After the feast, Kagome took Sango to the library. Though she told Sesshomaru it was because she wanted to continue her search for information on Midoriko, what she really wanted to do was spend time with her friend. Kagome enjoyed hanging out with Sango. They usually were able to chat in private while bathing— well, kind of —and she missed those quiet evenings.
Sango was mature. Despite being the same age as Kagome, the demon slayer had a calming presence that made Kagome feel as though she was talking with an older sister. Maybe it was because Sango had grown up with a clear purpose. Her life in the demon slayer village had only presented her with one path. She didn't have the freedom to choose what she wanted to do with her life the way Kagome did.
Yet, she never complained. Sango was dedicated to her profession the same way she was dedicated to her younger brother. She was courageous, caring, and, above all else, reliable. Kagome believed those traits were what made Sango unique. All of her friends were brave— they had to be to face Naraku —but they weren't always dependable or compassionate.
Miroku's bravery wavered depending on the mission and what was at stake. Inuyasha hated to get involved in matters that weren't directly connected to the Shikon Jewel. Kagome recalled how mad he'd been with her when she helped Mayu with the Soul Piper. Eventually, Inuyasha had come around, but it had taken a lot of convincing. If Sango had been with them back then, Kagome knew she wouldn't have had to ask for help; Sango would have been with her every step of the way.
"She'll be walking soon," Sango mentioned.
Kagome glanced down at where Rin was sitting between them. The two women had situated themselves in a corner of the chamber while Sesshomaru gave Miroku and Inuyasha a tour of the palace.
Currently, Rin was preoccupied with the series of mushrooms Shippo had sprouted along the floor. They swayed back and forth in the non-existent breeze. Their bulbous eyes reminded Kagome of Jaken. She still felt guilty that Sesshomaru had cast the imp out. She thought about telling Shippo to turn the mushrooms into something else, but since it kept Rin busy, Kagome hadn't scolded him. He was just excited.
Today was the first time in weeks that he'd been able to visit with everyone. He had especially missed Kirara. After the feast, the two had remained side by side. Kagome didn't think they'd separate until they had to, which meant that tonight Shippo would probably be sleeping in the guest wing.
A burning thrill ran through her at the thought of being alone with Sesshomaru—
—which was instantly extinguished when Rin began to fuss.
"What's wrong?" Kagome asked, leaning forward to pick her up.
Since they arrived back in the Feudal Era, Rin had been drooling more. It was starting to cause the skin around her mouth to redden.
Kagome gently dabbed away the access spit with the sleeve of her shirt.
"Maybe she's teething," Sango offered. "Has she been chewing on things?"
"Her fingers and my hair, mostly," Kagome answered.
Sango made a humming sound and nodded.
Gramps used to give Souta frozen cubes of melon to gnaw on. Of course, he had had access to their freezer— something Akio didn't have or even know about. If she was still in the future, Kagome could go to the pharmacy for medicine to help Rin. She wondered if Kaede or Sayo knew of any herbs that could alleviate the swelling.
"When Kohaku was a baby, our mother massaged his gums. It helps increase circulation so there is less swelling. You could try that," Sango suggested.
Kagome shrugged. "I guess it's worth a shot."
She shifted Rin so the infant's head was propped up on her shoulder and her right hand was free. Slowly, Kagome began rocking the little girl. Rin continued to fuss, but she seemed less agitated while in motion.
Kagome tapped her nose with the tip of her pointer finger. Rin reached up to latch onto the digit. Kagome let her grab hold, then carefully lowered her hand to Rin's mouth.
Massaging her gums felt weird but it seemed to work because Rin stopped crying.
"You make a good mother," Sango commented, watching as Kagome eased the baby's pain.
"I have a lot of help. Everyone here has been really great," Kagome returned.
Her friend's smile faltered.
"Sango," Kagome hedged, "do you want kids one day?"
"Of course. I've always wanted to pass on my heritage, train my daughter the same way my father trained Kohaku and I," the demon slayer replied.
"You will," Kagome assured her.
"I may not survive this battle," Sango reminded her.
"Don't say stuff like that. Of course, you will!"
"Kagome, I've been fighting demons my entire life. None of them have ever caused as much destruction as Naraku. He's manipulative and vicious. He won't give up the jewel easily. There's no telling what he'll have in store for us."
"That jerk isn't going to win. I won't let him," Kagome snapped. Sango gave her a tentative smile. "We're going to beat him. We have too— for Kohaku, for Shippo, for Rin, for everyone we love. He can't continue hurting people."
"But how?"
"Kikyo plans to purify the jewel right as it is completed. That way, when Naraku absorbs the jewel, it will destroy him," Kagome explained.
Sango pursed her lips. "You trust her to do as she says?"
"I don't like the woman Kikyo has become but I can't blame her either," Kagome admitted. "Naraku hurt her worse than any of us. He used Kikyo's love for Inuyasha against her. She's not a bad person. She's just lost. I think she deserves a second chance."
"But, Kagome, what about those women from the villages? She can't sustain life on this earth without stealing the souls of others. I agree she was dealt an unfair hand but that doesn't justify what she's done. I mean what if she— "
A loud bang interrupted Sango. Kagome startled, instinctively drawing Rin to her chest.
Arisu burst into the room, an unreadable expression on her face.
Kagome straightened up and handed Rin over to Sango. The slayer rose to accept the infant, her gaze on Sesshomaru's mother. Kirara and Shippo stopped playing. Even Rin's wide brown eyes were fixed upon the demoness.
"Miko."
Kagome flinched. It was unnerving how much like her son Arisu sounded when she was mad. Kagome remembered how Sesshomaru had acted during her first couple of weeks at the palace. They had had their fair share of heated arguments. She suspected the same would happen with her mother-in-law as they both got used to one another.
She put on a brave smile. "Hey, Arisu. Did you need something?"
"Yes," the demoness confirmed, approaching her.
With a flash of light, Kirara transformed into her larger form. As the flames subsided, she barred her teeth.
"It's okay, Kirara. Granny wouldn't hurt Kagome. They're friends now," Shippo assured the nekomata.
As much as she wanted to believe that, Kagome wasn't convinced of Shippo's words— mostly because of the way Arisu was staring at her.
She could see the way Sango tensed beside her. The slayer's fingers flexed. Though Sango had left her hiraikotsu in the guest wing, she wasn't someone to underestimate. Kagome had seen her battle weaponless before. Her combat skills were unparalleled. Considering the amount of time, Arisu spent at court, Kagome doubted the demoness could hold her own against the demon slayer. She just hoped it wouldn't come to that.
"Little miko."
Arisu halted in front of Kagome and lowered herself to the floor. She knelt there. Then, silently, she inclined her head.
Kagome froze. Confused, she glanced over at Sango, who wore a look of astonishment that Kagome was sure was mirrored in her own expression.
"Arisu?"
"I was wrong," the demoness confessed. "I opposed this union on the grounds that you were unworthy of my son. I implored him to reconsider the match, regardless of his reasoning. I didn't listen because I believed you two were incompatible. Based on your designation and heritage, your union shouldn't have come to fruition. I was blind…" she trailed off as she lifted her face. "When he told me he didn't require Tetsusaiga anymore, I thought it was a scheme— a ploy to ensure that half-breed maintained ownership of the blade. I never realized Sesshomaru had the potential to forge his own. But you did."
Kagome reached down, helping Arisu to her feet. "I didn't know about Bakusaiga. That was all Sesshomaru."
"You believed in him, even when I could not. His own mother," she said, shaking her head.
"I trusted him to make the right choice," Kagome told her.
"His arm?" Arisu prompted.
"Oh...um," Kagome blushed, rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly, "well, that was kind of my doing. When I thought he'd get hurt, I was scared. I've always had trouble controlling my powers when I get upset. I think they're tied to my emotions. So when he went against Inuyasha and Kouga, I sort of…regenerated his arm."
"Thank you," the demoness said, bowing her head once more. "I will never be able to repay you for this kindness."
"You don't owe me anything," Kagome insisted. "We're family."
"Family," Arisu repeated, pensively. She seemed to consider the term for a moment before nodding. "It is an honor to call you my daughter."
Kagome's throat constricted. This was different from Arisu's begrudging approval in the courtyard. Kagome could see the change in her demeanor, the slight way her shoulders relaxed and the upturn of her painted mouth. This wasn't tolerance. This was acceptance.
A throat cleared. Kagome glanced across the chamber to find Sesshomaru standing in the doorway, a knowing smirk playing across his lips.
Arisu moved aside as he came over to join them. She took a seat near Shippo and Kirara, allowing the kitsune to introduce her to his friend.
"Have you found anything?" he inquired.
"No," Kagome admitted.
"Actually, I think I have something," Sango announced.
She started to give Rin back to Kagome, but the infant reached out to Sesshomaru. He gathered the child in his arms.
Kagome smiled at how quickly the little girl had grown to love him— and how easily he had come to care for her. Watching them together now, she would have never guessed Sesshomaru had once held such disdain for humans. His golden eyes were full of adoration for his daughter.
Sango plucked one of the scrolls off the floor, bringing it over to them.
"In this text, the author refers to Midoriko's faithful companion," Sango explained, dragging her finger along a line of the ancient scrawl.
"We already know she had Kirara," Kagome reminded her.
"I know but I don't think this entry refers to Kirara. Back then, the term 'companion' was also used to refer to someone's spouse or mate," Sango revealed.
Kagome exchanged a glance with Sesshomaru.
"Are we to believe the greatest priestess in history had a demon lover?" he asked.
Sango nodded and pointed to a section further down on the scroll. "Here, the author talks about them traveling together. If I'm translating this correctly, it appears that they crossed the country together. It took them several years, but they managed to help hundreds of people."
"Wow, that's amazing!" Kagome remarked.
"Yes, but it is also what led to Midoriko's death," Sango revealed.
Kagome leaned in, studying the scroll. She couldn't understand the text but curiosity drew her in. "What do you mean?"
"During their travels, Midoriko came into contact with a human man who fell in love with her. He proposed to her but her heart would not be swayed. Eventually, his jealously drove him to give himself over to evil. He became Magatsuhi."
"The demon of the Shikon Jewel," Sesshomaru said.
Kagome gasped. "So I was right? It's the same thing that happened to Naraku."
"It appears that way," Sango confirmed.
"But, wait; what happened to Midoriko's lover?" she asked.
"I'm not sure. Nothing of his life— not his name or species —is indicated here. All we know is that he was faithful to her," Sango replied.
"That's so sad," Kagome lamented.
"How do you know her companion was male?" Sesshomaru inquired. "There is no indication that Midoriko ever had any children."
"I don't," Sango confessed. "Though I believe Kagome is a descendant of Midoriko. Her spiritual abilities extend beyond what other priestesses are capable of. And, if Midoriko and her demon companion did have a child, it would make sense that a descendant of their bloodline would be capable of a demon union of their own. It explains why Kagome's reiki and your youki were able to combine so seamlessly."
"Then what about Kikyo? As her reincarnation, wouldn't she also be related to Midoriko? She and Inuyasha could have had a life together," Kagome said.
"Had Naraku not interfered, it's very likely," Sango agreed.
"Isn't it strange, though?" Kagome asked. "Midoriko created the jewel and its protector is cursed with the same tragedy that she experienced hundreds of years before. That can't be a coincidence, right?"
"The evil that compelled the man who loved Midoriko existed before the jewel and it will remain long after that wretched gem is cast out of existence," Sesshomaru stated.
"Jealously turns even the most honorable of us weak," Arisu concurred. "If left unchecked, it can corrupt you and convince you to do terrible things to secure what you desire."
Kagome chewed on her lower lip. Was that what had driven Naraku to kill Kikyo? Had his love for her been so tainted by his malice that he became a monster?
Even if it had, that didn't justify what he had done.
"How can we use this against Naraku?" Kagome asked.
Sango's brow creased in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"This is the history of the jewel, an artifact Naraku has coveted for years. There must be a significance to these details— one that we can leverage to defeat him," Sesshomaru clarified.
"The jewel is at war with itself," Sango explained. "On one side there is the spirit of Midoriko. On the other is the spirit of Magatsuhi. Their battle may have ended in the physical world the day Midoriko created the Shikon Jewel, but the battle still rages on. Until both spirits can find peace, the power of the jewel can be swayed to either side— pure light or total darkness."
"What about a balance?" Kagome questioned.
"Balance?" Sango repeated, uncertainly.
"No one is perfect," Kagome told her. "We're all a mixture of right and wrong. That doesn't make us evil. It just makes us human…well," she said, grinning at Sesshomaru, "some of us, anyway."
"Hn."
"The point is, we all are a mixture of light and dark. I think that's the fundamental flaw with the jewel's construction. Midoriko crafted it with her abilities of purification, but even she made mistakes," Kagome said.
"What do you propose, mate?" Sesshomaru inquired, as Rin chewed on strands of his hair.
Gently, Kagome pried the infant's fingers free from his locks. "What I'm saying is that the jewel is as much a part of the problem as it is the solution. It needs to be destroyed, just like Naraku."
"But how?" Sango asked.
Kagome tried to recall all of Gramp's ranting about the history of the shrine, particularly his stories about the Shikon Jewel. It was difficult to determine what was embellished for the tourists and what was true. Of course, up until the day she had fallen through the well, Kagome hadn't believed any of it was real.
Thinking about her birthday, reminded her of Gramp's present—
— and the story he'd been telling when she received it.
The history of the Shikon Jewel begins with the ancient priestess Midoriko, who fought for seven full days. Unable to purify the demon, she bound his spirit within herself in an effort to save the world. Though her power was great, Midoriko did not survive the process. Her efforts created the Jewel of Four Souls.
The gem grants its possessor immense power. Whether the wielder chooses to use that power for good or evil determines how the jewel reacts. Even those who begin with noble intentions are corrupted by its abilities. Eventually, they pursue selfish desires and the balance is lost.
Kagome thought about the small, pink sphere. It wasn't any larger than a marble yet it had caused so much turmoil. If Midoriko could have foreseen how the jewel's creation would have impacted the world, would she still have made it? Her wish to save humanity had brought the jewel into existence. Was it possible to a similar wish could destroy it?
Of course, to make the wish, she'd have to possess the jewel first…
...which meant stealing it from Naraku once it was complete.
Sesshomaru's hand came to rest on the small of her back. "Mate?"
"I know what we have to do!"
Once more, the group had in the dining room. Since the slayer insisted on traveling with her nekomata, who remained in her larger form, this was the only chamber large enough to comfortably accommodate them.
Sesshomaru's recently restored hand rested on the hilt of his new blade. His metallic gaze was hard as he eyed across the table at his brother. The half-breed was foolish enough to return his glare.
An elbow struck him in the ribs. "Be nice," his mate whispered.
Without removing his gaze from Inuyasha, Sesshomaru placed his hand on Kagome's thigh. He would be nice.
To her.
As far as her friends were concerned, they were allies. He would tolerate their presence in his home until Naraku was defeated. Then, Sesshomaru had every intention of being alone with his mate. Anyone who dared come between Kagome and him— his mother included —would be forcibly cast out of the Western Palace.
"So what's your plan?" Inuyasha asked, his head cocked to the side and his arms folded together beneath the wide sleeves of his robe.
"Kikyo tricked Naraku into thinking she didn't care about the jewel shards but really she wants him to have it all," Kagome revealed.
"But why?" the monk questioned. "What could she possibly gain from helping him?"
"She isn't," Inuyasha spat, irritatedly.
The monk's eyes widened.
He started to object but Kagome continued. "Kikyo wants Naraku to restore the Shikon Jewel. Once he possesses all the shards, she is going to purify him. I think that's been her plan all along."
"Wouldn't the jewel already be tainted by Naraku's dark energy?" the slayer inquired.
"Not if Kikyo purified one of the shards before handing it over to Naraku," Kagome pointed out.
Sesshomaru watched the slayer and monk exchange a skeptical look. Inuyasha didn't appear to notice. Either he had always been aware of his former lover's plan or he had expected it. While his other traveling companions mulled over Kagome's words, the hanyou glowered at Sesshomaru.
Inuyasha scoffed. "How's she going to do that when this bastard wants her dead?"
His mate's hand came to rest on his arm. "You won't kill her, will you, Sesshomaru?"
"She is already dead," he responded flatly.
Kagome frowned. "We need her for the plan to work."
"No."
"Sesshomaru!"
"Find another way," he insisted.
"I can't purify the entire jewel myself! I'm not that powerful!"
"You did this," Sesshomaru reminded her, gesturing to his arm. "I doubt the dead one is capable of regeneration."
"No, she relies on her soul scavengers," Shippo said with a shudder.
Sesshomaru gave his mate a pointed look.
"That doesn't prove anything," Kagome argued.
"It proves you do not need to rely on that woman. Your abilities extend far beyond her own," Sesshomaru said. He took her hand. "You can do this."
Kagome's eyes widened slightly as her lips parted in surprise but that quickly transformed into a smile. She leaned into his side. As her head came to rest on his shoulder, she said, "Thank you."
Sesshomaru noticed her companion's surprise. Hearing they were mated was not the same as witnessing their bond. Despite claiming to support his relationship with the miko, he sensed unease.
Especially from his brother.
Inuyasha had gone from sulking like a pup to seething like a rabid dog. Sesshomaru ignored the half-breed's immaturity. Acknowledging it would only give Inuyasha grounds to continue his poor behavior.
The monk appeared to agree with Sesshomaru's assessment. He was the first to speak.
"I, for one, trust Kagome. If she has a plan, I think we should listen."
"Thanks, Miroku."
The monk bowed his head to her, then once more in Sesshomaru's direction.
Though he did not appreciate Miroku's interest in belongings, Sesshomaru was grateful for his interference. The monk had managed to save him from a quarrel with his brother and his mate.
"First, we need to find Naraku. He'll probably be headed north, searching for Kouga and his pack," Kagome began.
"Right," Sango agreed. "He doesn't know Kouga gave you his shards."
"Exactly. If we can head him off before he enters the mountain pass, we'll have the advantage," Kagome said.
"Won't he sense your jewel shards?" Miroku questioned.
"Probably," Kagome admitted, "but he won't be expecting Sesshomaru to be with us. We can use that."
"How?" Sango asked.
Sesshomaru watched as Kagome placed a sheet of paper on the table. She sketched out a crude map of the northern mountains and explained her plan.
"If we corner Naraku here," she said, pointing to the entrance of the pass, "and Sesshomaru lies in wait here," she added, pointing to a ridge several meters ahead, "we can trap him."
Inuyasha scoffed. "And then what?"
"We let Naraku have the jewel shards," Kagome revealed.
"What?" her companions chorused.
Sesshomaru stared at them. He did not understand how in one breath they could be fully committed to Kagome and in the next, doubt her strategy. Her intent was clear. If they did not possess the foresight to see that, perhaps it was best if he and his mate conducted the plan themselves.
"Naraku needs to believe he's won. That's the only way this is going to work," Kagome insisted.
"But once he touches the jewel, it will be corrupted," the monk said.
"Except Kikyo has already purified a shard. Naraku won't be able to harness the full power of the jewel while she's alive," Kagome explained.
"So you can't kill her," Inuyasha snapped.
"I do not take orders from you," Sesshomaru returned evenly.
"No one is killing anyone!" Kagome cried, drawing everyone's attention. "Well…except for Naraku, but he has it coming." She turned to him. "Sesshomaru, we need Kikyo's help. I know you don't like her but could you do this for me? Please?"
"Mate—."
"Think of Rin and Shippo," she added hastily. "Without Naraku, we'll be able to spend more time with them."
Sesshomaru glanced at the infant and the kit before his focus returned to Kagome. "Very well," he relented.
She beamed.
"Alright, so here's what we do next…"
Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who commented on the last chapter. I appreciate all the notes and reasons why you like this story. Reading all of them really helped me with my imposter syndrome. This chapter is unbetaed. All mistakes are my own.