Sesshomaru never questioned his abilities or his worth. He had been born into two powerful clans. As a daiyokai from birth, his powers increased exponentially from early adolescence to adulthood. One of his earliest memories was of holding a blade. His fondest was securing his first victory in battle. The life he led was marked by milestones in greatness.

Some called him ruthless. Others preferred the term mercenary, though he requested no monetary payment for his services. Sesshomaru was driven by ambition and a determination to succeed in his father's rule. He did not care for the descriptors lesser yokai used to label him. Their words came from a place of envy, which was a concept he was unfamiliar with.

Until now.

Sesshomaru had not needed to search long for the miko. He knew where she would seek solace. What he had not expected was to find his brother had beat him there.

Seeing Inuyasha holding Kagome's hand sparked a vicious burning within Sesshomaru. He had experienced intensity while engaged with an opponent and the excitement of overcoming them. The heat of those moments did not compare to the fire this scene ignited in his chest. This blaze was uncontainable, similar to the wildfires that consumed the forests of Ashikaga. Sesshomaru did not know how to quell it.

Or if he wanted to.

The pair appeared surprised by his presence yet there was no hint of shame or regret. They did not seem aware of how improper their proximity was. Sesshomaru was quick to remedy that.

In three swift strides, he placed himself between them and slapped Inuyasha's hand away. "Do not touch my wife."

Inuyasha's eyes narrowed but it was not him who retaliated. It was the miko. "Seriously? You go behind my back, make a deal with a stranger, let him insult me and your family and now you're accusing me of what? Cheating? What is wrong with you?"

Sesshomaru pivoted around, glaring at her. "I am troubled by the fact that my bride does not understand basic etiquette. It is inappropriate to leave your husband to meet with another."

She placed her hands on her hips. "We're not a couple, Sesshomaru!"

"Excuse me?"

"Couples operate as partners, as equals. They don't hide things from each other. They talk. They share their burdens. They respect each other. I tried to do that with you but you won't let me in! You don't let anyone in. You keep everyone on the outside as if that gives you some kind of power. But it doesn't. I thought with me things would be different. I hoped with all the time we've been spending together you would have learned to rely on me, to trust me."

His lip curled. "You speak of trust as if you have been sincere with me."

"What have I lied to you about?" Kagome demanded.

"Where you are from."

Her eyes widened.

"If you wish to paint me as the dishonest one, may I suggest you look in the mirror? Perhaps you will see we are more evenly matched than you previously believed."

The miko's arms dropped to her sides. Her chin trembled as she realized her mistake. Her brow creased in concentration. Sesshomaru relished the exchange.

It was satisfying to see his opponent be caught off guard. Everything from the sudden change in their facial expressions to the shift in their demeanors was a telltale sign that he had secured an advantage. Sesshomaru stood in wait. An apology was in order. Once he received it, this entire evening could be dismissed.

"Kagome?" Inuyasha moved around him to address the miko.

She did not acknowledge his half-brother's concern. Kagome objected to the offense that Sesshomaru had accused her of. "You're wrong."

"Pardon?"

"You and I are nothing alike. You keep secrets to manipulate people. Mine are kept for protection." Her voice was as cold as her gaze.

"How noble," he remarked.

Kagome did not appreciate his tone. "If you want to call me a liar, fine. I'm a liar. But don't you dare tell me who I am! You don't get the right to judge me or what I choose to keep private. My home is my business. It has nothing to do with you or our arrangement."

Sesshomaru stepped closer. "I beg to differ. There must be a reason why you feel the need to hide the details of your origin. I intend to find out."

"I'd like to see you try," she retorted, leaning in.

"I advise you to stop this foolish pursuit before you injure yourself further."

"Stop telling me what to do!"

What transpired next could only be described as an explosion. Power burst forth from the miko with the strength of a tidal wave. The light momentarily encompassed her, then extended out like a fan unfurling.

The incandescent blast blinded Sesshomaru, rendering him incapable of defending himself. Reiki barreled into his chest with tremendous force. He was hurled across the courtyard and landed on his shoulder. The rough impact introduced him to another new sensation.

Humility.

Centuries had passed since he had been bested by an opponent. The last time Sesshomaru had been defeated, he was still considered by many to be a pup. To ensure he never tasted the bitterness of defeat again, he worked tirelessly to hone his skills. It was rare for an adversary to land a blow against him. Even rarer for one to compromise his footwork. But it was unheard of for someone to knock him down.

Clenching his jaw, Sesshomaru brushed himself off and stood. He had landed several meters away from the miko yet he could still feel the chill from the air around her. The tempest her fury had invoked would not be quieted. His pride would not allow him to suffer her wrath. He was Sesshomaru Taisho, heir to the Taisho and Crescent clans. He would not be subdued by anyone— his wife included.

"That was ill-advised."

"So was lying to me," Kagome commented.

"Today was critical to the long-term success of my plan. I could not risk it going awry. Your reaction to Hiten had to be genuine," Sesshomaru explained.

Sparks danced along her fingertips. As the energy built around her, static caused strands of her hair to lift, giving her a wild, windswept appearance. Paired with her glacial gaze, she resembled an elemental goddess. And like a force of nature, Kagome lashed out at him.

Sesshomaru was impressed by the significant strides she had made in controlling her abilities. He had not anticipated she would be able to replicate her initial attack. There was barely enough time to draw his blade. The defensive reaction had shielded him from harm on countless occasions, yet it offered no protection now.

With a clang, her energy tore into the sword. Sesshomaru knew the exact moment when his weapon failed him. He felt the blade yield to her and saw the metal crack like an egg shell. The top half splintered and shattered. Sesshomaru dropped the hilt, allowing the remnant to clatter on the ground at his feet.

Displeasure rolled through him. The blade had not been exceptional, but it had been well-crafted. Locating another before morning would require leaving the palace. Sesshomaru did not have time for such an errand and he did not trust another to go in his stead. His aggravation increased tenfold.

He eyed the miko's bow. "That will cost you."

"Don't even think about it," she snapped, nocking an arrow.

Sesshomaru would not be deterred by Kagome's warning. He charged for her. On approach, he raised his right hand. He would slice through the curved wooden implement with a single swipe of his claws. Without her bow, Sesshomaru and the miko would be on even ground. Then he would see exactly how far she had advanced in her training.

Less than three paces from her, Sesshomaru heard the subtle twang of the string. Two paces and he could see the stone head of the arrow aimed for his chest. One pace and the projectile planted itself in front of him. The ground erupted in a wall of light.

Sesshomaru still wore the mark from his last encounter with the miko's barrier on his skin. He had no intention of marring his flesh a second time. Sidestepping her reiki, Sesshomaru dodged another arrow before rotating around to come face to face with Kagome.

Gold against sapphire. The two clashed with one another as brilliantly as the heavens and earth. She raised her hand at the same time he brought his claws down. Green fumes descended upon pink sparks. Their collision was devastating.

Sesshomaru caught a glimpse of pure white light. Then everything went dark.


Cold.

Wet.

Dark.

The first sense she became aware of was touch, closely followed by the second, which was sound

"Get away from her! Kagome. Kagome, can you hear me? Hey! Hey, Kagome."

Someone was calling her. Their voice sounded far away as if they were stuck on opposite ends of the building. Had Souta locked himself out of the house again?

No, she frowned. That wasn't right. Souta's voice was higher-pitched. This sounded like someone older, someone familiar. If only she could remember who.

"Kagome, are you okay? Can you open your eyes? Kagome?"

Whoever was calling out to her must have gotten closer. She could feel the heat of their body as they got closer. Hands wrapped around her shoulders. Her body felt so heavy as it was lifted into a seated position. When had she laid down?

Her thoughts were scattered. Questions had begun piling up like bricks, weighing her down. There was a buzzing sensation hovering along her forehead that reminded Kagome of the static Gramps and Grams' first TV became notorious known for. She tried to focus on the most pressing query: what happened?

She remembered the wedding ceremony, the heat of Sesshomaru's hand holding hers, the concern in his eyes when he handed her the sake, and the fire in his tone when he discovered her bruises. Kagome recalled the reception, the numerous faces and questions, the overwhelming burden of her role, and the cruel remarks. She remembered how learning the truth had chipped away at the warm, happy feelings she had experienced earlier in the day. She would have been alone if it wasn't for…

"Inuyasha."

He squeezed her shoulders. "I didn't think you'd ever wake up."

His voice was clearer now, closer. She tried to open her eyes. It felt like a monumental task, one that she had taken for granted. Once, twice, three times, and then…

She squinted against the moonlight. It was both too much and not enough. Kagome groaned. There was a shooting pain behind her eyes. Whether it was from the moon or from ending up on the ground, she wasn't sure.

It took her a few minutes to adjust to the lighting. Another couple of minutes ticked by before she could make out his face. He was staring at her, probably trying to decide if she needed to be taken to the healer.

She probably did.

Each time Kagome closed her eyes, she saw a flash of a memory.

Blink.

Raised voices.

Blink.

A burst of pale pink light.

Blink.

Sesshomaru's claws.

She massaged her throbbing temples as the moments stitched themselves back together. Remembering everything was similar to coming out of a vivid dream. There was a surreal quality to everything. Kagome felt as if she hadn't fully connected to her senses. Was this what people meant by having an out-of-body experience?

She glanced down, expecting to see tattered clothes, gaping wounds, and blood. Other than a few dirt stains, she was unscathed. Kagome shook her head, unable to believe it. There was no way she could have survived a direct strike from Sesshomaru's claws.

"What the hell was that, Kagome?"

She turned her attention back to Inuyasha. "Huh?"

"I've never seen an attack like yours before. Where did you learn it?"

"What are you talking about?" Kagome asked.

Inuyasha looked over her shoulder. What he saw held his attention for a best longer than it should have. Curious, Kagome turned and gasped.

The courtyard was unrecognizable. Scorch marks decorated all four walls. All that remained of the stables was a pile of rubble. The guards' drill targets had been reduced to kindling. There wasn't a single flower or bush unscathed. They had all been flatted as if a tornado had passed through. Even the massive oak tree had been uprooted.

"Wh-what happened?"

"You," Inuyasha told her. "You and Sesshomaru."

"Oh my gosh! A-Un! Where's A-Un?"

A pair of cold, wet noses nuzzled the side of her face.

"You're okay!" Kagome wrapped her arms around the two-headed dragon, grateful that he hadn't been injured.

"He found you," Inuyasha said.

She peered around the dragon at him. "What do you mean by 'found me'?"

Inuyasha rubbed his neck sheepishly. "When I came to, I thought…I thought you might have purified Sesshomaru. That blast…everything went stark white. I've never seen anything that bright before. I went to find him. I had to know what happened. I assumed you…that you…"

"Killed him?" Kagome cried in disbelief.

"I didn't think you meant to!" he insisted. "You were protecting yourself."

Her stomach somersaulted so violently she was sure she'd be sick. "Where is he?"

Inuyasha gestured to the fallen oak tree. "Over there."

A pair of boots stuck out from the mangled roots of the tree. They were still. Kagome clamped her hand over her mouth, certain that this time she would vomit.

She couldn't have…wouldn't have…

He warned me that my powers were out of control.

The edges of her eyes burned. Her vision swam. There was a pounding in her chest that grew louder with each beat. Her stomach pitched. Bile rose in her throat.

No!

She jumped up, teetering on unsteady legs. Nausea swept through her. It overpowered her. She managed a single step before collapsing to the ground.

"Kagome, wait!"

She ignored Inuyasha's protests. Batting his hands away, Kagome took a deep breath and then another. Her pulse continued to drum in her ears but the queasy feeling ebbed. She pushed herself up. She had to know if it was true.

Supported by pure adrenaline, Kagome stumbled— and crawled —her way to the oak tree. A-Un did his best to help. He didn't seem bothered by her outburst of powers. He remained a faithful companion, accompanying her with nudges and a series of snorts that she thought were his version of encouragement.

She found Sesshomaru lying motionless on the other side. His name was torn from her throat as she grabbed at his hankimono. He didn't respond.

Kagome wondered if CPR worked on yokai. She'd taken a class last spring in hopes of landing a part-time job as a lifeguard for the summer. She didn't get the chance to apply. Gramps had sprained his ankle so Kagome was forced to spend her summer working at the shrine. Regardless, she still remembered her training.

"Sesshomaru? Sesshomaru, can you hear me?"

There was no indication that he could.

Kagome's throat constricted. A pricking sensation at the corner of her eyes made her tilt her head back. She took a deep breath. Gently, she untied his hankimono and rolled the silk fabric off to reveal his chest.

Inuyasha stood behind her. "What are you doing?"

"CPR."

His brows knit together. "What?"

"Chest compressions. If someone is unconscious, it could mean they are unable to breathe on their own. This will help jump-start the process."

"But he is breathing. He was sitting up and lucid before I came to check on you."

Kagome didn't hear most of Inuyasha's response. A hand clasped onto her wrist and suddenly, she was flipped on her back. Her head hit the ground, causing the defeating beat of her heart to be overpowered by a ringing in her ears.

His hands held Kagome down but it was his golden eyes that had her pinned. There was a flicker of amusement in them that she recognized. "Compassion will get you killed," he said, smirking.

She had never experienced a more massive bout of relief. It broke over her like a wave but instead of sending her further off course, Kagome found herself floating on calm seas.

"Sesshomaru!" She broke out of his hold, instantly invading his space as she sat up to wrap her arms around him.

He stiffened for a moment. Kagome figured he was either disoriented from the blast or reeling from their fight. Maybe both. She didn't want to think about either of those things. Today had been an exhausting exercise. All she wanted to do was put it behind her. "I'm glad you're okay."

"I am unharmed."

Seeing it was one thing. Hearing him confirm it was another. The adrenaline left Kagome with the breath she had been holding. Her voice cracked as the floodgates opened.

"I'm sorry. You were right. I can't control my powers. I don't even know what I did. I was just so mad. I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I didn't want to hurt you. I thought about it, but I didn't actually plan to do it. I'm sorry, Sesshomaru, so sorry ."

His claws combed through her hair. "No, you were correct."

Kagome sniffled, sure she misheard him. "What?"

"I owe you an apology. My behavior was unbecoming of a—."

Inuyasha cut him off. "Uh, I hate to interrupt but you two have company."

Kagome lifted her face from where she had buried it in Sesshomaru's shoulder. Wiping the tears away, she realized they were no longer alone in the courtyard. Seiten and Kujaku were standing in the doorway with Touga, Arisu, and Izayoi behind them.

Sesshomaru's hand followed the slope of her head, slipped past her neck, and settled on her waist. "I will deal with them." He stood, pulling Kagome up with him. "Good evening."

"It was," Arisu remarked dryly. "Would you care to explain what happened?"

"I wished to celebrate our wedding privately. Unfortunately, the fireworks Inuyasha procured for me came from the kitsune tribe. They may be gifted illusionists but their craftsmanship with these goods could use some refinement."

Kagome stared, stunned by how easily he could lie to his family.

"I have never seen fireworks produce such devastating results," Touga remarked. There was a hint of humor in his tone. Kagome noticed a playful smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. The resemblance to Sesshomaru's smirk was uncanny.

"Standard units are unworthy of such an occasion. I requested a specialized set. The most important evening of my life deserved an impressive display. Do you not agree?" His father nodded. "It appears that the extra layers of gunpowder resulted in an unstable product. The damage was significant. "

"Indeed," Touga agreed. "It would be best if you shared your findings with the kitsune tribe to ensure their production of these custom creations ends with you."

"I will see to it personally," Sesshomaru promised.

"Make sure you do," Arisu said, unconvinced.

Kagome fidgeted nervously beside Sesshomaru. Blaming the state of the courtyard on malfunctioning fireworks was clever. The scorch marks on the walls certainly lent themselves to the tale. However, it was hard to imagine an explosion that was powerful enough to level the stables yet not burn a single leaf on the fallen oak tree.

Sesshomaru adjusted the placement of his hand to press lightly on her lower back. "If that is all, I believe it would be best for us to return to our chambers. It has been a long day and my wife needs to rest before our trek north."

"Of course," Touga responded kindly. "Kagome, you made such a lovely bride. I am very pleased to have you as a member of our clan."

She inclined her head. "Thank you."

"Congratulations to you both," Izayoi added, her focus on Sesshomaru.

He bowed.

Touga, Arisu, and Izayoi returned the gesture and left. Seiten and Kujaku stayed behind, subtly scanning the courtyard. They seemed to share Arisu's skepticism.

"My lord," Seiten addressed Sesshomaru, before turning to Kagome. "My lady."

"Hey! What about me? I'm here too, you know?" Inuyasha groused, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Of course, my lord. My apologies."

Kagome tilted her head. "You're a lord too?"

"No," Sesshomaru answered. "Clan lineage is important in our hierarchy but leadership is determined by strength. Full-blooded yokai are superior to hanyos or humans."

He must have seen how his justification bothered her, because he added, "It is a fact, Kagome, not merely my opinion. Yokai blood carries certain traits that allow us to pass along our abilities to our offspring. For example, my mother's power of flight and my father's affinity for battle strategy."

"Isn't it the same as human talents?" she asked. "My dad was really good at math. I'm not but my younger brother Souta is."

Seiten's shock was evident. "You have studied arithmetic?"

Kagome cringed. She forgot how rare schooling was in this era, especially for women.

Sesshomaru stepped in front of her. "My wife received a robust education at the temple. As the Shikon Miko, and my intended, the priests prepared her to rule beside me."

"A wise decision," Seiten responded.

"Indeed. Perhaps we should extend the same courtesy to the females at court?" Kujaku suggested.

"I think that's a great idea!" Kagome beamed.

"It would certainly give them something to discuss other than the latest rouge technique," Sesshomaru commented.

Inuyasha snorted. Seiten hid a grin behind a gloved hand. Kagome tried— and failed —to cover up her responding laugh. Kuajku was the only one who remained composed. Clearly, she agreed with Sesshomaru.

"We need to return to our post. Have a pleasant evening." Seiten gave them a final bow and excused himself from the courtyard. Kujaku followed.

"You're lucky dad believed you," Inuyasha muttered.

"He did not," Sesshomaru said.

"What do you mean? He didn't punish you."

A familiar cocktail of guilt and shame churned in Kagome's stomach. "Is he mad at me?"

Inuyasha's attention snapped to her but it was Sesshomaru who answered. "No. Nothing was destroyed that cannot be rebuilt. I suspect, if anything, he is impressed."

Kagome looked over the debris. "I don't know why. We made a mess."

"We made a breakthrough," Sesshomaru amended.

She gazed up at him, confused. He offered her his hand.

"I believe it is time we retire to our chambers. There is much to discuss."


Sesshomaru felt the need to massage his temples. He was not accustomed to experiencing the affliction known as a headache, however, as of late, the pain in his temples was a constant nuisance.

"Remind me again why you are here, Inuyasha?"

His brother leaned forward, lowering his voice so the woman in the next room could not hear. "I know you are you to something. Whatever it is, I want in."

"I am not 'up to' anything. I merely wish to discuss the phenomenon that occurred in the courtyard."

"Right," Inuyasha drawled, not satisfied by his answer.

Sesshomaru did not appreciate Kagome's desire to take in every charity case she came across. First the dragon and now his younger brother. What was next?

"I think he likes it here," she announced. The light had returned to her smile, shining brilliantly in her eyes. Sesshomaru could not deny her wishes, no matter how ridiculous they were. Kagome moved her hand in an odd motion where her thumb jutted upwards, before disappearing back into her room.

She had accused him of lying. He, in turn, had done the same. Lying was common. Words were the easiest form. Experienced individuals schooled their expressions to lie for them. Forgers worked in a different medium— ink. Yet none possessed the ability to hide their true intentions from him. Sesshomaru knew the truth based on scent. Scent could not be fabricated. It could not be trained to change. It could not lie.

That was how he knew Kagome's emotions were genuine. Sesshomaru could smell them.

He could feel them

The anguish he experienced from her had been incomparable. There had been regret. Sesshomaru had expected that. He knew Kagoke was not malicious. The crippling fear was not anticipated.

He had felt it latch onto him like a parasite, constricting around him and draining him of all outside thoughts. Sesshomaru did not understand how she had been able to move. Had their roles been reversed, he was certain he would have been paralyzed for far longer than Kagome.

When the initial tang of salt hit the air, he had nearly lost control. No one had ever cared for him as deeply as this woman— not his parents, not his brother, not even his soldiers. Her greatest fear was not that she would suffer punishment for her actions but the thought of losing him, of a world without him.

Finally, Sesshomaru understood her anger. Kagome believed in him. She saw them operating together as a single unit. She had placed her trust in him and he had destroyed that trust.

Sesshomaru was uncertain if it could be mended but he was determined to try. The first step was apologizing to his bride. There was only one issue— getting rid of his brother.

Inuyasha chuckled. "The handmaidens are going to love this. I can't wait to see their faces in the morning."

"How do you plan on doing that?" Sesshomaru inquired. His patience was waning. He had to remain calm. His conversation with the miko could not wait until morning. Neither could his apology.

"I'm staying over of course."

"Absolutely not."

"Why not? That two-headed lizard gets to stay."

"The stables were destroyed. Your chambers are fully intact," Sesshomaru reminded him.

"I don't want to miss the show," Inuyasha said with a grin.

"There is nothing for you to see. What I have to say to the miko is between her and myself. You are not part of this."

"Like hell, I'm not! I was there when you two did," he gestured wildly to the air between them, "…whatever it was you two did. I want answers, same as you."

"I do not have an answer for you, Inuyasha. I doubt what transpired between us has ever been done before."

His brother's eyes widened. "So I was right. That wasn't normal."

"I will need to conduct research to confirm my assumptions."

"Why not ask the priest? Or Kaede?" Inuyasha offered.

Sesshomaru pursed his lips. "That child…do you know why she attended the ceremony?

"No. I haven't seen her since I visited the village." Inuyasha's ears wilted. "Since Kikyo was still alive."

"You have no proof that she died. Your mate could be alive."

"That's impossible! She has the jewel. Kikyo would never have given it up unless…," he trailed off. Sesshomaru noted the change in his demeanor the instant realization struck. "Unless she found someone more capable."

"Kagome."

Inuyasha glanced over his shoulder at her room before his attention shifted back to Sesshomaru. "Did you know?"

"I knew she was more powerful than your mate. I did not know how far her abilities extended. I still do not."

"Do you think she could find Kikyo?"

Sesshomaru frowned. "You would ask a human woman to track your mate even though you possess heightened senses?"

"I'm not a full-blooded demon like you!"

"Nor are you incapable of seeking out one of your own. Take responsibility for your actions, Inuyasha."

"Look who's talking," he grumbled. "You owe her an apology, you know."

"I am well aware."

"Good. I'll just sit here and make sure you do it."

"Do what?"

They both looked up to see Kagome walking over. She had changed out of her guard's uniform into a simple sleeping shaft. Though the slip effectively covered her, Sesshomaru felt the impulse to drape mokomoko over her. He gave into it.

She gazed up at him, surprise coloring her cheeks. "Oh, thank you."

Behind them, Inuyasha snickered.

Kagome chewed on her lower lip. "So, uh, what did you want to talk about?"

"What happened between us in the courtyard," Sesshomaru answered, glaring at his brother. "And the actions that led to it."