A/N: Eek! I can't believe it's been nearly a month since I last updated. But hey now, I actually have a good excuse! Really, I do… and no, it's not that school has started up again (although that's part of it). The real reason I wasn't able to sit down and do this is because I'M ENGAGED! Haha… so you see, I've been too busy being giggly and running around telling everyone my news… instead of sitting down and writing a chapter. Anyway, it's 20 pages, so I hope that pacifies you a bit. It moves fast – try to keep up! Read and review!

The Broken Miko

Chapter 20: The Second Verse

"Enter."

Kagome's breath hitched. She hadn't really expected an answer after all, and Sesshoumaru's deep voice from within his chambers just riled up the butterflies in her stomach once again. Taking a huge gulp of air, she turned the door handle and slipped into the taiyoukai's apartments.

Shutting the door behind her with a firm click, Kagome looked about her. She was standing in a short but wide hallway, with red monochrome murals of dog demons and battles upon each wall. Three doors graced the end of the hallway, one on each wall, but only the one directly in front of her was not closed. It was another pair of double doors, thrown open to reveal a sumptuous bedroom.

She walked forward, feeling an awful urge to toss herself onto the enormous bed. The style wasn't especially unique, with its four unadorned posters reaching up the ceiling, but it was incredibly old. The red lacquer that was the base coat was peeking through the gilded surface in numerous places, giving it ancient streaks of scarlet and gold colors. The black comforter appeared to be down, and Kagome let out a little sigh of desire. Being unconscious for a day didn't really count as a restful sleep.

"Sesshoumaru?" she called softly.

Stepping fully into the room, she noted with approval the ebony wardrobe nearby and the fireplace on far right. Two ebony chairs, plush with red cushions stood beside the roaring fire on a rich rug. The room was simply decorated, and yet held an ancient aura that far surpassed her own quarters.

Sesshoumaru was kneeling on the hearth, stabbing at a dangling log with the iron fire poker. The firelight danced across the walls, embellished with more crimson murals. The large one to the right of the bed depicted demons prepared for battle, surrounding a goddess crowned with a golden circlet, the only color aside from red. The expensive ink glistened, as if still wet.

The taiyoukai noticed her staring. "It is said that Amaterasu separated the mindless creatures from the noble demons. She led the youkai ancestors into battle against a renegade god called Susa-No-Wo. In return for their service, Amaterasu let the youkai live on the mortal plane, provided that they would come to her call if needed."

The hanyou nodded. She had heard this story before, of the rivalry between the goddess and her brother. "So has she ever called upon you?"

"No. I believe it is one of the many fairy tales mixed in with genuine religious texts."

"I see." She wandered deeper into the room.

"Why are you here, Kagome?" he asked, his face lit by the fire. He was tired and he had not had any sleep yet to restore his strength. The previous day, his heart would have felt the anger he still harbored against the hanyou, but now he could not summon those feelings.

"I came to see how you are, and to talk to you a bit." She frowned when she realized that Sesshoumaru was rather pale and clammy, despite only wearing the inner layer of his upper kimono. "But perhaps you should be resting."

He stood and faced her and her frown deepened when she saw the bandages peeking out from beneath his clothes. "I am recovering," he said. "You have your own injuries to care for."

Kagome shrugged and gracelessly plopped down onto one of the cushioned chairs. "Eh."

"Very articulate," he responded as he sat down across from her. He was moving slowly and gingerly, which the hanyou was quick to notice. "Was there something specific you wished to speak to me about, Kagome?"

"Several things actually," she admitted with a faint blush.

"Well then, speak."

She lowered her eyes. "I was kind of planning to build up to it, Sesshoumaru. None of these topics are particularly opening act stuff."

He rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I have no energy for superfluous talk."

Kagome flushed again. "Of course not. I'm sorry. It's just not very easy to talk like this. I'm not very practiced at it anymore," she commented.

Sesshoumaru nodded. "I too, have not had much practice. We will forgive each other's mistakes then." He settled back against the pillow and prepared himself for a long discussion. Kagome, despite his requests to keep it short, was not the type to get straight to the point.

She smiled with an uncertain, but pleased gleam to her eye. "Okay. That sounds good."

The taiyoukai arched his eyebrow as he waited for her to continue. "Well?"

"Right, sorry. I was just trying to figure out what to start off with."

He tapped the arm of his chair with his pointed claws. "What are our choices?"

Kagome shrugged and began to thread her fingers through her hair, twisting thick locks of it at random intervals. "Us, the baby, our argument, Inuyasha…" she trailed off and smirked. "Or the situation with Nami. Take your pick."

Sesshoumaru closed his eyes briefly. How had she found out about his rash proposal to Nami so quickly? It was not common knowledge, as even Jaken would have some discretion concerning such delicate matters. The only explanation was that she had received the news from Nami herself. At least she hadn't heard some warped gossip. On the other hand, Kagome hardly seemed annoyed by the information. If anything, she was pleased. How confusing.

"We don't have to talk about Nami first," mentioned Kagome, her smirk fading as she watched the distressed expression flash across the inuyoukai's face. "I actually have a question, before I forget it." She took a deep breath. "Why didn't you know I'd become pregnant that night? I thought youkai were supposed to know when a female was fertile."

"You were not fertile," he responded. "In truth, I have no idea how you have come to be pregnant. Inuyoukai females become pregnant in deep winter. If they do not wish it, they must seclude themselves for two weeks to prevent males' attention."

Kagome grinned. "You mean, demons are only fertile once a year?"

Sesshoumaru nodded and frowned. "Yes. At least our kind is. Why?"

She hid her face, trying not to laugh at the clearly confused taiyoukai. "Well, that explains it. You realize that human females can get pregnant roughly twelve times a year?" She looked up again, not wanting to miss his expression.

The inuyoukai's eyes widened, showing the white all around his golden eyes, but they quickly narrowed again. The word 'impossible' came to the tip of his tongue, but he checked himself. Her explanation was plausible enough, given the strange moods human females went through, and the ridiculous displays males put themselves through to get their attention. "That would explain your pregnancy, yes," he conceded, rather miffed that his worldly knowledge had failed him.

The hanyou nodded. "It's probably less noticeable too. But I guess it's rather arbitrary now, isn't it? I just wanted to know."

Sesshoumaru looked over at the fire, and watched the flames lick the stone walls. "Then we will move on to the next subject," he said, not missing a beat.

Kagome arched an eyebrow at his abrupt comment. "You're really looking forward to ending this, aren't you?"

He recognized her tone, the one that warned of a fast coming argument. Automatically, he shook his head. "Not necessarily. I only wish to get to more important matters. The means of your pregnancy, in your words, is arbitrary."

"Fine," she responded, rather annoyed that the taiyoukai had so quickly learned to keep himself out of trouble. He would be impossible to handle now. It had taken Inuyasha years to pick up that skill.

They both stared into the fire's flames now, as they wondered how to bridge the awkward change between the many subjects Kagome had put before them. Surprisingly, the taciturn taiyoukai broke the silence first. "Perhaps we should discuss the most important issue now and resolve it as quickly as possible."

"Right… Nami."

"Inuyasha."

The pair now stared at each other, a mixture of annoyance and surprise upon their faces. "Wait, what?" asked Kagome. "How can you say Inuyasha is the most important issue right now?"

His eyes narrowed. "How can you consider Nami the most pressing issue?" he countered. "She does not pose any immediate threat to my lands, whereas Inuyasha does. I must know what happened when you were under Amatsu's power. What does Inuyasha know now?"

Kagome wrapped her hands around the arms of her chair, forcing herself to remain seated. "I told you already, Sesshoumaru. I can't make sense of it. You said you'd help with that you know, so you can't expect anything from me until then." She released the chair from her grip, afraid that she was digging her claws into the ebony wood. "Besides, without me, the weapon is incomplete. They didn't expect me to leave. I'm sure they've been set back a bit. On the other hand, Nami is very much in the here and now."

Sesshoumaru let loose a low growl. "Why should Nami's fate concern you?"

The hanyou's eyes widened. "What, have you become an idiot in the last twenty-four hours?"

He stood up, trying to tower over her, but failing as his body began to shake with the effort. Still, he forced out another snarl. "I would watch your words, woman!"

This was not what she had envisioned for this conversation. Kagome pushed herself out of her chair and looked up at the taiyoukai, carefully placing her hand upon his chest. "Settle down. I'm sorry I said that. I forget that you consider things differently than me." She wrapped her other hand around his bicep and gently guided him back into his chair. Despite his vicious glare, he allowed her ministrations and sat down quietly. "Okay then. Are you alright now?"

He glared at her for a few more moments and then nodded mutely. He had no energy to argue.

Kagome returned to her seat, leaning forward with her hands clasped. "I don't deny that what happened with Inuyasha and Amatsu is important, Sesshoumaru, but I can't help you right now."

Sesshoumaru hesitated for a moment and then nodded again. "Perhaps, but I still fail to see how Nami's situation is any concern of yours. It is something I will deal with myself."

"Oh? And what do you plan to do about it?" she asked.

He lifted his chin defiantly, displaying a confidence that he did not truly feel. "I have made an offer that has been accepted. I am honor-bound to uphold that. Nami will be the Lady of the Western Lands."

Although she knew more than he did, and although she had been prepared for his typical 'honor' speech, his words still cut Kagome to the quick. Her eyes filled with tears, that she rapidly tried to blink away. "I understand that, but you should know that some events have transpired which might affect your decision."

He met her watery gaze. "Kagome, I will take care of our child, regardless of the nature of our relationship. You and the pup will remain in the West."

"I'm not talking about the baby, Sesshoumaru," she responded with a sigh.

"Then what are you referring to?"

Kagome smiled softly. "Nami is in love. And, I'm sorry, but it isn't with you."

He blinked a few times. "She accepted me." His confusion washed away to be replaced by indignation. "Her office as Lady of the Western Lands does not require that she loves the Lord of the Western Lands."

"But don't you want a mate that loves you?" she asked. She held up her hand to stop his interruptions. "Think like a normal person… youkai… whatever. Just for once."

He stared at her. "A mate that loves me?" he repeated. "Is that supposed to be you, Kagome?"

She froze as she looked into cold amber eyes and cursed her loose tongue. Why didn't she ever think before she spoke? "I… I was just saying that Nami cannot love you. That's all."

"Who does she love?"

Kagome sighed quietly in relief and smiled at him. "Keitaro. Love at first sight supposedly." She frowned suddenly and gave him a critical gaze. "You aren't going to punish him, are you?"

Sesshoumaru stood up slowly and leaned on the mantle. "I am cruel, Kagome, but not even I would punish someone for falling in love. I will release Nami from our agreement, if she confirms this report." He turned his unreadable eyes to her. "Are you satisfied?"

She grinned and casually draped her arms across the chair. A sense of peace was coming over her, now that she knew Nami was no longer an impediment. "It's a good start. I'm happy that my friends are going to be happy now. Do youkai have ceremonies for mating?"

He arched an eyebrow. "Only a very private one. The mating mark is all the evidence other youkai need."

Kagome blushed delicately. "I see."

As the taiyoukai gazed into the fire, she knew that he was finished with the discussion over Nami. He would not address it again, unless to tell her that he had done his duty and released the water youkai from her obligation. And yet, Kagome didn't want to speak of what this meant for them. Sesshoumaru was now free of his oath and, although she still loved her former mate, Kagome knew instinctively that she would never again be with Inuyasha. Add the baby to the mix and she realized that they were both thinking the same thing. They were going to be mates.

So why couldn't she say it? Or ask about what he wanted? It felt as if she were standing on a precipice and looking down onto jagged rocks and angry waves.

And so Kagome diverted his attention, hoping to put them both off of this path that led into the ocean. "I want to apologize," she whispered.

He arched his eyebrows, sufficiently confused to lay aside the impending topic of mating. "For what?"

"For what I said to you," she responded. "About Inuyasha."

Sesshoumaru frowned deeply. "And how you saved me only for my likeness to my brother?" he asked as his shoulders tensed.

Kagome blushed again. "Yeah. About that… I lied. I didn't save you because of Inuyasha or any other reason really. I just did it because I needed help and you were the only half-decent person that I know in the Feudal Era. That's still alive, that is."

His frown rapidly transformed into a malicious smirk. She was tantalizing when she blushed. "You consider this Sesshoumaru 'half-decent'?"

How quickly he switches emotions, she thought, considering he prides himself on having no emotion at all. "I do," she answered without hesitation. "You aren't exactly a pure soul, but you are decent. You helped me when you didn't have to. You held to your promises, both to me and others. It was a good choice to seek you out."

He wanted to claim this as false, that he had not upheld his oaths and he had not been honorable. Instead, he had insulted her and allowed her to walk into Inuyasha's trap. He had completely gone back upon his promise to the dead to protect this female and yet she was still praising his value to her. "You are too quick to speak," he finally said. "I have harmed you irreparably."

Kagome shrugged and leaned back in her chair once more. "I know why you said those things. I understand and I forgive you, so don't force yourself to apologize. Yes, it hurt, but I think it would have hurt more if you hadn't come to rescue me."

"Your soul was taken by Amatsu. You were pleased to be with him," Sesshoumaru pointed out.

She shook her head. "He twisted my soul. I remember the pain of it. It was like hot daggers." Her eyes began to glaze over as she recalled her transformation. "And then… it was gone. That's when everything gets fuzzy."

Sesshoumaru was stabbed by guilt. "I wasn't aware that you had awakened between the time of your kidnapping and when you became a part of the weapon."

The hanyou shrugged again. "It's okay. It was quick. I think the bastard wanted me to be awake though. They all wanted to hear me scream and beg for mercy. They kept taunting me, although I don't remember exactly what they said." Her eyes refocused and bore into his golden gaze. "I remember that I didn't oblige them. Not even when they told me Washi was dead."

He nodded. "I see."

Kagome smiled up at him. "You're pleased with me, aren't you?"

The taiyoukai nodded again, knowing that there was no use denying it. "It is admirable that you did not give into their perverse pleasures." He looked down upon her face, momentarily marveling at how freely she laid out her emotions and how a simple smile lit her up. "I am pleased that you stood against them for as long as possible, but I would have preferred if the mother of my pup had not been in that situation at all."

She stood up and joined him on the hearth, the heat of the fire seeping through her yukata to her skin. "I told you not to worry about it. It's in the past."

He looked over at her, studying her graceful features. It struck him that she was the essence of a glowing mother-to-be. The joy usually associated with expectant females seemed to have finally caught up to her. "When did you become so calm, Kagome? When did I become the one mired in the past?"

The hanyou shrugged and grinned. "I could make a few guesses."

"No. We will leave the question unanswered." He took a few shallow breaths. "I still wish to apologize for what I said to you in the forest."

"I told you that you didn't have to."

Sesshoumaru nodded. "Yes, but I must still rectify the situation. You were…"

Kagome held up and hand and blushed profusely, the flames bringing the blood to her cheeks quicker than usual. "Please stop. I don't need a critique on my bedroom behavior. Or misbehavior for that matter."

Again, Sesshoumaru's blood stirred. Her rose-hued skin only served to remind him of the night she conceived their child, a memory he was now free to return to without guilt. Even if they forever dodged the subject of becoming mates, Sesshoumaru would not relinquish that memory. Looking at Kagome, he knew that it was not anger that had forced him to run to her rescue, but passion for her.

Did he love her? He had to admit to himself that he probably did. There was no other explanation. No female had captured his attention for this long, although the baby might have had something to do with that. But he still remembered the terror he had felt when he found out she had been kidnapped and the guilt he had felt when she turned her back upon him on the way back to the West.

Only around her did he have emotions beyond annoyance. Her half-demon blood didn't even deter him anymore and he had to concede that even when she was human, Kagome had intrigued him. She had had such power, such spirit. Even when she had fought him, the Lord of the Western Lands, her heart didn't fail.

There should be no disagreement among his nobles that she would be suitable at his side. She was powerful, as a miko and, with training, she could be stronger than Inuyasha. She held Tetsusaiga in her care and was wonderful with the children. Her education was unsurpassable. Soon he would have to admit that she knew things that he didn't and join in the children's lessons. And he could not deny that she was beautiful.

So from a purely logical standpoint, he must love her. And she was pregnant with his heir. There was only one piece missing. She was not yet his mate.

He stepped towards her. She didn't step back. "That night was…" he paused and searched for the right words. "Extremely enjoyable."

Kagome laughed lightly. "Thanks. Not exactly effervescent with warmth, but from you, it's more than enough." She looked up at his pale, beautiful face and dropped her smile. She grabbed his hand and pressed it between hers. "Really though, thank you."

His eyes deepened to a dark gold as he felt the heat of her body transfer onto his skin. Her sincerity and her words seemed to wash away his pain and exhaustion. "Kagome."

The hanyou let go of his hand and backed up as slowly as she dared. All of a sudden, Sesshoumaru looked like he about to pounce upon her. "What?" she asked finally. "What did I say?"

"You did nothing wrong," he answered, stepping forward again. His voice was calm and even, but he still had an intense gleam in his eyes.

She felt as if she was being pushed over the precipice now, and she found herself wishing for the safety of her previous position, when they had been delicately avoiding the issue. She could hardly believe that he was trying to seal the deal right then, when both of them were in bandages. Taking a deep breath, Kagome held up her hands to stave off the taiyoukai. It was hard to ignore the scent of desire emanating from him. She very much wanted to reciprocate, but could not do it, although she wasn't certain why. "Maybe we should try to recover some of my memories."

Sesshoumaru hesitated and then relaxed his shoulders, but showed none of his disappointment. "Very well. When is a convenient time for you?" he asked, forcing his lust down back into the depths of his mind.

"Um… now?" Kagome responded. She knew it was unwise to stay close to a male that was holding back his baser instincts, but she also couldn't leave. She cursed herself for this indecision between her body and her mind. This would be something to analyze later.

The taiyoukai, half expecting that she would have all but run for the door, nodded and moved the chairs back from the fireside. "Sit down on the rug and try to relax."

She laughed nervously as she lowered her body to the ground. "Relax? I'm already relaxed."

Sesshoumaru gave her a deadpan stare. "I am sure you are. Relax further."

Kagome closed her eyes, shaking her head at her stupidity as she tried to get comfortable. She crossed her legs and let her wrists rest upon her knees as she breathed deeply. She could hear Sesshoumaru settle down a few feet away from her and the slow, steady beating of his heart.

"Can you hear my heart?"

She smiled softly. "Yeah, I was just noticing it." She opened her eyes. "Did you make it beat louder?"

Sesshoumaru nodded once and continued his instructions. "Close your eyes again. Can you hear your own? And how they are beating in tandem?"

Her eyelids slid shut and she nodded, surprised to find that her own heartbeat was quietly keeping pace with the taiyoukai's. "I hear it," she whispered.

"If you become alarmed, return to this sound. Keep this in your mind." His voice was beginning to make her drowsy, its monotone seeming to echo through her chest. "What do you see when you think of your time with Amatsu?"

Kagome's brow furrowed and she frowned as she bit her lip. "I don't… I don't know. It's just flashes. They're going so fast. I can't make sense of it…"

Sesshoumaru nodded again, although she could not see him. "Keep the sound of our hearts' rhythm in your mind and try to slow the images down to match that rhythm."

The hanyou's expression was strained and she shook her head. "It hurts," she complained.

"That will pass. Just concentrate on the beat of our hearts."

Slowly, the pictures in Kagome's mind began to keep pace with her heart. She began to see vivid images of Inuyasha, Kikyo, Amatsu and several demons she didn't know. Some flashes were of blood upon her hands or of dead bodies surrounding her feet. Her breathing quickened and she became aware of her heart speeding up past Sesshoumaru's own rhythm.

"Keep our heartbeats together, Kagome."

She nodded and tried to calm her breathing. "I'm sorry."

"It is fine. Keep concentrating. Try to slow the images down further. One for every two beats of our hearts."

The pain returned as she put forth all of her effort to slow the images down further. This time, each picture had movement in the two seconds she visualized them. The scent of blood and the sounds of cries for mercy reached her senses as echoes from the past. The images began to order themselves chronologically, with only bare amounts of effort. Inuyasha laughing at her conversion, her delight in her new powers, seeing demons grovel at her feet.

Without further prodding from Sesshoumaru, Kagome tried to slow down the mini-movies even more. It was easier the third time she attempted it and she successfully reduced the speed of the pictures in her mind.

A strobe light effect bled into the images. Inuyasha was far away on the horizon and then suddenly right in front of her. Kikyo appeared at his side, beckoning to her like a sister. Kagome tried to shake off these pictures. They didn't seem like memories. The land was too bland, too empty of detail or definition. She had never been there before.

"Sesshoumaru," she called softly, hoping that her voice would carry to wherever he was. His heartbeat assured her that he was still there, still beside her.

Inuyasha and Kikyo suddenly scowled and dropped their outstretched arms. As they faded away, the male hanyou sneered, telling Kagome that she wouldn't enjoy her reunion with the taiyoukai for long. They finally dematerialized with a wisp of smoke.

Amatsu appeared, speaking to her in a hollow voice about her obligation to him and his cause. She was his heart, she was the power behind the ultimate weapon. No other creature would ever attain the status she had just attained. As he spoke, his smoky visage became clearer in her mind, and his voice filled out until the heartbeat in her ears was drowned out.

You are mine, Kagome. My heart will never be taken from me. Sesshoumaru is not your protector. I am. Surrender yourself to me.

He faded and Kagome became aware of the taiyoukai calling her name. His cold hand was wrapped around her wrist, shaking it gently.

Her eyes snapped open and she snarled, throwing off Sesshoumaru's touch and tackling him to the ground. Rage flowed through her as everything around her took on a crimson wash. Her eyes were turning red, but she was only concerned about killing the bastard beneath her. He had tried to kill her. She remembered the murderous look in his eyes before he slashed her chest open with his claws.

But the taiyoukai still held the advantage of strength and skill. He easily tossed her away from him and into the legs of the chair, knocking it over with a crash. Kagome cried out, but rolled over and pushed herself to her feet.

Sesshoumaru stood up and faced the girl. Her eyes were blood colored, although her hair was still normal. He hoped that this meant she wasn't totally lost. He cursed himself for not seeing this coming. Memories seemed to have more power over Kagome than most demons, if it was triggered by a memory at all. Gods were extraordinarily masterful at manipulation of mortals, a fact that Amatsu had put into action several times.

This seemed like one of her nightmare-induced manias, but the taiyoukai was certain that his usual snapped comment would not rouse her. "What do you want, Amatsu?" he asked her.

Kagome slowly shook her head from side to side, like rabid animal. When she lifted her eyes again, they were golden. Kagome's mouth began to move but it was Inuyasha's voice. "Damn, this girl's spirit is strong. Thanks for opening her mind for me to get in, Sesshoumaru. Really generous of you."

"Release her."

The hanyou cocked her head. "Funny, I was just about to say the same thing. Did you really think that spat in the forest was the end of the battle? It hasn't even begun. She isn't yours."

Sesshoumaru smirked. "She is pregnant with my pup. As much as she is anyone's, she is mine. Don't let your foolhardy master convince you differently."

"So… we've gotten a bit possessive, haven't we?" The Inuyasha voice laughed, making Kagome throw back her head in a sickening way. "This is just a little visit, brother. We both know I can't hurt her or you, for that matter. Her spirit won't let me do it. But soon, she'll run from you again and then I can kill you in the most painful way possible."

The taiyoukai narrowed his eyes. "Is there a point to all of this blathering?"

The hanyou smiled broadly. "Of course, but I really can't stay to explain it. I'll let Kagome do that, don't you think that's best?" His voice took on an extremely pleased tone. "Well then… looks like we're done here. I'll see you soon, brother."

Kagome's eyes slid shut and she slumped to the floor before another word could be spoken. The fire flickered and Sesshoumaru moved forward, cradling the hanyou's head. "Kagome, wake up," he commanded. She didn't stir. "Kagome! I do not appreciate my orders being ignored!"

"Ugh…" Her eyelids fluttered. They were brown irises again. "Sesshoumaru?"

The taiyoukai let out the breath he hadn't been aware he was holding. "Are you injured?" He gently let her head rest against the carpet and put his ear to her stomach. "The pup is fine."

Kagome nodded mutely and closed her eyes. "I remember it. I'm so sorry."

He helped her to her feet. "There is nothing to apologize for. I failed to consider this possibility."

She looked down at her hand, encircled with his pale striped one. He wasn't releasing her. "I have to go. I can't stay here anymore. I'm putting all of you in danger."

Sesshoumaru gave a little sigh. "We've been through this several times before. You cannot leave my protection. The last time you did, Amatsu captured you."

"And Amatsu still has me under his power! This isn't the same as last time, Sesshoumaru. I'm want to leave so that none of you die. What if I go after you or the children? I couldn't live like that, wondering every moment if Inuyasha is going to attack my mind again. He can speak through me. There's no guarantee that he can't act through me. He already did!"

"All the more reason to keep you here," countered the taiyoukai. "If you leave, you will have no chance to resist Amatsu's power."

She looked up at him with soulful eyes. "At least I won't hurt any of the people I care about. I had a vision when Inuyasha kissed me. Of you and the children dead at my feet. I was laughing with Inuyasha about it. It was terrifying."

"Stop trying to be selfless, Kagome," he answered dryly. "The vision is false. You're simply scared." He spoke honestly, without hesitation. He had no fear of dying from her power.

Kagome finally extricated her hand from Sesshoumaru's. "So what if I am! You're not the one whose head they keep messing with! You're not the one they want to use to destroy the world! Don't you know why Inuyasha did this? Kikyo was in my mind too! She was taking a tour of my mind. She was searching for the reason I broke away from Amatsu." She took a deep breath. "And I think she discovered it too, so I'm sure that next time it won't be so easy."

Sesshoumaru thought about the deep gashes in his chest and on his arm and decided that they had very different definitions of 'easy'. "I already know how I brought you back from Amatsu's hold, Kagome. It is the same reason that Amatsu will never control you completely, no matter what Kikyo believes she has discovered."

The hanyou stared at him. "Okay, I'll bite. What's this miraculous reason?"

"The pup of course."

Kagome shook her head. "No, the shock of your news brought me out of it. The baby won't stop it from happening again."

"Says the female who is not even physically aware of her pregnancy," said the rather exasperated taiyoukai. "The child is part of you, and yet separate. It binds us with its shared blood and until it is apart from you, the pup will not let you be given over completely to Amatsu and his evil."

The hanyou fidgeted a bit, curling the fabric of her yukata around her finger. "I don't know… I could still really hurt you guys. Lightening bolts, remember?"

He smirked, pleased that he had won this argument without any excessive yelling or kissing. "I remember, but I doubt you still have those powers now."

Kagome shrugged. "You never know. Amatsu could act through me as well. I'm pretty sure he can do the lightening thing. In addition to a lot more painful stuff."

"Once you work through your memories, you will be able to predict Amatsu's movements and what he is capable of," Sesshoumaru pointed out. "Your time under his control could prove to be our greatest asset."

"Somehow I think he knows that, Sesshoumaru. Do you really want me to open my mind again to help these memories flow out? Amatsu won't allow it and my mind is unprotected. What if my brain ends up splattered on the wall?"

The taiyoukai set his jaw. "I will not allow anyone to harm the mother of my heir."

Kagome's mouth dropped open as she put a hand on her chest. "Your… what?" she asked. "If this baby is your heir that means I would have to become…" She took in a deep breath and let it out as slowly as possible. "Okay… We're crossing into strange territory again."

The rather flustered dog demon remained silent, for once at loss for words. He was therefore extremely pleased when a guard knocked on the door and entered the room with a respectful bow. "My lord, there is a strange woman asking for admittance to the East wing. She claims to know both of you, although she refused to give her name."

"Put her into my study." The guard left and the two remaining demons stared at each other. "We will discuss this later," Sesshoumaru said after a few moments of silence.

Kagome nodded. "I understand."

"You did know that this conversation would have to happen sooner or later," he reminded her.

"Yeah, I know. It's just that the baby has been around for barely a week."

He stepped forward and put his hand on her abdomen. "And in another week, everyone in this castle will know you're pregnant. The signals are getting stronger."

"Okay," she said, rather dejected. She watched him slip into an outer kimono layer and followed him out of the room.

By the time they reached his study on the fourth floor, Kagome knew who it was waiting inside from them. She could never forget that scent, even if Naraku's influence had been fading for quite some time. The part that worried her was that the wind sorceress's scent was intermingling with the metallic aroma of blood.

She moved past the taiyoukai as soon as he opened the door, trying to get the first glimpse of her friend. "Kagura?"

The wind witch turned from where she had been standing beside the window. A large bruise decorated the side of her face and several lacerations ran up and down her arms and neck. She didn't answer Kagome's call, but turned towards Sesshoumaru instead. "Do you know that she's been under Amatsu's power? Is she really safe to be around?"

"We were just talking about that very subject," commented the hanyou. "Sesshoumaru seems to think I'm alright, although I disagree. Inuyasha paid another visit today, through my mind."

Kagura kept her eyes locked upon Kagome, as she moved around the taiyoukai's desk. "I see."

A pit began to form in the hanyou's stomach. "Kagura, how did you get hurt? Why are you even here? I didn't think that we were going to see you for awhile. You were trying to find that prophecy."

"You don't remember?" The sorceress's voice was steely, like it had been when Kagome had been still traveling with Inuyasha.

"Remember what?" asked Kagome.

"Your time with Inuyasha and Kikyo."

The hanyou shook her head. "It's not really clear what happened. My memories are all messed up. I'm trying to work on it." She swallowed and looked up at the wind witch. "Why? I did something didn't I? Something horrible."

Kagura frowned and turned away, rubbing gently at the bruise on her cheek. "Did you think that today is the first time Amatsu or Inuyasha has been in your head, Kagome? When you were captured, they wormed their way into your brain and picked it apart. And guess who they found."

Kagome covered her face with her hands. "Oh Kami… You. They found out that you were helping us, infiltrating their world. They used my memories against you."

"They did more than that," said the witch calmly. "They used you."

The hanyou sank down onto the carpet. "Kami," she repeated, "I was the one that hurt you?"

Shrugging, Kagura turned back to face the half-demon. "Well, no… not really. First you slaughtered the demons working directly under me in case they had bought into any of my anti-Amatsu propaganda. Then you let loose these horrible lightening bolts. You conjured an entire storm, so even though I escaped your wrath, a bolt still hit my feather. I got these injuries when I fell to the ground."

Kagome stared down at her hands. "That's why there was blood on my hands then. I killed all those demons for no good reason."

Kagura's expression softened and she went over to her friend, kneeling beside her. "Please, don't blame yourself, Kagome. I was just a bit frightened to see you, that's all. You weren't in control that night. I knew it immediately, but I had to make sure." She grinned her cat-like grin and patted her on the leg. "I mean, who else would beat themselves up over a bunch of murderous youkai?"

The hanyou gave out a little choked laugh despite herself. "So you forgive me?"

"How could I not? Mentioning your name around here has gotten me some great treatment, by some very cute guards."

This time Kagome really laughed. "You never stop, do you?"

"Of course not," answered the witch with a wink.

The hanyou looked up at Sesshoumaru, who had been standing quietly apart from them. "You'll let her stay here, won't you?"

"She should see Jun in the infirmary first." He gave Kagura another sweep with his eyes. "Those injuries should be looked at."

Kagome nodded in agreement and helped the sorceress to her feet. "I'll send a guard with you. I still need to talk to Sesshoumaru for a bit. Do you mind?"

"No." Kagura shook her head. "Before I go though, I must tell you something Sesshoumaru."

The taiyoukai arched an eyebrow. "Go ahead, although if it pertains to the safety of my lands, perhaps Kagome should wait outside." He looked over at the girl when she made an impatient clucking noise with her tongue. "If you insist upon being a safe person to be around, you cannot learn anything more of these secrets," he explained.

"No, it's okay," said the witch. "Amatsu knows that I know of this. I suspect that Kagome will figure it out once her memories return anyway. She probably knows more than all of us combined." She plucked a piece of paper from between the folds of her kimono. "I intercepted this message between a few of my superiors. Ones that don't communicate by telepathy, obviously."

Sesshoumaru gently took the small scroll of parchment from the wind witch and read the words in silence. His passive face never flinched, but his golden eyes darkened as they moved over the message. "This is… interesting."

Kagura shrugged. "I know it's not much. I have really no idea who they're talking about, but I thought you would be interested. It was a message between my direct superior and another high ranking officer. I don't know who the recipient is, but my superior was in charge of the destruction of human resistance."

The taiyoukai nodded and handed the scroll over to Kagome for her perusal.

Take him to the main fortress. He will meet the August Star there, for what end I cannot guess. I have heard that he is a force to be reckoned with, on the level of the male hanyou that our lord keeps at his side. He is dangerous and cruel. It is said that he kills without regard to whether it is a friend or foe before him. Be wary, despite his illustrious connections, and treat him with respect above and beyond owed to those in his station. Remember whose blood he shares.

"What does this mean?" asked the hanyou. "It's rather vague, isn't it?"

Kagura leaned over and pointed to the last line. "I think this is the most important piece of information. This murderous demon must be a relative of someone very important."

Kagome and Sesshoumaru looked at each other with a dark look. "Do you think this guy they're talking about could be a relative of Amatsu?"

The wind witch laughed. "He's a god. Only another god could share his blood, and I haven't heard anything remotely like that. There is only one enemy here."

"Maybe," answered Kagome with uncertainty. "Listen, Kagura, you should really go to the infirmary. Go downstairs and pick any one of the guards to accompany you, okay?"

Kagura's eyes gleamed with anticipation of picking her own guard. She barely allowed them a decent goodbye before she disappeared out the door and down the stairs to find her newest acquisition.

Normally, Kagome would have laughed at her friend's lustful habits, but instead she turned back to the taiyoukai with a frightened expression. "Do you think we're mistaken? Do you think that perhaps there's nothing to worry about?"

"Possibly, but knowing Amatsu, I highly doubt it." Sesshoumaru shook his white locks and retrieved the paper from Kagome's fingertips. "No, I believe that we now have two adversaries. Kagura was correct. A god can only share blood with a god. Unfortunately, there is a different dimension to Amatsu. He is within the human shell of my stepfather."

Kagome nodded. "I remember that part, when you demanded to see your mother. I'm so sorry about that."

"It's fine. I was warned that he held the form of a human. I should have expected that it would be the human who kidnapped my mother so many centuries ago." He frowned. "But it does present a new possibility. Amatsu is within the human shell, but if the human had a child before the god inhabited his body…"

"Then he has a child that shares blood with a god," finished Kagome. "And this letter kind of makes it sound like it's a demon child too. But since he was human then the mother must have been a demon." She stopped, not wanting to say what both of them were thinking.

Sesshoumaru nodded and looked down at the paper in his hand. "Yes. It is most likely that my mother is the mother of this new enemy." He sighed and for the first time in so many years, he sounded tired. "It appears I have not one, but two half-brothers to contend with."

Kagome frowned and walked forward. "Don't worry about it. I mean, we're just making assumptions. Jumping to conclusions. It could just be the son of some general or something."

"It still means that we have another homicidal demon to deal with. One that possibly possesses extreme power."

The hanyou sighed. "Well then, we'll deal with it when we have to."

"Yes. It is not important at the moment," agreed the taiyoukai as he turned and tucked the parchment underneath a large stack of official documents. It had grown to an alarming height again, in just the week he had been gone.

They stood for a moment in silence, looking out the floor-to-ceiling windows that served as the backdrop for Sesshoumaru's desk. The sun was already setting and Kagome found herself wondering where the day had gone. "Sesshoumaru?"

"Yes?"

"You have a dungeon, right?"

He turned back to look at her. "Naturally. We have a larger prison in the barracks, but there also dungeons beneath each of the castles of the city for the particularly dangerous criminals. Why do you ask?" He suspected he knew the reason for her question.

"I want you to throw me in there for tonight. For as many nights as I feel is necessary."

Sesshoumaru shook his head. "Absolutely not. It is no place for a pregnant female, nor for one of my guests."

"Well maybe 'throw' is too strong a word. Just lock me in, okay?" She clasped her hands. "Besides, Machi is in there and you don't seem to be too concerned."

A cruel smirk spread across his face. "Yes, indeed she is, but for good reason." The smirk faded. "You have done nothing to deserve that treatment, however."

"Do you really want me up here? With the kids just across the hall?"

The taiyoukai frowned. "If the guards assigned to their posts in the hall cannot stop you, there is no guarantee that the dungeon guards can accomplish it. You commanded the very elements when you were under Amatsu's power."

"Exactly," Kagome agreed. "I could blow this castle apart if I really wanted to, but since you won't let me leave, at least do your best to contain me. I doubt if I can do all that fancy stuff without being a part of the weapon anyway. Inuyasha and Kikyo weren't that powerful before I joined them, but I'd still feel a lot safer. I want the kids to be safe. And you."

Sesshoumaru hesitated for only a moment before nodding his assent. "Very well, although I would like to point out that I stood my ground against you once before."

Kagome bit her lip, not telling him that she remembered holding back. A few lightening bolts and some rain really had not been the pinnacle of her power, but she would tell him that later. After that sort of power was only accessible when all three components of the weapon were together. "Great. Will you walk me down there then?"

"I will, but you will be released in the morning for your training. As long as I am able to accompany you, you will be free from that filthy place."

The hanyou looked down to her hip, where Tetsusaiga had been sitting quietly all day. She pulled it out, sheath and all and handed it over to the demon lord without ceremony. "You should keep it with you. Until I need it again, that is."

To his credit, Sesshoumaru didn't express any surprise or greed over holding the object he had quested after for so many years. He simply nodded in agreement and tucked it into his sash between the Tenseiga and Tokijin. The two swords of his father were reunited for the moment, but he displayed no joy over this, nor any anger that he would have to relinquish it once again.

Kagome smiled vibrantly. "Let's go then."

They walked down to the third floor, across the bridge and down into the main part of the castle in a comfortable silence. Kagome, never having taken this path before, looked about her in curiosity at the demon ambassadors and the beautiful brushwork on the walls. After several minutes of this easy quiet, Sesshoumaru felt that he had to cover one subject before locking the female bearing his child into the dungeon. "Kagome."

She loved the way he said her name. It was so warm with a strength behind it that not even Inuyasha had achieved. "Yes?"

"We should discuss what I said before, in my room."

Kagome nodded. "About the baby being your heir?" She was once again in a state of calm, probably because she knew she would be safe in the dungeon and that Sesshoumaru had finally taken her concerns seriously.

"Yes." He swallowed. "You said, correctly, that if the pup was my heir then it was necessary for you to become my mate." Kagome didn't say anything and so he continued, drawing a deep breath to expand his chest. "The position of Lady of the Western Lands is an important one. Many lords do not require anything of their mates, but that is not so in the West. The Lady is in charge of the household and in such a large household as this, that is quite a challenge.

"In addition, if she is able, she will attend the Lord in battle. Fighting alongside him is not necessary, but she must assist him and the generals on the field. She is a diplomat and a nurse, if needed. If the Lord dies, she will temporarily take his office unless there is a grown son to take it for her. She…"

"Sesshoumaru," interrupted the rather bored Kagome.

"Yes?"

She looked up at him. "Are you asking me to become your mate? Because you can just ask, you know. I don't need a list of duties right at the moment."

He fixed her with an appraising stare. "I was just guaranteeing that you understand what is required of you. It is not an easy task." The dog demon lifted his head and stared at the black door at the end of the long hallway that led to the dungeons beneath the castle. "You were also not very receptive to my alternate methods of asking the question."

She smiled dryly. "You mean when you were stalking me in your room?" She laughed softly and looped her arm around his, letting her fingers run through the soft fur of his tail. "Well, you're quite imposing you know. Do you blame me for being intimidated?"

Sesshoumaru smirked slightly and again glanced down at her upturned face. "I can be less intimidating, if you wish."

They had reached the black door, beyond which Kagome could smell the scents of several guards. She stopped short and turned to face the taiyoukai. She was still smiling, but it was now a quiet, sad smile. "I know you can, but it won't help."

Her tone made the inuyoukai frown. "Are you once again rejecting my offer?" He could barely suppress the annoyance and anger in his voice.

Kagome looked stricken. "No! No, I'm not. I promise." She released his arm and placed her hands on his unarmored chest. "I want to. I really do want to become your mate, but I can't yet."

He captured her wrists. "Why?" he asked simply, not letting emotion color his voice.

"Well… I can still be controlled," she explained patiently. "Becoming your mate would put me in the perfect position to hurt you. It's the same reason that I'm staying in the dungeons until this is all over. Besides, if you had to make a hard decision, I would rather you make it with me as your friend, not as your mate."

Sesshoumaru frowned deeply. "You will not be harmed. I will not allow it. I can stand up to much more than you give me credit for, Kagome."

She smiled. "I don't doubt it. I probably am underestimating you, but I'm not underestimating Amatsu. And he's the real danger here. All of us will be much safer if I stay away from you for the time being. I have to sort things out still. Remember that."

He studied her face. "There is another reason. I can smell that you're holding something back."

Kagome shrugged and lowered her eyes. "Damn that nose of yours," she muttered before looking back up at him. "Okay, I'll tell you, but you can't interrupt. Promise?"

"Yes."

She released herself from his grip and began to play with her hair, pulling it forward over her shoulders and braiding loose plaits. It seemed as if she wouldn't speak for the longest time, until she finally dropped her locks and looked up at him. "I love you," she said without preamble. "I know it now. I love you and no one else. But I know you well enough to realize that you aren't going to reciprocate that. Not yet, not even if you feel it. I know that and I accept it." She took a deep breath and pushed it all out. "But I can't be with you until you do admit it."

He took a moment to process this. "So you will love me in silence until I tell you that I feel the same way?" he asked.

Kagome nodded. "I know it might be a bit ridiculous of me, but I can't help it. I need to hear the words." She smiled up at him and he saw that tears were misting her eyes. "But I won't give up either. I told you that I love you and no one else and that's true."

"Not even my brother?"

She expected the question. "I loved him in the past and I love his memory. But his soul is gone. I know that now. Just took a few demonic possessions for me to get it, I guess."

Sesshoumaru gazed at her for many long moments. He did love her and he knew it, but she was right. He had only admitted it to himself a few moments ago. He was not ready to admit it to her. His heart was eased by the fact that he knew she was sincere. She would become his mate and she would love him unconditionally, despite every atrocity he had ever committed against her and others. He supposed that he would have to amend his belief that the Lord and Lady of the Western Lands did not have to love one another. "Very well," he finally said. "I must announce the decision as soon as possible, so that the pup will be legitimate, but we have until it is born before the ceremony must be carried out. So I accept your terms."

Kagome nodded. "Somehow, I knew you would." She placed her hands upon his chest once again and lifted herself to her toes to brush an air-like kiss across his cheek. "Thanks for understanding," she whispered as she stepped back again.

When she looked up at him again, she saw to her delight and surprise that Sesshoumaru wore a small smile. It made him appear wickedly beautiful and she sighed with happiness. As she did, she felt something move within her heart, as if something had touched her soul. She gave a little gasp, causing the taiyoukai lean forward with concern. "Are you injured?"

She shook her head. "No. The baby. I can feel it now. I know it's there." She laughed. "It feels funny. Good, but funny."

The tiny smile returned. "I am pleased. You were beginning to fear that I had been lying to you."

Kagome colored slightly. "I hope the baby looks like you."

The smile faded from his lips, but his eyes were still extremely satisfied. "And if it is a girl? Do you not wish it inherits your beauty?"

She flushed completely at his honesty. "Well, maybe. Perhaps a girl will look like your mother. She was gorgeous."

He nodded. "She was. Hopefully, our pup will know its grandmother." He noticed Kagome flinch and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Are you certain you are uninjured?"

"Um, yeah…I'm just tired." She gave him a lopsided grin. "Come on, let's get me into the dungeon. Sooner I get to sleep the sooner I can start training with you in the morning."

Sesshoumaru gave her a rather long look, but finally pulled the black door open and led her down the stone spiral stairs to the dungeon. Three more doors stood between them and the lowest, third level of the prisons, each unlocked by a pair of keys held by the two guards at each post. Down here, in the presence of the sentries, the taiyoukai was once again all business. "We have more guards on duty when we have prisoners, but besides Machi, no one is down here at the moment. If you wish, I will post more."

"Um, yes please," Kagome said offhandedly as she stepped down another flight of stairs. This one was slimy with moss and algae. "You're going to bring fresh clothes right?"

"Jaken will attend to that," he responded. He waited for the final door to be opened to expose a short hallway with cells lining one side, numbering around twenty. "This is where we keep the worst of our adversaries, usually as they await execution. There are many magical wards on these walls, almost as strong as the ones I was trapped within."

The hanyou nodded with satisfaction and followed him to the final cell door. Sesshoumaru unlocked it himself and held it open for her. It was not cozy, but it was cleaner than she had expected. A straw mattress lay atop a stone platform to one side and a wash basin was on the other side, fixed to the wall. "Homey," she commented as she stepped inside.

"You led me to believe that this is what you wanted," he answered.

"It is. It's fine." She smiled wanly at him. "Just don't wait too long in the morning to come and get me, okay?"

Sesshoumaru gave a sidelong glance at the guards standing at the end of the hallway, making sure they couldn't eavesdrop. "I promise." He looked pointedly at her still flat stomach. "Take care of the pup and of yourself."

"Sure thing."

He closed the door and locked it, the rust grinding as the key turned. They looked at each other for a moment. Kagome knew that he wouldn't risk saying anything even remotely romantic, and so she was pleased to hear a gentle 'goodnight.'

"Goodnight," she answered, barely quick enough before he left her sight. She collapsed onto the bare mattress and tucked her arms behind her head. "Goodnight," she repeated, before rolling on her side and closing her eyes.

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A/N: Oh goodness… that was so hard to write. I think I went through about 10 drafts, especially of the first part. It was difficult for them to have a meaningful conversation without giving away too much. Ended up being much shorter than I had expected (that part anyway). If you think Kagome was acting a bit erratic in the beginning, that's intentional. Is she under the spell still? Isn't she? Haha. Anyway, review and feel free to congratulate me on my engagement! (Aren't I so modest?) Oh… and Happy Valentine's Day!

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