Chapter 38

The following day Kagome had begun to regain your strength and the nausea dissipated. Kei had been at her bedside all throughout the night to hold her hair as she relieved herself. It was an awful experience for Kagome, but Kei made her feel comforted and hummed softly each time she had been sick.

"Lady Kagome, it pleases me so much to see you well this morning!" Kei exclaimed in genuine glee as she helped the miko dress. The kimono she slipped around her was silky and warm, but simple. Sesshomaru kept in mind that Kagome didn't like extravagance when he paid another visit to his tailor. He had seven kimonos made. Three for everyday use, two for Court meetings that were more formal, and one was kept in a box which made Kagome very curious.

"Please," Kagome begged as her maid fumbled with her obi, "I thought we were past the formalities. I would very much like you to treat me as a friend, not a superior." She couldn't see it, but Kei was beaming behind the miko. Many servants and minor court officials in the palace took a liking to Kagome very quickly. She was genuine, simply, and greeted every member with a smile. But Kei was drawn to her and wished very much the miko would regard her as a friend.

"Well, Kagome, you will most definitely be the highlight in Court this afternoon. Really, I'm quite jealous how you grace a simple kimono so wonderfully," she said stepping back admiring Kagome.

She blushed and eyed the mirror. The silk of the kimono was dyed smoky blue, similar to a fog that was darker at her feet and faded to the neck into white. There was a simple design of glittery stars and a blue crescent on the middle of her back that resembled too coincidently of Sesshomaru's mark. She figured that since it was meant for court, its purpose was to signify her house. The obi was duo colored, midnight blue and white. The whole ensemble was simple, but she felt beautiful in it. "Only when I have someone like you to make my obi look like it came out of a magazine," she sighed.

"Magazine?" Kei remarked not understanding.

"Never mind," came Kagome's rushed dismissal. Thinking about the court, Kagome unexpectedly flared her reiki in fearful defensiveness. Kei stepped back eyeing her carefully.

"What was that about," she asked breathless. Kagome had been comatose for three weeks and should not be expelling that much power nor able to, for that matter.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean that to happen," Kagome promised with wide eyes. "It's just, ever since I woke up it has just been you and Sesshomaru. I haven't even seen the children. I'm nervous about how many people will be there and I'm not sure if I'm ready to discuss anything." Sighing, Kagome grabbed a pillow from her bed and covered her face trying to suffocate the anxiety. "Not only that, I've been trying to summon my sword all morning. It's totally unresponsive to me," she said her voice trailing off. Nishi-Nami hasn't left my senses since Sesshomaru gave it to me. Now I feel…I don't know, cut off?"

Nodding in understanding, Kei knelt on the floor and patted a cushion beside her. Taking the suggestion, Kagome sat and waited. "You know who was the predecessor of that blade, correct?"

"Yes?"

"To be quite honest, I was bewildered when I saw it at your hip," Kei confessed with a sigh. "The Western Lady was powerful, perhaps even more than she let on. Nishi-Nami was not crafted, from what I understood. It simply just…was. Really, it has a mind of its own, chooses it's barer, and amplifies them. Which is why I never understood how she could allow herself to…" her voice trailing off before she finished. "Never mind. My point is, the second that blade chooses its hand, an instant bond is created. After what happened with," she paused to glance at Kagome, " Naraku, I suspect that you feel weakened and unworthy. My guess is that when your faith is restored in yourself, the sword will return as well."

Looking down at her lap, Kagome felt at a loss. Because of what happened she was shamed and thrown into a fit of self loathing. Thinking about it, Sesshomaru must have noticed that it was missing. Did she disappoint him because it chose to not be with her? Perhaps now that she wasn't…pure, the sword found her dirty.

"Stop that!" Kei exclaimed. Frightful from being disturbed from her thoughts, Kagome met Kei's infuriated gaze. "The ugly emotions rolling off you are unfitting. Kagome, you are beautiful and strong. The blade chose you because it knows what you are capable of. Sesshomaru accepted you into his pack because HE knows what you are capable of and he knows that not all jewels to be coveted are made of crystal," she finished with a wink.

Flabbergasted and blushing, Kagome shrugged her shoulders in defeat, completely defenseless against Kei's will. "I'm sorry. I know, it's just really hard dealing with all the…changes," she finished straightening her shoulders. "No time to doddle. I can't keep them waiting." By them, I really mean him. The court has kept him locked in the court room all day and I'm sure he's grating his teeth worried about me. Something fluttered in her heart, like a butterfly of secret contentment when she thought about him. Standing up, she brushed out the creases in her clothing from sitting.

Opening the door, she was surprised to see two kitsune youkai standing with a bow to her. "The Lord Sesshomaru has ordered us to escort you to the chamber," the spoke in unison. Giving a curt nod, much similar to Sesshomaru, she waited for them to walk before she stepped out of her room. She wasn't happy at all being close to other men. So much so, she actually had to bite down against her own teeth to keep from turning and running to her room.

No. You can't do this to yourself, Kags. Naraku is a monster. Sesshomaru is completely different and he would never send me off with someone that would hurt me. I've got to be strong. Orochi might be there today and I have to prove that I'm prepared for when we duel in just a few weeks. With or without Nishi-Nami, I will not allow anyone to make me weak again. I am not weak, damnit. Midoriko chose me to guard the jewel. Sesshomaru is my alpha and I have to show him he didn't make a mistake. I have to show him…I'm worth it.

Before the guards could open the door, she felt a sudden pulse in the air around her and as if Kami blessed her themselves, Nishi-Nami appeared on her hip, attached by an unseen strap. As if pulsing with joy, the blade responded to Kagome's thoughts and wanted to help her make her alpha proud. Smiling bright as the sun, she walked through the open doors into the courtroom.

Sesshomaru could feel the miko's unease as she eyed the courtroom filled with men. Thankfully, no one gave her more than a once over to see who walked in, and resumed their own chitter chatter amongst themselves. Miyuki, smiling and socializing with Katashi's mate, was seated two sweats away from Sesshomaru's left, and to the right of Hiro. Inuyasha was propped against a wall in the back, obviously uncomfortable being around this many youkai in Sesshomaru's palace. Miroku and Reizo were present, both smiling when she walked in. She quickly took a seat at his right, since it was the nearest empty spot beside him. He raised an eyebrow although he was sure she didn't realize the implications. He stood and turned to address the court and silenced all the private conversations with his own silence.

"Today marks the first day in the final week of December. A new year approaches, a hope for new tidings. But much is left to be done before new beginnings can unfold. In light of recent and treasonous events, many new changes have been made in the House of the West. During her time in Naraku's captive, Lady Miyuki has discovered the truth in the massacre of the Eastern Palace," he said pausing for everyone to remember what he was referring to. He noted that some had straightened their backs, faces grew grim and others remained passive. "As you all know, during Lady Miyuki's absence, her memory had faded into recesses of her mind. After an experience with Orochi's exiled daughter, Lady Miyuki remembered everything about the attack. We have come into knowledge that Orochi has been in Naraku's hand for quite some time, has executed the Eastern House, and is plotting an attack on the Western House."

Silence. Breathless silence. No one saw this coming. Orochi had been a great friend to many of the youkai present in the courtroom, despite his obvious defiance to competition. He was summoned to take part in many meetings, heard many things in this courtroom that could be used against the people. Three youkai stood discreetly and bowed to Sesshomaru, before making an exit of the room.

Sesshomaru continued without skipping a beat. "Spies have been unearthed, and are being dealt with this very minute. We are fortunate enough to be in the presence of Lord Hiro, who his very skilled in revealing secrets." Suddenly three screams echoed from outside and everyone glanced to the window, though none dared raise from their seating. The noise quickly ended, and some members of the court gripped their neck and swallowed hard. "Treason is punished with death. We will move into plans of motion to eliminate the threat to the remaining houses of Japan," Sesshomaru said nodding to the Eastern and Northern lords. They curtly nodded back, their eyes stony and furious.

"In light of this occurrence," Sesshomaru continued glancing at Kagome, "the miko has been packed with This Sesshomaru. Her trial into court proceedings is now over and I ask the elders to step forward and swear their allegiance to her as I have done so with their own pack mates," he requested extending a clawed hand to Kagome. Unsure of what is happening, she accepted and was pulled up quickly to stand in front of Sesshomaru. In unison, Reizo, Kouga, Katashi, Hiro and, surprisingly, Inuyasha, stepped forward. They made a half circle around her, unsheathed their blades, knelt on both knees and placed the sword in front of them. Bowing low, they all swore in a language Kagome wasn't familiar with and waited. Nervous, Kagome glanced at Sesshomaru, unsure what to do. He answered them for her in the same language and they all stood. Kagome, assuming it was her turn, bowed to them awkwardly. All this court crap is really unnecessary. The lords took their seats, while Inuyasha stayed behind.

Sesshomaru glanced at Kagome and at her seat, and she understood that he was trying to tell her it was over. She sat back down and tried not to focus on all the eyes that were locked on her. "As part of my pack, any whom attempt to aid Lady Kagome will be regarded as an ally. With future battles on the horizon, I see it fitting to create an alliance with Lord Toga Taisho's youngest son, Inuyasha," he said and set his jaw firmly. It was strange to hear this coming from Sesshomaru's mouth, and the court room went into a buzz. Holding his hand, he didn't wait for anyone to comment. Inuyasha moved in front of Sesshomaru, glanced at Kagome with a very serious expression, and took out Tessaiga. It transformed beautifully and hummed inside the courtroom. He placed it at Sesshomaru's feet and knelt as he did with Kagome.

"Lord Toga's untimely demise left his hanyou sire unannounced to the Western House. Time has quickly changed perspectives and Inyasha's actions has changed This Sesshomaru's opinion on his exile. I present Lord Inuyasha, second in throne to the Western Province," he finished with a bored and stony face. But Kagome could feel his agitation. Not only was accepting Inuyasha into his palace the last thing Sesshomaru thought he'd be doing, but publically as well. Kagome was filled with a soft wave of appreciation, knowing he had done this for her.

The 'elders' and minor lords within the courtroom stood when Inuyasha picked up his sword and turned to face them. They bowed low to him and he returned it in a short bend of his back before he huffed back to his corner. He always wanted to earn the court by defeating his half brother. Not be given in it a short series of unexpected circumstances. Keh. Ain't that a bitch, he said scoffing at himself. Lord Oh So High and Mighty won. At least I still have my old pop's fang. He tossed Tessaiga up eyeing it before sheathing it beside him.

Ignoring the rolls of crude bitterness coming from the hanyou, Sesshomaru addressed the court one last time. "In another minor matter, Lady Miyuki has officially declared her decent from the Eastern throne. Which leaves Lord Katashi rightful Lord of the Eastern Province," he concluded handing him a signed document to look over. Katashi signed it with a quill that was on the table and tucked it into his pockets, nodding at Miyuki. She laughed lightly which took everyone by surprise. After hearing all the news of today, no one expected her to be so light hearted. "Oh come on now. I was the girl running along in the village barefoot. I was never meant to be the Lady of the East," she said raising her glass of sake. With Sesshomaru's permissive nod, everyone toasted to Katashi and Inuyasha and began to talk amongst themselves again.

He seated himself at the head of the table and tapped at the arm of his chair deep in thought. Kagome, who was still mauling over the fact that she really didn't have to fight Orochi anymore, was eternally grateful for the way today's meeting had gone. Since the day she met him and his wife there was something sinister about them. It seemed fitting that they would have taken Naraku's side. Kagome felt a pang in her heart as she glanced at Sesshomaru. Oh, he must be taking this very hard. Orochi was a member of the court for Kami knows how long. Maybe I'll have a chance to talk with him later. Glancing around to see if anyone were looking, she snuck her hand under the table and gripped his knee reassuringly. Sesshomaru didn't face her so he wouldn't draw attention, but he did raise an eyebrow curiously. Shifting in his seat, her hand slipped away quickly as he rose, silencing the room again. Unfortunately, it didn't go as unnoticed as they had hoped, realized Kagome as she caught Kouga's eyes locked dead on Sesshomaru.

"Thank you for attending today's hearing. We will reconvene in one week to discuss the Southern Province," he said dismissing the court. They stood and bowed to Sesshomaru and made their leave. Inuyasha and Kouga were the last to stay behind. Reizo glanced at the four of them and laughed to himself.

"As much as I would love to stick around and see the outcome of this private meeting, I must be on my way. The war horses need tending to," he bowed to Sesshomaru then to Kagome. "Lord Inuyasha, we must talk sometime. I would like to get to know my estranged nephew," he finished bowing to Inuyasha.

"Keh," he scoffed. Laughing, Reizo left the room whistling some old Japanese war song.

Kagome's gut suddenly fluttered when Kouga stepped forward still staring at Sesshomaru. Inuyasha glanced up, not really sure what the wolf was about to pull. "She's mine," he said warningly.

"Watch your tone boy," answered Sesshomaru coolly. His youkai slipped out and pulsed around him, warning the wolf to back down from his challenge.

"I saw what happened. You didn't pull away and you didn't look at her to move. You…you allowed it. I'm telling you one time only, the miko is mine," he said pulling his blade an inch out of its sheath. Before Sesshomaru could do or say anything, Kagome rose from her seat and slammed her fists on the marble table, surprisingly hard enough to rattle the glasses on it.

"How dare you," she said with a dark shadow on her face. Kouga instantly cowered with his ears pressed down as she flared. "How dare you refer to me like property to debate with the lord of this House. How dare you assume after everything that happened, that I would want anything to do with another man. Sesshomaru is my pack alpha, he has been hospitable and protected me. You dare waltz in here demanding a challenge from your superior after everything?" Throughout her dialog, she remained speaking in nothing above a threatening whisper. Nishi-Nami forced itself out of its sheath, ready for her to pull.

Everyone was shocked in their own right. The most effected however, was Sesshomaru. He didn't believe the miko had the strength to flare like that now. You would have never guessed her conditions from the previous day.

"Ka-Kagome," Kouga started. He couldn't even put together a thought to finish his statement. She effectively shot down his courtship, called him inconsiderate and made him inferior all in one breathe.

"I'm tired of men thinking they have some claim over me, some right that makes them think they can do whatever the hell they want," she cursed. She was furious. Kouga nor Inuyasha knew how to calm her.

"I'm sorry Kagome, I just thought that we agreed-"

"We agreed to nothing! I tried telling you time and time again. You were just so arrogant to think that because I was trying to be gentle, you took it as my consent. Enough gentle. I will get it through the heads of men that I am not yours to take!" She was painful to stand next to. Both Kouga and Inuyasha had to take several steps backwards. Only Sesshomaru stood still, waiting for her to empty her frustration. Her power was nothing more than a mere breeze on his flesh. It didn't physically pain him, but he and his beast were affected by the tears in her reiki, though she shed none.

"He offered me his palace, his fortune, even his patience when he accepted me into his pack. As my alpha, he has the right to send your head rolling this very minute for your insolence against me. You are a friend and I do not want this to end on foul terms, so please mind your place around me," she said still hunched over the table. Sesshomaru's eyes squinted and he could tell something was amiss. She was beginning to shake and she felt like she was slipping. Suddenly, she was pulled into a strong embrace of support an she rolled her head on their armor. She knew who it was when Sesshomaru began to press his youkai against her reiki, forcing it to recede. Once she calmed, the dizziness faded and she felt like she could breathe again.

Inuyasha and Kouga were dumbstruck. They've never seen Sesshomaru touch anyone, let alone hold a human against him. Then again, once you become pack there's something that binds the alpha's instincts to its members. Still a strange sight to see nonetheless. Trying to break the silence Inuaysha interjected. "Just tell 'er sorry and sit down before she gets you subjugation beads too," he scoffed with a bit of humor. Kouga sat down with a huff.

"No," Kagome breathed out stepping away from Sesshomaru and flashing him a reassuring smile. "No apologies. There is no need. I should have watched my reiki better," she said waving her hand. Sesshomaru gave her a once over and then turned and walked to the window.

"Inuyasha, I believe our Uncle is awaiting your appearance downstairs. Why don't you and Lord Kouga go down stairs while the miko composes herself," he ordered more than asked.

"Feh, c'mon wolf. If he's going to bore my ear off talking about my pops, you're going to lose yours too," he said roughly grabbing Kouga by the collar.

Once everyone was out of earshot, Sesshomaru erected a sound barrier and turned to the miko. "You shouldn't push yourself so hard. You'll leave no energy for yourself if anything happened."

"Please, no scolding now. I really don't feel well," she admitted. Knowing she had put up a front throughout the entire meeting, he was pleased with how well she handled herself. He was also proud of something else.

"You spoke against the wolf for me," he mused out loud. Surprised by his statement, she glanced up at him with curious eyes.

"Well, yeah. I mean It was also for me," her face became dark. "No one has a right to claim me."

"You could have allowed me to handle it," he said simply. "As your alpha I am responsible for silencing challenges and threats against you."

"I know. But I have to enforce that I accept you as my alpha, as much as you accepted me into your pack," she replied as simply. Truth be told, something told her that the others thought that Sesshomaru forced this upon her. She felt she had to make an example of her trust and loyalty in him.

Sesshomaru's chest swelled with pride as he looked upon the miko with new perspective. Everything was changing in his house. Everything was thrown into chaos and the palace no longer made sense. He had a human child as a cub, a powerful miko and her youkai cub in his pack, and Inuyasha an ally. Everything was chaos indeed.

Stealing a glance at the daiyoukai examining her thoughtfully, she felt like she had to get something off her chest. Now that everything was out in the open and Miyuki stepped down from mating him, what…what did that mean for me? For us?

"Speak miko," he said as he sat in the chair beside her closing his eyes and leaned back.

Feeling nervous, Kagome stood and took his place at the window, thinking of what to say. Did making a pack with him change their relationship for the better or the worse? Was it proper for her to every ask after everything that happened. Was she ready? No. She wasn't. She trust him so much and with the bond they were building he chose Miyuki and politics over her. Wouldn't he try that again since she was only human. But now after Naraku attacked her, she felt disgusted by men. She couldn't stand to be around anyone except Sesshomaru. What did that mean?

"I really don't know what to say. My thoughts are so jumbled and each questions just opens another," she sighed, her shoulders going limp. Sesshomaru wanted to jump up and pull her against him again. He began to feel that he needed her at his side at all times to remain calm.

"Start at the beginning, Miko."

She huffed and turned to glare at him. "It 'begins' when you started calling me miko again. What, is my name poisonous to you?" she asked hurt.

"Not in the slightest. It seems that my best would prefer to call you something else, but I do not feel that the time is right nor proper to do such," he answered truthfully. Opening his eyes, he met her bewildered stare with one of intensity that made her have to pull out a chair and sit.

"Why am I not afraid of you?" she asked not breaking his gaze.

Slightly taken aback by her question, he tried to keep in mind that her thinking was very damaged from her attack, and that he would have to remain patient with her. "Your soul force recognizes me as your alpha. When my beast sought for you, we appeared to each other in our bare nature. You were a hawk spirit, and I an inu. We interacted with each other in a very intimate level that none has experience with This Sesshomaru before."

Nodding, trying to understand, she thought about the children. "What about Shippou? He's my cub so does he have to be marked as well?" she asked the thought of the pain from marking making her stomach knot.

"No. I do not have an heir so I cannot mark anyone," he said referring to both Shippou and Rin. Kagome glanced down feeling bad for him, but was shocked by his next statement. "But just like Rin, Shippou is part of the pack, my scent overwhelms him and none will attempt harm on the boy. If they do, they will face my claws personally."

"Why?" she wasn't offended. She was actually just surprised that he would promise to protect her baby like that. It warmed her heart.

"Humans are a confusing race. I offer my protection and I get questioned for it," he said with sarcasm in his tone.

"I'm sorry. I just didn't think you would care." Lowering her eyes, she tried to get a grasp on Inu ways. Everything was so very different from her time. Suddenly a clawed hand was at her shoulder and she was pulled to her feet.

I care, his eyes told her. They were so loud she felt like she actually heard it and she shivered. "I did not know you had fallen into Naraku's trap when you left my palace. Some time had passed and I was with Sango reading over some scrolls, which I wanted to talk to you about later." Kagome couldn't hear or see it, but she felt him sigh in his aura shift.

"When I realized you were in danger," he paused, not knowing how to word himself without seeming weak. "A very feral and possessive instinct took hold of me. You are chaos. You are clumsy and naive. You get under my skin and irritate me and bring me to the brink of losing control, no wait let me finish," he said as she opened her mouth to protest. "I have felt many things for Miyuki in the past. She took down my walls and it was strange. But you were different. Nothing felt strange because everything about you is strange. I can't say anything is out of the ordinary when you are not ordinary. When the thought crossed me that Naraku had you and I was about to lose you," his voice trailed off as he looked away from her.

She sensed his discomfort and grabbed his hand. "You don't have to say anymore," she pressing her face against his back. Turning to face her again, he set his jaw and did what he never thought he would in his existence.

He looked her in the eyes with sincerity and bowed to her, making her mouth go slack. "This Sesshomaru, as your alpha and pack head, had failed you. Forgive This Sesshomaru and we will vow to rectify our mistake," he told her in the most formal of apologies. Here he was, a Daiyoukai, bowing before her in his empty courtroom. Even though none were around to see it, she knew he would have done it publically too if it meant her forgiveness.

Her aura crackled and danced around her, making his spark as well. He didn't look up, but he searched her with his youkai for an emotion. He felt everything. Fear, loss, anger, rejection, love, warmth. It really amazed him that she could feel all of this without losing her head. Suddenly she crashed against him and they were enveloped in lavender energy. Sesshomaru wished he could, just for one minute, feel both his arms around her. He wish he could wipe her tears and keep her close to him. He imagined so much that he thought he was losing his mind when he felt her hair cascading over his left arm. He felt the miko go limp from the surge of raw energy and he caught her; with both arms.

The flare began to dissipate and he was in awe. Kagome looked at his new arm and remembered what he had told her before. "I'm sorry, I know you didn't want it back. I just, it was selfish and stupid of me, but I was just curious how it would feel if you had both your arms, and..and I'm sorry," she said trying to pull away ashamed. He held her firmly in place and she glanced up at him.

He was trying to understand how this happened. So, they were both wishing for his arm to regenerate. It didn't feel anything like when she attempted it before. Was it because both their youkai triggered something and if so what was that something? Staring at the miko, he knew that she had no idea what had just happened.

"You were not the only one to wish for it back in this exact moment. This Sesshomaru thanks you," he said keeping his eyes locked at her.

"I thought you said-"

"Before it was for pity. This was different," he replied before she could finish.

She kept her eyes locked along with his. Every evil thought of being touched by another, every memory of Sesshomaru choosing Miyuki, every pain she felt completely vanished under his stare. There was something demanding in his eyes, a feral stare that made her knees weak. It wasn't natural that she kept herself separate from him. He knew it too. Bound by time itself, they were put through all the trails of warriors, of lovers, of friends.

For the first time, among all the other firsts this woman exposed to him, he felt the slightest throb of fear. It was strange and his jaw twitched. He feared she wouldn't be ready. It was much too soon. He feared the way his beast roared within him when Kouga challenged him for Kagome's hand. He feared the way this innocent woman can look at him with azure eyes and not see a killer. He feared he was alone.

Kagome was frozen. She felt his thoughts. She felt his fears. Tears sprinkled in her eyes and threatened to drench her. She was not okay after Naraku. She's only been conscious for one full day. But how could she hold on to any of that for too long under his fiery eyes. Eyes that wished for something that were waiting for her to allow.

She resolved herself and moved a fraction towards him when his lips came crashing on hers like a tsunami wave. Electricity crackled and popped around them, not like before though. This time it was their reiki and youkai flowing through one another. Each move of their lips sent another wave of static throughout their bodies. It wasn't sexual. It wasn't sensual. It was more like lovers that were separated because of war and disaster were finally reunited. He gripped her with both his arms and lifted her effortlessly so she was leveled above him, lips still locked in their dance.

Breaking away from him maybe five minutes later, Kagome gasped for air and shivered from the pulse still between them. Then Sesshomaru noticed that Tensaiga and Nishi-Nami were singing to each other. Setting Kagome down, Sesshomaru knew she wasn't ready for what he was planning. But she was his, and if that wolf said another bark he'd make a rug out of him.

Kagome noticed he was growling and she touched his cheek gently. Pulled back to reality, he noticed she was looking at him apprehensively and bent forward to nuzzle her neck. It was a primitive youkai gesture, but Kagome knew he was telling her he wasn't upset with her.

This closeness, this feeling. Why does it feel natural for her to be at my side?

I told you pup. I found the one. I do not make mistakes. Mate will agree to join us with time. But this day marks a very good step in the right direction.

Sesshomaru neither argued nor dismissed his beast. He growled his contentment and allowed himself to inhale Kagome's scent, free of any negative emotion.

"Sesshomaru," she whispered after several minutes passed. "I feel very tired, do you think we can turn in for the day-" before she could finish, Kagome was scooped off her feet and lead through the halls. No one said a word, but Inuyasha, Kouga and Reizo knew instantly what happened between when they felt the first flare of power. Reizo was full of mirth and a joyful smile played on his handsome face. Inuyasha was shifting his eyes from the way Sesshomaru held her and the way she cuddled her face into his neck. Kouga was fuming at the bruising of both their lips and, though he contained himself, felt a pang of jealousy.

We will make many jealous, miko. I doubt you will be unable to smite them either with your beauty or your reiki. Time and destiny were cruel to us before. And I will never allow you to cry again.

Kagome had no idea what exactly he was saying, but she could feel the promises in his rumble as it vibrated against her. She pushed her nose against his jaw, earning her an appreciative growl.

Stopping at a door she didn't recognize, she looked at him with a quizzical face. "You and your cub have been moved into my wing since I packed you. It would be unfitting for you to remain in the guest wing after, everything," he said with a pause staring into her again. She blushed and he opened the door with his free hand, something he secretly missed very much. He set her feet on the floor and clenched his jaw tightly. Kagome could see he was struggling, and understood why.

Smiling, she tip-toed and gave him a slight peck on his cheek. "Thank you, for everything," she whispered and turned to her bed. Sesshomaru remained silent and turned to the door to exit. As if on cue, Kei rushed in to help Kagome out of her kimono. "Prepare a chamomile bath for her," he ordered at the maid. "She expelled to much reiki and needs to relax." With that he was out the door, leaving two blushing women and Kei's eyes glittering as Kagome danced in circles.

No one saw him glance at his arm in bewildered appreciation. Each step he took his beast growled louder to rush in and take her. But he had the more rational judgment, and knew the miko needed time. Although he was more than willing to show her exactly what she was waiting on. In the shadows of the dark hallway, no one saw the slight smile that played on the Daiyoukai's lips.

For now, i'm taking this section to announce that I will be completely re-writing Sess and Kag's stay in the future. I feel that it wasn't written to the best of its ability and I will prolong their stay. I have many devious plots for them :] Update coming soon!

Inuyasha and its characters belong to Rumiko Takahashi.

Other misc characters belong to me so please dont steal!