sorry it's been so long since i've updated. things are caaaraaaazy at my house. anyways, here it is!

Sesshomaru did not want to stop for camp. His youki had been flaring painfully, letting him know Kagome was in trouble. But Kouga and Sango had convinced him the troops needed rest. Sighing in defeat, he gave the nod and the grateful army began setting up. Leaning against his horse, Sesshomaru brooded.

He needed Kagome back. He needed to know if their pup was alright. The unknown was driving him crazy. And they still had a full day of travel before they reached Edo. Even with his enormous amount of control, Sesshomaru was about to lose it.

Inuyasha brought him a plate of food. "I know you probably don't want to eat, but you need your strength as well." He said gruffly. Sesshomaru arched a brow at him before giving him a nod. Inuyasha sat next to him, staring into the moon. The new moon would be upon them in a few days. They needed to move quickly.

"What is the plan once we reach Edo?" Inuyasha asked. Sesshomaru clenched his fist, but his face remained emotionless.

"We set up camp. We then send out best spies to scout the castle. After they return and give us the weak points and guard locations, we plan our attack." Sesshomaru said quietly. Inuyasha nodded.

"When we get out of this," Sesshomaru said, "We plan on making you our child's godfather."

Inuyasha froze in shock. After he had kissed Kagome, he didn't think Sesshomaru would ever be civil towards him again. But for him to want to be a part of their child's life was more than satisfactory. Inuyasha tried to hide a smile, and failed.

"It would be an honor," he said. Sesshomaru nodded, and Inuyasha knew it was time for him to leave their captain to his thoughts. He quietly left, seeking out his tent and inwardly celebrating.

Mate is in trouble. His beast grumbled sorrowfully.

I know this. He responded, not happy to deal with his beast.

I take charge when we reach castle.

I do not think that is wise. We must have extreme precaution when it comes to the rescue.

I know this. We rescue mate and her brother. I will do it. Give me control when we attack or I take it.

Sesshomaru sighed. Very well. If things become out of hand, I will take control back.

His beast did not reply, but Sesshomaru could tell it was satisfied.

He began picking at his food, but knowing it would never fill the void. Only Kagome could make him feel whole.

He set the plate down and looked up at the crescent moon. They were running out of time.

The first thing Kagome knew was the feeling of cold water on her bare skin. Instantly, pain exploded once again and she whimpered. A soft voice shushed her and she forced open her eyes.

She was back in her room. She was naked from the waist up and lying on her back. A thin strip of linen covered her breasts. She looked up to see a familiar face.

"Souta!" she gasped. Happiness brought tears to her eyes to see her brother. Gaunt and thin, Souta had all but withered away under Naraku's care. But Kagome didn't mind. She was so happy to see him.

"Hey, Kagome," Souta offered her a small smile, but it was forced. He continued cleaning her wounds with herbs and cool water. She winced at the sting, but it was nothing compared to the torture earlier.

"I'll be alright, Souta. It's probably already started to heal," she tried to reason. He nodded. It was true, already her skin was knitting itself together and driving out all forms of infection as they were speaking. But cleaning and wrapping it soothed Souta. To see his favorite sister in such pain made him see red. He could hear her cries of pain and suffering all throughout the ordeal. Willing himself his legs, he ordered a few maids to bring him medical supplies to her room. He wanted to kill that bastard Naraku for what he was doing to her. Demons brought her unconscious body back to deposit her roughly on the floor. Blinking away tears, Souta had tenderly placed her on the futon and began cleaning her wounds.

"Have you seen Kikyo?" Kagome asked him. He nodded, his face twisting into a look of disgust. "Mother has ordered me to destroy her."

"I know this. I knew once I saw her. It is a good thing. She is dangerous, Kagome. I would not turn my back to her if I were you," Souta warned. It pained her to think of her own sister plotting against her, but Kagome knew he was right. She nodded.

"How long have I been out?" she asked, changing the subject.

"A few hours. No doubt Naraku will summon you once you've rested." Souta said, anger etching his voice. She placed a hand on his cheek and smiled.

"I will not tell him where the jewel is, Souta. As we speak my mate is on his way here to save us." She said surely.

"Mate?" Souta asked incredulously. Kagome let out a pained giggle. She began telling him of her adventures and of Sesshomaru. Souta listened closely all throughout, yearning for news of Mother and the kingdom, but also excited his sister had found love.

"I am pregnant, Souta." She ended with. His eyes went as wide as saucers and they trailed to her stomach. He had wondered about the strange mark on her neck as well as her rounded belly, but did not put the two together until now.

"The baby survived Naraku's torture?" Souta breathed, astonished. She nodded.

"Yes, thank goodness. My baby and I are protected. As long as I protect the location of the jewel, it will keep us safe." She whispered. He nodded, satisfied.

He stood. "I'll go fetch some food. After you have eaten I must return to where Naraku keeps me lest I provoke his anger. I'll come see you as often as I can."

Kagome nodded and he slipped out. Sitting up, she ran a hand over her belly. The welts had disappeared, and the slices Kagome now saw spelled out that bastard's name. Anger boiled up inside her. So that monster thought he could mark her as his this way? Well he can carve all he wants, but she was Sesshomaru's. Her skin was healing, leaving it without imperfections and Kagome was grateful. She didn't want any reminders of her stay here after this was over. Lying back down, she waited for Souta to return.

Calypso led her own troops to their settlement off the shore of Edo. It was a small army, but well trained and strong. They would be a formidable ally to Sesshomaru. She would protect her sea with vigor and loyalty. No filth of Naraku would touch it and live.

Calypso felt she had aged millenniums ever since this dangerous tango with Naraku began. She was tired from many sleepless nights and weak from the lack of interest in food. But the idea of regaining her lost children sustained her and gave her strength to see this to the end.

The only thought on her mind was getting her children back. Consequences be damned. She wanted them safe and free of Naraku. Souta and Kagome were the only two reasons she lived. As for Kikyo, she hoped Kagome would set her free of her own evilness. Shaking her eldest from her head, Calypso continued on in the dark seas.

i know it's a little short, but i'm saving all the final endings to make a few good long chapters. R&R please [=

LD