A/N: I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for the reviews I have gotten. I have gotten a lot of positive feedback. If anyone has any questions regarding characters and story line, please feel free to ask, I will do my best to answer all questions. Before anyone asks, Yes Koga and Ayame will be in the story, but their role appears a little later. Now, on with the story….

Family ties

Kikyo's POV:

The past few weeks, I have noticed Kagome and Sesshomaru drawing closer to each other. I couldn't be happier for them. It seems she is starting to overcome all the obstacles from our past. I looked over to Inuyasha as he sat under the shade of our favorite tree, the beautiful cherry blossoms just starting to fall from the branches. He seemed at peace today even though everyone has been waiting for this war that we all know will come. I was on edge. I didn't like the thought of my sister going out to war. She should be here, protected, even though she has shown she can handle anything thrown at her. Unlike me. Yes, I am good with a bow, but she is so much stronger than I, and her determination to actually help everyone she meets, lets just say I am impressed with how big her heart is. Before Inuyasha, I would have never helped anyone, other than Kagome.

I decided that I wanted to help more than just staying here and treating the injured. "Inuyasha, I want to be on the field of battle. Next to Kagome, like I should be. I've been thinking, and I believe, that just like Midoriko and Miyako, we will be unstoppable together. We have always been at our strongest together."

Inuyasha looked at me slightly shocked but decided to be his typical brash self. "Hell no Kikyo. I would be distracted during the battle and so would Kagome. You are no where near trained enough to handle this fight and if I had my way, Kagome wouldn't be fighting either. You both are too precious to loose."

I couldn't blame him. I am his intended after all, and Kagome would be his sister very soon. As it was, Inuhime spends most of her time planning the mating ceremony that is to take place in just a few short weeks. I decided then that I would continue to observe Kagome with her small family. I watched as Jaken chased around the children so that Kagome and Sesshomaru could go for their daily walk. I assume it was so the two could have some time to really get to know each other before their mating took place.

Sesshomaru's POV:

I knew that Kikyo had been keeping a close eye on Kagome and myself since our courtship began and was glad that Kagome insisted on taking a walk through the gardens everyday. She said she didn't like feeling like their were eaves droppers on our conversations, and I had to agree with her. I have learned so much about her on these walks and now know she truly is a treasure. She is so compassionate. Everything I have learned about her so far, it is hard to see how she is so beautiful, inside and out, I have grown to love her and find it hard to respect her wishes about battling in this war. I didn't want to risk loosing her, but then again, I have found that she is far stronger than Midoriko. I guess time makes the soul stronger.

All of a sudden, Kagome stopped walking and I turned feeling her emotions going crazy. Whatever was on her mind, it was something she was going to find hard to tell me about. I stood there waiting for her to tell me what was on her mind. When she was ready she began to tell me a story that had me so torn apart. I wanted to rip the head off Onigumo.

"When I was a little girl, Onigumo told me that I was destined to be a gift to Lord Naraku. He told me that I was more powerful than any he had ever seen and that he hoped to use me to get back into Naraku's good graces. He also began to teach me how to be a good servant to one such as Naraku. He would never do it in front of Kikyo and told me that if I ever told her, he would make sure she got so sick that she would end up like my mother. I would do anything he asked me to do so that I could protect her. I would bring him his clothes while he bathed and would even be forced to wash him from time to time. I always made sure he never went without food and any cleaning that needed to be done was completed so that I would not get punished for being bad. I had tried to run away shortly after Kikyo ran off with Inuyasha, but he caught me. After that, he made me do all the housework without my clothes. He told me my punishments from Naraku would be much worse and that the only reason he didn't do that is Naraku would kill him if I wasn't pure. When I found out you were going to bring me here, I was so overjoyed. I couldn't show it because I didn't want him to try to 'punish' me one more time before I left. I was so worried that when I finally found the one I wanted I wouldn't be pure."

I was trying my best to control my temper. I didn't want her to see the anger even though I knew she could feel it. I also felt the shame that was coming off her in waves. "Kagome, you have nothing to be ashamed of. What he did to you was vile and unforgivable. If he ever shows his face again, I will personally see to it that he pays for all that he has put you through." I stated, not liking the look that was coming across her face.

"No, please don't kill him. I have a better idea. I want him to know that everything he did to me was in vain and that my life is nothing he wanted for me. I was hoping that you would let me invite him to the mating ceremony. I want him to see me happy before we banish him from the west, never to return. I think that punishment would be more suitable than letting him die. Death is too gracious for him." She was practically begging. I could see and feel that she really wanted this, so against my better judgment, I decided to give her what she wanted. I had to admit, it was a fitting punishment and that she was right, death would indeed be to gracious for this man than life was.

"Very well, if this is what you want. You were the one who was wronged, so it is only fitting that you choose the punishment." I stated, continuing on our walk. We linked arms as I thought on a way to tell mother that there would be a very unwanted guest in the east wing on the night I take Kagome as mine. This mating ceremony was becoming a headache and at the same time, I knew it would all be worth it in the end. The war would most likely come soon after and we all needed to be prepared for all that was to come. As we came across the clearing we left the children in Kagome let out a laugh at the scene before us. Jaken was on the ground, being pinned with Shippo's fox magic while Rin had been in the process of placing a flower crown upon his head. I was highly amused at the scene myself, but refused to show how I was feeling. Kagome then went over to where the kids were and helped Jaken off the ground. He looked indifferent and I found he was unsure how to act around my little Miko.

"Jaken, I need you to go fetch my mother. It would seem her and I need to have a private talk about the mating ceremony. Send her to my study." I said before turning towards Kagome. Jaken quickly bowed to me before rushing off to do as I told him. "I will be in my study if you need anything. Do not hesitate to come to me for anything." I gave her a final kiss before I walked off to meet my mother and discuss in full what I have learned about Kagome and what Kagome wishes to do about it. My guess is mother will be on board for this punishment as she loves to see people suffer and finds life more torturous than death.

As I neared the study, Jaken came running to me. He bowed to the ground. "Mi'lord, Your mother said she will be there as soon as she can, She is in the middle of an argument with your father over a detail about the mating." I gave a growl of irritation. What I needed to discuss was more important than anything they were discussing. I turned away from Jaken and walked into my study, waiting for my mother to arrive. This was indeed going to be a long night.

A/N: I know, Onigumo is a real creep. I had to find a way to get him into the castle and thought this the best way. As for what happens to him, you will all find out really soon. I promise. As always, please R&R. I look forward to reading all of your thoughts!