To start out I want to give my responses to reviews, like always. Tina Chan-0 is correct in her idea that Inuyasha is not going to let all of this go. Probably see some of his reaction later in this chapter. Thanks to Kaihaku No Iroke. I want to say I understand completely with what you said about Sesshomaru. I used two things to weaken the blow to his character. First I gave ample evidence to show that he is not himself emotionally around Healo so he would be willing to use methods he would normally shun. Second, I included that he didn't believe that he had lied to her. I am sure that all of us have heard of someone not completely answering a question. When you call them on it later they will claim that they didn't lie because they didn't say anything that was false. So that is how I rationalized his weird behavior. Anyway this chapter will focus back on Kagome; will show some of her struggling and thoughts. Review.

CHAPTER XXII

WHICH BROTHER?

A few hours later

(Kagome's POV)

The miko sighed sadly as she sat on the edge of a large cliff overlooking the silvery seas. She had come here because she loved the sound of the rushing water and the gulls. Serenity was something that she found was slowly disappearing from her life. First there had been just the jewel shards themselves, but then had come Naraku and her hopes for saving her friends from horrible fates. Ironically she now found that her own fate may depend on defeating the maniacal half-demon. If the heir could be determined he could free her from any obligation of taking a mate.

Despite how much it irritated her, she thought she understood why Sesshomaru had wanted her as a mate. Certainly his questions had been right to the point. Looking back Kagome realized that he was trying to make sure that she could fulfill the functions of a mate. She grimaced in disbelief at the idea of being a mate for such a cold being. Kagome knew that she couldn't stand being seen as the means to an end. The miko knew that she would be more than just an heir factory, but that did not ease her resolve any.

Kagome thought she saw a rationale reason for the Western Lords proposal, but she was still struggling with figuring out his brother's. Healo had been very kind to her, and in her heart he was a close friend, but she didn't think that he had any romantic feelings for her. Of course she wasn't the psychic but his affection seemed more brotherly then what one would expect from someone in love. He was gentle and kind when around her, but not shy, not unconfident, and he didn't seem to be troubled with any deep emotional battles.

Well, that wasn't exactly true, but the miko still felt that he did not love her. The only reason left then was what he had claimed, that of a friend watching out for another. Kagome sighed again as she considered the two brothers. No three. Despite what he had put her through the miko could not completely shut out Inuyasha. Even if she wasn't allowed to choose him she knew that he still had a part of her heart. Until that was resolved she could never completely give herself to another.

Inuyasha was definitely a good friend. Despite his hard words; his deeds usually reflected the good nature of his heart. His imperfections actually raised his esteem in Kagome's eyes so that she could make few decisions without considering their impact on the hanyou. Her tender instinct towards him was captivated by the sadness that drenched his younger life. Brash and irritable with cute dog ears, Inuyasha was still a powerful contender for her heart. His excerpts with Kikyo were a huge impediment but only the future could show what would come of that.

His older half-brother was certainly more glamorous and graceful. The Western Lands gave him a power base that few other demons could match. He was polished and refined where his half-brother was rude and obnoxious. However, Kagome was deeply troubled by his inability to consider how a decision would affect others, that is unless those people were worth something to him. However, she had learned that he had cared about others at one time. He was a pragmatist, which can be good or bad. Sesshomaru's lack of feelings for the miko were a barrier, but perhaps his attitude towards her would change.

Last there was the mysterious Lord Healo. The exiled Lord of the North had suffered through many disastrous crises to come to this point in his life. He already had a child from his only mate who had been taken from him by the very demon who now served Naraku. That half-demon had then increased his despair until Healo had nearly destroyed all that he had loved. The demon lord was haunted by guilt for the heinous decisions he had made earlier in life. Understanding, kind, and gentle he was certainly the most emotionally open of the three brothers.

However, Kagome knew that he was no pushover. Behind his meekness and civility was a will as strong as iron. The miko knew that she would never have to worry about any abuse from anyone if she became Healo's mate. She sighed again in confusion as she struggled with her thoughts. Suddenly a voice laced with understanding said ", Give it time. You still have nearly three months before you are forced to decide."

The miko turned slowly since she already knew who it was. The Northern Lord was watching her with a solemn face, but his eyes flashed occasionally with a feeling of pity. Kagome regarded him for a moment before replying ", I know. So what was the meeting about?" Healo did not respond at first but came and sat beside her on the cliff. After a moment he said slowly ", We merely finished some of the preparations for tonight's journey."

Kagome was glad to find a new subject so asked ", How long will it take us to get there?" The demon lord smiled at her question and answered ", It should only take a day or so. However, we will not leave till midnight. Sesshomaru doesn't want to cause a commotion among the people." The miko sighed as she said ", What if we don't find it there?" Healo's smile disappeared as he answered smoothly ", Hopefully we will learn something about its location. Either way, shortly after we return we will make a journey to Maleon to speak with the Regent. There is a chance that he could provide us with support against Naraku."

The miko nodded and said softly ", Was anything else discussed?" The demon lord hesitated then answered ", Yes. Sesshomaru told everyone about our claims to you." Kagome turned sharply and asked ", Why would he do that?" Healo said sadly ", He is trying to damage Inuyasha's trust for me by creating jealousy. Even though he may not love you, I can only imagine how protective my brother is of you." Kagome nodded and said ", I have to admit that that's true, but he knows that you only did it to help me, right?"

Healo replied softly ", I told him that, but I am not sure if he completely believes me. It takes a long time to build a trusting relationship. It takes only one doubt to destroy it. I fear that Sesshomaru will succeed; at least in a limited sense. I hope that overtime, you and I will be able to convince him of the truth." The miko groaned when she saw a shape in the distance but she only said ", Here might be our chance."

The demon lord turned slowly to find Inuyasha swiftly approaching them. His expression was difficult to read but in Kagome's experience that was never a good thing. His glance flashed first to his brother then to the young miko who smiled warmly at his approach. Healo did not smile but said delicately ", I will leave you two alone. Remember Kagome, you must be ready to leave this evening." Without another word the demon lord turned and silently headed back towards the majestic city.

Kagome smiled again at her hanyou friend who only stared at her with a dead expression. She decided to press on so she asked ", What's wrong Inuyasha?" His eyes flickered but he only crossed his arms and looked out over the ocean. Since he was obviously upset the miko lowered her voice and said kindly ", I'm sorry that I didn't tell you." Inuyasha reacted with a single word ", Why?"

The young woman replied ", I was hoping to settle it without anyone finding out. I didn't want to cause any trouble." The hanyou's voice was more accusatory as he asked ", To protect Healo?" Kagome frowned as she responded negatively ", To protect you. I didn't want to hurt you." Inuyasha finally looked at her angrily and said ", Why would that hurt me?" Annoyed at his denseness she answered brusquely ", Figure it out yourself!"

She stood intending to storm away to find a more private sanctuary when a clawed hand gently grabbed her. Kagome turned sharply to see a very pained expression on her friends face. His golden eyes were filled with uncertainty as he said quietly ", I'm sorry. I know that you would never do anything to hurt me on purpose." Kagome forgot her anger as she smiled warmly and said teasingly ", Not quite as aloof as we think we are."

Inuyasha only hid a grin as he pulled away and said ", Feh." The miko controlled her laughter knowing that the reaction to her humor wouldn't be pleasant, and said ", Well I'm going to go make sure everything is ready to go." The hanyou did not respond but as she walked away she felt the force of his stare before he quickly turned back to examine the waves of the ocean. She smiled secretively at his antics while she made her way quickly back to her room.

She was not surprised to find that Shippo was not there but something in the room did surprise her. Someone had already been there and gathered everything that she would need. All of her clothes were packed in her large bag and a small piece of paper was lying on her floor. When Kagome picked it up she read the neat handwriting slowly.

Lady Kagome, I wish to apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused through my proposal to you. I will not withdraw my claim since I believe that you have both the character and the nobility necessary to serve as the Lady of the Western Lands. All who have met you have doubtless been impressed by your carriage and kindness which are also qualities admired in a demoness, a ruler, and a proper mother. I know that in the end you will come to realize the solid reasoning behind the match and come to accept your place by my side. I wait patiently for this day.

Lord Sesshomaru

Kagome shook her head slowly in disbelief at the letter. "I told you he would do something like this," a voice just a few feet behind her said. The miko replied quietly ", Why is he so desperate?" Healo stepped up beside her with a thoughtful expression. He answered firmly ", As he said the number of acceptable females has dropped dramatically. I can think of none other that he would mate without losing some standing with the other lords." The miko sat down as she said ", Well, at least I didn't have to do the packing."

Healo smiled at her grimly as he responded ", Yes but I expect that you may end up wishing you had. I doubt you will enjoy the chore of dressing as a lady." Kagome's eyes narrowed as she said ", What's that supposed to mean?" The demon lord shook his head as he replied ", I don't mean to offend, but it is obvious that you have never worn proper attire. Or at least you aren't in any of your memories." Her voice took on a deadly tone as she asked ", Were you looking through my head without permission?" Healo took on an innocent look as he said ", What good are my abilities if I don't use them." He paused as he grinned and continued ", Besides I want to know everything about my possible mate."

Yay. I think this chapter was ok. Since I'm a guy I think a lot to write from Kagome's POV but I think it passes. Let me know what you think, especially if there is anything wrong. Hope to hear from all of you. Next chapter is Finally the Tower of the Moon. Update will probably be Monday, depending on # of reviews. Hope especially to hear from bya-kugan master93 and Yasnactic, since you haven't reviewed in a while.. REVIEW!!!