A/N: PLEASE NOTE THE RATING CHANGE! There will not be a warning for limes/lemons.

"Did you enjoy the evening?" Sesshoumaru inquired.

"Yes, but my feet hurt," Kagome whined childishly.

Sesshoumaru smiled at her behavior. "Then you should not have danced so much."

"But I like to dance. And besides, I didn't want to anger anyone by declining." He nodded in understanding. "Not to mention that my father would tell me nothing about the meeting today. All he would say is, 'it's going well'."

"You cannot expect much to have occurred after only one day."

"I know, but… I guess I'm just used to knowing what is going on."

"You could ask me."

She smiled at him. "I trust that you would tell me. What bothers me is that my father is usually not so vague with me."

"So you are not going to ask me?"

She remained silent in thought for a short while. "This war… is consuming the land. Very few are unaffected. But I don't want it to consume us… or destroy us. I just want to be with you. Not just as an ally or colleague, but as a friend, like before." His eyes told her that he felt the same. After a moment of walking, they passed a familiar door. "Um… Sesshoumaru, was that not my room?"

"Yes, but I have something to give you. It is in my quarters."

"Oh, okay."

After a few more turns and hallways, they arrived. Kagome was impressed with the simple décor. A matching bed and desk were carved from a dark, polished wood. The only adornment to the bed was the black curtains and gold satin pillows. The black cover had a large crescent moon the same color as the one on his forehead. Kagome also noticed another door that most likely lead to a walk-in closet. Unlike her room, Sesshoumaru's had a balcony. It probably had a spectacular view of the sunset.

Kagome remained standing by the door while Sesshoumaru approached his desk.

He opened one of the many drawers and palmed an object that she did not see. He returned to stand before her and took her hands in his. He placed the mysterious item in her hands before releasing them with a tentative smile.

Kagome looked down to find that she held a ring, and gasped. The outside was gold with a simple wavy design carved into it, as well as a single crescent moon. But where the gold had been carved into, silver was revealed. The inside was the opposite, silver with the same pattern carved in gold.

"Sesshoumaru," Kagome breathed. "This is… amazing. It's so beautiful. Thank you."

He appeared almost relieved, as if uncertain that she would find the gift acceptable. "I am glad you like it," he said smoothly, taking it from her only to place it on her finger. "I had to guess at your size. I had it made for you long ago."

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. He had been thinking about her during all of their years apart, as she had thought of him. Longed for him. Kagome threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. "Thank you so much. I love it," she said into his ear, her chin resting on his shoulder.

Sesshoumaru felt his control slipping as her body pressed flush against his. His hands on her upper arms, he gently forced her back. Sesshoumaru searched her sapphire orbs and found only trust, adoration and… perhaps something more.

His gaze moved to the thin material hiding her soft body from him, to the magnificent dark blue wings that marked her as an invalid compared to the rest of her race, and back to her face where his eyes locked on her alluring lips.

To Kagome, Sesshoumaru's sudden kiss was surprising, but far from unwelcome. Almost instantly her eyes closed and she rewrapped her arms around his neck. She felt his arms go around her waist, pulling her tighter against him.

He led her to his bed, never taking his lips from hers. As he slowly laid her down on the sheets, Kagome opened her eyes to meet his lust-darkened ones hovering over her.

Reluctantly, he broke away. "Kagome," he panted. "I want this only if you do. Do you…?"

Her answer was a searing kiss, followed by a breathless "yes." Whatever his question was, her answer was yes.

He returned her kiss with equal enthusiasm, causing desire to flood through her veins and heating her skin with his passion. She opened her mouth and he eagerly tasted her.

During their time apart, her feelings had never wavered and never lessened. She was not sure exactly when she began to think of him as more than a friend, but she knew that she did. She loved Sesshoumaru with all of her heart, but had always known him to be out of her reach as the future Lord of the Western Lands.

Yet, when it came to Sesshoumaru, her normally strong resolve could always be weakened.

Sesshoumaru slipped his hands beneath the skirt of the dress and placed them on the outsides of her legs. Slowly he ran his hands up the hot, smooth silk of her skin, along her thighs and hips, causing the material to bunch around her waist. His hands continued their upward journey, his claws occasionally brushing teasingly against her, until he reached her breasts. Cupping them in his large hands, he massaged and molded them as his mouth continued to make love to hers.

Kagome's own hands had found their way under his haori and her feather light touches were wreaking havoc on his muscled chest and stomach. Wherever she touched he felt his body burn for her. Her tongue began to battle lustfully with his.

Soon, all clothing had been discarded.

That night, with hands, lips and tongue, they explored every curve and crevice of each other. Sesshoumaru was surprised but grateful when he entered her to find no physical proof of her virginity, though he knew by her scent that she was previously untouched.

"Not every girl has a barrier," she whispered against his neck, her warm breath both relaxing and tickling his skin.

"Good," he replied, his voice equally quiet and breathy. "I do not wish to hurt you." And as if to prove himself, he rocked his hips against hers, causing a pleasurable moan to be released from her throat.

When she reached her orgasm, and he was nearing his, red began to bleed into the gold of his irises as Sesshoumaru's beast began to take over. His fangs elongated, ready to plunge into her neck and mark her as his life mate.

Kagome noticed the change as his head lowered to her neck. She grabbed his face between her hands and forced him to look her in the eyes. His beast growled at being denied what it wanted.

"We made a deal," she told him gently. And before the words could register in his mind, she pulled him down for another kiss. She ran her tongue over his lips and he opened his mouth eagerly. Her tongue traced an extended tooth, purposely cutting her tongue on the sharp incisor. Kagome knew that his beast would not be satisfied until it had blood—her blood.

He reached his peak, and soon after both fell into a peaceful sleep, her head resting on his bare chest.

- - - - - -

"It's agreed."

"Yes, this is best for all parties."

"We are in accord, then."

- - - - - -

Sesshoumaru woke to Kagome's sleeping face, a soft smile on her tempting lips. He lightly ran his fingers down her neck, stopping where he would have marked her. But the skin was undamaged. Her earlier words returned to him.

We made a deal.

So, she remembered. He was both pleased and disappointed that she recalled their agreement. She would be his mate when he reached his fourth century of life, but he wanted her as his mate now.

Kagome opened bright blue eyes as he removed his hand. "Good morning," she said happily.

Sesshoumaru's lips found hers. "Morning." He pulled her still naked form against his. Reaching behind her, he tenderly caressed her soft feathers, and she shivered with pleasure in response. A thought entered his mind as he trailed his fingers down her side. "Kagome, you told me, the next time we met, that you would tell me the meaning of your wings turning pink."

Kagome blushed, as she always had when he asked that question. "I did, didn't I?" She sighed. "Well… it could mean I was embarrassed… or… infatuated… or…"

A knock disrupted her answer.

Sesshoumaru made sure that Kagome was decently covered before pulling on his hakama and answering the door.

The servant bowed low. He could tell that his Lord was very irritated at being disturbed, though Sesshoumaru displayed no outward sign of annoyance. "My Lord, your father sent me to inform you…" He hesitated only momentarily before continuing, "and the lady that breakfast is being served. And your father wishes to speak with you privately in his study before you dine."

Sesshoumaru nodded curtly. "Very well. You may tell my father that I will be with him shortly."

The servant bowed again and left.

Sesshoumaru closed the door and turned to see Kagome finish putting on her dress from the night before.

"Kagome." She approached him and hesitantly pressed her lips to his. When she made to pull away, he held her close, deepening the kiss. "Kagome…"

He felt her smile and she pulled back to meet his eyes. "We'll talk, later, okay? I need to change, and my clothes are in my room."

Sesshoumaru nodded and allowed her to step away. He watched as she left, giving him one last smile and waving with the hand still decorated with his ring before closing the door behind her. Then, he finally noticed.

Kagome's scent had changed slightly. The innocence was gone, as expected, but something else was different. After a moment, realization struck him. Kagome was…

He needed to tell her as soon as possible.

Sesshoumaru readied himself for his meeting with his father.

When he arrived at his father's study, Sesshoumaru found it unoccupied. A servant informed him that his father would arrive shortly. Anxious to see Kagome, the wait felt unbearably long.

Finally, Katsuro entered the room. "Sesshoumaru," he acknowledged in greeting. Katsuro sniffed lightly. "I hope you had a pleasant night," he said suggestively.

Resisting the urge to growl, Sesshoumaru remained as cold and emotionless as ice. He gave no sign of replying.

Angered at the sign of disrespect, Katsuro's light mood darkened. "I hope you enjoyed her, because you are not to see her again." Before Sesshoumaru could ask, Katsuro continued, "When this war is over, and we are successful in suppressing the threat, she is to become life mate to Lord Yukio's son, Kouga. The alliance will prove beneficial in the future, and was helpful in gaining the aid of the Earth Angels."

Sesshoumaru was seeing red. "You cannot force her to mate. You cannot use her as a bargaining piece—"

"I did no such thing. Her father agreed to the match himself." Sesshoumaru was silent in his shock. Katsuro smirked. "Yes. It seems even the peace-loving Earth Angels can fall prey to a lust for power and prestige. With this bonding, Satu may gain enough influence to become Lord Satu of the Central Lands."

"Why Kouga?" Sesshoumaru growled out. "You were drawn to her when you first met her. And I—"

"No. I admit, when I first laid eyes on her, I found her very interesting. But she is flawed. Her father spoke of her disability. She is not equal among her fellow Angels, and is therefore most certainly not worthy enough to become the life mate of one from our lineage," Katsuro sneered.

"You are far from perfect yourself, father," Sesshoumaru stated frigidly as he made to leave.

"Sesshoumaru!" Katsuro called after him. Sesshoumaru stopped in the doorframe. "At Lord Yukio's request, and my order, you are not to have contact with Kouga's future life mate." He heard Sesshoumaru's low growl and scowled. "To help discourage you, the Earth Angels departed this morning. I saw your lover off myself."

Sesshoumaru disappeared before the last word left his mouth.

He checked the room she had been given first. Finding it empty of both her and her belongings, he continued to search the entire castle. But he knew she was gone. Sesshoumaru finally returned to his room and sat resignedly on the bed he and Kagome had shared only hours before.

He had deliberately not informed his father about the child growing in Kagome's womb. Not only did Sesshoumaru know he would receive no sympathy, but he feared for Kagome and the unborn child's safety if his father knew.

An unexpected knock came at his door, and Sesshoumaru impassively rose to see who disturbed him. Much to his surprise, he opened the door to be greeted by Shyla.

"My Lord," she said quietly, bowing. "Kagome… asked me to deliver this to you." Shyla opened her folded hands to reveal a strange stone pendant. A small circle, carved into it was a compass. At each point, however, rather than the cardinal letter, was a minute picture of the animal demon that dominated the Land. At the center was a hole, but around the hole was ancient writing that he could not read. Sesshoumaru could not identify the stone, either.

"She had a message, too, my Lord. She wished for me to tell you to be safe and that the pendant will guarantee you safe passage in the Central Lands." Sesshoumaru nodded. Kagome had been wise in not communicating to him through a written message.

"Shyla, have you any idea what mineral this is made from?"

"No, my Lord. And Kagome did not say."

"Did she say anything else?"

"She did mention that it had been her mother's. If it's not too bold to say, I think it meant a lot to her."

Sesshoumaru was deep in thought, but roused himself enough to reply. "No, it is not. Thank you, Shyla. You're dismissed."

She bowed and left.

- - - - - -

Though he wanted nothing more than to go after Kagome, Sesshoumaru knew not where to start searching for her. And if he did leave, he would be doing so without permission, and his father would refuse to complete his training.

Instead, Sesshoumaru finished his last six months of training in three.

Soon after, Sesshoumaru was granted a position of high rank in the army and sent into battle.

He looked for her. At every battle he fought, he looked for her. But he never saw her.

The Earth Angels, though they sometimes fought with him, camped separately. The few he spoke with seemed reluctant to give him any information about Kagome. All Sesshoumaru was able to determine was that she was alive. Her pregnancy was never mentioned.

After nearly two months of fighting, great progress had been made. With the allegiance of the Earth Angels, as well as Sesshoumaru's leadership and fighting abilities, the enemy had been pushed back to the former borders. But the fighting continued.

Late one night after a long but successful fight, Sesshoumaru informed the sentry that he would be taking a walk. After declining the offer of an escort, he left the camp.

He did not go far before a teasingly familiar aroma reached him. Sesshoumaru blindly followed it. Soon he entered a clearing that a small stream ran through, and was hit with a sense of déjà vu.

Kagome sat with her knees to her chest. Her wings surrounded her, pressed tightly against her, as if she were trying to hide. He again smelled the salt of her tears. Unlike the time centuries ago, when she had been younger and her wings had been grey, she sat by the gently moving brook. And the moon, shining brightly in the sky, reflected off the water to create ever-changing patterns of wavering light on her body. She truly looked to him like a fallen angel.

Upon leaving his camp, he had masked his aura. Now, he revealed himself.

Kagome felt his presence instantly. Surprised, she stood and turned to face him. She tried her best to wipe away the tears and smile. Her hair had been cut, and now reached only to her mid-back. "Sesshoumaru."

"Kagome, you should not be fighting," he said sternly as he approached her.

"What?" she asked, confused, as he took her hands in his. "Sesshoumaru, my father forbid me from having any contact with you."

"As did mine. But, Kagome," he said slowly, "you're pregnant." He could not help but smile. Over the months, he had grown fond of the idea of her having his child. His grin faded as he looked at her stomach. It appeared rather flat for the stage she should be in. Dog demons gave birth after six months. Perhaps Earth Angels were different?

"No, Sesshoumaru," Kagome replied sadly. "I'm not."

He now noticed that her scent was devoid of the faint change he had detected before. Had he been wrong? Had she never been with his child?

Sesshoumaru shook his head. No, he was certain. "Kagome…"

She opened her mouth to explain, but someone calling her name interrupted them.

Kagome turned from him and called into the woods, "Sango, I'm over here."

Soon the pink winged Earth Angel that Sesshoumaru recalled seeing before entered the clearing.

"Kagome, everyone's looking for you." She stopped speaking when she noticed that Kagome was not alone. She glared at Sesshoumaru, but continued to address Kagome. "A message was just received, and our company has been ordered to move out. Come on, we need to go," she said sternly.

Kagome gave her friend a long, appraising look before giving a curt nod of averse acceptance. Her eyes returned to Sesshoumaru. "I'm sorry," she said sadly. "I must go."

"Wait, Kagome." He tightened his grip on her hands when she tried to pull away.

Other voices calling for Kagome could be heard in the distance.

Suddenly Sango pulled Kagome away from him. "Kagome, we're going."

Sesshoumaru glared. Friend of Kagome or not, this female had no right to interfere. "Wait—"

"No! I won't let you hurt Kagome anymore."

"Sango," Kagome pleaded quietly.

"If anyone else catches her with you, they'll tell her father and she'll be punished. So we're leaving."

Kagome looked back once before the two disappeared into the trees. "Sorry," she said. And then they were gone from his sight.

I won't let you hurt Kagome anymore.

He had hurt Kagome? Surely the girl was mistaken. He would never hurt Kagome. He would protect her with his life. He… he loved her.

As the scene replayed itself in his mind, he recalled a disturbing fact. Her hands had been bare of any adornment at all, including his ring.

In an act of blind and hurt rage, Sesshoumaru pulled out the pendant, which was tucked into his sash. He held it rigidly in his grip, so tight that it made indentations in his skin. For an instant he had the urge to break the mysterious trinket, smash it to pieces along with the entire surrounding forest.

But the anger soon passed, and only the hurt remained. He would cherish what she had given him. Whether she still felt anything for him or not, he still loved her.

Something caught his eye. Looking more closely at where Kagome had been sitting, he noticed a few of her feathers seemed to have fallen out.

I won't let you hurt Kagome anymore.

Sesshoumaru was puzzled by her words, and he did not enjoy being uncertain.

He returned to the camp, and ordered his second in command to proceed without him. Sesshoumaru then left for the Central Lands.

A/N: Wow, I really had not expected such unanimity. Thank you for waiting so long! I wanted to wait for A Single Spark to allow me to update before I updated on The next chapter should be coming sooner.

sarah h: Don't get pissed yet! It's not over until… well, until I say 'Fin' lol. I hope you liked this chapter and thank you for always reviewing!

HeimdallMayura: I am sorry you had to wait so long. I hope this chapter is as pleasing as the last was.

AnubisuD: Your anxious wait is over… and begins anew, I suppose? I hope you enjoyed this chapter, despite the wait.

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JewelQueen: I am sorry for the wait. I thank you very much for reviewing. Yes, I want wings, too.

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darkdemoness41791: I am working on both of my Inuyasha stories, and am actually starting a third, and possibly a fourth. But I am trying to finish my first two before moving on. It's very tempting to post what I have so far of my newest story, lol. Anyway, thank you very much for the review!

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