Kagome sat in the bath, staring up at the ceiling. Her head was full. She wished that she could strip away her worries as easily as the dirt on her skin.
It was their last night in Tokyo and, though Gramps had calmed down somewhat, Kagome felt anxious. She was on edge, restless with the impulse to run or shoot— anything besides sitting here in steamy silence. The only reason Kagome had come to bathe was because she didn't want to upset Sesshomaru.
He'd been tense since their outing yesterday afternoon. Kagome wasn't sure if the smells of the city were proving to be too much for him or if he was simply ready to go home. Whatever it was, she didn't want him to be concerned.
Their visit had been a reprieve from the daunting task that laid ahead of them. Naraku would not go down easily. His incarnations were nearly as cunning as he was. Aided by the jewel shards, he could create an endless slew of hosts to distract them. If he managed to complete the jewel before her, Kagome wasn't sure what would happen. But it wouldn't be good.
There were no jewel shards left in her care. Everything she had collected had been snatched up by Kikyo in the forest. Kagome hadn't sensed any new shards since she found Rin. She suspected that Naraku had been on the hunt for months and had managed to collect the remaining fragments.
Except for two.
When she had last seen Kouga, he had still possessed jewel shards in his legs. It was possible that he was the only one other than Naraku who had part of the Shikon Jewel. If she could convince him to hand his shards over, there was a chance they could beat Naraku.
Battling the spider hanyou meant rejoining her friends and that meant she'd have to face Kikyo. Kagome shivered involuntarily. Even now, the mere thought of the woman with the soulless eyes bothered her.
Kagome hadn't lied when she told Sesshomaru that she felt bad for Kikyo and Inuyasha. What Naraku had done to them was unforgivable but Kagome couldn't understand Kikyo's actions. Why had she given Naraku the jewel shards? Kikyo hated Naraku. What did she gain by helping him? And why had she come to speak to Inuyasha? Kikyo still loved him. Why would she betray him by siding with Naraku? It didn't make any sense.
Pulling her legs to her chest, Kagome rested her chin on her knees. She tried to think the way Kikyo did. The priestess was cunning, like her opponent. Out of all of them, Kikyo knew Naraku the best. If she gave him the jewel shards, there had to be a good reason for it. Right?
What am I missing? Kagome wondered.
Like ripples in a pond, history repeats itself.
Sesshomaru told her that Midoriko was targeted by a man who once loved her. Onigumo had done the same to Kikyo, seeking cruel vengeance against her for loving Inuyasha over him. His heart had been tainted by jealousy. Unlike Midoriko who ripped out her heart to create the jewel, he invited evil into himself and became Naraku. To possess the full power of the jewel, he would have to—
Kagome's eyes widened. That's it!
Naraku planned to absorb the jewel into himself to acquire its power just as he had done with the demons. Once it became part of him, it would turn evil— unless it had already been purified.
Kikyo wanted Naraku to have the jewel because she planned on cutting his power out from the core. She meant to purify him and end the cycle. There would be no more incarnations, no more puppets, and no more Naraku. He would be gone once and for all.
It was clever. Naraku's hunger for power outweighed his hatred of Kikyo. He had accepted the shards and used them immediately to create Kanna and Kagura. They were dangerous, each gifted in her own way. Kagome hoped Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku, and Kirara were safe.
She wondered what would happen to the incarnations that Naraku had spawned once he was defeated. Would they die or would they be set free from their master? What would become of Kikyo? Would she pass on? Could she?
Kagome sank lower in the tub. Sesshomaru had said Inuyasha needed to let Kikyo go so he could move on. Kagome wasn't sure that he could. She tried to think about how she would feel if she was in Inuyasha's place. What if it had been her and Sesshomaru that Naraku separated? Would she be able to turn her back on a second chance and give him up?
She bit her lower lip. As much as Kagome loved him, the thought of surviving on the souls of others— of stealing a chance for happiness from an innocent stranger —made her feel sick. Maybe Sesshomaru was right. Maybe she was different from Midoriko and Kikyo.
But is that enough? she wondered, ruefully.
A voice came at the door. "Kagome?"
"I'll be right out," she called to Sesshomaru.
She glanced down at her hands, finding them pruned. The heat of the water was gone. Steam no longer lingered above the surface. She had been in the bathroom for too long.
Grabbing her towel, Kagome rose. She would have to share her revelations with Sesshomaru. Surely, this would change how he felt about Kikyo. He wouldn't kill her if she was the key to defeating Naraku.
I hope.
When she stepped out into the hallway, he was waiting with Rin in the crook of his arm. "Your mother has prepared dinner for us," Sesshomaru told her.
"Okay," Kagome said, turning to Rin. "How's my girl?"
The baby cooed and reached for her.
"No, you stay with Sesshomaru until I get dressed, then I'll feed you."
"The kit is upset we are returning home. I thought he would have been eager to enjoy Akio's cooking but he appears to have grown fond of your brother," Sesshomaru observed as he followed Kagome upstairs.
"He's never really had anyone his age to play with before. Shippo is an only child," she reminded him.
"Not anymore. He belongs to the pack now. He will grow up with siblings," Sesshomaru stated.
Kagome paused in her doorway. "Siblings?"
"Rin and our pups."
Her face turned scarlet. "Pups?" she squeaked.
Sesshomaru stared at her.
Kagome slammed her bedroom door, leaning against it as she tried to calm her racing pulse. He couldn't just say something like that to her and act like it wasn't a big deal. Having kids was a huge deal! It was a life-changing decision just like getting married or moving in together or...
She froze. Kagome realized that she had already done those things. She'd moved in with Sesshomaru weeks ago. They were raising Rin and Shippo together. He asked her to be his mate and she'd accepted. Wasn't that the whole reason for their impromptu trip to Tokyo?
Kagome slid down to the floor, clutching her towel to her chest. Considering all they had accomplished together, having children wasn't as outrageous as she initially thought. From Sesshomaru's point of view, it was probably the logical next step.
Unbidden, an image of them together in the bathhouse came to her. Kagome stifled a squeal by burying her face in her hands. Of course, her stupid teenaged brain would think of that at a time like this.
One thing at a time, she told herself. First, we have to complete the jewel and take Naraku down.
Once her quest was over, Kagome could focus on her relationship with Sesshomaru. Until then, she had to stay focused. She couldn't take down the evil jerk if her mind was distracted by a certain demon lord's bare torso.
Kagome picked herself up off the floor and got dressed. The sooner they dealt with Naraku, the safer everyone in her life would be. For the sake of her friends, she had to help Kikyo deceive the spider hanyou. They all deserved a chance at happiness.
"Alright, all set," Kagome announced, opening her door. She took Rin out of Sesshomaru's arm, making sure to avoid his gaze.
For dinner, Mama made her favorite: yakisoba with sliced pork belly and bean sprouts. Kagome smiled as she settled down at the table. Mama had also provided something for Sesshomaru. A plate of pork chops sat at his spot, rare and bloody. Kagome kept her gaze firmly fixed on the bowl of noodles in front of her.
Rin fidgeted while she tried to eat, reminding Kagome that the infant needed a bottle before she could enjoy her dinner. She excused herself to prepare the formula in the kitchen, passing Souta and Shippo who had just come in from another round of soccer.
They were both chatting away, completely uninterested in her or Rin. Kagome grinned, pleased to see the two getting along so well. She understood why Shippo was upset about leaving. Souta was the first friend he'd made since he was forced out of his village. She wondered if Sesshomaru knew of any kitsune packs in the Western Lands. It might be a good incentive to keep Shippo motivated for his ranks.
In the kitchen, she propped Rin on her hip while getting the formula out. It was a balancing act. Everything she did with the little girl required patience and adapting to having only one free hand. It made her appreciate Sesshomaru's condition even more.
Lately, Kagome had been thinking a lot about his severed arm. She knew he missed it, not only because of his skills as a warrior but because it limited his functionality with the children. He never complained. Even more impressive was the fact that he had never once blamed her. Kagome hadn't heard him fault Inuyasha either.
Sesshomaru had accepted the loss. Kagome hadn't. If Tetsusaiga could take away his arm, couldn't Tenseiga restore it? The legendary blade was Tetsusaiga's counterpart. It brought Rin back from death. There had to be a way for its powers to restore Sesshomaru's arm.
She finished screwing the top on the bottle and held it up for Rin. The baby accepted it willingly. As she sucked down her meal, Kagome's thoughts drifted back to Tenseiga's powers.
Like it's twin, Tenseiga had been crafted with the purpose of protecting life. She had seen it shield Sesshomaru against Tetsusaiga. Totosai had later revealed that the swords couldn't be used against one another— Touga's way of maintaining peace between his rival sons. But if that was true, why had Tetsusaiga been able to remove Sesshomaru's arm?
At that time, Sesshomaru had loathed his blade. It was only recently that he had accepted Tenseiga's value. His attitude was similar to how Inuyasha had acted with Tetsusaiga before he understood its purpose. He had to master the sword to unlock its abilities. Was the same true for Sesshomaru? Were there still secrets to Tenseiga that were preventing him from regenerating his left arm?
Even if he solved the mystery of the blade, there was no guarantee it would restore his arm. The wound was months old. Kagome knew what the doctors in the modern age would say. Without the limb, the blood vessels and nerve endings had become useless. There was no way to reattach the arm. Of course, the physicians in her time knew nothing of demon anatomy. If anyone's body was strong enough to regenerate a limb, it would be Sesshomaru.
She thought about asking Kaede for her advice. Maybe the old healer knew of others who had attempted to reattach a limb. It was a long-shot, but Kagome had to try. Sesshomaru had given her everything. She wanted to do something nice for him.
"Do you require assistance?"
Kagome spun around to find him standing in the doorway. Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she was missing dinner.
"Coming," she said apologetically.
"You have been distracted as of late. Are you unwell?" he asked.
"I'm just thinking about the future," Kagome admitted. Then, with a smile, she added, "Our future."
He hummed contemplatively. "I am pleased to hear that."
"That doesn't mean I'm not worried about going back. Naraku isn't going to be easy to take down."
"His vicious acts are deserving of retribution," Sesshomaru replied.
"I think Kikyo plans to purify him with the jewel shards she stole," Kagome revealed.
Sesshomaru scowled.
"I know you don't like her but—."
"We should wait to discuss this later," he interrupted, inclining his head toward where her family was seated together.
"Later," Kagome agreed.
She didn't know when she'd get to sit down to dinner with her family again. Kagome wanted to savor every moment of her time with them.
"The boys are asleep," Kagome's mother announced.
Sesshomaru peered into the room, finding the pair sprawled out on the floor. There were two controllers centimeters from their hands and the television was still on.
Shaking her head, Kagome's mother stepped inside to turn off the device.
"Thank you for hosting us. I appreciate your hospitality," Sesshomaru said as she slipped back out into the hallway.
"It was no trouble. I'm glad you and Kagome were able to stay for a couple of days. Usually, we only see her for a few hours."
"In the future, I will do everything in my power to ensure you have more adequate time to visit with your daughter," Sesshomaru vowed.
"If you're going to be part of this family, you'll learn you don't need to be so formal. We aren't out to impress anyone," Kagome's mother teased him.
"I was instructed to follow a strict standard of etiquette. Such habits will not fade away," he returned.
"As long as you're happy."
"I am," he confirmed.
Kagome's mother smiled. "Goodnight, Sesshomaru."
He bowed his head. "Goodnight."
Sesshomaru was eager to return to the Western Palace. Journeying to Kagome's time had been enlightening but each minute they spent away from the West was another minute that Naraku grew closer to procuring the jewel. Sesshomaru could not allow him to succeed.
He climbed the stairs to Kagome's room. Her belief that the abomination meant to kill Naraku was unsettling. Sesshomaru did not doubt that the shrewd woman wanted revenge on Naraku but he did not trust her. The dead miko's heart was tainted by malice and jealousy. Sesshomaru suspected that she would seek vengeance against Kagome as well.
That was something he would not tolerate.
Sesshomaru planned to keep a very close eye on his brother's lover. If that abomination raised her hand against Kagome, he would cut her down where she stood. He was willing to risk Kagome's anger but not her life.
When he entered, she was sitting by her window. Kagome's legs were pulled up to her chest and she was staring up at the sky.
"Your brother and the kit are asleep downstairs," Sesshomaru informed her.
"They've been running around outside all day. They have to be beat."
"You mean exhausted?"
She grinned. "Yeah. Rin fell asleep just a few minutes ago."
He gazed at the spot next to the bed where a small make-shift crib had been arranged. The infant was swaddled and sleeping soundly.
"Are you certain your mother will not object to my presence in your private chambers?" he inquired.
Kagome gazed over her shoulder at him mischievously. "Would your mother?"
"We are not in my mother's palace. Her opinion has no bearing on our actions," he answered.
"It's fine, Sesshomaru."
"I do not wish to upset her. She may choose to retract her earlier statement."
"What do you mean?" Kagome asked, turning to face him.
"She gave me her blessing. I do not want to dishonor her good faith," he explained.
"Stop worrying. My family isn't like yours."
"That is true," he agreed. "Do you want to discuss preparations for tomorrow?"
Kagome rose from her chair and held out her hand. "Let's go up on the roof," she suggested.
Sesshomaru ignored her hand in place of scooping her up. He was rewarded with a sharp intake of breath and then a happy giggle. Kagome clung to him as he leaped out her window into the cool night air.
The slope of the rooftop was not rounded in the traditional style the way the shrine buildings were. Still, Sesshomaru kept his arm around Kagome, fearing she would slip on the tiles and fall.
He had heard her mention the lack of visibility but it was not until he saw it for himself that Sesshomaru understood. The pollution blocked out the stars, covering the city in a dense haze of chemicals. He wrinkled his nose in disgust.
"I'm not worried about going back. We have everything we need to keep Rin healthy and fed," she began. "I'm scared about leaving her and Shippo. Your mother won't hurt them. I know she won't. She may not like me very much but she wouldn't hurt a child— not even a human one."
"You are concerned about leaving them unprotected," Sesshomaru surmised.
"I know we can't take them with us. It's not safe but the thought of leaving them..." she trailed off, dragging the sleeve of her pajama top across her face. "I trust everyone at the palace. I know A-Un and the others will watch over them. It's just..."
"You love them."
Kagome nodded.
"I understand," he told her, drawing her closer. "I do not wish to part from them either. Once Naraku is gone, we will have no reason to be separated from them again."
"You're right," Kagome replied softly. "I hope Kikyo's plan works."
"Elaborate."
She explained about her revelation in the bath, including the fact that the wolf prince was still in possession of two shards.
"I will enjoy ripping them out," Sesshomaru commented.
Kagome glared at him. "No, you won't."
He frowned.
"We have to get to Kouga before Naraku or his incarnations," Kagome stated.
"You need to finish your training," Sesshomaru responded. "You are capable in battle but a few more lessons will hone that skills you have already acquired."
"How long will that take?" Kagome questioned.
"I would prefer a fortnight but I understand time is not a luxury we can afford."
She shook her head. "No. Will a week be okay?"
"It will have to be."
They fell silent, staring off into the night sky, hoping they were prepared for what awaited them in the Feudal Era.
Leaving was bittersweet. Kagome felt their departure more than any other that had come before it. She prayed that the apprehension she felt was due to their upcoming battle and nothing else. As they descended through the well, Kagome felt Sesshomaru take her hand. It seemed she wasn't the only one who was anxious.
Unaware of their worries, Rin was blowing spit bubbles. She didn't seem to care about the portal until the beams of light caught her attention. Likewise, Shippo was too excited by his soccer ball, a parting gift from Souta, to be impressed.
When they surfaced on the other side, Kagome was greeted with fresh air and clear blue skies. Home, she thought, relaxing slightly.
A burst of hot air hit the back of her neck. She turned, grinning at the two-headed dragon. "Hey, A-Un! Did you miss us?"
The beast pressed his one snout into her shoulder while the other sniffed at Rin.
"She's fine. We all are," Kagome reassured him.
The dragon accepted her words, lowering himself to the grass. Sesshomaru gave Kagome a hand up, so she didn't jostle Rin as she settled onto the saddle.
"Do you think Akio will play soccer with me?" Shippo asked, joining her.
"You'll have to explain the rules to him," Kagome said.
The kitsune gazed over at Sesshomaru. "Can we play in the courtyard?"
He nodded. "After you have completed your daily training exercises."
"Alright," Shippo agreed, wrapping his little arms around the ball.
The time he had spent with Souta had given him a chance to play like a real kid. Kagome was glad to see him focusing on games instead of fighting. She knew learning techniques like foxfire was important for his development but she didn't want him to grow up without friends.
Both Sesshomaru and Inuyasha had experienced solitary childhoods. They had learned to grow past it, opening themselves up to others and beginning to trust. Kagome could see how far they had come but it didn't make up for the time they'd lost. She didn't want Shippo to have the same lonely existence.
Living with them in the palace gave him an opportunity and lots of attention yet it wasn't the same as having friends. They were his family.
Once Naraku is gone, we'll be able to travel around, Kagome decided. She was sure there were other children in the West around his age. Hopefully, they wouldn't be too intimidated by Sesshomaru for a play date.
They were in the air before Kagome remembered wanting to speak to Kaede about Sesshomaru's arm.
"Wait!"
He stiffened. "What is it? Do you sense the jewel?"
"No. No, I can't feel anything nearby. It's just..." she bit her lip. "I had something I wanted to ask Kaede about."
Sesshomaru studied her for a moment then nodded. "Very well."
They headed into the village, drawing a small crowd by the time they landed near Kaede's hut. A-Un snorted at the villagers, each head focusing in a different direction.
Kagome passed Rin to Sesshomaru before slipping off the saddle and running inside. "Kaede?"
"Oh, Kagome. You've returned." The elder peered around her as if suspecting Sesshomaru to follow.
"He's outside with the kids," Kagome explained.
Kaede raised an eyebrow before recovering with a knowing grin. "Ah, well, I'm glad to see he has accepted things."
Kagome tilted her head. "Things?"
"Never mind," Kaede waved her off. "Was there something you needed?"
Nodding, Kagome started to speak when she recalled what Arisu had said to her. Sesshomaru would be able to hear everything they talked about. "Could we go for a walk?" Kagome suggested.
Kaede looked confused but agreed. She followed Kagome away from the river— and Sesshomaru's golden gaze —toward the rear of the village.
"You don't want him to hear this?" Kaede surmised.
"No," Kagome confirmed with a sigh. "Do you think we're far enough away?"
"Let's go into the woods," Kaede advised.
The two women passed the last hut and continued along the tree line until they were out of sight of anyone.
"Now," Kaede began, allowing Kagome to help her sit upon a fallen tree trunk, "what is it that troubles you?"
"It's not a trouble— not really," Kagome told her. "I was just wondering if you knew anything about reiki healing for demons."
"If it has happened before, it would be a rare occurrence, indeed," Kaede remarked. "Reiki and yokai are opposing energies. To use one to heal the other would require a temporary nullification of the former to allow the latter to be effective."
Kagome's eyes widened. "I'd have to nullify Sesshomaru's power to heal him?"
Kaede appeared concerned. "Is he injured?"
"No— yes, I mean..."
"You wish to restore his arm," Kaede deduced.
She nodded.
"I have never heard of such a treatment but my healing has been limited to humans and Inuyasha," Kaede admitted.
"I have to believe it's possible," Kagome replied. "After all that he's given me, I want to be able to give him something too."
"Kagome," Kaede said, placing her hand on Kagome's arm, "it is noble of you to want this for Sesshomaru but perhaps instead of discussing it with me, you should speak to him. He is a powerful demon who has traveled further than I. He may be aware of a process that I am not."
"You're right," Kagome agreed. "I'll talk to him."
"Good," Kaede responded, squeezing her arm. "Now, help an old woman up. I don't think it's wise to keep the Lord of the Western Lands waiting."