Hey guys! I'm back! I know that I've taken forever to update, but then again…don't I always? *Gives a sheepish grin*

IMPORTANT:

I have a question for ANYONE out there who can help me. How in the world do I edit my chapters without deleting them entirely? I've been trying to run over my fic and make it better and every time I try to upload the new chapter it doesn't show up changed at all on the site. I export it and edit it there but don't know why it isn't showing up edited on the site. Plllllease, help me!

Disclaimer: Nope, not mine. I'm not even gonna pretend they are….but…I will never stop dreaming! ^^

*

Her deep blue eyes stared at the reflection in the mirror once again. An entire month had passed and Kagome still couldn't believe that this new woman, no, youkai in the mirror was her. The woman staring back at her was ethereal and beautiful, full of grace and silent, humming power. She was so unlike the clumsy, weak woman Kagome had always known herself to be. And yet, she was in there somewhere, behind this face of porcelain beauty. A deep, pensive sigh passed Kagome's soft lips, her mind wandering back to the day she had awoken from her agonizing dreams.

*

Agony.

No other word could better describe the amount of pain her body was feeling. Her muscles we aflame with molten pain, even her thoughts seemed to hurt. She didn't want to think, didn't want to live. Something smooth and cool touched her face, where it landed the pain seemed to lessen and ebb. She clung to that feeling, everything within her reaching out and grasping at the source of sweet numbness.

"Come back to me, Kagome."

The deep, sweet baritone that met her ears was laced in worry and exhaustion. Something within her soul wanted nothing more than to open her eyes and see the face of the one who was so worried. She wanted to ease the pain of this man. And yet, her lids remained glued shut.

"Please…"

The plea in his voice wrenched at her heart painfully. This voice was not meant to hold such pain, such worry. This voice was not meant to sound so…human. She felt the cool hand on her cheek shake, the worry and exhaustion that was only heard now showing physically. She had to comfort this man; she could deal with this pain later, on her own. He needed the reassurance so that he would rest his weakened body.

The effort it took to open her eyes was immense; never in her life could she remember anything being so difficult. Searing pain raced through the backs of her eyelids as they slowly raised, everything in her body screaming to keep them shut, to keep the world at bay for just a moment longer. She groaned with the effort and energy she was expending, but she would persist. A gasp flew from her mouth as she finally took in the new world around her. Everything around her sparkled and shimmered as if laced in diamonds. Colors of the light spectrum once invisible to her weaker eyes now danced across her pupils. This world was so beautiful...but…how was she seeing this? What had happened to cause this new sight?

"Kagome!"

That soft rumble once again met her ears and she noticed that there were tones to his voice that she had never heard before. They sang and whispered in his voice, weaving in and out of the murmur of her name so beautifully that it made her name seem almost sensual. She glanced up at the owner of the voice and gasped at the beautiful twin suns gazing down at her in such deep worry. His eyes were gorgeous, and if it was possible, they were even more golden then they had ever been before. Also within the depths of his molten golden eyes were slivers of copper and bright slashing yellow. They held so many sparkling colors and such riveting beauty that she felt apologetic to this creature for ever seeing him with eyes that could not take in all that he actually was. He was mesmerizing.

"S-Sugimi-kun?"

His smile was bright and beautiful and so full of wonderful, cool relief that the pain within her body seemed to wither away and become no more.

"Thank Kami. Are you feeling well?"

Kagome gave a small reassuring smile and a slow, labored nod of her head. A strand of her inky black hair fluttered through the air to land gently on her shoulder and chest. As she glanced down at the sliver of hair she noticed a midnight blue hue that had never been there before either. Her voice was soft when she next spoke.

"Sugimi-kun…what happened? Why does everything seem so different?"

She watched his face cloud over in apprehension and a small bit of confusion; he knew not how to explain what had happened to her. Taking a deep breath through his nostrils, catching some of her sweet scent through the action, he spoke one line that told her everything and nothing all at once.

"You are now youkai, Kagome."

Confusion and disbelief smothered her features, fear and anxiety overtaking her scent. How could this be?! She was a youkai? Surely he was making some sort of cruel joke. That must be it! But, when she saw his face, saw the look of sober honesty and seriousness she could not stop the flood of tears that began to flow down her cheeks.

"But…but how? How did this happen?"

He glanced down at his own clawed hands, refusing to speak simply because he knew not the answer to her question. She saw the truth in his face, saw that he was at as much of a loss as she was and in some small way that helped. She wasn't alone in her ineradicable confusion. She watched Sugimi's face contort in sudden emotion and was stunned into silence when he pulled her deep into his warm embrace.

"I know not how this has happened Kagome. Frankly, I do not care. All that matters to me now is that you are safe. "

His face was nuzzled deep into her tangle of inky black and midnight blue tresses, his nose resting at the juncture of her neck and shoulder. She felt his ribcage expand as he took in a deep, hungry breath of her essence. Her scent was intoxicating, her skin and hair unimaginably smooth. He growled in pleasure for he knew now that all that she was was meant to be his. Her sweet skin would never be felt by another's fingertips; her luscious hair would never tangle with anyone else's but his.

She was his.

'Mine.' That one word whispered in his head like an enchantment and his beast growled in savage pleasure. He raised his silver head to stare into her midnight orbs that now danced with flecks of silver and gold. They were stunned and large with innocence, the confusion there making him strangely angry. Without a second thought he swooped his large head down to claim the sweet morsels of her lips.

A surprised gasp left her mouth and he wasted no time in using it to make the kiss deeper. His tongue traced the inside of her warm mouth and she soon melted into his larger frame. A mewl of pleasure left her lips and she raised her hands to tangle them blissfully in his silken hair. He growled with delight at the feeling of her claws gently running across his scalp and tangling in his long hair, their sharpness cutting the strands loose of their leather bond. His hair flew from its ponytail like liquid mercury; it was as if the full moon had melted onto his shoulders, the bright silver strands flowing like water around their bodies. This kiss was so different from their previous kiss. It held a deep, burning fire and a passion that scared her to the core. His hold roared of possessiveness and his roaming hands seemed to burn and brand her his. Kagome groaned once again as he nipped her lower lip and pulled her even closer to his burning body, the only barrier between their bodies the thin silk of their clothes. The heat of his body seemed to seep through her clothing like water, leaving her drenched with want and need. The thought of breathing seemed to have left her mind until that very moment, her dancing heart speeding up even more with its hunger for oxygen. She gently pulled away from the passionate Dai-Youkai, his growl of displeasure resounding in her ears.

"Oh, get over it. I have to breathe ya know." Kagome said breathily with a small roll of her eyes.

Sugimi only smirked and gazed longingly at her lips once more.

"I believe you have breathed long enough, Kagome."

With that he once again claimed her mouth with his own. This kiss was once again entirely different from the other. His lips moved slowly and tenderly atop her own. The first kiss felt almost like he was claiming her, it was rough and hungry and almost harsh with the amount of need. With this she felt his worry and longing pouring into the kiss. His clawed hand buried itself in her hair as he tilted her head back to deepen the kiss. His tongue was gentle and sensual as it danced with her own, the taste of his desire and need mingling with her own. The meeting of their lips was so tender and sweet that it nearly brought tears to her eyes. Never before had she felt so needed, so…adored.

When they once again pulled away to breathe he brought her close, tucking her head beneath his chin, marveling at the feeling of this beautiful woman in his arms. He slid his eyes closed and whispered into her ear.

"Promise never to scare me so again, Kagome. I do not know what I would do if ever I lost you."

He took in a small breath and nuzzled closer to her ear, whispering once more.

"Promise me…" his hesitation was short, a small amount of fear wriggling into his mind at making himself so vulnerable. He quashed it quickly.

"Promise me you will never leave my side. I...need you."

Kagome's eyes grew wide at his words. His tone was so tender and genuine that it struck her to the core. Her mind went blank and her tongue became lead. What should she say to him? A flash of Inuyasha's golden eyes sent a wave of guilt throughout her body and she dared not speak should it sound in her voice. Breathing deeply the only thing she could think to do was snuggle more deeply into his hold. He growled in approval and gently lifted her into his arms before settling them both comfortably onto her futon. With her head beneath his chin and his arms wrapped tenderly around her form Sugimi drifted slowly into slumber.

Sleep did not find Kagome.

*

She had been so confused after that night, not knowing how to feel. As she took in the reflection of herself in the mirror she realized that she was still unsure of what to do. She knew that the guilt she had felt was silly, reality had smacked her harshly many moons ago. She would never be allowed to return to Inuyasha, her destiny was here now. But, it still stung and the wound still festered…she would always hold a place in her heart for her beloved Inuyasha. As if the mirror she was staring so intently into mirrored her soul she came to a stinging realization. The love she held for Inuyasha was fading, it would always be there but she was ready to accept another into her heart. The process would be slow, but in time she knew that she could, and would, love another. The image of Sugimi's warm smile and liquid eyes flashed to the forefront of her mind, her own eyes softening. Who better to help her than Sugimi?

Taking a deep, sobering breath Kagome reflected on the reason for her beautifully done hair and the layers of bright, tantalizing silk that made up the kimono hung so delicately on her form. The smell of the beautiful cherry wood of Sugimi's office already tickling her nose.

*

"The festivities that are to take place in but one more cycle of the moon are not being thrown for pleasure, as you all are very aware."

The voice that spoke was strong and authoritative and undeniably the Inu-no-Taisho's. He spoke with an unbelievable amount of calm, his face mirroring the lack of emotion in his voice. Kagome shivered as she looked upon this face that spoke so loudly of Sesshoumaru. His golden eyes were guarded and unreadable, this look meaning nothing but absolute business. There were murmurs of agreement from all of the demons in the room, their faces equally as serious, but none could match the eerie calm of Sugimi. Once again his cool voice caressed the listeners in his study.

"As you are all aware, Lord Youko, Lord Yukio, and my own lands have been continually attacked by hordes of lower class demon. These mindless beasts surely are not intelligent enough to work together of their own accord; it is obvious they are being controlled by a more powerful youkai. It is each of our duties on the night of the festivities to pay close attention to each one of our guests. Speak with them; look for anything that might seem suspicious. The one who is behind these ridiculous attacks will be cocky; he will want to flaunt his power. Appeal to this side of his nature when the subject is brought up in conversation. We will bring an end to the menial attacks."

A growl of understanding and approval hummed through the room at his words. Kagome glanced around the room, taking in the agitated swish of Youko's tail, and the nearly silent cracking of Bastet's knuckles. All the youkai in this room were ready to end these attacks, they all seemed to be aching for a fight. Each demon longed to hold the neck of this vile creature between their claws. Then again, she understood completely, her own anger rising at the thought of all of her friends' lands being destroyed by a demon so cowardly that he would not even attack them himself. Instead he used mindless, lower level demon to do his bidding. Unbidden the image of Naraku flashed through her mind.

Pathetic.

Refocusing her eyes Kagome once again listened to what Sugimi was saying.

"…We will discuss whoever is believed to be guilty of these accusations the following morning in my study. That is all."

Kagome watched as each demon bowed low to Sugimi and then began to file out of his study. Lord Yukio caught her eye and he gave her a small nod. She couldn't help the quiet groan that slipped from her throat. He wanted to train. Uhhhg. She heard his nearly silent chuckle and saw his eyes glittering with a small amount of humor. Her face screwed up into a mask of indignation and apprehension and she slowly…very slowly…bowed and left Sugimi's study.

*

Kagome shivered at the memory of their training session that day. She and Yukio had begun to form a shaky friendship but this didn't stop him from working her to the bone. She had the added bonus of working with Bastet, his daughter, as well. Together they were helping her control her youkai blood and teaching her about her newly acquired youkai abilities. She was grateful to them but good lord! Give a girl a break! The gentle rapping of someone knocking on her door pulled her from her musings.

"Come in." Kagome called.

Kagome watched as Bastet entered her room. Her long ebony hair was pulled into a beautiful and delicate bun atop her head. From the sides of the bun came bright yellow flower clips which were placed throughout her thick black tresses. The style was very simple but extremely beautiful and brought out the copper color in her catlike eyes. She was dressed in an extremely intricate kimono, the layer closest to her skin a deep blood red. The next layer of smooth silk was a deep, rich gold, the next white, and the next black until finally the final and outer layer, a dark crimson, was seen. Painted delicately across the ruby silk were mercury and ebony birds, each in a different state of flight. The obi that was tied around her slim waist was a dark shade of liquid gold, trimmed in pristine white. In her hand she held a red and black fan which also had the scene of birds in flight painted on the rice paper.

"Wow Bastet! You look so beautiful!"

A languid, catlike smile stretched her lips and she gave a small nod of agreement before saying,

"Thank you Kagome, you are quite stunning yourself."

Kagome giggled and gave an appreciative smile along with a quick "thank you." The look of anticipation and impatience that spread across Bastet's face spoke of her desire to leave long before the words themselves left her lips.

"Are you ready to leave, Kagome-chan?"

Kagome gave a quick nod, grabbed her own fan and shuffled out of her shoji door after Bastet. They walked in silence for a long while before Bastet spoke.

"Do not be nervous, Kagome-chan. Everything will be fine, and if anything should happen you are surrounded by those ready to protect you, though you should surely be able to protect yourself. I would hope mine and my father's attentions are not in vain."

The last sentence she spoke was followed by a hearty chuckle, all the tension within Kagome's body melting away. A look of gratitude slid across Kagome's face.

"Thank you, Bastet-chan. I'm sure I would make you and your father very proud…or at least try!" A small giggle flew from her lips and the silence that stretched between them was comfortable and easy.

The next time Bastet looked at her they had reached the shoji doors that would bring them out into the merry festivities. Her face was serious, her clawed hand reaching out to rest on Kagome's shoulder. Her beautiful eyes were cold and guarded as she prepared to enter the room and Kagome lost all sense of mirth as she awaited what Bastet had to say. Her lips parted and the words she spoke finally made everything seem more real…and more dangerous.

"What I say to you now is of great importance Kagome. Never for a second hold any utterance that leaves the mouths of these vile beasts as truth. Our entire purpose is to pinpoint our enemy; therefore each soul that has appeared tonight is to be treated as such. An enemy."

Kagome nodded her head in clear understanding though she couldn't help the cold, thick fear from arising within her. It was thick and palpable and she could taste it on her tongue but as she heard the dull hiss of the shoji door slid open she could do nothing but push it aside. Kagome took in a deep, calming breath…

….and entered.

*

He watched her through the dancing waters of his mirror. She was even more beautiful as a youkai, though he was not sure quite how possible that truly was. She had been beautiful before, but now…now surely even goddesses felt the viscous acid of envy flow through their veins. Narrowing his emerald eyes he straightened his elegant haori and prepared to see his beautiful priestess in person once more.

He heard his son running across the tatami mats, felt the grip of his small arms wrapped around his legs, and smelled the tears that were forming in his eyes,

"Please Chichi-hue, let me go with you! Please!"

Glancing down at his son's pleading face a rare, true smile spread across his lips. Putting a clawed hand on his son's small head he gave a small, negative shake of his head.

"No my son. You are to stay here and be safe."

He would not allow his son to fall pray to the claws of the dog lord as his mate had. A snarl was barely contained as he thought of the loss of his precious mate and his son's dear mother. He would get that vile beast back. All good things came in time.

"But Fa-"

He cut his son's protests short, saying his name in a tone that left no room for argument.

"I will not repeat myself. You are to stay here Menomaru. Am I understood?"

Without waiting to see his son nod his understanding Hyoga turned on his heel and left. He would see his precious priestess tonight. Burning desire and hunger arose within him and his feet unconsciously carried him faster towards his beautiful treasure.

*

OK! That's it! DUN DUN DUN…we finally find out who our villain is! Haha, surprised? If any of you havent seen the Inuyasha movies Menomaru is the moth demon from Affections Touching Across Time and it's told in that movie that his father, Hyoga, was one of the InuTaisho's worst enemies. Don't worry about the lack of description on Kagome's part, that's all going to be in the next chapter and it was 100% purposeful. Alright, I'm done for tonight. I hope you enjoyed the chapter =] please r&r, it's my fuel and the more reviews I get the more quickly ill write haha ^^ till next time, JA!

-sesshysgirl08-