I do not own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho fandom or characters. They belong to Rumiko Takahashi and to Toshihiro Togashi. I do not make any monies or profit from the writing of this story.

Thank you, thank you to those who took the time to review and to those who made this story a favorite! As you can see from the title this is a re-written version of my original story. I hope you will enjoy it just as much. I really love to hear your thoughts and comments...Please let me know what you thought of this chapter as well whether good or bad. Thank you again!

Enjoy,

DawnFire_ice

Chapter 20

Hiei led Kagome through a series of complex hallways and to a very large door. Without a knock he turned to a switch and entered the code before he took Kagome's hand and threw open the doors. The room was bleak and there was a creepy man shaped plant moaning piteously in the corner stabbed with several knives. In the center of the room was a large bed of fur and upon that sat a woman. "You are late." She snapped tossing her red cropped hair out of her one blue eye in her humanoid face, "This is her?"

Hiei's face went flat. As he glared at Mukuro, "she is mine, Mukuro."

"You mean you are hers. She has you completely whipped. I've never seen you look so pathetic in the entire time I've known you. Not even when you were dead."

Kagome gasped. "Dead- Hiei, when?"

"Years ago, Kagome keep calm, don't let her shake you. Mukuro her mind is her own stay out of it." Cold blue clashed with carmine for a long moment.

"Fine, I'm more interested in the fact that you were locked in the Reikai and on death row. Why?"

"You know why. I betrayed the Reikai laws."

"Yes, for this girl. Lucky her," Mukuro said flatly. "Are you out of your mind- Do you know what she is?!"

Kagome's eyes widened in shock, Hiei was going to be put to death because he had broken the laws for her? What laws? "What is she talking about Hiei?"

"When Shippo- touched you- your mind was going to shatter I had to manipulate your memories, which I was expressly forbidden to do to a human."

"But I'm not human."

"I know but Reikai would have used any excuse to kill me. You were just a convenience to them, Yukina was the real reason. Enma forbade any human and youkai relationships."

"So she was the one being punished but you committed treason so you were going to be executed? How horrible. I won't forgive him!" Kagome was livid. How dare some high and mighty kami of the dead determine how living beings should live their lives- it was so wrong and infuriated her. "Hiei, let's go."

"Go- Kagome?" he asked confused.

"Yes, to get the Tetsuaigua so I can shove it up Enma's butt!"

Mukuro threw back her head and laughed. "I like her already Hiei. Very well you have my blessing, and my support go fight your war. I'll back you. Kagome, you better take care of him. Now get out."

Hiei bowed stiffly and took Kagome by the hand. "Wait, Mukuro I have a question. You may think me over stepping my bounds but, would you like to be healed?"

"What? I can't even do that using my machines what makes you think you can."

"Because I can, do you want me to?"

"You can try, but I doubt it."

Kagome let go of Hiei's hand and walked over to the bed of furs bowing before she climbed up next to Mukuro. "Hiei, go watch the doors so no one will think there is an attack- I'll have to use a bit of energy." She turned soft eyes on Mukuro, "Close your eyes and breathe, I won't harm you I give you my word." Lightly she rested her hand over Mukuro's face and called her energy to her hand pink light and warmth spread through the room and seeped out the doors.

Under her hand the skin reformed and then spread down healing her body the mechanical apparatus fell off and landed in her lap. Kagome swayed and fell back her eyes closing as consciousness fled. Mukuro caught her and pulled her forward to the furs. Startled by the flesh and blood arm that had replaced the mechanical skeleton she gasped. She was whole again all traces of her past had been washed away and her heart felt lighter. (Hiei, come and get this amazing girl, before I decide I want her for my own and kick your ass out.)

Hiei rolled his eyes and threw open the door again seeing Kagome unconscious on Mukuro's bed bothered him. "Don't get you panties in a wad she passed out healing me. She must have used a lot of energy to reconstruct my body."

"And mine," Hiei admitted softly.

"Do yourself a favor and ask about eliminating the waiting period, when you go see Sesshomaru-sama. Your sexual frustration is getting to me. Now get out and go get your shit done. Hiei, tell her thanks."

Hiei collected Kagome into his arms and smirked back at Mukuro, "She did a good job." It was as close to a compliment as Hiei would ever give and Mukuro rolled her eyes. At one time she had considered taking Hiei as a lover but he was too wild to be tamed or so she thought. So she had named him her heir since she could have no children. Now she realized it was just a matter of Hiei finding the right one. And find her he had, how did he get so lucky to find such a beautiful and sweet natured girl, or rather Miko? She was amazing and the feel of her power was indescribable.

She could feel Hiei heading back to his room and sighed. Long before realizing she had been manipulated by her slaver, (that slaver bastard had taken everything from her), She had said she was proud of her lost self because it was how she had won her freedom from Chikou, She narrowed her eyes at the whimpering man shaped plant and drove a knife a little deeper. Now her shackles were broken and so were her ties to that thing in the corner.

When Kagome had asked if she wanted to be healed she nearly rejected the offer but then she realized she was hiding behind her damaged body, using it as an excuse to keep people at bay. Seeing Hiei happy made her long for the same. She looked at her flesh and blood undamaged hand and smiled. Hiei had set her free of the shackle, but Kagome had freed her heart. She would never be able to repay either of them for what they had done for her.

oOo

Hiei carried Kagome back to his rooms glaring at every youkai who dared approach. The guards had come running as the feel of holy energy had flooded the fortress but seeing Hiei guarding the door they were unsure if they should attack. "It's a healer fools." Hiei had snapped as one soldier got brave enough to inch towards the door. The soldier had been a bigger fool by calling him a liar and was now in several pieces on the floor outside Mukuro's door.

He got to his rooms and slammed the door setting the lock and changing the code before carrying her to the bed and kicking off his shoes he climbed on to the bed with her in his arms and put her close to the wall taking a spot on the outside just in case some fool should dare to harm her. He would let her recover and they would leave at dawn.

oOo

Kage was livid and he slammed his incorporeal fist on the ground glaring at the discarded form of the kitsune he'd possessed. He'd succeeded at having her as he wanted, but now his victory seemed hollow. How had that damned little Jaganshi managed to break his spell?! That dream should have broken him and crushed his spirit but instead it made him stronger! And that girl how had she broken the constant negativity he was feeding her? She should have broken long ago she was a human nothing was special about her so how had she managed it? This bore further investigation unfortunately his puppet was broken; the fool had committed suicide when he realized he'd forced himself on the girl. No matter he could find another …

oOo

Hiei moved towards his destination openly with Kagome on his back in case he had to fight... It made him uncomfortable to be in the sunlight directly when approaching the fortress but he could not afford to look like he was coming to attack. The sentries spotted him and Hiei stopped just short of an arrow's reach. "I have come to speak to the Grand Lord of the West!" he called loudly.

The creak and rattle of chains and metal reached his ears and the massive door opened. An old and haggard kappa youkai stepped out a single pace. "What business have you with my Lord?" he asked. His speech was ancient and clearly from centuries past. He sniffed with haughty displeasure.

"He hasn't changed any." Kagome said very quietly.

Hiei squared his shoulders fighting back a twinge of a smirk. "It is of a personal matter to him. I will speak of this to him and him alone. I am certain that he will wish to speak to me," the hybrid stated firmly.

The kappa grinned. "My Lord might feel differently," he said with a shrug. "Come in then, I will announce you to him and we shall see if your words are worth your life."

The kappa led the way into the ancient fortress and through the many hallways until he arrived at a large carved oak door and knocked once.

"Enter," a voice said firmly but quietly.

The kappa pushed the door open and stepped inside leaving the door open. "Lord Sesshomaru, this youkai wishes to speak with you in regards to a matter he says is personal to you," the kappa squawked.

"Jaken," the lord warned as the kappa bowed low. "You have let another enter with him but they carry no scent.

"Forgive me lord," he said in a quieter voice.

The chair turned silently as the Lord of the West faced his guests and Hiei found himself surprised at how young the lord looked. His silver hair cascaded down his back like a curtain and the regal markings on his brow stood out in stark contrast to the pale skin of his face. One graceful eyebrow was raised to his hairline. "Hybrid," he asked slowly, "why do you carry the scent of that Miko?"

Hiei sighed softly; this was not really how he had hoped to begin the conversation but he looked up at the lord with no hesitation and said, "Because she is my intended. I have come on her behalf to speak with you about your brother Inuyasha."

Sesshomaru scoffed, "That onna is dead. She was a mere human and I will not speak to one who courts a corpse," he said in a tone of disgust.

Hiei growled. "Kagome is very much alive and well and only a year older than you remember her. She passed through time by means of a well on her shrine. That is how she came to the feudal era and met the monk and slayer and the hanyou," he argued feeling Kagome stiffen next to him.

Sesshomaru's frown lightened. "That would make sense..." he murmured. "So tell me Hybrid what of my brother's Miko?"

"Your brother was a fool. She is no longer his, she is mine."

"Indeed." Sesshomaru agreed, leaning forward to hear what else the hybrid would say. "Why is it you have come and not she?"

"Forgive me Sesshomaru-sama but I am not well liked in the Makai. I have come." Kagome pushed the cloak back to reveal her face. Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed, he did not like surprises but with Kagome that seemed a constant.

"Why have you come, Kagome?"

"Inuyasha followed the former Miko named Kikyo to hell and left me alone. I have been watching over your brother's sword the Tetsuaigua and was told by Inuyasha to return it to you so that it could be placed in your father's tomb."

Sesshomaru was not expecting this and narrowed his eyes. "Where is the Tetsuaigua then?" he asked.

Hiei steeled himself as he made his request. It was for Kagome that he was here and he would risk anything for her. "I ask that you allow her to keep his sword instead. He took everything from her and was not even going to allow her a memory. I have seen the pain he has inflicted upon her and I wish to give her a memento to ease her grief." Kagome stared at him like he'd lost his mind.

Sesshomaru did not like his question being unanswered but he considered the request. Kagome was the one who drew the sword for the tomb in the beginning. Had she not given it to Inuyasha it still would have been useless to him. Even now he had the Bakusaigua and no longer coveted the sword of earth. With the barrier no youkai could wield it and Kagome did not have the power to use it. But he owed her something for the sacrifices she'd made in his behalf. Rin had grown up healthy instead of succumbing to the fevers that had nearly killed her, thanks to the Miko Kagome. He could still hear in his memories the fight that had been because of her decision to assist him. The whelp had been unnecessarily cruel to the girl.

"Very well Hybrid, I will let the Kagome keep the sword. She was a brave ally in the battle against the spider hanyou. Any friend of hers who can show proper respect is welcome in my lands."

"May I Sesshomaru-sama do as I like with it? I would like Hiei to have it."

"Can you wield it?" Sesshomaru asked his eyes widening marginally.

"I can." He said confidently and Kagome withdrew it from the cloak she had borrowed from Hiei. Respectfully she handed it over to him and he thrust it into his obi next to his other katana. Then he drew the blade. At the same time he said "I vow to protect Kagome a once human and to use this blade as forged for the defense of humans." The blade hummed and then pulsed once- twice and like molten fire youki surged up the blade and transformed into the fang.

"Hmm, very well Hybrid I will train you in the powers of the great sword of earth. You will likely be using it a lot in her defense I recall she was a trouble magnet."

"H-Hey!" Kagome complained.

Hiei frowned, choosing his words carefully. "It is important the Reikai not learn of Kagome's whereabouts. The Reikai would take extreme measures due to whom and what she is."

Sesshomaru frowned. "If you are referring to her as the Shikon no Miko she no longer holds that title or the jewel."

"She holds the title. She has been made the eternal guardian over the Shikon jewel. She is immortal now, and more, she is now the jewel. I was made her protector by the jewel when it occurred." Hiei was expecting many reactions but the paling of his face and the whitening of his knuckles wasn't one of them.

Sesshomaru fought with himself before calming. In a matter of seconds the Lord's attitude changed and though there was no difference in his expression there was a sort of kindness in his eyes as he looked at the figure huddled in the black cloak. "You do not seem as though you are returning to the Ningenkai soon. Where is it you are going?" he asked casually.

"The Reikai, we have business in ending the fool Enma's rule."

"I will hear more on this, you will stay here this night and on the morrow I will decide the best plan of action." Sesshomaru said thoughtfully before signaling to Jaken. "Escort the Hybrid and Lady Kagome, to the eastern wing and see to it that they are comfortable for the night. They are my guests and will be treated accordingly. Also see to it that my ward is informed of our guest for I am certain that she will have many questions for them."

"Rin!?" Kagome gasped before she left at a run the direction Jaken pointed. He knew better than to get in her way.

Turning again to Hiei he offered a smirk. "I bid you welcome Jaganshi Hiei. Please make yourself comfortable. My ward shall be coming to speak with you. I will warn you I will tolerate no disrespect to her and the Miko likely would have your head as well. She is a dear friend of your Miko."

Hiei shrugged, still alert to any attacks on his person. This Sesshomaru was too different than the blood thirsty savage he'd heard him described as. In fact he more fit Kagome's description than any other. Still warily Hiei knew better than to relax around the lord for he was still dangerous or he would not have the name 'killing perfection'. "My Lord if I may, I would like to ask-the waiting period for courtship-,"

"You are still following the old laws? I am impressed with your restraint. Are there any other suitors?" Sesshomaru waited for a list a mile long.

"No, I am the only one."

"Unexpected, Kagome was quite popular with the males." His elegant eyebrow rose showing his surprise.

"I noticed, but none the less I am the only one formally courting her."

"Then Jaganshi, I suggest you mate her before someone else does. Did you not know that the laws had been changed?"

"I was not aware."

Sesshomaru walked over to the bookshelf and took down a dusty tome. "You might find some changes suit your particular needs…"

oOo

Silently he followed the kappa youkai Jaken to the wing spoken of and was given a room. When asked it if was satisfactory Hiei merely shrugged. He had the sudden thought though that Kagome would have loved it. Where was Kagome anyway?

Hiei shook his head. What had become of him? He had gone soft and found he didn't mind if for Kagome. Still he could be as dangerous as an unsheathed blade so he had no fear that he was losing his edge. But perhaps it would not be too forward to see if there was someone who could spar with him. He would dearly love to challenge the Lord himself but he really knew nothing of protocol that was the fox's area. A soft clearing of a throat came from the doorway and Hiei turned.

"Kagome?" he asked looking at her in shock.

A wide grin split the childlike face. "You really think I look like lady Kagome? I am so flattered!" she giggled, stepping into the room. "I am Rin," she said with a smile. "I am so happy that Lady Kagome is well! She told me that you are her intended, so congratulations. You better make my friend happy though, or Kouga might try to steal her away. I showed her to the baths, by the way."

Hiei was not sure he understood everything the girl was saying as she was speaking so fast. She barely paused for a breath before launching into a bout of questions and Hiei answered them as best he could. The girl was so like and so different from his Kagome, it was uncanny and strange. Some of her mannerisms had him missing his beloved Kagome horribly but he would never show it or speak of such a feeling. After a shorter time than Hiei thought the girl stood up and bowed. "Please come down for dinner in an hour or so," she said with a smile before ducking out the door and leaving Hiei to the silence of the evening.

He was offered refreshment, which he declined. He leaned back to think on everything that Sesshomaru said. The waiting period had proved to be nearly the death of an entire race and so it had been revoked if certain conditions were met: The lady had to be still in good courtship standing. Two: only have one suitor. He fit both those requirements. But he would leave it up to her for the final say-or maybe not- he looked up and saw her wearing a silk kimono of jewel blue. At her throat was his dragon pendent and in her eyes was a sparkle of utter joy. She looked radiant like a kami made flesh.

(She was made for me…)

He remembered his dream vividly and certain details were too real and that revelation was one of them. The truths in that dream- were a slap in the face, and he knew without a doubt that what he had done in the dream he would have done in real life. He'd been considering it in the Reikai prison. Wondering if she would be happier without him- without the pain he'd caused her in his attempt to protect his heart from the one who held it. (Now I know, she might be able to go on without me- but I would never go on without her). Fortunately he was not the type to make a mistake more than once and he would never have to find out if and how much his thoughts and dream were true. Sesshomaru just gave him what he needed. He couldn't wait to tell her.

Standing he noticed she was watching him with a soft look that was quickly heating as he locked eyes with her. His blood was already pounding through his veins and he could hear as her heart beat picked up in double time. In two strides he had her in his arms and his lips were at her throat. "We don't have to wait Kagome... The laws were changed…He punctuated each phrase with a searing open mouth kiss as he worked up to her mouth.

"Yes we do…" she gasped breathless as he tried to steal her reason and restraint… "I came to get you for dinner."

A voice clearing made Hiei jump, "I am not in the habit of calling my guests twice, but I thought I should see what was taking the Miko so long to call you." The baritone voice was amused. He even chuckled as Kagome hurried to right her kimono as she blushed hotly stepping back from the overzealous male she had been eagerly otherwise occupied with.

She glanced to the side at Hiei and noticed a little ridge of pink quickly disappearing from his cheeks. Softly she slipped her hand into his and gave it a squeeze. Her eyes caught his and she smiled shyly looking up at him through her eyelashes.

"Hmm under the current situation I believe I should have something sent up later. Don't forget a barrier to eliminate sound. From what I recall your voice gets very loud when you are screaming."

"I was screaming in terror! You almost dropped me!" Kagome huffed at the insinuation.

Hiei chuckled at her embarrassment before nodding to the Grand Lord and bidding him goodnight. Shutting the door he locked it for good measure and Kagome looked at him with uncertainty.

Slowly his hands removed his swords setting them on the stand by the door, before untying the obi, dropping it to the floor as he stalked her like the wild thing he truly was and she backed up till her legs hit the bed and she tumbled backwards. The pillow like softness of the bed cradled her figure and her hair which had come loose of the graceful up do it had been done in, spilled over the bed like a pool of ink. Hiei looked down at her marveling in her graceful figure and the picture she made sprawled on the bed.

Their eyes connected and it was not just the soft feeling of tender budding love that she'd felt once for Yusuke or Inuyasha, no, this was wild and fearless as it tore through her being like a wild thing with a will of its own. This was love in its rawest form; this was the fire of passion that blazed hotter than the sun within her blood. This was a feeling of completion that left her raw and aching and yet nearly begging for more. This was a feeling unlike anything she'd ever felt before and all he had done was look at her with his gorgeous carmine eyes.

Her hands reached out for him, and Hiei's mouth found hers and took possession of it in one fluid motion faster than her eyes could see. His lips slanted over hers as he angled her face to his. She sighed parting her lips to him as he greedily took what she offered. His tongue twined with hers as she eagerly kissed him back. The battle for dominance lasted only a moment before he took control from her and coaxed so that her legs wrapped around his waist spreading the kimono open to her obi. He knelt on the bed above her where he pressed her back against it, never once breaking the kiss as they took in the air they needed through their noses.

Hiei let his hand drift from the curve of her waist to the swell of her breast as he began to explore her slim but ample frame. He was determined to discover all of her secrets as she moaned sexily in his mouth when his thumb brushed her nipple through the fabric of her kimono. He let go of her with one hand as he worked his tunic and shirt from his body Kagome's hands helping to rid him them. Her hands were far from idle as she began to slide her small hands over his powerful arms and chest, her delicate fingers kneading his chest wringing a gasp and a shiver from Hiei.

Kagome shifted against him hissing in pleasure as she brushed his hard maleness through the fabric of his pants, the lace of her panties doing little to shield her from the sensations. Hiei nearly came undone as she shifted again and seized his face in her hands kissing him with wild abandon. Kami she was sexy all disheveled and flushed from his kisses. Her small hands were trying to take things out of his hands as she reached for the belts around his waist. His hands reached behind her to make short work of the knots holding her kimono, the silk hiding her full glory from his eager eyes, closed.

Kagome felt daring and sexy with Hiei's eyes on her and she pushed him back before sliding from the bed and giving a tug at the thin twisted tie as she stood before him. Hiei smirked seeing the sultry look in her eyes and leaned back to enjoy the show she wanted to show him. He wanted to jump up and rip the kimono from her body but he had more control than that. He'd waited for this moment for what seemed like his whole existence and he could afford to –he shuddered as he saw her slowly slid the silk from her shoulders before parting the deep blue outer kimono revealing three other layers. Her eyes hadn't left his as she untied the next obi and let the pale blue silk pool at her feet. He swallowed as she untied the next obi and let the silver silk pool atop the rest.

The silhouette of her full figure was hinted through the veil of white silk that formed the final barrier to his eyes. She reached to tug the obi and paused. Hiei's eyes snapped to her face as he growled. She laughed as she stood there teasing him. He was in no mood, that damn silk was coming off. Hiei stood faster than a blink and tore the obi from her waist and parted the silk to view her with passion heated eyes. His mouth found hers and he gave her no warning as he urged her back on the bed once more her body, nearly bare, underneath him.

Her hands were once again tugging at the belts keeping him from her.

"Kagome, wait." he began as he shifted his weight to pin her down.

"No."

He chuckled at her defiance and determination, and then he hissed through his teeth as reason began to elude him... Her hand was boldly cupping his length through the fabric of his fighting pants, she was playing with fire and he loved it, but there were words that had to be said before he could abandon reason and bury himself within her. Her blunt teeth at his neck made him shudder.

Hiei leaned down to capture her lips in an unrestrained impassioned kiss, building the passion that had banked to a full blaze. He released her hands and smirked against her lips as she didn't bother sliding them down to his belts this time, she attacked the belt. She was eager and he was more than ready to accommodate her.

Leaning back Hiei took the time to look at his beautiful Kagome spread out before him wearing only her chest binding which was easily removed in a single motion. She was magnificent, her chest rising and falling with her quick breaths, her breasts full and her nipples peaked and hard with her arousal. Her cheeks were flushed and her lips red and swollen from the intense kiss both now and before. Her fingers trailed down his chest as she explored him waiting for him to make his next move. Part of her wanted to attack those damned irritating pants that were in the way…

Hiei wanted her badly, but he didn't want to cause her pain. Knowing pleasure was the best distraction he bent his head to her throat…

For a long time the only sounds were harsh breathing and skin slapping skin and moans of pleasure as they both sought completion. This time as Kagome's climax washed over him Hiei sought out the junction of her neck and shoulder; he bit down marking her forever as his own.

Unexpected power surged around Kagome and surrounded them both before enclosing the room in a barrier. Hiei closed his eyes as once again power filled him to near pain and he heard that same chorus of voices within his mind and surrounding them. "Kagome, this is the youkai you have chosen to be now and for eternity your mate and protector."

"Yes." Kagome stated with no hesitation.

Hiei beside her took her hand into his own. There was some uncertainty in his eyes at what changes would occur but he was not uncertain of his choice. Together they were pulled into a sleeping state.

Hiei opened his eyes recognizing at once that he was in an astral plane that over lapped the living world. Beside him Kagome slumbered on the astral equivalent of the bed. Before him a Miko Warrior wearing ancient armor sat watching her with a gentle look in her large brown eyes. Those same eyes turned to Hiei. "She will sleep through the process, but you I'm afraid must be awake and physically here, because of the dragon within you. The pain will be intense as you are Hiei. Shall we begin?" She waited for his nod of agreement…

Hiei closed his eyes as he felt like his body was plunged in to a molten river. He could feel the heat as it scorched through skin to muscle and bone and finally blazing to his very soul. It was excruciatingly painful, but he didn't utter a sound. Sweat poured down his body. Opening his eyes, all Hiei could see was red. He recognized the color and the feel of the power raging through his body. It was fire; his fire.

Black flames coiled tightly around the red as the Dragon struggled against the barrier wards he and Kagome had made. Opening the Jagan Hiei forced the Dragon down. Reluctantly it obeyed but the black flames remained burning him once more with their supernatural heat that was one thousand times more intense than his fire. He gritted his teeth and forced back the scream of agony building in his throat as the black fire sank into his skin and scorched him to his soul.

A cool chill raced down Hiei's spine as the heat abated, he was getting colder. The sweat was freezing now encasing him in thick ice. He could feel the tingle of his skin as the cold cooled the burn and sank beneath. He was shivering now and the cold continued to fill him. He fought to push it back as he felt it begin to consume him. Fear coiled through him, paralyzing him as he faced the terror of having no control of the element within him. It was the same fear he lived with daily magnified to an infinite degree.

"Don't fight it, embrace It." a voice near him said softly.

Hiei closed his eyes as he had with the heat and fire. Instantly he felt the mind numbing cold freezing him, overwhelming him as it followed the same path to his soul as the fire had. He clenched his teeth as it felt like he was being stabbed with thousands of tiny swords, the pain was unlike anything he'd felt before. As the icy cold reached his soul Hiei saw behind his eye lids a pale blue light. The light was dim, but it was growing brighter as he watched it with his inner eyes. The light grew until it had consumed his body much like the red aura of his fire, and the black fire of the dragon had done before.

Red and black began to swirl into the blue and although they were blending together they remained at the same time separate. "This is your power, Hiei; your soul. This is your conflicting aura; it has been balanced and made whole. Never again shall you fear the loss of control or death from it or your power. The dragon once only a presence has been bound to your soul, its power now your own as inseparable as your fire and ice. You need never fear, your children being consumed by conflicting powers." the voices speaking as one said. Hiei watched as the pale pink aura of Kagome's power blended with his own.

"Her gift to you Hiei, is immunity to purification and Reiki in all forms no matter the wielder." The pain of the cold and the burning heat vanished and he could no longer remember it, but instead was filled to the brim with a feeling of peace and relief from a deep set worry that his children would suffer if he ever had some. It was a fear born long ago which had weighed him down and where his doubts had been born at having a mate. Now they no longer mattered as he had been cleansed.

He turned to turn to look at her, his beautiful powerful mate, his equal- she was still sleeping though a look of pain lay lightly on her features. His fires were consuming her blended with his ice. It was interlacing and entwining with her aura. He was uncomfortable at the sight of her being consumed by his power. He turned a horror filled look at the ancient Miko. Remembering slight hints of the pain he'd experienced he frowned trying to call his power back.

"This is your gift to her, immunity to your fires and ice. She will never be harmed by them." The voices explained. The look of pain on her sleeping face was replaced with a look of peace as the voices spoke. "She was made for you and you for her; You have always shared a part of her soul as she shares yours. Together you are whole and one. Be happy. Protect each other..."

The light and voices faded and the astral became once more reality and Hiei breathed deep. One could not last long in the astral plane in physical form, but the power of the jewel made it possible. Once again he was awed at the power his mate contained in her small body he was once more humbled at the thought she was his finally. A true smile curved his lips.

oOo

Spent and well sated Hiei tucked Kagome against his side and pulled the silk coverlet over them. He'd let her sleep for a while and catch some rest himself, after everything that had happened he found himself drifting to sleep as the Jagan kept watch over the newly mated couple.