Author Note: I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'M SORRY! I know, I became that author... But not to fear, I have not abandoned this story, nor the others! I've just been ubber busy with art projects this past semester, but I finally have some time because it's SUMMER! :D As much as I'd like to say these will be frequent, they won't. Updates will be sporadic but hopefully they will be closer together. So, without further ado, I give you...a chapter that many of you may hate...don't kill me! Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to or affiliated with Inuyasha, however this particular story is M-I-N-E! :)

We Meet At Last

Sesshomaru stopped immediately, for the trail he was following had vanished into the clouds. Prior knowledge revealed to him that Inuyasha despised air travel and usually kept to dashing through the trees, but his scent had undoubtedly gone skyward.

Does he mean to throw us off his trail…unless?

Sesshomaru scanned the clouds for the all too familiar color that marked the western castle in the sky.

Inuyasha would not think to throw us off his trial, and even if he did, he is too proud of his speed to try. The only reason he would take to the air would be to see her.

"Sesshomaru?" came the voice of the taijya. "Why have we stopped?"

"…His scent ends here."

"Then we cannot follow him further?" Sango called worriedly from Kirrara's back.

Kagome, who sat in front of her, gazed at the clouds with a worried look. "He hates flying," she whispered.

"Hnn," came Sesshomaru's reply. "I believe he has changed course."

"He is not meeting with Naraku then?" Miroku cut in.

"Does that mean Kikyou's okay?" Koga pleaded from Sango's arms.

"She is in a place that no demon, not even Naraku, can touch. Come, we take to the air."

Sesshomaru held out his arm for Kagome, while the others climbed on Kirrara.

"Where are we going?" Kagome asked, grabbing his shoulder tightly.

Sesshomaru looked at her for a moment before relinquishing all his emotions into one word. "Home."

XXX

Kagome was not prepared for the impact of Sesshomaru's words.

Home? Does he mean his home? Like, the Western Fortress home?! Or is it a temporary place he calls home?

As Kagome's head began to fill with more questions, Sesshomaru's voice cut through the haze in her mind. "Look there."

Kagome glanced up to see a large cloud with a hue unlike any she'd ever seen. "What is this place?" she gasped when what lay beyond the cloud came into view.

"My father's gift to my mother that was handed down to his second mate…and the only place I can now call home."

Before Kagome could fully register his words, they were landing in the elaborate courtyard of the castle. A figure awaited them in the shadow of the gates, but once they landed Kagome instantly recognized the man.

"Wonderful. More visitors," Takemaru greeted them with a bored tone. "Right this way, I'm sure milady would love to see you."

"He seems different than I remember," Kagome marked offhandedly, receiving a surprised look from Sesshomaru. However, the hanyou stayed silent and gestured towards the gates.

"Welcome to the castle of Lady Izayoi, second mate to my lord and father the Inu no Taisho," he declared with an air of pride, before following in the vassal's wake.

The party ooed and ahhed at everything in sight, and Kagome couldn't help but join them. Somwhere along the way, Kagome fully realized she was about to meet the Izayoi, Inuyasha's mother. Nervousness started to creep into her consciousness, but a firm hand on her back and a pair of bright golden eyes assured her that all would be well.

Suddenly, Kagome found herself facing the lady in question, as she gazed at them warmly on her beautiful silver throne. She was possibly the most beautiful woman Kagome had ever seen, and she found herself fidgeting under the Western Lady's scrutiny.

"Why, if it isn't Sesshomaru! It has been so long since I have seen either of my sons, and now I see you both in one day! And you both bring me guests, too! My, I feel quite spoiled," the demoness smiled coyly.

"Then Kikyou is here?" Sesshomaru asked expressionlessly.

"Well of course! Takemaru, bring her to me," she called over to her vassal, who simply bowed and stalked silently away.

"And Inuyasha?"

"Gone I'm afraid. Something about some battle with a dark hanyou. Oh, more humans! I just love humans!" the demoness chirped, quickly changing the subject.

She glided gracefully off her throne and began inspecting Sesshomaru, then his companions, giving each a thorough sniff. When she reached Kagome, she stopped and gazed deeply into her eyes. The two looked at each other for a moment before a wave of understanding passed between them.

"You know my son," she said at last. "And yet, you do not." A perfectly manicured hand gently reached up and grasped Kagome's chin. "I see such great pain, but even deeper love in your eyes. Tell me your name human child," she asked softly.

"I-I'm Kagome," the girl whispered, astonished to be standing with the one person Inuyasha loved above all others. "It is wonderful to finally meet you, Izayoi-sama."

XXX

Sesshomaru had been apprehensive about letting his friends meet Izayoi, for as much as he was fond of his step-mother, he was not sure how to act around her. Izayoi had been a close friend of his mother's, and her death had scarred her just as deeply. However, when his father took the demoness as mate, he felt they had betrayed the woman they all loved. But Izayoi was a kind and caring mother to both he and Inuyasha. She had never tried to replace his mother, but had given him her unwavering support throughout his life. Now, here she was face to face with his beloved, and there were no words to describe how he felt.

They both know and love Inuyasha…but where do I fit into all this? Am I just a protector?

Sesshomaru watched Izayoi as a small smile spread across her perfectly painted lips at the young girl's words. She glanced at him with a sly look in her eye before returning her attention to Kagome.

"Well, it seems like you know both my sons. You are an interesting young child indeed. Sesshomaru, where in the world did you find this adorable girl?!" she beamed at the hanyou.

"…It was fate," he said simply.

"Indeed," she replied knowingly, as she placed a finger to her lips.

"Sesshomaru!" a familiar voice called from the door.

The hanyou turned to find Kikyou running towards him, looking frantic. "Are you alright?! The last time I saw you, you were covered in blood!" she sobbed, voice shaking.

"It is alright, Kikyou. We are fine and you are safe," he replied softly, cupping her cheek and nodding.

Kikyou visibly relaxed, and then she looked at his left arm. Her face twisted in horror as she reached toward the limp sleeve. "What happened?!" she wailed, looking to their friends for clarification.

Sesshomaru glanced back to see Kagome's eyes bright with unshed tears and the others looking at the ground. Izayoi watched in silence, a worried expression crossing her features.

"I protected what was mine…" he said softly, gazing at Kagome with a wistful expression. He had no doubt that the others would tell her the whole story later, but at the moment, he had no desire to discuss what had happened.

"Izayoi-sama," he turned to the female youkai, "we will be tacking our leave now."

"Oh, but you just got here, and I want to take a look at that arm," she scolded lightly. "Besides, I'm worried about your brother." She whispered softly.

Sesshomaru sighed heavily, but bared the remains of his arm to his step-mother. Izayoi's small hands fluttered lightly over the scar, before she nodded, "The wound was treated well. Ukitake's handiwork if I am not mistaken." Izayoi then straightened and looked her son straight in the eye. "Is this Naraku a threat?"

"Very much so," Sesshomaru growled.

The demonesses eyes narrowed as she spoke softly, "Then he has messed with the wrong family."

XXX

"I think it would be best if you retrieved your brother before he does something stupid. The humans will stay with me," Izayoi said with all the authority of the Western Lady. "We will speak more once you have returned." Without another word, the demoness glided to the humans and ushered them towards the door, talking of baths and bed.

Kagome glanced back to see Sesshomaru with an irritated but resigned look on his face. She gave him a reassuring smile before they turned a corner and headed to another wing of the great fortress.

"Oh I do so love having human company in the castle! Your species is so fresh-minded!" Izayoi exclaimed as she led the way to the bathhouse.

"We are quite pleased to meet you as well, Izayoi-sama, but do you think it wise to let Sesshomaru…ah…retrieve his brother alone?" Miroku asked, uncertainly.

"Oh that boy will be fine! He was trained by his father, did you know? Why I used to sit with Yukina over tea watching the two spar away! Now if my son was as half as good as Sesshomaru was at that age, I wouldn't worry so much, but he is just…"

Kagome tuned out as Izayoi continued to talk about the battle prowess of her sons. For some reason, she couldn't shake the feeling that Izayoi had purposefully sent Sesshomaru to fetch Inuyasha for a reason.

"Kagome," the demoness addressed her suddenly, "may I have a word with you? The rest of you will find the baths right down this hall." Izayoi turned abruptly, and Kagome hurried to follow her.

After what seemed like an eternity of silence, Kagome asked, "Um…Izayoi-sama—"

"It is a pity, my dear," the female youkai stopped and turned to face the startled woman. "I have prayed for that boy to find happiness, but alas…it cannot be with you."

"It's not like that! I'll always love Inuya—"

"He is not the one I am referring to, child," Izayoi smiled wistfully.

Kagome couldn't speak. Izayoi had said the words she had feared since she fell for Sesshomaru. Does she think I am not worthy, or does she know…

"I can sense things, much like Ukitake. You are not from this world."

"…Yes…I was sent here by an enemy."

"I see…And someday you will go back. It is not your destiny to remain here, for all things must return from whence they came…" Izayoi gazed toward the darkening sky, a sad look crossing her features. "Though this may sound cruel, it will be a kindness in the end. You must distance yourself from him."

When Izayoi returned her gaze to the young woman in front of her, the hard look in her rose-colored eyes caught Kagome by surprise. "But Izayoi-sama, that would destroy him—"

"Sesshomaru is not so fragile. He knows you will leave, but he is not prepared for it. If the two of you do not come to understand this truth, then there may be consequences even I cannot forsee."

Kagome tensed. She felt hurt and anger bubble up inside her, and before she could stop herself, she shouted, "BUT I LOVE HIM! I WANT TO STAY WITH HIM!" Kagome gasped at the force of her declaration, and turned fearful eyes to the Lady of the West.

What she saw made her feel even worse. The proud demoness had her eyes closed tightly with silent tears slowly trickling down her cheeks. "Believe me, child, I do not say this to cause either of you pain. But it is not your destiny to be with him." And without another word, Izayoi glided away into the night.

Another Author Note: As much of a fan as I am of constructive criticism...don't tell me how to write my story please. If you don't like it, don't read it! I love it when you guys give suggestions or ideas, those are much appreciated, but when you get mad at certain plot devices or scenes and tell me not to write them, then we have a problem. I love you guys you know I do and I hope you continue to love this story as much as I do. Oh, and if you don't have anything nice to say, then say it to Inuyasha. He takes all my crap for me!