AN: normally wouldn't do this, but this fic is now complete, so I'm posting all chapters remaining in larger increments to save your inbox. Enjoy, my friends.

491: Finding Trouble

Miroku was the first to identify them as Kagome revealed markings that'd appeared upon her body after she'd inadvertently become Sesshomaru's mate.

Sango had been mid-drink, and spit it out in her shock.

"Y-you're… you," she pointed between the priestess and daiyoukai. "And you… you're mated?"

"Mm-hmm."

"As in… together."

"That's right."

"You seem disturbed by this, slayer," Sesshomaru chimed in.

Sango stared dumbly at Sesshomaru, Miroku picking up where she left off.

"May I ask what brought you to this?"

"Venom?" Kagome shrugged, sharing a look with Sesshomaru.

"Kagome has a habit of finding trouble."

"Can't argue with that."

492: The End is Near

As information was relayed, introductions made, and blanks filled in, a full picture began to unravel, clearing up any confusion Miroku and Sango carried.

Unfortunately, conversation lagged between old friends and new, given the language barrier. Ian had picked up on the essentials during his conversations with Sesshomaru, and had been teaching Aila – who was a quick study.

So despite the lag in conversation, they managed well enough. Miroku, exceptional communicator that he was, made everyone feel welcomed and comfortable.

However, being home did little to quiet Kagome's nerves.

"The end is near," Kagome predicted ominously. "We should finish this."

493: Quality Time

"Rin."

The girl glanced at Sesshomaru curiously, albeit with infinite admiration.

"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru?"

"You'll come with me to retrieve the artifact we have in safe keeping."

Rin sprang up, excited to spend time with him. A grin she couldn't seem to control split her mouth and a delighted little laugh fell from her lips.

"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru!"

Skipping toward him, she waved goodbye to the others, and leaned into the demon.

"Kagome."

The miko smiled. "Hm?"

"I'll return shortly. Stay well in my absence."

"I'll be waiting," she said softly, watching the pair as they disappeared into the sky.

494: Come Hell

Sesshomaru was a patient being.

He never minded having to wait, because in the end he always got what he desired.

However, the time between leaving Kagome's side and returning to it was enough to cause a minor headache.

He couldn't protect her if he wasn't there.

And that concerned him.

Though… he may not be able to protect her at all.

He had no way of knowing what came next. No way to decipher what the text on his bound parchment truly meant.

One thing he knew with certainty: come hell or high water, he'd defend what was his.

495: Blood and Magic

"I don't understand," Kagome sighed, tugging at her hair.

"I'm at a loss," Sango chimed in, glancing at her friend. "Sorry, Kagome." Her eyes turned to her husband. "Miroku?"

The monk surveyed the leather-bound parchment intently, stroking his chin, before meeting the miko's eyes.

Shaking his head, he offered an apology of his own.

"Perhaps I ken the knowledge you seek," Aila glanced at the page. "If I may?"

"I'll translate," Sesshomaru offered.

Aila listened to the smooth words as he read, her brow pulling together.

"Aye," she nodded slowly. "Blood magic, I think. Ancient they are, those words."

496: Solidarity

"Are you sure about this, Aila?"

"For the hundredth time, Kagome, yes! I'll be goin' wi' ya, and that's final. Ya clearly need the assistance." Aila stopped what she was doing to grasp the miko's hands in her own. "Let me help, Kagome. I ken what I'm doin'."

A pause between them.

"You'll be careful? Leave at the first sign of danger?"

"I'll be careful," Aila promised, and Ian chose to cut in, his hand resting on Aila's shoulder.

"Where she goes, I go."

Kagome didn't waste her breath arguing; she could see it was futile.

"Okay. Let's do this."

497: The Triforce

A triforce: body, mind, and soul. The heart at its center; it represented power, wisdom, courage.

The sword filled the top point, facing East with the birth of the sun. The soul-stone took bottom left, Hatshepsut's comb bottom right. In the center rested the killing stone.

Using the obsidian blade, Kagome sliced her palm, blood filling the bowl – the conduit, according to Sesshomaru's book.

He moved with her, touching her, while she smeared blood over the artifacts.

In truth, he feared what would come.

"Ready?"

Kagome willed her hands to stop shaking, and met his eye.

"Say as I say."

498: With My Blood

"The triforce represents growth, harmony. Each point a virtue corresponding with the body, mind, soul." Aila's voice was soft, hypnotic, becoming static alongside Kagome's thoughts.

"This sword proves the power of my body; strength of my bravery," Kagome intoned, facing East before turning. "The stone proves my wisdom of mind; that I carry the knowledge to make the right choice." She turned. "This comb proves my courage of heart; that I have the courage to choose love, following it to death."

Finally, she faced Sessho-seki.

"With my blood, I anoint them."

Then she spilled the remaining liquid over the stone.

499: Skeleton Key

Should Kagome need to guess what it was like to be in the eye of a tornado, she'd guess it was something like she experienced after the ritual was complete.

A harsh wind blew in from nowhere, lasting several moments in which Sesshomaru held her until it dissipated.

"Is it over?" Ian asked, looking rumpled.

"I believe it's just beginnin'," Aila breathed, eyes on a pithos where Sessho-seki had been.

Okay, Kagome thought. It's now or never.

Without preamble, the priestess walked over to the jar, and with a quick prayer, pulled the lid off.

When nothing happened, she bent to peek inside.

"Woah…"

500: Into the Unknown

"How do we get in?" Ian asked as he peered into the jars large opening.

A bright, tree-lined pathway met his sight.

It made no sense to Kagome, but then she was a time-traveler; she'd grown accustomed to the nonsensical.

"It must be a portal," she mumbled. "If I could just get inside..."

No sooner had she finished the spoken thought than she was standing on a beautiful path, trees towering overhead.

The portal was nowhere in sight but she needn't worry. Sesshomaru appeared suddenly, and she sighed in relief.

He wasn't the only one to show.

"Welcome… All Daughter."