To say that the council meeting the next morning was tense would be an understatement. Sesshoumaru, for his part, did a phenomenal job of disguising the hangover he was no doubt experiencing. It had been a rough night, but it seemed he had gotten his lapse in control out of his system for the time being. He was back to himself; appearing calm and unaffected, and his outward appearance was flawless- from pristine clothing to his measured movements and countenance.

Kagome was there too, sitting beside Kashi, and glaring daggers at Sesshoumaru who refused to acknowledge it. She knew what he had done last night, and with who. The whole fortress was aware, as he had made no attempts to temper the flaring of his youki as he blew off steam with the panther demon who was also present. He had no regrets. He was single again, and could do as he pleased. If she had desired to be his, she could have stopped this heir business and simply remained by his side. How he wished she had.

But alas, here they were. This was the meeting in which Kashi would announce her as Heir to the South, but Sesshoumaru would make one last attempt to prevent it.

"Kashi, This One highly suggests that you reconsider. Kagome is not demon, nor has she ever even stepped foot within your lands. She has no experience as a lady of land, and it would be foolhardy to place her in such a prominent position."

Under normal circumstances, Kashi would be much too fearful to go against the demon lord. But with the powerful miko now at his side, he could draw strength from her protection. Additionally, her presence would redirect Sesshoumaru's attention. And his ire.

"That may be so, but as she knows what the future will hold, she has convinced me that she will make great strides in improving The Southern Lands. You know more than anyone what an asset she may be, My Lord. I'm afraid your loss will be my gain."

He had to repress the growl that threatened to escape. He would not show weakness, and let her affect his demeanor.

"Furthermore, her powers are formidable. And if I do not name her as heir, it is possible that she will simply kill me," he informed him honestly. Sesshoumaru was intimidating as he fixed his deadly eyes on the dragon.

"And what do you think I will do?"

Kashi swallowed thickly at the threat, but he had already thrown down the gauntlet. There was no turning back now.

"I'm sorry, Sesshoumaru. But it really isn't your call. It is my decision. And might I remind you that we wouldn't even be in this position had you not killed my last heir in this very council."

It was the first time he actually regretted killing the arrogant dragon.

"Kagome," Inuyasha pleaded, "don't do this. You belong here with us. With me. After all we've been through together... can you just wait? I bet after some time, your power-"

"Silence, half-breed."

He couldn't believe this. It wasn't her anymore. He had really lost her.

"Kashi, I have to agree with Lord Sesshoumaru-" Touran started, but was interrupted by a snort from the miko.

"Figures. No surprise that Sesshoumaru would have the support of his sloppy rebound."

The panther was about to retort, but Kashi cut her off.

"Simply disagreeing with my choice is not grounds for rejection. Tanaka learned that the hard way. I shall not be so callous as to attack any member of council for their opposition, however," he spat at Sesshoumaru accusatorily. "We shall depart for The Southern Lands immediately, where a ceremony will be held to introduce Kagome to the guards. You are all welcomed to join us for the celebration, of course."

Now it was Sesshoumaru's turn to snort. "You may go play your little games, but This One has important work to be done here. You shall learn soon enough, miko, that ruling land is not as simple as you may perceive."

"That's fine. I have work to do as well. Let it be known that any demon who wishes to survive the upcoming human uprising may find a safe haven in The South. YOU will learn soon enough what your cohabitation will bring about for The West, Sesshoumaru."

"I suppose there is no more to be said," Sesshoumaru informed them as he turned his hard eyes on Kagome. "Travel safely. This summit has concluded."

Neither Sesshoumaru nor Inuyasha had been there to see Kagome off, but Kouga decided to pay her one last visit before he left for The East.

"Heya kid. How you holding up?"

She was packing her things as he stepped into her guest room, but she stopped to make her way over to him and threw her arms around him.

Though she was upset at his actions, the loss of Sesshoumaru was almost too much to bear. She badly needed a distraction, as he had.

Her hands roamed over Kouga as she tried to kiss him, but the wolf grabbed them to stop her and turned his head away in resistance.

"Woah, what are you doing?"

"C'mon Kouga. You know you want to. How about one more time for old time's sake?"

He was uncomfortable with her actions, and not interested in indulging her.

"Kagome, we said it was over. I'm trying to be a better mate to Ayame." His refusal was insulting, and frustrating.

"Besides, I couldn't do that to Sesshoumaru."

"We aren't together anymore, Kouga. He has no claim over me any longer."

There was a time when he would have done anything to appease the miko in his grasp. But those days were long over. He would always love Kagome, but she was no longer his woman.

"That may be. But I'm not an idiot. Neither are you. It is clear that he still loves you... You know, it's not too late to change your mind. You guys were good together. I bet if you just apologize-"

"No, Kouga. It's over." She looked down sadly at the admission.

She was making a huge mistake. And it pained him to realize that she would discover this soon enough.

"Give the wolves my best, okay?"

He regarded her somberly as she returned to her packing.

"I will. Good luck, Kagome."