"Kagome, what are you doing here?" Inuyasha asked incredulously. He was staring at her the same way he'd looked at Kikyo when she was resurrected— as if he'd never expected to see her again.

"I could ask you the same thing," Kagome returned.

It had been seven long years but coming face to face with Inuyasha hurt more than she anticipated. He showed no signs of remorse for what he'd done. Kagome lowered her gaze to the floor. She shouldn't have been surprised. He'd always chosen others before her. First with the jewel, then with Kikyo, and finally with whoever or whatever came after. No matter how many times Kagome had supported him, she had never been his priority. Not even as his friend.

When she was younger, Kagome had given him the benefit of the doubt. She handed out chances to Inuyasha as often as she gave candy to Shippo. He had never changed. Time may have been cruel but it had taught her a valuable lesson. Those who cared for her would stand by her. Those who didn't— well, Kagome didn't need to concern herself with them. Her energy was better utilized elsewhere.

As she gathered her thoughts, Kagome missed the way Inuyasha's nose twitched. "Wait a minute. Why do you smell like Sesshomaru?"

"Mate." Arms encircled her and she felt an instant sense of calm.

"Hi" Kagome's anger lessened. She hugged him back, grateful for his affection. He understood what she needed.

"Let her go, you bastard!"

Kagome turned in time to see Inuyasha raise his sword. "Sit!"

Thump.

"Amusing," Sesshomaru remarked, keeping one arm around her.

"H-How?" Inuyasha groaned from his position on the floor.

"Sesshomaru and I met a while back. He's been helping me out at my dojo," Kagome answered. "Not that I owe you an explanation or anything," she added testily.

"But why him?" Inuyasha asked as he got to his feet.

"I fail to see how that is any of your concern," Sesshomaru commented.

Inuyasha took a step toward them, earning a growl from his brother. Kagome placed her hand on Sesshomaru's chest. "He's a full demon, Kagome. He's not like me," Inuyasha pointed out.

"I know," she returned. "He's generous and thoughtful and great with kids."'

His eyebrows shot up into his hairline. "What? Kids? You two have kids? What the hell is going on here?"

"Calm down, will you?" Kagome snapped, rolling her eyes. Of course, he would miss the point. "I meant my students."

"Our students."

"Right, our students," Kagome corrected. Sesshomaru smirked while Inuyasha continued to stare at them dumbfounded.

"You, never wanted me to become a full demon," he pointed a clawed finger at Kagome, "and you," his finger shifted to Sesshomaru, "never liked humans, so how the hell did this happen?"

With an exasperated sigh, Kagome said, "I already told you. Sesshomaru came to my dojo and—."

"Not that. This!" Inuyasha interrupted, his finger shaking as he pointed to her mating mark.

Kagome's cheeks burned. "Oh." Would she ever be able to talk about sex without blushing? She was an adult for kami's sake.

"You have a mate and pups of your own. I believe you are aware of the mechanics," Sesshomaru replied.

Inuyasha clenched his jaw. "Listen here, you bastard. If you forced yourself upon her—."

In a flash of white and red, Sesshomaru had Inuyasha pinned against the wall. One hand was clamped tight around his throat and the other was poised to strike. Kagome recognized his stance and hurried over.

"Stop," she said, wrapping her hands around his outstretched arm. "Please."

Sesshomaru glanced down at her, momentarily, before returning his gaze to Inuyasha. He did as she asked.

Inuyasha slumped to the floor, coughing and massaging his neck. Kagome resisted the urge to give him a hand up. He didn't deserve her help.

"Inuyasha, let me be clear," she said sternly. "Sesshomaru and I are together. It was our choice. Ours. No one else's and no one forced anyone into anything. Got that?"

"Whatever," he grumbled. Then to his brother, he said, "She's only with you because of me."

Kagome let her fist fly without hesitation. Smack. Her palm landed a clean slap on his cheek. It was forceful enough to make his head swing to the side.

He stared at her, shocked. "Ka-Kagome?"

Her chest rose and fell as she tried to control her emotions. He had stirred up so many painful memories and his callous remark had crossed the line. "Don't you ever say that again! You have no right to act like you know me or what I want. Sesshomaru gave me a choice and I chose him. If you can't be happy for me, then you should leave."

"What?"

"Go! I don't want to see you."

His face fell. For the first time since she'd stepped off the elevator, Kagome saw regret.

"Kagome, I'm sorry. I didn't—."

"Go on. Get out of here," she cut him off, crossing her arms over her chest defensively.

Inuyasha looked to Sesshomaru but he remained silent. He knew this was her fight. Sesshomaru was allowing Kagome the opportunity to handle it on her own. He was letting her rediscover her voice.

"I...I'll be here for the meeting," Inuyasha stated flatly. "I won't say anything so don't worry. But, in case anything happens with one of the lords, I'll be here. For Kagome. She's still human, even if she's your mate. You're both vulnerable."

Kagome's throat constricted as a wave of new emotions washed over her. Inuyasha waited for her to respond but she couldn't speak. He gave them a nod and entered the elevator. As the doors slid shut, Kagome felt her eyes fill with tears.

"Was I too harsh?" she asked.

"No."

"I thought I'd feel better if I yelled at him. I just feel worse," she admitted, ruefully.

"He was your friend. Acknowledging the loss of your relationship will be painful," Sesshomaru told her sagely.

"Yeah, I guess so."

He wrapped his arms around her. "Mate, are you still cross with me?"

"Yes, but...," Kagome trailed off, burying her face in his chest.

But what?

How could she tell him that she felt as though her chest was being ripped in two? How could she make sense of the sensations that plagued her the moment she left him? Kagome had been out of sorts all evening.

When she had gone to meet up with Shippo and Kirara, she ignored the ache. During their dinner with Jinenji, who she invited partially out of guilt for being so dismissive earlier in the week, the pain increased. Her friends seemed to know something was off, though they'd all been too polite to ask. While they were strolling through Ueno Park, Kagome decided she couldn't bear it anymore.

She felt foolish for running over here. Sesshomaru had been wrong to hide Myoga's findings from her. Kagome knew her anger was valid yet she found it lessening. Like the grains of sand in an hourglass, her agitation slipped away until she'd almost forgotten why she was upset.

"Mate?"

"From now on, please don't keep things from me," Kagome requested.

Sesshomaru nodded and leaned down to press a kiss to her forehead. "I missed you."

"I missed you too. Isn't that silly? We haven't even gone a day without each other. I think I just don't like being mad with you. It's exhausting," Kagome replied, fisting her hands in his kimono.

"Emotions are heightened after mating. Over time, it will become manageable," he explained.

"Did you feel strange too?" she questioned.

His lips were pressed together to form a firm, thin line. "I was irritated."

"Irritated?"

"I behaved poorly."

"What do you mean?" Kagome stared at him, wondering why he was being cryptic.

"I destroyed my office."

"What?" She glanced around him, trying to peer inside his chambers.

"Excuse me, my lord, my lady," Ume interrupted.

Kagome jolted. She hadn't noticed the bird demon until she spoke. Her cheeks reddened embarrassment. She hoped Ume didn't think less of her for her outburst.

"What is it?" Sesshomaru inquired.

"I have received confirmations from all the lords. They will be arriving tomorrow for the meeting as you requested," Ume informed them.

"Thank you," he responded.

She bowed her head and returned to her desk.

"Is Inuyasha right? Should I be concerned about the meeting?" Kagome asked.

Sesshomaru hesitated, which was all the answer she needed. "I will not allow anyone to harm you," he vowed.

"Maybe we should have spent more time sparring," Kagome said, trying to make him smile.

He didn't.

"Perhaps, we should bring the kit along. His illusions may prove to be an advantage," Sesshomaru suggested.

"Shippo would be all for that," she agreed.

"And the nekomata would be useful for getting you out of here in case anything were to go wrong."

"What about you? I'm not leaving without you. Besides, I can protect myself," Kagome insisted.

"You are an admirable opponent, mate, but the demons on the council are both strong and skilled. I have faith that you could take them on one by one but, as a group, it would be nearly impossible to secure victory," Sesshomaru told her.

"Good thing I have my own group," she replied, grinning up at him.

"I will fight for you," Sesshomaru said. "I will not allow you to be in a dangerous situation. If an attack does arise, you will be taken somewhere safe until the threat is neutralized."

"Sesshomaru—."

"Mate." His tone signaled it was the end of the discussion.

Kagome ignored the warning. She was just as stubborn as he was. "Do you expect me to leave you? What kind of mate would do that? You would never abandon me so don't ask me to do that to you. We are partners, remember? That means equal give and take."

He watched her, mirth filling his golden eyes. "You are a willful woman."

"Well, you're a stubborn dog." His eyebrows rose at her comment and she laughed.

"If you insist on staying at my side, then we need to come up with a plan," Sesshomaru relented.

"Agreed. Since your office is trashed, can we talk about it at home?"

"Home." He said the word like he was testing it out.

Kagome was reminded that Sesshomaru had never had a home before. For as long as she had known him, he'd been a nomad. She wondered if the dojo felt confining or restrictive to him.

"Or we could go to the park," she suggested, considering the wide-open space and fresh air.

He surprised her by saying, "I prefer our home."

She beamed.

Our home.

Strategizing took the better part of the next couple of days. Between Shippo's suggestions for what he could turn into, Ume's insight on the various lords, and Sesshomaru's increasing protectiveness, Kagome was becoming overwhelmed. On top of the meeting, she still had to prepare her students for the Kyudo championship.

Everyone, from her adult learners to her afternoon girls, was happy to see her back in class. Sesshomaru continued to attend the sessions with her, oftentimes working in the corner. Ume was in and out with scrolls for him and updates on the meeting logistics. Adachi dropped by with food since they were too busy to cook. He always brought a can of tuna for Kirara, who had taken a liking to him.

Everything seemed to be happening on fast-forward. One moment they were coming up with a plan and the next it was the night of the meeting.

Kagome stood in front of her bedroom mirror, absently adjusting her hairpiece. Everything tonight had to be perfect. She had decided on a formal kimono for the evening. Ume selected a blue one to match her eyes. The bird demon had done her hair and make-up earlier. Kagome continuously checked to see if everything was in place. She wanted to look good for her presentation to the council.

"You look lovely," Sesshomaru told her from the doorway. He offered her his arm. "Come. It is time."

With a nervous smile, Kagome grabbed onto him. It had been a while since she walked in her getas. She was grateful Sesshomaru was at her side. He wouldn't let her fall.

Adachi was standing at the bottom of the dojo steps, holding the rear passenger door open for them. "Good evening, Miss Higurashi, Mr. Taisho." He inclined his head as they approached.

"Hi, Adachi. Nice to see you. Thanks!"

"You as well, miss."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, sir."

Kagome held onto Sesshomaru's hand throughout the entire ride. Her thoughts were a spiraling stream of anxiety. What if the plan didn't work? What if the lords saw right through her? What if they refused to accept her as the Lady of the West? She didn't want Sesshomaru to do anything he'd regret later. Though he complained about his position as their leader, Kagome knew he was honored by their choice to appoint him. It made him one step closer to his father.

"You need not worry. Everything has been taken care of," Sesshomaru reassured her, squeezing her hand.

"I thought I would be the one calming you down," she admitted with a small laugh. He tilted his head at her curiously. "It's just that I thought I'd have to hold you back, that you'd be a raging beast but here we are and you're the stoic one and I'm the one coming apart at the seams."

"I am not calm," he confessed.

It was then that Kagome felt his turmoil. He was fighting with himself, snarling to keep his emotions at bay. The anger was there, threatening to boil over the surface. It gave a crimson tint to his aura. There were other emotions too. They turned his aura into a collection of colors. A hint of brown for fear, black for regret, and a light red for pride. He was pleased with how she'd weathered all the changes.

Squeezing his hand, she told him, "We'll get through this. We've battled worse opponents."

"Defeating Naraku was different," Sesshomaru agreed, "but navigating court can be just as treacherous. They may be dressed in fine clothes and speak with silver tongues but at their core, they are predators. Do not underestimate them."

"Will you warn them about me?" Kagome asked.

"If they are foolish enough to oppose you, I doubt they will heed my advice," he returned.

"That's their problem," she decided, trying to sound confident.

"Indeed."

Adachi pulled up to the front entrance and immediately came around to open the door for her. Kagome thanked him. She waited for Sesshomaru to emerge. Together they made their way inside. Kirara, Shippo, and Ume were waiting in the lobby for them. Kagome absently wondered if any of them could hear how loud her heart was pounding. If they did, no one mentioned it, not even Sesshomaru.

When they got off the elevator, Kagome was surprised to see someone standing there.

"Brother," Sesshomaru greeted him tersely.

"Inuyasha." It was all she could manage to say. She hadn't expected him to come. After all, he hadn't waited for her. Why would he keep his word now?

"I told you I'd be here for you, Kagome," he said as if to justify his presence. "You may not trust me anymore but I promise I'll protect you."

It wasn't an apology. There was so much left unsaid— an explanation she still needed for closure —but time was against them. She had more pressing matters to deal with, so Kagome accepted the olive branch he was extending. "Thank you."

He scratched the back of his neck, slightly stunned by her acceptance. "Are you sure about this?"

"Yes," she confirmed.

"And you?" he turned to ask Sesshomaru. "Are you alright with me being here?"

"My mate's safety is my main concern. If you are willing to guard her, I will permit you to stay. However, do not think this changes anything between us."

Inuyasha didn't respond. He stared at his older brother, who stared directly back. Kagome watched them, trying to determine how to intervene. It was Shippo who broke the tension.

"Hey, dog-face, look at what I can do now." He transformed into a mirror image of Inuyasha. If they stood next to each other, Kagome couldn't tell the difference. There wasn't even a foxtail.

"Not funny, squirt," Inuyasha grumbled.

"Hey, you can't call me that anymore! I'm just as tall as you are," Shippo argued.

"You're still a runt and you know it," Inuyasha retorted.

Kagome shook her head but couldn't keep the smile off her face. When she glanced up, Sesshomaru was already staring at her. "Ready?" he asked.

She nodded.

They walked into the chamber together, Shippo, Inuyasha, Kirara, and Ume following behind.

The twelve lords were seated around a large table. To anyone else, the gathering would have appeared to be a stakeholder meeting. Each one was dressed in fine attire and was surrounded by great power. Kagome felt their energy surge the second she stepped into the room. Her reiki swarmed around her, a protective shield against any that wished her harm.

Sesshomaru pulled out a chair at the head of the table and beckoned her to sit. Kagome did, scanning the lord's faces as she did. Ume, Inuyasha, and Shippo waited for Sesshomaru to take his seat before doing the same. Kirara stayed at the door, warily guarding.

Slowly, Kagome saw each of them scent her as Sesshomaru's mate.

"Is this why we have been summoned?" one of them asked.

"It is."

There was chatter. Kagome heard someone say, "So the rumors are true."

Several of the lords stood. She felt her pulse quicken. One with fiery red hair was the first to speak out. "Lord Sesshomaru, what is the meaning of this?"

"It is customary for introductions to be made once a mating mark is bestowed."'

Kagome watched as indignation rippled through the lords. Some were murmuring amongst themselves while others were openly glowering at her. Once more, the red-haired demon addressed Sesshomaru.

"Humans are the reason my lands are unfruitful. They are a disgraceful breed. I thought you'd learned a lesson from your father."

Sesshomaru stiffened. Kagome placed her hand on his arm and stood. "I would advise you to hold your tongue, Lord...?"

"Kichi," he supplied.

"Lord Kichi. It is unwise to speak ill of Inu no Taisho in the presence of his sons. Whatever misgivings you hold toward me are a separate matter and I will be happy to address them with you," she told him calmly.

The phoenix demon stared at Kagome. All murmurings came to a stop. The room became silent. Beside her, Sesshomaru remained expressionless but she saw the smirk Inuyasha was wearing. She had managed to catch the lords off guard.

"You have a clever tongue for a mortal," Lord Kichi replied.

"For a lord, you have a severe lack of manners," Kagome returned evenly.

His eyes narrowed. "I don't respect those who don't show respect to me."

"I did not have the opportunity to meet you prior to this evening," she replied, "yet, you are the one who began the conversation on a sour note. If anyone has the reason to be offended, it is me."

There was a series of murmurs from the others while Kagome waited for Lord Kichi to respond. He glared at her, seeming to finally understand how he had backed himself into a corner.

"We may come from different worlds but that doesn't mean we can't both benefit from this union. I will be honest. I have fought and purified demons in the past. Like humans, some are good and some are bad. I don't presume that all demons are evil. I have demon friends and a demon mate. I have chosen to see beyond what they are and focus on who they are. I suggest you let go of your prejudice. It will make you a stronger leader"

"Excuse me?"

Kagome smiled at him. "Would you like me to repeat that?"

"Who do you think you are— coming here, telling us how to behave—, human?"

Her smile fell away. Kagome placed both hands on the table and leaned forward. "I am Kagome Higurashi, the Shikon miko, the priestess who helped defeat Naraku, and your Lady of the West." She couldn't see him but at her left, Sesshomaru was smirking.

The lords fell silent as they studied her. Kagome knew their dealings with humans were limited since the war and it had been centuries since any had met a priestess. Their doubt was understandable.

"The Shikon miko died over five hundred years ago. You couldn't possibly be her," Lord Kichi spat.

If her words couldn't prove her abilities, a display would. Kagome closed her eyes, concentrating on her reiki. She wrapped it around herself, Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, Shippo, Ume, and Kirara. The protective barrier was larger than any she had constructed before. Kagome could feel herself straining to hold it around everyone. The last few days hadn't been enough practice.

Yet, when she opened her eyes, all the lords were staring at her in awe. Not one of them appeared more shocked than Lord Kichi.

"T-That's not possible," he stuttered.

"Just because you can not comprehend true power does not make such a feat impossible," Sesshomaru commented, rising from his seat. "If you have no further objections—."

"I do." Another lord stood. This one was a bear demon. His facial hair was slightly unkempt and his dark eyes held danger. Kagome stood firm aside her mate.

"Lord Taigen." Sesshomaru said his name for her benefit.

"You have neglected your duties. My appointments have been canceled on numerous occasions. At first, I believed your oversight was due to more pressing matters. To find that it was due to this," he waved his hand at Kagome in a dismissive manner, "is appalling. I vote for a lack of confidence in Lord Sesshomaru."

The tension in the air increased. Kagome saw Inuyasha reach for Tessaiga. Kirara transformed into her full size. Shippo fell into a defensive stance. Even Ume looked prepared to fight. Kagome held onto her barrier, willing herself to maintain the shield. Sesshomaru was the only one who appeared unfazed. Her power surged and she realized that her connection with him had increased it two-fold.

"Shall we put it to a vote?" Sesshomaru questioned.

Lord Taigen lifted his hand. Hesitantly, Lord Kichi raised his hand. Kagome watched the other lords speaking in hushed tones, some debating the issue while the others sat back, content to watch the proceedings unfold.

"I wish to speak in Lord Sesshomaru's favor," a voice announced. Kagome watched a panther demon stand. "Lord Akira, my lady," he introduced himself with a bow. Kagome inclined her head, respectfully in return.

When he spoke, his tone was even and his words kind. "Lord Sesshomaru, though young, has shown wisdom beyond his years. His counsel has brought peace to my house. His guidance has brought my daughter, Ohta back to me. His stance on the human community may seem inconsiderate but I remind you all that none of us survived the war unscathed. Lord Sesshomaru, like the rest of us, lost companions. Any decision he makes for our future is not one taken lightly. If he has chosen the miko as his mate, I trust his judgment. I do not believe another could take his place."

Several more murmurs occurred. Not a single hand popped up to join the first two.

"It seems you are outnumbered," Sesshomaru remarked. "Your motion is denied."

Lord Taigen glared at him, annoyed. Kagome held her breath. She expected him to lash out. When he didn't, Kagome grew suspicious. They may have won the official vote but there was nothing to stop Lord Taigen and Lord Kichi from forming an alliance outside of the meeting.

This wasn't over.

"I need not remind you of the penalty for insubordination," Sesshomaru said warningly as he glared at the lords. "Any disloyalty will be punished so I suggest you honor the new Lady of the West."

No one refuted his words.

"Dismissed."

One by one, the lords exited the chamber. Kagome maintained her barrier until the last one had left and the double doors closed. She released the breath she had been holding and collapsed into her chair.

"That was perfect, Kagome!" Shippo cheered.

"Yeah, but those two smell like trouble," Inuyasha remarked.

"Agreed," Sesshomaru acknowledged. "Ume, please send a summons for Ohta along with Lord Akira. I believe it is time to call upon her favor."

"Yes, my lord. My lady," she said, clasping her hands around Kagome's, "you did well. It is an honor to serve you."

"Thank you, Ume."

The bird demon hurried out but not before a new visitor began approaching Kagome.

"That proves it!"

Kagome whipped around to see a familiar black dot hopping toward them. A moment later, Myoga was perched on the table in front of her.

"Kagome, it is a pleasure to see you again."

"Hi, Myoga."

"Lord Sesshomaru. Lord Inuyasha. Shippo. Kirara."

"Heya coward," Inuyasha growled in greeting.

"I do not recall inviting you," Sesshomaru remarked.

"When I heard you had taken a mate, Lord Sesshomaru, my curiosity peaked. I wanted to see the priestess we spoke of in action. Had I known it was Kagome, I could have put this matter to rest much sooner."

"Elaborate," Sesshomaru demanded.

"The inconsistencies between the legend and your experience is due to time travel," Myoga stated.

"Huh?" Shippo asked. "You mean because Kagome came through the Bone Eater's Well?"

"Exactly." Myoga nodded. "Kagome's timeline was for the present, while Lord Sesshomaru's was based back in the Feudal Era. Due to his lifespan as a demon, eventually, he would have met her in this time, but Kagome arrived five hundred years earlier."

Kagome gazed up at Sesshomaru. "We were always supposed to meet," she said softly.

"Yes, dear one," he told her, cupping her face, "but fated or not, I would have still found my way to you."

Their kiss was interrupted by Shippo and Inuyasha's cries of protest.

"Leave us," Sesshomaru barked.

The room instantly emptied.

Kagome allowed herself to savor their victory, however short-lived it would be.