Chapter 11 Rewritten

It took Kagome over an hour to make it back to Kaede's hut. It took a while for her to stop crying and after she wanted to wash her face before she met up with everyone. While she scrubbed her face, Kagome realized just how tired she was. Tired of being hurt, tired of being weak. It was time for a change. Her friends had much bigger problems then her love life, or lack thereof.

Once she made it to the hut, Kagome rushed into an equally excited Sango's arms for a hug that was truly long overdue. She had missed her friends so much!

Next to want a hug was Miroku, Kagome stepped into his open arms, but was ready for his wandering hands to kick in to cop a feel. To everyone's surprise, they didn't. He gave her an honest friendly hug.

Kaede watched the young adults reunite with a small smile on her face. Even in these dangerous times it was important to enjoy the small moments. The old miko always wondered if things would've been different for her sister if she took time to see the good in things. Pushing that thought aside, Kaede called out to her adopted granddaughter for everyone to come in. Plus, Kaede was also extremely curious to learn what Kagome was up to. "Well come in, Child. There is much to discuss."

Once inside, everyone took a seat in the cozy hut they all thought of as a second home. The group of four shared stories from their time apart, most of them were funny, some stressful but overall it was great to catch up. As they spoke, Kagome couldn't help but notice how close Sango and Miroku were sitting or the looks they shared when they thought no one was looking. It was crystal clear the couple had grown closer which helped ease the guilt Kagome felt from leaving them behind without the full story. Kagome was about to ask the love birds what was going on to get a rise out of Sango when Inuyasha pushed aside the matt covering the door and plopped himself down in the corner.

Seeing Inuyasha hurt her, but for a different reason than others would think. In all the madness, Kagome was still young. She lost her first love, her best friend, and partner. Looking at him reminded her of who she was and how it all started. She trusted him with her life, but now? She wasn't sure. How could things change so much? Taking a deep breath, Kagome smiled over to him. Hoping to push aside the emotions she was feeling. The promise she made to herself was to stop crying, she wasn't about to break that promise already.

'Remember, in my time I'd be too young to deal with all of this but here I'm an adult who should already be married and raising kids.' Whatever feelings she may have for anyone does not come above the jewel or her duties.

"So why can't I get through the well." Inuyasha demanded.

'Well there went small talk.' Kagome thought bitterly.

"I think you know why, Kikyo should have been able to tell you." She answered in the hope he'd drop the issue and they could avoid yet another fight.

Inuyasha leaned forward, ready to say something she was sure would be rude, when Kikyo walked in causing everyone to tense.

Kaede couldn't help but make space for her sister while keeping some distance between them. Kikyo may have been Kaede's older sister growing up, but the old miko didn't agree with the way her sister walked the Earth again. She was half a soul, lost and determined to get revenge.

Inuyasha argued with Kaede a while ago that Kikyo and Rin were the same, both brought back from the dead and Kaede welcomed Rin with open arms. Why did her older sister not get the same treatment? She tried to explain Rin was completely different, Rin may have died but the way Sesshomaru brought Rin back whole. She was the same loving little girl who was given another chance at life. If she fell, Rin would bleed, Rin could still die. Her sister couldn't say the same. If only Inuyasha was realize that.

Kikyo pulled her younger sister from her thoughts. "I told him what you did. Only someone with your reiki can pass. Now, why have you returned?" Her question left no confusion. Kikyo did not want Kagome back nor did she want the girl around to mess with her plans.

'How dare she speak to Kagome like that?! She's the one no one wants around yet she's going to act like this?' Sango was about to intervein to protect her heart sister when Kagome proved just how much she's changed in such a short time.

Rising to her feet, Kagome ignored Kikyo completely. The only reason anyone would know Kikyo spoke at all was if you heard her. "Sango? Wanna go to the hot springs for some girl talk before I head home?"

"Yes! We have so much to talk about." If the dead miko wasn't going to bother Kagome, then Sango wasn't going to add fuel to the fire. She was proud of the younger woman for being the bigger person.

Linking arms, the girs quickly left the hut. Miroku stayed seated, finally understanding his past actions were hurting Sango. Even if he couldn't be with her, he could protect her, even if he had to protect her from himself.

That was his plan before Inuyasha jumped up and followed them. Sadly, the half-demon wasn't a pervert so if he was following the girls it was to cause drama and possibly hurt Kagome, who he saw as a younger sister. He kept his distance, staying in the doorway since he knew the girls could handle him. The monk just wanted to be there for not only support but also to pull his friend away if he got in Kagome's face.

"Oi! What the hell do ya mean 'before you head home?' You just got here and you haven't even told us what you've been doing with Sesshomaru! You can't just leave again!" He grabbed Kagome's arm to stop her from walking away. He was hurt that Kagome could treat him like this, they were best friends and she was supposed to be in love with him. How could she cut him out of her life? The only emotion Inuyasha felt comfortable with was anger , he hoped yelling at her would get her to fall back into their typical pattern. He couldn't lose her.

"Actually, I can. You are not my boss nor my father. You wanted Kikyo in this group, you wanted her with you. You got her, go take her and find your jewel. I'll be back to finish this. Unlike some people I know, I keep my word." She barely got those words out. It killed her to be so mean, but it had to be done. She knew if she showed any signs of weakness, he would grab it and keep fighting with her.

Inuyasha was stunned. 'Have I caused this?' He wondered.

"Kagome?" He quietly called her name in the hopes she'd stop and look back. She didn't. Kagome kept walking with Sango to the hot springs.

Hot Springs

Both girls were enjoying the feel of the warm water, it was a great way to calm their nerves and help them relax before they started talking. While both girls fully trusted each other, there was a little tension between them. Neither knowing how to start the conversation.

Maybe the best way would be to start simple. "Kagome, are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. (sigh) It's stressful, I mean everything has changed so much. From our group splitting up, Taking Shippo away from our little family, spending most my time at home. It's good though. I'm actually getting my schoolwork done, Sango. Not only that, but I'm getting it right! I'm actually learning for the first time in what feels like forever."

"How long is your deal with Lord Sesshomaru?"

"Well, we thought it would take at least five months but I'm speeding through everything. I'm keeping the same hours I had here. I wake up before everyone else and get a good two hours of work done before I start my training. My family is so proud, my grades are great, and to be honest with you, my mental health is much better as well."

"Your mental health?"

"Yes, before I was always stressed, sad, worried, just a mess. Now, I'm stressed but it's at a much lower level."

"I'm glad you're doing better. You look well. If your getting your school done quicker than you planned, how much time are you able to commit to your training?" Sango was proud of what Kagome was doing, she knew it was difficult on her, but Sango was sure her friend would come out stronger in the end.

"I spend my mornings focusing on my reiki and helping my grandfather around the shrine. While we work together, he talks to me about the past, er this era. I'm learning so much about demons and hopefully I won't be so worthless when I come back here full time.

"Don't be like that, Kagome! None of us think you're worthless." Sango was worried how much damage Inuyasha had caused with his harsh words. She wasn't going to let this continue, Kagome was a valuable member of their team.

"It's okay, I am. In my time I'm useful and don't have to worry but here? Here you need to know how to hunt, clean a kill, fight, and all at a young age. I can't do any of that. I can't make a shelter and we all know that without you or the rest of the group here to help me I would never had made it a day."

Sango was at a loss. How do you respond to something like that? It was true, Kagome did lack the basic skills needed to survive here but that didn't mean she wasn't helpful in her own way. Kagome brought all kinds of knowledge that they would never have heard of before. Plus, she was someone they all trusted and leaned on for support. Sango wanted to say all that but didn't think it would help any.

"Let's go back to camp. Hopefully Inuyasha and Kikyo are gone by now." Kagome offered.

"Alright."

They two quickly dried and redressed before heading back to Kaede's hut.

Western Castle

The Western lands were always a strict place to live but now it was worse. Anyone who didn't have to be in the palace left. When Lord Sesshomaru arrived home, after taking Kagome to the well, he was in a horrible mood. Not a single demon went near the Western Lord unless absolutely necessary.

While it was common to irritate Sesshomaru, normally it was a cold glare in return. The inu daiyokai was currently snapping at anyone who dared breathe near him. Punishments were being handed out left and right.

All this added fuel to the rumor mill.

From an outsider's point of view, it appeared like two lovers in a fight. Lord Sesshomaru never did anything for others unless he gained from it. Here he was, staying home and carrying for a young woman's adopted kit instead of traveling the land in search of Naraku all for someone who had nothing to offer their Lord. Then, he comes back in a horrible mood with that same female missing. If that wasn't' enough to cause people to talk than the fact Rin and Shippo could be heard crying since they spoke to their Lord was the final nail in the coffin. There was no question about it, something was happening between Kagome and Sesshomaru.

Raku had been trying to calm the children down since Sesshomaru informed them Kagome would not be returning until it was time for the final battle. While the Western Nanny could never voice how she was feeling, inside Raku was pissed at both, Kagome and Sesshomaru. Since she wasn't there, Raku didn't know for sure who was at fault but from the information she did have, Raku was pretty sure Sesshomaru was to blame.

With her position in the West being so low she could never voice her issues. Thankfully, Yukiko was also in Rin's room when Sesshomaru so kindly told them "the Miko will not be returning. She will see you if she lives through the final battle."

After an hour of the children sobbing their hearts out, Yukiko had enough. "I'm going to speak with Yukio. The pup has gone too far this time."

After searching for his aura, she found her twin brother. He was in his sitting room with Akio going over battle plans when she barged in. Her eyes were pink, both her and her beast were livid. Only Sesshoamru would handle the situation with the kids so poorly.

"Yukiko? What's wrong?" He was on his feet ready to hold her. He hadn't seen her this upset since they were young. Her beast was clearly trying to break free. Not only that but she never comes in without knocking, much less baring in like a bat outta Hell. If he had to guess, it was the pup they call the Western Lord who had his sister in such a mood.

"He... he just... those poor pups! He- I don't even know what he did but the way he told those babies broke their hearts! Raku-chan and I have been trying to calm them down since he came back." Yuio felt slightly better after venting.

"What are you talking about, Yukiko-san? What happened to upset Lady Rin and the kit? I know they must be sad Kagome's gone and will miss her, but she'll be back next month." The Western General wished he never opened his mouth when she growled and look at him with rage filled eyes.

"That damn pup isn't allowing Kagome back until she's ready to fight Naraku and use the jewel." She seethed.

Akio was on his feet in an instance. "She was to come back once a month to check on the children and heal our Army so we can train harder than ever before. Is he still planning on visiting her three times a month? Actually, never mind. I will go speak to Lady Rin and Little Shippo." He may be the Western General, but Akio hated seeing hurt pups. Especially Lady Rin.

He knew the twins would want to speak to each other alone, they were the only ones who would be able to speak with their Lord. Maybe they'd be able to make things right. As he was leaving his mentor's sitting room, the bell rang announcing the arrival of Lady Mother.

"Thank the Kamis! Maybe she can talk to her pup, I'm done trying." Yukio was worried about her old friend. Being back after so long was going to be difficult but hopefully her motherly instincts would kick in and she would be able to sort everything out.

"Oh Yukiko, you don't mean that." He wanted to calm her down before they met up with everyone. Having her upset wasn't going to help anyone.

"You don't know, I might be." Yukiko snapped.

The twins made their way towards the Great Hall to greet Lady Mother. This would end on of two ways; either the tow of them reconnecting would do them both some good and possibly get Sesshomaru to fix whatever happened between him and the miko or they'd need to build a new castle once the mother and son reunion was over.

Lady Mother wasn't sure what to expect when she returned to the West after being gone for so long. She knew there would be whispers, possibly anger, but she truly didn't expect to see a small human child with tear stains on her face standing by her son while a little kit hid behind the human, also clearly distraught. Looking from the young to her own son she noticed he didn't have his mask of indifference; he was clearly pissed. She hated seeing him so upset all the time, she wanted to see Sesshomaru happy and with a family of his own.

Lady Mother often wondered how things would have turned out if she took him with her to the palace in the sky. It killed her to leave her pup behind with her absentee mate. Hell, she even asked her mate but there was no way she could take him. Sesshomaru had to stay in the West in order to train as the next Western Lord. Staying to raise him wasn't an option either, she wasn't mentally capable of handling the love of her life with someone else.

Realizing her son wasn't going to break the awkward silence that had fallen through the hall she took it upon herself to start the conversation. "Son, are you going to introduce me to everyone?" She hoped hearing her speak would snap everyone out of their thoughts.

Trying not to growl at his mother for demanding respect after leaving him behind, Sesshomaru bowed his head to show respect as he said "Mother."

He gently placed his clawed hand on Rin's head, "This is Rin and the kit is Shippo. You know everyone else."

Rin wasn't sure what to do, she had never met Sesshomaru's mother before and the only family her Lord had was Inuyasha. Assuming she needed to say something, Rin stepped forwards and gave her possible grandmother the biggest smile she could, trying to ignore how sad she was at the moment.

"Hello, Rin is Rin. You're really pretty, like Kagome." As soon as she said Kagome's name the kit instantly started to tear up a bit. Rin's smile all but vanished. Clearly whatever happened involved this Kagome. Unfortunately, Lady Mother had been traveling all day, so she didn't know any specifics.

"Kagome? Who is that, child?" Lady Mother cooed trying to get some answers before she was forced to try and get answers from her son.

Trying to hold back the sob working its way up her throat. She wasn't sure what to say, Rin didn't want to upset her father figure, but she was a horrible liar. Sesshomaru saved her from having to figure it out by ending all communication between the two women.

"Rin, take the kit back to your room."

The two quickly took off in hopes of making it to their room and the security offered from being behind closed doors before they broke down, again.

To say Sesshomaru's mom was shocked was an understatement. Two little ones under her son's care were hurting and her son had the audacity to dismiss them in such a cold way. What happened to her little boy? Even when she watched through her magic mirror, Sesshomaru was cold and distant with people but this was completely different. He was just plain mean towards those pups. Something she's never seen before.

"Son, let us go to your study." She needed to speak to him. It would be up to him if they had this conversation in front of the whole castle or not. She hoped once Sesshomaru was able to hash everything out with her he might be willing to fix their relationship.

"Hn." He turned and lead the way. Whatever his mother wanted; he knew it couldn't have come at a worse time.

Mother could help. His beast offered.

She will not because there is nothing for her to assist This One with.

We miss her. He whined. His beast was tired of how annoying his more humanoid self was being.

No, we wanted to prove she wanted us, that is all. Sesshomaru wasn't about to have this talk with his beast, again. They just got back in harmony with each other.

If she was like other females than we wouldn't have touched her, and she did want us. She just wanted more than what you wanted to give. We will give her what she wants. If you do not, then I will. We want her and won't lose her to another.

Sesshomaru was about to answer his beast when a gentle hand touched his shoulder.

This is not over. He warned his beast before turning his attention back to his mother.

"Son, I think it's time we talk about everything." His mother was trying to pull him away from his beast so they could speak while it was normal for demons to speak with their beasts, it was uncommon for demons to talk to them while others are around.

"Hn." Sesshomaru started to pour himself some sake. If he was going to be stuck dealing with his mother than he'd need something to make it through this reunion.

"Sesshomaru, you will not 'hn' me, your own mother." She said with a look that a mother would give any child while disciplining them.

His only response was to look at her. He was a grown yokai. Hell, he was a daiyokai. Sesshomaru was not going to be talked to like a pup. He had to deal with Yukio's "talk" and now he was going to have to listen to his mother. Last time he saw her she was a mess. He wasn't even sure she'd make it a full year after his father left. Now she wants to come back here and tell him what to do? That was not going to happen. In Sesshomaru's mind, she had her chance and she choose to leave him. She gave up her right to mother him when she left.

"Son, I don't know what is going on with you, but I have been watching you, you know this. I'm sorry I had to leave. I couldn't stay here any longer. Everywhere I looked I saw him, I saw old memories, I saw what I thought would happen when you were older. If I stayed, I would never have lasted. Please, allow me to be here for you now." She knew she was begging, but she didn't care. Lady Mother would do anything for another chance with her son.

"Mother, This Sesshomaru does not need this now." As he spoke, he walked towards the window and turned his back to the table where his mother was standing near. He couldn't see her upset again. It brought back too many horrible memories and now he was the cause.

Lady Mother looked around in frustration. Maybe something would catch her eye to offer some sign on how she could connect with him again. Taking a quick sweep of the study, her eyes landed on something seemingly out of place on his desk. On the corner sat an odd scroll, it was bright white. Most paper was off white due to travel and what not. Seeing her son still looking out the window, she grabbed the scroll, noting it smelled of a female, this same scent was on not only Sesshomaru but also Rin and Shippo. Unrolling the paper bright pink characters stood out. Now she had to read it.

Who in the world would give Sesshomaru something so bright?

-OMTL-

Lord Sesshomaru, of the Western Lands & Higurashi Kagome, The Shikon no Tama Miko Agreement

Shippo is to stay with Lord Sesshomaru while Kagome is back at her home working on schooling and her training.

Kagome will promise one year of her time to work with Rin after the jewel is complete and Naraku is defeated. Location is dependent on Lord Sesshomaru's needs.

Kagome will block Inuyasha from the well and give Lord Sesshomaru a path through the well with the use of an amulet that will have a part of Kagome's reiki in it, so the well accepts him.

Kagome will heal Lord Sesshomaru's Army so he may push them harder, Kagome will receive three coins for this in order to care for her family.

Kagome will heal Lord Sesshomaru's arm back to its original form, before the "incident."

Lord Sesshomaru will train Kagome to use her reiki and fight before the final battle.

Kagome will not hinder Lord Sesshomaru in any way, shape, or form.

Kagome will help with the Western's defenses with her future information, to a point. There is no telling what is to come or how to stop what is to come.

Kagome will follow through with the jewel and not give it to anyone, including Inuyasha

Kagome will stay out of Lord Sesshomaru's life outside of what is listed above and not annoy him or his staff, apart from Jaken.

More can be added at any time if both parties agree to the addition.

-OMTL-

When his mother didn't say anything, Sesshomaru turned to see if she was okay. Lucky for him, Sesshomaru had many years of practicing his cold mask so it didn't change when he saw his mother holding his agreement with Kagome.

Oh, for the love of-

This is good! She could help us. She now knows, she is Pack Mother, who better to speak to? Sesshomaru's beast was pacing in his mind, trying to find a way to escape so he could take care of things. If he were in control, he would have rushed back to the well so him and the miko could talk. When you find someone, your beast wants you don't let them get away. And you think I'm the beast.

This Sesshomaru will do no such thing. Once Naraku is defeated, we will not be seeing Kagome again. I will have Rin stay in the village with the old miko for her training.

What?! You will do no such thing! His beast was livid and ready to fight for dominance.

"Sesshomaru, what is this? Is this Kagome you made the agreement with the same Kagome your ward mentioned? I'm assuming the Shippo in this (she waved the scroll towards him) is the same small kit I met today. Why would you make this agreement with her? Reading over this, it would appear she is getting the better deal." Now her interest was piqued. This wasn't like her son at all.

"Do not worry about it." Sesshomaru waved off, hoping that would be the end of their conversation.

"Sesshomaru. You will talk to me this instance. There are two little ones hurting because of this. Your staff is whispering, which wouldn't normally bother me, but when my son is the topic of gossip, I do care. I can feel how royally pissed Yukio and Yukiko are, while Akio seems to feel at a lost. You (she waved one elegant clawed hand in his direction) my son, look like Hell. As I said, I've been watching you your whole life through my mirror and I know your cold mask but this, this is different. You are my son. You will tell me what is wrong, and we will come up with a solution together. You don't have to be alone anymore."

His mother's small speech seemed to shake Sesshomaru, for his eyes showed his struggle. If she had to guess, he was fighting with his beast and trying to figure out how he feels about everything that has happened recently. Being closed off for so long hindered his ability to handle so many emotions.

Knowing how her son worked and that he wasn't going to say anything else to her any time soon, she left the study. Lady Mother would do her own digging until she could figure out what all is going on.

As she left the room she thought, 'Inu no Taisho, I blame you for our son's hard head.' She could feel him laughing at her.

Two Days Later:

Kagome looked up at the beautiful sky above her. It was a perfect day for her, the sky was light blue with white puffy clouds floating by. She felt as if she was in a snow globe, minus the snow. The only thing that would make this better would be if she wasn't dying. Her body hurt so badly; her lungs couldn't take in air. Hopefully it would be over soon. Closing her eyes, she waited for death to take her.