A.N. Hello! Sorry for the wait on updates, but here is chapter seven of "Beautiful"! I don't own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho.

"Kagome!"

Freezing, the miko stopped the two males from pulling her further away, turning to meet the amber gaze of the one she had helped to raise. "Inuyasha, I have to leave. I-I'm sorry. I just really can't take the risk of staying in Sesshomaru's range." She stepped towards the hanyou, earning a look of displeasure from the hybrid, and allowed him to wrap her in his arms.

Holding her close, the inu took in a few calming breaths, trying to commit her scent to memory. "You'll always be my onee-chan. Oh, Totosai wanted me to give you this before you left." Stepping back, he pulled out a box that emitted a slight aura. "Okaa-san also promised to gather and send some of your things to you."

Throwing her arms around him, she hugged him tight. "Take care of yourself, Inuyasha."


"Where is my son?" Haruko demanded, her jade eyes blazing with fury. Everything she had plotted and toiled for was coming undone and she was enraged. "Izayoi, you went too far. You've taken everything I worked for, and destroyed it! Where is Sesshomaru?"

Eyes closed, a serene expression on the Lady's face, she sipped her tea. "Sesshomaru is sleeping soundly, somewhere that he will not be disturbed." Twin pools of violet revealed themselves, peering at the beautiful inu without any emotion. "He does not wish to speak with you Haruko. In fact, I believe he is planning on banishing you from the palace, though I have hoped to convince him otherwise." Slight pity leaked into her tone at that.

Shaking with rage, the inu's eyes began to shift, her features becoming more animalistic. "Do not pity me... You whore!" With a howl, she charged forward, claws raised.

A barrier of emerald reiki erupted around the dark haired beauty, no signs of distress tainting her features. Perfectly painted lips fell into a frown, her eyes meeting her rival's with true sympathy. "Haruko, you are not helping yourself." She took a long sip of her tea, standing and dropping the barrier.

Without a thought, red eyed, Haruko moved in.

Shocking the youkai woman, Izayoi caught her in her arms and pressed their lips together, pushing the tea into the other female's mouth. Feeling Haruko sag against her, she lifted her up and carried her to her room, so similar to her own it was horribly ironic that the other woman hated her. "You must not meddle further, Haruko." She rested her on the bed and left, locking the door with a flash of green light.

"Okaa-san, they've left the grounds." Inuyasha eyed the other Lady's room, knowing it was locked with his okaa-san's reiki. "How is Fluffy?"

"He needs time to rest and think, Inuyasha. The future is still uncertain."


Uncertain sapphire irises took in the familiar landscape with slight trepidation. Home... Cheeks turning pink as she caught the hybrid's gaze, she coughed to distract herself. "Mount Hakurei? Will we all be allowed entrance?"

"Hn." Hiei gave a curt nod, watching through slightly narrowed eyes as Kuwabara took her hand and began to lead the way. Hn. It is as it should be.

"You'll love it here, Kagome. It's grown so much." The human male lead her through the mountain scape, pointing at all of the the carefully carved out dwellings. "Over there is the Higurashi section. Kaede's descendents live there."

A sad smile took possession of her features as she listened, allowing him to lead her to a dwelling obviously reserved for the Eastern trio when they chose to stay here. "And... Do they know the history?"

"Of course. I made sure that they knew." Smiling, he lead her inside. "If it wasn't so late, I'd bring you to Rin-She's the Higurashi Miko of this generation." He let go of her hand to stock the fireplace, wanting to insure their warmth for the night.

As soon as the wood was in place, Hiei set it ablaze with a flicker of youki before turning his gaze on the miko. "Hn. It's best to mark you now-You will be very tired afterwards." Without waiting for an answer, he gripped her wrist, leading her to his quarters.

"Alright..." Hearing Kuwabara following behind put her slightly at ease as she entered the bedroom, feeling a little shy and uncertain. She's only been in one male's bedroom before and that was awkward to say the least. But as the hybrid looked at her, she suddenly realized the impact of it all. She would be free. "Kazuma, do you have anything I could wear for the night?"

Surprised by the sudden question, the orange haired male gave her kimono a once over and realized why she wanted to change. She was decked out as Sesshomaru's intended from head to toe. "Mukuro keeps sleeping yukatas here-I'll fetch one."

Once he turned, the miko began picking her hair apart, throwing all ornamentation into a bin, shedding all the jewelery as well. She was driven, needing to erase all his claims on her. Breathing heavily, she stiffened when she felt hands behind her, loosening her kimono. "Hiei..." Cheeks flushed, she allowed him to pull her against his chest from behind, complying when he sat back on his bed.

Entering the room, Kuwabara sat in front of the pair, putting the soft blue yukata aside. His beady brown eyes peered into Kagome's sapphire orbs as he kissed her, pulling back after a moment to meet Hiei's crimson pools.

The hybrid met the other male's gaze with surprise. There was an understanding there, an acceptance. Eagerly, her pushed the kimono off her shoulders, baring the pale creamy flesh beneath to his gaze. Before it could slip forward though, he held it in place, allowing only a little of her cleavage to be exposed.

Shivering as the cool air met her skin, Kagome smiled softly when Kuwabara took her hand. Heat suddenly ran through her as his youki flared, obviously trying to give her warmth. She gulped, anxiety and anticipation festering in her belly as she felt his fangs lightly caress the junction where shoulder and neck met. Biting back a cry, she clutched Kuwabara's hand tighter as she felt them sink in.

"It will be okay." The orange haired male was trying to sooth, pushing her kimono sleeve up to watch the old slave mark. It was glimmering with an eerie green light, putting up a fight. He brought her hand up, kissing it as he watched, transfixed.

Youki flaring and pushing into the miko, Hiei was held back groans of pleasure, knowing how much pain she was in. Her blood was exquisite, filling him with the essence of her power and causing his grip on her to tighten. She was his. Sending more of his youki into her caused another tremor of pleasure to run through him, pleasure one could have only when taking a mate.

Awed, the human male watched as their auras played against one another. It was an act of love in the purest form. His eyes flickered to Kagome's pained face as he raised his hand and caressed her cheek. "It will be okay," he repeated softly.

Clutching at the man's hand more tightly, the miko could only endure as youki fought inside her, causing her own reiki to stir. She had to suppress it though-Had to. Pain ripped through her as green venom with traces of a familiar inu taiyoukai bubbled out of her wrist before being purified away. And suddenly, all the pain, all the tension broke and euphoria exploded within her very being.

"Beautiful..." The word passed through the human's lips as he watched her aura expand in a show of brilliant colors, visible to his eyes alone.

Pulling his fangs out, the youkai kissed the newly formed mark, caressing the dazed woman's shoulders lightly. At her shiver, he suddenly felt alone. It wasn't for me that she was marked... The reminder floating through his mind once more, he nudged her forward, letting her sag into the orange haired man's arms. "Hn. You are no longer Sesshomaru's property. You may freely marry the Kuwabara tomorrow." His tone was icy, as unattached as possible.

Looking back at the stoic youkai, Kagome sighed. "Take me somewhere to change? Please?"

Nodding. the larger male scooped her up, holding her kimono up to protect her modesty. "You can have my room for the night."

"I can't-" she began to protest, only to be silenced with a look. She sighed, too tired to really argue with him anyway. "Alright."


"Izayoi."

Turning to gaze into the young Lord's eyes, she smiled faintly. "My Lord... I had thought you would sleep at least until dawn." She then faced forward, gazing into the stars still vivid in the predawn light.

"What about you? Have you not been to bed?" Sesshomaru stepped forward, standing at her side as he looked at her out of the corner of his eye. To him, she seemed regal and powerful, every bit the Lady of the West she had been when his father lived.

"Too much to do, my Lord. I've sent messengers to potential allies and split men into troops to be lead by your finest. There is a vacancy." She paused, not needing to say whose absence caused this. "I will fill that vacancy, with your leave of course." Meeting his gaze, she smiled softly. "War comes... And there will be some who will not have faith in you. Please allow me to guide that faith so that you may effectively lead us into battle."

Cold golden orbs widened when she took his hand and knelt. She was a Lady. It simply wasn't right. Gently tugging her to her feet, he shook his head. "You are not my subordinate, Izayoi. You may lead your troop as you see fit, and stand by my side as my adviser."

"As you wish, my Lord."


Sapphire eyes snapped open, hand on the dagger she'd found before bed.

"You are certainly alert in the mornings, Kagome-sama," a chipper voice commented from the doorway.

Sitting up, the miko took in the sight of the adolescent girl in miko garb and nearly fell out of the bed. "You... You definitely look like a Higurashi." She stood, laughing awkwardly as she took in the girl's features which weren't unlike hers or the long dead Kaede's. Her innocence barred her from resembling Kikyou.

Smiling at the older female, the girl handed her a package. "I'm Higurashi Rin, the eldest Higurashi Miko currently in residence. I am honored to meet you Onee-sama." She bowed deeply, her tone respectful.

"Don't bow to me, little one." Setting the parcel aside, she took the younger girl's chin and tilted her head back to look into her warm, honey brown eyes. Smiling a little, she kissed her forehead. She reminded her so much of Kaede, she ached. After a moment, she let her go, sitting down and unwrapping the package carefully. There were two garments within; the traditional miko garb and a wedding kimono.

"Kuwabara-sama has often spoke of his intention to marry you. If you wish it, I can arrange a ceremony as soon as he wakes." Rin smiled, plopping down next to her.

"Hm... I'd rather let him sleep in... How about I help you with your duties and we'll start planning when he wakes, hm?"


Cool golden orbs flickered to the side, taking in the female Lord's appearance cautiously. "Mukuro." He spoke in a monotone, not revealing his thoughts to her. He hated that she knew his weakness now, but he needed her as an ally.

"You cannot wallow in misery, Sesshomaru. You leave yourself open to speculation-the gentle Lady should not be your teeth." She stepped in close, standing level with the larger taiyoukai. "The miko is out of your reach. But she lives. You have no one to mourn, so stop acting like a beaten puppy. Inutaisho-sama would be appalled."

Narrowing his eyes at the formidable woman, he bared his fangs. "You know nothing of my otou-san, and even less of me. Do not make an enemy of this Sesshomaru." He sniffed in an aristocratic fashion, looking every bit the pretentious snob his okaa-san had tried to raise.

"I know more than you ever could, Sesshomaru. Inutaisho-sama was a colleague, and eventually, he regarded me as his equal. You were never that." Her tone was biting, but honest. "And you never allowed him to treat you like a son. You balked at affection, even before your abduction. Maybe you're simply a naturally cold-hearted being, but I know what goes on in that mind of yours. You're simply pouting because you didn't get your way. Man up, and earn a place outside of Inutaisho-sama's shadow." That said, she turned on her heels and disappeared.

Lurking in the shadows, Izayoi sighed. "That was unnecessary."

"Gentleness will guide a male only so far-One must be goaded the rest of the way." A slightly amused note entered her tone.


"You must be careful, Chiyo-chan. Cuts like this can fester if not tended to. Let me help." The miko knelt, spreading a sticky salve over the little girl's injured hand before tying a bandage around it. "There! It'll be good as new in no time." She smiled, sapphire irises twinkling.

"Thank you, Miko-sama!" Chiyo chimed before running away.

In the distance, Kuwabara watched with a soft smile. The image stirred a nostalgia in him, and even allowed a fantasy to take hold for a minute. He imagined that they'd never been taken, that they had grown up together and built this village up themselves... A pleasant daydream, disrupted by the presence of the silent hybrid. "She looks beautiful like that... She's so natural with the children. Perhaps, one day, we'll see it all with our own offspring."

"Hn. She is my mate only to be your wife." The words twisted his heart a bit, but seemed true. Whether he wanted her or not, was irrelevant-All that mattered was that she was free of Sesshomaru.

"That's a load of crap, and you know it, Hiei. You love her." Smiling with just a little bitterness, the orange haired male let out a sigh. "You love her, I love her... And whether you realize it or not, she loves both of us, dearly. Don't be cold to her-you'll only wind up hurting her as well as yourself."

Running past the two males, a villager quickly bowed before the two mikos before facing the younger one. "Rin-sama, my son-He was lured down the mountain by a youkai!"

Sadness enveloped the younger miko's features. "Hideki-san, you know I can't leave. Leaving Mount Hakurei is a risk I cannot take. It is forbidden for me to venture far from the village, since Obaa-san's death. If Miroku and Sango were here, it would be different, but I... I am sorry. The life of the one cannot be put above the lives of the many." All youthful innocence drained from her tone and features, her hands curling into fists.

"Please, Rin-sama... He's all I have left." The man's voice was weak, pleading.

Taking a sidelong glance at the sullen teen, Kagome quickly looked away. She looks so like Kikyou right now... "Don't worry. I'll go. Just lead the way."

Surprised but clearly relieved, the man bowed to her. "Thank you Higurashi-sama! Follow me!" He turned, running in the direction from which he came, followed by the elder miko with ease.

Watching, Hiei started forward, only to be stopped by Kuwabara. "Hn. She should not leave the safety of the barrier."

"So you would hold her prisoner too? She needs to do this-Do good for her people. She has been under the thumb of a tyrant for centuries, only able to aid and protect at his whims. It is unnatural for a miko to be bound to serve one instead of many." His eyes followed the woman with longing. "Sesshomaru kept her from doing her duty. She needs to know she can still do it." His tone was soft, understanding. He had helped the village over the centuries while she had only been able to help those Sesshomaru allowed her to.


Walking swiftly, the miko halted the man from following her further. He would only hinder her. She crossed through the barrier and followed her senses towards a weak youki. Scarcely a threat... She sent out a pulse, turning the weakling to dust as she heard a whimper. Expanding her senses, she felt two additional youki and heard the giggles of what was no doubt a human child.

"Sshh... If she finds us, she'll hurt us. And we're your friends now, right?"

The voice she heard was that of a young boy. She walked towards a small clearing and found and unlikely trio. A human boy, a male kit, and a female bat hanyou. "Ah... So you two are the 'evil youkai'." Smiling warmly at the clearly frightened children, she knelt down a few feet away, opening her arms and embracing the toddler when he came to her.

Puffing up his chest, the rusty haired kit took a step in front of the taller, but somehow younger looking hanyou. "We rescued him from the one you killed. Now if you try to hurt us, I'll burn you alive with my awesome fox fire!" He held out his little claws, showing her the blue flames.

"Oh, well I'll have to proceed with caution then." Winking at the little girl behind him, she stood, still holding the small boy. "Do you have parents to go to?"

Feeling slighted at her lack of worry, the kit growled. "No. We don't. Now let us go."

"Shippou-chan... She might be able to help us." The bat hanyou looked up at the beautiful woman with awe. Her reiki was so pure, but also welcoming. As if she were embracing them with her presence.

Smiling at the two children, she looked at the barrier and knew they could get through. It repelled those of evil intent-Even some humans. "Perhaps you two could come back to the village? We could get you some food and you could rest."

"Mayb-" the little girl began, her red eyes hopeful.

"No! You remember what they did to you at the last village, Shiori!" Protectively, Shippou stood before her, as if trying to shield her from her very memories.

Wincing, the girl fell silent.

Sighing, the miko looked into the little girl's eyes. "You know, my best friend is an inu hanyou. He was practically my little brother. I used to sing him lullabies and play with him all the time. And no one ever dared mistreat him when I was around." Turning her eyes to the little kit, she smiled. "I have many youkai friends as well."

Distrusting, the kit bit his lip. It had been days since they'd eaten properly or rested well.

Suddenly, the sky darkened and Kagome tensed as she sensed throngs of youkai. Eyes snapping to the sky, she saw the wall of low level weaklings trailing after a flying neko that was carrying two humans on its back. "Crap..." She sent out a blast of purification, drawing their attention and taking out many of the weaklings. Without waiting for consent, she grabbed the two youkai children as well as the toddler and held them up as the neko swooped low.

A brown eyed woman with a mask covering most of her face scooped the children, surprise flashing in her features when she saw Kagome up close. "Miko-sama, you should run!" she yelled, continuing through the barrier.

Turning towards the army of low class youkai, she held up her hands and blasted. Ashes coated the earth as the youkai were obliterated. With that, she decided to return to the safety of the barrier and Higurashi village. After all this time, she was still a Higurashi Miko.