Even though the meeting had been more violent than anticipated, Inuyasha's induction ceremony went off without a hitch. Few were aware that Sesshoumaru had a half-demon brother, and even those that knew had not been expecting him to be named as successor to The West on this night. If any had a problem with it, they kept it to themselves.

With the support of the- remaining- members of the council, none would dare go against Sesshoumaru's wishes. At least for the time being. There were many who would not approve of any human blood in a leadership position, but as far as Sesshoumaru was concerned, they could take that up with him personally. In the meantime, the guards had orders to keep an ear out for any decenters in their midst.

The shock of Inu no Taisho's youngest son being presented to the guards of the West, and the other lords' own soldiers and family who were at the fortress, hadn't time to set in before Sesshoumaru informed all present that there was to be a human wedding held the very next day; and, all were expected to be in attendance. Any who were not would be assumed to be withholding support of the union and would be, effectively, on The Western Lord's shit list.

He had to move fast. It was his strategy to hit them with his new world order with such speed and force that they wouldn't have time to react or rebel. It would be normalized before they knew it.

Having been introduced and taken his oath, Inuyasha was now doing his best to look comfortable mingling with his new peers. He was the star of the show tonight, and many were eager to meet the mysterious young half demon who was the brother of their lord.

He was listening to yet another demon regale a war story from the time of his father when a familiar aura grazed his senses. He tensed as he felt it, and made eye contact with his brother, who was already making his way to the hanyou.

"The miko has arrived. Send her to the gardens when you are through," was his simple command.

"But don't you want to-"

"She will no doubt want words with you. I shall give you a moment to yourselves," Inuyasha winced internally as his brother made to leave the hall. He was probably right, and he didn't look forward to what those words might be. Sesshoumaru's exit was interrupted by Touran, however, who apparently wanted a word of her own with the dog demon.

Kagome shook with fear and anticipation as she was flown over The Western Gates. She returned from the future to find Ah-Un waiting for her, and felt some relief that Sesshoumaru wanted to see her. Whether he knew about Kouga or not, he wasn't shutting her out. She hadn't expected the dragon to be there, and so had no hopes of getting to The West before Inuyasha's ceremony. But now with the demon escort, there was a chance she could make it.

The guards were expecting her, and were instructed to bring her to the main hall once she had arrived. Though she and Inuyasha hadn't left on the best of terms, she still loved him, and was eager to make up.

She longed to see Sesshoumaru as well. Her talk with her mother had given her some insight as to what she wanted to do, and she was hoping that he would still be receptive to having some sort of relationship with her.

As she entered the hall, however, her heart sank to the floor. Sesshoumaru's imposing form was unmistakable near the far exit door, and a beautiful panther demon was speaking with him and standing close. Too close. Her mother's words rang in her ear, and she worried that she had strung her 'desirable male' along for too long. Was her time up? Had he moved on? The thought made her chest tighten painfully.

That was when he seemed to sense her and made eye contact, before speaking lowly to the panther demon and going through the exit alone. Was that it? Why would he send for her only to ice her out once she arrived? She hadn't time to think any more on it as Inuyasha appeared beside her.

"You made it," he sounded relieved but uncertain.

"Inuyasha," she couldn't help but smile at him. He was all dressed up in a formal kimono, wearing Tetsusaiga at his side. She'd never seen him look so professional before. It looked good on him.

"I didn't think you would come."

"Inuyasha, I'm sorry-" she started, but he cut her off.

"No, Kagome. I'm sorry." The sincerity in his tone was in stark contrast to his normally gruff cadence. It wasn't the first time he'd displayed it; none the less, it never failed to captivate her attention. "I shouldn't have said what I did. You were right. Whatever goes on between you two is your business. I was upset, but I shouldn't talk to you that way."

That was what she was hoping to hear; what she felt she was owed. Still, she felt compelled to defend herself.

"Would it help if I told you it wasn't what it looked like?"

"A little," he confessed with a sniff as he briefly looked away. "You should probably tell him that. He's waiting for you in the gardens."

"Is he mad?"

"You know him; it's impossible to tell. I usually go by the body count, so I'd say you're looking okay so far." If he was able to joke around, he couldn't be too upset with her. She relaxed slightly at the thought.

"He did decapitate a guy right before the ceremony, though; so, he might be a little pent up."

"I missed the ceremony?" She was crestfallen. She was the worst best friend ever.

"It's not a big deal," he told her, slightly amused that she seemed more shaken by that part of his statement.

"Yes. It is," she raised her hand to rest on his arm. "I should have been there. I wanted to be there. I'm sorry I missed it."

He pulled her into a bear hug. It didn't matter. All that mattered was that she was here now.

She felt a slight relief with the knowledge that at least one of the brother's seemed to forgive her so far. But figured it couldn't hurt to pander anyway...

"You look very handsome in your new outfit."

"Keh, whatever," he pushed her away, but couldn't hide his smile. "I can't wait to get out of this thing...but thanks."

"Congratulations, Inuyasha. I'm very proud of you," she said as she smiled back at him.

He looked into her eyes a moment more, then told her, "You better get going. He ain't gonna wait forever."

"I know," she responded, and left for the gardens.

A/N: You guys are the shit! Thanks for reading!