Well, this chapter was one that was kind of hard for me to write. Let's just say that I hate writing about bad things that must come to pass but it must be done. There is no way that this story was going to go through without problems for these people. I hope that you enjoy it.
In the last chapter:
Everyone was told of what happened to Kanna and Kohaku. We find out who was all involved with Muso and his vile act. Cracko who is Sesshomaru's lead assassin in his army was involved and poor Koarau had to decide his fate on behalf of his family. We also find out that Muso is going to be hanged soon as well. Some good news, Kohaku, Kanna, Miroku and Sango has agreed to live in the Western Lands closer to everyone else.
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha but I do have my words! Muhahahaha!
Sesshomaru woke up the next morning and felt around him. He could not find Kagome in bed with him so he decided that it was time to get up. He got up and headed for the hot spring. He thought that a nice bath would do him some good before starting out for the day. After bathing and getting dressed he headed out for the study. He thought that he better get a head start on the day's missives before the trial and the decision on Cracko's fate.
By the time that he sat down and started to read the first missive, he smelt a familiar scent.
"Come in Koarau." He said not looking up.
Koarau entered the study and shut the door quickly. "I am sorry for the intrusion Lord Sesshomaru but I wanted to discuss with you the punishment of Cracko's actions."
"Very well. What have you and your family decided?"
"We have decided that he should be punished with a beating and then lowered in rank of the army so he would have to work his way back up to where he was before."
"So you don't want to have him put to death?" Sesshomaru asked as he looked at the demon's face.
"No. We admit that what he had done was dishonoring our family but we don't want to shun him for life for something that he could make right again."
"Very well. Who have you decided to give him his beating?"
"I will Lord Sesshomaru."
Sesshomaru put the missive down and looked at Koarau as he put his hands together and propped his head on them.
"You are willing to beat your brother for this?"
"I am the only one who was willing."
"What do you mean by that?"
"My sister Sherlene wanted to in her animal form but we know that she would kill him. She was very outraged by what happened that she wanted him put to death. But mother said that was not allowed. She said that if we have him put to death, that it would not take away what he did that was wrong. That we would have accepted what he did and therefore never putting the shame away from our names. So I volunteered for the job of beating him until they had seen fit."
"When would you like to do this Koarau?"
"I would like to have the opportunity to talk with him first later this afternoon. After lunch if that is ok."
"That will be fine. I will let Arigota know of this."
Koarau got up and went to the door. He stopped and turned around.
"Thank you Lord Sesshomaru for agreeing to these terms. And for having the strength not to kill him yourself for what he has done."
"Koarau, way back in the day I would have. But now, I am a changed demon and I feel that he will face more humiliation in the army for this after his punishment than the satisfaction that I would have gotten from killing him."
"Thank you Lord Sesshomaru."
"Koarau."
"Yes Lord Sesshomaru?"
"I am not your lord anymore. I am just Sesshomaru now. Kouga is your lord. Remember, you honor his family now with your actions."
"I will remember that Sesshomaru."
"Good. I will see you at lunch then with the rest of the guests?"
"Yes you will." Koarau said smiling as he left the study.
Sesshomaru looked at the door. He sighed heavily and got out a fresh sheet of parchment. He started to write what was to happen to Cracko for punishment of treachery and the participation of the rape. Also that the beating that his brother was to put upon him was going to be done in the training grounds by the training facilities with Koarau's family present. That the punishment will last until the family sees fit. He then proceeded to write on another parchment, the deciding fate of Muso as well. He decided that in two days after the papers were signed that Muso was to be hanged by the neck until dead in the town galley.
"Jaken."
"Yes Lord Sesshomaru?'
"Please take these missives down to Arigota and let him know that Koarau is allowed to see his brother today after lunch for a visit. Make sure that he signs the missives and you are to take these to Edo for the final signatures. Then when you return with them is when the punishments will be carried out." Sesshomaru said as he put the stamp into the wax for the seal and then handing them to Jaken.
"Yes Lord Sesshomaru." Jaken said and then he left quickly to go about his duties.
Sesshomaru rubbed his eyes in frustration.
"I guess that I better have something to eat." He said to himself as he got out of his chair and headed for the great hall for breakfast. By the time that he got there, the great hall was filled with their guests as they were eating and talking. Sesshomaru walked over to Kagome and kissed her forehead.
"Good morning Kagome." He said as he sat down next to her.
"Good morning sleepy head." She said with a smile.
"Actually I was not sleeping. I was working already in the study." He said as he took some rice into a bowl and grabbing some vegetables.
"Have you talked to Koarau?"
"Yes I have. The papers are going to be signed by the end of the day for certification of the actions that are to take place."
"Are they honorable?" Kagome asked while she took some fruit and put it on a plate.
"Yes. It will all be over soon."
They ate in peace for a while and Sesshomaru looked around the great hall. He was happy that he had so many people here. That the great hall was going to be filled soon with all of his soldiers and their families to celebrate the holiday that Kagome called Christmas. And soon there will be noise of little feet running around. A sound that this palace has not heard in such a long time. He looked to his side and saw that Kohaku and Kanna were now a little more animated than they were the previous day. He went over to them and sat down in front of them. He motioned Sango and Miroku over to them as well.
"What is wrong Sesshomaru?" Miroku asked.
"I would like to speak to the four of you about a pressing matter that I have been thinking about for some time now."
"And what is the matter that you speak of?" Sango asked.
"I was wondering if the four of you would object to living here on my lands for the rest of your days?"
"What brought this on Lord Sesshomaru?" Kohaku asked.
"With the recent events that have happened in the last months, I would like to make sure that you are all together like a large family. You have been like family to Kagome all these years and we would like to make sure that you are always going to be safe and happy. That and I know she would like to have all of you near to her since we are all having pups." Sesshomaru said.
"We will need to think about this Lord Sesshomaru. You must remember that the slayer village has been rebuilt thank to you a little over a year ago and we must make sure that those people are safe." Sango said.
"Talk amongst yourselves on what you would like to do about the matter. The slayer village will be protected under my law and my soldiers. I promise you that. They have always been there in the back ground since the day that I went there seeking out Kagome's approval for courting her."
"So that is the reason why it has been so quiet there with the demons." Miroku said.
"Yes. Your village was marked on the outskirts of the land with my colors to show that if anyone was going to do harm to that village, that they would have to deal with me."
"Very well. We will let you know our decision later on then." Sango said.
"Very well. Please make yourselves comfortable here and wander wherever you like. My home is your home while you are here." Sesshomaru said as he got up and went back over to Kagome.
Sango looked at Kohaku and Kanna. "Did you know that he was going to do this?"
"We had no idea but you know, it is not that bad of an idea. It is always safe here in the Western lands." Kanna said.
"I think that it is very sweet of him to think of all of us moving our things here and not just a few of us." Miroku pointed out.
"That would mean that we would have to build a couple new houses." Sango pointed out to him.
"Then you can have it done the way that you have always wanted. Both you and Kanna could build the houses that you have always dreamed of." Kohaku said.
"Then I think that we have made up our minds." Miroku said.
"Do you think that Kagome knows about this?" Sango asked.
"I think that she does not. Otherwise she would have come over with him." Kohaku said.
"Interesting that he would want to protect us and make such an offer without telling her." Sango said.
"Well, let him tell her on his own. I don't think that I want to say anything. It is not our place to do so." Miroku said.
"Alright. We will tell him our decision at lunch then." Sango said smiling.
Kagome looked at Sesshomaru as he came back and sat by her.
"What was that all about?" She asked.
"I was just asking them if they would like to live closer to you since you all are having pups."
"Really?"
"Are you surprised?"
"A little. It does not sound like something that you would want."
"Kagome, if it makes you happy, then I would do it. And I know that it would make you happy if they were closer to us."
"Oh Sesshomaru! I love you!" Kagome said as she leapt into his arms in an embrace.
For the rest of the morning, the women of the group were in Kagome's sewing room making clothes for the pups. Aiayme was getting very close to giving birth so Sesshomaru requested that her and Kouga stay until after the pup was born. So that she would not have to give birth on their way back to their home. They humbly agreed since Aiayme really wanted Sheila around since she gave birth to Kagome and Sota at home. Koarau was always staying by her side to make sure that she was all right. He was waiting on her hand and foot as well as Sango and Kagome whenever they got hungry or just needed to munch on something in between meals. Which was something that was happening a lot between the three women. Lunch was served and they all ate in peace. Preparations for the grand tree to be brought into the great hall were made. Sheila and Kagome ended up going down to the village at the bottom of the hill to find decorations for the tree. They were able to find many things that they could use and found some gifts at the same time. While they were gone, Sesshomaru brought Koarau down to the dungeons to visit his brother. And the rest of the boys were in the training hall sparring with each other to see how much better they were than the other. Miroku at that time just sat and watched and kept score for them.
"Arigota, Koarau is here to see Cracko." Sesshomaru said as they arrived in the dungeons.
"As you wish Lord Sesshomaru. Please follow me Koarau." Arigota said.
Koarau turned to Sesshomaru. "Thank you Sesshomaru. I will not take long."
"Take all the time that you need. I have to go and train Sota. I will be in the training building if you need me."
"I will see you in there then after I am finished." Koarau said and then left with Arigota. Sesshomaru watched him leave and felt pity for the poor demon. Here he was going to talk to his brother whom has ashamed their family by a stupid act that he could have easily disrupted but didn't. Sesshomaru shook his head and headed out to the training building where Sota was waiting for him.
"Here you are Koarau. Let me know when you are finished." Arigota said as he opened the cell door. Koarau nodded his head and went through. The cell door closing behind him and he could hear Arigota go back to his desk. Koarau looked down at his brother who was dirty and disheveled.
"Hello Cracko." Koarau said with no emotion in his voice.
"Hello Koarau. And what can I do for you?" Cracko asked. Not looking up to see his brother's face.
"Cracko, why have you done something like this when it could have been avoided so easily?" Koarau asked as he sat down on the chair that was brought in for him.
"I did not want to stop it. I for some reason wanted to get Sesshomaru back."
"Why? What did he ever do to you?"
"He made me what I am Koarau."
"Explain."
"Remember when we first came here? The trials that we had to go through just to live."
"Yes. But we defeated all those who got in our way. We fought for what we wanted and gained respect for that."
"Yes and then we were made into servants. Servants to a very cruel and cold lord. This is not how I thought that my life would be brother. I did not want to see our sisters and mother become servants for a lord that does not care."
"Cracko, he does care. He just does not show it openly like his father did when we were first brought here to the palace. Lord Sesshomaru has changed since meeting his wife. Even with her presence here that first week, things were changing with our Lord."
"Yes they were changing for some of the soldiers of the army. But not for all of them. Brother I was taken out on some nasty assignments in my day since arriving here. And many of them I am not proud of. Lady Kagome came to the palace as the lords courting choice. She was and still is the kindest lady that I could ever see. But for the reason of her being with him still baffles me to this day."
Koarau looked at his brother with wonder. "You wanted her for yourself didn't you Cracko?"
"Yes, I admit now that I wanted her to be my mate. To make our family happy and to bear pups with her. But as each day passed on, she grew closer and closer to the lord. I could not help myself when we found Kanna and Kohaku. I was enraged that he was married to her when she should have been with me. So we attacked them for revenge for me. To try to quench the hate that I have for our Lord. Oh Koarau, I did not mean for it to be that savage but there was nothing that I could do to stop it. There were much larger demons around us than even I could handle. I was stuck to holding Kohaku watch Muso ravage his wife."
"Cracko, did you tell Lord Sesshomaru of this?"
"No. There is no reason to. I am still at fault for not even trying to stop Muso or the demons that were surrounding us. I am sorry for what has happened and now her carrying his child in her belly when it should be her husband's child." Cracko said, finally breaking down into tears with his hands covering his face.
"Cracko, Lord Sesshomaru left your fate to the family. We were the ones to decide your punishment. Not him this time."
Cracko looked up at his brother. "What is my punishment then brother?"
"That I am to beat you until the family sees fit. That your ranking in the army is taken away and you start at the beginning again. You have to prove your loyalty and your worth all over again Cracko."
"You are going to let me live? Why when I have done nothing but dishonor our family and Lord Sesshomaru's name?"
"Because we feel that the humiliation that you are going to face now with the army and the villagers is more than enough punishment for you. As long as you are able to work your way back to where you were and show that you are willing to be and that you are deserving of serving Lord Sesshomaru once again."
"This I will do. I will do anything to take the tarnish away from our family and from Lord Sesshomaru. What is the fate of Muso?"
"Death."
Cracko shook his head. He understood that no matter what, Muso was going to die for his actions but he thought that he would have as well. He understood the reasoning of his family making him do this. And he was going to make things right and show them that he can make it and show Lord Sesshomaru that he was worth keeping in the army.
Koarau looked at his brother. "I have to leave now. Lady Aiayme needs me. I will be back at a later time to carry out part of your punishment."
Koarau got up and went to the door. "Arigota, I am ready now." He called out as he heard the guard come and open the door for him.
"I will see you then brother." Cracko said.
"Yes." Koarau said as he left the cell. He walked down the hallway and left Arigota at his desk. "Thank you for letting me see him Arigota. I know that I am not employed by Lord Sesshomaru any more but that was very nice of you to do regardless."
"No problem Koarau. Even if you are now living in the Northern Lands with Lord Kouga, you are still like family here." Arigota said and smiled at the demon.
"Thank you Arigota. Thank you." Koarau said as he turned and left the dungeons. He went to the training building outside of the gardens. When he got there he was amazed to see Lord Taniki there. He bowed to the lord.
"Hello Lord Taniki."
"Hello Koarau. I am surprised to see you here."
"I am here to let Lord Sesshomaru know of the findings from a prisoner that I have found out."
"He is training with Sota in the southern part of the building. He should be done soon. Would you like a cup of tea?"
"That would be very kind of you Lord Taniki."
"Please Koarau, just call me Taniki. I hold no such formalities when I am visiting a good friend of mine." Lord Taniki said as he poured another cup of tea and handing it to Koarau.
"As you wish Taniki." Koarau said taking the tea.
"How are things fairing with you and your new Lord in the Northern Lands?"
"Things are fine. The wolves are getting used to me being there by Lady Aiayme's side whenever she is out and about. Their palace is slightly smaller than Lord Sesshomaru's but it is home just the same."
"So you are now Lady Aiayme's personal guard then?"
"Actually I am just until the pup is born. Then I am responsible for guarding the pup."
"Oh really."
"Yes, this is going to be the first pup since Lady Aiayme was born 150 years ago."
"I see. I am sure that Lord Kouga is pleased to hear that a pup is on the way."
"Yes very much so. He has been buying things left and right for the nursery that they have put together. I have the feeling that this pup is going to be spoiled."
Lord Taniki laughed. "Yes I am sure. Theirs and Lord Sesshomaru's as well. The way that he dotes on Rin is amazing, so I am sure that it is going to be increased ten fold when she gives birth."
"Yes, many are still amazed that Lord Sesshomaru has gotten married. They were all thinking that Lord InuYasha would be the first of the two brothers to have a pup. But apparently that is not so."
"I have talked to InuYasha and it sounds like they are really trying hard. He said that he did not want that much of an age difference between Kagome's and Kikyou's children."
"Yes I can understand that. I am sure that he would like to have them be very close. A relationship that him and his brother really did not have until much later in life."
There was a noise to the left of them and they found that Jaken has returned from Edo already. Lord Taniki pointed to where Lord Sesshomaru was and the little smelly servant went on his way to find him. After he was gone, Lord Taniki looked back at Koarau.
"Koarau, I have heard from your mother on what your brother has done. I am sorry that your family has been tarnished at this time."
"Thank you but I am sure that we will get through this quickly and time will only tell where his heart truly lies."
"Spoken like a true lord. I must say that being Lord Sesshomaru's personal guard has done some wonders for you Koarau."
"Thank you Lord Taniki. Now if you will excuse me. I have to speak with Lord Sesshomaru." Koarau said as he got up and bowed.
"May the rest of your day fair well Koarau." Lord Taniki said bowing back at the young demon.
Koarau smiled and went through the door to the southern part of the building. He found Lord Sesshomaru shirtless and sweaty. He also found Lord Sota lying on the floor sweating and breathing heavy. Koarau did not know if he should go and help the young lord out or not.
"He is fine Koarau. He is taking a rest since Jaken is here." Lord Sesshomaru said as he had sensed the demons apprehension on helping Sota.
Koarau walked over to Lord Sesshomaru. "I would like to speak with you on the conversation that I had with my brother."
"Alright. I would also like to give this to you." He handed him a new parchment that was sealed. Koarau opened it and his eyes got large.
"What is this about Lord Sesshomaru?"
"This is the sealed document saying the punishment of Cracko. It clearly specifies what he must do for his punishment for his wrong doings against Lady Kanna and Lord Kohaku. These are the terms that you spoke of this morning to me in my study. I wrote them down and had the council in Edo sign them."
"Thank you Lord Sesshomaru. I see here that there is a stipulation."
"Yes there is. I had to make sure that it was understood with your family. I know that you are sparing his life to give him another chance. Which I am grateful for, but if he does anything else wrong, he will be put to death without a trial."
"I understand. Is this Lady Kagome's thinking?"
"Yes, she feels that he is a good demon and wants to do the right things in life. But she does want him punished to death for doing another wrong thing that might tarnish the family name. Now, Jaken please leave us. Make sure that things with dinner are almost ready."
"Yes Lord Sesshomaru." Jaken said and then he ran out of the room.
"Now, how did your meeting with Cracko go Koarau?"
Koarau looked around and saw that Sota was still on the floor but now he was sleeping. Sesshomaru noticed this and shook his head. He must have worn him out more than he thought.
"Things went well. I have found out that Cracko was forced in a way to do nothing while the attack was going on."
"What do you mean?"
"He told me that he loves Lady Kagome and the reason for them going after Lady Kanna that day was because he wanted to get back at you for taking her away from him. Even though he held no claims towards her. He said that they were surrounded by many demons that day. That he realized that it was a wrong thing to do but he could not do anything since Muso seemed to be controlling the demons that were around them."
"He could not defend himself?"
"He said that there were too many of them for even him to handle."
"I see. Does this make you want to change your punishment Koarau?"
"No."
"Very well. You may carry out the beating any time that you wish. The Eastern part of the building is for your use to carry out the first part of the punishment. The rest of the punishment will be done in my study in secret. Away from the rest of the soldiers after you are done."
"As you wish Sesshomaru."
Sesshomaru stood up and stretched. "I think that it is time that we all get ready for dinner." He said as he made his way over to Sota. Who was still fast asleep. Sesshomaru nudged him with his foot and Sota quickly grabbed it and threw him to the floor. Koarau started to head over to Lord Sesshomaru to make sure that he was ok and he heard him laughing.
"Very good Sota. You are still alert after just waking up to make a move on me." Sesshomaru said chuckling.
"You are so lucky Sesshomaru." Sota said as he stretched and then stood up holding out a hand for Sesshomaru to grasp.
"What do you mean by that Sota?"
"Because you stink to all heaven. I could smell you coming from miles away." Sota said smiling.
"Yeah well you don't smell that good right now either Sota. Come, let's get some dinner." Sesshomaru said as he started to lead the way.
He stopped at the main door when he saw Lord Taniki there.
"What are you doing here Lord Taniki?" Sesshomaru asked.
"I thought that you knew he was here Lord Sesshomaru?" Koarau asked.
"I had not."
"I am here to talk with Lady Kagome. I hear that she is with pup." Lord Taniki said.
"Yes she is. Oh. Lord Taniki, this is Lord Sota. This is Lady Kagome's younger brother." Sesshomaru said pointing to Sota who was behind him putting on his hiatori.
"Pleased to meet you Lord Taniki." Sota said bowing to him.
"Pleased to meet you as well Lord Sota. You are a very strong demon."
"I am actually a hanyou."
"Interesting. Lord Sesshomaru, did you notice that Lord Sota is much like Lord InuYasha with his unstable blood?"
"Yes, I have experienced it myself first hand. But I have been teaching him to control it on his own." Sesshomaru said as he pointed to the door for them to go out of.
As they made their way up to the palace, they continued to talk about how Sota has been progressing and getting stronger with each training session. When they reached the palace, they all went inside.
"Please forgive me but I am going to go and check on Lady Aiayme. I will see you at dinner my Lords." Koarau said bowing and then leaving quickly.
"Ah as you much forgive me as well because I need a quick bath and get ready for dinner as well. I promised Rin that we would go and get some fresh flowers before dinner was served. It was nice meeting you Lord Taniki." Sota said bowing and then leaving.
Lord Taniki looked at Sesshomaru.
"He is courting Rin for her hand in marriage." Sesshomaru finally said.
"And what is the reason for all of the training then Sesshomaru?"
"He is being challenged by 2 other demons. One is a hanyou like himself and the other is a full fox demon."
"What is the breed of the other hanyou?"
"He is Lord Kouga's relative from the future."
"Oh my. This is something that your father has never had to deal with."
"Yes I know. I have to deal with this one quickly and quietly."
"Are you certain that Lord Sota will be victorious?"
"I stake my life on it."
"That is a hard conviction that you place on your life Lord Sesshomaru."
"The man is under my tutelage. He will be the winner. I do not trust Rin with the others that have asked for her hand. I feel that they do not fully understand her like Lord Sota does."
"So they have already said their intentions for each other?"
"Yes. If I could I wouldn't have this stupid challenge happen but there are the laws that I must abide that my father put in place."
"Yes there is. Lord Sesshomaru you should go and get ready for dinner. We will talk more then."
"Yes, I will have Sayla show you where your room is."
"Thank you Lord Sesshomaru."
Sesshomaru bowed and Lord Taniki bowed back; he went back to his bedchambers to take a quick bath in the hot spring. When he got there he found that he was not the only one who wished to bathe. He had found Kagome lying in the water with her head resting on a rock with her eyes closed.
"One should not fall asleep while bathing. You might drown." He said as he got into the water.
"Ah then that is probably the reason why I am not sleeping." Kagome said as she straightened her head and looked at him.
He went to her and kissed her softly on the lips. She smiled at him and then took her soap and proceeded to wash his body. She was washing his hair when she continued to speak again.
"How are the sparring matches between you and Sota going?"
"They are going well. The boy is excelling fast. Much like the way that I used to when my father was teaching me."
"Good. I see that Jaken is back with the signed papers."
"Yes."
"When are we going to complete them then? And please close your eyes while I rinse out the shampoo." She said as she started to douse his hair in clean water.
"I will hang Muso tomorrow. I would like to get it done as soon as possible. Jaken is to post the announcement in the village in the early morning hours."
"Good. And the punishment to Cracko?"
"That is to be done whenever Koarau wishes to do it."
"Very well. I am done. You are now clean as a whistle." Kagome said with a smile. He turned around to her and touched her belly.
"I see that you are already starting to show. How are you feeling?"
"I am feeling good. Mother says that you should be able to hear their heartbeat soon."
"That is good. I cannot wait until that time then. But if you are not that far along in the pregnancy, how are you already starting to show?"
"I don't know. Probably because I have been eating like a horse!" Kagome said blushing.
"The pup must be really hungry then."
"I guess he or she is! Actually I am starting to get hungry again. Shall we dress for dinner?"
"As you wish Kagome." He said as he got out of the hot spring and held up a towel for her. She wrapped it around him and proceeded to help him dry himself off.
They got down to the great hall and found that it was busy with chatter. They talked for a little bit with their guests and then the food was brought out. Everyone was so excited for the festivities to start within the upcoming weeks that it was all the talk. Then twelve soldiers came in with a very large tree. They placed it in front of the large windows on the south side of the great hall. Kagome went to her sewing room and came out with eight bags full of battery operated lights to have them put on the tree. She then asked everyone to help her with putting on the ornaments that her and her mother bought in the village. The rest of the evening was full of laughter and playful banter as they decorated the tree. When everything was done, Kagome put in the batteries and the tree light up with all sorts of colors from the lights. They couldn't believe how beautiful the sight was of a common tree sitting in the great hall.
Kagome then gave the angel to Sango.
"I would like for you to put the angel on the top of the tree." Kagome said.
"Kagome, this is your home, you should do it."
"No. I wish to have you do it. You are like the sister that I never had Sango." Kagome said.
"Thank you Kagome." Sango said hugging her tightly.
"Kiara!" Sango said and the two-tailed fire cat came over and transformed. She then climbed on her back and they were in the air. They got to the top of the tree and Sango placed the angel at the top. As they landed Sango looked up and couldn't believe the beautiful sight before her.
Sango then went over to Sesshomaru. "Sesshomaru, we humbly accept your offer of living in your lands."
"Good. I am glad that we are going to be having you closer to us." Sesshomaru said smiling.
Sesshomaru turned to the group. "Everyone, I am happy to announce that not only are Kagome and I expecting a pup but we are happy to announce that Kohaku, Kanna, Miroku and Sango are going to be living in the Western Lands."
"Woo hoo!" Kagome said as she ran to Sango and hugged her. "I am happy that you are going to be so close to me now."
"I am as well sister." Sango said as she started to cry. It was not long after that Aiayme started to cry and then Kagome started to as well.
"We all should get some rest now. We have a hanging to attend to in the morning." Sesshomaru said loudly. Everyone nodded their heads and started to depart the great hall. Sesshomaru went to Kagome and held her closely. When they were finally alone he brought her in front of the tree.
"Kagome this is the most beautiful tree that has ever graced this palace. Thank you for bringing that here."
"Sesshomaru there are many things that you have not yet experienced that I do not want to forget in my time. I am happy that you like it. But I am going to have to go back and get more supplies soon. Those batteries won't hold until Christmas in two weeks. Plus there are some things that I want to get as gifts as well."
"That is fine. I will make sure that the carriages are set up for you and that you and your mother can go and get what you need when you are ready."
"Thank you Sesshomaru. I love you."
"I love you too Kagome."
They went and left the great hall with the tree glowing in the darkness for all to see. They slept that night in each other's arms. Sesshomaru making sure that his hand was always on her belly, protecting his yet unborn pup that was growing inside of Kagome.
The next morning Kagome woke up and smiled. Sesshomaru was still asleep next to her. She tried getting up to go to the bathroom and he growled. She smiled and nudged his nose with hers. He opened his eyes and smiled at her.
"You seem to be glowing this morning Kagome."
"That is because I am with you."
He hugged her tightly and she tried to wiggle out of his grasp. He looked at her with an eyebrow raised.
"I have to go to the bathroom Sesshomaru!" Kagome said rather urgently. He let go of her and she ran to the bathroom. She came out a little while later; her face was a little pale in color. He went up to her; a worried look graced his face.
"What is wrong Kagome?"
"Just morning sickness. I was hoping that I wouldn't experience it but it seems that it is going to get me no matter what."
"What is morning sickness?"
"It means that I am going to throw up every once in a while."
"Is it harmful to the pup and you?"
"No. It is a normal part of pregnancy with some women. Although right now I wish that I was not the one to have it." Kagome said as she smiled at him.
"Are you sure that you are ok?"
"Sesshomaru I am fine. But I am rather hungry."
"Alright. I will make sure that breakfast is delivered here. I want you to rest before we go down to the village to hang Muso."
"Alright. I will agree this time. I do admit that it will be nice to have the bathroom close incase it happens again."
Kagome then let Sesshomaru walk her to the bed. She sat down and rested her back against the headboard that she made for their bed. Thinking that she was happy that she made it padded. He went and told Sayla that he would appreciate if their breakfast was brought there and to make sure that there was a lot for Kagome on her plate. She humbly agreed and he came and sat down next to Kagome in bed. Holding her tightly as he ran his hand over her expanding belly. She laughed, as he seemed to have tickled her with his movements. It was not long after that that Sayla came back with their breakfast. They ate in peace and Kagome was happy that there was so much food on her plate since the moment that it was at the door, she was hungrier than she first thought. They got ready for the hanging and Sesshomaru made sure that she dressed warm enough. He then went to the study and made Jaken alert everyone of when they were going to leave. He then had Akoro go and prepare the carriages with the horses and have Ah Un lead their carriage. By the time that he got back to the bedchambers, Kagome was all set for the day.
They met everyone at the door of the great hall and Arigota arrived with Muso in chains. Sesshomaru instructed Arigota to bring Muso into the village on horseback. So Arigota went and they mounted their horses. One by one, they entered their carriages and headed down to the village. Sesshomaru and Kagome were the last ones to get there. Kagome looked around the village and saw that there were many of the villagers there to witness the hanging. Arigota came and let them out of their carriage and they walked to the platform where Muso was standing with the noose around his neck already. Arigota got out the parchment and started to read.
"Village of the Half Moon, we are here today for you to witness the death of Muso Ochinki. Muso Ochinki has been found guilty of rape and assault of a Lord. He will be hanged on this day from his neck until dead. Then at which time he will be beheaded and his head will be set afire until it is nothing but ashes. Lord Sesshomaru and Lady Kagome are here to bear witness to the death because the assault was upon a direct family member. Muso do you have anything to say before you are hung from your neck until dead?" Arigota asked.
"I have only one thing to say. I am sorry for the wrong doings that I have done as both Muso and Naraku. I regret my acts painfully and wish to die." Muso said.
Sesshomaru looked at the soldier that was at the platform and nodded his head. The soldier pulled the lever and Muso fell. Kagome looked away for a moment and then looked back as his body was still swinging but it was not jerking any more. Lavonia went up to Muso and confirmed that he was dead. Sesshomaru then again nodded his head and the rope was cut. Muso's body fell to the ground in the snow with a large thump sound. Kohaku then went up to Muso's body and proceeded to chop off his head with a very large ax. A smile was forming on his face as the ax went further and further into his neck. After the head was severed, Kohaku took Muso's head and threw it in a fire that was next to the platform. It was then when the villagers started to dissipate from the area.
Sesshomaru went over to Kohaku. "You have my respect for doing that Kohaku."
"Anything to repay that bastard on what he did to Kanna."
"What would you like to do with the child once it is born?"
"We have decided that we are going to raise it like it was mine. We are not going to let the child know that the real father was such a person."
"That is very honorable Kohaku. Very honorable indeed. If you like, you can do the blood ceremony with the child after he or she is born so your blood runs through the child's veins as well."
"We might do that. Thank you Lord Sesshomaru for this. It makes things a little easier on us."
"Lord Kohaku, you are like Kagome's brother. There is nothing that I will not do for family."
And with that they all got back into their carriages. Kagome watched as the soldier that pulled the lever, dismantled the platform and added the wood to the fire. She then noticed that Muso's body was then added to the fire as well. She got into her carriage and waited for Sesshomaru, she was happy that at least part of this was done. For the rest of the day, they all sat around and relaxed and talked of things with the upcoming houses that were going to be built, the challenge and Christmas. It was then that Kagome let everyone know that her and her mother were going to go back to their time and get some more things that are needed. Kagome told everyone that they could write a list of what they needed and they would make sure that they would get them. Life was almost back on track for the next few days. Kagome was thankful that Christmas was going to be a joyous thing this year with her new family.