Sesshomaru's entire body tensed as he saw the miko's head reattaching to her body. She was supposed to be dead. He'd sliced her head off with his sword. Why the hell was she…He turned his gaze to his sword and noted, angrily, that it was not Tokijin that he had used, but Tensaiga's. His eyes narrowed. Impossible. He knew where his sword was. He hadn't grabbed Tensaiga.

'You did.' A deep voice that reminded him vaguely of his father corrected him.

'I did not.'

'You did. I moved the sword so that you would grab it.'

'And who are you?'

'I am nothing you should concern yourself with, Sesshomaru. However, I cannot allow you to make such foolish mistakes. I'm disappointed in you.'

Sesshomaru did not answer, instead staring down at her. 'The sword is healing her.' His body tensed as he recalled something very important. 'She will remember all that we spoke of before I decapitated her.' He cursed everyone who even bothered to exist for being against him.

'Mate alive! Mate! You no kill her!'

'She must die.' He withdrew Tokijin.

'No! No kill!'

Kagome sat up, wincing as she stroked her head. "What the hell happened? It feels like I got ran over by an 18-wheeler and my head popped off my…My neck!" She grasped her neck, feeling the scar that ran around it. "Y-You chopped my head off!"

The Demon Lord gazed down at her, his eyes bleeding into an intense crimson. Why the hell wouldn't she die?! He felt his face stretching as he transformed into that of his true form. His body widened, fur growing from his body.

Now, miko aren't stupid. They are highly intelligent beings…sometimes. And they listen to their instincts. Right now, Kagome's instincts, though slightly delayed, were screaming at her to run. So, she sprang to her feet, and took off.

Sesshomaru howled, pushing her to the ground with his paw. The palace grounds rattled with the intensity of the howl. Everyone inside stiffened at the sound.

Inuyasha knew that growl. He wasn't one hundred percent sure of what it meant, but he knew it wasn't good. "Runts, stay here! You guys, come with me! I smell Kagome's blood." He took off, sprinting out the door with the rest of the group at his heels. They all watched Kagome struggle to free herself from Sesshomaru, stunned to silence. Finally, Inuyasha hollered, "Oi, Sesshomaru! What kind of training is this?!"

"Inuyashaaaaa!" Kagome's body became engulfed in her reiki, causing Sesshomaru to growl in pain and pull his paw back. Taking the chance, she ran toward Inuyasha, "Inuyasha calm down, and stay back. Agh!" She shrieked when Sesshomaru swatted her with his paw.

"Kagome!" The tachi called, worried.

Kagome grunted. Her head smacked against the tree she'd hit. Rubbing her head as Sesshomaru bounded toward her, she grabbed the sword near her. "Is this part of the lesson you bastard?!"

Sesshomaru glared down his snout at her. He stalked toward his prey, snarling. His fur rose as Inuyasha made to move, and immediately, he growled in his direction. The miko was going to die. She had to.

"Fine then! Let the lesson commence!" A grumble worked in Kagome's chest as she lunged at him.

"Grrr!" Sesshomaru nudged his nose to the ground, kneeling on his front legs. His tail wagged, adrenaline pumping in his veins. He bared his teeth at her, allowing them to act as a shield for her sword to connect with.

"Damnit." Kagome flipped backward. As she landing, she slid back a ways, dust collecting around her. When it faded, she began to circle Sesshomaru, and he her. The instant he moved, she held up her sword to shelter herself from the oncoming blow of his paw. She swung at him, but they continued to land blow for blow. After a moment, Kagome was dripping with sweat and the various cuts on her body were causing her to slow down.

The transformed daiyoukai eyed the miko carefully, waiting for her to act. He hadn't gotten away unscathed. There was a large scratch across his nose, a few on his back, and one just at the top of his regenerating arm.

Inuyasha's hand twitched. Each time he saw Sesshomaru strike her down, he fought not to grab his Tetsusaiga and attacking Sesshomaru. "Kagome, I'll only stand for this for a moment longer!"

Kagome lowered her sword to her side, before dropping it all together. "Sesshomaru, something's wrong with you." She stepped toward him, causing the dog to look at her skeptically and back away. "Attacking me isn't going to help." Her eyes locked on his shoulder, and she smiled. Leaping up, she situated herself on his back and nuzzled his mark. "It's okay, big guy. It'll be alright."

Sesshomaru growled, looking over his shoulder at her. A shiver ran down his lengthy spine as she nuzzled the mark more. Against his wishes, he calmed and lowered himself to the ground, growling contently.

She beamed. "There we go." A grin spread on her lips. "You alright, Sesshomaru?" No reply came to her. Sighing, Kagome slid off his back and started to walk away. Only before she got too far, Sesshomaru's paw swung out, pulling her back against him. "Okay, you're fluffy and all, but I can't stay here forever."

"Grrr." He stood, and then allowed himself to convert back. Without sparing her a glance, he spoke, "Your lesson is over for today."

Sango rushed to her 'younger sister', embracing her. "Kagome, I was so worried." She felt her arm brush over something rough and looked at Kagome's neck before gasping. "What happened?!"

"What happened?" Kagome frowned. "That idiot decapitated me!"

"What?!" Inuyasha and Koga shrieked. "How are you still alive?"

"He cut me with Tensaiga." Kagome gestured to the puddle of her blood on the ground. "See."

Inuyasha growled. "Damnit, Sesshomaru!"

Sesshomaru disregarded the half breed. He'd come to a realization. The miko didn't have to die. No. He'd simply ignore her. He'd act as though the wench didn't exist. His feelings couldn't develop if he acted like he didn't know his miko was there. 'My miko.'

'Our miko.'

'Hn.'

Ashi kicked her foot against the wall of Sesshomaru's library, lying on the floor on her back and bored beyond reason. All that idiot sister of hers was blabbing about was Naraku, how to take him down, how to force him to his knees…She'd love to force the dark hanyou to his knees before her. 'Bad thoughts girl! Bad thoughts!' Her foot tapping sped up as she continued thinking. 'Just to feel his fangs sink deep into me…' Accidentally, she moaned aloud, causing Junsei's attention to turn to her. "What?"

Junsei's eye twitched. "What the hell are you thinking about that causes you to moan aloud?"

"You should know. I'm sure you feel it too."

"I'm not the horny fool you are right now." She lied, trying desperately to ignore the pooling heat in her stomach. She didn't need anyone else knowing what she felt, and she was certain the demons in the palace would catch a whiff of it. Not that it was her feeling it. Ashi had sparked it, and her body had run with the sensation.

"Then make me unhorny, Junsei." Ashi rose to her feet, stalking toward her other half.

Junsei rolled her eyes. "As if that even makes sense. Sesshomaru has a few hot springs around here. Touch yourself." If she wasn't so annoyed, she would've realized that there were seven auras outside the door.

Inuyasha's face was heavy with blush as he leaned against the wall, acting as though he wasn't eavesdropping. Kagome's scent had wafted into the room he and Kikyo shared, and when he'd gotten up to inspect it, Kikyo had followed. Along the way Koga and Ayame had joined, then Miroku, Sango, and Kohaku when they noticed everyone together. "Maybe we should go." He whispered.

"No. This is very important." Miroku waved a hand at his friend, leaning harder against the door.

"I was thinking the same thing." Ashi laced her hands in her sister's hair, nuzzling her face into her shoulder.

"W-what do you mean?"

"Well, you're me aren't you?" She pulled the chair Junsei was sitting in away from the desk and plopped into her lap. "So, if I touch you, and you touch me, it's only masturbation, isn't it?" Smirking slyly, she covered Junsei's lips with her own.

Junsei started, her eyes flying wide open. Instantly, she thrust her off and ran for the door, only to be tackled to the ground. "Get off of me, you wench!"

Ashi growled. "Just once, Junsei! Once, and we'll never have to tell anyone! I need this! You need this!"

"Not from you! Ugh, get off!" She squealed as her kimono was ripped open. "Go relieve yourself with someone else!"

"I can't." Ashi pouted, straddling her waist. "Inuyasha's taken by Kikyo. Miroku's taken by Sango," this caused the monk to reach for the knob, resulting in a punch to the skull. "Koga has Ayame now. Sesshomaru's an asshole and Kohaku…" She grinned. "Kohaku is a man now!"

Kohaku's heart jumped. She'd considered him. When he noticed the other's staring at his happy face, he looked away with a blush.

"No way! Don't even think about it! He's Sango's little brother! You can't use him!"

"So you'd rather I use you?" She giggled. "You're the best sister ever!" She pulled at the bandages that bound her sister's breasts. "This'll be so much fun!"

Junsei shuddered, struggling to get away. "Get off me, Shi! Sesshomaru has a thousand guards!"

Ashi snorted as pulled her kimono down over her shoulders. "Don't you think Sesshomaru would kill us if he knew we'd distracted his guard with these sexy bodies of ours? This way is much easier, though I wish you were a man. I suppose I could imagine." Wrapping her arms around her sister's back, she pulled her flesh against her and started to kiss her eagerly.

Miroku smiled. "We've, what was that phase Kagome's said? We've hit the jackpot! Yes. Now if only I could see."

"Don't be such a pervert. I wish we could help her, but the door is locked." Sango replied, having already tried to twist the lock.

"Attacked by her own sister." Kikyo whispered.

"Wow." Koga couldn't erase the grin on his face, his entire body tingling as he held Ayame closer to him. All arousal faded though when Sesshomaru's large, powerful aura surrounded them. They turned as the demon lord approached. "Sesshomaru, what's up?"

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. "Why are you gathered outside of my library?"

Inuyasha stuttered, his blush deepening. "U-u-um, you see-"

"Ah!" Ashi's loud moan interrupted, followed by a sharp curse from Junsei and the sound of something falling. "Ahhh!"

Eyebrow arched, Sesshomaru pushed open the door to his office. Ashi's glowing red eyes snapped to him just as Junsei's fist crashed into her jaw, causing her to fall back with a growl. Junsei panted, pulling her kimono tight around her. "I have half a mind to kill you!"

"Half mind indeed." Ashi chuckled hoarsely.

"Do you think I'm kidding?!" Kagome asked with fiery eyes. When Ashi continued to laugh, she launched at her, straddled her stomach, and grabbed her by the neck, throttling her. "I am not some fucking screw toy, got it?!"

"Ow!" Ashi hissed when her skull cracked against the floor. Reaching up, she started to return the favor, choking Junsei as hard as she could without killing her.

Getting over his initial shock, Sesshomaru snatched the two apart. So much for ignoring his little miko. He'd have to put it on hold for a few seconds. "Calm yourselves."

The two nodded, taking several deep breaths to loosen up.

"Now, explain."

"That prick tried to rape me!"

"She wouldn't give herself to me! We're supposed to be the same person! Touching her is simply masturbation!"

"It is not! I've got my own mind!"

"Partially!"

Sesshomaru growled loudly, silencing them both and causing them to look away. Looking away, though, had them unintentionally baring their necks to him. Releasing them suddenly, as to not to something he'd soon regret, Sesshomaru took a step back. "I no longer wish to hear your quarreling. Rejoin."

The pair grunted, turning their backs to each other. However, Sesshomaru's annoyed growl caused them to fuse together, leaving one scowling Kagome to stare up at Sesshomaru. She tilted her head, giving him a perfect view of the scar on her neck, which made Sesshomaru's beast to wince. "Happy?"

"Immensely." He sat at his desk, looking around at the scrolls on the floor. Getting the message, Kagome scurried to pick them up.

Kohaku watched her closely. 'Perhaps if I were to help…' He kneeled to pick up the one that sat at his feet. Kagome stood, waiting for him to hand it to her. As he rose, his eyes locked on her partially revealed breasts, and a rosy blush spread on his cheeks, not from embarrassment, but arousal.

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed greatly when he caught the musty scent of sexual awakening from the boy and bit back the urge to growl. She could have the human punk if she wanted him. "If you are done staring at her body as though you have never seen a female, boy, you may hand her my scroll."

Snapping to, Kohaku lowered his head in shame. "Forgive me, Kagome."

"It's alright." She whispered comfortingly. "Sesshomaru, don't be such an ass. He hasn't been around many women because of Naraku."

"Sit, miko." Sesshomaru ordered.

Grimacing, she was obligated to obey. Sesshomaru was, after all, her sensei now. And she wouldn't dishonor herself by resigning as his student. "Yes, your majesty."

"What were you doing in my library, miko?"

"Reading up on some things."

When she refused to elaborate, Sesshomaru ordered, "Continue."

She sighed. "I was wondering why I can't remember much before you chopped my head off."

'She cannot remember.' That explained why she hadn't confronted him about it. That was good. It was as if it had never happened.

'But it did!'

'Silence, damn you!'

"And ever since then, something has been trying to talk to me. I was reading in that scroll that I can summon what it is if it will do me no harm. May I see it?" When Sesshomaru nodded, Kagome pulled the scroll to her and began to read the spell. "Oh spirit that hath called to me. Come unto this living soul and speak." She waited for something to happen, and when nothing did, she sighed, disappointed.

Jaken squawked as the sword he was polishing began to rattle. He looked aside and found that Tetsusaiga was also rattling. 'What could the two swords have in common that they would react so suddenly?' "Awk!" He ducked when the swords suddenly shot into the air and flew from the room.

Tensaiga led the way, Tetsusaiga at its side but slightly behind it. They zipped through the air, narrowly avoiding servants, advisors, Setsuki. They flew through the hallways before coming to Sesshomaru's library and directly at Kagome.

"Kagome, get down!" Inuyasha lunged at her, but was a second too late. Sesshomaru too, much faster than his half brother, moved to grab the miko; however, he was forced to move back if he didn't want to have his neck sliced open.

The swords pinned her to the wall by her sleeves. Kagome, eyes wide, whimpered. "Inuyasha, what's wrong with Tetsusaiga?"

He shook his head. "I don't know." He offered her his hand. "I'll help you down."

Nodding, Kagome reached for Inuyasha's hand, wrapping it around hers. When he pulled her, she winced. It felt like something was ripping through her arm. She stiffened as she felt the power of a powerful Daiyoukai flow into her body. She clenched her eyes shut as the power bounced around inside her, fighting with her priestess energy. Fearful that it might be painful for Inuyasha, she drew her hand back.

The inuhanyou would not stand for it. He reached back up and, despite her cry against it, grabbed her hand in his. The second he did, though, his body absorbed some of the Daiyoukai's energy, and he fell limp against Kagome's also limp body.

"Inuyasha!" Kagome cried out, looking around the dark emptiness in which she stood. How she hated being alone in the darkness. "Inuyasha!! Inuyashaaaa!"

"Kagome! I hear you! Keep screaming so I can find you!" Inuyasha cursed his nose for not being able to pick up her scent. He heard her call his name again and smiled as he saw her. He ran toward her, scooping her up in his arms and holding her there.

"Inuyasha, I was so afraid. I thought I was all alone." She buried her face into his chest.

Ignoring the embarrassment, Inuyasha embraced the girl that had become his best friend and little sister, despite the feelings he still had looming for her. "It's alright. I'm here."

"Where is here?" She whispered, looking up at him with wide, fearful eyes.

"I'm not sure, and I don't know what or who summoned us here, so stay close."

"Aw, look at you, embracing like siblings…or lovers." A deep voice rumbled through the dark room.

Inuyasha growled at the voice, holding Kagome tighter. "Who the fuck are you?! Where are you?!"

The voice chuckled. "Now now, Inuyasha, didn't your mother teach you about such language?"

"My mother! How do you know my mother?"

"Calm down, Inuyasha. There's no point in rushing into a battle, especially without Tetsusaiga." Kagome cooed soothingly, stroking his arm.

Inuyasha growled lowly, but at ease. He loosened his stiff stance and nodded. "You're right."

The voice seemed to smile. "Finally found a soothing mate, eh, Inuyasha?"

"M-mate?" Inuyasha pushed away from her instantly, causing Kagome to stumble. "She's my friend nothing more." 'Why in the world am I explaining myself to him?'

"Nothing more?!" Kagome growled. "You bastard, it's not like I want to be more!"

"W-what? No! Kagome, I didn't-"

She hissed at him. "Didn't what?! I deliver Kikyo to you, and I'm still basically worthless?!"

Inuyasha shook his head furiously. "N-No! Kagome, you're worth-"

"Nothing to you! Sit boy!"

"Wai-" Inuyasha tried, but was slammed face first to the ground.

The voice chuckled, finding great amusement in watching the boy meet the ground. He did feel a little sorry for him though.

The hanyou pushed himself off the ground and turned to glare at him. When she glared back, he drew back. "Keh, sorry. Didn't mean to make ya feel worthless."

Kagome's face softened. She straightened his kimono for him and ran her fingers through his hair. "It's okay, Inuyasha."

"How loving." The voice taunted, unable to resist.

"Shut up!" The pair hissed together.

"One shouldn't speak to his father in such a way." The great Dog General emerged from the darkness. "Either of you."

Inuyasha smiled, his golden eyes lighting. "Father."

Kagome grinned, happy to see her friend so happy. But then she frowned. "What do you mean 'both of you'?"

"It is only a matter of time before you are my daughter by blood."

"What do you mean?"

Inuyasha frowned. "He means by mating…I think. But, father, Kagome and I aren't mating. I have a future mate named Kikyo. Kagome is her reincarnation though. Is that what you meant?"

The Daiyoukai shook his head, his tail switching on his shoulder as he tried not to smile knowingly. "Nope. Dearest Kagome is going to be my daughter."

"You can't mean through mating because the only other way is…Sesshomaru! There ain't no way in hell! He decapitated her!"

"I know." He sighed sadly. "If I hadn't moved the Tensaiga so that Sesshomaru would grab it, she would be long gone."

Kagome touched her neck, remembering the fear that had consumed her when…Wait! She remembered that…but what happened before that? "How did you move Tensaiga?"

"My soul is attached to the swords. I have control."

"Oh…Was there a reason you were calling us?"

He smiled at her, then at Inuyasha. "Actually, I was only calling you. When my son interfered, he was brought as well. I summoned you for many reasons. First though, is because you need to become Inuyoukai."

Kagome took a step away from him. "First of all, why? Secondly, no way! I'm so sick of changing! First I'm just a human miko, then a miko elemental youkai. I'm tired of changing."

"This is the last. I swear to you."

"Why? Why me?"

"It is very important, and if it'll make you feel better, later I'll tell you how to make your son the same. I wish I could tell you exactly why, sweetheart, but I cannot."

Kagome eyed him skeptically, but then she looked to Inuyasha as the Daiyoukai gestured for him to come. He looked so carefree for the first time in a long while as he stepped towards his father, and into his arms. He looked comfortable. If a distrusting Hanyou could trust him, then so could she. Nodding, albeit reluctantly, Kagome asked, "What must I do, milord?"

The Dog General shook his head, moving from Inuyasha. "Not a thing, Kagome. And please," He embraced her, "call me Inutaisho."

"But what's your real name?"

"It's been so long, I nearly forgot. If I tell you, will you trust me more completely?"

"Yes." She nodded, suddenly feeling weak. She slumped against him.

Inutaisho nudged her head with his nose, causing it to roll to the side. "My birth name is Inumaru, but still, call me Inutaisho."

Kagome closed her eyes tiredly. "Okay, Inutaisho."

Inuyasha stepped toward them. "Father, what're you doing to her?"

"What must be done, Inuyasha." Inutaisho licked his fangs, then drove them into her shoulder, and Kagome howled in pain.

"Kagome!" He glared at his father. "What'd you do?"

"This will change her." Inutaisho tousled his son's hair with his hand. "When you wake up, Inuyasha, seek her out. Seek her out and help her. She will be weak, tired, confused, in pain, worried. Most of all, she will feel a little empty. I want you to help her field the void until your replacement is ready."

"My replacement?" He growled. "Is someone going to take her from me?"

"No, Inuyasha. You'll still have your friend. Things will simply be a tad different."

"Okay…"

Inutaisho smiled. "Do you trust your father?"

Inuyasha nodded. "I trust you."

"Then wake up and do as I said."

Inuyasha shot up on his futon, looking into the tachi's worried eyes. Even his elder brother looked a bit concerned, or maybe Inuyasha was still delirious. "Where's Kagome?"

Sango sighed. "We took her to the cottage, but a barrier formed around it immediately after."

"I have to see Kagome!" Inuyasha jumped out of the window.

"Why?" Kikyo called after him.

"My father!" He said back, leaving the other's confused.

"Father." Sesshomaru drawled. 'Father.'