When Sesshoumaru sensed his dragons return, he could finally release some tension. The other lords had all arrived, and now with Inuyasha present, they could finally begin the council meeting. He wanted this over with and behind him. The sooner they got through this, the sooner he could focus on showing the miko the benefits of being on his team.

When he got out to the landing fields to receive him however, he was struck by the absence of a member of their party. The dragons made their landing alongside Kirara, and as Sesshoumaru approached, Inuyasha leapt off to meet him; he was fairly certain of what he would be asked.

"Where is the miko?" The others gave no sign that any harm had befallen her, and that could only mean one thing.

"She ain't coming." Kagome traveled back to their village and jumped down the well following their little 'encounter.' When she hadn't returned after a few hours, Inuyasha took that as a sign that she would be skipping the ceremony, and the wedding.

He wouldn't go back to fetch her this time. His language had left something to be desired, but this was a rare instance where he was in the right. He would let her come to him.

It killed him that she wouldn't be there when he got married, but at this rate, he wasn't sure if she would be coming around at all anymore. It was a painful notion, but he had bigger fish to fry at the moment.

Sesshoumaru felt the tension flooding back, as worry washed over him. She must have made her decision, and it was not what he had hoped. How could she possibly not wish to be with her friends; with him?

He had failed. There must have been something more he could have done to persuade her. Perhaps he was losing his touch.

"Is she alright?" Poor guy. Kagome didn't deserve his concern. But he wouldn't burden him with it now.

"We had a fight. She went back through the well to cool off, but I doubt she'll make the ceremony." He would let Sesshoumaru blame him for it for now. He had enough to worry about, and they needed his head in the game. The demon frowned at him.

"What have you done to upset her this time?" Why did he have to piss her off right before they were supposed to depart. Could he not have waited until she was here? Then the demon lord could have taken on the task of consoling her...

He was looking forward to showing her his home, and the life he could give her. This put a wrench in his plans.

"Keh. She should probably tell you herself. It ain't my business." Uh oh. He didn't like the sound of that one bit. But it would have to wait. He had to get the hanyou prepared for the summit. Inuyasha had never been, so he had almost no time to fill him in on what was expected of him; as well as get him informed on the plans he was about to present.

Before he did that though, he had to quickly issue some orders. Once everyone was off of his beasts, he made his way to Ah-Un and gave his instructions. They were to go to the well and bring the miko when she returned. That was the best he could do for the time being.

He was wishing now more than ever that he was able to pass through the portal himself. It was unfortunate that his brother was the only other who could make the journey, and that he was often the one she was hiding from.

"The guards will take you all to your rooms. Inuyasha, change into the kimono laid out in your chambers, and This One will be there to collect you shortly." A small group of soldiers began to lead them towards the fortress, but Sesshoumaru grabbed Shippo by his collar to stay back with him.

He was worried about what the dog demon had planned for him. He knew he fucked up. Once the others were out of earshot, he began his lament.

"I failed. You give me one job, and I didn't get her on the dragon. Guess I'm a pretty shitty soldier." Sesshoumaru had no time for a pity party.

"Do you know what Inuyasha said to cause her to flee?" Unbeknownst to the boy, his original plans for the kit was to be his eyes and ears regarding Rin and the...complications that may arise as she reaches her courting years. As it stood, however, it seemed he would be of use keeping an eye on the miko. Until she moved west, that is.

Shippo cast his gaze downwards. He wanted to impress Sesshoumaru more than anything. But this was an awkward topic for his first mission, and one that might implicate his mother. How could he betray her? It's not like he could lie to Sesshoumaru.

"I don't know if I should tell you," The Western Lord narrowed his eyes dangerously at the kit.

"I want to! But I'm afraid you will hate Kagome."

"Impossible. Tell me, kit." There was no room for disobedience.

"He called her a slut." Anger swelled in the youkai at this news, but Shippo continued. "He saw her kiss Kouga. He thinks they had sex." He thinks?

"And you?" He wanted to know what he thought? Why?

"I don't know! I know they have before, but why would she do that now? I thought she liked you." Shippo really hoped Inuyasha was wrong. If he wasn't...he could never hate her, but he couldn't forgive her. Why did she have to ruin things?

"It is possible to harbor feelings for multiple partners. Do you not remember Inuyasha doing the same?" This was a distressing realization. One he hoped was not true. She had made it clear to him that she didn't want to get too serious, but he hadn't considered there might be someone else. The prospect of sharing her was unpalatable.

"Yeah, look how that turned out," Shippo scoffed sarcastically.

"I believe it turned out with Inuyasha mating the love of his life." He guessed he had a point. "And do you forget whose selfless wish made it so? Your mother has given so much of herself to ensure the happiness of her pack. Does she not deserve to be selfish this once?"

Despite everything else, Shippo hadn't expected the demon to be so...understanding. So forgiving for such a perceived slight. His ego and pride were things of legend, and he could just 'let it go?'

"Aren't you mad?"

"The miko and I have an understanding. She has broken no vow to This One. Perhaps someday our circumstances may change. Until then, I shall be content with the favor she grants me. Allow your mother some grace. She has earned it."

Shippo was still confused, "But aren't couples supposed to be loyal? Didn't she break the rules?"

"The rules, kit, are decided upon by the players. Both must be on the same page, however." He released the young fox so that they could make their way to the fortress.

"I thank you for your information, but the rest is really between she and This Sesshoumaru."