Tsuryuko had gotten use to her new reality, hardly remembering her Mama or Papa when he was kind. Their clan, which had once been full of life and reasonable were now mean and no better than common demons. Hatred and disgust followed her everywhere, the only thing saving her was her insane father. His anger was something that terrified her and the entire clan but she did get best to placate him when possible, not that she was very successful.

While home he viciously beat her, believing only the fear of death would make her become stronger. Several times Tsuryuko took her final breath but her father found a way to make sure she couldn't use death as an escape. In order to survive she became proficient in many different fighting styles from a young age, though it was taking longer to gain control of her powers.

'What else is to be expected when he kills me with those damned energy bullets every training session? I have no idea where to even begin and he expects me to be able to fight off an attack that's disintegrated entire armies?'

There was, however, one ability she'd managed to learn though she protected that information with all she had. After one particularly ruthless visit Tsuryuko ran and attempted to hide, her instincts screaming a warning to avoid his obsessive attentions that day. Everywhere she went the knowledge that her scent left a vivid trail left her feeling naked a exposed, bereft with no hope of help. Frustrated with her own weakness, emotion choking her and a tear running down her face, the child that she was called out for her Mama.

'Please! I'm scared, I miss you. Help me Mama!'

Nothing happened for several minutes while the girl started running out of places to go and the sound of pursuit got even closer. Then suddenly she felt a surge of warmth go through her, slowly pushing outward in a shimmering blue film that settled on her body before seeming to dissappear. Only the pull of energy let her know it still existed but she didn't have time to figure out what it did before her Papa suddenly appeared in the corridor. Tsuryuko felt a massive wave of fear and stumbled back several steps before hitting a wall and sliding down as her knees give out.

"Middie, my love, where are you? Come, let me worship you once more."

Over the next few minutes she watched him go back and forth through the hall, entering and exiting rooms while smelling the air for her scent before overtaken by rage and leaving the caves in search of an opponent. It took everything she had to get up off the floor and make her way into her Mama's room to hide. No one was allowed here, she'd learned that lesson brutally and hadn't risked it since.

Her father stayed gone for longer than normal and she used the time to nearly master the shield, testing the boundaries by using the other clan members who enjoyed tormenting her. By the time he came back she was able to have the confidence to hide from everyone and even enter her mother's room, an act that might have cost her life previously. It was this new found freedom and ability to leave the caves that allowed her to meet the little demon boy.

'What are ye?'

The words echoed over and over in Tsuryuko's head, flashes of the torment she underwent as a child sneaking in to twine with the dreaded phrase.

'That's enough! You aren't a child anymore, stop acting like every phrase is meant to attack you, or that it even has the power to do so. Besides, if there was one group unlikely to condemn you it would be the one with another half blood.

An awkward silence had descended over the group during her pep talk before she set her shoulders and answered them with as much truth as she thought was wise.

"I'm a half demon, just like Inuyasha here. I trust I don't need to explain how that works?"

The snarky tone did as intended and riled them up enough to put some life back in them, though that also meant it brought the pup's anger straight to the surface.

"Of course we know how half-demons are made ya bastard! You also know that's not what the fucking issue is here!" Huffing slightly in anger, it took a few moments for him to calm down enough to stop pacing around. The others watched him with concern; Inuyasha frequently had outbursts but usually you could predict when they'd be, and there'd only be so many of them. This back to back extreme was uncommon and showed very clearly just how upset he truly was.

"Though Inuyasha is insulting, his point is valid. Demon and priestess unions are uncommon for many reasons, one of which being that a child created from it either ends up completely powerless or only has the powers of one parent. Even then, their powers are severely limited, and those are the best case scenario." Miroku rubbed the back of his head, uncomfortable with the ramifications of Tsuryuko's existence. "Simply put, there should be no way any natural born creature should be able to wield both demon and holy powers. The two are polar opposites and should've torn you apart before you were even born."

Tsuryuko let out a low sigh and leaned back on her arms. This wasn't a new conversation, just an old one and it would take some navigating to make sure they didn't push for what they shouldn't know.

'Though if I'm honest with myself I simply don't wish to think any more on painful things than I must. True, I have had enough time to get over what happened when I was younger, but the pain will always be there.'

"You are both correct, but you're forgetting the most important fact: contrasting powers of similar strength amplify instead of clash."

It was almost as if you could hear the collective gears turn as they all tried to piece things together in order to figure out the logistics behind such a birth. They ended up getting so caught up in it that the group spent the next half hour going around in circles before Tsuryuko lost her patience and interrupted them.

"Look, I understand that it's all very interesting but can we move it along so I can give Kagome her body back? The how don't matter, what does is that we need to find someone who has knowledge on making shikigami that can handle both of my power sources."

As they looked towards her guiltily they saw Inuyasha just behind her with his hand awkwardly hanging in the air. For one it seemed like he had just a bit more patience than someone else. Cheeks warming slightly he crossed his arms and looked away as he spoke in a gruff voice.

"The last thing I wanna do is be on her side, but she's right dammit. Sittin' here yappin ain't gonna get Kagome back, so we gotta figure out who's gonna be able to give us the information we need. You know anyone old lady?"

Kaede snorted out a breath at the rude pup before steepling her hands in front of her face. They all waited while she churned through all she knew and remembered seeming to come to a conclusion after a short while.

"Aye Inuyasha, I have an idea though there are but two options ye have. If ye can find Miyoga he might have that knowledge, else ye must find Lord Sesshomaru."

It was quiet for a brief moment before Inuyasha burst out, "What?!"

It took some time to get the pup to calm down, and even longer to understand and accept the truth, though not quite as long as normal. Unfortunately what they needed was a very niche piece of information that few would have a reason to know and even less to learn. The sad truth was that humans cared more for their appearance than the truth and though Kaede promised to ask around, no one actually believed the priestesses or monks would keep such information. And so the only other option were the demons and amongst them the Lord of the West had always been touted to have the most vast collection of written lore.

InuTaisho may be long dead but it was rumored his son continued on with the collection. If ever there were a place to hold knowledge on dual powered shikigami, that library would be it. Their problem was how they'd get Sesshomaru to grant them access. With the bad blood between the brothers it was far more likely the demon would kill them all the second they stepped foot on the western lands. Unfortunately, try though they might, they couldn't come up with a solution and with how late it was they decided to try and sleep on it. Desperation was a thick perfume that followed the silent prayers to the gods for help. It had seemed like a solution was right in their grasps so many times only for another bit of reality to smack them in the face with it culminating in what felt like an unsolvable puzzle. Pushing it aside as best they could, they laid down for the night with the half-demon as sentry which led him to be the only who noticed Tsuryuko didn't sleep.

"Oi, you better not be trying to leave that body weak for Kagome."

She sighed at the stupid comment then chuckled lowly before looking at him. "I swear, you've made me sigh more in the few hours I've been here than I did in my entire life before. Tell me, what benefit would I get out of weakening this body?"

Surprisingly Inuyasha didn't immediately start an argument, instead seeming to look at her and really take her in. He could admit that he'd only viewed her as an enemy since she popped in, and though he wouldn't be able to stop himself from continuing to view her as such, he could try and think over what her goals were.

'Keh! This is why I hate resting, it's too much damn time just having to think about everything!'

"Look, we don't know a damn thing about you. How am I suppose to know something like that?"

Silence settled around them as they became comfortable in their spots, Inuyasha against a wall and Tsuryuko leaning her head on her crossed arms. Logically, she knew he was right but it was odd to think that way when she'd been there from the beginning and knew them all so well. Then again, no one had ever gotten all that close to her besides Mr.Snarky and The General and those connections didn't end very well. Exhaling quietly she looked towards the pup and quirked an eyebrow.

"To be honest, there's not much to know since the majority of my life was spent trapped in the jewel. It'd be like me asking you what you did while trapped on the tree, which is pretty pointless."

A shocked look crossed Inuyasha's face as he sputtered out, "How'd you now about that? We never told you anything about that!"

Tsuryuko held up a hand as he reached for Tetseiga, the scent of his budding panic tickling her nostrils. "Calm down Inuyasha, It's nothing sinister. Kagome was born with the jewel which is why her connection to it is so strong, and by extension her connection to me. I've always been able to slightly share consciousness with her."

His stance didn't waver even an inch though he knew he'd never be able to use the sword on her, even if it was Naraku himself who'd taken control.

'Not that she seems much different, she's got us all by the balls and knows it. And now she knows everything about us as well? If she does turn against us, we're completely fucked.'

"So you've been controlling Kagome since she was born? Do you realize how fucked up that is?" He wasn't yelling, but he wasn't trying to whisper either; the rest of the group was very clearly pretending to sleep while listening in. None of them felt at ease with any of this, and to know their friend's free will had been messed with her whole life was... disconcerting to say the least.

"You're making it seem like I was holding her hostage or something equally as stupid. I protected her, as best as I was able. Most of the time that just meant finishing her homework when she fell asleep too early. Other times it was just getting her into bed so she didn't catch a cold, stuff like that. Hell, the only thing I did here was toss out the heavily scented items she used and explore a little." She held eye contact with Inuyasha hoping her eyes could convey her feelings properly. "You were only stuck on the tree for 50 years with no knowledge of time passing. I was trapped in that jewel for over a millenia and was consciously aware of every moment. Are you really going to vilify me for the few pieces of freedom I took while knowing it would end with Kagome's death?"

The rest of the night was spent in quiet contemplation, sleep finally catching up to most. Inuyasha took the time to think through everything and try to imagine it from another point of view like Kagome always told him to. Mostly unsuccessful, he decided to just focus on getting the priestess back and worrying about the rest later.

Morning came, waking everyone and allowing for the daily rituals. Usually cheerful and rowdy, the group was tense and silent which made breakfast dower. Once they started discussing their options again it became obvious no one really knew what they could do. For an entire hour they talked in circles before Inuyasha exploded, jumping to his feet and yelling at them all.

"Look, I don't care what we do, we just gotta hurry up and do somethin! You're sayin that I gotta get my bastard brother to let me use our old man's library? Fine! Let's go find him and get this over with!"

Normally they didn't argue with him too much since things tended to work out, but they were nervous that this time would be the exception. They knew better than to flat out tell him no though, especially when he was so volatile.

"While I understand where you're coming from Inuyasha, what good can we be to Lady Kagome dead?" Miroku held up a hand to stop the half-demon from yelling again. "And even if we did decide to risk it, none of us know where your late father's estate resides."

To be honest, the last bit was the main reason they weren't just charging headfirst into danger. This complete lack of information was aggravating and left them feeling nearly hopeless, Kaede and Miroku carrying the majority of the emotional weight. Inuyasha wasn't use to feeling helpless and had no idea what to do with himself or how to deal with it, his instincts only screaming to do something. He was prepared to continue yelling, regardless how pointless it might be, when a sharp prick made him wince and slap his neck. With a yell of triumph he lifted a flattened Miyoga from his palm to hold in front of his face.

"Well! If it isn't the little weasel Miyoga. I should thank whatever made you run all the way out here, I was looking for you."

With a pop the little flea returned to his normal shape and immediately started his fake posturing. "My lord Inuyasha, I'll have you know I come from a long long of distinguished fleas who have faithfully served your family for generations. It is my duty to be here when you need me as your retainer, I can't help if my duties take me away from my mother's matchmaking schemes."

No one believed for even a moment that he was even a hint remorseful, but they had more important things to focus on. Besides, his timely arrival boosted their spirits enough that the pup was glad to ignore the stupid comments.

"Ya don't say? Well then, I'm sure you'd love to help me with my current problem as my faithful and humble retainer, right?" Before he could start trying to make excuses to get out of having to do anything Inuyasha continued on, making sure to hold him just a tad bit tighter. "Ya see, we had something happen and now we need to get into my old man's library and seeing as how generations of your family served the geezer, you can lead us right to it, can't you?"

Intense fear bordering on terror started pouring from the small demon as he began coming up with story after story for why he couldn't go, begging to be let go before finally shouting, "I do not want to die!" After a few moments where he caught his breath and the group looked to each other in confusion, he continued on. "Lord Inuyasha, there are many things you don't know about the world of demons but you do know the most important rule: survival of the fittest. Luckily I have escaped most of the fighting as I made quite the name and reputation for myself with your father. That time ended long ago, and while I may be of no consequence to most, my reputation does still hold enough sway that it makes me a target. I know not what ill has befallen your group this time, but you cannot ask me to sacrifice my life so that you may have a chance at possible gaining access to the library."

It was as if time froze after his words, that was how little movement there was. Of course he was right, they couldn't ask him to die for this - that didn't stop them from wanting to though. Shippo seemed to be the only one who didn't have a part of himself that thought about sacrificing Miyoga, the others unable to help but consider how much the flea was worth when compared to Kagome. That they were weighing the cost of a life, any life, didn't sit well and made them feel a bit too similar to Naraku for their liking. Tsuryuko didn't know exactly what they were thinking but could guess and decided to try and take some control of the situation before it got out of hand.

"Miyoga, right? My name is Tsuryuko, it's a pleasure to meet you." She had to hold back a chuckle when he attempted to bow, only do realize his head was still restrained. "I do understand the gravity of your predicament, but we desperately need to access that library. Perhaps you could scribe a map for us instead?"

Like a light bulb going off he shone with life once more and vigorously waved his arms in excitement. "My Lady, you must contain blood as magnificent as you are! Yes, I can absolutely make you a map, though I must caution you: I have not been back since Lord Inuyasha's father died so I have no way to know if anything has changed."

In no time at all they had a station set up for the flea, grateful to not have to follow their train of thought any longer. Later they'd need to sit and work through their feelings on it including any ramifications it might have, but for now they could focus on the problem right in front of them. While waiting for the map to be done they went and help Kaede around the village, even managing to get rid of a demon that sprang up nearby. Around midday the group gathered once again in the hut to find the map done and Miyoga sipping on a cup of tea looking pleased with himself.

Each had circled to see it as the flea explained the route and landmarks to look out for which gave Sango the perfect position to see the new half-demon's expression.

"Is everything alright Tsuryuko? You look a bit confused."

Instead of looking up and acknowledging the question she bent father down and asked some of her own. "Miyoga, if I were to follow this path up would I enter the flaming forest?"

Blinking his eyes in surprise the old demon nodded in affirmation. "Why yes, the Western Lord's home has always been located near the border to the northern lands. In fact, if you follow that specific path about half a days journey you'll cross the mountains that house the Northern clan. May I ask how you knew that my lady?"

Crossing her arms Tsuryuko looked at Inuyasha, an odd look in her eyes. "We aren't going to need that map, I apparently know the destination already. I think... Inuyasha I think I knew your father."