Reconciliation

by Universally Sound

When Inuyasha is overcome by a new ability he inherited from the Inu no Taishou, Kagome goes on a journey to find and help him only to find that Sesshoumaru has already decided the hanyou's fate and will not be moved. Now, Kagome must reconcile her love, her purpose, and a future she never could have imagined. Post-manga. CU. Slow burn. Gonna be long.

31. Chapter 31 - Separation:Year 1:Autumn 1

Author's Note: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the source material for this story. All are owned by Rumiko Takahashi. This fic is labeled MA per standards for eventual violence, sex, and language so be warned.

...

Reconciliation

Chapter 31 – The Separation: Year 1: Autumn: Part I

The sky was bright and clear overhead even as the trees became laced with the blazing colors of autumn all around the village, trailing up into the surrounding mountains. The grass darkened in preparation for hibernation, and all over the village there were deals and trades being made to secure basic needs for the impending winter.

The yearly rice harvest was in full swing in the small village of Edo. Farmers, their wives and children, and even a strange, young miko were called on to work from morning until night. The elders of the village were occupied with the easier jobs of bundling and hanging, and all were expected to help. Today had been especially fun for those in the fields as rice stalks were harvested, cut, and passed off. Rows and rows of trimmed stalks lined storehouses and hung from every available hook and peg to dry before the air turned cool.

Today, Kagome had given up miko robes for a shorter, pale blue yukata that was made thinner for farm work. The ends were girded around her thighs and she had bound her hair up a massive, twisted bun to mirror the farmer's wives. The village women had been slow to warm up to her as a working companion but Kagome plowed ahead both in the water and with the one-sided conversation, musing happily about each of their children and the fine weather. Before long, lively laughter and animated chatter was mixed with the sounds of their hand sickles.

'Odd as it seems, I'm really going to miss this…' she thought, standing at the end of a row to brush the sweat from her brow as the day finally neared its end.

Honest work and a full day ending in sore muscles and mud up to her knees was not something she expected from a future living in the West. Perhaps, yearly visits to the village would be enough to satisfy her need to feel useful.

'Can't hurt to ask anyway. He's pretty reasonable most of the time…' She reflected for a moment on Sesshoumaru's reaction to her training Rin in the basics of archery over the summer and giggled nervously to herself. That man really could scowl with the best of them. '… Most of the time.'

"Kagome!" came a call from across the field.

She squinted against the twilight then waved an arm at Sango who was balancing the day's laundry on her hip and motioning for Kagome to join her on the road.

"I'll be there in a few minutes, Sango-chan!" she yelled back.

Kagome replaced her tools, chatted for a moment with the elders along the way, and told a busy Kaede where she was going for the evening. With a light heart and a sweat-soaked yukata, the young miko jogged to her house and grabbed a change of clothes before meeting Sango on the road in front of their house. Her blue eyes brightened when she spotted the flipping tails of Kirara behind Sango's leg.

"Hello there!" she cooed. "Right on time, huh? It's been ages since you came to visit us!"

The happy miko smiled and squatted down to lovingly pet the nekomata who arched her back into the offered warm hand.

"Kohaku is reacquainting himself with his nieces and nephew," Sango chuckled above her, "and Shippou is 'helping' Miroku again so Kirara has agreed to take us tonight, if you are ready?"

"Don't tease me anymore, Sango-chan. Of course, I'm ready! I am dying for a good soak."

"I would never tease about a hot spring." the retired slayer grinned.

Kirara backed up and, in a flurry of flames, transformed into the much larger, fanged beast who could carry them both. With a roar, the fire cat laid down and waited for her friends to climb on.

"Well, then let's go before anyone changes their minds!"

Kagome practically dragged Sango over and climbed up.

"My feet and my soul appreciate your kindness, Kirara." Kagome said as they took off and headed west.

…

High up in the foothills, the two women sighed in unison as they sank neck deep into the warm, effervescent water of a small hot spring ringed by rough, gray stone. Kagome broke the silence first.

"I really needed this. Thank you so much."

"I need a break as well. Mostly because Miroku has decided we are ready for another child-"

"By which you mean he won't keep his hands to himself… Well, more than usual."

"I have nearly slapped him several times! So persistent…" Sango trailed off, stirring the water with a finger.

"You're lucky. He loves you, Sango-chan, even if he's annoying as hell sometimes." she laughed.

"I know-" The taijiya dipped beneath the water and rose to smooth her hair. "-but enough about my problems. How are you? You looked sad as you finished today."

"Just reflecting that this might be my last harvest with the village." the miko sighed. "I've missed so much of your lives already and I feel like I'm disappearing again next year. Not that I can help it, I guess…"

"And we will miss you but-" Kagome looked at her curiously. "-you have an opportunity to change much with Sesshoumaru. Daiyoukai exist in a world completely separate from ours but if what you have told us is true, he is changing the balance of power to include the youkai Lords. It is no small undertaking and a wise course of action. I underestimated him."

"I did, too, in the beginning. He's called me an 'ambassador for humans' in their world… but I can do good here, too. I feel useful and needed here. Will I feel like that there? What am I supposed to do all day?"

"I cannot say. You will be the first human I have ever known to be a part of their society. Their private lives are a closely guarded mystery." A long moment of relaxation passed until Sango lost her internal battle against questioning her friend further. "What does Sesshoumaru-sama say?"

"I haven't had the nerve to ask him specifics yet. We've only just started to talk. I haven't had the courage to question him about the future yet. Not with fall so close…"

It didn't take a demon's sense of smell to decipher the conflict on her friend's face but Sango waited, wringing her hair and watching Kagome form the thoughts.

"Honestly, sometimes, I feel guilty for being… happy? If that's what I am. Content, anyway. I want to move forward but I can't ignore the feeling of betrayal that creeps in when I'm alone with him." Kagome sank lower in the water. "It doesn't make sense. I know that."

"Oh, Kagome… Inuyasha would wish for you to be happy, no matter what. He said so several times while you were separated and before you returned to us. I know he would never wish for you to live alone, full of guilt and regret, for the rest of your days."

"I know. Logically, I know that," Kagome hugged her knees and spoke quietly, "but is it really okay for me to move on?"

The sounds of displaced water accompanied Sango's approach and Kagome felt a warm arm wrap itself around her shoulders.

"Yes, of course. You would say something like 'allow the feelings to happen in their own time,' I think. Do not let the regrets of the past cloud your vision of the future. Be happy. Even if it's with the Lord of the West, of all people." Sango shivered.

"Don't say it like that." Blue eyes flicked up with a sad defensiveness from the water. "He's actually… nice in his own way. He's had as many trials in his life as we all have, maybe more, and everyone expects something from him. I don't envy him his position or responsibility… but I can see now that he needs a home and a soft place to land just like we all do."

"And you intend to be such?" Sango asked.

Kagome gasped, embarrassed and unprepared to answer, and Sango chuckled and continued.

"No, no, I support you. I wish for your happiness, but I will never feel comfortable as you do. Sesshoumaru-sama is lucky it was you who was chosen. If anyone could find the gentle and compassionate side of a daiyoukai Lord, it would be you, Kagome-chan."

"I get the feeling that if it wasn't me, no one would have been chosen. I wish I knew why everything happened this way but at least I know- well, I feel like we're on the same page. I also feel like there's something I'm missing… I can't explain it."

For a long moment, Kagome gazed up at the fading light as the first, bright stars made their appearance against the silver clouds that hailed the sunset.

"Next year this time you will have more to work through than your thoughts. Long, white hair comes to mind…" the taijiya grinned as Kagome nearly snorted.

"Sango! You're just like your husband, you know that?"

"Hardly. His humor aims far… lower than mine." Sango winked playfully.

"Sango!"

Kagome immediately hid her face with dripping hands then peeked at her friend a moment later. The two women stared quietly at each other for a moment before bursting into laughter and finishing their much-needed soak before returning to the village and parting ways for the night after Kagome's warm hugs and thanks.

…

Early the next morning, sun washed over the sand-colored mountains, lighting the training fields and barracks of the Western Fortress. Inside the General's quarters, a sigh of disappointment echoed through the common room for the third time during the morning.

"Our son is coming to the South with me, Ryota, and that is the last of it."

Kouji pinched the bridge of his nose from the doorway of the anteroom, already tired of this circular discussion so early in the morning.

"Our son has not met half of his family in the north, Ko, and he knows your kin well enough."

The General's crimson-eyed Mate scowled and pointed an accusatory finger out the window.

"It is their shortcoming that your family hide away in the hills whilst there is so much else of the world to see!"

"Ask Haru. Let him decide."

Ryota's ice blue eyes twinkled knowingly and his short, mahogany hair waved around his jaw as he tipped his chin up and grinned. Kouji growled and crossed his arms.

"You only say that because you know he prefers your lax, rowdy company to my-"

"Strict and stuffy lecturing?" Ryota interjected, earning a half-hearted glare from the pheasant daiyoukai across the low breakfast table. "What say you, Haruto, my son?"

"Papa!" Haruto beamed, running around to grab the kumadaiyoukai's thick, tanned arm.

"Ha! There. To the northern woods we go."

The curious, onyx gaze of Haruto caught Ryota's attention.

"But Tou-chan said there was a whole ocean and black sand to play in with Fushi-jii and Ietsuna-oba and the new chicks! Can I go there, too?"

Ryota and Kouji looked at each other and ice blue met warm vermilion for a long moment before they both smiled and conceded the argument. Kouji crossed the room and crouched down to lay a hand on Haruto's small shoulder.

"So there is, but if you go with Papa, there is also beautiful snow and big mountains to climb. Lots of hunting to do and another large, albeit uncultured, family for you to know."

"The temperature in the dead of winter may yet be too harsh for him, now that I think of it." Ryota offered a hand to Kouji. "Take him South, Mate. Enjoy some time without the bother of the Palace. I will take him next year when he is stronger."

"If you are sure. He will never know boredom on the cliffs of our pyre."

"To the beach!" Haruto cheered and Ryota chuckled.

"Very well, dear one, but never forget you represent the West and our Lord Sesshoumaru as well. Be on your best behavior."

"Where is the fun in that?" Kouji winked, turning for the anteroom to gather Haruto's needs for the journey.

"You represent the West, too, you minx. You tell that eagle to keep his claws to himself this year or my axe will find its way South, snow or not. Kouji?"

A low chuckled erupted from behind the screen before Kouji's curious face and iridescent emerald hair flicked into view once more.

"I heard your blustering, my love. Fear not. Did you not have a meeting with Sesshoumaru-sama to attend this morning?"

"Ah, seven hells, I forgot!"

The kumadaiyoukai thundered past Kouji and changed into an open, black kimono. The grinning pheasant daiyoukai met him at the door with fussing hands to straighten his haphazard collar and obi, and gave him a quick but loving kiss.

"Leave us here to pack and I shall meet you in the courtyard before we leave."

"Hm." Ryota nodded, turning for the door.

"Bye, Papa!"

"See you soon, cub!"

The sprint across the grounds to Sesshoumaru's study was short and soon Ryota stood before the large doors, straightening his appearance once again.

"Damned belt…" he grumbled.

"Come." came the familiar voice beyond.

Ryota slid the large door open and faced the seated Sesshoumaru with a bow.

"I am sorry for my tardiness, my Lord."

"It is of no consequence. These missives from Miyu no Tsukihana describe no new evidence of activity that might be useful, in any case."

Sesshoumaru leaned forward, dark green kimono sleeves trailing the table, and placed some letters on the opposite side where the General was standing. Ryota seated himself across from his Lord and considered the papers one by one.

"If the Lady Mother sees nothing of interest from on high, truly there must be nothing. Is this one from-"

"Katsurou, yes. He intends to visit the human village in the winter to verify Kagome's continued presence. I expected him to forget the arrangement completely but he is more interested than I assumed."

Ryota's eyes widened at the familiar and easy use of the young female's name. The Lord of the West continued, unaffected, as his companion gaped.

"I concur that there is little information of interest. However, guard must be maintained. Though he targeted Rin, anyone in the West could be at risk without further information. Additionally, I am sending a personal guard to the human village for the miko's safety. My request for your council was to review these reports for detail, and to determine the best candidate for the assignment to the human village."

Ryota closed his eyes and nodded firmly.

"For the love of the kami, send Ren. That pup is overtired of his brother's intended and their affectionate ways. If I have to shoo him out of the arena to stop working himself to death one more time to get some rest, I may barricade the doors. The two are already acquainted. He is accomplished and will be attentive. I expect no trouble here during the winter that would require his attention. The newest recruits are trained well enough to continue their own plans for development but they are not ready for an assignment that tests their resolve like lasting the winter in the company of the humans. Your future Mate's people all bed down in the winter and remain where they are, for the most part, and we have no information that leads me to expect anything other than a boring season."

"Hm. The matter of the assassin is yet to be resolved, remember. Our reconnaissance has yielded no new information or leads on the attacker or their identity."

"And no new attacks to correlate. Lady Rin was the only confirmed target… Odd when a miko has so many enemies in our world. I expected her to be the target. Are you certain she should be brought here in the spring?"

"Hm. Her familiarity with our kind is limited at best and her physical presence may make it easier to coerce a tempted killer into action."

"Using her as bait, my Lord?" Ryota asked, concern darkening his eyes.

"She is safer here, still, than in her isolated human village. I also wish for her to witness the ceremony and assess her commitment to the matter."

"A test and a trial?" the General questioned, earning a curt nod. "Ever the strategist, Sesshoumaru… You picked a mild introduction to our Bonding ceremony, however. I imagine Kenshin will keep the event discreet. Well, as discreet as is possible against human standards."

"Discretion is his specialty." Sesshoumaru said knowingly.

"Indeed. Ah, and Kouji is leaving with Haruto for the South today. We want him settled before the colder air creeps in."

"Very well. Have Kouji issue his orders to the Chief Healer before his departure. Maintain the existing guards to monitor the southern border closely for activity."

"I will relay your orders, my Lord. Now a personal query: will you visit Lady Kagome before the winter?"

"Yes. To remind her of the lingering danger and notify her of my absence until spring."

"And to invite her to the Bonding of Kenshin and his maid, correct? Or does she already know her presence is required?"

"Hm. She does not. Though the decision to attend is still ultimately hers."

"Is that hesitation I hear?" Ryota grinned slyly. "I doubt very highly your miko would miss the chance to attend such a happy event."

"In the presence of so many unfamiliar youkai? Her aura was turbulent at best during the Council meeting, and nearly out of control at worst. Though her safety is a concern, I fear her presence could disrupt more than just the event should she become overwhelmed."

"She had only just lost a Mate! That is hardly a fair assessment of her abilities under pressure."

Sesshoumaru was silent, gathering missives into a pile and tapping them on the desk before rising to cross the room. The knit of his brow when he turned back around concerned his General more than the tired sound of his voice.

"And it has been barely a year since. Were it you, would you wish for such a reminder?"

"A reminder of what? A happy, what do they call it, 'marriage'? She is the kindest, purest soul I have ever encountered, and would be pleased to celebrate with them. May I speak freely?"

"Hm."

"You are letting your fea-" The lift of a pale eyebrow gave the great bear pause. "-your misgivings about this coupling and guilt of your involvement cloud your judgement where she is concerned. She has welcomed your attention, laid her fears at your feet, and embraced the differences between you by the sound of it. That does not sound like a hesitant female to these ears."

"Perhaps… you are right. Your council is appreciated."

"Glad I could help." Ryota slapped the table and rose. "Now, I have a Mate to see off and more orders to give. I shall wait for you to visit the human village before I leave to winter with my clan."

"I will walk with you to see the Lieutenant away then depart for Edo."

"Good! Since Kouji reports more frequently to Lady Kikuko, he will be glad to see you for the first time this autumn."

"Has it been so long?"

"Your weekly hunts for that madman have taken you far and wide, my Lord. Rest this winter and enjoy the peace of the season with Lady Rin."

"Hm."

…

Miroku called through the worn bamboo screen of Kagome's door bright and early that same morning. The young miko lifted it, blinked into the early morning sun, and bid him come in. His black and violet robes settled around his ankles and the shakujou staff pounded the floor with purpose, jingling loudly and causing her to startle across the room.

"Today is the day, Kagome-sama!"

"Damn. You're all finished with her, then?"

"Chisato has all of the knowledge of ceremony and philosophy I can impart. You can escape no longer."

"Ah, seven hells… and it was such a good morning."

"Where is young Shippou?" the monk asked, scanning the sparse house for the familiar flash of red fur.

"Fishing. Again." she sighed, wiping breakfast dishes out with a worn rag. "He's taken notes on 'providing for one's pack' from Sesshoumaru. I was pleasantly surprised, at first, to find that he's so motivated."

Miroku's eyebrow raised in question.

"And what happened? Seems it would be nice to have so much youthful energy to direct."

"I agree but… Just keep him far away from your laundry, woodpile, and hearth until we get some more lessons in. This is your warning."

Kagome shivered remembering the ashy mess that he'd made from floor to ceiling trying to sweep up while she was working elsewhere in the village. His 'surprise' had caused more work than help but she'd smiled and thanked him anyway.

"Shippou is growing up then. It is a sign of maturity that he is committing himself to learn these new domestic skills."

"He is. I have Sesshoumaru to thank for this new, unceasing compulsion to help. His talks on our way back from the kitsune village led Shippou to believe he has to do everything for us. The next talk had better be about moderation." She put down the rag and faced Miroku, leaning against the prep table opposite the fire. "I want him to be able to fit in wherever he goes, whatever he becomes, and grumpy as he may sometimes be, Sesshoumaru can teach him all the things I can't."

Miroku folded his hands with a peaceful smile on his face.

"The kami weave intricate paths for us all."

"I believe that now more than ever, and thank you for understanding."

"I understand that you are at peace, your heart is healed, and you seem happy. If the fearsome Lord of the West is the cause, I thank him for returning your spirit to its brilliance."

"That silver tongue of yours ever chip your teeth?" she chuckled, walking away from him to change into her robes.

He continued their conversation by shouting through the house as she changed.

"And yet I am not able to convince Chisato to be more open with us. It is a shame you will not tell her of your past exploits. She would better understand our reverence for your abilities and she might warm to your tutelage if you allowed us to tell her the truth."

"She needs to respect all people, no matter their lot in life. It's not her job to like people because they're accomplished. It's her job to stitch up farmers, protect the village from evil influence, and provide guidance to everyone equally."

Stepping out from the bedroom, dressed and ready, her long, ebony hair shook as Kagome stopped the futile anger in its tracks.

"I'm done preaching. I'm done changing, too, so let's get this over with."

"That is the spirit, Kagome-sama!"

Miroku all but shoved her out the door and the pair talked and laughed nearly the entire journey down the dirt road to the shrine. Tackling the long climb without pause, they continued their conversation all the way to the top.

"And you think he misses the village?"

"He misses his friends, I know. Shippou is going back to school next week so you guys should see him while you can. I think he wants to stay there through the winter this year since he missed so much time last year."

A haunted look passed over Miroku's face as he remembered the events of last winter. How they'd almost lost her. But as they climbed the shrine steps and Kagome took a look around, he appreciated how far she'd come. It wasn't false praise he'd given when he thanked Sesshoumaru for returning his dear friend to life. Whatever had happened between them since then had brought the light back to her eyes and the spring to her step.

The young miko appraised the shrine with a familiar eye. The grass was just beginning to brown in the shade of the large shrine buildings, and the sounds of songbirds were quieting as the days rolled on. Turning around, Kagome gazed down at the valley and smiled.

'It's so peaceful here. I could have lived my whole life with these people, happy and fulfilled.'

"Your thoughts are not of training, my friend."

A breeze lifted the edges of his robes to flap around his feet, and Kagome closed her eyes and breathed in the fresh mountain air as her own unruly dark hair lifted and fell around her face in undignified wisps.

"No, I'm wondering what I'll do with my life now that this won't be my job anymore." Violet eyes turned down with sadness. "No, don't look at me like that… I'm fine. Escape while you can. Oh, and if you see Shippou, send him up here, would you? He'll know why."

Their attention was diverted as Kaede and the young miko, Chisato, broke through the tree line at the rear of the shrine. Emerging from the shadows of the forest and stepping into the bright sunlight of the morning, each carried a full, shallow basket on their hip and Kaede's gruff tenor spoke seriously of the benefits of harvesting whatever could be found right up until the first snows.

"Very well." Miroku nodded, breaking her focus. "Good luck and don't be too hard on her!"

The monk waved as he walked away.

"Yeah, well…" Kagome muttered, toeing the grass.

With a nerve-steeling sigh, she turned around to meet the pair walking in from the woods. Kaede looked agitated and pointed animatedly to each plant in the basket, giving instructions for later to the studious Chisato. Kagome wasn't without sympathy for the younger miko. There was a lot for her to learn and real life was still a new experience for the coddled, third daughter of the regional Lord. She respected that Chisato was forging a new path and trying to find her own way in the world, and that would have to be enough to get Kagome through the hours of training that started today.

Kaede was the new initiate's sensei in matters of the local horticulture, ceremony, and association with the villagers. Miroku had been her teacher in the ways of philosophy and teachings where her formal education might be lacking. Leaving Kagome to assess her more practical weapon and reiki skills. They were all three equally responsible for the village and the well-being of its occupants, and so had decided on being equally responsible for the young miko's education. Kagome forced her smile to brighten as she called to the approaching pair.

"Good afternoon, Kaede-sama! Chisato-chan!"

Chisato looked up with a start, the stain of embarrassment lit her cheeks, then dark bangs covered her delicate face as her head hung. Kaede was completely unfazed and greeted her warmly.

"Ah, good afternoon, young one. We are finished for today." The elder miko turned to the initiate. "Hand me your basket, Chisato-chan, and focus well during your sessions with Kagome-sama today."

Kaede took both baskets under one arm and patted her gently on the shoulder. Kagome nodded with a smile and looked back at her waiting charge. Chisato was shorter than average and slight of build, which was sure to make her weapon practice more taxing for them both. Her shorter, straight cropped black hair was pin-straight and hung heavily like ebony silk before barely brushing the tops of her thin shoulders. Her dark brown eyes were intense and focused, and Chisato nearly always spoke softly but with purpose. She was, all in all, the model initiate and the picture of demure piety.

'Maybe that's why we don't get along.' she mused.

"Shall we?"

The older miko gestured toward the shrine and waited for the younger girl to begin walking before matching her stride down the river stone pathway.

"Yes, Kagome-sama."

"Today, we will start with meditation and then migrate down to the village for some practice. You said that you're familiar with human auras, correct?"

"Yes. Though, the shrine where I studied placed more emphasis on philosophy and healing than reiki use. Such manipulation is not required in more civilized places."

Kagome didn't miss the judgmental bite of her words. This young woman, raised in a large and peaceful city protected by an army all its own, equated violence with ignorance and in some cases, her assessment rang true but not out here. They walked up the short staircase and into the main shrine building.

"Well for now, we will meditate and I'll assess your aura. Then we can decide what needs to be done next. Oh!"

An older couple were standing near the altar, wreathed in incense and heads bowed in prayer. After a moment, two pairs of wizened, dark eyes sparkled in the morning light over at Kagome and her charge.

"Hello, Miyoshi-san, Kayo-san! I'm sorry we disturbed you." she said respectfully as they approached.

"No, no, miko-sama. Just sending up our prayers for an easy winter." Miyoshi patted his hip. "These old bones felt the need to visit the kami today."

"And you are most welcome." Kagome bowed. "Have you met Chisato? She is training with us now in hopes of taking residence in the village."

"Is she now? Well, we shan't bother you then. Learn well from our Kagome. Tisn't every day one of your kind gets to meet the likes of the great Sh-"

"Oh, none of that." she cut in, waving the praise away. "Your back is quite recovered then? It's a long hike up those steps."

"You fuss as much as Kayo! Wounds a man's pride." he grumbled. "I am fine."

His wife laid a gentle hand on the sun-bleached sleeve of her husband's rust-colored yukata.

"We would not fuss if you would act your age and stop trying to outdo the younger men in the fields."

"I agree." Kagome nodded then wagged a friendly finger at the stubborn elder. "You were trying to outpace me on cutting day, as well. Don't think I didn't notice."

"Bah! Nags, the both of you. Home now, Kayo."

Kayo winked back at the two miko as she looped her arm through Miyoshi's and the couple walked slowly out of the shrine.

"He still farms?" Chisato asked gently after the pair were long out of earshot.

"Mm. They had several children but lost them either to illness, marriage, or war. He has no choice now. We all pitch in and help when we can."

"It would be more efficient to let his land to the other, younger families rather than spend so much extra effort on one elderly couple."

Kagome's eyes steeled and her tone adopted a bite Chisato had not yet heard from the older miko.

"More efficient for us but less so to his pride and their livelihood. Consider that they are one family in a community. If they cannot provide for themselves now, we will spend the resources to keep them alive during the harsh months another way. Think before you speak, Chisato-chan. There is no relief for us here. Now, sit, across from me before the altar and clear your mind. First, I will assess your aura and then we will move on to manipulation."

"Yeh- Yes, Kagome-sama." Chisato swallowed, taken aback at the stern commands of the miko who had a smile for everyone.

Kagome sighed at the honorific and the sudden fear in the initiate's tone. Refocusing, she watched Chisato sit gracefully, straighten her back, and breathe deeply as she settled into the familiar lotus position. After the younger girl's prickly aura calmed and smoothed, Kagome joined her on the worn tatami floor.

"Good. Now, let's see what we have to work with…"

Over a few hours, she assessed the dancing shades and strength of Chisato's aura but finding nothing out of sorts beside a lack of raw power, it was time to move on. While the younger girl stayed in meditation, Kagome stood and walked outside to allow her to wake naturally. The slight pressure of familiar youki on her senses had sky blue eyes laser focused up to the roof before her son could pounce.

"Don't even think about it, Ship."

Shippou dropped down to land precariously on her shoulder and Kagome noted that he felt heavier somehow than she was used to. Her kit grasped his chin and looked seriously down at his adoptive mother.

"I've got to work on my stealth… Last time, you were soaked before you knew I was there."

"Transforming into a bucket of water and tipping yourself off the roof…" she shivered. "I remember. I had a whole basket of dried herbs in my hands. Kaede was more furious than I was that we had to start over. Payback's coming one day, kiddo."

His cautious glance inside the shrine and irritated, flicking tail had Kagome turning around to peer in the doorway as well.

"Hm? Chisato-chan? She's not gonna bite."

"Says you." he grumbled. "I've heard what she says about youkai."

"We're gonna help her understand, remember? We talked about this. Just… bear with me."

"Can't I just mess with her a little first?"

"No, we want her to like you."

"That'll be hard. She called us 'uncivilized, primitive beasts' last time I listened in. Some of the villagers agreed with her, too. Then they started talking about you and I just… quit listening."

"Don't dance around it." A slim finger tapped his nose. "I know what they're saying. People need something to gossip about and right now I'm it. Well, me and my many supposed demon lovers. Maybe that's why she doesn't like me, either."

"Kagome-sama?" came the unsure call from the depths of the shrine building.

"Out here, Chisato-chan! There's someone I want you to meet."

"Oh?"

The light, padding footsteps grew closer and Kagome turned around in the wide, open doorway to face the young initiate with Shippou on her shoulder.

"Chisato-chan, this is my Shippou. He's a-"

"Youkai!" she nearly screamed, looking around wildly for a weapon as her short, black hair whipped back and forth.

"Gah!" Shippou yelled, falling backward from his perch to land with a thud on the floor.

"Whoa, Chisato. Stop!" Kagome grabbed the younger girl's shoulders and held her still. "Stop and listen to me. Shippou is, for all intents and purposes, my son. He's here to help me today." She released the younger woman's shoulders with a cautious look and shooed her backward. "Now, back inside… and no more yelling. Are you okay, Ship?"

The kit stood and rubbed his backside.

"Mm hmm… I told you though."

The older miko turned around and walked with a grumble back into the shrine building to meet Chisato in the center of the room. Waiting for Shippou to join them, a slight tug on her left sleeve caught Kagome's attention.

"Hmm?"

"Kagome-sama," Chisato whispered over her shoulder, "you cannot think of allowing an evil presence in the shrine!"

The young initiate looked confused when Kagome sighed deeply and gestured to the small kitsune walking quietly behind them.

"Stop whispering. Youkai have ears many times more powerful than ours. He can hear everything you're saying. Besides, does his aura feel evil to you?"

Chisato blinked, lost, for a moment.

"Kitsune are notoriously false and he is youkai, therefore-"

"Tell him he's evil then, Chisato. Go ahead. Tell my son he's evil."

"What purpose does that serve, Kagome-sama?"

"If you truly believe what you say, this should be easy. If you believe in your heart that he is evil, you should be able to voice your convictions with no trouble."

"Why? If he is not here to attack me, this exercise is pointless… and ridiculous. You are not taking my training seriously in the slightest."

"No, this is practical. You've been taught, like the many miko before you, that youkai are evil and I respect that to a point which is why I chose this gentler approach. Civil discourse rather than trial by fire. We could always test your mettle by camping further up in the mountains and doing battle with the many, many hungry mountain youkai instead?" When Chisato shook her head and eyed Shippou warily once again, Kagome patted her shoulder. "That's what I thought. Now, put your lessons into practice and tell Shippou he's evil if you truly believe it."

"I maintain that this is ridiculous." Chisato scowled.

"Humor me." the elder miko said flatly.

"Very well." The young initiate cleared her throat and looked down the bridge of her nose at the waiting Shippou. "Kitsune- kitsune, you are-"

She paused and considered him: his aura was not violent, his cooperation spoke of intelligence, and his patience was exemplary for so small a being. Another long minute passed and then another and finally, her shoulders fell and she looked over at Kagome, concerned.

"I… cannot. It is not right."

"Why not?" Kagome asked studiously.

"He is a child… I think. He is not evil. His aura, if true, is pure."

"It is. Now, he tried to kill me once-" Kagome started.

"Hey! Just the once!" Shippou retorted.

"-and he's killed humans and other youkai. All deserved, mind you. Still pure?"

"No…" The younger girl considered him for a moment, doubt lighting her dark brown eyes, but then blinked the thoughts away and stood her ground. "No, you only confirm the teachings. Given the opportunity, they will attack a weaker being to prove their strength."

"He didn't attack you. And are humans so different? How did your own father come to rule such a large area? Asking nicely for those lesser lords and village farmers to give up their land?" When Chisato sputtered and grew embarrassed, Kagome held out her arms. "Shippou, come here. Let's try this a different way."

He blinked wide, sea green eyes up at her but then leapt obediently up to her shoulder.

"Chisato, this is Shippou. Shippou, say hello to Chisato."

"Hullo," he said lowly.

"Chisato, answer him please."

A sock-covered foot stomped the floor.

"This is ridiculous!"

"We've established that. Multiple times. Now, answer him."

"Good morning… Shippou-chan."

When his eyes brightened and a small fanged grin erupted on his face, Chisato found herself smiling as well.

"Go on, honey." Kagome jerked her chin toward the grinning initiate. Shippou swallowed and reached forward.

"What is he doing?"

"Hold him. He's not too heavy."

"I do not wish to hold him. It serves no purpose."

"Once again, humor me."

"Then can we please return to proper training, Kagome-sama?"

"Very well."

With cautious and shaking hands, Chisato lifted Shippou from his perch and held him at arm's length for a moment. His tail flicked nervously but piercing green eyes bored nervously but curiously into hers. She realized he was inspecting her, too.

"You wish me to understand that not all youkai are evil? That my lessons are shortsighted? Is that the purpose of this odd exercise?"

"Very good but more than that I want you to understand that many youkai wish for a peaceful and prosperous coexistence just as we do. Shippou is smart, lively, and caring, just like many of the human children raised here in Edo. He wants to grow and become stronger, find a place in the grand order of the world that is his alone. Just because our natural energies may be opposite, our lives are not. That is your lesson."

"But there are many youkai who do not behave in such a way, if the stories are to be believed."

Shippou grunted from his place in her arms.

"Oh, there are some real bast-"

"Language!" Kagome barked and both her son and the young miko flinched.

Chisato carefully set Shippou down on the floor.

"And yes, that's true." The miko sagely nodded. "Your job is to know the difference between evil and not. If a human you don't know comes to the village and begins stealing and causing trouble, we would cast him out, but at first glance, we welcome them because they take a familiar form to our friends and neighbors. If a youkai you don't know waltzes into the village, it's your job to find out why while protecting the villagers. Some cannot speak as we do but that doesn't make their desires and grievances any less important. It is not your sole purpose in life to kill them on sight."

"How am I to know what drives them when they cannot speak? How am I to defend the innocent while investigating? You ask too much!"

"She whines a lot." Shippou said quietly.

Kagome sent him a consternating frown then looked back at her charge.

"Chisato, Kaede gave me permission to teach you a new way in light of our shared history with cooperative, friendly youkai. When we're done, I do want you to be the barrier between the village and evil but almost equally importantly, I want you to understand and accept that youkai have a place in the world, too, and it is not beneath your shoe."

"They do not have a place in the human world, Kagome-sama, and most of the villagers do not agree with your softhearted methods. They find you too sympathetic to demons."

"Most youkai want nothing to do with the human world, either, but wish to exist separately because they carry a bias against us as well. The youkai I've known, that were open to friendship, have appreciated my approach and I have avoided unnecessary death. That is reward enough."

"You know many?"

"Kagome's got more demons for friends than humans!" Shippou added happily.

"Thank you very much, Shippou. Now, let's begin."

"How? There are no other youkai around."

"With humans. The villagers. The fields are vacant now, the village is calmer, so we're going down to learn what we can about human auras."

"I know of our energies, Kagome-sama. May we continue with something else?"

"If that's true, and you gain nothing new by listening, then it will still be valuable practice. Now, come."

The miko nearly barked the last statement, tired of Chisato's grumbling and dismissal.

"Yes, Kagome-sama."

For another few hours, Kagome and Chisato sat and observed as carts with goods passed through the village, children ran about avoiding chores and baths, couples walked and talked of their days. As the afternoon wore on, the initiate found herself captivated by the depth of Kagome's insights about human nature based solely on the flecks of color in their auras. Their next subject of study was a small boy, no more than nine or ten, hanging laundry beside their small house.

"See him? That's Shigure. He's the second child in that family and a calm soul. He helps his mother do things like laundry and meal prep that most of the other boys grumble about or refuse. What can you tell me about him with only your reiki?"

The young initiate closed her eyes, palms open and in front of her, and reached for the young Shigure just as they had with several others during the afternoon.

"He is young. He is happy and healthy, but there is a sickly green circling his heart I cannot identify. His heart is ill? No. He is jealous?"

Kagome shook her head.

"He is worried. His mother nearly died giving birth to his younger sister and she is pregnant again this year. He does all of this extra work to help her, knowing what might happen. You saw the difference and recognized that as an emotion, though, so that's a good start."

"But because you knew his family, you could tell what emotion was causing that ill shade?"

"Mm hmm. We are in a unique position to see and hear with more than our eyes and ears but only if you keep all of your senses open. Your heart included."

Satisfied that her student understood that there was more to the village people than meets the eye, Kagome stood and brushed the grass from her deep red hakama and waited for her trainee to do the same.

"That is all for today. You may go back to Kaede and begin her thoughtful and less-than patient lessons on salves and pastes." Kagome winked.

"Thank you, Kagome-sama." Chisato bowed. "Today has been most… informative. I will think on what you have said."

"Do that. A closed mind walls itself from light as well as growth. I wish neither for you. For any of us. Come on, Ship. Let's go home."

"Bye, Chisato!" Shippou called, waving a small hand as he leapt away.

Kagome was encouraged when she returned his enthusiastic greeting with an unsure wave of her own.

…

Sesshoumaru knelt alone in the afternoon sun at the edge of the training arena. The heavy plait of white hair laid pooled on the floor behind him. Wide, shoji doors were opened all around the large training space and the cavernous roof loomed far overhead. An ice blue barrier surrounded the field before him, activated to protect the space from the overdue experimental training about to occur.

Magenta-framed, citrine eyes opened slowly. Cat-like pupils narrowed, unfocused on the waking world, but widened as the internal call to battle incited his instincts and the need to improve his strength grew. Youki rose and spread from the inu's place on the floor like a heavy mist, concentrating every so often into nuclei of power. Golden hakama whispered across the floor as he rose with a low growl and a pale, bare foot slid forward onto the field.

Now that Ryota was gone for the winter, his usual sparring partner was not available and Sesshoumaru would train his aura and mastery over his innate skills instead.

Tenseiga rested silently at his hip. More than any other weapon, the Sword of Heaven required frequent recalibration with his own energy to respond when called. It had been a hard-learned lesson. The attacks on his house, his ward, and his future Mate were unsettling. There may come a time in the near future when the sword was needed again and it was always better to be prepared.

The sleeve of the white yukata that Sesshoumaru wore brushed the floor as one magenta-striped arm swept forward and with a crack, a glowing whip of youki flicked across the empty space, briefly lighting the shadows beyond. With his right hand, the steel drag of a sword from its sheath joined the hum of the whip and the dance began.

A concert of youki and a blade that does not cut flashed throughout the training field. There was no noise beyond the occasional low, reverberating growl and the whiffs of displaced air as Sesshoumaru struck with demonic speed. New combinations of youki and sword strikes were honed and practiced. The power concentrated around the field charged new blasts the inu could direct at will, inspired by the miko's unconventional use of her own raw power. Many hours later, the nervous swallow and throat clearing of the young inu Captain echoed in his sensitive ears from across the field.

"Yes, Captain?" Sesshoumaru questioned flatly, replacing the ancient sword at his hip as sweat dripped from his chin and rolled down his neck.

"You wished to see me, my Lord?"

"Hm. You are assigned to winter in the human village of Edo to protect This Sesshoumaru's future Mate and report any unusual activity. Pack your needs and meet This One at the gate at sunrise."

Ren could not have heard correctly. Had his prayer to get away from his damnable brother finally been answered? And for the whole season? The chance to see her again?

"At once." Ren bowed. "May I inquire as to why? Is the Lady in danger?"

"Hm. As the assassin has not yet been caught, and my presence is required here, you will protect her through the remaining autumn and winter."

"Why not bring the Lady here, Sesshoumaru-sama?"

"She is needed in the village, she asserts, and must stay there to aid them through the colder months."

"As you command, I will be ready by sunrise."

The Captain hurried away in the blink of an eye and Sesshoumaru left for his own quarters to bathe and ready for his own journey to Edo.

…

The creak of floorboards echoed around the common room that glowed with the blaze of a cooking fire. Kagome was humming gently and gathering dishes as the cooking pot hung over the hearth, steaming with the promise of dinner. Shippou was writing at the low desk in the corner, asking a question every now and then, and his adoptive mother would point and explain the use of a character or fact.

A quiet, normal evening rolled by as dinner was finished, cleaned up, and the last light of day began to fade behind the hills. Kagome tucked the warm navy yukata beneath her knees and sat at the small desk in her bedroom to write in the journal she'd bought last winter. Her mother had been right: writing had been helpful both to sort her thoughts and heal her heart. The silly fantasies that had made her cry when the grief was still too powerful slowly evolved into the hopeful musings about her future as page after page helped her knit words into a new reality.

The long grasses covering the open field waved in a cool and telling autumn breeze. The rustle of limbs and leaves whispered through her favorite window: the one that faced the forest and away from the village. Kagome thought about the success of the day and wondered, hopefully, if the new initiate might really be capable of helping her forge real change in the relationship between youkai and humans in the future. Turning the brush back on her small journal, the miko continued recording the events of the day, adding the last wishes and thoughts to the quickly-filling pages.

Just as she turned away from the desk, replacing the book and brush to change into sleep clothes, a forceful pulse of now-familiar and undeniable youki burst into existence on the wide radar of her senses. Shippou was another minute realizing who it was, still so focused on his studies, but then his face split into a wide grin and he darted outside to wait excitedly.

"Momma, Sesshoumaru's coming!"

The young woman looked down at her haphazard state of dress, navy yukata barely tied and nearly exposed breasts, and began to dart around her bedroom, gathering necessities.

"Don't do this to me!" she whispered angrily to the inuyoukai who couldn't yet hear her.

A newer, brighter blue yukata replaced the worn one and a pale-yellow wrap quickly joined it. Running the silver brush roughly through her hair just a few times, Kagome dipped her feet into an old pair of black slippers before walking outside and freeing her own aura in what she hoped felt like a casual welcome.

Another minute and the small dot in the sky grew larger, the youki grew warmer, and she felt… excited. A chilled hand placed itself over her heart and she smiled.

'Well, this is new.'

…

The scents of livestock, hewn wood, and freshly turned earth all grew stronger as Sesshoumaru settled lower beneath the clouds to allow her to sense his approach. As he flew closer and veered farther east to avoid the village proper, the first traces of her scent met his nose on the wind. Nostrils flared, he inhaled deeper and the contentment he had craved since summer finally began to return. But atop the rain water and camelia scents, there was a biting sweetness of the fragrant yuzu.

'She is nervous?' he wondered.

The inu was now more than familiar with the rapid changes in scent that surrounded this woman who was a walking contradiction of both unwavering duty and fiery defiance. He expected to encounter both during each visit with her. The short yelps of welcome from the kit echoed across the valley and his intended's gentle admonishment quickly followed.

"Not so loud, Shippou! The village families are probably already asleep."

"Sorry, Momma, but look!"

He pointed excitedly to the silver streak framed in luminescent green growing closer and closer.

"Wonder why he's come though?" she thought aloud.

"Who cares? He hasn't forgotten about us so that's something."

"I told you he wouldn't but he's busy and that's why I worry…"

Blades of dry grass and a few leaves were blown from his path as Sesshoumaru landed quietly in the browning field beside Kagome's house. Shippou was up and gone, halfway to the inudaiyoukai before his worried mother could stop him. She caught the inu's eye from across the field and sent up a gentle wave. He inclined his head, acknowledging her greeting, and then diverted his attention to the nearly vibrating kitsune at his feet as he began the slow walk to the house.

"I've been taking great care of her since you left, just like you told me we should. She won't let me do everything but I've done all the fishing, some of the cleaning, all my homework, and helped with everything else, too!"

The inudaiyoukai watched Kagome place a worried hand to her face and shake her head. Perhaps the kit had been as overly enthusiastic as he was now in his efforts to provide for his mother.

"I am certain your mother appreciates your initiative but a pack works together. All tasks should be evenly distributed. You have one role and she, another. It is our goal to grow stronger as a unit, not to render others idle."

The young kit's face fell and he stopped walking.

"Oh. So, I did it wrong, then?"

Sesshoumaru shook his head and continued walking. His sharp ears did not miss her heart pick up speed as he approached and a flash of gold in her direction warned the miko he was, in fact, paying close attention.

"Moderation in all things, Shippou." Kagome cut in, hugging herself against the chilled breeze. "Just like I tried to tell you-" Blue eyes flicked up happily to the approaching inu. "-but he wouldn't listen to me. Good evening, Sesshoumaru."

"Good evening, Kagome."

"To what do we owe the pleasure? Would you like to come inside?"

She gestured toward the house and Sesshoumaru stepped forward with a nod. Instead of simply passing by, however, the daiyoukai slid his open hand down her forearm, curled his fingers around her own, and waited. Her shy grin raised the apples of her cheeks as she returned his affection, clasping his hand in return. He took an experimental step forward, stepping forward with their hands still joined and waiting for her to follow. They fell in step for the short walk back to the house, punctuating the quiet of the evening with their crunching footfalls. Shippou darted past them both to scurry back inside and ready his homework to show Sesshoumaru.

"There are a few matters to discuss."

"Okay." Kagome said resolutely. If he was here with "matters to discuss," it was best to stay calm. "Be ready. Shippou is probably going to try to bombard you with all of his pictures and writing. But everyone in the West is okay? No problems?"

"Is that the cause of this pervasive nervousness? Your concern?"

"Well, we haven't seen you since summer so I'm worried something terrible is happening. Our trip here wasn't exactly uneventful and when you came to get Rin, you were in a hurry, too. Something about… what was it again?"

An index finger found her cheek in thought and he nearly sighed. Human memories were so prone to lapse.

He held the screen open as she passed him with a grateful smile and the scent of her nerves still dominated as he ducked down to enter the small house. Suddenly, Sesshoumaru felt out of place, in the way, in this modest house his brother had built. His future Mate bustled around, unconcerned, touching and gathering things as he stood in the center of the room, unsure what to do.

"The skirmish at the northwestern coast? Hardly trivial and required my immediate attention."

"And that doesn't make me feel better, either. Would you like some tea?"

"Nor should it. Yes, tea would be welcome. There is no desperate, pressing matter. Calm your nerves."

When her shoulders visibly relaxed and the scent of yuzu no longer overpowered the wood fire, he was satisfied.

"Why was there a skirmish?" Kagome asked, gathering cups.

"The humans from the north press ever further into territory that has never been theirs. The barren mountains of my ancestral home are mostly inhospitable to them and yet, they try to establish coastal towns deeper and deeper into my territory."

"And what happened to them?" she asked calmly, pouring water from the bucket into the kettle.

"Whom?"

"The humans in this town you can't abide." she said bitingly.

The kettle joined the hearth and she stood to face him again.

"They were removed." She frowned and narrowed those impossibly crystalline eyes. Anger and sadness crept into her scent. "Relocated for their own safety further inland where fresh water and game are much more plentiful. And yet you seem concerned?"

"Uh oh…" Shippou watched the two adults bristle at each other with an armful of papers.

"Why not allow them to stay? Integrate this budding town into your future plans?"

"And concede more land and aggravation to ungrateful humans who would slaughter a messenger simply because they are too fearful of youkai to see reason?"

She was fully prepared to counter the "humans" statement but stopped short when his agitation seemed mostly due to the unnecessary loss of life and not the species by which the offending town was founded. Kagome gestured for him to sit by the fire on a cushion and she did the same as they waited for water to boil.

"Oh no… I'm so sorry. It wasn't Kouji was it?"

"No, the pheasant is not a messenger but the loss was a member of my house and that is enough."

"Wait, what? You told me he was!" she exclaimed.

"Here! My writing's gotten better since we were at the Palace."

Shippou chose that moment to all but shove the drawings and writing practice in Sesshoumaru's face to break the tension and, to his eternal credit, the daiyoukai merely blinked and accepted one for each hand before leaning around the kit to see the priestess again.

"He does write in his own time, is the archivist of the Palace, and serves as Rin's tutor in literature and calligraphy; but that is not his primary occupation." Sesshoumaru examined the first of Shippou's calligraphy efforts. "This character needs more practice. Swift and decided strokes. No curvature here."

"'Kay!" the kit beamed, running back to his room to replace these and grab more.

"Shippou, calm down! Kami in heaven…" She faced Sesshoumaru again. "When I sent Inaba back, I asked Kouji-san to deliver a letter for me! Why would you lie about that?"

"It was not a lie." he corrected. "The Lieutenant does deliver messages on occasion but only usually to my mother. Sensitive information about the covert assets of the West was not necessary to give you at the time. Our relationship was not as it is now."

Kagome felt the honesty of his admission warm her face and opened her mouth to ask him exactly what their relationship was now, but lost her nerve. There was time for that later.

"Oh. That's- well, that's good." the miko mused, pouring the boiled water into the teapot and sitting back to let it steep. "No harm done then since the letter was for Kikuko-sama anyway."

Sesshoumaru's head whipped around faster than she thought possible and he scowled fiercely even as her surprised giggle filled the air between them. Since the kitsune was busy in his own room, and he heard the sounds of frustration and rifling paper, the inu pressed further.

"You and my mother correspond? Why?"

"In about a year, she'll basically be my mother-in-law. It would be a huge oversight on my part not to extend an olive branch."

"Olive branch? Explain." he demanded with the accusing frown still in place.

"It means 'to offer peace.'" Kagome explained.

His coiled energy relaxed and she set to pouring tea which he gratefully accepted, still cautious but curious as well.

"Hm. Were this a human situation, I would applaud your foresight but my mother is notoriously unpredictable." He looked away from her and into the fire. "However, if you wished to tell This One of your exchange, you would have. Therefore, I must assume your intent was not to involve me."

"Are you pouting?"

"This Sesshoumaru does not pout, miko."

She took a moment to take in the new, needling pattern of his aura and his refusal to look her in the eye as he determinedly sipped his tea.

"You are!" she smiled gleefully.

Bored but now slightly amused golden eyes met hers again.

"This visit was not to discuss your inevitable failure to reconcile with my mother-"

"Kami, when you pout you really-"

"-but to inform you of two important matters. Stop grinning like a cat, Kagome, and listen. For the duration of autumn and winter, I am sending a guard to stay with you as I will be maintaining the West. The young Captain, Ren, was chosen for the task and will be joining you here tomorrow unless you have an objection."

"Captain? A guard? Wait." She scooted closer to him on the floor. "You won't be coming back until spring?"

He nearly preened at the compliment of her disappointment on the matter.

"Aww, why not?" Shippou asked, finally returning from his room with a yawn but new drawings all the same.

"The Cardinal Council meeting is in a few days' time, like last year, and we are resuming the annual tournament of heirs. Beyond that, most years, like this one, the General and his Mate separate and leave the West for the northern mountains and Southern Land, respectively, for the duration of the cold months and to safeguard their native territories while the heads of the clans are in the West. For all those reasons, I must remain."

"Oh." the pair said in disappointed chorus.

"Shippou, here's some tea and then it's time for bed."

"Aww, but Sesshoumaru's here and I'm not tired!"

"Your mother is correct and I can sense your weariness from here. We will meet again in the Spring."

"You'll be at school the whole time anyway, Ship. It'll fly by. I promise." she comforted.

"So long from now though…" Shippou complained, his tail limp on the floor as he drank the warm tea. "And why the spring?"

"She will tell you in the morning when a decision has been made."

"Make the right one then, Momma. You need to get out of here for a while."

The sudden, quiet fuming of the little kit over his tea made Sesshoumaru curious. Why should she be made to leave?

"That's enough of that." the miko scolded gently. "Finish that up and get to bed."

A few minutes of settling silence did wonders for their combined level of relaxation and inside ten minutes, Shippou was placing the empty tea cup in the wash basin.

"Guess I'll go to bed then. Come back if you can. I'm going to school to stay for the winter. I'm gonna master transformation this year!"

"Good night and safe travels, Shippou."

"G'night." the kit grumped.

"Good night, honey."

Once their own tea was finished and Shippou was tucked back into bed for the third time that evening, fighting sleep with a will even the inu could appreciate, Kagome sat down beside Sesshoumaru near the fire with the intent to tell him of her own need to leave sometime in the winter. Before she could, however, he started a new conversation.

"Why does the kit see a need for you to leave?"

"He worries too much."

"Does he?"

Kagome took another quiet sip of her tea.

"He hears the gossip all over the village about us, and any other youkai that have ever been here, and he worries. Most of the women never been interested in a relationship with me anyway. Still, they're civil even if we'll never be friends."

"Your son fears for your happiness or your safety?"

"Both, I guess. Superstitious humans have been known to… overreact. I don't see the need to confirm or deny their wild imaginings. Our relationship is none of their business."

"Perhaps you should join me in the West."

"I can't. I have a lot to do here and he's just nervous. I'm fine."

"If you are sure. Should you feel endangered, however, have the Captain bring you."

"I thought you didn't want me ordering your soldiers around." she said impishly.

"And you have obeyed my requests so well in the past." he grinned right back.

"Touché." she chuckled.

A still and reflective moment passed between them until Sesshoumaru remembered the second reason for his visit.

"Early in the spring, the chief healer and his intended will be hosting their Bonding ceremony at the Palace. I thought it appropriate you should attend as This Sesshoumaru's future Mate," he paused, watching her reaction, which was to freeze over her teacup, "as well as for your own benefit. You may learn much from the experience."

"How wonderful for them. I miss everyone there." Kagome tipped her head just slightly to the side, wondering. Testing. "Is that the only reason you want me to come? To learn?"

"No. The Palace will be your home. I would have you familiar with its function during events such as these. Understand fully that if you agree, you are attending as my future Mate and must behave thus. The Southern Lord and Lady will be in attendance as their territory is host to the herd of shikayoukai from which the female hails, and many other daiyoukai besides."

His declaration rang of duty and commitment but not of desire.

'Guess that answers my question about where we stand then.'

Wait, why was she so disappointed?

'Focus, Kagome!'

"Behave how?"

"Intended Mates are usually…" He thought for a moment. "…affectionate. Singular in their attentions. One would expect such a being to attend to their needs and prefer their company in the presence of many others. This event would be our first appearance as such and our guests' scrutiny may be less than kind in light of our differences. If you are not prepared for-"

"Done."

To his surprise, she nodded firmly and bored her deep blue eyes into his. If he wasn't going to push, she would use her twenty-first century woman's initiative and do it for them both.

"Done? So easily? Consideration is not required?"

"No, it's just I- Well, it's not so- I'd love to go and I do… prefer your company, if I'm honest. I'd rather spend time with you there than wonder what you're up to all alone."

"Hm." he rumbled thoughtfully, watching the first traces of frustration crinkle her eyes.

"I admit that I like you, want to spend more time with you, and I get a 'Hm'?"

"I admit my surprise. The event is a happy one but my concern was for your contentment. Ryota suggested you would be pleased to attend but it would be inappropriate to assume your desires. More than that, it does not escape me that autumn marks the anniversary of my brother's death. The timing of my request seems inappropriate."

"It's not inappropriate. I will always remember him, miss him on occasion, but Sango was right: Inuyasha wouldn't want us to feel guilty for being happy ever again. My friends and I are meeting at his grave to remember him tomorrow, actually. You're welcome to come… and," she paused, swirling the small swallow of tea left in her cup. "I saw the gravestone. Thank you for honoring him like you did."

"I am glad you approve but I cannot yet visit the grave again. Perhaps when more time has passed."

"Shippou won't go either." she said concerned. "Are our graves so different from yours?"

Amber eyes focused again on the embers in the hearth and just as Kagome opened her mouth to question him, his eyes squeezed shut and his jaw tightened as if he was forcing the words.

"Your unsealed graves are a curse to a sensitive nose."

Kagome pondered his meaning for a moment as Sesshoumaru opened his eyes again but did not look at her. Suddenly, she understood. Youkai senses could, indeed, be a curse if you could still scent a body in the ground.

"Oh, Sesshoumaru… I'm so sorry I brought you there. I didn't think…"

"You did not know. I am relieved you understand now. Explanation was needed but at the time… I could not give it. No grave should remain unmarked, however. It is dishonorable."

"I understand. I hated to leave it like that, too."

"Hm." The scent of Kagome's sadness prompted him to change the subject. "Do you wish to come to the Palace in the spring? Through the autumn, I have noted your level of comfort in the presence of so many youkai and considered you to be ready for such a function, if you wish it."

"I'm going to ignore the scholarly assessment and focus on the fact that you were thinking about me instead." When he didn't react, she asked more directly. "Were you?"

"Hm. Have you thought of your future in the West?" he questioned back, and Kagome nodded. "Then our consideration has been mutual."

"I'm glad, and yes, I would love to come." Her gentle smile was warm but bittersweet. A second later, she snapped her fingers, nearly dropping her tea. "Oh! I almost forgot. I would like to go home during the winter and see my family. Can you explain that to Ren somehow before he comes? I don't want to lie or try to circumvent him when I go."

"I will explain your need to him, then. I also received a letter from Katsurou that he wished to visit you sometime during the autumn. Be warned that Ryouzou will most likely accompany him as your village lies within their territory. If he comes during the autumn, I see no risk in your leaving during the winter. If they do not, it may be wiser to remain here until he makes an appearance."

"Oh. I suppose it can't be helped then. I'll stay until they come and send Ren back when I go. That way, you know I'm gone. I'll return three or four days later, most likely."

"Is your future safe enough to travel through in the winter?"

"Very. We have better clothes for the season, heaters, everything is different. I'll be fine. Oh! And ask the Captain to bring Kenshin's necklace if he'll part with it? I've been thinking about how to heal him and I want to experiment while the weather leaves me less busy."

"He may be healed? You can accomplish such a thing?"

"Maybe? I've been talking with Kaede about it and experimenting with plants with some success. No, I know he's not a plant. Don't give me that dubious look. I want to try, with his permission obviously, and once the snows get deep, we'll be stuck here in the valley. I have a mountain of other work I can do and now that Chisato's here, I'll be training her as well, but I'll have time to research while he's here."

"Your initiate is satisfactory then?"

"She is studious, quiet, and respectful." Kagome sighed.

"And yet you are disappointed?"

"She's just… My lessons in acceptance and cooperation with youkai are slow going with her. She's unbending when it comes to her opinions of 'lesser' beings."

"Lesser?" he snapped, eyes narrowed.

"Her words, not mine, obviously." The young woman turned on her seat and faced him fully, determination lighting her eyes. "I want to affect real change starting with her. This village will become one of the largest in the entire world in the future and if I can convince her that we all have a place, it might make a huge difference. I have to try."

He leaned forward, bracing one arm over a white-clad knee and she saw the first hint of a smile when one of his fangs flashed in the dark.

"This Sesshoumaru was correct, Kagome."

"About what?" she asked quietly, suddenly captivated by his casual masculinity.

"You have the makings of a politician." he grinned.

The spell of his handsome smile was instantly broken and she pursed her lips and frowned.

"Ugh. Take it back."

The miko chuckled then grew pensive again before turning her ocean eyes on him. A lock of hair caught her attention and she wound it around a finger, gathering courage.

"Can I ask- What am I…"

"Hm?" he rumbled.

"What am I supposed to do once we live with you? What's my job?"

"Job? You need an occupation aside from managing the household, governing our human allies, and acting as Mate to This One?"

"Wait a second. That's my role? You want me to do all of that? Trust me to manage your allies?"

"I cannot tell if you are overwhelmed or find the position lacking."

"That makes two of us, then." she chuckled nervously. "You've never told me before what a Lady of the West does. I know one thing, though: A woman in a position of power raises hackles with human men in this era."

"You will be accompanied during missions, of course, for your safety. You would prefer a lax and idle lifestyle like the human Ladies?" She shook her head animatedly. "Good. You are well suited to the task before you in the West. Much may indeed be changed in the coming years and it would be unwise not to place one with knowledge of the future in a position to lead."

For the second time in their acquaintance, Sesshoumaru leaned back, relaxed, on one arm and spoke as casually as any friend. It was a rare moment and she let herself enjoy the lack of tension in his angular face, the languid blink of golden eyes, and the lean muscle of his bare arm. If she was honest with herself, he was handsome. Attractive. When he spoke again, Kagome realized she enjoyed hearing him speak, as well. His tenor was purposeful and concise. He never wasted words and she enjoyed their conversations, rare though they were.

"More and more," he began, "I see that this punishment Katsurou imagined may be exactly the opposite."

"Maybe…" Kagome smiled gently at the fire. "One year at a time, though. I still can't see too far ahead yet."

The daiyoukai sat up and faced her.

"And yet you have seen more than even I. Our joined future is a mystery but over this last year, I have realized that it is ripe with possibility I would see fulfilled."

"That sounds… nice. I hope so, too."

"Then, not for the first time, we are in agreement."

Kagome felt they had once again navigated a conversation that could have been much more difficult without the aid of the foresight and patience that had grown slowly between them. As it was, two very different beings sat companionably by the hearth, still toeing the line between lovers and allies with neither one sure who was supposed to make the first move.

Tea was finished, dishes put away, and as the conversation lulled, Sesshoumaru remembered the General was still waiting on his return to leave the West. He rose from the hearth's edge and extended a hand to Kagome.

"Leaving?" she asked innocently.

"I must. Ryota is waiting to go north, and the Captain will be awaiting orders to journey here."

A small hand slid into his own and he gently lifted her from the floor. Neither released their hold as she walked him slowly to the door.

"Be careful going back. Send a letter or two if you can over the winter just so I know you're okay." she shrugged.

"I shall but save some concern for yourself. We have no way of knowing if or when your attacker will return. In fact, there have been no other attempts. Until he is caught, take care and stay alert."

"I will, I promise. Give Rin my love, too. Shippou misses having her here."

"I shall. She misses your company, as well." The inu straightened and the tone of authority smothered the relaxed tenor of the last hour. "You have command of the Captain while he is here. Use his time wisely and do not let him burden you unnecessarily."

"Thank you. Then, I guess, I'll see you in the spring?"

"Hm."

The young woman's hand grew lax in his own, preparing to release and leave him alone. The impulse to hold on to her warmth rose quickly and his long fingers grasped hers tighter. Surprised, perhaps hopeful, cerulean eyes flicked up to his face.

Though they stood only a breath apart in the doorway of the small house, Sesshoumaru took one step closer and her curious blue eyes met an iridescent golden stare that reflected the ambient light of the fire, reminding her once again that this man was not human but other.

He looked down at his own right hand, prompting her to do the same, and followed its progress through the air to cup her waist, asking without words. Kagome leaned experimentally into his warm palm and felt it glide across her ribs to her lower back. Her feet shuffled forward as he gently pressed their bodies closer together.

"Permit me?" he asked quietly.

She nodded and stared up at him, waiting. Sesshoumaru's silver head dipped down; his face so close to hers that silver hair fell innocently against her breasts as its owner pressed forward. Kagome felt the warmth of his cheek rub against her own and closed her eyes, savoring the innocent but intimate contact. He pressed his nose against her temple and inhaled quietly. Her scent filled him with thoughts of rain-drenched camelias wrapped in sweet wisteria that revealed her happiness and stroked his confidence.

"Winter will be long, I admit." he rumbled in her ear.

"Mmm hmm."

Swallowing her nerves, she tipped her head up and when the cool tip of her nose met his chin, he froze. Amber eyes grew wide as the soft skin of her cheek caressed his jaw from chin to the apex of his cheek. Sesshoumaru inhaled sharply and went rigid around her, his hands gripping her almost painfully tightly. He stilled completely above her insistent and gentle attempt to comfort him with the intimacies of his race.

She felt him shiver and watched those broad shoulders rise and fall with deep breaths. She laid her head against his heaving chest and listened to a beat within that sounded almost as rapid as her own. Her sideways view of his elegant haori was cut off by a curtain of pale hair and a warm cheek laid heavily against hers once again.

Confused amber met contented blue when he pulled away to look at his future Mate. Centuries had passed since the intimate touch of a female had warmed such a vulnerable patch of flesh. Just as many centuries had passed since he thought he would ever feel such a thrill again.

"Kagome…"

She saw the flash of his throat as he swallowed the desire and surprise she had caused.

"I'll miss you but… spring will come." she said quietly, blinking up him. "See you then, Sesshoumaru."

"Until then."

He took one step backward and turned slowly away. She watched his back retreat down the short path to the road but he stopped and turned around to take her in once more. His future Mate. The idea was becoming less daunting and more welcome with each encounter.

'A human. A priestess. Never would I have thought…'

She smiled with a warmth that cut through the chill in the air. Wild, wavy dark hair framing a delicate face with full lips and eyes the color of deep water, large enough to drown in. Her strength he knew well, but her touch was so gentle and warm. Her small hand rose in a wave, to which he managed a nod, then leapt into the sky to rocket away before she disarmed him completely.

It was impossible to stay, no matter how much he wished it in that moment.

Back inside the house, Kagome was unfolding her sleeping blankets and changing back into the navy sleeping yukata of earlier. The house felt especially lonely tonight. She closed her eyes as she sat on the large futon and drew the blanket over her lap. Looking to her right, she fingered the blanket there, spreading a palm over the grey wool. Caught in this moment, between the future and the past, sleep was slow to come.

…

The next morning…

Kagome sat in silence in the bed and watched the pale, long grasses in the field sway and straighten in the breeze. She remembered the now bittersweet feeling of moving swiftly through fields and forests nestled on top of a warm and sturdy back. A still-waking heart pounded in her chest as the memories began to burn in her eyes. Today would be hard.

'What do you think of my life now? What would you say, or do, if you had been the one left behind?'

Another moment of reflection passed with her hands folded atop the quilt, looking out the open window and sitting up in the bed they had shared, before her sadness began to feel more like self-pity than kind remembrance. Rising determinedly from the futon, she stretched stiff arms high overhead and began the day.

Before long, a cooking fire was glowing brightly under the cast iron pot as breakfast simmered away. Her mind jumped from this task to the next without pause: readying tea, pulling dishes out, breakfast made, dressing to begin the day… Anything but imagining what it would be like sitting in front of a cold gravestone with her friends this afternoon, trying not to curse the kami once again for robbing him of what had been a hard life from the start.

'I said I had made peace with his death. Even today, I have to believe it.' She looked at the storage chest in the corner that held the Fire Rat robes. 'You knew it, too. You told me it was okay… and I can be okay for you and for myself.'

…

That same morning, in the West…

The tall, intricately carved pillars at the entrance to the Palace were not fully lit beyond the shadow of the mountain when Sesshoumaru met Captain Ren at the gate. The young inu looked more ready for war than guard duty with his armor, weapons, and small pack of necessities slung over one shoulder. Ren's shoulder length silver hair was bound high above the shoulder plates of his dark leather scale armor. The set trailed down his body, covering vulnerable spots more heavily on his left side where the forearm and hand were missing.

The magenta three-quarter moon announcing his heritage was framed by thick bangs and sat above piercing and alert spring green eyes that found the elder inu immediately as his Lord approached. The younger inu bowed respectfully and a silver amulet fell forward from his haori.

"Reporting as commanded, my Lord, and ready to depart."

"Make haste on your journey but be alert. The enemy attacks with no youki, scent, or sound. Your assignment is not only to safeguard the miko but should the assassin or any villain appear, you are to hunt them without rest until capture or death. A prisoner to question is preferable but should the quarry prove too devious, a kill at your discretion is acceptable. Be warned also that Lord Katsurou and the steward of the East, Ryouzou, may visit to verify her continued presence and she is to remain unharmed, whatever occurs."

"They need only see her to verify the pact is still valid, correct?"

"Yes."

"I understand, Lord Sesshoumaru."

"Additionally, keep your ears alert when in the village and watch the humans for signs of rebellion or malcontent where she is concerned."

"Kagome-sama is in danger from the humans of her own village?"

"They seem to cast derision and suspicion toward individuals who fall outside the norm of their social behavior. A fear of the different. The miko faces a challenge in convincing the other humans that daiyoukai can be trusted. She has made it her occupation to convince them of our worthiness as allies. Aid her when you can. Your behavior has the ability to convince or harden them, both to her and the idea of cooperation."

"I will ask her, then, for guidance on my behavior while there, milord."

The great inu tipped his chin up and narrowed fierce golden eyes on the Captain.

"Lastly, Captain, I remind you to maintain a boundary of respect with the miko. Her familiarity with your company is one reason for your selection but do not let her disarming nature distract you from your post. The future Lady of the West needs your protection, not your friendship."

Ren swallowed thickly and bowed.

"Of course, my Lord. I will return and report when she leaves the village to visit her human family."

"Then you are dismissed. I will relieve you in the spring."

Ren bowed again, straightened his pack and crouched low on the bedrock walkway before taking off in a cloud of dust, verdant youki, and a fang-revealing, wide, and relieved smile.

"Much more and he might have pissed himself." came a deep voice from the shadows of the entryway.

"It was not my intent to intimidate but convey the seriousness of his task."

"Ah. My mistake, then." Ryota chuckled.

"But two things can be true at once, General. You are leaving?"

"My task is done, my orders given, and your errand run. I see no need to remain."

"The tournament will be less entertaining in your absence." Sesshoumaru admitted.

"Hardly! The Eastern heir will be fighting this year under his own power, you can assess the strength of that grandcub of Katsurou, and the kitsune champion is said to be a fierce presence. I am sad to miss it but my mother requests my presence to expand the caves this year in case my eldest brother's new Mate bears cubs. They are hopeful, at least, and my mother is not to be denied." The bear tipped his chin down and noted the calm in Sesshoumaru's aura, present since his return last night. "Perhaps, in so many years, you will have an heir of your own to participate instead of a General."

"Safe travels." Sesshoumaru said flatly, turning to walk away.

"Dream of blue eyes and a fiery spirit while I'm gone!" Ryota teased, leaping into the air.

"Run fast and far, Ryota!" the inu growled.

The bellowing laugh of the bear faded into the distance as he did.

…

The same morning, in Edo…

"Shippou, let's go! What are you doing in there?" Kagome called from the common room.

Small eruptions of his energetic youki had been raising the hair on her neck all morning since breakfast and curiosity was getting the better of her now. She dropped the bow and staff near the door and turned around to wrangle Shippou.

"Just a minute! I'm almost- gah! -almost done."

"Done with what?" she asked quietly, craning her head to peek into his room.

"I'll show you later. Don't come in!" he barked, youkai ears hearing footsteps coming closer.

"Fine but I'm gonna be late for archery training with Chisato-chan. Meet me at the shrine when you're done with… whatever this is, okay?"

"Gotcha. See you later, Momma!"

Kagome couldn't help the grin that split her face hearing him refer to her so affectionately. The first time he had said it, at their wedding, Inuyasha had looked her with such love and appreciation during the ceremony, but the sideview of his honest smile as contented golden eyes followed the kit's leaps across the shrine yard had taken her breath away.

'You knew exactly how he felt right then, didn't you? Suddenly, part of a family, loved and accepted. Both of you were mine to protect but I failed you when you needed me most. I will never fail someone I love ever again. No matter what it takes.'

The list of loved ones was growing year by year, too. Sango, Miroku, and their children. Shippou and Rin and Kaede. Her own family in the future. Sesshoumaru…

Spending time in his home, in the Palace, Kagome realized how much could be lost if his progress solidifying the West and the human alliances were stilled. While he'd been vague about what exactly had happened in the future, Kagome shuddered to think of losing any of the youkai she had met to a madman. They had all been through that once before. The haunted eyes of a fully grown Shippou were motivation enough but combined with the many deaths Sesshoumaru had alluded to, her determination to change the outcome grew each time they met.

Thinking so long about her future brought her feet mechanically to the hill below the shrine. Before the first step upward was lifted from the dirt, Miroku called her from down the road.

"Good morning, Kagome-sama!" Miroku called, his usually bright smile stopped short of being genuine.

"Hey, Miroku. You have business at the shrine this morning? I'm training her today so I'll open everything up if you want to stay home."

"May I help you?" he asked, stepping closer.

"You mean 'hover protectively' and we both know it."

"My good intentions are transparent, it seems. However," he grinned shyly and stepped closer. "perhaps it is I who need your presence today, as well."

"Miroku… Of course, you're right. It's so easy to forget I'm not the only one who lost him." Her hand opened for his and he clasped it only to be tugged upward with her to the shrine. "Come on, let's get started. You can help by giving Chisato some of that militant instruction you shouted at me for months."

"And yet here you stand, stronger than ever, and taking the role from my willing hands."

"What doesn't kill you…" she shook her head, chuckling quietly.

…

Deep in the woods, wedged between the West and South, a river roared its descent over the edge of a high cliff. Water smashed against the rock below, misting the air and cloaking the entrance to a cave hidden behind the cascade that had been Tsuneyori's home for as long as he could remember.

"You are ready then?" Daichi asked, claws drumming impatiently on the wet rock.

The waterfall clattered behind him and cleverly hid sight, scent, and sound from their enemies as Daichi waited for the fruits of his labor to step forward.

"Are you convinced?" growled an answer in the ancient, primal youkai tongue.

The voice from the shadows materialized into an onyx fox the size of a massive bear with seven white-tipped tails dancing with pale golden orbs of youki. Crimson eyes trained on his father, the disguised Tsuneyori walked carefully forward. He was unused to the feeling of paws, having never been allowed to use his own. It was thrilling and new to be surrounded in youki. His father's charms worked well.

"Transform. They will spend more time on two legs than four."

A mist of crimson rose from the fox Tsuneyori's clawed feet and the male materialized from within, dressed in the same violet haori and black hakama he'd always worn.

"That scar…" The ancient kitsune clicked his tongue. "The pup is not aware of it, correct?"

Tsuneyori fingered the new pink flesh over his right cheek and shook his head. The miko's arrow had scarred him deeply but it was long since healed and there was nothing to be done about it now.

"Good. The eyes are different than his," Daichi appraised, "but it cannot be helped. No one who knows him will be there in any case. The youki borrowed from the charm will be foreign enough to deceive her..."

The ancient kitsune's eyes grew unfocused thinking of the vicious and lively female he had broken with but then shook himself free of the memory. She had bound him once, thought him hers, but the memories were all he allowed her to leave within him. That miko had done her job well cleansing the Bond entirely. Chinatsu's utility was nearing its end and she would suffer the same fate in due time.

He would not be tamed. Not settled in a village like a common beast waiting for a degrading death at human hands or old age. Youkai seemed to have all forgotten the feeling of enemy blood coating their throats and the exhilarating roars of victory over a fallen challenger. It was long past time to reclaim their dominance and rid the population of those weak souls who wanted eternal peace.

His current Mate now wanted the same dull existence but she had not always. Chinatsu had been wild, fierce, and unmerciful when he first sunk his fangs into her throat and Marked her as his. He allowed her to return the gesture, thinking this vixen might finally be his match. Over time, though, she grew calmer and more reserved. Old as she was, her eyes had seen humankind change from innocent beasts discovering life and its wonders, to staring pitifully at the overcomplicated and passionless lives they now made for themselves. Her sympathy for lesser beings made her tiresome and unfit to walk beside him. It was time to move on.

Youkai had warred for dominance since the beginning. War was not unnatural. To deny your nature and sit idly for millennia until death was unnatural. This new order of guarding the far corners of their territories like living statues was unnatural. When Daichi had engineered the first Four Points War, it seemed as if his plan to pit them against each other had worked until the upstart from the West allied himself with the holy humans and tipped the scale. The reynard never planned for youkai and human alliances. It had taken him four centuries of planning and traitorous whispers in the right ears but now the scale was about to tip again. These false Lords would all see how little they had changed when the first drops of blood fell.

"Change and bathe before you arrive. If they recognize you in any way, your life is forfeit."

Daichi tossed a sack at the younger male and shifted his weight onto one foot, appraising him with narrowed silver eyes.

"I remind you again: your mother will be there. You will not know her by appearance but by scent. It cannot be helped. Do not allow yourself to be distracted. The tournament, this winter, may be our last opportunity to single him out. After this year, that girl will be there during every event, at all times. He will be in the throes of the Bond, fiercer and more feral than ever should she come to harm. Do not fail, Tsuneyori."

"I will not, father."

"I have provided you with appropriate clothing and a new sword. The charm you must keep with you at all times."

Tsuneyori fingered the green, crystalline eye hidden in the folds of his haori.

"If it is destroyed like the last one, I shall return for another."

"No. There are no more until this litter is born and grown. I used the others during the Wars and you foolishly sent the last with your decoy. No matter. These kits will meet an unfortunate death just as their eldest siblings once I can arrange it. Keep that in mind should you continue to fail."

Tsuneyori swallowed and ignored the burning at his eyes. The quickest way out of this hell was to succeed. When the great inu lay dead, he would regain his youki when they forced the unprotected miko to break his father's Bond and the seal on his true self.

No other miko he had studied held such power and his father was intent on breaking her to serve them just as he had done during the Wars. The last miko his father had used, Sanayo, had fought admirably but ultimately served her purpose. First, though…

First, Sesshoumaru had to die.

"Yes, father."

"Hn. Meet Chinatsu in the forest when she calls. Hidekatsu is notoriously lazy. She will expect him to be asleep in the woods near sundown as usual. I will have killed him by then and you can begin your charade."

"Then, I leave alone for the West."

"Yes. Your skill should easily carry you through the tournament. When it is over, and your opponents lay dead, the Lands will scramble to claim new successors just like the humans they bow to." Daichi sneered.

"But you said heirs are no longer allowed to be executed during the tournament. I cannot kill them if-"

"Not during the tournament, Tsuneyori! Think!" the reynard yelled, then took a shaky breath before continuing with an air of patronizing calm. "Beat them hard in the arena and finish them later, after you kill the inu. Wait for the appropriate time and use the charm to duplicate your visage elsewhere while you are not cloaked. They will gather to celebrate the winner. Watch carefully and when Sesshoumaru leaves the feast, catch him alone and kill him. With the feast carrying on, the guests are less likely to notice. Without the charm active, no one will be able to smell or sense you."

"And if they do? Why not come with me? Why must I do this alone?"

"If you are found out, if you fail, return here. The newest kits and my Mate require attention, and I am away far too long as it is. You are strong and prepared for this task, my son." Daichi stepped over to Tsuneyori and took the kit's apprehensive face into his thin hands. "Accomplish what no other before you has dared."

Tsuneyori stood shocked as his father pulled him close in a rare show of affection. He froze with crimson eyes blown wide and just as the kit regained control of his limbs, reaching tentative hands toward his father's back, Daichi withdrew to the cave's entrance and left him alone once again.

"Now, go. Report when the tournament is over."

"Yes… father."

…

That afternoon, back in Edo…

Chisato dropped the bow from her cramped fingers and sunk heavily to the ground.

"How… can you fire… so many?" she panted.

"Practice, Chisato-chan. I practice just like you are now. Keep at it."

The young initiate looked down and flexed her raw hands. Deep brown eyes pleaded up at her teacher.

"I cannot hold the bow any longer much less fire!"

Kagome crossed her arms and frowned.

"Not with that attitude. Come on. Up. Give me five more."

"One! Perhaps, two."

"Ten, then." Kagome said firmly, Chisato sputtered, but an ebony brow rose in warning and the initiate stilled. "Keep it up and it'll be fifteen."

"Why is this so important? You are much more accomplished than I! Let me do those things which I am prepared for and you can fire as many arrows as you like."

"I may not always be here, Chisato-chan, and when- if I'm not, it will be up to you. Miroku's skill is with his staff. His proficiency with a bow is okay at best and Kaede can hardly see beyond the shrine yard on a clear day. Don't tell her I said that, though. You said you have no interest in close combat so this is a perfect solution." The miko scooped up the bow that was much lighter than her own and held it out. "Lives may depend on your skill with this bow. Can you live with failure when you could be prepared?"

"No one and nothing has attacked this village since I came here. The time of youkai is nearly gone my father says. Though, he said it to diminish my choice at the time."

"He's wrong, and you're right to continue. Be as stubborn with that bow as you are about your choice to devote yourself and you'll be just fine."

The older miko's confidence in her ability was impressive.

'So sure and strong in her convictions. Never a moment's doubt in her day.' Chisato marveled.

If Kagome-sama could show such faith in her potential, she could try to live up to it. The Shikon Miko was not ruthless against youkai, as the tales claimed, but her determination and raw power were a force to be reckoned with. If only she was not so sympathetic to youkai, Chisato might have devoted herself as Kagome-sama's disciple.

'She still conceals her most honored title from me. I wonder why…'

"Very well."

The initiate stood on shaky legs, wiped the sweat and grime from her hands on her hakama, and cautiously took the large, red lacquered bow from a much more calloused hand.

"Show me once more how my hand should be placed, please?"

"As many times as you need." Kagome smiled patiently.

…

The afternoon sun darkened with deep oranges and reds, casting long shadows over the shrine grounds. The last of the sweeping was done for the day and Kagome leaned her back against wall of the warm wood, hugging the broom and delaying the last task of the day.

'Can't put it off anymore or we'll lose the light.'

"Miroku?" Kagome called from the porch, looking around for his familiar robes.

His head appeared through the doorway of the small shed several yards away and she chuckled to herself.

"Yes?"

"Help me shut these doors and then let's… let's go get Sango and the kids."

Walking from the shed to the shrine, he vaulted up onto the porch and understood her meaning. It was time.

"Very well." he nodded.

His violet eyes fell to the floor and he turned around to acquiesce, sliding the first wide shoji door closed with a snap, scaring himself. The work was quiet as each of them silently reflected between tasks.

Miroku thought of the first impressions he'd had of Inuyasha and an indecently dressed young miko, who both shouted too loudly and possessed a will to fiercely protect total strangers from injustice.

'The oddest pair I had ever laid eyes on.' he thought warmly. 'And the most clueless. Never have I met lovers less aware of themselves than you two.'

He turned around to watch Kagome reach high to tug at a door, frowning at her work, silently preparing herself just as he was.

'You would be proud of her, Inuyasha. I had my doubts but she has found her own path forward. Your legacy is her compassion for everyone, no matter their origins. Without you, we would not know her now and I thank the kami we do.'

"Miroku?"

Startlingly concerned blue eyes were suddenly only a few feet away, boring into his own.

"I am fine." he grinned shallowly. "Shall we?"

"Okay."

Kagome picked up a small basket near the door and looped an arm through its small handle. She laid one hand against the outside, hugging it to her body, as they made their way out into the twilight. The pair walked quietly to the edge of the stairs, ready to descend, but Sango's dark hair and warm, brown eyes met them first as she materialized above the hill, one step at a time.

"I thought perhaps it was getting late." Sango greeted. "Shippou sent this to you, Kagome-chan," she held out a basket when they met her near the top, "but he would not join me- Satomi, up now- Shizuka, go to your father- and he would not tell me why."

Kagome accepted the basket with her thanks and explained.

"He doesn't like visiting the grave," she tapped her nose, "and that's okay. That basket probably has the mysterious project he was working on this morning and refused to show me. Where is he now?"

"Asleep in the children's room. He must have exhausted himself somehow. I never thought about his sense of smell. How terrible for him."

"I'll go get him on the way home, then. Sesshoumaru explained it to me when he was here and I'm glad he did."

"Sesshoumaru-sama was here? When?"

"Last night. He needed-"

"Kagome!" Sango said, shocked.

"Get your mind out out of the gutter, Sango-chan! He just needed to tell me he'd be gone all winter."

"Hello, my love." Miroku greeted, lifting the twins in his arms and resting his forehead against Sango's with a deep breath and a sad smile. "So defensive, is she not? Shall we?"

"Hi, Gome-bachan!" Satomi greeted brightly.

"Hello, Satomi-chan. I'm glad you came today."

Kagome lead the way to the rear of the small graveyard and placed her small basket and Shippou's larger one on the ground next to the pillar of dark stone that marked Inuyasha's grave.

As he reached the grave, Miroku stopped for a moment and sighed, placing the children on the ground. He knelt down and reverently touched the stone, still warm from the sun. Kagome knelt beside him and prepared the incense from her small basket, lighting it with ease and arranging it on the small altar. Miroku did the same and they both knelt properly with their heads bowed, sending their love and well wishes to the kami to guide him.

"Now, let's see what Shippou took all day making." Kagome dug into the basket he'd sent and chuckled sadly when she found it. "Oh, Ship…"

"What is it?" Sango asked curiously.

"He made an offering for Inuyasha."

Kagome held up a near-perfect imitation of the instant noodle cups she had brought them all many times during the quest. He had even hand-drawn what he could remember of the garish labels. Miroku laughed aloud and Sango smacked him on the arm, thinking it inappropriate. Kagome placed the cup on the altar and sat back on her knees again.

"Oh, my friend, what a hole you left here in our lives. I hope you are at peace wherever you are." Miroku said somberly.

"Indeed, he did." said Sango from behind. "He asked me to stay when I was ready to fight alone. I will always thank him in my heart for that."

She balanced their youngest son on her hip as the twins held hands beside her. Miroku took a step back and put an arm around his wife and a hand on his nearest daughter's shoulder.

"As will I." Miroku squeezed her shoulder a little tighter.

"Uncle Inu is really gone, huh Daddy?" said Shizuka, looking up at her father.

"Yes, my love, he is." He knelt down in front of the twins. "Would you like to say a prayer and wish him well on his journey?"

"Yes!"

Two sets of tiny hands clapped loudly and folded in prayer for a moment.

Kagome looked at the family standing next to her and smiled contentedly. She had feared today, dreaded it, but now that they were here, her heart felt only peace. Over the last year, she had cried out her sadness, raged at the injustice of his death, and worked hard to find a new way forward. As she recalled the year behind, death had once again tried to take her, more than once, but she had beat it back with the help of friends, old and new. She had been terrified that Inuyasha would see her die. Now, she prayed that he would watch her live.

And so the evening passed as what remained of the Inutachi talked about their past, laughed with bittersweet tears in their eyes, and prayed; all fondly remembering the person that brought them together.

…

AN: I'm still here! Still writing and still motivated, but now that school is in, updates will have to happen when they happen. Feel free to send me a message anytime. If it isn't obvious, even with the impending sequel anime coming next month, we're gonna plow ahead here like it doesn't exist. To all of my guest reviewers, I see you and appreciate your comments even if I can't respond! As always, thanks for reading! Next time: Ren comes to stay, three daiyoukai come to visit Edo, and the tournament of heirs is underway!