Despair

"About three hundred strong," Sesshoumaru noted uncovering the formicarium that held his prized nova ant colony.

The queen of the colony wasn't birthing the amount of brode he'd been hoping for, but that was to be expected as it must've been an adjustment to be plucked away from an already established colony and thrown into captivity. He needed more if he was going to weaponize them to protect his Tensagia from anyone that sought to steal it, so perhaps it was time to create his new pets a better habitat.

It was much past midnight, but he kept his mind focused on the task at hand grabbing a spare aquarium and lining it with fresh soil before eyeing the plants he procured trying to decide which ones his ants would prefer while at the same time leaving enough room for his sword. Despite being used as a glorified sword case he still wanted this habitat to look just as nice as all the others he'd created. Only the children found interest in his hobby, but that didn't mean he was going to look like an amatuer. He'd never admit it, but he really did enjoy creating his large scale terrariums. There was something calming about creating a personal cradle of life, or perhaps he just liked playing God by creating new worlds. Whatever the reasoning for his hobby was it kept his mind off how the public would perceive him after tonight's debate.

His eyes flickered in annoyance when he heard a knock at the door. Had it been an average evening he would have ignored it knowing who it was, but in light of the new information he'd received he'd have no other choice but to listen to whatever ramblings InuYasha wanted to pollute his ears with.

"What?" Sesshoumaru asked coldly opening the door for him before going back to his terrarium.

"The hell are you doing!?" InuYasha glared at him obviously upset, "you do know what's going on right?"

"I am well aware," Sesshoumaru replied planting a small fern before trimming it down a little, "as I explained Kikyo met up with me before I returned home and I got the whole story. Shouldn't that be a relief to you and Kagome? You don't have to rack your mongrel brain in order to retell it. Kaguya is being absorbed by a sacred jewel of her own making and it requires my wife's soul to take final form."

"If you know everything why the hell are you playing with your damn ants!?"

"Keep your voice down InuYasha. The Tensagia needs to be secured when I can't hold it for myself. The venom from these nova ants will slow down an enemy that attempts to take it."

"I don't think having something that deadly in the home is a good idea. Did Kikyo tell you what she came here to do tonight?"

"She told Kagome to kill herself so her family will be spared from our enemies. What a daring request for someone such as her to make. In response I asked Kikyo to kill herself or allow me to end her miserable life for her to rid the jewel of Kaguya, but apparently she lost Kaguya's heart along with her light. She is nothing but a worthless human to me now. I've learned all I needed to know."

The thing that had angered Sesshoumaru the most about hearing the whole tale, however, was not Kikyo's reluctance to commit suicide, but the notion he'd never have his revenge on Kaguya now. Apparently her mind, body, and soul no longer belonged to her. Kaguya would be leaving this world having bested him and that was why Sesshoumaru needed to find peace among his hobby at the moment so he didn't resort doing something unbecoming in his rage.

"Sesshoumaru," InuYasha's tone took a serious one, "I'm worried about Kagome. The look on her face she had when Kikyo left wasn't a good one and the scary part was how she snapped out of it and quickly put a smile on her face to say good night to her friends before putting the children to bed. I don't like this."

"I see," Sesshoumaru showed no emotion as he placed another plant in the dirt, "you believe she is considering suicide a viable option to end this and is trying to hide it from you by appearing as normal? This is no concern of mine."

InuYasha's claws tore through the flesh of his palm as curled up his fist in anger, "You fucker! What the hell are you saying!? This is your wife. The mother of your child. That woman loves you and it's no concern of yours? You're going to sit there and say that after everything? After everything her death would still be convenience to you wouldnt it?"

"You misunderstand me," Sesshoumaru didn't bother giving his brother a glance, "it's no concern of mine because I'm not worried about it. Kagome won't do it."

"The girl was literally terrified. You didn't have to see her like that Sesshoumaru. I know her mind went to dark places and the longer she sits alone to think on things the worse it's going to get."

"Her light has died again," there was no emotion in his voice, "I can't feel it. Indeed she is in a dark place."

"Then fucking stop playing with your bugs and go to her! Put the damn girl on suicide watch. Tie her up if you have to! If I find her dead tomorrow Sesshoumaru the Tetsusagia is going through your chest. That is a promise. I don't care about the consequences."

Sesshoumaru gave a small smile to InuYasha's suggestion that he simply tie Kagome up. That'd never be a solution to the problem. He enjoyed tying Kagome up with whatever he could find and smelling her arousal as she tried to struggle out of it. He'd never taint their fun by actually confining her against her will.

"Kagome is mine," Sesshoumaru said, "I know her. She won't do it. I trust her in these regards. Indeed she is an emotional woman, but she isn't weak. This is just another trial she'll have to overcome. She can say whatever she wants in regards to her and I joining in battle together, but when it comes to the matters of her selfish nature versus her light I leave it to her to conquer the darkness. She's done it once before and she'll do it again. The girl doesn't turn away from fear when it tries to consume her. She fights."

Everything Sesshoumaru said was what he fully believed. Unlike InuYasha, Sesshoumaru bought Kikyo's story. He'd caught wind of Kaguya trying to make such objects before, and it all made sense to him. The timeline Kikyo established added up and it was a reasonable answer as to why he and Kagome's paths were forced to cross. He was an ancient demon after all who'd heard far more outlandish tales that turned out to be true. Kagome had a destiny. Soon she'd learn to accept it and claim the life they both wanted. His wife wouldn't opt out like a coward by killing herself and taking the easy route. In the end she was still a stubborn girl that loved her daughter. Sesshoumaru saw no reason to worry.

"The plan remains the same," Sesshoumaru informed InuYasha, "Kagome's light will drive out the darkness and the Tensagia will eliminate everything that isn't of this world. The sacred jewel was created using a technique known by the Celestial being. If there is anything Kagome cannot eliminate I will take it from there. I know where Kaguya and the jewel are kept. All we need now is a way to eliminate a barrier that even Naraku couldn't break. This will take research."

InuYasha had been the one that told Kikyo he had full faith that Kagome could overcome all of this, but yet was quick to judge Sesshoumaru for being so confident. The way he just spoke so matter-of-factly about everything pissed InuYasha off. Last time Sesshoumaru had been confident with one of his plans Rin got killed, and InuYasha still wasn't letting him off the hook for that.

"InuYasha," Sesshoumaru rubbed the dirt off his claws and still didn't bother looking his brother in the eye, "this will fall to you. My personal strength and abilities have been already harnessed long ago and as a demon I can never obtain the divine skills necessary to overcome a demonic barrier. As for my weapon it cannot cut such a thing. While the Tetsusagia has been in your position its true potential hasn't been tapped into. You'll find a solution. That is my request of you."

InuYasha went from a constant state of anger into confusion. He had to blink a few times to make sure this was actually Sesshoumaru he was talking to. This was just getting weird. First Sesshoumaru had trusted him to protect Kagome and the Tensagia when he was away, and was now giving him more responsibility? All this time Sesshoumaru had been calling him nothing more than a worthless half-breed and yet now in this time of trouble his older brother was lowering himself to showing a measure of respect?

"You can wield the Tetsusagia now," InuYasha lowered his eyes to the ground, "and you're allowed to borrow it. That was the deal."

"Father thought I was unworthy of his sword," Sesshoumaru replied finally looking at his brother, "I will no longer humor the fool by asking my younger brother to lend it to me to increase my strength. I do not wish to wield it. Despite knowing Kagome cannot return your earlier affections you still stand by her. You did not abandon her. Therefore you will be expected to accompany us to the final battle. We make our stand together. The battle against the jewel is a battle Kagome will not be forced to fight alone."

Sesshoumaru hoped InuYasha would follow his command and get to work on finding a way to use Tetsusagia to break a barrier as soon as possible so he could be free of his presence. It was paining him to finally admit that his younger brother had redeemed himself in his eyes. Though he still didn't truly understand the concept of love and if its pros outweighed the cons he was well aware of his brother's feelings for Kikyo. His brother, however, put those feelings aside to stand up to his beloved for Kagome's sake. Sesshoumaru had to believe InuYasha wouldn't let them down in this matter.

Sesshoumaru wanted to hate his brother. He really did. If not for InuYasha's mother his father might have still been alive today and never lost his reputation as a great demon. There would always be resentment for that, but when it came to everything else there were no more excuses to be made. Ever since InuYasha decided assist him in protecting Kagome he'd never let her down and when it came to his human heart Sesshoumaru was no longer in a position to discriminate. His wife was human and he desired to have children with her. How could he call his brother a miserable half-breed while at the same time expecting great things of his future children? Sesshoumaru wouldn't be that ignorant. InuYasha was his brother. There was no more denying it.

"You will not fail us," Sesshoumaru said opening the door again hoping his brother would take the hint and leave him in peace, "you have your orders now get to work. Slacking off is no longer an option for you."

InuYasha huffed as he left Sesshoumaru to his own devices. He was still angry that Sesshoumaru wasn't as concerned with Kagome at the moment as he was, but mostly was dumbfounded this his brother actually requested his help and believed in him. This was something InuYasha never imagined happening in his lifetime.

"Kagome," InuYasha whispered to himself alone in the hallway, "you did this. You brought us together as a family. I wasn't wrong then. You are special. You're going to beat this thing. If he believes in you then I believe in you."

InuYasha wasn't the only hanyou that was upset with Kikyo for trying to coerce Kagome into suicide. Kikyo sat across from Naraku in his office watching him close his eyes in disgust after she told him everything she did. Instead of betraying someone to earn his trust tonight she decided to just come clean with the truth.

"Indeed you are quite the hypocrite Kikyo," Naraku mused still with his eyes shut, "telling a woman to kill herself to save everyone the trouble of the sacred jewel when you were unable to do it yourself. However color me impressed. I welcome you into the fold and you betrayed me in record time. Once a traitor always a traitor I suppose. What am I to do with you Kikyo?"

"Kill me and all my future reincarnations," Kikyo made her joke while her face remained confident staring him down, "isn't that what you do to hypocrites? That's the justification you made to me when I told you Midoriko didn't betray you. Why do you intend on killing Kagome Naraku? There is no reason for it. Stop making excuses and just move on. Kaguya is the one that screwed you over and there is no more Kaguya so just call it a draw and end this."

"Are you honestly pleading for Kagome's life?" Naraku was amused to see a determined Kikyo when he finally opened his eyes, "If you no longer want excuses then I won't make anymore. I don't need a reason to kill Kagome. She is my prey and I will complete my hunt. The plan is already in motion and there is nothing you can do to change my mind. If her soul is the only one the jewel will accept then she is indeed an amazing specimen."

"Naraku the jewel needs to be destroyed. If it crystallizes-

"The jewel will never form. Kagome will die before that happens. I've already made my decision Kikyo. I will not become apart of it if I can prevent it, and don't you dare open your mouth and tell me Kagome is the one destined to destroy it. We make our own destinies. That's a lesson I've tried to teach Kagome many times. No she won't be that naive to believe she's some sort of chosen one that will save us all. The jewel choosing her only makes her better prey. If she is hope then I will fill her with despair to show both you and the jewel that she is no different than any other mortal I've dealt with. Her being Midoriko's reincarnation is becoming less of a factor to me as I've grown more impressed with what she's been able to accomplish on her own. This kill will be one to remember."

Kikyo sighed shaking her head, "Fine. I won't bore you with it any longer. If that's what you want to waste your time with then take Kagome on. Either she wins and continues to live on to destroy the jewel or you kill her and free her from this world. Both outcomes are suitable."

"You'll change your tone when you see what I plan on doing to her," Naraku chuckled, "this is not a mercy kill Kikyo. Sure at the end of the day I will free her from this world and the jewel's grasp, but she won't leave it before knowing misery and pain."

"The jewel is the one that tempted Kaguya into bringing Sesshoumaru into this mess," Kikyo decided to change the subject, "he never became a factor into your plan until it was convenient for you to consider him a possible pawn."

"You're correct. I had been planning on using a cold hearted demon against her for awhile now to create an interesting execution. It being Sesshoumaru is just an added bonus. This is the only helpful thing Kaguya's done for me. I won't count her ordering you to remove that arrow from me, of course, as she put me there in the first place."

"Why didn't you just marry Kagome?" Kikyo got to the question that was bugging her, "I'm sure you had plenty of chances to force her into such an arrangement. Instead you used this grocery store as a way to keep her close and keep tabs on her. Why?"

"Every execution has to be different to stand out from the others. I already used the Divine Order to marry one of Midoriko's reincarnations before. I wasn't going to do it again. Marrying Kagome just wasn't right. It pleases me to know you think I am that despicable, but it appears you've overestimated my cruelty and dark nature. It'd be quite inappropriate to marry someone I've watched grow up."

"Since when do you have a code of ethics?" Kikyo didn't know Naraku quite well enough to know that there actually were lines he didn't cross, "you created a whole cult around that practice."

"I did not," Naraku shook his head amazed this woman continued to be judgemental despite all her faults, "I created this cult to find reincarnations by offering my ability to look into another soul's to curious customers. Watching my male followers pervert it was just entertainment. I simply handed them the matches before becoming a observer to the wildfire they created. If you must hate someone hate human kind. I won't. Humans are just far too interesting."

"So tell me about your former wife then. When did you acquire her and what did you do to her? Was it before the Divine Order became what it is today or was this more recent?"

"So many questions. Perhaps it's none of your business, or maybe I'm just not in the mood to share war stories tonight. Why so interested in my past prey?"

"I think you've got a secret," Kikyo narrowed her eyes at him, "something isn't adding up. Kaguya seemed confused about something and I'd like to look into it."

"I have no idea what this secret could possibly be," Naraku shrugged speaking truthfully, "please inform me when you figure it out."

Kikyo crossed her arms in response, "You're quite the busy man. Supporting a cult, looking after your children, riling up demons into doing your bidding, and all while managing a grocery store. You're a multi-tasker Naraku. Honestly I'm jealous you're able to get so much done. I can't even concentrate on my actual job with all of this going on but you've accomplished so much."

"Get to your point Kikyo. Giving false flattery doesn't suit you. It's not difficult to accomplish these things when one doesn't sleep and casts a wide enough web."

"I just want to see if you have it in your heart to play another game. One between you and me."

"Oh?" Naraku rose an eyebrow, "now you have me interested. Tell me the rules and prize and I'll give you my answer."

"I want you to open up about your past. I want to know about all of your kills. If I discover the secret I win. If I don't find the answer I'm looking for then you win."

Naraku rolled his eyes annoyed, "I don't know what it is you're looking for you have the unfair advantage of all Kaguya's memories. You could already know the answer and you're just toying with me to bother me further."

"I haven't lied to you once have I? You have my word I have no advantage."

Naraku took a moment to think on it before smirking, "Fine. In order to win you have to discover this truth that bothered Kaguya. If you fail you will be punished. With Kagome talking about me on the internet and Sesshoumaru's campaign against the Divine Order my reputation is going to get destroyed. I will become a villain to the public. Honestly I was planning on just faking my death and starting over as I always do, but I thought of something more amusing. When you lose, you, Kikyo Yamada the famous lawyer who is quite outspoken when it comes to the rights of women, will publically resign from your job announcing to the world that you want to submit to being my wife within the Divine Order. You might be born from Kaguya's flesh, but your reputation and values are your own. I wish to strip you of them. That idea pleases me. Here I thought your usefulness was gone, but I'll take in my web as my next prey. I won't even have to touch you to hurt you. Just force you to look at what everyone is saying about you and how pathetic you are."

Honestly Kikyo was impressed. He really did have an imagination when it came to finding ways to hurt a person. No wonder he was no longer interested in being part of the sacred jewel. He was probably jealous of it. He didn't want to live in a world where something was capable of inflicting more pain than he could. It didn't matter to her. She didn't intend on losing.

"Deal," Kikyo smirked leaning back in the chair, "and if I win will you honor my demands and do as I ask? No faking your death and killing me in a different form or anything like that?"

"You have my word," Naraku was very interested in what she was going to propose, "when it comes to the games I play with others I always follow the rules. Once I called a ceasefire I made no moves or plans against Kagome. You know this. Have faith in this spider."

"Alright. When I win you have to confess to one of your crimes and face the consequences for your actions for once. A real crime by the way. No littering or unpaid parking tickets."

"I do neither of those things," Naraku narrowed his eyes, "I know what you want. It's a deal. If you win I'll admit that I had Mei-Lin brutally killed and I'll do the time for it. I will not escape or fake my death. I will face my sentence as a demon."

Naraku didn't intend on losing either. Prison for a demon was not a good outcome especially when the crime was committed in a human territory. The penalty for premeditated murder of a defenseless woman that had been killed in such cruel fashion would be life without the possibility of parole. A life sentence for someone that still potentially had a long life ahead of them would be pure misery. However, he was glad that Kikyo had come up with the idea. It made the game far more interesting for the stakes to be equally cruel. Well almost equal.

"Actually one more thing," Naraku rose up from his chair ready to show the woman out, "a life sentence for me is different then it is for you. One of those annoying things that come with interrogated demon and human politics, and if I were to fall into custody of the prison system I doubt Sesshoumaru would reform it. It'd be quite unfair for me to be locked away for hundreds of years while my time torturing you would be so limited. No you dying of old age simply wouldn't do. I'd require you extend your life. As you know there is only one way to do that."

Kikyo shot him an angry glare as she stood up, "I'd have to sell my soul to demons and become one damning my soul to Hell. Suffering the same fate as you where this body will never truly be my own."

Narkau smiled as his hands traveled down her back making her recoil in disgust the lower it got, "That shouldn't upset you my dear. You were born from a demon with a body just as unnatural as mine and with the things you've done and desired it's quite clear we're both doomed to Hell no matter what. Hearing the voices scream in your head and keeping you from sleeping is just a minor set back. Besides you are quite confident you'll win anyway."

Kikyo pushed his hand away making it quite clear she didn't want touched by him, "You're right. I agree to your new terms. Game on Naraku."

Naraku ushered her to the door, "I look forward to playing with you Kikyo. I enjoy it when my prey challenges me. This rarely happens. Thank you for the opportunity."

Naraku was truthful in everything he'd told her, but yet was still quick to get her out of his office before she realized what he did. Once she was gone from his sight he pulled out the cell phone he'd been concealing in his hand that he grabbed out of her back pocket. It was all well and good that Kikyo had changed her ways and was no longer the broken woman she'd become when she gave birth to that deplorable infant, but someone still needed to make sure her earlier mistakes didn't get out of hand and he'd take that responsibility on to himself.

The only responsibility Kagome thought she needed to take, on the other hand, was getting the children to bed and letting them know she was in their thoughts through all of this. Shippou had his own room now in their former office, but ever since Rin created a small club house with a blanket over her large play table the two demon children often fell asleep under it on top of their sleeping bags. Her daughter's room was a complete mess again, but Kagome would give her no grief for it as she ducked down to join them under a table with a flashlight and a storybook.

When she heard InuYasha shouting downstairs she was aware Sesshoumaru had finally come home, but only read the story louder so the children didn't focus on it or rush downstairs to see him. Kagome didn't want to garner Sesshoumaru's attention to her. She wasn't ready to face him yet and didn't have the energy to discuss Kikyo's tale with him.

"When the King fell ill the beautiful princess as his only heir had to assume the duty as Queen," Kagome read on flipping the page, "but she wouldn't hold the position for very long once she was confronted by the evil sorcerer. He told her that she wasn't the true Queen. 'Don't come before my people with your vicious lies,' the Queen told him, 'I am my father's daughter and the people know I am the fairest of them all.' 'Is that really what you believe?' the sorcerer had chuckled, 'you were adopted you foolish girl. No you are not that man's daughter but my precious child I lost long ago. You are no fair Queen but the child of all evil. Now remove yourself from your pedestal and return with me to the Dark Kingdom where you belong!' What even is this book?"

"She's like me," Rin smiled putting her hand on the page and pointing at the picture of the princess, "her real parent is evil but she was raised by a good king so it's okay. Right?"

Kaguya couldn't have always truly been evil. If she was Kikyo wouldn't have existed. How could Kagome either agree with Rin's assessment or explain to her that her real mother had issues? Still, if the timeline Kikyo established added up Kaguya had her heart when she took advantage of Sesshoumaru. It was true Sesshoumaru was the one who tried to kill Kaguya, but she went out of her way to humiliate him and abuse him to assist the sacred jewel in its evil plot.

"I guess," Kagome sighed looking at the book, "is this even for children? Seems kind of dark for you."

"It is!" Rin didn't want her mother to stop reading, "Sesshoumaru gave it to me. It's good in the end. She goes to the Dark Kingdom where everyone wants her to be evil cause her real daddy is so evil, but she proves that she really is good in the end."

"Maybe so," Kagome was glad there was a positive message in it, "but compared to your other books it seems pretty advanced."

She wondered if Sesshoumaru actually knew the plot of this book and that's why he bought it for Rin, or if he'd just picked up some random book with a princess on the cover.

"And he read this to you already huh?" she asked.

Rin nodded, "Yeah. Is Sesshoumaru not allowed to read to me, or is that only a mommy job?"

"No I'm just glad to hear it," Kagome smiled giving Rin a kiss on the forehead, "still you two really need to get to sleep. It's past midnight."

"Kagome," Shippou looked at her with his green eyes, "what did that woman talk to you about? I think Rin said she was InuYasha's girlfriend. Is it about Kaguya?"

Kagome frowned, "Yeah."

The kitsune cub had calmed down in his want for revenge, which was a good thing as Kagome really didn't want the child worrying about the things her and Sesshoumaru did and losing his childhood to it. Still him having a safe place and building a friendship with Rin wasn't enough to keep him from being invested in all of this.

"It was good news though," Kagome told him teasing his messy orange hair, "Kaguya won't be hurting you two anymore."

"My real mom is dead?" Rin asked.

Kagome closed her eyes, "I didn't say that. Just know that you two are safe now and you're going to stay safe. The bad times are over. I promise."

Yes it would be over soon. Kikyo spoke the truth with her. Kagome could just feel it, and with all that she learned it seemed suicide would be the best option. Kaguya would be out of commission forever, and Naraku would have no reason to come after the children. Sesshoumaru wouldn't ever allow anyone to lay a finger on Rin or Shippou. Kagome just had to believe that everything would be okay once she was gone.

"Rin," Kagome kissed her daughter's forehead, "you know I love you right?"

"Yes?" Rin looked confused, "why do you need to ask me? I love you and Sesshoumaru."

"I wasn't asking who you love. Just wanted you to know that I love you. Nothing will ever change that. I don't care what decisions you make or where you wind up just know your mommy always loves you."

Kagome didn't know if this was her real good-bye yet. She didn't have a plan or timeline set for when she would end her life she just knew that it had to be soon, and she couldn't waste any time letting Rin know she didn't want to leave her and she wasn't abandoning her. No this wasn't abandonment. This was something that needed to be done to insure her daughter could have a safe normal life. Who would have ever thought when all of this began that she'd be so thankful that Rin had a real father that fought for her? She knew her daughter would be okay.

Rin glared at her mom, "You just want me and Shippou to be safe."

Was Rin seeing her desires again? That was fine. That shouldn't have been some kind of deep dark secret she needed find. She should have just known it.

"Is that your ability?" Kagome asked, "to know that kind of stuff?"

"Sesshoumaru says it is. I'd rather use fox fire like Shippou."

InuYasha had said if Kagome ended her own life it would only create more despair. She just couldn't believe that. The sacred jewel might've wanted her before she was ever born and dragged Sesshoumaru into it for his past sins, but she was the one who brought Naraku into all of this. Kikyo could have probably remained off of his radar entirely if not for her. Kagome was responsible for everything bad that had befallen them. They'd be better off without her.

These were the things she kept telling herself to make it was okay that she'd be leaving behind Rin and Shippou would be once again losing a mother figure.

"You're something special Rin," Kagome told her giving her another kiss, "I'm sure one day you'll be capable of even more. Just try not to scare your father alright? There might be times where it will seem like he is disappointed in you, but remember his promise. He'll never run away again."

"He is Sesshoumaru not father, and I know. My parents won't leave me. I'm happy mommy. Stop being so silly okay?"

"I'm not being silly I just want to make sure you understand."

How could Kagome do what she needed to do with Rin saying that? She didn't want her parents to leave. Well it was understandable for one so young with a long lifespan to want that, but it was a ridiculous thing to hope for. Kagome learned that lesson when her father never came home from work. A car accident was all it took for Kagome to practically become an orphan, so maybe the best Rin could hope for was having a parent take themselves out for the greater good. A much better fate than watching everyone she knew and loved being sucked into a jewel as well as herself.

"Shippou," Kagome went back to playing with his hair, "remember what I told you okay? You'll always have a home here. If you want to become stronger that's okay, but make sure you have a good reason for it. Don't lose sight of yourself or what makes you happy."

"Okay," was all Shippou said with a frown.

Shippou was well aware about what this was. It sounded like a good-bye. What was Kagome planning on doing he wondered. Unlike Rin, Shippou knew all about suicide. Before he'd met Sesshoumaru and learned of Kaguya he thought that was how Janis died. A gun to the head had been how she did it after all, but Shippou had never been okay with that idea. Janis wouldn't have just killed herself without thinking about him and her real children. She must've been under some sort of trance. He'd never believe Kagome to be the kind to end her life and leave them behind either. No, his theory was that she was lying about Kaguya and was planning on going to fight her leaving him out of it all together.

Shippou crossed his arms and clearly let out a pout. That was fine. If Kagome was going to betray him like that then he'd just ignore her. That would teach her a lesson!

Shippou wouldn't be the only one that planned on ignoring Kagome for the evening. Sesshoumaru, after just finishing up his conversation with InuYasha and the preparations for his terrarium had lingered outside the children's bedroom. He wanted to tell Rin good night, but decided to stay out of sight not wanting to confront Kagome at that moment.

"Kagome why are you lying to yourself?" he wondered not too worried as he returned to his bedroom to retire to the night, "putting on this serene act as you make sure to give sage advice to the children before leaving this world? You are so obvious it isn't even entertaining. Perhaps when you realize you don't have it in you to kill yourself you'll look back on this and realize how ridiculous you're acting just to create some sort of moment. Are all humans this way?"

Once Kagome noticed Shippou was upset with her for some reason she gave up on pushing her goodbyes on to them and just settled for tucking them back in hoping they'd go to sleep soon. It was way too late for them to be up. She gave Rin was last kiss before staring at her for a long time before finally retreating downstairs into the kitchen.

"Why is my mommy being so weird?" Rin asked Shippou.

"She thinks she's going to die," was all Shippou said still annoyed, "but she won't. Don't worry Rin. Your mommy isn't the kind that's just going to disappear like mine. She loves you too much."

Once downstairs Kagome had to accept the only thing left to do now would be to say goodbye to Sesshoumaru, but she didn't think she'd be ready for that. No, she wanted a bit more time. If InuYasha told him about Kikyo's story than he'd want to discuss it and plan their next move. She didn't want to fake interest in any possibility that there was hope that they could beat this thing without her dying.

"There is no hope," she frowned sitting at the kitchen counter with her head down, "and there isn't any destiny. I can't do it. I can't have everyone believing in me only for me to let them down. That'd hurt everyone even more."

Kagome looked up when she heard the sound of a phone ringing. It was InuYasha's phone. She reached for it and noticed Kikyo was calling. That seemed odd for her to do after the woman promised him to only communicate through texts from this point on, but Kagome still took advantage and answered. InuYasha's phone had been similar to the one she use to have where you didn't need a passcode to answer messages or calls.

"Kikyo?" Kagome asked picking up the phone.

"Disappointed?" came Naraku's voice on the other side.

Hanging up would have been the smart thing to do, but was Naraku really in a position to hurt her right now? What could he honestly do to her through the phone? Kill her? If only.

"You better not have laid a hand on Kikyo," Kagome gripped the phone tightly, "or laid some kind of trap. I'm tired of you being a coward Naraku. If you want to mess with us so badly just get out here and fight already!"

"Are you finished with the posturing?" Naraku almost sounded bored on the other side, "or has your husband rubbed off on you too much? Don't forget your station. You're nothing more than a human girl born to be killed by a demon man. There is nothing you can do."

"Really?" Kagome wasn't going to calm down until she knew Kikyo was safe or wasn't some kind of spy sent to mess with her, "thought I was born to become part of some sort of jewel?"

"According to the jewel you are, but I don't really care. We don't believe in destiny remember? We make our own Kagome. I've decided your destiny is to be my prey and it's up to you to stop me. My game is a lot more simpler to understand than that of the sacred jewel's will. Honestly you should be thanking me for being such a gentleman about the whole thing. I apologized for almost ending your daughter's life and I have no intention of ever harming anyone else close to you. Especially Kikyo despite all of her interference."

"Last time we saw her she had bruises on her neck," Kagome wasn't going to let him even pretend for a minute he had any honor.

"That had nothing to do with you. Though it would have been much more interesting if I had killed her that night. Kaguya's heart was within her at the time. If I'd killed her you'd be free from all of this and we could play our game in peace. Oh well. Coulda woulda shoulda. There has been a lot of those when it comes to this whole situation regarding you, Sesshoumaru, and that damn jewel. You truly have made things entertaining. Such delicious prey you will be for me."

"Are you going to eat me?" was the question Kagome actually asked him, "you are a spider demon aren't you? That's why you like hurting people so much. It's in your nature right?"

"The hell kind of question is that?" Naraku actually sounded offended, "is that what you think Kagome? I'm going to catch you in my spider webs and wrap you up in them before letting my miasma destroy your body and devouring you. I only ever did that once for fun, but wasn't about to start to eating human flesh for the sake of it. My demons would have enjoyed that much and I'm not going to indulge them. I'm no method actor- oh I see. Kagome don't be an idiot."

"What?" she actually was relieved to know Naraku didn't plan on eating her.

"You wanted to make sure your death at my hands isn't a horrible one," he spoke matter-of-factly, "you want to know if I'll leave your corpse behind so your little girl can see your lifeless body be buried or burned and accept that you're truly gone. It'd be quite horrible if you just disappeared one night and no one ever knew what happened to you. Would they move on, or would they continue to waste their time looking for you? I wonder which would hurt you more. You're giving me so many ideas."

"I'm not scared of you Naraku," she whispered not wanting to draw attention to herself, "so you can stop now."

"You're the one that inquired about your death. Kikyo told you to kill yourself didn't she? Are you planning on using me to end your life and therefore the creation of the jewel? That's why you asked me such a question. Kagome I don't reward people with suicide. No I only come after those who value their own lives."

Kagome was sitting on the floor now with her back against the base of the counter, "My life has no value. So you'll only come to kill me if I don't want it hmm? I guess me killing myself would stain your victory. I'd be the winner then wouldn't I? Not a bad way to leave."

Naraku's voice turned from smooth and condescending to anger, "No one who kills themselves wins anything Kagome. You'd be nothing more than a coward, the very thing you accuse me of being. You will not take your own life, understand?"

"So you are working for the jewel? Either that or you care about winning so much you'd actually lower yourself to trying to manipulate me again. Trying to trick me into thinking you care about me just so you can play your sick game. I never asked to play, and I'm not going to take you into consideration. Say anything you want."

"Kagome you know that you and I aren't too different from each other. I watched you grow up. You're stubborn, you need a reason and excuse behind every questionable decision you make, and most importantly you don't like to lose. You staying alive has nothing to do with you being my prey. I'd simply hate to see you betray yourself."

She wasn't going to believe that. No. Her and Naraku were nothing alike. She didn't even need to waste her breath to tell him that. Her thoughts on his motivations remained unwavering. Either he owed loyalty to the jewel and wanted her soul to go to it, or he just wanted to be the one to kill her while she was still kicking and screaming.

"I'm not like you because I'm terrified," she admitted being very quiet, "I'd be different if I were just some kind of orphan for you to terrorize but I have something to lose and protect. If I become apart of that jewel I'll wind up hurting everyone I care about. You'd never understand. You don't feel fear and you don't care about anyone, so you can't be the one to talk me out of it. You have no right."

"Is that how you feel Kagome? Very well."

"See you won't lose. Naraku you wanted me in despair and now you have it. I don't want to leave my family, I don't want to leave my little girl, but this is my only option. I'm too scared to consider fighting anymore. I'm truly helpless. There is nothing more you can do to me to make me feel even worse or add to my pain. You win."

"I've won nothing. This is not the sorrow I am looking for and in order to prevent you from insulting me any further I'll do whatever I can to crush your fears. You will not become apart of the jewel Kagome. I will not allow it to happen. You have my word. Now stand and fight. Do not cower."

"Your word means nothing and there is nothing you can do," Kagome almost hung up before shaking her head, "Naraku there is one more thing I need to ask you before- before it all ends. My father died in a car wreck right? There was no secret Divine Order plot to kill him for leaving or you doing anything to change me. Nothing like that right?"

"You truly are remarkable Kagome. One minute you try and stand up to me the next you severely overestimate me. Me being responsible for your father's death? What a ridiculous notion. The qualities that impress me were nothing you inherited from that man. He was nothing. Such a bland man. Like so many others he joined the Divine Order in hopes that he'd been something in a past life accepting his current life would never be anything great. That sort of thing happens to men that live in the shadow of a great woman. I bet he never even told you about his sister. He'd probably been so ashamed to be outshined by a woman that he wouldn't dare speak of her."

Kagome had an aunt on her father's side? Well this would be the first time she was hearing it. Then again she was hearing it from Naraku, so she doubted it was true.

"Don't you dare insult my father," Kagome went from sounding defeated to getting quite angry herself, "he was the one who freed me from that place. The one who let me be my own woman and think for myself. I wouldn't have become who I am if I wasn't my father's daughter."

"That string bean of a man did all of that for you? Kagome you're such a fool. That wasn't him. It was me and has always been me looking out for you. Did he tell you before he made such an earth shattering decision to remove you from the Divine Order he sought out an audit from me? I made him get you out the same way I convinced you to leave. I wanted you out of the Divine Order. I didn't you need growing up in a cult to keep you close. I wanted to use him to give you a chance so I didn't have to influence you. However, those plans became quite derailed when he died now didn't they? Your silly mother and her hysterics put you right back where you were. His death created setbacks for me. It was no one's doing. Just a car accident and nothing more. If Sesshoumaru truly cares for a human wife he should learn to grasp the reality of human weakness. Sometimes people just disappear from our lives and there is nothing we can do about it. Kaguya couldn't deal with that truth and looked at all the trouble she has caused us. You, on the other hand, are in a position of complete control over whether or not you disappear from the lives of your loved ones. If you truly care for them why would you hurt them over your own fears? That'd be much too selfish of you. I bet your light has died off hasn't it?"

Kagome quickly hung up InuYasha's phone putting it back on the counter. Her light probably was gone again. Killing herself would be selfish? Why was showing fear such a bad thing? Kagome thought she was perfectly in the right to be scared. This wasn't selfish. This was a sacrifice.

As she retired for the night into her bedroom she tried to forget all about what Naraku told her. So her father was a Divine Order member that needed Naraku's influence to leave? Did that mean that her father would have been fine with her being forced into an arranged polygamist marriage at such a young age?

What did it matter if she were to die? Honestly her whole life had been nothing more than a lie manipulated by both Kaguya and Naraku. Even Sesshoumaru being here with her was no accident. Her killing herself would be the first and last thing ever in her life that truly had been up to her.

Still she had to put on her best face. She didn't want Sesshoumaru to know about what she was planning to do.

"Great debate," Kagome smiled at her husband when she came into the room to find him simply sitting on the bed looking at his phone, "you really had Hojo sweating."

"Kagome why are you insulting my intelligence?" Sesshoumaru wondered to himself as he looked up at her, "her scent just held a lot of sadness. Is she going to tell me goodbye as well? She can spare her breath."

"You can breathe easy," he told her eyes snapping back to the phone, "I already know everything and I believe Kikyo's words. I have a plan and there is no need to discuss it tonight. You need your rest. I want you with me on election day."

Would she make her decision before then, she wondered to herself. It didn't matter. Sesshoumaru would probably win and it was just to nice he wanted her by his side. At least she knew her feelings for him truly weren't as one sided as she sometimes thought they were when he became distant.

"That's nice," was all she said noticing that there was a bit of dirt on the sleeve of his shirt, "playing with the ants again?"

"That's nice?" he repeated raising an eyebrow, "normally when we discover a new piece of information you are the first to jump into speculation. Have you finally submitted to my will Kagome? Will you stand back and let me protect you in the upcoming battle?"

"Whatever happens will happen," she gave a shrug sitting on the foot of the bed, "destiny right?"

"I never imagined this would be so painful," Sesshoumaru shook his head shutting his eyes for a moment, "she refused to believe in reincarnation for the longest time and now I'm expected to believe she is accepting of a destiny? She'd probably agree to everything I said if it meant letting her believe she can leave me content."

"Get undressed," Sesshoumaru commanded as he opened his eyes still not looking at her, "tonight is the night."

Kagome looked visibly uncomfortable, "You said election night."

"And you said there was no deadline," he fired back, "get undressed and present yourself to me now. I'm ready to have my wife."

Kagome took it into consideration. If she were to die by her own hands trying to truly make her own destiny then maybe it'd be best not to do it as a virgin. Losing her innocence to a man she had once told herself would be impossible to ever get close to would be a good way to take her fate as her own. She really wasn't in the mood, but if she wanted to leave Sesshoumaru with a memorable goodbye then this would be a good route to travel. Besides he always had a way of making her feel comfortable and reminding her what she wanted.

Kagome actually reaching behind her to unzip her dress had been the last straw for Sesshoumaru. He created a test and she failed it showing she was indeed not thinking clearly. He'd been planning to just ignore her like he previously stated to InuYasha, but he wasn't going to let his wife dishonor herself any further.

How to handle this was the question. Was he to take her into his arms and tell her he would never allow her to leave him? Was he to promise her everything would be alright? That's how a normal man that loved his wife would handle this situation. It had already been proven again and again that normal didn't work for them.

"Kagome stop," Sesshoumaru then ordered as he refused to spare her a glance disappearing into their walk-in closet to get something.

Kagome stood confused when he returned with a mere boxcutter in his hand. Before she could ask why he pushed up on it revealing a sharp blade.

"You can have it," Sesshoumaru spoke coldly forcing the metal tool into her hands, "just remember which way to cut. Cut down not across. I assume this would be a preferable method for you. You have no access to poisons, a hanging would traumatize the children, and an overdose on pills would create issues for your husband. After what happened with our little dream potion I would be a suspect in your murder and that won't do. No this is the most efficient way to end your life."

"Sesshoumaru," Kagome breathed deeply sounding terrified, "what are you talking about?"

He knew what she wanted to do? She'd been such an idiot. Sesshoumaru might not have figured out the best way to talk to her or react half of the time, but as of late he'd been proving himself to be the master of seeing through her. Of course he knew.

Did he want her to die? Did he understand this was the best outcome for them all? No. Kagome could see through Sesshoumaru's bullshit just as much as he could see through hers. He didn't want her dead.

"The bathtub would be a ideal place," he instructed crossing his arms, "the clean up would be easy. Not that I am worried about such a thing of course. You won't do it. I did not marry a woman that weak."

So he didn't think she could do it? That wasn't something she wanted to hear after having been forced to ponder this for the last few hours.

"It's not suicide it's-

"A sacrifice?" he finally looked at her narrowing his eyes, "no. It's running away. You were charged with a task and you don't believe you can do it so you are considering the coward's way out. You'd never sink so low. I just gave you a tool and permission knowing I will not lose you this evening so you can stop acting like a child. Stop trying to please everyone and giving obvious goodbyes. You're not a good actress."

"There is no task I was charged with," Kagome said holding onto the boxcutter tightly, "I didn't ask for this. I never asked for any of it. See! All I do is cause you and this family trouble without even trying. You're all better off without me."

Sesshoumaru returned to the bed and stared her down crossing his arms, "If you go through with it I guess you'll never know. You can't possibly know because you won't be here. Will Kaguya and the jewel truly go into stasis? Will Naraku truly leave this family alone? Those are all mysterious you'd be burdening me with as you'll be gone. If that's how your story ends I was fool to see you as a companion I could consider my equal. All of this is for the purpose of hurting you and making you feel guilty for acting like such an immature child, of course, for I still don't believe you'll do it."

"Stop saying I won't do it!" Kagome snapped at him, "why won't you just listen to me?! It's the right thing to do. You know it is."

"I would never support something so cowardly."

"If you want to want the rest of your existence to be a hellish one that's fine I guess, but what about Rin? I'm not going to have her sucked into her mother's stupid little jewel. I'm protecting her Sesshoumaru."

"Protecting her by abandoning her? Will you force her to have the same fear of loneliness as you do, or perhaps let her live in resentment of both her mother's actions. What more excuses are you going to throw at me Kagome? I'm not going to embrace you or tie you up if that's what you're looking for. This is your battle. Either throw the blade down or do what you will. You are mine, but you still have free will. I will not stand in your way. Show me what kind of woman I chose to be with and let me know if I was mistaken or not. Just know that if your irrational brain forces you to press that blade to your wrist just to prove me wrong I will not mourn you. You will have no beautiful memorable goodbye with me. This Sesshoumaru will not entertain it."

"They aren't excuses! Why can't you just understand? You're the one that likes to keep reminding me that I need protected and that I can't do much as a mere human, and I'm to believe you'd be cool with thinking I can destroy the jewel all on my own? It's not worth the risk Sesshoumaru. Why aren't you thinking about Rin at all?"

"I already made it clear I the only one thinking about Rin in the living here and now. She might be young but she is a demon of my blood. If we fall we fall fighting. We don't give up. Make a decision Kagome."

Her hand played with the switch on the boxcutter making the blade go up and down. Well she wasn't going to kill herself right here in the middle of their bedroom. She wasn't even sure was going to do it tonight or even this week only that it needed to be done.

"Were you even going to do it?" Kagome asked herself becoming unsure.

"I wanted to go to sleep," Kagome said looking at the boxcutter, "I wanted to use one of your potions and dream first."

"I wouldn't allow it. You don't deserve to use me for your own selfish goal. Kagome if you do this you are no different than Kaguya. You know that don't you? You wish to use me before leaving without paying for the consequences and forsaking your daughter. There is nothing you can say or do to me that will make your actions acceptable. I will not mourn you and I will tell Rin the truth about what you did. No, this is not an attempt by me to talk you out of it. This is the reality you'd be leaving behind. So Kagome. Was I mistaken? Were you one not to be trusted? Do you not love your daughter as much as you claim? Were you truly never deserving of a light or a destiny? Show me the answer."

"Not tonight," he could smell her tears as she looked down to hide her face.

"Why not tonight?" he smirked dangerously knowing she couldn't see, "if you are so sure that is the only option there is why hesitate? The moment Kaguya's heart sensed Kikyo was a liability it ejected itself from her, so it wouldn't be too far fetched to believe the jewel could take some sort of option to come for you now. The reason you're not ending your life in this very moment is because you know it's wrong. No amount of nice moments with Rin or attempt to please me will make it okay. You know this and don't need me to tell you. Kagome put the blade down."

Kagome extended the blade one last time staring at it. Was Sesshoumaru mistaken in trusting her and believing in her? Would any sort of moment with Rin make it okay to leave her? Would Sesshoumaru really not mourn her? Would he not remember she was the first human woman he cared for? She'd never forget about him if he did something like this nor would she forgive him.

"It's all been a lie," Kagome told herself poking her skin with the blade for a moment and flinching, "all of it. Believing Rin had been the one that saved me when she was left with me, the way it happened, what my father did for me, and us coming together. None of it was real. It's all the jewel's will, but it's not like the jewel put us under a spell. My light would have purified any unnatural influences after all. No one made me love Rin. I couldn't help but love her. No one made me fall in love with you. If anything you went out of your way to make sure that couldn't happen, but it happened anyway cause I'm so damn stubborn. No. These are the connections I made and it's up to me to protect them. It's not destiny. It's what I have to do, and if you want to fight with me I won't take the opportunity away from you."

Sesshoumaru's eyes softened and he smiled when he heard the sound of the boxcutter falling to the floor.

"Sesshoumaru I'm sorry I just-

"You don't need to say anything more," Sesshoumaru placed a hand on the other side of the bed letting her know she should join him, "sometimes you act idiotic. That is something I've come to accept a long time ago. I do not expect you to apologize."

Kagome frowned glad she didn't have to explain it as she came over to him, "To make it clear I don't believe I'm special or this is my destiny. I just don't want to get pushed around and bullied anymore."

"Pushed around and bullied into doing something you could never do," Sesshoumaru closed his eyes, "like kill yourself. Do not entertain those thoughts again Kagome. Besides it wouldn't have worked. I would have just used my Tensagia on you anyway."

Kagome glared at him, "That's-that's kind of wrong of you to do isn't it? Bring someone back from the dead that doesn't want to live? Thought you weren't going to mourn me."

"You weren't going to do it so it doesn't matter," he grabbed her wrist to pull her into the bed, "waste no more talk on it. You knew the answer the whole time Kagome. You always know the answer when you do battle with the darkness you just something to remind you what you fight for."

Kagome frowned, "That's why the jewel wants you and Rin. To give me something to keep fighting for."

"Is an eternal existence with me really that troubling?"

"Don't even joke about it. It'd be like what we are already going through just every damn day, and besides with the way Kikyo talked about it that jewel is going to destroy the world."

"There has been no day with you that's been easy," he chuckled to himself lowly, "and I do not care about the rest of the world. Just this family. I am not scared. We either win or we don't. Just like every battle."

"You should be scared," Kagome crossed her arms, "you and Rin shouldn't rely on me. I don't believe in destiny as I keep saying."

"For a woman that grew up in such an odd religion there is a lot of things you don't believe in. Reincarnation and destiny? I've seen many things in this world so I will not dismiss things as easily as you and InuYasha do, but it if it calms you I do not believe in destiny neither. I just trust in our abilities and our plan."

"Has my light come back?" Kagome asked worried knowing that her selfish thought about ending her life and all the fear that came with facing the task at hand probably drowned it out.

"I cannot feel it," Sesshoumaru told her truthfully, "the more you obsess about it the more your mind will remain unclear. It comes back when it comes back. I am in no hurry to this end this. As I've made clear this existence doesn't pain me as much as it does you. I am perfectly content just having you and Rin both alive and well by my side."

"Sesshoumaru," Kagome whispered his name to herself not knowing how he could possibly be happy with her after how she acted.

She was already beating herself up for being stupid enough to unzip her dress at his command thinking she was being clever in creating her damn moments with everyone. No wonder he was able to figure it out so easily. Just because she was married to a rich and powerful man didn't mean their lives were a damn movie and the script she was reading could be interpreted as authentic.

"We talk on it no more," Sesshoumaru silenced her by pressing his lips to hers before pulling away, "tomorrow you apologize to Rin and Shippou for not finishing the story and acting so strangely. You'll tell them both the truth about what happened to Kaguya and the true threat. That is how you'll make this right."

Kagome was annoyed he was giving her orders after such a short kiss. His lips pressing against hers. It was the only thing other than Rin's safety that she wanted. Just to be with him. She obviously had that so it'd be so stupid just leave this life without actually attempting to fight for the other.

"That book," Kagome shook her head, "sure it's a fairy tale with a good message but all that talk about Dark Kingdoms and heirs and heiresses is kind of advanced for a five-year-old dontcha think? When did you even buy it?"

Sesshoumaru was very aware of the book she was talking about. The language in it didn't seem to bother him and Rin seemed to have no problem with it, so he didn't understand why she was so hung up on it. The story of someone with an evil parent that could overcome their blood and keep their purity and good nature seemed like a good tale to teach her anyway.

"I never bought Rin a book," Sesshoumaru recalled, "the book is yours. I found it in the same box as that offensive list of rules."

Kagome tried to remember. He was talking about her framed 'Divine Order Rules to Live By' that she'd earned when accepting life as a glorified brainwashed potential breeder to old men. That had been in a box with all sorts of things she kept from those days. The book she just read Rin seemed to be brand new but yet also seemed very outdated.

"My book?" Kagome asked, "if it was from when I was a child that doesn't make any sense. I wasn't allowed to read anything that wasn't about reincarnation."

Still it had her curious as Kagome went upstairs to check on the kids glad to see they were finally asleep as she grabbed the book. She gave the children one more kiss disgusted with herself that she actually considered leaving them before returning to the bedroom.

Kagome looked at the back and saw that indeed the book had been printed more than twenty-years ago.

"Tale of the Dark Princess," she read the title before opening the cover and discovering the flyleaf.

Written inside the page was a note for her, "To my daughter Kagome. The purest and kindest of them all despite her name. From your loving father."

Kagome put her hand over the page, "Dad? I don't care what Naraku says about you. You loved me. I know you did."

"A gift from your departed father and you can't remember it?" Sesshoumaru was hoping this wasn't another 'Mr. Ears' situation, "you would have packed it into that box would you have not? Though when I discovered it I found it between a lot of old papers. Why do you keep so many things?"

"Why do you go through my things?" Kagome shot him a glare.

"Why do you keep your things in boxes all over the place despite declaring that you've unpacked," Sesshoumaru shot back.

"There is just no winning with you," Kagome sighed still with her hand on the page, "why do you shut off every light switch the second a person leaves the room? Oh right. That's because you're a dad. That's what dads do."

"My ability to have children has nothing to do with the wasting of electricity," he made sure to let her know as he watched her get out of bed, "what is it you're doing now?"

"So you admit that whole thing about darkness enhancing your senses is just bullshit?" Kagome smiled at him digging through the closet for her Divine Order box of memories, "knew it. I'll pay the electricity bill if it upsets you that much."

"That is not the point," Sesshoumaru regretted bringing up where he found the book if it resulted in her making a mess, "if you're not using the light turn it off."

"Stop talking about light I might or might not be using. Let's see here. Junk junk junk junk."

"Then throw it all away."

"I'll organize it later," she felt like she was arguing with a parent as she dug through the box just finding a bunch of school papers before pulling something that had been crushed, "poor poochy."

Kagome recognized what was in her hand. It had been the origami figure Byakuya had made for her all those years ago folded from some kind of Divine Order pamphlet. In all honesty she never actually packed this box. It had been her mother. Kagome had attempted to talk to her mother a couple weeks after leaving the Divine Order and all she got for her efforts was that box full of junk from her past. It was her mother's way of reminding her she had a good upbringing where she was taught good values. Once Kagome discovered she'd been denied family photos or anything of real value she taped that box back up and never looked in it again. So her mom wanted her to have the book?

"Must've been crushed by all the other stuff in there," Kagome noted holding the crushed origami.

"A gift from Byakuya?" Sesshoumaru still hated Byakuya the most of any of Naraku's henchmen, "you should burn it."

Kagome shook her as she protectively held it close, "No. This is from when things were good whether or not you believe there ever were good times. Byakuya and I were always kind of close after he made this for me. I mean we fell out when I up and left the Divine Order and he got his job, but I always felt like he cared about me."

"He works for the man that wants you dead," Sesshoumaru shook his head not understanding why his wife was so ridiculous, "besides. It's crushed. What good is a destroyed memento? Put your box of memories away and rest now Kagome. You will need it."

"So what exactly are we going to be doing?" she was curious.

Sesshoumaru thought on it before making his decision, "Normally I would dismiss your actions from tonight as one of those emotional outbursts I know you're capable of, but I believe we are just getting too restless. I cannot bring an untested girl into battle with me. Firing at trees with crossbows is one thing while confronting demons is another. I wish to take you to Fangvale with me when I confront my mother."

Sesshoumaru was quite overprotective. It was impossible to get permission to go anywhere without begging him. She understood it from his point of view as she barely survived their trip to the zoo, but indeed he was correct. Being locked away from the world was making both her and her mind soft.

"I have no intention of letting you die," he made sure to tell her, "but I won't be protecting you from every threat either. Your light won't work on regular demons so you must trust your instincts, your weapon, and your companion."

It was a good thing he hadn't suggested this when she considering suicide. That would have been the perfect place to end everything. It would have been understandable and blameless if it happened in Fangvale.

"You've heard enough about me," Kagome said indeed pushing the box back into the closet before putting the book and the origami figure on her nightstand, "time to learn about my husband. I finally get to see your stomping grounds."

Sesshoumaru glared before resting his head on the pillow as it seemed to be one of those rare nights where he planned on actually sleeping, "The whole world was once my so-called 'stomping grounds' you humans just decided to put up walls."

"Because the Sesshoumarus of the world kept killing famous mikos," Kagome rolled her eyes also laying down, "can you blame us?"

"No," Sesshoumaru didn't want to think about Midoriko's death and how it resulted in this mess, "you might learn more than you bargained for. I might be attacked relentlessly. Especially for bringing an attractive human with me. Centipedes will try and grab you, lay eggs in you, and then eat your head just to prove a point."

Kagome shivered, "I hate centipedes more than your cockroaches. You don't sugar coat anything do you?"

"No centipedes will be touching you," he assured her, "but it will not be easy. I believe it to be a necessary trip for you."

Kagome couldn't argue with him there. He was right she needed something like this. Too long she'd been left in this house with no one to do battle with except for Sesshoumaru and herself. Maybe this whole light thing was more of a mind over matter sort of deal and she just needed a distraction. If he said she'd be okay then she would believe him.

She definitely believed him when the almost asleep Sesshoumaru used his arm to pull her into him. For once she wasn't being touched sexually or tied up as she was just held by him. He adjusted himself so half of her body was under him as he rested his chin on top of her neck and moved his arms around her not caring too much for their comfort. He just wanted her to know she was his and he wasn't letting her go.

"There was never any doubt in my mind," Sesshoumaru thought to himself as fell into a sleep, "never once I did I actually think you'd actually leave me sleeping in this bed on my own. Losing you isn't an option my Kagome."

Kagura, on the other hand, couldn't get a wink of sleep at all. It was almost as though they were all being called into battle. She had her own cozy apartment on the other side of town, but now was being ordered to keep quarters in her father's real home. Naraku only pretended to live in the Divine Order compound with his wives while near the border he had a very sizable estate. This was where he kept all his mementos from former 'lifetimes' as well as where Kagura was raised. She hadn't been back in her family home in a very long time and it felt so odd being forced to have some sort of family reunion here when her father was acting more and more odd with each passing day.

"Why do I have to carry this thing?" Kagura asked holding the sleeping infant that came out of Kikyo, "at least it's sleeping. It gives me the damn creeps."

She was actually holding it over the balcony that was above the upstairs office. She considered dropping it, but she was sure the damn creepy demon would wake up and figure out away to preserve itself and Kaguya's heart the same way it had when it was inside of Kikyo.

"Shouldn't that be obvious by now?" Byakuya asked with a smile leaning on the balcony, "Kagura your only desire is to be free from all the despair. That's not a secret or something that's a mystery to you. This infant can only control and possess people with their hidden dark desires. It can't take control over you."

"I guess so," Kagura sighed still angry about this whole thing, "he could have at least considered Kanna. Not like that girl has any desires and that mirror in her hands is worthless. So now that I'm caught up on everything explain this to me. Why is using a medio the best way to deliver Kagome to the jewel? If Kanna took Kagome's soul Naraku could still kill her and not anger this little piss ant."

Kagome wasn't going inside the jewel. Naraku had already made his decision regarding that. He'd confided in Byakuya just an hour ago that in no way was he allowed to use the medio on Kagome. He couldn't relay that to Kagura, of course, for they didn't want the infant to know. Besides it wasn't like Naraku had control over Byakuya in those regards. He was now the master of the medio stone. It was his decision whether to use it on Kagome or not.

"He couldn't even take the soul of a little girl that means nothing to him," Byakuya shook his head, "so I doubt he could take Kagome's. Kanna is his will after all. He doesn't like stealing people's souls I don't even know why he created Kanna. Maybe he can't control what he makes. Explains why he hasn't had more children since his last one and only made one incarnation."

"Still hard to believe that man has a code of honor," Kagura still very much doubted that, "so you're staying here as well? At least I won't be alone."

"Not for long. I promised Lady Inukimi I'd meet her for tea tomorrow."

"Oh? Switching alliances are you?"

"My father is still my father. Nothing will change that, but I do enjoy her company. I know you wouldn't care for her. If you think our father is insane you try holding a conversation with her."

"Before you go," Kagura sounded disappointed that Byakuya wouldn't be staying, "Byakuya do you remember our mother at all? Or were you taken away as well? Is she in the compound?"

"You're older than I am," Byakuya was glad Kagura finally asked about this subject, "but I guess you wouldn't remember. No she's dead. Do not mourn her. She wouldn't mourn you. Our mother wasn't a kind woman."

"Are you sure that's true or has Naraku brainwashed you into thinking differently? He's little Divine Order role would be ruined if his wives were birthing half-demons and exposing it."

"I know she wasn't a kind woman because I remember her. As for the other wives it's not the situation you think it is. Indeed he has married a great deal of underage women same as the rest of the crooked men in the Divine Order, but I don't think he's laid a finger on them. I once asked him why he torments women like Kikyo when he has his very own stable of young women. He said that it's torture enough that these brainwashed girls just live alone and safe being forced to wonder why their husband is so displeased with them that he ignores them entirely. I recall a couple that he has been cruel to, but they did something to offend him before the marriage. Our mother and her sister-wife, the second woman he married, were the only two he liked. Our mother was cruel, the other was kind. She was going to raise us if things hadn't gone so horribly wrong."

"All this time," Kagura frowned to herself knowing Byakuya wouldn't lie to her.

"All this time you assumed your mother was a human captive being tortured by our father? No. My my she really must've done a number on you for you to repress it all, but then again she hated you much more than me. I was just a spectator to the violence."

Byakuya had indeed guessed correctly when it came to Kagura's assumption about the fate of her mother. So it seemed there would be no closure on the matter. Her mother was dead and Naraku never seemed to have any intention of discussing it with her.

"What happened to the second wife?" Kagura asked, "the one you said was kind."

Byakuya frowned, "Not something he ever wants to discuss. She was lost to us the same night father killed our mother for hurting you again."

Kagura seemed surprised, "He killed her? Over me?"

Byakuya nodded, "He caught her doing something cruel to you again and had enough. You were always his favorite after all."

"Doubt it," Kagura was still refusing to believe there was any redemption for that man after everything he'd put them through and everything he was planning on doing, "even if he did care about it that all seems secondary when it comes to his little hunts. Kikyo gives birth to this spawn and he is still worried about how he is going to kill Kagome."

"He has his reasons," Byakuya sighed, "it's nothing logical that much can be certain but when one has that many demons in their head screaming for blood and revenge we should be lucky Kagome is the only one he is concerned with killing for the moment. Oh well. He has a plan in mind to take care of her and this whole nasty jewel business. I know what needs to happen next and will play my part."

"Meanwhile I didn't know a thing about this jewel," Kagura sighed to herself, "guess I shouldn't have blabbed to Sesshoumaru huh? All this infant shouts at me is that someone needs to go secure the celestial robe, but no one is taking the bait."

"Hopefully once Sesshoumaru recognizes he has it he will destroy it. That's part of the plan anyway."

"You seem to know an awful lot about the plan. You sure I'm the favorite one?"

"I'm sure of it. The difference between you and me Kagura is that I know about father's secrets. Even the ones he cannot recall."

"Are you referring to that bet he and Kikyo have going? Some sort of mystery she is going to figure out that he doesn't know."

"Exactly! I know the answer. Unfortunately I can't tell you, because, you know the whole you going to Sesshoumaru thing. If you were to give Kikyo the answer it'd taint his game. You know how father feels about that sort of thing. I don't want to give him another excuse to lash out at you big sister."

Kagura huffed as she left the balcony with that damn child still in her arms, "Keep your damn secrets. I don't care. As for him lashing at me he does it without needing a reason all the time. You'd think I'd be use to it by now."

Byakuya just smiled watching his sister walk away as he removed the medio stone from his pocket and stared at it. Their father wanted them all together to assist him in whatever he had planned, but after receiving such a gift from Inukimi he'd never turn down an invitation from the demon Queen. He'd have to leave to see her soon.

"There is a reason he lashes out at you Kagura," Byakuya sighed to himself, "after all the abuses you went through as a child he hates to see you acting cruel towards another. The way you've treated Kagome over the years was unacceptable. You don't bully Kagome. Not our little sister. Father it won't be much longer until those painful memories come back to you. Painful as they may be they make you who you truly are. Soon you'll remember everything. Remember that Kagome is your daughter and why you gave her that name. I just wonder who will discover the truth first. Her or Kikyo. Quite an interesting competition."

Unlike Naraku who used Byakuya's magic to pull away and destroy his memories his son found a way to copy his and imprint it on a piece of paper. Those memories were folded into the origami dog that he'd given her all those years ago. All Kagome would have to do was unfold the paper to see what he'd witnessed a long time ago when she was mere infant and her real mother perished. He wasn't worried about those memories going undiscovered. His brand of magic was a powerful one. As long as she didn't destroy the origami herself it would always find its way back to her waiting for her to discover the truth.

Naraku had destroyed his origami taking away any chance he had at taking the same route, but Byakuya had created another channel for him. If he were to remember why Kagome was named Kagome he'd get it all back and perhaps finally stop trying to kill her. If he could even kill her. Byakuya had been growing up alongside of Kagome during her whole childhood and noticed that Naraku would never be crueler to her than he needed to be. She was of his blood so there would, of course, be a subtle bond between the two. Naraku wanting to kill Kagome at this point had nothing to do with Midoriko's betrayal. He'd known he was lied to a while ago before his memories were taken away when he proclaimed he'd never do anything to hurt his own daughter. Him casting away those memories and still going through with his hunt was the work of the cruel demons inside of himself and exposure to the sacred jewel. Forcing him to kill his own daughter would be the action that could result in him ejecting his human heart once and for all and becoming the perfect brand of darkness for the sacred jewel.

Byakuya didn't want that fate for either his father or his youngest sister. He believed they could overcome this. He believed in them so much he had full intentions of using a medio to deliver Kagome to the sacred jewel, because it would be much easier for her to destroy it from the inside than the outside.

"She'll be fine," Byakuya told himself, "I believe in her. I won't let you get hurt Kagome. I was too young to help Kagura when that woman was cruel to her, but things are different now. Father and that silly glass bead won't touch you little sister."

(End Chapter)

AN: BOO! I didn't want to reveal that Kagome was Naraku's daughter in this chapter but the things I was writing, and things written in previous chapters I felt made it so painfully obvious that I had to have Byakuya just come out and say it already. In the event I get asked yeah Kagome is 100% human that will be explained later and is carrying a piece of Midoriko's soul. The question is will this break Sesshoumaru's brain or not? His child and wife are both hell spawn of very evil people, and yeah there really is not much back peddling that can be done for Naraku. He has still done some very evil things and isn't going to be apologizing for it anytime soon. His family is the only people he is kind to really and that's just barely. Jury is still out on whether or not he will get atonement. He did kind of force Mei-Lin into a horrible life and have her murdered just cause she hung out on a swing set while Kagome was getting bullied.