"Sesshoumaru?" Naomi's voice sounded as disbelieving as his. She stood hurriedly and wrapped her arms around him. "I am so sorry, my son."

"Mother… why…?"

She looked at him with sad eyes. "Your father…" She need not say anymore in explanation. Sesshoumaru had wanted for countless years to escape from his father, but…

"If you were going to feign your own death, why could you have not at least told me?"

Her eyes darkened, and she told him to sit beside her. Taking his hands in hers, she explained softly, "Because, Sesshoumaru, I had no intention of faking my death."

"What? Then how…?"

"I had run away, and I had… jumped from the ledge fully intending to let the ocean have me. But… I was saved. Grabbed out of the air… by an Earth Angel." Naomi smiled at him, and he returned the gesture.

"You must have been happy to finally meet one," Sesshoumaru said lightly.

"I was, though I was distraught that I had been thwarted yet again. But, somehow, my savoir extracted my story from me, and I was promised a place where I could live in secret, and never be bothered again. The only condition was that she made me promise never to try again. And I haven't. I've been happy, except for missing you, of course—"

"She?" Sesshoumaru repeated.

Naomi nodded. "My rescuer. Such a sweet girl, I could never thank her enough. She comes to visit me whenever she can. I would introduce you, but judging by your smell, I'd say you already met." Her smile brightened.

"Kagome. Kagome was the one who saved you that day," he stated. Naomi nodded to confirm the truth of his words.

"I shall return someday, and we'll speak more. For now, though, there is a war," Sesshoumaru said, standing.

"Yes, I've heard. Is she the one you were friends with, all those years ago?" Naomi inquired. When he nodded, she continued, "I'm glad. Such beautiful blue wings. You know, I haven't seen another with her color wings since I've been here? Well, go on. I'll be here whenever you want to talk."

Sesshoumaru turned as he opened the door, "I am relieved to see you so happy, Mother. Don't worry; I will not say a word to Father."

His mother only nodded and waved him away. "I love you, Sesshoumaru. Be careful, my son." She knew by the pause in his step that he heard her.

Sesshoumaru retraced their earlier steps back to Kagome's room, but the room was empty. Using his nose, he was able to locate her scent, though it blended well with the surroundings, and followed it.

He found her speaking to a white-winged Earth Angel, and waited until their conversation ended before he approached her.

"I need to speak with you, immediately, in private." She looked slightly disheartened at his cold tone, but led him back to her room.

Once she closed the door, he affirmed, "You saved my mother." Kagome nodded. "How? Why?"

"Sesshoumaru, what's—"

"How could you save her? I thought you were training at the other side of the forest?" he demanded. "Or did you lie?" If she had been close enough to save his mother, why had she not visited him? The thought made his heart ache, and his temper flare.

Tears sprang to her eyes and her wings wilted. "I had just learned to fly, Sesshoumaru," Kagome explained, forcing her voice to remain steady. "I had snuck away and I was coming to see you, but then I saw your mother, though I did not know she was your mother at the time. She was running as though something was chasing her, but I could neither see nor sense anything after her. I did sense her distress, and when I saw that she was nearing the sea… I was able to catch her before she fell too far."

She knew he was only upset at being deprived of seeing her, but his words cut deep nonetheless.

Sesshoumaru saw that she was visibly hurt by his icy words and harsh tone, but he needed answers, and only she could provide them. "Do not… do not think I am not grateful. But why, then, did you not come to see me?"

Kagome gave a curt laugh, and angrily swiped away a tear that fell as she turned her face away from him. "I told you I slipped away. I was not supposed to be there. But the only way to save your mother was to bring her back with me, and ask that she be given residence here, at the main village."

"So they knew you had left without permission."

"Not only without permission. I broke the rules. You know what happens when you break a rule, don't you?"

Sesshoumaru was momentarily silent as he recalled his father's ruthless words and severe blows. "What did they do?"

She still did not look at him. "My wings were bound. Did you ever wonder why my wings are darker than everyone else's? Something went wrong. No one knows what, exactly. But I cannot fly as well as the others, now."

"Kagome…" Sesshoumaru stepped towards her.

"Forget about it." Her words stopped him. "I would do it the same, if I had it to do over again. Your mother does not know the truth, and you should keep it that way. There is nothing anyone can do about it." She finally turned to face him, eyes hardened with resolve and acceptance. "If you're ready—"

She was unexpectedly in his tight embrace. "I'm sorry." He could hear the truth behind her words, deep beneath her voice. And he knew she would not meet his gaze because he would see the truth in her eyes as well. Her disability hurt her dignity. She was not seen as an equal among her peers. Her loss of flying strength was probably equal to the loss of an arm for him. She had lost her only ability to visit him. And his words had only harmed her more. "I am so sorry, Kagome."

Kagome's barrier broke, and a torrent of tears followed. She knew that she should be angry with him for accusing her of dishonesty, for thinking that she had not craved his company as much as he had desired hers. But he understood. He saw what she had been able to hide from all others. He could read her as well as she could read him. With Sesshoumaru, she felt comfortable, cared for. She did not want to leave his arms.

But eventually her crying lessened and she pulled away. "Thank you," she whispered.

He shook his head as he tucked several stray hairs behind her ear. "I do not deserve you, Kagome."

She smiled and went into an adjoining room. He heard water running briefly and then she returned, looking less worse for wear. "Are you ready?"

"Ready for what?"

"To return to your father."

Sesshoumaru nodded. "What of Kouga?"

"The wolf? He's well enough to walk. I was speaking to a healer before you approached."

"Very well, we should be leaving, then."

When Kagome turned to open the door, he cautiously reached out and stroked the silky blue feathers. She jumped at the contact, and he retracted his hand. "I apologize. I did not hurt you, did I?"

She faced him with a light blush staining her cheeks. "No, it's just that touching someone's wings is a rather… intimate touch."

He smiled at her. "I'll keep that in mind."

The two followed another winding stairway down to the forest floor. Once there, the grey-winged Elder as well as a few other, younger, Earth Angels, met them. Matsu was among them. Kouga and their guards also stood waiting.

"Shall we take our leave?" The grey-winged Elder asked. Kagome informed Sesshoumaru that his name was Satu.

Everyone agreed, and the delegation set forth. Sesshoumaru walked closely beside Kagome, though neither spoke, simply enjoying the companionship they had been deprived of.

Soon, though, Kouga materialized at Kagome's side. "I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting, yet," he said with a playful grin. "I'm Kouga."

"I am Kagome." She returned his smile with one of her own.

"Now," he said, draping an arm about her shoulders. "How about leaving the Ice Prince and being my woman?"

Kagome's friendly laugh covered Sesshoumaru's growl. "I don't think so. Maybe we could be friends, though," Kagome told him sincerely. Suddenly she heard her name called excused herself before running ahead to speak with her friend.

Sesshoumaru watched Kagome approach a pink-winged female Earth Angel before he turned his attention to the wolf still beside him. Sesshoumaru could not help but smirk at the dumbfounded expression on Kouga's face. "Not accustomed to a female turning down an offer from you?" he taunted, secretly pleased at Kagome's reaction, or lack thereof.

Kouga growled lowly. "Look, she may have a little bit of your scent mixed with hers, but she's still unclaimed, not to mention a virgin. I've never met anyone like her before. I want her."

"She is not an object for you to possess." His knuckles cracked as his claws unconsciously flexed. Desire to wring the wolf's neck coursed through his veins. No one would take Kagome from him, especially not the foolish creature beside him.

"Sesshoumaru."

Sesshoumaru snapped his head around to see Kagome once again alongside him. His eyes were beginning to tint with red, so she subtly twined her fingers with his, and allowed her touch and scent to calm his raging inner beast.

When all traces of scarlet had left the gold irises, Kagome smiled reassuringly up at him. She then began to speak amiably with Kouga on meaningless topics. Sesshoumaru was content to listen to her voice. After all, she still held his hand tightly in hers.

- - - - - -

Katsuro and Yukio were visibly impressed upon their return. Sesshoumaru was both proud and worried when his father took an instant interest in Kagome.

"Father, this is Satu, of the Earth Angels," Sesshoumaru announced. The two Lords introduced themselves.

"Are you the leader of your kind?" Yukio inquired.

"Not exactly. We have no Lord, but a council of Elders. I am, however, the Head Elder. The other Elders will most likely stand beside whatever decisions I make while I am here."

"Ah, I see. We shall have to talk politics more at a later time, then," Katsuro said. "I noticed you brought an entourage. May I ask about the lady with blue wings?"

Satu's face shone with pride. "Of course." He gestured for Kagome to step forward. "This is my only daughter, Kagome."

Sesshoumaru concealed his surprise. Kagome had never mentioned her relation to Satu, though it provided explanation as to why her opinion was asked for by the Elders.

Kagome bowed. "An honor to meet you, Lord Katsuro," she murmured.

Katsuro smiled approvingly. "The honor is mine." He noted how his son stepped possessively between him and Kagome.

"Father," Sesshoumaru stated with stiff formality, "should we not be discussing the war?"

"Indeed," Katsumo said. "Servants will settle your group into the guest rooms, and we shall talk business. Tonight, we shall hold a small feast in welcome."

Suto nodded in approval. As Kagome was ushered away by a servant, she was about to speak, but a look from her father kept her obediently silent. Mentally, she grumbled. She wanted to stay as Sesshoumaru and Kouga were. But she knew she was privileged for a female. Outside her forest, women had even fewer rights than she was used to.

Kagome was studying her room when a knock came at her door. The large space was decorated with expensive furniture and tapestries. The rug had a crescent moon at its center, surrounded by stars that were minute by comparison. Her oak bed looked comfortable, but three times as large as her own, with thin white curtains to veil it.

Kagome opened the door to meet a servant she had not seen before. The woman's eyes widened before she bowed low. "Lord Sesshoumaru asked me to make you an outfit for this evening. I came to take your measurements."

Kagome gave a relieved sigh. She had had no idea what she would wear to the feast. "Please, come in. And you don't have to bow. I'm no one important. My name's Kagome."

The woman blinked her sea green eyes. "I am Shyla." She was a dog demon, with pale brown hair and a short tail.

"Nice to meet you," Kagome said cheerfully. "Well, do what you need to do."

Shyla quickly finished and left with a promise to return with the clothes shortly. Kagome bathed and then waited.

When Shyla did return, Kagome was shocked at the beauty of the dress. Sleeveless, but with a neckline high enough not to reveal cleavage, the color was a deep violet with gold thread making a complex braided pattern down the sides. The design split when it reached the slit that began mid-thigh and ran to where the dress touched the floor. Upon closer examination, Kagome saw that the motif contained crescent moons of various sizes. Running her hands over the smooth material, she realized it was of the finest silk.

"I can't wear this!" Kagome exclaimed.

"Do you not like it? I made it similar in design to what you wear now. I left the back open for your wings, as well—" Shyla began.

"No! No, that's not what I meant. It's amazing. It should be on display somewhere. It's too expensive…"

Shyla giggled. "My creations are meant to be worn. And I would be honored if you would wear it."

Kagome hesitated. "Really?" Shyla nodded. "Okay. But on one condition."

"What is it?"

Kagome smiled sheepishly. "Help me put it on? I'm afraid I'll rip it."

Shyla chuckled but complied. Once Kagome was dressed, Shyla nodded in approval. "I knew it would look perfect on you! Are you going to do something with your hair?"

Kagome shook her head. "There's so much of it, I'd just tangle it," she said with a laugh.

"I like it down. It's as nice as Lord Sesshoumaru's."

Kagome laughed again. "I wouldn't go that far."

Shyla informed Kagome that Sesshoumaru would escort her to the feast, and then left.

A short time passed before she again her a knock at her door, and she hastily ran to answer it. She opened the door and was face to face with Sesshoumaru. He wore his usual white with the splash of red design on the shoulder. And his purple and yellow sash still adorned his waist. He was, though, devoid of his armor and weapons.

He had expected her to look stunning, but Sesshoumaru was still shocked at her beauty when she opened the door.

She smiled at him. "Thank you for the dress, Sesshoumaru."

He smirked. "You're welcome." Then he leaned down, placing his lips near her ear. "I like the way you look in the colors of my House."

She was blushing when he pulled away, and his smile widened. "Come," he said, offering his arm. "The others are waiting. I'll escort you."

The food was as tasteful as the music, and Kagome was popular throughout the night. Sesshoumaru could only watch with thinly concealed jealously as Kagome was asked to dance by countless males. Especially Kouga, who appeared in the brown and silver of his House. But Sesshoumaru had no reason to tell her not to or to chase away those seeking her company. As if sensing his discomfort, however, she always returned to his side. She asked him, once, but he told her that he did not dance, and she did not press him.

Finally, the festive night ended, and after Kagome bid her father a good night, she allowed Sesshoumaru to show her back to her room.

Yukio approached Satu and Katsuro. "I wish to speak with you two before we retire."

hermonine: That was a rather cruel cliffy, wasn't it. I tend not to leave the story hanging like that, but I decided that was the best place to end. Thank you for the review!

JewelQueen: As you requested. Thanks for reviewing!

Kagome21: Thank you very much! I hope you continue to enjoy the story.

Black Hands: Thank you! I hope it continues to please.

Demoness of the Black Wolves: Thanks for the review! I hope you enjoyed the chapter.

Okane-Tsuki: Thank you. I am happy that you like the story.

i-wish-i-was-kagome: Thanks so much! I am glad that you think so. I hope I do not disappoint you.

The Squabbit: I've wished on many occasions that I could stop time. But when I think about it, I wonder how awkward the world would be if everyone could do that whenever they wanted. Anyway, (I did not mean to digress) thank you very much for reviewing. I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well. Hidden Behind the Scenes will probably not be updated for another several days, though.

Your Crimson Death: Thank you! I hope the story continues to please.

sarah h: Thank you for reviewing! Yes, Sesshoumaru does have both of his arms. I am assuming by 'real action' you are referring to their relationship, so to answer that question, I can only say soon. If you are referring to the war, it is coming soon as well. Thanks again!

catdemon4792: I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Remember, this is drama. Thanks for the review!

hi: Thanks for reviewing!

Kage Bi Koori: I do not consider it one of the best, but you are kind to say so. Thank you very much for reviewing! I hope the story continues to please you.

animefan141: Cookies, yum! Lol. And I am glad that you consider this story a 10/10. Thank you so much for the sweet (pun intended) review.

krissy: I am happy that you think so. Thanks for reviewing!