Compass-

She woke to the soft giggles of children padding quickly to the kitchen as silently as hungry stomachs would allow. Around her she felt the solid form of the one who was so surely cradling her in her sleep. One arm was wrapped protectively at a diagonal across her chest while the other encircled her abdomen in a possessive hold, and the soft breathing at her neck sent chills down her spine. Her mind was so fuzzy from sleep and the pure opium Kisho had slipped into the rice wine she could barely process what had happened or where she was.

He had felt her wake only seconds before and had waited calmly as her mind became fully aware of her surroundings. He did not move or tense, simply continued to breathe in her soft, feminine scent that had so calmed him throughout the night. When she let out a sound of panic and he felt her struggle against him, he tightened his grip and gently kissed the nape of her neck. "Ivy, calm down," he said in a gentle, calm tone and was rewarded with her stilling in his embrace. "I have you. You are safe."

She pressed her eyes closed and clutched at his hands where he held her in a steely grip, feeling tears well and threaten to fall. Her mind and body still were slightly hazy from sleep and what Kisho had given her. Faintly, at the back of her mind she realized that the wine had to have been dosed with something for it to have affected her so quickly. She could hold her liquor like no one else, but she had passed out within moments of drinking what amounted to a full glass of red wine. After a moment, she moved to turn and felt him release her enough to welcome her against his chest, clutching at the folds of his clothing as she began to cry.

He rolled to his back and simply held her as she silently wept. Inuyasha had known it was coming from the moment she'd woken while Kouga was in their camp and bolted into the underbrush. His heart had almost stopped seeing her begin to fall toward the jagged rocks below, barely capturing her form in his arms and missing the sharp boulders before pushing off a flat area and up into the air. He ran a clawed hand through her long curls and held her close until she could calm enough to speak.

"How do you feel?"

"A little light headed," she whispered. "What did Kisho put into the wine?"

"Opium," he caressed her back and took one of her hands when she trembled. "Do you remember?"

"No," she murmured and wove her fingers with his. "Nothing from the moment I fell into your arms."

A tension he'd been holding in his body released and he kissed the crown of her head. "I was worried you might… You struggled so much during it."

"I'm ok," she breathed, and hugged him tightly, feeling him relax even further. "My feet barely hurt at all right now."

"Are you hungry?"

"No, just a little sick to my stomach," she frowned softly as she swallowed. "More thirsty."

He sat up slowly with her, gently pushing her hair from her face as he met her eyes in the dim light of the den waking to the new day. "We're staying today and leaving tomorrow to go to Sesshomaru's mountain fortress. You need to eat at some point, ok?" She nodded and he kissed her brow with a tender intensity that sent a soft tremble through her body. "I'll go and get you some of that tea Kisho gave you last night. Lay back and rest a little longer."

She watched him go, memorizing the shape of his form enshrouded in light pouring through the open door. "Yasha?" He turned and she smiled to him. "Thank you… For staying with me last night."

He smiled and watched as she lay back onto the futon, curling easily under the blankets. He walked to the kitchen where the others were sitting and eating breakfast. "Kisho, got any more of that tea?"

The kitsune nodded and stood, going to fire and beginning to brew a cup. "There's food to be had. I doubt she is much hungry considering the dose of opium. I did not honestly anticipate her imbibing so much so quickly."

"She'll eat later," he said as he took a bowl of porridge from Kagome as he sat beside her, noting Sesshomaru seated at her other side. "Ain't gonna let her starve when she's healing."

"You stayed with her all night?" Kagome asked with a faint smile touching her lip as he began inhaling the breakfast.

He swallowed and nodded. "I didn't want her to wake up alone in a strange place after the last time she woke up since getting here. Last thing she needs is to start panicking… But I don't think she's gonna have an easy time waking up for a while."

"Since we have the day, it might be expedient for some of us to go to the nearest town and get supplies and warmer clothing for our trek up the mountain," Miroku said before sipping from his tea cup, occasionally meeting Sango's furtive gaze across the low table where she sat next to her brother and Rin.

"The nearest town is a mile North of here on the main road," Kisho said as he put a cup of morning tea in front of Inuyasha, leaving Ivy's cup near the fire to keep warm.

"This Sesshomaru shall send Ah Un and Jaken to the fortress this morning and accompany any who wish to venture to town. Not knowing what we face in the wake of this new world, it is most probably best none of us attempt an expedition into the human or youkai world alone."

"I know Ivy's size, so I'll come along," Kagome said with a soft smile. "We might even be able to find her some warm boots if the town is big enough."

"The rest of us can stay here and plan our next moves as we discussed last night, and get Ivy up to speed when she's fully awake," Sango said, smiling at the soft blush that caught Kagome's cheeks. "The den may be the safest place for now, but we take a chance if too many of us leave here when we know there's a credible threat. You and Sesshomaru can make a quick trip and be back before supper."

Inuyasha smirked, but it was hidden by his hair as he stood and took the teacup from next to the embers of the kitchen fire. "Between me, Miroku, Kisho, and Sango, the kids will be safe until you both get back and we can head off to the fortress tomorrow… Were you planning to come along, Kisho?"

The kitsune looked to Sesshomaru who nodded a silent response. "Until it is known the effect of the wish, I think it best Shippo and I seal the den and accompany you to the fortress. The home of the taiyoukai of the West is far safer than the humble dwelling of a kitsune of little standing in human or youkai society."

The hanyou nodded and returned to Ivy who now slept lightly on her back. Her hair was pooled beneath her, her arms out and slightly up near her head, and her legs were relaxed, one partially bent beside the other beneath the blanket now resting just at her waist. He sat beside her on the futon and put down the teacup before leaning and gently caressing her jaw. She began to stir, her eyes fluttering open, and he lost his hold on that thin thread of control he had concerning the current situation. So much had happened in such a short time- so much considering what had been their quest was now resolved. As he captured her lips with his, he felt her sigh and gently reach and hold to him, one hand resting on his hip while the other gently slipped into his hair.

He'd known it was foolish to fall in love with a dream, and so had she, but it had all been so real. Imagination was only so powerful. Dreams could only weave so much fabrication before reality broke the spell and the world came sharply back into focus. It had never happened for them. She'd always been flesh and blood in his mind as much as he had been for her, and now he had her in his arms and he dared for that moment to allow his heart to feel what he'd thought was always to remain a memory.

"I love you," he whispered against her lips and felt his heart race as she captured his lips as surely as he had hers only a moment before. He felt no need for dominance over her. He'd felt her more than his equal for some time, often wondering in the still of the night when he'd woken from another of their meetings how even a figment as intelligent and strong willed as his dream Ivy could care so deeply for him- the bastard half breed of once one of the most powerful youkai in all of Japan.

Yet, here she was in his arms, kissing him with that quiet intensity he'd known in her from the very first dream they'd shared. He couldn't allow himself to think beyond that moment or any that would come while she still was real and with him. He didn't want to believe the universe was so cruel as to strip her from him now that he actually could hold her, but he knew better than most how quickly and callously the most beautiful and fragile things could be torn asunder. All he had with her was that moment, and he was determined to know it and feel it until it shattered just as his father had with his mother.

When she had died, his name had been kissing her lips as if he had been there with her, and Inuyasha had memorized that visage of true love. He internalized how dangerous and powerful such a thing could be and had secretly coveted the treasure while vocally lashing out against anything resembling it… Until he'd begun to dream. Until she'd told him her stories and shared with him how perfect love could be… That it could conquer and prevail no matter what life assaulted it with. All her stories ended happily forever and after, but this was not one of her stories. Who is to say how the author of this tale would see fit to end their reverie?

Gently he pulled away and smoothed a few strands of her hair from her brow. He smiled down at her and she traced his jaw to his lips with a delicate finger. "I love you, too."

In that moment, he promised the gods, the author, and anyone else who dared interfere in his joy that he would rend them from the world if she ever left his side.

Had they not been so concerned about the possibility of long dead enemies discovering them, he would have accompanied Kagome garbed in his normal attire, however, the concern was there and so he had borrowed the simple garb of Kisho and had employed the kitsune in creating an illusion to make him appear human. He stared at himself in the glass, scowling at the visage of mortal human Sesshomaru with black hair and the crest of his rank erased from his brow. He sighed in defeat and exited the den to meet Kagome outside.

Miroku smirked a bit from where he sat sipping tea in the front room. "Rather excellent disguise. How is it to be maintained without the kitsune with you?"

Sesshomaru showed him the braided red and silver bracelet around his wrist. "A charm of this Sesshomaru's hair braided with a lock of the kitsune's. The illusion will last until it is removed and will return if it is replaced. Rather ingenious."

"Sango was hoping the two of you could purchase some cold weather clothing for Kohaku and her as well. It will not put you too far behind time?"

"No, we should be easily able to accomplish the addition," he turned and focused on the closed door where Ivy was resting with his brother. They had been awake and indulging in their need for comfort and closeness, both he and Kisho had heard as they went to the kitsune's room for clothing and the charm, but the pair had stilled shortly after. He mused his brother did not want to hear him indulging in primal carnality, but knew it to be something deeper. Inuyasha loved her, Sesshomaru knew this much. Ivy was willful and forward, a product of the same era as Kagome, and likely more than willing to indulge him if he'd pressed her… But the brothers were more alike than either cared to accept or admit. The human heart was fickle where the youkai loved once and forever. Sesshomaru knew better than even Kagome that Inuyasha had inherited their father's heart, but was cursed with his mortal mother's inability to fully recognize what that love actually looked like. Now that his little brother had experienced the article and had her in his arms, Sesshomaru knew he would not risk losing her and so would proceed cautiously until he was certain.

"When they emerge, let Inuyasha know we will return by supper. If we are not returned by dusk, come in search," Sesshomaru said with a measured tone.

Miroku nodded in understanding. The inuyoukai did not know what to expect at the human village. He didn't know whether they were being followed or sought by who knows what villain brought back by Kagome's wish. His care was woven with the same thread that was binding him ever tighter to the miko and her ultimate fate, Miroku knew, would be sewn into the fabric of his eternity.

Kagome looked up as the door of the den opened and blinked a few times seeing Sesshomaru standing before her as a human. Kisho had done well in creating the taiyoukai's disguise, and even she had a difficult time detecting his youkai aura beneath the nine tail's magic. Still, Sesshomaru would have a difficult time blending into the background. He was vastly taller than most mortals of the age, and his looks were stunning and refined. Even in the simple blue and black clothing cut in the country style, he looked like a prince who had not worked a day in his life… Or a samurai who had not lost a battle. His eyes were too steady for an unseasoned warrior, and his stance too tried and immoveable. When he met her gaze, she blushed and realized she'd been staring.

"I think… Jaken is waiting for us at the glade," she said softly and he nodded. As they began their walk to the shrill sounds of Jaken's perturbed protests about anything and everything in the direct vicinity, Kagome couldn't help but smile. "I wonder what he will say when he sees you."

The taiyoukai could not help but smile. "If he does not fall over dead at the sight of this Sesshomaru, I will be supremely surprised."

"Then who would go to the fortress to prepare for our arrival?"

"You have a point," he smirked and paused to remove the braid at his wrist. "When we part ways, I will replace the charm. No need to deal with his incendiary comments at this time."

"Why… Why do you deal with him if he annoys you so clearly?" She noticed the quirk in his lips as he barely suppressed a smile. As the illusion faded, she felt her heart speed as his amber gaze captured hers.

"There are individuals in this world who, by virtue of their own existence, are gifted with a raw talent to humble the most noble and aggrandize the most lowly. Jaken is one such individual, and I have found in my long years there are few others who have such mastery of the skill. He aided my father and his father before him in similar tasks, and so has been a principal advisor and assistant to the Taisho house for millennia," he saw the understanding flash in her eyes and allowed himself to smile faintly. "That I detest him does not lessen his distinct usefulness. And… He brings to me a certain perspective of my world. Those he sees me care for most he usually is harshest against, and so I am ever more careful how I defend them."

"I see," she couldn't help but smile at his words. "It's why he's always so hard on Rin, isn't it? If she doubts her importance to you, no matter what her heart may tell her, others may underestimate her value as well and will not use her as a pawn to harm you."

He nodded and gently reached out to push a lock of her hair from her throat as a soft breeze captured the tendril and pulled it from her mane of ebony. Her soft blush was his reward. "Rin knows of my care for her. This Sesshomaru is not so cold the meaning of his heart cannot be discerned if one is paying attention… But Jaken distracts the casual observers from the truth in her eyes… And in mine."

"The truth…"

"That I would cross the threshold between life and death to save her soul and keep her with me," he noticed the surprise in her gaze and smiled. "When an inuyoukai attaches his heart to a human, it is forever. Nothing can sever the bond. It will draw him to the point of destruction… And he will not care, for she… Is the world and without her, there is no life. Rin is more than a ward, she owns part of my soul. It is why until I saved her that I had fought the nature which is so key to my very existence. My father knew this, and left me the sword that would save a mortal life rather than the one that could easily destroy."

"You consider her a daughter?"

"In the most tangible sense. She is not my blood, but I would bleed lifeblood to see her safe. Though… I know since your wish so bestowed a peacefulness and acceptance of my nature… She will need to learn to share my devotion," his heart skipped seeing her blush, yet not turn her gaze. "Though I doubt greatly she will take exception."

"Whoever wins that kind of devotion… I hope they are deserving of the bestower, Sesshomaru," she murmured and blushed as he bowed his head to her before motioning for them to continue into the glade.

"My devotion is only given to the most worthy… Those pure enough never to forsake it. Rin is such a soul… As are you, Kagome," he saw her lose her footing and caught her easily before she reached the ground. She looked up with a surprised but warm and entirely clear gaze as he helped her back to her feet. "Take care with your steps, Kagome… I fear moments I am not near to catch you."

Her breath caught in her chest as she gently held to his arms when he righted her on the path. His candidness and warmth might have seemed entirely alien had she not witnessed them in his care for Rin. "There's no need to fear for me when I fall. I'm stronger than you might think. I'm very good at finding my footing again."

His gaze was so piercing she felt as if he was looking at her very soul. "This Sesshomaru has witnessed your strength, sweet Lady… So forgive me the indulgence that I wish never to see you use it when I might shield you."

"I… I am not a Lady, Sesshomaru."

He smiled and leaned to gently and chastely kiss her lips, his arms still holding where he had caught her, now tightening his embrace as he kept her erect when her legs trembled and threatened to fold. "Perhaps… For a while longer," he whispered against her lips and felt her smile as he kissed her again. He embraced her tightly as she rested her head over his thumping heart and breathed deeply of her familiar, pure scent. When he felt her steady enough, he released her and continued to the glade, now walking close enough their hands could brush.

Jaken noted the easy and intentional brush of the miko's hand against his Lord's and felt both a sense of acceptance and pleasure knowing the taiyoukai had finally found the strength of the inuyoukai's legacy and a certain bristling knowing now he needed to divert the gaze of enemies from both the child and the woman in equal and important ways. Had his Lord no care for his advanced age? Certainly he knew that the kappa was exhausted in the great endeavor of making those who were the very breath of the great taiyoukai seem no more than the stones beneath his feet… Certainly Sesshomaru knew. Jaken would have it no other way.

"Lord Sesshomaru! Why do you insist on wearing such rags and you! Keep your distance from my Lord Sesshomaru, filthy human girl!"

"Jaken…" The icy tone of his Lord was all he received before calming and bowing to him. It was all he needed in response. "We will fly to the ridge outside the human town together, then you will continue to the fortress and make ready for our party to arrive. Make space also for Kisho and Shippo. They will need accommodation for an indeterminate span."

"Shall Isamu put more soldiers on the walls?"

"Not yet, though I wish you to send a message to Miyoko. This Sesshomaru has need of her presence at the fortress for Rin and the other children."

"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru," Jaken bowed and mounted Ah Un, noting as his master slipped his right arm around the miko's hip as they took to the sky. He felt the weight of his tasks take on greater weight. In sooner time than he would have to make the necessary arrangements, he knew Kagome would be mated to his Lord. He made a mental note to deal with the rumors that would make their way to Satori. The more direct the kappa was with the old bitch, the better it would ultimately be for Sesshomaru, his mate, and his daughter.

She sat quietly in the front room of the den on a nest of cushions Inuyasha had made for her while he went to help Kisho with putting together a meal. Miroku and Sango were out with the children playing in the glade, and Sesshomaru and Kagome had gone little more than an hour before. After she ate, Kisho was planning on changing her bandages and cleaning her feet. There was a part of her that accepted everything as if it were normal for her to be curled up in a bed of soft feather filled cushions waiting as two handsome men cared for her in a magical den that was bigger on the inside nestled somewhere in the forests of feudal Japan, but there was another part of her that was entirely at a loss as to what she was to do from now on. She had no real skills aside from her ability to read and write. The world and the means for living in it were entirely foreign.

She toyed with the single pink pearl hanging from a silver chain around her neck. She'd bought two identical pearl charms as a friendship gift for Besse a few years before. The thought of never seeing her best friend or her family again was enough to nearly bring her to tears again, but she fought it back as Inuyasha returned with Kisho and the lunch Inuyasha insisted she'd eat.

Ivy sighed and slowly began eating what was presented. It was all simple and easy to eat food, but her stomach still felt a bit laden with the effects of the opium. Kisho had admitted he'd put far more into the wine than he'd thought necessary for a woman her size, then she'd drank it so deeply and quickly, there was no chance for slow absorption. Her dizziness and fuzzy thoughts since waking and the constant drifting in and out of sleep even at mid day spoke to just how much of the drug was still coursing through her system, and neither of the men liked it.

Inuyasha, to his credit, had been pushing water and tea at her whenever she was awake. Slowly her system was being purged, but he couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. Kisho sighed and sat on his haunches in front of Ivy as Inuyasha moved the nearly finished meal to the side so he could remove her bandages, clean and treat the soles of her feet. He nodded to the hanyou as he put the bowl of clean, recently boiled water, fresh bandages, and the salve Kagome had made next to him, then watched as Inuysha sat Ivy up and moved behind her to hold her still while Kisho worked.

"Just remember to breathe. The tea will help, but it will not dull everything."

"I promise I will try not to kick you in the face," Ivy replied with a wan smile as she pressed back against Inuyasha. His arms only tightened around her as he rested his lips on the crown of her hair, breathing in her scent deeply.

Kisho worked carefully, but quickly to remove the silk bandages, trembling when she winced and tensed. He looked up to see Inuyasha with his eyes pressed tightly closed, a line forming in his brow. A few tears were falling down her cheeks, and he realized how much of the pain was being caused by the bandages sticking where her feet had begun healing. "I am sorry, Ivy…"

"S'ok," she gasped, clutching at Inuyasha's arms, pressing her head to the side into his chest and throat. She calmed as his arms tightened around her, and she continued to try to convince her legs not to spasm involuntarily and kick Kisho in the head. Logic warned it would just make her feet hurt more.

He could all but feel her pain as she clung to him. The scent of it was assaulting his nose as the kitsune gently soaked the areas where the bandages were sticking to her healing flesh. It was all he could do not to lose control, and so he breathed more deeply the scent of her hair, focusing on her body held so tightly against his. It was the sound of her voice as she bit back and swallowed cries, the scent of her tears as they stained her cheeks that were killing him. Still, he knew this was nothing to what would have been if she'd been awake for his brother's acid closing her wounds.

It took several moments, then he gently washed her damaged flesh, noting the deep cuts were closed nicely, it was just the seeping after being closed with acid that was causing the most pain when removing the bandages. "I think we should let them dry a short while so they can close more fully. Rest, and I will return in a while to finish bandaging."

Inuyasha nodded, his eyes still closed as he ran a hand through her hair, combing along her scalp over and again as she calmed and stopped trembling. He remembered how much pain Kagome had been in when they'd been trapped and standing in acid and how long it had taken for her feet to fully heal when he'd suffered nearly no damage after a few moments outside. Humans were so fragile and slow to heal. How would they have survived the world so full of deadly magic and youkai if the inuyoukai had not loved them and protected them? Now that Sesshomaru was taking his rightful place leading their kind, humanity would know true safety again.

"Do you think you can rest a while, Ivy?"

She nodded, still clinging to his arm as he held her across her torso. She trembled as he continued to comb her hair with his claws and sighed softly. "Don't leave, ok?"

He leaned and kissed the crown of her head, breathing in her scent again. "Not for a moment."

She drifted off in his embrace quickly, her head resting against his left shoulder, her body halfway in his lap as she fully relaxed against him. Inuyasha closed his eyes and memorized the moment as he had so many before that morning. It was taking all of his control to reign in the desires of his beast who so instinctively wanted to lay proper claim upon her. He would wait until his brother had properly claimed and mated Kagome, though, out of respect for both his best friend and his alpha. Though the waiting was near agony. But there was still a deeper part of him that feared the future. How easy would it be for the universe to simply steal her away from him when it had so easily granted him her resting so peacefully in his arms? He didn't want to think about it too much, not when she needed his strength for the moment. He'd need to be a complete idiot not to see the lost, wistful expressions and how she gently caressed the pearl at her throat. It was all she had of her world and time, and though he knew she was speaking the truth when she'd whispered her love to him in the peaceful dimness of the back room that morning, some part of her would always be inaccessible so long as she knew someone was missing her, worrying for her in a place she may never reach again.

Kisho watched them from the doorway of the kitchen and shook his head. He'd never understood inuyoukai and how easily they allowed their devotion and love to overwhelm their senses. Both brothers could easily have seduced and mated their respective objects- Kagome and Ivy- without so much trouble as it would take to draw breath. He'd watched the women closely, and, knowing human women vastly better than he'd ever impart to anyone other than his son once Shippo had reached the proper age, he knew both Kagome and Ivy were utterly willing, they simply needed Sesshomaru and Inuyasha to reach out and take them. Still… They wouldn't be inuyoukai had they not hesitated and waited for the identical devotion from their desired mates. What Kisho nor Shippo would ever be able to bestow on a human lover, Sesshomaru and Inuyasha could gift to their chosen mates: immortality and unwavering health until the death by violence of their inuyoukai mates. Even as a hanyou, Inuyasha could grant Ivy his long lifespan and health. Had he claimed and mated her the night before, her damaged feet would have healed in a matter of hours, and Kisho was very aware how well Inuyasha knew this fact. Still, he held back. He did not proceed for the kamis knew what reason… And Kisho did his best not to think too hard upon the reason. He only ached for the woman resting so peacefully in Inuyasha's embrace. Her cries of pain, her tears marring the same warm and engaging features, fracturing her strong and willful gaze tore at a deep part of himself he could not name.

"Would you like to let her rest longer, or shall we finish with the bandages?" Kisho asked softly.

Inuyasha looked up to the kitsune and sighed. "She's really out… How gentle can you be?"

He smiled crookedly, a mischief in his gaze that made Inuyasha's eye twitch slightly. "She will not wake, I promise you."

The pack was weighted with supplies and clothing enough for all of the party, including himself and the children. Still, Kagome was distracted by the shop merchant attempting to sell her confections. She seemed most interested in the sweet rice balls and he sighed as she turned partially and glowed to him, extending her hand in an unspoken request. He sighed and smirked as she placed another few coins into her hand, and she purchased the small parcel of sweets. It would be the only box he'd allow her to carry on the trek back.

Once out of the township, he still did not remove the charm that obscured his true form. He was convinced all who bore resemblance to youkai ancestry should wear a similar charm while they ventured to his fortress. Even Kirara would be forced to look the part of a kitten rather than the fearsome nekoyoukai. Even more, he felt certain it was safest to do so on foot. His suspicions had been well founded as they'd found a town locked in a certain degree of chaos. Loved ones killed in the aftermath of the shattering of the Shikon no Tama were returning. Samurai had been sent to maintain some semblance of peace and order, making the roads dangerous. Who was to say what awaited them if they looked like their true selves? They faced enough danger as humans.

"I could help, you know," she said with a warm smile. It was early afternoon, and he'd only allowed her to carry the sweet rice balls. "I am not entirely incapable."

He smirked and met her gaze out of the corner of his eyes. "This Sesshomaru is not tired. Though… There is a stream nearby if you would like to stop for our lunch. It is well beyond noon."

She blinked and nodded. "That would explain why I'm so hungry. We were so busy shopping, I barely noticed the time."

Sesshomaru knew that was only half true. He'd heard her stomach grumble an hour earlier, but she'd said nothing and seemed determined to leave the town as quickly as they could without sacrificing anything they needed to purchase. It had been the samurai that had come to town. Whether she recognized them, he had, and he knew they had been watching her far more closely than he liked. Still, they'd been careful not to draw attention, and his stance and closeness to her spoke volumes to them. They seemed to understand when they'd encountered a foe they could not take, and so Sesshomaru felt secure they would keep their distance. The last thing they needed was the pack of sword wielding idiots who had chased Ivy the previous morning to decide to follow them.

Once they reached the stream, Kagome went to work setting up a small meal for the two of them from the supplies they had bought in town. He watched her from where he leaned against a nearby tree and noted how focused she became when preparing the food. She had braided her hair back, and as she leaned forward, he reveled in the slender arch of her neck as a few free locks of hair fell to frame her jaw. She was humming some song he had never heard, surely one from her own time, and there was a serenity to her features as she worked. When she looked up and noticed him watching her, she blushed deeply and touched her lips lightly when she smiled.

"My apologies," she said with the softest delight dancing behind her eyes when he approached and sat across from her.

"There is nothing to regret," he said with amusement in his gaze.

"Inuyasha usually leaves camp with Miroku while Sango and I make lunch or dinner to scout… You were so quiet, I didn't realize you were there."

He smiled and nodded. "You did not think I was listening."

"Did the singing bother you?"

"On the contrary," his smile warmed. "I am sorry you stopped."

Her blush deepened, and they began to eat in a peaceful silence. Kagome wasn't exactly certain what to do with her feelings concerning the taiyoukai. She could not help but wonder if his warmth the last couple of days had been a direct result of her wish, or if they had simply surfaced because the wish had defeated any reason he had to battle long existing feelings from surfacing. In either case, it had been her fault, but she couldn't feel a fracture of guilt over the knowledge that he was only expressing his care because she'd freed his heart enough to acknowledge it.

"Where are you?" His voice was soft, yet resonant. Sesshomaru had watched her fall deeply into thought, and he feared where her thoughts might have led her. She had been so consumed with her place and part in the current situation, he did not doubt that she considered any warmth or change in him as part of her wish, and he feared her pulling away because of guilt. "You are so deep in thoughts."

"I… When I made the wish, what peace were you brought, Sesshomaru?" She watched the sudden worry cross his gaze.

He sighed and considered a moment how to respond. "My mother and father lived as mates only as long as it took to bring me into the world. I lived in her palace, bore her family crest, and while I was his heir, she raised me as hers as well. Her line is pure blooded from the time the god Inu sent his children to earth to befriend and protect humanity. There are those who say the line is actually directly from Inu himself, thus the crescent moon crest upon the first born's brow. The closeness to humanity was always seen as a chore to her… She has always felt herself above the task of being a protector, and preferred only dealing with the nobility of humanity. My father's line is directly descended from Inu's first general whose name I currently own. It was said he and his soldiers for a thousand years before the order walked with humanity and protected them from the youkai all over this world. My birth was the merging of two lines, and my father had hoped it to be the fusion of two great visions: the protection of humanity, and the ability to live with them as equals. My mother, upon realizing my father's dream, did all in her power to taint the powerful instincts born in my blood. She did not want me tainted, so raised me separately from him and turned her back on her duties as a mate. I can only believe she loved him purely, for she still wears the Meidio Seki made of his soul to this very day, but the betrayal she tasted when learning of the Inu no Taisho's taking of a human lover… The birth of his hanyou child and then of his death to carelessness, that love turned to bitterness and loss. I knew my father from afar until he demanded my separation from my mother when I was still very little more than a boy in the estimation of an immortal's life. When I came to him, the poison my mother had fostered in me was so deeply rooted, all the good and warmth he did in the world fell upon blind eyes," Sesshomaru reached out and gently brushed the tear that fell from her shimmering gaze, bringing his fingertips to his lips, kissing the cool saline expression of her empathy. He met her surprised gaze and smiled sadly. "Do not fear the peace your wish allotted me is any more than the peace of a boy who had been taught to deny his own true nature. I was born to love humanity, Kagome. I was sired to become a divine protector of the mortal realm from those youkai who would attempt to destroy the designs of heaven for this earth. For too long, I fought every instinct my blood demanded of me. I battled my recognition of my brother's relation to me, even the need to protect that which is human within him. The battle within me your selfless wish quelled was one born of weakness and bitterness, and now I am free to be the man my father had always hoped I would become."

"So… All of this…" Her voice wavered slightly as more tears slipped down her cheeks. "Your restraint with Inuyasha, and your kindness to all of us… Your kiss," she touched her lips and gazed deeply into his eyes and saw resting there a warmth she knew she could rest within for eternity and never wish to leave. "It's because…"

"Because you freed me, Kagome," he breathed and gently reached out, drawing her to him, embracing her protectively. He closed his eyes and took in her scent, trembling slightly as she pressed into his arms. "My heart has been claiming yours even since that first moment you chose to defy me as you stood beside my brother. There is no way to make up the pain I have caused you these many years of violence, but I beg you consider allowing me to make the attempt."

It was as if the very earth was gone beneath her, and all she had to hold was him. All that could hold her were his arms. All the air she could breathe was his scent as she pressed her face gently into his chest and cried silently. His arms tightened around her and she felt him draw her into his lap, gently caressing her hair and back. She'd been holding so tightly to her guilt, fearing she had somehow done damage, especially to him. He'd been so out of character, and while she had welcomed his warmth, she feared he was somehow being altered, and that alteration could be shattered. It could be undone in all of them, and then she would be faced with losing all of them for the anger they would hold against her.

But a moment of peace- an instant of the end to the pain of living and the damage life could do to a soul… Somehow, that had been enough to heal and shift and change so many just within her reach. Perhaps it was not enough for everyone touched by the sacred jewel, but in that moment, she felt her guilt fall away entirely, and she allowed herself to feel his warmth throughout her soul.

"Sesshomaru," she looked up into his eyes, their beautiful amber light masked to look dark brown and human. He gently caressed her jaw as he gazed down at her with such tenderness, her heart broke. "Sesshomaru, I…"

"Stop," he breathed, leaning and kissing her tenderly, brushing newly falling tears from her cheek. Her lips were so sweet and her kiss so innocent. He ached to deepen their contact, but he feared breaking that pure moment of release as he had watched her forgive herself and welcome his arms around her. "Let your heart choose gradually, sweet Lady. The passing of two days cannot contend with what your heart knew for my brother…"

"No," she breathed, gasping as he kissed her again and she instantly fell deeper into the embrace of his soul. She ached to tell him her heart had released Inuyasha. The gift of her wish had not just fallen on them, but her as well. She'd been freed for that moment of the grief she'd felt for so long watching Inuyasha pine and yearn for her previous incarnation. But she knew on a deep level that he was correct. The envy she'd felt seeing Inuyasha with Ivy had been enough to prove him correct in his words, no matter how much she ached for him to be wrong. That morning, the envy had been less keen, but it was still there. She knew she did not love him as anything more than a brother, but he had been so much more to her than that over the years. Even knowing her true feelings for him, she realized her heart's envy was more connected to the fear their friendship would suffer as they both turned to what truly was love and not just childish grasping and obsession.

When she had stilled and welcomed his kiss so openly, he had allowed himself to delve and taste her sweetness, reveling in the purity of her kiss, knowing on a soul level none had ever kissed her with such passion or possession. The innocence of her return of the kiss had proven it to him, and he swore that, first kiss he may not have been, only he would be from that moment on. He pulled back slowly and rested his brow against hers, noting her tears had ceased and she rested now languidly in his embrace. He did not want to move, but as he looked to the sky and noted the time, he was well aware that in a few hours time, Miroku, Kisho, and Inuyasha would be out searching for them.

He brushed a lock of hair from her brow and she leaned into his fingertips, smiling when their eyes met. "We still have a few miles to walk, Lady."

Her heart skipped as he abandoned her name again, but the implication of Lady rather than Miko warmed her far more deeply than had she heard her name escaping his lips. "A moment longer?" She smiled as he held her closer, closing his eyes as he breathed in the scent of her hair. She knew in that moment the time for envy was past. No matter what happened with Inuyasha and Ivy, her heart had chosen its true North, and the pull of her chosen polarity was strong enough, nothing could sway her to turn.

She had woken a short time before still nestled in the pile of pillows in the front room. While she'd slept, Kisho had wrapped her feet and Inuyasha had come to rest with her, his head resting against her abdomen, his arms wrapped tightly around her as he slept deeply. Ivy ran her fingers along his ears, smiling when they flicked softly, then began combing her hands gently through his long, snowy hair. After a long moment of simply taking in how safe and happy she was, she touched the pearl at her throat, then removed the chain, dangling the pink orb above her.

If she could only somehow reach Besse and her family… To tell them where she was, that she was safe and happy, perhaps she could accept her fate. She could begin her life with him and not regret leaving those she loved so deeply wondering. She'd been so blessed with so many people who loved her… Who would simply never stop looking and hoping. She imagined Kagome had felt the same when she'd fallen through the well and become caught in the past the first time. The hopeless grasping for a way home she knew might be out of her reach forever… But at least Kagome had the well. Eventually, she'd found a way home, and her family had come to accept her life was not in the modern age. Ivy had no well, no portal back to explain and say goodbye forever. She was trapped and the heaviness of her thoughts pulled her into a depression that was part ache and part hopelessness. Inuyasha was the only bright light, and she clung to him in a way that was unfair to him and to her. She loved him… Had loved him as her favorite dream for years, but she knew in her heart he deserved more… And her heart and soul were willing to give all to him. On a deep, instinctual level, she already knew she belonged to him and would never accept another in his place.

Her mind was another issue altogether. She knew no matter how devoted she became, no matter how deeply she loved him, if the opportunity to return even for a moment to her time and place came, she would take it for the sake of those she'd left behind. The guilt of that knowledge was enough to break her heart. She sighed and dangled the pearl a bit more and watched it spin slightly in a circle no matter how still she held the chain, more than likely an effect of her arm moving slightly as she held it above her head. Ivy smiled softly and sighed, thinking she needed to ask Kisho for more of the tea he'd given her before. The last cup was wearing off, and her feet were beginning to ache again. She was so focused on the pain, she nearly missed seeing her necklace cease spinning and then hold extended in the direction of the glade where she knew Kisho was with Sango, Miroku, and the children awaiting Sesshomaru and Kagome's return.

Ivy gasped as the pearl necklace fell as she stopped thinking of Kisho. She sat up quickly, ignoring Inuyasha's grumbles as he curled a bit more, his head now just in her lap as he began to wake.

"What… What's the matter?" He asked in a slightly confused and grumpy tone.

"I… I don't know…" She focused as she had before and thought of Sango, watching in wonder as the pearl levitated out in the direction she knew Sango was in the glade.

Inuyasha frowned, looking at Ivy's necklace as it held in the air pointing toward the glade. "How are you doing that?"

"I don't know, it's just happening," she breathed, a memory shimmering in her mind as she realized what it could be. "Scrying… I think I'm scrying."

"Scrying?" he studied her gaze and how intensely she was focusing. The pearl danced left to right while still pointing entirely erect and outward in the direction of the glade. "What does that mean?"

"It means… I'm thinking of a person, and my necklace is pointing out their direction like the needle on a compass," she laughed as his eyes widened. "I keep thinking of Kisho, Miroku, and Sango, it keeps dancing left and right, like they're sitting or standing next to each other."

"So… You could use this to find anyone?"

"Or anything," she focused again, the pear falling down only a second before it again rose, pointing toward the kitchen. "The opium Kisho used on me is in the little jar above the fireplace," she gasped and focused again on Kisho, the pearl pointing in his direction. She now knew his exact location. "Holy shit! I'll never lose my car keys again!"

Inuyasha smirked, gently running a hand through her tangle of curls. He met her gaze as she let the pearl fall and drew her into a tender kiss. He didn't want to ask her to help them hunt down the enemies that may have been brought back, but he knew this gift she'd accidentally discovered could make all the difference in assessing their safety in this new world created by Kagome's wish. As he pulled back, he took the silver chain from her hands and put it back around her throat, resting his hand gently over her heart.

She felt as if she were falling into his eyes. She covered his right hand over her heart with both of her own, feeling it speed as he did. The world was pulling her deeper into its magic, she had already realized as much when she'd woken speaking Japanese. Now a general ability to find everything with relative ease had manifested as some sort of full blown scrying ability. The world of her birth felt further and further outside of her grasp no matter how she reached for it. "I'm afraid," she whispered, and he nodded, gently pulling her close in a protective embrace. "Yasha, I'm so damned afraid, I can't stop trembling… I feel like I can't breathe."

"Nothing's gonna hurt you, Ivy," he whispered, reclining back into the pillows, wrapping around her protectively. "I'll kill anything or anyone who tries."

"That isn't what I'm afraid of," she murmured, trying to still the trembling that kept rolling through her body.

"What is it?"

"I'm afraid I'll never go home… And I'm afraid… If I'm wrong, I'll never find a way back to you," she met his confused, yet warm gaze. Her emotions were so conflicted, she barely understood them herself. "If I had a moment… Just a moment to go back and tell Besse and my parents and brother what happened… Just a moment to hug them all and tell them I love them one last time, I know I'd never want to leave this world. I'd miss them forever, but I'd come back to you and live this life with you… But I'd be afraid in that moment that I'd never make it back… So I'm afraid of both… Never making it back to them, and losing you if I ever did."

It took him a moment to realize what she was saying. She didn't want to go home, she only wanted the chance to say goodbye. He smirked and kissed her brow, then her lips tenderly, feeling her calm fully as he held her tighter. "I don't know what the hell is possible or not, but I promise… If we can, I'll get you home for that moment, Ivy. I want you here with me fully: mind, heart and soul… So we'll find a way. Somehow, we'll find it."