Disclaimer: [Looks nervously at the men in black suits] The FBI wishes me to inform you that I don't own InuYasha. Or the quote from Van Helsing. Even though it's awesome.

Sorry for the slowing of updates. I know the general direction of where I want the story to go, but for some reason, there's about fifty billion road blocks between me and the end. I'm working on it though, so please don't lose faith in me!

And I was rereading my story the other night, and realized that I had 139 reviews! Thank you to absolutely everyone who reviewed, and I'm glad you are enjoying it.

Last Time:

Sesshoumaru nodded, keeping his attention on his uncle. "Perhaps you should do the wise thing and surrender, Uncle."

Kaimaru snarled. "Never!" He charged forward, reaching for Kagome. Sesshoumaru intercepted him, and the two youkai crashed through the wall and into the courtyard below.

WARNING! I cannot write fight scenes very well, though I am working on it. Any questions, comments, or concerns would be most appreciated.

CHAPTER 17: THE END OF KAIMARU

Kagome ran to the hole in the wall, expecting to see two blood spattered bodies. Instead, she saw the two demons facing each other in the courtyard. She breathed a sigh of relief before running down to the courtyard to see if she could help. But she found her way blocked by Kai. "Get out of my way, you oversized slug!" She hissed.

"You cannot go down there." Kai said solemnly.

"And why the hell not?" Kagome demanded. "What if I can help?"

"They are fighting for possesion of you." Kai said bitterly. "If you interfere, it will just make things worse."

Kagome's aura flared in anger. "So what? I'm just some prize to be won?"

"Just hope that Sesshoumaru-sama wins." Kai snapped. "Because at least he has no interest in mating with you."

Below, Sesshoumaru faced his uncle, as he had two hundred and fifty years ago when his father died. Just as before, his uncle could not match Sesshoumaru's power. He settled into his stereotypical crouch and waited for his uncle to attack. He was very much like the hanyou in that respect.

"What is your interest in my miko, Little Nephew?" Kaimaru demanded. Sesshoumaru remained silent, preferring not to waste energy with the worthless banter his uncle so enjoyed. Which of course, threw his uncle off balance. "I asked you a question, and as your alpha, I expect it answered." Sesshoumaru's eye twitched a bit at the thought of his uncle being his alpha, but he still remained silent.

Finally, Kaimaru couldn't take it anymore. He charged forward, intending to swipe at Sesshoumaru's head. Instead, he hit empty space as Sesshoumaru ducked. Simultaneously, Sesshoumaru struck, one claw penetrating his uncle's gut and the other slashing at his chest. Using Kaimaru's momentum, Sesshoumaru flipped Kaimaru over his head and into the wall behind him.

"Ooh." Kagome said, wincing as Kaimaru tried to stand. "That had to hurt."

"Who cares?" Kai asked. "Kick his furry ass, Sesshoumaru-sama!"

Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes at Kai's remark. Instead of responding, he kept his focus on Kaimaru, who had decided that charging him second time would have different results. Kaimaru was right: instead of one hole and a slash, he ended up flying into the wall with two holes in his body.

"Geez, that guy's an idiot." Kagome muttered. "I almost feel sorry for him."

"I don't." Kai countered. "Go Sesshoumaru-sama!"

Sesshoumaru growled softly. He didn't need a cheering section. Kai got the message and fell silent, pouting slightly. "Spoiled jerk." Sesshoumaru gave him a look as he dodged Kaimaru's claw and punched another hole through his stomach. He was barely breaking a sweat.

Meanwhile, Kaimaru was breathing heavily, and his vision was getting fuzzy from blood loss. Just a few more seconds. . . NOW! Kaimaru let out a sudden burst of power, and the blood that was spilled on the ground glowed. Sesshoumaru felt as though gravity had suddenly placed all its focus on him as his knees began to shake. He fell in disbelief as his knees hit the dirt, soon followed by the rest of him.

"Foolish Sesshoumaru!" Kaimaru gloated. "Did you really think that I was so stupid as to continue charging forward mindlessly? I told you once that your arrogance would be the death of you. And now I am proven right!"

Sesshoumaru struggled to stand, but as he managed to rise to his knees, the force doubled, forcing him back down. His beast roared, putting its own power into the fight. But once again, as Sesshoumaru rose, the force doubled. Kaimaru laughed. "Floundering on the ground like a helpless pup! How amusing!" Sesshoumaru bit back a growl. "But you see, I can be merciful. You will still live." Kaimaru stabbed a claw through Sesshoumaru's hand, and smiled at the snarl he emitted. "I will take your blood, and your power will become mine. It is your blood that shall keep me beautiful. What do you think of that?*"

A single purifying arrow hit the ground between them, sending waves that threw Kaimaru back and purified the blood that created his spell. "I think if you're going to kill somebody, kill them! Don't stand around talking about it!*" Kagome stood behind Sessshoumaru, having run down when she saw that Kaimaru was weaving a spell. "And tricks are for kids! Fight like a man, or don't fight at all."

"You little bitch!" Kaimaru shouted, lunging at her. "You pathetic, miniscule copy! I'll kill-" He never go to finish his statement. Kagome winced slightly as his top half dropped to the ground and his bottom half fall forward, revealing a red-eyed, growling Sesshoumaru.

Kai began to panic, knowing that if something happened to Kagome, it would be his head. "You stupid woman! Get away from there!"

Kagome ignored his panicky voice, and instead came closer. "Sesshoumaru?" She asked quietly. She took a tentative step forward.

Sesshoumaru growled and took a step back. Enemy. . . where?

The enemy is already gone, you base driven monster!

Must. . . hunt. . .

You will frighten the miko! Stop it!

Miko. . . enemy?

No! No, no, no, no, no, no!

With a snarl, Sesshoumaru advanced on Kagome. Kagome couldn't help but relate him to the way InuYasha had once been when he transformed. So she tried her usual methods. "Bad dog." Sesshoumaru slammed into the ground, and his beast thrashed in confusion.

Why pulled?

The subduing spell around our neck was. . . never mind. Give me control!

Deal with miko enemy?

Yes, I will deal with the miko. Now give me control! Reluctantly, his inner youkai agreed, and the red slowly drained from Sesshoumaru's eyes.

By this time, Kagome had made it to Sessoumaru's side. "Sesshoumaru?"

"Miko, what made you thing that sending this Sesshoumaru into the dirt would help to subdue his beast?"

Kagome giggled. "First of all, it's called a subduing spell for a reason. Secondly, obviously I was right, since you have returned to normal."

Sesshoumaru stood, trying to remain dignified. Kagome took one look at him and started laughing. With a glare, Sesshoumaru finally asked. "What is so funny, miko?"

"Your perfect hair!" Kagome laughed. "It's not so perfect anymore! And I didn't even have to throw any mud this time."

Sesshoumaru couldn't decide whether to sigh or growl. So instead, he ignored her, choosing to head into the castle as if nothing had happened. Sarra bowed to him as he entered. "Welcome back, Sesshoumaru-sama."

Sesshoumaru nodded. "Prepare a room for the miko. She is to be considered the highest ranking guest."

Sarra bowed again. "As you wish, Sesshoumaru-sama." Sesshoumaru continued into the castle. Or at least he tried to, until a certain voice made him freeze.

"Hey, Sesshoumaru! Wait for me!" With a growl, Sesshoumaru felt himself wait as the miko caught up. "Geez, you're fast."

Sesshoumaru began walking again, this time heading for his study. AKA, the only private place in the entire palace where he could speak to Kagome without anyone else listening in. They reached too slowly for Sesshoumaru's taste, as he had been forced to wait for Kagome twice before they reached his study. As soon as she entered, he slammed the door shut, activating the protections that would keep eavesdroppers from overhearing him.

"Is there something wrong, Sesshoumaru?" Kagome asked.

Sesshoumaru's eye twitched slightly. I swear, sometimes I wonder if she really is that innocent, or if she just loves to see me twitch. "Yes, miko, there is something wrong." Sesshoumaru hissed. "The entire curse is wrong!"

Kagome watched Sesshoumaru carefully, and she sobered. I can't believe myself. I really have to remember when to be serious. "Sesshoumaru, I understand that you have a reputation here that you wish to preserve. I will try to respect that to the best of my ability." She stood. "And while we are in your palace, I order you to be where ever you deem fit, and to ignore distance restriction part of the curse."

Sesshoumaru stared at her. How is it that she fixed the situation without me having to say a word?

Because she's Kagome. Duh!

Ah, I see you have become rational again. Now go away!

Not a chance, bucko!

"Sesshoumaru?" Sesshoumaru refocused on Kagome. "Is this arrangement alright with you?"

Sesshoumaru growled softly. "No. It is not 'alright.' But it will have to do for now."

Kagome hesitated before firming her resolve. She went around the desk and embraced Sesshoumaru, ignoring the way he stiffened at her touch. "I'm sorry. Really." Before he could yell or talk about her disugusting human touch, she headed for the door.

"A moment more, miko." Kagome sighed and returned to her seat. "Why did you help this Sesshoumaru?"

Kagome blushed and looked down at her feet. "I'm sorry! Kai told me I wasn't supposed to, but then Kaimaru did that, and I got worried! I couldn't help it!"

"I am not admonishing you for helping." Sesshoumaru said sternly. "I wish to know why."

Kagome blinked. "You were in trouble."

Sesshoumaru waited, but got no further answer. "And?"

"You needed help, though you would never admit it." Kagome answered.

Sesshoumaru growled in frustration. "What concern was it of yours if this Sesshoumaru died?"

Kagome scowled. "Okay, Mr. I-hate-the-universe. You may have let me die. I would expect it, considering how much you hate me. But I cannot watch another being die needlessly. Especially not someone that I care about." She stood then. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I would like to see my room."

YES! She likes us! High five, man!

Being liked is hardly worth a 'high five.' Especially when given by a human.

And she hugged us! You liked it. Admit it!

This Sesshoumaru has no intentions of repeating the experience.

Liar! Liar, liar, pants on fire!

Cease your childish antics. This Sesshoumaru does not lie.

Except to himself. Cause he's a wimp!

I will find a way to destory you one day.

Keep dreaming!

!# Unmeikeirai #!

"Part one complete." Unmeikeirai said with a smirk. "Kagome has admitted that she cares about Sesshoumaru." She tapped her chin for a few moments. "What to do. . . what to do. . ." Finally she sighed. "I got nothing. Well, maybe I'll just let them be for awhile while I think of something." She stood, stretching out the kinks in her neck. "I'm just too nice to them."

!# Sesshoumaru #!

Sesshoumaru breathed an infantesimal sigh of relief as he signed the last of the documents before him. "Congratulations, Sesshoumaru-sama." Yuri said with a grin. "You are officially Lord of the West again."

Sesshoumaru nodded. "You may return to your post, Yuri." As Yuri left, Sesshoumaru couldn't help but smile. It felt good to be in control once more. He looked at his desk, and another brief sigh escaped him. Of course, he could have lived without the paperwork.

A small knock at his door interrupted his thoughts. Taking a small sniff, he smelled roses, dandelions, and rain. Kagome. "Enter."

Kagome entered slowly. "Hey, Sesshoumaru."

"What do you wish, miko?" Sesshoumaru asked. He did not need distractions at a time like this.

"I'm sorry to bother you, but-" She stopped and stared at the pile of paper on his desk. "Good kami! Is that all paperwork?"

"Yes, Miko, it is." Sesshoumaru said patiently. "And that is the door. Use it if you have nothing else to say."

Kagome glared at him, but quickly returned to the subject at hand. "Would you like some help?"

"And how do you propose to do so?" Sesshoumaru demanded.

Kagome picked up the first sheet and examined it quickly. "Well, I'm no expert on the inuyoukai language, but I'd say this is a routine domestic issure that you could put off till tomorrow." She handed the document over to Sesshoumaru for inspection, and he quickly scanned it. With a small start, he found that her assessment was correct. "Let me sort them out for you. It'll make your life easier."

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow. "And why would you choose to help?"

"Firstly, because I'm bored out of my mind just sitting in my room." Kagome said. "And secondly, I'd like to help if I can." Sesshoumaru hesitated, then handed her the documents.

"Anything you read may not leave this room." Sesshoumaru warned.

"Scout's honor!" Kagome said, smiling down at him. Then she noticed that he had raised the eyebrow and sighed. "I swear. Not a single word." With that she plopped down next to him and began sorting through the documents.

By the time Kagome was done that night, she had sorted every document in the office into piles: domestic issues, national issues, coded messages that Sesshoumaru would have to decode, and random pieces of frivolity. Within these, she had placed them by order of importance. Sesshoumaru inspected them as she watched with nervous eyes. After a moment, he nodded. "Acceptable."

Kagome shifted nervously, and Sesshoumaru sigh. "Speak."

"Well, I was thinking today-"

"Don't hurt yourself, Miko." Sesshoumaru said quickly.

Kagome glared at him, but let it go. "I was thinking today, and you'll need an excuse for my being here." Sesshoumaru just stared, so she kept going. "So I thought maybe you could say that you brought me as a kind of assistant. To help you with your paperwork and such."

Sesshoumaru thought for a moment, weighing the pros and cons. It would explain why she was around all the time, and her humanity could be explained as not wanting to insult any member of his court by seeming to favorite another. She's alot smarter than she makes herself seem.

Didn't we cover this already. The miko is worth being around. . . OMG! She'll be around us all the time!

What does that have to do with anything?

You'll understand when you're older.

We are the same age!

But you are on the emotional level of a five year old. It took you twice as long as me to realize that you like this girl at all. It took you four times as long to be able to call her a friend! I bet it will take you eight times as long to figure this thing out.

You could just tell me.

But then you'd be pissed and ruin everything. You're better off figuring things out on your own.

"Sesshoumaru?" Kagome asked. She saw the slight haze in his eyes and knew that he was speaking to his inner demon. She kind of got the feeling that his inner youkai didn't like her. After all, anytime she did something that slightly pressed on the boundaries of their timid companionship, it would spring to life and have a whole conversation. In addition, it had tried to attack her when Sesshoumaru was under its influence. She was getting kind of tired of it.

Her call shook Sesshoumaru out of the conversation. "Your solution is acceptable, miko. Be prepared to work."

Kagome smiled. "Of course, Sesshoumaru-sama." With that, she headed out the door.

Sesshoumaru's beast sprang to life again. So, you feel uncomfortable. Let's examain this: when did the feeling start?

We are not dissecting this Sesshoumaru's feelings.

After Kagome called you Sesshoumaru-sama. Question 2: Why is this a big deal?

I said, we are not dissecting this Sesshoumaru's emotions!

Because she never called you -sama, even before she got to know you better. Only your underlings call you -sama. So, what is the conclusion from these two questions?

Infuriating demon! Knock it off!

You don't see Kagome as your underling! Which means she is an equal. So how to show her this?

You will be silent!

CALL HER BY HER NAME, YOU DUMBASS!

Sesshoumaru ignored his beast, returning to the paperwork at his desk. But privately, out of hearing of his inner demon, he admitted to himself. She should not call me -sama.

!# Kagome #!

Kagome entered her assigned room carefully, checking for any auras in the room. After a brief check, she breathed a sigh of relief. I guess they grew up. She walked to the wardrobe Sesshoumaru had leant her and pulled out her pajamas. She threw them on the bed, not paying attention as she turned to her bag. When she returned with it, she jumped with a squeal. A scorpion sat on top of her pajamas. Trying not to panic, she shuffled out of the room, heading straight down to the end of the hall. She knocked quickly on Sarra's door.

Sarra answered. "Lady Kagome! What's the matter?"

Kagome blushed. "I hate to bother you, but I have a bit of a problem in my room." She blanched as she thought of it. "It has too many legs, and I'm pretty sure there's more than one of them."

Sarra shook her head in confusion. "Let me see." She headed down to Kagome's room and peeked in. She stiffened and returned at a run. "Well, I see your problem." She said, her voice shaking slightly. "I take it you also have a problem with things that have too many legs?"

Kagome nodded. "It's just nasty!"

Sarra nodded. "We'll have to bring the heavy artillery." She went to the room next to hers and pounded on the door. "Yuri! Get out here!"

Yuri came out in a rush. "What's going on?"

"Code puce!" Sarra said. "Go get them!"

Yuri groaned. "I am not going to get rid of the 'creepy crawlies' you're always complaining about. Go conquer your fear already!"

"But they're scorpions!" Sarra whined. "With stingers! And they're in Lady Kagome's room!"

Yuri sighed. "Fine. But this is the last time! Next time, I'll tell Sesshoumaru-sama!"

Sarra gasped. "You wouldn't!"

"I'll even ask him to help you get over your fear." Yuri threatened as he headed to Kagome's room.

Kagome bit her lip guiltily. "I'm sorry."

"Don't worry, it's not your fault." Sarra turned to Kagome. "This is the fifth time, and you've only been here two days. Why don't you tell Sesshoumaru-sama?"

"He has more important things to worry about than some idiots trying to bully me." Kagome said dismissively. "And besides, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Right?"

Yuri suddenly showed up, wiggling a thrashing scorpion. "Hey look!"

Kagome's shriek echoed through the hallways.

!# Sesshoumaru's Study #!

Sesshoumaru watched Kagome carefully as she sorted through the day's load of reports. He had a sneaking suspicion that what happened yesterday had been more than Yuri "accidentally scaring Kagome with a scorpion." But he didn't have the proof he needed, and so let it drop. So instead, he watched her as she struggled to stay awake.

Kagome jerked up again as she shook herself out of sleep. She knew she should have accepted Sarra's offer for a different room. Darn her stupid pride! She'd spent the whole night waking up from nightmares of Yuri having missed one of the scorpions. And then she'd actually found one. She hadn't slept at all after that one.

A hand came down on her shoulder and she jerked back, whirling to see Sesshoumaru standing behind her. "Don't do that!" Kagome snapped irritably.

"Miko, why is it that you are barely able to stay awake?" Sesshoumaru asked. "Did a mere scorpion have such an effect?"

A mere scorpion! He didn't have nightmares about the cursed creatures! Or have to worry about finding snakes, or spiders, or some other horror in his room! "I have a phobia of things with too many legs." Kagome said shortly. "So sue me."

Sesshoumaru ignored the comment, planning on finding out later what a 'sue' was. "You fight demons with more than two legs on a regular basis.'

"But those are demons!" Kagome said forcefully. "I can deal with them! But the little crawling ones are just. . . NYGAH!" She shivered at the thought.

Sesshoumaru shook his head. "Perhaps you should learn to face-"

"Finish that statement, and your entire household will learn what the words 'bad' and 'dog' mean when I say them." Kagome said, turning back to the reports in front of her. "Besides, you are supposed to be preparing for your meeting next week with the Northern diplomat. If you're done with that, there are other things you can do."

Feeling like a pup who had just be chatised by their mother, Sesshoumaru returned to his paperwork. Feeling like he needed to validate himself, he said casually. "By the way, miko. There is a spider on your desk."

Kagome's scream tore through the office, ringing in Sesshoumaru's ears. Okay, that was a bad idea. Are you trying to get her to hate us?

Yuri charged through the doorway. "Sesshoumaru-sama, what happened?"

By now, Kagome had realized that there was no spider. "You. . . you. . ." She sputtered, her fury making her aura spark. "BAD! DOG!"

Sesshoumaru slammed through his desk, breaking the solid oak in half. Kagome forgot her promise and kept going. "BAD DOG! BAD DOG! BAD DOG! BAD-"

Kai charged in and clamped a hand over her mouth. "What do you think you're doing, you fool!"

Kagome bit his hand, making him release her. "Like Yuri is going to say anything." Kagome snapped. "And he deserved it!"

Kai walked over to Sesshoumaru, who was laying dazed underneath the remains of his desk. "Sesshoumaru, what's two times two?"

"Fish." Sesshoumaru said groggily. "Sushi is the fish king's enemy! Must defend the fishy king!"

Kai glared at Kagome who rolled her eyes. "I still say he deserved it!" But she walked over and carefully placed a glowing hand on his shoulder. After a moment, the glow died down, and Sesshoumaru slowly stood. "Feeling better?"

Sesshoumaru rounded on the miko. "What was that for?"

"For being a complete and utter jerk!" Kagome said primly. She gathered up the reports. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have work to do." She reached over to a paper on the desk, only after making sure there were no creepy crawlies. Then she slammed the paper on his head. "This is your schedule. I don't want to see you for the rest of the day!" She marched out, ignoring the look of amazement from Yuri and the glare from Kai.

Sesshoumaru glanced around at the damage to his study and held back a growl. You deserved it! I can't believe how childish you are! Sesshoumaru ignored his inner youkai and glanced at the schedule Kagome had created for him. He blinked. Everything he had wanted to get done today was on it, as well as some things that he hadn't thought of. With a slight growl, he left the room. That woman will drive this Sesshoumaru insane.

Kagome raced to her room and threw herself on the bed. Why had his words affected her so much? Why had one weakness, something she'd never thought of before and probably never would again, make her feel so distant from him? Why, why, why, why, why?

She knew that he was becoming precious to her. She wasn't so blind that she hadn't noticed that he'd gone from an enemy, to an ally, to a companion, to a friend. But this was so beyond what she'd felt before that she found herself floudering to name it. She couldn't think rationally, not now as the emotion she'd been trying to suppress around Sesshoumaru was trying to surface.

He was a demon. He was cold. He was vengeful. He was ruthless. He delighted in killing the innocent just for the sake of killing. He was the epitome of evil.

And yet even with these flaws, she wouldn't change anything. They were a part of him, part of what drew her in and made her stay. Part of what made her so desperate to help, to long to see approval in those golden eyes.

He was honorable. He was controlled. He was beautiful. He was calm. He was wise. He was strong.

His accents, those things that placed him above all else, balanced his flaws perfectly. She thought of the crescent moon on his forehead and laughed. Light and dark, mixed together in the most recognizable symbol of all time. How appropriate that it would be his sign.

An hour later, she managed to stop the flow of tears. Her mind cleared enough to recognize three crucial facts.

She was in love with Sesshoumaru.

Sesshoumaru would never love her back.

She would never be able to love another.

---------------------------------------------Author's Rant---------------------------------------------

Horses Wolves: Pure poetry, as always, my friend.

Obsessive_Goddess: Why thank you, HW. I rather liked it myself.

Sesshoumaru: That was the worst fight scene I have ever read in my life.

Obsessive_Goddess: I'm working on it! I even put in a warning that it would be bad! I just can't write fight scenes. I'm better at writing randomness that somehow manages to evolve into true love!

Horse Wolves: It's okay, you tried your best OG.

Obsessive_Goddess: You're my only friend in this cruel world HW!

Sesshoumaru: Humans. . .

---------------------------------------------End of Author's Rant---------------------------------------------

*

"It is your blood that shall keep me beautiful. What do you think of that?" A quote from Van Helsing, as said by Aleera.

"I think if you're going to kill somebody, kill them! Don't stand around talking about it!" Another quote from Van Helsing, as said by Anna.