JeniNeji Comments:

Well my Beta, Jolee Finch (her fanfiction name) Chezka (her real nickname) gave me the edited chapter sooner than I expected and because I fear that I may be taken to a place without internet connection agaisnt my will for the next week I am going to put this chapter today! Wish me luck...PLZ!!! I dont want to be a week without reading the possible reviews!!! PLZ...I want to read some reviews!!! Ahhhhh....I want my my...LAPTOP and internet!! CRY CRY

Mmmm Happy HALLOWEEN WOOOHOOO AND Thanksgiving!!!

ENJOY!

DisclaimER: I don't own Inu-Yasha, only Momo…Mitsurugi…Almira, Sephira…and I feel too lazy to remember the other names ^^

Special Thanxs!!

TO:

Sugar0o: I know what you mean! I have felt like that a few…no wait…many times in my life. I don't know about you…but I love that feeling…its like auto-torture…like OHHH what's going to happen now!! PLZ TELL ME…but knowing that I have to wait so I spend many night trying to guess what its going to happen. Jeje (Spanish way of writing laugher…I think or maybe Jaja). Hope you like this one better!

Fanged Falcon: Hi again! Thanks for your always loyal review! I like Koga too…though I don't know what to do with him now…now I have to think ^ ^. I shall be updating once a month from 1-5…or so my beta and I will try. In December we will be on finals…so I can't promise much. Just excuse that month. Hope you like Koga here too.

Jolee Finch: People this is my beta reader…any comments or anything…here is the woman. Thanks Jolee Chezka!!

Bella Rae: Greetings Rae! (bows). What would we do without Naraku? He's a perfect villain :) Tell me, what do you thin of Almira? Oh and yes, Koga developed feeling for Kagome…if he didn't, he wouldn't be Koga, right?

James: Thanks for the review, I will be updating monthly…hope I can post at least every 3 weeks.

Kyekye: (narrows eyes with suspicion): I'm glad you liked it. I think you will like this one more! Love for those loyal reviewers!

Pandora-of-the-south: Poor Momo. I thought that that may happen…but thing like that have to happen sometimes:( Well, let's see if Sesshomaru found that mate of his or…NOT?

When the Past is the Future…

Chapter 15:

The Sleeping Miko

Kagome ran down a green hill near the Castle's wooden walls. Her long, black hair flew with the breeze and her blue eyes sparkled full of laughter.

"You are not serious" she said between giggles. She kept running, not caring to slow down her pace.

"I am serious" repeated Koga in a tone of complaint. "He was being too disrespectful" he pointed out as if it was of importance. "He should know his place, I am the Wolf Prince" he said with a huff. "So, I threw him to the river, it was his fault" he finished, still walking very slowly, not caring if Kagome was a long way ahead of him.

"You are a pretentious fool!" she chirped and screeched playfully as she reached a little river.

Koga eyed her with soft gray-blue eyes. She was so…different. She hadn't grown an inch over the last 15 years, but she had matured incredibly. Somehow, her face, her eyes, and her soul have become lovelier. He could no longer see the child she once was –though she still looked like a ten year old. With the passing of months and years, he had begun to see her as much more. She was a precious and rare gem, and he was going to polish her to perfection.

He continued his slow pace, not concerned about their distance, enjoying each passing second of his life…even he was growing. He chuckled softly and closed his eyes to take in her scent with more devotion.

Sesshomaru watched as both walked through the green field. His golden eyes were nailed on Koga. The stinking wolf had never left the castle since the first day he arrived. Didn't he have duties? He was after all—supposedly—a wolf prince. The worst thing was how Inu no Taisho had allowed it. "He helped save my daughter" his father said. "And he will forever have my gratitude…he's free to stay for as long as he wishes".

He was surely a lazy wolf. Did he know the meaning of prudence or hospitability? As if that wasn't bad enough, he had become "magically" attached to Kagome, never leaving her an instant. He was not her jailer…

She doesn't see him as a jailer, a voice pointed out.

"That's what he is" replied Sesshomaru.

He's just taking care of her…so no one can mate her, the voice said again.

This time, Sesshomaru didn't reply, but growled. That was unacceptable, the wolf wasn't going to mate Kagome, why was he so insistent? "He seems like a good boy" Inu no Taisho had said. "The perfect man for Kagome". Just remembering these words made Sesshomaru's blood boil and another growl escaped him.

Sesshomaru closed his eyes and growled again. He began to walk away from the field and deeper into the forest behind him. He needed not walk for long. A sudden presence made its way to him, and it landed right in front of him.

A demoness with long, silky black hair and blue eyes stared at him. Her gaze was blank and her hands on her hips. Her face was beautiful, her features were sharp, but lovely, she was tall as well. She was wearing black tight pants and a sleeveless, loose hakama. It was white, decorated with blue and golden sakuras. "Good morning, Sesshomaru" she said formally, but with a hint of mistrust. "It's rare to see you on these parts of the castle at these hours" she commented, shifting the weight of her body to her left foot.

Sesshomaru narrowed his golden eyes at her, and made an exasperated sound. "Know your place, Amaru" he told her firmly and began to walk past her. His eyes forward, he went on, ignoring her rambling.

Amaru caught the sleeve of his blue hakama firmly. "No, Sesshomaru" she said with a soft voice full of anger. "It is you who needs to know his place" she told him. Her blue gaze trembled in anger, she almost snarled, her fury almost out of control. "I am your intended" she reminded him "you were the one to ask for me, you took me from my father and placed me on your bed, I deserve better than this."

"Your insecurity sickens me, Amaru" he told her, still not looking at her. "I do not wish for a mate who thinks ill of me" he said, his voice soft and controlled, as always "If you cannot control your jealousy urges, do not blame me for it" he finished and freed his sleeve.

She fisted her hands, trying to control her anger. Her blue eyes became cold, but still far from reaching the everyday coldness he—Sesshomaru—emitted. "Your cowardice makes me insecure, My Lord" she spat the last part. "You are the one who has problems" she told him with a voice that reached the verge of tears "you haven't even marked me as your mate…it's denigrating" she finished and her hands lost all strength and her limbs became flaccid, the pain was too much to bear at the moment. "I never wished for such a weak mate" she said full of regret.

A snarl ignited the entire combat. She quickly jumped out of the way and unsheathed her sword. She was some meters away from him, her blue eyes looking at him, her brain and sword begged for his blood…only a little of it, to amend for her broken pride and innocence.

"You have gone too far, Amaru" he told her dryly, his claws began to spray poison to the surroundings, his golden eyes set on her.

"Your selfishness is making me insane" she told him, gripping her sword tighter. She then became silent, it reflected the pain she was feeling.

Sesshomaru looked at her eyes and gritted his teeth, he wanted to kill her for her insolence. Women these days were more disrespectful with each passing day, Amaru was no exception. Great idea he had all those years ago, to try to mate her. He was glad today he never marked her as his. He had understood some years ago it had been a mistake, one couldn't just randomly choose his mate; the bond should be formed by itself. This angered him more than anything. He wanted to break everything, he despised how she didn't respect him anymore. "Amaru" he said sternly "stop this already" he said with authority, but she, being who she was, heard the trace of plea on his voice.

She sheathed her sword, her blue eyes watched as the metal disappeared inside the scabbard. She then turned her back to him and ventured inside the forest, no sound, no cry, no glance back. It was no use, since he never listened. Now, he didn't acknowledge her attacks or her threats. There was no hope left for her, no escape.

Sesshomaru didn't stop, he kept his pace steady and soon enough, he was far from her. He couldn't place his thoughts in order. He felt strange, perhaps, the word to describe him would be …confused. But it was so seldom he felt such emotion that he couldn't help but feel odd.

What was wrong with him? Why? Was Amaru right? Was he a coward, was he weak? Why didn't he mark her? He had spent countless nights with her…why?

Amaru turned and began to walk the opposite direction Sesshomaru had taken. She was fully aware of the numbness that clouded her senses, but she felt better like this. These arguments with Sesshomaru didn't hurt her any more. They only left her numb and emotionless. She was starting to become like him…a cold indifference was masking her true self.

Memories of her father's death—Fuma—came to her. Such as the following days after his death, when Inu no Taisho approached her, offering her to take her father's place in the armies. How could she refuse when it had been clear Fuma had wished for her to do so since she was born?

A small smile grazed her lips when she watched Kagome in the far distance on the field near the river. Suddenly, she felt how her sadness slowly began to fade. She reclined her back against a tree and watched Koga nearby, being splashed by Kagome.

"What a beautiful kimono you are wearing Kagome" whispered Amaru nostalgically, but too low for Koga's superior senses to hear. "I wish I could have worn them longer" she finished while her blue eyes roamed the orange and yellow designs over the expensive fabric.

"Wow!" exclaimed Momo with a smile "So you can control thunder?" she said and asked at the same time, her awed pink eyes on the young demon in front of her.

The demon chuckled and fixed his red eyes on Momo's pink ones. "In fact, I do" he said and he shook his head, his long black braid flew with the quick motion. His red eyes gleamed with satisfaction; this demoness in front of him was the most beautiful he had seen in decades. He could imagine the joy he could feel as he held her closer to him, to inhale the scent of her hair…she was spectacular.

"It's incredible" she replied eagerly. "My brother once had a sword made of dragon scales Dragon Scales that inherited the power of thunder" she explained happily, though her face fell with a deep sadness. "But it was destroyed" she finished and her eyes fell to her palms.

The thunder demon looked at her for some seconds as he took in her emotions, then chuckled softly. "I can help you take down a thunder dragon if you like" he offered casually and placed his hands behind his neck taking a relaxed posture.

Momo's wide pink eyes locked on his relaxed red ones. "You say it as if it was that easy" she said suspiciously. "There are very few dragons around lately" she finished and a frown marred her face.

"The things is…" the demon began—once again placing his arms on the table in front of him—that with my thunder I can find Thunder users more easily" he said with a smirk. "Taking the beast down would be the hardest" he commented with a more serene smile.

"If you can really do that for me" she began with a voice that ensured her rank "I will take only what I need for the sword and leave everything else to you" she assured. "I will even take you to Totosai so you can have a weapon of your own" she added, hoping he would accept to help her on this quest. "I do wish to make that special gift to my brother" she finished, with eyes that stared full of strength and determination, but underneath, the plea was visible.

The thunder demon smirked and extended his hand. "Agreed" he said and took her hand on his and squeezed her with care and then kissed it "We will meet in this very same place in three days" he announced "I have an errand to do" he explained and his red eyes rose to hers. "I am Mitsurugi" he introduced himself "and it's an honor to meet you" he finished with a smile.

Momo blushed and fidgeted. "Pleasure is all mine, I am Momo" she said shakily, not wanting to give furthermore introductions, fearing he may have heard other things from her. "I will see you in three days' time from now" she repeated, bowed her head a little and untangled her hand from his soft grip. She smiled a little and began to walk away.

Mitsurugi smiled full of anticipation. He just hoped she could put up a good fight…he did want that Thunder Sword…it could be a nice gift for Momo. Who knows? Maybe she will accept his love…

He stood and paid the fee at the little place where he had been and began to walk outside. He placed his hands on his pockets and began his journey to a nearby town. It had been so long since he had been around the area…a nice 30 years. He wondered why his friend had called. He said it was important…but, since he was around…he might as well visit one of his old lovers…how was she?

"Almira, did you talk to her?" he asked impatient, pacing his room in the ghost-like castle. His long, black curly hair was down and his red eyes were far away, filled with thoughts.

"Of course I did, Naraku" she told him angrily. "Do you not believe in me?" she asked, placing both hands on her hips, the creamy color of her skin a contrast against her silk white cloth. Her golden hair was even longer than before, now almost 12 inches of hair were being dragged as she walked. "Do not answer that" she said dryly when his red narrowed eyes fell over her.

"She hasn't come in many months" he told her irritated. "Something is wrong" he said and his red eyes scanned her.

"She isn't interested anymore" announced Almira simply. "That isn't helpful at all" she said saddened.

"You are her grandmother" shot Naraku. "Do something!"

"Hey!" she whined "that makes me feel old!" she said annoyed. "It's not my fault you lack charm or manners" she spat frustrated. "There is so much one can do" she finished and sat with a huff on the cushion next to the low table, her golden hair flying graciously around her. "Besides…you don't need her to get the Jewel."

Naraku scowled and turned to a corner of the room. "Kanna!" he called to release some energy, his fists were shaking in rage.

The pale, monotone demoness stood from her corner and walked towards Naraku without hesitation. She raised her black eyes toward his red ones and soon enough….images began to appear on her silver mirror.

Kanna looked at the mirror with her dull black eyes, and the images began to move to the side. A demon wearing a long braid of black hair and red eyes laughed. He had a red hakama and a big armor. He seemed to have a diamond symbol on his forehead. Naraku witnessed as Momo took the man's hand and squeezed it and this made his blood boil. He had been spoiling her for so long, and she was now with another demon?

"What?" shouted Naraku in disbelief and then turned to Almira. "Almira" he called. "Who is that?" he asked as his red eyes memorized the demon talking with Momo.

Almira rushed to his side and her pink eyes looked into the mirror with curiosity. "I don't know" she said softly. "It must be a common demon" she finished.

"Curse him" Naraku said with hatred. "I will not let him interfere with my plans" he said and smashed one of the shogi doors of his room "I will haste to make my next move" he announced and his red eyes fell on Almira. "I want revenge" he concluded.

"And I want my wish" said Almira with a sweet smile.

"Can't you see him Kagome?" asked Inu no Taisho playfully. "My daughter is losing her sight" he said feigning hurt. "Oh no…what are we to do now?" he asked dramatically.

Kagome rolled her eyes exasperated. "There is nothing there" she complained and placed her hands on her hips. "You are just making fun of me" she finished and turned her face, feigning to ignore him.

"No, Kagome" came in Koga's voice. "I see him too" he added and a smirk appeared o his face. He chuckled and turned to Kagome. "Can't you even 'feel' him?" asked Koga.

Kagome pouted and narrowed her eyes "No. I can't" she said frustrated. "There's nothing there" she said again, not wanting to accept there was a being she couldn't feel.

Inu no Taisho barked a laugh and ruffled his hair and brought his fisted hand in front of Kagome. He slowly opened his hand and soon enough, Kagome's blue eyes found the diminutive tiny demon on his hand.

"He's an ant!" cried Kagome "How do you expect me to feel something so small!" she added full of frustration, huffing angrily and began to pace the room.

Inu no Taisho laughed again and then regained his composure. "Myoga, this is Kagome" he told her with a smile. "He will be my servant from now on" he added and his eyes pursued Kagome as she paced. "He's very knowledgeable" commented Inu no Taisho with a grin.

Koga crossed his arms and rose an eyebrow inelegantly. "A flea?" he asked with narrowed eyes. "That's a strange combination" he commented with a resigned smile. "You surely know how to choose your servants" said Koga and lifted his arms. Then he began to walk to Kagome.

Inu no Taisho burst into laughter again and Koga looked at him. "Myoga said he doesn't listen to the likes of you" Inu no Taisho explained jovially. "He says the blood of your kind has no flavor and its low on nutrients" he finished and muffled another laugh.

Koga growled and narrowed his eyes. "A most disrespectful servant, I must add" he said and began to trail towards Inu no Taisho. His gray-blue eyes searched for the little pest and he narrowed his eyes as said flea jumped into Inu no Taisho's hand. Myoga was staring at Kagome unblinkingly and Koga smirked. "Well, little pest" said Koga, irritated. "I must warn you before hand, do not come any closer to her" he ordered with a hint of a threat.

Kagome smiled and her big blue eyes scanned the minuscule demon. "You are indeed little" she commented and extended her hand to Inu no Taisho to see the demon better.

Myoga made a satisfied sound and jumped to Kagome's hand, hoping to get a nice taste of her miko blood, but when he was about to fall on her hand, Koga blew with strength and he fell to the floor instead.

"What are you doing?" demanded Myoga with courage, knowing Inu no Taisho was on the room.

"That will be your punishment…bug" he said with attitude. "You will not drink a single drop of this lady's blood" he repeated with authority. "No demon will taste her" he said, threatening.

"Is that so?" replied Myoga and jumped to Kagome once again, but Koga smacked him away, making him collide against a wall. "I told you so" said Koga in a mocking voice.

Myoga slowly floated to the floor, flying from one side to the other, still dumbfounded… "You cannot be with her….always" he replied in a challenging manner. He fell to the floor and lost consciousness.

Koga crossed his arms again. "A very disrespectful fellow indeed, Inu no Taisho" he said and his gray-blue eyes searched for Inu no Taisho "Why did you hire someone like him?" he asked a little confused.

Inu no Taisho grinned. "'Cause he's funny" he said simply "and I like humor during my journeys" he added. "You can't always be tense along the way" he said and walked to Kagome, taking her in a bear hug. "Where is that sister of yours?" he asked lovingly.

Kagome smiled and tried to hug him equally strong, but failed miserably. "In one of the towns" she told him with a smile. "She's still sad, and mourns his death" Kagome said softly, her eyes becoming sad.

"She will get over it soon" he told her with confidence "I lost my mate" said Inu no Taisho with sorrow. "But I am still here" he told her firmly but with sad golden eyes. "Though I still ache for her, and I miss her like you have no idea" he confessed and rubbed his nose against her cheek. "I hope you never experience this pain Kagome" he told her softly, and then placed her on the floor once again.

Kagome did nothing as he put her on the floor, but her eyes looked at him sympathetically. "I miss her too, Father" she whispered, and Inu no Taisho ruffled her raven hair lovingly.

"And you Koga" said Inu no Taisho with a smile "I see you have taken a liking to the Western Lands" he commented with soft eyes. "I'm glad" he said and then his eyes turned to the door on the end of the room.

"Yes…I like many things here, my Lord" said Koga respectfully. "Speaking about which I wanted to…"

"Jaken!" called Inu no Taisho joyfully "Come in, come in" he said and the little demon on the door showed his face and his yellow eyes fell on Inu no Taisho. "Let me introduce you, come in" repeated Inu no Taisho and Jaken walked in.

Kagome turned to the door with curious blue eyes. "Father, how many people you brought with you this time?" she asked with a hint of surprise. She waited for this Jaken to come out, her eyes on the door.

A little green demon with black robes and a brown wooden staff, with the face of an old man carved on it, walked in. He had big, ugly yellow eyes and a little black hat tied with ropes adorned his head.

Kagome twisted her lips as she compared this demon with Myoga the flea… Myoga was cute, way cuter. Her blue eyes stared carefully, trying to find what kind of demon he was… perhaps something related to a frog, or could it be a giant flea? She wasn't sure.

As he walked, Jaken's eyes remained on the floor and in a few steps, a shiver escaped him. His eyes glanced at Kagome an instant before going to Inu no Taisho. He bowed his head.

"Jaken" Inu no Taisho began. "These are: Koga, the Wolf Prince, Myoga my servant, and Kagome, my little miko" he finished and smiled.

Jaken reached Inu no Taisho and bowed his head, his voice shaking as he spoke "G-good Evening my…my L-lo-ord" he said, his eyes on the floor "I am at your service" he said as a slave, he shook a little as he waited for Inu no Taisho to say something.

"You surely are something, Inu no Taisho" said Koga with a depressed expression "You get a disrespectful flea and a scared one…" he commented. "I surely can't get you" he finished and turned to see Kagome undoubtedly looking at Jaken with the urge to poke him.

Inu no Taisho laughed uncontrollably "Forgive me Koga" he said and walked to Jaken. "You Jaken, stand for demons' sake, you are not my slave" he said and Jaken raised with confused yellow eyes "Yes, you heard me well" said Inu no Taisho. "I have another task for you" he said and grinned. "I ask you to forgive me beforehand" he said and grinned, his golden eyes on Jaken.

Jaken eyes widened even more than possible and he gulped, fear sketched on his face. Kagome and Koga turned to Inu no Taisho, it was odd for him to act this way. "Why father?" asked Kagome.

Jaken then turned to Kagome and sniffed the air, she was a human and had called the fierce Inu no Taisho father…was this girl indeed his daughter? She was human, he was sure.

"Jaken, you will be serving my older son, Sesshomaru" he said and instantly a hiss was heard from Koga, but Inu no Taisho ignored it. "He's very much like me…but I must admit he isn't as patient as I am" he warned and smiled apologetically.

Kagome's concerned blue eyes fell on Inu no Taisho. "Are you sure of this?" she asked softly, and Jaken cringed at her unspoken words. Sesshomaru was very dangerous…

"Sesshomaru needs someone to keep him company" said Inu no Taisho "and Myoga here will only get killed by his never-ending impertinence" he explained. "I think Jaken will do a fine job" he finished and smiled to Kagome, who only shrugged.

Koga laughed as he watched the bigger flea demon squirm as Inu no Taisho talked. "Good luck, Jaken!" he said dramatically.

Kagome frowned and looked at him suspiciously. "What's up with you?" she asked a little annoyed.

Koga only smirked. "Damn demon" he said and opened his mouth to see Myoga biting his hand. "A lowly-blooded wolf… am I not?" he asked irritated and threw the tiny demon against the wall, rendering him unconscious. He couldn't take the smirk off his face as he saw the flea fall to the floor. "You deserve it, disrespectful little thing" he muttered joyfully.

"Calm down, Koga" warned Inu no Taisho. "Do not forget that he is my servant" said Inu no Taisho and turned to Jaken. "Koga" he called and Koga's eyes immediately searched for the golden ones. "Take Jaken to Sesshomaru's headquarters" Inu no Taisho ordered softly and walked away.

Koga watched in disbelief as Inu no Taisho left the room. "I can't believe this" he said softly. "Sesshomaru will kill me, he hates me" he said and scowled as he turned to look at the green-brown flea demon shaking at his feet. "Don't give me that look" he said annoyed. "It was you who wanted to serve the Taisho family" spat Koga with disdain. He then turned to Kagome. "Kagome" he called and she looked away from the unconscious Myoga to Koga. "I wanted to show you something…care to accompany me to deliver the servant?" he asked.

Kagome looked at him as she raised one eyebrow. "I am not supposed to go there" she reminded him and then sighed.

"Thanks anyway" said Koga and walked out of the room.

Jaken looked between Kagome and the door and his yellow eyes inspected her with care.

Kagome looked at him and smiled. "He isn't that bad" she replied softly and began to walk towards the door. "Just don't order him around" she urged and walked out. From outside the door her voice came again "Come Jaken!"

Jaken shivered one last time…this was a strange family indeed. Without much more thought, he silently followed them.

Sesshomaru was walking to his room. His silvery hair was wet and he was wearing a white robe. He heard voice on the hallway and stopped.

"This is Sesshomaru's room" he heard Koga say. "Wait for him here…he will arrive soon, explain everything to him…and…don't be pushy…and obey him."

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes….what was Koga doing here?

"Well…I'm leaving" said Koga. "Have a good night" he announced and began to walk away. Sesshomaru felt his stress leave him as the wolf walked away, but then, he tensed again.

"Kagome" Koga called. "Now let's go…I still want to show you something."

"Koga" whined Kagome "it's late" she said. "Can't it wait until tomorrow?" she asked and began to walk with Koga.

"No" Koga said apologetically "It must be today… you will like it, I swear" he tried again.

Kagome sighed audibly. "Fine" she said and soon enough…the two of them were gone from the hallway.

Sesshomaru waited until they were a safe distance away and walked into the hallway. He was silent as he inspected the end of the hallway with a strange look.

"M-my…my …lord" squeaked Jaken in fear, his yellow eyes looking at the grandeur of the demon in front of him.

Sesshomaru looked down at the flea demon and narrowed his eyes. "Who are you? Why are you here?" he asked impatiently.

Jaken's eyes widened even more than normal—if that was possible—and the words he had been practicing to introduce himself died on his throat.

"Speak, demon" said Sesshomaru and he walked in the room to change his clothes. Jaken was still speechless and he looked inside the room with no understanding of the situation.

A black-haired dog demoness appeared on the hallway. She was drying her hair uninterestedly and her monotonous blue eyes settled on Jaken. "Who are you?" she asked with a little curiosity.

Jaken turned to the demoness. He felt suddenly at ease, she seemed to be more subtle than Sesshomaru. He was about to tell her when Sesshomaru –fully dressed—walked out of the room.

"That's what I have been asking him" he said with annoyance. "But seems like he is either deaf or mute" he said and walked out of the room and into the long hallway.

"Where are you going at this late hour?" asked Amaru a little annoyed. Didn't she deserve even a little care or companionship?

"That's exactly what I'm going to ask Koga" he said with an even tone and disappeared.

Amaru sighed and turned to Jaken. "Now, you" she said pointing to him, cold eyes welcoming Jaken's yellow round ones. "Explain yourself."

"Are we there yet?" asked Kagome with impatience. "I'm tired Koga" she said and kept walking some steps behind him, her hands were grasping the edges of her kimono so it wouldn't get dirty.

"We are almost there" he said apologetically. "I can carry you if you like" he offered as he kept walking up the hill.

"No thanks" said Kagome "I am not so weak as a human" she told him with narrow eyes. She kept walking "You know, Father doesn't like it when I go out so late" she reminded him.

"But you are with me" he coaxed. "I'll protect you" he finished and stopped on the top of the hill and turned to Kagome, to look at her as she walked up.

She was so…strange. He had always liked beautiful female demons, but she was different. She still looked like a ten year-old girl, but she was beautiful, nonetheless. He considered her as perfect. She was a strong girl with lethal powers and abilities so great that it even perplexed him. She was very educated and intelligent and what he liked most of all…she was a woman he could protect.

"I'm here" Kagome said as she finally reached the top of the hill "What is it that you wanted to show me?" she asked.

He chuckled and took her by the shoulders and turned her to the other side of the hill were she was greeted by the full moon. The solemn light bathed the entire field down giving it a sense of magic. He heard her gasp and loosened his grip to look better.

Koga smiled softly. He knew she was going to like it. She had loved the full moon as much as he had. But for him, the full moon was the point where his existence was defined. He was a wolf, and so for him, the moon had a special sense and scent.

He had aged over these last years, and she –a human—had not. He had grown, he had finally reached maturity, he was now in mating age. Tonight, was a special night for wolves. This was the tenth year since he reached his mating age, the very first night where he was finally free to proclaim his mate, to confess his feelings… to become a man.

He eyed her with a soft smile. The pale moon light seemed intent of showing her most tender and sweet features. She was the woman who had been born to be with him, he was sure. No other female had ever captured his attention as she had. She was the one, and she could live with him forever since the Jewel she carried prevented her aging. He wanted to tell her, but how? How were these things said? She was Inu no Taisho's daughter…was there some custom or something that had to be followed?

"Koga!" called Kagome for the sixth time without receiving any answer. "Let's go down to the field of sleeping flowers" she said, or more like it, announced and began her steady descent.

Koga opened and closed his mouth to argue, but when he saw her walking down he hurried to her side. "Kagome" he nervously began "I have to tell you something" he said with blue- gray eyes on her hair since she was still walking.

She stopped and turned to him confused and let out a laugh. "Well…tell me" she said as if it was the most natural thing, and kept walking.

"Kagome…I…" he said but since she kept walking, he waited until she had reached the flowers. He was blushing and was very worried as well. If he didn't tell her tonight, he would have to wait until the next full moon. "Kagome" he called for her attention, with narrowed eyes.

Kagome frowned, since when was he so moody? She stopped picking flowers and walked to him. "What is it?" she asked still with the childish voice she had had for long years. With her big blue eyes she scanned his face.

"Kagome, do you like the full moon?" he asked her with a more relaxed stance, his eyes traveling back to the moon.

Kagome relaxed and looked at the moon. "Yes" she said without doubts "I have always liked it" she pointed out to him.

"Do you know the full moon is very special for us wolves?" he asked her and a chilly breeze passed them making Kagome shiver a little.

"I have heard so much" she admitted and then her blue eyes connected with Koga's blue-gray eyes. "Why?" she asked him.

Koga's eyes widened at her question and smiled. "Because that is the night where we find our mate" he explained softly. "We ask for her on this night so we can get the blessing of the full moon" he finished and his eyes locked on her.

"I see" said Kagome holding her picked flowers tighter when another breeze passed. "They must like it" she finished with a little smile. "Mating age is very important to all of you" she said, a little confused. "Momo was like that too" she commented "Though I have never heard about such things in humans" she finished and looked at the full moon, taking her eyes away from Koga.

"Maybe you can say if they like confessions on these nights" he said and laughed softly. "After all, you are a female" he finished and gave a step closer to Kagome. "Need help with the flowers?"

Kagome shook her head. "No, I am a little cold…that's all" she said and then furrowed her eyebrows. "How so? I can't tell…"

"Kagome" said Koga with warm eyes on her. "I want you to be my mate" he told her with a shaky voice. He watched as Kagome's eyes widened and a horrified look invaded her face. "Kagome…wait, wait" he said and his hands softly held her arms. "Please, don't get scared" he begged in a nervous voice. "Kagome, since that day – the day in which we battled Onigumo – since that day you stole all of my attention. I wanted to meet you, I wanted to know more about you and so I came here with you. I love you so very much and…I …I am not asking you to be my mate right now –I know you are still young and everything – I just wanted you to know what I feel" he said and smiled "And I will love you for life because a wolf's mate is for life" he finished.

Kagome's eyes were still big and wide. She felt very warm inside and she felt her skin freezing only with the night air. She couldn't prevent the shiver that invaded her, though she was thankful that it was a subtle one. "Koga…I … I…" she began, but she didn't know how to keep going. It was then that she looked at him. He had grown, he was taller…maybe. His hair was longer and was tied on a high ponytail, reaching his mid back. This made his eyes seem even clearer…he was…nice looking. She couldn't define it as nothing else…besides, she –as a human miko undesired by demons—have never taken the time to think about such things.

A strong presence invaded the entire field and both Kagome and Koga froze. Sesshomaru walked towards them, easily going up the hill. He was pissed, both of them knew it, not only they knew it for the "feeling" his presence emitted, but also his eyes showed as much.

Kagome pressed the flowers against her and her blue eyes were locked on Sesshomaru. She didn't know how she felt: angry or scared. Why was he here? She stepped back and her eyes narrowed menacingly.

Koga, feeling Kagome's discomfort moved in front of her. He dug his feet on the ground and his eyes also settled on Sesshomaru.

Sesshomaru thought neither of them knew how much every single thing they had done on the last five seconds angered him. They were children, there was no doubt. Kagome escaping him and thinking she can go threaten him and Koga standing in front of her like a protective male. He should kill Koga for his impertinence and he should teach Kagome some things. "Koga" he called for the demon with a cold, but irritated voice. "Why is the miko out so late?" he asked. "You must know how much this upsets the Lord of the West" he said as he fisted his hands at his side, trying to control his anger.

"Yes, I am aware" said Koga with a scowl, he had never felt like paying Sesshomaru any respect, but the current situation needed it. "We were just talking, and no harm was going to come to her…I can protect her, she's not outside on her own" he finished with his angry eyes on Sesshomaru.

"Move, Koga" said Sesshomaru and he continued on his advance against Kagome, his golden eyes didn't hide that if he didn't obey he was going to be hurt.

Koga tenaciously kept his ground and didn't move. He watched as Sesshomaru came closer and he heard a little whine from Kagome behind him. As soon as Sesshomaru was at arm's distance, Koga attacked…only to be sent flying some meters away.

Kagome looked at Koga as he landed on the ground and she gasped horrified, the flowers fell from her hands as her grip faltered and a chilly wind flew them and her hair towards Sesshomaru. Tears threatened to fall from Kagome's eyes, but she held them. She stepped away from Sesshomaru, her blue eyes looking at him full of despise. "Stay away from me" she ordered "Don't touch me!" she yelled and prepared in case she needed to fight him too. "You are no one, Sesshomaru, you are not my father, and you are certainly not my brother" she said furiously "…how dare you hurt him like that? I am telling Father about this" she threatened.

Sesshomaru kept his freezing golden eyes on her, reading her body movements and listening to her words. At first, her words irritated him, she was not someone who could order him around. He was Sesshomaru, and he did as he pleased. But then, her words stung him. He should be glad to hear those words, but he wasn't. When she told him he was no one, despair washed over his being in a second, only to be followed by the appearance once again of his strong barriers…he was not going to be hurt by her. She was the one who was no one. Finally, when she took Koga's side, did it mean she preferred the scrawny wolf?

Sesshomaru watched as Koga stood from the corner of his side and he growled. "Come with me now" he growled to Kagome, but she shook her head and her hands began to swirl with miko powers. Koga began to run towards him, intending to "protect" Kagome from him, as if he was going to hurt her and as if he could do something to prevent it. Sesshomaru's eyes pierced Kagome's and he dashed to her, effectively trapping her on his arms and then swirled and kicked Koga again. Sesshomaru gritted his teeth in pain and trapped Kagome's hands in one of his when he felt his arm burn when she attacked him. "How disrespectful you have become" he commented between clenched teeth. "Stop or you will regret it" he told her, irritated.

Koga stood again and Kagome's frustrated eyes were on Sesshomaru. She tried to break free, but even before she tried she knew it was going to be futile. She made a little growl of her own and she closed her eyes tight for some seconds to prevent the tears. She then heard Koga growl and her heart began to race. "Wait" she pleaded and her eyes found Koga. "Stop" she ordered softly, her eyes showing concern.

Koga looked at Kagome and then his hateful eyes settled on Sesshomaru. His lips began to form a snarl but he kept himself unmoving. He knew Kagome didn't want him to get hurt, but how it pissed him! Who did Sesshomaru think he was? Inu no Taisho didn't allow Kagome near him, he trusted her more to him –a stranger—than his own son. Why? Koga sped away from Sesshomaru and Kagome, then disappeared in the nearby forest, his instincts demanded that he had to do something…find Inu no Taisho.

Sesshomaru stopped when he felt the wolf pup fleeing the hill. His golden eyes narrowed in thought, but Kagome's trashing startled him and made him focus on her. "Are you still defying me?" he asked with a hint of irritation.

"Let go of me" said Kagome with defying blue eyes. "I can walk" she finished and locked her blue eyes to his golden ones.

Sesshomaru ignored her and walked inside the castle, he had something to attend to.

"What?!" asked Mitsurugi out loud breaking the silence that surrounded the old hut. "You are kidding me" he said in disbelief.

The voice of an old man replied with an even and soft tone. "I am certainly not" he said and he stretched his hand to one of the inside door. "Come Hiten, do not be afraid" he said softly "This demon is your father."

Mitsurugi looked at the old demon with narrowed eyes. He wouldn't dare play such a foul trick on him. They had been friends for centuries…but this news certainly surprised him. He? He was a father? The thought had never occurred to him, when did this happen? Why wasn't he notified beforehand? He wanted to ask so many things…but the appearance of the young demon in front of him caused all of his thoughts to vanish.

The demon child had straight black hair down to his shoulders and red eyes that undoubtedly reflected his own. The diamond mark that adorned his face didn't lie, he was his father's son. He was a father…he had a son. He had an heir. Joy filled his heart as his child shyly peered on him. A smile curved on his face and he closed his eyes for a moment then he reopened them and there was a different glimmer on his wise red eyes. "Hello…my son" he said with a grave voice. "Come here" he said as he knelt and outstretched his hand.

The child blinked, and a smile appeared on his face, reflecting Mitsurugi's own. He raised his red eyes to the old demon who had been taking care of him in search of reassurance and after finding the cue he wanted, he walked to his father, slowly and carefully.

Mitsurugi embraced the child and stood once again, with the child in his arms. Mitsurugi took the hair out of the child's eyes and looked at him in detail. He looked so much like him…but underneath, the soft features of his past lover were also clear. "What is your name?" asked Mitsurugi.

The child focused his red eyes on his father. "Hiten" he said clearly and a spark of thunder resounded on the high sky. "And mother told me I can control thunder…the same as my father" he told his father proudly.

Mitsurugi watched his son's excited red eyes and chuckled and ruffled the young one's hair. "That's great" he told him in a soft voice "I will have to teach you then" he said with a smile and kissed Hiten's forehead and placed him on the floor. "Hiten, prepare your things" he ordered softly. "We must be going on a mission soon" he finished and the young boy nodded and ran off.

Mitsurugi turned to his old demon friend and his red eyes narrowed. "Why wasn't I told about this earlier?" he asked annoyed.

His friend sighed. "She was afraid of what you would think…after all, you two weren't mated" he said and his eyes looked at the end of the room where Hiten packed some wooden toys he had. "Besides…this is something that hardly happens…a child conceived like this?"

"What happened to her?" asked Mitsurugi. She had been a beautiful demon who possessed little power. For all the years he visited her, she always wore her black straight hair very short, and her brown eyes were caring. It was hard to believe she had just died.

"It's unknown" said the voice of the old demon "I just know what Hiten knows…she has been missing for more than a month" he announced tiredly. "Rumor has it she was killed by another demon" he finished.

Mitsurugi gritted his teeth in frustration and anger. A demon dared to kill the demoness who gave him a child. He could hardly resist the urge to claim vengeance. The soft steps of Hiten coming closer made him turn to his son. He had a brown bag on his back and a dagger on his belt. It was a funny picture, such a small demon trying to look threatening.

"We will be going soon" he said and walked towards Hiten, he touched the boy's hair and turned to his friend. "I will be going" he announced and bowed his head a little. "If you know or need anything…find me" he finished and walked out of the house. Hiten followed close by.

The sun was coming from below the mountains on the horizon. Mitsurugi's red armor reflected the morning light subtly and he felt his heart very light. He had discovered he had a son, he had discovered that his old lover had been killed…but even so, he felt very light. Hiten began to walk forward, his steps silent and his hair flew with the breeze. As he watched his son walk, he realized the fact that he had an heir was the best thing it had happened to him over the last decade. For the first time, he felt he had a duty, a mission…a future.

He began to follow his son, thinking up ahead; the fight against the Thunder Dragon awaited him. Momo's soft smile came to his mind, and he closed his eyes and took a deep breath; he would not try anything to gain her love. She was a young demoness who had a bright future…he couldn't possibly burden anyone with his own matters, and now he had a son. He couldn't hope to find a demoness who would accept to take care of such a small child. From now on, he had to look after his son…this was not a moment to be thinking about love. Love would have to wait for some 200 hundred years now. It was a shame… Momo was so beautiful…

Sesshomaru awoke to the feeling of wrongness. He felt very tired, his muscles ached and his mind was foggy. He shook his head to take all these strange symptoms away from his person. His golden eyes stared at the stone ceiling, but he could hardly focus anymore. He blinked a few more times, but it changed nothing.

He made a motion to sit, but a metallic sound chirred on his sensitive ears. A moving chain? His golden eyes narrowed and he turned his head to his wrist. Like he had thought, he was chained… He blinked and began to take the scents surrounding him. Indeed, he was in his castle, but why would he be chained in his own house?

He began to fight the chains, to pull on them, but they didn't give in. He tried again, this time with more strength, but once again, his efforts were in vain. Was there a spell on the chain? A different scent than any other he had smelled made Sesshomaru growl.

"You!" he shrieked mercilessly. "Release me!" ordered Sesshomaru impassively.

A frightened shout escaped the flea demon and he fell to the floor; his forehead touched the floor in a bow. "My… my lo- ord" squeaked Jaken. "I –I can't do as you ask, L-lord Inu no Taisho ordered" hardly finished the demon, too scared to talk properly.

"What is the meaning of this?" demanded Sesshomaru "Why am I a captive in my own castle?" he asked and his voice easily allowed Jaken to notice that his patience was wearing very thin. He gave the chain a ferocious pull, but the strength he used was not enough to break it. He growled once again, feeling frustration –something he seldom felt- until a familiar scent invaded the room. "Amaru, release me" he said as his golden eyes took on her familiar face.

Amaru stopped a few feet from the bed Sesshomaru was chained to and her blue eyes fell on his golden ones. "I only came to tell you that I am leaving" she said serenely "I am going to accompany Momo on a mission" she explained in a tired voice. "I am not sure I will be back" she finished and turned her back to Sesshomaru and began to walk out of the room.

"I forbid you to allow Momo to go to such a dangerous mission, Amaru" said Sesshomaru with a subtle anger, but concern for his sister was also in his voice. "Stop her."

Amaru growled softly and turned to Sesshomaru with icy, blue eyes. "The mission is not dangerous" she said "but I am tired of living a farse, I am tired of your weaknesses and I am tired of your cold face" she said enraged, her hands clenching into fists. She managed to let out her irritation and took a deep breath. "Inu no Taisho is most upset with you, you did an unforgivable thing…Kagome remains asleep, no one can wake her" she said and began to walk out of the room again, but as she reached the door, she stopped. "You are so weak, why did you lie to me? To yourself? You tried to mark her! As your mate! When your fangs have never been as close to my skin, I have been your woman for years…" she demanded, her voice broke and cries left her mouth. "…and yet, WHY?" she asked again, her hands fisted again and the thought of injuring him until she was satisfied was crossing her mind, but she managed to control herself. She looked at him with shame and disappointment, then left the room.

Sesshomaru –for the first time—didn't feel like ripping her throat. Instead, he placed his head on the futon and relaxed. He felt and heard his heart beating slowly. He felt like his heart was in pain, a little voice crying, but why? Was it because Amaru left? No, that was not it. It was something deeper, something he had done.

"My…my lord" began Jaken softly. "Don't pay any heed to her words" he said, his voice taking some confidence. "I saw the bite…it was a bite made out of anger" said Jaken and his yellow eyes looked at Sesshomaru. "They all misunderstand such an act…my lord, mated to a human child? Impossible…I have heard of you, you wouldn't do such a thing."

"Jaken" interrupted Sesshomaru. "Leave the room" he ordered in an even voice.

Jaken flinched and made a series of bows and hurried out of the room.

Sesshomaru heard the flea demon leave the room, and a tired sigh left his mouth. What had happened? He shook his head…trying to remember...

He remembered taking her to her room. He remembered her defiant blue eyes when he let go of her and how she ran as far as possible from him. He questioned her, her motives for being out so late, but she didn't answer, she evaded him once and again.

He told her, that he had heard Koga's mating proposal, that the wolf demon had passed his boundaries; that he was going to be punished for his insolence. She had tensed, she had looked at him with hatred, and she told him he was not going to do such a thing. Who did she think she was? He was Sesshomaru, he did as he pleased. But then…he asked:

"What would be your answer to Koga's proposal?" asked Sesshomaru, he remembered his voice as if he had been someone else listening to the conversation; and then…she answered:

"I am going to mate him" her childlike voice said filled of determination.

That's where the last of his conscious memories took him. Everything after that was blurry. He remembered looking at her with red covering his eyes, how his hands trembled, and he remembered feeling his mouth dry and his throat ache.

He dashed towards her, with his claws ready to strike, and he remembered her dodging his hand and taking his wrist. After that, he felt cold, her purifying powers invaded him, beginning on his hand and finally buzzing his brain. He remembered her pained cry when she hit the stone floor after he shook her away from his arm…and then, he jumped over her…

He remembered looking at her shoulder, and he when he thought of marking her as his…so she couldn't mate the wolf demon. But then, he felt cold again, as another of her waves hit him full strongly, and he howled in pain. Then, the flavor of her blood was intoxicating him. Her blood in his mouth…his own mixed with hers…it was so tempting, he wanted it all. Was this how mating someone felt like?

But then he opened his golden eyes. Kagome's blue wide eyes stared at him full of fear and he instantly regained his usually controlled self…what had he done?! He blinked and his gaze fell on her shoulder…he hadn't bitten her on the right place, he bit her on her upper arm. He felt his own self shiver. He wasn't sure if not marking her as his mate had been a good or a bad thing.

He parted his lips a little and took his bloody mouth away from her arm. He licked the remnants of her blood from his lips. He remembered the weight of the silence that wrapped them both, and he remembered not having anything to say. What could he have said?

He felt Kagome's body trembling, shaking fiercer than normal. He narrowed his eyes and looked into Kagome's eyes, to find empty white orbs. His golden eyes widened in confusion…what was happening? Her screams began to pierce the room and he moved away from her only to find a seal forming on her upper-arm shoulder. But it was not a mating mark, it was not the mark of his father's clan. It was something else.

The blue tinge of the seal continued to grow and then he heard the beating sound of the Jewel she protected piercing the room. He opened his mouth, as he once again felt his mouth dry, but this time, it wasn't like before…instead, he felt his fangs freezing and he felt pain. Real pain invaded his mouth, as if the blood he had stolen had become poison on his troath and stomach.

He remembered spitting, he remembered gritting his teeth together to ease the pain, but it didn't help. Kagome's seal expanded and left her body and reached him and hit him full-force, attaching itself to his forehead. He felt his joints weakening and fell backwards. He saw his silver hair surrounding him as he fell…and then, everything went pitch black.

Sesshomaru moved his hands once again, but the chains still held him down. Did he mark her as his? No. He didn't feel connected to her as mates supposedly did. He closed his eyes and tried to sense her, to smell her, to hear her…nothing.

A new darkness appeared in the deepest part of his mind, a darkness he had never felt before. He shivered, but this time, the darkness welcomed him. He walked in, allowing himself to be immersed in it…he felt like he could see inside. He saw a vortex…no, two vortexes. He walked closer, careful not to be drawn onto them…but then he stopped, and his golden eyes widened. Why was that here? Why could he see it?

A muffled cry swept through the darkness and he then understood. He was connected…connected to her, but not through a mating bond…so he realized, that glowing sphere was the Shikon Jewel Kagome possessed.

He shared a bond with her, he now shared a curse…and through it, he could feel she was…hurting. Both vortexes were fighting between themselves and they were…weakening her? One was his bite mixed with the mating seal…but the other one was…what was it? He suddenly realized it…he smelled the energy, and it was a miko's energy…a seal? A curse? A miko?

He sat on his bed, his breathing was ragged. Kagome could die and he had caused this. It was his fault. He began to pull fiercely, more than before, he pulled and pulled and pulled…he had to free himself.

"Jaken!" he called, panicked. "Free me!" he ordered. "Release me! I command you!"

…but Jaken never came…

…and for the first time in so long…Sesshomaru felt like crying…and howls surrounded the Western Land's Castle.

To be continued…

JeniNeji's Note: ....Do I have to say something???