AN: Sorry about the time between updates, guys and girls. I have lovely, wonderful, generous children and they wanted lots of snuggles. They love to share too. So they brought home some pretty hearty lung/respiratory sickness from school. And gave it to me. With my one functioning lung. _ Omph. So I've been in a mock-come trying to sleep it off.

Love you all, and thank you for not giving up on me these last few days of web silence. And for the comments while I've been so valiantly fighting this internal battle!

Note the self-depreciative sarcasm lol. None for my readers but lots of eye rolling for myself.

On to the new chapter.

… … …

Paradigm Shift

Chapter Twenty-four: Conversations

… … …

The five surviving guards from the Western Hall were gathered together at the far end of Atsuta's gardens, near to the bath house. It pleased Sesshomaru to note that two of his guards stood quietly in front of the door.

The other three stood at his approach. None of the inuyoukai bowed to him or spoke. Instead, they stood with their sleeveless left arms across their ribs; proudly displaying Sesshomaru's crest on the back their left wrists.

The mark of his most elite, most loyal fighters. Those who bore his crest at their wrist did not serve him because they served the west; they served the west because they were loyal to him. This was not simply the crest of his bloodline, it was his own mark. Two magenta stripes wrapped around the guards' wrists, curving around to the backs of their hands; a blue crescent moon nestled between and just above the pointed ends of the stripes.

He knew the two guarding the bath house wouldn't leave their self-appointed posts. They would do as they saw fit to protect Sesshomaru and any under his protection unless told otherwise by Sesshomaru, himself.

These men bore his crest because they had earned his trust, his respect, and his loyalty just as they gave theirs. It was not often that he had to correct any of his guards' behavior over the centuries. It happened, of course. There would always be disagreements on methods or interests, but it was rare.

"Mori fought well. Died well." Sesshomaru announced.

His men shifted in agitation, their jaki flaring involuntarily before they clamped it back under control again.

"You are all that are left of the Western Hall's fighting forces." A pause. "One of you will take up his title and his place at my side as General."

Ranks among the fighters who bore Sesshomaru's mark were decided upon amongst the fighters themselves. It was just something else that showed his respect and trust in these men.

The fact that he allowed his guards to occupy all of the leadership ranks in his armies didn't hurt his peace of mind while he traveled.

"I will need to know your decision in two days time, when I will return to the wolf dens from the bear clans." All of the guards nodded once in acknowledgment. "I want my general at my side when I go to the boar and fox tribes near the southern borders."

With that, Sesshomaru turned his back to his guards and the bath house. He knew the feel of the youkai leaning against the tree behind him.

"Lord Sesshomaru." Heiji smiled and strode over to him, unceremoniously gathering the rigid taiyoukai into a crushing hug. "It has been too long."

Sesshomaru shook out the sleeve of his hankimono and smoothed his hand down the front of it when he was released.

"Heiji." He shook out his long silver hair. "The greeting of the bear clan is as exuberant as ever, I see."

"Customs don't easily change, Lord Sesshomaru." Heiji laughed heartily. "As you well know."

"Indeed."

Heiji stuck out his arm to Sesshomaru and he clasped his fingers around the bear's forearm.

"If you are heading to my clan, I would come along."

"As is your right." They released each other's arms. "I must speak with Kagome before we depart."

Heiji shot him a grin and started walking backward.

"I'll just head out if you don't mind. I'm sure you can catch up."

"Of course. I will not be long."

They turned away from each other, Heiji taking off toward the western cliff face and Sesshomaru toward the door of the bath house.

… … …

Sango grimaced as she awoke. Her entire body absolutely ached. The worst of the pain was in her leg, but overall she felt like she had been crushed by a rockslide. Groaning and doing her best to keep her breathing steady through the effort and the pain, she sat up.

"I did not expect ye to wake so soon, Child."

"Kaede?"

"Aye."

Sango took in the familiar surroundings, her heart beginning to pick up its pace. She couldn't stay here. Not injured. She swallowed thickly.

"How did I get here?" She peered under the blanket at the dressings on her leg, peeling them back to inspect the damage. "You drained the toxin?"

"Kouga brought ye to me. He has barely left."

Sango felt a wave of relief was over her. If Kouga was able to bring her, she might not have to worry.

"He helped me to extract the venom." Kaede gestured to Sango's thigh even though Sango wasn't looking at her. "He was curiously unaffected by the reiki that lingers here."

Sango's eyes closed and her face contorted.

"The reiki?"

"Aye. Kagome's spiritual energies still remain." Kaede turned back to chopping her herbs for the poultice she'd been preparing for Sango's leg. "Are you not curious, Sango?"

"Not really. I was there after it all happened."

Kaede smiled softly at her wooden slab where she worked.

"I speak of the wolf prince, Sango. Are ye not curious about his ability to be present in these lands?"

Sango paled, stuttering.

"I… Keade. That is…" She sighed and turned wary eyes to the elder miko. "You know, don't you? You're old enough to remember the stories."

She heard Kaede laugh softly.

"Some. Rumors of stories." She pointed her dull knife at Sango. "I never expected such rumors to hold any truth, let alone be able to see just why they could be true." She set her knife on the wooden slab and wiped her hand on a cloth. "It is hard to argue the truth of it, now. I have seen the land affect ye in this state."

"I can't stay here, Kaede."

"Aye. Ye are hardly a threat as ye are, but as ye begin to heal and the jaki rises up to heal ye… it would not be wise to be on sacred ground when your blood activates."

Sango nodded slowly.

"I expect that the others will be along to collect ye, but I do not know when. In the mean time, one of the village men has agreed to ferry you to another village to recover."

"I'm so sorry, Kaede. I don't mean to cause you any trouble."

"Nonsense, child. I think no differently of ye, youkai blood or no."

Sango flinched. The taijiya had tried to keep this secret for so long, and she didn't even have to be awake to betray it.

"Can ye stand on that leg?"

Sango bent the knee of her injured leg, jaw clenched. She nodded.

"I think so."

Kaede looked at her with an appraising eye.

"Best we allow the young man to aid ye."

Kaede nodded at Sango and strode through the door, returning with one of the village men that Sango vaguely recognized.

"Hello, miss. I'm Kyou." He looked her over with concern. "Are you sure that you wouldn't rather stay here and let Lady Kaede tend you? She's a great healer…"

Sango glanced at Kaede who was shaking her head slowly.

So her secret hadn't been shared, after all.

"I, uhm. Thank you, Kyou. I should really get moving though. I hope I'm not causing you any trouble?"

He flapped his hand at Sango with a gracious smile.

"Don't worry about it! I'm headed to the next village for trade. It's no problem at all to escort such a pretty woman at the same time!"

Sango smiled at the man's blush.

"Would you like a hand to the cart?"

"Yes please."

… … …

You would think that ruling over a bunch of islands would numb him to the discomfort of water travel, but it didn't. He loathed traveling by water.

There was nothing to be done for it, though. He ran his hands through his wild black hair and closed his eyes.

"I understand that he's a sea eagle, but why can't the bastard pick a coastal home? No. He has to live out in the middle of the ocean on that forsaken rock of his."

He pretended not to notice his men laughing at him quietly.

"We should be near, my lord. Yuuto's cave should be just around this cliff's edge."

"Yes. Then we must sail out into the deeper waters."

His tails flicked in agitation as his men voiced their humor again.

… … …

The feel of the thick, warm blood dripping from his claws would have probably been satisfying. If he could even comprehend the sensation. Then again, if he had evough conscious thought to be able to process it, he would be himself and probably be disgusted.

Once the birds that he hadn't already torn apart pushed off into the air, he spared them no thought because he had no thought to spare. He would wander because that was instinct. Keep moving. Keep going.

He chewed at the bird flesh in his mouth. Not hungry anymore.

He looked around himself. No threats.

Still. Something was driving his instincts. There was a scent in the air that put his nerves on edge.

… … …

Miroku scrubbed his hands over his face. He didn't deserve her. He knew he didn't. He wasn't any good for her, he knew that, but he was selfish.

He sat down near Rin and Shippou, hanging his head.

Had he taken advantage of her? Maybe he should have stopped it. She'd been so nervous. She'd been so torn over everything lately. First Inuyasha and the jewel and her heart being broken after so long and so much devotion.

He had definitely taken advantage of her.

He didn't deserve her.

Sesshomaru was right to be skeptical of his intentions. It's not like he had ever hidden the fact that he didn't embrace anything or anyone that might be permanent in his life.

But he felt so much for Kagome. He knew he loved her. How could anyone not love her?

It didn't matter if he loved her, though. He'd taken something from her that she could never get back.

Would she regret it once her emotions were finally stable again?

He grimaced.

Would Sesshomaru kill him if Kagome decided that she didn't want him, after all?

Would he be destroyed if she didn't want him, after all?

He screwed his closed eyes harder together.

He would be.

… … …

When Kagome heard the door open, she scrambled to the edge of the water and peered at the entrance, holding her breath as she let her mouth and nose dip under the water. Little bubbles floated up and splashed fecks of water into her eyes.

White silk and silver hair brought her relief and she pulled her chin up onto the tiles.

"Sesshomaru." She smiled at him as he plucked a clean white yukata from its place. He tossed it over to her, making her squeak in surprise as it landed on her head.

"Cover yourself, Kagome."

She pulled the yukata into the water, wrapping it around her more like a towel than a piece of clothing.

"I will be leaving shortly to go to the bear clans. I want you to go with the pups into the caves."

Kagome nodded.

"Aren't you going to…" She looked over Sesshomaru's clean outfit and morbidly caked hair. "…clean up, first?"

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at her.

"Well… I mean, isn't the… smell… killing you?"

"It is not pleasant. Time is imperative where the bears are concerned. They care not for a little gore."

"A little?"

Sesshomaru crouched down at the edge of the water, looking into her face.

"There will be time to bath in-" He looked into the pink water with disdain. "-more amiable conditions. Tomorrow. The wolves are hospitable."

Kagome wrinkled her nose.

"It is pretty gross… I had to get off as much as I could though…"

A clawed finger ran down the bridge of Kagome's scrunched nose.

"I would not like to see you tainted." He told her.

Kagome tilted her head to the side.

"I spoke with… your monk."

She blushed and averted her eyes.

"He has assured me of his intent. I must admit that I am hesitant. Is this what you want, Kagome?"

Still not looking at him, she nodded quickly.

Sesshomaru stood again, looking down at Kagome.

"I must take my leave of you. I will return to the wolf dens with the bear clans in two days or less. They are not far."

He turned and began to walk away but was halted by Kagome's voice.

"Could…" She hesitated when Sesshomaru looked over his shoulder at her. "I… nevermind. It's stupid. I just… nevermind."

"What is it, Kagome?"

She stared up at him, taking in the immaculant silk and how it made the drying smears of blood on his visible skin just that much more apparent. How it made the gore in his hair and on his pelt look so disquieting.

"It's just… it just looks so wrong…" He turned fully toward her again. "It's stupid! Nevermind!"

"Kagome."

She sighed, knowing that he wouldn't let it go any easier than he ever let things go when it came to her, now. She should have just kept her big fat mouth shut.

"I was going to ask…" She cringed. "If I could…" She sucked in a deep breath and turned away from his imposing figure. This was so stupid. Why did she even think of it, let alone allow it to come out of her mouth? "washyourhair" She mumbled.

Everything that came after was a little too loud and a little too rushed. "I tolf you it was dumb! I didn't even mean to say it! Kami. Don't kill me, okay? I'm sorry. I shouldn't-"

Her embarrassing ramble was cut off by the sound of his deep laugh.

"It has been many years since a woman has offered to wash my hair."

Kagome spun in the water, blushing, and putting her back to his amused gaze.

"Grooming is an integral part of inuyoukai culture, Kagome. I am not offended. This is not quite the setting or the relationship that such a thing usually takes place in, though."

"I'm sorry…"

"No need."

"It just seems so wrong… I mean… there's pieces."

Sesshomaru crouched down again and put his hand on the back of her head.

"Do not be embarrassed. There is no need." He felt her nod under his hand. "Regrettably, I do not have the time to bathe, as I mentioned. I also do not believe that you would be wholly comfortable with myself so exposed in the water with you."

"Well…"

Kagome peered over her shoulder. He raised an eyebrow at her again, waiting.

"You wouldn't have to be naked…"

Why oh why couldn't she keep her mouth shut? She needed to go to sleep. Stupid.

"I am not bathing in my silks, Kagome."

She turned around the rest of the way, flailing her hand that didn't hold the yukata onto her body.

"No! I mean… of course not…"

His eyes narrowed as he withdrew his hand.

"You could just.." 'Shut up Kagome. Knock it off. Stop talking.' "Lay down…" 'Oh man. Just kill me now. Sleep. This will have been a nightmare. A really really embarrassing nightmare'

The blank stare Sesshomaru was giving her only made her mortified at her own thoughts and words.

"Surely you are not suggesting that I… lay on the floor."

Yep. She was going to die of mortification.

"I'm sorry! Just forget it! I told you I was being stupid!"

Sesshomaru stood again and started walking toward the door. To her great surprise, he turned to pick up another yukata and walked back toward her.

"Wha..t?"

He flipped the garment out and it settled on the floor in front of her. When he sat down on it with his back to her, she could only stare. Then he actually laid down, letting his hair fall all around her in the water.

"You will speak of this to no one, understand?"

Kagome nodded quickly until she remembered that he couldn't see her.

"Of course not! I wouldn't!"

Sesshomaru waved his hand in the air obove his waist, snapping her out of her shock.

"Oh!"

Kagome gathered up his hair in the water, running her fingers through it to dislodge chucks of things that she wished she didn't recognize.

"Thank you." She whispered.

Sesshomaru hummed in response.

She got the worst of the blood and other things out of the soft mass, massaging the dried parts until they fell loose. It was strangely calming and reassuring for her.

"You may be picking up inuyoukai tendencies, Kagome."

They both smiled softly.

"Well, I'm part of your house, now, right?"

"Yes. Though it is customary that you take my mark."

"Huh?"

She let go of his hair as he sat upslowly, squeezing the liquid out as best as she could while he did turned around and met her eyes, lifting his left sleeve to reveal the trail of hop stars.

"Imagine my surprise when I came across these as I dressed."

Kagome stared, confused and inexplicably drawn to the little stars. Her brow crinkles and she looked at Sesshomaru in question.

"I don't understand."

"This mark contains your reiki, Kagome. It is your mark."

"But how…"

"I believe that it happened at the base of the mountain. The day your reiki flared for what we thought was no reason."

He let his sleeve fall back over the mark and stood again, seeing the confusion linger on her face.

"Do not worry, Kagome. We can speak of it when we reach the wolf dens and more pressing matters are taken care of."

He made it all the way to the door this time, even had it partially open, when she spoke.

"Sesshomaru!" Her hand was reached out toward him when he looked. "Just… be safe."

He smiled at her.

"I will do my utmost."

Then he was gone.

She stared at the door for a few minutes until something brushed against her arm.

"Euuugh…Time to get out."

She batted at the globs of flesh and guts floating around her and climbed out of the water, ready for some sleep, finally.

… … …

AN: Cuddly moments are cuddly.

Kem: Inuyasha is sort of making a mess of things in this fic, huh? Don't worry, Sesshomaru will address the issue soon enough.

Kotodashi Kyoshi: I'm glad you're sticking with me even though you're disappointed with the pairing. I'm really flattered that you're going to keep reading despite that. Thank you so much.

Mishi: MISHI! I adore your suggestions, I do. I wrote a thing just for you. Check out my profile and look at the new one-shot Equivalence. Let me know what you think.

reddragon09:
Wow! Thanks so much for taking the time to read 23chapters/70k+ words of Paradigm Shift. Not only that, but also feeling so strongly about it that you took even more time and made the effort of posting a comment on the last chapter! I got the hint from your review that you're not particularly fond of the Kagome/Miroku romance going on in this fic. I'd say sorry about that, but I'm really not. I thought about giving some recs to you for more conventional pairing or popular pairing fics, but they're pretty complex and intricate plotlines, so I'm not sure you'd be able to follow. I can tell that you can't quite grasp the subtlety …or, really, the obvious bits in Paradigm Shift's plot. I can totally rec some traditional books for you though. You might enjoy Cinderella, Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood or this great one called ABC Time. Those seems pretty well up your alley if you want a straightforward plot. OH! Just make sure not to read the original Grimm's tales. They might be too much for the delicate sensibilities of someone whose vocabulary includes the causal use of ptooey. Since you did make it through the entirety of the posted content of Paradigm Shift, you might try the stories of Mickey Mouse and/or Donald Duck. They're fairly ongoing, so you might be content with simple, predictable plots and lots and lots and lots of content to occupy yourself with. If it keeps you away from any substantially complex material, and therefore too busy to apply your efforts of deductive idocy, all the better.

Much love!

~Ele