here's another one!


Kagome was walking down the hall, smiling, Suki made her feel better, he was right. Sesshomaru never gave her any doubt he wouldn't return her affection. He kissed her, touched her, talked to her, worried about her in ways no man has ever done. It had to be love, even if he didn't say, he didn't have to say it. She knew, it was in the way he looked at her, she can feel it. He loved her too, she didn't need him to say it.

She nodded, she would tell him, she would tell him about the babies, he wouldn't be mad. Right? She frowned, why did she think he would be mad? She paused in the hallway, frowning, maybe he would think this is happening far too fast as well. She never wanted a domestic life, maybe he didn't either, living on borrowed time, she didn't want any responsibility.

A hand touched her stomach, but now she had that responsibility, her mind drifted again to the idea of finding a way to abort. The very thought made her blood chill. A part of her knew the best thing to do would be to get rid of them. She was not mother material, she was the worst role model, she was too dangerous for kids. But then a part of her already loved them. She sighed, dropping her hand to her side, what was she going to do?

" Lady Kagome."

She turned at the sound of her name, Tahoe was walking down the hall with someone standing beside him. He was shorter, by at least a whole head but the resemblance was strong, his shoulders and build lean but rippling with muscles. His emerald locks long and wild down his back, his chiseled face softer and rounder with youth. Emerald bangs obscuring the view of the outline of a red dragon claw on his forehead, complimenting his tanned skin.

Tahoe smiled at the beautiful soon to be lady of the west, " Lady Kagome, this is my younger brother. Tanto."

The younger dragon bowed his head, " Lady Kagome thank you for saving my brother's life."

Kagome smiled, he looked a lot younger, the age difference had to be like Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. He was too adorable, " You are so cute!" Tanto looked up at the outburst, surprise in the air, Kagome grabbed his face, " Look at these cheeks! I can just squeeze these cheeks!"

Tahoe started to laugh, seeing his brother face flush red to the tips of his pointed ears. Kagome turned his face from side to side, " You are going to be a little heart breaker, looking just like your brother."

Tanto blinked when she stepped back, rubbing his sore cheeks, " Thank you?" he mumbled, not sure if it was the right response.

Kagome smiled, wanting to pinch those cheeks again, she turned to Tahoe, " Are you leaving as well?"

The elder dragon nodded, " Yes, we are leaving for the North soon, however Tanto wanted to meet the brave woman that saved my life."

Kagome smiled, waving it off, " It was nothing."

Tahoe smirked, stepping closer, " There is also something else I wanted to ask you. The young fox that stood up for me at the market... Do you think he would want to come with me?"

Kagome blinked, " Shippo? You want him to leave me?" she shook her head at the words she used, " I mean leave here."

Tahoe nodded, " I've heard what happened to his parents and to repay saving my life I can give him a better one in the North. He will be well trained and well taken care of in the palace."

Kagome swallowed, there was a sharp sting in her chest, she turned, " I will go ask him, if he wants to go he can." she mumbled, walking down the hall.

Tanto watched her go, " I don't think she wants the kit to leave."

Tahoe nodded, " The North has the highest population of foxes, no one can teach him better than his own kind, she'll do what's best for the child."

Tanto nodded, turning with his brother the opposite way down the hall, " She's an odd one."

Tahoe smiled, " She's just uniquely different."

Tanto glanced behind him one last time, she was already gone, " And damn pretty." he mumbled.

Yellow glass stained eyes glanced to similar ones, Tanto saw the look and blinked, ranting, " I mean, I wasn't looking at her like that, I know she's pose to be the lady of the west. I just noticed cause she was so... close. And smelled so nice."

He suddenly shook his head, " Not that I was sniffing her, she was right there, and I breath through my nose and..."

Tahoe suddenly laughed, " Tanto stop talking."

The young dragon, placed a palm on his forehead at his dumb ranting, " I'm an idiot."

Tahoe grinned, " A pretty girl tends to brings that quality out of a man."

Tanto rolled his eyes, " Shut up." making his older brother again laugh at his expense.

Kagome found Shippo in his guest room, drawing in the corner at a small table. She smiled at his cute little focused face, " Hey kid, what you up to?"

Shippo turned and grinned, " Fujo san!" he picked up the paper he was drawing on, " I made this for you!"

Kagome walked over and sat on the floor instead of the second little chair next to the table, she took the paper from him. It was a crude drawing of two stick figures, one with long hair and one with a tail, she smiled, " This is beautiful Shippo I love it."

He smiled with pride, leaping on her shoulder, pointing at the picture, " See, this one is me and this one is you."

She just nodded, " I can tell, it looks just like me, I didn't know I was so pretty."

He put his hands in the air as if she was out of her mind, " Your beautiful!" His small arms around again her neck, hugging her face, " And cool."

Kagome smiled, setting the paper down to pick him up. She sat him in her lap so that she can see his face, " Ship, there's something I want to talk to you about."

He blinked his wide green eyes, " Okay. What's wrong?"

She shook her head, " Nothing, it's just..." she frowned, not sure how to approach the subject, " You remember Tahoe, the dragon you saved at the market?"

He nodded, a smile crossing his face, " Yes, he is very nice and he thanked me for helping him."

Kagome nodded, " He wants to you come to the northern palace with him."

Shippo smiled, " Visit Lord Lemin's palace? that would be fun."

Her heart sunk in her chest, that stinging feeling back, " Not to visit. To live."

Immediately the young fox frowned, confusion on his tiny face, " You want me to leave?"

She shook her head, " No, Ship, I want you to stay here, with me. But everyone knows the north is were the foxes are. You can be around your own kind and they can teach you how to be an a fox. Tahoe wants to repay you for being so amazing, you are going to live in a palace and never want for anything."

" But I want you." his sweet little voice whispered.

Kagome nodded, " You don't have to go, I told him I will ask you. You can say no and stay here with me." she touched his soft cheek, " But I know you want to be strong one day, I can teach you how to fight, but I can't teach you something I know nothing about. Like when you start to grow and your powers emerge or when you hit puberty. I wouldn't know what to do."

Shippo frowned, she was right, thought she was the Asa Shin Fujo, she was still just a human miko and he was not a human or had holy powers. Who would teach him how to use his fox fire or any other abilities he might grow into. He was also well aware a lot of foxes lived in the North, some of the oldest and strongest worked in the palace. And Lord Lemin was a nice and fair demon.

He shook his head, but he didn't want to leave her, his head rested on her chest, his voice a soft whisper, " I just found you momma."

Tears touched Kagome's eyes at the name, she closed them for a moment, willing them not to fall. She picked him up, holding him close to her chest, " I will always be here for you. But I want what's best for you and you know you can always just call and I will be there."

He looked up to her, " Will you visit?"

She smiled at him, " Every single moment I can."

" And when I grew up and become a warrior like you, I can come back?"

Kagome nodded, " Where ever I am, there will always be a home for you in the west, I'll make sure of that."

Shippo smiled, nodding against her chest, " Then I'll go."

Kagome kissed his forehead, " Okay." she stood with him in her arms, " pack your things and I'll go tell them."

He nodded, hopping out of her arms, Kagome watched him grab a satchel off a hook and began packing his favorite toys. Of course that's what he thinks packing meant, toys and drawing paper, she smiled at the innocence for a moment before heading out the door.

Leaving the family wing, she turned down the hall and decided to stop by Lord Sesshomaru's study, she smiled at Akito who was standing outside the door. " Hey, Kito."

He smiled at the beautiful female, " Hello Lady Kagome, how are you feeling?"

She grinned, standing beside him, " Never been cursed before so that was new."

He shook his head at her, " It seems you have not been changed by the experience."

Kagome laughed, " I'm too old to change."

That made the fox laugh, " Old? Lady Kagome you are still a child even in human terms, why would you think you're old?"

Kagome shrugged, " I guess I'm just old in experience, I've done and seen lot in the short time I've been on this earth."

The arctic fox thought about the statement for a moment, he then raised a brow, now curious, " What is the strangest thing you ever seen?"

Kagome grinned, already knowing the answer, " I seen a bull have an orgasm."

Akito blinked, " That's disgusting."

Kagome grinned, " The worst part is, it was with a woman, a witch doctor in Madagascar."

He shook his head, " Stop talking."

Kagome laughed, " Hey, you asked." stepping around him and sliding back the study door.


Hampton was leaning back in the comfortable recliner in front of Sesshomaru's desk a cup in his hand, " Remember that time at Hyde's birthday ball his parents threw for him, we decided to sneak away and found the wine cellar."

Sesshomaru sipped from the warm sake in his own cup, " The first time we ever tasted rum."

Hampton laughed, " We went back to the ball drunk as hell."

Sesshomaru smirked at the memory, " You flashed Hyde's mother and your father punched you."

Hampton nodded, recalling the moment, " I can still remember Inu No Tashio laughing right before I saw stars. What happened to you?"

Sesshomaru sipped more of his drink, " Father found me in the kitchen with Hyde's betrothed in a compromising position on the counter."

The tiger laughed, shaking his head, " I knew you had her, when we was being dragged out she all but had hearts in her eyes."

Sesshomaru glanced down to his cup, " Speaking of hearts, Kagome gave me hers."

Wine spewed out of Hampton's mouth, the tiger sat up in chair, wine dripping from his chin, green eyes wide and surprised, " She said she loved you?"

Sesshomaru nodded, " And that she wants to stay in the palace."

Hampton grinned, " That's perfect!" he leaned back in his seat, " I knew you two were the perfect match for each other, since the day I brought her home."

Sesshomaru raised a brow, " You mean when she was posing as a maid to assassinate me?"

The tiger laughed, " Even then I knew she was something special." he glanced over to his friend, " What did you say to her."

" Nothing."

Hampton raised a brow, " What do you mean nothing?"

Sesshomaru sipped from his cup, " She told me not to say anything, declared her feelings and ran down the hall."

Hampton laughed, " That sounds like Kagome."

" What sounds like Kagome?" The lady of the hour asked as she stepped into the study.

Hampton glanced to her, " How are you feeling?"

She raised a brow, ignoring the question, " Were you two talking about me?"

Hampton stood, " Oh look, its getting late, I should... do something that gets me away from here." hurrying out the door.

Kagome watch him go, brow still raised, she turned back to Sesshomaru as the door slide closed, " What were you two talking about?"

Sesshomaru just stared, as if he would tell her what they were talking about, " Lord Lemin tells me Tahoe wants the kit to come home with him."

Kagome smirked at the change of the subject, she sunk into the black recliner across from him, " Yes and Shippo wants to go too even though I don't want him to go."

" The foxes populate the North."

Pale eye glanced to him, " I know that, which is why I told him its best for him to go even though I don't want him to. I'm just going to miss his cute little face."

Sesshomaru nodded, " The kit cares for you, he is like a child of your."

Kagome looked at him at the choice of words, speaking of child of yours, she turned in her seat, " Um, Sesshomaru, there's something I want to talk about."

A slender brow went up, his mind going to one thing, " You can't take it back you already said it, that's against the rules."

Kagome blinked, confused, " Take what..." wait was he talking about her saying she loved him? She smiled, " No I'm not talking about..." she suddenly made a face, giggling, " What rules is that against?"

Sesshomaru just glanced down to the paperwork on his desk, " My mother use to say that."

Her head fell back as she laughed, she shook her head, " No, I'm not taking what I said earlier back. I love you and I want to stay with you for as long as I can. I wanted to talk about something else."

Hearing it again warmed his heart, he stared at her and her beautiful smile, her aura cocooning him with the truth, she was happy being with him. He almost smiled, almost said it back, almost returned the affection... " What is it you wanted to talk about it?"

A hand tapped on his desk, suddenly nervous, " Well, how would you feel about..."

There was a sudden knock on the door, a squeaky high pitched voice immediately followed it, " Lord Sesshomaru your presence is needed, the other Lords are now prepared to leave."

Amber eyes glanced to the door, " One moment Jaken." then back to his lover, continuing her question, " Continue."

Kagome paused, then shook her head standing, " It can wait, I want to say bye again too."

He stared at her for a moment, as if trying to read her mind, he then stood, walked around his desk and offered his arm. She smiled and grabbed it, heading out the door.

The sun was just beginning to set when they made it outside, Kagome immediately ran over and hugged Shippo, who was sitting on the shoulder of Tahoe. " You be a good boy okay."

He nodded into her neck, " Yes mama."

She held him in her arms so she can see his cute little face, " I am going to visit every chance I get." She then took the small gold hoop earring she was wearing out her left ear, charged it with her powers and put it in his hand, " And remember, you call me whenever you need me at anytime okay."

He nodded with a smile, " Okay." rubbing his face against her chest, " I'mma miss you."

She tried to hold back the tears, " I'll miss you too kid." hugging him one more time. She had to force herself to bend and set him on the ground, not quite willing to let go yet.

Kagome stood, looking to the dragon that was taking her baby away, there was an ice in her voice, a hardness in her eyes, " I trust you Tahoe."

Tahoe watched her, she had the instincts of a mother, it gave him a chill, " He'll be in good hands."

The ice melting a little, she leaned forward. " He's my little man, I'm worried for his safety."

" I can understand." Tahoe shrugged uncomfortably. " But he will be safe and respected in the palace of the north."

Kagome nodded slowly, then actually smiled, laughing a bit. " I'm sorry. I guess I was just having one of those over protective mother moments."

Relaxing, Tahoe smirked and nodded. " You're entitled. It is a great honor for him to call someone such as yourself mother."

" You're right, I shouldn't worry, I know you will do everything in your power to make sure he is well cared for."

" You are correct Lady Kagome." Tahoe replied, feeling much better about the whole thing.

Kagome nodded, still smiling, she then reached up to give the dragon a hug. As she pulled herself closer, she hissed in his ear, " If there is even one hair out of place on his head when I visit I will have Naga scorch that palace to the ground. Is that clear?"

Swallowing hard, Tahoe nodded once. " Yes ma'am."

She pulled back with a smile, as if she didn't just threaten his life, " I'm going to miss you Tahoe."

Lord Lemin laughed, hearing the threat, " Don't worry about anything Kagome, the kit will be treated as my own."

She turned, nodding, a certain edge to her smile, a sharpness to her tone," Just don't forget. He's mine."

The bear demon grinned, glancing to Sesshomaru, " She's a little feisty one isn't she."

Suki just laughed, stepping forward, lifting the miko off the floor in a hug, " You are something special Kagome and always welcomed in the South."

Kagome smiled, hugging him back, before he put her down, Sesshomaru, Kagome, Hampton and Akito stood there as the carriages finally left the palace heading in through the demon village.

Pale eyes glanced up, the sky was getting dark, the sun finally starting to set, changing colors. Kagome frowned, " I should go wait for Thanatos."

Sesshomaru nodded, " I will be in my study."

She turned to Sesshomaru, " Keep the gardens clear, though he has the talent of being unseen, he likes to just pop up so people can see him and die."

He nodded once more, " Do you have the scroll?"

She patted her waist, " Right here."

A hand reached forward and gently grasp the nape of her neck, she smiled, knowing the gesture was a sign of his affection, something he wouldn't say he was feeling. She watched him turn, Akito following him inside the palace.

Kagome turned and sighed, walking around the grounds, telling anyone who was outside to get inside and close all the windows. The sun was setting lower so she jogged into the gardens, deciding to wait at her favorite strawberry bush for the person that owned her soul.

That thought was a bit depressing, she didn't like to owe anyone or be used by anyone. But she was very young when she made this deal and very angry. She smirked remember that she didn't even want to do it at first. When he had made the offer she had said, she already lived in hell and she didn't care if she died. Thanatos convinced her to take the deal, as if he needed her to sign the contract. She was all to welcome to the idea of going to hell and living the rest of her dead life in a torture chamber. That's what she thought she deserved for letting her family die, for not being strong enough, for only being a child.

Is that how she still thought she wondered? Even Magatsuhi said she has been happier lately. Was it a bad thing that she couldn't hear him that much or that he didn't have a stronger pull on her as before? Why did she have to be angry anyways, she killed people just as good as the best in any mood. And that's what it's all about right, her sending the dead to Thanatos. That's why she was allowed to continuing breathing right?

There was a sudden blast of cold, Kagome turned as a black smoke drifted into the gardens around her. It suddenly spun in a whirl wind, the shadow of a figure in a hooded robe stepped out from the smoke. His eyes a swirling cloud of white, he smiled, showing rows of sharp teeth, " There's my διάδοχος."

Kagome rolled her eyes with a grin, " You just like making an entrance don't you."

Thanatos laughed, it was loud and echoed as if two people were speaking through him, " You always make me laugh."

She giggled softly, reaching into her kimono and pulling out the scroll, " Like promised." she said, handing it over. " And I sent the 15 you wanted."

He took it, " More then 15, including a dark priestess, I am impressed."

Kagome grinned, not able to help it, " I am to please."

She watched him not bothering to check to see if it was authenitic, he tucked it into his pocket. Kagome looked him over, realizing he indeed had pockets, what she thought was a robe was actually a cape, covering black hamakas and black kimono top with no sleeves.

She glanced back up to him and raised a brow, " I read it you know."

" Of course I know. I know everything."

She crossed her arms at the sarcasm, " Did you know I was the Shikon No Miko when we first met?"

Thanatos just grinned, " As I said I know everything."

Kagome frowned, " Is that why you pushed that contract on me? What would have happened if I stayed dead?"

Thanatos stepped forward, it was intimidating, having the 7 foot human form of death invading your personal space, but she didn't step away, standing her ground. He liked that about her, that's why he was willing to be honest with her. He was known to scheme and to manipulate, but with her he never lied, she was his διάδοχος. " I couldn't keep her baby."

That made Kagome blink, she stepped back, " It's still alive?"

He grinned, " Of course it is silly girl, that was the deal."

Kagome frowned, " What did you do with the soul of a baby?"

" What do you think I did with it?"

She thought for a moment, she knew a bit about Thanatos job since she was the one to take his position one day so she was sure the baby didn't go to hell. But what else would you do with a soul? Where would you even put it? Do you save them, collect them like some type of trophy? No that's a waste of energy, that's what souls are right? energy that animates the body. She blinked, her pale eye going wide.

Thanatos grinned, seeing it in her face that she figured it out. She turned to him, mouth open, " You put it in somebody."

" My διάδοχος, you are so smart, this is why I love you."

She shook her head, ignoring the compliment, " Where is it? Inyuasha is awoke now, where is his baby?"

He stepped closer, a strong arm raising, his calloused fingers tipped with deadly claws lovingly stroked the side of her cheek as a sinister smile broke his handsomely horrifying face, " She is not a baby anymore." he whispered.

Kagome stared at him wide eyed, she stumbled back, shaking her head, was he implying that she was the soul of Inuyasha's child!

He grinned at her reaction, able to read her mind, " I raised you for a greater purpose my διάδοχος." with that said he touched to fingers to his lips and blew her an icy kiss.

Kagome fell back in shock, not in the right state of mind to balance herself, she sat on the grass, staring at the master of death. Raised you for a greater purpose, echoed in her head, her mind swarmed with memories. That two finger kiss. Since she was a toddler, she distinctively remembered that shadow nobody believed followed her blowing a two finger kiss.

It was him, since she was a baby, he has been there, molding her to take his spot. He must of had her family killed, her village slaughtered, to introduce her to death. He helped Magatsuhi easily take control of her. Turned her into a murderer! A monster! But why? Why her? Why merge inuyasha's baby soul with the shikon jewel...

Energy. Came the answer. Souls were energy. She remembered her mother telling her she was very sick as a newborn, hot with fever and could have died. Never being reborn in a living person before, the shikon jewel must have been sapping her orginal soul from her body and converting it to energy. It's the only thing that makes sense. He needed more energy for her to survive hosting the unrestrainted powers of the jewel inside of her body so he merged Kikyou and Inuyasha's unborn child soul with hers. For more energy.

He watched her go through her thoughts, able to hear them all, she was so smart, she almost had it correct. Almost. He waited til she looked at him, she was shaking her head, " You've been watching me since I was a baby."

Thanatos just nodded, " I have."

Slowly she pulled herself to her feet, still not understanding, " I almost died as a newborn, was it because of the jewel? Is that why you merged Inuyasha's baby soul with my own?"

He grinned, " You are so close to the truth my διάδοχος."

She frowned, getting upset, she hated being left in the dark, " Then what is it? What is the truth Thanatos, you never lied to me before. What happened to me? Why have you been following me all my life? I remember you, even across the seas, that shadow stalking me, blowing me kisses. Why?"

Strong arms crossed as he smiled, she wanted to know so badly, that is why he sent her after the scroll, knowing she would read it, knowing she will have questions. He always wanted to tell her and now it was finally time for the truth of her exstience.

" Kikyou asked for the jewel to be reborn in the next Shikon No Miko to stop evil from using it. It was never attempted before, releasing the powers inside of a living body. Magatsuhi and Midoriko's powers clashed and the soul you were born with, Kikyou's soul, succumbed to the pull. You did not almost die as a child, you heart was strong but your brain stopped functioning. You were an empty shell of power, under the control of anyone who held you. And that was not part of the deal."

He smirked at her as she continued to stare, " So I gave you part of my soul. But I knew my soul would completely blacken your heart. You needed just a smidge of innocence within you, just so you wouldn't become a bloodthirsty monster. Hence the baby's soul, I merged it with my own and put it into your body. Then you became an entirely new person. Stronger, smarter, faster, and far more in control of your powers than before."

Kagome blinked slowly at the information, not wanting to believe what was being said, " Are you saying you made me a new soul?"

He nodded, " Even better my διάδοχος, we share a soul, you share my heart, my blood. By all logics, you are my daughter."

Kagome stood there, trying to grasp what was being said, she was the daughter of death itself. Her mind lasped into a short circuit and shut down. Thanatos watched her pale eyes roll to the back of her head, he laughed, catching her just as she fell to the ground. " My διάδοχος." he smiled, picking her up bridal style and flapping his wings, taking off into the sky.


Sesshomaru was sitting in his study, behind his desk, glaring at a piece of parchment in his hand, his eyes only seeing a white glare do to the fact that his brain refused to process any other information that didn't do with a certain blue eyed female. With a low growl, he angrily pushed his swiveling recliner away from his desk, turning towards the window, the shutters were shut.

He frowned, turning, again looking at the scroll he been trying to read for the last past half hour. With a sigh, he slid the document into a draw before closing it, drumming his fingers on his desk, thinking. He was worried, Thanatos should have been here by now, which meant Kagome was out there still talking to him. But how long did it take to return a damn scroll? He didn't like Kagome around that man, demon, god, what ever the hell it was.

He was more upset with himself than anything, he didn't like Thanatos for making Kagome sign that damn contract. How was he suppose to enjoy a life with her if he had to keep the idea her life was time limited in the back of his head. He needed to find a way to void that damn contract and keep Thanatos away from her.

His hand reached up, going through his bangs, what the hell was going on with her anyways? She was acting strange ever sense that night at the hot spring. She was smiling more, laughing more, fighting for fun, not trying to kill anyone. Those aren't bad traits but it made him worry, was she forcing herself to be happy because she knew her time was growing short? Or did she even have a clue when Thanatos planned to follow through with the contract. Did she even think about it, dream about it?

Was there even a way to tell if she was stressing out? She was so much fun, so impulsive, full of energy and excitement. Her presence eased all tension to anyone around her, she was so carefree, always laughing, always smiling, always joking. You couldn't tell when she was stressed out unless she stated it, she hid it well. Was that because she was always forcing herself to not think about her contract? Always questioning if today was the day she would die? He loved the way she was able to express how she was feeling when she had time to feel it. She was always so in control of herself, never letting no one see something she didn't want them to see. Waiting until she had time to feel her pain or anger or sadness.

Long fingers tapped on his wooden desk as he leaned back in his chair, perhaps he should simple ask her. From his knowledge she haven't lied to him since she was discovered as an assassin. She was bluntly honest and open, she shared stories about her travels, besides her family's demise, her life was an open book. He stood, he was giving himself a headache, he walked over to the door and slid it open.

Akito immediately peeked an eye open, " Can we look yet?"

" I will check, stay here." Sesshomaru answered, walking down the hall.

He went to his room, knowing if he went to the balcony he would be able to see the gardens. One quick glance before anyone spotted him should be safe he figured. Technically he wouldn't be looking death in the face right so he shouldn't die.

He reached his door and slid it back, amber eyes blinked, staring, confused. Kagome was laying on the bed, fully dressed, hands crossed over her stomach, seeming to be asleep. Immediately he moved over to her, a hand reaching out, touching her heart. It was strong and steady. He stood, staring at her, when did she get in here, how did she get in here? He knew her, she would have definitely came to his study before simply going to bed and never went to bed fully clothed. So that leaves the question, what happened in the gardens?

He frowned, knowing the answers lay with Kagome and he would just have you wait for her to wake up. Knowing she would want to be more comfortable he turned to retrieve her night clothes from the closet and froze.

There was a face mere inches from his on, eyes a swirling cloud of white, he smiled, rows of flesh shredding teeth been seen, " As expected."

Sesshomaru stepped back, black elastic bat wings arching at top of his head to the tip of his ankles, ebony locks flaming, swirling around him with his unseen power. Claws dark as night, sharp and holding his large red scythe, his long bangs swaying out his tanned face, a small black star in the middle of his forehead.

Thanatos, he thought. The man before him simply smirked, swirling orbs glancing to the waist of the young demon lord as he stood straight at his seven foot stature. " The sword of life. Tensiega. Able to revive 100 innocent lives with a single swing."

He walked around the room, amber eyes following his every move, " Did you know your father had that sword commissioned after having a vision from Hephaestus the god of blacksmiths."

He nodded, turning back to the young pup, " Inu No Tashio, was a great demon, a chosen seer, keeper of fate. The gods visited him in visions and dreams regularly, making sure events that were suppose to occur happened. That is why he taught you the language of the dead for when So'unga is once again a threat to all that walk this earth. And believe me, that will be happening again."

Sesshomaru raised a brow, " Why are you telling me this? Why are you here?"

A large hand drummed against his weapon, " Curiosity mostly. I've been watching you. You've been looking for a way to break the deal me and Kagome have correct?"

" Is there a way?"

A grin crossed his face, " There isn't an exit clause, this is more than a contract, this is her fate."

Sesshomaru simply stared, " Fate can be changed."

Thanatos turned, walking the length of the room again, " What would you know about changing fate pup, your father was shown his death a week before it happened and he still died the exact same way after he tried to change it. You can not fight fate."

Sesshomaru frowned, his father taught him you write your own destiny, but right now he wanted more information, something that has been bothering him, " The stars on her shoulder, why are they multiplying?"

" Ah, the Mark of Death, it merely means she is reaching her prime. Ripe for the taking."

" I won't let you take her."

Thanatos grinned, turning back to the demon lord, " You really believe you can save her don't you?"

Sesshomaru just stared at the man, not playing into his mind games, it made Thanatos laugh, " You don't know my διάδοχος as well as you think."

The statement made Sesshomaru frowned, " She haven't lied to me yet, she tells me everything."

" Did she tell you she was with child?"

Amber eyes went wide, he turned looking to Kagome, a gust a wind blasted from behind, he turned back and Thanatos was gone. He frowned, seeing the balcony doors wide open, he ignored it for a moment walking over to the sleeping Kagome.

He didn't sense anything different about her or smell anything different about her. He probbed her aura with his own, nothing, there was no change, was Thanatos lying? He pushed a little harder, coating her with his youki powers. He blinked, he felt a shift, bending, he touched a hand to her stomach and did it again. Like before her aura shifted, his eyes blinked slowly, there it was, three little heart beats.

She groaned, pale eyes blinking open, Sesshomaru looked up at her, hand still on her stomach. She focused her blurry vision and saw him, saw what he was doing, she sucked in a sharp breath, he knew.

" Sesshomaru I..."

He cut her off, shaking his head, " Why would you not tell me this? Why would you hide this from me, hide my pups from me?"

She sat up, looking to him, " I'm sorry Sesshomaru I just panicked." she shook her head, " Everything is just happening so fast, I just came to terms with how I felt about you, that I wanted to stay with you and then I find out I got three babies growing inside me."

Tears touched her eyes, her stress levels high over normal levels, " I didn't know if this is what you wanted, I don't even know if this is what I want, I'm not a good role model, I don't know how to be a mother."

She started to rant, tears now falling, " I don't even know how long I'm going to be here, I don't know when I'm going to die! How am I suppose to be a mother, I can't even protect them, I can't even protect myself!"

She shook her head, now frantic, " And then I realize they'll be half breeds and Inuyasha told me how bad his childhood was growing up. I don't want that for my babies but now I don't even know what they'll be. I don't even know if I'm human or not!" she cried into her hands, " This all just fucking sucks!"

Sesshomaru stared at her, she was far more emotional than usual, it must be the pups, he rubbed her arm, " Kagome, what do you mean you don't know if you're human or not?"

Kagome glanced to him, tears still falling, " Thanatos, he told me he was my father."

He blinked, " What? How is that even possible?"

She sniffled, wiping her eyes, " The shikon jewel was born inside of me, unrestrained. My soul was too weak to bare the power. I was an empty shell he said, so he gave me part of his soul. He merged it with Inuyasha's baby soul so I wouldn't become a monster. He said I share his heart and his blood, that he was by all terms my father."

She looked to him, " He's been following me since I was a child, making things happen so I turn out like this. He wanted me to be this monster."

" You're not a monster." Sesshomaru said, seeing her starting to cry again.

She just cried, falling back onto the bed, curling up in the fetal position, " I don't know what I am. I thought I was human, I thought I was miko. Sometimes I thought I was demon, I thought I was a monster. But apparently I'm Death's Daughter." she cried into her pillow, grabbing her stomach, " What will these babies be?"

Sesshomaru sat beside her, not saying anything, not much will change her mind at the moment anyways, he just rubbed her back, letting her cry, letting her get it all out. She cried throughout the night, cried herself to sleep.

Sesshomaru continued to just sit beside her, rubbing her back, watching her. She was clearly upset at the news but who wouldn't be. She went through her life knowing exactly who she was, what she was and owned it, lived by it. She was Asa Shin Fujo, the Grey Ghost and loved it. But now, she didn't know who she was, what she was. And to find out on top of that she was carrying three pups, it was a lot to take in.

There was a soft knock on the door, Sesshomaru stood, it must be important if Akito let them close enough to disturb him. He walked over and slid the wood back, the old healer owl stood before him, a pot of tea in his hand. He bowed his head for a moment, " This is for Lady Kagome." He paused not sure how to explain why he was bringing tea this late, " To help her feel better." he mumbled.

Sesshomaru took the pot, looking at it, he knew it was for the pups, he seen enough of his white inu cousins with child to not know. He nodded to him, " She told me."

The owl let out a heavy sigh, " Thank the heavens, I hate secrets." bowing his head and walking down the hall.

Sesshomaru turned around, sliding his door closed. He walked over to the bed, sitting the pot on the side table before sitting back down beside the sleeping female. He was not happy she hid his pups from him but he understood. This was indeed happening fast, though it felt much longer. They spent every moment together since her cover was blown, in this month he felt like he knew Kagome as well as he knew Hampton and he knew that man all his life. Is this love? Did this mean he was in love? He wasn't sure, he never been in love so he was not certain how it was suppose to feel. Bokuseno said it had no time limit, his mother said it an unexplained feeling, his father said it came without reason.

He did get that, an unexplained feeling in his chest when Kagome was around and he couldn't put a reason on why he felt that way. Did that mean he was in love? He wasn't sure, he didn't know how he felt exactly. He knew he wanted her around, knew he wanted her to stay with him, knew he didn't want to let her go. Maybe it was love. Then again maybe it was an obsession, he is a dog after all, they tend to be extremely territorial and he liked his toys just for himself. In all honesty, he just wasn't sure how he felt. Is that why he haven't returned Kagome's declaration of love yet? Was he just making excuses or was he just afraid? He looked down to the sleeping beauty beside him, he just didn't know.


Hyde was pacing an empty room, he refused to meet with this imbeciles anywhere that could be traced back to him. Yes they were still in his lands but that can always be vaguely explained as him never knowing. The east was vast, it was not possible for him to have eyes over every inch. The manor he was in has been empty for years, as the small village it resided in. The fresh water supply dried up decades ago and everyone had to abandon their homes for new ones.

He paced because it helped him think and the information Yutomushi and Naraku just delivered gave him a lot to go over. " She is the Shikon No Miko huh." he knew there was something off about Lady Kagome, something she was hiding. He knew of the jewel well being that his distant cousin was supposedly killed trying to get his hands on the damn thing. It was a very powerful item to have on your side during a war, amber eyes glanced up, " Does she knows where the jewel is?"

Yutomushi shrugged, glancing out the broken window of the manor, it was cold in here he randomly thought, " We didn't get that far with the old priestess before they came and rescued her."

Naraku smirked, " I am positive my ghost has the jewel in her possession."

Hyde raised a brow at the confident face the hanyou was expressing, " And what makes you say that?"

Naraku folding his hands in his baboon pelt, " Because she is the jewel."

That caught the attention of both Hyde and Yutomushi, the black inu blinked, " What are you talking about?"

Naraku pulled a scrap of paper out of his sleeve, it was what Tsubaki was deciphering. He handed it over to Hyde, he looked it over, it was a short passage, broken and heavily spaced between words, clearly it was unfinished, but he read it out loud anyways. " The Shikon No Tama is to vanquish... In the flames of the four souls... to release the power of the jewel from its restraints... upon its rebirth... be born within the next Shikon No Miko..."

Hyde flipped the paper over and looked on the back, it didn't continue, " That's it."

Yutomushi raised a brow, " Is that all that dark witch got from the scroll you had her translate? It doesn't even make sense."

Naraku just smirked, " It makes perfect. Kikyou was burned with the jewel, trying to forever stop evil from using its powers. When it came back it was born inside the next Shikon No Miko. Kagome. She is the jewel in living form, that's why she is so powerful."

Yutomushi rolled his eyes, that didn't sound at all helpful to their current situation. " How does this help us?"

Hyde nodded, a thought coming to mind, " What if we can control the spirits inside her? Release the demon spirit on our enemies."

Naraku agreed, liking the idea, the demon inside the jewel was powerful, if they can find a way to control it, they would be unstoppable. " We would have to find a way to control the demonic spirit inside her somehow."

Hyde frowned, thinking, " But how? It would have to be strong magic, we all just witnessed not even curses are that effective on her."

Yutomushi blinked, a thought coming to mind, finally joining the conversation, " What if we can pull the demon spirit from her body and contain it. Then it would be ours to control."

Both men looked to the only human in the room, it was actually a pretty solid idea, Hyde raised a brow, a bit skeptical, " How would we accomplish that?"

Yutomushi grinned, knowing exactly who to contact, " Urasue, she's a demon orgess and owes me a favor."


more to come! tell me what you think! Working on the ending!