The inner grove of Tadasu no Mori radiated with peace in the golden rays of the early morning light. Sparrows and robins and jays flitted about the treetops looking for company in the evergreens that did not fade in the winter. They alighted on the graceful, slender fingers of the beautiful princess in their shade. Fresh water was available to the troupe from a gently bubbling brook just beyond the treeline. The handsome young monk made an early morning prayer at the Aioi Shrine to bless his marriage to the tempestuous young slayer girl. The grove heard his prayers for the fortunes of his newborn twins. The man sighed happily.

"Inuyasha, you came for me! I missed you so much. What happened to your ears, idiot? That had better not be permanent!" Kagome's voice broke the silence. The girl did not wait. Inuyasha's forehead was crushed to her shoulder so she could brutally hug him. Her fingers passed over the crown of his head.

"Who's the idiot? You are the one who was kidnapped! Quit pulling on my hair! That hurts, y'know." Human Inuyasha tried to escape Kagome's hold. They wrestled for a few moments. The newly risen flowers in the glade were crushed when Kagome pinned Inuyasha down. Kagome's fire softened while she scolded Inuyasha for pushing himself too hard with wounds in his shoulders. Her hands patted his stomach fondly. The boy loudly announced that he wasn't as weak as a human but she scoffed.

"You ARE human, baka! I bet you let the wounds get infected, didn't you? Let me see. Take off your clothes."

"Eh, wife! Leave it alone, will you?"

Inuyasha was forcibly stripped of his upper clothing so Kagome could inspect the arrow wounds. The magic of Tadasu no Mori had erased the residual web of black lines in his shoulders during his sleep. Kagome threw her arms around his neck to squeeze him from behind.

"What did I tell you? You worry too much. Women!"

Miroku smiled when they continued to bicker. The lovers sat hip-to-hip on the white stone steps of the pavilion Kamimusubi had created to break the night's fast with berries and fruits from the nearby trees. The golden flowers that had grown overnight to fill the space between the long grass were interesting. Kagome excitedly told Inuyasha the history of Aioi Shrine, the oldest shrine in Kyoto. Despite his lack of enthusiasm, Inuyasha followed Kagome to the little enclosed shrine. They both took care to avoid the golden blooms underfoot. The princess laughed quietly with Miroku when the pair bickered underneath the torii gate until Kagome bullied Inuyasha inside to request a blessing on their marriage.

"What for? The spirit already appeared, didn't she? Quit pinching me."

Miroku twirled a plucked flower in his fingers with a smile on his face. The princess sitting higher than him on the steps peered curiously at the pair. No matter their age and immaturity, it was obvious they were relieved to be reunited. Inuyasha gave up the battle to make an offering to their aiding spirit to please his wife. Her face lit up when he offered her the cool jade bracelet with a shrug. She exclaimed.

"Do they love each other very much?" Kiyohime asked softly.

"They have been inseparable since the day I met them. Shippo, the boy outside the forest, knew them earlier. He says they were in love when he found them, when they were newly met. Kagome says that she saw Inuyasha as a child and loved him then. It is the kind of love we should all aspire to find. I was fortunate enough to meet my wife, Sango, but she won't jump out of the sky into my arms."

"Pardon, monk?"

"Are you Minamoto?" Miroku twirled the delicate chrysanthemum. She lowered her eyes.

"My family was demoted when a daughter from our clan abandoned her responsibilities to marry a terrible demon. She abandoned her betrothed to bear the demon's child. The other clans said that it exposed a weakness in our blood to bear such a selfish princess. If not for her shame, my great-grandfather would have been given a rank, not banished from the court." Delicate Kiyohime cradled a flower in her hands. "They say that I resemble her. That is why the shogun's man came to visit Inuyama. My marriage will elevate my family."

"When did the princess marry the demon?"

"One-hundred years past or more – the clans have a long memory."

Miroku nodded compassionately. Inuyasha and Kagome were examining the Renri-no-sakaki. Kagome pulled on his Robe to prevent him from attempting to climb the sacred tree in the ancient forest of peace and healing. He studied his friend's aristocratic features beneath the dark hair.

"What happened to the son?"

"I am unsure. They surely could not stay in Kyoto! It was an embarrassment. An Imperial Princess bearing a - " Kiyohime met his gaze. Alarm showed in her pupils when Inuyasha shouted back at Kagome for treating him like a kid. He twirled the flower in his fingers merrily.

"Inuyasha, sit!" The girl shouted. The rosary dragged him to the ground mercilessly. Kagome used her arms to cover her chest. Miroku looked up innocently when the girl stomped back to the pavilion. He certainly did not notice the way her crossed arms pushed her chest higher. An immature huff led to a rant about Inuyasha trying to undress her. The princess paled.

"I am sure Inuyasha did not mean to harass you, Kagome-sama."

"Do you know what this symbol means?" The girl flushed dark while Inuyasha yelled. Her arms dropped. His spiritual vision showed him a green symbol glowing through her kimono between her breasts, two intersecting triangles that formed a flower with twelve petals. Anahata, the mandala lotus, the heart chakra.

"The kagome came back lower! But it was gooone and now it's turned green!" Kagome stomped her foot. "Like I want another magic tattoo. No thanks! What would my mother think?"

"This isn't the first?" Miroku's voice caught in his throat. Inuyasha stomped forward to fume. He crossed his arms impressively and puffed his chest and turned his head sideways. The princess blinked. Kagome looked at Inuyasha for permission.

"No, you can't show him! What are you thinking? He's a pervert!"

"Sit." Kagome blushed madly. She was very careful to only reveal her belly. The golden sacral chakra was centered on her flat stomach. A solid ring around her navel, with branching lines in the form of a flower. Manipura, the svadhisthana, the navel chakra. The young woman had tears in her eyes. The curious dog-sized kirin came forward to nudge her calf with the side of its head. She thanked it for its compassion. It made sure to show him its horns as a show that it would protect Kagome. An innocent sneeze startled them. The golden horns caught blue-tinged flame. He crushed the bloom in his hand reflexively.

The appearance of a kirin is rare. They are a great symbol of luck and prosperity, acting as guardians for special sages, only capable of harming someone committing an evil act or to protect their chosen. They only appear before the birth of a significant person.

Miroku flushed and averted his eyes.

"Oi. What could make YOU blush? Out with it, bouzu." Inuyasha grumbled. "Do you know those symbols or not?"

"May I speak to you alone, Kagome-sama?" The image of the proud, innocent girl being accosted by monkeys while bathing in the hot springs flashed unbidden through his mind. It was the moment he had decided to steal her piece of the Jewel for safekeeping, before he knew her. Inuyasha's dark stare pierced him until he felt the man could practically see his guilty memory. Even then, Inuyasha guarded her jealously.

"Is it bad?"

"You know what's wrong with Kagome?"

"Hey! Nothing is wrong with me, you jerk! Take that back!"

"Why should I?"

As much energy as the lovers possessed, their battle for dominance could last the entire day. Miroku held up his hands before their bickering could continue. It silenced them. He dragged his palm over his eyes and exhaled tiredly.

"Forgive me. Are you with child, Kagome-sama?"

THAT silenced the pair. Inuyasha blinked. The virgin princess hid behind her long sleeves.

"A baby does not cause magic glowing symbols to appear on your body – no!" Kagome crossed her arms. She turned her head. "I take the medicine, remember? I'm not pregnant. It is ninety-nice percent effective! Earth to Inuyashaaa?"

"You said the kirin appeared to help you with Hou Yi."

"So what? He was going to kill me for a magic potion so he could join his immortal wife on the moon. The guy wanted to use my blood to make a fake elixir of immortality. Hou Yi shot an arrow at me! This little guy helped me get away." Kagome patted the animal's soft, scaly side fondly. It bleated and rub against her like a clumsy, slinky cat. "We've been separated two weeks. If I were pregnant, I would have missed my – why are we even talking about this? It's silly!"

"You were protected by Kamimusubi, the kami of creation, in the sacred healing forest of Tadasu no Mori, where you have slept for days. It is not ridiculous, Kagome-sama." Miroku gestured with his hand. Inuyasha looked ready to faint so he ignored his friend. The girl was suddenly obsessed with staring at her little finger. She exclaimed.

"Kagome-sama?"

"The String! The thread thickened. You can see it too, right?" The girl turned on helpless Inuyasha with her little finger extended. "It was thick enough to lead you here without my help. You never see magic! You tried to gnaw through the String the first time we saw it. Doesn't that mean we're tied stronger than before?"

"S-so what?"

"I don't have my bag!" Kagome turned to look for the yellow contraption. "Inuyashaaa. You didn't bring my stuff?"

"I was too busy trying to find you before that guy hurt you. Sorry if I didn't pack your ridiculous yellow bag. Next time, find yourself!" Inuyasha turned in a huff. Kagome stomped her foot. Miroku's eyebrows flew up when the baka decided to mock Kagome-sama in a slightly higher pitch! Even Kiyohime lifted her head to watch the husband with a death wish dig his own grave. "'Oh, you found me, Inuyasha! Oh, thank you!'"

"Why are you being mean to me?"

"You care more about that bag than being kidnapped. Fine, then! Let's go home so we can get your stupid pack." Inuyasha peeked over his shoulder. Kagome was already in tears. "Why are you blubbering? We need to leave. Your mother is covering for you at your school."

"Whatever, Inuyasha!"

Miroku rubbed his face when Kagome stalked off. Kiyohime was equally amazed at his obliviousness. It is a terrible idea to mock your lover in an argument to her face - particularly a wife who might be carrying your child. Inuyasha never learns.

Despite the beautiful weather down manicured trails in vibrant colors of red, orange and yellow their travel was awkward. Kagome was pointedly ignoring her husband by walking ahead with the princess. The dark-haired Inuyasha was equally stubborn to the silver-haired man. Shippo insisted on being carried by Kagome. The fox turned in her arms to stick his tongue out over her shoulder at 'mean old Inuyasha'. Her strange little pet did not mind traversing the soft dirt trail on foot. Each footstep was high and purposeful while it marched proudly at the girl's heel. Its tail lifted vertically to give the trailing men an unflattering view.

Their group did not stop until Kohaku mentioned an approaching tea house on the way into the city. Surely the princess was not used to traveling by foot and could use a rest? The teenager surrendered a pouch of money to his surprised brother-in-law.

"Don't look at me that way. I only accept payment from those who can afford it – noble houses and the like who call for a slayer."

Their supplies were minimal. They had not stopped to pack more than hard rations when tracking Kagome, not suitable for a soft princess and a pregnant girl. Inuyasha shut his mouth about the delay when their stomachs rumbled. He looked like any other human man – it was unlikely any of the women inside would recognize a masquerading half-demon. The hostess was a bit surprised to see a mistaken dog and a kitsune and a nekomata among their number but welcomed them inside. They recognized Kiyohime and the famed Shikon Priestess of Musashi. A tea room open to a fine garden was granted for their private use. The manicured garden surrounding the koi pond helped Kagome resume a pleasant mood. Colorful birds landed to sing their song.

"Here you go, Lin." Kagome gave the celestial beast a saucer of honey. Kilala was grateful for her freshly caught fish. Shippo smiled at Inuyasha with cheeks filled with dumplings. Narrowed eyes prevented him from firing the dumplings his way.

"Oh! We had heard that the Inuyama princess died while visiting Kamo-wakeikazuchi Shrine. What fortunate tidings!" The hostess bowed deeply. Miroku asked what she meant. The woman told them about the terrible deaths of the shogun's guard outside Tadasu no Mori. Each human had been marked with three long cuts on their backs and their beheaded bodies hung from the eaves of the roof. Kiyohime put down her tea. She trembled at the fate of her attendants.

"A demon attacked the shrine?"

"There were no survivors. When the young Hojo heir went after the princess and her retinue, he thought they were lost. Everyone said so," she whispered. "It is said to have been a vicious sight, even the itinerant priests and the horses were killed. They could not find the demon responsible on the grounds. The beast must have fled."

The hostess employed an excellent cook in the form of a young, tan girl. Inuyasha pulled an annoyed Kagome into the garden while the others enjoyed their meal. She was flushed and ready to fight when he pulled her behind a tree. Desperate arms curled around her shoulders. Through his back she could feel the rapid pace of his heart. Her anger immediately melted away.

"I'm sorry for mocking you. That was undeserved."

"I forgive you." The strong hand rubbing her back was nice.

"I thought it would be easier to be angry than frightened. What would I be without you? You could have died."

"Why are you trying to be dramatic? Nothing happened. Hey." Kagome squeezed his waist. "There is no reason to feel guilty. Ooh!"

"Kagome?"

"Hou Yi. He made me miss my exam! I am going to have so much homework," she pouted. "I have missed two weeks of lectures. I wonder if Sara would mind sharing her notes? It might be another week before we walk home. Oh, Inuyasha!"

"You're worried about your class but not – y'know? That is way more serious! Get your priorities straight."

"They are! We have to take Kiyohime home. We have to get back the dragon arrows the nobles took from me. Those are waaay too dangerous for normal humans to wield. Grandpa wouldn't mind storing them in the shrine where they can't harm anyone."

"No, 'I' will get them back. You are not challenging an army. What am I going to do with you?" Inuyasha scolded. "Can you promise me that you won't do anything reckless until I have my powers back? You have to take care of yourself."

The mood was much improved when they rejoined the others. The hostess gave them the name of an inn near the castle where they could stay for the night. The tea house did not have a horse and carriage to share with them but they freely supplied them with wide straw kasa in the event of rain. Clouds were already gathering overhead for an afternoon shower. Miroku pocketed a square of treats in his robes after flirting with the shy cook. Kagome glared.

"We need food for the road, my lady."

"A likely story!"

Walking on foot, they reached Kyoto after nightfall. The gates to the main castle were firmly closed. Miroku asked directions to the upscale inn while they lingered outside. No one questioned that an unmarried princess needed a miko to chaperone and demon slayers for protection. He was able to secure two rooms on the market street for their group on the condition the men and women slept separately. Kagome danced in celebration at the mention of a bathhouse after two weeks on the road. Inuyasha waited on the steps when she and Shippo returned with damp hair and fresh skin baring a lantern. The scaly creature named Lin weaved around her knees.

"Your hair is still dark?"

Kagome sat next to him. They watched the city dwellers returning to their homes. Merchants unloaded their carts for the night. Uniformed members of the guard patrolled the alleys looking for trouble. The homes were crowded closer together than he liked but there was some safety in numbers. The city made him miss the forest and their simple village. Not a single one recognized the half-demon camouflaged among them. Shippo settled into her lap for a well-deserved cuddle.

"We return the princess in the morning, get the weapons and go home," he growled.

"You don't want to talk to Kiyohime? She's your relative. This might be your only chance to know her. Can you give that up?" Kagome nudged him. "I like her. Once you look past her beauty, she is really kind and sweet. She adores her grandfather."

"Doesn't matter. It is getting dark. You need to sleep. C'mon." Inuyasha scooped the kitsune out of her arms. He stopped at the door to her adjoining room. Kiyohime was rolling out the futons side-by-side. Playful, tiny Kilala was rolling on the first with her paws in the air while Lin circled curiously. The princess blushed but bowed her head respectfully. "I will be right next door if you need something. Kilala will keep you safe. These human senses are useless. I don't know how you live like this."

"So maybe us 'weak humans' are tougher than you think," she whispered back. The girl's blue eyes flashed teasingly. She stood on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. Kagome knew better than to argue when he pushed Tetsusaiga into her palms. Even in its current state, the sheath had the power to protect her. He closed the door firmly behind her. Miroku and Kohaku were maneuvering around the smaller room.

"Why don't I take first watch?"

"Thanks but not a chance, kid. I'm not going to be able to sleep anyway. Get to bed," he grumbled. "Thank you for buying the girls luncheon and a place to sleep. I'll repay you whatever it cost."

"No need. I was glad to help. I owe you and her many times over for helping my sister." Kohaku shrugged. Inuyasha nodded in understanding. Miroku dimmed the lanterns so they could settle in the darkness. He would have preferred a single room separated by a privacy screen but it would have raised questions. A betrothed princess could not sleep in the same room as men even with a female guardian.

Inuyasha shut his eyes to better focus on the sounds surrounding the inn given how useless his vision was in the dark. The wind outside ruffled banners and lanterns against wooden posts. Through the walls he could barely hear Kilala's purr. The nekomata had sensitive hearing and demon instincts. So long as she purred, there was no danger. He exhaled. Kagome had as much protection as he could offer in this form.

Errant thoughts occupied him while he listened to the sounds of the city. He went to the door once to verify the sounds in the street was only a jubilant father-and-son coming home from delivering a new foal in the stables. A mother led her child outside to use the toilet. A pair of guards walked the street to patrol for bandits. He stretched his tired limbs to fight the urge to sleep.

Tap. Tap-tap. Tap!

Inuyasha grumbled but ignored the loose stones rolling down the roof.

Tap-tap-tap-tap. Tap. Tap-tap.

Black birds squawked at him from their roost. He tried to shoo them but the beady-eyed beasts simply shifted on their poles. The big one resumed tapping its beak against the wood. A brave one opened its wings to screech at him. Clicks and caws and tap-tap-taps were enough to drive him crazy. Yellow eyes glared at him.

"Inuyasha!" Miroku leaned against the frame.

A bloody body rolled down the roof to land on the road. Inuyasha stepped back when dust floated free from the ceiling when something moved. His hand reached for Tetsusaiga but grasped air. There was a squelching sound before a headless female corpse joined the first. Miroku pressed his hand to his finger but gestured for him to wake the girls. Quietly. Kohaku was already preparing his kusarigama and chain. The door to the girls room opened silently. Shippo was tucked against Kagome's stomach. Lin was snuggled against the back of her head and shoulders. He covered Kagome's mouth until she fully awakened. His finger pointed up. The girl rolled off the futon to awaken the princess with care.

The ceiling collapsed inward when an enormous black beak pierced the wood. Inuyasha pulled both women away from the center of the room. Kiyohime sagged against his shoulder when a third body was vomited by the opened beak of the bird demon. Long black talons streaked with blood tried to reach through the gap to claw at it.

"Don't you dare pass out! C'mon," he ordered. He grasped her hand to pull her after Kagome, Shippo and Kilala onto the walkway. The kirin balked and made noise to protest being carried by the human girl but she refused to release it.

"No! Don't run out into the open street, princess. You'd be an easy target. What are you thinking?" Inuyasha yanked to keep her sheltered.

The demon realized it was losing its prey and flapped down into the road. A dark shadow turned on them with a bloody beak. Feathery wings expanded when it tried to snap at Kagome. Kohaku dove under the lower beak to chain the beak closed. The bird tossed its head with Kohaku attached but the teenager used the momentum to draw the chains tighter. Inuyasha was impressed when the bird lifted its neck into the air to try to shake him off. Kohaku held on with one hand and removed his sword with the other. The bird made horrendous noises when the young demon slayer stabbed its throat.

"Wow! Kohaku is good," Shippo whistled. "I bet Inuyasha couldn't do that!"

"Hey!"

Miroku jumped over the ruined steps to draw sutra from his robes. They flew forward but fizzled against the demon's energy. Kohaku had the most dangerous aspect in control but the bird still had claws. Talons raked deep furrows through the earth where Miroku had been. Kagome had set Lin down to search a nearby rack for a bow but came up empty. She stomped her foot in frustration.

Lights in the nearby houses were coming on. Inuyasha cursed when families began to peek their heads outside to check on the noise. The demon responded to the chaos by flinging its head with enough power to throw Kohaku clear. Kilala rushed to stand guard over him while he recovered. Bells rang free and clear with a familiar cry.

"Demon! Demon! Call the guard!"

The bird turned its attention on Kagome once again. Miroku stepped in its path with a solid chant and prayer formation with mala beads in his hands. The beads expanded in the air while they flew forward to wrap around the demon's neck. Crackles of energy subdued the creature but did not purify it.

"Inuyasha, go with Kagome to the castle. They should have something underground. She will be safer there!" Miroku turned his head. "It's not a demon, it's a spirit. A malevolent one. There's nothing you can do here. Take the girls away!"

"As if I would abandon you to die against that thing? What about Sango? You're not putting that guilt on me!" Inuyasha snarled back.

"Lin, no!" Kagome called. The little animal charged forward to swing its useless horns at the quivering black shadow crow. The size difference was almost comical. The bird spirit was almost as large as the inn. It screeched down at its dog-sized challenger. Inuyasha hugged her to his chest forcibly to prevent her from running towards the damned spirit trying to eat her while she called for her little pet.

"Don't run AT the demon!"

"Let me go, Inuyasha. Lin, get away! Lin!" The pea-brained little animal was spinning in cute, closed circles. The bird opened its beak. He clapped his hand over her eyes to spare her the sight. I am sorry, Kagome. Lin is a cute pet but I cannot lose you! He was surprised when the bird shied away. Kagome pushed his hand down to watch Lin's body widen and lengthen until she grew into the general shape of a soldier's horse with a white fur mane billowing freely. Golden horns protruded higher. Brilliant green scales shimmered from a dragon's head. Lin glimmered and shined and stamped her hooves. Her hooves were fringed by the same white fur. The head lowered to shake its horns in warning. The tail was a billowing cloud.

The kirin trotted circles around the smoky black shadow. The spirit flapped its wings in a panic when she opened her jaw. Blue flames billowed out to engulf their opponent. Lin pushed into the air to make a secondary attack on the crow's spine. It made an ear-shattering wail before escaping into the air. The humans cheered when it zoomed up and out of sight. Inuyasha closed one eye when the early morning ray's broke the horizon. Kagome's small hand clasped his wrist when he felt the first pulse of demonic energy. They ducked into the shadowed cove of the broken inn. The next pulse lightened his hair. The third restored his powers.

"Inuyasha!" Kagome smiled. He felt a tug on his dog ears. "You're ok."

The Tetsusaiga transformed in his grip. It was a relief to feel the latent power in the sword waiting to be released at his command. He tipped the edge into the sheath and let the blade smoothly follow. He was furious with the happy girl.

"You EEJIT. Why would you do that? Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

"Don't call me an eejit." Kagome tucked her dark wavy hair behind her ears. Despite his anger, he appreciated her beauty through the dust. Enhanced vision lent him a better view of her pouting lips. She fluttered her eyelashes at him. Hard-headed Kagome never heard a word he said when he was angry, so -

"That thing could have torn your head torn off. Don't you understand? You have to be more careful." The softer tone made her pause. "Please, Kagome?"

"Bodhisattva!" Someone called. Other voices yelled. Inuyasha squeezed her hand gently before leading her outside. The fully transformed kirin pranced among the citizens of Kyoto. They stood in awe when it toppled forward on its front legs in a mock bow to the Shikon Priestess, the Princess Shrine Maiden, the bodhisattva. Each human called her a different name when she came forward to hug Lin around her neck.

"You saved us! Thank you, friend. I will find you LOTS of honey, promise." She giggled when the dangerous-looking head flopped on her shoulder. Inuyasha stood guardian at her side when the humans started to gather closer to hear her speak. Lin did not mind being touched by the reverent. Miroku shrugged from the back of the crowd. Kohaku was leaning against the same post. Kagome assembled a group of fawning children in record time to sit on the beast's back. One of the mothers fainted.

"Princess? How are you?" Inuyasha joined her sitting on the platform. Her expensive clothing had been torn along the hem. She was trying to comb her hair into place. There were no obvious injuries. Her fingers trembled when she noticed his claws. "Oh, right. I haven't changed inside, it is still me princess."

"Your mother was called Izayoi-hime?"

"So you have heard of her. Weird." He pressed his palms against the wood for leverage. Kagome was taking her sweet time learning the name of each-and-every citizen. Kiyohime pulled splinters from her long hair.

"Izayoi-hime was an only daughter but she had a male cousin who had a child. That son had a son called Takahashi Michiru. My grandfather." Kiyohime dared look at him directly. He squirmed. "There are family legends about the unstoppable demon who devastated our clan when he destroyed our castle. It was a harsh winter. Grandfather would not be pleased that I spoke to you."

"Eh?" Inuyasha's defensive response faded when the girl giggled into her slim fingers.

"We employed an old cook who used to tell stories about the terrible wrath of 'the half-demon' who would leave lizards in any shoe left under the front steps. Was that you?"

"I forgot about that." A sliver of memory returned in the form of screaming women. He smirked. Nasty hags.

"Kagome!" A familiar voice separated the crowd. A doe-eyed noble with brown hair stopped himself from hugging the girl. He grumbled when he recognized Hojo Akitoki. The man who had proudly proclaimed his love mid-battle was nearly in tears that she was alive. Inuyasha tried to be angry but he understood. The human might have assumed that something terrible had happened to the innocent girl and the princess in the days since the attack on the shrine. He brightened when he noticed that she had traveled to Kyoto with friends. He waved them all forward to escape the crowd. They were welcome as his guests at the castle.