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The western palace

Kagome's head buzzed uncomfortably. The conversation had flown on during her escape to musing. As she rejoined it, she couldn't fight down the foreboding. Something felt awfully off to her. Like a feeling of foresight but a bad one approached her and run down her spine. The voices around her just flew on like a river flowing in its unique pace and sound. It felt harder to focus on the concrete details of what was said, because somehow she felt an evil snicker resonating close to her heart.

She kind of realized that Death thought the approach of banishing the Kamis into that prison to be desirable. Somehow a spell had caught all of the souls and sealed them away from the world causing the future Kagome had been born in. It seemed that Death had never regretted his brethren's fate but she of course didn't like how much it reminded her of the workings of the jewel. Like she was caught in a time loop forced to repeat the same story over and over again.

An eternal battle

She hoped so much that there would be another solution to their struggle one that wouldn't cause an entire race to disappear. No matter the race, she held no desire in destroying the Kamis…

How had she the right to extinct the Kamis?

In her mind it wouldn't make her any better than those who had turned against the Youkai. Her mind wandered searching for a solution. She could do nothing and let the war approach never stopping her allies' demise, she could go to battle and die in the final confrontation like she had obviously done in the life she had no memories of. Or she could research the evil spell and banish their enemies and thus betraying everything she was, everything she believed in, her own soul.

Wasn't there another way?

Jump down into the abyss, do nothing and starve to death or fight and return soulless…

She was reminded of the presence in the cave once more: Some wars won't be won through fighting.

Why is it so hard for them to live peacefully?

She was also still confused about the business with the mysterious Youkai but it seemed that once more Naraku had been right. Something had felt off about the being in the well. She hadn't noticed it then but he had.

Naraku

Those things were exactly the reason why she needed him!

Like always had he been a few steps ahead of her. She had found the well always strange and foreign even during her first adventure. It was such a unique power, intensely powerful, with a mind of its own and never needed to be recharged. Therefore to her it was just another odd thing about it, not for Naraku though. He had immediately questioned it. Again she marveled his skill into looking beyond the surface of things.

Except of course as it had concerned his own fate. He never had been able to see beyond the workings of the jewel until the very end.

Neither have I by the way, only his eyes, those which had already realized the truth had finally been the last straw to make me see.

Once again filled a deep feeling of longing her heart and consumed it as a whole.

Watching all of the others talking about wars and battles made her realize once more why she had chosen her mortal enemy to be her closest ally this time around.

The Naraku of her first life would have understood, he would have seen the similar patterns and he would have understood her immense feeling of unease.

The question was what he would have done with that knowledge though…

Would he have helped them in order to prevent the Youkais from being extinct or would he have helped their enemies and hid from the last battle to be the only survivor of the conflict. She didn't know. It would have given him the chance to triumph over all of them but then it wasn't what he had truly wanted.

Kagome wouldn't be able to ever forget what his true wish had been. He had wanted to be reunited with Kikyo or her even in hell. As she had realized it, it had been already too late. Her thoughts wandered to Naraku of this timeline. She truly believed that this Naraku would have understood her doubts as well. She missed his counsel.

Where are you Naraku?

The discussions were closed soon enough. Not that she had paid much attention to the last part. Her heart was racing and the feeling of longing nearly swallowed her. So the abrupt end of the meeting surprised her somewhat.

"Death I will take Lady Kagome back with me. Will you oppose me?"

Sesshomaru's words startled her out of her thoughts.

He heard a deep chuckle.

"LORD SESSHOMARU, YOU AMUSE ME… LADY KAGOME MAY ACCOMPANY YOU. IT ISN'T HER TIME YET BUT ONCE SHE BELONGS TO ME I WON'T ALLOW YOUR OR ANYONE'S INTERFERENCE."

Sesshomaru rose and bowed to the kami before turning to leave. He waited in the doorframe for Kagome to follow him. Again he found himself observing the human closely. Next to the Youkais and death she looked even more fragile and human as under normal circumstances.

It didn't help that normally the armor would increase the illusion of toughness and it made him swallow sourly now that he realized once more how easily such a petit neck would break. As he felt responsible for her now as she would soon be official part of his pack, he had obviously his work cut out for him. While powerful she was still easy to maim and kill.

He turned his observations to her doings. How she moved and made the people around her feel appreciated. She showed them compassion, care and deep respect. He saw her comforting Izayoi telling her that Inuyasha would be fine. Even his father seemed smitten with Kagome and offered her a kind smile in parting. She said her goodbyes to everyone with so much care and love like it was her own family she would leave behind and not his.

His beast was purring contently. He felt irritated by its reaction.

What is wrong with you? Why are you reacting in such a way?

She understands pack better than you do.

Hnh.

Kagome turned to the Kami and couldn't help but offer him her biggest smile; she thanked him for his help. The being flashed a grin at her and told her some last words.

"MY DEAR LITTLE BIRD, TO HEAL YOURSELF FROM THE POISON YOU SHOULD USE THE POWER OF TIME WHICH IS STORED IN YOUR BODY: YOUR OWN ONES MAY NOT BE ENOUGH TO BANISH THE POISON BUT WITH THOSE FROM THE YOUKAI YOU SHALL BE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH THE FEAT."

"Thank you."

Her words were sincere and Death felt it. He liked the small little soul quite well. She was such a fluff and easygoing light that hummed with glee and satisfaction. He found her soul mesmerizing. She was hopeful and caring and even if the returning in time had made her somewhat more grown up, her soul had only gained strength and delight. It was such a gorgeous sight. At least she was far less boring than most of the stories which unfolded around him.

#

Meanwhile in the western Shiro, Inuyasha had caught up with the happenings. Thus was the reason for the red clad Hanyo to rush to the main building. Most inhabitants only saw a red flash passing by. Some Youkais may have realized his heart beating frantically and would know that he was suffering. Not that they would have cared.

Kagome was dead.

The thought made him sad. Even if they had only met shortly and sometimes had different opinions about a topic, she had been one of the few people to care about him. She had even spoken on his behalf to the villagers. His new relation to his half-brother had been made possible by her insightful actions.

He didn't want to believe that he had lost her like he had lost Kikyo.

It had come as such a shock to him that he still denied it as he hurried through the corridors. He wasn't stopped or bothered even if his haste earned him some confused stares. Sesshomaru was absent but he was allowed to roam the place freely at his leisure. Normally Inuyasha spent his free time training like he had done before gaining the news of her death but right now he was nearly running through the halls in order to find her.

Tracking her down was hard on him as she had no scent. It wasn't the first time that he cursed those circumstances but was unable to change it. Therefore he had to systematically search the place.

As he never really had been someone for using his brain and rather depended on his instincts most of the time, it turned out to be a quite challenging endeavor. It wasn't long during his search that he suddenly stumbled across the demoness that kept the entire court on their toes.

He had to admit that she truly was a sight to behold and that her glowing white skin, bathed her features into an unearthly glow. She truly was a beauty. She looked like a being from a dream or another world and he noticed that she had bestowed that beauty onto his elder half-brother. Contrary to the warm and easy going presence from their father, she was more too perfect to be real. It wasn't an unkind or evil presence, no but it made him feel inferior to the other being. There he realized that Sesshomaru had made him feel the same way in the beginning before he had been accepted as part of the pack.

Inuyasha had met Inu Kimi-sama before and while she couldn't stand him, she never was anything less than neutral towards him. Her perfect control and manners were astounding. If he hadn't known of the conflict beforehand he would have never guessed that he wasn't welcomed in her presence.

He respected her deeply for her restraint.

Both had understood that none of them could have changed something about what had happened. His birth had been the decision of Inu no Taisho and Izayoi. He loved his parents but he also understood how hard it must have been for the lady.

Inu Kimi had been warned by Sesshomaru that he would bring Inuyasha into the palace. It had soured her mood immensely but she had no right to deny the younger prince to join them. She had been truly surprised to meet the Hanyo.

#

Flashback

Inu Kimi approached her son. She never bowed to him even if he was above her in status. It was her pup and she wouldn't submit to him in that way.

In other ways she was forced to accept his decisions without complain, like when she had been informed that he would bring his half-brother to the palace. She had been livid but as mentioned had no right to object. So she did what she always did since she had been forced to leave her home to become the lady of the west being still a pup on her own, she faced it as a true lady. As she marched down the courtyard her strides were graceful, calm and collected, like always.

Inuyasha had just walked through the gates and marveled his surroundings. It was truly impressive and he didn't only mean the buildings or the design and luxury around him. First and foremost he was impressed by the power of the people, spells and place all around him. The ancient and powerful feeling was humming to him and he oddly felt revived. It took him a moment to realize that Sesshomaru had suddenly stopped. As he looked to see what had him startled, he found a demoness so impressive that he had a hard time not to stare.

Inu Kimi had quite the same reaction to actually see Inuyasha for the first time. Her nose told her undeniably that he was her mate's son but what nearly gave her a heart stroke were his eyes. For the first time when she looked into those eyes she found her mate in them. The golden warmth of the setting sun shone through them like they did for Inu no Taisho.

Only the centuries of being lady of the west prevented her steps from halting but she couldn't deny that for all his Hanyo flaws there lived a part of her mate inside his son.

Sesshomaru had been concerned about how his mother would react. He had never seen her anything less than calm and collected. She was perfect in every sense of the word but also rather cold. Somewhere in the very back of his mind he somehow understood why his father had been drawn to the polar opposite of her. A weak human, full of warmth, laughter and light, Izayoi had been able to joke with his father and tease him. She had given him anything his mother had been always too proper for. He sighed. The figure came closer and he feared for the first time in their existence that she would lose her composure. She didn't.

Then something strange happened and he knew that he would be the only one to be able to see through her mask. He could feel her sadness. Sesshomaru had expected anger or hurt pride but not a deep heart wrenching sadness.

The lord of the west's eyes widened as he realized the reason behind those strange feelings inside his mother. She saw the resemblance of their father in his younger half-sibling.

Inuyasha greeted Sesshomaru's mother respectfully and she informed him that if he would behave himself then she would accept him.

End Flashback

#

He had heeded her words and remained out of her way but if their paths crossed then he treated her with respect and earned calm acceptance in return. That didn't mean he wanted to run into her though but fate had different plans it seemed.

As he entered the small chamber were Lady Kagome rested he was devastated. He didn't want to believe that she was dead. Hearing the rumors he had returned from his training at the dojo to see for himself. Seeing the small form laying there took it home though.

Not once had the lady of the West belittled him or let her feelings show. Not even at a moment like this when he would have fallen easily to her sharp tongue. She did emit a feeling of distaste for him showing such weakness because of the fate of a human though. He had instantly realized where Sesshomaru had gained his coldness and mask from.

Respectfully he bowed to the lady.

"Inu Kimi-sama it wasn't my intention to disturb you."

"Indeed Inuyasha I take it you are looking for the human as well. What an astounding creature to have so many Youkais wrapped around her cold fingers."

His eyes widened as he heard her announcement. His gaze wandered back to the unmoving form and his inner turmoil rose again.

Even though he could still feel the protection of the Meido stone on her, his heart turned cold seeing her in such a state.

Inu Kimi might have been unable to understand why the Hanyo felt such pain in regards of a human but she could smell his suffering and to calm him she lowered herself to answer the unspoken question.

"My son has gone to reclaim her from the dead."

He could only stare at Sesshomaru's mother. She truly was a sight to behold but that wasn't the reason why he was so shocked. His brother was helping Kagome? Why?

He has made her pack but he never went to such lengths to protect others before…

An insane smile of relief snuck onto his face. Inuyasha couldn't help it but the knowledge of his brother trying the impossible to help Kagome warmed something inside of him that he had believed to be dead.

I'm not dead you just caged me inside of you and forgot that I was even there.

Who are you?

I'm your inner Youkai you fool.

How were you able to show up now if you had been caged?

You released me.

What?

As child you lost your believe into Youkais and your pack. Sesshomaru failed you, failed to protect your mother and dismissed you from the pack. In your suffering you restrained your Youkai side.

I think I remember. I lost faith into pack and into…you?

Indeed.

Inu Kimi was amazed as she suddenly felt an enormous surge into power. Subconsciously the boy reached for his father's sword and seemed calmed by it. She felt the strong pulse of the Tetsusaiga.

Something odd happened next, she could see markings appear on the boy's cheeks, increasing the resemblance to Inu no Taisho even more. She took in her breath sharply. She didn't feel threatened by the whelp on the contrary it was like he was content and accepting his place inside the pack. Something must have unsealed his demonic powers because he didn't smell human anymore.

"Thank you Inu Kimi-sama for telling me this, even if it's hard to believe."

He heard a soft chuckle and it made the fragile looking figure even more surreal. Inuyasha could feel the enormous strength in the lady. She was a Youkai to behold and yet nothing of her looks or demeanor suggested that you found yourself in one room with the most deadly being in existence.

The markings faded away again and his human side returned. Inu Kimi had to restrain herself from releasing a displeased growl. Whatever had happened to Inuyasha seemed to be short-lived.

#

Tensaiga guided them back to the gate of the underworld.

Sesshomaru lead the way through the nothingness and Kagome marveled him for his secure demeanor. His presence felt so confident and strong that she had no doubt that he knew what he was doing. Even if she knew that he of course couldn't have much experience with the afterlife and its inhabitants and lord.

Still his whole aura made her feel safe, protected and well cared for and then she realized that he behaved like her alpha. He was protecting her because she was pack. It was an odd feeling as well, like his youki was reaching out to her and demanding her submission to his rule.

Sesshomaru enjoyed that she followed him silently. He always preferred silence over useless blabbering, so it was welcome to return the path as calm as he had approached. They would soon reach the gate and return to his shiro. In regards of her behavior there would be many changes needed. He was the lord of the west he had no time to protect careless Mikos just because they felt the need to jump head first into fights too big for them.

Staying at his shiro, she would need to follow his command and he would be able to prevent her from causing more harm to herself.

True enough to his prediction they came across the gate and both giants again bowed to Sesshomaru. Both souls were able to pass through and while the Youkai simply moved on, accepting their gesture of respect but not showing so outwardly. He simply walked on with his usual grace. Only as he noticed that Kagome was missing, he halted for a moment.

#

She was caught in complete darkness and felt dreadful. Everything hurt and she realized that her body seemed to be eaten away by the poison. Slowly it burned through all her veins and she couldn't breathe. She was confused but also had to think on Death's words. The powers of time would aid her in this case. Slowly and carefully she focused on the different powers inside her again. Contrary to her last inner checkup she could now sense the vile youki poison of Ryuhikaru running throughout the entire space. Her own powers were cornered and slowly driven away.

While her core energy was in a deplorable state she still focused on what was still there. She tried to remember how she felt during her training sessions when she changed the time flow. As soon as she did the light of her core changed. It drew power from the jewel and took on a pink color. Kagome wasn't surprised that it was actually the jewel that had given her the power to travel through time.

She also concentrated on the foreign feeling of the black youki inside her which belonged to the mysterious Youkai she met the first time she travelled through the well this time around. Still she was unsure about his identity even if Death had said she had all the necessary clues.

The black energy felt soft and warm to her. It was kind to her and she didn't understand it. They had met twice in the well; the Youkai had never given her his name but had acted as if he cared about her deeply. As soon as she connected to the black wipes, they got active and a very odd sensation flooded her. It felt like time itself got stretched and formed. Carefully she allowed the power to connect with her own core and focused on slowing down time. It worked as if the alien energy had a mind of its own. Joined by her power the time flow changed and got reversed.

Ryuhikaru's poison got forced backwards into its harmless stage. Bit by bit it returned backwards to the part on her forehead where it had entered her body. It shrunk down and finally disappeared. On the outside the bystanders were able to see her infected wound scar on the forehead heal and how the blade on her hip acted up strangely. It was mere moments but it didn't go unnoticed by the occupants of the room.

Kagome's chest moved. Inuyasha was shocked as he saw her taking her first breath. Inu Kimi walked over to the human and removed the Meido necklace from her. The spells dissolved and Kagome was able to open her eyes.

"Kagome, how do you feel?"

The words hung in the air and she couldn't really make any sense of them in the beginning. Her brain only started to slowly gain some working speed. The worried voice belonged to Inuyasha. It took her some moments to realize that it was him.

"Thank you Inuyasha, I'm fine. Lord Sesshomaru brought me back."

Her voice sounded thin and exhausted but without additional pain ringing through it.

"Good to hear human. May I know where my son is?"

Kagome slowly focused on the second voice. It was hard as all her senses still felt caught in a mist. She blinked a few times, carefully turning her head to face the second figure. It belonged to a female Inu Youkai. The lady had the same crescent moon on her forehead as Sesshomaru.

Is she his mother?

Carefully as she still felt weak from the poison, she nodded. Remembering the status of the lady and her dislike of humans Kagome felt grateful that she would even speak to her. Therefore she formed an answer and spoke softly.

"Milady, it is an honor to meet you. As far as I'm aware, your son was at the gates of the afterlife. I followed him as he led the way back but then I woke here at this place. I cannot say what happened to him after we parted."

Inu Kimi accepted her words. As she heard the confusion in the woman's voice she opted to explain to their current guest how she ended up in the room.

"You are currently in one of the private rooms in the western shiro. Maikeru had brought your body here after you have succumbed to the poison. I helped you protect your body during your absence as my son had decided to take you back from the underworld."

"Then I owe you my deepest thanks. I apologize that I had been a bother."

Inu Kimi chuckled lightly. She found the woman polite and well mannered; it made the situation far more acceptable than she had feared.

"More a curiosity than a real bother we would say but tell us how you have been able to survive an encounter with my son twice. I was aware of his great dislike for humans."

Inu Kimi liked the soft bubbly laughter of the human. She also enjoyed how she finally got told some of the things which had transpired during those meetings. Her mirror had been blind to them and she had been very intrigued about those encounters, yet her son would have never sated her curiosity.

Inuyasha listened intently as well. He had pondered about Kagome's sheer ability to stay alive no matter what. Both of them weren't prepared for all of the consequences of knowing though. Inuyasha was shocked that So'unga had reappeared and that his brother had deeply struggled to master it. Inu Kimi on the other hand had known that even her mate had been deeply bothered by the sword. More than once had she tried to explain to her pup that she had agreed with her mate's decision, to seal it away from the world. Sesshomaru had been stubborn though.

The lady was more surprised to hear that her mate's soul had appeared to talk to his sons. Only because of her age was she able to hold the traitorous tear back. It at least explained why Sesshomaru had changed so much. He had started to come to peace with his father's fate and had even considered to accept Inuyasha as pack.

They were only interrupted as they heard the sound of the Meido Zangetsuha announcing the return of the lord. Sesshomaru joined them only moments later. Silently he made sure that Kagome was well.

He approached her and stared her down. Kagome highly disliked how his gaze took in her appearance. She did know that he couldn't smell any wounds on her and therefore had to turn to inspecting her condition with his other senses. After assuring himself that she was indeed healed from the poison he nodded shortly and left them without a word.

Inuyasha received the task of showing her to a room in the guest wing.

"I don't know why he is suddenly acting so strange… Did something happen in the afterlife?"

The Hanyo's words mirrored true concern for his sibling and therefore she told him a few things of what she had experienced. He nodded, obviously understanding that meeting their father was always a joyful but hard experience for them both.

As they reached her room, Kagome couldn't help but gasp. Luxury didn't even put it into the right perspective. It was comfortably, tasteful and held everything she would possible need including an exit to the lush gardens, as well as a private bathing place, a desk to write and read as well as scrolls and books for her to engage herself in.

"Do you know what this room normally is for?"

She couldn't help but ask. It didn't help to hear Inuyasha's chuckles as he explained that it was accommodated for her stay on Sesshomaru's order. Obviously the western lord had been planning on bringing her to his shiro after the blood moon…

"We have been told that you research healing and plants and therefore he thought you might be interested in some of the knowledge of the western library.

He could see her eyes widening in amazement.

Kagome just knew that she would need to thank the lord for his generosity. Books and scrolls were invaluable. It showed a high amount of trust towards her which she had never expected. A hidden smile stole itself on her face.

Inuyasha left her to herself and Kagome finally explored her new room. She noticed that her backpack and weapons had been stored there for her and she was glad that nothing seemed to be missing. She checked on the knots on the bag and realized that they seemed to be those which she had left there, meaning that no one had gone through her things.

As she wanted to retreat for the night she suddenly felt a familiar presence. Curiosity sparked inside her and she decided to go outside and greet the newcomer.

#

Far south from the western shiro a Miko used the setting sun to sneak into the secret cave system of the order's hideout. It was already darkening enough that even the southern plateaus were caught in long shadows. Here in the close by mountains it was already dark enough to sneak around unseen. The camp had grown to trice of its original size during her stay there alone. She guessed that the well-deserved hatred between Mikos, priest and Youkais were growing fast. She truly wondered about it though, while roaming the lands on her search for the camp she hadn't found much trouble. There had been some raids but all in all had the Youkais never behaved so peacefully ever before.

Why are all of those priests joining the order?

She had found some curious leads to secret plans and would now try to gain more information. Trusting into her plan she expected that her sleeping potion would knock the guards and inhabitants of the camp out until sunrise. It would have to suffice and allow her time to find proof for her suspicions.

Until this moment she had been able to unearth the hearsay of some plans about a giant spell that would defeat all Youkais in the upcoming war but she had been unable to find more than rumors yet.

Carefully and always prepared that anything could be amiss she slowly made her way down the secret passages. True to her prediction everyone was in a deep drug induced sleep. The stew hadn't become them as well as they had guessed.

It took her longer than expected to finally reach the secret chambers and it was hard to dispel the protections around them. She didn't want anyone to recognize her attempts and had to conceal her doings well. No one should sense it and therefore become more suspicious of her. Sneaking inside and looking through all the scrolls was taking her some time as well. Especially as the priests hadn't been foolish enough to leave anything incriminating lying around.

Carefully she stretched her senses further through the room and as suspected found some hidden stashes and secret chambers. With a sigh she prepared herself for the fact that this was going to take a while.

#

As Kagome carefully removed the panel to look outside, she saw Kagura hovering close by. Sitting on her trademark feather, she looked as aloof and serious as always, staring at the small human beneath her.

"Good evening Kagura-sama. To what circumstances do I owe the pleasure?"

Kagome couldn't fault Kagura for showing up, even if she did ask herself what took the demoness so long to come back. Maybe she still thought that Kagome dying wouldn't hurt her own plans?

"I had to see for myself that you truly survived your little stunt with the dragon."

She could hear Kagura's exhaustion through her voice and was startled by it. It made the mocking sounding layer of her words sting much less. What had happened to the wind witch?

"Did Naraku-sama send you again?"

Kagome couldn't help asking. Even though she knew the other couldn't stand her master, she had hoped to gain at least some knowledge about his whereabouts. Therefore she listened closely to the other's words.

"No. He is silent and seems caught up with whatever he had planned. I could feel his displeasure though as he found out about you being injured."

Kagome cringed; she didn't want to know what kind of punishment Kagura had received because of her being poisoned. True enough she could see the disheveled state the demoness was in. Yet she couldn't feel any hatred from Kagura towards her. It puzzled her. Wasn't she going to hate Kagome for being dealt punishments on her behalf?

"I'm sorry Kagura-sama, aren't you mad with me now?"

A snort stole itself from the wind witch's mouth. Kagura didn't know what to think of the other's compassion for her situation.

"I could ask the same: Why aren't you mad at me for not being there as tasked to aid you?"

Kagome could clearly hear the curiosity in her voice therefore she answered.

"I feel your yearning for freedom. After I told you that I wouldn't mind you to leave for some time I sensed so much relief from you. I cannot fault you for not wanting to be caged."

Being Naraku's incarnation laced her with so many restrictions the weight alone made it hard to lift into the sky sometimes. Yet how would anyone know how it felt to be caged?

"What would you know of such things human?"

She didn't expect Kagome to chuckle softly.

"My whole life I have been cursed. I've been born with this curse; it has affected my way of growing up, my looks, my personality and how I treated other people. I didn't learn of the curse until late in my life and wasn't aware of being manipulated. One day I realized how much of my own person was fake. How few decisions in my life I have been able to make because of my own choice…"

Kagome didn't really understand why she confided into Kagura of all people but then it felt like she was a kindred spirit. The demoness stared at her; obviously she had come to the same conclusion. The wind witch decided to land next to Kagome. In silent agreement they started to wander through the beautiful gardens.

"You weren't the one to deal the punishment and I shouldn't have gone too far from you in the first place. Therefore I cannot fault you for his displeasure."

The words were spoken softly and they drew Kagome back from her thoughts. In her last life she had never been able to really realize why Kagura seemed to yearn for freedom so much. Then she had thought herself to be free and her own master, only after realizing how she had been played by the machinations of the jewel for so long had made her realize the similarities between them.

It was that exact moment when they were joined by a powerful presence. Sesshomaru must have realized the intruder and had come to deal the punishment for intruding into his home. He had seen in Kagome's reaction that she seemed to know the female Youkai and had opted to wait and listen into their conversation. His inner beast had been even more satisfied with some of the revelations he had gained.

"This Sesshomaru does not permit strangers to enter his domain unannounced."

He spoke calm but with his usual viciousness. Kagome could feel Kagura stiffening. It seemed that even in this time, she feared Sesshomaru's power and cruelness.

She turned to the lord and bowed respectfully.

"Good evening Milord. I apologize deeply but I was sent to look after Kagome-sama and make sure she is well. It was not my intention to disturb you."

His eyes narrowed. From their discussion he knew that this Naraku send her. It was one of Kagome's dealings he was deeply curious about. He had heard from his general how this Naraku had aided them at Horaijima island. Further he had been informed of this Youkai courting Kagome and her acceptance of it. Somehow it made his beast growl in displeasure.

Considering his curiosity he decided to use the situation to his advantage and gain more information.

"It has come to this Sesshomaru's awareness that your master courts Kagome and that she is accepting of it therefore you will not receive your death as of yet."

He paused and thought about what he knew about this Kagura. His inner beast purred in glee as he thought of the suitable punishment. It would hit the demoness far worse than physical pain ever could.

"You shall remain here until further notice. Any transgression on your part will lead to further restrictions."

He enjoyed it to see realization entering Kagura's eyes. She looked so utterly defeated that it appeased him for the moment. Then he left the two women again, not expecting to learn any more interesting details as long as he remained in their company.

As he turned to leave he had some last parting words for the human as well.

"Tomorrow before sunrise you will be at the dojo prepared to face me and I don't recommend you to take this lightly."

Kagome was shocked as she realized how Sesshomaru was punishing Kagura for trespassing. Knowing full well that the other would have preferred death anytime over being forced to remain in a place, therefore a feeling of compassion swept through her.

Then she had to focus on her own predicament, his last words echoing through her. She was expected to fight against him?

Both females were frozen in place as they watched the lord disappear. None of them knew what to say or to do with how their life had been turned upside down once more.

"You should catch some sleep. Humans are already weak; you don't want to add to that with lack of rest."

The words shook her out of her stupor and she looked at Kagura.

"Will you come with me? You will probably receive a room for your stay here as well; maybe we should go and ask."

Kagura nodded not knowing what else she was supposed to do. She was also unsure what kind of behavior was considered "transgression" and didn't want to warrant the lord's anger.

As predicted by Kagome Kagura had been led to her room by some servants as soon as they entered the building again. Tired and still weak from the after effects of the poison Kagome decided to heed Kagura's words and catch some sleep. Not that falling asleep was easy with the prospect of facing Sesshomaru the next morning.

#

Meanwhile far away, the still awake Miko had been somewhat successful with recovering an interesting scroll.

It detailed a ritual that needed an enormous amount of power but in the end would be able to release an attack of pure reiki across japan. She guessed it would even go further. To start it they would need the power of the ocean though. The water would serve as catalyst but she was at a loss where they would hope to gain so much power from.

To her misfortune she was just about to discover the answer to that question. She had enough time to securely hide the incriminating scrolls inside her clothes before she heard some priests approach. Only too late she realized that they weren't quite normal priests but some of the inner circle. As fast as she could she hid in one of the concealed alcoves inside the room and hid her aura.

She had learned many things about priests and Mikos in general since her stay at the camp. Never had she thought that there was such a large culture and vast knowledge to be found with them. Before joining the camp she had only encountered few of the others and only once in a while. Those also never had revealed so much in regards of knowledge and power. They had either believed her to already know everything or were as secretive with their knowledge as Youkais.

Therefore she had learned great many things with so many people joining the camp. She had discovered how her senses worked better and how to conceal herself even more effectively.

"I believe someone has been here."

"Don't be a fool, who would have known how to take down the spells and put them back into place? I made sure to check them twice, nothing has been tampered with."

"I don't know I have such a feeling."

"Pff. You just spend too much time with the Kamis. Don't let your feelings hinder you. The only important thing right now is to further our preparations before any of our enemies are any wiser."

"You shouldn't underestimate them, they have started to gather and interfere with our plans more often than I like."

"Oh those instances were plain luck on their side. It also will lull them into false hope that they are still in control.

For what she could hear inside her hideout the other didn't seem to agree with the words of his college. Therefore the other tried to convince him even more so.

"You have heard the Kamis themselves, it will work. Finally the world will be without Youkais and monster. After all those millennia of war we will finally get some peace. Don't you think we deserve that after having those monsters nearly destroy our race time after time? So have some faith the Kamis are on our side."

"I know and I agree that the destruction of them is the only way but something is bound to go wrong."

"Not if we continue with recruiting some fools to keep the demons distracted. It may take more time to finish the ritual but the moment the power rises over the sea all our sorrows will be in the past."

They continued to work in silence. Only after an hour she could finally hear something of them again. It seemed some sort of chanting and she realized that it was part of the ritual for the great spell. Obviously they had to store some powers beforehand, to add to the great attack when the time comes. At this rate it would take them years to be ready, three years probably…

Sitting inside the alcove she shook with disgust, realizing that some of the others who had suddenly disappeared from the camp had most likely been used for their powers.

The words she heard them chant were able to steal a person's power and place it in some relic. It made her sick but at least she knew now where the more rational and less gullible people had vanished too.

In her eyes those priest were the same as the worst Youkais.

#

As the sun finally rose for the next day, a silent Kagome waited in the dojo for Sesshomaru's approach. After thoroughly cleaning herself the night before she had used some time to ponder on how she would face the lord the next day. A fight in the dojo meant something more formal than a battle.

She guessed it would be tough on her and she would need as few restrictions on her movement as possible considering her opponent. Therefore she had opted on wearing her breast plate underneath her Haori as well as elbow and knee protections but left everything else away. Her goggles would just serve to shorten her perception range and her mask would hinder her turns and spins. She had left her weapons in her room as well not sure they were going to use true blades in the fight anyway.

As it stood she wore Naraku's clothes above the little armor she decided to use. She was scared and deeply confused as to why the current lord wanted to fight her. Using her last few minutes alone in the deserted place she sunk into mediation to calm herself.

Sesshomaru took in her form. She stood in the middle of the fighting area and her breaths were calm and her heart beat slow. Did she not fear the coming encounter? He felt displeased with her underestimating him but his beast made him halt.

She is mediating.

How would you know that?

Don't you remember that father did the same before heading into a difficult fight?

Indeed.

See, she is showing us respect in her way.

More put at ease by his beast's observations he looked beyond the obvious scene in front of him. She had come prepared wearing the black Hakama and Haori she had been gifted by this Naraku he kept hearing about. Her mask had been abandoned too; instead of armor she seemed to prefer agility. Good. He wouldn't have allowed her to take this confrontation lightly. Especially at the prize he would set for her.

"I see you are prepared."

Kagome looked up as he approached her. She noticed that he neither wore armor nor carried his weapons. Only his white tail was draped over his right shoulder like usual. He stood in front of her in a plain training outfit. Black Hakama and a white Haori, neither symbols nor patterns were to be seen. So he probably wasn't here as the lord of the west but as Youkai.

He noticed the increase in her heartbeat as he announced his presence. His inner Youkai purred happily at her reaction. Putting her on her toes did at least show that he wasn't facing a fool.

Kagome focused on what she could deduct for the coming fight. If it would remain the way she observed it then he would probably fight her with his claws, whip and tail. Not that it would make anything better for her as she clearly remembered how fast he was with those. Inside his father's remains she had been caught by that tail faster than she had been able to realize.

"Good morning Sesshomaru-sama."

Her greeting was accompanied by a respectful bow. As answer she received a nod.

"Chose a weapon of your preference and we shall begin."

He gestured to the wall were different training weapons could be found. She marveled the wide range of choice she was given. There were all kind of weapons and half of them could only be used by Youkais due to their superior strength. Kagome nodded at him but chose to not use a weapon as she could neither use it in a lethal way against him nor would it help her much against him as means of defense.

She told him so and he accepted her decision. With a few grateful strides he stood opposite to her.

"If you are able to defeat me you are allowed to come and leave this place at your leisure but if I win you will submit to my rule before the blood moon and will stop with seeking out fights that are far beyond your skill without exception."

His words made her spine freeze like ice. Her expression must have shown as much because his face showed her a devious smirk.

They bowed to each other and then it started. She owed it to her years of tournament fights that the moment he charged at her, her mind went as clear as crystal focusing solely on him and the fight, allowing the world to fade away.

The first thing she noticed was that he moved slowly, adapting to her own speed. She was amazed at that. It truly seemed that he wanted this to last at least a little longer.

He actually gives me a chance?

No he just wants to test your limits.

True.

She allowed his first attack to make contact with her defense, having him in the right range now, she answered with a counter testing his technique.

Sesshomaru was amazed with her skill, he had wanted to see if she had some ability at all and found her technique solid and without openings. She answered all of his tries with the counter attack and once or twice managed to turn his own strike against him. He also noticed that she allowed him to make all the big movements, the spins and the running. She waited patiently for him to strike, for countering she mostly used his own strength against him. He realized that she was preserving her powers, while trying to tire out her opponent.

Going on such low pace allowed him to study her thoroughly. Her approach was utterly pragmatic, plain and simple but that only added to effectiveness. There was no screaming, no useless movements which would cost her more strength than necessary. Her movements were utterly focused and straight to the point. He took in her concentration and calm routine.

She has done this before.

Often it seems.

Hnh.

He also marveled her posture, not once did she lose balance. She was always centered on her axis. For a being so light and fragile that he could easily pick her up with two fingers and fling her through the entire place, she sure held herself well. He was amused as he couldn't lead her in traps as she obviously knew some of his plans already in advance. After some minutes he couldn't help but be delighted at the prospect of being challenged in his technique.

Their sparring focused mostly on their arms but Kagome knew that she would tire sooner or later as for every attack he had a sufficient answer and neither of them had shown any openings in their defense so far. She also knew that she was far too hesitant. If she wasn't going to take some risks soon she would lose to him due to exhaustion.

As she got settled in the current situation she found herself in, her inner Yuuki began again to coach her. She remembered him saying that she had to forego styles and traditions if she wanted to win. Her only chance was surprise and sneakiness. He had taught her so many different techniques and traditions until she had managed to gather her own style. Mostly she got inspired from street fights as she had needed during her encounter with Onigumo. Thus she stopped answering in the traditional way and started to use more attacks with her feet as well as unorthodox methods.

Noticing her change of tactics his inner beast began to enjoy the fight even more as it couldn't predict anymore what was to come. At first it had thought that the encounter would be over easily and he could demand of her to stay inside his shiro. Now his beast joined with much more inspiration as it finally saw a chance for some fun. He felt oddly challenged by her.

Once or twice she managed to get close enough to his knees to simultaneously with attacking his throat was able to throw him off balance. The second time he actually lost his footing and stumbled back. Kagome used the momentum of him in free fall to catch his arm in leverage and throw him down.

Sesshomaru couldn't believe that that truly had happened. Only as he lay on the floor unable to get free and felt her weight on him, he realized that he had underestimated her. Every time he tried to free himself from her grip the pain in his caught arm would increase. His beast was stunned into silence as he heard her soft words.

"Will you yield?"

His pride got an immense blow and he cheated his way out of the situation. Using his tail to throw her off of him and rolling himself out of the way, they continued fighting. Kagome took it the sportive way as she must have had scored some major points with him if he had needed to retreat to cheating to get out of the situation.

From there on the fight became much more intense. He seemed even more focused and all of his attacks had now more force behind them. Kagome had to raise it up a peck too to still have a chance against him.

Therefore she started to fight dirty with using all methods and every trick she had ever learned. Sesshomaru who had thought her already having used up her repertoire received some more surprises. Kagome started to use objects around them, the floor and walls to further her interests. It took him a while to realize that her attacks had become much stronger due to her throwing herself in with her whole being and that quite literal.

He found her bouncing off the wall and crashing into him full force before rolling aside from his counter attack. He had to use his tail once or twice as she tried to get out of range for close combat.

Not that she didn't found a way turn that against him as well, being grabbed and nearly tossed to the floor by his own tail just because she managed to catch him out of balance within a movement for a moment was not really something that helped his pride much.

It didn't mean he was unable to land some hits as well especially as due to her more risky approach he found some openings once in a while. He wasn't against using those against her as well.

All in all was Kagome in her element and she would need to thank Yuuki for teaching her fighting against stronger opponents from the beginning, once she returned to her time.

She used Sesshomaru's leg to run upwards on his body and kick him into the face. He of course was able to dodge but it did startle him enough to miss out on her jumping and catching his neck between her legs, spinning and throwing him back over the center of gravity, causing him to unceremoniously end up on the floor again.

As he wasn't going to be caught twice with the same trick, he managed to remove himself from underneath her, predicting rightfully that she was trying to tie him down again. With him moving out of the way and she throwing her into that approach full force again, she was unable to change her course of movement in the middle of it and he was able to turn it against her.

Kagome knew the punch was coming and couldn't move out of the way in time, she started to see stars for a moment as she crashed into the floor herself. Turning around to face upwards she looked into deep red eyes.

Her arms were grabbed and pressed on the floor next to her head. One of Sesshomaru's knees blocked her own feet from kicking him. He leaned down over her face, allowing himself to come very close to her. His white hair cascaded down around her and she stared into his red eyes that held such an intent glow that she couldn't even think for a second that he wasn't serious about his next move.

Sesshomaru took in her bruised face, her marvelous white skin got blemished during their fight. It couldn't be changed that humans were incredible fragile. He couldn't even remember where she had hit him; much less would remain any lasting marks on his person.

Kagome felt more like a mouse caught by a cat after being hunted and cornered for fun. She seriously doubted that he was canine related at that moment. He enjoyed her fear and hitched breaths. As a predator he would always find enjoyment in finally bringing down his prey.

His whisper was soft and she could hear the purring sound through it.

"Will you yield?"


Ok, I will go back to writing :-) wish you all a nice saturday and hope you have had fun so far.

While Kagome has some time to try and wiggle out of the predicament she found herself in, I will leave you to a bit of wondering what is coming next.