Chapter Thirty-Two

Energy

Kagome stepped off the subway, climbed the stairs and went back out onto the city streets.

She was on the south side, very close to the police station where Sango worked. Though she hadn't gone there to see her.

Miroku's old family shrine was three streets down, hidden behind one of Tokyo's largest parks.

Kagome tugged at her bottom lip with her teeth as she stopped at the front door. She had known her friend's boyfriend for years but this was the first time she had visited.

She knocked on the wood door gently, clasping her hands behind her back and waiting.

The first thing she saw when the door opened was Miroku's smiling face.

"Kagome! You got here fast," he closed the door behind him, gesturing to the backyard with his gaze. "It's best that my grandfather doesn't hear our conversation."

Talking about demons was a taboo they shouldn't risk breaking. Kagome was eager to understand the reason for such secrecy.

She followed Miroku, glancing around the small stone courtyard that surrounded the family home. The temple was not as large as her family's, though it was noticeably much older.

He pointed to the single bench under a tree and she smiled, taking a seat and fiddling with the edge of her shirt.

Miroku was the only person she knew with mystical powers like the ones she had and was still trying to learn to control.

"Thank you for coming," he added, sitting down beside her. "You know it's not safe to talk about this over the phone."

After sighing, Kagome opened her backpack and pulled out a small book, placing it carefully in the space between them.

"This is the book I told you about."

Miroku's blue eyes widened as he read the title.

"Did Inuyasha give it to you?"

She nodded with her heart pounding inside her chest as she watched him pick it up and flip through the first few pages. The ancient book was like a treasure to her and she feared it might be damaged.

"It was kept in his brother's palace," Kagome explained in a whisper.

"That Sesshomaru must be one of the most powerful yōkai in the forest," Miroku commented, closing it and placing it back on the bench.

A shiver ran down her spine at the name of the demon who had wanted to end her life.

She swallowed and looked him in the eye.

"Why do you say that?"

"The four Lords were the only ones who lived in large palaces," Miroku folded his arms, frowning as he thought. "He must be the descendant of one of them."

Kagome gasped.

"Inuyasha's father."

All the pieces were slowly coming together. Inuyasha's brother was a Lord and they had both been raised in a palace, so their father had to be one of the yōkai who signed the blood pact before the humans erected the barrier that would divide their worlds forever.

"Could be," Miroku raised an eyebrow. "He didn't tell you?"

Kagome pursed her lips. Inuyasha didn't like to talk about his parents and she had avoided asking questions so as not to make him uncomfortable.

"He wants to show it to me in person."

The idea of seeing the blood pact with her own eyes and understanding all the mystery that shrouded the Demon Forest was too tempting.

And Kagome knew she wouldn't be able to resist.

"Is he going to take you deep into the forest?"

Miroku narrowed his eyes as she nodded.

"You must be very careful, Kagome," he murmured, shaking his head as he sighed. "No one knows all the dangers lurking in there."

She and Sara were probably the only people in Tokyo who had suffered a demon attack and lived to tell about it.

"Have you ever seen them?"

What would Sango think if she knew her boyfriend had wandered into the Forbidden Forest?

Miroku shook his head and Kagome sighed in relief.

"I've never stepped through the barrier, though I've gone near it a few times to study it," he admitted quietly.

At least he wasn't lying to Sango.

"Nothing will happen to me. I trust Inuyasha," Kagome assured him in a firm voice.

The half-demon had entered her heart easily and, for the first time in her life, the empty feeling in her chest was almost imperceptible.

Would he feel the same way?

Miroku clicked his tongue.

"And yet he was plotting your death for months."

The need to defend him overwhelmed her. Kagome clenched her hands until she dug her nails in to control herself.

It was normal for Miroku to distrust Inuyasha. She would too if any of her friends had gone through the same thing.

Kagome was now able to understand his point of view. Living for centuries in a forest where everyone despised him, with the only hope that one day his destined mate would show up and accept him... only to find out that she was a human living on the other side of the fence.

It must have been frustrating.

"Things have changed," she muttered.

The Inuyasha who wanted her dead was nothing like the Inuyasha she knew. Now he was willing to die protecting her and Kagome had no doubt his feelings were sincere.

Miroku stared at her face in silence. Finally, he sighed and pulled something out of his pocket, opening his hand and offering it to her.

Kagome held the dark beaded necklace between her fingers, staring down at it curiously.

She had never seen anything like it before.

"This is called Beads of Subjugation and is a necklace of domination. It has been in this shrine for centuries and is from the time when yōkai and humans did not live separately."

Her eyes drifted to his for a second.

"I'm sure it was a bloody time."

Miroku smirked.

"You are so right, dear Kagome," his smile faded and his expression turned serious. "Though demons are still thirsted for vengeance and will not allow any human who enters their territory to leave alive."

Kagome slid her finger over one of the white fang-shaped beads. She could feel some strange energy inside.

"They must not like being locked up," she snorted softly, shrugging one of her shoulders.

Miroku leaned against the wooden bench, looking up at the treetop.

"They are the most powerful race and they think they should rule the world," he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "And they would have if our ancestors hadn't contained them in there."

She looked sideways at him.

"How do you know all this?"

"My grandfather has several of the books written by Midoriko. She was one of the priestesses who created the protective barrier," Miroku glanced at her. "And I suspect you are her descendant."

All the blood left Kagome's face. The name sounded so familiar.

"Wow," she let the air out slowly, looking away from her friend's piercing eyes. "I can't believe you found out so much in such a short time."

"Ever since Sango told me what had happened, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it," Miroku smiled sideways. "And her help has come in handy."

Kagome looked back at the strange necklace with a frown.

"Why are you showing me these prayer beads?" she asked, lifting it between her fingers.

"It has an ancient charm that can control demons," Kagome turned her head quickly, staring at Miroku with wide and panicked eyes. "In the old days, they used necklaces like this to subdue the yōkai and force them to obey."

She pursed her lips, setting the beads down next to her book.

"I don't want to do that with Inuyasha."

"I figured as much," Miroku chuckled under his breath. "Even if he's only a half-demon, the magical barrier was raised to contain any demonic power within that forest," he touched the necklace with his hand, arching his brow. "Inuyasha must feel pain every time he goes through it."

Kagome bit her lower lip nervously.

"He hasn't told me anything."

Miroku opened the book he had pulled out, moving closer to her and pointing to page fifty-four. Kagome read that paragraph slowly.

It looked like a protection spell.

"I think the necklace will protect him against the barrier if we add this spell to it," Miroku explained, holding the dark beads in his right hand. "But I need your help."

"I haven't learned to use my powers yet."

"Never mind," he offered the necklace again without letting go. "Hold it in one hand and relax. Close your eyes, let your mind go blank."

Kagome nodded and, once they both had the prayer beads securely in place and she was calm, Miroku put the open book in his lap.

"Now read the words with me."

They both read the incantation at the same time and her hand started glowing with that pink light she hadn't seen for weeks. Miroku's was also surrounded by purple light, but hers was much brighter.

As soon as they said the last word, the necklace lit up for a second and all the light disappeared as if it had been absorbed.

Miroku let out a long sigh.

"Why, Kagome," he chuckled softly, tilting his head to look at her. "Your energy is so much more powerful than mine."

She had felt it too.

"Do you think it will work?"

"There's only one way to find out," Miroku shoved his book at her. "Take this with you. You should read it."

Kagome smiled as he stood up.

"Thank you, Miroku," she stood as well, putting the two books and the necklace in her backpack. "You're a good friend."

"I don't trust him but I do trust you. If you think Inuyasha has no bad intentions, I'll think that too."

Kagome wrapped her arms around him and Miroku smiled as he returned her embrace.

"Thank you," she stepped back, looking at the shrine entrance. "I have to go."

It was almost lunchtime and her family would have returned home by now.

Miroku's voice stopped her as she walked away.

"Remember, Kagome. You need to stay focused for the magic to flow through you."

"I will," she looked back, waving her hand. "See you!"

She put on her backpack and went down the stairs, taking out her phone to check when the next subway train was coming.

She needed to get home as soon as possible. It wouldn't be long before Inuyasha would be there.

After picking up his sword and changing his clothes, Inuyasha ran through miles of the forest until he reached the Taisho palace.

The guards greeted him with a nod and he crossed the garden, sniffing to see if Shippo was around.

It seemed he was not close.

He walked deeper into the large building, avoiding passing near the central hall and up to the first floor. Turning into the corridor that led to his room, he met a pair of eyes just as golden as his own.

"I see you're back."

Inuyasha moved forward until he was a few steps away from his brother, folding his arms and jamming his hands into the sleeves of his red jacket.

"For a short time," he glanced to the right wall, staring at a drawing of several wolf yōkai fighting a large white dog. "This afternoon I will return to the human world."

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow.

"Kagome has agreed to be my mate," Inuyasha added quietly.

His brother gestured to his room and he nodded, opening the door. Neither spoke again until they were both inside it.

"It will be fun to see how you manage to get that human to survive," Sesshomaru's lips curved into a slight smirk. "Because she'll have to leave her world eventually."

Inuyasha gritted his teeth.

"I will protect her."

His brother waved one of his claws, changing the subject.

"The guards have heard rumours of a possible rebellion," he murmured as his eyes darkened. "The moon yōkai are said to want to take control of the western area."

Inuyasha felt the blood boil in his veins.

His parents' killers had been trying to take Taisho Castle from them for centuries.

Sesshomaru watched his expression and nodded, understanding his anger.

"We will not allow it," he said in a deep voice, placing his hand on the hilt of his sword. "I need you by my side, Inuyasha. And you must be prepared to fight from here on out."

He nodded firmly.

"I will not be parted from my sword again."

He was vulnerable to demons as powerful as they were without it, and the danger increased on the nights of the full moon.

Sesshomaru paced the room until he reached the balcony, looking out over the castle's backyard.

"I suppose I should inform you that twenty powerful female yōkai dogs from all corners of the forest will be arriving at the palace tomorrow," he remarked calmly. "Mother and I have decided that it is time for me to have an heir."

Inuyasha gasped in surprise.

"What?"

"You and I both know I won't find my mate among the demons, so there's no point in waiting any longer," Sesshomaru shrugged, running a hand through his long silver hair. "We need to make sure our clan has a future leader worthy of defending the title."

It was all too familiar.

"Are you going to choose a yōkai to sire a child with?"

"I'm not thrilled with the idea either," Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. "Father did the same thing."

And they both knew how well that union had ended.

"I will wait until she is fertile and spend a night with her. After that, I will allow her to live in this palace and she will be under my protection for the rest of her life."

Inuyasha raised his eyebrows. His brother had no intention of taking her as an official mate, only to use her as a concubine.

"You don't seem very enthusiastic."

"All I want is an heir," Sesshomaru rolled his eyes. "The rest doesn't interest me."

Inuyasha shrugged as he laid his sword on the table. He would not need to defend himself inside the palace.

"If you think it's the right thing to do, go ahead. You'll have my support."

"And you will have mine," Sesshomaru replied, bowing his chin in mutual respect. "Though you know how I feel about all this."

Inuyasha's face tightened. He didn't want to hear his opinion again.

"It is decided, Sesshomaru. There is no turning back now."

The demon clicked his tongue as he opened the door, turning his back on him.

"I just hope you won't regret it."

Inuyasha flopped down on the bed, sighing wearily.

His brother having a yōkai heir? He never thought it would ever happen.

Just imagining Sesshomaru having sex gave him chills. The chosen demon did not know what was in store for her.

Inuyasha entered her room an hour after Kagome had arrived home. She had felt his presence approaching the shrine and going through her window.

She climbed the stairs hiding a smile.

"Inuyasha."

Her heart skipped a beat when he also smiled at her. One of his white ears twitched in the direction of the window.

"Your friend is nearby."

Kagome blinked, and before she could say something they both heard the doorbell ring.

"I wish I had as good an ear as you," she commented, laughing as they walked down the stairs together.

Inuyasha snorted.

"Keh. It's not always a good thing."

He leaned against the wall, watching the exchange of greetings from afar.

"Sara! We've been waiting for you."

The two walked past Inuyasha and she smiled at the sight of him.

"Hi, Inuyasha. How did you sleep?"

He blushed, averting his gaze.

"Fine."

Kagome pressed her lips together to keep from smiling. A half-demon who fought huge yōkai being so shy was so adorable.

"I made tea and my mother baked these cookies yesterday," she pointed to the plate on the table. "I can't wait to taste them."

Sara sat down next to her, looking around.

"Where are the others?"

Inuyasha took a seat across from them, furrowing his brow as he looked between them with interest.

"Grandpa is asleep and Sota is studying in his room," Kagome said, sighing. "Mum will be back in a little while."

Sara placed her hands on the table, fixing her gaze on the only demon in the room.

"What do you think of Kagome's family?"

"They don't scream when they see me," Inuyasha shrugged. "I'll settle for that."

Kagome giggled, holding his hand between hers on the table and looking into his eyes with a sweet expression.

"They've all accepted Inuyasha, just as I have."

He glanced sideways at her and she saw a small blush on his cheeks. Inuyasha cleared his throat, focusing his attention on her friend.

"What do you want to know?"

Straight to the point. Kagome sighed, picking up a cookie.

"I'd like you to tell me what happened the day I entered the forest," Sara asked in a whisper. "I can't remember it and I'm losing my mind."

Inuyasha pondered for a few seconds with his lips pressed together. Finally, he rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest, explaining to her what he had seen and how he got her out of there.

Sara's hand that wasn't holding her teacup kept shaking so Kagome held it, squeezing gently.

She gave him a grateful smile and looked back up at Inuyasha.

"So... He didn't want to kill me?"

"No."

"And that yōkai is my..." Sara glanced at Kagome for a moment before finishing her question. "My mate?"

Inuyasha's face darkened.

"You must forget about him," he said flatly. "Sesshomaru is not like me. He only has contempt for humans."

Sara opened her mouth to ask another question but the demon interrupted her.

"The only reason he didn't kill you was that Sesshomaru was afraid to get close and have what happened to me happen to him," Inuyasha looked sideways at Kagome, swallowing as he remembered the day he marked her. "He would never accept a human as a mate."

"I see," Sara frowned, chewing on a cookie absently. "And he's a murderer, isn't he?"

"We all are," Inuyasha dropped his gaze to his lap. "Though I've never killed a human myself."

The two friends exchanged a glance. They both knew he was anything but a ruthless killer.

"I guess I got lucky," she added with a sigh. "I can hardly feel that strange feeling pulling me into the forest anymore."

Inuyasha set his empty cup on the table.

"And you won't feel it again. Sesshomaru will stay out of the limit with the human world as long as you are alive."

"So that's it?" Sara asked, surprised by his admission. "What we feel is... your presence?"

Kagome squeezed her friend's hand again, drawing her attention.

"I realised it the day Inuyasha and I met again," she looked at the demon, who was watching her with a serious face. "I felt you approaching the shrine."

"Did you feel it today, too?" he asked curiously.

Kagome nodded.

"I can feel your presence when you're close."

Sara was listening to them with her mouth open.

"Fascinating," she blinked, looking at Inuyasha. "Do you know if this happens often?"

"I only know of one other yōkai who found his mate in the human world," he replied, leaning his back against the chair.

Kagome knew who he meant.

"Your father."

Inuyasha gave her a long look before nodding.

"I promise not to go near that forest again as long as Kagome promises to tell me everything she sees inside," Sara gave them both a mischievous grin. "I'm too curious."

"You have my word, Sara."

Kagome smiled back and she stood up, picking up her handbag.

"I'll be going then. It's my turn to make dinner today," Sara glanced over her shoulder before leaving the room. "See you at the hospital, Kagome."

"See you tomorrow."

Inuyasha's ears twitched, listening as she left the house.

"Do you think she has powers too?" he asked once he was sure they were alone.

"Sara has always been very intuitive, it's like she has a sixth sense," Kagome rested her chin on her hand. "But I haven't detected anything like Miroku's energy in her."

That surprised Inuyasha.

"Can you feel his energy?"

"And yours," her lips curved upward, her gaze sweeping over his form. "I just have to concentrate."

He made a face.

"You are more powerful than I thought."

"And that scares you?" she asked with an arched eyebrow.

Inuyasha gave her a crooked smile that sparked a small fire inside her. He stood up and stopped beside her, offering her his hand.

"I trust you."

Kagome followed him down the hall, lacing her fingers with his as they stepped out into the stone courtyard. Despite his long, dangerous nails, holding his hand made her feel safe.

Inuyasha and everything around him was a world of contradictions that was difficult to explain.

Once they reached the sacred tree, Inuyasha turned to her and scanned her face, his gaze lingering on her mouth. A second later she was trapped in his arms as he devoured her lips slowly and torturously, pushing her until her back was pressed against the trunk.

"I have trouble controlling myself when I'm not human," Inuyasha growled softly and his breath ruffled her bangs. "Your scent keeps me from thinking clearly."

Kagome opened her eyes, trying to catch her breath after such an intense kiss.

"They can't see this tree from inside the house."

She saw a spark in his irises before he lunged at her again.

"Kagome," he nibbled on her lower lip gently with his fangs and a growl echoed deep in his chest. "Mine."

She shuddered, wrapped in his arms. Kagome buried her hands in his hair to prolong the kiss but he pulled away.

"I have to go," Inuyasha took a step back and Kagome had to press her lips together to keep from protesting. "My brother needs my help and I won't be able to return for a few days."

She watched as he made sure his sword was securely held and looked toward the back of the shrine, the direction he always left.

"I am willing to go with you into the forest."

Inuyasha looked at her again with bright eyes.

"Then I will take you there once I return."

Kagome wrapped her arms around her own body, letting out a heavy sigh. The thought of not being able to see or speak to Inuyasha for several days was not something she relished.

"Don't forget about me, Inuyasha."

He looked back at her one last time, grinning before disappearing into the trees.

"Impossible."