willingly spread her legs for him every night. Kagome on the other hand never complained as much as Sango and yet she never let him fondle her. And by Buddha had he tried to bless the bountiful beauty which was Kagome. In the hot springs, when an annoying hanyou was not spying, under the cover of darkness and camouflaging trees, when the perverted hanyou was not being a voyeur, and when he accompanied her alone to a village when the annoying brat in red had to fight some lower demons off somewhere.

He'd never tried to ambush her before the ardent gaze of the uncouth Inu hanyou. Although the baka would spout stupid nonsense about Kagome when he thought she might be in hearing range, he didn't mean it. Inuyasha wanted Kagome to have such a low self-esteem that she would shack up with a title-less hanyou which was abhorrent to everyone from this era. He wanted her to think she was inferior to Kikyo and therefore accept the meager offerings he proffered. Even Sango, despite developing a sense of camaraderie with the hanyou would not allow him to touch her. Not that he would either but, it was all based on superstitions. Logically he had seen that Kagome had not become that abomination but illogically it was still ingrained to fear and be somewhat disgusted by the presence of the unrefined hanyou. When he was growing up in the village, before he had decided on the righteous path of priesthood there had been a test to kill an abomination at the age of 13 as a trial of manhood. So despite understanding the reasons for his misconceptions he still would not be swayed by Kagome's clever arguments. Personally, he thought that the filthy hanyou did not deserve such a rare and exotic flower as Kagome. She was beautiful, modest, intelligent, and hardworking. Her knowledge of the future had proven ever useful and she could cook meals which did not consist of Ramen when the hanyou was not around. One time she had made him something which she called a French pastry, ever since that day he could not let go of the feeling that she was the one for him. He had started to imagine that after they defeated Naraku they could live peacefully together in a quaint village with a roomful of children, and a garden of flowers. It was a dream and nothing more, and yet he could not lose the nostalgic feeling that it was meant to be. Out of everyone in the group he was the most mature, so he would make a perfect husband for Kagome, and her profession as priestess only complemented his. The fact that she was one of the most powerful alive did not hurt either.

"Humph!" Inuyasha snorted loudly, "She thinks she's so pretty with her slanted grey blue eyes and endlessly long legs which she flashes wantonly at males! As if I care where she's at right now!"

Miroku rolled his eyes at Inuyasha's non-convincing speech, although Sango was nodding her head agreeably. That was ridiculously hilarious, when even covered in sweat and grime it was obvious that Kagome was by far more beautiful than Sango or for that matter Kikyo. Sango was always being irrationally jealous of Kagome, and sadly she had a large boomerang ready to bong his head if she perceived an offense. Barbaric woman, but good for a quick meaningless fuck.

"Miroku what were you thinking about?" Sango asked kindly, but with an angry look slowly overtaking her face, bushy brown eyebrows narrowing.

"Your round sweet-" Miroku stopped, as if startled from a daydream, and blushed coyly.

Sango mocked glared, although inwardly she was pleased that he was thinking about her. That hentai monk better not be thinking of Miji from that village they just left. That girl was such a slut, throwing herself at him at the slightest provocation.

"Hentai!" Sango screamed convincingly, and thwacked him for good measure, after he had rubbed her butt yet again. It would do for him to forget Miji's dubious charms and concentrate on her own womanly curves. Anyways, he said he found it kinky when she hit me…not that that was the reason she beat him so much!

Pasting a fake charlatan smile on his face Miroku continued, "I've been worried about Kagome , dear girl." Hoping that Sango would let the matter drop in lieu of worrying about their lost friend.

Sango suddenly flared back up, "Hmmm." That hussy pretended to be so nice and sweet and yet she walked around in her underwear. Hah, she had been unto her game and always made sure to wear a one piece skin tight leather assemble. No one could say she wasn't good looking. Matter fact, she had caught Inuyasha checking out her hips once. Probably thinking she had good hips for birthing. She really was in truth the epitome of female perfection. Not that she'd waste it on that hanyou.

Little did she know that Inuyasha had been wondering how she could have her hips be so straight and plain, and frankly undeniably masculine while Kagome had dangerous curves that sloped gently in a provocative manner with generous round breasts that begged to be cupped and caressed.

"There's no need to be worrying about that senseless wench." Sango barked harshly to Miroku, wanting to end the discussion, and it did since Miroku wanted to get laid that night.


With the Feuding Couple

"Okay Sesshoumaru," Kagome started solemnly, "I will privately research ways to undo this atrocious and wholly unanticipated predicament, and do the best to indemnify that we can escape the nefarious end of being together for a sorrowful eternity of apathy. In the mean time I think it would be best if we get our priorities in check since I do not know if or when can reach the preferred solution."

Sighing quietly Sesshoumaru interrupted her verbose perambulations that seemed to reach no finite end apart from bemoaning her situation, "Miko, what part bonded for life did you find so abstruse that cannot comprehend your new station in life?"

"When it became personal and involved me and you together in an eternity of torment," Kagome cut in bitingly.

Scowling fiercely Sesshoumaru snapped, "It is not as if I could not find another mate, in fact every youkai in or outside the Western Lands would be dying to mate with me." Sesshoumaru pompously finished, flouncing his hair so that it would catch the last glimmers of sunshine and sparkle radiantly.

"Then Kami! Why the hell was I not spared from this disgraceful temerity? I could have been sleeping my way though all the hot yummy guys in America this summer!" Kagome shouted in blustering frustration, that dimmed her recall at Sesshoumaru's newfound possessiveness and anger. After all he was the Ice Prince.

Sesshoumaru remained quiet, but inwardly he was just the slightest bit irritated that she wasn't a virgin before he took her, and the fact that she could contemplate other males in a sexual manner which did not include him. It was strange that he was the new one to the more intimate matters of a relationship. He had been hoping to bluff his way through, because he had thoroughly enjoyed their joining, no when was feeling insecure since he was going to be compared to dozens of males.

That was simply not done. Females were an ornament in a man's arm that couldn't think for themselves and could be abandoned and taken at will. Not passionate, self-thinking, and willful.

"Hmm…" was all Sesshoumaru said before dropping her off nearby her camp. Soon he would have her safely ensconced within his walls and there would be no more need for these discussions. Being careful to be out of the perimeter of the wind, Sesshoumaru leaned against the gnarled trunk of an old oak tree and waited.

Kagome quickly walked into the clearing where her friends had camped, she had to get there fast because unbeknownst to her unsuspecting mate she had an avant-garde plan to save her from the ensnaring docile position of spouse.

"Hi guys!" Kagome chirped enthusiastically, breezing by them and packing her things with the same rapidity.

"Where the fuck were you?!" Inuyasha screeched, dropping from the tree branch and surrounding Kagome with an intimidating stance.

"With Sesshoumaru of course, didn't you tell me to show him around so he could see how hospitable I am? Well, he's all for killing Naraku so don't worry!" Kagome continued on jovially, zipping up her pack and stepping away from the camp, and hopefully Inuyasha would not be able to scent her before she made her get away.

"You smell kind of funny Kagome." Shippo said inquiringly.

Immediately Inuyasha's eyes blazed and he started to sniff her with new interest, "Y-Y-You whore!"

Typical Inuyasha, speaking without thinking.

"What did you say?" Kagome asked softly, turning back to glare fiercely at Inuyasha.

"Umm….wait! Don't turn this on me, you slept with MY brother! How could you? Wasn't I good enough?" Inuyasha whined piteously, not being able to hold on to his anger in light of things.

Tenderly, Kagome kneeled down to his eye level where he had taken position on the floor, "It's not that, actually it was when he got angry and I got in the submissive position to an alpha when he lost control and marked me as his mate, but I'm still trying to find a way out of this, I'm just sure it's not permanent."

"Really?" Inuyasha asked hopefully, soulful amber eyes looking at her fully, inside he was cursing his stupidity for coming up with that provocative submission signal for her.

"Hai, for I for one shall not marry that pompous fool. To think he gave me a list of expectations! That, that scoundrel! And making it sound like we're stuck for an eternity together." Kagome huffed, crossing her arms.

"Is that when you turned into a youkai Kagome?" Shippo asked, glancing at her appraisingly, not seeing a difference but smelling a marked one.

"Well, not really, you see this is my real form." Kagome said, and transformed again to show them how she looked au natural.

"You're beautiful Kagome!" Shippo clapped ecstatically.

Inuyasha and Miroku could not stop looking at her, if she was beautiful before, she was a goddess now with long brilliant violet hair with tints of magenta that went all the way down to her waist, and her fleecy tail adorned in the same colors except slightly darker. And her eyes, flickering mysteriously and ever changing; from amethyst to cerulean, and pearl drop grey.

Her beauteous body remained the same, long and lithe, with womanly swells and curves, not short and stout like the women of this era. She had told them repeatedly that she was not tall by her average standards, not that it mattered because compared to all the other women she seemed that way.

Enraptured, Inuyasha sighed, "When will you come back to me?"

Kagome smiled and dulcetly said, "Soon, after I find a way out of this mess, but until then I have to take up the duties of Lady of Western Lands, while Sesshoumaru will speak with the other cardinal lords about what to do with Naraku. Therefore we will have more assistance, and can finish even faster, okay?"

"Feh!" grumped Inuyasha, "What if they want to steal it for themselves?"

"One: they are arrogant enough to think they don't need anymore power, and have seen how those who fall susceptible to the jewel lead to an early death, and secondly I have a way around that with a spell."

"Spells?" Inuyasha asked skeptically, not really believing her, but wanting to keep her talking so he could be closer to her before she left. Not that he could stop her anymore from leaving.

"In my time we use spells to manipulate the miko energy, and can use it for more than defense or healing. There are select cults that practice this ancient art and I learned from them. Mostly the energy can be used for anything that you can construe and manipulate. For example, early on I had to make myself a ningen glamour for when I went out in public and to school. Where I'm from I'm not normal either, and I also learn faster than other kids, so I had to adapt faster. Thankfully that also makes me more knowledgeable so I should be able to weasel out of this situation faster than normal. Right now I'm going to go get my materials, and I'll meet up with you guys later, like next season."

"Take your time." Sango snarled, jealous that Kagome snagged the hot demon lord, and she was way more attractive than her. How was she suppose to compete?

"Kagome, what's the use of leaving if we can't find the shards until you decide to come back and by that time Naraku will have all the shards!" Inuyasha angst pathetically.

"I am going to leave you with this, I made it earlier today, and this will point you to the Shikon shards. It's a modulated compass, it tells whether it is east or north, the power level of the demon or opposition, as well as their danger level. That is all I can do." Kagome said, showing it to Inuyasha but giving it to Miroku because he was the only one whom could read apart from her.

"Why are you giving it to him?" Inuyasha snapped, still angry about her desertion, and betrayal.

"Because he is the only one who can read, now good luck, I've got to get some supplies and Sesshoumaru will get angry if I take too long." Kagome said, slapping a groping hand away before running to the well at super sonic speeds.

"Hentai!" screamed Sango, hitting Miroku for all she was worth.

Nope things never change, at least sometimes.


Modern Japan

Kagome jumped agilely through the well and landed with a soft thump on the other side. She had just enough time to shrink several elegant high heeled shoes which would go wonderfully with a couple of her modern-slash-traditional dresses. Of course she was well aware that for the Edo period Japan this would be highly unconventional. The clothing of Edo Period (1601-1867 A.D.) is what the modern person would think of when asked about traditional Japanese clothing. Consisting of basic pieces such as the Kimono, Obi, and Hakama, Japanese clothing is as remarkably simple as it is complex and elegant. Ushered in by Tokugawa Ieyasu's appointment as Shogun or military leader by the Emperor, the Edo period reflects a socially stable and economically prosperous time for Japan. Tokugawa shoguns held control of Japan for over 250 years during which they enforced isolation from the rest of the world by forbidding foreign literature and art and outgoing travel to western countries. Japanese fashion developed independently of other countries which is apparent as their traditional clothing remained in widespread use until post World War II.

Meaning that what she was proposing to do was really radical, but in no way was she going to go unprepared. As she figured it, sometime from then to the present in those 500 years, someone came up with a way to dissolve the soul mate bonds, or at least make a more temporary version. In the present the type of bonding which Sesshoumaru had used was obscure and rarely used by the demon classes. She herself, coming from a higher echelon and a traditionalist family, had barely heard of it. For this reason it would be several years before she would be freed from this farce of a marriage. What she was sure on was that by the time that those 500 years had passed, she would no longer be tied to Sesshoumaru. To insure this and her own freedom, she was going to take every technological advance that would make her life easier. Meaning it was going to be a day of serious shopping and packing. Sesshoumaru might be pissed later, in fact she was sure he was going to be, but she also knew it would be a long time before she returned. Thankfully she had figured out a way to send completed HW assignments from her laptop to Tokyo University via her miko powers to traverse the intervening time lapse. In truth, even though she semi-understood the reason why electronics worked in the Edo period, it was still sort of baffling considering it shouldn't be possible. But long ago had decided not to let that stop her from achieving her goals.

The best news for her was that she had taken the initiative to graduate from high school early and then continue on to four arduous years in college getting a major in international relations, foreign languages and culture.

For an eighteen year old teenager she way ahead of her time, although truth be told being the daughter of the Ambassador Higurashi left for nothing less. She had to learn to control her spiritual powers, and traveling had left her with a vast refine wardrobe for all occasions, and the need to learn self-defense. Martial Arts had become an important part of Japanese culture, and presently daughters were expected to learn some katas. After her father had died, and her brother Sota had left for a boarding school in the Atlantic, her mother had become even more obsessed with self-defense, and propriety. Or maybe being mugged outside a temple weirded her out too much. Her study majors corresponded with the directives of the Japanese government, if she wanted to be hired. She only needed 2 more years and she would be fully capacitated with a PhD, and a degree in Romantic Languages and Psychology. So if Sesshoumaru thought that she was too unsophisticated to implement the subtle art of politics and manipulation he had another thing coming. She thrived on Machiavellian reposts, and shady deals. In fact she had been weaned in the art of giving official dinner parties and drawing important people out and to engender them to your cause.

This was part of the reason why she had not been hurried in her attempts to find the Shikon No Tama. Once she completed it there had been no assurance that she would be able to stay and delve into this ambiguous period of Japan. But now, with this unexpected bond it would work out to her convenience…

She could finally find the shards and not worry about missing out on studying history. Having a major in anthropology this was a most guarded interest. After she was satisfied with her studies and she had found a way to undo Sesshoumaru's mistake, she could go back without any worries. As nice as living in the past was, she wouldn't want to be there permanently. What she could do is use history to her advantage to avoid several serious errors that had been committed in the past; like thinking that emperors were Gods and kami kazi yourself to death, or avoid trade relations with other countries until you are forced to, and being behind technologically, and culturally. It would take years before Japan became a developed country, and even to this day United States still had Japan under their thumb in some legal issues. Or during the Meji Revolution when Japan formed a class of unspeakables that even now bear the brunt of Japan's society's disgust. These people whose last names permanently mean 'commoners' and 'trash' have difficulty getting married after their beloved has checked up on the family register. Their only fault is that hundreds of years ago it was decided that the tanners and people dealing physically with dirty products such as meat and disposal were commoners and beneath the other Japanese peoples.

She had a chance to change all of that, and she would not waste it. As she saw it, history was made to be re-written, and if you had a way to correct the mistakes of the past, why not? Why allow the same senseless mistakes to be done again? In any case she had the knowledge and opportunity to do so and she was going to seize it. Carpe diem and all that, like Horace said.

"Kagome! Where have you been young lady?" Mrs. Higurashi asked impatiently, watching her daughter pack her whole wardrobe of clothes and shrink it before her startled eyes.

"Oh here and there, you know…hey can you pass me that bra over there, that red one?" Kagome asked, looking around to see if she had forgotten anything. She had all her shoes, traveling garments, fighting clothes which were typically traditional, lacy pjs, formal garments consisting from bulbous English dresses with fringed corsets and layers upon layers of frothy silk beneath to Egyptian robes, and Roman stolas and tunicas, and Germanic vestibules. All in all she was set.

"How long are you going to be gone this time, honey?" Mrs. Higurashi asked with a raised brow as she browsed threw her daughter's necessary amenities which included French truffles and caramel milk chocolate.

"A couple of months, I already have this semester's assignments in my laptop, and right now I'm storing some information in my hard drive about Early Japan, Nara Heian periods, Kamakura, Azuichi-Momoyama, Edo, and the Meji periods. I also want to save some history facts about Militarism and WWII and what occurred in the post war." Kagome said with a stifled sigh. It was a lot of work. But she was sure it was going to be worth it.

"Are you going to be dealing with diplomats?" her mother asked curiously.

"Yup, and a whole lot of demons which don't appear on our history books which leaves me at a stand still." Kagome whined, as she scrolled down and put to use her precious megabytes.

"Well why don't you also take some mythological books on the Edo period? I know we have a library which is a treasure trove of information and has been in our family for longer than this shrine has been around in our family."

"Really," Kagome said thoughtfully, a disturbing gleam appearing in her eyes, "How about I duplicate all the books and miniaturize them?"

"Be careful, you don't want those books getting into the wrong hands, and some of the books are ancient enough to be written in old Japanese," her mother warned.

"To make it easier on myself I can just duplicate them to be translated into modern English, written in our font which even to an English person from 500 years ago, a time where Chaucer has only lightly tread upon as of yet, would be incomprehensible." Kagome said satisfactorily.

"Are you sure honey?" her mother asked with unease. "I mean aren't there too many similarities?"

Kagome shook her head negatively, "Not really, if you think about it, it was when Alfred the Great decided to claim more lands and fought France where we get the first inklings to English, but even then English was mostly the language which peasants spoke, and nobles spoke in French and Latin. English was never written down for more than a prayer until Chaucer wrote Canterbury Tales in a mixture of Middle and Low English, with lots of made up words being a derivative of French or Latin. Not surprising really if you consider how the long poem is sort of like the Aeneid by Vergil, or Dante's Infeirno in that aspect."

"True, I forgot to consider that, how silly of me! You should also take those traditional kimonos over there on the lamented corner of your closet. Why don't you ever wear those? I think that now would be a fabulous opportunity!" Mrs. Higurashi gushed with girlish enthusiasm.

"Mom!" Kagome cried, trying to dissuade her mother from her flight of fancy.

"I mean it makes sense, you're going to the Edo period, and our traditional clothing has remained precisely the same as before except for perhaps some new colors in fashion. It would be wise to take a couple of hundred, and let's not forget swimsuits!" Mrs. Higurashi said as she spelled all the kimonos to fold crisply, and the corresponding togas to be packed and miniaturized as well.

"You should also take boxes of food dear, you know that food is not very sanitary over there and you are not used to those gastric worms." Mrs. Higurashi said as she ordered their butler to buy 6 months worth of regular meal plans consisting of Kagome's menu ideas and to leave it stacked in the entrance neatly.

"Ooh! Add candy, desserts, and bathroom supplies to that list." Kagome ordered.

"Yes dear, naturally." The matron said, before looking around the room for anything else.

"Do you wish to take your bicycle like you usually do?" Mrs. Higurashi asked, finding an abandoned ipod and adding it to the packed accessories.

"No way, I'm too old and dignified for that, besides after passing that labored driving exam I deserve to drive my cute Volkswagen bug around magically in the past." Kagome protested.

Mrs. Higurashi gave her daughter a stern glare, one that said she was asking for a reprisal and Kagome rebutted, "What if I have to fly somewhere and can't carry everything! Yes, it is much more sensible."

"Look, I'm going to the bookshop to pick up a couple of manuals of everything, and then I'm going to hunt around to see if there was anything I missed."

Hours Later

"Yes! Pizza, and spicy bratwursts, my kind of food. Cheetos are a nice addition," muttered Kagome as she shrunk down boxes of food.

"Well by mom, I have everything! I'll see you after a couple of months, I hope your relations with China continue to improve now that you guys have stopped disputing over Taiwan." Kagome called, making a mental note to make sure her books on architecture, medicine, anatomy, and plumbing were well placed in her jumble of things. For a second she thought she'd lost the lot.

"Honey! Buyo wants to go too!" Mrs. Higurashi hinted, with a suitcase filled with cat toys, and amenities.

"Mom, I don't think the person I'm going to be traveling with will appreciate magical Siberian Tigers that shoot fire or ice out of their jaws…" Kagome stated wearily.

"Nonsense, anyone would find Buyo adorable, and just think, if you're too full he'll help eat your food." Mrs. Higurashi declared cheerily, ignoring the malignant glare she was receiving from her daughter.

"No way," Kagome negated persistently.

"Well in that case I'll just have to leave him with the Zoo since I won't be here either." Mrs. Higurashi said slyly, making as if to call.

"Okay, okay! I'll take him already." Kagome agreed, pocketing her own cell phone in case she wanted to talk to her mother later.

"By the way mom, if I don't pick up immediately it means I'm busy just leave me a message, but remember that since I shall be traveling in the past you have to dial using your spiritual powers, understand?" Kagome reiterated.

"Hai." Mrs. Higurashi nodded of accord.

"And mom did anyone ever tell you that you are abhorrently conniving?" Kagome asked resignedly.

"Just the British Minister when we were discussing treaties dear." Mrs. Higurashi replied placidly.

"I will, ja ne." Kagome said before taking a leap through time, with a regal Siberian tiger right behind her following obediently.


Back with Sesshoumaru in Sengoku Jidai

"I wonder if I should castigate my mate for disobeying my orders?" Sesshoumaru queried softly, once Kagome had landed sturdily on her feet along with Buyo.

"Why of course not mon cheri!" Kagome quipped lightly, subtly taunting Sesshoumaru on his feminine appearance by referring to him as a mademoiselle, he did look the part, hip thrust out, and tapping his foot impatiently.

"Truly?" Drawled Sesshoumaru angrily, raising one fine brow in question.

"You told me to hurry and I did, it's not my fault you were not specific enough in your mandates." Kagome retorted, walking away huffily, her tail high in the air, while Buyo trotted beside her arrogantly as well.

"Why are you carrying around a color silk box which is for geishas, you're not going to use it are you?" Sesshoumaru asked worriedly, thinking about how his reputation would hurt from having a scandalous mate in the Cardinal of Lords.

"It's my purse you baka, and actually I do use make-up, but heaven forbid I use as much as geishas!" Kagome quipped, thinking silently that she was going to bring upon a whole revolution of ideas with her. Inside she was smirking, everything was packed inside her small innocuous purse, but could be enlarged later. Sesshoumaru had no idea what he was in for, and she was planning on enjoying herself.

"Well, do get on with it Sesshou, I do wish to soak in a hot bath." Kagome demanded, waiting for the Ice Prince to move already.

"We're going to fly there, therefore you shall hold onto me." Sesshoumaru replied frostily, still angry at her insubordination from earlier. He had not forgotten any of her transgressions, and as soon as he could discuss this privately with her she was going to get an earful, after he tricked her into putting on the necklace of course. He had crafted it from the insignia of the Western Lands, and it glittered with diamonds, and precious stones, apart from his yokai energy that would compel her to act the prudent Japanese wife. It would not sit her like Inuyasha's, but was far more refine in it's specifications. Kagome was going to learn her place, which was beneath him.

"Do not speak unless spoken to, today I shall not introduce you to the staff, that will be tomorrow. For today you will only acclimatize yourself to your new home, and I will give you the traditional denotation which is always given to the Lady of the Western Lands." Sesshoumaru said frigidly, as if what they were discussing was too recondite for her.

"Fine." Kagome agreed, wondering what the hell he was talking about. She had never heard about that for the imperial families, but then again they were talking about ancient demons in this case. Not much was known since they were a secretive lot, actually as a demoness herself she could attest that they still were. Even if you were in the modern world you would not find an accurate book about demon or class types, you were either in the know by relations or thought they were myths.

"We have arrived, now behave." Sesshoumaru demanded, landing on the veranda carefully before setting her down, while Buyo padded down from the air as well.

"You will have to guard your pet, many will not take well to him." Sesshoumaru warned, glaring hotly at an indifferent Buyo whom had begun to lick at his paw meticulously, absorbed in grooming.

"This is absolutely awe inspiring!" Kagome smiled tranquilly, as she took in the view of the majestic ice tipped mountains, and tall pine trees.

"Hn." Sesshoumaru grunted, taking out an object from his pocket.

"This is for you, would you like my assistance in putting it on?" Sesshoumaru asked calmly.

"It's, it's...BEAUTIFUL!" Kagome exclaimed brightly, jumping up from the veranda to hug her so termed Ice Prince.

Kissing his cheek with desultory lightness she sighed, "You really shouldn't have, after all this is a marriage in name only, and this necklace looks like it cost a lot. Not that my mind could make an accurate conversion of your money to mine, but still, it looks uber expensive."

Staring impassively at his mate, and hiding his inner glee, Sesshoumaru intoned, "Come to me."

And she did.

"SESHOU-" Kagome started, cheeks flushed in anger even as she moved to comply with his wishes.

"Damare."

Smirking like a Cheshire cat Sesshoumaru proceeded to their rooms. After all it wouldn't do for him not to enjoy his wedding night.

Later

"So I see how this is, I'm just your fuck toy while you surround yourself with business affairs and the like. A freakin' doll!" Kagome bellowed, making Sesshoumaru grasp his tender ears and step away from the raging Inu-Miko Demoness. No one warned him how the necklace had a limited affect which only lasted a short period of time in his opinion. He would have to use it sparingly.

"This Sesshoumaru asks you to desist in screaming like a vulgar person, it is not befitting of your station." Sesshoumaru intoned, backing away, after hastily donning a robe. Maybe it would be better if he slept outside tonight. The stars looked pretty, and best of all he was out of range from his wife's sharp claws.

"Oh no, sugar bun, let me demonstrate my happiness, from this GIFT!' Kagome snarled, before scratching him with her claws viciously.

"This Sesshoumaru will see you when you are in a more composed state-" Sesshoumaru started but then decided that running was a better option. There wasn't enough space between his pregnant mate and him at the moment. Especially when she realized afterwards that she no longer had a choice in birthing and that she would have to transform into her youkai state to give birth to twelve pups. He could no longer think of her as innocent and sweet after her display tonight. She was ferocious, bloodthirsty, and out for blood.

Specifically his.

Kami save me! Sesshoumaru thought before deciding to rest in a high tree branch in case she had decided to follow him. Tomorrow, or rather later on in the day he would deal with his mate. He was still the dominant in the relationship, he had just decided to concede the bed to her out of gentlemanly etiquette. Yes, that was it.

And with that the slightly ruffled Lord of the Western Lands began the life of wedded bliss, dreaming fantastical dreams which would sadly not come true.


Well that is all for this chapter, and I should add that I have decided to change the power which the necklace will have over Kagome. So while it can still control her, it will not be as much as Inuyasha since she is extremely powerful and can nullify a large amount. So the control shall be little but taxing. Oh and credits to a Japanese History website which I can't save the url on FFnet.

-Dani.