The Way I Am

by Serephina of the Kamis

Love can happen in a moment. But more often, it happens in a series of common goals, unpaid debts, and random interference. But in the end, it is a search for the one who takes you as you are. Sess/Kag.

11. Chapter 11

Disclaimer: Aliens implanted a chip in my brain and told me to wish for one thing. I wished to own InuYasha, and they laughed at me. So I still don't own InuYasha.

I've decided to cut to the short and sweet ending. I re-evaluated the long torturous method, and looking back at it, it drags out the story way too much and will just turn this (hopefully) wonderful story into crap. So, the long and torturous ending will probably be made into a separate story. That, however, is up to Obsessive_Goddess and Horse Wolves.

At last, I bring to the fold the final members of our favorite shard hunters: Sango and Miroku!

---

Last Time:

A snort from Ah-Un brought him back to earth. Quickly, the smile disappeared from his face. What was he doing, grinning like an idiot? He was being a buffoon, and he couldn't even deny it. One accidental confession from a ningen, and years of training go out the window. He was pathetic.

Shaking his head, he went up to Ah-Un. "I expect her back in two days."

Ah-Un bowed their heads as Sesshoumaru turned. They both needed space after that. . . thing.

CHAPTER 11: OLD FRIENDS AND REVENGE

Kagome smiled at Jinenji. "Thank you so much, Jinenji."

Jinenji smiled at her. "It's no problem, Lady Kagome. I was glad to help."

Kagome gave him a hug, then turned to Ah-Un. She took a deep breath, then let it out. "Okay, Ah-Un. Let's get these back to the Western Palace. I'm sure he's forgotten all about the. . . thing."

Ah turned to Kagome and nodded enthusiastically, while Un turned away and snorted. Kagome frowned. "I knew there was a reason Ah was my favorite."

Ignoring Un's groan of disbelief, Kagome climbed onto his back. "Well, here we go. See you around, Jinenji!"

"Bye, Kagome!" Jinenji called back.

A few minutes later, Ah-Un and Kagome were high in the sky, heading straight to the Western Palace. Kagome wasn't sure if she was ready for this or not. A blush spread over her face even thinking about the. . . thing. She cringed. It was definitely not her best moment.

Well, she was not going to bring up the subject if she could help it. It was true, so she couldn't take it back. But unless he mentioned it, she would just pretend that it never happened. It was the only option she could think of that didn't end in her dying from embarrassment.

"You don't think he'll remember, do you Ah-Un?" Kagome asked hopefully.

Ah shook his head frantically. Un snorted and rolled his eyes. Kagome glared at him. "You will never be my favorite acting like that you know."

-------------------------------------------------------Sesshoumaru------------------------------------------------------

Sesshoumaru stared at the pile of paperwork in front of him. He had been in his palace for two days now, and he had yet to even start on the hell that was his paperwork. And why? Because a single scene kept repeating in his head.

"Can't you see the only one I love is you?"

Sesshoumaru shook his head. He had to stop obsessing over this. It wasn't healthy, productive, or useful. He had to forget it, because he was certain that she hadn't meant was she said. It would be better to just let it go. After all, love? It was a foolish human emotion unworthy of his attention.

At least, that's what he kept trying to tell himself.

A knock on his door interrupted his musings. "Enter." He called.

The door slid open to reveal Amaterasu. "Good morning!" She announced. Sesshoumaru growled in return, but didn't stop her as she entered. "I have some excellent news, Sesshoumaru!"

"You're dying?" Sesshoumaru asked.

Amaterasu glared at him, but continued. "Kagome and Ah-Un just entered palace ground with the medicines!" A grin spread over her face, and she looked at him expectantly.

Sesshoumaru looked away and grabbed a paper. "And this should matter?"

Amaterasu looked down at the paper. "Obviously, it is, since that's the same report you've been reviewing for the past two days."

Sesshoumaru glared at the paper as if it had personally offended him. "It is a very important report."

"Is that so?" Amaterasu asked, a smirk decorating her face. "I didn't realize that the court's makeup expenses were of such great importance."

Sesshoumaru started and reread the document. Then he looked up with a glare. "This is about new agricultural endeavors in the Southern Region."

"While that is important, you had to reread it to know it was important." Amaterasu pointed out. "Which leads me to believe that you weren't focused on paperwork, which mean you were focusing on something else, which means that the reason you started working when Kagome returned is because she was the thing you were focused on." By this point, her grin had grown tenfold.

Sesshoumaru growled. "Preposterous." He turned back to his paperwork. "If you have nothing more to say, then I suggest you remove yourself from this Sesshoumaru's presence."

Amaterasu sighed. "Fine, whatever." She trotted out, leaving Sesshoumaru to brood.

So, Kagome had returned. He'd been expecting it, but that didn't make him any less. . . he supposed the emotion he was feeling could be described as anxiety. Knowing her, Kagome would expect something to come of her little confession. While he definitely did not love her, he did consider her a friend of sorts. He didn't really want her to disappear like the others who had claimed to love him. But then again, that could have been because they showed up in his bedchambers expecting to have earned the right to share his bed.

Sesshoumaru shook his head. Kagome wouldn't expect something like that. Mentally, he groaned as he leaned back against the wall. If only the. . . thing had never happened.

Another paper caught his eyes, and he scanned it quickly. Getting the gist of it, he sighed. Yet another proposal from the Northern Lord asking for an alliance. Sesshoumaru wouldn't have minded so much, except for the fact that the alliance included him mating the Lord of the North's daughter.

But with all the recent turmoil, he began to think. Perhaps the reason he was in so much turmoil was his instincts telling him that he was ready to mate. It would certainly explain his more. . . base reactions to Kagome. And in retrospect, the Northern Lord's daughter really was the best candidate for him to mate: powerful, unemotional, and intelligent. It was a strategically sound move, as well as a logical one.

After a few more moments, Sesshoumaru nodded. It was the right choice, that much was certain.

-----------------------------------------------------------------Sango----------------------------------------------------------------

Sango dodged yet another blow as Kohaku bore down on her with his sword. As he rushed by her, Sango placed her own sword in his path so that he ran into it with a loud smack. Sango smirked. "Much better than last time. You went a full twenty minutes with me, and I don't think I've had this much fun since we were shard hunting."

Kohaku nodded, then sheathed his sword. "Can I go eat now, Sister?"

Sango grinned. "Of course you can." Kohaku grinned and raced passed her. Sango just shook her head. He'd gotten so much better from the time he'd spent under Naraku, though even after two years, he still had moments where he was not himself. Still, training like this really did him a lot of good.

"Sister!" Sango turned to see Kohaku standing on top of the hill. "Hachi is in front of the hut!"

Sango looked puzzled for a moment. What was so great about Hachi. . . with a joyful shout, Sango raced down the hill, ignoring Kohaku's eye roll. By the time she made it to the hut, she was huffing and puffing. She leaned against the side of the hut to catch her breath.

"Sango." Sango raised her head to see an agitated Miroku. "You shouldn't do that in your condition! What if you had fallen on your way down and-"

"What if I had been struck by lightning, knocked over by a tree, fallen into the river, eaten bad pork." Sango interjected. "For kamis sake Miroku, I'm pregnant, not dying!" With a smile, she lunged forward and gripped her husband in a tight hug.

Miroku smiled and wrapped his arms around her in return. He stayed there for a moment before a mischievous glint entered his eyes. With practiced movements, Miroku allowed his hand to drop lower, caressing his wife's behind. Sango reacted immediately. "HENTAI!" She pulled back and smacked him across the face, though not nearly as hard as she had so many years ago.

Miroku grinned and rubbed his cheek. "Ah, it never gets old." After a brief chuckle, he followed his wife inside.

Sango busily started the fire, and looked over to their shelves to decide on dinner. Miroku sat in front of the fire. "So, how did the exorcism go?" Sango asked. She turned suddenly, giving him her best evil eye. "They did need an exorcism, right?"

"Sango, my dearest, you wound me by your skepticism." Miroku announced in fake hurt. "Really, after all the times my exorcisms kept you warm and dry while on the road, you think you would believe in my power."

"Yeah, I'll believe in your power of con artistry." Sango quipped, a small grin decorating her face. "Well?"

Miroku sighed. "Yes, the village really did have a ghost. But no longer."

Sango shook her head. "And how much did you extort from them this time?"

Miroku shook his head. "I am truly hurt, my heart!" Sango waited, and finally Miroku sighed. "Two bags of rice."

Sango nodded. "Good. I was worried you might have gone overboard. That village has had it rough this year." She turned back to her cooking.

Silence reigned in the hut for a few minutes as Miroku relaxed in the smell of his wife's cooking. He was well off, he had a beautiful wife, and a child on the way. What more could someone ask for?

The front door opened, and Miroku looked up with a smile. "Hey, Kohaku."

"Hello, Miroku." Kohaku answered. "Um, Sis, I could be wrong, but there's this red thing heading towards the village. I think it's InuYasha."

Sango smiled "InuYasha! We haven't heard from him in months!"

The door slid open, and a very familiar voice called out. "Oi! Where's the food!"

Miroku chuckled. "Typical InuYasha, food is more important to him than catching up."

"What's so interesting about you guys?" InuYasha demanded. "Sango's preggo, and Miroku's a perv. What else do I need to know?"

Sango laughed as she placed a bowl of stew in front of him. "Good to see some things don't change."

After about an hour of eating and bantering, Miroku got serious. "So InuYasha, what brings you here?"

InuYasha thought, then his eyes widened. "Kagome!"

InuYasha could see that he had the room's attention now. "What about Kagome?" Sango demanded.

InuYasha's mind worked, and soon, a plausible story popped into his head. "Kagome's been kidnapped by Sesshoumaru! He's kidnapped Shippou, and now he's threatening her in order to force her to stick around. She's in huge danger!"

Miroku glared at him. "And you didn't mention this earlier because?"

InuYasha looked at him stupidly. "Because I was hungry." That response earned him pot to the head. "OW! What the heck was that for?"

"For being an idiot!" Sango shouted. "I cannot believe you didn't mention this sooner!"

Miroku quickly calmed his hormonal wife before continuing. "So, when do we leave?"

"Now!" Sango screamed.

"Tomorrow morning." Miroku interjected, silencing Sango with a look. It was a skill he'd developed when he found out that Sango had no idea how to sew. The look said You-will-agree-with-me-or-you'll-wear-holey-clothing-for-the-rest-of-your-life!, and Sango always fell to it's power. Just like Miroku fell to her Bow-to-me-or-no-sex-for-a-week look.

Sango grumbled, but Miroku managed to get her to agree. As they left for bed, taking a silent Kohaku with them, InuYasha smirked. Soon, Kagome will be with me again. Just you wait.

-------------------------------------------------------Kagome------------------------------------------------------

Kagome stopped outside of the dining hall door. Okay, I'll just go in, act like everything is normal. Just an everyday dinner after I've returned from a trip. I'll say hello to everyone, act like I normally do, and just ignore Sesshoumaru unless I'm speaking to him directly.

She opened the door, and smiled hugely. "I'm back!"

"Mama!"

"Lady Kagome!"

Two smaller bodies slammed into her, and Kagome laughed as she stumbled to the right. "I take it you two missed me." She knelt down to better hug Rin and Shippou. "Well, I missed you guys too."

She stood and reached into her pouch bag. "By the way, Jinenji says hello to you both, and asked me to give these to the two of you for him." She pulled out two small bags and handed them to each of the kids. "They're candies."

Looking up, she threw one to Sesshoumaru. "I asked that he give me an extra bag so you could see for yourself that there is nothing wrong with them." Sesshoumaru caught it with ease and placed it on his hip, to be examined later. Kagome turned back to the two children and picked them up easily. "Come on, you two, let's not disturb Sesshoumaru-sama's dinner any further."

Shippou and Rin giggled, but let Kagome lead them to their seats. She smiled across the table at Amaterasu, who returned the gesture. Then she turned to Sesshoumaru, and just like always, smiled up at him. "Good evening, Sesshoumaru!"

Sesshoumaru tried not to stare in shock. Mechanically, he nodded in return to her greeting, and she turned back to Amaterasu for conversation.

Was that it? Sesshoumaru thought. That was the reaction I was dreading? It was extremely mild in comparison to her usual temper. Maybe she really hadn't meant what she said. That would certainly be the favorable outcome.

The problem was, he wasn't sure if he was disappointed or not.

Amaterasu frowned. Something was going on between Sesshoumaru and Kagome. What, she had no idea. But obviously, something had happened. Kagome

"Shippou, Rin. Isn't it time for your baths?" Amaterasu asked.

"But-"

"No buts!" Amaterasu cut them off. "Baths. Now."

Kagome jumped up. "Amaterasu, don't worry! I'll take them-"

A glare from Amaterasu cut her off. She turned the same look on the two kids, and they scurried out as fast as they could. Amaterasu turned to Kagome and Sesshoumaru. "I expect things to be resolved quickly." With that, she turned and chased after her two charges, complaining that she was getting old for this.

Inside, Sesshoumaru and Kagome remained silent for a minute. Sesshoumaru had never been good with that kind of talk, and he wasn't sure of how to begin. So he waited for Kagome to set the pace of the conversation.

Finally, Kagome broke the silence. "Sesshoumaru, I think it's better that we forgot the. . . thing, that happened yesterday."

Sesshoumaru let out a silent sigh of relief. "I agree. That would be the best decision."

Kagome nodded. "I mean, it's not like it really meant anything. Just an instinctual reaction right?"

"Yes." Sesshoumaru nodded to emphasize the answer.

Kagome stood, a huge smile on her face. "Then it's settled. Friends?" She held out a hand, awaiting his answer.

Sesshoumaru hesitated, then took her hand. "Yes."

He mentally shook his head. He should be thankful that Kagome expected nothing. After all, there was really nothing between them besides friendship.

So why did it feel wrong to forget what Kagome had said?

A knock at the door of the dining hall interrupted Sesshoumaru's musings. "Enter." He barked. He disliked it when people interrupted his private time, and the staff was well informed of this.

The door slid open, and a servant bowed. "I'm sorry to disturb you, Sesshoumaru-sama, you're your half brother and some companions are at the barrier, demanding entrance."

Sesshoumaru noticed how Kagome tensed, and bit back a growl. Even now, InuYasha scared her. "Who are his companions?"

"There is a taijya, a nekoyoukai, and a houshi with him."

Kagome looked up then. "Is the taijya wearing a black and pink uniform? And is the houshi wearing black and purple robes?"

The servant looked at her, startled. "Yes, actually."

A grin spread over Kagome's face. Forgetting to ask for Sesshoumaru's approval, Kagome stood and ran out the door, jumping over the servant. Sesshoumaru sighed. Kagome's companions must have heard of her location. Taking a deep breath, he reached his youkai out to reach the barrier. With a few twists of youkai, he changed the barrier in order to allow the taijya, houshi, and fire cat entrance.

-------------------------------------------------------Miroku------------------------------------------------------

Another sutra, another demon unconscious. Miroku panted as he reached into his sleeve, only to find he'd used his last sutra. With a groan, Miroku whipped his staff around to strike the next demon in line. He connected with enough power to send the demon flying, but he wasn't ready in time for the next strike. Luckily for him, his lovely wife decided she liked him enough to pull him off the ground and onto Kirara's back.

"Have I mentioned that I love you?" Miroku said breathily as Kirara rose to avoid the worst of the fighting.

"Not nearly enough." Sango answered. She threw the hiraikotsu, and ten demons went down. She caught it with a smirk. "I just keep getting better at this."

Miroku looked around on the ground, but didn't see InuYasha's telltale red blur. "InuYasha still hasn't gotten through the barrier?"

Sango nodded as she threw the hiraikotsu. "I don't understand why it's only blocking InuYasha from entering, but letting us in no problem."

"We can ask Sesshoumaru after we've reached a safe distance." Miroku answered. "Let's go Kirara!"

Kirara let out a roar and dove, her roar enough of a warning for the two humans on her back to be ready for her charge. Sango drew her sword as Miroku readied his staff.

"Hey guys!" The pair of humans froze as Kirara landed in a courtyard directly in front of Kagome and Shippou.

"Kagome?" Sango asked incredulously.

Kagome laughed as Kirara leaned over and licked her face. "It's good to see you too, Kirara!" She threw her arms around the giant cat, who purred in return.

"Kirara!" Shippou jumped from Kagome's shoulder to land on Kirara's head. "Did you miss me? I haven't seen you in forever! Is your fur shedding? Do you know Rin? I have to introduce you! She's my bestest friend here. . ."

Kagome turned with a smile to the guards that were starting to pour into the courtyard. "It's alright! They're friends of mine."

Sango slowly slid off Kirara's back. "Um, Kagome? What's going on?"

Kagome launched herself at her adoptive sister. "Kami, I've missed you. When was the last time I saw you?"

"Six months ago." Miroku answered, his face a mask of shock. "Kagome, why are you here?"

Kagome released Sango and turned on Miroku. "It's really good to see you two, you know that?" She released Miroku, and put on a face of mock anger. "But did you really have to beat up all the guards. You know, they really aren't that bad."

Miroku and Sango stared in shock as one of the guards walked up to them. "Lady Kagome, are you sure about this?"

Kagome smiled at the guard. "Yes, I'm sure. These are three of my closest friends. They're fine, I promise."

The guard looked at the new additions suspiciously, then nodded. "If you say so, Lady Kagome. But we must alert Sesshoumaru-sama."

Kagome made a face. "Yeah, I know." She turned back to Sango and Miroku, who were currently being assaulted by Shippou. "Why don't you guys come inside? We actually just finished dinner, but I can get you guys something to eat if you need it."

Sango and Miroku looked at one another, then back at Kagome. "What have you done to Kagome?"

Kagome just laughed.

-------------------------------------------------------Sesshoumaru------------------------------------------------------

Sesshoumaru resisted the urge to smirk as the two humans and nekoyoukai entered the reception hall. Kagome, of course, was trying to soothe their unease. ". . . less of a jerk than InuYasha made him seem."

The two humans looked at each other incredulously behind her back. Sesshoumaru watched as Shippou jumped around with the nekoyoukai. With a final jump, they got too close to Sesshoumaru for comfort. With a quick move, he snagged the kitsune from the air. The humans instantly tensed, but Kagome just rolled her eyes.

Shippou looked up at Sesshoumaru sheepishly. "Sorry, Sesshoumaru-sama."

"Rin is in her room." Sesshoumaru deadpanned. "If you wish to showcase the neko, I suggest you go to her."

Shippou grinned. "Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama!" Sesshoumaru released him, and he quickly ran to Kirara. "Come on, come on! You have to come meet Rin."

With something very close to an eye roll, Kirara followed after Shippou. The two humans did not relax, something Kagome noticed right away. "Allow me to make the introductions." Kagome announced.

"We already know who he is." Sango interjected.

"That's true." Kagome answered carefully. She knew that Sesshoumaru had no clue who her friends were other than the fact that they had traveled together with her. She let out a sigh of exasperation. "However, it is polite to introduce all parties upon their first formal meeting. The battlefield really doesn't count."

She turned back to Sesshoumaru. "Sesshoumaru-sama, I would like to introduce you to Sango, a taijya, and Miroku, a houshi. Kirara is the neko that left with Shippou."

"So I gathered." Sesshoumaru answered. He turned and walked away, leaving behind the three humans.

"Wait, Sesshoumaru-sama!" Sesshoumaru considered continuing to walk, but decided against it. In a rare display of tolerance, he turned to the miko who ran after him. "Um, I know that it's a lot to ask, but I was wondering if Sango and Miroku could stay here for a while." Sesshoumaru thought it odd that she would ask. Normally, she would just take control and insist that her friends stay with them for a while. And why in the world was she calling him Sesshoumaru-sama? It sounded strange coming from her. "They would cause no distress to your honor, they know how to act in the house of a noble. Sesshoumaru-sama, I'm asking as a favor to your servant-"

Sesshoumaru had a revelation as she spoke. She was trying to distance herself from him, in an attempt to return things to normal. Unacceptable. "You are the assistant housekeeper." Sesshoumaru cut in. "Make the necessary arrangements."

Kagome grinned. "Thank you, Sesshoumaru-sama." He simply nodded and walked away. Kagome smiled and turned back to her friends. "Well, come on. Let's get you guys something to eat, you must be starving."

Sango shook her head. "I don't think Sesshoumaru would appreciate that."

Kagome laughed and grabbed the pair's arms. "Don't be silly. He has to know what I've done, and since he didn't tell us no, that means that you're allowed to come." She pulled them forward, ignoring their protests.

-------------------------------------------------------Kagome------------------------------------------------------

Sango watched as Kagome expertly directed a group of servants. It was a bit disconcerting to see Kagome doing her own equivalent of barking out orders. Only they were more like orders phrased as requests that no one could actually refuse.

It was Miroku who finally stopped Kagome long enough to actually sit her down and talk to them. "Come on, Kagome. What's going on?"

Kagome smiled sheepishly. "I don't suppose you would believe that I just dropped here from the sky?"

Her two friends glared at her, and she chuckled. "I'll take that as a big no." She shook her head. "It's kind of a long story."

Sango leaned against Miroku. "We've got time."

Kagome sighed and sat down in front of her two friends. "Well, it's like this. . ."

About an hour later, Kagome finished her story. Sango and Miroku stared at her for a moment, unsure of how to respond.

Luckily, Amaterasu's insanity broke the silence. With a bang, she slammed the door open. "You!" She pointed a finger at Sango. "Neko!"

Sango and Miroku stared at the nekoyoukai in shock. Only Kagome understood her nonsensical ramblings. "Kirara is with Shippou and Rin. If you can't find them, you're hopeless."

With a hunter's cry, Amaterasu disappeared, searching for Kirara. For a moment, the three of them stared at the door in shock. Then, simultaneously, they burst out laughing. When they finally stopped, the silence became a comfortable one among friends.

Miroku took a good long look at Kagome, and nodded. "Good for you, Kagome. I'm happy for you."

"Really?" Kagome asked, a little nervously. Although Miroku's approval was important, it was really Sango she was looking to. Sango's approval really wasn't going to change anything, really. But it would make her feel better about her choices.

Sango was silent for a moment, ignoring her husband's prodding. Then, all of a sudden, she stood, eyes blazing. "I'm going to KILL him." Still in shock, Kagome and Miroku didn't move as Sango grabbed her hiraikotsu and raced out the door.

By the time they'd started moving and caught up to her, Sango was at the front gate with Kirara. "Let me out! I'm going to murder him!" She screeched.

"Did I mention she was pregnant?" Miroku asked quietly.

Kagome squealed and hit the houshi's arm. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" She raced up to Sango, fully intent on distracting her. "Sango!" Sango ignored her. "Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?"

Sango froze. Slowly, she turned back to her younger sister. "Heh heh, well that's a funny story."

Kagome pulled out her stern face. "Get your butt back here missy! I want to hear the whole story, bar none!"

Sango slowly walked back, as if fearing Kagome would strike her down. Instead, she received a huge hug from her adoptive younger sister. "Congratulations! I'm so happy for you!"

Sango smiled and hugged her sister back. "Thank you, Godmother."

Kagome jerked back. "No way."

Sango grinned. "Who else would we have?" Kagome squealed again and nearly tackled her friend. Miroku watched the entire thing with a smile. Some things really don't ever change.

-------------------------------------------------------Sesshoumaru------------------------------------------------------

Sesshoumaru was once more in his study, trying to ignore the overwhelming scent of human in the air. There were only two humans who he could stand to have around him, and their two scents weren't strong enough to drown out the scents that were clouding his senses. His study was the only place where he could escape them.

A small knock on the door caught his attention, and he sighed. "Enter."

The door slid open, and Kagome entered. "Sorry to bother you, Sesshoumaru-sama." She said, a sheepish grin on her face. "I noticed that you were going to be working late, and I wondered if you wanted some tea."

Sesshoumaru nodded, watching her carefully as she set down the tray. Her formality was starting to grate on him already. Now, she had an anxious scent around her. It was bothering him to no end, and he refused to let the feeling stay.

"Higurashi."

Kagome stopped and turned back to him. "Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama?"

"What is your concern?"

Kagome hesitated, unsure if she should say anything. Finally, she Spoke. "I think it would be inappropriate for me to-"

Sesshoumaru growled softly. "Sit." Kagome bit her lip, but complied with his demand. "Speak."

Kagome frowned slightly. She didn't much care for being ordered around like a dog. However, in an effort to return to normalcy, she didn't snap. "Well, you know that InuYasha's outside?" Sesshoumaru nodded. "Well, he convinced Sango and Miroku that you had kidnapped me and were forcing me to stay by threatening Shippou." She narrowed his eyes at him. Which is technically true, considering that I didn't exactly ask to be brought here.

Sesshoumaru glared at her, and she smiled back. "I know you didn't, and I brought them up to speed, so they know you didn't either. But InuYasha is still at the gates, and it makes me a bit nervous."

Sesshoumaru nodded. "This Sesshoumaru will take care of the situation."

Kagome's eyes widened. "Please, I don't want him hurt. I just want him to back off and let me live my life."

Sesshoumaru was half-insulted that she thought he couldn't handle InuYasha without being violent. But just as he was about to retort, an idea occurred to him. Slowly, Sesshoumaru stood. "The half breed is unable to understand. This Sesshoumaru will use brute force if necessary."

"Please, Sesshoumaru-sama. Don't-"

"If death is the only means necessary to force the half breed to see reason, then that is what this Sesshoumaru will do." Sesshoumaru saw that Kagome was close to letting her real personality break out. She just needed a small push. "This Sesshoumaru will see that he suffers."

"No, you will not!" Kagome snapped, standing in a subconscious attempt to intimidate the taiyoukai. "InuYasha may deserve to be hurt, but you do not deserve to be the one to teach him his lesson."

Sesshoumaru smirked at her, and Kagome blushed as she realized that she had snapped. Quickly, she bowed. "My apologies, Sesshoumaru-sama. I didn't mean to lose my temper."

"Higurashi, do not apologize." This caught Kagome off guard, and she looked up at him in shock. "There is no reason for you not to act like yourself simply because of the thing, as you call it."

Kagome smiled slowly, and straightened. "Good. I was giving myself an ulcer." Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow, and she shook her head. "Never mind. Getting back to the point, I won't allow you to harm InuYasha."

Sesshoumaru's smirk just grew in response. "There are other ways to force him to see reason."

-------------------------------------------------------InuYasha------------------------------------------------------

InuYasha had long since given up trying to break the barrier. He knew that it was impossible, since it was a barrier constructed by the first Lord of the West and had been reinforced by each lord since it's construction. It was a rite of passage, a way to prove an heir's ability to become the next lord. Even Tetsusaiga didn't have the power to break through that kind of power.

InuYasha occupied himself by ranting about how incompetence of humans. ". . . forever to find one wench that can't do anything without making a huge spectacle out of it. Stupid!"

It was because of his ranting that it took him so long to realize that Kirara was returning with both Sango and Miroku on her back. He quickly stood and returned to attempting to break the barrier.

Kirara landed and collapsed on the ground. InuYasha smelled blood, and he realized with a start how badly injured they were. They were covered in blood and scratches. "What the hell happened?" InuYasha demanded. "Where's Kagome?"

Miroku tried to stand, but fell over before he could completely rise. "She's. . . gone."

InuYasha felt cold as Miroku's words sunk in. "What do you mean she's gone?"

Sango moved slightly, the only one actually able to stand. "She's dead, InuYasha." Her voice cracked as she spoke, and tears flowed freely down her face. "Sesshoumaru killed her right in front of us."

InuYasha distantly felt Tetsusaiga fall from his hand. "You. . . you can't be serious!"

Miroku nodded. "It's the truth." He whispered.

InuYasha felt as though the weight of the world had suddenly landed on him. He couldn't breathe, and he fell to his knees. He felt like screaming, as though if he screamed loud enough, he could change what had happened. But all he could do was ramble.

"He was protecting her. He went out of his way to keep her away, even made up stupid excuses so that I wouldn't get close. How could he just kill her? It doesn't make sense. He doesn't make sense-"

"I suggest you cease your ramblings, hanyou."

InuYasha turned to see Sesshoumaru standing just outside the barrier. "You bastard." InuYasha hissed. "How could you kill her?"

"Who are you to lecture me, hanyou?" Sesshoumaru demanded. "I have done no different than you."

"You're wrong!" InuYasha shouted. "I never wanted her dead!"

"You are correct." Sesshoumaru answered. "We are different. You are worse than I."

"Where do you get that bullshit from?" InuYasha demanded, feeling his blood begin to boil. "How can killing her be worse than what I did!"

"I destroyed her body." Sesshoumaru answered. "You destroyed her spirit. I put an end to her suffering."

InuYasha shook his head. "I didn't! I didn't hurt her!"

"You physically abused her to the point that your presence caused her fear." Sesshoumaru said, slowly walking towards his half-brother. "You threatened the only child she had. You crushed her spirit to the point that she was willing to risk her life just to prove to herself that she was worthy to live."

"No!" InuYasha shouted, his hands reaching to press against his temples. His brother always lied. Sesshoumaru couldn't be trusted. So why did he words ring true?

"InuYasha."

InuYasha whirled, and he froze in shock. Kagome stood behind him, looking as though she had never left. Relief washed through him, and he ran forward. "Kagome!" He wrapped his arms around her, and brought his nose to her hair to catch her scent. "I thought you were dead! I'm so so-"

Once again, he froze. With sudden force, he pushed Kagome back, scrambling away. "No."

Blank eyes reached his. "Yes, InuYasha. I smell of clay and graveyard soil." Kagome stepped closer to him. "And do you know why?"

"That's impossible. The witch is dead." InuYasha shouted. "You couldn't have been resurrected."

"Urasue is not the only one with the knowledge of life and death." Kagome answered, her voice almost like a hiss. "My master is smart enough to have one on hand to work his will."

"No." InuYasha repeated. "No."

"Master did me a favor, InuYasha." Kagome hissed, still moving towards InuYasha. "He killed me. Now, I can live like Kikyo did. Maybe now, you'll see me as worthy of your attentions."

InuYasha whimpered and collapsed to the ground. "I didn't. . . I couldn't. . . I'm sorry!"

"You're sorry?" Kagome kneeled in front of him, her face still emotionless. "I think I'm the one who's sorry, InuYasha. I had to die because you couldn't let me be me."

InuYasha nodded. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

"Sorry will never be able to cover it, InuYasha." Kagome stood and walked over to Sesshoumaru, walking leisurely, as if time was of no consequence to her. "I have found my place, InuYasha. Where is yours to be now?"

InuYasha looked incapable of an answer. Sesshoumaru turned away in disgust. "Perhaps we can tell him the truth in a few decades." With a smirk, he tossed a final remark over his shoulder. "Come, pet."

Kagome smiled. "Yes, Master!" She hurried after him, a true smile on her face.

Sango, Miroku, and Kirara stood. "You are on your own, InuYasha." Miroku said. "Enjoy it." Together, he and Sango entered the barrier, soon followed by Kirara. InuYasha was too lost to notice their disappearance.

-------------------------------------------------------Sesshoumaru------------------------------------------------------

Sesshoumaru worked by candlelight, catching up on paperwork that he'd been putting off. His study was silent, the only sounds the scratches of his pen as he wrote. Finally, the silence became too much for him. "It was the only way."

"Using my powers to change my scent." Kagome's voice was shaky. Sesshoumaru had known that once her anger was gone, her guilt would catch up to her. It would appear that moment had come. "Covering Sango and Miroku in chicken blood to fool his senses. Twisting his mind until he would say anything to alleviate his own guilt." She shook her head. "I know that it was probably the only way to make him see reason. But that doesn't make the hurt on his face go away. I never could stop myself from forgiving him, and it would appear that this time is no exception." She shook her head. "That part that forgives him is having trouble recognizing what we did as right."

Sesshoumaru finally put the paperwork down and turned to Kagome, who sat by the window. "Perhaps it was not. Can you think of a different way for the hanyou to see reason?"

"I still wonder if I should have done it." Kagome whispered. "It just doesn't seem like I did the right thing."

Sesshoumaru was frustrated now. She should have been griping about being called his pet, not worrying over a selfish and stupid hanyou. "Woman, you will cease your foolish guilt."

Kagome just turned away, not even looking at him anymore. That was unacceptable. But worse, he was running out of options. With a growl, he tried his last resort. As gently as a frustrated taiyoukai could, he forced her to look at him. Her eyes were distant, and he knew that she wasn't really seeing him. Once again, unacceptable. He didn't really think; he just reacted. Looking back, it was always his downfall. This time was no exception.

In a sudden movement, Sesshoumaru leaned forward and captured Kagome's lips in a kiss.

Under his fingers, still holding her chin, he felt her stiffen. He half-expected her to pull away, but as always, she did the opposite of what he expected. Hesitantly, she opened her mouth the smallest bit, inviting him in, should he so desire. Still running on instinct, Sesshoumaru slipped his tongue into her mouth. He let out a growl of contentment as he tasted her.

A few moments later, Sesshoumaru pulled back. For a moment longer, the two of them stared at one another. Sesshoumaru had just enough time to appreciate the return of life in Kagome's eyes before she abruptly stood. "Thank you for your help, Sesshoumaru." Her cheeks blazed as she spoke. "If you'll excuse me, I'm a bit tired." She bowed and almost ran from the room.

Sesshoumaru watched her go, and couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. "Still so innocent." He muttered. "I might have to change that."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Author's Rant-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sesshoumaru: This Sesshoumaru is. . . confused.

Kagome: Join the club.

Horse Wolves: What are you guys confused about?

Sesshoumaru: I just threatened OG's life.

Horse Wolves: That's not new.

Kagome: She's not freaking out.

Horse Wolves: THAT is different. And strange. Mostly strange. [turns to OG] Hey, OG! What's the deal?

Obsessive_Goddess: I have no reason to be afraid of Sesshoumaru's poison.

Sesshoumaru: I'm taking that as an insult! [darts forward, stabs OG's arm with poison claw] Finally! Now she will die!

Kagome: Tell the InuCast! We're having a party.

Horse Wolves: I can't believe you just killed her!

Kagome: Par-tay! Ice cream par-tay!

Sesshoumaru: I officially proclaim this a holiday! [Sesshoumaru and Kagome leave]

Obsessive_Goddess: Does anyone but me realize that I'm not dead/dying?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Author's Rant-----------------------------------------------------------------------------