Disclaimer: I do now own any characters from Inuyasha.

Ingenious

Later that afternoon, Kagome was escorted out into the gardens to greet her son. Her mind was filled with worry and questions. She had never heard of a demon and a miko being able to combine energies in this way. Could it even be done?

Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard a shout, "Mama!"

Kagome whipped around just in time to catch her son as he leapt at her.

She spun him around, and he laughed happily. Katsurou squirmed as she rained kisses all over his face.
"Katsurou, are you doing alright?"

He gave her a toothy grin. "I have been having lots of fun! Rin has been playing ball with me!" His eyes became round. "Mama, there is so much food here! I ate so much; I thought I was going to barf!" He said excitedly.

Kagome set him down, and ruffled his hair. "Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama is taking care of us, so slow down with the food, no need to get sick."

Kagome's heart hurt to hear her son talk about food scarcity. She had never experienced hunger or starvation as a child, and if she had raised her son in her own time, Katsurou wouldn't know it either. Unfortunately though, rural village life could be difficult, particularly if the crops failed. Kagome felt proud that she was able to feed him during such times, but it did not mean that he did not know what true hunger was.

"Kagome-sama!" Rin called. She came running up to them.

Her brightly colored yukata had grass stains, and she looked winded.

Rin smiled happily, and pulled Kagome into a hug.

"I am so glad you are feeling better. You had us worried there for a moment."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset anyone."

Rin pulled back and held Kagome at arm's length. "Your maid is amazing! You look so beautiful!"

"Thank you. I'll be honest, as much as it will take some getting used to; I am excited to wear such gorgeous clothing. These robes are extraordinary, even from where I'm from." Kagome admitted.

Rin looped her arm through Kagome's, and they proceeded to walk around through the lush gardens. Katsurou jogged around them, eager to play.

"Katsurou, why don't you find the ball, and we'll play some more." Rin suggested.

He quickly dashed off the pathway and deeper into the gardens.

Rin leaned in close to whisper.

"Sesshoumaru is certainly showing his affection for you." She eyed Kagome's kimono.

"What? Hardly Rin. You should have seen him in the meeting this morning. He barely tolerates me."

Rin laughed softly. "I hope you will be able read him as well as I can someday, Kagome-sama."

Kagome rolled her eyes. "Unlikely."

"Have you heard what everyone is calling you? The Shikei no Miko. That's pretty amazing!"

Kagome groaned. She really didn't appreciate being referred to as an executioner.

"So, I take it you heard what happened?"

"That you executed a traitor in a most glorious fashion? Yes. It was an ingenious plan on your part I must say."

"Rin, I tortured someone, then gruesomely killed him. I don't see much genius in that." Kagome said solemnly.

Rin shook her head. "Kagome-sama, you must learn to start thinking like youkai. What you did was display your power in a way that solidified your place within this society. It is seen as admirable to avenge those who have wronged you. Everyone has been talking about it as a noble act in defending the West. You might not like the new nickname, but it is a respectful one."

Kagome still did not feel convinced.