Chapter 24: The Weight of Everything

The courtyard was filled with food, laughter, and family. Once Arisu had settled onto the blankets, Kagome breathed a little easier.

She had expected the demoness to be skeptical about their bond. Yet, she offered up no further protests.

It seemed her dedication to her son outweighed any doubts she had. Kagome knew how deeply Arisu cared for Sesshomaru. Her pride could not conceal her true feelings. He meant more to her than the approval of those at court. She just didn't know how to tell him. Like her son, Arisu wasn't comfortable with expressing her emotions.

In time, Kagome hoped to change that. For now, she was just glad they could all enjoy a meal together.

Shippo was making progress. He had been chatting with Arisu non-stop since the demoness confirmed that he could refer to her as 'Granny.'

Though Arisu seemed unsure what to do with the kit's undivided attention, she didn't interrupt or chide him. She remained silent, poised with her hands folded neatly in her lap— the epitome of elegance.

Not that Kagome expected anything less.

Arisu always looked refined. There wasn't a single silver-white hair out of place. The breeze seemed to move around her, too intimidated to rustle the long tresses. Her kimono was perfectly tucked around her slim form. Each layer was positioned so neatly that Kagome wondered how she moved.

In contrast, Kagome's school uniform was casual. Though it offered her the ability to run and fight,— unlike Arisu's elaborate garb —it was far from perfect. There was a stain from where Inuyasha's blood had gotten on her after Naraku's last attack. She'd also been meaning to fix the loose stitching along the hem of her skirt. She hoped Arisu hadn't noticed.

Shippo was telling Sesshomaru's mother how to play soccer. Kagome doubted the well-dressed demoness would ever chase the ball around, but it was fun to imagine.

Rin was laying on the blanket in front of them. Her brown eyes were fixated on the clouds passing overhead. She swayed from side to side, rocking herself. Kagome watched with a smile.

Rin had come a long way since the day Kagome found her abandoned in the forest. Her skin no longer had a sickeningly pale color. Now, her cheeks were round and rosy. Kagome didn't have to worry about her crying nonstop. She had grown comfortable with Sesshomaru and the palace attendants. She let all of them hold her without making a fuss. Living in a stable setting and having a routine helped. It had given Rin a chance to bond with everyone around her.

She was developing fast. In a few more months, Kagome expected that her daughter would start walking.

As if to prove that theory, Rin rolled herself over. She stared at Kagome as if she was stunned by her own abilities. Before anyone could say anything, Rin began to push herself up.

A-Un immediately ducked both of his heads down, attempting to help her. Kagome gently batted them away. "Wait," she cautioned the dragon.

It didn't happen immediately. Rin fell forward a few times. Her arms were unfamiliar with the stamina needed to push herself into an upright position. Eventually, though, she managed to sit up.

"Omigosh, Rin! You did it!" Kagome squealed.

Sesshomaru regarded the child with pride, while Arisu bowed her head, and Shippo cheered. A-Un nuzzled Rin's cheek, causing the little girl to fall over.

Kagome's smile fell but only for a second. Rin was laughing and reaching for the dragon. She was completely unaffected by the milestone she had just breached.

"Perhaps, I should build a koi pond for her. It will serve as the perfect place to practice fishing," Sesshomaru remarked as he observed the two.

"A koi pond?" Kagome repeated with a giggle.

"That was how Touga taught Sesshomaru to hunt when he was a pup. You need to provide a safe environment for them to gain confidence in their abilities," Arisu explained.

"Yeah, but hunting and fishing— why would Rin need to learn those things?" Kagome asked.

"She will need to hone her skills if she wishes to attract a proper mate," Arisu remarked.

"She hasn't even started to walk yet!" Kagome objected.

"Humans age faster than demons," the demoness reminded her. "She will not remain a child for long."

"I'm not pairing her up with someone before she's had her first birthday!"

"As a ward of the Western Lands, she will either be seen as a way to forge a powerful alliance or leveraged against Sesshomaru. It would be wise to train her as early as possible so she can defend herself," Arisu stated.

Kagome frowned. She didn't like the idea of Rin being used as someone's tool for advancement. She wanted her daughter to have a marriage based on mutual trust and affection, like what she had with Sesshomaru.

"It's not just her that you need to concern yourself with" Arisu continued. "The kit will also be targeted."

"Yeah, but I'm going to pass all my ranks and become a great warrior like Sesshomaru," Shippo insisted, puffing out his chest as he spoke.

"We will continue to train," Sesshomaru replied. "In time, and with practice, you will become a skilled fighter."

"So will you train Rin too?" the kitsune asked.

Sesshomaru nodded. "Her humanity puts her at a disadvantage but does not make her weak. You have seen what Kagome is capable of. I have confidence Rin will grow to achieve the same level of competency. Those who wish to manipulate her will find her impossible to control."

"But what if she wants a mate, like Kagome wanted you?" Shippo questioned.

"When the time comes, that will be her decision to make," Sesshomaru answered.

"You shouldn't discount a political marriage," Arisu said. "The West has much to offer and even more to gain. Aligning with the right ally could mean protection for your family for centuries to come."

Kagome gathered Rin into her arms, resting the infant against her chest. "Don't worry," she said, rubbing her back soothingly. "You're not a pawn; you're our daughter. I won't force you to marry anyone."

"Nor will I," Sesshomaru added, leaning close.

Rin tilted her head back to gaze up at him. Her brown doe eyes shimmered. She shifted in Kagome's hold, freeing her arms to reach for Sesshomaru.

Kagome set Rin on the blanket, giving her the opportunity to crawl. She wasted no time going over to Sesshomaru. Rin grabbed onto his pants, clambering into his lap before pitching face-first into mokomoko.

"Careful," Kagome hedged.

"I have her," Sesshomaru said, assuringly.

His eyes held a soft shimmer. His fondness for Rin was apparent.

Kagome had never expected to see this side of Sesshomaru. His dedication to the kids— and her —was a devotion unlike any other. It was genuine like her friend's support and deep like the love her family had for her. There was another layer too— one reserved solely for her as Sesshomaru's mate.

She had never considered her life incomplete. Even after Kikyo removed a portion of her soul, Kagome didn't feel off. She had Mama, Souta, and Gramps in the future. Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku, and Shippo were with her in the Feudal Era. Despite her attendance rate, she got average marks in school. Things were good.

Then, Rin came into her life and, by extension, Sesshomaru. That's when Kagome had realized there was something missing.

It had taken her time to figure out what that something was and even longer to admit it was Sesshomaru.

Looking back on the days before she'd come to live at the Western Palace, made Kagome frown. She'd wasted so much time worrying about trivial things— chasing after Inuyasha, comparing herself to Kikyo, and neglecting her homework.

That was behind her. Now, her focus was on defeating Naraku. She would right the wrongs of the past to create a better future— one where, hopefully, demons, hanyous, and humans could get along.

The thought reminded Kagome of her search in the library. She started to ask Arisu about Midoriko when Sesshomaru abruptly stood.

"What is it?" Kagome asked.

"Intruders," Arisu spat.

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed. "Inuyasha."

Kagome jumped to her feet. "What?"

"Take Rin," he said, passing the baby to her. "I will deal with this."

"Wait," she said, latching onto his hand. Sesshomaru stared at her. "You're not going to hurt him, are you?"

"That depends."

"On what?"

"On whether or not he has brought that abomination with him," Sesshomaru answered.

With that, he leaped into the air, flying out to meet their approaching visitors.

"I see the half-breed is as meddlesome as his late mother," Arisu commented from her seat. Kagome glanced over her shoulder to find the demoness sipping her tea. "Izayoi had terrible timing too."

Kagome scoffed. "Excuse me?"

Arisu's eyes flashed. "You're newly mated. Sesshomaru's instincts will demand that he guard you and your pups from any threats outside the pack."

"Inuyasha's his brother!"

Arisu set her teacup down with an annoyed sigh. "Familial bonds are strong, but mating bonds take precedence. Sesshomaru's loyalty is to you now, little miko. He will always put your life first, even if it means losing his own."

Kagome gasped. She turned around, searching the skyline for where Sesshomaru had gone.

He was hovering over the castle wall with Tenseiga drawn. Farther out, along the horizon, Kagome saw a pair of specks growing larger and larger.

Shippo sprung up onto her shoulder. "Is that Hachi?" he asked.

"Must be," Kagome replied. "Kirara can't carry everyone by herself."

Sure enough, a few moments later, she saw the brilliant red of Inuyasha's fire rat robe against Hachi's giant yellow body. Kirara flew beside the tanuki, carrying Sango, Miroku, and a young boy. There were no signs of Kikyo.

Kagome released the breath she had been holding.

Guess I was worried for nothing, she thought.

Shouts echoed from the far wall as a second figure appeared on Hachi's back. Kagome recognized the visitor and groaned.

She didn't know when Kouga began traveling with her friends but his arrival certainly wouldn't help Sesshomaru's attitude.

"Shippo, stay here with Granny," Kagome told the kitsune.

"Why?" he asked as she moved to hand Rin over to Arisu.

The demoness looked up at her, startled but didn't refuse. "What are you going to do?" she inquired.

"We can't win against Naraku if we keep arguing amongst ourselves. That's how he wins. By pitting us against each other like some sort of high school bully. I'm done with that jerk and his games. I'm going to put a stop to this."

"I will enjoy watching you try," Arisu responded.

Kagome didn't hear her. She was already jogging over to the castle wall.

With each step, the heated conversation grew louder.

She could pick out Inuyasha's distinct hollering, Kouga's boasting, and Miroku trying to be the voice of reason. Sesshomaru's responses didn't register until she was below the chaos. His tone was lower and laced with fury.

"That ain't none of your business. I'm just here to see Kagome," Inuyasha was saying.

"Ignore Mutt-face. Where's my woman?" Kouga asked.

Kagome saw Sesshomaru's eyes turn crimson. "You are not welcome here, wolf. Leave," he snarled.

Kouga shot a haughty look at Sesshomaru. He leaned over to Inuyasha to whisper something that had the hanyou nodding in agreement.

Suddenly, both charged at Sesshomaru. They dove off Hachi's back, targeting opposite sides of the demon lord. Kagome saw the glint of metal in the sunlight as Inuyasha drew Tetsusaiga.

"No!"

Power, unlike anything she had ever felt before, surged out from her hands. One second, Kagome was staring up at Sesshomaru and the next, she was straining to see against the brilliant light that had encompassed him. She staggered backward, shielding her eyes against the glow.

Kagome was vaguely aware of Kirara landing behind her. She didn't look over her shoulder to see Sango and Miroku. She didn't even check on Inuyasha. All of her attention was on her mate.

The light faded slowly. As it revealed Sesshomaru, Kagome gasped.

"His arm— it's grown back," Sango remarked in disbelief.

"How is that possible?" Miroku asked.

"It's not," she responded. "Wait; that's not Tenseiga!"

"No," a familiar voice spoke up. Kagome felt the scurrying of small legs as Myoga appeared on her arm. "That is Bakusaiga, a blade manifested of Lord Sesshomaru's immense power."

"Bakusaiga," Kagome repeated, staring at the newly forged weapon in his left hand.

It was unlike the sword Sesshomaru had inherited from his father. This one was darker in color with runes etched into the backside. They weren't like any markings Kagome had seen previously. She almost wished she had paid closer attention to Gramps. He could probably tell her what they were.

"What does this mean?" Sango questioned as she and Miroku came to stand beside Kagome.

"Lord Sesshomaru has surpassed his father's abilities. He now possesses a power greater than that of Touga or any of the swords the late warrior commissioned," Myoga informed them.

"Does that mean Sesshomaru can overpower Naraku, even though he has nearly restored the Shikon Jewel?" Miroku asked.

"Ordinarily, I would say no but Lord Sesshomaru has an advantage over Naraku," the flea demon replied.

"Advantage?" Sango inquired.

"Why, Kagome, of course. As his mate—."

"What?"

Kagome flinched at the chorus of shouts. While Sango and Miroku exchanged a look, a flash of brown emerged.

"What's he talking about, Kagome?" Kouga demanded.

Before she could say anything, his nose wrinkled in disgust. "Damn it," he cursed. "The flea wasn't lying."

"No," a cool voice confirmed, "he was not."

A hand came to rest on her shoulder. She glanced up to find her mate glaring at the wolf prince.

"Sesshomaru." Kagome wrapped her arms around his torso. "You're alright."

"I am fine," he assured her. "You should be inside with the pups."

"This is who you've chosen?" Kouga asked, his gaze flickering between them.

"Yes," Kagome answered.

He sighed and scratched the back of his neck. "I always thought it would a stupid dog. Guess I figured on the wrong one, huh?"

"Kouga, you're a good friend. Thank you for coming here to check on me."

"We're not here to check on you," Inuyasha snapped from behind Kouga. He approached them, carrying Tetsusaiga over his shoulder. "We came here so you could remove the jewel shards from this mangy wolf's legs."

"Remove them? Does that mean...?"

Kouga nodded. "Your group knows the most about Naraku. If anyone can beat him, it's you guys. Besides, I have my tribe to worry about. They need me."

"With the shard Kikyo removed from Kohaku, we'll have all that remains of the jewel," Sango explained.

Kagome glanced over at Sango's younger brother. The boy seated on Kirara's back looked conflicted. Considering his sunken eyes and tense posture, Kagome didn't think he wanted to be here.

Sesshomaru appeared to feel the same. He scrutinized the boy with narrowed eyes. "Are you certain that abomination severed all ties with Naraku?" he inquired.

"Hey, Kikyo wants the same thing we do!" Inuyasha yelled.

"I was not asking you," Sesshomaru stated. "Slayer, you have encountered Naraku's manipulation in the past. Is there any chance he maintains control over your brother?"

Sango didn't hesitate in her response. "No."

Sesshomaru's gaze shifted to Miroku. "Monk?"

Unlike Sango, Miroku seemed less certain. He carefully avoided looking at either Sango or Kohaku when he replied, "Naraku's treachery runs deep. It is impossible to know how far his reach extends."

"Then I cannot allow him to remain here," Sesshomaru said.

"Wait, what?" Kagome cried. "You can just send him away. What if he needs our help?"

Sesshomaru tucked Bakusaiga into his belt. "I will not jeopardize the safety of our pack. This is the one place that remains untainted by Naraku's malice. I cannot risk losing it."

"What if I can prove he's okay?" Kagome asked.

Her mate considered her for a moment, before relenting. "Very well."

That was all the approval she needed. Kagome moved past her friends toward the silent stranger.

"Hey, Kohaku. I'm Kagome. It's nice to meet you," she introduced herself, extending her hand.

He eyed her warily as if expecting this was a trap. Kagome couldn't blame him. She'd seen what Naraku was capable of. If Kohaku had spent any amount of time around the hanyou, he probably didn't know who to trust— if anyone.

"I'm a friend of your sister. I bet you're tired from your trip. Would you like something to eat?" she offered.

His gaze shifted from her open palm to the castle then back again. He looked like he wanted to run, but with a half dozen people crowded around them, he had no chance of escape.

"Can I have some water?" he asked.

"Of course," Kagome said. "Let's head inside. I'm sure everyone could use a drink."

There was a pause, then Kohaku dismounted and took her hand.

Sesshomaru paced the corridor, his agitation growing with each tense minute that ticked by. Kagome had been inside the guest chambers with the slayer and her brother for over an hour.

He was tempted to enter the room for an update. The only reason he hadn't was because he knew his brother, the wolf prince, and the monk would follow.

The idea of any unmated male being around Kagome irritated Sesshomaru. His inner beast was snarling, demanding that he remove them from the grounds. His restored hand itched to take up his newly forged blade. If he challenged them, there would be no contest. He would win.

What the flea had stated was true. Sesshomaru felt the change ripple through him. The instant the perceived threat to his mate became a reality, his youkai responded. His power forged a sword worthy of protecting her.

Yet, it was her attempt to protect him that had restored his arm.

Kagome's abilities had also grown. He could feel the pulse of her reiki, far more potent than it had been this morning.

Sesshomaru suspected their mating bond had allowed their energies to mingle harmoniously. Once joined, their powers were amplified, granting Kagome the chance to follow through on her wish.

He glanced down at his left arm. It was a strange sight. Over the past few months, Sesshomaru had become accustomed to the way his hankimono hung loosely from his shoulder. Now, the sleeve conformed around his bicep, moving with him instead of remaining stagnant.

Beneath the fine silk, his limb appeared as though it had never been separated from his body. There was no indication that Tetsusaiga had injured him. The evidence of his brother's attack had been erased. It was as if the clock had been turned back.

Except they were no longer on opposing sides.

Sesshomaru no longer saw Inuyasha as an adversary. His pursuit for Tetsusaiga had been in vain. It had never been meant for him to wield. The sword was loyal to the half-breed the same way Bakusaiga belonged to him.

"So," his brother hedged, "you and Kagome, huh?"

"If you wish to comment on the matter, understand that your opinion carries no weight," Sesshomaru informed him.

He expected Inuyasha to snap in retaliation but the hanyou was quiet. There was a heaviness in his posture. Sesshomaru noticed that his ears were drooping, much like the kit's when he was reprimanded.

He glanced over at the monk who was pretending not to eavesdrop on their conversation. The wolf prince was less discreet. He was angled toward them, his ears twitching.

"She seems happy," Inuyasha eventually said.

"She is."

"You know she's not from here," his brother added.

"I am aware of her origins. I secured her family's blessing prior to taking her as my mate," Sesshomaru revealed.

Inuyasha's eyes widened. Both the monk and wolf stared at Sesshomaru, all pretense gone.

"Y-you did what?"

"Tradition dictates that the families of both parties be made aware of the pair's intentions. I received Kagome's mother's permission before I acted," he explained.

"You managed to travel through the well, then," the monk surmised.

"Indeed."

Inuyasha remained stunned while the monk stroked his chin pensively. "Interesting. I assumed only Inuyasha could pass through the portal but it seems that Kagome found a way to extend that privilege to you."

"And our pups," Sesshomaru added.

His brother paled. "Pups? What pups?"

Sesshomaru frowned.

The monk placed his hand on Inuyasha's shoulder. "He means Shippo and Rin."

"Rin? Who's Rin?"

"The baby, Mutt-face," the wolf prince snapped, smacking Inuyasha.

"Back off, Kouga!"

"No wonder she left you, idiot! You can't even remember her pup's name."

"It's not hers! Kagome doesn't have any kids!"

"We have two children," Sesshomaru insisted firmly.

"Oh, yeah? So where are they?" Inuyasha questioned.

"With my mother," Sesshomaru answered.

"Yeah, right. Your mom hates humans," Inuyasha grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest.

Sesshomaru realized where Shippo had picked up his petulant behavior. Inuyasha was no better than an ill-mannered pup.

"As I mentioned, tradition states that both families be made aware. I disclosed my intentions to my mother and, while she was initially displeased, she has since changed her mind."

"Kagome has that effect on people," the monk commented.

"She certainly made a compelling case," Sesshomaru agreed.

"Congratulations," the monk said, bowing his head respectfully. "May your union be full of happiness and endless blessings."

"Thank you," Sesshomaru returned.

"Yeah, what he said," Inuyasha said gruffly.

The wolf stayed silent. Sesshomaru could smell irritation and disappointment clouding his scent. The news bothered him.

Sesshomaru considered escorting him outside, uncomfortable with the wolf's lingering feelings for Kagome, but then the door opened.

As soon as Sesshomaru saw his mate, he was there.

Kagome's blue eyes locked onto his. Her surprise melted into a smile. "Hey."

"Are you alright?"

"Yep and so is Kohaku!" she cheered, ushering the boy forward.

Sesshomaru stepped aside so the slayer and her brother could exit the chamber. The boy kept his head down. His sister stared ahead, searching the hallway for a brief moment before her eyes landed on the monk. Her expression immediately softened. Sesshomaru wondered if he behaved the same way when he looked at his mate.

As if sensing his thoughts, Kagome looped her arm through his. "Having everyone here is nice, isn't it? It's like we're a family."

"Hn."

Though he was pleased to see her smiling, Sesshomaru preferred spending time with their pack instead of playing host. Her friends were their allies, but that didn't grant them his favor. Such a luxury was reserved for Kagome and their pups. It did not extend to those on the corridor, especially not the wolf.

"He should return to the mountains where he belongs," Sesshomaru remarked.

Kagome grinned up at him. "Are you jealous?"

"No."

"Liar," she returned with a laugh.

He scowled.

She squeezed his arm. "Sesshomaru, I meant what I said to Kouga. I made my choice. He knows that. Being friends with him won't ever change how I feel. I love you."

"Regardless, I do not appreciate his presence in our home," Sesshomaru said.

"Do you want me to ask him to leave?" Kagome inquired.

"Remove his jewel shards, then he may go."

She released her hold on his arm, "Okay."

Sesshomaru caught her hand on his. "Mate?"

Kagome turned to look at him. He leaned forward, lowering his voice as he said, "Just as you chose me, I chose you."

With a swipe of his hand, he flipped her hair back, revealing her mating mark. Her cheeks colored. Embarrassed, she tried to yank her hand free. Sesshomaru held tight.

"And you were correct. I was jealous," he confessed.

She froze, staring at him. Slowly, her lips curled in a victorious smile. "I knew it," she whispered.

Sesshomaru pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Go," he instructed, "before I lose my patience and toss the mongrel out myself."

Author's Note: This chapter is unbeta'd. All mistakes are my own.

Readership seems to have gone down considerably since the last chapter. I'm trying not to let it discourage me, though that's easier said than done. If you're still here, thank you for your continued support of my work!