Alright everyone, you may dry your tears, because Vira is BACK! D time for another update. Don't have to say much except for the fact that I don't own Inuyasha. Anyways, here's the next installment:

I had spent my time biding in the library for the majority of the afternoon. It was a tedious process, but in the end, I had finally managed to read and understand several scrolls and pamphlets outlining the history of the two kingdoms. Somehow or another, I had a steady feeling that these facts would be useful for later on. I would also appear to be more knowledgeable when it came time for the speeches that night.

There were several legends and folktales that I had studied with a keen interest. One in particular was the story of the two kingdoms—how they came to be. According to the papers, the humans and youkai had once lived together, under one ruler. They had shared meat, grew crops side by side, and helped each other in general. All had seemed to be well. But then, one day, their leader had died abruptly (I could not quite interpret from the text if that person was a human or a youkai). With no immediate successor, the two groups had divided for the first time over whether the new leader would be a human or youkai. In the end, they had decided on a young, but intelligent, hanyou. But the radicals of each group did not completely trust their neighbors. The bickering between them grew and grew as the years went by. Then, decades later, the hanyou had died...of unnatural causes. A new ruler had been searched for, but by then it was too late.

One day then, according to legend, a sudden uprising in the youkai had caused the humans to flee in fear over to their own separate territory. In the turmoil, the hundred or so hanyou did not know where to live, and so they had remained scattered—unconnected with each party. Eventually, borders were divided, castles were built, and leaders had been chosen. And that was the way it had remained for a few centuries, until alliances had been made gradually. Even so, as it stood today, uneasiness and distrust between the lands had remained.

'Perhaps this is what Naraku remembers.' I thought after reading through it. 'Two groups in distrust with the other. Certainly from the way he sees it, they cannot co-exist. The most logical thing, therefore, would be to overrun the humans to finish off that problem once and for all.'

Of course, that was the solution for one who cared nothing about the humans...unlike my family.

'If we are ever to be overthrown by another leader like Naraku, our alliance would be broken. Peace would not be tolerated with such nuisances. This is what could inevitably happen.'

It was therefore essential for my family to always have a next of kin, and it gave me a new incentive like never before to protect my father and brother so that our royal name could live on before I would leave this place yet again.

'That is, of course, assuming that this world really does exist. But according to Bokusenou and various other accounts, this is only an alternate dimension that we have been taken to, and nothing else.'

Still, I had a real purpose for coming here: to set things straight. True, we had killed Naraku during our first time here, but other things still needed to be undone…my father's death that had happened the first time around, for example, or the rule that Naraku had placed within the youkai kingdom after his death. These things would not happen again. As I read on with these stories, I noticed again and again that history had repeated itself. Kings came and went, but the hatred and distrust between the lands had long remained.

"But I am here to change things." I said aloud. "I will be the one to fix what could be."

At that moment, a servant approached me from coming through the door on the other side of the library. "Lord Sesshoumaru," she whispered, "How long have you been here? You're expected to be present for tonight's dinner gathering, aren't you?"

I looked at her questioningly. "That's true."

She motioned forward quickly. "Then hurry! Hurry! Everything will start in a half hour!"

I looked wildly to the window and saw with dumb realization that the sun had settled firmly down at the edge of the sky. I turned back to the servant. "…I see. Very well—inform any who might be concerned that I still plan to make my appearance. I can still be ready for the evening in the amount of time that you mentioned." The servant nodded quickly and I left the room with speed.

As I ran into my reserved room, I had no time to think about my carelessness for neglecting to look at the clock. Instead, I had to quickly choose my evening robe that would be suitable for such an occasion as a Queen's funeral farewell, collect my thoughts for when I would speak with Kagome later in the night, and walk hurriedly to the gathering place. This took a little more time than I had hoped for, but I saw that as I was moving down the hallways, several maids and cooks were still getting everything ready.

A breath of relief passed through me. I opened the doors into the royal hall in order to make my entrance.

Silence quickly met me. All eyes swiveled over to my face—some with suspicion, some with curiosity, and some looked to be impassive. 'They're not used to seeing a youkai.' I realized. 'These humans have mixed feelings—am I dangerous? Trustworthy?'

I looked around cautiously. There were decorations certainly, but they were clearly not for a cheerful occasion. No, instead of the bright, vivid colors that I had often seen for the special reasons that humans had, there were dark blues, purples, and reds. To all of the walls hung enormous black drapes that signified the loss. To the tables that had been each set up sat a white flower in the center. Soft, mournful music had been playing in the background. A few groups were sitting at their tables; others had spread out in various places to talk quietly. All throughout the length of the room stretched the traditional red carpet that eventually led up to the royal throne. When my eyes finally rested upon it, I noted with regret that Kagome had still not yet made her entrance. Well, I would have to be patient for a little more time yet. I pictured her briefly in a stunningly beautiful formal evening dinner robe with a smile…for me. I shook that hope out of my thoughts after a moment and remembered my task.

I made my way solemnly to a chair in the back, where I would not be as easily noticed. One by one the heads gradually stopped staring at me and turned their attention back to the entrance doors, eagerly waiting to see a glimpse of the Princess.

I scoffed bitterly to myself. "None of you have any more desire to see her than I; and yet, here I sit, plainly out of view from all that is happening. Perhaps it is because I would not be fit to have her eyes meet mine after all that I have done to her."

The loud creak of the entrance doors interrupted my thoughts. I sat straight up in excitement and anticipation. Irritatingly, people began to crowd around in order to catch a glimpse of her. After a moment, bodies finally pushed aside and Kagome emerged from within.

Even I was taken aback. She was wearing a dark green robe with a few beads throughout that were softly glittering. In the center of her neck was a complementary red-jeweled necklace that looked to be similar to rose petals. Kagome's hair was done up into a gentle pull with a few strands hanging down on either side of her face. I growled jealously as I saw from my chair the various male humans staring at her.

The hall was silent—only her clicking footsteps were creating noise. After she came to the throne at last, Kagome sat down. I frowned because, from where I was sitting, she looked slightly bored from it all. Then, as her eyes were scanning around the room, she met my gaze unexpectedly. Kagome immediately looked away with a blush, but I noticed that she appeared to be much more interested in this whole affair after that.

A few seconds later, the cooks began to usher everyone to the royal tables in order for the dinner to begin. I sat purposefully down directly across from where she was from the magnificent square table. Once Kagome saw this, she was especially sure to avoid my eye from then on.

One by one the speakers stood up and gave speeches about the late Queen. They spoke of all the good things that she did during her lifetime, including the protection of the Shikon no Tama and the alliance between the lands. Some of them even choked back a tear or two while talking. I kept eying Kagome anxiously, but it was clear that her resolve was firm not to glance back. I chuckled to myself and muttered about the humorous quirks of humans.

After the last speaker was finished, the waiters and waitresses began to bring out the main dishes. My stomach was relieved from worry when I saw a variety of meats present. The dinner was relatively quiet from the mournful tone it was in. Everyone, therefore, finished fairly quickly.

Once that was over with, we stood up one by one solemnly to approach the coffin of the dead queen to say one last farewell. Truthfully, it was indeed a skillfully-crafted container. But the fine craftsmanship was almost wasted on account of the fact that the humans paid more attention to what was inside. I looked over to see Kagome from afar. She was peering down to her mother one last time. There was little emotion in her face—sadness, yes—but it was the type of thing that only I could detect. This woman was not her true mother—Kagome's real mother was alive and well. So why should she mourn?

Eventually it came to be my turn. I did not look at the woman inside there for more than a second (in truth, dead humans have always repulsed me). But the woman looked something like an older version of Kagome, which did not surprise me.

About a half hour later, the whole crowd of us gathered around the throne. I watched wondrously as Kagome began to approach the chair. It was clear to anyone that she was extremely nervous.

Once she sat down with a blush, I saw the old woman Kaede emerge from the crowd (this did not surprise me at all), holding a small crown. After a short speech about this important day, she walked slowly next to Kagome. I could tell that Kagome was relieved for it to be one of her friends that she knew, and she became more and more calm. With some dramatic slowness, Kaede gradually lowered the small crown upon Kagome's head. She stood back proudly. "Let us welcome our new Queen!" Everyone immediately clapped and cheered.

After that, people began to crowd around when she descended the throne in order to give their congratulations. I pushed my way through little by little. The humans gave me glares of daggers, but I didn't care. Soon, I was beside her.

Kagome almost looked relieved to see me, but maybe it was just my imagination. She studied my face questioningly.

"Come." I motioned to her.

She nodded, remembering our agreement, and I led her slowly away from the buzzing humans. Shouts of protest could be heard, but neither of us seemed to quite hear them. I pulled her away safely into the night.

Soon we found ourselves outside in the royal courtyard. All of the flowers were still yet in bloom, and their mixture of scents only further reinforced Kagome's. I ushered her gently into a small, mostly hidden section of it all, with green hedges for walls, and a veil of bright stars under us. Watching Kagome, I realized quickly that she seemed to really be at aw from the scenery, and this pleased me.

"Now…what's this all about?" She asked immediately after we sat down. Stop delaying it all—just tell me already."

Her abruptness was unexpected. I tilted my head to the side and looked at her quizzically. "Delaying? Is that what I'm doing?"

Kagome nodded stubbornly. "Yes, and you're doing it again now. I…I want to know the truth…all of it. Whether I'll like it or not. So…so please, tell me what's going on with this place. I must find out."

I looked away from her and up to the stars. "Ask me anything and I will tell you."

She did not hesitate. "Why does this castle seem so familiar to me?"

"You've been here before…you just don't remember it."

"What? When?" She stared at me.

Well, here it went. "We came here together in this world by accident through my brother's Tetsusaiga attack. In order to return to our normal home, we needed to kill Naraku, and…you were murdered in the process." My hand muscles clenched slightly.

Her eyes became wide. "No, that can't be true…"

I sighed sadly. This was getting to be very tiring. "You told me before that, once here again, you started to remember certain things little by little. Is this not a correct account?"

"Well y-yes, but-"

"-Therefore, what I had said is true." Kagome started to protest again, but I silenced her. "And do you remember…me?"

She became quiet, and…alarmed. "What do you mean?"

"In the world that we entered, you and I were the King and Queen of this castle…surprised?"

Kagome shook her head. "I don't believe you."

My heart gripped itself tightly, and I struggled for an instant to keep my composed manner. "Believe or not, I promised you I would tell anything that you wanted to know. I speak only the truth."

"You…you're not telling me anything-"

"-Kagome." I turned back to her with somber eyes. There was a long pause. "It pains me to see you in such disbelief." My tone of voice was drastically different. "I wish you could open your mind again and…remember. I will readily confess that I am a selfish taiyoukai. I brought you here for my purposes only. If you can't recall everything fully soon, I…I will gradually lose my sanity." I uttered with perfect frankness. It was a desperate plea, I knew. "These last few days…have been hell on Earth for me." It was the simple truth, and I said it seriously and honestly, in an accepting way. "Iru anata…itsumo." I muttered under my breath weakly.

A moment passed. Her eyes fell under the bangs of hair, and for that short amount of time, I was frightened. Yes, I would have readily admitted that fact. What was she thinking? I could not be sure. But…I did not want to lose her again, and I wouldn't. This much I was sure of.

Suddenly, I noticed that her hands were shaking. I looked at her with a worried face. "Kagome?"

"Ballroom…" She murmured quietly. "I…remember a ballroom…in the castle…and I…I was about to give a speech, but I was really afraid to go up in front of all those people and talk, so…"

"…So?" I pressed eagerly.

"…So, you gave the speech for me instead. And I think that I was…happy."

My heart started to hum a fast, gleeful rhythm.

There was hope yet.

"And…after that?" I continued to urge her.

She turned away suddenly. "And just why should I tell you? Is it really any of your business, Sesshoumaru?"

I looked around her hair. She was blushing about something. 'Humans. So unpredictable.' I lamented. "You want to remember just as much as I want you to. I can only help as must was you allow me to."

Kagome turned back to me. "I don't-"

My fingers touched the back of her hand in the lightest of ways. She stopped abruptly. The feeling of the other's skin had been long awaited. We could almost see the energy crackling from within. At last, I had tamed her temporarily.

"Concentrate." I whispered simply. Once again, her scent was overwhelming me.

And still she hesitated a little. "What if I won't like it?"

I almost smiled. "You will."

She looked back to the path, uncomfortable and unsure.

"…Kagome." I whispered with a tone of pleading. I lowered my head down to hers, and touched her soft lips gently. This was the moment that both of us, yes both of us, had been longing for.

Review Responses:

Harmony8390: Arigato! Hope you like this chapter as well!

Purity.::.of.::.Darkness: Heh heh yeah, school sucks...

Beautiful Witch Hunter Robin: Man, I hope you're okay. Please be safe! If it helps any, I can sends some money over to Florida. Well, Vira is very poor, but that's besides the point. Maybe this update will make you a little happier, ne?

SakuraPetal13: Hehe, don't worry, chances are...'good' that he won't die. D

m1s7ress: Okay. I hope you like that chapter on my website, not many have really been commenting on it...oh well.

Guardiun Angel15: Wow! Long time no see! Hope you're doing well. And don't worry, you're always welcome here. D It's cool that you went to Central America...next time, send Vira a post card so she can see all the buildings!

FrustratedPhoenix: Hahaha Mr. Burns rocks my socks. Glad you like it so far.

Youkai Yume: Sigh, I guess I have been doing that, eh? Too true. And Vira has a feeling that Yume has forgotten about her WHR fic? I hope that isn't the case, but of course I understand if you're busy...if you're looking for ideas, Vira has them!

Tsuki Yume BlueDove: You said it! D

AngelMiko69: Well one more cliffie prolly won't hurt...right? Right?

Katgome: Arigato! And I guess that she isn't very happy with him right now...well, I guess I can't really blame her, although she doesn't seem to know how much she's torturing Sesshoumaru and his poor heart, ne?

Wyntermajik: To be honest, I don't think Sess can believe it either...D

jmccall93: Gah wow now I feel like the dumbest person in the whole world. Can't believe I've been making such an obvious mistake. Well, thanks for correcting me at any rate. I'll have to keep that in mind...

Blue Rhapsody3: Hehehe, well I can't tell her how excellent it is because she was an Anglo Saxon who is now long dead. Lol. And I'm glad you like my chapter on my website! Thanks for reading it...

Nafyessheseyar: Cool. Maybe I should join one of those things or something, although I'm still not quite sure how it works...

lil-Vixen24: Heh, glad to see you're so enthusiastic about it..

Gah! It seems as though my other reviewers are busy with school as well. Vira understands. Sorry if things might seem a little slow with the fic (I can't tell). A lot will be happening starting next chapter. And who knows, there might be another lemon sometime soon. D Anyways! Next chapter! Lots of stuff! Fast update (hopefully!) and other things! R&R! Arigato, ja ne!