As Kagome wandered, she felt the Jewel's pull become so strong, she broke out into a run. Presently, she slowed to a walk as a mansion came into sight. As the men standing watch at the gate caught sight of her, they rushed forward.

"Miko-sama! The Lady of the house is giving birth! Please won't you come inside and help her?"

This was not what I was expecting but okay…

As she was basically pulled and shoved into the courtyard, and scream of pain came from a near-by room. Shaking off the hands of her escorts, she bolted towards the agonizing sound.

Coming across a woman being attended rather poorly by her servants, she shoved them out of the way to tend to her. This looked like it was a hard birth, it looked like the woman would soon be out of this world.

She ignored the cries of outrage at her sudden appearance.

Kagome

She stiffened at the sound of her name.

This is an opportunity for a wish, my child. A wish that is made by a selfless person, that would land her into a life she does not want. Do you accept this wish, my child?

Kagome understood immediately as a baby girl slid into her hands dead, as her mother was to follow.

I am to take the place of this infant, am I not, Midoriko?

A scent of sadness filled the room. Whether it came from the servants mourning the lady, or the soft voice in her mind, she did not know.

Yes, child. Do you accept the wish?

She rose to her feet, lifting her head and throwing back her shoulders.

"Clear out of the room. I can save the child, but I need to be alone. I am a Miko sworn to help, and I give you my word, I will not let this child die."

Either it was by the grace of the gods, or by their own will, but the women left the room without a backwards glance.

I accept the wish, Midoriko.

I know, child. I know.

Yohime stopped. She watched closely as Nurarihyon's eyes narrowed.

"This woman, she saved your life?"

"In a way, I suppose."

The words became even more heavy on her heart as she saw he did not understand.

"This object of power had to be destroyed. There was no, 'let's look for another way', or 'I'll just watch over it for all eternity'. There would be one chance to be rid of it. So..." she voice trailed off. Then, she raised her head, and threw back her shoulders.

"So, I made the wish and Kagome as I was born, was locked deep inside, and Yohime came into being."

Nurarihyon's mouth dropped opened.

Kagome, the Guardian of the Shikon no Tama, Miko no Mao.

There was not anyone in the Spirit World who had not heard of her, she who defeated Naraku, befriended all manner of spirits and went on to do many greats things. There were countless legends and stories surrounding her, so many only two were seen as absolute truth. From the story he had just heard, she was indeed the former Lady of the West, an Angel who walked the Earth, and a miko of unparalleled power.

He laughed disbelievingly.

"And here I thought you were going to say you were the daughter or granddaughter of Kagome."

Realization dawned on him as the things she said to him that night at the Slayer's village made sense. Why a girl who couldn't even be her daughter called her 'grandmother'. And also the things she said to him in their room.

Her Protector was the Lord of the West's half brother who saw her as his shard detector and a look-a-like to his dead lover. The wolf, who he guessed was the current Lord of the East, fell in love with her powers. And the knowledge she possessed, it was said she was from a far away land that no matter how long or far you traveled, you could never get closer.

A pang shot through his heart as he suddenly understood her sufferings. The look on her face tore at him, as if she expected him to lash out at her.

He grabbed her, ignoring her slight flinch, and hugged her to his chest.

"I'm sorry."

Though he had never uttered such words with the staggering amount of sincerity in his life, he felt they needed to be heard by his precious woman.

"I'm sorry," he repeated, "everything is going to be okay. It's fine."

Her small hands fisted in his clothes against his ribs, her body trembling ever so slightly.

"I told you once before, you are my sakura, pure and beautiful bringing peace to my heart. I couldn't care less about the things you possess, I only want you."

A/N Wow! I have already hit over 2,500 reads! I, for one, didn't think this fic was that well written... Shows me how much I know, huh?

Thank you for reading, reviews are the captain to my crew.