Flashback

Inuyasha stopped in front of Kagome's bedroom and quietly eased the door open. The room was dark in the predawn hours, making him curse the loss of his yokai senses. He tip toed across the room toward the bed, careful not to trip over anything.

Kagome was sound asleep, snuggled under the blanket. He took a seat on the floor beside her, and sighed. She looked so peaceful in her sleep with her hands curled up under her chin.

"What am I going to do with you?" Inuyasha whispered, softly brushing a loose tendril of hair away from her face. His fingers gently traced her cheek, lingering there for a moment. Kagome sighed deeply, and leaned into his touch. She had been attacked by a youkai only a day ago, and now she was sleeping as if nothing had happened.

"I'm so sorry. It was all my fault." He admitted, feeling the guilt tighten like a knot in his chest. It was because of him that she had been attacked, and he hadn't even been able to keep her safe. He'd been in the next room, and hadn't sensed the danger fast enough. "I couldn't protect you."

He could still see the image of Kagome laying on her bed with her nightgown ripped open, the strange yokai pinning her down, his pants around his knees. She had been moments away from being raped when he'd finally burst through the door and pulled the stranger with his face off of her.

If they were mated and soul bound he would have been able to sense the danger before it had even entered her room. He would have been there to stop Naraku.

Kagome felt the warm tingling of the mate mark on her shoulder, and her eyes fluttered lightly. She smiled, listening to the sound of Inuyasha's voice.

"You're so fragile koiishi, I never wanted this for you." He whispered, staring forlornly at his hands where his claws normally grew from his nail beds. Instead, they'd been replaced by soft blunted nails.

Kagome smiled, her eyes opening slowly. She gasped at the sight before her. Instead of long silver locks she saw dark tresses. Her heart pounded in her chest, remembering her would be rapist with Inuyasha's face.

"Inu..? " she asked softly.

"Did I wake you?" He asked.

"You look different." He could hear the uncertainty in her voice.

Inuyasha blew a breath out between his lips and shrugged. "Oh, I guess you've never see me like this."

Kagome looked at him questioningly. "Why...?"

"It's the night of the new moon. Once a month I lose my hanyo senses and become human. It's so normal for me I guess I forgot to mention it to you."

His dark eyes were soft as he gazed down at her. "Is that really you?" She asked.

Inuyasha nodded and reached out with his hands, grazing the mate mark on her shoulder. Kagome shivered, recognizing the familiar sensation that accompanied her hanyo's touch. She knew then that this was indeed her Inuyasha, and not an impostor.

"Thank you." Kagome offered softly.

"Don't thank me. You were this close to getting raped, and I almost didn't noticed. I couldn't keep you safe."

Kagome scooted herself over and lifted the blanket, patting the empty space. Inuyasha shook his head stubbornly. Kagome rolled her eyes. "But you did keep me safe, Baka! I'm fine, now get in here and hold me." She scolded.

Inuyasha couldn't hold back the chuckle that bubbled up from his chest. He nodded, and settled in next to her.

"I don't deserve you." He admitted. He leaning over her, tracing soft kisses up her neck.

"Well, You'd better get used to me, because I'm not going anywhere." She grumbled.

"You're such a wench." He teased, grazing his teeth over her earlobe. His hand smacked her backside playfully

"And you're such a dog."

0000

Kagome sat down next to her mother on the stone bench beneath Goshinboku. She was silent for a moment as she tried to build the courage to tell her mother about Inuyasha's proposal and their courtship.

"Inuyasha asked me to become his mate, and I said yes." Kagome finally blurted.

Asami nodded her understanding and wrapped her arm around Kagome's shoulder

"I had a feeling." she admitted. Kagome stared up at her mother in bewilderment.

"Am I deluding myself?" Kagome asked.

Asami sighed softly, mulling over her daughter's question.

"Did I ever tell you how I knew your father was the man I would marry?" Asami asked. Kagome shook her head. "He told me that it didn't matter to him that we were from different worlds. All that mattered was how we felt about one another. Do you love Inuyasha?"

"I do, but..."

"And do you want to be with him?" Kagome slowly nodded. "And does he want to be with you?"

Kagome felt a blush bloom across her cheeks."Yes."

"Then nothing else should matter. I've seen you two together, and I know love when I see it. If you were looking for my blessing, you already have it, but what I think doesn't matter in the long run. Just that you and Inuyasha are happy."

Kagome smiled. She was so lucky to have such a wise woman for a mother.

"Thank you, Mama."

"Besides, I would love grandchildren with those adorable ears!" Asami giggled.

0000

Kagome felt like her mother was walking on egg shells around her. She had gladly agreed to let Kagome stay until her apartment was repaired after the 'break in'. Mama knew nothing of her almost being raped, but she had noticed that Kagome was jumper than usual. So far Grandpa and Sota hadn't noticed anything was amiss yet, but she highly doubted that would last long.

Anyway, since Mama made sure Kagome had plenty of alone time, she'd done lots of thinking. Mostly about how her relationship with Inuyasha had changed since her attack that night. It had been about a week now since the night of the full moon. She hadn't heard or seen him since then. She was growing worried that Inuyasha might think she was damaged goods now that another man had all but done the deed. Somewhere in her heart though, she knew that Inuyasha wouldn't just abandon her.

Kagome sighed and enjoyed the soft sounds of birds singing in the trees and the feel of the summer sun on her face. The shrine was the perfect place for her right now. It was quiet, and even on a busy day there was always some place where she could go to be alone. Today it was just outside the old covered well.

Nobody knew exactly why such a thing hadn't just been filled in and forgotten, but the story went that five hundred years ago a young miko had once used this well to travel through time to the Warring States Period where she met a young yokai. Together they had traveled the land defeating evil youkai and saving people from bandits. It was said that over time the two had fallen in love, but died defeating a very strong yokai before they could be wed.

"So sad." Kagome whispered to herself as she slid the wooden door open wide. She'd never really thought much about this old well when she was younger, but today it had piqued her curiosity. It was dim and dusty inside the old shed, and the wooden steps creaked as she made her way down to the center where the wooden well sat.

Kagome reached out her hand and ran it over the rough wood around the top. It was faded, and rough from years of neglect.

0

A flash of blue light, a warm hand grasping her own. Red clothes, long silver hair...

His strong arm wrapped around her waist and they jumped into the well together.

0

Kagome gasped and pulled her hand away, ending the unexpected vision.

She shook her head. What had she just seen? A vision of the future, or a memory?

"Kagome, dear!" Mama's voice floated in on the breeze.

"I'm coming!" Kagome answered, making her way up the rickety steps out into the sunshine.

Mama stood at the back door to the house waiting patiently. She smiled warmly in greeting. "Kagome, how are you feeling today?" she asked.

"I feel pretty good." Kagome admitted.

"I'm glad to hear that, because I have a favor to ask you."

0000

Flashback

Inuyasha really had no want to come before the elders of the yokai council, but he knew in circumstances such as this it was unwise to dally. He took a deep breath to calm himself and bowed low.

"Taisho Inuyasha, you have been summoned here on the matter of your betrothal." Lord Mikage boomed, his craggy voice echoing off of the walls.

"Have you come to a decision?" Inuyasha asked hopefully.

"We have." Lady Saki nodded stoically.

" For you to bind your soul to a human woman would put our community at great risk of exposure. But for that human to be a miko? That is absolutely out of the question. Her very existence is a threat to our way of life." Lord Daichio explained.

"Therefore, the council as a whole does not give its approval on the matter of your request for a soul binding ceremony." Lady Usagi added, running her fingers through her long lavender hair.

"I don't understand." Inuyasha balked. He felt like he'd been kicked in the gut.

"The decision is final. You are dismissed." Lord Mikage said coolly, but Inuyasha could have sworn he saw the smallest hint of a smile on the snake yokai's lips.

Inuyasha felt like punching that smug old bastard in the face, but instead he gritted his teeth and bowed low before showing himself out.

Fuck them. He knew full well that the council's decision had nothing to do with fear of exposing the yokai community. Yokai had been taking human mates for centuries, and their community was as secret and secure now as it ever had been, maybe more so. He had a sneaking suspicion that this was the council's attempt to keep yokai blood from being further degraded. His father might have been daiyokai of the western lands, but he was still just a lowly hanyo; 'unworthy to lick the dirt full yokai walked upon'.

00

It had been a week since Inuyasha had met with the council elders. At first he'd wanted to drive straight to the shrine just to see Kagome, but then he'd changed his mind. Would having the council's blessing really mean that much to her? She'd said she wanted to be his mate, but was that enough? Without permission to perform the soul binding, her life would end centuries before he even grew old. He'd mulled those thoughts over in his head for days until he'd suddenly snapped out of it.

A week away from Kagome was more than he ever wanted to stay away again. There was no way he could stop his feelings for Kagome. It would be easier to part with his soul than walk away from her. So, he wouldn't. The council could go to hell.

0000

"Are you sure this is alright? You've been through so much in the past week, I don't want you overdoing it." Mama asked. Kagome smiled and nodded. The taxi driver honked his horn insistently.

"Mama, I'll be fine. Auntie Suki and Granny need you right now. The shrine hasn't been that busy recently." Kagome insisted. "And besides, it's only until Grandpa get's back in a few days. I think I can handle it."

"Alright, but if you need anything you just call me and we'll come right back." Asami said.

"You need to go, or you'll miss your flight!" Kagome scolded gently.

"I love you dear." Asami said, pulling Kagome into a quick hug before sliding into the taxi.

"I love you too Mama." Kagome echoed.

"Bye dear! Be safe!"

"See you sis!"

"Bye Mama, bye Sota! Have a safe flight!" Kagome called after them. She waved until the taxi rounded the corner and disappeared, then she began the treck up the driveway. Things were certainly going to be dull with everyone gone.

She felt a drop of water graze her cheek, and she stopped to look up at the sky. The clouds roiled threateningly with the promise of a storm. Lightening streaked across the sky. With the crash of thunder the rain poured down in sheets. It was just her luck to get caught in the rain.

"Just great." She moaned as she jogged the rest of the way to the house.

00

Inuyasha's hair clung to his face in wet tendrils as he trudged across the shrine grounds toward the house. He just wanted to see Kagome. The council's decision be damned. He wasn't about to let a bunch of old geezers with outdated views decide the fate of his relationship.

He could see the warm yellow light glowing cheerfully from the windows, and he leaped forward, covering the distance to the door in a matter of seconds.

00

Kagome was so glad that she'd packed extra clothes when she'd come to stay. Otherwise she'd be stuck wearing rain soaked clothes for the rest of the day. She plopped down on the couch and rubbed a towel through her wet hair. The house creaked eerily in the wind, and she wished that she wasn't alone in this large house.

A loud banging knock echoed down the hall. "Eep!" She squeaked, jumping to her feet. The knock sounded again. "Baka, it's just the door." She scolded herself. She threw the towel over her shoulder and went to answer it.

"I'm sorry, but the shrine is closed." she began to explain, sliding the door open. "Inuyasha?"

He stood there in the doorway, letting the rain soak his shoulders. He didn't seem to care though as he moved inside, pulling her to his chest. Kagome's heart skipped a beat at the unexpected closeness.

"You've been gone so long. I thought maybe you'd changed your mind about us." Kagome cried, feeling the heat of the tears as they welled in her eyes. Inuyasha tightened his grip on her, and breathed in her scent. It calmed him and excited him at the same time.

"Never." he murmured, brushing her cheek with the back of his hand. Her cheeks flushed beautifully, and he pulled her in for a kiss. "I'm sorry I made you wait so long." He said when they finally pulled away.

Kagome shook her head, brushing the tips of her fingers against his lips. "It doesn't matter, you're here now." She grabbed Inuyasha by the shirt and pulled him down for another kiss. She didn't know if this was right or wrong, but she knew that it was what she wanted.

Inuyasha rumbled deep his chest as he kissed his way from the corner of Kagome's mouth down her collar bone. His touch made the mark on her shoulder tingle. He darted his tongue over it, enjoying the taste of her. Kagome moaned softly, pushing up against him, and his yokai forced its way to the surface, vying for control.

"My mate." it rumbled, listening to the sound of Kagome's heart racing in her chest.

Kagome nodded, touching his face again. "Yes, your mate." she whispered.

That was all the permission the yokai needed. He lifted Kagome up into his arms and carried her farther into the house. Without much effort he scented his way up the stairs to Kagome's room. Kicking the door open he set her down on the bed, kneeling down with his chest between her legs.

Kagome felt like her blood was on fire. She wrapped her legs around Inuyasha's waist and pulled his head down, finding one of his sensitive ears with her mouth. As her tongue lavished the silky soft fur she felt Inuyasha shiver above her. He pushed away, gazing at her with molten gold eyes.

"Kagome... Are you sure?" he asked. Kagome nodded.

"I've never been more sure." she answered softly. Inuyasha grinned, and found her pulse point with his tongue. He licked slowly, earning a soft moan from Kagome. Her hands found the buttons of his shirt and began undoing them one by one, finally exposing the smooth flesh underneath. Her fingers on his skin were like hot silk as they traced down his chest to the waist of his pants. He felt his groin tighten, and growled in frustration.

His instincts took it from there, and his claws made quick work of the thin fabric of her bra, exposing her breasts to him. Her nipples hardened under his heated gaze.

Kagome felt the heat rise to her face as Inuyasha stared down at the bare flesh of her breasts. She moved her hands to cover herself, but he stopped her, gently pushing them away. "Don't, you're beautiful."

Kagome's blush deepened, and she nodded. He lowered his mouth over her, kissing the swell of her breast, working down to her pert nipple. Kagome gasped at the intense sensation of his gentle suckling, feeling the heat coil in her core like a spring. She involuntarily bucked her hips against his, and Inuyasha smiled triumphantly. This was how his mate should react to his touch. It filled him with pride, and spurred him on.

He took her other nipple into his mouth, and lavished it with his tongue. She tasted so good, he wanted to try more of her. Slowly, carefully he began to kiss his way between her breasts, down her naval to the waist of her skirt. His fingers eagerly slid beneath the fabric. Kagome gulped in anticipation as he undid the button and slid her skirt down her thighs, and over her ankles.

Now she lay before him, every inch off her exposed except for her underwear. Her skin was flush with arousal, and tingled with even the lightest touch. His eyes on her didn't make her feel self conscious, but emboldened. She slid her hands over his chest to the waist of his jeans and made quick work of the button.

Now it was Kagome's turn to ogle. Every inch of his skin rippled over lean muscle, making Kagome's mouth water. Inuyasha pushed up off of the floor, kicking his pants away as he leaned over her, pressing his erection into her thigh. His nose was filled with the scent of Kagome's arousal.

Kagome wiggled her arms up over her head and found Inuyasha's ears with her fingers. With gentle pressure, she began to rub them, moving from base to furry tip. With every stroke Inuyasha seemed to lose it just a little bit more. There was something emboldening about making your man writhe with need, and she pushed him over, straddling him between her legs.

Kagome grinned, and slid her hands down his chest, to the waist of his boxers. Without a second thought she slid her hand inside and grabbed hold of his large errection. Inuyasha bucked wildly into her hand, and she slowly began to stroke. His skin was like silk to the touch, and she squeezed, testing his reaction. He moaned, bucking into her desperately as she continued stroking.

"Kami, Kagome. You've got to stop, or I'll...!" he cried.

Kagome blinked and let go, unsure if she'd been doing it wrong. She'd only had a few sexual encounters up to now, and she felt a little rusty.

"Did I hurt you?" she asked. Inuyasha blushed furiously.

"Hurt me? Fuck, Kagome, I was about to lose it." he admitted, pulling her down to him. Her eyes widened as the meaning of his words sunk in.

Inuyasha sat up and kissed her lips slowly, building the passion again before letting up for a quick breath of air. He hooked the back of his leg with hers, filpping their positions once more.

Inuyasha's hair was like a curtain of silver around her as they kissed. Kagome felt his hand gently slip under the lacy fabric of her underwear and dance over her heated core before gently delving inward

Kagome squirmed a little at the intrusion, but relaxed after a moment or two. He slid his finger in deeper, slowly moving it inward and then outward. His thumb found the nub of flesh at the top of her folds and began rubbing gently. She felt so wet and tight between her legs she couldn't help her moans. Inuyasha grinned triumphantly, building the tempo. Kagome moaned in ecstasy as she felt her climax building.

"Inu, gods that feels so good!" She cried, digging her heels into the bed, lifting her hips to meet his hand.

Inuyasha's grin widened, the smell of her growing stronger. It smelled musky and sweet, and he leaned down, dipping his tongue over her folds for a taste.

"Ah, Kami! I'm going to come!" She screamed louder. His tongue danced over her clitoris as he added a second finger, keeping the tempo strong. He felt her squirm as her insides tightened, finally releasing like the snap of a spring, and she collapsed down on the bed.

Slowly Inuyasha removed his fingers and raised them to his mouth. They tasted of sex and Kagome, it was intoxicating. Kagome's breathing was ragged from the force of her orgasm. She smiled lazily and slid her hands down Inuyasha's back, hooking her fingers under his boxers.

He didn't dare look anywhere but her eyes as she helped him remove his last piece of clothing, freeing his manhood fully.

Kagome gasped, feeling the size of it pressing against the inside of her thigh. His eyes seemed to ask if she was ready, and she nodded without hesitation.

Slowly she felt his hard heat press into her, and felt her body stretch to fit him. Inuyasha stopped for a few moments to allow her time to adjust. Kagome closed her eyes and breathed deeply, allowing herself to relax. "Okay." She said, spurring him on.

The sensation of her hot core wrapped around his cock made his yokai flare again. His eyes bled from amber to red as he moved inside her. He growled with satisfaction and picked up his tempo.

Kagome cried out in pleasure and surprise as Inuyasha's eyes bled from warm amber to red. His pupils turned icy blue, and two purple streaks appeared, one on each of his cheeks. She didn't miss how his fangs and claws lengthened either. Without a second thought she let out a steady flow of her own energy and allowed it to envelope them, soothing Inuyasha's inner beast.

"Inuyasha, come back to me." She urged gently, touching his face. He growled again, fighting against the call of his blood. She pulled him down into a deep kiss, pleading with her actions. He slowly melted into her, and opened his eyes. She was so happy to be greeted by molten gold she nearly cried.

"Kagome." Inuyasha breathed heavily, burying his face in her neck. She felt his pace quicken, and the pressure building in her core once more. Kami, he was going to make her come again!

She felt the tension snap and release, sending sparks of light across her vision.

Inuyasha felt her release tightening around him and the dam broke. He moaned into her neck as his seed spilled inside of her.

Both of them were so cought up in euphoria that neither noticed how Kagome's spiritual energy swirled around them, coaxing Inuyasha's youki outward, holding it steadily. Their energies wirled about the young lovers, mingling together, sealing their souls as one.

Kagome could feel Inuyasha's heart beating frantically as he collapsed against her, exhausted. She closed her eyes, wrapping her arms around his back and allowed sleep to claim her.

00

There was a warmth wrapped around Kagome from behind and she snuggled backward into it. She felt Inuyasha's lips brush across her neck, and lingered, nipping lightly. She groaned, trying to ignore the persistent sensation. She was too comfortable to move at the moment.

"I know you're awake." Inuyasha said, his hand gently cupping her breast. "Hello sleepy head." He greeted, his voice still husky from their earlier activities.

"Hello love. How long did we sleep?" She asked through a yawn, twisting around to face him. They now laid chest to chest.

Inuyasha absently brushed a stray curl in her bangs down."A few hours." He shrugged.

Kagome reached up and ran her thumb over the deep purple mark that streaked across Inuyasha's cheekbones. "These look good on you." She mused. "I like them better when you're not going all full youkai on me."

"What are you going on about?" he asked.

"These purple marks on your face. I usually only see them when your yokai blood takes over." She said. Inuyasha reached over Kagome and grabbed the small mirror that sat on the table.

Sure enough, on either side of his face a deep purple streak ran from his cheekbones back into his hair. They reminded him of his father and brother, but only full yokai had markings like these. Why suddenly had they shown up on his face now?

"What the hell?" he wondered under his breath. This was certainly an unexpected side affect. He felt a twinge of worry in the pit of his gut. These markings only appeared on him when his yokai blood overpowered his human side. He didn't feel any different than normal though. "Have you noticed anything else?"

Kagome stretched lazily, sliding to the edge of the bed. Closing her eyes she stretched her spiritual consciousness outward, testing it against Inuyasha's youki. It felt stronger, and much more prevalent than before. She expected some sort of violent reaction as their energies met, but none came. Instead her aura seemed to accept his youki as they mingled together harmlessly.

"Huh, your youki feels different. Like it's more dominant than it used to be." she paused a moment, trying to find a better way to describe what she felt. "It feels like a full yokai."

"How is that even possible?"

"I dunno. I thought it was just a part of mating." Kagome added. She grabbed her underwear off of the floor and pulled it back on as she moved to the closet.

Inuyasha lay there for a moment, lost in thought. As far as he knew, the bond between himself and Kagome shouldn't have created such drastic changes since technically it was still the same bond as before. What in the world was going on?

"It's getting late, and I'm feeling a bit peckish. Are you just going to lay there all night?" Kagome asked. She grabbed a dress from the closet, and pulled it over her head.

Inuyasha snatched his boxers and pants from the floor and pulled them on. "Do you mind if we make a stop somewhere, then grab something to eat on the way back?"

"I just thought I'd make something here, but I suppose we can eat out." Kagome shrugged.

"Great. I have to make a phone call while you finish getting ready." Inuyasha said. He pulled his shirt on, kissing Kagome on the cheek absently as he left the room.

Kagome watched as he disappeared down the stairs. "Okaaaay then."

It didn't take Kagome long to finish getting ready. She quickly combed the snarls out of her hair and grabbed a light sweater before she headed down to the main floor. She found Inuyasha in the den pacing the floor with the phone to his ear.

"Look, I just need to see her." He paused, lifting a hand to acknowledge Kagome's presence. "No, I don't want to wait until next week. I need to see her tonight. No disrespect, but I don't care about your schedule, this is important! Yeah, sure I can meet her at the house. I can be there in thirty minutes. Okay, thanks." he cut the call and stuffed his phone back into his pocket. "You ready?" he asked.

"Yep. Where are we going?"

"We're going to stop by my brother's place before we grab dinner."

00

Kagome had only ever seen the main house from a distance, but it was much more impressive up close. Kagome swallowed nervously and followed Inuyasha through the enormous wooden doors to the formal entry. An Inu yokai woman adorned in a traditional kimono was waiting to greet them as they entered.

"Good evening, Inuyasha-sama. My lord Sesshoumaru will receive you in his study this evening. If you'll just follow me, I'll escort you." she said softly.

"I know my way, thanks." Inuyasha answered, waving her away.

"As you wish." She bowed respectfully, then disappeared in a puff of mist.

Inuyasha grabbed Kagome's hand firmly, pulling her behind him as they made their way down one of the corridors. Kagome was finding it hard to keep up. She kept tripping over her own feet as Inuyasha practically dragged her along. "Would you slow down!?" she yelped helplessly. The toe of her shoe caught on the wooden floor, and she stumbled forward.

Inuyasha spun around, managing to catch Kagome around the waist before she hit the floor. "You're such a klutz." he teased, holding her steady as she regained her footing. "You okay, or do I need to carry you the rest of the way?"

Kagome huffed, shooting him a fiery glare. "I can walk, thank you very much. What's the hurry anyway?"

Inuyasha started walking again, and Kagome followed- though at a more comfortable pace.

"I have some concerns." Inuyasha answered matter-of-factly.

Kagome blanched, tears welling up in her eyes. "Do you think we made a mistake?" She asked, stopping abruptly. Inuyasha's shoulders stiffened, and he paused mid step.

"Is that what you think?" he asked, spinning around to face her. She wiped her tears with the back of her hand, sniffling loudly. "Would ya' pleases stop crying? Of course I don't think we made a mistake. I meant about my youki." Inuyasha explained.

Kagome breathed a sigh of relief. "I don't understand, yokai mate all the time. Aren't mates supposed to experience changes when they pair bond?" she asked.

"You're right, yokai do mate all the time. Hanyo like me, not as often. And we definatly don't suddenly start showing full yokai traits right afterward. What if I lose control to my youkai blood? I could be a danger to everyone around me! I'm not really willing to take that chance, are you?"

"Your yokai has taken over a few times, and you've never hurt me, but I get it. Better safe than sorry." Kagome said, holding her hands up in apology.

"Come on, we're going to be late. Sesshoumru hates it when people are late." Inuyasha said, taking her by the hand.

As they made their way through the house, Kagome wondered how in the world anyone could find their way through such a large house. Every corridor looked the same, making it almost impossible to remember where you'd come from if you got turned around. Luckily, Inuyasha seemed to know exactly where he was headed, and before Kagome knew it they were unceremoniously bursting through a large wooden door.

It was an unusual scene to say the least. Casually sitting around a small table having tea were the yokai lord of the western lands, and an old woman wearing the traditional garb of a miko.

"Ah, Inuyasha. You've finally decided to join us." the old woman greeted.

"And you're early as usual, Kaede." Inuyasha said as he and Kagome joined them.

Sesshoumaru's eyes flashed dangerously. "What have you done, half breed?" he snarled.

"I haven't done a damn thing." Inuyasha bit out as he and Kagome sat down on the remaining love seat.

"Don't lie to me, you-"

Inuyasha growled. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"He's referring to the soul bond you share with this young woman." Kaede said.

"Soul bond? How the hell do you think I managed that one? Those old bunch of priests are so far up the council's asses I doubt they could sneeze without the council knowing about it, let alone perform a soul bond." Inuyasha snapped. Kagome could feel the anger radiating off of Inuyasha in waves, and she shifted in her seat uncomfortably.

"And yet, here you are." Kaede pointed out.

"Excuse me?" Kagome interrupted.

"Yes dear?" Kaede answered kindly.

"I thought we were here because Inuyasha's youki has changed."

Kaede smiled. "Ah yes. I had noticed that, and I suspect that you, my dear might be the answer to both questions."

Sesshoumaru snorted. "I fail to see how a mortal bitch could effect such changes in my brother."

"Watch it ass hole. That's my mate you're calling a bitch." Inuyasha snarled, ready to jump over the table and knock his brother's teeth out.

"Inu- please. Don't fight." Kagome pleaded.

"If that pretentious bastard thinks he can get away with insulting you, Kagome, he's got another thing coming."

"Try it whelp. I'm dying to trounce you." Sesshoumaru taunted. Clearly Inuyasha had gotten under his skin.

Kaede set her tea cup on the table and clapped her hands. Both brothers froze for a moment, then leaned back in their seats. "If you would please settle down!" she scolded.

Kagome gulped. Kaede was definitely more than she seemed if she could make a daiyoukai obey like a scolded child. "Thank you. Now, as I was going to say before I was so rudely interrupted, Kagome is clearly no ordinary mortal, or hadn't anyone else here noticed her spiritual aura?"

Sesshoumaru shifted in his chair uncomfortably, crossing his arms over his chest. "The monk on my retainer assures me that no ordinary human possesses spiritual energy of notable amounts."

"Then he is an idiot. There are a few old families that still posess spiritual power on par with our forebearers." Kaede snapped, clearly nearing her wits end. "I myself am the highest ranking priestess in the country, and I sense that Kagome's powers would put me to shame."

Kagome sighed heavily and leaned against Inuyasha's side. This seemed like an awful lot of information to process. "But, I've never been able to do more than see concealment charms." she explained.

Inuyasha shook his head. "That's not entirely true." he corrected. "She put up a barrier that nearly purified her friends not too long ago."

"But I've never been able to do that before. I'm not even sure I could do it again."

Kaede smiled knowingly. "I feel certain that you could. You somehow managed to bond your soul to Inuyasha's. Not only that, but it would seem that your energy is holding Inuyasha's youkai blood in check without any effort. That is why he is able to function in his yokai state without being overwhelmed by blood lust. You certainally are remarkable, and I am certain that with training you could be capable of amazing things."

Sesshoumaru listened calmly, letting this new information sink in. This human woman, his brother's new mate was certainly more than she appeared to be. Sesshoumaru wasn't blind. He had sensed his brother's yokai from the moment they'd entered the house. Inuyasha's yokai was so strong, it was easily on par with his own. Perhaps he had been wrong to dismiss this woman simply for her humanity.

"Does this mean that Kagome's life span is linked to mine?" Inuyasha asked hopefully.

"Yes, that is a the desired effect of bonding ones souls." Kaede nodded. She scooted to the end of her chair and groaned as she pushed herself to her feet using the chair for support. "Now, if you'll excuse me, these old bones aren't what they used to be, and this chair is very uncomfortable. I suggest we call it a night. "

Sesshoumaru stood up and offered Kaede his hand as an aid. "That is probably for the best." he agreed. "Inuyasha and I have an obligation to attend to tomorrow evening."

Inuyasha's brow quirked questioningly. "What obligation? Kagome and I are busy for the next few days."

"Then I suggest you open your schedule. I am hosting the council for dinner tomorrow evening, and I expect you to be there as the second son of the great dog clan."

"Yeah yeah, fine." Inuyasha grumbled as he headed for the door. Kagome stood up and bowed politely.

"Thank you for meeting with us. It was nice meeting you both." she said before running to catch up with Inuyasha, who by now was well on his way down the corridor.

Kaede chuckled. "Such a sweet thing. I think she'll do Inuyasha some good."

"Tch. She has her work cut out for her. That one is impossible." Sesshoumaru mused, watching as his younger brother slowed his pace long enough to take his new mate by the hand.

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Phew! That was a long one! I really hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it. It defiantly took me a while to get it to a point where I was happy with it. I just want to say thank you to al of you who have followed and /or favorited this story! Knowing that you enjoy my fic makes me so happy! Thank you!

Until next time,

CandlelightQuill