Selecting a career was an important task. From her elementary school days through the time spent at middle school, people had asked Kagome what kind of job she wanted. Several people assumed she would study business to take on the management of her family shrine. Her friends knew she didn't want that. They also knew Kagome hadn't figured out what she wanted to do instead.

Gramps had been training her to take over the shrine for years. Kagome was confident that she didn't want to be a shrine maiden but she hadn't found another career path. Becoming an office worker seemed boring. Eri wanted to be a flight attendant and see the world. Though it sounded exciting, Kagome didn't think she could stand to be away from her family so often. Ayumi wanted to pursue a career in music. Kagome didn't have the voice she did. Landing a job in such a competitive market was unlikely. Yuka was deciding between journalism and working at the local radio station. Neither role appealed to Kagome.

She wanted a job where she could help people. Recognition wasn't something Kagome was interested in, though she did appreciate knowing she was making a difference. She thought she would end up working at a foundation or possibly going to university to become a nurse. Teaching had never been on her radar.

Then she heard Sesshomaru's apology.

Her reiki was powerful. The jewel lodged under her skin was even more so. Yet neither had ever made her feel accomplished. Hearing Sesshomaru talk to Inuyasha flooded her with soothing warmth. The sensation tingled from the tips of her ears down to the ends of her toes. She wondered if all teachers experienced success this way or if it was because of her pupil.

Given everyone's reactions, this was a first for Sesshomaru. Knowing that she had been the one to convince him was a bit surreal. Kagome knew he had agreed to lessons but she had expected it would take a while before Sesshomaru practiced what he had learned. Even more surprising was how quickly he applied her advice to Inuyasha.

The tension between the brothers had risen steadily since Sesshomaru had caught them shaking hands in the courtyard. Inuyasha's attitude toward their marriage didn't help matters. He remarked on it every chance he got– and not in a nice way. Likewise, Sesshomaru appeared irritated any time Inuyasha approached her. Neither of them liked it when she showed attention to the other. Was their possessiveness linked to their bloodline? She wished Kujaku had joined them so she could ask if all inuyokai behaved this way.

"That was a nice apology, Sesshomaru. Inuyasha, do you have anything you'd like to say?" she asked her friend.

His eyebrows angled down. He sheathed his sword and crossed his arms over his chest. "No."

"Inuyasha."

"Let's just keep going," he muttered, turning away. "If we keep stopping like this, we'll never reach the North Sea on time."

Kagome frowned. She thought Inuyasha would be willing to try the way Sesshomaru had. This tour was only an opportunity for her and Sesshomaru to become closer, it was a chance for the brothers to develop their relationship too. She hoped they realized that.

"Inuyasha makes a valid point," Sesshomaru said. "Unfortunately, even if we were to proceed without breaks, we would be unable to reach our destination as scheduled."

Kagome panicked. They couldn't be late for their initial tour stop. First impressions were important. "Should we send a messenger to the tribe's leader?"

"That will not be necessary. We can maintain our schedule if we fly," Sesshomaru announced.

She inspected A-Un's saddle. It was wide enough to accommodate her and Inuyasha but she worried about the extra weight of their packs. Plus, there was Jaken to consider. She didn't think the imp could fly. How was he supposed to make the journey?

Sesshomaru held out his hand to her. "Kagome."

"Yeah? Wait, what are you doing? Sesshomaru!" He scooped her up into his arms. As her upper half tilted back, Kagome instinctively reached out for purchase. One hand landed on Sesshomaru's closest shoulder. The other curled around the fabric of his hankimono.

"You will come with me. Inuyasha and Jaken can ride A-Un."

"But—."

"Unless you'd prefer to continue this way, in which case we will arrive late."

Kagome felt her cheeks heat, partially embarrassed by their positioning and partially because she realized arguing about it would only waste more time. "No, you're right. We need to be respectful of the northern demon tribe. This is fine."

"A wise decision," Sesshomaru responded.

There was a huff off to the side. Inuyasha looked agitated but this time, Kagome didn't think the issue was Sesshomaru.

"I'm not riding with small fry over here." he gestured to Jaken. His focus shifted to A-Un, who he regarded warily. Kagome caught Sesshomaru's eye and knew he had come to the same realization.

"A-Un won't drop you, Inuyasha. You don't have to be scared," Kagome assured her friend.

"I'm not scared!" he retorted.

"Then why not accept the ride?" Sesshomaru countered.

Inuyasha shot his brother an ugly look. "I thought you had this all planned out. We shouldn't be this far behind schedule," he grumbled.

"It's probably my fault. Those sandals were made for the court not travel," Kagome apologized.

"The fault is not yours. My schedule was drafted with three in mind, not five," Sesshomaru said.

Inuyasha scoffed. "Well, it's not my fault either. You forgot to include hanyos. I was doing you a favor."

"I did not forget. Hanyos are the offspring of yokai and human mates, are they not?"

Kagome felt the burn of embarrassment soar up from her stomach to cover her face in a flush of red. She was sure that underneath her guard's uniform her entire body was tinged pink from Sesshomaru's comment.

Inuyasha stared at them. She couldn't tell if he was shocked, impressed, appalled, or a combination of all three. Sesshomaru took his silence as an opportunity to offer an alternative.

"If you wish to continue on foot, you may. Know that A-Un will be accompanying us so if you choose to remain on the ground, you will be on your own," Sesshomaru explained.

"That's not fair! By the time I reach Wakkanai, you'll have moved in."

"It depends on how swiftly you travel."

Inuyasha jabbed a finger at him. "You planned this! You never wanted me to join you and now you're forcing me out."

"That's not true, Inuyasha. We're glad you came along," Kagome insisted. She glanced up at Sesshomaru to hint that he should say something and caught his smirk. She swatted his chest. "You didn't actually plan this, did you?" she hissed.

"I was not the one to ask Inuyasha to accompany us, nor did I invite Jaken. I am not accountable for the delay they caused yet I have found a sufficient way to resolve the situation. I fail to see the issue."

Frustrated, Kagome did the only thing she could think of. She grabbed onto Sesshomaru's ear, yanking his head down toward her. "Now, you listen to me. I get that you two like to spar and yell and generally just fight all the time but I am not going to put up with it. So either figure out how to get along or go home."

Sesshomaru scowled. "You cannot travel alone."

"I won't be alone. I have A-Un, remember?"

"Sesshomaru's right, Kagome. You can't complete this tour by yourself. What will people say when you show up without him?"

"I'll just tell them that he's sick," she decided, releasing his ear.

"That might work for a while but what about when you head back west? People will notice."

"Let them notice. Who is going to question the Shikon Miko?" Even as Kagome spoke, she knew she shouldn't have challenged the Taisho brothers. They knew she was nothing more than an imposter. She had the power of the jewel but that didn't make her the Shikon Miko. Kikyo held that title.

Anger had gifted her a surge of confidence. It had risen rapidly, prompted by the brother's bickering. It dissipated just as quickly, driven away by her guilt. The shadow of the lost priestess hung around her like a permanent cloak. No matter how Kagome tried to get out from underneath the weight of her role, she couldn't escape. It acted as both a shelter and stockade.

Kagome didn't want to be imprisoned by the title nor did she want to hide behind it. She wanted people to see her for who she was, not who she was supposed to be.

"You are the Shikon Miko in name alone."

Startled, Kagome gazed up at Sesshomaru. "What?"

"The jewel is something within your possession. It does not define you. You leverage it the same way you use your reiki or I use my sword. They are merely tools, nothing more."

"So how would you define me?"

Amusement danced in his metallic eyes. "That remains to be seen."

Warmth pooled in her belly. It was similar to the sensation she'd experienced earlier when Sesshomaru had spoken about their hypothetical children. However, this time the heat was intense. It felt like her blood was boiling. She had to remind herself that she was mad at him to keep from grinning.

"I believe you could convince anyone on the tour route that you are worthy of being hosted alone. Regardless, it would make a greater impact if your husband were at your side. Don't you agree?"

Not trusting herself to speak, Kagome nodded.

Sesshomaru's arms tightened around her. "I suggest you hold on tight."

She had barely registered his words before they were ascending toward the clouds.

Sesshomaru did not require another reason to justify his interest in the miko. Kagome was powerful, intelligent, and diligent. Despite her emotional outbursts, she was articulate. She possessed poise in any arena— the courtyard and formal court gatherings. Her tireless need to assist others would make her an exceptional leader. She was his perfect counterpart.

If Sesshomaru had not been convinced before, he was now. She had not hesitated to pinch the flesh of his ear between her thumb and forefinger. While to some it would appear as a simple reprimand, to an inuyokai this behavior was significant in two ways. A tug on the ear was how most mothers chose to scold their pups. Arisu had done it to him countless times in his youth.

Though he had witnessed her use the same tactic on Inuyasha once before, this particular incident reminded Sesshomaru more of the second meaning. The touching of a mate's ear— typically a gentle caress or a teasing bite —was intimate and often sparked further activity. Sesshomaru knew Kagome was unaware that her choice had a double meaning.

Just as she remained ignorant of why he had kissed her neck.

There were many segments of yokai culture that his young bride was unfamiliar with. The tour would serve as an excellent introduction for her. Kagome would observe the inner workings of the court as well as the various clan customs that differentiated them from each other.

She shifted in his hold, peering over his shoulder at the group behind them. "I'm glad Inuyasha got over his fear of A-Un. I would have felt bad if he chose to travel alone."

"Inuyasha chose to join us. If he was unwilling to make sacrifices to be here, that is his issue to mitigate, not yours."

Kagome settled against his chest. "Yeah, I guess, but don't you ever worry about him? He's your only brother."

"He would not appreciate my concern."

"How can you say that? It's obvious he looks up to you."

Sesshomaru considered her view. He had always regarded Inuyasha as inferior. Sesshomaru did not mean to sound cruel. He based his assessment on the facts. As a half-blood, his brother did not inherit the full strength of their father. Inuyasha's life expectancy extended beyond a standard mortal life. He could survive attacks that would be damaging or fatal to humans, such as the time Kagome struck him with her teapot. Despite all this, Inuyasha was incapable of surpassing Sesshomaru's abilities and power.

He thought back to Inuyasha's comments about their youth and the prejudice his brother had faced. Though physically they appeared to be separated by no more than three years, in truth their age gap was much wider. Centuries had passed between their births. By the time Inuyasha was able to walk, Sesshomaru had already begun training for battle. His priority was succeeding Touga, the role he had been born to take. He had not been interested in spending time with his new sibling.

Perhaps if he had shown Inuyasha some compassion as a pup, his brother would not have grown up constantly seeking his attention.

"You may have a point," he told Kagome.

It would certainly explain the increased frequency of Inuyasha's visits.

"Why don't you try talking to him? We're going to be together a lot over the next several weeks. It would be more fun if everyone got along, don't you think?"

"Hn."

Agreeing meant he would lose time with her to spend with his brother. Disagreeing meant he was not considering her advice, despite her valid points on the subject. He did not appreciate when logic worked against his favor.

Kagome tapped his shoulder lightly. "Sesshomaru?" He glanced down at his wife. "I'm not saying you two have to become best friends but I think you'd both be happier if you found some common ground."

"Our swords?"

She smiled in a kind way that told him no. "What about something that doesn't involve weapons or fighting? You both were raised in the Western Palace, right? Arisu and Izayoi are close. I'm sure there has to be something you two did together as children."

"My father insisted upon family dinners. I always found them uncomfortable," he shared.

"Have you ever asked Inuyasha if he felt the same?"

"No."

"I think you should," she encouraged him. "You might be surprised by his answer."

Discussing their family was a gamble. The dynamics of the Taisho clan were unique amongst yokai, mainly due to Izayoi's presence. Sesshomaru was uncertain how Inuyasha would respond to his ask. His brother would likely consider the question a jab at his designation. Their time together could be short-lived but at least he would show Kagome he had listened to her.

"Very well," he agreed.

Her arms curled around his neck in a brief embrace. "Thanks, Sesshomaru. It means a lot that you're trying."

"For you. I am doing this because you asked."

Crease lines appeared on her brow. "What do you mean?"

"You are my wife," he answered.

His reply seemed to confuse her further. Kagome's eyes took on a distant quality. Sesshomaru recognized the look. He often saw it when she was processing a new skill or attempting to figure out which technique to block him with.

"I made you a promise," he clarified, "and I intend to see it through."

Kagome's lips pressed together as though this response puzzled her more than the last.

Sesshomaru concluded that it was plausible she was ignorant of his intentions. He knew courting customs varied between clans but he was unaware of how great that divide was when it came to human rituals. When Touga had started courting Izayoi, Sesshomaru had ignored his father. He could not fathom why Touga would risk his clan, his title, and his family for a human woman. Fate had a cruel sense of irony.

But Sesshomaru bowed to no master. He had escaped death more than once. Fate would follow the same pattern.

"What are the courting customs of your village?" he inquired.

His question erased the furrow from her brow. "You mean dating?"

"What is dating?"

"It's when two people go to the park or a cafe to spend time together," she replied.

"What is the purpose of these meetings?"

"To get to know each other. You go out together, and talk about your likes and dislikes, what's important to you, what you're afraid of….things like that. And after a while, you decide if you want to become serious or aren't a good match," Kagome explained.

"By choosing to become serious, you mean mating," Sesshomaru surmised.

Her blush told him that his assumption was incorrect. "Uh, n-no, n-not exactly," she stammered.

Kagome tossed a look behind them to check if Inuyasha and Jaken were listening. Sesshomaru had not heard much from the pair since their initial ascent. He suspected neither was pleased by the arrangement but preferred it over being left behind.

As she leaned close and cupped her mouth, Kagome's pinky finger pressed along the shell of his ear. The outer edge of her finger was unmarred by the callouses that had begun building up during their practice session. Her skin was smooth. "If you date someone and decide that's who you want to be with, usually the next step is becoming a couple. You know, like boyfriend and girlfriend."

Sesshomaru did not understand why one would refer to a suitor as a friend. The term was counterintuitive. An intended mate was someone who deserved recognition. He started to question Kagome but was lost in the sensation of her warm breath cascading over his sensitive flesh. A pleasant tingle ran down his spine. It ignited a burning in his core, a heat that not even the noonday sun could match. There was a reason this form of touching between mates was considered an invitation.

"I'm sure you've been on plenty of dates…or whatever the inuyokai equivalent is."

Her remark extinguished the fire. Two thoughts surfaced in his mind. The first was that his wife assumed he had taken others before her. That was easily remedied. However, the second, more serious issue at hand was the fact that he was unaware of her history.

Sesshomaru had assumed as a miko, Kagome led a chaste life. He knew she was untouched physically but was it the same for her heart? Perhaps the reason why Kagome had ignored his interest was that she had already fallen for another. He suppressed a growl that threatened to reveal his unease.

"Are you okay?" Kagome was staring at him. Sesshomaru realized his grip on her had tightened. Immediately, he loosened his hold, hoping her delicate skin did not bruise. She had sustained more than enough marks from their training.

"I have never courted another," he revealed.

"Yeah, me neither," Kagome responded with a sigh. "Between school and the shrine, I never got out much."

Though this appeared to trouble her, Sesshomaru could not help feeling relieved. With no experience being courted by humans or yokai, it was probable that Kagome was ignorant of his advances. He would need to utilize a more direct approach.

"What's that?"

Sesshomaru followed Kagome's outstretched hand to where several mountain peaks loomed. Her grinned. Taking to the skies had enabled him to increase their pace. They would be arriving in Wakkanai on time.

"We are approaching the mountains. The one closest to us is Mount Akita-Komagatake. Beyond that are the mountain's counterparts, Mount Iwate and Mount Hachimantai."

Kagome's eyes widened as she took in the view. "Have you been to the top?"

"I have visited every peak this country has to offer," he confirmed.

"It would take me forever to climb just one," she said.

"You need not worry yourself. If you wish to scale the mountains, I will escort you to your destination."

Her face softened as she smiled. "I'd like that. Which one was your favorite?"

"Mount Ishizuchi," he answered.

"Because it's the tallest one in the West?" she guessed.

"It is a sacred place to yokai. Humans rarely attempt to climb Ishizuchi because of the terrain. Those they do are met with the guardians of the mountain, an ancient Tengu clan who has made Ishizuchi their home. Thanks to their efforts, we can gather there to celebrate events such as the Solstice. Each clan attends to present their offerings and pay respect to the land that has sustained us for all these centuries."

"It sounds wonderful. The only festivals I've ever been to are the ones thrown in our local neighborhood. I bet yours are so much better. I wish I could attend."

"You will," Sesshomaru said. "As the Lady of the West, you will be expected to accompany me there."

She brightened. "Really?" Her joy was momentarily replaced with a frown. "Even though humans aren't allowed?"

"You are no ordinary human."

The flush returned. "Because I'm married to you?"

"Because you are you. There is no other like you, Kagome."

Her face resembled a ripe tomato. She angled her face away from him, suddenly needing to check on their companions. Sesshomaru did not understand how she could see best in others but not in herself. He would remedy that. His wife would never be made to feel anything less than perfect.

"What are you two talking about?" Inuyasha shouted.

"Nothing!" Kagome insisted, ducking to hide her scarlet cheeks.

Sesshomaru scowled. He knew the quiet was temporary. Neither Jaken nor Inuyasha were capable of reading the mood. Leave it to his oblivious brother to interrupt at a critical juncture in their conversation.

"Hang back. I want to join in," Inuyasha complained.

"Any changes in pace will result in us missing our arrival time," Sesshomaru responded.

"Then make this overgrown lizard go faster!"

Kagome shot up so quickly that she nearly bowed over Sesshomaru's shoulder. Sesshomaru immediately adjusted his grip. He refused to let her fall. "His name is A-Un," she snapped.

"Can't you tell him to fly faster?" Inuyasha groused.

Sesshomaru could feel the rage radiating off of her as she leaned in the direction of his brother. She used his shoulder to steady herself. "A-Un isn't your personal carriage. He's doing you a favor. Recognize that and show him some respect."

With that, she lowered herself so Sesshomaru could resume his bridal carry.

The smile he wore was a smug one. It was senseless to worry about his brother. Kagome had dubbed Inuyasha her friend but Sesshomaru was the one she had married. He was the one she had chosen to enter an agreement with.

Before this tour was over, Sesshomaru would earn her trust…

…and her heart.

Acclimating to this world would take time. She was unaccustomed to the marvels of the modern world. The concept of electricity had been a particularly difficult one for her to grasp. Souta had shown her scrolls with diagrams depicting the science behind the invention. As amazing as it was, nothing delighted her more than indoor plumbing.

Kikyo had never complained about having to hike over five kilometers to bathe. The hot springs were a luxury compared to having to heat multiple pots of water or washing in the stream. During the summer months, the river was refreshing but in the autumn it became chilly.

Having hot water inside her home was heavenly. She could enjoy the simple pleasure of a warm bath without the putrid scent of sulfur or sustaining muscle pain from carrying multiple pails of water into her hut. Of the many advancements, she'd observed in this world, running water was her favorite.

"Kikyo, I'm back!"

Her reverie was broken by the now familiar voice of a child. Souta Higurashi was about Kaede's age. Each time she looked at him, her heart ached for her sister. Kikyo knew there the day would come when they would part but she never anticipated being separated in this manner.

"How was your day?" she asked.

Souta twisted his backpack around, unzipped it, and produced a large tome. He flipped it open to a page with several large paragraphs of text and a photograph of samurai armor.

"Look what we're studying!"

She scanned the highlighted print along the top of the page. "The Warring States Era?"

"My teacher says they call this time period that because of how violent the battles between the daimyos were," Souta explained.

Kikyo leaned closer to read the dates. Her eyes went wide.

"What's wrong?" Souta frowned. He turned the book around to identify what had upset her.

"Your book lists the year 1467 through 1568."

"Yeah. So?"

"That is the period which I lived in before…" She trailed off, glancing over at the well house.

After the Higurashi family discovered her at the bottom of the well, they had taken Kikyo to a temple of healers. She had spent over a week in their care. The wound Tsubaki had inflicted was deep. Had it not been for the healer's advanced medicine, it was likely she would have perished.

They wore strange garments fashioned from white cloth and smelled of alcohol. Kikyo nearly gagged the first time they approached her. The scent was overwhelming. Her host later explained the reason. Having a sterile environment promoted hygiene and kept other patients from falling ill. After that, Kikyo stomached the smell.

Her body was treated with medication and surgical procedures. Her memory gaps were resolved by seeing a specialized doctor called a therapist. The woman Kikyo met was about Mrs. Higurashi's age. She had a kind smile but didn't exude the same welcoming energy as Kikyo's guardian.

After losing her parents, she fulfilled that role for Kaede. Kikyo had given up what remained of her childhood to raise her younger sister. It was one of the many sacrifices she had chosen to make. Becoming the Shikon Miko was the largest one.

Kikyo had known her life would follow a different path from those she grew up with. Reiki practitioners were not unique. Dozens of shrine maidens studied healing methods and how to provide blessings to their villages. What made Kikyo unique was her innate ability for energy work. Not only was she a gifted healer, but she could also purify living things. Eventually, with training, she was even able to manifest her energy around her to form a barrier.

Over time, her powers had developed significantly and she'd been entrusted with the Shikon Jewel. What limited freedom she still possessed vanished. Kikyo accepted the responsibility without complaint. It was not her place to question the will of the Kamis.

Her opinion changed a few months later when she met Inuyasha. The half-demon son of Lord Touga attempted to steal the jewel from her village. Kikyo subdued him. When he tried a second time, she spared his life again but not before warning him to let go of his foolish pursuit and leave.

He did not listen.

She caught him lingering in the tree line of the forest or hiding on the village rooftops at night. Inuyasha didn't attempt to steal the jewel a third time. Eventually, he began talking to her. Kikyo had known it was wrong to trust him yet she couldn't deny herself the opportunity to have one normal thing in her life: a friend.

Their conversations grew longer. Inuyasha began accompanying Kikyo on her travels. He kept watch while she slept and even came to Kaede's aid when a demoness attacked their village. The seasons changed and friendship became evolved into something more.

Then the daimyo's letter arrived. For the second time in her life, Kikyo questioned the gods. The decree was bound with an official seal. No one in the village had ever seen parchment as smooth as the one that was delivered at the daimyo's request. His order to marry was shocking, not only because she was a miko, but because of who he and selected for her to wed.

When Kikyo told Inuyasha she had been ordered to marry his brother, he laughed. Inuyasha assured her that the marriage would never come to fruition but as the day neared, he changed. He was quick to anger. He no longer frequented the village, nor did he accompany her on her errands. When Inuyasha did spend time with her, he was restless.

Yet she never lost hope. Even as Kikyo fell backward into the Bone Eater's Well, she believed Inuyasha would come for her.

But when she woke, there wasn't a single familiar thing surrounding her. The place she had traveled to was the land of the future. It was a world without yokai or hanyos. There hadn't been a war in over half a century and the country was thriving. Her once humble village had blossomed into a sprawling metropolis. It was unlike anything she could ever have imagined.

What was even more intriguing was the opportunity for women to be educated. Kikyo's lessons were focused on her spiritual powers. She'd never been permitted to study arithmetic, geography, or science. Those areas of learning were reserved for the sons of elite families. Mrs. Higurashi had informed her that there were schools that catered to the wealthy called private institutions, but public school was open to all.

Souta had noticed her interest. He spent his afternoons telling Kikyo about what he had learned in class. Sometimes after dinner, she'd watch over his shoulder as he did his homework.

She found all the subjects fascinating, especially science. There was so much about the universe that man had discovered and even more left to identify. When Souta told Kikyo about man landing on the moon, she didn't believe him. It wasn't until Mrs. Higurashi was able to find them footage of the event that Kikyo understood just how small her life had been.

In this world, she was free to pursue any interest. She could enroll in school to study science. She visit the library to research how NASA designed its shuttles. She could grab the metro and go to the space museum. Or she could decide to do something completely different.

What Kikyo choose didn't matter. What did matter was that she had a choice.

She wasn't going to waste it.