Long time no see, huh? Well ya see, it's like this… Wait, no. I have no excuses. I just wanted this chapter to be worth the wait. There was a scene that I really wanted to end this chapter with, but it just didn't happen.

On a side note, I went to Atlanta with my muse and my other friends to Anime Weekend Atlanta! I met Greg Ayres, who is GOD, as well as Vic Mignogna. If you haven't a clue as to who they are, then you may wanna get one(a clue), or just email or IM me.

Anyway, on with the story, since I currently have a looming death threat on updating, though I won't mention names. COUGH COUGH Christy COUGH.

Chapter Eleven

"What manner of place is this?" Sesshoumaru wondered aloud as he took in his unusual and unfamiliar surroundings.

"We're in Tokyo," answered a small and feminine voice from behind.

"Why am I not surprised to see you here?" he sighed.

She stuck her tongue out. "Hey, this is my dream, Pal."

He ignored her and continued. "You say that this is your homeland, correct?"

"Yeah. That shrine over there is the place that I grew up. It stands right over where the Bone-Eater's Well is now."

Just then, a little girl about Rin's age ran out of said shrine.

"Bye, Mommy! I'm going to the park with Eri!"

A woman of about thirty stood in the doorway, a small baby on her hip. "Be careful! And be home in two hours, or I'm coming to get you!" she called after her daughter's retreating form.

"Okay!"

"Wow, I was a cute little kid."

"You resemble Rin."

Kagome turned toward Sesshoumaru, then returned her gaze to her younger self.

"Hey, you're right." Then it hit her. "You can see!" she cried.

"This is a dream, so it only stands to reason that I would be unaffected here." He paused. "You have a younger brother as well."

She smiled. "Yeah. That's my little brother, Souta. He can be such a pest,

but I love him to death. He's ten now, and totally idolizes Inuyasha. It's so cute."

"Foolish."

"Hey! My brother is not foolish!"

"He idolizes that stupid half-breed. He is foolish."

"Your brother may be rude with a dirty mouth, but he's the only real male figure in his life, aside from my eccentric grandfather."

"I see. So insanity runs in your family."

"I'm gonna let that one slide, you jerk." She turned back to the dreamscape, ignoring the growl aimed her way.

"Eri! Are you here?" She looked around and saw no one there, so she decided to play on her own.

Approaching the teeter-totter, the girl sat on one end and concentrated, creating an exact double of herself, which sat on the opposite end of the teeter-totter.

"Hi, Kagome," greeted the copy. "Ready to play?"

"Yep! I'm all ready!" The two played for the entire two hours before it was time to return home.

Upon arrival, her mother met her on the front steps.

"Eri's mother called after you left to say that she wasn't feeling well. What did you do for two hours?"

"I kept myself company."

"You were able to manifest your powers to that degree at that young an age and with no formal training?" Sesshoumaru questioned, secretly impressed.

"Yeah, but they stopped when I was ten. I didn't have many friends when I was little because the other kids thought that I was strange since I lived in a shrine. I guess that my powers developed out of loneliness."

"What was that place?"

"A playground. It's a place specifically created for kids."

"This Tokyo of yours is interesting, to say the least."

"Yeah, but in many ways, I like it here better. In my time, the air and water are polluted, everyone is suspicious of each other, and everyone is so lazy. Science created things to make our lives easier, but all we do is take advantage of it."

"Are there demons in your time?"

"My my. You're awfully full of questions, now, aren't you?"

"I simply wish to understand your odd and erratic behavior and dress, Miko. That is all, now answer the question."

"Okay, okay. Jeez. There are probably demons somewhere, but humans are, by far, the dominant species."

Sesshoumaru's ears twitched slightly. "The wolf is outside your door. I suggest waking up."

"Can I introduce Rin to Kouga? It may help her overcome her fear."

He paused to consider it. "Very well, however, I wish to be present. Bring them to my chambers."

Realizing that the child would feel much safer in her father figure's presence, she agreed, waking up.

"Kagome?" Kouga called through the door. "Are you awake?"

"Yeah. Just let me get dressed."

Kagome began rummaging through her belongings, finally settling on a pair of baby blue exercise shorts and a white tank top with the phrase 'Good kitty, gone bad', emblazoned on the front. Slipping on her white tennis shoes and pulling her raven hair into a high ponytail, the girl exited the room.

"Hey Kouga, there's something that we have to do, okay?"

"Um, I guess, but what are we doing?"

"I have to go and get something, so will you please meet me in Sesshoumaru's room?"

He gulped. "You, want me, in the same room as him? But he wants me dead, I know it."

"I talked to him. Just wait in there, okay? It shouldn't take very long, I promise."

"I guess so."

"Thank you. Just give me five minutes, tops."

Once the wolf demon was inside, Kagome entered Rin's room to she Shippo and her drawing with the crayons that she had given the fox kit.

"Rin?"

Looking up, Kagome was shot the most brilliant smile she had ever seen. "Hi, Big Sister!"

"Rin, will you please do me a favor?"

"Sure!"

"Now I know that you're scared, but I would like to introduce you to Kouga."

Her smile faded instantly. "The wolf man?"

"Yeah, but don't worry. Sesshoumaru will be there. So will I."

"You will?"

"Of course. You know that Sesshoumaru would never leave you alone when you're scared, right?"

"Yeah, but can Shippo come too?" Nodding, Kagome led the children across the hall and into Sesshoumaru's chamber. There, she couldn't help but laugh outright at the sight. Kouga was practically cowering in the corner, refusing to even glance in the Great Lord's general direction. Sesshoumaru, however, kept glaring with his unseeing, yet nonetheless intimidating gaze.

"Hey, Kouga."

"Uh, hi, Kagome." The overwhelming scent of the human girl's fear sent chills down his spine. He felt horrible, but he also knew that he deserved it for his past indiscretions. The wolf watched as the child made a beeline for the Taiyoukai. She whispered something in his ear, causing him to simply nod, allowing her to quickly climb into his lap.

Coughing slightly, Kouga turned toward Rin. "You're name's Rin, right?" She nodded her head. "Well, my name's Kouga." He paused. "I'm not going to apologize to you, because what my tribe and me did to you is totally unforgivable and inexcusable. Please know that ever since, my tribe has not touched human meat. My life is yours, if you or your lord want it."

"This decision is one for Rin alone to make," Sesshoumaru replied, all the while trying to decipher the scents rising from his young ward. Fear was prevalent, along with anxiety. There was another rising, weakening the other two. It was a scent that the demon was unable to recognize.

Rin looked at Kouga, who was on his hands and knees, head bowed, and practically touching the floor. She slowly slid down from her perch on Sesshoumaru's lap and walked over to the wolf demon.

"Um, Kouga, sir?" He looked up. "You're friends with Kagome and Shippo, right?"

"Right."

"That means that you can't be a bad person, because Big Sis' friends are all good. If I didn't die, then Lord Sesshoumaru wouldn't have brought me back to life, and I would still be living in that village, and I wouldn't be here now." Suddenly, a huge smile appeared on her face. "Thank you!" Rin the hugged him, not only shocking Kouga, Kagome, and Shippo, but Sesshoumaru, as well.

'What a remarkable child she is,' he thought as he watched her play with Kouga's tail. 'So much like the miko, she is.'

It was that moment when his ears picked up footsteps and he soon after smelled his assassin.

"Enter, Akira."

Once in the room, he bowed to his employer, who nodded in reply.

"Hi, Akira!" Rin yelled, dropping the wolf's tail in favor of the Kitsune's.

He grinned and ruffled her hair affectionately. "Hello to you too, Rin." Turning toward Kagome, he stated, "I am here to begin your lessons."

"Oh yeah. I totally forgot about that. Good thing I dressed for the occasion."

"I should hope that this manner of clothing isn't as indecent as your others, yet guessing by the scents radiating from the wolf, and even Akira, I suppose that it was too much to hope for."

Kagome looked to see the two demons turn all shades of red, Akira in particular, and then turn away, unable to look her in the eye.

"F-forgive me, Kagome. It was horribly inappropriate of me."

She shook it off with a laugh. "It's okay, Akira, don't worry about it. How 'bout we head out?"

"As you wish." He turned to Sesshoumaru and bowed again. "My Lord." The pair left, followed by Rin and Shippo, leaving only Sesshoumaru and Kouga.

"That girl reminds me so much of Kagome," Kouga stated.

"That, she does." He paused. "Rin forgave you, so I suppose that I have no other choice but to do the same. Do not make me regret it, Wolf."

"I'm in your debt."

"Now, find my brother's companions and bring the monk to me."

"If I can ask, why do you want to see Miroku?"

"There are matters with which we need to discuss."

"I'll be back shortly."

"Inuyasha, what's wrong? You've been acting like this since yesterday. It's just not like you," Miroku wondered.

"The hanyou looked up from his stupor. "Hm? Oh, yeah, sorry. I s'ppose that I've got a lot on my mind, is all."

"Is it anything that you want to talk about?" Sango asked, petting a purring and very comfortable Kilala.

"No. This is something that I think I need to work out by myself." Rising to his feet, Inuyasha walked up to, and opened the door. Before leaving, however, he turned around slightly, a small smile on his face. "Thanks." With that, he left.

A few minutes after his departure, Kouga arrived, signaling his presence with a light rap on the door.

"Miroku? Sesshoumaru wants to see you in his chambers. He said that he had something that he needs to discuss with you."

"Um, sure," he stammered, shock evident on not only his face, but Sango's as well. Turning to the Taijiya, he asked, "Will you be okay?"

"Go ahead, Miroku. It probably isn't the best idea to keep Sesshoumaru waiting."

"I'll be back shortly."

"I'll be here waiting."

Before either person knew what was happening, the monk had taken the hand of the exterminator in his own and dropped to one knee.

"Sango, my dear, nothing in this world or any that may be out there can possibly keep me away from you, knowing that you will be here awaiting my return. When I do, will you do me the honor of bearing my children?"

"We'll be back Sango," Kouga said as he dragged the now unconscious Miroku out the door and away from Sango, whose aura was radiating intense black flames.

"So Kouga, do you know what this is about?" Miroku asked as the pair walked silently through the hallway.

Shaking his head, he answered, "No. He never said."

They approached the room and were immediately beckoned to enter.

"You wished to see me, Sesshoumaru?" he asked as he opened the door and stepped in.

"I did. You, and you alone."

Kouga huffed silently. "I can take a hint. I guess that I'll just go…somewhere."

"Do that." After he left the room, Miroku sat down in the very chair that the wolf had been occupying only minutes earlier.

"How can I be of help?"

"You should have some knowledge of curses, you being a holy man, correct?"

"Some, and I believe that we are both in agreement when I say that the caster of this curse is within the castle walls."

He nodded. "We are."

"Is there anyone that you suspect?"

"It is a long list. I have many enemies, even in my own home."

"Be that as it may, how many have intimate knowledge of curses and spells?"

"Enough."

"Then why are they here?"

"They may be after my head, yet they are neither skilled nor brave enough to attempt to take it."

"That may be true, but they may have sought help."

"You have a point, Monk."

"If it's okay with you, I would like permission to use your library in order to help you search for a cure."

"Why, exactly, are you helping me? I've tried killing your group before."

"Actually, it was Inuyasha, and you never really tried. If you had, we would be dead."

'Smart.' "The question stands," he stated, recalling the answer he had given the miko when she had replied with the same response.

"Kagome's helping you, so we will honor her decision."

"I grant you access to the library, as well as anything in my chambers regarding the subject."

"Thank you."

"Now leave. I have work that I must get done."

"I mean no disrespect, but how do you plan on getting your paperwork done if you cannot see?"

"I'll manage."

"I'm sure Sango would help. Being a Taijiya, she is very well versed in demon culture and diplomacy." He paused. "You have allowed us to stay here. Consider it payment."

"I suppose I have little choice in the matter. Send the woman here, and the library is by Rojin's chamber at the far end of this hall." Bowing, Miroku left to retrieve Sango.

Sighing, Sesshoumaru leaned back and began slowly massaging his temples.

'I can't believe that I actually accepted help from a monk as well as a demon slayer. What's next?'

"Inuyasha, wait!"

Turning, the half-demon saw the demoness run up to him.

"Oh, um, hi, Kira," he greeted slowly, averting his gaze.

"Would you mind walking in the garden with me?"

"Um, sure." Taking his hand, Kira pulled him toward the garden.

Once they had arrived, she stopped, causing Inuyasha to do the same.

"Kira?"

"I have to know. Why did you kiss me, Inuyasha?"

Blushing slightly, he looked away. "I just wanted to, I guess."

"And why did you run?"

"I don't know," he replied. "I panicked."

Sighing, Kira leaned up against the castle wall. "And? There's more that you aren't telling me."

"I didn't want to make you do something that you didn't want to do."

"If I didn't want you to kiss me, would I do this?" Grabbing Inuyasha by the haori, she pulled him into a deep kiss, catching the hanyou completely off-guard.

The feel of the Kitsune's tongue against his lips begging entrance was all the incentive he needed before growling in acceptance.

'BoredBoredBoredBoredBoredBoredBored,' Kagome mentally chanted as she attempted to perform a breathing exercise the Akira was teaching her.

"Kagome, concentrate," the fox ordered calmly, with eyes still closed.

Opening her eyes, Kagome giggled, bringing her had to the back of her neck.

"Heh, sorry, Akira. I'm not really all that good at focusing for long periods of time."

"Kagome, in order to develop your skills, you need focus and concentration."

"I know, but my mind wanders."

"To your knowledge, have you ever been able to manifest your powers?"

"When I was a little girl, I was able to replicate myself," she answered, recalling her dream.

"Can you still?"

"Nope. Not at all."

"Then how were you able to regenerate My Lord's arm?"

She shrugged. "Couldn't tell ya."

Akira rose and offered a hand to the young miko, which she accepted. "What were you thinking when you did it?"

She paused to think. "I thought that he looked like a wounded animal and that it didn't suit him to look anything less that perfect."

"I see. Now, have you recently tried to call upon your powers, aside from your arrows?"

"I tried, but no matter how much I try, it just won't work."

The Kitsune paused to think for a moment before continuing. "Close your eyes."

"Why?"

"Just do as I say."

"Okay, okay." She obeyed. "Now what?"

"You and your companions are journeying. Deciding to rest for the night, you set up camp. While doing so, you drop your guard, giving an approaching enemy the opportunity to attack. To make matters worse, it is the night of the new moon." He watched her stiffen. "Inuyasha is the first to be taken down, followed by the exterminator, then the monk. This leaves only you and your kit."

Tears slid down her cheeks as she appeared to be deeply entangled in the vision. Akira flinched before continuing, moving behind her.

"He turns toward the kit, who is valiantly defending you, and prepares to attack. Now, what do you want to do?"

"Protect," she all but whispered as her entire body began to radiate an intense pink aura, causing Akira to back up instinctively.

"K-Kagome, channel your power into your dominant hand."

"How?" she choked out.

"Try to will it."

Slowly, the aura diminished, only to surround her right hand.

"Very good. Now try to use it. Just remember that you don't need to use much power."

Nodding, the teen took a deep breath and lifted her hand, aiming it at the wall at the far end of the room. Akira's brows furrowed in confusion as Kagome's lips curved into a slight smile.

"Fire in the hole."

All Akira felt was a tremendous shock and once it had passed, he saw that the wall was practically nonexistent.

"How'd I do that?" she asked, shock and awe evident in her voice.

"You focused. Your desire to protect your friends eclipsed all other emotions, concentrating your power." He paused. "I apologize, Kagome. It was cruel of me to use your emotions in such a manner."

"No, it's okay, Akira. If you hadn't, I never would have been able to do that in a million years."

"I'll see you tomorrow for more training."

"Okay. I should probably check in with Sesshoumaru anyway. Bye, Akira. Tell your sister to see me. I haven't had time to chat with her in a bit."

"I will."

'What the hell am I doing!'

For the past three hours, Sesshoumaru had been dictating responses to documents being read to him by Sango.

"Excuse me, Sesshoumaru, but you forgot to mention where the council will be meeting. If I'm not mistaken, the location changes with every meeting."

He nodded. "You are correct. It will be held at the home of the Eastern Taiyoukai."

'I'm surprised that she knew about that. Most demons probably don't even know that the Taiyoukai even have meetings, let alone the location changes.'

"Tell me; how do you know about demon politics?"

"My father, Saoden, taught me."

"I know of him. He has slain many a powerful demon, and had even challenged me."

"You knew my father?" He nodded. "Did you accept his challenge?"

"I did."

"What happened?"

"He was defeated, yet I allowed him to live. He was an exceptional warrior for a human, as well as an honorable one." He paused as something that he had heard rang in his memory, "I heard that he was bested in battle. What that indeed the case?"

"It was Naraku!" she spat. "He possessed my younger brother and forced him to slaughter our entire clan. I am the sole survivor."

"And what of your brother?"

"He remains under Naraku's control. You have also met him before."

Realization hit. "The boy that attempted to kill Rin and dared raise his weapon against me, correct?"

"Yes. Naraku must die. Kohaku may not survive the jewel extraction from his back, but it would be better for him to die in peace than to live in agony."

'Naraku's influence is further reaching than I once thought,' he thought before asking, "And what of the monk and Inuyasha? What are their reasons?"

"You know about Miroku's Wind Tunnel, right?" He nodded for her to continue. "It was a curse placed on his grandfather by Naraku. It killed him as well as Miroku's father, and will devour him as well if Naraku doesn't die. As for Inuyasha, he was pinned to the tree and in turn, Kikyo died due to his trickery."

"And the miko."

"Kagome just wants to protect everyone from Naraku and his incarnations."

"Has he done her any wrongs?"

She shook her head. "No. She just wants him to pay for everything that he had done to make us, including you and Rin, suffer. Kouga, as well. Naraku had Kagura kill his entire clan and frame Inuyasha."

Before he was about to respond, his body was overcome with severe chills, causing the hairs on the back of his neck to rise as he involuntarily shivered, causing Sango to look at him, surprised.

"What's happening?"

"Akira is training the miko to manifest her powers. She just expelled enough energy to destroy nine-tenths of the servants in my employ, had she been trying."

"You're kidding! She's never been able to control that much power."

"Which is why she is learning. It seems that that idiotic half-brother of mine has yet to teach her self-defense, unlike you and the monk."

"You noticed."

"While defending herself, she moves in a similar fashion to the two of you. Now, we're finished here. You may return to the others." Rising to her feet, she bowed before leaving.

Moments after the Taijiya left, the miko's scent caught his attention. However, the normally calming scent was laced with tears threatening to spill.

Oddly unnerved by this, Sesshoumaru rose to his feet and left his room, only to enter hers.

Kagome had just reached her room, her will barely able to keep her tears at bay, when her door opened. Looking up, she saw the Demon Lord in the doorway, looking her way.

"Oh, Sesshoumaru. My training went really well. I even shot a blast from my hand. By the way, sorry about your wall."

"Do not worry about the wall, and I felt your power. If you focused and put all of your energy into it, you could easily defeat Naraku alone."

Her head shot up and he felt her shocked gaze follow him as he sat on the bed, right next to her.

"Y-you really think that I'm powerful enough to help?"

He nodded the affirmative. "You possess the power, you simply lack the ability to channel it. That comes with training." Frowning, he asked, "Have you been told otherwise?"

"Well, not in quite so many words, but I'm just Kikyo's reincarnation. I don't have her powers."

"You just released enough energy to purify most of my castle, possibly myself included, and I get the feeling that you were holding back a considerable amount of power. How did Akira get you to use your power?"

She grew silent, her tears again threatening to fall. "I pictured Naraku attacking everyone."

Unable to control herself, she threw her arms around Sesshoumaru and began crying hysterically, catching him completely off-guard.

"I just wanted to protect everyone," she forced out between tears.

Not knowing what else to do, he wrapped his arms around the petite girl's tiny shaking frame in an attempt to calm her.

'She's just like Rin,' he thought as he said, "You may be the undead priestess' reincarnation, but you have far more power than she could even dream of possessing."

"W-why are you being so nice to me?" she mumbled into his chest.

"I wish I knew," he replied quietly.

"Sesshoumaru?"

"Hm."

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"Everything."

For the first time in at least a century, Sesshoumaru, the Great Taiyoukai of the West, was speechless.