Last Time: 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.'

Now:

Inuyasha slowed to a jog as he neared the cottage Kagome resided in. He shielded his eyes from the light of the sunset and made out Kagome's silhouette on the roof. Coming to a stop, he tilted his head back and called her name hesitantly. "Kagome?"

Kagome tucked her knees to her chest, but refused to answer him.

The Inuhanyou glanced behind him as his friends, as well as his elder brother, stopped behind him. Turning back to the miko, he called to her again, "Kagome? Come down here, would ya?"

"He didn't tell me." She muttered softly.

"What?"

"He didn't tell me." She repeated, though this time a little louder.

"Didn't tell you what?" He was bemused. His father had explained everything but his reason behind transforming his friend. What could she mean by what she said?

"He didn't tell me that Ashi would disappear, that my tie to Naraku would vanish all together. I can't feel Naraku's blood anymore, Inuyasha."

An annoyed frown marred his handsome, though boyishly so, features. "You're kidding right? I remember a time when Naraku's blood being inside you disgusted you. And Ashi, you said it yourself just the other day that you couldn't stand her."

Kagome hugged her knees tighter, staring at the sun as it sank. "You don't understand, but then, how could I expect you too? You're the same Inuyasha you were born as."

"And you're the Kagome you always were."

"No, Inuyasha. I'm not." Kagome leaped down from the roof, eyes red and swollen with tears. "I'm not the same Kagome I was born."

It took a moment for the group to take in the changes in their beloved friend and travel companion. She was right. She'd changed immensely. Her long raven hair was now completely silver. The wide, brown eyes, which had also become a hue of crimson when Naraku's blood had run in her veins, were now stunningly golden. Her slightly tanned skin was now a pale, nearly translucent crème.

A blush spread across Inuyasha's cheek when he realized that he'd been staring, his mouth wide open. Scratching his head, he averted his gaze to his dirt covered feet. "It don't matter what ya look like, you'll always be the same annoying wench you always were."

Kikyo moved to slap him across the back of his head until she saw the slow smile spreading on her reincarnation's face. Kagome clapped her hands together, lacing her fingers. "Really, Inuyasha? You mean that?"

"Of course. You think just because you're a little taller and a little more curvy, "His blush intensified, "that I'm going to stop seeing you as that girl that broke the seal on that arrow? Nope. You're still the idiot who broke the jewel."

"That's the sweetest thing you've ever said to me!" Kagome threw herself at him, her arms around his neck as she giggled happily.

"I just insulted you like a thousand times." Inuyasha pried her arms from around his neck, embarrassed that she'd embraced him, especially in front of Kikyo.

"But you did it because you love me!" She taunted, skipping in a circle around him. "You love me! You love me!"

Inuyasha growled at her as his face reddened. "Cut it out, will ya!"

Giggling, Kagome jumped onto his back, wrapping her legs around his waist and sitting her chin on his head. "You love me, Inuyasha. But that's quite alright, because I wuv you too." She cooed.

Kikyo looked on, saddened. "A lovely couple you make." She complimented, causing attention to turn to her.

"WHAT?!" Kagome and Inuyasha cried at the same time. Kagome climbed off his back, smiling at her past self. "Kikyo, you think we're a couple now?"

"That is why you have transformed, yes?"

"No way. Inuyasha is all yours. Trust me. I have no idea why I transformed."

Kikyo arched a brow as she frowned, gazing at Kagome's neck. "But the mark on your shoulder."

Kagome shrugged, her eyes narrowed as she glared at her shoulder. "I know. It burns like hell. I don't even know what it is."

"A mark of status." Sesshomaru spoke. He'd been busy arguing against his beast about the miko's new form since he'd laid his eyes on her. His beast screeched to mate her then and there in front of everyone. He, however, had been ignoring said beast as he tried to understand what kind of mark was on said miko. Now that he saw, though, he was even more confused than he had been when Inuyasha had referred to their father.

He grabbed Kagome's arm gently, leaning over to sniff her shoulder. Shuddering, Kagome fought to take back possession of her arm. "Be still, onna."

"Release my arm, youkai."

Sesshomaru simply ignored her, sniffing the mark again. "A mark of status."

Kagome rolled her eyes, giving up the struggle. "And where's my rank?"

"Hn." Sesshomaru took another deep breath. Sure, he knew already, but that didn't mean he couldn't stand there and enjoy the miko's scent without her knowledge. It was so sweet, yet spicy. It was exhilarating. "Princess and Priestess of the West."

Gasps followed the statement. Kagome blinked. "Inuyasha, why the heck would your father mark me as a priestess?"

Inuyasha's brows furrowed. "Dunno. Maybe he's preparing you for your role as his daughter…After all, that would be your rank."

"But Kagome is human." Kohaku pointed out, taking a break from glaring at Sesshomaru.

"According to my father, she will be his blood daughter soon. The only way I can think of is mating. I'm mating Kikyo, and-"

"Are you?" Kikyo smiled.

"W-wha? I mean, y-yeah." Inuyasha rubbed his arm. "B-but like I was saying, I have Kikyo, and I highly doubt Kagome would mate Sesshomaru or vice versa."

Kagome arched a brow at the statement and wondered what life would be like married to Sesshomaru. The ass would never talk to her, that was for sure. He'd probably purposely ignoring, maybe go so far as to lock her up in a room on the opposite side of the palace at him. But then again, Sesshomaru was a wonderful protector. If she got into a situation she couldn't handle, he'd be right there to save her. He was a provider. It was in his blood. If she needed anything, he would have it for her. And the nights…Sesshomaru looked like he could be pretty wild in bed.

Miroku, catching the lust that had flitted in the miko's eyes, asked, "What are you thinking about, Lady Kagome?"

"What nights would be like with Sesshomaru as a mate." Kagome's eyes widened and she covered her mouth with her hands, blushing as everyone stared at her.

Sesshomaru cocked a silver eyebrow, and then turned away from her. "Do not be hopeful of things that will never occur, miko." He started to leave when he felt a rock his him in the back of his head. Rotating slowly, he pinned Kagome with an icy glare. "Watch yourself, wench."

"You cocky bastard! What the fuck did that mean?! You can't imagine yourself fucking me?!"

"No." He replied coolly. "I cannot."

"Why? Because I am a technically human."

Sesshomaru shot her a look that told it all.

Fuming, Kagome opened her mouth to retort, then sighed. "Very well." She crossed her arms below her breasts, boosting them a bit. "You probably couldn't handle me anyway."

A challenge. Sesshomaru's eyes flashed crimson as they flickered down to her chest.

"I mean, you Inuyoukai strive to tame someone don't you? How strange of dogs." She smirked as she baited him in. Tilting her head to the side to expose her neck, Kagome stroked it. "Even the great Sesshomaru couldn't tame me."

The Daiyoukai's nostrils flared as the wind blew her spicy scent his way. Inuyasha's eyes widened as he noticed his brother's resolve failing. "U-Uh, Kagome, you might want to back off now?"

Kagome smirked, licking her lips. "Why? The dog is going to punish me?"

"You yourself told me it isn't smart to tease Sesshomaru."

"I'm not teasing." She told him with the most innocent, childlike expression she could muster. "I'm only telling the truth. This human is too much for the three-legged poodle to handle."

Oh that tore it! Sesshomaru rushed at her, grabbing her arms and pulling her close. "Bitch," He hissed, eyes glowing a bright, bloody red, "This Sesshomaru could fuck you until your body split into two equal portions. If only you weren't human perhaps you could experience such amazing things instead of hearing them from youkai concubines."

Kagome snarled. "You no good bastard! As if I'd even want you to fuck me! I bet Naraku is a better fuck!"

"Oh?" Sesshomaru leaned away from her, smirking. "We will have to see then, won't we?"

Inuyasha's jaw fell. Sure, inside he was a little upset with Sesshomaru for pushing up on his Kagome, but most of him was shocked beyond reason at his brother's bold suggestion. He wasn't the only person in the tachi, though, that was stunned. In fact, Miroku was debating on whether to faint or ask Sango if they could follow Sesshomaru's lead.

Kagome tilted her head to one side, gazed into Sesshomaru's eyes, then sighed softly. "No thank you. I'm not in the mood to have a chopstick probing me. How much fun could having sex with you possibly be?"

Okay, Miroku decided, I'll faint. His eyes rolled back before he fell to the ground. Sango went into a state of shock. Kohaku smiled happily, resisting the urge to clap his hands. Inuyasha blushed, but smirked, amused to see his brother taken down a peg. Kikyo bit her lip to keep from giggling at Kagome's insinuation about Sesshomaru's manhood.

Sesshomaru's jaw ticked. His beast howled with laughter.

'Let's show bitch! Let's show bitch we far larger than chopstick!'

'Hn.'

'Show her!'

Much to Sesshomaru's own surprise, he leaned toward the miko's ear, whispering huskily, "Wouldn't you like to know? We may turn in to my chambers."

Kagome's eyebrow twitched. Was he joking with her? She was going to reply when she heard someone scream, "Mama!"

Turning, she beamed at her children as Kakudan ran at her, latching onto her leg. Shippo latched on to the other. Rin hugged her middle, and Akane grabbed her hand. "Hi."

"You're awake, Kagome-chan! What happened to you?" Akane cheered.

"Kakudan thought you'd never wake up!" Rin sniffed, happy tears in her eyes. "You look pretty!

"But I told him otherwise." Shippo smiled. "Wow, you look like Inuyasha." He said, amazed.

Kakudan blushed a little, nuzzling her. "I was worried."

"But I'm okay. It's getting late, so why don't we head on to bed, hm? I'll tell you about my change tomorrow." She glided toward her cottage, pausing when Sesshomaru growled. "Yes, milord?"

"We are not done here."

"Aren't we? Or did you wish to turn in to your chambers?"

Sesshomaru snarled. "As though you would be welcome."

Kagome nodded. "Then we are done. Good night, Sesshomaru. Kohaku, if you come with, after I tuck the kids in, I can tell you about the future."

Sesshomaru's eyes widened a measure.

'Why so surprised? You tell mate you no want know anymore. You ignore mate.'

'So she gives my lessons off to a human child who will never need them.'

'Yes.'

'Damn her.'

'You fool, master.'

Kohaku followed after her quietly, trying to seem mature. But when Kagome smiled at him, it all crumbled and he blushed and moved a little closer to her before striking a conversation.

'Damn boy.' Sesshomaru hissed, heading to his chambers as his half brother dragged the monk in. 'The miko is mine…even if I do not wish to take her as anything more than a student.'

'We sensei. Forbid her speak to boy.'

'Hn. Perhaps.' Sesshomaru smirked to himself. Perhaps indeed.

Kagome bit her lip nervously as she watched Inuyasha interact with Kikyo. She really hated to bother him, but something was scratching at the back of her brain, telling her that it would be alright to interrupt. Folding her arms into the sleeves of the kimono Sesshomaru's servants had picked out for her for the day, she gracefully strode toward the couple as they were about to kiss.

"Hi, guys."

Inuyasha bit back an irritated growl. His father had told him that he'd have to fill the emptiness inside her, but he hadn't said that Kagome would bother him whenever he was getting close to Kikyo. It was starting to anger him. "Hey, Kagome."

Kikyo smiled politely, though she too was annoyed. "Yes. Hello, Kagome."

"I noticed you guys out here and decided to see how you were doing. Soooo, how are ya?"

"Fine." Inuyasha replied more coldly than he meant to.

Noticing his tone, Kagome stiffened a little. "I'm sorry. Was I interrupting something important?"

Kikyo shook her head. "No."

"Actually, yeah. We wanted a little time alone," Inuyasha corrected, "away from you." He added as an afterthought.

"Oh."

"It's not that we don't enjoy your company." Kikyo offered.

Inuyasha nodded. "Yeah. It's just that, well, you're always there when I turn around. Sometimes its nice to be alone…with the person you love. You know how it is."

Kagome plastered a fake smile onto her face, giving an even phonier laugh. "Sure, I understand. I'll leave then."

"Don't take it the wrong way."

"Who me?" Kagome snorted, waving her hand in dismissal as though he'd said the dumbest thing in the world. "Trust me. I'm fine. I'll check on Sango and Miroku." She turn and fled before either of the two could say more. As she neared her friends' room, she sighed. "Of course they wanted to be alone, but Sango would never let Miroku get so far. I'm sure they aren't busy." Confident, Kagome lifted her hand to knock.

Before she could though, Sango opened the door, sticking her head out. "Kagome, we're a little busy."

"Busy?"

"Yes." Sango huffed, pushing her hair from her face. "Busy."

"Sango, love, are you returning to bed?" Miroku called out.

Sighing, Sango turned to Kagome. "See you ate dinner." She closed the door before Kagome could speak. She was, as everyone else was, tired of Kagome tagging alone. Since her transformation she'd been so dependent, unlike the woman she once was.

Kagome blinked back the stinging tears in her eyes. Sango had never been so rude to her. Did no one truly want her around? Already she'd been turned away by her children, who were too busy playing. Akane had dragged Kohaku away, and it seemed the little hanyou had a strong crush on him. Sesshomaru…well, Sesshomaru wasn't even an option. He'd made it very clear that he didn't want her around when he'd yelled at her a week prior.

*FLASHBACK*

"Sesshomaru," Kagome leaned on the Daiyoukai's desk, chewing on her lower lip, "Do you want to play a game with me?"

"What type of game, miko?" He asked exasperatedly, trying to keep his attention on the treaty before him. With the miko leaning over and giving him a perfect view of her cleavage, as well as that terribly arousing way she nibbled her lip, he couldn't seem to concentrate.

"We could play tag!" At his dull look, she explained further, "I run, and you try to touch me, then you run, and I try to touch you!"

Sesshomaru held his legs closer together while mentally cursing the miko for her choic of words. His beast was going insane.

'I no run! You touch me all want! Anywhere! Anytime! Touch, miko! Touch!'

'Be silent!'

'You look at mate say you no want touch! You no can lie and say!'

"Oh, you don't like that one?" Kagome inquired, noticing the constant flashing in his eyes. "Okay. How about hide and seek? I'll hide, and you have to find me."

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at the suggestion. Honestly, that game would not last long. Besides, the thought of not knowing the miko's location irked him for reasons he didn't want to go into.

Kagome tapped her chin thoughtfully, then squealed. "I know! You're a dog, right?!" She rolled her eyes at his 'duh' expression. "We could play a game where your bury something, and then I'll go out and find it!"

'Oh, I bury something so deep miko never find!' His beast groaned.

'You disgust me.'

'She say bury, I bury. The things I do to miko body.'

Sesshomaru growled softly, closing his eyes to repress the thoughts. 'War will come.' He told himself. 'War will come if I do not analyze this treaty.' His beast simply cried, 'To hell with war! It winter Solstice! We take miko! And we take now!' Sesshomaru took one look out of the window and upon seeing no moon, his beast erupted.

"Sesshomaru? Yoo hoo? Are you still- ugh!" Kagome opened her eyes to find Sesshomaru pressed against her, and her pressed against the wall. "Sesshomaru?" She fearfully looked up into his narrowed, scarlet eyes.

"Miko," His voice rumbled like thunder, and unexpectedly, it excited her. He smirked knowingly as the scent reached his nose. Leaning down, he hissed in an octave far lower than his usual, "I destroy you."

'He wants to kill me? Am I annoying him?' "Sesshomaru?" She whispered softly, looking up at him with wide, fearful lives.

The look on her face was enough to bring Sesshomaru's more logical side to the front for a moment. "Get out."

"Out?"

'Unless she wants to be raped,' "Get out!!!" He yelled in her face. Panicking, Kagome slid out from under him as his eyes flickered again. Sesshomaru could only watch her leave as his beast bounced inside his head, ripping at his mind. It was painful, yes, as it always was when he upset his beast. The important thing, however, was that the miko was safe…and he hated himself for that.

*End of Flashback*

Tears streamed down the miko's face. She rubbed them away with the back of her fist, but they kept coming. The scent was so strong that it attracted the servants. They rushed to their lady's side, asking if she was okay. Kagome backed away from them, then turned on her heels, sprinting out of the palace. Away. That's what she needed, to get away.

Sesshomaru swept his eyes over the table. The monk and the demon slayer kept looking at each other, then the demon slayer would turn away, blushing. The hanyou would look at the half-dead miko, as he thought of her, and they would move a bit closer to one another. His servant, the girl hanyou, was trying to get closer to the young boy who cared for Kagome, though he seemed not to notice. And the children, oh the children were laughing and playing. The miko…the miko wasn't in her seat. He snapped his fingers, and Jaken appeared at his side.

"Yes, milord?"

"The miko, did you not call her to dinner?" That caused all activity at the table to stop. Everyone looked toward Kagome's empty seat.

"She was not in the cottage, milord."

Rin frowned. "Okaa-san wasn't there? She was when we left."

A servant cleared his throat, and Sesshomaru gave him permission to speak. "Milord, the lady left from the palace some time ago in tears."

"Tears?" Inuyasha repeated, a low feeling in his stomach.

"Yes, Prince Inuyasha. She ran from us in tears."

Sesshomaru growled. "Did you harm her?"

"No, milord. Forgive me for my misuse of words. The scent of her tears was so strong that myself, and many others, rushed to her aid. She pushed us away and left."

"Who?" Sachio asked as he entered the dining room. After bowing to his lord, he sat.

"Lady Kagome, honorable guard." The servant replied.

Sachio frowned a little. "I just saw her a while ago. Her eyes were really red. She asked for her armor, and a simple sword, as well as a bow. She said she would return in due time." He smiled, pulling something from his kimono, "She gave me this though. Told me not to read it, so I didn't." He handed it to Sesshomaru, but Inuyasha intercepted.

Inuyasha unfolded the paper, reading it aloud. "I'm sorry for bothering you guys so much. I don't know what's wrong with me." He would have time to be proud about the fact that Kagome had taught him, rather well, how to read and write. "Maybe if I go spend some time by myself I can learn to be on my own, so I won't interrupt Inuyasha and Kikyo anymore, or annoy Sango and Miroku, not to mention Sesshomaru. Again, I'm sorry. Watch after the kids til I get back." He read over the note again before growling. "That idiot! She just left! Doesn't she know how dangerous that is?!"

"You can't blame her, Inuyasha. We were all pretty mean to her. Or at least, I was." Sango said sadly.

"As was I." Miroku thought back to the time he'd been too busy groping Sango to talk with her.

"We told her not to take it personal." Inuyasha whispered softly. "Did she really looked that bad, Sachio?"

"She was still crying when I saw her." He replied.

Sesshomaru rose from his seat. "Jaken, retrieve our swords. You," He lifted his chin toward the tachi, "gather your weapons. We are retrieving the miko."

Rin stood. "Can I go too?"

"Pups will remain here."

"B-but I wanna see okaa-san!" Rin whined.

"We have to apologize!" Shippo cried.

"I want my momma!" Kakudan sobbed into his hands.

Sesshomaru frowned, but nodded. "Very well. Jaken, saddle Ah-un." He swept from the room, anger coursing through his veins. He and the miko would have to have a little talk about running away when she could be killed once she returned.

"What are you doing here, Naraku?" Kagome whispered softly, holding up her sword. She hadn't expected him to show up. She'd wanted to get to the well, buy something, return, and camp out on her own for a while.

"I sensed your aura nearby, my mate." Naraku rolled his eyes over her, taking in her new look. She was beautiful, yes, but he missed her darker look. "Why is it so melancholy, so disturbed? Your tachi has not been treating you well, have they?" That manipulative tone had melted into his voice.

Kagome caught on to it, but she couldn't help but understand why he was using it. He wanted her back…and she wanted to be back. "Oh, Naraku!" She dropped her sword, running into his arms and sobbing once she got there.

He held his mate closer to him, stroking her back gently. "What have they done to you? Tell me."

"I changed again. I'm so sick of changing. Inuyasha's father did this. I don't know why, but I hate it. I feel so empty, so unsatisfied. I tried to fill the void, I did, with spending time with my friends, but…It's only been a few weeks and they're tired of me."

Naraku narrowed his eyes. They'd had the nerve to make her feel unwanted. Perhaps he would have to stop playing around and truly eliminate them. "That is fine. Your place is not with them. It is with me."

A pitiful expression showed on her face. "Really?"

Tapping her chin to force her to look at him, Naraku nodded, replying, "Really." He sealed his lips over hers, moving them gently across hers.

Kagome whimpered, bring her arms up around his neck. As she tangled her fingers in his hair, she felt him nibble at her lower lip and opened her mouth for him. Needy, she clutched his kimono, trying to pull it off.

"Patience is a virtue, dear." Naraku smirked at her annoyance. "Besides that, you are worthy of a warm, comfortable futon, not an icy, cold forest floor." Lifting her into his arms bridle style, he carried her on, maneuvering through the trees.

"That was very sweet for a dark hanyou such as you." Kagome smiled as she combed her fingers through his inky black hair.

Naraku chuckled. "You tend to bring that side of me, Kagome."

Nuzzling close to him for warmth, Kagome whispered, "Is my armor hurting you?"

"No…Kiyoshiyuki will be very happy to have you back."

"Kiyoshiyuki? I'm shocked you're alright with that."

"I have my reasons."

Kagome nodded, beginning to hum. "You know there's this awesome song in my time. It's a little old, but I love it. It's called Winter Love, by this singer named BoA. I looooove her. But anyway, it reminds me of us a little. Wanna know how? Naraku?" She frowned as Naraku held her tighter, but did not answer. "Something wrong, Naraku?"

He narrowed his eyes as he sensed her tachi growing closer. "You may tell me in a moment, mate. Right now, I need silence." With the skill and grace of a spider, he leaped into the trees, bouncing lightly from branch to branch. He at least needed to reach a clearing…and there was one up ahead! Leaping through the branches, he landed in a clearing and turned to face the trees as Inuyasha and Sesshomaru broke through, followed by the rest.

"Mama! Papa!" Kakudan attempted to run to them, but Kohaku held him back.

"Naraku, let go of Kagome! You're only doing this because she's vulnerable."

'They plan to take me back?' Kagome tightened her hold on Naraku, burying her face in his shoulder.

"She does not wish to return to you. Send my son over, and we will leave." He could not attack with Kakudan there. No harm would come to his son, the future prince of the new world. Once Kakudan was there on his side, he would kill them all.

Sesshomaru stepped forward. "Release the miko or desperate measures will be taken."

Naraku glared at him. "You will demand nothing of me, you fool. It was you and your followers that harmed my mate. It was your father that did this to her. I will not release my mate. Now," He smirked cruelly, "Kakudan come to me so that I may slay the fools who harmed your mother."

Kakudan looked from the group to his parents. He had no idea what to do. "Mommy, everyone's sorry."

"I want to stay with Naraku." She said softly.

Sesshomaru's eyes flashed at her. "You have no choice, miko." His mokomokosama shot out to grab her, wrapping around her waist.

"Naraku!" Kagome cried as she was ripped away from him.

"Kagome." Naraku jumped to grab her back, but Sesshomaru instantly snatched her back to him. "Return my mate."

"Naraku." Kagome reached out to him, wincing as Sesshomaru's tail tightened around her.

Sesshomaru glared at her through the corner of his eyes, then turned to Naraku. "Be gone. The miko's place is here, and here she will stay. Come near her again, and your head will be rolling on the ground before you even realized what occurred."

Naraku stepped forward, stiffening when Sesshomaru lifted his sword. "An honorable demon such as yourself should know, Lord Sesshomaru, that it is most dishonorable to take ones mate."

"Your mark no longer resides upon the miko." He smirked back. "Now, leave, unless you wish to taste the metal of my sword."

"Naraku, don't go." Kagome whimpered.

His face softened for a nanosecond, before he nodded at Sesshomaru. "Do not think yourself proud, you pathetic vermin." He turned on his heels and stalked into the woods.

"Naraku, you can't leave me! I don't want to be alone again! I don't want to be without you!"

The hanyou halted, then continued on as frozen rain began to fall.

Once Sesshomaru was sure he was out of the area, he released Kagome, who stumbled to her knees.

"What did you just do, you idiot?!" She cried out. "You drove him off!"

"Kagome, it was only for your own good. You don't want him. You're just searching for something to fill the void in you." Inuyasha told her. He felt it was his fault. His father had directly told him to make her forget that void until someone replaced him. It was just so hard when he was trying to court Kikyo at the same time. "I'll spend some time with you, Kagome. You won't feel this way."

"I don't want your pity." She hissed at him, the wind whipping around her fiercely. "I want Naraku! I think I'm old enough to know just what I want." She headed off in the direction Naraku had left. "Naraku!"

Sesshomaru growled, storming, in the graceful way Sesshomaru does, over to her. "Silence, miko."

"Don't tell me to be quiet! I'm tired of being alone! Everyone has someone! I have Naraku, and you're ruining things! Naraku!" She jumped back to avoid Sesshomaru's grasp. "Stop it, Naraku!" She started to run as Sesshomaru reached for her again.

"Miko, be silent!" Sesshomaru chased after her.

"No! Nara- agh!" She met the ground, the back of her head smacking against it with a muffled thud when Sesshomaru finally caught her and forced her to the slosh covered ground. He loomed directly over her, a hand clapped over her mouth.

Sango glared, shielding her head with her hand. "Inuyasha, do something."

The hanyou nodded. "Oi, Sesshomaru, cut it out."

Sesshomaru ignored him, glaring at the miko as he straddled her. "The pathetic scoundrel not only attempted to kill you dozens of times, but he also threatened the lives of your companions. He is evil simply for the sake of being such. Do you truly believe you wish to be with him? If so, I will release you to see him." He took his hand from her mouth.

Kagome struggled, tears sliding down the side of her face to the ground. "Let me go!"

"Answer me!"

"I don't know! Just let me go!" When she felt Sesshomaru's body move from hers, she sat up, drew her knees to her chest, and sobbed silently into her knees.

Kakudan rushed to his mother after glaring at Sesshomaru. "Momma." He hugged her from behind. "Momma, you're not alone. You have me, Shippo-kun, Rin-chan, and Akane-chan." He whimpered and buried his face in her back when the wind grew stronger and the frozen rain became a flurry of snow. "Momma!"

Kagome stood up. She unlaced her armor and pulled off the outer layer of kimono. Wrapping it around him, she whispered, "We should get back to the castle." The group started to walk quietly, no one sure whether anything needed to be said, and if it did, what was to be said.

"Look, Kagome, I'm sorry. Go back to being your regular self." He placed a hand on her shoulder, hurt flashing on his face when she shied away from his touch. "Kagome?"

She wrapped her arms around herself and shivered from the cold. The robe of the firerat was slung over her shoulders, but she immediately tossed it back at him. She wanted to let it go. She wanted to forget the way he'd acted earlier. But she couldn't. Her heart hurt, and she just wanted it to go away. She whirled around when she heard a splash.

"Mommy!" Kakudan cried when he bobbed to the top.

"Shit!" They were walking on a frozen stream. "Kakudan!" Kagome scrambled over to him as the ice broke, crumbling along the stream. The flurry was intense now, a whirling blizzard of snow. She could barely see, and she couldn't smell. "Kakuda-" She gasped as she fell into the icy water, her body filling with the cold water. Forcing herself up, she sputtered, "K-K-kaku-"

"Mommy!"

"I'm coming!" She looked behind her when an arm came around her waist. "Let go! Let me go! What are you?!"

"Be calm."

"Sesshomaru?"

Pulling her close to him, he nodded, whispering in her ear, "Calm down, miko. Calm yourself and keep kicking. If you panic, you will sink. Can you still feel your legs?"

Kagome nodded, her eyes tearing. "I can't hear him anymore." She kicked harder as Sesshomaru began to swim down the stream, never once letting go of her.

"I see him. You have nothing to fear. He is trying to keep conscious." Sesshomaru's heart was beating roughly. The instant he'd seen the miko go down, he'd felt something rush through him. He knew that he felt for her, and it was too late to turn back. He just wasn't sure if he could admit it allowed. Holding her tighter as he felt her slack, he ordered, "Don't stop."

"I can barely feel my legs. And I'm so tired."

"Don't you dare stop, miko." He snapped at her. "Think of your son."

"Kakudan." She whispered, starting to kick a little. "Can you see him?"

Sesshomaru nodded, breathing into her ear, "He is near."

Kagome sighed. "Sesshomaru, are you still holding me? I can't feel your arm."

"As long as you feel my breath, miko, I am near."

"Okay."

"I will pull away for a moment to grab him, alright?"

Kagome clutched his arm. "Don't leave me, please. Sesshomaru, I'll drown."

Sesshomaru clutched her hand. "You may hold my hand." He drew back away from her a little, reaching out with his other hand to grab Kakudan. He needed to get closer. Wading over, he grabbed the boy and tucked him under his arm. Satisfied, he dragged Kagome over to the shore and drew her out.

Kagome instantly snatched Kakudan to her, curling her body around his. "Thank you, Sesshomaru."

"Hn." He pulled off the outer layer of his kimono and wrapped it around them. They couldn't stay there. Kagome had already fallen unconscious along with the boy. Sesshomaru brushed his wet bangs from his face. He lifted them both into his arms, wrapping his tail around them all. Once they reached a clearing he would make a fire. The miko's skin was deathly pale. He lowered narrowed eyes to his sword when Tensaiga rattled.

'Do you have someone to protect?' His father's words trailed back to him.

'Hn. Perhaps.'