. : Muichimotsu : .

: . By Akikazu . :

. : Chapter Thirty Four : .

Life at Sesshomaru's palace had return to a semi-normal routine over the past months. Kagome's family had come into residence and Kagome remained oblivious to her past. Much of Kagome's time was spent either with Hijikata-Sensei (teacher) and Souji-kun in the library trying to catch up with her studies or in the gardens with various family members and friends.

Seeing her memory loss as a new vulnerability, Shippo did his best to stay at her side but there were many times when Sesshomaru called for him to attend to his lessons in the dojo. Likewise Kagome seemed to have attached herself to several men in the palace. Sesshomaru was on top of the list, of course, as was Yusuke-kun, Souji-kun, Itsuki, and Epsilon as well. However, Sesshomaru-ani (older brother) left periodically to deal with "business", Itsuki was nearly inseparable from Keiko, and Epsilon and Souji-kun both disappeared on a regular basis.

Kagome knew that Yusuke-kun would much prefer to be with Yukina-chan but she insisted that he stay with Kagome. After all, Yukina had explained, she was only pregnant Kagome on the other hand was floundering about in a world she no longer knew.

Koenma had officially declared the Reikai Tantei (Spirit Detective's) mission over and Kuwabara had gone home, Ayame was rumored to be visiting him frequently. Yusuke and Yukina had stayed at the palace at Sesshomaru's command, as did Hiei, though he was rarely seen. Itsuki had no place to go so he and Keiko stayed, though explaining this to Keiko's parents was difficult.

Kurama had also left. No one, human or youkai (demon), family or servant, would let him near Kagome after the first several encounters that seemed to fall into the same experience as the first. Without the promise of Kagome, Kurama seemed to find staying at the palace pointless, which suit Epsilon and Sesshomaru perfectly fine. However, only Hiei knew that Kurama was far from giving up.

M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M .

Kagome smiled as Yusuke joined her on a bench in front of one the smaller koi ponds in Sesshomaru's extensive gardens.

"How is Yukina today?" Kagome asked.

"She's as big as a whale and twice as mean," Yusuke replied affectionately, not really meaning it.

"Like I believe that. Will the baby be here soon? I can't wait, I love little children." Kagome sighed, he could hear the longing in her voice.

"Then why don't you find yourself a husband or mate or whatever and have some of your own." He teased, "Have your brother introduce you to some canine of some sort and maybe by this time next year you'll have a litter."

Kagome giggled slightly, "You're silly Yusuke-kun. It's not likely that I'll find someone to love in such a short time. How long have you known Yukina?"

"A couple of years but until last year I was dating Keiko."

Her eyes widened in surprise, "Keiko? Itsuki's Keiko?"

Yusuke nodded. Kagome rocked back and smiled, "Wow, living in the same house as those two must be really weird then."

"A little," Yusuke admitted sheepishly.

Her next words stopped him cold.

"Did I have anyone before I lost my memories?"

His mind worked furiously trying to come up with something to say. Part of him wanted to explain about Kurama, after all the fox was one of his best friends and Yusuke knew that the redhead had loved this young woman. On the other hand he had grown close to Kagome and the rest of him want to protect her from the pain and fear the rose in her whenever Kurama was mentioned or present.

Not for the first time Yusuke wondered what had happened between Kagome and Kurama on that day so many months ago. Whatever it was it had to be dreadful to wreck such devastation on Kagome and Kurama's relationship. He wondered what would have happened if Kagome hadn't lost her memory on that day.

"Yusuke-kun?"

"Hmm?"

"Are you going to answer me?"

"Yeah, you were in a relationship," he answered finally.

Kagome's brow wrinkled, "Really? With who? Was it a good relationship?"

"It was a good relationship, I remember being jealous of how close your bond was." He frowned, "It's over though. It ended on the day you lost your memory. I don't think you'd want to see him much less talk to him."

"Why?"

"It ended badly, I don't know how necessarily but I know that it was painful and hard for both of you."

"Who wa-"

A maid dashed into the garden, "Yusuke-san, Kagome-sama, Yukina-san is giving birth."

Yusuke shot off, running back to the palace in long steady strides. His first instinct was to get to Yukina and stay by her side.

M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M .

Kagome didn't follow Yusuke-kun. She knew that she didn't have a place at Yukina's side like he did. Wistfully she wondered if the man she had forgotten had loved her like Yusuke loved Yukina or how Itsuki loved Keiko. Her heart throbbed emptily and she moved onto the ground so she could touch the koi pond's water. Her hand fluttered on the water's surface sending out ripples while simultaneously disturbing and attracting the koi.

"I wonder who he was," she mused quietly.

"I can arrange a meeting between you two if you wish."

Kagome jumped in surprise when the voice sounded from behind her. A strong arm wrapped around her waist and prevented her from falling into the pond face first. After regaining her balance Kagome glance at the youkai that had startled her.

"Hiei-san you startled me. Don't you make any noise?" Kagome chirped uneasily.

"Hn. Do you want to meet with him or not?" The Jaganshi (Master of the Jagan) demanded.

"I don't know… Who is he?"

"This is the only time I will offer."

After another second of hesitation Kagome whispered, "I'll meet him."

"I will come for you then."

He disappeared before she could say anything further. Kagome sat back on the ground and resumed running her fingers through the pond water's surface.

"I wonder why no one will tell me who he is."

M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M .

They hadn't let Yusuke in the room while she was giving birth but Yukina could feel his comforting presence pacing outside of the room. The koorime (ice maiden) was relieved when Li Shen, who had delivered her baby, had handed her the squirming bundle that was her daughter.

At the baby's first cry Yusuke burst into the room, Yukina could feel his eyes sweeping over her sweaty figure and the bundle cradled in her arms. Slowly Yusuke approached and she smiled tiredly at him.

"Are you okay?" He asked awkwardly.

"I'm fine," she turned her attention to her daughter. "She's so beautiful."

Yusuke peered down at the new life form and was smacked in the nose by a tiny, flailing fist. Yukina giggled as he reared back from the assault.

Sheepishly he smiled at her, "She's tough for such a small fry."

Big blue green eyes stared up at them, blinking fuzzily. Yukina's heart melted when those very eyes landed on her. Tenderly she kissed the baby's forehead.

"My daughter."

M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M .

Around midnight Kagome was awakened by someone shaking her arm roughly. Sleepily she cracked her eyes opened and peered into red eyes that seemed to low in the dark.

"Hiei?" She asked fuzzily.

"Get up."

Groaning she hauled herself from her warm and comfortable bed. It took a moment before she thought to question what Hiei was doing at this time.

"What's going on?"

"You wanted to meet with him didn't you?"

"At this time at night?"

"Do you think your guard dogs would permit you to see him?"

"Oh…"

"We don't have a time for this."

Hiei climbed onto the window seat and opened the window further. He then looked back at her and raised a hand in offering, his brow also rose in mocking curiosity.

Her mouth opened slightly she climbed up to Hiei and placed her hand in his. In one quick move, Hiei scooped Kagome up into his arms and jumped out the window. Before she had the time to verbal express her surprise, Kagome was back on the ground several floors below where she had been moments before.

It took her fuzzy mind a couple of seconds to process what had happened. During those few seconds Kagome looked between Hiei and the window to her room in awe.

"That was… amazing Hiei-san," she finally breathed.

"Hn. Are you finished?"

"Hm? Oh, yes."

Hiei turned and marched off into the night, Kagome followed right behind him wondering, again, at the need for secrecy. While she pondered her question, they had walked a much longer way than she would expect. In fact she had barely enough time to stop herself from running into Hiei's back when he stopped in front of her destination.

It was a house, much smaller than Sesshomaru-ani's palace, but that was to be expected (it was a palace after all). The house itself was surrounded by the most gorgeous, lively plants that she had ever seen.

"This is it?" She asked needlessly.

Hiei walked forward again and opened the door to the house. He waited for Kagome to step in first but shortly followed and locked the door once more. The pair made their way further into the dark house and up a set of stairs, Hiei guiding them in his very unique way. Finally they came to another door and Hiei stopped her.

"He's in there."

Kagome wait for him to continue, knowing that he would not have stopped to say something so pointless.

"You will not like it, once you realize who he is. But if you enter that room, you are promising that you'll hear him out. I will not enter with you and I will not come for you until he calls for me."

Kagome bit her lip. "Hiei, may I ask you something?"

He grunted, which she took it as a "go ahead".

"Were we in love? Me and whoever is in this room, that is."

"I believed you two were, as did the majority of people."

"Then why aren't we together now?"

"It is not my business to elaborate but… he made a mistake," he said finally. Then he added, "He regrets it."

"I'll see him."

Hiei snorted and walked away, leaving Kagome alone to her decision.

After a moment of standing in the suffocating silence of the hallway for a moment longer, Kagome reached out and opened the door. The room appeared empty to her eyes though, and she couldn't see that well, as most of the room was as dark as the rest of the house. However there was a dim lamp on, on the other side of the room it revealed the room to be a bedroom. Hesitantly Kagome walked deeper into the room and shut the door.

"Is anyone in here?" She called quietly.

"You came."

The whispered voice filled her senses and her body instinctively stiffened. Though she hadn't seen him in months, she recognized the voice. Kurama stepped out from the shadows and into the lamplight. Her body tensed as if it was bracing itself to run. The edges of her mind fell into hysteria but the still controlled core of her being noticed that Kurama looked much worse than he had the last time she had seen him.

He was paler than before, not the pretty porcelain skin type of pale but the pale of someone whom had strayed too far from the sun. There were dark rings around his eyes a sign of many sleepless nights. Even his hair was less glossy, his eyes duller than normal.

"What happened to you?" The demand poured from her without the slightest thought.

Obviously she had startled him as well for he was quiet for a moment.

"I am not at my best at the time."

Normally she would be screaming for Yusuke by this time but something about the bleak hopelessness he portrayed as a whole keep her mind from losing control over her reactions.

"Is this because of me?" Her hand touched his face lightly and her voice quavered. "I'm sorry."

He moved towards her with a speed that rivaled Hiei's. One of his hands clasped onto her shoulder and the other brushed through her hair. He was so close to her now, she could hear the breaths that rhythmically brushed from his body.

"It's not your fault, it could never be. I place the blame with me, I was an idiot."

Part of her hysteria calmed as he stroked her hair. This fact bewildered Kagome as Kurama was the one to causes her panic in the first place. She stepped closer so she could feel his body pressing against hers. It felt safe, and comforting. Kagome thought that it might even feel "right". After savoring the feeling Kagome looked up into his very green eyes.

"Will you tell me what happened?"

He nodded and let her go. Kagome was confused by the reaction but Kurama motioned for her to take a seat on the bed and she understood that he only meant to have them sit. Kurama pulled a chair in front of her so he could sit facing her. His larger hands enfolded hers and he stared into her eyes intently before looking away.

"The night you lost your memories, I accused you of horrible things… stupid things that I should have known that you couldn't have done. You were nearly dead and I just had to say such idiotic things without thinking it through. If I had just pause for just a second maybe we wouldn't be in this position right now. "

Kurama continued to avoid her eyes but Kagome tugged a hand from his and lifted his face so their eyes could meet. The remorse she could see in his eyes told her that he spoke the truth.

"I don't blame you for anything Kurama. I won't condemn you because of a single mistake. There's nothing to condemn you for."

Hope bloomed in his green eyes and Kagome lost her breath as she saw the way his face changed with this new gleam in his eyes. Her heart beat faster as he smiled down at her. Kagome barely noticed the panic and hysteria that she had force herself to lock into the deepest depths of her mind. She had a hard time believing that this man could ever purposely harm her, though he admittedly had done so, but she knew beyond a doubt that he would not do so in the future.

"Do you want to return to the palace?" Her attention once again focused on his gleaming green eyes.

"No," she blurted out. Realizing what she had said she flushed and looked away with embarrassment. "Actually, if you don't mind… could I stay with you? Just for tonight."

It was Kurama's turn to tip her face so he could see her eyes. Her face flushed brighter after meeting his eyes but he held her firmly, not allowing her to turn away.

"I'd like that."

A bright smile bloomed on her face and Kagome leaned forward to plant a shy kiss on Kurama's cheek.

"I'm glad I came with Hiei," she murmured.

"I believe I am now in Hiei's debt as well," Kurama added. "But for now, it is only you and I."

With a mischievous grin Kurama moved forward, scooped her up into her arms, and then allowed gravity to tumble them both down onto his bed. Kagome landed on top of him and stared down at his smiling face in surprise. Kurama used one hand to pull her head down to his chest and the other to turn off the light.

"It is late we should sleep. No doubt we will have to face your overprotective bodyguards tomorrow," Kurama explained.

"Oh."

"Relax Kagome, I'll do my best not to pounce on you in your sleep."

Kagome found, much to her amazement that she could feel Kurama's chest vibrating with each word he spoke. The vast plane of man also rose and fell with every breath the redhead made. The calming rhythm lulled to sleep peacefully without further prompting.

M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M .

Kagome was walking through a wild tangle of forest that she could not recall ever seeing. Above the other brush she could recognize the Goshinboku (God Tree) and she immediately headed in that direction.

She had always been able to find her way home from there.

Goshinboku came into full, unobstructed view and Kagome came to a stop. A boy was pinned to the tree with an arrow. Roots grew around his body and the sunshine down from above the canopy to illuminate his complete figure.

As she inched closer to him she vaguely wondered if he was acting on a movie set or if she was dreaming.

"Um… Are you okay?"

There was no answer and she suspiciously studied his thick white hair and ragged, very much out-dated set of clothing. She climbed up onto the roots of the God Tree to peer at him closer.

"Hello?"

Then she saw his ears.

"Those… aren't human ears…"

Kagome stared at them blankly for a second, her hands already creeping towards them. Suddenly she recognized her strange urge to touch the fuzzy appendages to see if the texture was comparable with that of a friend's dog. Her fingers closed around the canine-like ears and began to rub.

"Get away from there!"

She found herself pressed against the still unmoving boy when arrows whizzed through the around and buried themselves in the tree bark around her.

M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M .

One second she was staring at the dismembered arms on the ground with horror and the next she was flying through the air as Mistress Centipede tore into her side.

M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M .

"There that's part of your share."

She was laden with sack of food and she could feel their heavy weight pulling down on her as she looked up at the high branch that Inuyasha was seated on. The inu (dog) hanyou (half demon) glared at her down his nose and ears twitch in synchronization.

"What's all that food?" He demanded.

"An offering from the villagers." She smiled invitingly, "come on down, we'll share it."

Inuyasha hesitated for a moment before jumping down easily. Kagome unloaded her burden and sat beneath the tree. Inuyasha crouched next to her, still watching her suspiciously, though he did take a large white radish.

"What are you scheming, witch?"

"Nothing… just… You hate me, don't you?"

He swallowed his mouthful of radish before bluntly replying, "You make me retch."

Kagome glared at him for a second, "Listen you." She pointed at herself, "I'm Kagome. I'm not Kikyo."

Inuyasha's glare became fiercer.

She continued without a thought, "So can't we be a little friendlier? Please?"

Inuyasha leaped up, "Feh. You think I'm a fool? I don't care who you are! I won't show any mercy when it's time to take the Shikon Jewel."

Her eyes didn't move from the tomato she was snacking on. "Oh really. Well mercy or not mercy… if I say 'sit'."

Inu Yasha immediately crashed to the ground.

"Oh sorry! Didn't mean it! Really!"

M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M .

Kagome looked out at modern day Tokyo with awe and surprise. The miko (shrine maiden) garb was horribly uncomfortable but she couldn't seem to drag herself away from the welcoming sight of her home time.

She was home.

Her brother and grandfather were both talking to her but their noise was a dull murmur to her ears. Her eyes teared up and she launched herself at her grandpa.

"Waah! Grandpa! I was so scared!"

M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M .

Sesshomaru knew that Kagome was not on his estates the second he stepped out of his study. His body tensed and he immediately headed for her room, apparently Epsilon had come to the same conclusion as he for Death was waiting for him right outside Kagome's door.

Together they stormed into the room and found it empty. Sesshomaru glared over the room, looking for anything out of place that might tell them where Kagome had gone. His eyes landed on the open window and he moved over to the suspicious opening to see if he could pick up anyone's scent. With a single sniff, Sesshomaru was able to identify the scent of the Jaganshi that frequented his palace. Suspicions clouded and connected in his mind.

"The Jaganshi," he growled.

"If it was Hiei then Kagome is probably with that kitsune (fox) right now," Epsilon spat.

There was a quiet knock on the door and Yusuke peered inside. Both Sesshomaru and Epsilon turned to look at the intruder, both of their faces marred with black scowls.

"Have either of you seen Hiei? He hasn't come to see Yukina or her baby yet."

Both youkai growled lowly and Yusuke immediately became more alert.

"Is something wrong?"

"You know where the kitsune lives, correct?" Epsilon hissed.

"Kurama? Yeah, I've been there several times, why?" Yusuke asked hesitantly.

"Take us there," Sesshomaru commanded.

M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M . M .

Upon awakening, Kurama took but a second to identify the gentle weight resting on his chest. He smirked at looked down at Kagome's head, she had shifted during the night and was now only half laying on him.

Kurama was finally content and felt much better than he had for a long time. He didn't know how he had managed without Kagome for so long. Having her back with him made him feel so alive, it was even better than the rush that followed a successful heist.

However, there was one last obstacle in his path. Said obstacle was approaching his home at a rate that would be alarming, if one was dealing with mere ningen (humans). Carefully he shifted Kagome off of him, there was no need to wake her for this confrontation, though it had everything to do with her. Kagome herself barely mumbled as he moved a large, fluffy pillow to take his place under her, Kurama also pulled his bed sheets up to her neck so she would be suitably warm. It wouldn't do for her to fall ill so soon after their reconciliation.

He prepared for the encounter quickly, taking the time to change clothes, brush his teeth, and comb his hair. Kurama would not allow for his "guest" to see him rumple because of their horrible timing. Despite this Kurama's timing was impeccable as ever as he had just arrived downstairs when two youkai slammed into his house.

"Sesshomaru-sama, Epsilon-san, what brings you to my home this morning?" Kurama inquired politely, feinting innocence though they all could smell Kagome on him.

Sesshomaru glared at him, Kurama knew it was his way of saying that he refused to play his game.

"You will release Kagome into our care immediately," Epsilon ordered.

"She spent the night here willingly. I won't allow you to wake her for your simple dislike of me," Kurama rationalized.

However there was no arguing with the pair of distraught demons, for they were distraught though they didn't show it.

"You will take us to her now."

Sesshomaru did not intimidate Kurama in the slightest but rather than arguing with the man that would probably be his brother-in-law (of sorts) in the future, he led the way up to his bedroom. Kagome was still asleep and Kurama went to her side and shook her shoulder gently in order to wake her.

Sleepy eyes cracked open to look at him.

"Hmm… Kurama?" She mumbled.

"Your brother is here Kagome," he whispered softly.

"M 'kay…"

She immediately dozed back to sleep, not alarmed in the slightest. Kurama wondered if she had even heard him. He shook her shoulder again. This time she frowned as she opened her eyes.

"I'm sleepy Kurama, wake me up later."

"Your brother wishes to see you now," he explained.

"Sesshomaru-ani? Oh!" Kagome sat up, nearly crashing into Kurama's face. She shot him an apologetic look before looking at her adoptive brother. "Sesshomaru, did you have a brother?"

His rage shocked away for a moment, Sesshomaru stared at her for a moment before answering, "Yes."

She hesitated before continuing, but not before grabbing Kurama's hand for comfort and support. "Was his name Inuyasha?"

"How did you know?"

"I had a dream and a boy named Inuyasha was in them. He looked like you so I thought…"

Sesshomaru looked at Epsilon, "You will explain this."

"Locking away memories releases a great amount of energy, no? It only stands to reason that regaining them will cost a great deal of energy. However, while the locking can be done in an instant the release takes time. Before the next six months end, Kagome will have all of her memories back."

Triumph sparked in Sesshomaru's eyes for a split second as he turned to look at how Kurama was holding Kagome. Kurama knew that the Demon Lord was plotting, most likely about how to keep Kagome and him apart. All the trust he had earned from her family had been destroyed when Epsilon had reported the words he had spoken to her before her memories had been sealed.

"Very well, you fox will wait until Kagome's memories return. At that time you may ask to court her once more. If she refuses you will never see her again and if she accepts I will give you my consent."

Kurama hesitated, he did not know if he could stay away from Kagome's side for so long. However Sesshomaru drove the bargain home.

"If you do not accept my gracious offer you will not be permitted to see Kagome at all."

He looked down at Kagome to see what her reaction to Sesshomaru's offer was, frankly he was surprised that she had not objected to it earlier. Kurama was shocked to find that she was asleep and was currently using his shoulder as a pillow.

Again it was up to Epsilon to explain, "The energy to recover her memories will have her tired till she has regained them all. Kagome will spend most of these next months sleeping."

She really was angelic while she slept. Kurama knew that he had to accept Sesshomaru's offer, it was most likely the only way that he was ever going to see Kagome again. Actually he had tossed the idea of kidnapping her away from Sesshomaru but Kagome would not forgive him if she was not able to see her family again. Plus it wasn't as if he couldn't sneak into her room every so often so they could visit, they would just have to be extremely careful about the visits.

Green and gold eyes met, clashing in a miniscule war, "Alright, I accept your offer."

At that exact moment a panting Yusuke entered the room. He looked around the room in wary confusion, which only intensified when he saw that Kurama was holding Kagome as if they had never been parted.

"Will someone please tell me what's going on here?"

. : End Chapter : .

: . Author's Note . :

It's sooooo late and I'm equally sorry. Please do not come after me in the form of an angry mob! I know you don't want to hear excuses but I was at my dad's house with practically no computer time. Now I have to take Spanish III and me no likey Spanish class. Because of my absence my e-mail was uber backed up as well I had like five-hundred e-mails.

Anyway I hoped you've enjoy the last really chapter of MM, there will be an epilogue so don't worry people.

If anyone sees a plot hole please tell so I can patch it up.

Bye.

. : Beta's Note : .

Only the epilogue and then the story is over. Isn't it sad? I've only been beta-ing for seven chapters, but I feel attached to it now. Don't get too mad at Akikazu because she updates more frequently than some other authors. Don't forget to thank her for writing this.

Amin Vanima Mellonea

. : Next Chapter : .

Ever after

Happiness