Jiro could barely open his eyes enough to see. The swelling was too great. It was enough to make out the sterile environment he recognized as the infirmary, however. The pain was incredible, and when he coughed a bit of blood, the action hurt his body.

The forceful clearing of a throat alerted him to the presence of another, and he turned his head to notice Kagome sitting in a chair beside his bed. His instincts screamed at him to know fear in the presence of the powerful miko, but his rational mind supplied that in his condition, if she wanted him dead, he simply would have to accept it.

"Now that everyone is up, perhaps we can begin."

He didn't know what to make of the familiar line, but as it hurt to breathe, opted to wait for her to elaborate. When she didn't, he couldn't help but ask.

"What do you want, miko?"

"Can't I simply come down to see how my general is faring?"

The brief laugh he made gave way to a coughing fit that was painful to endure.

"I am not your general. I am general to The Western Lands, and by extension, Lord Sesshoumaru. My loyalties end there."

"If they ever began." She uncrossed her legs to lean forward. "You know why you are here. Why do you push his buttons so?"

It hurt too much to turn towards her, so he only slid his pupils her way. "Why do you? I heard how you had behaved in council."

She fixed him with a long look before responding. "I asked you first."

When he didn't answer, she pressed on.

"You will answer me. I am to be Sesshoumaru's mate. All he has belongs to me, including you."

He was in no mood to withhold. Being so vulnerable actually served to strengthen his nerves.

"For such a pretty little girl, you sure have a big set of balls on you. You seem to be testing the bounds of My Lord's kindness."

"You mean weakness. You asked why I am pushing against Sesshoumaru. His ideas are dangerous. If he doesn't protect The West more efficiently, those vile humans are going to take over."

"Hey! Crazy bitch! You gotta nice big mirror in The Western Lady's suite. I suggest you have a look in it. You are human."

"And also from the future. Did he tell you that?" His silence answered for him.

"I came here from 500 years in the future. I have seen what will come. If we don't handle this threat now, you can kiss your kind extinct. I may be human, but I am on your team."

"I am allied with Lord Sesshoumaru. As you claim to be. Speaking of loyalties, where are yours regarding him?"

"Sesshoumaru is the strongest demon alive, you know this. And I could purify him in a second if I so wished." At his alarmed glance, she placated.

"Relax. I have no intention of doing so. He is way too much fun in bed. My point is, I am not afraid of him, or any of you. It is your good fortune that I happen to be on your side. I am looking out for your best interests, which is more than I can say for my boyfriend. You see how he caters to humans. His brother, his ward, me. What about all of you?"

He was suspicious of her intentions, but his curiosity got the better of him.

"What are you getting at?"

"I'm gonna cut to the chase. I see you. You and I are not so different. You would have never tested your lord in the past. But something has changed in him; you see it too. You think he is weakening. You learned the hard way that his physical form has in no way weakened. And likely never will. But if he follows his heart's call as he has been, I fear he will lead you all down a path from which you will never return."

She was correct in her assessment of him. He had indeed grown concerned over Sesshoumaru's recent softening when it came to human kind. He had been willing to look the other way when he allowed the human child to take up residence in the fortress. Planning to allow humans into their society worried him further. And when he was made aware of his desire to actually take a human as a mate, he feared he might ignore the threat they could present.

He just hadn't expected the miko herself to share his concern.

"What do you suggest I do?"

Just then, Kai entered the room. "Dinner is prepared. Are you ready, Kagome?"

She rose to leave, pressing the wrinkles from her skirt as she did so.

"Get some rest, Jiro. It looks like you're gonna be here for a while. In the meantime, think on what I have said."

Kai threw his general a smirk. "Hey General. Tough match." Jiro scowled at the soldier's mockery.

"You'll get him next time, Champ," he said with a wink, and turned to join Kagome to leave.

As they stepped out into the hallway, he closed the door behind them; and turned to find Kagome looking straight at him. The sternness in her gaze caused him to start.

"Lady Kagome," she told Kai as he approached her, catching him off guard.

"Pardon?"

"You will address me as Lady Kagome, soldier."